Breed of the Month: Vizsla

History:  It has been said that the Vizsla originated in Austria and Hungary, dating back to the 14th century.  The ancestors were said to be hunters, part retriever and part pointer.  Back then, only noble or wealthy individuals owned these dogs.  This is how the blood line was preserved so well. Later on the Vizsla was mixed with a Weimaraner and a German Short-Haired Pointer.

Description:  The Vizsla is a medium size dog.  Their muscular bodies are built for activity and lots of running.  They are cinnamon in color throughout their entire body. Their coats are short, smooth, and dense.  An interesting fact about Vizslas, is that the iris of their eye is all brown.  You cannot see any white when looking in their eyes.

Size: The average male is 22-25 inches weighing up to 45-66 pounds.  The female is 21-24 inches and weighs about 40-55 pounds.

Temperament:  These dogs are very loyal and affectionate.  Vizslas form a strong bond with their owner and family.  The Vizsla has been given the nickname “velcro-dog”.  This because if they aren’t outdoors playing, they are by your side or sitting on your lap.  Yes, Vizslas make a good family dog, but you need to be careful when they are around young children.  This is due to their high level of energy and wanting to play a lot.  Vizslas were born with a natural instinct to hunt, but like most hunting dogs, they require training.  It is recommended to train them slowly, because they can become overwhelmed very easily.

Grooming:  The Vizsla is a very low- maintenance dog.  They are good at self-cleaning, and don’t have the ‘dog odor’ that some people tend to smell.  Some owners recommended wiping them down with a dry rag twice a week.  That way they stay clean and you should only bathe them 3-5 times a year.

Health: Vizsla’s are known to have a few common health issues.  The Vizsla Club of America participates in a canine health database.  Before a Vizsla can be registered for a number, they need to be tested for certain ailments, and the owner must provide all test results.  Most breeders are careful and monitor the bloodlines when considering a mate for their dog.  They can use the health database Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) to gather information concerning a Vizslas health history.

Common health issues include:

• hip dysplasia
• Von  Willebrand’s disease
• cancer
• hypothyroidism
• eye disorders

Exercise:  This dog requires about 30-60 minutes of  exercise daily.  And when I say exercise, I don’t mean just a walk around the block.  The Vizslas love to run and play.  If you live in town or in an apartment, you might want to reconsider getting a Vizsla.  They enjoy going hunting, running around outdoors, agility courses, and playing fetch.

Lifespan:  The Vizsla tends to live 10-14 years.

Keep in Mind:   Even though you have provided your Vizsla with lots of attention and exercise, they can still become bored.  Especially when they are home alone.  These dogs are known for chewing, so make sure they have toys  of their own to keep them busy and play with.

Sources:

http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/vizsla.htm

http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/vizsla.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla

Vizsla

Vizsla

Breed of the Month: Doberman Pinscher

History:  The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany around 1890.  A tax collector, named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann ‘designed’ the Doberman to be his guard dog.  Mr. Dobermann had to collect money from people in some pretty shady areas, he decided that having a guard dog would prevent people from stealing his money.

Description: Dobermans’ are a large, muscular dog.  Their bodies are built for endurance and stamina.  These dogs were first bread to guard and protect their owners, now they have the same look as their ancestors, but a more gentle personality.  The head is a wedge shape.  Doberman puppies are born with floppy ears and a long tail.  After they reach a certain age, most owners will have the ears cropped and the tails docked.

Size:  The Doberman is a large dog and averages 61-68 centimeters in height.  Male Dobermans weigh in at 34-45 kg and females at 27-41 kg. (1 pound is about 2.2 kilogram)

Temperament:  Originally, Dobermans were bread to be fearless guard dogs.  They were bred to be large, fearless, and ready to protect when commanded.  These traits have given the Dobermans a bad reputation.  Over the years, breeders have somehow altered the Dobermans’ personality traits.  They are still large and in charge, but are not as aggressive and intimidating.  Today, Doberman’s are still known to be protective of their owners, but they are also good-natured, intelligent, and loyal.

Dobermans’ are prone to separation anxiety. This is because the breed is used to spending a lot of time around humans.  If you work long hours, it would not be a good idea to adopt a Doberman. They can become anxious and destructive when left alone for long periods of time. These active dogs require attention and activity.  If this does not happen, the Doberman will become bored and search for their own source of entertainment; which might not be approved by any owner.

Grooming: Doberman’s could be classified as a ‘low maintenance’ dog when it comes to grooming. These dogs do shed year round, but brushing them weekly is enough to keep it under control.  When it comes to the ‘dog smell,’ most owners have stated that their Dobermans’ rarely smell and don’t bathe that often.  You can get away with bathing these dogs 3-4 times a year.

An important thing to keep up on is checking the Doberman’s ears.  They sometimes have wax build up, which may lead to an ear infection.  If you have noticed issues with your Doberman’s ears, ask your veterinarian if they can recommended an ear cleansing solution.

Health:  Doberman’s have a few serious health issues that their owners should pay close attention to.  The first and most common is Dilated cardiomyopathy.  This is when your heart is an abnormal shape and there are problems pumping blood efficiently throughout your body.  This then causes the rest of your organs to have problems, due to the lack of blood flow. 

Wobbler disease affects most large-breed dogs.  It is a neurological disease that causes a wobbly gait in most animals.  Some dogs will walk with their head hung low, this is a sign that they are in pain.  Their spinal cords are under pressure whether from a herniated disc, or a small spinal canal.

Von Willebrand disease is where the blood has a hard time clotting after a blood vessel becomes injured.  This means after a Doberman becomes injured, they might have excessive bleeding even if the sustained injury is minimal.

Exercise:  Due to the Doberman being bred with an active, athletic nature; they require a large amount of daily exercise and mental activities.  After looking around at a few different sites, most current Doberman owners suggest that you not only have a large fenced-in back yard, but that you also have the time to spend exercising your Doberman.  You might think that putting them out back gives them plenty of time to run around, but playing by yourself can get boring.  This is where a companion would come in.  Not every Doberman owner recommends that you get 2 at once, it is just something to think about.

Lifespan: On average, the Doberman can live 10-13 years.  This also depends on the health of your animal and how well it is taken care of.

Trivia:  Dobermans have also been known for making appearance on the big screen. Zeus and Apollo were owned by Higgens in the television show Magnum PI.  In the movie Resident Evil, there were a few Doberman Zombies.  Also in Disney’s movie Up, there was a Doberman by the name of Alpha.

Sources:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/doberman_pinscher/index.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doberman_Pinscher

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Doberman-Pinscher/Personality.aspx

Have You Seen These Famous Dobermans?

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dilated-cardiomyopathy/basics/definition/con-20032887

Why do dogs mark their territory?

I’m sure this question has crossed every dog owners’ mind at least once. I decided to do some research on this question to see if there is a clear answer or a definite solution to the problem.

Urine-marking

The act of marking one’s territory is a natural instinct for all dogs.  Yet this behavior is not appropriate for one that lives inside.   We all need to remember that being territorial is a natural characteristic when it comes to dogs.  Dogs don’t usually mark their territory to “spite” their owners.  It is their way of saying “this is my house”, “don’t make yourself too comfortable”, or “this is my family”.  As human beings, we can just simply write our name on an object to let others know it belongs to us.  For dogs, on the other hand, it’s not that simple.

Anxiety

When your dog becomes anxious, this can also trigger excess territorial marking. For example; a new baby, remodeling the home, packing to move, adding a new piece of furniture, or even hearing another dog bark outside the window.  Change is a factor that can cause not only humans to be anxious, but dogs as well. As pet owners, we need to reassure our pets that everything is going to be okay and they are still wanted in our lives.

Soiling

There are easy ways to distinguish between the two. When a dog is soiling inside your home, you will notice a large urine stain from them emptying their bladder.  This could be due to the lack of house training, medical concerns, or even because your dog becomes scared and loses control of his/her bowls & bladder.

If your dog is house-broken & soiling becomes an issue, you may want to re-evaluate what  is going on not only in your home, but your dog’s life. Are there changes in your dog’s life that are scaring them? For example; construction in the area which can be very loud and frightening, or maybe your dog is having medical issues that you can’t see from their outward appearance.  Since dog’s can’t talk, it is our job as their owner to be their advocate and to pay close attention to signs they give us.

Urine-marking

Territorial marking (urine-marking) is a small amount of urine, that is generally on vertical surfaces.  Most dogs will lift their leg to mark their territory.  Some owners make take this marking to heart. For example, if you bring home a new baby or even a new significant other, your dog may make their mark on the intruder’s personal items. This isn’t their way of saying “I don’t like them,” it is just a way for your pet to reassure themselves that they still have boundaries in the home.  Let’s say you go to a friend’s house and play with their dog. When you arrive home, your dog smells the new sent and may mark their territory to reassure themselves that this is their home.

If you and your family move into a new home and there was a dog prior, your dog will want to mark their territory right away. As pet owners we need to be more understanding of certain situations for our dogs.  We put them in a new home full of the previous owners sent, not to mention the old dog’s sent as well. Your dog is going to be anxious not only because they are in a new house, but also because they can smell the old dog’s scent. Please be patient with your dog.  They are decorating their new home as most home owners do; except instead of picture frames and lawn ornaments, they use a more smellier tactic.

Solutions

There are no guarantees that dogs will stop territorial-marking permanently.  Hopefully after reading this post you may have learned some new ways to assist your dog in becoming  more comfortable, re-evaluating situations at home, or even taking them in for a check-up to make sure they are healthy.

Below are some helpful sites that list products to help eliminate urine odor and tips/guides on how to clean soiled areas. 

• http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/removing_pet_stains_odors.html
• http://www.petsmart.com/dog/stain-odor-removers/cat-36-catid-100018?OVMTC=Broad&site=&creative=39740848296&OVKEY=dog%20urine%20smell&url_id=150250546&adpos=1s1&device=c&devicemodel=&gclid=CjwKEAjwv9-gBRD5ofn2jd2N0UUSJACcdilsKn7Alhgj_CD3msDKKv5OcZ2qpqOWvXY4v31d5ERAahoC36Xw_wcB
• http://www.howtocleanthings.com/pets/how-to-clean-dog-urine.htm   (how to clean & lists natural options)

Sources:

• http://www.vetstreet.com/canine-urine-marking-indoors
• http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/housebreaking/What-is-Territorial-Marking-and-How-to-Stop-It
• http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/urine_marking.html

Breed of the Month: Jack Russell Terrier

History:  The Jack Russell Terrier originated in England during the 18th century.  Records show that the JRT was a descendent from the White terrier, which is now extinct.  A man named Reverend John Russell, who was an avid fox hunter, purchased a white and tan terrier from his local milk man.  Trump, as he was named, was Reverend Russell’s dream dog.  Trump had high stamina, was courageous, and aggressive.  These traits were looked highly upon by fox hunters.  Reverend Russell was also very proud to say that his dogs had never tasted blood.  They were known for locating fox holes, sniffing out the fox, and then chasing them so their owners could make the kill.  Other’s had heard of his breed and would ask to take his dogs out hunting.

Description:  This breed is what some may refer to as a “compact” dog.  They are pretty proportionate in size having short legs and a small chest.  Another desired trait of the JRT is flexibility. Hunting foxes can be difficult and challenging.  JRT’s can use their flexible bodies to chase their prey into or out of their holes.

Size:  Jack Russell Terriers measure in at  15-18 inches and weigh about 14-18 pounds.

Temperament: This breed is known to be very vocal, athletic, intelligent and courageous.  JRT’s were bred to hunt, therefore they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation.  These dogs can become bored very easily and cause mischief if let alone for long periods of time.

JRT’s are also stubborn and aggressive at times. Owners recommend that you start socializing this breed at a young age.  This will help their social skills & getting them used to being around strangers without becoming hostile.  If you are considering a JRT for your future family pet, they are not recommended for young children.  Even if they are socialized, this breed does not take lightly to abuse, even if it is an accident. This type of ‘abuse’ would come from younger children due to their young developing minds, and lack of understanding.

Grooming:  JRT’s can have a short or long-haired coat.  It has been said that the shorter the hair, the more your dog will shed.  It is important to brush them, but not bathe them often.  It’s recommended that you rinse them off with warm water only, and use shampoo if necessary.  Too much bathing can lead to skin irritations and more shedding. Then long-haired JRT sheds as well, but not as much as the short-haired.  Same rules apply for bathing, and they can also shed more when the seasons start to change.

Health:  JRT’s are known to be fairly healthy, living an average of 14-21 years.  Due to having such strict breeders, the bloodlines have stayed fairly clean and the percentage of incest is very low.

There are a few ailments that a pet owner should research before getting a JRT.  Not all dogs are affected, but these diseases listed below are hereditary.  I have provided links below, that can give you more information on each disease/syndrome.

• Ataxia
• Primary Lens Luxation
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Congenital deafness
• Hereditary Cataracts
• Von Willebrand’s Disease

Exercise:  This breed is a working and hunting dog.  They need exercise daily! This is very important for both the owner and their pet.  If you are not able to stimulate your JRT, they will become restless and start to act out, or may even cause destruction in your home.  If you live in an apartment or condo, please realize you will need to make lots of time to exercise your dog.

 Trivia: Due to this breed’s hard-working life style, they have been featured in many television shows and movies. Just to name a few, Wishbone, Fraiser, The Mask, & My dog Skip.

Sources:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B9c7e-6CDM
• http://www.therealjackrussell.com/breed/history.php
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Russell_Terrier#Description
• http://www.publicbookshelf.com/nonfiction/jack-russell/grooming-jacks-2
• http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/ataxia-in-dogs-what-it-means-for-you-and-your-pet-2884065.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ab_paid_12&gclid=CjwKEAjw1ZWgBRD-n6ew0oan1xwSJABAbf8ppCKoLW2AyTlr3ZyoEyy-ZBEz9vc4tgkS8XjHiBRpOxoCaqLw_wcB (Ataxia)
• http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/genetics_pll.html (Primary Lens Luxation)
• http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/myasthenia-gravis-dogs (Myasthenia Gravis)
• http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_von_willebrand_disease (Von Willebrands’) 

 

Breed of the Month: American BullDog

Description: American Bulldogs are a large muscular breed. They are generally stalky, with long muzzles and a square-shaped head.  The coat color is usually white with red, black, or brindle patches.

Size: Males are 20-27 inches and females are about 20-24 inches tall.

History: The origin of the American Bulldog is not very clear. Some believe it was brought over to America by colonists and used as a farm dog. They helped heard livestock, guard the farm and protect its families from vermin.

A second theory is that this so-called breed is made up.  The ABD is a mixture of multiple breeds put together over a long period of time.

The third theory is that the English Bulldog was bread with other breeds to create or develop the American Bulldog that we see today.

Temperament: This breed is known for its stable temperament. The American Bulldog is loyal and protective to its family.  They are alert, curious, bold, and fearless. The ABD can work well with other breeds and live with them too, but it works best if they are raised with them.

Grooming: The American Bulldog doesn’t require much care when it comes to grooming.  The ABD sheds short coarse hair that should only be washed once every two months.  Due to allergies, this breed can also have sensitive skin. The most important thing to remember is their ears. They need to be cleaned regularly or they can contract yeast infection.

Health: This breed has been known to be generally healthy.  Like all other breeds, the American Bulldog has certain health concerns. Due to the selective breeding, not all ABD are affected. You should research the blood lines before purchasing a puppy from a random breeder.

It has been said that American Bulldogs tend to have hip and elbow dysplasia. Allergies are also common in this breed. Most veterinarians will tell you to give your dog a specific daily dose of Benadryl.  ACL tears, bone cancer & problems with the kidney and liver have also been reported.

Exercise: Due to the American Bulldogs high energy and muscular build, these dogs require daily exercise. They were bread to work, so getting outdoors for a walk or jog will make them very happy.

Lifespan: The ABD has a lifespan of 10-15 years.

Trivia: This working breed not only shows its skills outside on the farm, but also has talents on the big screen.  You can watch famous American Bulldog actors on the movies Homeward Bound, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Little Rascals.

Sources:  https://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog/breed_standard.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bulldog

http://www.bulldoginformation.com/american-bulldog-history.html

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-health/dog-grooming/article_4865.aspx

Breed of the Month: Dalmation

 

Description: Dalmatian’s are a mid-sized muscular dog. Their bodies are as long as they are tall. The ears set high on the head, and are tapered toward the tip.  Dalmatians have arched toes and round paws.  This breed is generally white with black spots, this is the trait that the Dalmatian breed is known for.

Size: When full-grown, Dalmatians weigh between 35-70lbs. Males are slightly taller than females, measuring in at about 19-24 inches tall.

History:  The origin of the Dalmatian breed has been an unsolved mystery. After centuries of research, they found paintings portraying this breed that date back to the early 1600’s.  A written description of the Dalmatian was found from the early 18th century. Some think they first appeared in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In 1791, a man named Thomas Bewick declared that this breed would be called Dalmatian.  Even though there were no Dalmatian’s currently residing in the country of Dalmatia.

In 1930, an England ship owner, sailed with his Dalmatians to the country of Dalmatia. He wanted his dogs to live and breed in the country for which they were named after. 

Temperament:  When the 101 Dalmatian movie was released, parents all over wanted to get one for a family pet. The high demand over this breed led to a malpractice in breeding.  Puppy mills, and other careless breeders were producing Dalmatian’s with bad blood lines. It had been noted that pups from bad blood lines tend to be much more aggressive, stubborn, bite, and are very hyper.

When getting a pup from a responsible breeder, Dalmatians tend to be obedient, intelligent, loyal and athletic.  Due to being such a loyal breed, Dalmatian’s can have separation anxiety. When left alone, they can become upset and in time, start destroying things.

Grooming: The Dalmatians’s coats are very fine and short. They shed year-round and the hair can weave itself into clothing, carpet, and upholstery. It is recommended to groom them weekly, using a curry comb or a hound mitt. Due to the small amount of oil on a Dalmatian’s coat, they stay fairly clean and tend not to have the “dog smell”.

Health: Dalmatian’s are generally healthy dogs,  but they do have their share of aliments. The most common health issue among Dalmatian’s is deafness.  Only about 70% of them have regular hearing.  Some breeders’ have stated that they believe blue-eyed pups have a greater chance of becoming deaf than brown-eyed pups.  This theory isn’t valid due to the lack of scientific testing.

Some Dalmatian’s suffer from Hyperuricemia.  This is when there is too much uric acid in the blood. The liver then has trouble breaking down the uric acid, which results it then entering into the blood and urine stream. When one suffers from Hyperuricemia, they tend to have kidney and bladder stones.  This tends to affect middle-aged males around 10 years of age.

Another side-affect of Hyperuricemia, is Gout.  When high uric acid levels are in the body, they tend to crystallize on joints and tendons. When diagnosed with Gout, a human would have symptoms of acute arthritis and swollen joints in the feet. Most commonly the big toe is always affected.

If you are looking to medicate your pet, some people have recommended asking your veterinarian about a medication called Allopurinol.

Special Diet:  Multiple sources have suggested to have your Dalmatian on a fatty acid diet, using raw eggs. This can help with the Gout.  Also keep them off of vitamin C & B. Both vitamins have been known to increase the amount of acid produced. Some owners also switch their dogs to a low purine diet and include whole-grain cereals with no yeast.

Exercise:  Due to their athletic traits, Dalmatian’s require daily exercise and mental stimulation.  They enjoy being outdoors, going for a run, hiking, and even competing in agility activities.  The key to raising a happy Dalmatian is proper exercise and daily activities.

Life Span: One source listed the average life span of a Dalmatian to be 15-16 years.  Then another source stated the average was 9-11 years.

Trivia: Dalmatian were first used as carriage dogs. They ran along side horse-drawn carriages and acted as a guard dog. Later they rode along side fire fighters in horse-drawn fire trucks. This is how they became the fire house mascot.

Today you might see the Dalmatians as they run along side the Anheuser-Busch Draft horse carriage.

 

 

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalmatian_(dog)

http://www.ufaw.org.uk/hyperuricosuria.php

http://www.gout-aware.com/canine-gout.html

http://www.1800petmeds.com/Allopurinol-prod10042.html

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Dalmatian/Personality.aspx

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Dalmatian/Overview.aspx

Breed of the Month: Australian Cattle Dog

Description: The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is a medium-sized dog.  They are known as a red or blue heeler. This is because their coats have black or brown hair through out their white coat.  ACD’s are known for their high level of intelligence, energy, and for wanting to herd animals. They like to keep busy and may even heard your family members.  To keep the ACD out of mischief, owners should give them a task or job to focus on. This will encourage positive behavior.

History: Originating in Australia, a man name named Thomas Hall crossed the Dingo with the Blue Smooth Highland Collie.  This breed was named “Hall’s Heelers”. After Thomas Hall passed away, the breed was free to travel outside of his family and then the common name, American Cattle Dog was used.

Size: The ACD measures, on average, 43 to 51 centimeters. These dogs are longer than they are tall and weigh about 33-49 pounds.

Temperament: The ACD is a very smart breed, they were ranked 10th on the Stanly’s Coren’s “Intelligence of Dogs”. When meeting strangers, the ACD may become reserved and cautious. Some owners have trained them to become loyal watch dogs.  If you plan on having them around lots of individuals, it is encouraged to work with them on meeting new people. That way they feel more at ease.  ACD are known for their amazing companionship and loyalty to their family.

Grooming: ACD’s do not shed year round. It is said that males blow their coat once a year and females twice. When this happens, it is encouraged to give them a warm bath and brush them.  They also need regular maintenance on their nails and teeth.

Health: After reading up on the ACD, the most common health concerns were deafness and blindness. It was also reported that both of these issues were hereditary.  Due to such an active life-style ACD are prone to injuries. This was noted as the “most common health risk”.

Exercise: The ACD are a very active breed. These dogs need a task to complete at all times. They were bread as a herding animal and need a lot of exercise due to their high-strung personality.  Some owners have their dogs compete in speed and agility courses. This will keep them very active.

Lifespan: ACD generally age well, especially when they are kept active throughout their life. The average lifespan is 11-13 years.

Trivia: A blue heeler was featured in the movie Mad Max 2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog   http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_australian_cattle_dog

http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/herding/australian-cattle-dog.html

Breed of the Month: Golden Retriever

 

Description: Golden Retrievers are strong, large, long-hair dogs. Their inner coat provides warmth while spending time outdoors, and their top coat helps to keep out water. The color of the coat is golden, red, and slightly wavy. Golden’s have dark eyes, a strong jaw, and muscular neck.

History: The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland and was developed by Lord Tweedmouth. He bred a yellow retriever with a tweed water spaniel, which is now extinct. Later on the Irish setter and the Bloodhound were bred into the mix, which helped to create the Golden Retriever we see today.

Size: Males weigh an average of 65-70lbs and are 23-24 inches tall. Females weigh 60-70lbs and are about 21 1/2 – 22 1/2 inches tall.

Temperament: Golden’s are very loyal and loving dogs. They are ranked the 3rd most popular family dog in the United States. Most Golden’s are known for their kind and friendly temperament. This breed is known for many different jobs. Golden’s make great service dogs for the blind and deaf, but also great hunting companions. Golden’s great around children.

Grooming: They should be brushed once a week and every day during heavy shedding. This helps prevent the amount of hair shed. Golden’s should be bathed about every two months. It is also important to keep their ears clean. This helps to prevent ear infections.

Health: In 1998, a study was done by the Golden Retriever Club of America. It was found that 61.4 percent of Golden’s died from cancer. Due to Golden’s having a large appetite, they are prone to obesity. Golden’s also have hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, heart disease, joint disease, and ligament rupture. Due to having a large list of health issues, it is recommended that you take them in for yearly vet checkups.

Exercise: The Golden should have a daily exercise routine. They enjoy being active outdoors. Taking them for walks, playing fetch, or even participating in an agility course are just a few examples. Golden’s also enjoy relaxing, it is important for them to enjoy their free time too.

Lifespan: About 10 to 13 years.

Trivia: Golden Retrievers have made special appearances in films such as Homeward bound, as ‘Shadow’ and the Air Bud series as ‘Buddy’.

http://www.goldenretrievers.co.uk/application/standard/index.php

https://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/index.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever

http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_golden_retriever

Breed of the Month: Shetland Sheepdog

*Description: Shelties have a short body structure. Their legs are also relatively short as well, dew claws are removed sometimes. The tail is long and feathered and may lay flat or have a slight curve. The head is blunt and resembles a wedge shape. Shelties have almond shaped eyes which are usually brown but can also be blue. The ears are fairly tall and generally bend slightly at the tip. Some owners will brace or bend the ears to get this desired “Sheltie” expression.

*History: Shelties were originally bred as a farm dog. They were used to guard and herd livestock, chase rabbits and mice from gardens, and acted as a guard dog. While the Shetland Sheepdog looks very similar to the Rough Collie, the Sheltie is not selectively bread to be a miniature version of the Rough Collie. A spitz-like sheepdog of the Shetland Isles was bred with with Rough Collies, Border Collies, King Charles Spaniels, and Pomeranians, which produced a dog that resembles the Shetland Sheepdog. In the early 1900’s the Shetland Sheepdog was bred with the Rough Collie to maintain the breeds’ appearance. The Shetland Sheepdog was originally named the Shetland Collie but, due to discrepancies with with Rough Collie breeders, breeders of the Shetland Collie changed the breeds name to Shetland Sheepdog. The Shetland Sheepdogs first came to the US in 1908 and became recognized by the AKC in 1911.

Size: Males: 13–16 inches at the withers, weighing 16-20 pounds. Females: 13–16 inches at the withers, weighing 16-20 pounds.

Temperament:  The Shetland is a good watch dog. These dogs are known for their intelligence and how easy they are to train. Shelties love their family, are playful, and  loyal. The Shetland Sheepdog has a strong herding instinct, and will herd people and other animals. These dogs love their families but are wary of strangers. Need a calm yet firm and consistent pack leader. These dogs have a tendency to chase cars and should be trained to not to do so. These dogs can live in an apartment but will need sufficient exercise. They are active indoors. Has a tendency to bark a lot. Okay with children if raised with them but, they are typically wary of children with whom they are unfamiliar. All interactions between dogs and children should be supervised. Shelties are small and can easily become injured by a child who plays too rough. Excels at agility. May bark excessively if it doesn’t have mental and physical energy requirements fulfilled.

Grooming: The Shelty has a double coat. The outer coat is longer and water resistant while the undercoat is short, fluffy, and acts as insulation in colder weather. The Shelty needs to be brushed frequently to avoid mats that can appear in their fur. These dogs shed two times a year; once in the spring and again in the fall. However, they will still shed year round.

Health: A major health concern for Shetland Sheepdogs is dermatomyositis, which is characterized by hair loss on the head and face as well as muscle atrophy. Other concerns include Transitional Cell Carcinoma, which is a cancer of the bladder; patellar luxation, or dislocated knee cap; von Willebrand disease; hypothyroidism; and hip dysplasia.

Exercise: Having been bred as a working dog, the Shelty is a fairly active dog and requires a daily walk or jog. A big yard to run around as well as training sessions are also good for exercise.

Lifespan: About 12 to 14 years.

Trivia: President Calvin Coolidge was gifted a pure white Shetland Sheepdog named Calamity Jane.

http://en.wikivet.net/Canine_Dermatomyositis

http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/herding/shetland-sheepdog.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_Sheepdoga

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shetlandsheepdog.htm

https://www.akc.org/breeds/shetland_sheepdog/breed_standard.cfm

http://www.assa.org/SheltieHistory.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201210/the-president-and-the-sheltie

Breed of the Month: Brittany

Description: Body Structure:  Is described as leggy. Brittanys have a square shape as they are as tall as they are long. Head: Round and wedge shaped but, not as wide as it is long. Ears:  Short and triangular, the ears are set high on the head. Eyes: Expressive eyes come in multiple colors depending on the color of the coat. Dark brown, amber and hazel are the colors for eyes with a preference towards dark brown. Muzzle: Medium length and slightly tapered. Tail: Naturally short or docked at around 4 inches. Feet: Small with well arched toes and thick pads. Legs: Front legs are longer than the rear legs. Coat: The single coat is dense and wavy. Comes in white and orange, or white and liver are common in clear or roan.

History: Named after the French province, Brittany, the Brittany is likely the result of smaller spaniels and larger setters. The first Brittany was registered in France in 1907 after it first appeared in a dog show in Paris in 1900. The Brittany was recognized by the AKC in 1934. Some places in the world refer to this breed as the ‘Brittany Spaniel.’ In the United States in 1982, the ‘spaniel’ part was dropped due to its hunting nature being more like that of a setter; now the dog is simply called a Brittany. As their origins come from bird hunting dogs, Brittanys are still one of the most popular bird hunting dogs even today.

Size: Males: 17–20 inches at the withers, weighing 30-40 pounds. Females: 17–20 inches at the withers, weighing 30-40 pounds.

Temperament: The Brittany is alert, friendly, a good watch dog, and loyal to their family. These dogs can be sensitive, are very loving, always want to be with their family, and are always up for playing. If the owner is firm, consistent, and calm in teaching the Brittany, the dog will train easily as it is eager to please. If raised with them, Brittanys will coexist well with others animals and small children. Since the Brittany is very active indoors and has very high energy requirements, these dogs are not well suited for apartment life. Brittanys also have a tendency to roam when off leash.

Grooming: The Brittany is a light shedding dog with relatively few grooming requirements. After a Brittany has been outside, its a good idea to check their ears and clean them if necessary. These dogs only need to be brushed approximately every other week.

Health: The Brittany is a fairly hardy dog but, still has ailments common to the breed. Hip dysplasia and epilepsy are major health concerns for this breed.

Exercise: The Brittany has very high exercise requirements and needs at least an hour of exercise a day. Brittanys would benefit, not only from a daily pack walk but, a long jog or run. Mental and physical exercise is very important for this breed due to ability to become destructive if bored. Sufficient exercise is vital for having a happy and well behaved dog.

Lifespan: About 12 to 15 years.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/brittany.htm

http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/sporting/brittany.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brittany_(dog)

https://www.akc.org/breeds/brittany/breed_standard.cfm

http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/rights-managed/42-27242765/brittany-spaniel-pointing?popup=1