BULL TERRIER
BREED: Bull Terrier.
ORIGIN: Great Britain.
HISTORY:The Bull Terrier was bred from crosses of Bulldogs with terriers to create the “gladiator of the dog raceâ€. The new breed was first used for bull-baiting then for dog fighting. In 1835, these practices were outlawed. The Bull Terrier’s silhouette was refined in the second half of the nineteenth century and a white variety was selectively bred, giving birth to the modern breed. DESCRIPTION: The Bull Terrier has a thick-set, muscular body with a triangular head, described as egg shaped. There being no set size they can weigh between 15 and 36kg and stand between 40 and 56cm high. The short dense coat can be white, any other colour or white with any colour markings. Blue and liver are not desirable.
CHARACTER: They are courageous, intelligent and friendly. They have enormous strength and should be kept active both in mind and body. Their strong jaws can cause destruction if bored. They are very good companions for children as they can take lots of abuse and are protective of children put in their charge. Make good guard dogs though they do not bark often.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BULL TERRIER: All puppies should be tested for deafness. This condition is most common in pure white dogs. They are prone to umbilical hernias and acne.
CHIHUAHUA
BREED:Chihuahua.
ORIGIN: Mexico.
HISTORY:The Chihuahua’s origin is uncertain. He might have been brought to Mexico by the Chinese; yet it is more likely that he descended from various Aztec ancestors, including the Techichi. The Chihuahua was a favourite sacred animal of the Aztecs, who ate the dogs as holy food and sacrificed them to the gods. The Chihuahua also brought good luck to the home. Several specimens are thought to have been brought to Spain during the Spanish conquest. The Chihuahua was first bred in the United States in the nineteenth century. The breed soon became highly prized. He arrived in
Europe after World War II. He is still not very well-known in France, but his numbers are growing. It is the oldest breed in America.
DESCRIPTION: Chihuahua is the smallest of all breeds. It stands 16 to 20cm heigh and weighs between 0,9 and 3,5kg but a weight of between 1 and 2kg is preferred. It has a tiny fine boned body with a “apple dome†shaped head and large erect ears. They come in two varieties, smooth and long coat. The smooth coat has shiny, soft hair, scanty on the head and ears. The long coat has longer, soft hair that is slightly curly. A variety of coat colours such as fawn, white, brown and black. Colours may be solid or splashed even tricoloured.
CHARACTER:They each have their own unique personality. They are graceful, energetic, and display a human-like expression. These tiny companions are deeply devoted and fiercely loyal. They are bold, fearless and highly protective of their masters. They thrive on attention. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. This breed is not well suited for children of other pets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A CHIHUAHUA: They are prone to eye problems, and heart disease. The Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when taken outside.They are difficult to train and need patience and consistency. Early, extensive, and intensive socialization is an absolute must for this breed.
ENGLISH BULLDOG
BREED: English Bulldog
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: The Bulldog is descended from ancient Asian Mastiffs, combat dogs that were introduced in Great Britain by early Phoenician navigators. The bulldog was used for bull-baiting and also to fight other vicious carnivores such as bears and lions. Organized dog fights were also the rule of the day. In 1835, the cruel practice of bull-baiting was outlawed in England. After this pure bred Bulldogs became rare. Selective breeding since that time has turned the Bulldog into a loving family pet.
DESCRIPTION: A stocky dog on short, bandy legs with a huge head, flat face with protruding lower jaw and loose wrinkled skin. Weighs between 22 and 25kg,standing 30 to 40cm high. The coat of the Bulldog is close, straight, short, glossy, and smooth. The colour of the coat comes in solid white, red brindle, solid red, fawn, tan, or any of these on a white background.
CHARACTER: Despite his vicious appearance he has a gentle, loving, excellent nature. He is hardy and courageous and makes a good companion for children. Forms a strong bond with it’s owner.Has a passive demeanor and depend on human contact for happiness and wellbeing. Gets along with other pets they have been raised with but can be rude and try to bully strange dogs. They are very possessive of their food and should not be fed in the presence of other dogs of small children. Having a tendency to be hardheaded and stubborn training should be done with firm fairness and patient consistency.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING AN ENGLISH BULLDOG: It’s short coat only needs the occasional brushing but the wrinkled skin should be taken care of often to avoid skin problems and the face should be cleaned daily due to excessive drooling. They are prone to breathing problems, skin infections, poor eyesight, hip and knee problems. They have a low tolerance for bad weather and suffer from heatstroke if not watch closely.
BOXER
BREED: Boxer
ORIGIN: Germany
HISTORY: The German Bullenbeiser was crossed with the English bulldog in the late nineteenth century to create the Boxer. These dogs were used by the German army in the first world war. These intelligent, well natured dogs are now mostly companion and watch dogs.
DESCRIPTION: A stocky, medium sized dog with a strong jaw. Coat is short and shiny, ranging in colour from light fawn to tan and brindle with or without white markings on chest and feet. The mask is black
CHARACTER: The Boxer is an energetic, well balanced dog. It has a clam, friendly disposition, is loyal and protective of its family. Demonstrates fearless courage in his roll as protector and guard.Forms a strong bond with his family and remains loyal at all costs. They are very alert and have a keen sense of hearing which makes them very good guard dogs. Boxers love children and are good with other pets they have been raised with
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BOXER: That the short coat needs little grooming. Occasional brushing is sufficient and bathing only when necessary, in protection of natural skin oils. The Boxer is typically clean and will groom itself. They may be prone to tumors, skin problems, allergies and epilepsy. A good, balanced diet is vital for their sensitive stomachs. The Boxers short thin coat does not protect it from cold.
BICHON FRISE
BREED: Bichon Frise
ORIGIN: France, Belgium
HISTORY This breed was developed during the Italian renaissance by crossing the Maltese with other small Barbets and Poodles. It was introduced to France during the reign of king Francois I and became very popular during the reign of King Henry the III seeing that it was the Kings favorite breed.
DESCRIPTION: A small dog weighing between 2,5 and 3kg it stands 25 to 30cm high. Its coat is curly soft and all white. Ears are pendulous and carried slightly forward. It has a long neck which is carried proudly.
CHARACTER: A merry, adaptable, intelligent pet with a very gentle disposition. They are highly social and at their happiest as a member of the family. They thrive on human contact and make adorable pets. Being very social they get on well with other pets and are very good with children. They do not like to be left alone. They make good watchdogs and will alert owners to visitors and intruders.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BICHON FRISE:That this breed is considered a high maintained pet. Its coat mats easily, therefore needs daily brushing and regular professional grooming to look it’s best. Though very intelligent they do not house train easily.
BEAGLE
Â
BREED: Beagle
ORIGIN:Great Britain
HISTORY: An ancient English breed, mentioned as far back as the third century. Was very highly regarded, during the reign of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Always used for hunting rabbits, hare, fox, wild boar, deer, it became popular in the rest of Europe as early as 1860. It is appreciated for its small size, even temper, effectiveness and speed.
DESCRIPTION: A small dogweighing between 15 and 20kg and standing between 33 and 44cm high. It’s short dense coat is either bi or tri coloured. All colours except liver. Ears are long and round tipped hanging against cheeks.
CHARACTER: The Beagle is an active, happy dog and being intelligent and eager to please, is a pleasure to train. It is even tempered, courageous and tough. It is enthusiastic and effective on the trail and can work alone in pairs on packs.Adapts to any environment and makes a great companion and family dog. If not trained properly, ignoring can be a problem. They tend to run off after whatever catches their attention.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BEAGLE :That being very energetic it needs long, vigorous walks daily. As it has strong hunting instincts it should be kept on a leash while walking and in a safely enclosed yard, as it is bound to run off. Close attention should be given to cleaning ears to prevent infections.
BASSET HOUND
BREED: Basset Hound
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: The Basset hound was bred by English breeders using the three different French Bassets and producing a very good pack hound, for trailing of medium and small game such as rabbits, hare, wild boar and deer.
DESCRIPTION: The Basset has a long body on short legs. Weighs between 25 and 30kg and stands between 33 and 38cm high.Ears are very long, dragging on the ground. Any hound colour is acceptable though they are mostly tricoloured. It has a short, straight, dense coat.
CHARACTER: This gentle, loving dog is naturally well behaved. They are lazy, affectionate, very good with children and other animals. They are peaceful and devoted. Being stubborn they need patience to train. Makes an excellent family pet.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BASSET HOUND:That they are lazy and needs to be exercised daily to keep their weight down. Should be brushed daily as it sheds constantly. Regular care must be given to ears and eyes to avoid infections. Being a trailing hound, it is prone to howling.
AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL
BREED: American Cocker Spaniel
ORIGIN:United States of America
HISTORY:These beautiful, small dogs are directly descendant from the English Cocker Spaniel. Brought to America in the 1880’s, American breeders used it to breed a small companion dog with a beautiful coat.
DESCRIPTION: Small, playful dogs weighing between 12 and 15 kg. Colours range from black, black and tan to cream, red, brown and any colour with white. Ears are long and floppy. Coat long, silky and wavy.
CHARACTER:They are intelligent, loyal dogs that make very good companions. Better suited in homes with older children and small yards. They require energetic owners as they are playful and active. They are easy-going, even tempered, happy dogs. Makes very good pets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING AN AMERICAN COCKER:That it’s long coat needs daily grooming and it needs three walks a day if yard is not available. Ears need regular cleaning to avoid ear infections. Tends to housebreak slowly and needs firm training.
AMERICAN BULLDOG
BREED: American Bulldog.
ORIGIN:United States of America
HISTORY:The American Bulldog originates from the Bulldogs immigrating to America from England with their masters. The English Bulldog was later bred down in size and temperament and the American Bulldog remained the bigger and more aggressive dog. The Bulldogs in England were used on farms to hold livestock and as guard dogs, as butchers dogs and for the bloody sport of bull baiting and settlers in America carried onusing the dogs to work on farms, hunt, kill vermin and for gambling.
DESCRIPTION: It is stocky and strong looking. It’s short coat is either white or white with patches. Weighing from 27 to 45kg it stands 50 to 70cm high. Has a big, box shaped head.
CHARACTER:These dogs should not be timid or shy, also not aggressive towards man. They are brave and determined but not hostile. They are very good with children. Being alert and self confidant they are known for protecting their masters heroically. Also, being intelligent they train well and are very obedient.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING AN AMERICAN BULLDOG:That, it is some what inactive when indoors and will adapt well to life in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Not demanding as to brushing and grooming.
AKITA INU
BREED:Akita.
ORIGIN:Japan
HISTORY: These dogs originate from the Akita Province on Honshu Island. They were originally used as large game, hunting dogs and for dog fighting. The Akita is designated as part of  Japan’s natural heritage. The Akita was highly regarded and owned only by aristocracy.
DESCRIPTION:A medium sized dog weighing between 30 and 50kg, standing between 58 and 70cm high, with males tending to be bigger than females. Basically any color is accepted from pure white to brindle, including red and sesame. It has a double waterproof coat and webbed feet.
CHARACTER: The Akita is courages and alert, yet docile and thrives on human companionship. Very protective of their family, territory and food. Friendly with humans they know but do not get along with other pets and small children. They acquire a lot of attention and do not take well to being left alone for long periods of time.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING AN AKITA: That, they are susceptible to hipdysplacia and eye infections. Need regular exercise and grooming. Not recommended for apartment dwellers. They are good guard dogs and they seldom bark. The Akita makes an excellent companion.
Welcome to the-petz.com
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog! Take a second to peek around and check out some of my previous posts. Of course, I would love to find out what you think as well, so make sure to comment. See you around!
