Dandie Dinmont Terrier

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Description

An enigmatic fellow who requires a special owner as Dandie Dinmont Terrier is loving and stubborn at the same time. Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a playful and intelligent companion who deep down inside has a true terrier spirit and when aroused the they can be a veritable demon who will tackle a fox or other small animals. Dandie Dinmont Terriers thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone.

Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 18-24 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 18-24 pounds

Temperament

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is affectionate and fun-loving. They make a great companion dog. Dandie Dinmont Terrier are lively, plucky, determined and willful. Independent and intelligent, bold yet dignified. Reserved with strangers and protective of family and home. Good with all well-behaved children and babies as long as they are raised with them from puppyhood. Dominance level varies greatly. Some males can be aggressive with other male dogs in the household. It is best not to keep two intact male dogs together. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. It will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. This little dog has a big bark for its size. They are not difficult to train, but allowance must be made for the fact that they can be very stubborn and not keen on obedience.

Living Conditions

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. Dandie Dinmont Terrier are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do. Do not let Dandie Dinmont Terriers off the leash in an unsafe area because it will take off after a cat or any other animal.

Upkeep

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier enjoys the chance to hunt around and explore in a safe area and needs a moderate walk to stay in condition. Dandie Dinmont Terrier does best as an indoor/outdoor dog, and should sleep inside. Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s coat needs combing twice weekly, plus regular scissoring and shaping. Shaping for show dogs is done on an almost continual basis; for pets it can be done by stripping or clipping about four times a year.

Health

Major concerns: None

Minor concerns: shoulder and elbow luxation, intervertebral disc disease, glaucoma

Life expectancy: 11 – 15 years 

Dalmatian

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Description

The Dalmatian is a distinctively spotted dog; poised and alert; strong, muscular and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression. Dalmatian are capable of great endurance, combined with speed. A friendly, outgoing dog, Dalmatian will make an excellent companion for anyone who has the time to exercise and train him. He will bond very closely with his owner, more so than other breeds and will exhibit separation anxiety when left alone. Dalmatian puppies are born all white and begin to develop their spots by ten to fourteen days.

Size of Male: Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 40-60 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 40-60 pounds

Temperament

Dalmatians were bred to run under or along-side of horse-drawn carriages and therefore have an vast about of stamina and energy. Dalmatians do not like to just sit around all day with nothing to do. Dalmatians are playful, happy-go-lucky, extremely sensitive and loyal. The Dalmatian needs human companionship, without which it is likely to become depressed. For this reason they do not make good yard dogs. They have excellent memories and can remember for years any bad treatment it has had. The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers. They get along well with other pets, but some may be aggressive with strange dogs; males often dislike other males. Somewhat high-strung, and can be timid without enough socialization. Quite intelligent, but can be willful. Dalmation generally does well with firm, consistent training. The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs. Dalmatians often have large litters, sometimes up to 15 pups. Some can be aggressive if not properly raised.

Living Conditions

A Dalmatian is not an ideal dog for apartment dwellers unless it can be taken out for a brisk walk or run several times a day. Dalmatians are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Dalmatian however, should not be kept outside in the cold.

Upkeep

The Dalmatian needs a lot of regular exercise and attention. Dalmatian needs more than a short walk on leash; it makes a good jogging companion. Dalmatian can also have its needs met with vigorous games and runs. Although he can live outside in temperate or warm climates, it needs shelter, soft bedding and, most of all, companionship. Thus, it is best allowed to live in the house and play in the yard. The coat needs only minimal care, but more frequent brushing will help remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: deafness, epilepsy, hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Urolithiasis, obesity

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years

Dachshund

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Description

Sporty and devoted the Dachshund makes an excellent family dog. Despite Dachshund’s small size he makes a good watch dog with a surprisingly loud bard. Dachshund may be slightly aggressive to strangers. Given the nickname the “sausage dog” he is low to the ground, long in body and short of leg with robust muscular development. The Dachshund has an intelligent, alert, facial expression. There are six varieties of Dachshunds; smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired in two sizes, Standard and Miniature. The smooth-haired Dachshund is the originally strain, the wire-haired and the long-haired were attained by crossing the smooth-haired with other breeds.

Size of Male: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: 11-32 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: 11-32 pounds

Temperament

Dachshund is lively and affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash. Dachshund is tenacious. Dachshund can be willful and clownish. Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family, some fanciers feel the long-haired variety is calmer than the other two types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with. They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective. These little dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for their size) and are compulsive diggers. They are generally ok with other pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to bite. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. They should not be over fed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly.

Living Conditions

The dachshund is good for apartment living. Dachshund are fairly active indoors and will do ok without a yard. However do ensure it is socialized well during its earlier stages and are exercised well.

Upkeep

Although Dachsund are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the yard. Dachsund are amenable to city life or apartment living, but it is still a hunter at heart and enjoys foraging into forest areas. Although Dachshund can live outdoors in warm weather, it does best when sleeping inside. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs. The wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to remove dead hair twice a year.

Health

Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease

Minor concerns: Eye problems, Patellar luxation, Obesity

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years 

Curly-Coated Retriever

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Description

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong smart upstanding dog, showing activity, endurance and intelligence. The body of Curly-Coated Retriever is covered with a tightly curled coat which does not need trimming. Curly-Coated Retrievers have an excellent nose and a good memory. A superb swimmer with great stamina the Curly-Coated Retriever knows how to carry dead or wounded animals gently in his mouth. He has also been known to work over difficult terrain.

Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 80 – 100 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 65 – 85 pounds

Temperament

The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to get along with, loyal and eager to please. Curly-Coated Retriever are proud, confident, sensitive, intelligent and trainable. Curly-Coated Retriever are not for everyone; they need early, gentle, but firm obedience training. They can do well in competitive obedience and agility but are not as predictable a performer as a Golden Retriever. They like to do things their own way. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving, and excellent with children; however, they may accidentally knock over a toddler. Socialize them well with people and other pets at an early age, as this breed tends to be reserved and even timid with strangers if not properly socialized. A good watchdog who will also protect the family if danger threatens. This breed loves to swim. They make good therapy dogs. Curly-Coated Retrievers make an ideal partner for an active, outdoor-oriented person who also wants a loyal family companion. This breed does not fully mature until it is about three years old.

Living Conditions

The Curly-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. Curly-Coated Retrievers do best with at least a large yard. Curly-Coated Retriever is an eager and tireless land and (especially) water retriever outdoors, but a calm companion indoors. They need to be part of the family and not left alone outside in the yard all day.

Upkeep

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an easy dog to maintain, requiring no unusual care. Curly-Coated Retriever needs daily exercise, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. Curly-Coated Retriever can live outdoors in temperate weather, but it does best as an indoor – outdoor dog. Because brushing diminishes the tight curls, it should be combed only occasionally, preferably before getting wet. Some very minimal scissoring may be desirable to tidy up scraggly hairs. It does need regular brushing during its shedding seasons.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Eye problems

Life expectancy: 9 – 14 years 

Collie

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Description

The Collie presents a picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole. Collies is considered one of the most beautiful breeds because of their elegant appearance. The Collie comes in two coat varieties, the less common Smooth Coated and the Rough Coated with the only difference being the length of thier coat. The Smooth Coated looks like he has a crew cut. Forever immortalized by “Lassie”, he is a true family dog that enjoys human companionship. He is sometimes referred to as the Scottish Collie because of his heritage.

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

Size of Female: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 60-67 pounds

Temperament

Collies are noble, highly intelligent dogs. Collie are sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. Collie is usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. Very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. An excellent children’s companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. Collies can be willful and must be trained gently or he will refuse to cooperate. Some exhibit herding behavior as puppies, nipping at people’s heels. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behavior. Collie puppies housetrain quickly, generally in about a week (after about 10-12 weeks old). They are good-natured, friendly, dogs and are energetic outdoors. They can be wary of strangers, stubborn and indolent. It has a fairly good sense of protectiveness for its owner, especially for children. They are not aggressive, but they do tend to be suspicious of people they do not like.

Living Conditions

The Collie will do okay in an apartment as long as they are sufficiently exercised. Collies are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Collies are sensitive to the heat. Do provide plenty of shade and fresh water in warm weather. Do provide enough chances for them to socialize as well as bring them for exercise daily.

Upkeep

Collie needs a good walk or jog on leash or a fun play session every day. Herding is an excellent exercise for Collies. The Collie can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it is such a family-oriented dog that it is far happier indoors. The coat of the smooth variety needs minimal care; the coat of the rough variety needs brushing or combing every other day, even more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: Collie eye anomaly, Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: progressive retinal atrophy, Eye problems

Life expectancy: 10 – 16 years 

Clumber Spaniel

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Description

The Clumber Spaniel is first and foremost a gun dog, they may look heavy and stubby, but are very good hunters. Sometimes known as the “Gentleman’s Gun Dog”, Clumber Spaniel is the largest of all spaniels. Friendly, affectionate, intelligent but sometimes reserved Clumber Spaniel makes an ideal companion for an active elderly person or a family with children. The does have a tendency to be lazy if left alone, but will always be ready to join a walk or go hunting.

Size of Male: Height: 19-20 inches Weight: 70-85 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-19 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds

Temperament

The Clumber Spaniel is described as a gentle, sweet, quite intelligent and pleasant dog. Clumber Spaniel is among the most low-key and easygoing of the hunting breeds. Clumber Spaniel is very affectionate and playful. Well-behaved, and not very active when mature. Clumber Spaniels will get along with other dogs and cats as well as other household animals if they are raised with them. They tend to be a one-person dog and can be a bit willful. Clumber Spaniels are usually trustworthy with children of the family, but they do not make friends easily with strangers. Do not expect them to be friends with everyone, but they should never be timid or hostile. This breed is a gentle person’s dog; they do not take well to heavy-handed discipline. They simply will not respond to it. This dog has a good memory and it likes to do things to please its master, therefore training is not usually difficult. As puppies, they may be submissive urinators. Clumber spaniels can be used as hunting dogs. They prefer to hunt for pheasant and partridges, take naturally to retrieving, and are good water dogs. Make sure you have good chew toys for them to chew.

Living Conditions

Clumber Spaniel will do okay in an apartment if he is sufficiently exercised. Clumber Spaniel is very inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. Clumber Spaniels are more comfortable in cool weather due to their dense coat.

Upkeep

The Clumber Spaniel enjoys a daily outing, but its exercise requirements can be met with a long walk on leash or a leisurely hike in the field. The coat of Clumber Spaniel needs brushing two to three times weekly, although in dirty areas they may need more frequent bathing in order to keep its coat a gleaming white. Clumber Spaniels tend to drool and, at times, snore.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease

Minor concerns: ectropion, entropion

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Chow Chow

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Description

The Chow Chow is a member of the spitz family and has been native to China for more than 2000 years. The Chow Chow is a masterpiece of beauty and dignity, unique with its blue-black tongue. Chow Chow carries a reputation of been aggressive, but this is undeserved though he is a tenacious fighter if provoked. To their family they are friendly and faithful but strangers do beware, the Chow Chow is protective of his owner, family and territory, making him an excellent guard dog. Because of his thick coat he is unsuited for hot climates. New owners should be prepared for coat care and socialization of their new Chow Chow puppy. Chow Chows should not be left alone in the backyard.

Size of Male: Height: 17-20 inches Weight: 45-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-20 inches Weight: 45-65 pounds

Temperament

The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be willful and protective. Chow Chow is bossy, serious and very independent. Some Chow Chow are self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chows can develop well. Don’t expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not stupid, but they must see the point of your command. Be consistent at all times. Some experts claim the short-haired Chow Chow is more active and learns faster than its longer-haired family member. Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential over-protectiveness as an adult.

Living Conditions

The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Chow Chows are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Chow Chows are also sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors.

Upkeep

The Chow Chow is an alert breed that needs regular, but not strenuous, outdoor activity. Chow Chow does not do well in hot humid weather. Chow Chow’s needs are best met with casual morning or evening walks in warm weather or several short play sessions throughout the day. It can live outdoors in temperate or cool weather, but it is best allowed to stay inside during warm weather. The smooth type needs brushing once weekly and the rough type needs brushing every other day, and daily when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Gastric torsion

Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, cataract, distichiasis, persistant pupiliary membranes, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, elongated palate

Life expectancy: 8 – 15 years 

Chinese Crested

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Description

The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned, elegant and graceful dog who makes a loving companion, playful and entertaining. Chinese Crested adores food and will leap about in anticipation of a tiny bite. There are two types of Chinese Crested, the Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpuff who is completely covered with hair. A friendly family dog, not aggressive towards children or other animals. They do not make good kennel dogs, but love the companionship of a home. They do best as a one dog family and sometimes do not like to be over handled by strangers. Odorless and hairless they are a very low maintenance breed.

Size of Male: Height: 11-13 inches Weight: 5-12 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 11-13 inches Weight: 5-12 pounds

Temperament

The most popular of the hairless breed, the Chinese Crested are still very rare. Chinese Crested are sweet, lively, playful and cuddly. Chinese Crested is exceptionally loving and likes to hug and smile. Affectionate with children. Children should be taught not to be rough with this breed as it is friendly, but it does not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can get injured easily. They are an entertaining companion. Intelligent and very alert. Puppies should be well-socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity. If its owners do not pamper them, these dogs can grow up to be a very well-adjusted dog. They have an ability to perform tricks and are generally good with other pets. They are not barkers. Chinese Crested Dogs like to climb and dig holes. They tend to become very attached to their owners and have difficulty adjusting to a new one. Chinese Crested Dogs crave constant companionship. So please consider before getting a dog, as with other dogs, they require a home for life and not getting on impulse.

Living Conditions

Chinese Crested is good for apartment life. Chinese Crested are fairly active indoors and will do ok without a yard. Chinese Crested should wear a sweater in cold weather.

Upkeep

The Chinese Crested enjoys a romp outside, but it hates the cold. Chinese Crested is small enough that it can get sufficient exercise with vigorous inside games. Hairless varieties of Chinese Crested will need a sweater for cold-weather outings. This is not a breed for outdoor living. Chinese crested dogs are gifted jumpers and some climb. Coat care for the powder-puff variety entails brushing every day or two. The muzzle is usually shaved every two weeks in puffs. The hairless needs regular skin care, such as the application of moisturizer or sunblock, and bathing to combat blackheads. Most hairless need some stray hairs removed every now and then.

Health

Major concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation

Minor concerns: Patellar Luxation, Legg- Pertes Disease

Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years

Chihuahua

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Description

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and was named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahua is a graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with a saucy expression. Two distinct breed types of Chihuahua, one with a long coat of soft texture, the other with a short coat. Identical otherwise, both can be whelped in the same litter. Adored for his small size, the Chihuahua is a bright eyed, dainty dog who is perfect for apartment living. Most breeders recommend adopting a Chihuahua puppy between the ages of 4 – 12 months as he will be more mature and agile and not so prone to injuries.

Size of Male: Height: 6-9 inches Weight: 2 – 6 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 6-9 inches Weight: 2 – 6 pounds

Temperament

The Chihuahua is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and enterprising, Chihuahua gives and demands affection. Bold and saucy, Chihuahua moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on. Chihuahua’s are strong-willed, intensely loyal and become very attached to their owners, even to the point of jealousy. They like to lick their owner’s faces. It is undeniably suspicious of people except for its owner. When strangers are present, they follows their owner’s every move, keeping as close as possible. For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to proper, gentle (positive reinforcement) training. This breed may snap at teasing children, after all it is too tiny to get away. The Chihuahua must resort to his sharp teeth in self-defense. It is not recommended for children. He can be noisy and may require patience to housebreak. Many owners simply paper train this breed. Be sure to socialize your Chihuahua as a pup to avoid excessive aggressiveness with other dogs as well as reserve with strangers. They tend to be fairly dog-aggressive. Chihuahuas generally recognize their own breed, but sometimes disapprove of other breeds.

Living Conditions

The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver. Chihuahua will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. Chihuahuas are good little dogs for apartment life as they can get enough exercise just by being indoors due to their size.

Upkeep

The Chihuahua is a lively dog that nonetheless can get its exercise running from room to room indoors. Chihuahua enjoys exploring the yard or going for short walks on a leash and especially enjoys accompanying its owner on outings. The Chihuahua is not an outdoor dog; it hates the cold and seeks out warmth, so do keep your dog warm during colder days. Coat care for the smooth is minimal. Care of the long coat entails brushing two to three times a week.

Health

Major concerns: Collapsing trachea, Bladder stones

Minor concerns: pulmonic stenosis, hydrocephalus, patellar luxation, Dry eyes, Obesity

Life expectancy: 12 – 20 years 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

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Description

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a good sized, hearty breed who is devoted to his family and makes a great waterfowl hunter and a trusty guard dog. Considered a duck dog Chesapeake Bay Retriever has an extraordinary ability to remember where each bird falls and then will retrieves them all efficiently. Yellow-amber eyes are a unique characteristic to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They also can swim for hours in icy water and are die-hard retrievers for birds, sticks, balls or even anything you can throw.

Size of Male: Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 65-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-24 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds

Temperament

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs with a mind of their own. Courageous, willing, loving and trainable. Although Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may be a little slow to learn. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and good with children. They love to swim and retrieve. This breed will get along with cats that are already living in your house, but may chase other cats. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not recommended for an inexperienced new dog owner. The handler needs to be confident and to exude authority because these dogs like to have their own way. A consistent but kind approach is the most successful way to handle these dogs. If possible, attend obedience classes with this breed. Willful, this breed can be prone to dominance problems if not properly trained and socialized. Take your puppy out with you as much as possible and introduce it to other dogs so that it has a chance to feel relaxed with them. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is different than other retrievers in that he can be more aggressive, willful and reserved with strangers. They may be combative with other dogs. These are strong dogs and have a tendency to be territorial, so they require firm training and good management. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are usually slow to mature.

Living Conditions

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers prefer to sleep outdoors. They prefer cool climates to hot unless there is a body of water nearby. As with other dogs, it needs exercise and are inactive indoors so if you are going to keep one when you are living in an apartment, do make sure that you bring it for exercise daily and socialize as well.

Upkeep

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large active dog that needs a daily chance to exercise. Chesapeake Bay Retriever enjoys a good walk or swim. Chesapeake Bay Retriever can live outside in temperate conditions, but more than anything it prefers to spend time with its family. The oily, wavy coat needs weekly brushing but is generally easily maintained. It seldom needs washing; in fact, it’s hard to get a Chessie wet! Bathing destroys the coat’s oils and thus, its water resistance.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years