Dog Breeds

Australian Cattle Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:10:27 +0000

About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog has more aliases than most wanted felons. This breed is also known as the Heeler, Red Heeler, Blue Heeler and Queensland Heeler. The Australian Cattle Dog is the ‘official’ AKC breed name for this member of the Herding group. These dogs are called heelers because they were developed in Australia for controlling cattle. They were trained to herd by nipping and biting at the heels of cattle and horses in order to control the movement of the herd.
The origins of The Australian Cattle Dog are not known, but we do know that the ancestors of the Australian Cattle Dog are Collies, Dalmatians and the native Australian Dingo. The resulting Australian Cattle Dog is heavier and more muscular than the Border Collie and has good herding ability. These dogs have been working on Australian ranches since early in this century.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, compact herding dog, with well-developed muscles. The breed is very powerful, strong and agile. These dogs are medium sized, weighing in at 32-35 pounds, with a height of 17-20 inches.
Since the breed was bred to withstand extreme temperatures and develop the resourcefulness to forage to feed itself like a wild dog, it is no wonder that the Australian Cattle Dog makes a very independent pet. If you are looking for a cuddler that idolizes you, you will be disappointed.
Still, Australian Cattle Dogs are good with children because they are naturally protective. However, this breed tends to frighten small children with its tendency to ‘herd’ them like cattle by nipping at their hands and feet. The Cattle Dog is loyal, very protective, alert and is absolutely obedient to its master, but it is something of a one-person dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is not suitable for apartment life.
This breed needs room to roam. They do best in a large open yard. Also, the Australian Cattle Dog is a noisy animal and barks at any change in their environment, which would annoy your neighbors. The Australian Cattle Dog requires a lot of daily attention. A bored dog will find something to keep him busy, which will result in destructive behaviors.
To keep your dog happy, you will have to spend time giving it regular exercise and training with positive reinforcement. The Australian Cattle Dogs are very quick to learn and extremely eager to please. Firm training from the start will produce a happy, obedient companion. Of course, you should allow the puppy time to adjust to new surroundings before serious training begins.
This breed has a double coat that is resistant to the elements. The top coat is smooth. These dogs shed constantly and require regular brushing. You should also brush your dog’s teeth and trim its nails.
The Australian Cattle Dog does have some genetic health problems. These problems include deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia and temperament abnormalities. Attention deficit disorders are also common in this breed, which can make ownership extremely frustrating for anyone who has limited patience.
However, with all the breed’s faults, few Cattle Dog owners complain of loneliness or lack of companionship. The Australian Cattle Dog will follow you wherever you go, including the restroom, bedroom and kitchen. It just won’t spend its time fawning over you. This breed is a brave and trustworthy guard dog and a good choice for a best friend.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:08:31 +0000

About the American Staffordshire Terrier
Since the American Staffordshire Terrier is famous for its fighting ability, it is no wonder that this powerful breed has a muscular build. However, there is much more to this breed than its unfortunate heritage as an aggressive fighter. Many Staffordshire Terrier lovers praise this breed’s affectionate and loyal family nature.
The Staffordshire Terrier was developed by crossing the Bulldog and several terriers. The ancestors of today’s dog were known as the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half, and at times Pit Dog or Pit Bull Terrier. This breed was later given the name Staffordshire Terrier, after the English Region of Staffordshire where it was first developed.
It was not until 1870 that these dogs were brought to America. American Breeders preferred this strong, agile breed as a fighting dog and worked to increase the weight of the dog. They also concentrated on enlarging the breed’s head size. When dog fighting became illegal in the USA, American breeders developed two strains of the Staffordshire Terrier.
One strain was developed as a show dog that is today’s American Staffordshire Terrier. The other strain was developed as a fighting dog and is classified as the American Pit Bull Terrier. Despite the best efforts of animal control officials and animal lovers, the American Pit Bull Terrier is still used as an illegal fighting dog in North America.
The Staffordshire Terriers were first accepted for registration in the AKC in 1936, as members of the Terrier group. The name of the breed was officially revised in 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier. At this time, the AKC made a distinction between the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very muscular and powerful dog with a large bone structure. This solidly built breed weighs between 57-67 pounds. While this breed may have the look and build of a fighter, it is actually very loving and protective of its family.
American Staffordshire Terriers are not ideal apartment dogs, but they will survive in this situation if the owner of this active breed has the energy and stamina to keep up with the dog. These dogs are very active, so will need to take frequent long walks.
A home with a securely fenced yard is a better fit for the breed. However, the Staffordshire Terrier is sensitive to cold and does need to have a warm environment, so during winter months you should be prepared to bring your dog indoors after it burns off some energy with a romp in the yard.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a gentle happy, outgoing dog. This breed plays well with children and relates well to adults. However, you should never leave young children or other pets in an unsupervised situation with any big, strong dog.
These dogs make excellent guard dogs, since they are territorial and very protective. The breed’s original fighting qualities are still evident toward enemies and intruders to the owner’s property. These dogs should be socialized so they accept guests and other animals. Early training, while your dog is still a puppy and you are stronger, is a must. This dog lives to please its owner, but may be hard to housebreak.
The American Staffordshire breed is generally healthy. However, this breed should receive yearly health screenings to rule out some hereditary traits like cataracts and congenital heart disease. These dogs are also prone to hip dysplasia, so be sure to ask your breeder if the parents have been screened for this hereditary trait, as well.
The short coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier is easy to groom. Brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis to remove loose hair should suffice, since the breed does not shed profusely. You should also brush its teeth once a day and clip its nails if they don’t wear down on their own.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a protective and loving dog that will wholeheartedly protect its beloved family. These characteristics may just make this breed an excellent choice for you.

Dalmation Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:06:43 +0000

So You Want a Dalmation?
With the popularity of the Disney cartoons featuring Dalmations, it is no wonder that this breed is in demand. However, few Dalmations act like the dogs in these movies, although Dalmation puppies can certainly get into plenty of mischief, just as their cartoon counterparts can.
The Dalmation is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Non-Sporting group. These dogs first arrived in England during the 1700’s, where noblemen used them to guard their coaches. Dalmations were the ideal breed for this job, since they got along well with horses. In fact, Dalmations were so good with horses that they became popular with firemen, who used horse drawn fire wagons. By the time fire engines replaced the horse drawn wagons, Dalmations and fire stations were inseparable.
The Dalmation is a 45 to 65 pound dog that stands 19 to 24 inches in height. This dog is well muscled without being overly bulky or stocky. Its eyes can be brown, blue, or a combination of the two colors. The Dalmation’s long, graceful tail is extremely powerful. The sleek coat of this breed has a background of white that is covered with black or brown colored spots. As new born puppies, Dalmations have no spots. They are pure white until their spots begin to appear.
Dalmations are extremely high energy dogs and are prone to hyperactive behavior and separation anxiety. You will need to be prepared to take your dog jogging or for a run in the park to burn off energy, as he may not burn off enough energy walking in the yard by himself. If possible, give your Dalmation a job to do. Obviously, not everyone has a horse in the back yard, but you can always teach your dog to fetch the morning paper.
Inexperienced dog owners may not be able to handle this wonderful breed, as Dalmations have a tendency to be a bit hard headed. If you buy a Dalmation puppy, be prepared to attend puppy obedience classes. Also, socialize your puppy as frequently as possible, as Dalmations tend to be fearful around people they don’t know.
Since they are so active, Dalmations burn a lot of calories. You will need to feed your puppy a good puppy chow that has plenty of nutrition. Also, check with your veterinarian to see which vitamins and supplements you should give your dog. Also, ask about special diets that help reduce the chance of kidney or bladder stones, since this breed is prone to these problems. Dalmations are also prone to deafness, hip dysplasia and allergies.
Grooming a Dalmation is simple. Just brush your dog once a week to remove loose hair. If you don’t groom your dog, you will spend quite a lot of time cleaning up his hair, as Dalmations can be heavy shedders.
If you love the look of the Dalmation’s spotted coat and enjoy living an active lifestyle, then the Dalmation may just be the perfect breed for you.

Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:04:25 +0000

Is a Cocker Spaniel Right for You?
The Cocker Spaniel is such a pretty, graceful dog in the show ring that it is hard to imagine that this breed was developed to be a working dog. However, before Cocker Spaniels were bred for their long, flowing coats, these bouncy little dogs were developed to be able to work tirelessly alongside hunters and sportsmen. Today, the spunky little Cocker has few of its former hunting instincts. Instead, this breed has become popular as a family pet.
Cocker Spaniels are small dogs and weigh in at twenty four to twenty nine pounds. They stand fifteen to sixteen inches tall. This breed is known for its feathery, long leg hair, its floppy ears, and its soulful dark eyes. The Cocker comes in a wide range of colors, including black, cream, roan, black and white, orange and white, tan tricolor, and black with tan points.
For several years, Cocker Spaniels were so popular that some breeders allowed dogs with bad temperaments to reproduce. The resulting puppies with bad traits were bred back to other dogs with bad traits. Suddenly, the Cocker Spaniel breed was filled with dogs who suffered from inexplicable episodes of rage or were extremely high strung. Luckily, breed enthusiasts stepped in to rescue the breed and have been breeding dogs with sound temperaments. Now, most Cockers are once again wonderful family pets and are good with children and other animals. To be sure you buy a Cocker Spaniel with a good temperament, only buy from a reputable breeder and make certain you meet both parents.
Since Cocker Spaniels are not high energy dogs, they do well in apartments, town houses, or single homes. However, your dog will still need to be exercised daily. If you have a child who likes to throw balls or sticks, your Cocker will be blissfully happy, since these dogs love to play fetch.
Although Cocker Spaniels are small enough to be easily controlled when they are full grown, it is still a good idea to train your dog. Puppy classes will help him learn to get along well with other dogs and people. These classes are also a good idea for new dog owners, since owners are actually learning alongside their dogs.
The Cocker Spaniel’s coat requires a fair amount of grooming, especially if you want your dog to have that beautiful feathery leg hair. If you do not keep your Cocker’s coat clipped short, be prepared to brush his coat at least three times a week. Keep a close eye on your dog’s ears, since those hairy floppy ears don’t always get enough air circulating to keep them healthy.
Cocker Spaniels have a bit of a reputation for being gluttonous. When feeding your dog, be sure you use proper portion sizes. You may also want to consider avoiding the use of treats as training rewards. The charming Cocker can suffer from other health problems besides obesity. They include hip dysplasia, bad knees, epilepsy, eye problems, heart disease and allergy problems.
If you want a small family dog with a playful spirit, then a Cocker Spaniel just may be the right breed for you.

Bull Terrier Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:02:27 +0000

So You Want a Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a good dog that has developed a bad reputation. This dog was created to fight and when a Bull Terrier is mistreated, it can be made into a dog that is quite aggressive, even vicious. With proper care and training, a Bull Terrier puppy can grow up to be a sweet and loving dog. In fact, at times this breed is even slightly silly. However, an older dog who has been mistreated may never be truly trustworthy and should not be placed in a home where it has access to children.
The Bull Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club’s terrier group and most commonly comes in pure white or brindle. Brindle dogs can have white markings, but they cannot be predominantly white. Don’t confuse this dog with its relative, the American Pit Bull Terrier. The Bull Terrier is a solidly built, muscular animal, weighing in at fifty five to seventy pounds. The dog’s broad chest and bullet shaped head are distinctive identifying characteristics for the breed.
The Bull Terrier is content living in an apartment as long as it receives plenty of exercise. However, these dogs prefer living in a home with a roomy, securely fenced yard. No matter where or how you exercise your dog, be sure he cannot escape, as some Bull Terriers and cats or small dogs can be a deadly combination.
The Bull Terrier loves family life and often is quite good with children. These dogs love to play and will spend hours playing frisbee. However, if you do not have children of your own, and your Bull Terrier isn’t used to small children, never leave your Bull Terrier with visiting children unattended, as infants and toddlers are sometimes mistaken for other animals instead of people.
If you’ve never owned a dog before, then the Bull Terrier is definitely not for you. These dogs are not a good match with inexperienced dog owners. In addition, if you are a shrinking violet instead of an assertive person, your Bull Terrier will sense this. He will quickly dominate you and rule your household.
Since Bull Terriers are such powerful animals, you will need to be sure your dog is thoroughly trained before he gets too big for you to control easily. It is a good idea to enroll your dog in puppy obedience classes, so you can be sure he is correctly trained while he is small. In addition, obedience classes are an important step in socializing your puppy.
Bull Terriers can put away quite a bit of dog chow. While they don’t eat as much as a Great Dane, these dogs can make a noticeable difference in the grocery budget. You may want to ask your veterinarian about feeding your Bull Terrier a dog chow that alleviates kidney problems. Besides being prone to kidney disease, the Bull Terrier can develop heart disease or deafness.
Your Bull Terrier needs very little grooming. You may want to brush him weekly to remove loose hair and dirt to keep his coat looking smooth and healthy. You may also want to brush his teeth and trim his nails.
If you are an experienced dog owner and are willing to work with your dog to turn him into a good citizen, then you may want to take a look at the Bull Terrier.

Bichon Frise Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:00:22 +0000

So You Want a Bichon Frise
If you suffer from allergies, but want to have a dog, you may want to take a look at the Bichon Frise. This charming little dog’s sole function is to provide companionship and it does its job extremely well.
The Bichon Frise is classified as a part of the Non-Sporting Group by the American Kennel Club. The Bichon is a seven to thirteen pound dog that stands only nine to eleven inches tall. These fluffy little dogs are known for their thick white coats and alert, cheerful eyes. The Bichon’s tail is carried proudly over its back.
Bichons are a perfect choice for a family dog, as long as the children are old enough to know how to handle a dog without hurting it. Although your Bichon may tolerate rough treatment, he can easily be injured. These dogs get along well with older children, as well as dogs and other pets.
Since the Bichon Frise loves to spend time with people, this breed is quite content with life in apartments or town homes. Of course, your dog won’t object to a home with a fenced yard. If you don’t have a fenced yard, you should be prepared to take your dog for a daily stroll around the block so he stays healthy and strong.
Although Bichon Frises are small dogs and do not have stubborn tendencies, it is still a good idea to teach your puppy some basic obedience commands. If your Bichon ever runs out the front door and heads for the street, you will want to be sure that you can call him back to your side. Of course, you can teach him a few simple commands yourself, but puppy obedience classes can make training easier. In addition, these classes are a good way for you to teach your puppy socialization skills. Of course, once you begin obedience classes, your little guy’s aptitude for obedience may just convince you to keep on learning. These dogs have a reputation for being incredibly intelligent. In fact, Bichons often perform as highly trained circus dogs.
Bichon Frises are not expensive to feed. Since small dogs often have dental problems, you may want to make sure that you use a dry food diet. If you decide to feed your puppy soft food, be sure you brush his teeth frequently.
The one drawback of the Bichon Frise breed is that these dogs need extensive grooming. You will need to brush out your Bichon’s fluffy coat frequently or he will look like a ratty mop head instead of a beautiful, elegant little dog. You will also need to have his coat cut and shaped at least once a month. If you can’t groom your dog yourself, this can become a major expense.
The good news is that Bichon Frises are a very healthy breed. This breed actually has no common health problems.
If you want a sweet and affectionate pet who doesn’t cause you to break out in hives, then a Bichon Frise may just be the perfect dog breed for you and your family.

Basset Hound Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 02:48:18 +0000

Is a Basset Hound Right for You?
If you melt at the sight of big sad eyes, you may not be able to resist buying a Basset Hound puppy. These dogs have eyes that would melt even the hardest heart and a sweet and loving disposition to boot.
The Basset Hound has a keen sense of smell and can track scents almost as well as its ancestor, the Bloodhound. In fact, this member of the American Kennel Club’s hound group is apt to become so obsessed with a scent that he will ignore commands to come or heel. Basset Hounds were developed to be able to track scents through tight areas where the larger scent hounds could not fit.
The Basset Hound weighs around sixty pounds and stands between eighteen and twenty inches high. These dogs can come in any AKC recognized hound dog color, although a dog with a white base coat with brown and black patches is most common. The Basset has long, droopy ears which almost touch the ground when he is standing. His undershot jaw, broad chest, and short legs combine to give him a comical and clumsy appearance, but this dog can actually move very gracefully.
Basset Hounds are ideal apartment dogs, as long as neighbors don’t mind their mournful vocalizations. These dogs actually don’t care to exercise unless they are tracking a scent, but they must receive daily exercise to stay healthy. To keep your Basset in shape, you will have to walk with him, even if you have a fenced yard.
If you are looking for a pet who does well with children or other pets, then a Basset Hound is a wonderful choice. These dogs adore people and will do anything to be with them. More than one Basset has endured the indignity of dressing up in frilly gowns just so he can spend time with the children he loves.
Although Basset Hounds are loving and devoted pets, they do have a stubborn streak. Some people mistake this stubbornness for an intelligence problem and think that their Basset isn’t smart enough to learn obedience. However, if you look closely at your Basset as he is disobeying, you may just catch a naughty twinkle in his big, sad eyes. Your Basset is more apt to obey commands that mean he is spending time with you than commands that don’t interest him, such as the stay command. Since these dogs are a bit difficult to train, you may want to consider taking your puppy to obedience classes to get professional training help.
Basset Hounds love to eat. Since this chow hound behavior and their disinterest in exercise is a bad combination, you will need to keep a close eye on your Basset’s food consumption. If your Basset becomes overweight, ask your veterinarian to recommend a food that will help him lose some weight.
Bassets require little grooming. Brush through his hair once a week to remove dirt and loose hair. You may also need to check his ears to be sure he doesn’t develop any problems, since the air may not circulate well in such droopy ears. In fact, ear infections are one of the main health problems with this breed. Other common health problems are spinal related injuries and eye diseases.
If you want a dog whose sole purpose is to please his owners, then a Basset Hound may be the perfect choice for you and your family.

Australian Kelpie Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 03:16:10 +0000

This dog breed is very active along with great stamina and suppleness. Standing only 18-20 inches, he has the strong and solid look of a Shepherd. The female Australian Kelpie should stand from 17 to 19 inches in height. Most dog owners prefer a larger and longer version of this breed.
The Australian Kelpie is considered to be a very tough herding dog and is a quiet worker capable of moving any livestock, though chiefly suited toward sheep and cattle. They are athletic and live mostly independent. The Kelpie has too much energy to be kept solely as a pet, though they are notably affectionate, especially with children. The Kelpie must be kept very busy and so if you plan on being an owner of this breed then you must take into account this dog’s strong herding instinct and realize he will not be happy if you and your family are all he has to “herd.” And though he is a tough dog that has an intimidating look for a small breed, he is not well suited as a guard dog.
Physical Description The head is broad between the ears and the skull is flat which tapers to the muzzle. The ears should stand perky and be moderate in shape without spooning over. His eye spacing is considered to be wide for his face structure. They are shaped like almonds and are dark in color. The eye color may be light in some cases which will create a “mean looking” appearance. The Kelpie’s neck is thick and strong and the shoulders are narrow that slope downward. The chest runs deep. His Hindquarters should show breadth and strength with a longer than short haunch. The tail bends in a slight curve, raised when excited. Coat is moderately short, flat with a good undercoat. Colors include black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue.
Health and Life-span When it comes to the Australian Kelpie’s health he is one of high stamina. An amazingly athletic and adaptable dog, he does not suffer from any prominent genetic or hereditary conditions. This dog also possesses a strong defense against diseases. However, the one thing that will stress this dog’s mental as well as physical health is lack of activity. Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important. If the Kelpie is not able to move about and exercise regularly then the stress resulting from being sedentary will literally cause him to self-destruct. The average life span is about ten years.

Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 04:44:52 +0000

The Yorkshire Terrier competes with the Chihuahua for the title of the world’s smallest dog. He has a very small compact body and a long silky coat. Though developed from terrier bloodlines, this intelligent petite breed is less active and robust than his larger terrier cousins. He is healthy, fearless, and a good watchdog. He is affectionate to his owner, initially shy with strangers, and prefers not to be petted by those he does not know. He needs consistent and patient training along with early socialization to prevent a tendency toward timidity. This breed has been described as a big dog inhabiting a small dog’s body. He can be a barker, a very difficult toy dog to housebreak, and is inclined to dig if left alone in a yard. This dog is sensitive to extremes of temperatures and may need a sweater on cold days.
Size: The Yorkshire Terrier stands between 7-9in at the shoulder and weighs between 4-7lb.
History and origin: The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in England and Scotland in the 19th century and was used by working people as a ratter. His appearance is very similar to the Australian (or Sydney) Silky Terrier and is believed to have been evolved through the crossing of the Skye Terrier with the old Black and Tan Terrier. It has also been rumored that the Maltese Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier may also have contributed to producing this tiny breed.
Feeding: Just like other toy breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier requires 4 meals during puppy hood, which is reduced to 1 meal once he turns 1 year old. Recommended feeding is ½ can of high quality dog food or the meat equivalent (about 7-8oz) lightly cooked and supplemented with biscuits. Lean meat scraps and bones are also appreciated, but no chicken bones.
Exercise: An apartment is adequate for this breed that only needs minimal exercise to remain healthy and happy.
Health care: The Yorkshire Terrier has strong terrier-type teeth that should be scaled by a vet at regular intervals. This breed tends to lose his teeth at an early age, sometimes as early as 3 years of age. Avoid feeding him tidbits to preserve his teeth for as long as possible.
Grooming: The Yorkie has a long, silky shedding coat that mats easily and must be brushed and combed daily. He needs an occasional trim and can be kept in a shorter pet clip for a lesser maintenance.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Dog Breed

dogbreeds — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 04:42:19 +0000

History and origin: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon first appeared in late 19th century Holland and France. He was created by mixing Otterhound and German Shorthaired Pointer bloodlines, which filled the need for a versatile hunter that could point and retrieve on land or in the water. The rough coat served as protection against wet, cold weather and harsh thickets.
Description: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. He has a solid, robust physique and a wiry, rough, medium-length shedding coat that requires regular brushing. The color is gray with brown and some white markings. The tail is docked.
About the breed: This is an active breed that exhibits a pointer-like behavior with a terrier-like attitude. He is easily distracted by scent and can be very resistant to obedience training. This breed makes a good watchdog and may be suspicious of strangers. He will accept older children, but may not tolerate younger children or any kind of teasing or roughhousing. Early training is needed to counteract this breed’s passive-resistant attitude toward obedience. The “Come” command is difficult to master because of the scent-distraction potential. This breed must be socialized early on to minimize his fear of strangers, and he must be given plenty of exercise daily to keep him happy and fit.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.
Ideal home: The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs a house with a fenced yard. Hunters would find this dog a superb companion. Older, respectful children are okay. The owner of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon should be a strong, active, confident, patient leader who desires a high-energy dog to use for hunting or some other outside activity. Nurturing, cautious owners should stay clear of this breed, as should the elderly and the disabled. This breed may become noisy and destructive if left alone for too long. The owner must have time for training and exercise. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon would make a good jogging partner, but not in a hot climate. This is not the breed for someone who is looking for an easygoing dog.