Posts Tagged ‘breeds’



Afollie

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008

Afollie

Description: It is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Collie. The undercoat is dense and wooly, the outer coat is straight, tough, long, and rough. They get along well with children, household pets and other dogs.

Temperament: Afollie is is a cheerful, gentle, lovable, high spirited dog. They are always eager to learn also extremely independent and active. They belong to the family and are not for outdoors. They have no tendency to run away They stay close to their owners.

Activity: They needed a long walk regularly and have no tendency to run away instead, they stay close by you. This breed usually performs well in obedience trials and agility competitions

Grooming: They require a good grooming. Their hair must be brushed regularly to avoid tangles. Always keep the inside of the ears clean. The hair of a Afollie should be parted along their back.

Health Problems: eye defect, thyroid problems and skin problems. Life span is about 10-12 years.

Breed Group: Designer group

Color: black, blue, slate-colored, reddish-brown, all shades of grey with white markings on the nose, chest, legs, and feet or neck. The white markings are not permitted beyond the shoulder

Height: 53 – 56cm (20 ¾ - 22in) for dogs and 51 – 53cm (20 – 20 ¾ in) for bitches

Weight: varies on its height

Dynamics: They are an intelligent dog and always eager to learn, always loves to play and very sociable, calm would not run away but just stay beside their owner.

Afghan Spaniel

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

Afghan Spaniel

Description: It is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Cocker Spaniel. Their hair on its head is short and medium length on their body. There is feathering of its hair on the ears,body, chest , belly and legs. This breed are very sociable with their own kind as well as with the household pets. But they should be protected from children’s play which can become too rough.

Temperament: They are lovable, playful dogs that is intelligent and obedient. On trainings, they are sensitive to the tone of your voice.

Activity: This breed loves to play and frolic also enjoys swimming and retrieving.

Grooming: Grooming for them is very important because their hair needs too be brushed and combed daily. And of course ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections and excess hair between the pads of the feet, under and inside the ear, should be trimmed.

Health Problems: Prone to cataracts and possible hip dysplasia.

Breed Group: Sporting

Color: black, deer red, light beige, black and tan, and multi-colored

Height: 38cm (15in) for dogs and 35.5 (14in) for bitches

Weight: 500-2,500g (1-5 1/2lb)

Country Of Origin: Western World in Afghanistan

Dynamics: They are very intelligent, sociable to other animals, always loves to play and friendly dog

Afghan Retriever

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Afghan Retriever

Description: It is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Golden Retriever. And not a purebred dog. Its wavy coat is thick and short with undercoat. They can be sociable. They get along well with a cat that is already present in the house but not those outsiders. If they are socially trained, they could also get along well with with males and feel relaxed. They also love being with children but reserved towards other strangers.

Temperament: They are an obedient dog. They have a mind of their own and sometimes could be demanding that may dominate other dogs.

Activity: They are required to to have lots of exercise daily to avoid bad behavior from boredom. Swimming and retrieving are the two activities that they very much enjoy. Also love field sports but they are slow learners.

Grooming: Brushing them often would remove dead and loose hair during its shedding time. But owners should be aware not to harm the texture of their coat. Bathe them if it is only necessary.
Health Problems: Minor injuries, hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects and skin deseaase

Breed Group: Sporting

Color: yellow-brown, and dark brown. The darker coloring is more usual

Height: 58-66cm(22 3/4 -26in) for dogs and 53-61cm (20 3/4 - 24in) for bitches

Weight: Varies on height

Country Of Origin: Afghanistan

Dynamics: They are moderately intelligent and are somewhat slow learners but easy to train they aare also friendly dogs, calm even on cats but not the outsiders. Also very active and playful always.

Basset Hound

Friday, May 9th, 2008

Basset HoundDescription: The Basset Hound is a short-legged scent hound with a long body. Its head is large with a rounded skull and a pronounced occiput. The plane of the muzzle is parallel to the top of the skull. The skin falls in folds on the head, wrinkle-like. Its ears are very long and meet at the top of the nose. The ears should fold and not appear flat.

The Basset Hound has large teeth that gives a scissors or level bite. The eyes normally appear droopy and sad. The hound appears kind and gentle. The Basset has a pronounced dewlap and its chest is deep, extending in the front of the forelegs. Its paws are big and has round hindquarters.

Dynamics: The Basset Hound fits into family life easily, as it enjoys human interaction and is sweet, gentle, and naturally well-behaved. It is very affectionate with people and friendly with children. It likes to play with food at times. It has a deep musical bark but does not bite. Like all scent hounds, it can be hard to get their attention when they catch an interesting smell. But generally, it is obedient and will do well with patient training.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: males 50-65 lbs (23-29 kg), females 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg)

Height: males 12-15 inches (30-38 cm), females 11-14 inches (28-36 cm)

Color: The Basset comes in any color, but it is usually tricolor, or white with chestnut or sand-colored markings.

Country of Origin: The Basset Hound originated from France, where it got its name from the French word “bas” meaning “low.” Add to that the suffix “et,” it translates into the meaning “rather low.”

Activities: Exercises and daily walks are good for the Basset Hound, but be careful not to encourage it in jumping and stressing its front legs. The Basset Hound is always open to any play or game.

Grooming: There will not be much problem in grooming the Basset Hound as its coat is short and smooth. Shampoo only when necessary. Clean its ears and trim the toenails regularly.

Other Info: The Basset Hound’s life expectancy is about 10-12 years. Do not overfeed the Basset Hound because the extra weight will be a burden to the legs and spine. It is recommended that they be fed two to three small meals a day rather than one large one. The short legs and heavy long body may also contribute to a possible lameness and eventual paralysis if not careful.

The Basset Hound is okay living in an apartment since they are inactive indoors. But give them an opportunity to run outside and they will run for hours.

Australian Shepherd

Friday, May 9th, 2008

AKA: Australian Schaferhund, Aussie

Australian ShepherdDescription: The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced medium-sized dog. It has ears that stand high and are triangular and slightly rounded at the tip. The eyes are oval, and they come in brown, blue, amber, or any other variation including flecks and marbling.

The Aussie has a body that is slightly longer than its height. The head has a moderate stop and the jaws form a scissors bite. Rear dewclaws are removed whereas the removal of the front dewclaws is optional. The feet are compact and oval.

The coat of the Australian Shepherd can be straight or slightly wavy, and is weather-resistant. The hair is short and smooth on the head, on the ears, forelegs and hocks. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. The back of the foreleg is a little feathered and the breaches are a little more full. The Aussie also has a mane and frill that is more pronounced in the males than in females. It also has a docked bobtail if the tail is more than 4 inches.

Dynamics: The Australian Shepherd is an easy-going, courageous, and affectionate dog. It is devoted to its master and family, and is great with children. They are naturally protective, very attentive, and very eager to please. It is a highly intelligent breed, easy train and very active.

The Aussie needs a lot of exercise and work, otherwise it can become nervous and self-destructive. It also has to be socialized from puppyhood. The Aussie is also not very aggressive, and is considered by many to be quiet workers.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 50-65 lbs (25-29 kg), females 40-55 lbs (18-25 kg)

Height: males 20-23 inches (52-58 cm), females 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)

Color: The Australian Shepherd can come in blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver), with or without white markings and tan or copper points.

Country of Origin: The Australian Shepherd was actually bred in the United States and not in Australia. It was bred to help as a herding dog on ranches. Today, the Australian Shepherd is still used for retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guardian, police work, narcotics detection, search and rescue, agility, competitions, and agility.

Activities: As the Australian Shepherd is a very energetic dog, it need to be taken to daily exercises and walks. Physical exercises will be good for the breed. If left alone, it will become restless and destructive.

Grooming: Grooming the breed requires only a little attention. Brush occasionally and bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Australian Shepherd has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Health concerns cannot be avoided, however. The gene for the merle coloration carries with it a blind/deaf factor. The Aussie puppy may also have serious spinal defects due to natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings. Other concerns include the catract and CEA. Minor health concerns include CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger-Huet syndrome, and iris coloboma. Lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM, eye and hip dysplasia, and IMHA.

The Australian Shepherd is not suitable for apartment life. A home with a large yard will do fine.

American Cocker Spaniel

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

AKA: Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker SpanielDescription: The American Cocker Spaniel has very distinct features, which includes its long hanging ears and its medium-length coat. It has a round head, a wide and deep muzzle, and a square jaw. Its upper lip can be seen to cover the lower jaw completely, and the teeth forms a scissors bite. The nose is black, especially on black dogs. But there are some that has a brown nose. The eyes are round and the rims are slightly oval.

The body of an American Cocker Spaniel is compact. It has a short back, where the topline slopes gently from the front to the back. Dewclaws on the front and rear legs should be removed. The tail is carried on a line with its back and is constantly in motion. The feathery coat is silky, flat, or slightly wavy and can be cared for easily. It should be trimmed enough so as not to hide the Cocker Spaniel’s true lines and movements.

Dynamics: The American Cocker Spaniel can be either a gun dog or a family pet. It is cheerful and sweet, and it doesn’t challenge a master’s authority that much. Its tail-wagging is proof to its playful and merry nature. The Cocker Spaniel is usually good with children. It has to be socialized well with people and other animals to avoid the development of shyness. It is fairly easy to train. The Cocker Spaniel is also used for hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, and agility.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: 15-30 lbs (7-14 kg)

Height: 14 ½ inches (36.8 cm), 15 ½ inches (38 cm)

Color: The Cocker Spaniel may come in buff, black, and other solid colors. But it can also come in black-and-tan and parti-color like white with black, white with bluff, etc.

Country of Origin: The American Cocker Spaniel was originally bred from the English Cocker Spaniels that came to the United States.

Activities: The American Cocker Spaniel has plenty of stamina. It loves to play and run. Taking it out for an exercise and daily walks is great for its well-being.

Grooming: In grooming the Cocker Spaniel, brush its coat daily and shampoo frequently. Clip the hair regularly and be careful not to pull out silky hair.

Other Info: The American Cocker Spaniel has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. Major health concerns for the breed include catarcts, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. It is also prone to hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency, and cardiomyopathy. Gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, and IMHA are included. Cocker Spaniels will do okay in apartments as long as they are taken outdoors or exercised form time to time.

Alaskan Malamute

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

Alaskan MalamuteDescription: Alaskan Malamute is a friendly, affectionate, intelligent, loyal and a noble breed. And they could have a mind of their own. They are easy to train, a fast learner dog and has a good stamina. This breed is large, a powerful built dog of Nordic breed type It is slightly longer than it is tall. It is heavy-boned and compact, designed for strength and endurance. This is an affectionate dog which is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and noble, but they have a mind of their own. The Alaskan Malamute is a fast learner breed and has a high stamina and full of energy. They are strong, large dog with a thick coarse double coat and plumed tail held over the back. They are well built with a solid body, wide head, are furry and have tough pads. Their ears are erected and eyes and eyes are dark,small, brown, almond shaped and they are obliquely positioned but with a sweet and friendly expression.

The coat averages one to three inches in length and comes in white, black & white, wolf gray, wolf sable (red undercoat with dark gray outer coat), or red, often with darker highlights and sometimes with a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are almost always white. In some areas, dogs may be either smaller or larger than the official standard.

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerfully built dog of Nordic breed type, developed to haul heavy loads rather than race. It is slightly longer than it is tall. It is heavy-boned and compact, designed for strength and endurance. Its gait is steady, balanced and tireless. Its coat is thick and double, with a coarse outer coat and dense, woolly, oily undercoat, providing the ultimate in insulation. Although its eyes have a “wolf-like” appearance, its expression is soft.

Dynamics: The Alaskan Malamute is like a rambunctious puppy. Extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward it’s master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. Generally they mature into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dogs. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human “pack” lives. Without attention, these dogs may become destructive nuisances. In one case, a single dog ruined an entire living room of furniture valued at $15,000 in just three hours! Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant. Some dogs may be difficult to housebreak. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig. This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong pry instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals. Some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed. Firm handling and training are necessary. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended.

Breed Group: Working

Weight: males 80-95 pounds (36-43 kg), females 70-85 pounds (32-38 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)

Color: The Alaskan Malamute’s coat color ranges from light gray through to black, with white shading and a white mask or cap; also shades of sable or red with shading, or all white.

Country of Origin: The Alaskan Malamute came from Alaska, where it was named after the Mahlemuts, the tribe that developed the breed. It is a Nordic dog that descended from the Arctic wolf.

Activities: Alaskan Malamutes are very energetic and active. If you have the space they will run and play outside all day. Make sure to monitor them if the conditions are too hot.

Grooming: They have double coat which will need to be bushed around twice weekly to keep them in good condition. Yearly, they shed twice and at other times of the yea they still shed although not much. Therefore not recommended for those with allergy.

Other Info: Their life span is around 10-12 years. Here are some health pobleme to look out for this breed: Bleeding, thyroid problems, cataracts, ligament poblems, skin conditions and autoimmune problems.

Akita Inu

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

AKA: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita

Akita InuDescription: One of three Spitz type dogs from Japan currently recognized by The Kennel Club, also known as the Akita Inu, meaning “large dog”. They are a very dignified and devoted dog, strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle. The Akita is slightly longer than he is tall with a broad, deep chest and level back. Their head is broad and shaped like a blunt triangle. Also,The stop is well-defined and there is a shallow groove going up the center of the forehead. The erected ears are small and carried forward and in line with its neck. They have a dark brown, small, and triangular eyes. But generally, their nose is black but on white akitas, brown is permitted with black lips and pink tongue. The teeth should meet in a scissors, or level bite. The tail is carried high and curled over the back. The Akita has webbed, cat-like feet that makes them a fine swimmer. The double coat is composed of a harsh, waterproof outer coat insulated with a thick, soft undercoat. Coat colors are pure white, red, sesame and brindle. No clear borders on the colors and a black mask is forbidden. They are clam, intelligent, thoughtful and friendly breeds. Moreover, akitas are obedient, and have a strong hunting instincts. That is why they are powerful and protective pet that makes them a great watchdog. But they don’t bark too much and they can also be independent and try to dominate. Its good for them to become friends with their family but never a slave. For trainings, they need intensive and extensive socialization also obedience. They should be trained to know who their master is. They are a very consistent, firm and fair and is very patient and kind. They should not be trained harshly because they are easier to be trained compared to other breeds.

Dynamics: The Akita Inu is described as a first class guard dog. It is a serious, loyal, and protective breed. It is moderately energetic, not an excessive barker, careful, and willful. It is capable of ferocity and can be possessive at times. While it is a good guardian, it may not be tolerant to teases and may bite. It is good with its family’s children but do not accept other children easily. It is only affectionate with its owner and family.

With proper and firm training, the Akita Inu makes a fine pet. It is an intelligent breed but handling it will take patience and tolerance. The Akita Inu needs to be treated with kindness. It needs to be supervised when it’s with other household pets and children. It can be food-possessive. It gets bored quickly, and can be very fearless. But within this tough personality, the Akita Inu is actually people-oriented. It has a need to be with its family, is extremely faithful, and thrives on companionship.

Breed Group: Group Northern, AKC Working Group

Weight: males 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), females 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)

Height: males 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)

Color: The Akita Inu can come in any color, including white, pinto, or brindle.

Country of Origin: The Akita Inu comes from Japan, native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita. It is the national dog of Japan. It was first brought to the United States by Hellen Keller.

Activities: The Akita Inu does not need a lot of exercise. They are moderately active in indoors and they always enjoy playing sessions with their family or others family activities but if left alone, they will be bored and destructive. Like other breeds, they also like daily walking but it is very important that they are securely leashed and keep them away from encountering other dogs. They are not suitable for apartments they should be in a secured large yard.

Grooming: They are easily to be cared of. Usually they have a brief period of shedding in about twice yearly. The coarse, stiff, short-haired coat needs significant grooming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when absolutely necessary as bathing removes the natural waterproofing of the coat.

Other Info: Their Life span is around 10 – 13 years. Most health problems to look out would be: luxating patella, thyroid problems, lupus, cancer, vWD, PRA, skin conditions, and autoimmune problems.

Great Pyrenees

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

AKA: Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Chien des Pyrenees, Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees

Great PyreneesDescription: The Great Pyrenees give the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. They are large dogs with very woolly and long coats. It is also weather resistant and allows them to withstand intense cold temperatures. They have large paws, bred for have a steady foot on dangerous mountain paths. They also have drop ears, a bushy tail and an evenly muscled body. Their fur almost resembles a white mane. They need human companionship and attention and lots of space. The Great Pyrenees will not do well with apartment dwellers. They are a pleasant, gentle breed of enormous size, extremely intelligent, and loyal to their family. They have been bred to bond very closely with their family or the flock they are guarding. They are also protective of them. The Great Pyrenees does well with other animals and livestock, and are loving with their families. Although bred to have a kinder personality, the breed still excels with predator control around the home. Great Pyrenees are gentle, affectionate and loyal to the ones they love.

Temperament: Great Pyrenees are watchful, loyal, friendly and protective. They will bond closely with their owners or the ones they are guarding. They are sweet, gentle and are good with kids. They do not do well with other pets, however, unless those pets are sheep and livestock. They are powerful, assertive when need be, and territorial. They are confident and affectionate, and a stable breed. They tend to be nocturnal; resting during the day and guarding during the night.

Activity: They are not really active indoors and can live in an apartment life. Must be exercised daily to stay in shape. Long walks specifically brisk walking is required for this breed.

Grooming: When it comes to grooming their coat should be brushed on a weekly basis, and the eyebrows be trimmed so they can properly see. They shed heavily twice per year. You So it needs to be groomed well.

Health Problems: The life span of the Great Pyrenees is around 8-12 years, and there are some health problems to look out for them: elbow dysplasia and HD, luxating patella, entropion, cataracts, bleeding problems, and spinal problems.

Breed Group: Flock Guard, AKC Working

Color: White or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or varying shades of tan. Markings of varying size may appear on the ears, head (including a full face mask), tail, and as a few body spots.

Height: male: 25, female: 23 inches

Weight: male: 85, female:75 lbs

Country Of Origin: France

Dynamics: Extremely intelligent and is trainable, calm, independent, very friendly and playful, affectionate, self-confident and protective breed.

Airedale Terrier

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

AKA: Working Terrier, Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier

Airedale TerrierDescription: This is a sturdy looking breed that is medium or large in size. His coat is hard and wiry, and the coloring of this dog is black or grizzle mixed with tan. Underneath the hard exterior of the coat, there is a softer undercoat. He has a distinctive face and expression, with a beard that will need to be kept well groomed. They are originally used for hunting other and other animals, now mainly a family pet.

The Airedale Terrier has a long flat head and a deep chest. Its hair is bristly and resistant to dampness, but it needs stripping. They excel in agility, eyesight, hearing and have untiring courage. They have a sweet disposition, but may be aloof with strangers. Airedale Terriers have excelled in being a hunter for foxes, badgers, weasels, otters, water rats and ducks. The Airedale Terrier makes a good jogging partner because of their athletic physique. They are all tan except for their black saddle, black tail and sometimes black ears. Their fur is wiry and hard, as it appears. The ears are dropped down and they have a long muzzle with a beard at the end.

Owners should be strong and confident who can combine firm discipline with patience and precision. This breed is fine for families with children, but can be a little rough in terms of play and therefore may not be the best choice for families with smaller children. He has a high prey drive and this means that socialization with other household pets must be done early Not an ideal apartment dog, they should have a fenced yard. The Airedale Terrier is an intelligent breed, with responsive and loyal abilities. They make great playmates as well as excellent companions and hunters.

Dynamics: With proper socialization and exposure, the Airedale Terrier is a great companion for a family with children. It may be too much for the small ones though, because the Airedale Terrier is a very energetic breed. It is considered to be rowdy at times and is naturally lively.

The Airedale Terrier is an intelligent and courageous breed. It may display its stubborn side sometimes. It may also display a dominant attitude towards someone who it sees as submissive. The owner has to be firm and consistent, but not harsh, in the dog’s training because of this. The Airedale Terrier is very intelligent and can understand quickly what is wanted of it.

The Airedale Terrier is very playful and loyal. It shows affection to its family and can get along well with other household pets and animals. It may sometimes show dominance to other dogs. It is fairly friendly with strangers, but is also protective of its owner.

Breed Group: Southern, AKC Hound, Terrier

Weight: males 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg), females 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), females 22-23 inches (56-58 cm)

Color: They have a black saddle on a tan body, with top of the neck and the top surface of the tail black or grizzle, and all other parts tan.

Country of Origin: The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in York, Great Britain. It is descended from the ancient Working Terrier, and is nicknamed the “King of Terriers.”

Activities: Airedale Terrier can be aggressive with other dogs, but will usually be either friendly or simply polite with strangers. His protective instincts makes him a good watchdog, bit he can also be stubborn, headstrong, and very independent. The Airedale Terrier is very agile and energetic, and it is important to keep him occupied and dedicate plenty of time to play and exercise. They should at least have an average sized lawn available. They are active and they love to swim, run, play and jog. So this breed is not for apartment life. Because if they are bored, they can be very destructive in finding ways to burn off energy. Daily walk and run would be best for them.

Grooming: What is good with this breed is that they are a very light shedder provided that they should be groomed on a regular basis. Thus, you should dedicate enough time to Brush with a stiff bristle brush to remove dead hair three times a week. Minimal trimming is needed. Bathe only when necessary. Their fur should be hand-stripped twice a year. Moreover, make sure that their beard is properly combed everyday and to keep it clean and hygienic, and his bottom will also need to be kept trimmed. For show dogs, stripping of the dead coat may be required every few months. For pet Airedales owners can opt for clipping. A stiff bristle brush should be used a few times a week in order to keep the dog’s coat in good condition, and bathing is only required when necessary.

Other Info: Life span of Airedale Terrier is around 10 – 14 years. Most health problems they would have are: Thyroid problems, allergies, vWD ,bleeding disorders and hip problems.