Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at
11:05 am
A very old breed of dog.
The Maltese terrier has been a favourite with women throughout the ages.
It is believed to have been around in Roman times and possibly even in earlier times.
FACTS ABOUT THE MALTESE
| Size |
8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
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| Weight |
6-10 lb (3-5 kg) |
| Temperament |
The Maltese is an even tempered, playful breed that is intelligent and easy to train. They are very affectionate and love to be handled. The Maltese will bark at strangers.
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| Grooming |
This is a fairly high maintenance breed. The long soft coat requires daily combing and brushing. Liberally smear sun block on the hair parting to prevent sunburn.
Requires regular bathing or dry shampoo and make sure it is dried thoroughly after a bath. The hair can stain so make sure you clean the beard after meals. Tie up the top hair to prevent eye irritation.
Clean the ears regularly and have the hairs growing inside the ear canal removed by your dog groomer.
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| Exercise |
Requires regular gentle exercise.
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| Living Area |
Maltese are suited to living in units or apartments. They are not suited for outdoor living.
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| Health |
These dogs often suffers from genetic eye disorders and the eyes should be cleaned daily.
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| Life Expectancy |
Generally long lived.
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| Books |
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 at
10:34 am
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds.
Known as the Apollo of all dogs, Great Danes are very gentle although they are very large.
The Great Dane was used by German aristocracy to hunt wild boar and stags.
FACTS ABOUT THE GREAT DANE
| Size |
Male: 30-32 in (76-81 cm)
Female:28-30 in (71-76 cm)
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| Weight |
Male: 100-125 lb (45-57 kg)
Female: 90-105 lb (41-48 kg)
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| Temperament |
A social breed, the Great Dane is gentle, loyal and affectionate. A playful pet that is good with children. Great Danes are not aggressive and their size alone is often a deterrent to strangers. Because of its size, the Great Dane should be started on a training program while still a puppy. Train the puppy not to lean on people. It is disconcerting to be leaned on by a fully grown Great Dane. The breed can be aggressive to strange dogs but will interact well with dogs if it is raised with them
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| Grooming |
Easy to groom using a comb and a firm bristle brush. Daily grooming is required so that bathing is not often required. Bathing is a major event with a dog this size. Dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the toenails trimmed. Great Danes are average shredders.
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| Exercise |
Take your Great Dane for a daily walk. A dog this size requires a lot of exercise.
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| Living Area |
Although the Great Dane does adapt to living in an apartment, it requires a large yard or space to run around in.
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| Health |
Hip dysplasia, bone cancer, heart problems and tail injuries are common. Puppies should be given calcium. It is best to feed your Great Dane 2-3 times a day to help reduce the tendency to bloat
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| Life Expectancy |
The average lifespan is around 10 years although some Great Danes do live 12-13 years |
| Books |
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Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at
11:30 am
The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog and has a recorded history in Europe of nearly 700 years. The Papillon was originally known as the epagneul nain or dwarf spaniel.
In later years it became known as the Continental Toy Spaniel. Many Italian frescoes of the 13th-15th centuries featured the Papillon. It was highly valued in Italy during the Renaissance and later by French breeders.
Papillon is French for Butterfly. The dog has ‘butterfly’ ears that are heavily fringed and look like butterfly wings. Although its origins are uncertain, the breed had become highly valued by the sixteenth century European nobility.
It was known as the Squirrel Spaniel because of the manner in which its long, plumed tail curled over its back.
FACTS ABOUT THE PAPILLON
| Size |
8-11 in (20-28 cm)
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| Weight |
3 ½ -10 lb (1-5 kg) |
| Temperament |
The Papillon is gentle and affectionate with a lively, friendly alert nature, and although the Papillon is playful and amusing, it can also be calm, dignified and gentle. Some dogs are possessive of their owners and resent strangers. They will alert you to when strangers arrive.
An obedient dog, the Papillon is generally not a noisy, yappy dog like some other small breeds. Although the Papillon is sometimes difficult to housebreak, they are generally easy to train, and are easily taught to do tricks. Some can be nervous, highly strung and timid.
Papillons are better kept with older, considerate children. They can be aggressive towards other dogs but are generally good with cats if they are raised with them from puppyhood. 3 ½ -10 lb (1-5 kg) |
| Grooming |
These dogs are usually clean and odorless. Papillons require daily combing and brushing of the long, silky, coat. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the nails clipped and have your vet clean the teeth regularly to disperse any build up of tartar. They are average shedders and the hair does not tend to matt or tangle.
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| Exercise |
Papillons love to run and play however they are quite happy to be confined indoors for days on end. Remember that the Papillon is no different from other dogs in that it will benefit from regular exercise to remain trim and fit.
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| Living Area |
The Papillon is well suited to apartment living because of its size. It is not suited to living outdoors. Because of their strong instinct to protect their property they sometimes bark excessively at any noise and this can be annoying for neighbours.
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| Health |
Papillons have no special feeding requirements. They are generally a robust breed but are prone to problems with their kneecaps (patella) in the hind legs. Although this can be corrected by surgery Papillons sometimes have difficulties under anesthetic. Sometimes they suffer with eye problems
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| Life Expectancy |
Papillons can live up to 16 years of age
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| Books |
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Monday, August 10th, 2009 at
11:17 am
The Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds. A large, powerful imposing looking dog.
Mastiff’s are use in police work, as guard dogs, military dogs and for search and rescue.
An ancient breed the Mastiff was around at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain.
The Romans used the Mastiff in the gladiatorial ring and pitted it against lions, bears and bulls. Throughout time the Mastiff has been used as a warrior dog.
In recent times the mastiff has become a quieter, calmer dog who is loyal and protective of its family.
FACTS ABOUT THE MASTIFF
| Size |
Male: From 30 in (76 cm)
Female: From 27 in (69 cm) |
| Weight |
Male: From 160 lb (72 kg)
Female: From 150 lb (68 kg) |
| Temperament |
The Mastiff requires firm handling. If treated well and kept under control Mastiff’s make a docile, loyal and good natured pet. Mastiff’s can become a problem if the owner is not the dominant partner in the relationship.
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| Grooming |
The Mastiff requires daily brushing with a bristle brush. Use a chamois to polish the coat and keep it gleaming. Mastiffs do not shed much. Shampoo only when necessary. Keep the toenails trimmed and check the toenails regularly
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| Exercise |
Regular exercise is required. Mastiffs are a lazy breed and they need exercise to keep them fit and trim. Ensure you keep your Mastiff on a leash when walking it in public.
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| Living Area |
Mastiffs require space to exercise. They are not really suited to apartment living.
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| Health |
Mastiffs are prone to bloat so feed two – three small meals a day rather than one large meal. These dogs are subject to hip dysplasia and can suffer with eye problems. The Mastiff does not like extreme temperatures. |
| Life Expectancy |
8-12 years
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| Books |
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Monday, July 27th, 2009 at
10:48 am
Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland where they were used to assist fishermen land the fishing nets.
Nowadays, they are employed as guide dogs for the blind, for sniffing out drugs and explosives, and as field sports dogs.
FACTS ABOUT THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER
| Size |
Male: 22-24 in (56-61 cm)
Female: 21-23 in (53-58 cm)
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| Weight |
Male: 50-60lb (23-27 kg)
Female: 45-55lb (20-25 kg) |
| Temperament |
The Labrador Retriever makes an ideal family pet as they are intelligent, good natured, loyal, obedient, affectionate and thoughtful. They are patient with children which makes them an ideal family pet. They do tend to mature late both physically and mentally. |
| Grooming |
Requires regular brushing but the short haired coat is easy to groom. Bathe or dry shampoo as required |
| Exercise |
Labrador Retrievers require regular vigorous exercise to keep them fit and trim. They are big eaters and have a tendency to become obese if they are not sufficiently exercised or are overfed. The Labrador Retriever loves water and retrieving. |
| Living Area |
The Labrador Retriever needs plenty of space to run around in and it is moderately active when indoors.
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| Health |
Prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. |
| Life Expectancy |
10 – 12 years |
| Books |
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 at
9:20 am
The English Cocker Spaniel originated in Spain.
The English Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in the late 1800′s. The Cocker was named for its ability to hunt out woodcocks.
Cocker Spaniels have a soft mouth which makes them excellent retrievers.
The smaller American Cocker Spaniel were bred from the English Cocker Spaniel and recognized as a separate breed in the 1930′s.
FACTS ABOUT THE ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
| Size |
Male: 15-17in (33 – 41cm)
Female: 12-15in (30-38cm) |
| Weight |
Male: 28-32lb (13-1kg)
Female: 26-3lb (12-14kg) |
| Temperament |
The Cocker spaniel is an energetic, playful and affectionate dog. Eager to learn and eager to please. Sweet and loveable but some can be snappy towards strangers unless kept in check. Many make good watchdogs. Cockers behave well with children but will not tolerate teasing. Train your cocker gently but with firmness. They do have an independent streak |
| Grooming |
Daily grooming is required and professional grooming may also be needed. Unless you are showing your dog it is best to keep your cocker clipped. Trim the hair around the pads but not between the toes. The Cocker Spaniel is a moderate shedder |
| Exercise |
Moderate to vigorous exercise required although some Cocker Spaniels are more energetic than others. |
| Living Area |
Medium space requirements. Not really suitable for apartment living although it is not totally out of the question. These dogs love to sniff about in undergrowth so a yard is the preferred option. |
| Health |
Cocker Spaniels can suffer from ear infections, eye infections, skin and spinal problems.
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| Life Expectancy |
12-15 years |
| Books |
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