Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at
12:09 pm

The Dachshund was developed in Germany more than 300 years ago to hunt badgers. Often referred to as ‘sausage dog’. The smaller Dachshund was bred to hunt rabbits and stoats. There are a variety of Dachshund colors, sizes and coat types.
FACTS ABOUT THE DACHSHUND:
| Size |
Standard Breed: 8 in (20cm)
Miniature Breed: 6 in (15 cm)
|
| Weight |
Standard Breed
Male: 20-22 lb (9-10 kg)
Female: 18-20 lb (8-9 kg)
Miniature Breed
Male and Female: 11 lb (5kg)
|
| Temperament |
Dachshunds are lively and clever. An intelligent breed with well developed senses. A brave little dog with a high degree of curiosity. Very loyal.
|
| Grooming |
The short haired Dachshund requires regular brushing to keep the coat in good condition. The longer haired varieties require daily brushing. Use a bristle brush.
Dachshunds do not have the doggy odour of other breeds, however, dry shampoo or bathe when necessary.
|
| Exercise |
Requires regular moderate exercise on a daily basis if kept in an apartment.
|
| Living Area |
Well suited to apartment living.
|
| Health |
Because of the elongated body, the breed can suffer from spinal problems. They can have skin and eye problems.
These dogs can become obese with age and develop diabetes and cardiac problems. Miniature breeds need to be treated carefully as they can be injured if handled roughly.
|
| Life Expectancy |
|
Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at
11:40 am
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world.
A native to Mexico, the Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua is believed to have been sacred to the Pre-Columbian Indian nations.
FACTS ABOUT THE CHIHUAHUA:
| Size |
6-19in (15-23cm) |
| Weight |
2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) |
| Temperament |
The Chihuahua is affectionate, playful and alert although it may snap when scared. Chihuahua’s are very loyal and can become possessive of its owner. They are quick learners who respond well to training. |
| Grooming |
The Chihuahua is an average shedder. Short haired Chihuahua’s need gently brushing or the coat may be simply wiped over with a damp cloth. Long haired Chihuahua’s require daily brushing with a soft bristle brush. Chihuahua’s should be bathed at least once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears. Check the ears on a regular basis and keep the nails trimmed. |
| Exercise |
Chihuahua’s should be given regular, gentle exercise to keep fit. For safety it is better to use a body harness rather than a collar. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because the breed is small it can be confined to a small space. |
| Living Area |
Chihuahua’s are a good sized dog for apartments and units. The breed dislikes the cold and needs to be kept warm.
|
| Health |
Chihuahua’s have a tendency to wheeze and snore. Although a reasonably healthy breed the prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Prone to gum problems, stress, colds and rheumatism. Chihuahua’s tend to gain weight so feed lightly. Due to their size they are vulnerable to fractures and other accidents in puppy hood. |
| Life Expectancy |
13-14 years |
Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at
8:04 pm

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the hardier toy breeds that were developed from a cross between a King Charles and a Cocker Spaniel.
The Cavalier is slightly larger than the King Charles and has a longer muzzle.
It is said that King Charles II of England spent more time playing with his Spaniels than attending to the affairs of state and that he took his dogs into his bedchamber.
The miniature Bull Terrier has the same qualities as the standard Bull terrier but is a more manageable size.
FACTS ABOUT THE CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL:
| Size |
12-13 in (30-33 cm)
|
| Weight |
10-18 lb (5-8 kgs)
|
| Temperament |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is lovable, lively, charming, friendly, active, intelligent and high spirited. These dogs want to please their owner which makes them easy to train.
They love company which makes them the ideal family pet and they should not be left alone all day. They will alert you when strangers approach.
Because they are naturally well behaved, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets along well with other dogs non-canine pets.
|
| Grooming |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires regular brushing with a firm bristle brush. The smooth long haired coat is easy to keep groomed but pay particular attention to the hair on the ears as it is prone to tangle and matt.
Also keep the hair between the pads on the feet trimmed. Bathe or dry shampoo as required and make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm after its bath.
The ears and eyes should be cleaned and checked regularly for signs of infection.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an average shedder.
|
| Exercise |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not have any specific feeding requirements or exercise regime.
However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires gentle, regular exercise and loves to run around and play.
|
| Living Area |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is well suited to living in an apartment as they are only moderately active indoors. This breed is not suited to living outdoors and suits a moderate climate; it is especially not suited to warm climates. |
| Health |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels gain weight easily so do not over feed. They are prone to serious heart problems, which sometimes causes early death.
This breed is also prone to hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps, and ear infections
|
| Life Expectancy |
About 9-14 years |
Saturday, April 18th, 2009 at
10:43 am
The Cairn Terrier is one of Scotland’s oldest terriers. A cairn is a pile of small stones used to mark the borders of Scottish farms graves.
Small animals had lairs in these piles of stones and it was the job of the Cairn Terrier to flush out these small animals.
The Cairn Terrier makes a good family pet, although it is adept at hunting, tracking and performing tricks, in fact, Toto, the dog in the film the Wizard of OZ was a Cairn terrier.
FACTS ABOUT THE CAIRN TERRIER:
| Size |
Male:10-13 in (25-33 cm)
Female: 9-12 in (23-30 cm) |
| Weight |
Male:14-18 lb (6-8 kg)
Female: 13-17 lb (6-8 kg) |
| Temperament |
The Cairn Terrier is spirited, fearless, alert, loyal, lovable, and mischievous dog who is very curious.
Although they are a friendly dog, they do have an independent streak.
Cairn Terriers are very playful and they can be easily trained to do tricks and they are very patient with children.
This breed needs firm, training and discipline, and without attention and training the Cairn can become destructive and/or bark excessively.
They like digging, so it preferable to ensure they are supervised when out in the yard.
Keep your Cairn Terrier on a leash in unsecured areas as they can be liable to chase other dogs, bicycles, cars etc.
|
| Grooming |
Cairn Terriers require regular brushing to maintain its shaggy look. The coat becomes matted if neglected. Brush daily taking care with the soft undercoat.
Bathe monthly and brush the coat while it is drying.
Keep the ears and around the eyes trimmed, and keep the nails clipped.
|
| Exercise |
Cairn Terriers require regular moderate exercise and needs to be taken for walks if there is no back yard space for the dog to run around in.
|
| Living Area |
The Cairn Terrier will adapt to apartment living providing it is taken for a daily walk and allowed to run free in a park area.
A small garden area will allow your Terrier to get the amount of exercise needed to keep it fit.
|
| Health |
The Cairn Terrier has no special feeding requirements but is prone to weight gain so regulate the meals to ensure the dog does not become overweight.
|
| Life Expectancy |
12 – 15 years
|
Friday, April 17th, 2009 at
8:30 am
Boxer dogs were developed in Germany over 100 years ago, believed to have been bred from the smaller Bullenbeisser breed. A strong and agile dog similar to today’s Boxer dog.
FACTS ABOUT BOXERS:
| Size |
Male: 22-24 in (56-61 cm)
Female: 21-23 in (53-58 cm) |
| Weight |
Male: 60-70 lb (26-32 Kg)
Female: 55-65 lb (25-29 Kg) |
| Temperament |
Boxer dogs are intelligent and although responsive and eager to please, training needs to be undertaken by a strong adult with a firm manner. The Boxer dog is an exuberant breed and is very loyal and protective of its family unit. |
| Grooming |
Boxer dogs require daily grooming but bathe only when necessary. |
| Exercise |
Boxer dogs are active and require a long daily walk. They enjoy playing fetch with a ball. |
| Living Area |
Needs plenty of space and although the Boxer dog will adapt to urban living, it requires plenty of exercise. |
| Health |
The Boxer dog is prone to getting skin cancer so always check lumps in case they are tumours. Can also suffer from sinus infections and breathing difficulties. Tendency to drool, snore and suffer from flatulence. |
| Life Expectancy |
11-14 years |
Thursday, April 16th, 2009 at
11:23 pm
The Boston Terrier was originally developed in America as a fighting dog. It can be aggressive towards other dogs but generally not people. The modern Boston Terrier has been developed with a more gentle manner.
FACTS ABOUT THE BOSTON TERRIER
| Size |
11-15 in (28-38 cm) |
| Weight |
15-25 lb (7-11 kg) |
| Temperament |
An ideal family pet. The Boston Terrier is affectionate and playful. Loves to be included in family activities. A devoted family pet. |
| Grooming |
Easy to look after, the short hair simply requires brushing with any sort of brush. Bathe when necessary. Clip the toenails regularly and keep the ears clean. |
| Exercise |
Active dogs that enjoy regular exercise. The Boston Terrier interacts well in family activities and loves to play fetch and running, although as with all dogs, will defend itself if treated too roughly. |
| Living Area |
Boston Terriers are ideal for apartments as long as they are given regular exercise. The breed is unable to stand extremes of temperature, hot or cold. |
| Health |
Can suffer from heart problems and skin tumors. May snore and drool and often have difficulty breathing after exertion or in extremes of temperature.
The pups are often delivered by caesarean section because of the breeds narrow pelvis.
|
| Life Expectancy |
Around 15 years |