The Maltese is the quintessential lap dog. It is extremely lovable and playful, and enjoys nothing more than to be pampered and praised by its owner. The breed is easily distinguished by its straight and long white coat, making it appear like it has just stepped out of a doggie hair salon.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Maltese is a very small dog that has a compact and square body. It is entirely covered with silky, long, flat and white hair that, if allowed to grow to full length, hangs nearly to the ground. Its expression is both alert and gentle. As a vigorous dog, the Maltese moves with a smooth, lively, and flowing gait; it may even appear as the dog is actually floating on the ground when it is trotting. Even though the Maltese dog is known for its unusual coat, other features like the facial expression, the body structure, and overall carriage are equally important. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT Do not let the innocent appearance of the Maltese fool you, it is feisty, bold, and not afraid to challenge larger dogs. Also, do not over-coddle these adorable creatures, as it can actually do them more harm than good. If the Maltese is allowed to become the pack leader, it may develop behavior disorders and become anxious and stressful. This may also lead to unnecessary barking and snapping at stranger and children. So love a Maltese all you want, just make sure to establish a firm and clear chain of command. CARE The exercise needs of the Maltese may be met with a romp in the courtyard, a short leash-led walk, or vigorous indoor games. Its coat, which may be clipped for easier maintenance, requires combing on alternate days. The Maltese is generally considered an unsuitable outdoor dog. HEALTH The Maltese, which has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, may suffer from deafness, shaker syndrome, and dental problems. It is also prone to minor health issues like patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, open fontanel, hypoglycemia, distichiasis, entropion, hypothyroidism, and portacaval shunt. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run knee, eye, and thyroid exams on this breed of dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Reputed as one of the oldest dog breeds and the most ancient European toy breed, the Maltese has a curious history. Phoenician sailors visiting the island of Malta for trading around 1500 B.C. are credited for discovering the first Maltese dogs. From the 5th century onwards, dogs resembling the Maltese were found in Greek art. There is also evidence that the Greeks erected tombs to honor the Maltese. The Maltese was introduced to England in the early 1300s, where upper-class ladies took a fancy to them for their diminutive size. However, it was not until the 1877 Westminster Kennel Club dog show that the first Maltese was exhibited in the United States. The American Kennel Club accepted the Maltese for registration in 1888. Since then, the Maltese has steadily grown in popularity and is one of the most coveted toy breeds today.
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Lovingly referred to as the Beardie, the Bearded Collie is an intelligent, curious-looking dog breed that loves to play with children. Thought to be originally from Britain, it later spent some time in Scotland as a sheep and cattle herder before coming to America. The Bearded Collie is now mostly bred for dog shows, though it makes an excellent family companion. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Bearded Collie has a sturdy medium-sized body. Its long, lean body provides it both power and agility, essential qualities in a sheep herding dog. Besides its ability to make smooth, quick movements, the Bearded Collie possesses a double coat, which is soft and furry underneath with a straight, flat, and coarse outer coat. This outer coat comes in either black, blue, brown, or fawn, with or without white markings. Its facial expression is both bright and keen. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT The Bearded Collie is extremely smart, cheerful, playful, and always active. Full of enthusiasm and energy, the dog is obedient in nature and prefers to spend time with people. It can have an independent attitude at times, but loves playing with children; and although it can become too boisterous with children, it is never intentionally aggressive. Otherwise, the Bearded Collie is pleasant to live with. CARE Although the Bearded Collie can live outside in cool climates, it prefers to remain indoors with its master and family. Walking and playing sessions are recommended for keeping the dog in optimum form, and herding is its favorite activity. The Bearded Collie should be combed and brushed regularly to keep its coat lustrous and tangle free. HEALTH With a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years, the Bearded Collie is susceptible to some minor health problems, including colonic disease, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), hypoadrenocorticism, pemphigus, and epilepsy. Other diseases that can be occasionally seen in the breed are cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), von Willebrand's disease (vWD), and persistent pupillary membrane. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid, hip, and eye exams on the dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Occasionally referred to as the Highland Collie, the Mountain Collie, or simply Beardie, the Bearded Collie is one of Britain's oldest breeds. Its origins are thought to date back to the early 1600s, with a relation to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed. The earliest known picture of the Bearded Collie, however, was not until 1771, when a dog of similar appearance was placed in a portrait with the Duke of Buccleuch. A description of the breed was later published in an 1818 edition of Livestock Journal. The dog proved to be an excellent sheep and cattle herder, both in the rough terrain of England and in Scotland. It was only afterwards, during the Victorian era, that the Bearded Collie came to be regarded as a popular show dog. This occurred when the two breeds of the Highland strain with gray and white coats, and the brown and white way coat Border strains were crossbred to form a single breed. The Bearded Collie was introduced to the United States in the late 1950s, and by July 1969, the Bearded Collie Club of America was founded. The breed became eligible to be shown in the American Kennel Club's (AKC) Miscellaneous Class in 1977 and was given full status as part of the AKC's Herding Group in 1983. Thought to have originally developed in central Japan around 300 B.C. as a hunting dog, the Shiba Inu, compact, agile and strong, serves as an excelled watchdog or for those seeking an active outdoors type of dog.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Shiba Inu possesses typical traits of dogs of northern origin such as small erect ears, powerful body thick (red) fur, and curled tail. It has a moderately compact and slightly long body and a good-natured, bold, and spirited expression. The dog moves with effortless and smooth strides and its gait is agile, light, and quick. Its double coat comprises a straight, strong outer coat and a soft undercoat, providing good insulation. Originally, all these traits allowed the Shiba to hunt small animals in dense areas. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT This hardy breed is always on the look out for adventure and may tend to be domineering and headstrong. It is fairly vocal and some even bark a lot. It is alert, shy with strangers, and territorial and is thus an excellent watchdog. The self-confident Shiba is a bold, headstrong, and independent dog. As long as it is given daily exercise, it is active outdoors and calm indoors. It tends to chase small animals and may be scrappy with unknown dogs of the same sex. CARE The Shiba requires a daily workout in the form of a long walk, a spirited game in the yard, or a good run in an enclosed area. It can live outside in cool and temperate climates if given warm shelter. However, it is at its best when it can spend equal time indoors and outdoors. The double coat requires occasional brushing every week and more frequently when shedding. HEALTH The Shiba Inu, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, may be susceptible to minor problems like allergies and cataract and major health issues such as patellar luxation. Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), persistent pupillary membranes (PPM), distichiasis, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are also occasionally seen in the breed. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend knee, hip, and eye exams on the dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The ancient Shiba Inu is the smallest of the six Native Japanese breeds. Although its origin is obscure, the Shiba Inu is surely of spitz heritage, most probably used as a hunting dog in central Japan around 300 B.C. Many believe it hunted small game such as birds, but it may have also used occasionally to hunt wild boar. According to some, the word "Shiba" may mean small, but it also may mean brushwood, a reference to similarity to the red brushwood trees and the dog's red coat. This is also the reason the Shiba is sometimes nicknamed “small brushwood dog.” The the three primary types of the breed were the Shinshu Shiba, the Sanin Shiba, and the Mino Shiba, all of which were named after their place of origin: Nagano Prefecture, the northeast mainland, and Gifu Prefecture, respectively. The destruction caused by World War II nearly lead to the extinction of the breed; its numbers were later decimated by distemper in the 1950s. To save the breed, various strains were interbred, including the heavier-boned dogs of the mountainous areas and the lighter-boned dogs from the lowlands. An unforeseen result was the Shiba's newfound variation in bone structure and substance. The first Shiba dogs entered the United States in the 1950s, but the breed only gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1993. Since then the popularity for this hardy and headstrong has flourished. Also known as the Bobtail, the Old English Sheepdog is a dog breed developed in England in the early 19th century for the purpose of cattle herding. This shag-like dog may have an unusual appearance and a peculiar bark, but it is loving, caring and very devoted.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Old English Sheepdog has a compact, thick set, and square-proportioned body, which is broad at the rump. Its powerful, free gait is nearly effortless, combining agility and strength. It is also known to saunter about, frequently referred to as a shuffle or bear-like roll. The Old English Sheepdog's extravagant coat, which is usually a shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle, is not cumbersome, but rather a hard textured, shaggy, and curl-free outer coat over a waterproof undercoat. The dog's face, meanwhile, has an "intelligent" appearance to it. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT The Old English Sheepdog is a well-behaved house pet that entertains its family with funny antics. Very much an indoor dog, it thrives on the companionship of humans and is protective of its family, especially children. Some Old English Sheepdogs can be very headstrong, but generally they are joyful, gentle, and pleasant toward strangers. The Old English Sheepdog also has a trademark bark that resonates with a "pot-casse" ring -- very much like two pots clanging together. CARE The Old English Sheepdog can live outside in temperate or cool climates, but it should have access to indoor quarters or the house, as it seeks constant companionship. A moderate or long walk or an energetic romp can fulfill its daily exercise requirements. And the Old English Sheepdog's coat needs combing or brushing on alternate days to prevent it from getting matted. HEALTH The Old English Sheepdog, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is prone to minor health conditions like deafness, cataract, gastric torsion, otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cerebellar ataxia, retinal detachment and hypothyroidism, or major health issues like canine hip dysplasia (CHD). To identify some of these issues a veterinarian may run hearing, hip, thyroid, and eye exams on the dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The origins of the Old English Sheepdog cannot be verified, but many believe it was introduced to the western part of England nearly 150 years ago. Its ancestors may have been the Russian Owtcharka or the Bearded Collie. First developed for its strength and ability to protect herds and flocks from wolves, by the mid-1800s, the breed mainly functioned as a cattle or sheep driver, able to get the herd to market for sale. Because they were considered "working" dogs, their owners did not have to pay taxes on the Old English Sheepdog. To prove their "working" status, it was customary to have their tails bobbed, a custom still prevalent today and the reason the breed's nickname is Bobtail. By the early 20th century the Old English Sheepdog had become a popular European show dog and in 1905, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. Many early Sheepdogs brought to the United States were brown in color, but color restrictions were later put in place to produce dogs with gray and white coats. The modern Sheepdog also has a more compact body and a profuse coat. As its celebrity grew, the Old English Sheepdog integrated itself into popular culture, even into some of the most famous children's novels, including The Colonel in Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmatians and Nana in J.M. Barrie's Peter and Wendy (the story of Peter Pan). Its numbers and popularity have since waned, but the Old English Sheepdog is still considered a great show dog and a lovable pet. This type of Corgi was first used by farmers in South Wales to skillfully herd cattle, sheep, and ponies. A friendly and beautiful dog, it is still used today as a farm herder -- nipping at heels and bending under hooves -- but is more often kept as a house pet.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, an agile cattle and sheep herder, has a smooth and free gait, with good drive and reach. Low to the ground and long, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi differs from its cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, in that it is not as long bodied or as heavy-boned. One of the immediately recognizable differences is the tail, which is short in the Pembroke and long in the Cardigan. The short tail is a natural trait, but it may be docked for a more pleasing appearance, as well. Although the dog’s expression is interested, intelligent, and foxy, it is not sly. Its longish, coarse outer coat is red, sable, fawn, black, or tan in color, and its undercoat is weather-resistant. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is fun, friendly, devoted, and willing to please. It behaves well with children, but it may nip at heels during play. Many Pembroke Welsh Corgis are shy around strangers and some bark incessantly. This quick-witted dog not only has an active body but an active mind. CARE As the Pembroke Welsh Corgi loves to herd, a regular herding session is an ideal form of exercise. If it is unable to herd, take it out for a moderate leash-led walk or play session. The Pembroke is suited to live outdoors in temperate weather, but temperamentally it prefers to share its owner's home, while having access to the yard. Coat care comprises of a weekly brushing routine to ride the dog's coat of any dead hair. HEALTH The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which has an average lifespan of about 11 to 13 years, is prone to serious health concerns such as intervertebral disc disease and canine hip dysplasia (CHD), as well as minor issues like epilepsy and degenerative myelopathy. Lens luxation, von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and urinary stones are also noticed in the breed on occasion. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and DNA tests for the dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Although many believe the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to be an ancient breed, outlining its origins is difficult. A book dating back to the 11th century, however, does mention a Welsh cattle dog. The Pembroke shares its background with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, but this Corgi was bred separately in Pembrokeshire. As it was a hard-working dog, the Corgi occupied the farms when many early dog shows were taking place. In the 1920s many dog show owners began entering their Corgis into these competitions, and in 1926, the Cardigan Club formed. As breeders attempted to improve the breed's natural good looks, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi became more popular. However, noticeable differences between the Cardigan and the Pembroke were difficult to judge. The Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis were eventually classified as separate breeds in 1934. Although they can be seen in farms around the world, it is more popular as a house dog, especially in Britain. Gentle and non-confrontational, the Basset is instantly recognizable by its big, heavy body, long ears, and short legs. Basset, in fact, comes from the French word bas, which means "low." One thing is for certain, the Basset Hound is an excellent tracker and hunter but also a loyal pet. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Basset Hound has a heavy, bony structure, making it larger-proportioned than other breeds. The dog’s short legs and long, heavy body help it run smoothly and powerfully, even in places with thick cover. It moves with its nose pointing to the ground. The tight and thick coat, which can be found in variety of colors, protects the dog from brambles during a hunt. According to experts, the wrinkles and the long ears help the dog in trapping scent, while its muzzle is spacious in order to accommodate its complicated olfactory apparatus -- an apparatus that makes the large and strong Basset Hound stand out among other dogs, even with its short legs. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT By nature, the Basset Hound is very friendly with children and other pets, and is also one of the most relaxed and good-natured of the hound breeds. However, this slow-moving dog may become stubborn at times. Kids should not strain the dog’s back, which is prone to problems. The Basset Hound is fond of trailing and sniffing, baying loudly while on the trail and inspecting things slowly. As it is a good tracker, the hound will continue to follow game, even if it gets lost. CARE Daily mild exercise, like playing in the garden or walking on a leash, is good enough to satisfy the Basset. The dog’s face, particularly the wrinkles and around the mouth should always be kept clean, while the coat does not require much grooming. This breed has a tendency to drool and it functions best indoors as a house pet. HEALTH The Basset Hound, which has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, is prone to major health conditions such as Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, thrombopathy, entropion, otitis externa,ectropion, glaucoma, von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), and canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Obesity is a common problem in the breed, which can lead to back problems. It may also suffer from patellar luxation. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend eye and hip exams on this breed of dog; platelet tests may help confirm vWD. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The Basset Hound was first mentioned in 16th-century text, which spoke of badger hunting. However, people have used short-legged breeds since ancient times. When such dogs were bred successfully to create the Basset Hound is anyone's guess. The pre-Revolutionary French used short-legged dogs for hunting, but not much was documented about these dogs. After the French Revolution, many common hunters required a dog that could be followed on foot. This dog also had to be strong, heavy-boned, and short-legged, with good scenting ability. The Basset was a good choice, as the dog moves slowly, thereby allowing the hunter to attack the quarry easily. Although it normally used to hunt rabbits and hares, the Basset could hunt larger mammals as well. Four types of short-legged hound were eventually created, of which the Basset Artesien Normand was closest to the modern day Basset. The Basset was crossed with Bloodhounds in the late 1800s, in order to increase the dog’s size. The result was then crossed with the Artesien Normand. It was during the same period when the first Bassets were introduced to America and England, leading to the breed’s popularity. In the mid-1900s, the Basset became popular as a pet and also in the fields of entertainment and advertising, for its funny expression. Because of its gentle, non-confrontational nature, the Basset remains a favorite among dog fanciers, hunters, and families today. If you are looking for the perfect companion to play beach Frisbee with, the Border Collie is for you! The Border Collie is characterized by its incredible agility, high level of energy, intelligence, obedience, and incredible sense of loyalty to his master. Its training ability and responsiveness to praise, meanwhile, are due to its eagerness to please.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with a body that is a bit longer than it is tall. Always alert and aware of its surrounding, the Border Collie has an intelligent expression. When a Border Collie has short hair, its coat remains smooth; as it grows longer, however, the texture of the coat becomes to slightly wavy to rough. The Border Collie appears in many different colors and color combinations, including solid color, bi-color, tri-color, merle, and sable. Random white patches are occasionally found scattered on the dog's body or head, but are usually clear white or ticked. Because of its strong bones, the dog is able to run gracefully and have a tireless gait, changing direction and covering ground almost effortlessly. The Border Collie's stamina and agility also allows it to remain active for long periods of time. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT Highly energetic and enthusiastic, the Border Collie is intelligent, obedient, and loyal towards its master(s). Eager to learn, the Border Collie is most in its element when challenged with difficult tricks and tasks. A lack of activity, conversely, may lead to frustration in the breed. The Border Collie often keeps its distance from strangers, displaying a guarding instinct. It also has a tendency to stare at other animals and chase them. CARE Although the Border Collie can live outside, it prefers be indoors, spending time with its family. The breed is generally not suited for apartment living and should be given regular access to the outdoors. To avoid having a frustrated or ill-mannered Border Collie, provide it plenty of physical and mental exercise daily. An occasional brushing of the hair is recommended, as the Border Collie's coat may become tangled with dead hair. HEALTH This breed, which has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, is prone to minor health problems such as seizures, progressive retinal atrophy, osteochondritis dissecans, lens luxation, hypothyroidism, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and Collie eye anomaly (CEA), and major ailments like canine hip dysplasia (CHD). The Border Collie may also occasionally suffer from compulsive behavior, cerebellar abiotrophy, and ceroid lipofuscinosis. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip, DNA, CEA, and eye exams on this breed of dog. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND While the exact origins of the Border Collie remain unknown, it is believed the breed may have developed from various sheepdogs used to protect flocks of grazing animals along the border of England and Scotland (and thus the origin of the breed's name). During the 1800s, various herding dogs were present in Great Britain. Among them, "fetching" dogs would organize cattle and bring them back to the shepherd by barking at the cattle or nipping at the animals in order to keep them in line. In 1873, a sheepdog trial took place whereby Hemp, often considered the progenitor of the Border Collie, skillfully gathered the cattle in a calm manner without nipping or barking at them. The breed continued to be referred to as sheepdogs until 1915, after which they came to be known as Border Collie. This breed gained huge popularity in the United States as a herding dog, sought after because of its proven obedience during trial shows. After much effort from Border Collie fanciers, the breed was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. Today, the Border Collie is loved for many of its characteristics, including its extraordinary instinct and uncanny ability to reason. The American Pit Bull Terrier has been known by many names, including the Pit Bull and the American Bull Terrier. It is often confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier, however, the United Kennel Club recognizes the American Pit Bull Terrier as its own distinct breed. Affectionately known as "Pitties," the Pit Bull is known for being a loyal, protective, and athletic canine breed.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The standard size of the Pit Bull varies from medium to large, with a weight range of 30–90 lbs. The Pit Bull has a stocky, muscular build and a short, smooth coat varying in color. The fluctuation in the size and color of the Pit Bull is due to the breed being a mix between different types of Bulldogs and Terriers. The body of the Pit Bull is long, with a short, whip-like tail that ends in a point. Small- to medium-sized ears are set high on its broad, flat head. The most defining facial characteristic of the Pit Bull is its wide, powerful jaw. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT The protective and fearless Pit Bull is noted for its playful temperament and friendly nature. The Pit Bull is also athletic, and has a strong desire to please people. The Pit Bull has a high prey drive due to its being bred to chase and subdue livestock. However, the Pit Bull is not naturally aggressive towards people and is affectionate toward children. Depending on early socialization and handling, the Pit Bull can learn to restrain itself from unwarranted aggression towards other dogs. CARE Because it is a highly energetic and active breed, the Pit Bull require daily exercise — the more vigorous the better — to overcome boredom and possibly destructive behavior. Like the Greyhound breed, the Pit Bull has a particularly strong prey drive and may chase retreating animals. Taking a Pit Bull on a leashed walk is undoubtedly an important part of socializing it to "play nice." However, care must always be taken to keep the Pit Bull on its leash, to prevent it from running off if it should spot a potential prey animal. HEALTH Due to their athleticism and diverse breeding background, the Pit Bull tend to be a hardy breed, with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, longer than many breeds of a similar size. There are some genetic conditions to be watchful for. The Pit Bull tends to suffer from bone diseases such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and kneecap dislocation. The Pit Bull can also suffer from skin problems, such as mange and skin allergies, because of its short coat. Other health ailments seen in Pit Bulls include thyroid and congenital heart defects. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The Pit Bull’s origins can be traced back to early 19th-century England, Ireland and Scotland. The canine’s ancestors were the result of experimentally crossbreeding different Bulldog and Terrier breeds for the purpose of bear- and bull-baiting, a blood sport in which the dog was trained to attack until the larger animal was defeated. When baiting was banned in the 1800s, the dogs were then bred for the sport of ratting and dog fighting. European immigrants introduced the Pit Bull breed to North America. Because of its controversial origins, the Pit Bull is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. This has resulted in the formation of two separate clubs for the specific purpose of registering Pit Bulls. The first was the United Kennel Club (UKC), which was formed in 1898 by founder C. Z. Bennett. The founder’s dog, Bennett’s Ring, was assigned UKC registration number one, making it the first registered Pit Bull in recorded history. The second club, the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), began in 1909 as a multiple breed association, but it has been dedicated mainly to Pit Bulls, as the original president, Guy McCord, was an avid fancier and breeder of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Contrary to its dubious reputation as an aggressive breed, the Pit Bull is regarded by many as a friendly dog with an outgoing disposition. As those who are loyal to this breed are becoming more active in the education and training of the breed, the Pit Bull is fast becoming a popular companion pet once again. Available in miniature and standard varieties, the Poodle is a breed belonging to the non-sporting classification. Though its direct origin is questionable, it was the French that first bred its different types. Originally used as an aid for duck hunters, the Poodle has become a circus performer, a frequent dog show winner, a guide dog, and a loving pet.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Originating from the working retriever breed, the Poodle’s body type is a reflection of its athletic root. The square-proportioned Poodle has a graceful appearance and a proud carriage. Its gait is springy, effortless, and light. The coat is dense, curly, and harsh; if corded, it hangs tight. Traditionally the clips (or hair styles) were used for ornamental and functional purposes. Puppy, Continental, English saddle, and sporting are the types of acceptable clips for Show Poodles. PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT This sensitive dog tends to be dedicated to a single person, and, initially, is shy with strangers. Some bark a lot. In general, they are good with dogs, other pets, and children. The lively, playful, and amiable Miniature Poodle is smart, responsive, eager to please, and obedient -- making it one of the most popular dogs today. CARE Poodles require a lot of socialization and interaction with humans, as well as physical and mental exercise. A short and challenging play or obedience session, in addition to a walk, is required everyday, although, poodles should not be allowed to live outdoors. Standard Poodles require more physical activities (e.g., they love swimming). Show Poodles require daily hair brushing, however those with shorter coats need only a weekly brushing. During shedding, a poodle’s hair does not fall, but instead gets trapped in the adjoining hair, causing matting. Therefore, it should be removed at all costs. This can be done by taking the poodle for a pet clip (or haircut), which can be done once every four to six weeks. HEALTH The Miniature Poodle has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years and may be prone to minor problems like trichiasis, entropion, distichiasis, cataract, glaucoma, lacrimal duct atresia and major concerns such as progressive retinalatrophy (PRA), epilepsy, Legg Perthes disease, and patellar luxation. Urinary stones are sometimes seen in this breed. Eye, knee, and hip tests are advised for Miniature Poodles, as are DNA tests, which can identify PRA and von Willebrand's Disease (vWD). HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The earliest ancestors of the Poodle were said to be curly-coated dogs of central Asia, but it is also identified with France. Many rough-coated water dogs are also associated with the dog’s ancestry. The earliest dog breed of this group was the Barbet, a type of curly-coated dog, which was seen in Hungary, France, and Russia. However, the German strain of the dog exerted maximum influence on the Poodle we know today. The German word pudel, meaning to splash or puddle, is the source for the Poodle’s name and reflects its water abilities. In France, the dog was also named chien canard or caniche, indicating its duck-hunting qualities. Therefore, from its water and herding roots, it became an excellent water-hunting companion. It was also used as a guide dog, guard dog, military dog, circus performer, and wagon puller for entertainers. Its coat was clipped to help it swim, but was left sufficiently long on the chest to keep in warm in cold water. Some believe that puffs of hair surrounding the tail tip and leg joints were meant for protection during hunting, but stronger evidence implies that it started as an adornment during the dog’s performing days. Fashionable women in France carried poodles as elegant companions, as did the French aristocracy, making it the official national dog. The typical clip of the poodle was accentuated in France, and there was a concerted effort by poodle fanciers to perfect the smaller varieties. In the late 19th century, poodles gained access to the show ring. Some early show dogs had corded coats which had long matted or thin tresses, instead of well-brushed coats. This made the poodles look very impressive. But as a style, it was difficult to maintain and the trend ended in the early 1900s. Soon, the bouffant styles replaced it and became fashionable. However, the popularity of the Poodle waned in the United States and by the 1920s, North America hardly had any dog of this breed. The Poodle made a successful comeback after a decade or so, now becoming one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. A native Icelandic breed, the Icelandic Sheepdog is a great herding breed as well as family dog and companion. This medium-sized dog is loveable, friendly, and very devoted to its master.
Physical Characteristics The Icelandic Sheepdog looks almost rectangular from the side, at a height of 16 to 18 inches and weighing anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds. This breed comes in two different coat types, short-hair and long-hair, both with two layers. The downy undercoat is thick and soft, with a thinner straight coat lying on top. The Icelandic Sheepdog has a curly, bushy tail with pointy ears and comes in a variety of coat colors, including brown, black, gray and all tan shades. Personality and Temperament Although this dog breed was mainly used in herding, the Icelandic Sheepdog is very friendly and contains little hunting instincts. This sheepdog truly enjoys human interaction and makes a good family pet. In fact, the Icelandic Sheepdog is not only a happy dog but an intelligent one. Care With such a thick coat, this dog breed does require weekly brushing. An active exercise plan is best for the Icelandic Sheepdog. It should never be left alone for too long as isolation may result in anxiety issues. Health The Icelandic Sheepdog generally has little health issues with an average life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Main health concerns associated with the Icelandic Sheepdog include hip dysplasia and an eye disorder called distichiasis. History and Background This breed is Iceland’s only native dog breed, spawning from the Icelandic Sheepdog’s ancestors that were brought over with the Nordic people in the 9th century. Due to the harsh conditions of Iceland’s climate, the dog breed developed to survive on the rough terrain and became an ideal farming dog. As farming needs declined into the 20th century, the Icelandic Sheepdog neared extinction. Recently breeders in Iceland and other countries have helped to reestablish the Icelandic Sheepdog, though it is still small in number. |
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