Info About - Dog Breeds

Affenpinscher Dog Breed

The Affenpinscher is a charming little breed with an almost cute monkey-like appearance. In fact, the prefix ‘Affen’ is a German word for monkey. In his country of origin he is often called Zwergaffenpinscher (’Zwerg’ meaning dwarf.) The French have dubbed it the “mustached devil.” In any case, he is an appealing comical little dog, the smallest of the Schnauzers and Pinschers breed. He is alert, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate. He is wary of strangers and is always prepared to defend his home which makes him a good watchdog.

Size: The average height for this breed is about 9 1/2-11in. His average weight should be about 6 1/2-9lb.

History and origin: Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinschers were, until 1896, classified as a single breed. However, in that year at the Berlin show, it was decided that the long-coated variety should be known as the Affenpinscher. The Affenpinscher is a very old German breed that was depicted by Jan van Eyck (1395-1441) and Albrecht Durer (1471-1528). However, there are some controversies as to where his origin began, although his nationality was never been in doubt. Some people believe it to be related to the Brussels Griffon while others attribute the Brussels Griffon to the Affenpinscher. Another theory is that the Affenpinscher is a toy version of the German coarse-haired terrier, the Zwergschnauzer. In any case, this wonderful dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. He was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1975 and was first shown at Crufts Dog Show in 1980.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed would be 1/3-1/2 can of quality meat product (13.3oz size), with biscuit added in equal part by volume; or 1-11/2 cupfuls of high quality dry food. When feeding this dog dry food, make sure that he has an ample supply of water.

Exercise: Just like most toy dogs, he will be satisfied with a short walk around the park, but will gladly walk you off your feet if that is to your pleasure.

Grooming: Regular brushing will keep his coat in great condition, as well as all normal grooming habits of most dogs.

Australian Kelpie Dog Breed

This dog breed is very active along with great stamina and suppleness. Standing only 18-20 inches, he has the strong and solid look of a Shepherd. The female Australian Kelpie should stand from 17 to 19 inches in height. Most dog owners prefer a larger and longer version of this breed.

The Australian Kelpie is considered to be a very tough herding dog and is a quiet worker capable of moving any livestock, though chiefly suited toward sheep and cattle. They are athletic and live mostly independent. The Kelpie has too much energy to be kept solely as a pet, though they are notably affectionate, especially with children.

The Kelpie must be kept very busy and so if you plan on being an owner of this breed then you must take into account this dog’s strong herding instinct and realize he will not be happy if you and your family are all he has to “herd.” And though he is a tough dog that has an intimidating look for a small breed, he is not well suited as a guard dog.

Physical Description

The head is broad between the ears and the skull is flat which tapers to the muzzle. The ears should stand perky and be moderate in shape without spooning over. His eye spacing is considered to be wide for his face structure. They are shaped like almonds and are dark in color. The eye color may be light in some cases which will create a “mean looking” appearance.

The Kelpie’s neck is thick and strong and the shoulders are narrow that slope downward. The chest runs deep. His Hindquarters should show breadth and strength with a longer than short haunch. The tail bends in a slight curve, raised when excited. Coat is moderately short, flat with a good undercoat. Colors include black, black and tan, red, red and tan, fawn, chocolate, and smoke blue.

Health and Life-span

When it comes to the Australian Kelpie’s health he is one of high stamina. An amazingly athletic and adaptable dog, he does not suffer from any prominent genetic or hereditary conditions. This dog also possesses a strong defense against diseases. However, the one thing that will stress this dog’s mental as well as physical health is lack of activity. Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important. If the Kelpie is not able to move about and exercise regularly then the stress resulting from being sedentary will literally cause him to self-destruct. The average life span is about ten years.

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Australian Terrier Dog Breed

The Australian Terrier is a working terrier with a compact, and small but sturdy body. His body is considerably longer than it is tall. The ears are pricked with no tendency to flare off the skull and the tail is docked. The Australian Terrier is a loyal and devoted dog that is hardy, smart, courageous, always busy, with keen senses. He is extremely affectionate with his owners and is usually reserved with strangers. This breed is spirited, easy-going but purposeful, and makes a great watchdog. His alertness combined with speed makes him an excellent ratter. He loves to please and do well at obedience work. On the other hand, because of his terrier instinct, he can be stubborn and challenging to train. His attention is easily diverted by distractions, especially by a small animal or a person wandering into his territory. He responds well to early, firm, and precise training methods. Roughhousing could encourage a warning bite and should not be permitted. Spoiling this breed encourages a bossy and stubborn behavior because, like most dogs, he will interpret spoiling as recognition of his dominance. He has a tendency to bark or dig incessantly if left alone for too long. The Australian Terrier has a high prey drive toward small animals such as cats and rabbits. He has no serious health problems and should live a happy 14 years.

Size: The Australian Terrier stands 10-11in at the shoulder and weighs between 10 and 18lb.

History and origin: The Australian Terrier was first used in 19th century Australia as a ratter, snake killer, and watchdog. It is suggested that this breed was developed from the progeny of a female Yorkshire Terrier smuggled aboard a sailing ship and mated to a dog resembling a Cairn Terrier. He was known by various names until 1889, when a club was formed in Melbourne to foster the breed.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Australian Terrier is about 1/2 - � can of high-quality meat product (13.3oz size) with biscuit added in similar amount or 1 1/2 cupfuls of a complete dry food. Fat is an essential ingredient in order for the dog to maintain a healthy coat; if his meal has a low fat content, add a teaspoon of corn oil to his daily serving.

Exercise: An ideal place for this busy and active breed is a fenced-in yard with plenty of space for him to run around. On the other hand, he can adapt to apartment living provided he is walked several times a day.

Grooming: This breed has a weather-resistant coat that is hard and straight with a softer undercoat. Shedding is minimal, as is the level of maintenance. Regular grooming with a bristle brush will stimulate the skin and encourage a good coat growth.

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Beagle Dog Breed

The Beagle is a sturdy and attractive dog with a full blast of energy. Originally bred to track fox, this breed has a great sense of smell and like other scent hounds, will likely to ignore you and everything else when hot on a scent trail. For this reason, extra care must be taken to make sure that he does not wander off. He is a happy dog that loves children and gets along well with other pets. The breed standard describes this dog as “A merry hound whose essential function is to hunt, primarily hare, by following a scent - bold with great activity, stamina, and determination - alert, intelligent, and of even temperament - a sturdy and compactly-built hound, conveying the impression of quality without coarseness.”

Although this breed is affectionate and intelligent, he requires patients and persistent training from the first day of training because of its stubborn nature in which he is easily distracted. It is very rare to find scent hounds, including the Beagle, in the obedience ring because their nose often overrules their brain. Also similar to other scent hounds, the Beagle was bred to bark, bay, and howl to alert the hunter to his location during the hunt. He may run away and is not likely to come when called so you may need a secure fence that he cannot get under or over. Always keep him on leash whenever you take him out, otherwise he may take off the second hi picks up a scent.

Size: Beagles are among the smaller scent hounds which com in 2 varieties, the first stands about 13in at the shoulder and the other is more than 13 but not exceeding 15in. He weighs between 18-30lb.

History and origin: This breed is one of the smallest of the hounds. He is an ancient breed that has been a great companion to sportsmen for hundreds of years. The Beagle was first mentioned by name in writings published in 1475. They were used to hunt in packs for hare and were first imported into the United States for this purpose. They have hunted many different quarries in different climates including jackal, wild pig, and deer. In the United States and Canada, they are used as gun-dogs to seek out and retrieve game and to hunt by scent in competitive Field Trials.

Feeding: Because this breed is likely to put on weight, 1-2 meals per day are sufficient for an adult Beagle with no tidbits. Recommended amount of feeding is 1-1 1/2 cans (13.3oz size) of meat diet with added biscuits in equal amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Exercise: Daily exercise such as walks and occasional runs is required for this breed.

Grooming: Their shedding coat is tough, weatherproof, and requires very low maintenance grooming.

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Border Collie Dog Breed

The Border Collie is a first rate, everyday working dog, that is well known for herding cattle and rounding up sheep. Many regard this dog as the most intelligent of all the breeds. He is brilliant in sheepdog trials and the persistent winner of obedience competitions. He was originally bred for brains, speed, and stamina. Nowadays, he makes an excellent companion as well as a great helper and is one of the most trainable dogs. The Border Collie are outstanding guide dogs for the blind. He is active, alert, affectionate with his owners, and capable of excelling at obedience and agility work. His level of intelligence can create a stubborn mind-set and therefore would require consistent and patient training. He is a sensitive breed and is not recommended for families with young children as it may snap if teased or irritated. However, he can be good with children if he was raised with them from puppy hood. Socialization is essential as soon as possible to help minimize his timidity around strangers. He can become wrapped up on a certain activity or a toy and will fetch until he drops. The Border Collie can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and hearing problems.

Size: The Border Collie stands 17-21in at the shoulder and weighs between 38 and 52lb.

History and origin: This breed was developed in England and Scotland during the 19th century. In fact, the name Border refers to the English-Scottish border. This breed was a result of mixing bloodlines of several working collies at that time. He is an exceptional herder and will literally walk across the backs of the sheep in his herd in order to most quickly cross to the other side. He is able to control the sheep using his fixed stare, which is this dog’s trademark. Because of this skill, this breed was exported to different countries where sheep are farmed. It was not until July 1976 that a standard for the breed was approved by the British Kennel Club.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Border Collie is about 1- 1 1/2 cans (13.3oz size) of a high-quality meaty product with added biscuit in equal amount or 3 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Exercise: This working dog requires plenty of outdoor exercise, but do not let him off the leash unless he has learned the “Come” command perfectly. If allowed to run loose, he has the tendency to chase bikes, cars, or joggers. The ideal place for him is a house with a well-fenced yard. He enjoys fetching a ball or a Frisbee.

Grooming: The Border Collie has a medium-length shedding coat that needs regular brushing with a good pony dandy brush and comb. Check the ears for signs of canker and check the ears and feet for foreign object. Dead fur should be removed during grooming.

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Border Terrier Dog Breed

The Border Terrier is the smallest of all the working terriers. He has a compact, sturdy body, medium-boned, and well put together. His otter-like head sets him apart from the other terriers. His eyes have been described as “full of fire and intelligence.” He has long legs that enable him to keep up with dogs of much larger size. Perhaps the most personable of the terriers, this plain little brown dog is full of charm and life, which makes him a wonderful family dog. He is a playful dog with lots of energy. He loves children and will play tirelessly with them. However, young children need to be instructed not to roughhouse with the dog. He is hardy, reliable, a very active breed with tenacity and great drive. He seems to have a greater desire to please than other breeds in his group. This lovable breed usually shows aggression only if spoiled. He can be dog-aggressive if not socialized early. Because of his terrier instinct, he has a high prey drive toward small animals. Training should be patient and consistent but not overbearing, as this breed have a sensitive side to him. The Border Terrier loves to dig and should not be left alone in the yard for long periods of time. Overbearing owners may cause this breed to worry and exhibit fear-aggression.

Size: The Border Terrier stands 9-11in at the shoulder and weighs between 11 and 15lb.

History and origin: The Border Terrier is one of the oldest terriers that were used to hunt fox and badger. He is a spunky, athletic dog bred to have endless stamina and determination. He is a natural breed that evolved in the border counties of England and Scotland in the middle of the 19th century when it was a common practice to produce a terrier tailor-made for the job it would perform. The Border Terrier still works with hounds and has been less changed to meet the standards of the show ring. The breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1920.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 1/2 - 1 can of high-quality meat product (13.3oz size) with biscuit added in same amount or 1 1/2 cups of a complete dry food. Increase the amount of food for a very active terrier.

Exercise: An ideal surrounding for this breed is a fenced-in yard with plenty of space for him to run around. However, the Border Terrier can make a good apartment dog as long as he is getting plenty of exercise.

Grooming: This breed has a short, weather resistant coat that is coarse and wiry with minimal shedding and requires minimum grooming. Show dogs should be hand-stripped to tidy up for the show ring. Hand-stripping is a lengthy plucking method that preserves the texture and luster of the coat.

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Boston Terrier Dog Breed

The Boston Terrier is a lively and attractive American breed of dog. It is intelligent, trainable, and makes for a delightful companion who is always ready for a walk or a playful game with its owners. However, achieving the desired markings can be a show aspirant’s nightmare, and the females frequently require a cesarean section when giving birth (whelping). These animals will not reach more than 25 pounds in weight.

Brief History: The Boston Terrier, sometimes called the “American Gentleman” can trace its ancestry from the mating of a crossbred Bulldog/terrier called Judge, which was imported to the United States from the United Kingdom in 1865. In time the English and Staffordshire Bull Terrier were added to the mix through breeding. At first it was known as the American Bull Terrier, but as a result of objections from other Bull Terrier clubs, it was renamed the Boston Terrier after the city responsible for its development.

Feeding: An ideal meal for this dog would be 1/2 to 1 can (376g, 13.3 oz size) of a branded, meaty product, with biscuit added in equal part by volume. Or you may add 1 1/2 cupfuls of a dry complete food mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 1/2 cup of hot or cold water.

Grooming: You must brush your Boston Terrier every day. In the United States the ears are cropped in some states according to law. This practice is illegal in the United Kingdom. Also, the coat never sheds with this dog breed.

Exercise Requirement: This breed does not need any specific exercise regimen, but of course a normal healthy dose of daily walks is ideal. Try to offer him as much free movement as possible, but again, there is no required heavy use of exercise that this dog will need.

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Brussels Griffon Dog Breed

The Brussels Griffon (also known as Griffon Bruxellois for those with rough coat and Griffon Brabancon for those with smooth coat) has a sturdy terrier-like body similar to the Affenpinscher with a docked tail and a face that somewhat resembles a cute, little monkey. His coat can be smooth or rough; the smooth coat is short, glossy, and straight while the rough coat is wiry, hard, and also short. He has a terrier-like behavior, though he is not as stubborn or high-strung. He is an attractive and happy dog that is very affectionate with his owner. In addition, he is hardy, intelligent, obedient, and long-lived.

The Brussels Griffon was originally used as a guard dog in his native land in Belgium. He was also used to catch vermin in stable yards until eventually catching the eye of the royalty and became a fashionable house dog. He is a good watch dog and a little reserve with strangers. He could be aggressive toward other dogs and smaller animals; therefore, socialization should begin early on in puppy hood. Training should also begin early and needs to be consistent and precise. As an owner of his breed, you need to be a patient and precise leader who enjoys a busy and energetic dog.

Size: The Brussels Griffon stands approximately 9-10in at the shoulder and weighs between 9-12lb.

History and origin: This breed was developed in Belgium in the 18th and 19th centuries and was first exhibited at the Brussels Exhibition in 1880. He is a mixture of Affenpinscher to which he bears a facial similarity and the Pug which many believe is responsible for the smooth-coat type. The first known enthusiastic Griffon owner was Queen Astrid of the Belgians. This breed was very popular in his native land during the beginning of Word War I, but the breeding was severely affected when the war broke out. The Brussels Griffon eventually found his way to most countries all over the world with a slight variation. He is mostly recognized with cropped ears in his native land.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is about 1/2 can of quality meat product with added biscuit of the same amount or 1-1 1/2 cupfuls of dry food.

Exercise: Similar to most toy breeds, the Brussels Griffon adapts very well to an apartment life provided he gets enough walk on a regular basis.

Grooming: Whether his coat is smooth or rough; both types shed little and need periodic brushing and a clip every 3-4 months. Show dogs needs to be hand-stripped in order to preserve the texture and luster of the coat. His nails should also be trimmed on a regular basis.

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Cairn Terrier Dog Breed

The Cairn Terrier is a hardy, small, solid, and sporty dog, with a rough weather-resistant coat that sheds. The Gaelic word “cairn” means a heap of stones, which is a suitable name for a terrier that goes to ground. This breed is in many ways the classic terrier, exhibiting the same tenacious, sassy, obstinate yet charming personality that is common to this group. He is intelligent, active, and affectionate, often reluctant to cooperate with his trainer and somewhat of a barker. This breed is initially suspicious of strangers and makes a great watchdog. He has a high prey drive toward small animals and will not likely get along with a kitten or a hamster. He is good with children provided he is raised with them from puppy hood, although he does not tolerate roughhousing. The Cairn can be a nipper, especially when he is spoiled. Also, because of his stubborn nature, it is very difficult for him to learn the “Down” command. He is a long-lived dog and is not susceptible to any major medical problems.

Size: The Cairn Terrier stands approximately 9-10in at the shoulder and weighs between 12 and 15lb.

History and origin: The Cairn Terrier was developed in Scotland and was used as a ratter and as a bolter of foxes and otters. His weather-resistant coat allowed him to withstand the cold and windy Scottish climate. It was recorded that James VI of Scotland (James I of England) ordered half a dozen of terriers or “earth dogs” to be sent as a present to France. These were believed to be the forerunners of the present-day Cairn Terrier. In his work “The Popular Cairn Terrier,” Mr. J.W.H. Beynon stated that as far as he could learn, the oldest known strain of Cairns was founded by the late Captain MacLeod of Drynoch, Isle of Skye, which goes back over 150 years.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this small terrier is � can of high quality dog food or the fresh meat equivalent supplemented with biscuits. This breed prefers to have 2 small meals each day, rather than 1 big meal. He also loves an occasional large dog biscuit to chew. 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil taken once a day will keep him in good health.

Exercise: Apartment living is adequate for this small dog as long as he gets enough exercise. The Cairn Terrier is a very energetic dog and an expert of killing rodents. His ideal exercise would be running in the fields or playing a ball game.

Grooming: As a house pet or a show dog, the Cairn Terrier is an easy breed to groom. His coat should be brushed and combed. Any excess feathering from behind the front legs and tail should be removed. In addition, the long hairs near the ears and on the underside should be removed for tidiness.

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Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dog Breed

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small, low-to-the-ground dog has a sturdy body and short legs. His trademark tail is described as a fox-like brush. He is a hardy dog that makes for an excellent guard as well as a devoted companion. He is fond of children and has a gentler temperament than his close relative, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This breed is intelligent, sharp, and strong-willed. He is quite stubborn and may resist obedience training, particularly the “Down” or the “Come” command. Training should begin from puppy hood to combat his stubborn streak. Without early and proper socialization, he can become wary of strangers and has the tendency to bite them if he feels threatened. He makes a great watchdog with a big-dog bark. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a working dog that needs a job to do in order to feel confident.

Size: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi stands at about 10 1/2 -12 1/2 in at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 40lb.

Health care: This Corgi is susceptible to eye problems and structural problems. Avoid letting him jump from high places because this could lead to painful spine trouble.

History and origin: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was first developed in South Wales and was used as a cattle drover. He could also clear a herder’s land of a neighboring herder’s cattle. This breed made his first appearance in the British show ring in 1925 and was first classified as the same breed as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. However, he received a separate classification in 1934. Welsh folklore includes many references to this dependable ancient breed.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed would be 1/2 - 1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or 1 1/2 cupfuls of a dry complete food.

Exercise: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a working dog that needs to be active and busy. An apartment is suitable for this breed as long as he gets plenty of exercise. Keep in mind, however, that this breed has a big-dog bark.

Grooming: This breed has a water-resistant shedding coat with a fine texture and would need to be brushed daily.

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