Kerry Blue Terrier

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Description

The Kerry Blue Terrier is gentle, lovable and intelligent. Kerry Blue Terrier is an all-rounder as a working and utility terrier. Kerry Blue Terrier is successfully in herding sheep and cattle. They have rich long hair on their face and a curly gray coat. Outgoing and friendly towards his family, they is known to give big slurpy kisses. Puppies are born black and their coats begin to change sometime between nine and twenty-four months to red, brown or gray and then Kerry blue.

Size of Male: Height: 18-19.5 inches Weight: 33-40 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17.5-19 inches Weight: 30-40 pounds

Temperament

Vivacious and playful, determined and alert, boisterous and unrepressed, Kerry Blue Terrier has a way about it that makes people laugh and have fun. Kerry Blue Terrier enjoys roughhousing. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a good watchdog, but will not attack without real provocation. A loving family dog, he likes to be with his people, and is affectionate with friends of the family. The Kerry Blue Terrier generally gets along well with other pets if properly introduced and supervised, but tends to be fairly dog aggressive. This breed is protective and should be extensively socialized, especially with other dogs, or they may be quite a handful. They rarely bark unnecessarily. The Kerry Blue Terrier require a confident owner and need firm obedience training. These dogs are intelligent, have a very good memory, and are somewhat willful with minds of their own. They have an aptitude for sports such as catch and agility training, but make sure the dog enjoys the challenge. If its lessons are too routine for the Kerry Blue, its stubbornness will show.

Living Conditions

The Kerry Blue Terrier is good for apartment life. Kerry Blue Terrier are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do. But if it is rather inactive indoors do take it out for walks to ensure they get enough exercise to stay healthy physically and mentally as well as getting proper socialization.

Upkeep

The Kerry Blue Terrier needs a good amount of exercise, but its needs can be met with either a long walk on leash, a vigorous play session or a chance to explore off leash in a safe area. Kerry Blue Terrier can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it does better with access to the house. Kerry Blue Terrier’s coat needs combing about twice a week, plus scissoring and coat shaping every month and its ears need to be taped when developing to ensure proper shape.

Health

Major concerns: eye problems, cerebellar degeneration

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, von willebrands disease

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Keeshond

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Description

The Keeshond or Keeshonden are natural, handsome dogs that resemble the spitz of the northern breeds with their richly plumed tail that curls over its back and its thick coat. The sharp clear bark of Keeshond makes him a good watch dog but he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and is an affectionate and loving companion. In Holland, the Keeshond was called the “smiling Dutchman” for his perpetually good-natured grin.

Size of Male: Height: 17-19 inches Weight: 35-45 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 16-18 inches Weight: 30-35 pounds

Temperament

Keeshond is an excellent children’s companion, lively, intelligent, and very alert. Keeshond is quick to learn if their owners are consistent. Keeshond should be trained gently and patiently without a lot of shaking. Keeshond are full of personality. They can be trained to perform. Affectionate, friendly, and generally outgoing. The Keeshond loves everyone and needs to be part of the family activities. They are generally good with other pets, although some individuals are reserved or timid, and should be socialized extensively as puppies. For years, the Keeshond was the dog-of-all-jobs on Dutch boats. Today it is used as a companion dog. They like to bark and are good watchdogs because of its notable gift for warning of danger. Beware of overfeeding, for the Keeshond will gain weight easily.

Living Conditions

Keeshond will do ok in an apartment although Keeshonden should at least have an average-sized yard. Keeshonden prefer cool climates; they cannot withstand the heat well due to their thick coats. As with other dogs, do bring your Keeshond out for daily exercise though as it needs to exercise daily to keep healthy

Upkeep

Keeshonden are a lively breed that can have its exercise needs met with moderate exercise. A good walk on leash, combined with a vigorous game, can satisfy a Keeshond’s needs. Keeshond can live outside in temperate or cool climates, but it is such a sociable dog that it prefers to share its life with its family. The double coat needs brushing once or twice weekly, and more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, skin problems

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Jack Russell Terrier

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Description

The Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Jack Russell Terrier is a small, agile, brave terrier, who is good at hunting small animals like foxes and raccoons. Like other terriers Jack Russell Terrier may bore easily and is capable of inventing his own entertainment. Jack Russell Terrier are tough little dogs who are clean and a convenient size for a companion.

Size of Male: Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 13-17 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-14 inches Weight: 13-17 pounds

Temperament

The Jack Russell Terrier is a perky, merry, devoted, and loving dog. Jack Russell Terrier are spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, Jack Russell Terrier enjoys games and playing with toys. Friendly and generally kind to children who have been taught not to tease or strike the dog. They are intelligent, yet willful and determined. They can be slightly difficult to train and need a firm, experienced trainer. The Jack Russell can be aggressive with other dogs if not well trained and socialized. Some have killed or been killed in dog fights. Early socialization can help substantially moderate this trait. They have strong hunting instincts that are stronger than an average terrier and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase and explore. Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained. Jack Russell like to bark and dig. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised. Jack Russell climb, which means they can climb over a fence, they also jump. A Jack Russell that stands 12 inches high can easily jump five feet. Jack Russell Terriers are not the breed for an inexperienced dog owner. The owner needs to be as strong-willed as they are, or this little guy will take over. With the right owner, this little dog can really excel, but is not recommended for those who have not had prior experience with terriers.

Living Conditions

The Jack Russell Terrier will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Jack Russell Terriers are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. If the Jack Russell Terrier is kept in an apartment, the dog should have a person home with it during the day unless the dog is crate trained. Even then, the owner better expect to bring them for some exercise or be pestered to death for belly rubs and tug of war games when he/she gets home.

Upkeep

The Jack Russell Terrier needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation every day. Jack Russell Terrier is not a dog that can sit around inside. Jack Russell Terrier needs a long walk or strenuous game every day, plus a short training session. It enjoys the chance to explore on its own, but it must do so only in a safe area because it tends to go off in search of trouble, and some go down holes and must be dug out! It can live outdoors in temperate climates. It does best when allowed access to a house and yard, and it is not a good apartment dog. Coat care for the smooth type consists only of weekly brushing to remove dead hair; for the broken coated it also consists of occasional hand stripping.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: lens luxation, patellar luxation

Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years 

Irish Wolfhound

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Description

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest and tallest of dogs in the world. By the age of six months Irish Wolfhound can weigh as much as ninety pounds and he does not reach maturity until twenty to twenty-four months. Dispute his great size Irish Wolfhound is most gentle in nature. Known as the gentle giant, he is a perfect gentleman who shows no signs of aggression. Willing to please his owners, they make a good family dog for those who have adequate space and a lifestyle to feed him as the Irish Wolfhound is rather expensive to look after.

Size of Male: Height: 32-35 inches Weight: 140-180 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 32-34 inches Weight: 105-140pounds

Temperament

Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful and very intelligent. Irish Wolfhounds are excellent, and can be trusted with, children. Dignified and willing, Irish Wolfhounds are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. Not a guard dog by nature, but may be a deterrent simply due to his size. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so do not count on them being a watch dog. This giant breed can be clumsy. Slow to mature, it takes two whole years before they are full grown. However, they grow rapidly and high-quality food is essential. Let a puppy decide for itself how much exercise it wants. Forced exercise and long distance walks are too taxing for this dog’s body when it is young. The Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. They respond well to firm, but gentle training. This approach with plenty of understanding will go a long way because this dog quickly grasps what you intend. Make sure the young dog is given as much self-confidence as possible and that you are always consistent with it, so that it grows into an equable, confident dog. Teach it not to pull on its leash before it gets too strong. This calm dog gets along well with other dogs. This is also true with other animals if the dog has gotten to know them when it was still young. However, it might “course” a smaller dog in an open yard.

Living Conditions

The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for apartment life. Irish Wolfhounds are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. You must have a lot of room in your home, heart, yard and car to successfully own Irish Wolfhound. They need to be part of the family and would be very unhappy in a kennel. Being sighthounds, they will chase and so need a secure, fenced area for exercise.

Upkeep

The Irish Wolfhound enjoys a long walk and a chance to stretch its legs, so it needs daily exercise. At home Irish Wolfhound needs ample room to stretch out on a soft surface and should not be required to live in cramped quarters. Irish Wolfhound can develop callouses if allowed to lie on hard surfaces too often. Its coat needs to be brushed or combed once or twice weekly, plus occasional slight scissoring to neaten up straggly hairs. Dead hairs should be stripped twice a year.

Health

Major concerns: gastric torsion, Megaoesophagus

Minor concerns: cardiomyopathy, Osteochondritis dissecans, osteosarcoma, Hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 6 – 9 years 

Irish Water Spaniel

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Description

The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding strongly built sporting dog. Irish Water Spaniel has a wonderful temperament and unique appearance making him an enjoyable breed. A great intelligence, quick learner, fun-loving personality has earned Irish Water Spaniel the title of “clown of the spaniel family.” The Irish Water Spaniel loves water and will often take a flying leap into any body of water he encounters. The tallest of the spaniels, they excel in retrieving wildfowl.

Size of Male: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 55-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-23 inches Weight: 45-58 pounds

Temperament

The Irish Water Spaniel is intelligent, easy to train, and possesses a desire to please. Irish Water Spaniel is eager, bold and confident. Irish Water Spaniel is stubborn and independent, but capable of learning a great deal. Many are loving family dogs, but many are also one person dogs. They can have a mind of their own, but generally is easy-going and gentle. A fine working dog in the field and obedience ring. The Irish Water Spaniels are devoted, but mischievous and fun-loving. Some are also good guard dogs. Generally, it does well with other pets if properly introduced, but tends to be fairly dog-aggressive. Reserved and protective with strangers. Should be well-socialized as a puppy and does best with older considerate children. The Irish Water Spaniel is a quiet dog, barking only when necessary to warn the family. An excellent swimmer, he has considerable stamina and drive, and a very good nose. This breed may drool and slobber. Some are timid, nervous, or suspicious, and some are prone to snapping when startled or annoyed. He can refuse commands from family members who have not established leadership over him.

Living Conditions

Because Irish Water Spaniel needs plenty of daily exercise and loves the outdoors, he does best in the suburbs or country. Irish Water Spaniel does best with at least an average-sized yard. It is good however, it you live in an apartment with your dog to bring it out for socialization since young and for exercise daily.

Upkeep

Irish Water Spaniel, which is active, athletic and inquisitive, needs lots of mental and physical exertion to keep it from becoming frustrated or bored. An hour of free running or strenuous playing a day is necessary to satisfy Irish Water Spaniel’s needs. Obedience work can also be helpful in giving Irish Water Spaniel the mental challenges it enjoys. The curly coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week, plus scissoring every few months. Like all dogs, it loses its coat periodically; however, the hairs tend to become trapped in the other hairs rather than fall off. If not combed out, they will form mats and cords, which can be really painful for them if to be combed through. So do make sure you comb them regularly.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia, seizures, megaesophagus

Minor concerns: distichiasis

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Irish Terrier

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Description

The Irish Terrier or Irish Red Terrier is a sturdy, strong in substance and bone structure, free from clumsiness dog. The Irish Terrier is neither cobby nor cloddy, it should be built on lines of speed with a graceful, racing outline. Irish Terrier makes an excellent companion whether a playmate, hiker, watchdog or just a foot warmer. Loyal to every member of the family, he is a top-notch terrier but is known for his fighting spirit.

Size of Male: Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 25-27 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 25-27 pounds

Temperament

The Irish Terrier is hot-tempered, reckless and exceptionally courageous. Irish Terriers are animated, spirited and loyal dogs. Irish Terriers are affectionately called “Daredevils” by their fanciers. The Irish Terrier plays hard and is a good friend for active children. Bold, inquisitive and ready for action and adventure, they make good dogs for people always heading out and looking for a companion. Intelligent and trainable, but somewhat willful, rendering them to sometimes be quite a handful. Train firmly right from the beginning. Very affectionate and kind with humans, but quiet combative with other dogs and should not be trusted with non-canine pets. The Irish Terrier has a strong protective instinct, so he should be socialized well with people at an early age. They can be difficult to housebreak. The Irish Terrier likes to dig, explore and chase things. They should be kept on a leash except in a safe enclosed space. They are truly a loyal and entertaining companion.

Living Conditions

The Irish Terrier will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised, and a small yard will do. If given sufficient exercise, Irish Terrier is surprisingly well-mannered and dignified indoors.

Upkeep

Irish Terrier is a dog with an active mind and body. Irish Terrier needs daily entertainment and exercise. Irish Terrier makes a good walking and jogging companion, as well as hiking or hunting partner. Its needs can also be met with a rigorous play session. Its wire coat needs combing one or two times weekly, plus scissoring and shaping (clipping for pets and stripping for show dogs) two to four times yearly. Some training of the ears is necessary to ensure proper adult shape.

Health

Major concerns: Cystinuria

Minor concerns: hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, cataracts, Progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Irish Setter

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Description

The Irish Setter is an aristocratic bird dog, who has a rich, lustrous red coat and an expressive face. Irish Setter is a friendly and amusing dog who enjoys children and make a good pet, gundog or watchdog. Irish Setter enjoys human companionship and may be boisterous at times. Sometimes known as “Big Red or the Red Setter” he has boundless energy and is full of high spirits. The Irish Setter is little lighter and speedier than the other setters.

Size of Male: Height: 23-26.5 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21.5-25 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds

Temperament

Irish Setters are energetic, intelligent, affectionate, high-spirited, and full of energy. Irish Setters have no guarding instincts, get along with other animals, and are good with children. Irish Setters are responsive yet sensitive. This breed can be giddy and high strung, while some are more reserved. It is very lovable and impulsive. While some are difficult to train, probably because of their independent spirit, given firm handling and plenty of exercise, these dogs can be a joy to own. Irish Setters are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate. The Irish Setter is used for all types of hunting. It even works well on wetlands. Train this breed firmly at an early age to prevent development of bad habits, as this breed tends to pick up bad habits quickly. It is important to train for good house manners. These dogs are said to be easily housebroken. Both field lines and show lines make good pets, though the field lines are generally smaller with shorter coats and require a much higher activity requirement.

Living Conditions

The Irish Setter is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard. Irish Setter is best suited to country rather than city life, as he has a high activity requirement and needs a lot of exercise. However as with other dogs, if you want to keep it in an apartment, make sure it gets enough exercise so as to allow it to stay healthy physically and mentally.

Upkeep

The Irish Setter needs exercise, and lots of it. A minimum of one hour of hard strenuous games and exertion a day is recommended for Irish Setter. Because of its energy, Irish Setter is not suited as an apartment dog. It can live outside in temperate or warm weather, but it needs warm shelter and needs to come inside in colder weather. It is such a sociable dog that it does best living with its family. The coat needs regular brushing and combing every two to three days, plus some clipping and trimming to look its best.

Health

Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: epilepsy, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Ibizan Hound

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Description

The Ibizan Hound or Podenco Ibicenco is native to Ibiza one of the Spanish Balearic Isles. Ibizan Hound has clean-cut lines, large pricked ears and light pigment. Used primarily as a hunting dog whose quarry is rabbits Ibizan Hound can hunt by sound as well as sight. The Ibizan is a even tempered breed who is not given to great burst of affection, but are quite, loyal and giving and enjoy human companionship.

Size of Male: Height: 23.5-27.5 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22.5-26 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Temperament

The Ibizan Hounds are quiet, clean, playful and polite. Ibizan Hounds are good with children, gentle, sensible and sensitive. Ibizan Hounds are protective and somewhat independent. They will hold back watchfully with strangers. Once they decide the stranger means no harm, they will relax very quickly. Be careful with small pets such as rabbits, cats and rodents; the Ibizan Hound is bred to hunt these creatures. Cats that are raised with the Ibizan Hound will fit in just fine as part of the “family pack,” but it will chase and possibly kill a cat it does not know. As in all breeds, the Ibizan Hound should be well socialized with other dogs, other animals, adults, and children. If you have an adult Ibizan Hound and would like another dog, it is suggested that you get a puppy. Beezers are pack animals by nature, so introducing a puppy to the household is easier. An Ibizan thinks its humans are their pack, so any addition (human or baby) must be introduced slowly. Ibizans are members of the family and they cannot be kept as kennel dogs. They love their family, are as clean as a cat, respecting the rules of a household. This breed blushes when they get excited. Ibizans like to learn and do so very quickly. They are trainable, but tend to be willful and get bored easily. Provided they have been properly trained, they can participate in many types of dog sports. These dogs are very sensitive to the voice of their handler and a friendly request will always achieve more than a gruff command. This breed tends to have large litters.

Living Conditions

The Ibizan Hound will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Ibizan Hound is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. The Ibizan Hound can jump very high from a complete standstill, enabling him to easily jump most fences. They will take off running and will not come back until they feel like it. The strong chase instinct and lack of caution in traffic can lead to disaster. A large fenced area is best for regular exercise. Breed Club literature suggests at least 40X60 feet. The breed is quite sensitive to cold, as his coat is not very protective.

Upkeep

As an independent and athletic dog, the Ibizan Hound needs daily exercise in a safe area. Ideal exercise allows Ibizan Hound to stretch out at full speed, but its needs can also be met with long walks or jogs on leash, combined with an occasional chance to run full out. The Ibizan Hound is not generally kept as an outside dog, although it can live outdoors in temperate climates given warm shelter and soft bedding. It is a skilled jumper, which should be taken into consideration when designing an enclosure. The smooth coat requires only occasional brushing, whereas the wire coat requires weekly brushing as well as occasional hand-plucking of dead hairs.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Allergies

Life expectancy: 10-12 years 

Havanese

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Description

The Havanese is related to the Bichon Frise and may be referred to as the Bichon Havanese or as the Havana Silk Dog. Havanese is a happy, outgoing small dog whose temperament and trainability have made him an excellent candidate for obedience training. Havanese cannot miss what is going on around him, so you may find him sitting somewhere high. They can be quite vocal as they love the sound of their own voice.

Size of Male: Height: 8.5-11.5 inches Weight: 7-13 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 8.5-11.5 inches Weight: 7-13 pounds

Temperament

Havanese are natural companion dogs: gentle and responsive. Havanese become very attached to their human families and are excellent with children. Havanese are very affectionate and playful with a high degree of intelligence. These cheerful dogs are very sociable and will get along with everyone including people, dogs, cats and other pets. They are easy to obedience train and get along well with other dogs. The Havanese likes to sit up high on a chair to observe what is going on and they are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. Harsh words will only upset the dog and will achieve very little. The Havanese have a long reputation of being circus dogs, probably because it learns quickly and enjoys doing things for people. Few tend to bark a lot, as they can be taught not to do this. Havanese are good watch dogs – making sure to alert you when a visitor arrives, but will quickly welcome the guest once it sees you welcome them. Some dogs may exhibit a degree of shyness around strangers, but this is not characteristic of the breed. Havaneses live for your every word and gesture. They should be neither timid nor aggressive. They should show no cowardice, in spite of their size.

Living Conditions

The Havanese is good for apartment life. Havanese is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Havanese are born to live in your home, and not in a patio or a kennel. but at the same time, they require plenty of exercise.

Upkeep

Although energetic, the Havanese can have its exercise needs met with a short walk or a good play session. Havanese is not a dog that can live outside. Coat care entails brushing Havanese two to four times a week. This is a nonshedding dog, which means that loose hairs are caught in the outer hairs, tending to tangle, unless they are combed out.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, Legg- Perthes Disease, Liver Disease, Heart disease

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Harrier

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Description

The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound and must have all the attributes of a scenting pack hound including a keen sense of smell and a good nature. Harrier is friendly, gentle and responsive making him a charming family companion. A true hound at heart, the Harrier is independent, willful, vocal and somewhat stubborn.

Size of Male: Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 50-60 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 45-60 pounds

Temperament

The Harrier is somewhat more playful and outgoing than the Foxhound, but not as much as the Beagle. Cheerful, sweet-tempered, and tolerant, Harrier is excellent with children. Harrier is good with other dogs, but should be supervised with non-canine pets – unless it is raised with them from puppyhood. It prefers life in a pack with people, dogs, or both. This active dog likes to go exploring, sniffing and trailing, so be sure to keep it on a leash or in a safe enclosed area. Some Harriers like to bark loudly, so if you live in an apartment close to others it may disturb them if not trained not to bark loudly from young.

Living Conditions

The Harrier is not recommended for apartment life. Harriers are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. However as with most other dogs if the owner is committed to bring the dog out for exercise daily and brings their harrier out for walks and socialization, they can still keep a Harrier in the apartment.

Upkeep

The Harrier needs daily exercise, but its needs can be met with a long walk or jog and a vigorous game in the yard. Harriers can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it is given warm shelter and bedding. The coat of Harrier is easily cared for, needing only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia

Minor concerns: Epilepsy

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years