Breed of the Month: Newfoundland

Description: Body Structure: This dog has large bones and is muscular. The body is longer than it is tall. Head: the skull is large and proportionate to the body. Face should be smooth and free of wrinkles. Ears: triangular and rounded, the ears are small. Eyes: are brown, small and set far apart. Muzzle: is broad and short. Teeth meet in an even or scissor bite. Tail: broad at the base and thick. When relaxed, the tail is carried straight down or with a curve. When excited, the tail is carried straight out but not even curled over the back. Feet: Are cat-like and toes are webbed. Legs: Muscular and heavily boned. Coat: The Newfoundland has a thick water resistant double coat. The outer coat is dense, oily, and somewhat long. The undercoat is thick and soft. The undercoat is shed in the summer months. Coat can come in black, brown, grey, and Landseer (white with black markings).

History: There is not much certainty when it comes to exact origin of the Newfoundland breed. Some believe the Newfoundland is a descendant of the Great Pyrenees with which they share many physical characteristics. Others say they were descendants from viking bear dogs or tibetan mastiffs. Whatever the case may be, these dogs thrived on the coast of Newfoundland where they were bred. Newfoundlands assisted fishermen to pull in fishing nets, pull carts, and even rescue fishermen from drowning.

Size: Males: 27–29 inches at the withers, weighing 130-150 pounds. Females: 25–27 inches at the withers, weighing 100-120 pounds.

Temperament: Newfoundlands are known best for their sweet demeanor and are often called gentle giants. These dogs rarely bark, are moderately easy to train, are very playful and loyal. The Newfie is known for their love of people, especially children. When these dogs are younger they can have a tendency to be clumsy and lean on people so supervision between the dog and children is a must. Along with being friendly towards strangers and children, Newfoundlands are also friendly towards other dogs and other animals. Newfoundlands can be protective if they sense a threat to their family. They only use aggression when absolutely necessary but would prefer to bark and keep the threat away from the family. These dogs take up more space in a home so more room is better. Having access to a yard and the house is idea for the Newfie.

Grooming: The Newfoundland requires brushing twice a week but will need to be brushed more frequently when they are shedding twice a year. These dogs should only be bathed when necessary as frequent bathing strips the natural oils from their fur.

Newfies do have a tendency to drool especially after they drink water and in the summer when they pant to keep cool.

Health: There are a few health issues to which Newfies can be susceptible. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common, as well subvalvular aortic stenosis, a deadly heart condition.

The Newfoundland also has a tendency to become overweight as owners will over-feed these dogs assuming they need more food to power their large bodies. However, adult Newfies need less food than adult Labrador’s.

Exercise: The Newfoundland needs daily exercise to stay healthy. As these dogs were bread to work in and around the water, swimming is a great form of exercise that these dogs can’t get enough of.

Lifespan: About 9 to 15 years.

Trivia: Robert F. Kennedy had a Newfoundland named Brumus. Lyndon B. Johnson had a Newfie named Charlie Erhart. Ulysses S Grant had a Newfoundland named Faithful. Composer Richard Wagner had two Newfoundlands named Robber and Russ. Russ is buried at the feet of Wagner in his tomb. J.M. Barrie, writer of Peter Pan, received his inspiration for the fictional dog Nana, from his Landseer Newfoundland named, Luath.

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

http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/working/newfoundland.html

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

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

Breed of the Month: Dogue de Bordeaux

Description: The French Mastiff has brown or hazel eyes set far apart on the large head. Ears are short and slightly rounded. The muzzle is short and broad with the teeth meeting in an underbite. The neck and chest of the Dogue is very broad and deep, respectively. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. The short and smooth coat is somewhere between a dark mahogany and a light faun.

History: The origins of the French Mastiff are somewhat disputed. One such hypothesis is that the modern Dogue descended from a variety of European Mastiffs and other working breeds. Others believe that the breed came from Tibetan Mastiffs and Bulldogs. Either way, the French Mastiff has lived in and around France for about the last 600 years.

Wars like the French Revolution and both World Wars devastated the population of the Dogue De Bordeaux. However, successful breeding programs during the early 1960s helped establish a breed standard and increase the population of the breed.

The first Dogue De Bordeauxs came to America in 1959. In 1989 the Tom Hanks movie, ‘Turner and Hooch’, helped popularize the breed. Beasley, who played the character, Hooch, starred in only one movie.

The Dogue de Bordeaux was recognized by the AKC in 2008. Currently, the French Mastiff is the 68th most registered dog with the AKC.

Size: According to the AKC breed standards, Males: 23–27 inches at the withers, weighing at least 110 pounds. Females: 23–26 inches at the withers, weighing at least 99 pounds.

Temperament: The Dogue De Bordeaux is a breed that is loving of their family, calm, mild mannered around the house, and an excellent guard dog. While the French Mastiff is loving towards their family, they can be very protective and wary of strangers. That being said, the French Mastiff needs a firm pack leader and is probably not a good fit for a first time dog owner or an inexperienced owner. This breed is exceptionally tolerant and loving towards children. However, play time between children and dogs should always be supervised. Dogue De Bordeauxs are inactive indoors but, still need a daily pack walk to get sufficient exercise. This breed will require early socialization with other people, dogs, and other animals if you don’t want your dog excessively protective and aggressive.

Grooming: Opinions differ concerning how much the Dogue sheds. Some sources claim that there is minimal shedding with this breed while others say the French Mastiff is an excessive shedder. Although, there seems to be more agreement around French Mastiffs being an average shedder. Brushing your French Mastiff once or twice a week should cut down on the hair you will find around your house. Dogues will need more grooming care than just brushing their coat because this breed has a wrinkly face that needs to be kept clean by washing thoroughly on a daily basis. Dogues also tend to slobber profusely so a towel will need to be kept handy after eating and drinking.

Health: The Dogue de Bordeaux happens to be prone to hip dysplasia and  hyperkeratosis, which is a hardening of the foot pads. Hyperkeratosis cannot be cured but, can be treated by removal of the excess skin as well as the of application of ointments. The French Mastiff is also susceptible to epilepsy and heart problems.

The Dogue is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short muzzle and can have issues with breathing. Dogs with short muzzles don’t pant as effectively as longer muzzled dogs, which can lead to heat stroke.

Exercise: While the French Mastiff is fairly inactive indoors, they still need exercise. Exercise requirements are low but, they still need a daily pack walk for mental and physical wellness. Excessive exercise in hot temperatures should be avoided or well monitored.

Lifespan: About 8 to 10 years.

Trivia: One of the most notable Dogues is Beasley who starred in the 1989 film, Turner and Hooch.

References:

Dogue de Bordeaux

http://www.akc.org/breeds/dogue_de_bordeaux/breed_standard.cfm

http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/French_Mastiff

http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/dogues-de-bordeaux

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

http://www.corbisimages.com/

Breed of the Month – Fox Terrier

Description: The Fox Terrier is a medium sized dog. The skull of the Fox Terrier should be nearly flat and the face should gradually taper from eyes to the muzzle. Ears are small, V-shaped, and held close to the cheeks. Feet are round and small with long legs. The strong tail is carried high but, not curled. In the United States, where it is legal, the last 1/4 of the tail is docked; this practice is illegal in the United Kingdom. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a short and smooth coat while the Wire Fox Terrier has a very thick, wiry, double coat. The coat of both variations are predominately white with brown and black markings.

History: The development of the Fox Terrier was due to the popularity of fox hunting during the 19th century. Fox hunters favored a dog with high energy and an ability to chase foxes out of their dens. The breeding history of the Fox Terrier was not well documented so, little is known today. However, it is speculated that Dalmatian, Beagle, Pointer, Old English Bulldog, and English Toy Terrier all played a roll in the development of the breed. Old Jack, a Fox Terrier born in 1859, would become an ancestor to most Fox Terriers today. Around 1870 the breed standard of the Fox Terrier was established and remained virtually unchanged until the end of the 19th century. At that time, breeders felt the need to make the Fox Terrier have longer legs to better keep up in the hunt. However, their now longer legs impeded the Fox Terrier from their original task of going into fox dens. This resulted in the Fox Terrier’s fall from favor amongst fox hunters.

In 1876 the Fox Terrier Club of England was established and the American Fox Terrier Club was formed in 1886.

A Wire Fox Terrier named Asta appeared in the film series, ‘The Thin Man’ during the 1930’s. Asta’s appearance in this series caused a sharp rise in the breeds’ popularity in the USA. The Fox Terrier has out performed other breeds of dogs in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show but, is a mostly a rare breed in America. The Fox Terrier eventually helped produce popular terrier breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, and the Rat Terrier.

In 1985 the AKC recognized the Fox Terrier as two separate breeds, the Wire Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier.

Size: Males: 14–16 inches at the withers, weighing 15-20 pounds. Females: 13–15 inches at the withers, weighing 13-18 pounds.

Temperament: Fox Terriers are energetic, playful, smart, and loyal companions. They were bred to be independent thinkers so this breed needs a firm pack leader and someone who can be the alpha. These dogs can be easy to train and excel at doing tricks. While very intelligent, they can be difficult to housebreak. These dogs were bred to hunt foxes and small game so they have a naturally high prey drive. Fox Terriers have a tendency to chase and even kill small non-canine animals including neighborhood cats. Fox Terriers wouldn’t be a good choice for households with small children as Fox Terriers do not have patience for being teased and rough play. Fox Terriers also have a low tolerance for other dogs. Unless properly socialized, this is not a dog that would enjoy a trip to a dog park to be with other dogs. Fox Terriers have very high energy requirements and remain active indoors. Prospective owners who think their Fox Terrier will eventually calm down with age should keep in mind that this breed maintains its puppy like energy into its teens.

Grooming: Both the Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers are relatively easy to groom. Both can be brushed with a firm bristle brush and bathed when necessary. However, Wirecoated Fox Terrier should have its coat hand stripped. Hand stripping is done by pulling out loose outercoat hairs which allows new hairs to grow in their place. Wirecoated Fox Terriers are light shedders while the Smooth Fox Terriers are average shedders.

Health: Fox Terriers can be susceptible cataracts. This breed can also be susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, which is a deformity of the hip joint resulting in arthritis. Surgery can be used to correct this condition. Deafness is also more common among Fox Terriers than some other breeds.

Exercise: As mentioned above, the Fox Terrier has very high energy requirements. An hour of exercise a day should be enough to keep this breed from becoming destructive and over rambunctious. If not properly exercised, your Fox Terrier could make his own exercise by digging holes in the yard, running away, or chewing up your belongings.

Lifespan: About 13 to 15 years.

Trivia: Rear Admiral Richard Byrd’s Fox Terrier, Igloo, accompanied him on the first journey to the south pole. A Fox Terrier named Chester was in the film Jack Frost. The logo for RCA pictures a Fox Terrier looking at a phonograph. The Fox Terrier, Caesar, was a companion of King Edward the VII.

References:

http://www.foxterrierrescue.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=4

http://www.akc.org/breeds/wire_fox_terrier/breed_standard.cfm

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

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

Fox Terrier

Breed of the Month: Belgian Malinois

Description: The dark brown eyes are slightly almond shape while the erect ears are in the shape of an equilateral triangle. The muzzle is slightly pointed and teeth meet in a level or slightly scissor bite. The body of the dog is muscular but not stocky and, viewed from the side, creates a square shape. The tail is curved but not in a complete hook shape. It has a dense undercoat and a rough weather resistant outer coat. The coat color can be anywhere from fawn to mahogany while the mask and ears are black and the underside and tail are more fawn or washed out.

History: In 1891, Adolphe Reul gathered together over one hundred Belgian Shepherds in order to devise a breed standard. The main difference between the Belgian Shepherds was the coat type and color. The veterinarian instructed the owners of these dogs to breed these dogs by their coat type. Before the outbreak of World War I, the Societe Royale Saint Hubert recognized four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd in one breed.

The Belgian Shepherd saw a dramatic decline in population during World War I and II and nearly became extinct during these times.

In 1911 the AKC officially recognized the Belgian Shepherd but in 1959 divided the Belgian Shepherd into four distinct breeds; the Belgian Malinois is one of four breeds that make up the Belgian Shepherd. In the United States, according to the AKC, the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Goenendael, and the Belgian Tervuren are all recognized as separate breeds. However, elsewhere in the world, these three breeds as well as the Belgian Laekenois – not recognized by the AKC – all make up the Belgian Shepherd. The only real distinction between these four types of dogs are their coat, ranging from short to long and wiry.

Belgian Malinois is a dog registered the least in the United States and thus, it is not nearly as popular in the USA as its country of their origin, Belgium. These dogs were named after the city Malines, Belgium.

Size: Males: 22–24 inches at the withers, weighing 70-100 pounds. Females: 20–22 inches at the withers, weighing 60-80 pounds.

Temperament: The Belgian Malinois is affectionate and protective around its family while reserved around strangers. This is a dog which needs firm training and may not be the best choice for inexperienced dog owners. The Belgian Malinois was bred for working hard and herding, so even today, this dog needs a job to do. Due to its high energy, this is a dog that is probably not going to want to hang out with you all the time. If properly socialized, they can do well with other dogs or small animals. They must be trained and socialized at an early age in order to deal with possible behavioral issues like excessive shyness and excessive aggressiveness. Protective, loyal, and possessing a good work ethic, this breed is very popular as a police and military dog.

Grooming: The Belgian Malinois is a heavy shedder and requires brushing every week. During the Spring and Fall the Malinois will shed more, so brushing will need to take place on a daily basis. Bathing is only required when necessary.

Health: The Belgian Malinois is a generally a healthy breed. However, some health concerns owners should be aware of are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and occasionally epilepsy.

Exercise: Being bred as a working dog, the Belgian Malinois has very high energy requirements. Like all dogs, this breed needs a daily pack walk to keep from getting bored. This breed is active and needs more than just a daily walk. Letting this dog run around off leash in a safe area as well as engaging him in play will be most beneficial.

Lifespan: About 12 to 14 years.

Trivia: The dog Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, worked with US Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 and assisted them in raiding Osama bin Laden’s compound.

Breed of the Month – Alaskan Malamute

Description: The Malamute has a broad skull and muzzle. The erect ears are triangular shaped and slightly rounded on the tips. The tail is plumed and carried over the back. Feet are well padded and have a large snowshoe shape. Malamutes have a double coat. The undercoat is oily and woolly while the guard coat is thick and coarse. Coat length can vary anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. The color of the coat can range from various combinations of light gray, black, sable, to red. According to the AKC, the only acceptable solid color for this breed is white.

History: The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world and can trace its ancestry back 3000 years. The Malamute receives its name from the tribe which raised these dogs, the Inupiat people called Mahlemut. The Mahlemut people and their dogs had a special bond. Malamutes were used to help hunt seals and bears, pull heavy loaded sleds, and were companions to the Mahlemut people. The dogs and these people helped one another survive in the rough conditions of Alaska.

Size: Males: 24–26 inches at the withers, weighing 80-95 pounds. Females: 22–24 inches at the withers, weighing 70-85 pounds.

Temperament: The Malamute are affectionate, loyal, and loving companions. Malamutes do not make good guard dogs due to their fondness for humans as well as their lack of alarm barking. Instead of barking, Malamutes tend to howl. These dogs do well with children who are big enough to play with a large dog.

While this dog is eager to please, its strong will leads this dog to be difficult to train and even housebreak. However, if the owner is a firm leader who understands Malamutes and has experience working with dogs, the dog will show progress in its ability to perform commands.

While properly socialized Malamutes can get along well with smaller animals, Malamutes have a high prey drive which can be stimulated by the running of a small animals such as cats, rabbits, and squirrels. Malamutes get along great with humans but, not so well with other dogs of the same sex. This breed should be given its space when it eats and drinks.

Grooming: Malamutes need to be brushed twice a week. They don’t need to be bathed regularly but, owners can use dry shampoo on their dog when needed. Like other similar breeds, the Malamute blows its coat twice a year which requires special detail to brushing. This breed is a heavy shedder.

Health: While mostly healthy, the Malamute is known to be prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, eye problems (cataracts and PRA), and dwarfism.

Exercise: The Malamute favors the outdoors. This dog loves to roam and go on a long daily walk. Malamutes need physical and mental exercise in order to keep their rambunctious and destructive side at bay.

Lifespan: About 13 to 16 years.

Trivia: The Alaskan Malamute was named the official dog of Alaska in 2010. The Alaskan Malamute can survive in extreme cold temperatures of -70°F.

Breed of the Month – Wolfdog

Description: Wolfdogs are the offspring of wolf and dog. Most wolfdogs are produced by mating two wolfdogs. Typically Nordic-dogs like Huskies and Malamutes, as well as German Shepherds, are bred with Grey wolves or Timber wolves to achieve desired physical characteristics similar to that of full-blooded wolves. However, some wolfdogs may share more physical characteristics with either wolf or dog regardless of genetic content. While a wolfdog’s appearance may not be predicted with absolute certainty, there are many characteristics that can be used to identify a wolfdog, such as; long legs, large paws, webbed toes, long muzzle, yellow eyes, slanted eyes, black lips, narrow chest, and black toenails.

History: There has been fossil evidence of wolfdogs working besides human hunters 10,000 years ago. Wolfdogs were also kept by the Mexican Teotihuacan warriors about  2,000 years ago. It is believed that the first German Shepherd was one quarter wolf. Breeds like the Czechoslovakian wolfdog, the Saarlooswolfhond, and the Lupo Italiano are all breeds of dogs with recent wolf ancestry due to cross breeding.

Size: Males and Females: 26–34 inches at the withers, weighing 60-120 pounds. The ratio of dog to wolf genes as well as the type of dog and wolf cause varying heights and weights for wolfdogs.

Temperament: Socialization at an early age is a must. Introducing young wolfdogs to places, situations, and people it will face in adulthood is necessary to socializing. If not properly socialized, adult wolfdogs can become fearful, leading to behavior problems that will be very difficult to deal with later. Wolfdogs have a high prey drive which can be stimulated by screaming children or running small animals, therefore, wolfdogs should not be left alone with children or small animals. Wolfdogs can be very territorial and may not accept strange dogs or people into their home.

Owners who keep their wolfdog indoors will eventually find it necessary to house their wolfdog outdoors. Many owners find it very difficult to housebreak wolfdogs as they are typically very willful. Wolfdogs have a natural curiosity and will chew anything, especially couches, beds, doors and anything else that will keep them busy. Some wolfdogs jump on furniture, not just couches but, washers, dryers, and even refrigerators. Wolfdogs have a natural tendency to roam and explore their territory so, being kept in a house will be too restrictive for these animals. These animals need plenty of space to roam, burn off excess energy, and utilize their ever working minds.

Wolfdogs are more primitive in their behavior and are not going to be eager to please like a Golden Retriever. These are willful and stubborn creatures who have different behavior than that of human or dogs. A firm understanding of dog and wolf behavior is a must before anyone choses to own a wolfdog.

Grooming: Wolfdogs have a double coat and, like many Nordic-dogs, will blow their coat in the spring time. During this time, owners will need to brush their wolfdog frequently to help remove the excess hair that is being shed.

Health: Wolfdogs are typically very healthy animals where genetic diseases are not often prevalent. Prospective owners should keep in mind that some veterinarians will not examine wolfdogs.

Exercise: The wolfdog should be walked every day, just like a regular dog would need to be walked. Wolfdogs need a lot of mental stimulation and require new toys and games to keep them busy, which redirects them from destructive behavior.

Lifespan: About 13 to 16 years.

Sources:

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

http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/newsletters/v5n4/5n4wille.htm

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/wolfdogs/a/wolfdogs.htm

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

Breed of the Month: Siberian Husky

Description: Body: The body of the Husky is medium sized, compact, and strong. Head: The head is in proportion to the rest of the body. Triangular shaped ears sit high on the head. The nose comes in a variety of colors such as black, tan, and pink. Almond shaped eyes can be blue, brown, or both. Legs: Huskies have large paws to allow them to more easily run through snow and grip onto ice. Tail: The bushy tail is curved and held over the back. Coat: The Husky’s double coat is very thick, capable of aiding the dog in surviving temperatures lower than -50°F. The coat comes in a wide variety of colors. White, black, red, silver, grey, and, piebald are all common colors. The underside of the Husky is typically white.

History: The Siberian Husky is one of the worlds oldest dog breeds and was developed by the semi-nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia. The Siberian Husky’s superior capability to pull sleds long distances in low temperatures helped the Chukchi people survive in the harsh frozen region of Siberia.

The Husky’s reputation eventually spread to neighboring Alaska where Huskies were imported around 1900. Huskies first competed in the second annual All Alaskan Sweepstakes dog-sled race in 1909. The 408 mile journey started and ended in Nome, Alaska. Teams of Huskies, most notably those bred by Leonhard Seppala, helped win the Alaskan Sweepstakes race for the next decade.

In 1925, the city which hosts the famous All Alaskan Sweepstakes race, Nome, was stricken by a deadly diphtheria epidemic. The only doctor in the city of Nome was Curtis Welch. While Welch had on hand diphtheria antitoxin, it had expired the previous year and the latest shipment hadn’t arrived before the port was inaccessible to ships. Nearly 10,000 people in Nome and Native Alaskans outside the city were at risk of the epidemic.

To stop the epidemic, diphtheria antitoxin had to be delivered to Nome. At the time, air travel was a fairly new technology and was not yet suited for travel in such treacherous conditions. The primary form of communication and transportation, dog sleds, would be used to transport the serum 674 miles to the city of Nome. Twenty mushers and over one-hundred-fifty sled dogs took part in the journey to deliver the much needed serum.

Musher Leonhard Sappala traveled 91 miles with his lead husky, Togo. Musher Gunnar Kaasen, with his lead husky, Balto, traveled the final 53 mile leg of the serum run to Nome, Alaska. Kaasen and Balto received much fame and attention for delivering the serum and a statue was erected in the Central Park in New York City to honor Balto the following year.

Size: Males: 21–24 inches at the withers, weighing 45-60 pounds. Females: 20–22 inches at the withers, weighing 35-50 pounds.

Temperament:  Huskies are said to be good with children and good with other dogs in the house. However, they can be aggressive towards unfamiliar or visiting dogs. These dogs like to live in to live in a pack and are not ideal for apartment living, although if sufficiently exercised they could live in an apartment. The Husky needs plenty of mental and physical exercise to ward off destructive behavior. They require a calm and consistent pack leader who understands the behavior of Arctic dogs. They can be willful and may not listen to commands if the dog suggests they are more willful than their owner. As they are willful, they can be hard to housebreak. An owner of a Husky shouldn’t expect a good watch dog or guard dog as Huskies typically do not bark but, rather howl. Owners of Huskies typically have to install tall fences since Huskies are excellent escape artist and, once liberated, are prone to roam if off its leash. Huskies also like to dig if they become bored. Huskies can make a good jogging companion as long as the weather is not hot.

Grooming: The Husky doesn’t need to be bathed as frequently as most other dogs as the Huskies will groom themselves. Most Huskies only need bathing once or twice a year. It requires brushing once a month. The Husky sheds its coat twice a year, typically in spring and fall. This shedding can last as long as three weeks. During this time the Husky will need to be brushed daily.

Health:  While generally healthy compared to other breeds, the Husky may be more susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy. Huskies are also susceptible to juvenile cataracts and other eye issues. Conversely, Huskies have a very low chance of hip dysplasia. Of 160 breeds, Huskies rank 155th in the occurrences of hip dysplasia.

Exercise: The Husky has high energy and needs a daily pack walk or jog. These dogs were bred to be very active and must be given new activities to keep occupied.

Lifespan: About 12 to 15 years.

Trivia: The famous Huskies Balto and Togo were two of many famous dogs to participate in the Serum Run.

Breed of the Month: Collie

 

Description: The Collie is a lean, athletic, sleek, and beautiful medium sized dog. The head is wedge shaped with a chiseled face and almond shaped eyes which are brown and, with the blue merle coat, blue. The small ears are mostly erect with the tips folding forward. The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The legs are straight and the neck and tail are both somewhat long.

Collies come in two types of coats; rough coated and smooth coated. Rough coated Collies have a long outer coat with a weather resistant inner coat. The hair is longer around neck and chest, forming a mane. The smooth coated Collie has a short, nearly 1 inch coat all over its body. Both smooth and rough coated Collies come in a variety of colors, such as sable, white, merle blue, tan, and tricolor.

History: The history of the Collie is somewhat of a mystery. Some historians believe that the progenitors of the modern Collie came to the British Isles by way of the Romans around 2,000 years ago. There, the breed was further developed and became an excellent herding dog. The breed received it name from the black faced sheep, the colley, which it frequently herded in Scotland and Northern England.

Queen Victoria was an admirer of the dogs. At Balmoral Castle she kept and bred Collies  which contributed to their rise in the breed’s popularity it the 1860’s. Soon after, the popular financier J.P. Morgan invested in the breed by importing the English dogs and setting up kennels in the United States.

It is believed that, around the 1870’s, the Collie was bred with the Borzoi. This gave the Collie a longer muzzle, longer and straighter legs, and different coat colors. In England, the breed standard was set in 1886. In 1885 the Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Size: Males: 24–26 inches at the withers, weighing 60-75 pounds. Females: 22–24 inches at the withers, weighing 50-65 pounds.

Temperament: Even if people have never seen or met a Collie, most people know that Collies are very intelligent and loyal dogs. Collies are loving of their family and can be protective while rarely ever resorting to aggression. While some Collies have been known to herd children, the breed does show patience around children and is known to be loving of them. They are also said be friendly towards other dogs, pets and strangers, but can become shy if not socialized. As these dogs are very social and family oriented, they are not the best choice for an outside dog. If a Collie is bored or lonely and lacks the necessary mental and physical stimulation, it can bark excessively and become destructive. Sources are divided as to whether Collies are good apartment dogs. Some Collies appear to be laid back indoors and others more playful and demand more space than a confined apartment can offer.

As mentioned previously, Collies are very intelligent and they are eager to learn new things beyond basic commands. This breed excels at agility, runnings, and having a task to complete. They are known to be easy to housebreak. Collies are sensitive dogs and do not respond well to heavy handed training, instead use positive reinforcement and treats.

Grooming: Since there are two different coat types; the rough being long and the smooth being about an inch short. The Rough Collie needs be brushed two to three times a week while the Smooth Collie needs to be brushed only once a week. Collies should be bathed every six to eight weeks. Owners of Rough Collies often defer to professional groomers to bathe the dogs as the long double coat can be difficult for new owners to care for. Prospective owners should be aware of the moderate to heavy shedding of the Rough Collie as well as the extensive brushing that will need to take place to keep their double coat free from foreign objects and matting. If you enjoy the temperament of the Collie and dislike the brushing and shedding, perhaps the Smooth Collie is a better fit.

Health: The Collie is a generally healthy dog with few major health concerns. CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) is a congenital disease with no cure which affects some Collies. The disease can be as mild as some loss of vision to complete blindness. Collies can be susceptible to  other eye problems, hip dysplasia, and skin disorders. Collies are also sensitive to Ivermectin and Milbemycin (anti-parasitic) and should never be put on these medications.

Exercise: The Collie requires moderate levels of exercise. Like any dog, a daily pack walk is important for mental and physical health. The Collie is an intelligent dog and requires mental stimulation. While a daily walk and some play is sufficient, allowing a Collie to run around off its leash in a safe environment is also beneficial. If not given enough mental exercise the Collie can exhibit destructive behaviors when bored.

Lifespan: About 14 to 16 years.

Trivia: Probably the most notable Collie is, Lassie, a fictional female dog created by Eric Knight. Knight’s short story was adapted to the silver screen in the 1943 film, Lassie Come Home. Lassie would be the subject of several films, radio shows, and a television show lasting twenty years.

Reveille, a rough coated Collie, is the current mascot of Texas A&M University.

Breed of the Month: English Bulldog

Description: The English Bulldog is a short, heavy, medium-sized, and muscular dog. The legs are short and straight and the shoulders are wide. The head is large with a flat face. Loose skin covers the face and neck. The jaw is undershot with the teeth having an underbite. Jowls are on either side of the face. The wide nose is black with large nostrils. Small ears are set high on the head. The dark colored eyes are deep set. The short tail is either straight or screwed. The coat is short and smooth and can some in a wide variety of colors such as, brindle, white, fawn, piebald, cream, and any combination of these colors.

History:  Believed by cynologists to be ancestors of the now extinct Alaunt, the first recorded use of the name “bulldog” occurred in 1632 when Prestwick Eaton wrote to a friend in England requesting bulldogs from a friend.

Bulldogs received their name from the blood sport for which they were bred; bull-baiting. Bull-baiting involved tying a bull to an iron stake which allowed the bull to move in an approximately 30 foot radius. Bets were placed and the dog was then released to bite down on the nose of the bull. The dog would be declared the winner if it could bring the bull to the ground. Dogs were often gored, trampled, thrown, injured, and killed, thus; other dogs would be sent into the fight until the bull was taken down.

Bullbaiting was originally used as entertainment but later local legislation would proclaim that, before slaughter, bulls had to be baited due to the unproven notion that baiting increased nutritional value of the meat.

In 1835, parliament passed the Cruelty to Animals act which outlawed bull-baiting. Even though bullbaiting was now illegal, breeders managed to assist the Bulldog in adapting to new tasks. The Bulldog was exported to the United States where it was used to herd cattle and hogs. While in Germany, the Bulldog was crossbred to create the Boxer. In the United Kingdom, some breeders saw the value in the Bulldog and decided to breed out the bad qualities and keep the good ones. The taller, sporty, and more aggressive Bulldog was bred to be shorter, more relaxed, and congenial; the Bulldog we know today.

Size: Males: 12–16 inches at the withers, weighing 50-55 pounds. Females: 12–16 inches at the withers, weighing 45-50 pounds.

Temperament: While the Bulldog was originally bred for bull baiting, breeders have worked to remove its aggressive nature leaving a friendly and loving dog with the rough exterior. The English Bulldog is know to be patient with children. If socialized at an early age, Bulldogs can get along well with other dogs and other pets and will be welcoming of strangers and other dogs into the household. However, if they aren’t properly socialized, Bulldogs have been know to display dog aggressive behavior. While puppies are very playful and rambunctious, adult Bulldogs are rather inactive and, as such, do well in an apartment due to their inactive nature. Bulldogs are very affectionate, demand a lot of attention, and shouldn’t be left alone for long stretches of time. During training, this breed can be stubborn, and while they require firm yet gentle training, they don’t respond well to heavy-handed discipline.

Grooming: The coat of the Bulldog is relatively low maintenance. The Bulldog is an average shedding dog and should be brushed regularly and bathed when necessary. The Bulldog does require special care to keep the wrinkles and skin folds clean and free of foreign matter and bacteria. Skin folds arounds the nose, face, and tail should be cleaned everyday. Some owners even put ointments or tea tree oil in the folds to keep them free from irritation that can occur.

While not necessarily a grooming issue, prospective Bulldogs owners should be aware of the Bulldog’s uncouth farting, burping, snoring, snorting, and excessive drooling.

Health: According to a survey from the Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee, among 180 English Bulldogs, 20% of the dogs died from cardiac issues, 18% died from cancer while nearly 9% died from natural causes. 4.4% of English Bulldogs died of respiratory failure and 3.3% died of hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke.

Major health concerns of the English Bulldog include hip dysplasia, which nearly 75% of all English Bulldogs will be affected; patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap); congenital respiratory issues; allergies; dermatitis; and cherry eye. Bulldogs are bracycephalic, meaning their faces are smooshed in, and as a result, have difficulties breathing especially in hot and humid weather, causing Bulldogs to be more susceptible to heat stroke.

Exercise: If you are someone who wants to go on a daily run with your dog, a Bulldog is not for you. Due to the breeding of the animal, they have developed a less than ideal respiratory system which limits their oxygen intake. With the exception of a daily pack walk and play time, Bulldogs remain mostly inactive. Bulldogs are sensitive to high humidity and high temperatures and can overheat easily.

Lifespan: About 8 to 12 years.

Trivia: The Bulldog is the mascot of several universities including, Georgetown University, Yale University, and the University of Georgia. The United State Marine Corp have also adopted the Bulldog as their mascot.

Many famous celebrities own Bulldogs. Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Howard Stern, Jason Aldean, Jessica Biel, Verne Troyer, Joe Jonas, John Legend, Miley Cyrus, Pink, Pete Wentz, Ozzy Osbourne, and Shia Labeouf are all owners or previous owners of Bulldogs.

Breed of the Month: Old English Sheepdog

Description: The Old English Sheepdog is a medium sized, compact dog with a square frame. The dog has two coats, a textured and hard outercoat and soft waterproof undercoat. The coat color comes in various shades of blue, grizzle, and grey with white markings. The dog has straight front legs and arched and muscular back legs. It has a deep and broad chest. Eyes are blue, brown, or one of each. Teeth close in a level or scissor bite. Its medium sized ears are carried close to the head.

History: There are two theories concerning the ancestry of the Old English Sheepdog. One possibility is that is that it descended mainly from the Bearded Collie while others contest the Russian Owtchar. Regardless of the breed’s progenitor, the Old English Sheepdog was bred in the counties in southwestern England as a drover’s dog and herding dog. British owners of Old English Sheepdogs avoided a dog tax by docking the dog’s tail, showing they were working dogs which were tax exempt. Having the docked tail resulted in the nickname “bobtail.” Before the Old English Sheepdog was old, it was first  known as the Shepherds Dog or Sussex Sheepdog.

Size: Males: 22–24 inches at the withers, weighing 70-100 pounds. Females: 20–22 inches at the withers, weighing 60-80 pounds.

Temperament: The Old English Sheepdog is definitely a very bubbly and excited dog that loves to play. While playful and loving, it can be willful and independent with a strong herding instinct. This breed is said to be good with kids but, play should be supervised as the Old English Sheepdog can be clumsy in its excitement and can inadvertently knock over small children. The Bobtail can exhibit puppy-like energy for many years even into adulthood when age can hit the breed suddenly.

It is said by trainers that his breed can’t focus on tasks for an extended amount of time. As previously mentioned, the Old English Sheepdog was bred as a herding dog and flock guardian, making it very protective of its family. The breed is usually friendly towards strangers but, if it feels the stranger is harming their family, the dog will tend to stand its ground and possibly attack. Because they are a herding breed, the Old English Sheepdogs are typically friendly with other animals in the household and usually get along well with cats.

Grooming: The Old English Sheepdog is known for its unique shaggy fur but, those smashing good looks come with a price. This dog requires frequent brushing with some owners suggesting at least one hour each day. Owners note the Old English Sheepdog can drag in grass, mud, sticks, and other debris that gets caught in its fur. Some owners find that this breed needs special attention after defecating, as fecal matter can collect in the long hair around its backside. Trimming hair around the rear can help resolve this issue.

It is the extensive grooming that is one of the causes the Old English Sheepdog ends up in shelters and rescues. If you plan on adopting or buying a Bobtail, understand they require extensive grooming and will need a monthly visit to a groomer.

Health: The Old English Sheepdog is prone to canine hip dysplasia and bloat. Retinal detachment and deafness are other health issues that this breed may be susceptible to. In the warmer months the heavy double coat could cause issues with heatstroke.

Exercise: The Old English Sheepdog has lots of puppy-like energy and needs to be active for at least one hour a day. A daily pack walk is a good way to achieve mental and physical exercise.

Lifespan: About 10 to 12 years.

Trivia: Paul McCartney of the Beatles had a dog Martha. The song ‘Martha My Dear’ was about Paul’s Old English Sheepdog.

The movie ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ stared an Old English Sheepdog called Edison.

The Disney motionpicture, The Little Mermaid, featured an Old English Sheepdog named Max.

An Old English Sheepdog played Ambrosius in the film ‘Labyrinth.’