Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is distinguished by its longer nose and heavier build from the King Charles Spaniel. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has beautiful large dark eyes. A loving dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is good natured and fond of children He will make a good companion for the young and old alike. A fearless, lively little dog with a cheerful disposition, he is sociable with both people and other dogs.

Size of Male: Height: 12-13 inches Weight: 13-18 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 12-13 inches Weight: 13-18 pounds

Temperament

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are lively, outgoing and sporty. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are inclined to please their owners. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier’s love people and need lots of companionship to be happy. They should not be left alone all day. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! They do best with older considerate children and some can be reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience.

Living Conditions

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is good for apartment life. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not do well in very warm conditions. If you do not have a yard however, do bring your dog out for a walk and socialization especially for the earlier stages of its life.

Upkeep

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs a fair amount of exercise every day, either in the form of a moderate walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a breed that should live outdoors. The long coat of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs brushing every other day, to prevent matting which could pose a problem in the future

Health

Major concerns: Syringomelia, Mitral Valve Disease, Hip Dysplasia

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, Ears infection

Life expectancy: 9 – 14 years 

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not as popular as his cousin the Pembroke Welsh Corgi yet he makes an excellent pet who is loyal, affectionate and good with children. Cardigan Welsh Corgi is intelligent and easy to train but needs a firm hand when it comes to nipping. Wary of strangers and possessive of his owner’s property Cardigan Welsh Corgi makes a good watch dog.

Size of Male: Height: 10.5-12.5 inches Weight: 30-38 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10.5-12.5 inches Weight: 25-34 pounds

Temperament

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent, obedient, protective and robust. Cardigan Welsh Corgi are steady, loyal and loving, but wary of strangers. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dog that is willing to please. Some Corgi’s are extremely active and devoted little dogs, and are usually good with considerate children. They make fine guards, and excellent show and obedience dogs. Cardigans are less sociable and more territorial than Pembroke’s. Good with other non-canine animals and with other Corgis, but can be combative with other dogs. Several of these brave dogs have lost their lives defending their homes, as they were too small for the situation. They sometimes attempt to herd people by nipping at their heels, although they can be trained not to do this. The Cardigan is a good alarm barker and some tend to bark a lot. Males can be aggressive with other males, particularly if a bitch in heat is in the vicinity.

Living Conditions

Cardigan Welsh Corgi are good for apartment life. Cardigan Welsh Corgi is very active indoors, and will do okay without a yard. But do make sure you bring it out for socialization when it is young and every once in a while and bringing it out for exercise daily is also a good idea as well.

Upkeep

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi needs a surprising amount of exercise for its size. The needs of Cardigan Welsh Corgi can best be met with a herding session, but a moderate walk or vigorous play session will also suffice. Cardigan Welsh Corgi can live outside in temperate to cool weather, but it is a very good house dog and best when it is allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat needs brushing once a week to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Intervetebral Disc disease, Von willebrand disease

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years 

Canaan Dog

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Canaan Dog is a medium-size, robustly made, Spitz-type dog. Canaan Dogs have been indigenous to the region encompassed by modern Israel for centuries. The Canaan Dog is reserved with strangers but makes a good companion dog that is loyal and affectionate to his family. Soft and eager to please, The Canaan dog also need to know the rules of the house or they might become manipulative. He has been used as a guide dog for the blind and as a search and rescue dog.

Size of Male: Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 35-50 pounds

Temperament

Not only does the Canaan Dog excel as a herder, but it has also proven itself in a variety of tasks involving dependability and obedience. Canaan Dogs are very intelligent and independent and can do exceptionally well in obedience. Canaan Dog responds best to positive, motivational training, but tend to get bored with overly repetitive training. Outstanding at agility, tracking and other pursuits where he is expected to think independently, yet will work as a team with its handler. Many dogs display herding instincts and compete in herding trials. The Canaan Dog is gentle, devoted and docile, but also lively, alert and protective. It is a natural guard dog as well as an excellent watchdog that tend to bark a lot. May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex. The Canaan Dog tends to be a one-person dog or one family dog. They are very defensive of their territory. The Canaan Dog should be well socialized when young with both dogs and people, especially with children, as the breed tends to be naturally wary of strangers, though he is very friendly with those he knows.

Living Conditions

The Canaan Dog will do ok in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. Canaan Dogs are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The dense undercoat of Canaan Dog protects it from extreme temperatures, whether it be hot or cold – so it can live outdoors, bus a wonderful housedog.

Upkeep

Few breeds can claim as pure a working heritage as the Canaan Dog. Canaan Dog will not be happy just sitting around. Canaan Dog needs lots of exercise and mental and physical challenges. These needs can be met with herding exercise, a long jog, or a strenuous game session along with a challenging training session. It can live outdoors in warm to cool climates, but it also makes an excellent house dog. Its coat needs brushing about once a week to remove dead hairs.

Health

Major concerns: Epilepsy, Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, Hypothyroidism, Osteochondritis dissecans

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Cairn Terrier

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The vivacious little Cairn Terrier is an active, hardy, small working terrier. The Cairn Terrier is able to prove his worth as a dispeller of vermin. Cairn Terrier are free in movement, strong, but not heavily built. His head is shorter and wider than any other terriers and well furnished with hair giving a general foxy expression. He is a wonderful family dog, but will always remember his ancestry as a “sporting terrier”. He makes a very active, inquisitive and “ready to go” dog. He is a great dog for the house and is very good with children. Energetic and always on the watch, he will alert you to the presence of strangers by growling.

Size of Male: Height: about 10 inches Weight: about 14 pounds

Size of Female: Height: about 9.5 inches Weight: about 13 pounds

Temperament

The Cairn Terrier is a spirited, hardy, restless little busybody – a big dog in a small dog’s body. Cairn Terriers are alert, loyal, merry, lovable and mischievous. Cairn Terriers are also somewhat independent, but friendly. Females tend to be more independent than males and some breeders feel that males are more affectionate. They are very curious, fearless and bold. They are easily trained and like to do tricks. The Cairn Terriers are naturally patient with children and very playful. Cairn terriers adapt well to their new homes. They are sensitive, and need firm, but not harsh, training and discipline. Without attention and training, the Cairn terriers can become destructive and/or bark excessively. The Cairn Terrier like to dig in search for vermin, so it is not wise to leave them unsupervised in a landscaped yard! This breed can be a chaser and should not be let off its lead in an unsecured area. Never leave a Cairn terrier tied out of your house, as he may fight larger dogs to protect his turf, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Living Conditions

The Cairn Terrier will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Cairn Terriers are very active indoors and will do ok without a yard. Do bring your cairn terrier out sometimes to let it socialize and also train it to do new tricks to improve its mental health.

Upkeep

Despite its small size, the Cairn Terrier needs outdoor exercise every day, either a moderate walk on leash, a fun game in the yard or an excursion in a safe area. Cairn Terriers can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it does better sleeping indoors. The wire coat of Cairn Terrier needs combing once weekly, plus stripping of dead hair at least twice yearly.

Health

Major concerns: Cataracts

Minor concerns: Lens Luxation, Progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 12 – 17 years 

Bullmastiff

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Bullmastiff shows great strength, endurance and alertness. Bullmastiff is a natural guardian of its home and will not back down from a fight. To strangers Bullmastiff is rather standoffish and arrogant, but he is loving toward his owner and is normally very gentle, cheerful and calm. The Bull Mastiff makes a devoted, gentle companion and is also known as the “gamekeeper’s dog” because he was breed to accompany gamekeepers for the ability to track and overpower a poacher.

Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 110-130 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 100-120 pounds

Temperament

The Bullmastiff is a devoted, alert guard dog, with a good-natured temperament, though he tends to be willful. Docile unless provoked, Bullmastiff are fearless and protective, yet affectionate. Although unlikely to attack, Bullmastiff will catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him. At the same time, it is tolerant of children. Intelligent, even-tempered, calm and loyal. These dogs crave human attention. The Bullmastiff is an extremely powerful dog that needs a firm master. They should be thoroughly obedience trained for safety, and should be taught not to pull on the leash. Be sure to socialize extensively with both people and other dogs at an early age. Bullmastiffs can be aggressive with other dogs and are reserved with strangers. They may be okay with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood. The Bullmastiff is a more aggressive breed than the Mastiff and they tend to drool and snore. Bullmastiff puppies may seem uncoordinated and these dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. It is not a difficult dog but does require a handler who can assert his authority. The Bullmastiff is a dog that should never be banished to a kennel.

Living Conditions

Bullmastiff will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Bullmastiff is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do but do take note that the Bullmastiff cannot tolerate extremes of temperatures. Do make sure your dog has enough water to stay hydrated.

Upkeep

The Bullmastiff is a big dog and needs daily exercise to stay in shape. Bullmastiff’s needs are moderate, however, and can be met with walks on leash and short romps. Bullmastiff does not do well in hot, humid weather and generally should be kept as an indoor dog. It needs a soft bed and plenty of room to stretch out. Bullmastiffs drool, however, some snore. Coat care is minimal. Do take note that you should let your Bullmastiff get used to being brushed from when it is a puppy to prevent it being upset from getting brushed as an adult, and violence to occur as a result.

Health

Major concerns: gastric torsion, Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Heart problems

Minor concerns: Hypothyroidism

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years 

Bull Terrier

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Bull Terrier is also known as an English Bull Terrier. The Bull Terrier when properly trained tends to be friendly and have a good temperament. Known for its sense of humor, the Bull Terrier is an outgoing dog with a dominant nature that needs firm handling by his owner. A tenacious fighter, the Bull Terrier is most often dog-aggressive and has a high prey drive towards small animals such as cats.

Size of Male: Height: 21-22 inches Weight: 55-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-22 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Temperament

Though Bull Terrier was once a fierce gladiator, he is much gentler now. A Bull Terrier might have a preventive effect and it might defend its owner in a truly critical situation, but it isn’t breed to be a guard dog. Bull Terrier is courageous, scrappy, fun-loving, active, clownish and fearless dog. The Bull Terrier is a loyal, polite, and obedient dog that become very attached to their owners. The Bull Terrier thrives on affection and makes a fine family pet. Bull Terriers like to be occupied and fit in well with active families where they receive a great deal of companionship and supervision. They do not do well in situations where they are left alone for 8 hours a day. This breed can be a wonderful pet if very thoroughly socialized and trained, but are not recommended for most households. Bull Terriers are fond of both grown-ups and children, but may be too energetic for small children. They cannot tolerate teasing and children should be taught to respect the dog. They can be very protective and willful. Do not encourage this breed to be possessive or jealous as it can really shape its characteristics. Bull Terriers may try to join into family rough housing or quarrel. They need very firm training and lots of exercise. Bull Terriers must be given a lot of companionship, or they may become destructive. Be sure to socialize them well as they can be extremely aggressive with other dogs. Unaltered males usually do not get along with other male dogs. Males and females can live together happily and two females can also be a good combination with care and supervision. They also make excellent watch dogs. However, this breed should not be kept with other pets and can be somewhat difficult to train.

Living Conditions

Bull Terriers will do ok in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. Bull Terriers are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do. Bull Terriers also prefer warm climates, so do make sure you can provide a warm environment for the Terrier, places with temperate weather and rather warm temperature should be fine.

Upkeep

The Bull Terrier needs to be entertained, either with a good exercise session or mental stimulation every day – preferably both. The Bull Terrier is an active breed that enjoys a good run, but it is best to run only in a safe area. Bull Terrier should not stay outdoors except in temperate weather, but it should live primarily as a house dog with access to a yard. Coat care is minimal. Coat hair is removal of dead hair with a brush. Do take note that Bull Terriers molt twice a year.

Health

Major concerns: deafness, kidney problems

Minor concerns: heart problems, patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years 

Brussels Griffon

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Brussels Griffon is also known as the Griffon Bruxellois, Belgian Griffon and Griffon Belge. Brussels Griffon is a toy dog who is intelligent, alert, and has a terrier like disposition. Brussels Griffon attracts attention by its almost human-like, quizzical expressions. There are two types of coat rough or smooth both making a fine companion.

Size of Male: Height: 7-8 inches Weight: 7-12 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 7-8 inches Weight: 7-12 pounds

Temperament

The Brussels Griffon is an intelligent cheerful dog with a terrier-like disposition. Brussels Griffon make a fine companion dog. Brussels Griffon is affectionate, willful and high-strung, but charming. Lively and curious, they love everyone, but can get quite moody. Unusually sensitive and quite demanding, this breed loves to be spoiled. It must be raised in the house with the family. The Griffon is good with other dogs and even with cats. These dogs may be gluttonous or picky eaters and may be difficult to housebreak but they make good watchdogs and can be taught to perform tricks. Brussels Griffon like to bark and they do best with older and considerate children.

Living Conditions

Brussels Griffons are good dogs for apartment life and will do ok without a yard. This is because they generally do not require much space to run about and an apartment usually has enough space. But still, do take you dog out on an adventure once in a while and let them get enough exercise.

Upkeep

The Brussels Griffon is an active breed, always on the lookout for action. Brussels Griffon needs daily mental and physical stimulation, but its small size makes such stimulation possible with a robust indoor game. Brussels Griffon also enjoy a short walk on leash. This breed cannot live outside, although it appreciates the opportunity to spend time in the yard. The rough coat needs combing two or three times weekly, plus shaping by stripping every three months. Grooming for the smooth coat is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none 

Minor concerns: none 

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Brittany

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Brittany is also commonly known as the Brittany Spaniel. The Brittany spaniel is a compact, closely knit dog of medium size, leggy in appearance. Brittany Spaniels are strong, vigorous, energetic and has quick movement. Brittany spaniels can be tail-less or have their tail docked to approximately four inches. The Brittany spaniels love birds compared to people. They makes an excellent pointing bird dog because of his keen sense of smell. He is the only spaniel that points to game. It can get along with children and other pets. But the Brittany Spaniel should not be rough-housed with.

Size of Male: Height: 17.5-20.5 inches Weight: 35-40 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17.5-20.5 inches Weight: 30-40 pounds

Temperament

The Brittany Spaniel is intelligent, easy to handle and train for hunting. Brittany Spaniels are a loving and gentle animal; obedient and always eager to please. Brittany Spaniels are happy and alert. This breed is a very active and enthusiastic hunter. Affectionate and independent, they are free-thinkers. Brittany spaniels are also good-natured and easy to care for. Some are nervous or hyperactive. This dog can become timid if treated roughly. Do socialize them extensively as a puppy. The Brittany Spaniel likes to roam and they are good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood. It adapts to all types of terrain: woods, plains or hills. It’s resistant to cold and damp conditions. Brittany Spaniels are used especially for hunting woodcock, partridge, and hare, and are always active, enthusiastic, and untiring. It also has an outstanding instinct for retrieving from water. The Brittany Spaniel has earned great popularity among millions of hunters because of their moderate size, which allows hunters to transport them easily. Because of their jolly character, they are also popular as companion dogs.

Living Conditions

The Brittany Spaniel is not recommended for apartment life. Brittany Spaniels are very active indoors and but do best with acreage. Brittany Spaniels are resistant to cold and damp conditions. It is possible with enough commitment of the owner to bring the dog for exercise every day and using up its energy with walking and sprinting as well for the dog to be a good apartment dog as well.

Upkeep

The Brittany Spaniel is generally a hardy dog that requires little maintenance. Brittany Spaniels major requirement is abundant exercise, and at least an hour of exertion – not just walking – every day. For this reason, Brittany is not suited for apartment life. It can live outdoors in temperate weather, but it is a social dog that needs human interaction. Its coat is not particularly thick or long, but it does require brushing once or twice weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Hypothyroidism, epilepsy

Life expectancy: 12 – 13 years 

Briard

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

Briards are also known as berger de brie. The Briard is a big-hearted and gentle loving dog. The Briard is totally devoted and loyal to his owners and will guard him with his life. Intelligent and easy to train, the Briard makes and a wonderful family pet and an excellent watchdog. His herding instincts are strong and it would be wise to give him plenty of space.

Size of Male: Height: 23-27 inches Weight: 75-100 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-25.5 inches Weight: 60 -100 pounds

Temperament

The Briard is a farm worker by nature and loves to herd anything. Briards have an exceptional hearing ability and are basically kind, but with a strong protective instinct. The Briard makes a wonderful, alert watchdog. Sensitive, playful and obedient, but with definite minds of their own. A long history of working with humans has left it gentle and sweet natured, as well as brave, loyal and fearless. This breed has a fine memory and is intelligent with a lot of initiative. Briards are very trainable. Eager to please its master but needs a firm owner able to show leadership. This is definitely not a breed for everyone. Too often they wind up in shelters because people don’t realize what a challenge they can be to raise and live with. They are very stubborn and can be fearful, extremely unfriendly, or both, if not raised properly. They need a lot of entertainment and activity to be happy, and are not the sort you can pat on the head and ignore the rest of the day. Briards are really dedicated to their families and tend to be, at best, disinterested in other people. They are good-natured and very adaptable to living with children if they are raised together. This breed does not like to be teased. Train them early and treat him with affection and you will have a wonderful family dog. Training must be consistent with much patience and love combined with a firm hand. They will not respond to unjust, severe training. With poor handling and training the Briard becomes withdrawn and even aggressive. They require regular training and attention. If you are a first time dog owner and you would like to raise a Briard, you should seek help and training from experienced people. Briards view strangers as suspicious and can be slightly dog aggressive, but with the right handler it will blossom into a first-class pet that can happily co-exist with other pets.

Living Conditions

The Briard will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Briards are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Briards are totally not suited for life in a kennel. They are happiest in the home as part of the family, but they do love to be outdoors equally as well.

Upkeep

Briard are dogs that need a good amount of activity and interaction every day. The Briard’s favorite exercise is the herding, but it can also be satisfied with a long walk or jog, or a long play session coupled with a little training. The Briard can live outside in temperate to cool climates, but is happiest if allowed access to both house and yard. Its long coat needs brushing or combing every other day or mats can form, which is usually unpleasant to see and hard to remove. Removing mats can be painful for your dog so please ensure regular combing. If the mats are really bad, all the fur may have to be shaved off.

Health

Major concerns: gastric torsion, cancer

Minor concerns: hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Boxer

/0 Comments/in /by

Description

The Boxer is also known as the Deutscher Boxer or the German Boxer. The Boxer is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. Boxers generally have a broad, blunt muzzle and an expression of alertness. They should be provided a fenced yard to roam in, but will do in a city environment if walked daily. The Boxer is considered a family dog that adapts well to other dogs and children. They should never be aggressive, but rather even-tempered, making it a good guard dog.

Size of Male: Height: 22.5-25 inches Weight: 65-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-23.5 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Temperament

The Boxer is a happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic dog. Boxers are highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. The Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets. It has been said that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use is front paws for just about everything. If you have ever watched a Boxer go about his business you may have noticed the way he paws at his toys, food bowl and you for that matter, in a very playful cat-like way. The Boxer’s nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. Visitors that are known to it will be welcomed boisterously. But strangers would usually not be as welcomed. Boxers are always keen to work and play. Also, on a side note, they really need lots of human companionship. They can be rather boisterous and even in old age they are usually still extremely athletic. This breed is noted for courage and make great guard dog. Training should start young and do be firm and consistent as this breed requires a dominant owner.

Living Conditions

Boxers will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Boxers are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Boxers do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. Please take note that exercise is important for many reasons, some being to keep the dog in good health and some to prevent destructive chewing out of boredom.

Upkeep

The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. Boxers like to run, but its exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or a long walk on leash. Boxers do not do well in hot weather and is generally unsuited to living outdoors. Boxers do best when allowed to divide its time between a house and yard. Some boxers do snore and their coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: Heart Diseases, Hip Dysplasia

Minor concerns: gastric torsion, tumors, intervertebral disc degeneration, corneal erosion, colitis

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years