Tuesday 13 July 2010

Deerhound Profile

Other Names: Scottish Deerhound, Royal Dog of Scotland

Country of origin: Great Britain

Dog Group Kennel Club: Hound

General appearance:

These large sized, shaggy coated sighthounds have a very athletic appearance. They are often described as resembling a shaggy coated greyhound. Coats on the Scottish Deerhound should be harsh and wiry. Ragged coated, crisp and thick, hair should lie closely to the body of said dog giving him a shaggy and unkempt appearance. The Scottish Deerhound is a large dog, both heavy and tall. They have a rather long neck, and their heads look rather small in comparison to the body. Deerhounds have long tails, almost reaching the ground. They have dark eyes and a dark nose, and come in colors of dark blue gray, lighter gray, brindle, yellow and fawn. Sometimes they have white on the feet, toes, chest or tail tip. Scottish Deerhounds are a royal breed of majestic looks and noble personality.

Colours: Dark blue gray and lighter grays; brindles and yellow; sandy red or red fawn with black points. They often have white on the toes, chest, and tail tip.

Size:

Bitch 71cm (28") 76cm (30")

Dog 76cm (30") 82cm (32")

Weight:

Bitch 36.5kg (80lbs) 45.5kg (100lbs)

Dog 45.5kg (100lbs) 55kg (121lbs)

Temperament:

The Scottish Deerhound is a large breed that does exceptionally well with other animals and even small children. Tolerable and quiet, this breed makes an excellent child's companion. Socialization as a pup is required for any breed however. Does not do well with smaller animals. This breed can have a lot of energy, but is not over-excited. They are faithful, quiet and dignified. Scottish Deerhounds are good-natured.

Movement: Easy, active and true, with a long stride.

Care and training:

The Wiry coat of the Scottish Deerhound should be brushed occasionally to keep shedding to a minimum. Generally an average shedding breed. Dead hairs should be plucked by professional groomer, as well as trimming.

The Deerhound is an intelligent dog that will learn quickly what is wanted and expected of it. They are obedient and eager to please and will acknowledge gentle and calm commands. It is recommended that obedience classes be started as a pup to prevent later issues.

Overall Exercise: 40 - 60 minutes per day.
As puppies the Deerhound should be restricted in its activities. They do require lots of exercise and need to be fed an adequate diet as a result. They love to run free and several short walks each day are not enough for this athletic hound.

Feeding requirements: Diet should be monitored as this dog grows rapidly as a puppy. The breeder will be able to advise on the correct diet in the correct amounts. It is recommended that the adult dog is feed twice daily, rather than one large meal once a day. They also need an adequate diet as they have high activity levels.

Exercise: Med

Grooming: Med

Noise: Low

Personal Protection: Low

Suitability As Guard Dog: Low

Level of Aggression: Low

Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium

Suitablity for Children: High

Often docked? No

Average litter: 8 - 9

Life expectancy (yrs): 8 - 11

Health issues: Allergies, sensitivity to anesthesia, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, bursa and gastric torsion (bloat). Bloat is a common health problem in dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs second to cancer.

History: Scottish Deerhounds may have arrived in Scotland over 3000 years ago with the Phoenician traders. Some believe they are closely related to the Irish Wolfhound. There is a statue called the Hilton of Cadboll from the 8th century that depicts two hounds attacking a deer. During this time there were reports in literature about "highland Greyhounds" with long, course hair. Large Greyhounds of the time are thought to have been crossed with a shaggier native breed to create what is the Scottish Deerhound today.The Scottish Deerhound is featured in the writings of novelist Sir Walter Scott who had a female Deerhound named "Maida", whom he called "the most perfect creature of heaven." When his hound died, he buried her under a sculpture that read, "Beneath the sculptured form which late your wore, Sleep soundly, Maida, at your Master's door." They became a favorite among the Scottish Highlanders who used them to hunt wild deer in the glens. During medieval times, there were laws passed that would not allow anyone below the rank of Earl to own a Scottish Deerhound. This could have been to ensure that there were enough deer for the noblemen to hunt with, but it created a method of not over- breeding the Deerhound.

Deerhound Profile

Other Names: Scottish Deerhound, Royal Dog of Scotland

Country of origin: Great Britain

Dog Group Kennel Club: Hound

General appearance:

These large sized, shaggy coated sighthounds have a very athletic appearance. They are often described as resembling a shaggy coated greyhound. Coats on the Scottish Deerhound should be harsh and wiry. Ragged coated, crisp and thick, hair should lie closely to the body of said dog giving him a shaggy and unkempt appearance. The Scottish Deerhound is a large dog, both heavy and tall. They have a rather long neck, and their heads look rather small in comparison to the body. Deerhounds have long tails, almost reaching the ground. They have dark eyes and a dark nose, and come in colors of dark blue gray, lighter gray, brindle, yellow and fawn. Sometimes they have white on the feet, toes, chest or tail tip. Scottish Deerhounds are a royal breed of majestic looks and noble personality.

Colours: Dark blue gray and lighter grays; brindles and yellow; sandy red or red fawn with black points. They often have white on the toes, chest, and tail tip.

Size:

Bitch 71cm (28") 76cm (30")

Dog 76cm (30") 82cm (32")

Weight:

Bitch 36.5kg (80lbs) 45.5kg (100lbs)

Dog 45.5kg (100lbs) 55kg (121lbs)

Temperament:

The Scottish Deerhound is a large breed that does exceptionally well with other animals and even small children. Tolerable and quiet, this breed makes an excellent child's companion. Socialization as a pup is required for any breed however. Does not do well with smaller animals. This breed can have a lot of energy, but is not over-excited. They are faithful, quiet and dignified. Scottish Deerhounds are good-natured.

Movement: Easy, active and true, with a long stride.

Care and training:

The Wiry coat of the Scottish Deerhound should be brushed occasionally to keep shedding to a minimum. Generally an average shedding breed. Dead hairs should be plucked by professional groomer, as well as trimming.

The Deerhound is an intelligent dog that will learn quickly what is wanted and expected of it. They are obedient and eager to please and will acknowledge gentle and calm commands. It is recommended that obedience classes be started as a pup to prevent later issues.

Overall Exercise: 40 - 60 minutes per day.
As puppies the Deerhound should be restricted in its activities. They do require lots of exercise and need to be fed an adequate diet as a result. They love to run free and several short walks each day are not enough for this athletic hound.

Feeding requirements: Diet should be monitored as this dog grows rapidly as a puppy. The breeder will be able to advise on the correct diet in the correct amounts. It is recommended that the adult dog is feed twice daily, rather than one large meal once a day. They also need an adequate diet as they have high activity levels.

Exercise: Med

Grooming: Med

Noise: Low

Personal Protection: Low

Suitability As Guard Dog: Low

Level of Aggression: Low

Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium

Suitablity for Children: High

Often docked? No

Average litter: 8 - 9

Life expectancy (yrs): 8 - 11

Health issues: Allergies, sensitivity to anesthesia, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, bursa and gastric torsion (bloat). Bloat is a common health problem in dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs second to cancer.

History: Scottish Deerhounds may have arrived in Scotland over 3000 years ago with the Phoenician traders. Some believe they are closely related to the Irish Wolfhound. There is a statue called the Hilton of Cadboll from the 8th century that depicts two hounds attacking a deer. During this time there were reports in literature about "highland Greyhounds" with long, course hair. Large Greyhounds of the time are thought to have been crossed with a shaggier native breed to create what is the Scottish Deerhound today.The Scottish Deerhound is featured in the writings of novelist Sir Walter Scott who had a female Deerhound named "Maida", whom he called "the most perfect creature of heaven." When his hound died, he buried her under a sculpture that read, "Beneath the sculptured form which late your wore, Sleep soundly, Maida, at your Master's door." They became a favorite among the Scottish Highlanders who used them to hunt wild deer in the glens. During medieval times, there were laws passed that would not allow anyone below the rank of Earl to own a Scottish Deerhound. This could have been to ensure that there were enough deer for the noblemen to hunt with, but it created a method of not over- breeding the Deerhound.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

English Bulldog 101


Over the past few years, the English Bulldog dog breed has increased in popularity and become one of the most favored dog breeds across America. The English Bulldog is a breed that is confident, gentle, devoted and stubborn all wrapped up into one small package. This dog breed needs a stern handler to take the role of “top dog” because they tend to be stubborn and set in their ways.

The English Bulldog is a stocky dog breed that gets its earlier roots from the Bull Mastiff dog breed. They are widely available in reds, brindle and uniform. This breed has a muzzle shape like no other dog breed. The English Bulldog muzzle has a protruding lower jaw which was specifically bred into these dogs to allow the dog to breath while hanging on to the snout of a bull.

The English Bulldog has been featured in many films, commercials and even spoken of in the famous King Henry VI by Shakespeare. Much later on in 1934, the English Bulldog became one of the recognized dog breeds of the American Kennel Club. This dog breed is recognized in the non-sporting group, but they remain one of the most popular dogs in both the show ring and in households throughout the United States.

The official dog breed profile for the English Bulldog states that the English Bulldog must have a short and smooth coat. This dog breed should stand between 12-14 inches high and weigh between 50-55 pounds. The English Bulldog dog breed does have some health conditions that should be considered before you purchase one.

Among them are an inability to control their inner temperature. These dogs can not be left in the elements of nature as they will over heat in the warmer weather and can freeze in the colder weather. This dog breed should be primarily an indoor dog to protect them from the elements. When an English Bulldog does become heated and sweaty it is important that you take extra measures to ensure their folds around their body are powdered and kept dry. As bacteria can grow and the dog will start to have a foul odor omitting from them.

The English Bulldog does have a snoring issue that you will have to deal with. They often snore or snort while awake and sleeping. This can sometimes sound like the English Bulldog is growling, but generally they are not. Another downfall with this dog breed is their tendency to drool. Typically, this is not problematic for most owners, but it is something that is worth mentioning to make potential owners aware.

If you are looking for a dog breed that is going to do great in obedience, the English Bulldog is not the dog breed for you. They tend to only do what they want to do and nothing more. It is also important that you do not over feed an English Bulldog because their lack of enthusiasm for exercise could lead to an obese dog in a short period of time.

Thursday 8 April 2010

The Beagle: More Than a Hunting Companion


The Beagle dog breed is very well known for their ability to be the perfect hunting companion. However, not nearly as many people know how great of a family pet the Beagle can be. This dog breed is one of the most loving and affectionate that you will find, which is probably why the Beagle has begun to grown in popularity over the past several years.

According to the Beagle dog breed profile, the Beagle is an affectionate, loving, intelligent and sociable dog. The Beagle is a dog breed that loves to be with people and gets along great with other dogs. If you have other animals in your home, it is wise for you to socialize a Beagle at an early age to get them used to the other animals.

The Beagle is a dog breed that does require basic training and a firm, consistent owner. It is important that you have patience with your Beagle, as they do want to please their owner but they can become stuck in their ways and forget they are the pet and not the owner. It is also vital that you establish yourself as the “top dog” with your Beagle or you will find you are fighting a losing battle.

The Beagle also requires mental and physical stimulation. Daily walks for exploration is vital to having a happy Beagle. You will find, walking your Beagle can be an adventure for the both of you. As your dog begins to track a scent and show you just how smart he/she really is. Make sure you do not allow your Beagle to run off of the leash in an unfenced area, as your dog just might find a scent and wonder off. Even the very best behaved Beagles have been known for turning their ears off when they turn their noses on! When they are on a scent trail, they don’t seem to hear their owners beckoning to them to come back.

Unfortunately, the Beagle dog breed does have some behavioral issues that must be mentioned. However, for the most part, these issues can be avoided with proper training and stimulation. Typically, the most common behavior issues are barking/howling, guarding their toys etc, biting, destruction and anxiety. To avoid these behaviors you should make sure you are stimulating a Beagle enough through walks and play. Having a full understanding of the needs for a Beagle is important to avoid unwanted behaviors.

Bringing a Beagle into your life is a commitment that will range from 12-15 years. They have a fairly long life expectancy as long as they are cared for appropriately. They require minimal grooming, baths as needed, nails trimmed as needed and brushing with a firm bristle brush. Keep in mind, the Beagle is recognized in the Hound group, so if you bring your pup swimming you might need to bathe a little more frequently. A healthy Beagle weighs between 20-25 pounds and is between 13-16 inches tall.

Thursday 1 April 2010

The German Shepherd: More Than Just an Average Dog


One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States is the German Shepherd. There are several reasons why this dog breed is so popular among families and business owners. The German Shepherd dog breed is a breed all its own, with dedication, loyalty and an upbeat personality, this dog breed will make you fall in love.

The German Shepherd dog breed profiles all boast about its energy and intelligence. This is a dog breed that does require regular human interaction and a lot of exercise. On average, you can expect to exercise a German Shepherd for at least two hours a day in order to maintain ideal health of the dog. However, shorter spurts of exercise is recommended for a German Shepherd puppy until it reaches a stage where its bones are stronger.

The dog breed profile explains how great the German Shepherd is as a family dog. They have a dedication and devotion to companionship that is unmatchable among the other large dog breeds. They have the ability to be great with children, adults and other animals with the proper socialization at an early age.

According to the German Shepherd dog breed profile, the German Shepherd is above average with its intelligence and has been labeled one of the best all around dog breeds. A German Shepherd can do well living in almost any home. This particular dog breed can live in an apartment or a larger home without any issues.

According to the dog breed information that is available, the German Shepherd requires a lot of exercise and regular grooming. They tend to shed a lot throughout the year and even more when the winter is coming to an end. On average, a German Shepherd should be brushed daily and the nails need to be trimmed regularly, as needed. Under normal circumstances a German Shepherd should be bathed ever 2 to 3 months to minimize the dander and keep the dog clean from debris.

To determine if a German Shepherd is the right dog breed for you, you need to ask yourself a few questions. The first, and most important is “Do I have the time available to devote about 2-3 hours a day with the dog?” If you can not devote yourself to a dog, and are looking for a dog that can entertain itself from the very first day you get it, the German Shepherd is not the breed for you. Socialization, exercise and attention are essential for a happy German Shepherd.

According to the readily available dog breed information, German Shepherds are prone to having joint and bone issues as they age. However, it is possible to treat these heath conditions and maintain a happy and healthy German Shepherd for several years. A few of the most common health conditions with the German Shepherd dog breed are : hip dysplasia, cancer, stomach related issues and skin conditions. But, if you properly care for a German Shepherd you can likely keep any health issues at bay.

Friday 26 March 2010

The Labrador Retriever: What Makes Them a Special Dog Breed


If you are looking for a dog that is going to neatly fit into your family, a Labrador Retriever just might be the perfect pet for you. This is a dog breed that seems to love everyone and everything. This dog breed is perfect for families that are active, as they enjoy walking, running and playing.

When you begin to research the various breeds of dogs, you will find in the dog breed profile for the Labrador Retriever that this dog breed is loyal. The overall temperament of a Labrador Retriever is loving, devoted, faithful, energetic and often referred to as a puppy throughout their lives. This dog breed is exceptional at swimming and most outdoor activities.

As you will find in the dog breed profile, Labrador Retrievers are excellent at agility and many enjoy hunting with their owners. This dog breed is one that is alert and aware of its surroundings at all times. However, they do not make good watch dogs as they are too friendly and desire attention, unfortunately, this affection can come from a stranger.

If you are seeking to bring a new dog into your home, and a Labrador Retriever is the dog breed you are leaning towards, you need to keep in mind the demands of having an energetic dog. You will need to make sure your Lab gets plenty of daily exercise, as they can and will become lazy and overweight without exercise.

As with any dog breed it is important that the Labrador Retriever is socialized early on with other animals, people and situations. Begin your training as soon as you bring your Labrador Retriever home. It is imperative that you teach this dog breed the rules in your home. They can be chewers and love to carry items in their mouth. Provide acceptable items for your Labrador Retriever to chew on and play with. If you don’t you might find that your loving puppy has decided to hide one of your favorite sneakers out in the yard somewhere.

There are some health issues that are common in older Labrador Retrievers. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common concerns in elderly Labs. However, this is not a health related issue that is only common with this dog breed. Many of the larger dog breeds are predisposed to joint related issues as they age.

The overall grooming needs of a Labrador Retriever are not overwhelming. You will need to brush a Labrador Retriever on a weekly basis to promote a healthy and shiny coat. Nails will need to be clipped as needed. The nails will need to be clipped more frequently on a dog that is not well exercised as they are unable to wear their nails down naturally. Bathing will vary depending on the typical activities of the dog. If your Labrador Retriever swims often and plays in the mud you will need to bathe him more often than a dog that does not partake in those activities.

The American Pit Bull Terrier: A Bad Reputation For a Great Dog Breed


The American Pit Bull Terrier has one of the worse reputations among all of the dog breeds in America. Sadly, these dogs do not deserve the reputation of being an aggressive dog that attacks when unprovoked. This is one of the few larger dog breeds that are completely devoted to their owners regardless of circumstances.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is strong, powerful and agile dog breed. With proper training a Pit Bull can be a great family pet, guard dog and lifelong companion. Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a bad dog, there are simply bad owners. The Pit Bull is a dog that loves to please its owner and will do everything that is expected of him or her. Unfortunately, that includes harming another animal if that is what the dog believes the owner wants it to do.

The American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed is an extremely muscular breed that also has the power to stand behind. They have a short coat that does require minimal grooming. Pit Bulls have been known for their inability to act like a dog of their size. Many American Pit Bull Terriers prefer to be considered a lap dog. They are very friendly and tolerable of situations, as long as they know what is expected of them.

The American Pit Bull dog breed is a breed of stamina that requires supervision, structure and consistency with rules. If you leave a Pit Bull unattended too much you might come home to a home that has been chewed out of mere boredom. Stimulation and guidance is key to keeping a Pit Bull happy. Otherwise, they will do what they can to find the stimulation they desire.

You will also find that the Pit Bull is a dog breed that is eager to please its master. They are very obedient and fast learners. However, they can be stubborn at times if allowed to be. It is important that you exercise a Pit Bull often and consistently. Otherwise this breed can become overweight and less active. They need to keep working their muscles to maintain their muscular stance. This can be going for a run with you in the park or catching the ball in your back yard.

This dog breed is one of the few that make great family pets as well. Not all dogs of this size are good with children, but the Pit Bull has proven time and again to be quite fond of children of all ages. It is important that both the child and the dog understand what is expected of each other while with the other. Teach your child to be nice to the dog and the dog to be nice to the child. In most cases, when a dog bites a child it is only doing it in defense of itself. After all, the dog can’t run to the owner and tattle tale like the child can.