Saint Bernard

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Description

The Saint Bernard is powerful, strong, muscular with a somewhat sad looking expression. Saint Bernard is a faithful, gently, kindly breed who loves children. Saint Bernard requires no training for his work since generations of service seemed to have stamped the rescuing instinct upon his character. Because of its size it does not make a breed for an apartment dweller as he needs plenty of space and large food rations. A well-trained Saint Bernard is a mellow, affectionate, lazy dog who will protect your home. Until the bones are fully formed in puppies it is best to keep their activity to a minimum.

Size of Male: Height: 27.5-30 inches Weight: 140-200 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 25-28 inches Weight: 120-140 pounds

Temperament

Saint Bernard are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children. The Saint Bernard is slow moving, patient, and obedient. Extremely loyal, Saint Bernard wants to please their owners. Since this dog is so giant, be sure to socialize it very well at a young age with other people. It is highly intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early, while the dog is still a manageable size. Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult if it is to be exercised in public areas on a leash, so take control from the onset. The Saint Bernard is a good watchdog. Even its size is a good deterrent. They drool after they drink or eat.

Living Conditions

The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Saint Bernard is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Saint Bernard can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars. But ensure early training and socialization along with exercise to keep them healthy both physically and mentally.

Upkeep

The Saint Bernard needs daily exercise in order to stay fit. The requirements of Saint Bernard can be met with moderate walks and a short run, however, Saint Bernard are best raised outdoors, away from slick surfaces. Overweight puppies raised indoors are more prone to hip problems. It enjoys cold weather and does not do well in heat. This breed can live outside in temperate to cold weather, but does best when allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat, whether long or short, needs weekly brushing, more so when shedding. All Saints drool.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma

Minor concerns: osteochondritis dissecans, diabetes, heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, pyotraumatic dermatitis

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years

Rottweiler

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Description

The Rottweiler is a medium-large, robust, powerful dog. The build of a Rottweiler denotes its great strength, agility and endurance. The Rottweiler is a working dog, Rottweiler are the happiest when there is a job to do whether it is herding, competing in obedience, tracking, search and rescue or retrieving the newspaper. The is an effective guard dog, but needs firm handling and proper training. A Rottweiler will defend his family and property to the end, but they do have a tendency to become loyal to one person. An inexperienced owner should not consider this breed.

Size of Male: Height: 24-27 inches Weight: 85-135 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-25 inches Weight: 80-100 pounds

Temperament

The Rottweiler is calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted to their owner and family. Rottweiler has a reliable temperament. Protective, Rottweiler will defend their family fiercely. These are strong fighters that seem immune to pain. Serious, steady and confident. Firm and careful training is essential for this breed, otherwise you may end up with a very powerful and overly aggressive dog. Yet they can, with proper handling, also be loyal, loving and very rewarding companions. They require owners who can handle their massive size. The Rottweiler is a natural guard dog with a mellow temperament. They are highly intelligent and have proven their worth beyond question in police, military, and customs work over many centuries. Because of their size, training should begin fairly young – while the dog is still small, and great care should be taken to ensure that the dog is not made vicious. This breed needs a lot of companionship and socialization to be truly happy. They can be aggressive with other dogs and should be kept on leashes in public places. When the Rottweiler is consistently brought up and trained, it will be a good playmate for the children. It will accept cats and other household pets as long as the dog has had a positive experience with them while it was young. Friends and relatives of the family are normally enthusiastically welcomed. Strangers can get no further than the sidewalk. The breed does well in competitive obedience and tracking.

Living Conditions

The Rottweiler will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Rottweiler is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. However, do ensure you bring the Rottweiler out for daily exercise and train from young to prevent accidents from happening. Also do ensure you socialize your Rottweiler enough so that it is not people and other dog aggressive.

Upkeep

The Rottweiler needs daily physical and mental activity, either in the form of long walks or jogs, or a vigorous game in a safe area, as well as obedience lessons. Rottweiler enjoys cold weather and may become overheated in hot weather. Rottweiler can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, as long as plenty of shelter is available. It needs to spend significant time inside with its human family, however, so that proper bonding can occur. Coat care is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: osteochondritis dessicans, entropion, ectropion, von willebrand’s disease, panosteitis

Life expectancy: 8 – 11 years

Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Description

A Rhodesian Ridgeback uniqueness is the ridge on the back, formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. Also known as the African lion hound, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong muscular and active dog. Rhodesian Ridgeback is symmetrical outline and capable of great endurance with speed.

Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 85-90 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 70-75 pounds

Temperament

A fine hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is ferocious in the hunt, but at home it is a calm, gentle, obedient, good dog. Rhodesian Ridgeback is good-natured, but some do not do well with children because they do not want to be pestered or played with roughly. Rhodesian Ridgeback are intelligent, cunning but straight-forward dogs that are loyal to the family, have something of a mind of their own, are brave, vigilant, reserved toward strangers, and possess considerable stamina. This breed needs thorough obedience training, socialization with people and other dogs, and firm owner leadership to become the excellent companion he can be. Ridgebacks react best to an extremely consistent and equable approach to training. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but they are also strong and a bit stubborn. Training should be gentle and start young while the dog is still small enough to manage. They are also very good watch dogs, but not suggested for guard dogs. They are very protective of owners! This has to be addressed during their early training. This breed can be more destructive than a Labrador if left unsupervised! Do not overfeed this breed. Males may be combative with other dogs. Provided this dog meets cats and other pets when it is young, any potential problem will be prevented. Rhodesian Ridgeback make excellent jogging companions.

Living Conditions

The Rhodesian Ridgeback will do okay in an apartment as long as he gets enough exercise. Rhodesian Ridgeback is relatively inactive indoors and does best with a large yard. Do ensure to bring them out for daily walks if they are kept as apartment dogs to prevent obesity and unwanted behavior also misbehaving due to boredom.

Upkeep

The Rhodesian Ridgeback loves to run, and it needs daily mental and physical exercise to keep it from becoming frustrated. Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a good jogging or hiking companion. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can live outdoors in temperate or warm climates, but it is usually much happier sleeping indoors and dividing its time between the house and yard during the day. Coat care is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: dermoid sinus

Minor concerns: hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years

Puli

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Description

The Puli also known as the Hungarian puli and the Hungarian water dog is a compact, square appearing, well balanced dog of medium size. Puli is vigorous, alert, loving, fun and funny. Despite his appearance the Puli is no pushover and if given the chance will put any self-respecting human to shame. Used successfully as police dogs in Hungary they make a great companion. Puppies are highly intelligent and quick to learn.

Size of Male: Height: 15-17 inches Weight: 25-35 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 25-35 pounds

Temperament

The Puli is a lively, cheerful little dog who is very loyal to his family. Puli are excellent family dogs and will adapt to most surroundings and circumstances. The innate intelligence of Puli makes them easy to train but also gives them a mind of their own. They do very well in obedience and agility as well as in the show ring. Though wary of strangers, they are never aggressive, but may well give a vocal warning if they feel their owner is being threatened. Puli are not recommended for small children who may tease or be rough with them, although if they are raised with a child from puppyhood, they can do just fine.

Living Conditions

The Puli will adapt to almost any circumstance be it an apartment or a farm. Puli are suited to all climates. In the heat of Australia and Florida Puli do extremely well and, conversely in the extreme cold of areas like Denver in winter they also do likewise. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Upkeep

Puli is an energetic breed on the lookout for a job, preferably something to herd. Puli can be satisfied with a good walk or jog, or a lively game and training session. Puli can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it also makes an excellent house dog. Its coat can hold debris. Its non-shedding coat can be brushed or corded; if brushed, it needs brushing every one to two days. If corded, the cords must be regularly separated because the coats tend to hold dirt; bathing is time consuming and drying takes as much as one day. Pets can be clipped, but then part of the breed’s unique appeal is lost.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years

Pug

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Description

The Pug, also known as Mops and the Carlin. The Pug is stubby and muscular with a wide chest, straight, very strong front legs and well-muscled hind legs. They received their name Pug from the Latin word that means “clenched fist”. To communicate with humans Pug makes a grunting nasal noise, somewhat like a pig. Snuggled down at your feet snoring or being close to you, but unobtrusive, are some of his favorite activities.

Size of Male: Height: 10-14 inches Weight: 14-18 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-14 inches Weight: 14-18 pounds

Temperament

A Pug is “a lot of dog in a small space.” Pugs are perky, rambunctious and loyal, affectionate and loving, with a happy disposition. Pugs are playful and charming. Clever and mischievous – with a heart-winning personality. They can be a bit willful. Highly intelligent, it bores easily with repetitive training practices. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of your voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. The dog is neither excitable nor dull. They are good watchdogs, very devoted and are not yappers. Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors. Do not forget though, that they require lots of attention and become jealous if their owner ignores them.

Living Conditions

The Pug is good for apartment life. Pug is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Pug cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature. But ensure to bring them out for walks to keep them healthy when living in an apartment.

Upkeep

The Pug needs daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk on leash. Pug does not do well in heat and humidity and should not be kept outdoors. Pugs need minimal coat care but daily cleaning of facial wrinkles is important. Its smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs; however, the wrinkles tend to need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections. The Pug wheezes and snores.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: elongated palette, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes disease, entropion

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Portuguese Water Dog

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Description

The Portuguese Water Dog is a seafaring breed and was prized by fishermen in Portugal for being a spirited, yet obedient in nature dog. A web-footed dog Portuguese Water Dog is a swimmer and diver of exceptional ability. The Portuguese Water Dog fits well into many types of lifestyles, Portuguese Water Dog is usually a quiet dog who only barks when he is on watchdog duty. An intelligent, energetic dog they are self-willed but obedient to his owners.

Size of Male: Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 42-60 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-21 inches Weight: 35-50 pounds

Temperament

The Portuguese Water Dog is a water-loving, lively but sensible, and loyal dog. Portuguese Water Dog is affectionate and fun to be around. Portuguese Water Dog is excellent with children and usually gets along with other dogs and pets without any problems. They need to get to know cats so that the company of them will also cause no problems. It has a stable, pleasant temperament. Brave, highly intelligent and trainable; keen to work and quick to learn and understand instructions. Training these dogs is not difficult if you understand the dog’s character. They are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. Alternate training and play, and bear in mind that this extremely intelligent dog will take liberties if you think you can just fit a bit of training in when it suits you. Make sure you are consistent. This breed may out-think its owner! Generally willing to please, this is an obedient dog. Spirited, with great stamina, yet calm. Portuguese Water Dogs have a super sense of humor and love to be in the spotlight of attention. They make good watchdogs. Dominance, barking, and indoor activity level varies greatly with the individual. They have a very good sense of smell. Suitable for agility skills trials and numerous other dog sports. Portuguese Water Dog puppies are notorious chewers.

Living Conditions

The Portuguese Water Dog will be okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Portuguese Water Dog is moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. Portuguese Water Dog can live outdoors in temperate climates, but would be much happier living close to its family and spending days in the yard. Do make sure that they have enough  exercise when in an apartment to healthy.

Upkeep

Portuguese Water Dog needs daily physical and mental exercise, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. Otherwise, Portuguese Water Dog needs a long walk or jog or a vigorous romp. The Portuguese Water Dog can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is generally happier living close to its family and spending days in the yard. Its coat needs combing every other day, plus monthly clipping or scissoring.

Health

Major concerns: progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: glycogen storage disease, distichiasis

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years

Pomeranian

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Description

The Pomeranian is a natural extrovert enjoying the company of human or canine companionship making them one of the most popular small breeds. Also known as the zwergspitz, the Pomeranian adores being pampered and petted but is also active and playful at the same time. Pomeranian are affectionate and faithful little dogs that make an excellent companion.

Size of Male: Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 3-7 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 3-7 pounds

Temperament

The Pomeranian is a lively little dog. Pomeranian is intelligent, eager to learn, very loyal to its handler and family. Pomeranian is willful, bold and sometimes temperamental. If it is properly introduced they usually get along with other dogs and household animals without any problems, but some of them seem to think they are much larger than they actually are and do not hesitate to attack much bigger dogs. They are an excellent watchdog with a resounding bark. Pomeranian have a tendency to be reserved and bark at strangers excessively. Teach this dog early that it may bark a couple of times when the doorbell rings or when there are visitors, but then to keep quiet. Be very consistent about this. They are alert, curious and busy: one of the most independent of the Toy breeds. Pomeranian have a delightful nature and do not cling to their handlers. Proud and happy, they are good at learning tricks, but need a firm hand. The Pomeranian must know the owner is the boss, or he will not listen. This breed may become too demanding if the owner allows it. Not recommended for very young children. Too much attention from children can make these dogs nervous and they may become snappish. However, they can get along well with older, well behaved children. It is a good companion for an elderly person. The Pomeranian is a wonderful companion dog and show ring contender. The breed’s docile temper and affectionate nature endear it to many. Its vivacity and spirit make it well-liked by people who do not usually care for small dogs. They may be picky eaters.

Living Conditions

The Pomeranian is good for apartment living. Pomeranian is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Keep Pomeranian quiet in hot weather to avoid overheating. Also make sure you bring them out for socialization and train them from a young age to prevent unwanted behavior.

Upkeep

The Pomeranian is active but diminutive, needing daily exercise but able to meet its needs with indoor games or short walks. Although Pomeranian has a warm coat, it is too small and too family-oriented to live as an outdoor dog. The double coat of Pomeranian needs brushing twice weekly, more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: patellar luxation

Minor concerns: open fontanel, hypoglycemia, shoulder luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years

Pointer

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Description

The Pointer is bred primarily for sport and is a true wide-range hunter. Pointers give the impression of compact power and agile grace. The movement of the Pointer should show them to be a wide-awake, hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage and the desire to go. The energy and devotion of a Pointer makes them superior as a gundog.

Size of Male: Height: 25-28 inches Weight: 55-75 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 45-65 pounds

Temperament

The Pointer is full of energy and go-power. Loyal and devoted, the Pointer is a true friend. Kind and patient with children, Pointer are dashing gentlemen. The Pointer is affectionate, intelligent and clean. An energetic and enthusiastic hunter, yet calm at home. Wise and adaptable to every situation. Socialize well at an early age to combat a tendency for timidity. Some can be high-strung. They tend to be a bit willful, distractible and reserved with strangers. It will bark at suspicious noises, but it is not a watchdog. Show lines tend to produce better pets. Field lines are often too active and hunt-oriented to make good pets. Hunting instincts develop early. Puppies, even at eight weeks old, often display pointing behavior. These fairly independent dogs are generally good with other pets and are not usually dog-aggressive.

Living Conditions

Pointers are not recommended for apartment life. Pointers are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. However, if you want to keep a pointer it is also possible with committed owners who can bring their dog for exercise daily and provide a good chance of socialization, and mental stimulation which will help in the physical and mental health of the Pointer.

Upkeep

The Pointer needs exercise, and lots of it. Pointer needs at least an hour of exertion every day. Pointer is best when it has a regular opportunity to hunt, but it also enjoys running and searching the wilds on long jaunts afield. At home, it needs space to exercise outdoors and should not be expected to sit inside all day. The Pointer can live outdoors in temperate to warm climates, as long as it is given a soft bed and warm shelter. It needs canine or human companionship, however, and does far better when allowed to spend time with its family. It requires only an occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: entropion

Minor concerns: hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Pharaoh Hound

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Description

The Pharaoh Hound, is also known as the kelb-tal fenek. The appearance of the Pharaoh Hound is of grace, power and speed. Pharaoh Hound is medium size of noble bearing with hard clean-cut lines. A sight and scent hound, Pharaoh Hound is an intelligent and affectionate dog who is playful and enjoy a good run. Unique to the breed is the characteristic of “blushing” when excited. Where their nose and ears will turn a rosy color.

Size of Male: Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-24 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Temperament

The Pharaoh Hound is reasonably independent and a most pleasant companion dog. Pharaoh Hound are peaceful in the house, love to play, are calm, loyal, brave and loving. Pharaoh Hound are quiet, naturally well-behaved and intelligent. This breed loves children, but treats strangers with reserve. When the dog is excited, it blushes, with his nose and ears turning a glowing deep rose. The Pharaoh Hound should not be too difficult to train. The handler needs to be understanding of the dog’s character and to be consistent in approach. It can do well in competitive obedience. Socialize the Pharaoh well at an early age to avoid timidity. Generally good with other dogs, but can be rather dominant toward other male dogs. This breed is very fast and likes to chase things. A fast hunter, it should not be trusted with rabbits, cats and other small non-canine pets. Don’t let this dog off the leash except in a safely contained area.

Living Conditions

The Pharaoh Hound will be okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Pharaoh Hound is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. Pharaoh Hound needs soft bedding and warmth and generally should not be expected to sleep outside except in warm climates, but it would still prefer to sleep with its family. This breed likes to chase things and should not be let off the leash unless it is in a safe area. They can go far away from you if they spy or scent wild game because they never lose their instinct to hunt alone. To prevent this, you will need a secure, high fence around your yard. Take note that they can jump very high to get out of a space.

Upkeep

The Pharaoh Hound relishes the opportunity to stretch its legs in a safe area, although it can manage with long daily walks on leash and occasional sprints. Pharaoh Hound needs soft bedding and warmth and generally should not be expected to sleep outside except in warm climates – but it would still prefer to sleep with its family. The coat of Pharaoh Hound is of low maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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Description

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a scent hound developed to hunt small game over the rough and difficult terrain of the Vendeen region. One of the four rough-coated hound breeds from Vendeen. In French, the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen is meaning the smallest Basset Griffon Vendeen. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is bold and vivacious in character, compact, tough and robust in construction. A scent hound he is can hunt small game such as rabbits and feathered game.

Size of Male: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 30-40 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 25-35 pounds

Temperament

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, sometimes called the “Little Griffon Vendeen Basset” is merry, friendly and always very busy exploring. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is very intelligent, but independent. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is bold and lively; compact and robust. He’s a dog that needs ‘people attention’ and will demand it if his owner neglects him. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is basically a pack animal and much of their behavior reflects this heritage. It has a casual appearance, but is always alert. It can be willful, but a charming rascal. Curious and completely confident. The dog must be well-secured, as he is a renowned digger, jumper and escape artist. They are generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. You may have heard that the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are hard to train. This is not true! The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is intelligent and can be trained for many purposes. They also have a great desire to please. The problem for the owner is that the dog is so smart that he often has its own agenda (which may not be the same as the owners!) They are good with children and are fairly friendly with strangers. A bored or lonely Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen will make their own ‘entertainment’. Giving your dog a variety of toys and things to chew on, a safe environment and eliminating the opportunity to be destructive will control this potential problem. The use of a crate not only provides this safety, but it also becomes its own special place.

Living Conditions

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very active indoors and do well in most climates, but prefer cooler weather. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen should not be allowed to be off lead. The hunting instinct is too strong. All that is needed is one small scent and your hunter will be off on the chase. Having a secure fenced in yard is a very good idea. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen like to dig and can be great escape artists. Watch for small holes and/or signs of interest along the fence line. They would as soon go under as they would to go over.

Upkeep

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not content to lie around. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen exercise requirements can be easily fulfilled, however, by a good walk on leash or a vigorous romp in the yard. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can sleep outdoors in temperate climates, given adequate shelter, but it is happiest when dividing its time between house and yard. The coat needs weekly brushing and occasional tidying of straggling hairs. Do ensure that they have enough exercise, which can help to get rid of unwanted behavior as well as keep them healthy.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: otitis externa, hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years