Friday 4 March 2016
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Blood Hound dog Profile
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| Blood hound |
Country of origin: Belgium
Dog Group Kennel Club : Hound
General appearance:
Bloodhounds have a short, smooth and waterproof coat and have a nobel expression. Their skin is thin and loose and hangs around the head and neck in loose folds with droopy lower eyelids. In general, Bloodhounds are muscular dogs and are very powerful. Their voices are full, musical and sonorous. The Bloodhound has a very short, and hard coat, the hair should be softer on the head and ears while the remaining hair should be harsh and coarse. The skull is long and narrow with a very pronounced occiput and an abundance of loose skin especially over the forehead and sides of the face. The ears should be thin and soft to the touch, very long and falling in gracefold folds.
Colour:
Commonly Bloodhounds are black and tan, liver and tan and red but small amounts of white are allowed.
Size:
Bitch 58 - 63cms
Dog 63 - 69cms
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 36kg (79lbs) 45kg (99lbs)
Dog 41kg (90lbs) 50kg (110lbs)
Temperament:
In general, Bloodhounds are affectionate and easy going with other dogs and people but are tireless when following a scent. They were originally bred for the purpose of tracking people and possess the best sense of smell of any dog. They can be known to get on with other dogs and other household pets. Despite their size, they are not good guard dogs and would never dream of attacking. They are friendly and tenacious dogs who will welcome both wanted and unwanted visitors.
Movement:
Bloodhounds have a swinging free pace which is athletic.
Care and Training:
The blood hound in general does not need much grooming of the coat however, you will need to clean the folds in the skin and their ears as they are prone to Irritation and infections. A quick and regular brushing should be performed to remove any dead or loose hair, as this breed can seasonally be a very heavy shedder.
Blood hounds are very inteligent but can also be very stubborn this making them difficult to train.
Gentle handling and speaking is a must as this breed can be very sensitive, but consistency is also necessary if this breed is to thrive and learn. They can also be slow to house train but with regular consistant training they can become very good house pets and hunting dogs.
Overall Exercise > 2 hours per day. The Bloodhound has the tendency to overeat so regular exercise is a must if this breed is to stay healthy and active. Bloodhounds do best with acreage and a large area to roam in however can do well if they have an owner that has a regular exercise regimen. If not given sufficient exercise they can be boisterous!
Feeding Requirements:
These dogs are very large eaters and it will cost around £10 per week to feed them.
Exercise: Low
Grooming: Med
Noise: Med
Personal Protection: Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog: Low
Level of Aggression: Low
Compatibility With Other Animals: High
Suitablity for Children: Medium
Often docked? No
Average litter size: 7-8
Life Expectancy (yrs) 10
Health issues: Inverted eyelids, ear infections,hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer, but Bloodhounds can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. Other health concerns include: cardiac problems, luxating patellas, thyroid disorders, gastric torsion (twisted stomach), skin-fold dermatitis.
History: The Bloodhound is one of the oldest hound breeds, originating from ancestors who were bred in Assyria around 2000 - 1000 B.C. It is thought that these dogs were taken to the Mediterranean by the Phoenicians, and then from there spread north into Europe. Their ancestry,
thought to be the St. Hubert hound can be traced to the seventh and eighth centuries in Belgium. Bloodhounds were brought to Great Britain by William the Conqueror in 1066. The Bloodhound is said to be the result of pure breeding thanks to monasteries and church dignitaries. Their name comes from the English blue bloods who helped nurture the breed, as well as their untainted blood. The original Bloodhounds were black or white; the whites being named Southern hounds, and the blacks being named Saint Hubert hounds.The Bloodhound has an olfactory system the size of a handkerchief and can smell over 40 times better than that of a human being. It is estimated they have at least 250 million olfactory receptors, and can smell out a trail over 2 weeks old. In the past these dogs were used for hunting by the church dignitaries, and are still used for that purpose by common people today. Bloodhounds these days are widely used as family pets, tracking dogs and security/police dogs
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Bichon Frise Dog Breed
Other Names: Bichon Tenerife, Tenerife Dog, Bichon a Poil Frise
Country of origin: France
Dog Group: Toy breed
General Appearance:
Bichon Frises are a small breed of dog that have a very balanced appearance, proud head carriage and naturally curly coat that doesn't moult making them suitable for people with allergies. They have snow-white silky hair which has spirals that gives this dog the powder puff look and a loosely curled outer coat, which is lined with a soft, silky undercoat. Bichon Frises coat should not be wiry or overly soft. They are non-shedding and considered to be hypoallergenic. The head should be slightly rounded with a moderate but definite stop, the hair on the head sould be clipped to give a rounded appearence. The neck should be arched and fairly long, being carried high and proudly. The body should be square with well-sprung ribs; the front legs straight and not too fine-boned, the thighs being well-rounded with well-bent stifles.The tail should be raised and curved gracefully over the back, with only the hair touching the back
Colours:
Generally white but cream or apricot marking are acceptable whilst the dog is still young.
Size:
Bitch 23cm - 30cm
Dog 23cm - 30cm
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 3kg (7lbs) 6kg (13lbs)
Dog 3kg (7lbs) 6kg (13lbs)
Temperament:
The Bichon Frise should have a friendly and happy disposition that is also playful and affectionate. They're also intelligent and require regular human attention, they make very good childrens pets. They socialise well and are fine in the company of other dogs and pets in the household. This breed can also make a good watch dog as they will allert their family to visitors or danger.
Care and Training:
The Bichon Frise requires frequent grooming. They are known as a high maintenance breed. Daily brushing is a must, as their coat tends to mat very easily. Professional grooming every four weeks is recommended to keep them looking their very best. They should not be left alone for long periods of time as they do tend to suffer with seperation anxiety.
The Bichon is an intelligent breed but can be difficult to train. Males being easier than females specially to house train. The Bichon Frise thrives on socialization and loves to perform tricks. Crate training works best for the Bichon Frise, it is important to be consistent and patient. Obedience classes from an early age will help too.
Overall Exercise: 0 - 20 minutes per day.
Bichons will adapt readily to the amount of exercise available from the family circumstances.
Feeding Requirements:
Bichons are very inexpensive dogs to feed and normally eat very little. The main expenditure is their grooming requirements.
Movement:
Straight moving legs that produce a balanced and effortless stride also bouncy which gives this dog a happy, carefree presence.
Exercise: Low
Grooming: High
Noise: Med
Personal Protection: Low
Suitability As Guard Dog: Low
Level of Aggression: Low
Compatibility With Other Animals: High
Suitablity for Children: High
Often Docked? No
Average litter size: 3-5
Life Expectancy (yrs) 13.5
Health issues: Bichon Frises are fairly healthy dogs, but some common health concerns include luxating patellas, bladder problems, block tear ducts, skin ailments, cancer and autoimmune disease, as well as cataracts and epilepsy.
History: The exact origin of the Bichon Frise is still unknown today. Though many agree that they existed before the time of Christ. In the fourteenth century, Italian sailors took the little dog from the shores of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, and brought it back to France to barter with. Some say they descend from the Maltese, which have been on record as long as the Bichon, and others claim they were a dwarf breed that resulted from crossing of a miniature Spaniel and a miniature Poodle with Cayenne dogs. For 400 years the Bichon Frise enjoyed life among kings and aristocrats in France in the 1500s. But in the 1800s the little dog became a common pet among people and sometimes served as an organ grinder's dog or as a circus performer. After World War I both French and Belgian breeders sustained an active interest in the breed, and finally were recognized by the French Kennel Club.
Friday 11 March 2011
Bernese Mountain Dog Breed
Country of origin: Switzerland
Dog Group Kennel Club: Working
General Appearance:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known by its tri coloured appearance with thick soft silky coat.This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder. Their coats are soft and silky with a thick under-lay. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, strong and active. They are strong, sturdy dogs with tremendous bone and power of the shoulders and long balanced strides. They reach their full adult height at about 15 months but can take another 2 or 3 years to reach full maturity. They are working dogs but are also seen as family dogs.
Colour:,
Black, tan and white.
Size:
Bitch 58-66cms
Dog 64-70cms
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 32kg (71lbs) 46kg (101lbs)
Dog 37kg (82lbs) 54kg (119lbs)
Temperament:
In general, Bernese Mountain Dogs are kind and friendly and get on with other dogs and pets as long as they are introduced to other animals at an early age. They are kind natured dogs that are great with children as a family pet, that love to get involved in all family activities. They are also very protective if necessary and will bark to advise the arrival of visitors but will calm down soon after. They are also trainable, calm and patient but do require exercise.
Movement:
Far reaching and well balanced.
Care and Training:
Bernese Mountain Dogs will need grooming daily and may need more attention in their heavier shedding seasons, this will reduce the amount of shedding. Bathing is recommended .The hair between the pads should be trimmed regularly.
The Bernese Mountain dog is an inteligent breed and are easy to train if done so at an early age. If training is left to late then they can become a boisterous, uncontrollable dog who thinks he can do exactly as he pleases! Willing to please and relatively easy to train to an acceptable level. They are extremely sensitive and will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods
Overall Exercise: 60 - 80 minutes per day.
Puppy exercise should be kept to a minimum so that the bones can form properly and can become strong.They should be trained to walk on a lead until at least 1 yr old then they can be allowed off the lead for free-running exercise.
Feeding Requirements:
As puppies, it is imperative that you stick to the breeder's recommended diet sheet in order to prevent skeletal defects and bone and joint problems.
Exercise: Med
Grooming: Med
Noise: Med
Personal Protection: High
Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium
Level of Aggression: High
Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium
Suitablity for Children: High
Often Docked? No
Average Litter size: 4-10
Life Expectancy (yrs) 7
Health issues: Due to a small genetic pool, the Bernese Mountain Dog carries the increased risk of genetic disorders, such as stillborn puppies. These problems include hip & elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancers, aortic stenosis and kidney problems.
Other health issues may include von Willebrand's disease, skin and coat problems, thyroid disorders and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer, but Bernese Mountain Dogs can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests.
History: The Bernese Mountain Dog can trace their ancestry to the Roman invasion of Switzerland over 2,000 years ago. The Mastiffs of Rome were crossed with the native flock- guarding dogs which produced a breed that was able to withstand severe weather, such as in the Alps. The breed was subsequently named for the canton of Berne in the central farmlands of Switzerland, the region in which it was developed. The Bernese Sennenhund holds the resemblance of Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, and Saint Bernards, all of which are believed to have played a part in the development of the dog. These dogs are believed to have ancestry from the Molossus dog of ancient Greece and Rome. The Bernese Cattle Dogs were used as guard dogs and draft dogs in Caesar's army. After this, the breed was mainly used as an all-purpose dog for farming, herding, pulling carts and other farm jobs. In the 1800s the breed almost became extinct if it were not for Herr Franz Schertenleib and Zurich professor Albert Heim who worked with the breed to revive it. Schertenleib had heard stories of the dog from his father, and went in search of the dog that was soon to be extinct. After finding the species, Heim joined him in his efforts and the breed was brought back. The Bernese Mountain Dog was brought to the U.S. in 1926. In the 1930s, a few bloodlines of these dogs were bred to be more of a guard dog that was fierce looking rather than a happy family pet, therefore resulting in some unreliable temperament in those specific bloodlines, but not in all Bernese Mountain Dogs. This led to the common inbreeding of Berners, which resulted in many genetic disorders that still perpetuate today. Today the Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity has grown largely in Europe as well as the U.S. Bernese Mountain Dogs can still be seen pulling carts up the Switzerland mountainsides. Today in America they are used at many charity events, at shows, and as a gentle family pet.
Thursday 10 March 2011
Belgian Shepherd Dog Breed
Country of origin: Belgium
General Appearance:
Belgian Shepherds are well proportioned dogs of medium size. They are alert dogs who are fine and proud. They are known for their ability as a sheepdog or guard dog. Their coat differs depending on which of the four varieties within the Belgian Shepherd breed they are. The Groenendael is a medium sized, longhaired dog that appears square in its outline. Although they are often confused with the ‘long-haired German Shepherd Dog’ by the general public, they are lighter in bone and more refined in head. The Laekenois is a medium sized, rough-haired dog that appears square in its outline. Their coat is weatherproof. The Malinois is usually confused with the short haired German Shepherd Dog but the are smaller and more refined in head and lighter boned. The Tervueren Is very similar to the Groenendael but comes in all shades of red, fawn and grey with a black overlay.
Colour:
Depends on what variation of breed the dog is Groenendael: black with or without small amount of white Laekenois: Reddish fawn with black Tervueren/Malinois: All shades of red, fawn and grey with a black overlay
Size:
Bitch 56-61 cms
Dog 61-66 cms
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 20kg (44lbs) 23kg (51lbs)
Dog 27.5kg (61lbs) 28.5kg (63lbs)
Temperament:
The Belgian shepherds are intelligent dogs with a wary outlook. That said, they are not nervous or aggressive. The Belgian shepherd is a good family dog who likes to get involved with all activities. They should not be kennel dogs as they bore easily and could become destructive.They will protect their home and family but it is not advisable to encourage their guarding instincts when young, as they can get confused and start guarding you in inappropriate situations.
Movement:
Loose and brisk
Care and Training:
The Groendael and the Tervueren has a long and lavish coat that will need brushing or/and combing daily. This will need to be done from the under coat as well as the top coat to prevent matting. The Laekenois and the Malinois have rough and shorter coats so need little grooming, so the Groendael and Tervueren does shed heavily during warmer seasons where as the Laekenois with the rough coat and the Malinois with the shorter coat shed their coat much lighter.
The Groenendael is an intelligent dog that learns very quickly. A gentle but consistent approach is the best way to train this dog. They should be socialised from a very early age. This dog is very intelligent and is eager to please his owner. This breed does exceptionally well in obedience and working sports as it was originally bred for herding.
Overall Exercise: 60 - 80 minutes per day.
This Breed are highly active and if considered for a family pet would need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and not to be left alone for long periods of time.
Feeding Reqirement:
Belgian Shepherds generally have a good appetite, and do not need special dietry requirements.
Exercise: High
Grooming: Med
Noise: Med
Dog Group Kennel Club: Pastoral
Personal Protection: Medium
Level of Aggression: Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium
Suitablity for Children: High
Often Docked? No
Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium
Average Litter size: 6-10
Life Expectancy (yrs) 13
Health issues: The Belgian Sheepdogs are free from hereditary diseases a majority of the time, although problems such as epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia should be checked out. Possible health issues also include anesthesia sensitivity, cancer, PRA, thyroid problems, eye problems.
History: The Belgian Sheepdog was developed in Belgium for the guarding and herding of sheep. Belgian Sheepdogs were formally recognized as the Belgian Shepherd Dog in 1891. Present in the gene pool of this breed are alleles producing long coats, short coats, rough or wired coats and a variance of colors. This created the Belgian Shepherd Dog with four different varieties. The Groenendael (known simple as the Belgian Sheepdog), with a long, solid black coat, the Laekenois, a rough or wire-coat in fawn, red or brown, the Malinois, a short coat in fawn, red or brown and the Tervuren, a long coated fawn or dark red dog. All of these dogs originated from the variance of sheepdogs that existed in Belgium towards the end of the 19th century. In the year of 1890, a man named Monsieur Nicholas Rose of the Cafe du Groenendael found a completely black, long-haired Belgian sheepdog in a litter. After buying a dog similar to this one, Monsieur Rose used selective breeding to create the Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael. In 1891 the breed was decided upon to develop and separate three more versions of this dog at the Brussels Veterinary University. The American Kennel Club has recognized three of these four varieties. The United States and Belgium are the only countries to accept at least three of the four of them as distinguished from each other as four separate breeds. The British Kennel Club regards them as a single breed and the Federation Cynologique states one breed with four varieties. Because of this, the dogs are always registered on their coat type and color, not of their parents. The Belgian breeds were used as sentry dogs, messengers and even draft dogs in World War I, and continued to serve in World War II.
Friday 18 February 2011
Bedlington Terrier profile
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Dog Group Kennel Club: Terrier
General Appearance:
Bedlington Terriers have a non shedding wooly fur very lamb like and have a wedge shaped head and gentle expression. There is a fringe of silky hair on the tips of the ears. The bedlingtons coat being so crisp and curly they are a non-shedding breed. They have a long tapering jaw that should be solid and a continuous slope to the nose. The neck is long and arched joining on to flat shoulders, the legs are also long for a terrier with the hindlegs appearing longer due to the roaching of the back. Bedlingtons can have a terrier attitude but have an almost greyhound shaped body.
Colours:
Blue, Liver and Sandy with or without tan.
Sizes:
Bitch 38cm - 43cm
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 8kg (18lbs) 10kg (22lbs)
Dog 8kg (18lbs) 10kg (22lbs)
Temperament:
Bedlingtons have a good temperament but, when required, can be full of courage as their terrier heritage suggests. That said, they are also known to be affectionate and not shy. A bedlington can be a good dog as a family pet but need to be introduced to other pets at an ealy age as they can be difficult to train with cats etc. They are ok to have with other dogs but there can be difficulties with the pack hierarchy but, once the bedlington establishes itself as dominant, there should be no more problems. They seem to accept larger dogs more easily. Strangers will be announced and repelled if unwelcome, but once accepted into the house by the master, will be given a friendly reception. They can adapt to life in a flat if given adequate exercise. They are good with children. Generally, the Bedlington will bond strongly with one family member.
Movement:
Despite their lamb like appearance, Bedlingtons are capable of moving at high speed but they do have a very distinctive action.
Care and Training:
This is a high maintenance breed. They require professional specialized clipping every six weeks. They must be brushed and combed on a daily basis. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Bedlington Terrier is prone to a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. They also have a tendency for such health issues as thyroid problems, cataracts, and kidney disease.
Overall exercise: 40 - 60 minutes per day
Two long walks should be adequate that involve running and jumping and plenty of games to stimulate their minds to avoid behavioural problems developing.
Feeding Requirements:
Bedlingtons are generally healthy eaters and can be fed tinned or dry food once or twice a day.
Exercise: Med
Grooming: Med
Noise: Low
Personal Protection: Low
Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium
Level of Aggression: High
Compatibility With Other Animals: Low
Suitablity for Children: Medium
Often Docked? No
Average Litter size: 4
Life Expectancy (yrs)13
Health issues: Liver problems, hereditary kidney diseases and eye problems such as retinal dysplasia. Possible health concerns include copper toxicosis, juvenile cataracts and renal hypoplasia.
History: Formerly known as the Rodbury, Rothbury or Northumberland Fox Terrier. Bedlington Terriers evolved from Northumberland, England where they were used to hunt vermin such as badgers, foxes, weasels and otter. At the time, the Bedlington Terrier was known for being a tough ratting dog that would fight to the death if necessary. These days, the Bedlington has become more of a companion, which has made its popularity spread, but reduced its fighting usefulness to almost nil. It is believed that the Bedlington Terrier was crossed with Whippet blood to produce their speed, agility and graceful movement. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier also played a role in the dog's ancestry, as one of the breed's "forefathers" was listed as both Dandie Dinmont and Bedlington Terrier. A popular dog with poachers, they earned the nickname of Gypsy Dog. Today, Bedlington Terriers are kept for their lovable nature, and are known to fight for affection when they get jealous.
Monday 31 January 2011
Bearded Collie Dog Breed
Country of Origin: Scotland
Dog Group Kennel Club: Pastoral
General Appearance:
Bearded Collies are lively, active dogs with a lean appearance. They have a double coat with flat, strong, shaggy outer coats and soft furry under coats. These dogs were originally bred to herd stock but, today, are more likely to seen in a family environment. From their cheeks, lower lips and under their chins, their coats increase in length towards their chests giving them their typical beards! The nose is large and should be in tone with the coat colour, lighter or darker depending on the colour of the coat. The neck should be slightly arched and lead into well laid back shoulders. Bearded Collies coats change in colour as they mature. When the puppies are born they tend to be black, brown, blue, or fawn, this will then fade, once they reach maturity they darken again.
Colour:
A variety of colours are acceptable including all shades of grey, brown and sandy as well as reddish fawn, black and blue. Some white markings are also acceptable.
Size:
Bitch 51-53cms
Dog 53-56 cms
Measured to the withers
Weight:
Min Max
Bitch 18kg (40lbs) 28kg (62lbs)
Dog 18kg (40lbs) 28kg (62lbs)
Temperament:
Bearded Collies are known to be intelligent and lively working dogs but do not, in general, have aggressive or nervous tendencies. They thrive on family fun so are good with children and family pets.They are easy going aswell as being bold, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they bore easily. They are not known to bark but may bark to the arrival of visitors to show they are excited or that they are bored. Their herding instinct is very high so whilest in the home may try to herd menbers of the family into one room,or whilest on a walk they may herd other dogs and animals.
Movement:
Bearded Collies have a long reaching and athletic gait that is smooth and covers ground easily.
Care and Training:
Bearded Collies need alot of grooming a thorough brushing once a week is ok but daily brushing would make the job easier. When brushing a beardie a spray conditioner will help with the detangling of their long coat. You need to brush all layers of their coat so you may need to get under the top coat get at the under coat , matted notts will form if this is not done correctly.
A Professional clipping can also be done every few months.
Beardies are eger to learn and love to be around people. This breed is highly trainable for various activities. Obedience training is a must as they have a tendency to be headstrong.
They excel in tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks, and competitive obedience.
They respond best to firm, fair, consistent, and loving methods of training.
Overall Exercise: 60 - 80 minutes per day.
This breed need plenty on exercise also to play games in family activity such as football or frisby.
Feeding Requirements:
This is a fast growing breed so good nutrition during the puppy months is important.
It is important to not overfeed as this can cause bone deformities.
Exercise: High
Grooming: High
Noise: High
Personal Protection: Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog: Medium
Level of Aggression: Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium
Suitablity for Children: High
Often Docked? No
Average Litter size: 6
Life Expectacy (yrs)14
Health issues: Hip dysplasia. Other possible health concerns include allergies, autoimmune disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, colonic disease and skin problems.
History: It is believed that in 1514 a Polish Merchant bought six Polish Lowland Sheepdogs in Scotland to herd his sheep, and a man from Scotland was so impressed with the Sheepdogs (also known as Polski Owczarek Nizinny dog from Poland) that he traded some of them for a few of his sheep. The Bearded Collie was developed from the The Polish dogs were mixed with Highland Collies, the native dogs of Scotland, which became known as the Bearded Collie. In the 1940s the breed almost went extinct, but thanks to Mrs. G. Olive Willison and her search for a mate for her female Bearded Collie Jeannie, a litter was produced and thus served to rebuild the Bearded Collie population again. Used as a working companion they would drive cattle and sheep to the market.
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