Spanyells started in the 14th century and they eventually were divided into water and land types. Those spaniels since evolved somewhat differently in appearance and are now recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. Their strong desire to hunt renders them capable gun dogs that can cover territory speedily and flush and retrieve game, when under command.
The Cocker Spaniel is in the AKC Sporting Group. He has a sturdy, compact body and a refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size. He stands on straight forelegs with his back sloping slightly toward moderately bent, muscular rear legs. They are capable of high speed, and have great endurance.
They commonly have a few health issues one should be aware of before deciding to get a cocker. One is ear infections, or otitis externa. They have floppy ears that like to trap moisture and that will cause infection. The folds of their ears can be thick, causing the same problem. A hereditary eye problem they frequently have is retinal atrophy, which affects their eye sight and can cause blindness. Both of these issues can be costly.
Most cockers are friendly with their families, but should be closely watched around small children. They don't have a high tolerance for the ear or fur pulling that young kids commonly like to do. They can be distrusting of strangers at first, but usually appropriate training and exposure to different situations when they are puppies can minimize the risk of them biting or being too fearful.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Basenji
The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred in Africa. Most of the major kennel clubs place the breed in the Hound Group; more specifically, it is in the sighthound classification. The Basenji does not bark like a typical dog would but produces an unusual yodel-like sound commonly called a "barroo", due to its unusually shaped larynx. It has been given the nickname of "barkless dog".
Basenjis have many unique traits. Basenjis, like dingos, come into heat only once annually, as compared to most other dog breeds which usually have two or more cycles every year. Both dingos and Basenjis share a trait of lacking a distinctive odor.
Basenji are small, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail and a graceful neck. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is a puppy or a senior citizen. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously. They usually weigh around 25 pounds and stand 16 inches tall. They are structure is as long as they are tall. Don't let size fool you, the basenji is an athletic dog and is powerful. They have a graceful gait like a trotting horse, with their usually curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.
The Basenji is alert, energetic, curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with its owner. They typically are one person dogs. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. Basenjis dislike wet weather, can easily climb over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique property of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play. Some will even stand on their hind legs when curious about something. Most Basenji problems involve a mismatch between owner and pet so it is important to understand all the characteristics of a Basenji before attempting to own one.
Basenjis have many unique traits. Basenjis, like dingos, come into heat only once annually, as compared to most other dog breeds which usually have two or more cycles every year. Both dingos and Basenjis share a trait of lacking a distinctive odor.
Basenji are small, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail and a graceful neck. A Basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is a puppy or a senior citizen. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously. They usually weigh around 25 pounds and stand 16 inches tall. They are structure is as long as they are tall. Don't let size fool you, the basenji is an athletic dog and is powerful. They have a graceful gait like a trotting horse, with their usually curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.
The Basenji is alert, energetic, curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with its owner. They typically are one person dogs. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. Basenjis dislike wet weather, can easily climb over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique property of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play. Some will even stand on their hind legs when curious about something. Most Basenji problems involve a mismatch between owner and pet so it is important to understand all the characteristics of a Basenji before attempting to own one.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Beagle
The Beagle is a medium-sized breed. A member of the Hound Group (AKC) it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound but smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, fox, and other small game. They have a keen sense of smell and tracking instinct. Beagles are intelligent, and are popular as pets because of their size and even temper.
They are generally between 13 and 16 inches high at the withers and weigh between 18 and 35 lb, with females being slightly smaller than males on average. They come in many different colors: tricolor (white, black, brown), fawn and white, lemon, tan, and liver (rarely).
The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. They are gentle with children. Described in several breed standards as "merry", they are amiable and generally neither aggressive nor timid. They enjoy company but can be stand offish with strangers. They tend to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar. They make good family pets and can be suitable for apartment life.
They are generally between 13 and 16 inches high at the withers and weigh between 18 and 35 lb, with females being slightly smaller than males on average. They come in many different colors: tricolor (white, black, brown), fawn and white, lemon, tan, and liver (rarely).
The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. They are gentle with children. Described in several breed standards as "merry", they are amiable and generally neither aggressive nor timid. They enjoy company but can be stand offish with strangers. They tend to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar. They make good family pets and can be suitable for apartment life.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is similar to the Siberian Husky, and probably shares some close ancestry. It is a northern breed used originally as a sled dog in Alaska.
Their coat is very dense and may shed a lot during the warm months. They need the thick coat to stay warm in the winter months! The usual coat colors are gray and white, sable and white, plain white, and black and white. They stand about 23-25 inches and weigh around 78-85 pounds.
This breed's temperament can be somewhat aloof of strangers. They are loyal to their owners and can get protective if necessary. They need to be trained at a young age and owners must not let them become aggressive.
Malamutes are not suitable for apartment living. They prefer a big backyard to run in, along with daily walks. This breed likes to "have a job" to do and can get easily bored.
You may not hear your Malamute do a whole lot of barking. They will make whining noises frequently or let out occasional howl type noises. Either way, they have their own sense of style and way of communicating with you!
Their coat is very dense and may shed a lot during the warm months. They need the thick coat to stay warm in the winter months! The usual coat colors are gray and white, sable and white, plain white, and black and white. They stand about 23-25 inches and weigh around 78-85 pounds.
This breed's temperament can be somewhat aloof of strangers. They are loyal to their owners and can get protective if necessary. They need to be trained at a young age and owners must not let them become aggressive.
Malamutes are not suitable for apartment living. They prefer a big backyard to run in, along with daily walks. This breed likes to "have a job" to do and can get easily bored.
You may not hear your Malamute do a whole lot of barking. They will make whining noises frequently or let out occasional howl type noises. Either way, they have their own sense of style and way of communicating with you!
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest sighthound breeds. It was originally bred to hunt gazelle. As the name suggests, it comes from Afghanistan.
The Afghan stands about 29 inches high and weighs around 50 to 60 pounds. Any color coat is acceptable, however, white markings are discouraged. The tail has a distinct small ring at the end. The Afghan's long, textured coat needs groomed regularly.
It is a large breed dog and is not suited for apartment life. This breed needs exercise regularly. It has a high prey drive, as most sighthounds do, and may not get along with small dogs or cats.
The Afghan stands about 29 inches high and weighs around 50 to 60 pounds. Any color coat is acceptable, however, white markings are discouraged. The tail has a distinct small ring at the end. The Afghan's long, textured coat needs groomed regularly.
It is a large breed dog and is not suited for apartment life. This breed needs exercise regularly. It has a high prey drive, as most sighthounds do, and may not get along with small dogs or cats.
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