American Eskimo Dog - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Three sizes: standard, miniature and toy

Height: Toy: 23 - 30 cm (9 - 12 inches). Miniature: 33 - 38 cm (12 - 15 inches). Standard: over 38 cm (15 inches)

Weight: Toy: 2.4 - 4.5 kg (6 - 10 lb). Miniature: 4.5 - 9 kg (10 - 20 lb). Standard: 8 - 16 kg (18 - 35 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Average - demanding

Exercise: Average

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Affectionate and intelligent

Country of Origin: United States

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Other Names: Eskie

Temperament:

The American Eskimo Dog is affectionate, obedient, intelligent, eager and protective. American Eskimo Dogs are eager to please and very outgoing. They get along well with children and love human companionship. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly and are easily trained. American Eskimo Dogs are naturally untrusting of strangers and make excellent watch dogs, without threatening to attack or bite people. American Eskimo Dogs are known to be noisy and will sound warning barks when strangers arrive.

Grooming:

American Eskimo Dogs should be brushed twiced weekly to prevent their thick coats from becoming tangled. A pin brush (with blunt pins) is suitable for regular brushing and keep in mind that these dogs shed heavily at least once a year.

Exercise:

The American Eskimo Dog loves games and being outdoors. They are an active breed and shouldn't be denied regular exercise and inclusion in family activities. If they isolated or unoccupied they can become destructive or display undesirable behaviors. American Eskimo Dogs are known to excel in dog obedience trials.

History:

This breed's name is misleading as they haven't descended from the working Eskimo sled dogs (unlike the Canadian Eskimo Dog). The American Eskimo Dog was specifically bred as a companion dog and is a descendant from the German Spitz. Around 100 years ago they were a popular breed for American circus dog trainers. American Eskimo Dogs were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1994.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Brilliant white, cuddly and charming.

Color: White or white with biscuit cream.

Coat: Stand-off double coat. The outer coat is long, harsh and grows up through the dense under coat. There should be no curl or wave.

Tail: Heavily plumed and carried curled over the back.

Ears: Set high, triangular, pricked and blending softly with the head.

Body: The body is slightly longer than it is tall with a level topline. The chest is deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. There is a slight tuck-up of the belly just behind the ribs and the loin is strong and well-muscled. The back is straight, broad, level and muscular.

Additional Comments:

American Eskimo Dogs should be trained at an early age to keep their barking to a minimum or they can become nuisance barkers.

The American Eskimo Dog is commonly referred to as ""Eskie"".

There is a pronounced ruff of hair around the neck that is more noticeable in dogs than bitches.

Like most white-coated breeds the American Eskimo Dog has a tendancy to develop reddish-colored tear stains below the eyes.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/american_eskimo_dog/

Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: 43 - 51 cm (17 - 20 inches)

Weight: 16 - 18 kg (35 - 40 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Trustworthy & alert

Country of Origin: Australia

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Blue Heeler, Hall's Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Australian Heeler, Australian Cattledog, Australischer Treibhund

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is tough, alert, intelligent, loyal, protective and trustworthy. Australian Cattle Dogs are naturally suspicious of strangers and can be aggressive or dominant towards other dogs. They only get along well with familiar children and are highly intelligent dogs. Australian Cattle Dogs are very protective of property and make good watchdogs and guard dogs. They are very loyal to their owners and don't bark often. Australian Cattle Dogs get bored easily need to be kept occupied, otherwise behavioral problems are likely to occur.

Grooming:

An occasional brush or comb is sufficient for Australian Cattle Dogs.

Exercise:

Australian Cattle Dogs need a lot of exercise and plenty to keep them occupied for them to stay in good physical and mental health. Not recommended for urban living.

History:

In the early days of Australian settlement, controlling herds of cattle and sheep was fundamentally important. The early longer coated Bobtails were unable to withstand excessive heat and had a habit of barking, which often caused cattle stampeding. During the 1830's, selective breeding took place which resulted in the Blue Heelers, who barked less and later crosses were made to smooth collies for herding abilities and to the silent Dingo to curb excessive barking. Thus, through selective breeding the Australian Cattle Dogs was created. Australian Cattle Dogs were amenable to instruction combined with the dingo characteristics of creeping up and nipping the heels of cattle. Later, with some Dalmatian blood added, their affinity to horses was firmly established.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Sturdy and compact with a lot of muscle packed into a relatively small frame.

Color: Blue - mottling, speckling or tan permitted. Red speckle with or without red markings.

Coat: The outercoat is straight, dense and weather-resistant. The undercoat is thick and short. The length is about 2.5 - 4cm long (1-1.5 inches)

Tail: Set low and has a good brush - it may be raised when active, but is never carried over the back.

Ears: Medium sized, broad, muscular and pricked.

Body: Broad, muscular shoulders, strong back and strong muscular neck.

Additional Comments:

Australian Cattle Dogs are true working dogs, that have excellent stamina and strength despite not being overly large. They suit owners who want an active, hardy breed rather than a docile family dog.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/australian_cattle_dog/

Black & Tan Coonhound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 58 - 68 cm (23 - 27 inches)

Weight: 23 - 34 kg (50 - 75 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Reasonable

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Protective and keen workers

Country of Origin: United States

AKC Group: Hound

Other Names: American Black and Tan Coonhound

Temperament:

The Black and Tan Coonhound is patient, good-natured, loyal and intelligent. Black and Tan Coonhounds are passionate and dedicated workers that require firm and on-going training. They are best suited to older and considerate children as they can play rough. They can be aggressive towards other unknown dogs and are generally cautious with strangers. Black and Tan Coonhounds are protective pets and make good watchdogs.

Grooming:

Weekly brushing is necessary to keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Black and Tan Coonhounds need to have their long ears checked regularly and kept clean.

Exercise:

Regular exercise is essential for these natural hunting dogs. Black and Tan Coonhounds are best suited for energetic families or hunters who can take them out regularly. These active dogs are ideal for farms and should be taught at an early age not to wander.

History:

The Black and Tan Coonhounds have evolved from the Bloodhound, Irish Kerry Beagle and the foxhound (in particular the Virginia Foxhound of the 1700s). It is also thought that Black and Tan Coonhounds are related to the 12th century Talbot Hound. This breed is best known for it's raccoon hunting skills, but has also been successful hunting other types of game such as stag, bear, opossum, mountain lion and deer. The Black and Tan Coonhound was officially recognized in 1945.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well-proportioned, alert and powerful.

Color: Black with tan markings.

Coat: Short, sleek and dense.

Tail: Strong and carried at a right angle to the back when in action.

Ears: Set low, long and hanging in graceful folds.

Body: The length of the body is the same or slightly greater than the height. The back is level, strong and powerful and the ribs are full and well-sprung. The chest reaches to at least the elbows.

Additional Comments:

Black and Tan Coonhounds are likely to howl if left alone for long periods of time.

Black and Tan Coonhounds are one of the most highly specialized breeds with their exceptional ability to track raccoons and opossums. Once these dogs have their game cornered up a tree they change the tone of their voice and stay by the tree barking until the hunter arrives.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/black_and_tan_coonhound/

Does Your Dog Have Otitis Externa?

Author: Lee Dobbins

Does your dog shake his head excessively? Are his ears red? Is there discharge from the ears? If you answered yes to any of these then he could have Otitis Externa which is simply another name for a doggy ear infection.

The dogs ear has 3 parts, the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Otitis Externa is an infection in the outer ear canal where 90% of ear infections in dogs occur. Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ears. They have a horizontal and a vertical component to them, so it is hard for anything in there to drain out, like water or debris.

There are several causes of ear infections. The most common cause of ear infections are due to allergies. Some dogs are more prone to allergies than others; therefore they get more ear infections.

Another common cause is sporting dogs that swim. They get water inside their ears, and provided their difficult anatomy, the water in the ears cannot drain out. Therefore, this provides the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. It is recommenced that if you let your dog play in the water you dry your dog's ears thoroughly afterwards.

If your dog does have an ear infection it is important to properly clean your dog's ears before applying any medication.

To clean your dog's ears, start by placing a few drops of an ear cleanser into the ear and massage the ear to help loosen any debris that is in the ear. Then use a cloth or cotton gauze to whip the dirt out.

After your dog's ears are thoroughly clean, then you can apply your medication. Follow your veterinarian's advice about how much medication to apply to the ear, usually a few drops.

The treatment your veterinarian will prescribe will vary depending on the cause of the ear infection. For yeast infections they prescribe anti-fungals, for bacterial infections they will prescribe antibiotics. Normally treatment is applied directly into the ears, but in severe cases systemic treatment may be needed. This usually means have to give your dog pills orally.

In some dogs with severe ear problems, the veterinarian will usually clip the hair around the ear to help let more air into the ear. In extreme cases your veterinarian may recommend surgery to reconstruct the ear canal to let it drain easier.

Some dog breeds are more prone to ear infections than others, although all dogs can be get them. Dogs with large ears and ears that flop over as well as dogs with a small ear canal can be more susceptible than others. Ear infections in dogs need to be treated by your vet, so the next time you see any symptoms in your

About the author: Lee Dobbins writes for E Pet Center where you can learn more about pets and caring for dogs .

Bernese Mountain Dog - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 58 - 70 cm (23 - 27.5 inches)

Weight: 36 - 45 kg (80 - 100 lb)

Life Span: 10 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium - large

Temperament: Good-natured & protective

Country of Origin: Switzerland

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog

Temperament:

The Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, active, self-confident, faithful and affectionate. Bernese Mountain Dogs make good family pets and respond well to training. These dogs are wonderful with children and very protective of them. Bernese Mountain Dogs can be dominant towards other dogs but will get along fine with other pets, provided they were introduced to them at an early age. Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent watchdogs as they are cautious with strangers, but do not jump up and down at the garden fence barking at any passerby.

Grooming:

Bernese Mountain Dogs need regular combing, especially in the places that easily tangle, including the hindquarters, neck, leg sockets and behind the ears. The excess hair between the pads of the feet also needs to be trimmed.

Exercise:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are fond of exercise and will need regular walks and if possible opportunities to run and play off the lead.

History:

Like the Rottweiler, the origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog can be traced back 2000 years to the time when the Roman invaders brought them to Switzerland. They were originally known as the Sennehund or Durbachler. Bernese Mountain Dogs were used for herding, guarding and also for draughting, where the Swiss used them to pull small carts. In spite of their versatility and pleasant nature, with the arrival of other breeds in Switzerland, the popularity decreased for the Bernese Mountain Dog, that they almost became extinct. Fortunately some enthusiasts resuscitated the breed and created the first speciality club in 1907.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Self-confident, good natured, active and sturdy.

Color: Tricolor - black, tan and white.

Coat: Long, soft, silky with a bright sheen and slight wave.

Tail: Bushy, curves up slightly and can be raised when alert.

Ears: Medium size, set high, triangular, lie flat in response and are brought forward when alert.

Body: Compact rather than long, broad chest, strong muscular loin. Solid and level.

Additional Comments:

Bernese Mountain Dogs are able to readily adapt to all types of climates and the extreme cold does not appear to affect them.

To avoid Bernese Mountain Dogs becoming a one-man-dog or one-family dog it is important to socialize them early on with strangers.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are slow to mature and therefore require proper attention to their diet and careful exercise, during the early growth period.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bernese_mountain_dog/

Bearded Collie - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: 51 - 56 cm (20 - 22 inches)

Weight: 19 - 26 kg (41 - 57 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Demanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Cheerful & lively

Country of Origin: Scotland

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Beardie

Temperament:

The Bearded Collie is alert, active, intelligent, exuberant, self-confident, lively and lovable. Bearded Collies are not nervous or aggressive and they make great pets for an energetic family. Bearded Collies don't make good watchdogs, although they do bark a lot. They can be easily trained and are eager to learn. Bearded Collies are great playmates for children and should not be banished to an outside kennel as they thrive on companionship.

Grooming:

Bearded Collies need their hair parted along the centre of the back and brushed and combed several times a week to avoid tangles. The ears need to be kept clean and the hair between the pads of the feet needs to be trimmed.

Exercise:

Bearded Collie's enjoy long walks and tend to stick by the owner rather than run off. They need a considerable amount of exercise and are known to perform well in obedience trials and agility competitions.

History:

For centuries Bearded Collies have been popular in Scotland where they were also known as the Highland or Mountain Collie. Others believe that the Bearded Collie came down from the Russian Owtchar and arrived from Poland by ship with a cargo of sheep where they were exchanged for other goods. The Bearded Collie's weather resisting coats and love of outdoor life coupled with their acute instincts in herding sheep, ducks and other farm life, made them indispensable to the Scottish crofters. It is from the Bearded Collie that the Old English Sheepdog was evolved.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Confident, lean with enquiring expressions under arched eyebrows.

Color: Black, shades of grey, blue, brown or sandy with or without white markings.

Coat: The outercoat is harsh, shaggy, flat or slighlty wavy. The undercoat is soft and woolly. The hair is short on the bridge of the nose.

Tail: Low set, long and carried in an upward swirl at the tip.

Ears: Medium size and drooping.

Body: Relatively long and level back, barrelled ribcage and well-angulated fore and hindquarters.

Additional Comments:

Bearded Collies are ideal for owners with little dog experience, as they are very gentle and adaptable. But the owner needs to be prepared to put in the time needed for grooming.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bearded_collie/

Black Russian Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 63 - 75 cm (25 - 29 inches)

Weight: 40 - 65 kg (88 - 143 lb)

Life Span: 11 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Companionable & protective

Country of Origin: Russia

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Russian Black Terrier, Russkji Tchornji Terrier, Chornyi Terrier, Russian Bear Schnauzer, Terrier Noir Russe, Tchiorny Terrier, Black Terrier

Temperament:

The Black Russian Terrier is brave, observant, alert, protective, companionable and affectionate. Black Russian Terriers thrive on the companionship with their family and should not be kept away in a kennel outdoors. Black Russian Terriers have natural guarding and protective instincts and are always ready to protect their family and property. Generally Black Russian Terriers get along well with children, other dogs and household pets, but are rather reserved with strangers. Black Russian Terriers are quick to learn and are easily house trained. They need early and consistent training during puppyhood before they grow into large powerful dogs.

Grooming:

Black Russian Terriers need a reasonable amount of grooming to keep their coats looking tidy and healthy. They should be brushed at least once a week and will need professional trimming about 2-3 times a year. Depending on the coats condition it may need to be stripped (the dead hairs plucked out), especially if the coat is soft. The hair between the pads of the feet and and in the ear canals should be removed. Black Russian Terriers shed very little or no hair, making them good pets to have inside.

Exercise:

Black Russian Terriers are energetic with tremendous stamina and must be kept well exercised and fit. Generally this breed loves to play in water and snow and should be taken on long walks with opportunities to run freely and play off the lead.

History:

The Black Russian Terrier was developed by the Russian Military back in the 1930s. This breed evolved from selective cross-breeding with Rottweilers, Airedale Terriers and Giant Schnauzers. They were bred with the intent of fulfilling the need for large, working terriers that were capable of doing a variety of tasks while being able to withstand the harsh Russian winters. Black Russian Terriers became formally recognized in the 1940s and it's breed standard was revised in 1993.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Large, powerful, agile and alert.

Color: Black and ashen (black with random white or grey hairs interspersed).

Coat: The outercoat is wiry, thick, rough and about 4-10cm (1.5-4 in) in length. The undercoat is thick and tight. Shorter-coated dogs have a reasonably flat and wavy coat. The head should have a beard, moustache and overhanging eyebrows.

Tail: Set high, customarily docked, thick and carried vertically.

Ears: Set high, triangular, short, pendant and hanging close to the cheeks.

Body: The body is strong, agile and heavily boned with well developed muscles. The back is broad, level and strong and the chest is deep and broad. The croup is muscular, broad and slightly sloping and the short loins are well-developed and muscular. The abdomen is well tucked-up and the forechest is not prominent.

Additional Comments:

Despite the large size of Black Russian Terriers they can live happily in an apartment, provided they get sufficient exercise. These dogs do not manage well if kept away from their family such as in a kennel and thrive on human companionship.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/black_russian_terrier/

Bedlington Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: About 41 cm (16 inches)

Weight: 8.2 - 10.4 kg (18 - 23 lb)

Life Span: 10 years

Grooming: Reasonably undemanding

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Small

Temperament: Affectionate & loving

Country of Origin: Scotland

AKC Group: Terrier

Other Names: Rothbury Terrier

Temperament:

The Bedlington Terrier is intelligent, confident, good-tempered and affectionate. Bedlington Terriers make good family pets that thrive on companionship and games with their owners. Bedlington Terrier's tend to bond closely with one member of the family. They get along well with children but need to be socialized with household pets at an early age in order for them to live harmoniously together. The Bedlington Terrier generally gets along with other dogs, but if they are challenged they can become terrifying fighters.

Grooming:

The Bedlington Terrier require regular grooming and periodic trimming. They do not moult and tend to be odourless.

Exercise:

Bedlington Terriers do not need a great amount of exercise, but these dogs love running fast and jumping high. They enjoy running alongside a cycle, which is a good way for them to burn off energy.

History:

The origins of the Bedlington Terrier is rather obscure. The progenitors of the modern Bedlington Terrier were greatly valued by the nomadic gypsies. In England in the early 18th century, these dogs were known as Rothbury or Northumberland Terriers and are believed to have incorporated crosses from both Otter Hounds and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. In later years, in order to increase the speed, breeders in the Northumberland town of Bedlington introduced some Whippet bloodlines. It was this last cross-breeding that created the distinctive Bedlington Terrier that we know today. So besides fulfilling their original roles of rat and badger hunting, the wager loving gypsies now had a dog that could race as well.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Lamb-like, graceful, fully arched back and flexible.

Color: Blue, blue/tan, liver or sandy.

Coat: Thick and linty, with twisted hair standing away from the body.

Tail: Medium length, tapering, set low, slightly curved and never curled over the back.

Ears: Medium size, set low, filbert shaped, covered in fine short hair with a fringe of whitish silky hair on the tips.

Body: Muscular but very flexible, flat ribs, very arched loin, long neck and well angulated long hindlegs.

Additional Comments:

Bedlington Terrier's can cope in a flat or apartment perfectly well, provided they receive sufficient outdoor exercise.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bedlington_terrier/

Beauceron - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 63 - 70 cm (24.5 - 27.5 inches)

Weight: 30 - 40 kg (66 - 88 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Minimal

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Loyal & strong-willed

Country of Origin: France

AKC Group: Miscellaneous

Other Names: Berger de Beauce, Bas Rouge, Beauce Shepherd

Temperament:

The Beauceron is clever, attentive, active and sometimes stubborn. Beauceron's are very loyal to their owner and family. If they are well socialized at a young age they will get on well with children, other dogs and household pets. The Beauceron has natural herding and guarding instincts. They are very protective and will obey commands from all family members. Beaucerons are highly intelligent and do extremely well with obedience training.

Grooming:

Beaucerons only require occasional grooming, but extra brushing is needed when the coat is moulting.

Exercise:

The Beauceron enjoys regular long walks and being let off the lead so it can run around and play. They need a great deal of exercise with their considerable stamina and energetic nature. Enrolling Beaucerons in dog sports such as fly-ball or agility trials is another way to fulfill their exercise needs, however Beaucerons tend to be less successful at these sports than other more suitable breeds.

History:

Beaucerons were originally from the province of Brie and were bred to track bears, boars and stag. Later they were used as shepherd dogs to guard flocks. The Beauceron is closely related to the Briard and they both have double dewclaws. In 1863 Beaucerons were grouped in Paris with the Briard as one breed with two different coat types. Later the breed separated and formed the Beauceron Club in 1911.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Solid, powerfully built, muscular but not heavy. This tough, intimidating sheep-dog bears some resemblance to the Dobermann Pinscher.

Color: Black with tan (squirrel red) markings below the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, throat, feet and under the tail. Also black, red, grey or grey and tan.

Coat: Very short on the head and longer on the back. The outercoat is strong, dense and thick, whereas the undercoat is fine, dense, downy preferably in a mouse-grey color.

Tail: Carried low and slightly hooking at the tip.

Ears: Set high, flat and short. Can be cropped and carried erect.

Body: Medium, long sloping shoulders, level back and broad and taut loin.

Additional Comments:

It is important that Beaucerons are well socialized during puppyhood, to prevent them from becoming neurotic or aggressive as they become older.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/beauceron/

Belgian Malinois - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 56 - 66 cm (22 - 26 inches)

Weight: 27.5 - 28.5 kg (61 - 63 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Reserved & attentive

Country of Origin: Belgium

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Belgian Shepherd, Belgian Sheepdog, Chien de Berger Belge

Temperament:

The Belgian Malinois is intelligent, alert, attentive, watchful, serious and obedient. The female Belgian Malinois tends to be more outgoing than the male. These dogs appear wary, but are not timid or aggressive. The Belgian Malinois responds best to calm training and handling. This breed generally gets along with children but are likely to be dominant towards other dogs. The Belgian Malinois performs best as a sheepdog or watch/guard dog, but can also make a good family pet if well socialized from an early age.

Grooming:

The Belgian Malinois only needs periodic grooming to remove the dead hairs during moulting. A firm bristle brush should be used and the Belgian Malinois should only be washed when necessary as bathing reduces the water-proofing of the coat.

Exercise:

The Belgian Malinois needs plenty of exercise and most of these dogs love retrieving and playing with a ball. If they have adequate exercise then they will be calm when indoors. The Belgian Malinois makes an excellent guard or defence dog.

History:

The Belgian Malinois was formally recognized as the Belgian Shepherd Dog until 1891. Belgian Sheepdogs were already established as an important part of farm life in the 1700s, in Belgium. In the 1800s a group of breeders in conjunction with a veterinary school in the Brussels area, studied the variations found in these local sheepherders. This resulted in the division of the breed into four varieties - the classification being dependent on their color and coat. The four varieties are named after their area of origin: Groenendael, Tervuren, Laekenois and Malinois. The breed standards are identical except for coat color, texture and length.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Strong, well-proportioned and hardy.

Color: Red, fawn and grey with black overlap.

Coat: Short, straight, hard and weather resistant with a dense undercoat. The hair should be short on the head, ears, and lower legs and somewhat longer around the neck, on the tail and on the backs of the thighs.

Tail: Carried raised with a curve when in action.

Ears: Triangular, erect, and in proportion to the head.

Body: The body is powerful with a deep chest and level topline. The loin is short, broad and strong and blends smoothly into the back. The abdomen is moderately developed and is not tucked up.

Additional Comments:

The Belgian Malinois is one of the varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Classifying the Belgian Shepherds is extremely difficult as national kennel clubs have different ways of naming them. There are four different types of sheepdog in Belgium that are recognized nationally and in many countries all these varieties are classified as a single breed. The varieties include the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and the Tervuren. In the US the Groenendael is the Belgian Shepherd, with the Malinois and Tervuren recognized separately and the Laekenois is not recognized at all.

Malinois is pronounced as ""mal-in-wah"". Of the four varieties of the Belgian Sheepdogs the Belgian Malinois is the least popular after the Laekenois.

The Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as companion dogs while the Laekenois and Malinois are used as guard dogs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/belgian_malinois/

Bergamasco - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 56 - 60 cm (22.5 - 23.5 inches)

Weight: 26 - 38 kg (57 - 83.5 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Demanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Cautious & intelligent

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Bergamese Shepherd, Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, Bergamo Shepherd Dog, Bergamaschi

Temperament:

The Bergamasco is intelligent, independent, brave, calm and friendly. Bergamascos are eager to work and please. They bond very closely with their human family and are reasonably easy to raise and train. Bergamascos make excellent guard dogs and can be very protective of children. They generally get along with other household animals, but it is best if Bergamascos are socialized with pets from puppyhood.

Grooming:

During the first year the coat on a Bergamasco needs to be combed regularly, after this the coat will start to felt-up. If you want to prevent this, then you need to strip bunches of hair (about 3cm) in diameter out by hand. The hair on the head needs to be combed. Baths are recommended for in summer, as it can take over a day for the coat to dry.

Exercise:

Regular walks are recommended, or if there is a large fenced off backyard then Bergamascos will happily take care of their own exercise.

History:

The history of the Bergamasco is rather obscure, but it is likely that these dogs contributed towards the evolvement of Briards, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and Bouvier des Flandres. It is believed that this breed originated from the Bergamo region near Milan. They were used as sheepdogs to guard livestock from wolves.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Rugged, felt-like coat, strong and solid.

Color: Plain grey or speckled grey, plain black or greyish-yellow with fawn markings. White markings are excepted so long as they do not cover more than 20 per cent of the coat.

Coat: Thick under layer with a felt-like outercoat (it takes up to 5 years for it to become fully felt-like) that tends to form into loose mats. Feels greasy to touch and the hair around the head and shoulders does not form into the felt-like texture.

Tail: Hangs low with a slight curve upwards at the end.

Ears: Set high and hanging with slightly rounded tips.

Body: The body is strong and powerfully built and the length is slightly longer than it is tall. The ribs are well-sprung and the back is broad and strong with a level topline. The loin is well-muscled and broad with the croup slightly sloping downwards.

Additional Comments:

The Bergamasco is one of the most recent exports from Italy and has very strong protective instincts.

The Bergamasco is excellent with all children and have been used as Therapy dogs for handicapped children.

The Bergamasco is a friend, never a follower. They do not see their owner as a master but as a friend.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bergamasco/

Belgian Tervuren - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 56 - 66 cm (22 - 26 inches)

Weight: 27.5 - 28.5 kg (61 - 63 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Reserved & attentive

Country of Origin: Belgium

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Belgian Sheepdog, Chien de Berger Belge, Belgian Shepherd

Temperament:

The Belgian Tervuren is intelligent, alert, attentive, watchful, serious and obedient. Female Belgian Tervurens tend to be more outgoing than the males. Belgian Tervurens appear wary, but are not timid or aggressive. They respond best to gentle and calm training and handling. The Belgian Tervuren has strong protective and territorial instincts and needs to be well socialized with a variety of animals and people from puppyhood. They are generally good with children but can be dominant towards other dogs. Belgian Tervurens perform best as sheepdogs or watchdogs, but also make good family companions.

Grooming:

Belgian Tervurens need daily combing and brushing. The hair should be trimmed between the pads of the feet and on the outer ears. Belgian Tervurens are constant light shedders and the bitches shed heavily twice a year and the dogs once a year.

Exercise:

The Belgian Tervuren needs plenty of exercise and most of these dogs love retrieving and playing with a ball. If they have adequate exercise then they will be calm when indoors. Belgian Tervurens do well when competing in obedience training.

History:

The Belgian Tervuren was formally recognized as the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Belgian Sheepdogs were already established as an important part of farm life in the 1700s, in Belgium. In the 1800s a group of breeders in conjunction with a veterinary school in the Brussels area, studied the variations found in these local sheepherders. This resulted in the division of the breed into four varieties - the classification being dependent on their color and coat. The four varieties are named after their area of origin: Groenendael, Tervuren, Laekenois and Malinois. The breed standards are identical except for coat color, texture and length.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Elegant, squarely proportioned and solidly muscled.

Color: Red, fawn and grey with black overlap.

Coat: The outer coat is straight, long, heavy and of medium-length and the under coat is dense.

Tail: Medium length, hanging when at rest with the tip curled slightly backwards. In action the tail is lifted.

Ears: Set high, triangular, rounded at base, stiff and straight.

Body: Long, oblique shoulders, deep and low chest but not too wide. Level, broad, muscular back and a curved stomach from the chest.

Additional Comments:

The Belgian Tervuren is one of the varieties of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Classifying the Belgian Shepherds is extremely difficult as national kennel clubs have different ways of naming them. There are four different types of sheepdog in Belgium that are recognized nationally and in many countries all these varieties are classified as a single breed. The varieties include the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and the Tervueren. In the US the Groenendael is the Belgian Shepherd, with the Malinois and Tervueren recognized separately and the Laekenois is not recognized at all.

The Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as companion dogs while the Laekenois and Malinois are used as guard dogs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/belgian_tervuren/

Belgian Shepherd - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 56 - 66 cm (22 - 26 inches)

Weight: About 28 kg (62 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Reserved

Country of Origin: Belgium

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Belgium Sheepdog, Groenendael, Chien de Berger Belge

Temperament:

The Belgian Shepherd Dog is intelligent, alert, attentive, watchful, serious and obedient. Female Belgian Shepherd Dogs tend to be more outgoing than the males. They appear wary, but are not timid or aggressive. Belgian Shepherd Dogs respond best to gentle and calm training. These dogs have strong protective and territorial instincts and need to be well socialized with a variety of animals and people from puppyhood. They are generally good with children but can be dominant towards other dogs. The Belgian Shepherd Dog performs best as a sheepdog or watch/guard dog, but also makes a good family companion.

Grooming:

Belgian Shepherd Dogs only need periodic grooming to remove the dead hairs during moulting.

Exercise:

Belgian Shepherd Dogs do require plenty of exercise and most of these dogs love retrieving and playing with a ball. If they have adequate exercise then they will be calm when indoors.

History:

Belgian Sheepdogs were already established as an important part of farm life in the 1700s, in Belgium. In the 1800s a group of breeders in conjunction with a veterinary school in the Brussels area, studied the variations found in these local sheepherders. This resulted in the division of the breed into four varieties - the classification being dependent on their color and coat. The four varieties are named after their area of origin: Groenendael, Tervuren, Laekenois and Malinois. The breed standards are identical except for coat color, texture and length.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well proportioned, elegant and hardy.

Color: Black or black with white on designated areas. White is allowed on the chest, between the pads of the feet, on the tips of the hind toes and frosting (white or grey) on the muzzle.

Coat: The outer coat is long, straight and abundant. The texture is of medium harshness and is not silky or wiry. The undercoat is extremely dense and the hair is shorter on the head, outside of the ears and the lower parts of the legs.

Tail: Medium length, hanging when at rest with the tip curled slightly backwards. In action the tail is lifted.

Ears: Set high, triangular, rounded at base, stiff and straight.

Body: Long, oblique shoulders, deep and low chest but not too wide. Level, broad, muscular back and a curved stomach from the chest.

Additional Comments:

Classifying the Belgian Shepherds is extremely difficult as national kennel clubs have different ways of naming them. There are four different types of sheepdog in Belgium that are recognized nationally and in many countries all these varieties are classified as a single breed. The varieties include the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and the Tervuren. In the US the Groenendael is the Belgian Shepherd, with the Malinois and Tervuren recognized separately and the Laekenois is not recognized at all.

Belgian Shepherd Dogs have intelligent minds which can easily lead to mischievious habits, if the owner doesn't keep them occupied and well trained.

Some strains of the Belgian Shepherd Dog can be somewhat timid, so it is important to buy from a reputable breeder.

The Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as companion dogs while the Laekenois and Malinois are used as guard dogs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/belgian_shepherd_dog/

Brittany - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 47 - 50cm (18.5 - 19.5 inches)

Weight: 13 - 15 kg (28.5 - 33 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Relatively easy

Exercise: Essential

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Energetic & busy

Country of Origin: France

AKC Group: Sporting

Other Names: Épagneul Breton, Brittany Spaniel

Temperament:

The Brittany is lively, cheeful, hard-working and intelligent. Brittanys get on well with children and other household pets. They are a very loyal and friendly breed and are often a one-person dog, but they can easily adapt to a family household. The Brittany is popular as a companion dog and as a hunting dog. Brittanys make active and enthusiastic hunters and are extremely popular as they are relatively small in size and can be transported easily.

Grooming:

The coat of a Brittany is easy to maintain with weekly grooming. The ears also need to be checked as this breed can be prone to ear infections.

Exercise:

Exercise and frequent walks are essential for Brittanys.

Feeding:

The Brittany is not expensive to feed, but can be greedy and therefore needs rationing.

History:

The Brittany can be found in tapestries and paintings dating back to the 17th century. It is believed that this breed came from France in the province of Brittany. In the early 1900s in France, these dogs were first exhibited and it wasn't until 1931 that Brittanys made their way to America.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Small, elegant, intelligent expression with the appearance of agility and ruggedness.

Color: White and orange, white and brown, white and black, liver and white, tricolor or roan.

Coat: Fine, dense hair that is either flat or slightly wavy.

Tail: Naturally short. It is usually docked to 10cm.

Ears: Drop ears, set high, slightly rounded and fringed and covered with straight hair.

Body: Square-build, deep chest, rounded ribs, short back and sloping, muscular shoulders.

Additional Comments:

Brittanys suit active owners who want an energetic dog, as they do demand plenty of exercise.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/brittany/

Dog Shows: Only Fun and Crazy People Allowed

Author: Jon Weaver

Who are the people who show dogs? Are they lunatics or fanatics? The dog people have a favorite joke about themselves. They say you don't have to be crazy to enjoy shows, but it certainly helps! This is because they actually go through many hardships and disappointments but still enjoy it and call it fun.

It is one of the fascinating peculiarities of the dog game that the people who are thrown together in the pursuit of this sport are from so many different walks of life: dentists, carpenters, teachers, bankers, housewives, farmers, musicians, engineers, artists, industrialists, young and old, rich and poor. All have the same desire-to take home a blue ribbon.

Perhaps you wonder why they show dogs. I take it you are interested in showing or you wouldn't be reading this article. I warn you, however, that the day may come when you will wonder why you ever decided to go in for something involving so much hard work and heartaches but so much sheer enjoyment!

Well, why do they show dogs? There are many reasons, and here are a few. First, we have the serious dog breeders. They make a promise to theirselves to improve the breed in which they are interested, and they are anxious to compare their dogs with good competition, for it shows them if they are on the right track in their breeding program. This is important. Many dogs look very good at home and only when they are compared with other good dogs can you see if they are better.

Comparison is the material of which dog shows are made. Every dog looks good in the back yard, but how does he look in the ring? To the serious breeders, showing is important for another reason. It gives them a chance to let other breeders and fanciers see what they have accomplished. They may own an excellent specimen of the breed, one which would be very valuable particularly for their ability to sire exceptional puppies, but no one would know about him if he were not shown.

Then we have a group of people who look at the dog shows as a competitive and active sport. The dog game affords plenty of action but is not so strenuous as, let us say, skiing or tennis. As a matter of fact, there are a great many physically handicapped persons who show dogs successfully.

We have another group. A person buys as a pet or receives as a gift a puppy which turns out exceptionally well, and they are advised to show it. They do so, and it makes some nice wins and the dog becomes a Champion. Very frequently this person is ""bitten by the bug,"" and succumbs, and dreams about breeding their own Champion. They stay around and often become an important member of the first group, the serious breeders.

Then we have the person looking for a hobby or perhaps a weekend activity. What better hobby than one which offers you some traveling, some outdoor activity, and a great deal of pleasure and good fellowship while also keeping you fairly active and very much interested? I remember being at an outdoor show rather early one very beautiful Sunday morning talking to Mr. Percy Roberts. Percy was then a top professional handler, one who shows other people's dogs for pay; he is now a well-known professional all-round judge, one who is eligible to judge all breeds of dogs. Percy told me that one of his relatives had chided him earlier that morning for being in a profession which occupied all his weekends. He looked around the beautiful show grounds, at Long Island Sound sparkling in the background and dotted with a few sailboats, at the clear blue sky overhead, and as he lovingly patted his dog he began to laugh, and he said to me, ""And to think I get paid for this!"" Yes, there is much enjoyment to be had in the dog game.

Finally on our list of those who exhibit dogs we have the ""show-off,"" the exhibitionist. If you like to be in the public eye, here is your chance. Go ahead, show a good dog, you'll really enjoy it! But I'll tell you something. One of two things will happen: either you'll fall in love with the sport and become serious about it and a part of it, giving you an interest which will lessen your need of the spotlight; or you'll look elsewhere for that spotlight, for without a genuine love for and interest in dogs and the dog game you can't last, you will become bored, you'll be forced to find a new spotlight.

In whichever category you fell you fit in to, there is a great chance that the sport will pull you in more and more. It takes a special person to be a dog handler, so enjoy the experience!

About the author: FREE information and secrets on how to have the Champion at dog shows -- Plus articles on how to show a dog yourself! It's FREE! Click here: www.DogShowingSecrets.com

Bouvier Des Flanders - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 59 - 68 cm (23 - 27 inches)

Weight: 27 - 40 kg (59 - 88 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Calm & sensible

Country of Origin: Belgium

AKC Group: Herding

Temperament:

The Bouvier Des Flanders is intelligent, active, sociable and calm. Bouvier Des Flanders make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. They are protective and can be wary of strangers. Bouvier Des Flanders get on well with children and tend to be obedient and responsive with proper training. Bouvier Des Flanders are becoming increasingly popular as house companions for those who enjoy a strong dog.

Grooming:

Only periodic brushing is required with occasional trimming. If Bouvier Des Flanders are being shown, then the coat is normally stripped by hand.

Exercise:

The Bouvier Des Flanders needs regular exercise.

History:

Like many of the Belgium farm dogs, the Bouvier Des Flanders was called on to do many jobs, from cattle droving to pulling milk carts. Because the farmers were more interested in the utilitarian purpose of their dogs, little interest was put into developing a distinctive breed type. Due to the efforts of some enthusiasts, uniformity in the breed was established in 1910. During World War 1, Bouvier Des Flanders served as messenger and ambulance dogs for their country, but the war took it's toll on the breed and they almost became extinct. With peace restored, a group of owners resuscitated their Bouviers and through their efforts, the Bouvier Des Flanders was re-established. They are now found in many parts of the world.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, rugged-looking, enthusiastic with a forbidding expression.

Color: Fawn or grey - often brindle or charcoal. A white star on the chest is permissible.

Coat: Rough, crisp and dry. The length is about 6cm (2.5 in) with bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard. The undercoat is a mass of fluffy fine hairs.

Tail: Set high, carried up and docked to about 10cm.

Ears: Set high, very flexible and hanging. Within some countries where cropping is permitted, the ears are triangular and carried erect.

Body: Strong, squarish with a broad back. The shoulders are long, muscular and slightly sloping.

Additional Comments:

Bouvier Des Flanders are solid and stable dogs. That, combined with their size and forbidding expressing, has encouraged several police forces to train them for service.

Despite the stern expression of the Bouvier Des Flanders, they are very amiable dogs unless provoked.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bouvier_des_flanders/

Bull Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: 45 cm (18 inches)

Weight: 33 kg (72 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Boisterous & active

Country of Origin: Great Britain

AKC Group: Terrier

Other Names: English Bull Terrier

Temperament:

The Bull Terrieris stubborn, affectionate, boisterous and cheerful. Some Bull Terriers are keen to fight other dogs with their history as canine fighters. However their relationship with people is friendly, loving and co-operative. Bull Terriers enjoy having physical contact with their owner/family and make excellent watchdogs. These dogs can sometimes be too boisterous for small children and do not like to be pestered and therefore children need to learn to respect these dogs. Because Bull Terriers thrive on companionship they are not fond of being left alone all day and can become destructive if unoccupied for long periods. Bull Terriers need firm training and don't tend to get along with other household pets. These dogs can make wonderful companions if properly trained and socialized from an early age.

Grooming:

The Bull Terrier coat only needs periodic brushing to keep it in good condition.

Exercise:

The Bull Terrier is very active and enjoys exercise. Good exercise for this breed includes walks, running and playing off the lead and running alongside a cycle (once fully grown). Bull Terriers will be calm indoors when they get enough exercise.

History:

Before the 1850s, after crosses between the Bulldog and a terrier type of dog, the breed was known as the Bull and Terrier. They were not attractive with their bowed forelegs and thick blunt heads and came in a variety of colors. Their uses varied from ratting, badger hunting, bull baiting and fighting. In the early 1850s James Hinks developed a white strain, from cross-breeding of the old Bull and Terrier, the old English White Terrier and the Dalmatian. By continuing to breed the whitest and gamest Terriers with each other, he eliminated all color from this particular line. However the parti-colored variety was not lost and today is accepted in the showring.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Egg-shaped head, well proportioned, muscular, strongly built, spirited expression and alert.

Color: White with or without markings over the ear or eye. Parti-colored - preferably brindle/white but black, brindle, red fawn or tricolor are acceptable.

Coat: Short, harsh, flat with a fine gloss and tight skin. A soft textured undercoat may be present during winter.

Tail: Set low, short, carried horizontally and tapering.

Ears: Small, thin, close together, set high and carried erect.

Body: Muscular, short, level back that arches slightly at the loin. Flat and well muscled shoulders and broad chest.

Additional Comments:

There is also a Miniature Bull Terrier which comes from exactly the same lines, except that it is not supposed to be taller than 35.5 cm (14 inches) in height.

The Pit Bull Terrier was also bred for fighting. After deliberate training for illegal dog fighting, this breed had been deemed dangerous and is now banned in many countries.

White Bull Terriers should be checked for deafness when being purchased.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bull_terrier/

My Dog's Secret Life

Author: Jeffrey Hauser

I have had a Shih Tzu named Suzi for nearly eleven years. It began as a gift to my daughter and eventually migrated to my house when she moved out at eighteen, college bound, and settled into her own townhouse. I had the large house with a back yard and, therefore, qualified for instant pet adoption status. Not that it was any different than it had been before. She had whined and cajoled for a dog and promised to take care of it. She was eleven at the time and very responsible, according to her own self-evaluation. So we caved in and bought the puppy. And she was really good about taking care of Suzi for the first few minutes or so until Family Ties came on tv that afternoon. I reluctantly took over the feeding and bathing chores. Luckily, we had the foresight to install a doggy door, which substituted for walks. But I still ended up walking her when the weather was good.

I love most animals and Suzi was no exception. We've definitely bonded as she is now in the December of her life. But Suzi has a secret that I discovered purely by accident one day and I thought I would share it with you. You too, may be a pet owner and could use the inside scoop on what happens while you're gone. That's right, it's not always as it seems when you leave them alone. Let me elaborate.

As the years have passed, Suzi tends to sleep more and more. She doesn't play as much and her eyesight is failing. At least, that's what she wants me to think, the sly fox. I began suspecting the subtle change a few years back. As she began slowing down, I discovered a few other changes in behavior. I began to wonder why she was acting as she was. I started reading pet psychology articles and finally put two and two together. It was conclusive that she was saving up her energy, But for what purpose? To bound over the six-foot high back wall fence and escape to freedom? I doubted that. Or could she be planning a takeover of the neighborhood with the other dogs? I never noticed her communicating with them except for the incessant barking of the mutt next door. No, it had to be something else.

I tried to put it out of my mind as I continued her regular routine, which I'll describe. She would get up around ten in the morning and I would place a dog biscuit on her favorite rug and some dry lamb kibble in her dish. After quickly dispatching each, she leapt outside to take care of her ""business."" Moments later, she would begin a licking procedure that would last about ten minutes. Then it was up on the couch for a nap that lasted until four in the afternoon. It was then she demanded her wet, canned food, and gobbled it up. Another dash outside and she was good until seven-thirty. It was then when she decided it was bedtime and needed an escort to our back bedroom. There she would sleep on the rug by my side until I was ready to sleep. She would then stretch, yawn and claw on my side announcing I should place her at the foot of the bed for the night so we could begin the whole process all over again.

So I started counting her actual waking hours and recognized an interesting fact: she slept a lot. It was that energy-saving facet of her behavior that was driving me crazy. Why did she require all that rest? There had to be an ulterior motive and I would uncover it, and, one day, I did. My wife and I had been gone for the day and I noticed something amiss when we returned.

Sure, Suzi was pretending to be lying on the couch totally comatose, but there was something she hadn't planned. I saw that the pillow that was usually on the couch was now on the floor. Imagine that. And that wasn't all. Her doggy dish had been pushed to one side and her watering bottle was nearly empty. I didn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to detect the implications. My dog was having a party while we were gone. And it was happening more than once.

I saw other signs of excitement around. I saw backyard 'do-do' that didn't even look like hers. She probably had dozens of dogs over to party in our absence. I could picture her propping open the side gate and letting in the brood, Then, they all most likely danced around, being dog-gone wild in our living room, and hence, the askew pillow and such, the sneaky pooch. Then, when she figured we would be returning, whisked the other dogs away and bounded back onto the couch. She had become so adept that her breathing was even shallow by the time we arrived. It was a cute trick and I wondered how she did it.

So now I know what happens when we're gone and I can accept her party ways. I didn't get upset or even let on that I knew what was transpiring. Instead, I allow her the outlet for her pent-up energy knowing that she means no harm. But it's a secret that I surmise is also carried on by millions of other pets around the globe. And it's my civic duty as a bonafide pet-owner to warn everyone else about this behavior. I'm sure you too, have already witnessed similar signs and have questioned your sanity. But, let me assure you, you haven't lost your mind. You simply have a party- animal in the house. But shush, it's a secret.

About the author: Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, ""Pursuit of the Phoenix,"" available at amazon.com. His latest book is, ""Inside the Ye

Borzoi - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 68 - 74 cm (27 - 29 inches). The taller the better.

Weight: 35 - 48 kg (77- 105 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Regular & thorough

Exercise: Moderate

Feeding: Not excessive

Temperament: Gentle, but requires understanding

Country of Origin: Russia

AKC Group: Hound

Other Names: Russian Wolfhound

Temperament:

The Borzoi is dignified, sensitive, courageous and loyal. Borzoi's are reasonably intelligent, but need firm control and training. They are extremely sweet and gentle and are not at all aggressive. Borzois are not fond of strangers and will naturally chase other pets unless socialized with them at a young age. Borzois enjoy resting and are not keen on rough play and therefore are not ideal pets for small children. They do not make good watchdogs and are not barkers. The Borzoi is very loyal to it's family and is more likely to be distant than to follow it's handler/family about.

Grooming:

The coat of a Borzoi requires regular grooming and the excess hair between the pads of the feet needs to be trimmed

Exercise:

Borzoi's enjoy breaking our into a gallop and fully stretching their legs and it's important that they have the opportunity to do this. Having them run alongside a cycle is good way of letting them burn off energy. A Borzoi is likely to run off after any prey it spots, so keeping it on a lead may be necessary.

Feeding:

During the growth stage Borzoi's need a high nutritional diet. They do not have a large appetite and aren't particularly choosy.

History:

The Borzoi evolved from the ancient sighthound family and was established in Russia, where it was known as the Russian Wolfhound. The word 'borzoi' in Russian means swift. It was the duty of these hounds to protect their master from wolves, to hunt and to procure food for them. Borzoi's were usually used in packs and were trained in pairs, so that the two of them would grab the wolf on each side of it's neck, throw the animal to the ground and stand over it until their masters arrived. Cross-breeding to a long legged Russian Collie could have resulted in the longer coat and increased stamina.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Elegant, imposing stature and luxurious coat.

Color: Any color or pattern acceptable.

Coat: Soft, medium-length wavy hair. It is short and smooth on the head, ears and front legs and the frill on the neck is curly. The forelegs and chest are well feathered. The hindquarters and tail have long and profuse feathering. The coat quality depends on maturity and seasonal changes.

Tail: Long, set low, well feathered and carried low.

Ears: Set high and back, small, erect when alert and laid back in repose.

Body: The back rises slightly at the loin to form a wide arch. The belly is well tucked up, long, lean narrow head, long and slightly arched neck and narrow chest.

Additional Comments:

Borzoi's have a relatively long growth period and careful attention needs to be made to their diet and exercise during this time. Their exercise should be more limited while they're growing.

There are some suspicions that certain strains of the Borzoi breed, inherit a less than perfect temperament.

Borzois are capable of becoming dangerous if annoyed, however such behaviors are rare. It is important to buy from a reputable owner.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/borzoi/

Bracco Italiano - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 55 - 67 cm (21.5 - 26.5 inches)

Weight: 25 - 40 kg (55 - 88 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Necessary

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Gentle & sensitive

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Italian Pointer, Italian Setter, Italian Pointing Dog

Temperament:

The Bracco Italiano is intelligent, compliant, gentle and calm. Bracco Italianos do not mature mentally until about two to three years of age. They are very sensitive and gentle-natured in the house and become close friends with children. Bracco Italianos don't tend to cause any difficulties with other dogs or household pets.

Grooming:

The Bracco Italiano's coat is easy to maintain and only needs occasional brushing to remove the dead hairs during moulting. The long, wrinkled ears of the Bracco Italiano can be sensitive and need regular attention to keep the passages clean

Exercise:

Bracco Italianos require regular exercise and need sufficient space/freedom. Ideally they would have a large backyard to roam around in, they are not suitable for a flat or apartment lifestyle. Bracco Italianos enjoy swimming and retrieving and once they are fully grown they can run alongside a cycle.

History:

This unique looking breed came from Piedmont and Lombardy. It is unclear what breeds the Bracco Italiano evolved from, but it is thought that crosses between the Segugio and an ancient Asiatic mastiff resulted in this breed. While others say that the Bracco Italiano descended from the St. Hubert Hound.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Robust and graceful with a serious, sensitive expression.

Color: White, white with orange, amber or brown marks. White flecked with orange or brown. Roan.

Coat: Short, dense and shiny hair.

Tail: Docked and tapering.

Ears: Set well back, hanging and long.

Body: Arched ribs, broad, muscular back with strong, sloping shoulders.

Additional Comments:

Bracco Italianos require gentle training and are very sensitive to the sound of their handlers voice. If training is too tough it has an adverse effect and they will take longer to pick things up.

Owners need to avoid over-taxing Bracco Italianos physically during the early growth stage. For example, limit them going up and down stairs/steps.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bracco_italiano/

Bolognese - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 30 cm (9.5 - 11.5 inches)

Weight: 2.5 - 4 kg (5.5 - 8.5 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Alert & happy

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Bichon Bolognese

Temperament:

The Bolognese is cheerful, intelligent and obedient. Bolognese make very affectionate, happy household companions. They thrive on company, but can be difficult to leave on their own. Bolognese get on well with other dogs and children, but may be more cautious with strangers. Typically the Bolognese is more reserved or shy than its close relation the Bichon Frise. To prevent the Bolognese from being overly timid or shy, it should be well socialized as a puppy with other animals and people.

Grooming:

Daily grooming is required to keep the coat tangle-free, especially on the belly, behind the ears and between the legs. Regular bathing is necessary to maintain a clean white coat. Bolognese do not shed hair and the dead hairs need to be removed by brushing. The ears need to be checked for loose hairs and any dirt/wax build-up. The excess hair between the pads of the feet needs to be trimmed.

Exercise:

Bolognese don't need a great deal of exercise, but they wouldn't turn down a long walk.

History:

The Bolognese got it's name from the northern Italian city of Bologna and descriptions of this breed date back to the 1200 century. These dogs are closely related to the Maltese and Bichon Frise. The Bolognese were originallly bred as companion dogs, but were also used as mousers.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, alert and rough-and-ready.

Color: Always white.

Coat: Consists of a mass of long, erect locks (described as flocks), that covers the entire body, head and all.

Tail: Carried curved over the back and covered in long locks of hair.

Ears: Set high, hanging and of medium length.

Body: Square, compact build and well muscled legs and body.

Additional Comments:

The Bolognese come from the same roots as the Bichon Frise, so it is an intelligent dog. However it's coat looks much rougher than that of a Bichon.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/bolognese/

Border Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: About 25 cm (10 inches)

Weight: 5 - 7 kg (11.5 - 15.5 lb)

Life Span: 16 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Small

Temperament: Friendly & game

Country of Origin: England/Scotland

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

The Border Terrier is intelligent, energetic, strong-willed and active. Border Terriers tend to be quieter and less aggressive than other terriers, but are equally determined. They are more suited for a country environment and do require consistent discipline. Border Terriers get on well with other dogs and children. They should not be kept with small pets such as hamsters or rabbits, but they should get along with a cat if raised with it from puppyhood. Border Terriers have a strong respect for their owners and enjoy being with people.

Grooming:

The coat of a Border Terrier is easy to maintain with occasional brushing to keep it in good condition.

Exercise:

Border Terriers need regular exercise, such as long walks or competing in dog sports such as fly-ball or agility trials. They are adaptable dogs and will accept the level of exercise they are given, however it can destroy their zest for life if the physical activity is too limited.

History:

Border Terriers take their name from the border separating England and Scotland. It was within the Cheviot Hill area where this type of breed was established. The local farmers wanted a dog whose legs were long enough to follow a horse all day but short enough to trail a fox into it's burrow and having a coat dense enough to handle cold wet weather. It is believed that the progenitors of this breed were Dandie Dinmonts, Lakeland and Bedlington Terriers. This mixture would certainly account for the variety of colors found in the Border Terrier.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Cheeky, otter-like, hardy and fit.

Color: Red, wheaten, grizzle/tan and blue/tan.

Coat: Wiry, rough and dense with a thick, close undercoat. The skin is thick.

Tail: Moderately short, tapering, set high, carried gaily, but never curled over the back.

Ears: Small, V-shaped, falling forward close to the cheek.

Body: Narrow, deep and fairly long. Ribs well back, strong loin and straight underline.

Additional Comments:

The Border Terrier is a natural working dog, but easily adapts to family life as a household pet. Making this breed popular as both a worker and a family companion.

Border Terriers enjoy digging and will probably not be an ideal breed for a conscientious gardner.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/border_terrier/

Brussels Griffon - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: About 25 cm (10 inches)

Weight: 2.3 - 5 kg (5 - 11 lb)

Most desirable 2.7 - 4.5 kg (6 - 10 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Lively & alert

Country of Origin: Belgium

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Griffon Bruxellois, Belgian Griffon, Petit Brabancon, Griffon Belge

Temperament:

The Brussels Griffon is bold, active, mischievous and affectionate. Brussels Griffons make great watchdogs and appear fearless. The Brussels Griffon is good with children but more wary with strangers. They get on with other dogs and household pets due to their naturally sociable nature. Brussels Griffons should be straightforward to train as they are eager to learn and have the intelligence for it.

Grooming:

The Brussels Griffon (rough-coated variety) is usually stripped by hand at regular intervals, except for the moustache, beard and other facial hair features. The beard needs regular brushing to keep it clean from food residue. The hairs in the corners of the eye need to be removed to prevent the eye form being irritated.

Exercise:

The Brussels Griffon doesn't demand a great deal of exercise and can adapt to apartment or flat living. But Brussels Griffons do enjoy going for walks in the woods or in the country.

History:

Originally the Brussels Griffon was supposed to keep the stables free of rats. They evolved from the soft coated Belgium street dog and it is believed that they were crossed with the Affenpinschers, a German hairy rat catcher and the smooth coated pug. All these crosses resulted in both smooth and rough coated varieties. The Pugs bloodlines gave the Brussels Griffons shorter muzzles which was detrimental to their rat catching abilities. But as their appearance improved so did their popularity.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Stocky, short and monkey-like.

Color: Black, black/tan, rust, black/rust, tan or clear red.

Coat: Bruxellois - Harsh and wiry. Petit Brabancon - Close and short with no curls. Preferably with an undercoat.

Tail: Commonly docked, set high and carried erect.

Ears: Set high, semi-erect, small and may be cropped within certain countries.

Body: The back is short and level with deep, well-sprung ribs. The loin is short and strong.

Additional Comments:

The Brussels Griffon is the rough-coated variety and the Petit Brabancon is the smooth-coated variety that came later after further cross-breeding. These different types are so similar that they are often categorized under one name.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/brussels_griffon/

Briard - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 58 - 69 cm (23 - 27 inches)

Weight: About 25 kg (55 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Demanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Lively & intelligent

Country of Origin: France

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Berger de Brie

Temperament:

The Briard is intelligent, lively, courageous and happy. Briards have strong guarding and protective instincts. When Briards play, they play rough, but get on well with children. They may not be ideal for toddlers or small children, in case they get knocked over. The Briard is very affectionate and has a natural desire to please. Firm sensible training is much more effective for Briards rather than strict, harsh treatment.

Grooming:

Maintaining a knot-free coat on a Briard can be demanding. Regular grooming with a pin brush that reaches right through to the undercoat is necessary to keep the coat tangle free. The ears need to be kept clean and any excessive hair in the ear canal needs to be removed. The excess hair between the pads on the feet also needs to be trimmed.

Exercise:

Briards need plenty of exercise, such as long walks, swimming or running alongside a cycle.

History:

Tapestries from back in the 8th century have recorded the existence of the Briard. They get their name from the French province in Brie. They are believed to have evolved from either a remote cross between the Beauceron and the ancient Water Spaniel, or with a blending from Italian Sheepdogs. In the days when poachers and wolves were a problem, Briards were invaluable to the local inhabitants. Later Briards were used for herding sheep and cattle and in more recent times, they were used to serve humans in war and assist with police work.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Rugged, well proportioned, very intelligent, muscular and fearless.

Color: All solid colors except white. Dark colors preferred.

Coat: Slightly wavy, long (no less than 7cm), dry, stiff, goat-like and strong.

Tail: Long, carried low, well feathered and curling at the tip.

Ears: Set high, covered with long hair and not too flat against the head. Certain countries allow cropping where they stand erect.

Body: Broad, deep chest, level back and are slightly longer than tall.

Additional Comments:

A distinctive characteristic of the Briard is the double hind dewclaws. They give their feet a very hairy appearance and cause this breed to act rather like a floor brush.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/briard/

Cesky Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 28 - 36 cm (10 - 14 inches)

Weight: 5.5 - 8 kg (12 - 18 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Hardy & sociable

Country of Origin: Czech Republic

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Czech Terrier, Bohemian Terrier, Czesky Terrier

Temperament:

The Cesky Terrier is sporty, calm, patient, brave, loyal, obedient and playful. Cesky Terriers are generally more trainable than other terriers, but still have the typical terrier personality of being feisty, fearless and stubborn. They get along well with other dogs, household pets, children and strangers. Cesky Terriers are adaptable and can live in either a country or urban environment. The Cesky Terrier makes an excellent family companion, while still being an attentive and courageous watchdog.

Grooming:

The Cesky Terrier needs to be trimmed regularly so that the hair is long on the stomach, legs and around the face (moustache, beard and eyebrows). If these dogs are pets then they should be trimmed about four times a year and if they are being shown then grooming is much more frequent. The longer hair on the coat should be brushed or combed several times a week to keep it tangle-free. The excess hair between the pads of the feet needs to be trimmed and any loose hairs in the ear passages should be removed.

Exercise:

The Cesky Terrier has an average demand for exercise and enjoys running and playing in a wooded area or open countryside. Cesky Terriers also enjoy long walks on the lead and make fairly good jogging companions.

History:

The Cesky Terrier was developed by geneticist Dr. Frantisek Horak who was a well-respected breeder of both the Scottish and Sealyham Terriers. He was seeking a hunting breed with short legs for both going to ground and for hunting in the open field. Dr. Horak's cross-breedings of the Scottish and Sealyham Terriers began in 1949 and quickly gave him the results he desired, with the new breed established by 1959. The Cesky Terrier was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Inter-nationale in 1963 and were first imported to the United States in about 1987.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Solid, agile and robust.

Color: Blue-grey or light coffee-brown with or without white markings. (Blue-grey is more common).

Coat: Thick, silky and wavy. The eyes are well covered with overhanging hair and the hair on the throat is somewhat curly.

Tail: Undocked, 18-20cm (7-8 in) in length and is carried horizontally or somewhat lifted when alert.

Ears: Set high, triangular, medium-sized and folding forward close to the head.

Body: The body is of medium length with a straight backline and a slight arch at the loin. The chest is more round than deep and the loins are long and broad. The ribs are well-sprung and the belly is considerably spacious from the last rib to the hind legs, with a moderate tuck-up.

Additional Comments:

Cesky Terriers are always born black and their coat lightens over time, which can sometimes take over two years.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/cesky_terrier/

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Author: Amanda Baker

Many people consider their dog their best friend, and why shouldn't they? Our dogs greet us at the door as though they haven't seen us in years, even if we've only been gone ten minutes. They put up with our moods - good, bad, and in-between - and they tolerate our bad habits. So, it's natural that you'd want to keep your dog around for as long as possible. So, how do you do that?

First and probably most important of all, unless you're planning to breed your dog, you should look into spaying or neutering your pet. Every year, too many unwanted pets and accidental litters have to be put down. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to help control this practice on your end.

The thing that causes your dog the most misery by far is the common flea. If your dog has fleas - you know it! He's miserable - biting and scratching, often to the point of whining in pain. Only a few fleas can flare up into a major allergic reaction. Fleas should be treated right away. There are so many excellent options available for flea treatment - sprays, collars, lotions, ointments, baths, powders - the choice is virtually limitless!

Did you know that dogs are susceptible to about sixty different types of diseases? Twenty of those diseases are transmittable to humans. To help protect your dog (and yourself) against these diseases, make sure your dog is protected by vaccination. These vaccines also have to have boosters. However, discuss the concept of yearly boosters with your veterinarian. Many vets believe yearly boosters are unnecessary and they can actually cause disease.

Routine grooming and daily exercise are a must for any dog. Keeping your dog's skin, coat, teeth, gums, and nails healthy make your dog look its very best, and does wonders for the dog's mental and physical health. Exercise, like a daily walk, will help keep your dog physically fit.

You should include routine checks on your dog, such as examining his hair and skin for dandruff and his mouth and teeth for dental problems and bad breath. Your dog's behavior is also an important thing to check for. If your dog seems out of the ordinary, or you feel the slightest bit worried, your vet is the person to see. Only your vet will be able to give your dog a proper check-up, and calm your fears.

You love your dog. Caring for him properly and ensuring his health is just another way showing him just how much.

About the author: Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com/pets

Catahoula Leopard - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 51 - 66 cm (20 - 26 inches)

Weight: 18 - 23 kg (40 - 50 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Dominating & independent

Country of Origin: United States

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hog Dog, Catahoula Cur

Temperament:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is independent, protective, dominating, territorial, intelligent, energetic and loyal. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are a versatile working breed that are naturally protective of their family and property. They are extemely loyal towards their family and get along well with children, provided they have been socialized with them from an early age. These dogs are reserved with strangers including unfamiliar children and can be aggressive towards other dogs if they perceive them to be a threat. Catahoula Leopards are intelligent and have a high learning rate, but their naturally assertive nature means they need a firm handler who can dominate when training this breed. Catahoula Leopard Dogs need to be kept occupied and would ideally live on a farm or in the country where they can fulfill their role as a working dog.

Grooming:

Catahoula Leopard Dogs only need minimal grooming with their short coats. They are constant shedders and should be brushed periodically to remove the loose hairs. Their teeth need to be kept clean and the nails trimmed short.

Exercise:

These dogs are very energetic and should have daily exercise, whether running freely in a fenced-off backyard or going for a walk or run. Catahoula Leopard Dogs can be very physical when playing and should be trained at a young age to control their play, especially around children.

History:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is believed to have descended from war dogs that were brought to the United States by the Spaniards and from dogs belonging to Native Americans. The state of Louisiana was where this breed originated (particularly in the Catahoula area) and the Catahoula Leopard Dog was designated the state dog of Louisiana in 1979. These dogs were used to round up hogs and cattle and tended to work in teams of three. Unless the Catahoula Leopard Dogs worked in a co-ordinated team the hogs could easily kill the dogs in under 10 minutes.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well-muscled, agile and alert.

Color: Merle, blue leopard, red leopard, black, red, yellow, and brindle. Tan and/or white trim may be present. There are endless varieties of coat colors and patterns.

Coat: Single coat, flat, close and short to medium in length. The texture can either be smooth or coarse.

Tail: Tapering and should reach to the hock. It is carried down when at rest and may be carried upright with the tip curving forward when active.

Ears: Drop ears, short to medium in length and folded foward in a triangular shape.

Body: The body is just slightly longer than tall and the back is level, broad and well-muscled. The ribs are well-sprung and extend well back and the deep chest reaches at least to the elbows. The loin is short, strong and slightly arched and the croup is medium to long in length.

Additional Comments:

Because of the name ""Catahoula Leopard Dog"", many people assume that all Catahoulas have the so-called ""leopard"" markings and blue eyes. But actually, the breed is known for its many and unusual coat colors and patterns, as well as varied eye color.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/catahoula_leopard_dog/

Canaan Dog - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 51 - 61 cm (20 - 24 inches)

Weight: 18 - 25 kg (39.5 - 55 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Alert and distrustful of strangers

Country of Origin: Israel

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Kelef K'naani

Temperament:

The Canaan Dog is intelligent, alert, protective and independent. Canaans are wary of strangers with their natural guarding instincts and become very protective of their owner or family. Canaans should be socialized with other dogs, animals and people early on, to prevent them being aggressive or dominant towards other living things that they perceive to be a threat. The high intelligence of Canaan Dogs makes them easy to train and they are very versatile dogs. Canaan Dogs tend to be one-person or family dogs and can make docile and loyal pets if properly trained rom puppyhood.

Grooming:

The coat of the Canaan is easy to maintain with a quick regular brush to remove the loose hairs. Canaan Dogs shed heavily and will need more frequent grooming during these periods. A bonus with this breed is that they are typically odourless.

Exercise:

Daily exercise is necessary for Canaans and they enjoy freedom and having opportunities to run off the lead. They should be calm when indoors if they receive adequate exercise.

History:

The Canaan Dog has lived in the Middle East for centuries and was originally used by the Bedouins for both herding and guarding in the Negev desert. In the 1930s Dr Rudolphina Menzel began a selective breeding programme in Jerusalem, using the semi-wild Pariah dogs, which resulted in the versatile Canann breed that we know today. The Canaan Dogs were also used as messenger by the Israeli army.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Squarely-built, robust and eager.

Color: Sand, white, gold, black, cream, brown/red or white/red.

Coat: Straight, harsh, thick and can be short to medium length.

Tail: Set high, bushy and should curl over the back.

Ears: Set low, large, erect and slightly rounded at the tips.

Body: The body is strong and appears square in shape. The chest with square withers.

Additional Comments:

The Canaan Dog is a reasonably recent export from the Middle East and is new to western civilization.

Canaan Dogs can often retain natural wildness and defensive instincts and benefits greatly from early socialization with a variety of animals, people and situations.

Canaan Dogs have been used as guide dogs for the blind and as search and rescue dogs in Israel.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/canaan_dog/

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 30 cm (12 inches)

Weight: 10 - 12.5 kg (22 - 28 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Alert & steady

Country of Origin: Wales

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Temperament:

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is intelligent, alert and active. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are more reserved and placid than the Pembroke variety. These dogs are generally problem-free to raise and are quick to understand and train. Cardigan Welsh Corgis usually get along well with children but are not so accepting of other dogs. It is important that they are socialized with cats and other animals early to avoid difficulties once they are fully grown. These hardy, small dogs bond closely with their family and handler and have a good sense of humour.

Grooming:

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are undemanding when it comes to grooming. An occasional brush to remove dead hairs is sufficient to keep the coat looking healthy.

Exercise:

Cardigan Welsh Corgis love being outdoors and need an average amount of exercise. They need to be taken for long, regular walks and are suitable dogs for sporting activities, such as fly-ball and agility trials.

History:

It's believed that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was brought to Wales by the Celts and has possibly evolved from cross-breeding with the Basset Hound and/or a Dachshund type of dog. The Corgis were highly valued as members of the family, guardians of the children and for working with stock in the fields, which they controlled by nipping at their heels.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Long, short-legged, strong and alert.

Color: Any color is accepted, provided that the white areas do not exceed more than 30% of the body.

Coat: Weather resistant, dense, straight and of medium length.

Tail: Bushy, almost reaching the ground and carried low.

Ears: Set high, large and erect.

Body: The body is long compared to the height with a moderately broad chest. The ribs are well-sprung and the topline is level.

Additional Comments:

Cardigan Welsh Corgis have been used for avalanche search and rescue dogs.

The Welsh Corgi comes in two varieties (1) The Cardigan, and (2) The Pembroke.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/welsh_corgi_cardigan/

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 35- 37 cm (14 - 15 inches)

Weight: 5.4- 8.2 kg (12 - 18 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Friendly & easy-going

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Cavalier

Temperament:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is happy, active, placid, affectionate and easy-going. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular family pet, as they get on well with children, strangers and other dogs. They love to please people and make good watchdogs as they can be quite fearless. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easy to train and they can be very obedient.

Grooming:

The coat of the Cavalier King Charels Spaniel needs to be combed regularly, especially around the areas that tangle more easily such as the chest, ears and between the legs. The ears also need to be checked for excessive hair and dirt.

Exercise:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt themselves to the daily family activities, which provides them with some exercise. But Cavaliers are built on athletic lines and do enjoy their exercise.

Feeding:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have hearty appetites and with their placid, friendly nature they often induce people to feed them titbits that encourage obesity.

History:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has similar origins in Britain to that of the King Charles Spaniel. They date back to the times of Tudor and Stuart from the 16th century and their popularity wasn't really established until the mid 17th century by Charles II, who was rarely seen without one at his heels. At about the same time this breed was also popular with the aristocracy in Holland and Spain, where many artists included them in their paintings. In the early 19th century, the English breeders selectively bred for shorter muzzles and produced a dog with a flat face profile. In 1926 an American who disapproved of the flattened muzzle, offered prize money at the following five annual Crufts Shows in London, for the best specimen of the earlier type with a longer muzzle. This resuscitated the original Cavalier breed, which is the type that we know today.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Charming, gentle and well-balanced body.

Color: Black/tan, Ruby, Blenheim (red and white) and tricolor.

Coat: Long, silky and plenty of feathering. Wavy coats are permissible but not curly coats.

Tail: Docking is optional and it is rarely carried above the level of the back.

Ears: Long, hanging and feathered.

Body: Strong back with a level topline and well-angulated hindquarters.

Additional Comments:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a true favourite for a family pet, with their charm for both the elderly and the young.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/cavalier_king_charles_spaniel /