Posts Tagged ‘dogs’

Newfoundland

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

AKA: Newfie, NewfNewfoundland

Description: The Newfoundland is a giant, strong, thickly coated breed. They have a small dark brown eyes and has a small triangular ears with black nose except for the bronze colored dogs that has brown nose. Their feet makes them a good swimmer.with tails hanging down. His coat is compact,rough and flat and is a water resistant. Its coat mostly comes in black, sometimes with a little mix of white.

Temperament: This Breed has an prominent temper. They are good, courageous, intelligent, generous and patient dogs. They could be trusted, very loyal and protective too that made them become so attached to their owner. Moreover, like humans, they are brave brave enough, they are independent in their own way but sometimes has an attitude to put himself in a position between the intruder and his family instead of barking. They are a friendly dog as long as they know or sense that you don’t have any bad intentions. Because they are very sensitive they can determine some bad situations. He is even a born babysitter and is also very sociable, playful and loves children. They can socialize well with other animals. An indoor breed, that  loves and enjoys water so much. That’s why they love to get wet.

Activity: They are an indoor breed but needs a lot of exercise daily. Because of their thick coat, they could easily feel the heat. That is why they needed to be in a shaded area and drink lots of water. They go for cool climate . Swimming is their favorite activity to do.

Grooming: A Newfie needs to be brushed properly preferably a couple of time in a week,to avoid heavy shedding. They shed a lot during spring and autumn thus, an extra care is required. Avoid bathing when its not necessary to avoid strip taking away the natural oil on its coat.

Health Problems: Their Life span is 9 – 10 years. Health problems for newfies are: bloat, SAS, entropion, thyroid problems, ectropion, OCD, HD, heart problems, allergies, skin conditions, and heatstroke in humid or hot conditions.

Breed Group: Mastiff, AKC Working

Color: solid black, brown, or gray, may have white on chin, chest, toes, and tail tip; or white base color with black markings

Height: male: 28, female: 26 inches

Weight: male: 130-150, female: 100-120 lbs

Country Of Origin: Canada

Dynamics: This breed is moderately energetic, a very friendly great companion too, affectionate and always loves to play.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 a sweet and intelligent dog, mature and safe for children to play with. It is a friendly breed, and very affectionate to its owners. It is not suitable to be a guard dog for this reason.

The Alaskan Malamute is very energetic, and without giving it attention it may become destructive. It is happier to be playing outside although it can be content to play indoors. It may be difficult to train a Malamute for formal obedience because of its playfulness but it is not hard to train them to be well-mannered. The Alaskan Malamute is eager to please and easy to get along with.

This breed is generally more quiet than most dogs but the Alaskan Malamute likes to howl and dig. It also has a strong pry instinct that the owners have to keep an eye out when the dog is with smaller animals. If raised together with small kittens and other animals, though, the Alaskan Malamute will treat them as their own. Of course, proper socialization with people and other dogs is important.

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.

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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.

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Great Dane

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

AKA: Deutsche Dogge, German Mastiffgreat dane

Description: The Great Dane is known as a large dog and the tallest compared to other breeds they acquire a very strong muscles that makes them very athletic to create more strength and dignity. Their coat is compact,short and smooth that varies in color, could be fawn, brindle, black, blue, mantle harlequin and Merle. Head is long and narrow, eyes are dark and round that has an intelligent expression, ears are pointed and carried erect and teeth are well refined. Its neck is very strong and muscular as well and has a straight front legs. Moreover, They have brawny thighs with round, short feet and tail is regular in length, up to its joint in hind legs.

Temperament: The Great Dane is a gentle breed, also very loyal,sweet and kind. They deal well with children,always enjoy playing with them. They are loving that’s why they like to be around with people. Doesn’t bark too much, only becomes alert when required. But they are also brave and could be trained as watchdog. Since they are a giant size, the Great Dane should be properly trained to be obedient and should be done at an early age so it will be manageable when fully grown. This breed may be a little difficult to train.

Activity: For this breed, they require large yard because of their size. And they need a lot of daily exercise and long walk. They could be your best companion when you jog around.

Grooming: They are easy to groom because they have a smooth short hair so they don’t need heavy grooming. An occasional brushing to maintain the smoothness of coat Heavy brushing is needed only during heavy shedding and they only shed at certain times of the year.

Health Problems: Their life span is around 6-8 years. Health Problems with this breed includes: deafness, heart problems, bloat, HD, HOD, cataracts, and bone cancer. They sensitive to extreme heat or cold.

Breed Group: Working
Color: brindle, black-masked fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with irregular black patches)
Height: Dogs 30-34 inches (76-86 cm.) Bitches 28-32 inches (71-81 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg.) Bitches 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Germany

Dynamics: Moderately energetic,Friendly, loving and devoted to his owners, especially to the children. They could also be harsh to strangers. Required to be trained at an early stage.

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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.

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