Hi Everyone,
I thought it would be interesting to start putting together info on some of the more popular breeds of dogs.
I would be delighted for owners of some of the breeds to comment and add any pertinent information they have on their own breed
More Soon
Regards
Lou
HERDING GROUP
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG
Alternative Names
Blue Heeler, Heeler, Queensland Heeler, Red Heeler.
Country of Origin
Australia
History
The Australian cattle dogs were developed by Australian cattle ranchers who needed a cattle drover with the endurance to be able to cover long distances. The cattle dog’s immediate ancestor was the Hall’s Heeler, which was developed by crossing the dingo with the smooth-coated Scottish Collie. In about 1860, the Hall’s heeler was bred with the Australian kelpie and the Dalmatian to create the modern Australian cattle dog.
Physical Description
A medium-size, sturdy, and muscular dog that is longer than it is tall. It has a strong, broad head and a medium-length, tapering muzzle. The almond-shaped eyes are brown and the large nose is black. The medium-size ears are naturally erect. This dog has a muscular neck, deep chest, and muscular hindquarters. The brush tail is long. The double coat has a dense under-coat and a smooth, hard outer coat. It is medium length, longer at the thighs and the neck. It may be blue, mottled, or speckled, with or without darker red markings.
Height 43 – 51 cm
Weight 16-20 kgs
Temperament
This is a loyal and protective dog that is wary with strangers but easygoing with those it is familiar with, but when it comes to dogs they are unfamiliar with, they can be a bit aggressive. They are not the type of dog that plays with other dogs in the playing fields. The Australian Cattle Dog tends to be a one-person dog. The Cattle Dog is alert and watchful, with high drive, energy, and intelligence.
Activity Level
Very High
Best Owner
The Australian Cattle Dog does best with an active owner in a rural or suburban home. This breed needs to be socialised from an early age in a positive reinforcement method training school. This is in order to prevent it from becoming too watchful or too “controlling”. You will not be doing this dog a favour if you do not provide it with an appropriate outlet, such as fly ball, agility, or obedience.
As long as you give the Australian Cattle Dog something to do, he will not let you down.
Special Needs
Exercise, job or activity, socialization & training
Possible Health Concerns
Deafness, hip dysphasia, PRA
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Alternative Name
Aussie
Country of Origin
United States of America
History
Although the Australian shepherd is believed to have originated in the Basque regions of Spain and France, U.S farmers and ranchers developed the breed in the early 1920s. The Aussie was used as a herding dog, an all-purpose farm dog, and a performance dog, especially in the American West. Aussies continue to serve as herding dogs and companion dogs in the U.S.
Physical Description
The Australian shepherd is a medium-size, athletic dog, that is longer than it is tall.
It has a strong head with a slightly rounded skull. The muzzle is equal in length or slightly shorter than the back skull. The almond-shaped eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or any combination, including flecks or marbling. Triangular drop ears are set high on the head; they break forward when the dog is at attention. The straight tail is naturally bobbed or docked and shouldn’t exceed 8 cms. The medium-length double coat may be straight or slightly wavy. It is feathered at the backs of the legs, thighs, and neck. The coat can be blue merle, red merle, black, or red, with or without white markings and tan points.
Height 46-58 cm
Weight 16-32 kg
Temperament
The Aussie is an intelligent dog with a strong work drive. It is highly trainable and loyal to its family. The Aussie makes a good watchdog because it is wary with strangers but never aggressive. Playful and fun loving, the Aussie is good with children and other dogs, although it may try to herd them. It has a strong prey drive and is not completely trustworthy with small animals.
Activity Level
High
Best Owner
The Aussie requires an active family in a suburban or rural home.
They need to be trained, and are wonderful agility and obedience dogs.
They make wonderful pets, providing that exercise needs are met, with lots of ground to play in. They must be given a good brush at least once a week, and cast coat twice a year, bitches more so than dogs.
Special Needs
Exercise, job or activity
Possible Health Concerns
Collie eye anomaly, deafness, hip dysphasia, PRA
Life Expectancy: 12-13 yrs
BEARDED COLLIE
Alternative Names
Beardie, Hairy Mou’ed Collie, Highland Collie, Loch Collie, Mountain Scotch Collie,
Old Welsh Grey Sheepdog.
Country of Origin
Scotland
History
One of Great Britain’s oldest dogs, the Bearded Collie is believed to be descended from European and British shepherding dogs, particularly the Polish Lowland sheepdog. This breed is progenitor of both the Border collie and the Old English sheepdog. The first litter was born in the U.S. in 1967. The dogs continue to be used as herding dogs and companions in Great Britain and the U.S.
Physical Description
This is a medium-size dog with broad skull and full muzzle. It has medium-size drop ears, a large, square nose, and large eyes that are set wide apart. The nose and eye colour complement the coat. There is a heavy double coat in black, blue, brown, or fawn with or without white markings. With maturity, the coat may lighten. There is a heavy beard.
Height 51-56 cm
Weight 18-27 kg
Temperament
This is a friendly, outgoing dog with strong herding instincts. It is very playful and devoted to family; getting along with almost everyone, including children. They possess great stamina and intelligence. They are easily trained and responsive to human company.
Activity Level
Moderate
Best Owner
It does best with an active family in a rural or suburban home.
Special Needs
Attention, exercise. Need regular walks and plenty of free running.
They do not require trimming, but coat must be brushed and bathed regularly.
Possible Health Concerns
Allergies, autoimmune disease, hypothyroidism, skin problems.
Life Expectancy 12-13 yrs
BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG
( MALINOIS, TERVUREN, GROENENDAEL, LAEKENOIS)
Alternative Names
Chien de Berger Belge
Country of Origin
Belgium
History
The Belgian Shepherd Dog is considered one breed with four variations in every country but the U.S. In the U.S., each type is considered a separate breed. the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, the Belgian sheepdog (Groendendael), and the Belgian Laekenois.
The Belgian shepherds were developed in Belgium in the late nineteenth century as livestock guardians and herders. They were also used as police and military dogs.
In 1891, a panel of dog experts explored whether there was one Belgian shepherd dog that fit a particular standard. They determined that the Belgian shepherd dogs were similar in size and shape, but differed in coat length, texture, and colour.
These four were given names based on the villages or regions each was developed in.
Appearance
The Belgian shepherd dogs are large, muscular, elegant, squarely built dogs. The head is strong with a muzzle that is moderately pointed and equal in length to the skull. They have dark brown, slightly almond-shaped eyes and large, triangular prick ears. These deep-chested shepherds differ by coat colour, length, and texture. The Malinois has a short, straight, hard coat that is fawn to mahogany with black tips with a black mask and ears. The Tervuren has a long double coat and is fawn to mahogany with black tips. The Groenendael has a long black coat, and the Laekenois has a wiry fawn to mahogany coat with black overlay.
Height 55 to 66 cm
Weight 27-35 kg
Temperament
These are extremely intelligent, sensitive and highly trainable dogs with a strong work drive. These dogs are very quick and keen learners, respond best to positive reinforcement training. They are affectionate with their families but wary with strangers, are neither timid nor aggressive, and can be both protective and territorial. They are highly energetic and responsive. They require not only training to mentally stimulate them but also regular activities together with their families. These dogs are definite working dogs that need more exercise than the average dog.
Activity Level
Very High
Best Owner
Belgian shepherd dogs do best with active, dog-experienced owners in rural or suburban homes. Not a dog for a couch potato type person. They need to work and excel at obedience, agility, fly ball, and protection work, tracking and working trials.
Special Needs
Attention, job or activity, positive training, socialization.
Possible Health Concerns
Anaesthesia sensitivity, cancer, epilepsy, hip, and elbow dysphasia, PRA, thyroid problems
Life Expectancy: 12-13 yrs
Current Owners Advise
High-energy Malinois do not like to sit still. When confined, these dogs will run continually in sweeping circles to keep moving. The Malinois in particular may develop various unwanted behaviours if left without adequate mental and physical stimulation.
Do not get this breed of dog if you are one of those people that like to laze around and watch TV. If you do not have time to take it out for walks or spend time training it. They will go insane if they do not get any mental or physical exercise.
The response to positive reinforcement training will knock your socks off. You only need to show this dog something twice the third time he’s got it.
Don’t treat them harshly as you will not get the best out of this breed. Corrective training methods, using harsh or physical punishment will “break” their spirit. All training should employ positive reinforcement and reward based methods. The breed are exceptionally loyal (often one man dogs) and very affectionate and loving.
BORDER COLLIE
Country of Origin
Great Britain
History
The Border Collie was developed in the Border country of Great Britain, bred to herd sheep and work closely with its owner. It is known for its use of eye when herding. The breed continues to be used as a herding dog and companion in Great Britain and North America. It has gained recent popularity in canine sports, especially agility. As with many working breeds, there is controversy over its participation in conformation shows and development of show and working lines.
Physical Description
The Border collie is a medium-size, lithe, and muscular dog that is longer than it is tall. It has a broad skull and strong, tapered muzzle. The ears are erect or semi-erect and the eyes are brown or blue or partially blue in merles. The rough or smooth double coat is usually black with a white blaze and ruff, although it can be any colour except all white. The tail is naturally long and set low.
Height 46-54 cm
Weight 14-22 kg
Temperament This is an energetic, intelligent, and responsive dog. It is affectionate with friends and family but reserved with strangers. Although the Border collie is friendly with children and most other dogs, it may try to herd them and can be compulsive. This breed needs and lives for work. They are hard working and have a great ability to learn.
This breed will chase livestock, cats, and other fast-moving animals.
Activity Level Very High
Best Owner
The Border collie is recommended only to a very active owner in a suburban or rural home that is escape-proof, with high garden fence or wall, (essential).
Special Needs
Lots of exercise, fenced yard, job or activity, training and socialization. Boredom causes bad habits in most breeds – this applies ten-fold in the case of the highly intelligent Border collie where the instinct to ‘herd’ could be a serious problem. They do well at almost any type of discipline whether is obedience, agility, flyball or jumping.
Possible Health Concerns
Osteochondritis dessicans (OCD), PRA
Life Expectancy: 12-14 yrs
BOUVIER DES FLANDRES
Alternative Names
Cow Dog, Cattle Drover
Country of Origin
Belgium
History
The Bouvier was developed in the Flanders area of Belgium as a cattle dog, used for both herding and driving. It is believed to be descended from Continental herding breeds, such as the schnauzer. Its use was antiquated when the automobile was invented and cattle began being transported by truck. however, breed fanciers worked to save the breed. Although it is no longer used for herding or driving, it has worked as a police and military dog, guide dog, and search and rescue dog. The breed was first introduced to the US in the 1930s.
Physical Description: This is a large, powerful, squarely built, compact dog with large head. The flat skull is long and broad with a broad muzzle. It has oval, brown eyes; a large, black nose and small ears that are cropped erect or naturally drop. The neck is muscular and chest is broad. The Bouvier is naturally tailless or the tail is docked to about four inches long and set high. The double coat has a fine, dense undercoat and rough, tousled outer coat with a thick moustache, beard, and eyebrows with erect hairs. The coat is short on the skull and upper part of the back. It may be fawn, grey, brindle, salt and pepper, or black. Some have a small, white star on the chest.
Height 58-69 cm
Weight 27-40 kgs
Temperament
This is a versatile dog that is even-tempered and gentle. It is protective but capable of determining real from imagined threats. It is both courageous and intelligent and does fine with children. If they have been well socialized there will not be any problems mixing with peers, cats or other pets. Bear in mind that this dog protects “its” children if other kids tease them.
Activity Level Moderate
Best Owner
An active, dog-experienced owner in rural or suburban home is best. Someone who will bring up this dog with love and consistency, who will remain in control without being
severe.
Special Needs
Fenced yard, Needs regular brushing and some special grooming attention to achieve the typical Bouvier outline. This breed also needs positive training, socialisation, and fair amount of exercise. Bouvier's can be used for a number of tasks and will perform well in a variety of dog sports, e.g. search & rescue, obedience & carting.
Possible Health Concerns
Autoimmune disorders, cancer, glaucoma, hip and elbow dysphasia, hypothyroidism, suboartic stenosis.
Life Expectancy: 11-12 yrs
ROUGH COLLIE
Alternative Names
Collie, Scotch Collie, Scottish Sheepdog
Country of Origin
Scotland
History
It was bred as a multi-purpose farm dog, a herder, drover, guard, and companion. Its name comes from the Scottish word for a black sheep, colley. It later became popular with dog fanciers, including Queen Victoria, and became a popular companion dog in the early twentieth century. It was first shown in the U.S. in 1877.
Physical Description
The Collie is a large, strong, and lithe dog. It has a long, lean, wedge-shaped head with almond-shaped head with almond-shaped eyes that are brown or blue in merles, a black nose, and high, folded ears. The tail is moderately long. The rough collie has a long double coat. Colours come in sable and white, tricolour (black, tan and white), blue merle.
Height 51-61cm
Weight 18-30kgs
Temperament
The collie is an excellent family dog that gets on particularly well with children. They tend to protect the younger members of the family. They are firmly attached to their owners and do not tend to bark a lot. Rough collies are both active and intelligent. They could be called cheerful. They are friendly and outgoing but will bark at intruders and are alert. Very intelligence, not given to roaming. These dogs are very sociable and get on fine with other pets and dogs.
Activity Level
Moderate
Best Owner
The collie does best with an active family in a suburban or rural home. A home that will have human companionship and a family life. Someone that will not allow this dog to become destructive because of boredom. These dogs are very sensitive and will not do well with an owner that raises their voice when working with them. Harsh training is absolutely out of the question.
Special Needs
Needs frequent, thorough brushing to be kept tangle and mat-free. Minimum once per week, ideally once daily during molting.
Possible Health Concerns: Collie eye anomaly, PRA
Life Expectancy: 12-14 yrs
GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
Alternative Names Alsatian, German shepherd, GSD
Country of Origin
Germany
History
The German shepherd dog is descended from old farm and herding dogs. A fairly new breed, it was developed in the early part of the twentieth century for herding and police and military use. It has been used as a guide and search and rescue dog and is popular companion the world over.
Physical Description
The GSD is a large, muscular dog that is longer than it is tall. It has large prick ears; a black nose; and dark, almond-shaped eyes. The neck is long and strong and the back slopes to the tail. The tail is set low and curves up slightly. The double coat has a short, dense undercoat and a straight, full outer coat, which may be slightly wavy. There is longer hair at the neck and thighs. The coat comes in a variety of colours, various shades of sable, black and tan.
Height 55-66 cm
Weight 34-43 kgs
Temperament
The GSD is a self-confident, even-tempered dog. It is affectionate and playful with its friends and family and decidedly suspicious with strangers. They are intelligent and highly trainable. The GSD is good with children and most animals. They are valued around the world as a sentry, police dog, tracker, search and rescue dog and guide dog. This by no means covers the talents of this amazing breed. He is loyal, courageous, and quick to learn. Alert to every sight and sound,
Activity Level
High
Best Owner
The GSD can adapt to city, suburban, or rural life. It does best with an active family or individual who will provide it with ample exercise and stimulation.
Special Needs
Regular exercise, socialisation and training. Requires regular brushing. Needs careful socialisation and obedience training when young to fulfil their potential as a companion and guard.
Possible Health Concerns
Bloat, epilepsy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hip and elbow dysphasia, panostetis and more recently irritable bowl syndrome.
Life Expectancy: 12-13 yrs
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
Alternative Names
Bobtail
Country of Origin
Great Britain
History
The Old English sheepdog was developed in the late nineteenth century as a herder and drover, as well as a livestock guardian. It is believed to descend from the bearded collie and Russian ovchardas. The tail was originally docked to exempt the breed from the tax levied on dogs kept as companions rather than as workers.
Physical Description
This is a large, strong, compact dog with square proportions. It is taller at the loins than the withers. It has a square-shaped head and a muzzle and skull that are equal in length. The eyes are brown or blue, or one of each, and the medium-size ears are drop. It has a black nose. The tail is a natural bob or docked. The long, hard, profuse coat is grey and white with facial hair that covers its eyes.
Height 56-61 cm
Weight 29.5/30.5 kgs
Temperament
The Old English sheepdog is a spirited, active dog that is friendly with almost everyone. It is highly intelligent, adapts easily, and is good with children and other animals. They are obedient and gentle by nature they are built tough, extremely hardy, workmanlike, and even-tempered. This breed makes an excellent housedog but does shed heavily. They have a low pitched, loud and ringing bark.
Activity Level
Moderate
Best Owner
It does well with active family in a rural or suburban home that will provide regular exercise with freedom to gallop will make this a happy dog. Someone that is happy to spend time brushing this dog frequently. Has to be gentle and consistent when handling this dog during training. Someone that likes to play ball.
Special Needs
Attention, regular and thorough grooming is a must.
Possible Health Concerns
Ataxia, autoimmune disorders, epilepsy, eye problems, hip dysphasia, OCD
Life Expectancy: 12-13 yrs
SHETLAND SHEEPDOG
Alternative Names
Sheltie
Country of Origin
Scotland
History
The Shetland sheepdog is an old breed that is descended from the dogs brought to the Shetland Islands off the Scottish coast by invading Vikings in the tenth century. These were spitz-type dogs that were similar to Vallhunds. The dogs were developed as herding dogs and kept isolated until the fifteenth century, when the Shetland Islands became part of Scotland and Scottish collies wee introduced to the islands. These dogs gave the sheltie a more collie like look. The sheltie is one of many compact animals bred by Shetland islanders.
Physical Description
The sheltie is a small to medium size, muscular, rectangular-shaped dog. It looks like a miniature rough collie. It has a narrow, wedge-shaped head with a skull and muzzle of equal length. The nose is black and the eyes are almond shaped and brown or blue or a combination of the two. The small ears are folded when at rest and semi-erect when alert. The thick, long tail is set low and there is a double coat with a dense undercoat and a long, straight outer coat. The coat forms a mane at the neck and trousers at the thighs and may be black, blue merle, sable, sable merle, or mostly white, with or without tan or white markings
Height 35-37 cm
Weight 6-7 kgs
Temperament
This is an intelligent, hardworking, trainable dog. It is affectionate with its family but wary with strangers. It is responsive and prone to barking, making it a good watchdog. Some Shelties are not beyond having a stubborn streak. Those that do will test the owners over and over just to make sure you are adamant about their not doing something. What may be cute as a puppy may not be so funny as an adult. Shelties remember what is taught, what it got away with and how to go about doing it again. They are good with children and other dogs.
Activity Level
High
Best Owner
The sheltie does best with an active owner in a rural or suburban home. They need to bond with and please its master. Therefore you have to be prepared to allow it to so or you will have an unhappy dog that is hard to live with. They also require regular exercise and some form of mental stimulation e.g.: agility training, flyball and obedience.
Special Needs
Exercise, grooming, job or activity, allow more time for good socialisation, so that the dog can mature into a stable representative of its breed before formal training is introduced.
Possible Health Concerns: Epilepsy, eye problems, hip dysphasia, sheltie skin syndrome, thyroid problems, von Willebrand’s disease
Life Expectancy: 12-14 yrs
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