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BREED: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: This dog existed in the sixteenth century but was discovered not to look the same as the the dog in the tapestries of old, in the early twentieth century. British breeders then recreated the ancient toy spaniel by crossing the King Charles Spaniel with Pekingese and Pug to establish the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which was officially recognized in 1945.
DESCRIPTION: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long coat of black and tan or white, black and red or rich red or white and red, silky hair. The coat is not curly but may have a slight wave. There is feathering in the tail, legs, feet, ears and chest. It measures 25 to 34cm high and weighs from 5 to 9kg. It has long ears hanging on the side of the face.
CHARACTER: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is best suited for a pampered indoor life. They are extroverts, can be quite spirited and vocal. The Cavalier prefers to be with their family or other dogs. Although this breed is gentle and affectionate, they do not have patience for unruly children. This breed is a true companion and lap dog. They are gentle, and agile. This breed loves to swim and is a natural retriever.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mats easily and must be brushed weekly. Special attention must be given to the hair behind the ears. They have a tendency to develop heart abnormalities early in life. It is extremely important to have regular veterinary examinations. They are also prone to allergies, deafness, cataracts, and diabetes.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL .
GOLDEN RETRIEVER .
BREED: Golden Retriever
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: It is believed that the Golden Retriever is a descendent of the Labrador, improved by in breeding with yellow flat coated Retrievers from Newfoundland and with Scottish water Spaniels, or that it originated from cross breeding the Bloodhound with Russian Yellow Retrievers used in Scotland for retrieving wounded game. The breed was stabilized in England in the nineteenth century. Priory used for hunting in waterfowl it is now also a very popular pet.
DESCRIPTION: Large dogs. They weight between 25 and 31kg and stand 51 to 61cm high. The double coat is long and slightly wavy, with feathering on the tail and legs. Colours include shades of cream and gold. Red and mahogany is not acceptable.
CHARACTER: Active and vigorous, the Golden is an excellent retriever both in thickets and water. A good tracker but less methodical than the Labrador. Not being aggressive, he rarely barks and is not a good watchdog. They are calm, even tempered and very intelligent. They are always patient and gentle with children and very good with other pets. They make very loyal companions. Can be used as hunting dogs, guide dogs, for wreckage search drug detection as well as pets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The Retriever is a heavy shedder and can not be kept in an apartment as they are very active and need lots of exercise. They are prone to hip dysplacia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It diet is very important, as they have a tendency to gain weight.
MALTESE .
BREED: Maltese
ORIGIN: Central Mediterranean basin, Italy
HISTORY: Even though this breed is named after the island of Malta there is no proof that the breed is native to this island. It is a very ancient breed and this or a similar dog existed in ancient Egypt and Greece and later in Rome. In the time of Queen Elizabeth I it was a favourite of the royal court. It’s ancestors hunted rodents in maritime cities in central Mediterranean. The ancient Greek geographer Stravon, wrote that dogs called “canes meliteris†were exported from the Sicilian city of Melita.
DESCRIPTION: These small dogs stand 20 to 25cm high and weigh between 3 an 4kg. The pure white coat is very long on the whole body, completely straight and lacks an undercoat. Ears hang straight against the sides of the head.
CHARACTER: The Maltese is a joyful, trusting, intelligent and obedient pet. They are loyal and commit themselves completely to their owner and family. They may be over-protective and bark or bite if they perceive a threat. They are tolerant of other pets, and suitable for considerate children. They are good natured and love to be held and cuddled. The Maltese does not need extensive obedience training, as they are naturally obedient.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A MALTESE: It may be difficult to housebreak them, so crate training is recommended. The long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting. They need to be bathed on a regular basis. Their eyes need daily cleaning to prevent staining. It is also important to keep their ears clean to prevent infections. They may be prone to respiratory problems, eye problems and skin disorders. The Maltese do not do well in very hot climates or damp conditions. They may suffer from indigestion and therefore be finicky eaters.
DOBERMAN .
BREED: Doberman
ORIGIN: Germany
HISTORY: Originating in Germany during the 1860s, the Doberman was used as a personal guardian and watchdog, vermin eradicator, sheep herder, and gun-dog. Developed by Louis Dobermann, this breed is one of a few to be named after an actual person. This noble and proud breed served heroically during both World Wars and is the official combat dog of the United States Marine Corps.
DESCRIPTION: This square bodied, medium sized dog is compactly built, muscular and powerful. It stands 63 to 72cm high and weighs from 32 to 45kg. It’s short smooth coat can be black, red, blue or fawn (Isabella), with sharply defined rust markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, legs and feet, and below the tail.
CHARACTER: This is not everyone’s dog. He requires an owner who is fair, calm and authoritative. The owner has to assert himself with gentle patience. This dog is devoted to his owner and blindly loyal and obedient. A born guardian he is very wary of strangers. He is energetic, alert, fearless and determined. The Doberman thrives on human companionship and stimulation. They are exceedingly loyal and protective of their family and home. This breed does best with older, well-behaved, and considerate children. They do not typically get along well with other household pets. This people oriented breed may closely bond to one particular family member. The Doberman requires constant attention and does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or is in a career oriented family. They are not recommended for the novice, inexperienced, or sedentary owner.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A DOBERMAN: These dogs are very active and need to be kept in a spacious yard and be exercised regularly to burn off energy. They need regular brushing.
Doberman require minimal grooming. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent early tooth loss. The Doberman is prone to Wobbler syndrome, Von Willebrands disease, bloat, hip dysplacia, and congenital heart disorders. They do not do well in cold climates.
DOGO ARGENTINO .
BREED: Dogo Argentino
ORIGIN: Argentina
HISTORY: in the 1920′s Antonio Martinez developed a breed that was a good pack hunter and guardian, as well as a trustworthy family dog. He used the now extinct mastiff-type, called the Dog of Cordoba. He crossed it with various breeds such as the Great Dane, Boxer, Bulldog, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, etc. The result did not only satisfy Dr. Martinez’s need for a good big game hunter and watch dog that can be trusted with the family but it also proved its worth as a guide dog and in military and police work.
DESCRIPTION: This muscular, graceful dog of mastiff stock’s stands between 57 and 69cm high and weighs between 36 and 50kg. The short, thick, glossy coat should be all white in colour. The triangular ears are carried erect or semi erect. It’s build is powerful and bulky, with a strong curved neck and deep full chest. It’s back is solid. It has a thick tail hanging straight down.
CHARACTER: This is a robust, active, agile dog. It is energetic, courage’s and indeed fearsome when defending it’s owner or his owner’s property. It is calm, peaceful, affectionate and docile, it rarely barks. It is a sociably dog and needs to stay close to it’s owner. This dog is aggressive towards other dogs. Firm, gentle training is required for this large but sensitive breed.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A DOGO ARGENTINO: These dog are not suited for life in an apartment. The need plenty of exercise and should be walked at least twice daily. Should be out of doors as much as possible. Regular brushing is necessary. Eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid streaking.
