Info About - Dog Breeds

Dachshund Dog Breed

The Dachshund was used as a tracker of badger in medieval Europe, and was once larger than it is today. His size eventually became smaller because it was purposefully bred down in size to hunt foxes and rabbits. It has an excellent sense of smell and a bold and fierce temperament that allowed it to tangle with its sometimes difficult prey.

Size: The Dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. The standard-size Dachshund is approximately 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 12 to 24 pounds. The miniature stands 5 to 6 inches at the shoulder and weighs under 12 pounds.

Description: The Dachshund has a superior scenting ability and may be stubborn, dominant, and somewhat resistant to training. Nevertheless, the Dachshund is very personable and can make a great companion.

There are three types of coats with this breed; long and short.. The smooth is usually alert, bold, and friendly. The long-haired is usually more timid and reserved with strangers and requires a more patient training technique. The wire-haired tends to be the most active of the three and, though friendly, is the most stubborn.

The smooth coat is short, glossy, and shedding and requires little maintenance. The long-haired coat, also shed- ding, is of medium length, shiny, silky, slightly wavy, and of low maintenance, requiring brushing twice a week. The wire-haired coat is rougher and harder, almost terrier-like in texture, medium-length, and shedding.

Training: The Dachshund requires consistent obedience training and early socialization. His great sense of smell will often lead it astray, so make sure you develop a firm training attitude. The “come” command can be difficult to teach to this breed. Don’t pamper your Dachshund because it may get spoiled. It may be small, but it is very pushy and will take over if given the chance. This breed can be a barker and will make a good watchdog.

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Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The Chinese Crested dog has a delicate and fine-boned body. The breed comes in two types- the hairless and powder puff. The hairless variety has no coat aside from the silky tufts on his head, tail, and feet - which means no hairs on carpet. Unlike all other breeds, he is hairless and has sweat glands on his body. The powder puff variety has a medium-length, silky, soft, and shedding coat. Although still very apparent, the powder puffs have been excluded from selective breeding over a period of years. Many believe that the powder puffs are nature’s way of keeping these hairless breeds warm. This dog is handy sized, clean, odorless, and is great a pet dog as well as a show dog. He is intelligent, alert, inquisitive, courageous, gentle, devoted to his owners, and gets along well with children. He is sometimes timid with strangers and other dogs. Training should be precise and patient. Socialization is crucial from puppy hood to help boost the confidence of this sensitive toy breed. This dog can be difficult to housebreak and can be noisy at times. Spoiling may result to a pushy and nippy dog that lacks confidence. He seldom requires veterinary care and is a free whelper. He has the ability to grip his paws in a charming and almost human fashion. This breed is allergic to wool.

Size: The Chinese Crest stands between 11-13in at the shoulder and weighs between 6-10lb.

History and origin: Though the age of this breed is not clear, it is believed to have been developed by the Chinese in the 17th century from the bloodlines of African Hairless dogs. Up until 1966, an elderly lady in the United States, Mrs. Ruth Harris owned the only examples of this breed in the world. She introduced 4 of these to the United Kingdom. Nowadays, the Chinese Crested is becoming more and more popular and is being included in an increasing number of dog shows. The breed is also recognized by the British Kennel Club.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed is 1/2 -3/4 can of high-quality brand dog food (13.3oz size) or the fresh meat equivalent with a cupful of small dog biscuits. You may want to keep a bowl of biscuits handy so that the dog may help himself when puckish, but remove them if you think he is becoming overweight. This breed lack premolar teeth, and thus it is inadvisable to give them bones.

Exercise: An apartment is fine for this small breed provided he gets a brisk walk or 2 each day.

Grooming: This breed requires frequent bathing. The skin should be regularly rubbed with baby oil to prevent cracking and to keep it smooth to the touch. Extra care must be taken to prevent sunburn and to maintain the skin free of blackheads to which they are prone to during adolescence.

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Chihuahua Dog Breed

The Chihuahua is considered to be the world’s tiniest dog, weighing from 2 to 6 pounds. He is perceptive, intelligent, intensely loyal and passionate, very affordable to keep, and extremely protective of his house - which makes him an excellent miniature guard dog. And because he is a tiny dog, he easily gets the approval of many landlords; therefore, he is the ideal dog to own for those who live in apartments and small houses.

The adult Chihuahua normally takes a few weeks before he shows his true personality, which keeps his owner under careful observation. Some Chihuahuas give their owners an impression that they are shy, although what they are actually doing is sizing up their owner to see which one of them is to be the leader in the home.

Brief history: The Chihuahua got its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico where he is believed to be the sacred dog of the Incas. There is a theory that Chihuahuas were once fierce little dogs that lived in holes in the ground, which could well account for their inclination to huddle together in every warm nook and cranny.

Feeding: Chihuahuas only need a small portion of food in each meal. The requirement of a very small Chihuahua should be 2-3oz of cooked minced beef of a high-quality brand of dog food, along with a handful of puppy biscuits. These dogs do best on 2 or 3 small meals rather than 1 large daily feeding. Bigger sizes Chihuahuas are able to eat up to 1/2 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality dog food or the equivalent portion of home-made dog food, and a handful of biscuits.

Exercise requirement: Contrary to what many people believe, the Chihuahua is ready and able to walk as far as most owners would wish, though he will not object to an occasional ride in a shopping cart either. He gets most of his needed exercise from running around inside the house as he is playing. The fact that he only requires moderate exercise makes this dog a great choice of pet for the elderly.

Grooming: The Chihuahua should be groomed using a soft brush. A rub down with a glove or wet towel makes his coat shine. His nail needs to be trimmed regularly and the ears need to be kept clean.

Health care: This dog is not as fragile as one might think, but he does not like the cold and appreciates a thick covering to keep him warm outdoors. He is absolutely not designed for kennel living. Be careful with his molera, a small opening on top of the skull. His molera, unlike that of the human baby, may never fill in and a blow on the head could be fatal. They also have the tendency to shiver.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that is slightly larger than the King Charles Spaniel. In addition, the Cavalier King Charles has a skull that is almost flat between the ears and his stop is much shallower than that of the King Charles. However, he shares the same characteristic of courage, and hardiness as his close relative. The Cavalier is a beautiful dog that is relatively clean, adores children, and gets along with other pets. He is a gentle, affectionate, and sweet tempered breed that is also friendly toward strangers. Training method should be precise and gentle. Spoiling this breed does not usually encourage a nippy behavior. All in all, the Cavalier makes an excellent companion dog for all types of household.

Size: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stands 11-12in at the shoulder and weighs between 12 and 18lb.

History and origin: The Cavalier and the King Charles were both originated in England from the same stock. Once it became common to produce a King Charles Spaniel with a short nose, the original type almost disappeared. However, in the late 1920s, a group of breeders worked to bring back the old type of King Charles and added the prefix name Cavalier to distinguish the breed from the newer and separate variety.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is about 1/2 - 1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with added biscuit in the same amount or 1 1/2 cupfuls of complete dry food. This breed would also enjoy and occasional meat scraps.

Exercise: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel easily adapts to apartment living provided he gets enough exercise of 1 or 2 walks per day.

Grooming: The Cavalier has long, fine, and straight, shedding coat. Regular brushing with a bristle brush is essential to keep it from getting tangled. Check the paws regularly for any sign of interdigital cysts and also check the ears for canker, which is often detected by an unpleasant smell. Wipe his eyes regularly with cotton wool dipped in a weak saline solution in order to keep them clear of unsightly tear streaks. The Cavalier also needs a monthly bath.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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