French Bulldog

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Description

The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built and of medium or small structure. French Bulldogs are bred primarily as pets and companions, but they do make a good watchdog. French Bulldog is to some limit a smaller version of the English Bulldog. they make good apartment dogs, but do enjoy roaming outside on a lead. A wonderful companion for small children who loves to play dress-up or a lonely delivery driver looking for a lighthearted partner to ride shotgun. In a family, they behave like a child, demanding a great deal of personal attention and interaction.

Size of Male: Height: 11-13 inches Weight: 20 – 28 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 11-13 inches Weight: 16 – 25 pounds

Temperament

The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy care companion. French Bulldogs are very playful and affectionate dogs. Sweet and absolutely hilarious; French Bulldogs have a very comical personality and love to clown around. It is bright and easygoing. Curious and alert. The French bulldog gets along fairly well with strangers and other animals, but they are often bonded strongly to one person. They play well with other dogs; some males may be dog aggressive, while others get along with other dogs just fine. This breed needs companionship and will not thrive without it. The French bulldog cannot be owned and ignored. They are fairly willful, but can be trained if the owner is patient. They respond to patient, consistent training that does not include hitting or harsh shaking. They are clean, and companionable, enthusiastic and sometimes do not know when to be quiet, but they are not yappy and loud. This breed does best with older considerate children. French bulldogs are easy going but this breed may drool and slobber; However, a good percentage of them do not. This little dog is also a ruthless hunter of mice!

Living Conditions

French Bulldogs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Overheating French Bulldog may cause heat stroke. French Bulldogs prefer cooler climates. This breed is good for apartment life. They can be fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. But do make sure you bring them out for socialization since young.

Upkeep

French Bulldog has minimal exercise requirements, although it is a fun-loving dog. French Bulldog enjoys a romp outdoors, but it doesn’t do well in hot, humid weather. Most French Bulldogs cannot swim. A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of their physical needs. This breed should not live outdoors. The French Bulldog snores and may wheeze and drool. They requires minimal coat care, but their facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned.

Health

Major concerns: Brachycephalic syndrome, Intervertebral disc disease, Heart problems

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, skin problems

Life expectancy: 9 – 12 years 

Flat-Coated Retriever

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Description

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an easy-going and alert dog who’s lively spirit is demonstrated by his head being held high, his eyes sparkling and his tail wagging. Flat-Coated Retriever are a good natural retriever on land and in the water, a natural in obedience, they thrive on training and pleasing their owners. Flat-Coated Retriever have a beautiful mane making them look very noble.

Size of Male: Height: 23-24.5 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-23.5 inches Weight: 60-70 pounds

Temperament

The Flat-Coated Retriever are superb with children and a great family dog. Flat-Coated Retriever has a very stable temperament. Smart, active and friendly, Flat-Coated Retriever loves everyone. Some may be too friendly – overwhelming guests with love and attention. They are a sweet, high-spirited dog that loves to play and retrieve. A gentle and playful tail-wagger. They are cheerful, devoted companions with a puppy-like exuberance well into their later years. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This is a very sociable breed that needs lots of affection and attention from its family. The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs and other pets. This breed is obedient and highly trainable, but easily bored. Keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition.

Living Conditions

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. Flat-Coated Retriever are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Flat-Coated Retriever needs to be with his family to be happy. It does best when it is allowed to live inside and play outside. A good mix of indoors and outdoors.

Upkeep

Flat-Coated Retriever need daily exercise and fun, and especially enjoy the chance to hunt or swim. Flat-Coated Retriever are family-oriented dogs that do best when allowed to live inside and play outside. Flat-Coated Retriever’s coat need only weekly brushing and little, if any, minor trimming occasionally.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Epilepsy

Minor concerns: Heart disease, hypothyroidism

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years 

Finnish Spitz

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Description

The Finnish Spitz or Finsk Spets is the national dog of Finland. Finnish Spitz are independent, reserved, cautious and sometimes aloof breed. As Finnish Spitz was bred to be a hunter he needs to be kept in a secure fenced yard or he may go off on a hunting expedition. Sensitive and strong minded he is loyal to his human family and loves being with children.

Size of Male: Height: 17.5-20 inches Weight: 31-36 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15.5-18 inches Weight: 23-29 pounds

Temperament

The Finnish Spitz are brave, friendly, lively and alert. A playful rascal, Finnish Spitz enjoys and demands affection and attention. Finnish Spitz requires patience for obedience training. They are very protective. The Finnish Spitz is renowned as a hunting dog which also makes a great companion for family members of all ages, especially children and older adults. They are slow to mature, only reaching their complete adult form at 3½ to 4 years of age. It is a breed aware of its place in the dominance hierarchy, and some males can try to be domineering and tend to be fairly dog aggressive. Reserved and even somewhat aloof with strangers, but generally good with other pets. This breed is lively and curious, though not overwhelmingly so. They are loyal to their own families but do follow their handler’s orders slavishly. The Finnish Spitz is a dog that requires much patience and understanding, together with a consistent manner. If these elements go into its training it can be a very satisfactory pet. The Finnish Spitz has been bred for centuries to emphasize the barking behavior. He also makes many other vocalizations, so if a lot of noise will drive you crazy, don’t get one of these dogs. The barking can particularly be a problem if the dog must stay outside for any length of time, as he will bark with each and every new event.

Living Conditions

The Finnish Spitz will do ok in an apartment and without a yard provided it gets enough exercise. Finnish Spitz is relatively inactive indoors and prefers cool climates. So if you live in an apartment and want to get a Finnish Spitz do make sure you bring it out for socialization and that they get enough exercise.

Upkeep

Finnish Spitz is an active and lively breed that needs daily exercise, either a long walk on leash or a run in a fenced area. As Finnish Spitz is a hunter by nature, care must be taken that he does not go off on a hunt by himself. The Finnish Spitz can live outdoors in temperate and cool climates, but it enjoys living indoors. Its double coat needs brushing one or two times weekly, more often when shedding. It is not oily, so they have little doggy oudor; in fact, the Finnish Spitz is a particularly clean breed.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, epilepsy

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

Field Spaniel

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Description

The Field Spaniel is a combination of beauty and utility, well-balanced, substantial hunter-companion of medium size. Field Spaniel is built for activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. Field Spaniel is a docile, affectionate, intelligent breed who is eager to please. Suited for family life, the Field Spaniel is also willing to work and is suited for hunting in open terrain.

Size of Male: Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 35-55 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 16-17 inches Weight: 35-50 pounds

Temperament

The Field Spaniel has one of the best personalities of the Spaniels. Field Spaniel are very independent in nature, but mild mannered, sweet and affectionate. Field Spaniels are smart and playful. Active and vigorous, they make an excellent family member as long as they are given regular exercise. It is especially known for its docile nature. Socialize this breed well when the dog is still young to avoid excessive timidity and to prevent problems with other dogs later in life. Very friendly, this breed loves everyone, although some have been known to be a little reserved with strangers. Field Spaniels like to roam, they are good with other dogs, animals and excellent with children, but if play becomes too rough, the dog will become withdrawn. Make sure your Field Spaniel is not pestered by children. They can be a bit stubborn and temperamental, but they are, overall, very calm dogs. Field Spaniels are happiest when they have a job to do. They are quick to learn and react very strongly to your voice. They should be trained with a kind but consistent manner. This dog has a sensitive nature and harsh words and a tough approach will greatly disturb it. It is said that they have the tendency to become devoted to one family member and ignore others. These dogs need regular contact with people and may become extremely neurotic if locked away in a kennel.

Living Conditions

The Field Spaniel is not recommended for apartment life. Field Spaniels are moderately active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Because Field Spaniels do have deeply rooted hunting instincts, it is essential to have a good fence surrounding your property, as otherwise they are likely to take off after any interesting scent. Do not lock this breed away in a kennel or it may become extremely neurotic. This breed prefers cool climates.

Upkeep

The Field Spaniel needs daily exercise, and even though it is happiest when given the chance to run and explore, its needs can be met with a long walk on leash. Field Spaniels can live outside in temperate climates if given warm shelter, but it does best when allowed to divide its time between house and yard. Field Spaniel thrives on human companionship and should not be deprived of its family. Its coat needs brushing and combing once or twice weekly. Straggling hairs should be scissored every few months, and some clipping and thinning is needed for show dogs. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. Some can be somewhat sloppy, and some snore.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, heart disease, hypothyroidism

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

English Toy Spaniel

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Description

In the United States and Canada This Spaniel is known as the English Toy Spaniel and the name “King Charles” is given to the black and tan variety only. The English Toy Spaniel is the ultimate lap dog, as he loves to sit by his owner’s side. English Toy Spaniel are sweet, shy, easygoing and affectionate to their owners and those they are familiar with. English Toy Spaniels make a wonderful companion for the elderly.

Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 8-14 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 8-14 pounds

Temperament

The English Toy Spaniel is gentle, happy, playful, loving and sweet, but it is sometimes timid. English Toy Spaniel will be sociable with those who approach it affectionately. English Toy Spaniel are naturally well-behaved and intelligent, but are a bit willful. It’s quiet, non-demanding, and needs to be treated gently. They are friendly with other dogs. The English Toy Spaniel needs to be with a lot of people. They are usually good with all children, but will do best with an older child. It is an average barker, and is a decent watchdog. They are, however, considered exclusively a companion dog. Some are known to be picky eaters.

Living Conditions

English Toy Spaniel should be protected from extreme temperatures. English Toy Spaniel is good for apartment life, although relatively inactive indoors, and will do okay without a yard. Do make sure you exercise it with a short walk or game daily for good mental and physical health.

Upkeep

Although they enjoy a nice walk on leash or a fun game in the house or yard, the English Toy Spaniel is not overly active and their exercise needs can be met with minimal effort. English Toy Spaniels do not do well in heat and is temperamentally unsuited for living outside away from its family. English Toy Spaniel’s long coat needs combing twice weekly. 

Health

Major concerns: patellar luxation, heart disease cataracts

Minor concerns: early tooth loss, “lazy” tongue (never fully extracts into mouth)

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

English Springer Spaniel

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Description

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-size sporting dog with a neat compact body and a docked tail. English Springer Spaniel is one of the largest of the spaniels. English Springer Spaniel’s coat is moderately long and glossy with feathering on his legs, ears, chest and brisket. Handsome and robust he excels in the field at flushing out game. English Springer Spaniels make an excellent family companion as well as a working dog. He must have human companionship and the freedom to take regular exercise running off a lead.

Size of Male: Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 18-20 inches Weight: 40-50 pounds

Temperament

Most English Springer Spaniels are even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs that are great for kids. English Springer Spaniel is intelligent, skillful, willing and obedient. English Springer Spaniel is playful, energetic and a quick leaner. Merry, brave and sweet tail-waggers. English Springer Spaniels are also cheerful and courageous. They are affectionate, good natured and sincere, this dog loves everyone. Springer spaniels do best when they are with people as much as possible. They can get into trouble if left alone too long. They love water and may constantly get themselves wet and muddy. Usually they are good with other pets with the possible exception of birds. Sometimes argumentative with same sex dogs. This breed can be destructive and bark a lot if left alone. Springer Spaniels need wise guidance through what is called their “teenage” period. Some are highly packed with energy and they are all intelligent. They need a soft, but firm hand so they always know who is in control. There are two types of Springers – field and bench. The field type are bred for hunting and field trial work. They tend to have more white coat than the bench type, much less hair, and are more high energy. The bench type are bred for conformation shows and have more liver or black than white, they have much more coat, but are usually calmer.

Living Conditions

English Springer Spaniel will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. English Springer Spaniels adapt well to town or city life. English Springer Spaniels are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. So do remember to bring your dog out for socialization and exercise every day.

Upkeep

As an energetic and inquisitive dog, the English Springer Spaniel needs daily mental and physical exertion. Hunting is the first choice to satisfy both needs, but an outing in the field, long walk on leash and good obedience lesson can go far to making the English Springer Spaniel a calm and well-behaved house dog. English Springer Spaniel does best if allowed to live in the house with access to a yard. Its coat needs brushing or combing one or two times weekly plus clipping and scissoring every three months. Springers from field, rather than show, lines tend to have less coat.

Health

Major concerns: otitis externa, Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years 

English Setter

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Description

The English Setter is one of the oldest breeds of gun dogs and has been a treasured bird retriever for the last four hundred years. English Setter is a large graceful dog with a lively sprit who will have unconditional devotion to his whole family. English Setter thieves on human companionship or with other dogs. Newborn puppies are born white and after the first week begin to change in color.

Size of Male: Height: 25 – 27 inches Weight: 60-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23 – 25 inches Weight: 50-75 pounds

Temperament

The English Setter is a very gentle, placid, friendly dog. English Setter is excellent with children. English Setters are mild mannered and sensitive. They loves affection. The English setter are enthusiastic and lively outdoors, but relatively inactive indoors. They are somewhat willful and can be difficult to housebreak. Training should start early to prevent development of bad habits, but should never be harshly treated. It needs lots of companionship and enjoys playing with other dogs. English Setters are adequate watchdogs. They like to roam and are diggers and good jumpers. There are two types of English Setter: field and show. The field types are generally a bit smaller and lighter, and very active so they need more exercise than the show types. Both types need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy and must have a fenced yard. The English Setter tends to be quite vocal and can become a nuisance barker if not discouraged early in life. Some English Setters may drool, although not obsessively like some of the Mastiff type dogs.

Living Conditions

English Setters are not recommended for apartment living and does best with at least an average-sized yard. Unless you are ready to commit to bringing your dog for long exercises daily, this may not be the right breed for you.

Upkeep

The English Setter needs a lot of exercise every day, requiring at least an hour of hard exertion. English Setter does best when it can live inside and play outside. The long coat of the English Setter needs regular brushing every two or three days. The white coat may be difficult to keep gleaming in some areas. Some clipping and trimming every month or two is advisable for optimal good looks.

Health

Major concerns: deafness, Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Osteochondritis dissecans

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years

English Foxhound

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Description

The English Foxhound is a solid well-built animal, with stamina an essential ingredient in its development. English Foxhound is stouter and moves more slowly than his cousin the American Foxhound. English Foxhound is almost entirely used for hunting as he can work for several hours without a break on a variety of terrain.

Size of Male: Height: 23-27 inches Weight: 55-75 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-27 inches Weight: 55-75 pounds

Temperament

The English Foxhound is a very active, bold and passionate hunter. English Foxhound is responsive and obedient to his master, but training takes patience. English Foxhounds are friendly with people and excellent with children, but prefer to be in the company of other dogs and does quite well with other animals. The English Foxhound likes to bay. They are untiring, able to run for hours at a consistent speed, trotting along through brambles, marshes, and sunny countryside for five or six hours without stopping. Since the Foxhound uses up a great deal of energy in its youth, covering thousands of miles without respite, it is ready to be retired at the age of about seven or eight. The English Foxhound is a bit stockier and slower than the American Foxhound, but has a similar personality. This breed is still primarily a pack hunting dog, though show lines can make good companions if given sufficient exercise. It is recommended that if you are looking to own an English Foxhound solely as a pet, that you choose show lines, as field types are extremely active.

Living Conditions

English Foxhound are not recommended for apartment life. English Foxhounds are very active indoors and do best with acreage. So it is better if you have a huge yard for the Foxhound to run in or if you can commit to brining your dog for long walks and sprints daily, then this is the breed for you.

Upkeep

The English Foxhound is an easygoing dog that nonetheless needs plenty of exercise. English Foxhound is bred to run for miles, and it can make a good jogging companion on leash or a hiking companion in a safe area. English Foxhound can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it has warm shelter and bedding and, preferably, another foxhound. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years 

English Cocker Spaniel

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Description

The English Cocker Spaniel is the smallest in the gundog group yet he is able to flush out and retrieve game birds from undergrowth. A gentle popular pet English Cocker Spaniel is also called the Merry Cocker because of his energetic, playful, eager to please nature and his unique tail wagging which includes his entire hindquarters. English Cocker Spaniel is compact but bigger than the American Cocker Spaniel.

Size of Male: Height: 16-17 inches Weight: 28-34 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15-16 inches Weight: 26-32 pounds

Temperament

The English Cocker Spaniel is a hardy, energetic, merry and lovable, sweet and affectionate dog. English Cocker Spaniel is excellent with kids: gentle and playful, but does not tolerate teasing well. English Cocker Spaniel is sociable with strangers, a moderate barker, and obeys respectfully the orders it is given. A superior companion dog. Generally an outgoing breed, but some individuals can be reserved. Temperament varies widely, research individual lines. Some bitches are fairly dominant and should not be placed with a non-dominant owner. Males tend to be more cooperative. Field lines may be too active to make good pets. Cocker Spaniels should be trained very gently, but firmly, as they are sensitive but also independent and intelligent. They can do well with cats in the household.

Living Conditions

English Cocker Spaniel would do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. English Cocker Spaniel does best with at least an average-sized yard. But if you are living in an apartment, do make sure to bring your dog for exercise daily and for socialization since young.

Upkeep

Daily exercise is a necessity to English Cocker Spaniel, either in the form of a long walk on leash, a good run in the field or a lively game in the yard. Although the English Cocker Spaniel could physically live outside in temperate to warm weather, it is such a social dog that it does best living inside and playing outside. The medium-length coat of English Cocker Spaniel needs brushing two to three times per week, plus clipping around the head and ears scissoring around the feet and tail every two months. The ears should be cleaned weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy

Minor concerns: cataracts, hip dysplasia, familial nephropathy, Patellar luxtion

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

Doberman Pinscher

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Description

The Doberman Pinscher is compactly built, muscular and powerful, has great endurance and speed. Doberman Pinscher is elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Doberman Pinscher is universally known as a police dog for his devotion to duty on the German Front during World War I. The Doberman is constantly alert and is a great companion or guard dog, and shyness is a fault. They makes an admirable obedience and show dog or a wonderful family pet. An excellent breed for a jogger to own, they may be a challenge because of their dominance for the elderly or disabled.

Size of Male: Height: 26-28 inches Weight: 65-90 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 65-90 pounds

Temperament

Bred for a century to be an outstanding guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher is intense and energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. Doberman Pinscher is versatile, highly intelligent and very easy to train. Doberman Pinscher is determined, fearless and assertive, but not vicious. Noble, loyal and affectionate with the family. It likes to be physically close to the family members. Devoted and watchful, this is a very people oriented breed. The Doberman needs an owner who is willing and able to discipline the dog without being afraid of him. All family members should learn to handle the dog properly, as Dobermans can be pushy if allowed to have their own way too much. The Doberman is naturally protective and does not need additional “protection” training to be a fine guard dog. In fact they should be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent over-protectiveness. Mental stimulation is important for a truly well-adjusted and happy Dog. The Doberman must be consistently and thoroughly trained to be a good pet. Training should be through positive reinforcement. Doberman can be good family dogs if of good temperament, well trained and raised with children from early puppyhood. Best with experienced owners. Female Doberman are a little more stubborn to train than the male. The Doberman has been bred to work with man, and he needs this interaction often. They must be with family, and not abandoned to the backyard.

Living Conditions

Doberman Pinschers would do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised, but does best with at least an average-sized yard. Doberman Pinscher is very cold sensitive and is not an outside dog. That is why in areas where it gets cold, police are unable to use Doberman Pinschers.

Upkeep

Doberman Pinscher is an active breed that needs daily mental and physical exercise, lest it become frustrated or destructive. Doberman Pinscher’s exercise requirements can be met with a long jog or walk on leash, or a strenuous run in a safe area. Doberman Pinscher can live outside in temperate climates, but it is a much better companion and effective guardian if it shares its human’s home. Coat care is minimal. With brushing about two to three times a week to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: Cervical vertebral instability, cardiomyopathy

Minor concerns: Von willebrand disease, gastric torsion, Hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years