POMERANIAN

The Pomeranian is a happy and active little dog that can adapt cheerfully to life in aone bedroom apartment or a spacious home, loving the role of a lap dog or enjoying walks with its owner. Alternatively, he will amuse himself adequately in the yard. He makes a faithful and devoted addition to the family.
Size: The average size of the Pomeranian male is 4-41/2 lbs while the average size of the female is 41/2-51/2 lbs.
History and origin: The Pomeranian takes his name from Pomerania in Germany and is generally thought to be mid-European origin. However, it is a member of the Spitz family, which could mean that its history started in the Arctic Circle. The known history of the breed dates back from the mid-18th century when it was introduced to severalEuropean countries. The dog became very popular until following the raiding of the Summer Palace in Peking in 1860 and the appearance of the Imperial Pekingese, some of its popularity was usurped by that breed.

The Pomeranian in those early times was a very much larger dog which weighs up to 30lb and was bred down until by 1896, show classes for Pomeranians were divided into those for exhibits over and under 8lb. The British Kennel Club withdrew challenge certificates for the over 8lb variety in 1915. The American Pomeranian club was formed in New York in 1900.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Pomeranian is 1/3-1/2 can (13.3oz size) of a branded meaty product, with biscuits added in equal part by volume or 1-11/2 cups of dry food.
Exercise: Although Pomeranians love to be pampered and petted on their owner’s lap, they are also lively little dogs who can walk as far as their owner would wish and often farther. They get plenty of enough exercise by themselves running around inside the house.
Grooming: This is not the dog for those with a busy lifestyle and cannot spare the time for daily grooming. The Pomeranian has two coats to care for; a short fluffy undercoat and a long straight topcoat covering his entire body. Daily brushing with a stiff brush is required. The coat should be damped with cold water and the moisture rubbed in with the fingertips.

Finally, the dog is rubbed down with a towel. Working from the head, part the coat and brush it forward from roots to tips. Make a further parting and repeat the procedure until the whole body has been covered. In addition, regular trimming is also necessary to keep his coat in good condition.

AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG

The Australian Cattle Dog may not be a name immediately recognized by some people who are actually familiar with this breed. Many people know the Australian Cattle Dog as the Heeler. There are Red Heelers and Blue Heelers, and may also be known as Australian Heeler, Queensland Heeler or Hall’s Heeler. No matter how you spell it or what name you use, this is an intelligent breed that loves to work.
This is truly an example of a dog bred to meet the needs of their humans. The large Australian ranches were not very easy places to live. The cattlemen who went to Australian to take on the elements thought they went prepared. They took herding dogs with them, but these dogs were largely unable to withstand the rigors of the vast range. The obvious solution was to create a breed that could handle the elements, had the stamina to travel the long distances, and the intelligence to do the herding jobs required of them. The Australian Cattle Dog is the result of that selective breeding.
The word “heeler” describes this dog’s tendency to run behind the animals being herded, snapping at their heels in an effort to send them in a desired direction. The instinct to herd is strong in these dogs, making them ideal for farms. However, these dogs will try to herd almost anything. They may not do well with fowl since chickens and ducks are more likely to be killed or maimed by the snapping Australian Cattle Dog. Some owners report that their Australian Cattle Dog will resort to herding people if there are no animals handy!
The breed has been used in Australia for herding for more than a century, but was only recognized by the American Kennel Club about 25 years ago. Since then, the superior trainability has created a demand for these dogs in many shows and trials.
The selective breeding produced a dog with a heavy double coat. The coat provides insulation against both hot and cold conditions. Shedding isn’t typically a huge problem, especially with regular brushing. If the Australian Shepherd is red, a uniform mottling in preferred though both red and blue dogs may have solid spots on their heads.
One point to keep in mind is that these aren’t dogs that can be ignored for long periods of time. Socialization is vital to this dog. Australian Cattle Dogs that are left alone may become withdrawn and seem downright sad. These dogs desire to be in the middle of any and all activities. They aren’t the best choice if they’re going to be penned or chained without direct contact with their people on a regular basis.
The Australian Cattle Dog may also bond more extensively with one person – typically the person who works with (or plays with) him the most. When this happens, the Australian Cattle Dog may refuse commands from others and may even be reluctant to interact with others. If the dog is to be part of the family, it’s important for the entire family to spend time with the dog.

BEAGLE

Pronunciation

Beagle
Description

The Beagle is a sturdy, hardy little hound dog which looks like a miniature Foxhound. The body is squarely-built and the skull is fairly long and slightly domed. The square muzzle is straight and medium in length. The large eyes are brown or hazel and are set well apart. The wide, pendant ears are low set and long. The black nose is broad with full nostrils. The feet are round and firm. The tail is set moderately high and never curled over the back. The coat is of medium length, close, hard, sleek and easy to care for. Any hound-type of coloring is acceptable including lemon, tri-color, black and tan, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white, blue tick and red tick. Beagles have a distinct howl / bay of a bark when they are on the hunt. Video Clip of a Beagle's Baying Bark.

Temperament

The Beagle is loving, sweet and gentle. Happy to see everyone, greeting them with a wagging tail. Sociable, brave and intelligent. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but because of their hunting instincts, they should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young. Beagles have minds of their own. They are determined and watchful and require patient, firm training. It is important you are this dog's pack leader and that you provide the proper amount of mental and physical exercise including daily pack walks, to avoid separation anxiety. With enough exercise they will be calm. You can also purchase animal scents and play tracking games with your beagle to help satisfy their instinct to track. The Beagle does not have a normal sounding bark, but rather a loud bay cry, that almost sounds like a short howl. Beagles are curious and have a tendency to follow their own noses. If they pick up a scent they may wander off and not even hear you calling them back, or not care to listen, as they will be too busy trying to find the critter at the other end. Take care when letting them off leash that you are in a safe area. Beagles who are allowed to be pack leaders over their humans can develop a varying degree of behavior issues, including, but not limited to, guarding, obsessive barking, snapping, biting, and destructive behaviors when left alone. These are not Beagle traits, but rather behaviors brought on by lack of leadership and or exercise, from their humans. The behaviors can be corrected when the dogs instincts are met.

Height, Weight

Height: Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41cm) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38cm)
There are two height classes, 13-15 inches (33-38cm) and under 13 inches (33cm).
Weight: Dogs 22-25 pounds (10-11kg) Bitches 20-23 pounds (9-10kg)
Health Problems

Some lines can be prone to epilepsy, heart disease, eye and back problems. Also prone to chondroplasia, aka dwarfism (warped front legs, like a Basset's). You can see an example of chondroplasia in a dog.

Living Conditions

Beagles will do okay in an apartment if they get plenty of chances to be outdoors. They are very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
Exercise

Energetic and possessing great stamina, the Beagle needs plenty of exercise, including a brisk daily walk. It should have a fenced yard of reasonable size to romp in. Always use a lead when walking this breed or you will be running the risk of it disappearing in search of wild game.
Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years
Litter Size

2 - 14 puppies - Average 7
Grooming

The Beagle's smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe with mild soap only when necessary. Dry shampoo occasionally. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin

The first Beagles date back to the 1500s. English hunters would take packs of these dogs out on the hunt tracking rabbits, hare, pheasant, quail and other small animals. The breed probably originated as a cross between the Harrier and other types of English hounds. The dogs have since become one of the most popular breeds in the USA. The breed can hunt alone, in pairs or in packs. The name "Beagle" may have come from the French term "be’geule," which means “gape throat,” referring to the dogs baying voice. The name may also have come from the dog's size, stemming from the French word “beigh”, the Old English word “begele”, or perhaps the Celtic word “beag”, which all mean "small". He has also served as an excellent narcotics detection dog and makes a fine family companion. They were first recognized by the AKC in 1885.

Group

Hound, AKC Hound
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA

GOLDEN RETRIVER

THE WATCHER a dozen times, you've seen Golden Retrievers working as guide dogs, and now you want to buy a Golden Retriever puppy of your own. However, before you bring one of these cuddly yellow fuzz balls home, you need to be sure a Golden Retriever is really the right dog for you and your family.
The Golden Retriever is a big, muscular dog, weighing in at 55 to 75 pounds and standing 21 ½ to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. This dog breed has a broad skull, which may be why Golden Retrievers are so intelligent. Coat colors range from a deep, honey colored gold to a light gold that is almost white. The palest gold or darkest gold colors are considered to be undesirable, as are any white patches or markings.
Did you know that Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be working dogs? They are members of the Sporting Group. These dogs are high energy animals and need plenty of exercise, especially while they are less than three years of age. This desire to stay busy is one reason that Golden Retrievers make good rescue, Seeing Eye, or drug sniffing dogs. If you do not keep them occupied, they will find ways to amuse themselves, such as eating your entire shoe collection.

If you are an avid gardener, you will need to be sure you have a separate area where you can contain your dog, since most Golden Retrievers love to dig. While they are going through their puppy stage, they are also prone to chewing up shrubs.
Since Golden Retrievers are large dogs, you may want to consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. Also, since Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, you may want to ask your veterinarian about feeding your puppy food that is especially formulated to help large breeds grow properly.
If you have small children, you may need to consider whether a Golden Retriever puppy will be too boisterous for them. Although adult Goldens are excellent family dogs, puppies can be quite mouthy and rowdy. They may accidentally knock toddlers down while they are playing.
If you do buy a puppy when you have small children, you will need to find time to teach him good manners quickly. You may want to attend obedience classes with him, so that he is used to other dogs and people and learns how to act when he is outside the house. Training your puppy before he is too strong for you to control easily is a good idea.

Golden Retrievers need frequent grooming to keep their coats from tangling. You will need to pay special attention to the area behind your dog's ears, as it is prone to developing large mats. Frequent grooming will also help you alleviate dog hair on furniture, which can be quite heavy when your dog is shedding his coat. In addition, you will need to have enough time to check your dog for ticks after he goes for a romp in the park or other grassy and wooded areas.
If you still feel that this is the breed for you, be sure to look for a good breeder to buy your puppy from. A healthy, good tempered Golden Retriever makes a wonderful, intelligent companion.

DOBER MAN

The Doberman breed has gotten a lot of negative publicity, much like the Rottweiler. Movies like ?Trapped? (1973), (also known as the ?Doberman Patrol? for its theatrical title) and the ?Doberman Gang? (1972) are all movies which aimed to portray the Doberman as a vicious dog. But like the Rottweiler, the 1970?s was the time when Dobermans were percieved to be the most notorious. ?The Doberman Gang? is about a bank robbery, which is devised by an ex-con, an ex-waitress and a few of their friends. They train a pack of Doberman dogs to rob a bank for them. ?Trapped? is about a man, who is accidentally locked in a department store overnight and finds himself held at bay by six vicious Doberman guard dogs. Although Dobermans can become agressive and domineering, a lot depends on their training, early socialization and care. They are just as devoted, loyal and loving dogs. With 30 years of bad media-converage to get over, the Doberman is slowly but surely getting its devoted admirers back. Is it Doberman, Dobermann, Doberman Pinscher or Dobermann Pinscher? Well all four are acceptable and used. Doberman is used more often by the general public. As for nicknames..well, Dobe and Dobie seem to be the most common ones. The original name is Dobermann, due to the name of the original breeder: Louis Dobermann.

YORKSHIRE

Small in size-big in attitude. The Yorkshire Terrier has inherited a dynamic personality, and enough courage to warrant a chest full of medals. But, contrary to its glamorous show ring image the Yorkie came from very humble beginnings.
Around the mid 19th century unemployed Scottish workers moved south in search of work, and they brought their little dogs with them. Cross breeding them with local terriers produced a dog capable of catching and killing the rats that infested the local mines and cotton mills.
That dog first appeared at a bench show as a " broken-haired Scotch Terrier" in the early 1860's. This fledgling breed finally became known as the Yorkshire Terrier in 1870.
The little ratters journey towards world popularity had begun.
Within a decade the Yorkie had clambered out of the gloom of the mines, and in to the lap of the most wealthy women in England. These terrier's quickly became the ultimate Victorian fashion accessory. Either carried in the crook of a Socialite's arm, or peeping out from her chic handbag.
The Yorkie was quickly embraced by American fanciers and was classified by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group. The breed standard requires the Yorkie to weigh no more than seven pounds, but no minimum weight is indicated. Dogs as light as one pound have been bred. But, as most responsible breeders point out, when dogs are bred to this size their health is being put at risk.
The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky, flowing coat of dark steel blue that parts along the spine to cover the body and tail. The head and legs are tan colored. Eyes are dark, and sparkle with intelligence, and the tail is usually docked to a medium length.

The Yorkie and apartment life go together well. A yard for him to explore and romp in would be nice, but he can live without it. Don't forget to give him a daily walk though. He needs his exercise as much as the next dog, even though he may be a fraction of their size.
This is a very playful and sociable breed. They enjoy family activity, and want to be right in the middle of it. If you have young children you need to be careful. Tough as the Yorkie is, he is tiny, and rough play could end in a serious injury.
They usually get along well with dogs and other pets, but they can be attention seekers, and consequently demanding. Some Yorkies can be stubborn, but they also like to please their owners. You should take advantage of this trait by following a good dog training program.
Socializing your puppy is equally important. Try to attend your local obedience classes with him. This will help him to get used to other dogs, people, and situations. It's also an opportunity for you to meet new people and their dogs.
Yorkies are a relatively healthy dog breed. Although, retained baby teeth, hernias and hypoglycemia can be problem areas.
Feeding these dogs will not break the bank. They do not have the most robust digestive systems, so do tread carefully with his diet. Feeding dry food will keep his teeth in a better condition, than if you feed him on canned food. You can mix the two feeds until you find the best blend.
Most Yorkies need regular brushing and combing to keep their coats in good condition, and to prevent matting. Dogs with very silky coats need slightly less grooming. You also need to brush your dogs teeth frequently, to alleviate the problem of early tooth decay that this breed is prone to.
The well bred and socialized Yorkshire Terrier is a pleasure to own. Of course, the Yorkie has its flaws like all dog breeds, but as a loyal and affectionate companion it has few rivals.

SALUKI

The Saluki is one of the foundation hounds of the Breeds, together with the Afghan. It is claimed that he has been known in the Middle East since 5,000BC and certainly records have been kept of his breeding and hunting successes for hundreds of years. The Saluki was held in extremely high esteem, partly because of his beauty and partly because of his prowess as a hunter. He was used with the hawk to course hare and gazelle.
The Saluki did not arrive in the UK until 1840 and was not officially recognised until 1923. It has been suggested that his name derives from an ancient Arabian city, Saluk or Seleukia in ancient Syria. However, most recent research suggests that the name is a transliteration of the ancient Arabic word forhound, which explanation is, sadly, rather more prosaic.
His coat can be either smooth or feathered; in either case the body coat lies close and silky and when there is feathering it is restricted to the legs and back of thighs and between the hock and heel. In both cases the ears have long silky hair growing from the top half of the leather and the tail is well feathered on the underside, but not bushy. It is a very easy coat to keep looking good; a regular brush and polish with a chamois leather will keep the smooth body coat shining, whilst a weekly groom through will keep any feathering tangle-free. The permitted colours are shades from white to red, grizzle colourings, tricolour, black and tan or variations of these colours but never brindle.
the Saluki is not a nervous breed, but he is very sensitive and is reserved with those he does not know; boisterous children and Salukis probably do not mix very well as he would find them rather alarming. In common with all sighthounds he can take off at speed into the distance if something catches his eye and a well-fenced garden is essential. Similarly, he is not obedient and like the rest of this Breeds of hounds will consider your request and may or may not decide to do as you ask; hope for co-operation but don't expect to give him orders. Not suitable for every household but a charming, affectionate and beautiful addition to the right home.

BLOOD HOUND

The dog that is used most commonly for this purpose is the Bloodhound. These dogs have the strongest sense of smell compared to any other dog. The second best is the Basset Hound, but they are rarely used for this purpose because their short stature does not allow them to move as quickly through rough terrain. The long ears of a Bloodhound play an important role by stirring up the scent when they have their nose to the ground. The wrinkles on the face of these dogs helps hold the scent close to the nose. The Bloodhound can then establish a trail.
Scent training generally starts when the dog is a puppy. This form of training is done in a variety of ways, starting with practice “missions” that allow the dog to find something based on the scent. One of the most popular training techniques can be found in “Secrets to Dog Training”. There are many jobs that dogs can be trained to do but scent hounds may have the most important job of all. They help find people who have become lost while hiking, camping, or simply walking through the woods.
Training these dogs to pick up on a scent after smelling an item of clothing owned by the person they are looking for, they can quickly pick up the scent and track it over a variety of terrain. It is a common myth that Bloodhounds lose the scent once it goes to the water, but this is not true. The dog will easily pick the scent back up on the other side and continue searching until they find the missing person.
Jean C loves pets. She runs SeniorDogsAndCats.Com as an online resource for pet lovers who need help training and caring for their pets. Get free tips on search dog training and more when you check out the site today!

MINIATURE POODLE

Description When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It has approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half it's length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. It comes in all solid colors including black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown, or cafe-au-lait. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored poodles. See grooming for different types of poodle clips.
Temperament The Toy Poodle is remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, they are said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Sweet, cheerful, perky and lively, they like to be with people. Delightful, very amusing and keen. Socialize them well. They make a very good watchdog for their size. Without the proper type and amount of exercise they may be high-strung and timid. If the human is not 100% pack leader, they may snap if they are teased or surprised. Toy Poodles are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless given rules to follow and limits as to what the are, and are not allowed to do, this breed will tend to bark a lot. Do not let this small dog developed Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes varying degrees of behavior issues, including, but not limited to snapping, growling, guarding, demanding, untrustworthy with children and sometimes adults, sensitive, nervous, reserved with strangers and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to tell the humans what it is HE wants THEM to do. This little dog can be good with children, however is usually recommended for older children, who know how to display leadership skills. The reason, most humans treat the dog in such a way that makes them unsure just who the pack leader is in the human dog relationship. The dog, in his own mind, is convinced HE is the leader to humans. These are NOT Toy Poodle traits, but rather traits brought on by meek owners. Make sure you are your dogs firm, consistent, confident pack leader, providing daily mental and physical exercise in order to have a trustworthy, mentally stable dog.
Height, Weight Height: up to 10 inches (25.4 cm.)
Weight: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg.)
The sizes of the official AKC recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by the weight. The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Toy Poodle.
Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Some are prone to IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), slipped stifle, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disorders, PRA, runny eyes, ear infections and digestive tract problems. Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy which can cause blindness. Skin conditions, possibly due to unskilled use of clippers. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Allergies are common, sometimes to shampoo and/or color reinforcer.
Living Conditions Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. Given enough exercise, they are not active in doors. They will lay right next to you and are more sedate when indoor although they love to play outdoors and are a highly intelligent breed, so they do like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate their mentality. They will do okay without a yard.
Exercise These are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Life Expectancy 12-15 or more years.
Grooming Extensive grooming is needed if the dog is to be shown. Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy care clip called a "pet clip", "puppy clip" or "lamb clip" where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers.

Origin The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years and are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. The subject is controversial of where the dog was officially developed and no one really knows the breeds true country of origin. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to the Germans where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water". The "Poodle clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs swim more efficiently. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gun dog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle", but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by the same written standard but with different size requirements. Breeders are also breeding an in-between size called a Klein Poodle (Moyen Poodle) and a smaller Tea-Cup Poodle. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
Group Gun Dog, AKC Toy
Recognition CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR, DRA

BASSET HOUND

Description The Basset Hound is a short, relatively heavy dog. The head is large and well proportioned with a rounded skull. The muzzle is deep and heavy with the size being greater than the width at the brow. The brown eyes have a soft, sad look to them and are slightly sunken with a prominent haw. The darkly pigmented lips have loose hanging flews and the dewlap is very pronounced. The skin hangs loose like elastic and falls in folds on the head. The velvety ears are set low and extremely long hanging towards the ground. The large teeth meet in either a scissors or even bite. The chest is very deep extending in front of the front legs. The dogs hindquarters are very full and round. The paws are big. The dewclaws may be removed. The coat is dense, short, hard and shiny. There are no rules concerning color, but it is usually black, tan, white, red, white with chestnut or with sand-colored markings.
Temperament The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Their temperament should always be friendly, and never vicious, moody or harsh, and would only become so if the owners led the dog to believe he was pack leader over humans. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It can be a bit stubborn with meek ownersand need a firm, confident, and consistent owner who displays naturalauthority over the dog. Dogs need to know the rules of the house and have the humans stick to them. Bassets like to do tricks for food. It has a deep musical bark. Housebreaking is difficult, but they do well with positive reinforcement and patient, gentle training. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's sometimes hard to get their attention, as they like to follow their noses and may not even hear you calling them back. Only allow your Basset off lead in safe areas.
Height, Weight Height: Dogs 12-15 inches (30-38cm) Bitches 11-14 inches (28-36cm)
Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (23-29kg) Bitches 45-60 pounds (20-27kg)
Health Problems Do not overfeed these dogs because extra weight places too great a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As they are prone to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one big large meal. If they do eat a large meal keep an eye on them for several hours for any signs of bloat.

Living Conditions The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim.
Exercise To keep the Basset Hound healthy, it should be given plenty of exercise, including a long daily walk to keep the dog mentally stable, but discourage it from jumping and stressing the front legs. This breed will run and play by the hour when given the chance. Because of their keen noses they tend to roam when they pick up a scent. Take care when off lead that the dog is in a safe area. When they pick up a trail they may not even hear you calling them back as their complete focus will be on finding the critter at the other end.
Life Expectancy About 10-12 years
Litter Size Average of 8 puppies - large litters are common, known to have 15 or more puppies in one litter
Grooming The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe under the ears every week and trim toenails regularly. This breed is a constant shedder.
Origin The Basset Hound is an old breed which is a direct descended of theBloodhound and has a nose that is almost as outstanding. Some sources suggest the Basset Hound may have originated from genetic dwarf dogs which were born in litters of different types of hunting hounds. The name "Basset Hound" comes from the French word "bas" meaning low. The Basset Hounds long ears have been poetically described by Shakespeare as: "Ears which sweep away the morning due." The breed was first presented at a Paris dog show in 1863 which began the dog's popularity. Their popularity spread to England and feuds soon arose between those who wanted the dog to be more of a show dog, keeping them more as a companion dog and those who wanted to keep it as a hunting dog. The breed spread to America where breeders started developing a dog which they felt covered both hunting and companion / show traits. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Able to hunt in both packs or alone, the dog is good at hunting in the den and in the open. They are used to hunt fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant. While the dogs reflexes are slow, it has an excellent sense of smell. The fact that they are relatively slow on their feet means they can be more convenient for hunters who are on foot. They are also less likely to scare game out of reach. It is said that George Washington owned Basset Hounds which were given to him by Lafayette after the American Revolution.
Group Hound, AKC Hound
Recognition CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA

DACH HUND

OVERVIEW
Dachshunds are long-standing members of the Dog World, with evidence that dogs of the dachshund type were known in Ancient times. It is generally accepted that the breed, much as we presently know it today, was developed in Germany between the 15th and 18th Centuries. The word “Dachshund” means “Badger Dog”, and they were primarily used for the hunting of the Badger. They are also known as “Teckels” throughout Europe and as “Dackels” in Germany. The breeds were well established by the late 1800’s and German Pedigrees have been recorded as far back as 1859.
The characteristic long and low form of the Dachshund is ideally suited for work both in dens and tracking through underbrush. Their ability to go both forwards and backwards in a crouching position combined with their sturdy bodies, strong jaws and powerful scissors bite, allows them to excel at bringing the Badger, Fox or other quarry from their dens. This is known as “going-to-ground”. Although the Dachshund is no longer used for hunting Badgers, there are still “Den Matches” at specialty shows which challenge the Dachshund by “going-to-ground” to catch their quarry in man-made tunnels with tight turns in them and their “quarry” safe in a rat cage at the end of the tunnel - these events are done with great enthusiasm on both the Dachshund’s part and the owners of these dogs. Dachshunds were also used to hunt Wild Boar and other game through dense undergrowth, and are still used today by hunters and guides to track wounded game animals such as Deer and Bear.
Specialization took place, with the larger Standard Dachshunds being used for Badger and Boar, while the smaller dogs hunted hare and rabbits. Smaller dogs became known as “Zwergteckels” (Dwarf Dachshunds), and the smallest ones as Kaninchenteckels”(Rabbit Dachshunds). In Canada and many other Countries the two smaller sizes have been combined together as the Miniature Dachshund.
Both the smooth-haired and the long-haired Dachshunds have existed since the origins of the breed. The wire-haired Dachshund appears to have been developed later, possibly by introducing some terrier wire-haired type blood into the breed. Dachshunds were introduced into North America approximately in the 1880’s and gained in popularity, until the world wars when because of their German origin, they suffered quite a setback. Since then, due to the efforts of dedicated breeders, they have once again attained their status as one of the best known popular breeds.
THE C.K.C.(Canadian Kennel Club) OFFICIAL
DACHSHUND BREED STANDARD

Origin and Purpose: Early in the seventeenth century the name Dachshund became the designation of a breed type with smooth and long-haired varieties, and since the 1890’s wire-haired Dachshunds have been registered as the third variety. The name Dachshund (dachs, meaning badger and hund meaning dog) at once reveals and conceals the origins of the breed. In medieval European books on hunting, dogs, similar only in possessing the tracking ability of hounds and the proportions and temperament of terriers, because they were used to track badgers were called badger-dogs or Dachshunds.
General Appearance: Low to the ground, short-legged, long-bodied, but with a compact figure and robust muscular development, with bold confident carriage or head and intelligent facial expression; conformation preeminently fitted for following game into burrows. In spite of his shortness of leg, in comparison with his length of trunk, he should appear neither crippled, awkward, cramped in his capacity for movement, nor slim and weasel like. Added to this, his hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and small size render him especially suited for beating the bush. His figure and his fine nose give him an especial advantage over most other breeds of sporting dogs for trailing.
Temperament: He should be clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work both above and below the ground; with all senses being well-developed.
Size:
Standard Dachshund - over 11 lbs (5 kg) ideal weigh is 25 lbs
Miniature Dachshund - ideal weight is 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
It is of the utmost importance that Judges should not award championship points to Miniature Dachshunds over 11 lbs (5 kg). Withint the limits imposed, symmetrical adherence to the general Dachshund conformation, combined with smallness and mental and physical vitality should be the outstanding characteristics of the Miniature Dachshund.
Coat: There are three coat types: Smooth or Short-haired - short, dense, shining and glossy. Wire-haired - like German Spiky-Haired Pointer, hard with a good undercoat. Long-Haired - like an Irish Setter.
Special Characteristics of the Three Coat Varieties of Dachshunds.
The Dachshund is bred with three varieties of coat: (1) Short-Haired(or Smooth); (2) Wire-Haired; (3) Long-Haired. All three varieties should conform to the characteristics already specified. The long-haired and short-haired varieties are old, well established varieties, but the wire-haired dachshund the blood of other breeds has been purposely introduced; nevertheless, in breeding him, the greatest stress must be placed upon conformity to the general Dachshund type.
The following specifications are applicable separately to the three coat varieties respectively.
Short-Haired or Smooth Dachshund: Hair: Short, thick, smooth and shiny; no bald patches. Special faults are: Too fine or thin hair. Leathery ears, bald patches, too coarse or too thick hair in general. Tail: Gradually tapered to a point, well but not too richly haired; long sleek bristles on the underside are considered a patch of strong-growing hair, but not a fault. A brush tail is a fault, as is also a partly or wholly hairless tail.
Wire-Haired Dachshund: The general appearance is the same as that of the short-haired, but without being long in the legs, it is permissible for the body to be somewhat higher off the ground. Hair: With the exception of the jaw, eyebrows and ears, the whole body is covered with a perfectly uniform tight, short, thick, rough, hard coat, but with finer shorter hairs (undercoat) everywhere distributed between the coarser hairs, resembling the coat of the German Spiky-Haired Pointer. There should be a beard on the chin. The eyebrows are bushy. On the ears the hair should be shorter than on the body; almost smooth, but in any case conforming to the rest of the coat. The general arrangement of the hair should be such that the Wire-Haired Dachshund, when seen from a distance, should resemble a Smooth-Haired. Any sort of soft hair in the coat is faulty, whether short or long, or wherever found on the body; the same is true of long, curly or wavy hair or hair that sticks out irregularly in all directions; a flag tail isalso objectionable. Tail: Robust, as thickly haired as possible, gradually coming to a point without a tuft.
Long-Haired Dachshund: The distinctive characteristic differentiating this coat from the Short-Haired or Smooth-Haired is alone the rather long silky hair. Hair: The soft, sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy hair should be longer under the neck, on the underside of body, and especially on the ears and behind the legs, becoming there a pronounced feather; the hair should attain its greatest length on the underside of the tail. The hair should fall beyond the lower edge of the ear. Short hair on the ear, so called “leather” ears, is not desirable. Too luxurious a coat causes the long-haired dachshund to seem coarse and masks the type. The coat should remind one of the Irish Setter, and should give the dog an elegant appearance. Too thick hair on the paws, so called “mops”, in inelegant and renders the animal unfit for use. It is faulty for the dog to have equally long hair over all the body, if the coat is too curly, or too scrubby, or if a flag tail or overhanging hair on the ears are lacking; or if there is a very pronounced parting in the back, or a vigorous growth between the toes. Tail: Carried gracefully in prolongation of the spine; the hair attains here its greatest length and forms a veritable flag.
Note: Inasmuch as the Dachshund is a hunting dog - "Scars from honourable wounds shall not be considered a fault.”

Head: Viewed from above or from the side, it should taper uniformly to the tip of the nose, and should be clean-cut. The skull is only slightly arched, and should slope gradually with-out stop (the less stop the more typical) into the finely-formed slightly arched muzzle. (Ram’s nose). The bridge bones over the eyes should be strongly prominent. The nasal cartilage and tip of the nose are long and narrow; lips tightly stretched, well covering the lower jaw, but neither deep nor pointed; corner of the mouth not very marked. Nostrils well open.
Jaws: Opening wide and hinged well back of the eyes, with strongly developed bones and teeth.
Teeth: Powerful canine teeth should fit closely together, and the outer side of the lower incisors should tightly touch the inner side of the upper. (Scissors bite.)
Eyes: Medium size, oval, situated at the sides, with a clean, energetic, though pleasant expression; not piercing.
Colour: lustrous dark reddish-brown to brownish-black for all coats and colours. Wall (fish or pearl) eyes in the case of grey or dapple coloured dogs are not a very bad fault, but are also not desirable.
Ears: Should be set near the top of the head, and not too far forward, long but not too long, beautifully rounded, not narrow, pointed, or folded. Their carriage should be animated, and the forward edge should just touch the cheek.
Neck: Fairly long, muscular, clean-cut, not showing any dewlap on the throat, slightly arched in the nape, extending in a graceful line into the shoulders, carried proudly but not stiffly.
Forequarters: To endure the arduous exertion underground, the front must be correspondingly muscular, compact, deep, long and broad. Shoulder blades long, broad, obliquely and firmly placed upon the fully developed thorax, furnished with hard and plastic muscle.
Upper arm: Of the same length as the shoulder blade, and at right angles to the latter, strong of bone and hard of muscle, lying close to the ribs, capable of free movement.
Lower arm: Is short in comparison to other breeds, slightly turned inwards; supplied with hard but plastic muscles on the front and outside, with tightly stretched tendons on the inside and at the back. .
Pasterns: Joint between forearm and foot (wrists) - these are closer together than the shoulder joints, so that the front leg does appear absolutely straight.
Feet: Full, broad in front and a trifle inclined outwards; compact with well-arched toes and tough pads. Toes, there are five of these (dew claws are not to be removed), although only four are in use. They should be close together, with a pronounced arch; provided on top with strong nails; and underneath with tough toe pads. .
Body: The whole trunk should in general be long and fully muscled. The back, with sloping shoulders, and short rigid pelvis, should lie in the straightest possible line between the withers and the very slightly arched loins; these latter being the short, rigid and board.
Topline: The straightest possible line between the withers and the loin. .
Chest: The breastbone should be strong, and so prominent in front that on either side a depression (dimple) appears. When viewed from the front, the thorax should appear oval, and should extend downward to the midpoint of the forearm. The enclosing structure of the ribs should appear full and oval, and when viewed from above or from the side, full volumed, as the allow by its ample capacity, complete development of heart and lungs. Well ribbed up, and gradually merging into the line of the abdomen. If the length is correct, and also the anatomy of the shoulder and upper arm, the front leg when viewed in profile should cover the lowest point of the breast line. Loin slightly arched, being short, rigid and slightly slinking towards the tail. Abdomen slightly drawn up.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters viewed from behind should be of completely equal width. Pelvic bones not too short, rather strongly developed and moderately sloping. Thigh robust and of good length, set at right angle to the pelvic bones. Hind legs robust and well muscled, with well-rounded buttocks. Knee joint broad and strong. Calf bone in comparison to other breeds, short; it should be perpendicular to the thigh bone, and firmly muscled. The bones at the base of the foot (tarsus) should present a flat appearance, with a strongly prominent hock and a broad tendon of Achilles. The central foot bones (metatarsus) should be long, movable towards the calf bone, slightly bent towards the front, but perpendicular (as viewed from behind).
Hind Feet: Four compactly closed and beautifully arched toes, as in the case of the front paws. The whole foot should be posed equally on the ball and not merely on the toes; nails should be short. .
Tail: Set in continuation of the spine, extending without very pronounced curvature and should not be carried too gaily. .
Faults: .
Serious Faults: (Which may prevent a dog from receiving any show rating): Overshot or undershot jaws, knuckling over, very loose shoulders. .
Secondary Faults: (Which may prevent a dog from receiving a high show rating): a weak, long-legged or dragging figure, body hanging between the shoulders; sluggish, clumsy, orwaddling gait; toes tuned inwards or too obliquely outwards; splayed paws; sunken back, roach (or carp) back; croup higher than withers; short-ribbed or too weak chest; excessively drawn up flanks like those of a Greyhound; narrow poorly muscled hindquarters; weak loins; bad angulation in front or hindquarters; cowhocks; bowed legs; “glass” eyes, except for grey or dappled dogs; a bad coat. .
Minor Faults: (Which may prevent a dog from receiving the highest rating in championship competition): Ears wrongly set, sticking out, narrow or folded, too marked a stop, too pointed or weak a jaw, pincer teeth, distemper teeth; too wide or short a head; goggle eyes; “glass” eyes in the case of dapple or grey dogs, insufficiently dark eyes in the case of all other coat-colours; dewlaps; short neck; swan neck; too fine to too thin hair. .
Movement: The most desirable movement for any dog is that which propels the animal forward in the most efficient manner. Movement is not included in the C.K.C. (Canadian Kennel Club) Breed Standard, but is in the A.K.C. (American Kennel Club) Bred Standard and is as follows:
Gait: Fluid and smooth. Forelegs reach well forward, without much lift, in union with the driving action of the hind legs. The correct should assembly and well fitted elbows allow the long free stride in front. Viewed from the front, the legs do not move in parallel planes but incline slightly inward to compensate for shortness of leg and width of chest. Hind legs drive on a line with the forelegs, with hocks (metatarsus) turning neither in nor out. The propulsion of the hind leg depends on the dog’s ability to carry the hind leg to complete extension. The thrust of correct movement is seen when the rear pads are clearly exposed during rear extension. Feet must travel parallel to the line of motion with no tendency to swing out, cross over, or interfere with each other. Short, choppy movement, rolling or high stepping gait, close or overly wide coming or going are incorrect. The dachshund must have the agility, freedom of movement, and endurance to do the work for which he was developed.
Size of the Dachshund: The ideal weight for Miniature Dachshunds in 10 lbs, with 11 lbs being maximum for the show ring. Occasionally Miniatures will be smaller or larger than this, and while disadvantaged at shows, they may still be valuable breeding animals when mated correctly, and are ideal pets. A Miniature Dachshund is still a hunting dog and should never be considered a “toy dog”. Officially the Standard Dachshund is one that weighs over 11 lbs but the usual size is from 16 lbs to 30 lbs with the average weight being 20 - 26 lbs. At maturity,males are generally 10% to 20% heavier than females. While size is a factor in breeding and for show, no Dachshund is ever too big or too small - they are all “big-hearted” dogs with short legs.
Dachshund Character: Developed in Europe as a hunting dog, the Dachshund is lively, clever, curious, courageous, independent and can be a little stubborn. However, since coming to North America, where they are mainly used as pets, their character has been changed, making them more outgoing, with a cheerful disposition. Most of them still retain strong hunting instincts, but really like being with people. They will occasionally exhibit an odd hearing problem call “Dachshund Deafness” when given a command they would rather ignore. They excel with children, but for young or boisterous children, the Standard size is preferable. Miniature Dachshunds are ideal for smaller quarters, especially in situations where the dog has to be lifted or carried. The Wire-Hiared Dachshund is somewhat more rash than the smooth, while the Long-Haired tend to have the gentlest character - BUT - there is more difference between individuals than between breeds, or between males and females of these breeds. Males are as loving and gentleand are often more patient than females. Regardless of coat, size or sex, Dachshunds are optimists and with gentle but firm guidance they make wonderful companions.

BULL DOG

English Bulldog Puppy Care & Training
The wonderful affectionate and docile nature of an English Bulldog puppy belies their tough appearance.
English bulldogs are much loved and admired right around the world for their striking appearance, clownish behavior and for the unparalleled companionship they provide. When properly bred, socialized and trained the English bulldog of today has a sweet, tolerant and patient nature - they are a lovely family dog.
English bulldog puppies love to be indoors with their human family - all of the time. If you're looking for a jogging or swimming partner then a "bully" wouldn't be a good choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a loyal companion to curl up with you on the couch watching TV, then this may be the right breed for you (as long as you don't mind snoring!).
English Bulldog Puppy Appearance & Size
Depending on who you ask an English Bulldog puppy is ugly, or is one of the most beautiful of all creatures! Their appearance really does divide opinion - some people just can't see their beauty.
Personally I like the look of them. The first thing you notice is their massive broad head and those big round eyes. They have a short muzzle and saggy skin droops from the face - this emphasizes their trademark frowning expression.
You can't help but be impressed by the compact and powerful body of an English Bulldog puppy. They have wide muscular shoulders and strong thick limbs. They waddle along with that distinctive shuffling gait.
The coat of an English Bulldog puppy is short, smooth and lays close to the body (they do shed!). The coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, red, white, yellow, piebold and any combination of these.
A fully grown English Bulldog stands at an imposing 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh in at up to 55 pounds!

History And Origin Of The English Bulldog
The English Bulldog really came to prominence as a bullbaiting and bearbaiting dog. These brutal "dog sports" were very popular in Britain in the 17th century. It is thought that English Bulldog puppies descended from the ancient mastiff breeds of Asia. The breed as we know it now is nothing like this old fighting breed in regard to temperament.
English Bulldog Temperament & Characteristics
The aggressive and vicious traits of the early English Bulldog have been bred out long ago.
These days "bullys" are highly regarded for being friendly, patient, playful, dependable and cuddly! They are a great all round family dog and are considered one of the best dog breeds for children. Children do need to learn how to respect and treat an English Bulldog puppy and should never be left unsupervised with any dog - regardless of breed type.
If possible, always purchase your puppy from a well respected and reputable English Bulldog puppy breeder. This will give you the best chance of bringing a physically and mentally stable dog into your family. If you find a good English Bulldog breeder, chances are you will also find a great little puppy for life.
A few general thoughts about the English Bulldog:
• English Bulldogs are a breed that craves human attention and companionship. If your dog is to be left outside for long periods or if you are away from home most of the day then a Bully may not be a good choice for you.
• Early socialization is crucial for English Bulldog puppies. Your puppy's breeder will begin this socialization process for you and then it's up to you to keep it going when your puppy arrives home. English Bulldog puppies who miss out on being habituated and socialized can become aggressive towards other dogs (among other things). A puppy Kindergarten class is a good environment to help develop these socialization skills.
• English Bulldog puppies are known to be stubborn at times and can go through periods of trying to exert dominance over their human housemates. Obedience training is the key to dealing with these issues - make it clear to your Bully that you are the boss!
• An English Bulldog puppy is usually a very energetic and often mischievous little beast. Bulldog puppies love to chew and many experience a very long puppyhood!
• Dog food aggression or object guarding is an issue which many Bully owners are confronted with. You can learn more about its cause and also how to prevent it here - English Bulldog food aggression.
• In general you will find your English Bulldog to be laid back and chilled out but they can be protective of their human family if the need arises - they actually make handy little watch dogs.
• Some English Bulldog breeders will tell you that the males of the breed are more affectionate than females.

Health Concerns Of The English Bulldog
Once again I want to stress that buying your puppy from a reputable English Bulldog puppy breeder is an important step to take to ensure you get a healthy pup. A good breeder will carefully plan each mating, breed from good quality stock and screen for hereditary disease.
English Bulldogs typically live up to 10 years of age - they do suffer from a wide range of health problems. Your Veterinarian and breeder are the best people to give you specific health care advice but here is a list of common health issues:
• English Bulldogs are very sensitive to extreme temperatures - both hot and cold. A nice mild climate is best for a happy and comfortable Bully.
• Keep a close on the weight of your English Bulldog. Overweight dogs are susceptible to a long list of health problems that fit and healthy dogs are not. Make sure you feed a good quality fresh diet and provide adequate exercise (English Bulldogs do not require too much exercise).
• It's also important to clean out the loose face folds on your dog's face. Use a soap and water solution every day or so to avoid the build up of moisture which can lead to infection.
• Depending on what you feed your English Bulldog puppy you may need to brush your puppy's teeth every couple of weeks.
• Their flat face and also soft palate causes many English Bulldogs to have breathing difficulties.
• Other health problems can include - hip dysplasia, allergies, cherry eye, cataracts, senotic nares, inverted tail, shoulder luxation and there's others....
One other thing! English Bulldogs are not good swimmers - be especially careful with your Bully around water.

English Bulldog Puppy Training
Lets be honest here, English Bulldogs are not one of the best obedience training students - but don't be fooled, they are capable.
It's important that you establish yourself as your English Bulldog puppy's leader. Give him/her clear guidance, in a positive non violent manner. Be consistent in your training, use plenty of encouragement and always enthusiastically reward desired behavior.
Below are some training issues you and your English Bulldog puppy should practice together:
• As soon as your puppy arrives home you need to begin teaching him/her proper household etiquette. This includes things like chew toy training (Bulldogs love to chew!), puppy house training, preventing food stealing and other basic tasks. Preventing problems before they arise is always a better alternative than trying to rectify established problem behaviors.
• Crate training is a good way to supervise and confine your puppy - for your benefit and your puppy's wellbeing. It is also a useful tool to use when housebreaking your English Bulldog puppy.
• All of the basic obedience commands are easily learned by Bullys. They should be taught sit, stay, down, heel, come etc.. Your puppy will enjoy these training sessions and you will build a very strong connection with your dog during the training process.
• Training your puppy to walk nicely on a loose leash is an important skill to master. English Bulldogs grow to be big powerful dogs, so it's crucial to educate your puppy how to behave on the leash.
English Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn or some may say indifferent towards training but if you keep your training sessions short, intense and fun you're sure to achieve pleasing results.
If you plan to train your English Bulldog puppy at home I recommend that you study and follow this comprehensive dog training package - Raise & Train Your English Bulldog Puppy Like A Professional Dog Trainer. All of the training issues mentioned above are covered in detail within this excellent dog training resource.
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Who Said English Bulldogs Aren't Good At Obedience Training?

Bulldog Breeds - www.BulldogBreeds.com provides info, photos, forum and breeders directory for english bulldog related breeds.

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SAINT BERNARD

For hundreds of years, Saint Bernards have been renowned for their bravery in rescue work, saving thousands of lives in the treacherous mountains of the Alps between Switzerland and Italy. At the same time, Saint Bernards have been just as well known for their big, loving personalities.
The breed was traditionally the companion of monks who lived in hospices high in the Swiss Alps. When a person was lost in the snowy mountain passes, the Saint Bernards were used to find the unlucky traveler. Their keen sense of smell and pathfinding skills, combined with their durability in the cold, made them life-saving naturals.
These early rescuers were short-haired Saint Bernards; the longhaired variety appeared in the 1830s when the breed was crossed with the Newfoundland to create a variety used mostly as a farm dog.
Both kinds of coats need brushing weekly, daily during shedding. Colors are white with red, brown-yellow, or brindle. St. Bernard Dog is a very large breed of dog, a working dog from the Swiss Alps, originally bred for rescue. The breed has become famous through tales of alpine rescues, as well as for its enormous size.The St. Bernard is a very large dog with a large and massive head. A full-grown male can weigh between 160 and 240 lb (73–110 kg) or more and the approximate height at the withers is 27½ inches to 35½ inches (70 to 90 cm). The coat can be either smooth or rough, with the smooth coat close and flat. The rough coat is dense but flat, and more profuse around the neck and legs. The coat is typically a red colour with white, or sometimes a mahogany brindle with white. Black shading is usually found on the face and ears. The tail is long and heavy, hanging low with the end turned up slightly. The dark eyes should have naturally tight lids, with "haws only slightly visible". Ectropion or entropion are listed in the breed standard as serious faults, indicating that the dog should not be bred. Other faults include aggressiveness, flews of the lower jaw turning outwards, eyelids too loose, curly coat, and sway back or roach back. See the article Dog terminology for an explanation of terms. Faults do not always indicate that a dog would not be a good companion, only that the dog should not be bred.Painting by John Emms portraying St. Bernards as rescue dogs with brandy barrels around their neck. According to legend, the brandy was used to warm the bodies of trapped people in avalanches or snow before help came.The ancestors of the St. Bernard share a history with the Sennenhunds, also called Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs, the large farm dogs of the farmers and dairymen of the Swiss Alps, which were livestock guardians, herding dogs, and draft dogs as well as hunting dogs, search and rescue dogs and watchdogs. These dogs are thought to be descendants of molosser type dogs brought into the Alps by the ancient Romans, and the St. Bernard is recognized internationally today as one of the Molossoid breeds.The earliest written records of the St. Bernard breed are from monks at the hospice at the Great St. Bernard Pass in 1707, with paintings and drawings of the dog dating even earlier.The most famous St. Bernard to save people at the pass was Barry (sometimes spelled Berry), who reportedly saved somewhere between 40 and 100 lives. There is a monument to Barry in the Cimetiere des Chiens, and his body was preserved in the Natural History Museum in BerneThe classic St. Bernard looked very different from the St. Bernard of today, because avalanches killed off many of the dogs used for breeding between 1816 and 1818. Severe weather during this period led to an increased number of avalanches that killed many St. Bernards while performing rescue work. In an attempt to preserve the breed, the remaining St. Bernards were crossed with Newfoundlands in the 1850s, and so lost much of their use as rescue dogs in the snowy climate of the alps because the long fur they inherited would freeze and weigh them down.The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in Basle on March 15th 1884. The St. Bernard was the very first breed entered into the Swiss Stud Book in 1884, and the breed standard was finally approved in 1887. "Since that time the St. Bernard has been a Swiss national dog."
Naming

The name "St. Bernard" originates from traveler's hospice on the often treacherous St. Bernard Pass in the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy, where the name was passed to the local dogs. The pass, the lodge, and the dogs are named for Bernard of Menthon, the 11th century monk who established the station.
"St. Bernard" wasn't in widespread use until the middle of the 19th century. The dogs were called "Saint Dogs","Noble Steeds", "Alpenmastiff", or "Barry Dogs" before that time.
Related breeds
The breed is strikingly similar to that of the English Mastiff. This can be attributed to a common shared ancestry with the Alpine Mastiff. It is suspected that St. Bernards were used to redevelop this breed to combat the threat of their extinction after World War II.
The four Sennenhund breeds, the Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog), the Berner Sennenhund, (Bernese Mountain Dog), the Appenzeller Sennenhund, (Appenzeller), and the Entlebucher Sennenhund (Entlebucher Mountain Dog) are similar in appearance and share the same location and history, but are tricolour rather than red and white.
Kennel Club recognition
The St. Bernard is recognised internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as a Molosser in Group 2, Section 2. The breed is recognised by The Kennel Club (UK), the Canadian Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club in the Working Dog breed group. The United Kennel Club (US) places the breed in the Guardian Dog Group. The New Zealand Kennel Club and the Australian National Kennel Council place the breed in the Utility GrouActivities

St. Bernard demonstrating its strength
St. Bernard dogs are no longer used for alpine rescues, but do participate in a variety of dog sports including carting and weight pulling.The very fast growth rate and the weight of a St. Bernard can lead to very serious deterioration of the bones if the dog does not get proper food and exercise. Many dogs are affected by hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) has been shown to be hereditary in the breed.
St. Bernards are susceptible to eye disorders called entropion and ectropion, in which the eyelid turns in or out. The breed standard indicates that this is a major fault.
The breed is also susceptible to epilepsy and seizures, a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy, and eczema.
Temperament
St. Bernard puppy
St. Bernards, like all very large dogs, must be well socialized with people and other dogs while young if they are to be safely kept as a pet. A St. Bernard not properly introduced to and socialized with children from a young age can pose a threat, not having learned to distinguish between a child and other, smaller animals.
Extremely loyal, the St. Bernard is eager to please its owners. Due to its large adult size, it is essential that proper training and socialization begin while the St. Bernard is still a puppy, so as to avoid the difficulties that normally accompany training large animals. An unruly St. Bernard may present problems for even a strong adult, so control needs to be asserted from the beginning of the dog's training. While generally not as aggressive as dogs bred for protection, a St. Bernard will bark at strangers and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders.
Notability
Record size
St. Bernards were exported to England in the mid 1800s, where they were bred with mastiffs to create an ever larger dog. Plinlimmon, a famous St. Bernard of the time, was measured at 95kg (210lbs) and 87.5cm (24 1/2ins), and was sold to an American for $7000. Commercial pressure encouraged carelessly breeding ever larger dogs until "the dogs became so gross that they had difficulties in getting from one end of a show ring to another".
The world's heaviest and largest dog in known history was a Saint Bernard named Benedictine, which weighed 162 kg (357 lbs), even though there have been unconfirmed reports of heavier Newfoundland (dog). Benedictine surpassed Zorba, the largest English mastiff on record, which measured 8 feet, 3 inches long and weighed 343 lb. Benedictine currently holds the world record for the heaviest dog that ever lived. This weight was provided, not by direct measurement, but by "successive studies", and the lower weight of 152.5kg (336 lbs) is sometimes cited, which would put Benedictine back into second place among all time heaviest dogs.

GREAT DANE

Standing 6ft 5in on its hind legs and tipping the scales at 19st 10lb, Samson is a giant in every sense of the word.
As Britain's biggest dog with a fearsome set of jaws to match, even the slightest growl is enough to make the bravest of postmen think twice before heading up the garden path.

He boasts a 59in chest and a 29in neck, meaning he has to wear pony coats when it rains and has had to have an extra large collar fitted. The dog's paws are almost the size of dinner plates.

While Samson's awesome build is impressive enough for a fully grown dog, this huge hound is only three years old and will grow even more.

Julie Woods, 54 and her husband Ray, 65, whose last dog was a small terrier, spend £60 a month on dried food and turkey legs for Samson and take him on four two-mile walks a day.
Mrs Woods, from Boston, Lincs, said: "He's a lovely dog whose bark is definitely worse than his bite. People are often intimidated when they first see him because he's about the size of a small horse and very quick.
"But he is so gentle and wouldn't harm a fly. He loves being patted and is very affectionate.
"When he jumps up on the garden gate, it's enough to frighten the life out of anyone."
She added: "To protect him from the rain we bought him a coat meant for ponies. Such a large dog getting soaking wet wouldn't smell very nice.
"He has also gone through two collars, they have to be specially made. His current one is becoming a bit tight so we'll have to buy yet another one.
"At the moment he is only three years old and we expect him to carry on growing over the next year or so. If he gets any bigger, we might have to move to a larger house."
Mrs Woods, who is unable to work after a stroke, and her husband bought Samson from an RSPCA centre when he was six months old. He was already well over 5ft on his hind legs and weighed 16st 2lb.
Mrs Woods said: "He came bounding over and pinned us both to the wall, even though he was little more than a baby. But we were smitten straight away.
"The other puppies were big but none of them came close to Samson. The staff at the RSPCA centre said they'd never seen such a large dog. He had been re-homed elsewhere before us but the owners were unable to look after him properly.They took him back when he tore their house apart one day while they were both at work.
"We've not had too many problems with him. He can be quite excitable at times but that's down to his age.
"The only problem is that he snores quite loudly - sometimes I swear I feel the house start to shake."
Samson is just over 2st lighter than the world's heaviest dog, a 22st English Mastiff called Hercules, from Massachusetts.

DALMITION

The Dalmatian's origins are mysterious. While researchers know they are an ancient breed, no one can be certain exactly where they came from. That may be because they were developed over the centuries by nomadic peoples wandering throughout Europe. The dogs were given the name Dalmatian after an area in the former Yugoslavia called Dalmatia.
He is a well-behaved gentleman, but needs plenty of exercise. He loves to jog for miles alongside his owner. He is reliably polite with strangers, but also a good watchdog. His love and devotion to his owner are boundless.
Dalmatians have short, hard coats with no undercoat. They need a quick daily brushing because they shed year round. Puppies are born white and develop their spots in two to six weeks. The spots, which can be black or liver, should range in size from a dime to half-dollar.
Excerpts from the Standard
General Appearance: Poised and alert, distinctively spotted, muscular and active, not shy, intelligent.
Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--between 19 and 23 inches at the withers.
Fun Facts
When horse-drawn carriages were the way to travel, many drivers kept Dalmatians to trot alongside the coach. Here they put many of their skills to work. If loose farm animals wandered onto the road, they would herd them out of the coach's path. And when the driver stopped for a rest and a bite to eat at the village inn, he knew he could safely leave his coach and horses under the watchful eye of his Dalmatian. The dog's steady character even gave confidence to skittish horses as they traveled. For all these reasons, the Dalmatian was prized by firefighters using horsedrawn wagons. He became renowned as their mascot.
Fur of Boston terrier is fine, short and thin. They are characteristically marked with white in proportion to black, brindle, seal or a combination of all three. White color covers its chest, muzzle, band around the neck and halfway up the forelegs and up to the hocks on the rear legs. A short white blaze also exists between the eyes, but without touching the eyes. The overall frame ofBoston terrier is boxy with a nice muscular body. Head is big and flat with no wrinkles. Eyes are wide-set and dark. They have erect ears, short tail and a short muzzle. Boston terrier is an easy going dog that can adapt to almost any type of living conditions. Weight is about 10-25 pounds and height is around 15-17 inches. Average lifespan of Boston terrier is about 13-15 years. Boston



The St. Bernard Dog is a very large breed of dog, a working dog from the Swiss Alps, originally bred for rescue. The breed has become famous through tales of alpine rescues, as well as for its enormous size.
Appearance
The St. Bernard is a very large dog with a large and massive head. A full-grown male can weigh between 160 and 240 lb (73–110 kg) or more and the approximate height at the withers is 27½ inches to 35½ inches (70 to 90 cm). The coat can be either smooth or rough, with the smooth coat close and flat. The rough coat is dense but flat, and more profuse around the neck and legs. The coat is typically a red colour with white, or sometimes a mahogany brindle with white. Black shading is usually found on the face and ears. The tail is long and heavy, hanging low with the end turned up slightly. The dark eyes should have naturally tight lids, with "haws only slightly visible". Ectropion or entropion are listed in the breed standard as serious faults, indicating that the dog should not be bred. Other faults include aggressiveness, flews of the lower jaw turning outwards, eyelids too loose, curly coat, and sway back or roach back. See the article Dog terminology for an explanation of terms. Faults do not always indicate that a dog would not be a good companion, only that the dog should not be bred.
History
Painting by John Emms portraying St. Bernards as rescue dogs with brandy barrels around their neck. According to legend, the brandy was used to warm the bodies of trapped people in avalanches or snow before help came.
The ancestors of the St. Bernard share a history with the Sennenhunds, also called Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs, the large farm dogs of the farmers and dairymen of the Swiss Alps, which were livestock guardians, herding dogs, and draft dogs as well as hunting dogs, search and rescue dogs and watchdogs. These dogs are thought to be descendants of molosser type dogs brought into the Alps by the ancient Romans, and the St. Bernard is recognized internationally today as one of the Molossoid breeds.
The earliest written records of the St. Bernard breed are from monks at the hospice at the Great St. Bernard Pass in 1707, with paintings and drawings of the dog dating even earlier.
The most famous St. Bernard to save people at the pass was Barry (sometimes spelled Berry), who reportedly saved somewhere between 40 and 100 lives. There is a monument to Barry in the Cimetiere des Chiens, and his body was preserved in the Natural History Museum in Berne
The classic St. Bernard looked very different from the St. Bernard of today, because avalanches killed off many of the dogs used for breeding between 1816 and 1818. Severe weather during this period led to an increased number of avalanches that killed many St. Bernards while performing rescue work. In an attempt to preserve the breed, the remaining St. Bernards were crossed with Newfoundlands in the 1850s, and so lost much of their use as rescue dogs in the snowy climate of the alps because the long fur they inherited would freeze and weigh them down.
The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in Basle on March 15th 1884. The St. Bernard was the very first breed entered into the Swiss Stud Book in 1884, and the breed standard was finally approved in 1887. "Since that time the St. Bernard has been a Swiss national dog."

SHIH TZU

The Shih Tzu (traditional Chinese simplified Chinese pinyin: Shīzi Gǒu; Wade-Giles: Shih-tzu Kou; literally “Lion Dog”), is a dog breed which originated in China. The name is both singular and plural. The spelling “Shih Tzu”, most commonly used for the breed, is according to the Wade-Giles system of romanization.
The Shih Tzu is reported to be the oldest and smallest of the Tibetan holy dogs, its vaguely lion-like look being associated with the Tibetan Snowlion. The Shih Tzu therefore also has the nickname “Tibetan temple dog”. It is also often known as the “Xi Shi quan” (西施犬), based on the name of Xi Shi, regarded as the most beautiful woman of ancient China, and, less often, the Chrysanthemum Dog, because its face looks very much like the flower, and the Chinese or Tibetan Lion Dog. Owners often tie strands of fur from the shih tzu’s head into a pony-tail that sticks up. This is called a topknot, and many different hair clips and bows are added to make

POODLE

The Poodle is a breed of dog, and is regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds of dog. The poodle breed is found in small, medium, and large sizes, and in manycoat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding.
Poodles are elegant in the conformation ring, having taken top honors in many shows, including Best in Show (BIS) at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 2002 and BIS at theWorld Dog Show in 2007. The poodle’s appearance made it popular as a circus dog and pet for the wealthy. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale lists the country of origin as France, but some experts believe poodles may have originated in Russia or Iberia; Germany is also frequently cited, including by the American Kennel Club, since the breed’s English name has German origins. (The name poodle comes from the German word pudel, short for pudelhund or “splashing dog”, reflecting the breed’s development from a water dog; the word pudel is related to the English word puddle.) However, most sources concur that the French are responsible for developing the modern breed into its current form, and developing the different sizes. The French name for the poodle is caniche, referring to ducks and the poodles’ water dog origins.

GERMAN SHEPERD

The German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian) is probably the most popular breed of dog in the World, this is a breed which inspires exceptional loyalty amongst his devotees; he excels at working for the police and military, guarding, obedience, tracking, guiding and absolute loyalty. His use as a dog in war time has been extensive - in 2003 350 dogs, GSDs and Malinois, were trained for work with the American military, both as sniffer dogs to find explosives and attack dogs. In World War 1 48,000 German shepherd Dogs were used by the German army to undertake a whole range of tasks from sentry duty to hospital dogs and messengers. Since then they have been used through out the World by many armies in areas of conflict.
The German Shepherd Dog was created at the end of the 19th century by Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry captain who together with a group of like-minded enthusiasts worked to bring the breed to a position of respect. As their use for herding was diminishing von Stephanitz promoted their use within the police and military where they have been outstandingly successful.
They are of medium size, up to 25" and weighing as much as 43kg which makes them a powerful dog, and having been bred for bravery it is essential that the German Shepherd Dog temperament is outstanding. In 1901 German specialists keen to protect the best qualities of the breed introduced the Schutzhund Test to ensure that dogs were of correct temperament.
"The tracking phase includes a temperament test by the overseeing judge to assure the dog's mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid earlier by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man-made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 30-foot leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws. The tracking phase is intended to test the dog's trainability and ability to scent, as well as its mental and physical endurance.
The obedience phase includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog's temperament, structural efficiencies, and, very importantly, its willingness to serve man or woman.
The protection phase tests the dog's courage, physical strength and agility. The handler's control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a human decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The decoy is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind and later at the decoy's right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation.
The final test of courage occurs when the decoy is asked to come out of a hiding place by the dog's handler from the opposite end of the trial field. The dog is sent as the decoy runs toward the dog and handler. The decoy runs directly at the dog, threatening the dog with a stick. All bites during the protection phase are expected to be firmly place on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to assure that the dog is neither a coward nor a criminal menace."
German Shepherd Dog Breed Clubs in the UK have their own type of temperament tests, and before buying a puppy it is advisable to enquire about the puppy's parents and relatives, and certainly see at least the mother. It is wisest to buy from a specialist breeder who will have good knowledge of the dogs behind the puppy.
Although all German Shepherd Dogs conform to The Kennel Club Breed Standard there is a strong variation in type between the "British" and "German" German Shepherd Dog; to get the full picture you will need to discuss this with breed specialists. The coat is easy to manage and strong, clear colours are favoured. They can be black, black saddle with tan or gold to light grey markings or sable. Blues, livers, albinos and white or near white are undesirable, though there are breeders who specialise in these colours..
Like all working breeds the German Shepherd Dog should only be bought by someone who has a sufficiently strong personality to dominate him, and who has the time to give him opportunities to stretch his highly intelligent mind.