Belgian Sheepdog

Description

The Belgian Sheepdog is also known by the name Groenendael and chien de berger belge. Belgian Sheepdog is the most popular of the Belgian Shepherd Dogs which consist of the Belgian Tervueren, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog and Laeknois. Belgian Sheepdog is a truly well-rounded dog that can captivate your heart by being a gentle, devoted companion willing to give all to the ones he love. 

Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 60-75 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds

Temperament

The Belgian Sheepdog is a very smart and obedient dog. Belgian Sheepdog is serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. Some Belgian Sheepdogs are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age and requires firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. If you are too harsh or overbearing they will become uncooperative. This breed is instinctively protective so it should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders should socialize puppies right from birth. Good for working and competition obedience. These dogs make excellent police and guard dogs. This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however, make excellent pets. They are ever watchful, alert and loyal, and they thrive on loving companionship. Belgian Sheepdogs are good with children if socialized well with them. This breed needs to be part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. It does best with ample time, attention, training and companionship. If this breed is ignored, it will find ways to entertain itself, often at the owner’s expense. The Belgian Shepherd has a lot of energy and needs a job to do. Working lines can have particularly high drive. It tends to bond strongly with one or two people. Take care when introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. The Belgian Sheepdog gets along well with children, but they can be rather dominant toward other dogs. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems. This Belgian Sheepdog may instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people’s heels. This is a very demanding dog that is becoming more and more popular. It needs an experienced owner for it can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him.

Living Conditions

The Belgian Sheepdog will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Belgian Sheepdog are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Belgian Sheepdog can sleep outdoors, although he prefers to sleep with its family. Do ensure that they do get enough exercise or they might get bored and may start destructive behavior which may be tough to correct later.

Upkeep

The Belgian Sheepdog needs a good deal of exercise, either a good long jog or a long, strenuous play session. Belgian Sheepdog needs room to move during the day and does best with access to a yard. Although Belgian Sheepdog can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, it is family-oriented and happier if it can share time in the house with its family. Its double coat needs brushing and combing twice weekly, more when shedding. 

Health

Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Thyroid disease.

Minor concerns: epilepsy, skin allergies 

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years 

Belgian Malinois

Description

The Belgian Malinois is also known as Malinois or Chien de berger Belge. The Belgian Malinois a very intelligent, lively breed who excels in an active family environment. Belgian Malinois are identical to the Belgian Sheepdog and the Belgian Tervueren except that its coat is short and mahogany in colour. The Belgian Malinois is a no-nonsense dog who must be taken seriously by his owner. It is recommended an owner be an experienced dog person.

Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 60-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 60-75 pounds

Temperament

The Belgian Malinois is a very smart and obedient dog. Belgian Malinois are serious and watchful with strong protective and territorial instincts. Some Belgian Malinois are very shy or sensitive. This breed needs extensive socialization from an early age, and firm, but not harsh, training from an experienced master. If you are too harsh or overbearing they will become uncooperative. It is instinctively protective so it should be trained and socialized very well from an early age. Breeders should socialize puppies right from birth. Good for working and competition obedience. These dogs make excellent police and guard dogs. This type of work is currently their main occupation. They do however, make excellent pets. They are ever-watchful, alert and loyal, and they thrive on loving companionship. Belgian Sheepdogs are good with children if socialized well with them. The Belgian Malinois needs to be part of the family and not locked up in a kennel. It does best when given ample time, attention, training and companionship. If this breed is ignored, it will find ways to entertain itself, often at the owner’s expense. The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and needs a job to do. Working lines can have particularly high drive. Belgian Sheepdogs tend to bond strongly with one or two people. Take care when introducing this dog with small non-canine pets. The Belgian Malinois generally gets along well with children, but they can be rather dominant toward other dogs. Provided they are correctly socialized with cats and other pets, they should not present any problems. Belgian Sheepdogs may instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people’s heels. Belgian Malinois are good for working and competitive obedience. This is a very demanding dog. It needs an experienced owner and can easily be difficult to control unless the owner knows how to handle him.

Living Conditions

The Belgian Malinois will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Belgian Malinois are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Belgian Malinois prefer cool climates, but adapts well to others. It can live outdoors but would rather be with his family.

Upkeep

The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise. Belgian Malinois’s needs cannot be met with a leisurely walk on leash. Belgian Malinois instead needs a good jog or a vigorous play session. It especially enjoys herding. This breed can live outside in temperate to cool weather, but it would prefer to divide its time between house and yard.It Is good if you own a farm or life stock which your Belgian Malinois can herd as it can allow for mental and physical exercise at the same time. Its coat needs weekly brushing, more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: Hemangiosarcoma, Epilepsy, Thyroid diseases

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, Progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years 

Bedlington Terrier

Description

The Bedlington Terrier is also known as the Rothbury Terrier. Sometimes after grooming, the Bedlington Terrier looks more like a shorn lamb than a dog. Bedlington Terrier is a rather quiet dog suitable for family life, easy to train and usually adores children. Bedlington Terrier makes a loyal companion who is affectionate and able to adapt to every mood of his owner. A true terrier, it is lovable, full of fun, and a terror when its temper is provoked.

Size of Male: Height: 15 – 16 inches Weight: 17-23 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15 – 15.5 inches Weight: 17-23 pounds

Temperament

Careful breeding has resulted in a more companionable and affectionate personality in today’s Bedlington Terriers. Playful and cheerful, the Bedlington Terrier is loving with children and fairly friendly with strangers. Bedlington Terriers are loyal, lively and headstrong. This breed needs to learn to like cats and other household animals when they are young. Usually they can get along with other dogs but keep them away from those that want to dominate, as once challenged they are terrifying fighters, despite their gentle appearance. A little powerhouse, it is courageous and energetic, with the ability to run very fast. It is an enthusiastic digger. Bedlington Terriers like to bark and can be high-stung. Only let this breed off its lead in an enclosed area.

Living Conditions

Bedlington Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Bedlington Terriers are fairly active indoors and will do ok without a yard. You should ensure that your Bedlington Terriers get enough exercise daily because it has high energy levels and not exercising it enough can cause it to covert this energy into destructiveness which is not a desirable behavior.

Upkeep

The Bedlington Terrier needs daily exercise in a safe place; it loves to run and chase. Bedlington Terrier’s needs can be met with a good long walk or vigorous romp. Bedlington Terriers are not a breed that should live outside. Its coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus scissoring to shape the coat every other month. Hair that is shed tends to cling to the other hair rather than shedding. So do ensure you comb it so that you can remove the shed hair.

Health

Major concerns: Copper Toxicosis (Liver disease due to copper storage hepatopathy)

Minor concerns: Retinal dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Renal cortical hypoplasia, Distichiasis

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

Bearded Collie

Description

The Bearded Collie is a hardy active dog, with an aura of strength and agility, the characteristic of a real working dog. Bearded Collie is stable and self-confident, showing no signs of shyness or aggression. The Bearded Collie has a high level of intelligence and resourcefulness and owners must keep him busy or he will invent things to keep himself occupied. A good family dog, his natural instincts of guarding the flock will become like guarding his family, making him a protective dog.

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

Size of Female: Height: 20-21 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Temperament

The Bearded Collie is also known for its “bouncing behavior”. The Bearded Collie will also charm you with its joyous, affectionate, happy-go-lucky ways. Bearded Collies are playful and lively with an always wagging tail. A Bearded Collie is the perfect companion for children. Enthusiastic, stable and self-confident, some can even be role models for your children. Males tend to be more bold and outgoing, while females tend to be calmer and more submissive. The Bearded Collie needs to be with people and not left alone without anything to do. They are humorous and high-energy dogs. Very trainable for many activities. Obedience training is a must as Bearded Collies think a lot and can be headstrong at times. The Bearded Collie is a natural herder of people and animals. They are noisy barkers, but are not watch dogs. They should not be shy or aggressive.

Living Conditions

The Bearded Collie is not recommended for apartment life. Bearded Collies are fairly active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Bearded Collies can sleep outdoors and make excellent farm dogs. They are also good in windy, rugged or wet areas since the dogs will go out in all weather conditions. It does not like to be confined and should have a place to run off of its lead. The Bearded Collie prefers to be outdoors.

Upkeep

Bearded Collie needs either a good jog, a very long walk or a vigorous play session every day. Bearded Collie especially enjoys herding. Bearded Collie can live outside in cool climates, but it is happier when allowed access to the house with its family. Its long coat needs brushing or combing every other day.

Health

Major concerns: Epilepsy, Heart problems

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, Colonic disease, Pemphigus

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

Beagle

Description

The Beagle has soft brown eyes that betray his warm personality but does not reveal his admirable courage and stamina. A truly trustworthy friend can be found in Beagles and they make a great family pet as they are eager to romp and play. A good watchdog, Beagle can also be trained to hunt. Also known as the “singing Beagle,” he has a sweet hunting voice, but it left alone may howl. However, training will alleviate this problem. He will adapt well to a home or kennel environment, but new owners should be aware of natural hunting instincts and that the beagle should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Size of Male: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 18-30 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 18-28 pounds

Temperament

The Beagle is a gentle, sweet, lively and curious dog that just loves everyone! Beagle is a happy little tail-wagger! Beagles are sociable, brave and intelligent. Calm and loving. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, the Beagle should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young. Beagles have minds of their own. They are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training. This breed doesn’t like being left alone. Consider buying two if you will be gone a lot. A Beagle has a loud baying cry that was a delight to hunting horsemen, but can be disturbing to family and neighbors. Beagles also have a tendency to follow their own noses. They may take off on their own exploration if let off their leash in an unfenced area.

Living Conditions

Beagles will do ok in an apartment if they get plenty of chances to be outdoors. Beagles are very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. Allowing the beagle to exercise daily is important as it will help your pet to be healthy and remove destructive behavior that usually happens out of boredom.

Upkeep

The Beagle needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. Beagle can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it is given warm shelter and bedding. Beagle is a social dog, however, and needs the companionship of either other dogs or its human family; as such, it is usually happiest if it can divide its time between the house and yard. If you are not at home most of the time and do not have a yard it is good to have more than one Beagle so they do not feel alone. Brushing the beagles coat at least once or twice a week is also important as to keep your beagle healthy.

Health

Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease, Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Glaucoma, Cherry Eye, Epilepsy, Progressive retinal atrophy, Lens luxation

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Basset Hound

Description

The Basset hound is also known as the “Hush Puppy” dog. Basset Hounds have the head of a bloodhound and the body of a dachshund. The Basset Hound is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog. Movement of Basset Hound is humorous looking and slow, but not clumsy. It is mild, never sharp or timid in manner but sometimes can be stubborn. The Basset hound also can be vocal at times with his charming deep, sonorous bark. The Basset hound is a lovely and amusing household pet for people with a good sense of humor. The Basset Hound is essentially a hunting dog with strong natural instincts and will power. Absolutely obedient and devoted to his master, he makes a wonderful family companion.

Size of Male: Height: <15 inches Weight: 50 – 80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: <15 inches Weight: 40-70 pounds

Temperament

The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. The Basset Hound fits into family life well. The Basset Hound’s temperament should always be friendly with never an indication of sharpness or viciousness. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It is incapable of biting, but it may be a bit stubborn. They like to do tricks for food and it has a deep musical bark. Housebreaking is difficult, but they do well with gentle patient training and positive reinforcement. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it’s sometimes hard to get their attention as with other scent hounds.

Living Conditions

The Basset Hound will do ok in an apartment. Basset Hounds are very inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. Basset Hounds will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy. So do make sure you bring your dog outdoors to gt enough exercise each day.

Upkeep

The Basset Hound needs mild daily exercise, which can be satisfied by walking on leash or playing in the yard. Basset Hound does best as a house dog with access to a yard. As with other dogs, exercising is very important to remove misbehavior and make your pet healthy as well. The Basset Hound’s coat needs only minimal grooming, but its face may need regular cleaning around the mouth and wrinkles. Basset hounds also tend to drool.

Health

Major concerns: foreleg lameness, Osteochondrosis dissecans, entropion, ectropion, otitis externa, intervertebral disc disease, glaucoma, von Willebrands disease, Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion 

Minor concerns: foot cysts and infection

Life expectancy: 8 – 12 years 

Basenji

Description

The Basenji is a handsome, muscular dog, who is also known as the African Barkless Dog. Basenji should not bark, but is not mute. Basenji’s repertoire of sounds range from a pleasing throaty crow to a keening wail made when he is lonely or unhappy. One of the oldest breeds of dogs, the Basenji is native to Africa where it is used to assist beaters in flushing game which is then driven into nets strung up against trees. His name means “wild and violent” in Swahili. The Basenji will make a good pet as long as he is handled on a regular basis from an early age.

Size of Male: Height: 17 inches Weight: 21 – 24 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 16 inches Weight: 22 – 24 pounds

Temperament

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic and curious. Basenji loves to play and makes a good pet, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age. Basenji is very intelligent, responds well to training with a strong desire to please. They can be reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. They are usually patient, but do best with older considerate children. The Basenji dislike wet weather. They like to chew, so giving them lots of toys of their own would be a good idea. This breed likes to climb and can easily get over chained wire fences. Basenji are very clever at getting their own way, they succeed less by obstinacy than by charm. It has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and it cleans itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play and teasing the owner into play. Their strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. Most Basenji problems usually involve a mismatch between owner and pet. The owners mistake the quietness to mean inactiveness instead of noiseless. This causes them to become harassed by an active, though but relatively silent dog.

Living Conditions

The Basenji will do ok in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. As with other dogs it is important that the Basenji gets enough exercise or it may misbehave due to the energy stored in it leading to destructive and undesirable behavior. The Basenji is very active indoors and a small yard will do. The Basenji is happiest when it is kept with two or three other Basenji and they will not fight among themselves.

Upkeep

The Basenji is an active dog that needs daily mental and physical exercise. Basenji’s needs can be met by a long walk followed by a vigorous game, or by running freely in a safe, enclosed areas. Basenji can live outdoors only in warm climates and generally does best as an indoor dog with access to a yard. Coat care is minimal, consisting of only occasional brushing of the Basenji to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: Fanconi syndrome, Progressive retinal atrophy, Basenji enteropathy

Minor concerns: Persistent pupillary membranes

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

Australian Terrier

Description

The Australian Terrier is affectionately known as the “Aussie”. Australian Terrier is one of the few non-English terriers. Created by Australian setters, The Australian Terrier is the smallest of the working terriers. He has boundless, playful energy and is a very loyal and affectionate companion for his immediate family. He adapts well to all living conditions and climates. Because of his quiet and affectionate nature, the Australian Terrier makes a great companion for children, elderly or the handicapped.

Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 12-16 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 12-16 pounds

Temperament

The Australian Terrier is a tough, cheeky little fellow with the courage of a much larger dog. The Australian Terrier has boundless energy and is very loyal, showing great affection for its immediate family and its extraordinary intelligence makes it a responsive and very protective companion. Australian Terrier is an alert, amusing and loveable little dog. Spirited, curious, and self-assuring, it has very keen hearing and eyesight, so it makes an excellent watchdog. It wants to please its master and is more easily obedience trained than most other terriers. This breed is not snappish, likes to bark and is very good with children provided they do not tease the dog. They are friendly with other dogs as well as other pets. However, they may chase small animals outside the house and should be in a safe area at all times. Strangers, on the other hand, may find these dogs unfriendly although they are really not excessively suspicious. The Australian Terrier is a good dog to travel with. The training of the Australian Terrier needs to be strict because this dog prefers to follow its own ideas, although they learn very quickly. The Australian Terrier is a very economical breed to feed.

Living Conditions

The Australian Terrier is good for apartment living. Australian Terrier is fairly active indoors and will do ok without a yard provided it is taken for walks on a lead. Australian Terrier should not be allowed to roam free because it has a tendency to chase. Do make sure you keep it on a lead at all times if you have not trained it not to chase yet.

Upkeep

Australian Terrier is an active breed that needs a good outing every day, either a moderate walk, a rollicking game, or an off-lead run in a safe area. Australian Terrier was created to withstand harsh Australian conditions and is physically able to stay outdoors in temperate to warm climates. Australian Terrier is also a good house dog and needs to spend time with its family. Its wire coat needs weekly combing plus twice yearly stripping of dead hairs (regular plucking of dead hairs will keep the coat in optimal condition all year round). Some trimming around the feet will also add to a tidy look.

Health

Major concerns: Arthritis, Diabetes

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, Legg – Pertes Disease

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

Australian Shepherd

Description

The Australian Shepherd is an attractive long-haired breed with a bobtail and a striking, varied, coat coloration. Each Australian Shepherd’s coat and eye color are highly varied, it is not uncommon to have a dog with one blue eye or one that is half blue and half brown. This does not affect Australian Shepherds’ vision or their standings in the show ring. He has strong herding and sheep guarding instincts and has been known to perform well in areas such as search and rescue. He is reserved with strangers, but is a dependable, tireless worker who is devoted to his owner. An attentive and animated dog who is strong and agile with great stamina such as the Australian Shepherd will make a great family pet.

Size of Male: Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 18-21 inches Weight: 40-55 pounds

Temperament

Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, Australian Shepherds are excellent children’s companions that are great with active children. An Australian Shepherd can be known as a natural friend and guardian because they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive – they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Australian Shepherd is gentle with human friends. Australian Shepherds needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets. Some like to nip at people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.

Living Conditions

The Australian Shepherd is not recommended for apartment life. Australian Shepherds are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This is similar to many working breeds because working breeds need huge spaces or will be short of exercise. This is due to the fact that some breeds are inactive indoors and require going outdoors to exercise. Being short of exercise can lead to the larger breeds to be destructive and exhibit undesirable behavior due to the excess energy they have in them.

Upkeep

The Australian Shepherd needs a good workout every day, preferably combining both physical and mental challenges. Even though Australian Shepherd is physically able to live outside in temperate climates, it is a breed for which human contact is so vital that it is emotionally unsuited for a life in the yard. Australian Shepherd’s coat needs brushing or combing at least one to two times weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Cataracts, Collie eye anomaly

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, Iris coloboma

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Australian Cattle Dog

Description

The Australian Cattle Dog also known as the Heeler, is a tough, hardworking dog who can cover immense distances. A one-person dog Australian Cattle Dog is rather aloof with strangers. To his owner Australian Cattle Dog is eternally loyal, gentle, alert and can easily be trained. Puppies are born all-white with coat coloring appearing a few weeks after birth.

Size of Male: Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 35-50 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-19 inches Weight: 30-45 pounds

Temperament

A working, herding breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is not suited to life alone in the backyard. One of the most intelligent breeds, Australian Cattle Dog can become easily bored, leading to serious behavior problems. Australian Cattle Dogs need to be part of the action! They are loyal, protective and alert, making an excellent guard dog. They are also brave and trustworthy making them very good in the obedience ring, herding as well as agility. Firm training from the start and lots of daily attention will produce a fine and happy pet. It is absolutely loyal and obedient to its owner, but it is something of a one-person dog. They are sometimes suspicious of people and dogs they don’t know. It can be very dog aggressive, for its dominance level is high. The Australian Cattle dog is not good with children except for family members it has known since puppyhood. Some tend to nip at people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. If you are buying a pet, avoid strictly working lines, as these dogs may be too active and intense for home life. Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train. Puppies are born white (inherited from the early Dalmatian crosses), but the adult color can be seen in the paw pads.

Living Conditions

Not recommended for apartment life and does best with at least a large yard. Since the Australian Cattle Dog is an outdoor and working dog, it requires a large space and lots of exercise. Also working dogs are generally prone to outdoor activities and if you are not confident enough that you will be able to provide them with such it is probably better to choose a breed that suits you better and exercise needs can be met by playing in the apartment.

Upkeep

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to be active and tireless. The Australian Cattle Dog needs a lot of physical and mental activity, more than a simple walk on a leash can provide. A good jog or long workout, coupled with obedience lessons or other intellectual challenges, is essential to Australian Cattle Dog every day. It is happiest when it has a job to perform, and especially when that job is herding. This is due to the freedom it has when herding and the feeling of being able to run freely with some thinking how it can gather the animals during herding that makes it a good job for the Australian cattle dog. The Australian cattle dog can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates. It is unsuited for apartment life. Its coat needs brushing or combing weekly to remove dead hairs.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, Osteochondrosis Dissecans, deafness, Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years