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Showing posts with label DOG BREED L to Z. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOG BREED L to Z. Show all posts

Newfoundland - Breed Profile

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Newfoundlands are the “gentle giants of the dog world”. Despite being large and powerful, their gentle and placid nature makes them ideal family pets. ‘Newfs’, as they are often called, thrive on human companionship and have a great affinity with water.

If you lead a busy life, work full-time or you are houseproud, this is NOT the breed for you.

HISTORY

The Newfoundland is the namesake of the eastern coastal region of Canada. It is almost certainly a combination of the ancient, native Indian dogs and the many European breeds, which were carried across the Atlantic by explorers and fishermen from the 15th century onwards. 

By the end of the 17th century the breed had stabilised into a large, web-footed, thick coated working dog used to haul small carts and sledges. Newfoundlands gained a reputation as being intrepid rescuers and helping fishermen by carrying lines from one boat to another. 

Newfoundland Dog - Painting by Sir Edwin Landseer

In the 19th century the dogs became popular in England and were named by George Cartwright.


Imported throughout Europe, the Newfoundland soon attracted the attention of rich people, who brought them to ornament their estates and entertain (and watch over) their children.



APPEARANCE

The Newfoundland is considered a giant dog breed but their size varies with heigths ranging from 60-75cm at the shoulder and their height from 45-80kg at maturity.

The majority of Newfoundlands are jet black but there are also chocolate brown, or white with black markings (known as the Landseer). They have a massive skull, a short square muzzle, small, tight-rimmed, widely-set eyes and ears that lie flat to the cheek.

For more details on the breed standard, please visit the ANKC website.

The striking appearance of the Newfoundlands you see in the show ring is the product of many hours of bathing and grooming. The natural look of the Newfie is that of a large shaggy farm dogm usually with some dirt and weed clinging to his coat! 
So please choose this breed for his character and not his appearance.

TEMPERAMENT

A Newfoundland could still be acting as a puppy when two years old however it would weigh at least 60kg by that stage! Despite being gentle and loving, an elderly or frail person or the very young can be knocked aside by a boisterous puppy, which is why basic obedience training is essential and should be started as soon as possible.

The Newfoundland is incredibly placid, patient and tolerant, and very good with children. However, because of their large size and strength, the breed shouldn’t be left unsupervised with young children. 

Newfoundlands are loyal and courageous with above average endurance and working ability. They are people-oriented dogs and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods in the backyard. 

TRAINING & EXERCISE 

If your goals are orientated towards achieving success at high level competitions, please realise that the Newfie is not among the breeds best suited to a highly polished performance! 

However Newfs can - with adequate training - excel at dog sports such as agility, carting, tracking and water rescue.

Although Newfoundlands are laid back and happy to laze around the house, they need exercise to maintain the health of their heart and lungs and maintain muscle tone.

An adult Newfie should walk a kilometre or more or have at least half an hour exercise each day. However when exercising a growing pup, shorter and slower walks are preferred for exercise as ball chasing and stick chasing can place undue strain on growing bones. Excessive exercise and feeding can cause joint problems later on in life.

GROOMING

Newfoundlands drool because of their jaw and mouth structure which allows them to breathe while performing water rescue and this is an inherent quality of the breed. 

If you are squeamish about this or fastidious about the neatness of your home, then a Newfie is not for you!

The thick shaggy coat requires regular grooming (at least 10-15 minutes a day or half an hour twice a week) not only to avoid knots but to preserve the health of the skin underneath and detect ticks and other parasites.

Breeders advise brushing the coat because the dog is difficult to bath but on the plus side, the Newfoundland’s dense, coarse, oily coat encourages dirt to stay on the surface, making it easier to care for. The coat should be cleaned with a short stiff bristled brush, brushing in either direction. 

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

In common with all large dogs, Newfoundlands can have problems with their hips, called Hip Dysplasia. Newfoundlands can also suffer from Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), a disease that affects the structure of the bone cartilage.

Several breeds of dogs are known to have heart problems. One specific to Newfies is called Sub-aortic Stenosis (SAS) which can cause a heart murmur and lead to death at a young age. However this condition is reported as rare in Australia. 
Other health problems may include lip fold infections, eyelid disorders, and, among older dogs, arthritis.
The majority of Newfoundlands have black coats that absorb heat more readily than light coloured coats and they are, therefore, more prone to heat stress. 
They require cool shelter and plenty of water in hot weather conditions. 

Giant breeds need specific balanced diets that allow for adequate nutrition without providing too much bulk. They will continue to grow until 18 months of age and require a diet that is low in calcium and low in energy. 


Don’t allow puppies to become overweight because this strains their bones. Their expected lifespan is between 10-12 years. 

UPKEEP

Newfoundlands are not a cheap breed to look after. Being large dogs, both your food and veterinary bills (most medications are proportional to body weight) will be sizeable. Breeders advise that it will cost nearly $1,000 (approx. $20/week) in the first year or so of your puppy’s life. Pet insurance is highly recommended.

RECOMMENDED FOR

The ideal owner should treat the Newfoundland as part of the family and give their dog plenty of love and attention.

For more details on the breed, please contact one of the following:

Newfoundland Club of NSW Inc
Newfoundland Club of Victoria Inc
Newfoundland Club of SA Inc

Xoloitzcuintle or Mexican Hairless Dog

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The Xoloitzcuintle or Xolo for short is a rare breed, numbering only around 20,000 in the world. Often called the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xolo is a calm, loyal and intelligent dog.

HISTORY

One of the most ancient dog breeds in the Western Hemisphere, they are thought to have originated around 3,500 years ago in Mexico and have changed very little since.

Artifacts and clay pottery depicting the Xolo have been found
 in the tombs of Colima, Mayan and Aztec Indians.
The name Xoloitzcuintle, which is pronounced “Show-low-eats-qweent-lee” combines “Xolotl” the Aztec god of the underworld, with “itzcuintli", the Aztec word for dog.

Xolos served the Aztecs and Mayans as healers, hunters, guard dogs and bed warmers but they were also used as a food source and sacrificial token. The meat of the Xoloitzcuintle (or Xoloitzcuintli in Nahuatl language) was considered a delicacy in pre-Hispanic Mexico, eaten by the indigenous population as a ritual to their beliefs and was regarded as a representative of "Xolotl" - the god of lightning and death - from which its name originates. 

Its task was to guide the souls of the dead to their eternal destination. Therefore the dog became scarce, reaching a point of near extinction in the 1950’s.

Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and her Xolos (1944)
Without the efforts of the Federacion Canofila Mexicana (FCM) and a group of dedicated volunteers, it is quite possible that the Xolo breed would not be here today. 

Early expeditions to remote villages in Mexico were organised to gather breeding stock with a breeding program officially starting in 1956: these dogs were the foundation of the modern day Xoloitzcuintle breed. The Xoloitzcuintle is the national dog of Mexico and is treasured by people.

The first Xolo only arrived in Australia in 2009 followed by 3 more after 2010 and the first litter was born in 2014 which explains why they are still a rare sight here.

APPEARANCE

All Xolos should display a well-proportioned body, ample chest, well-sprung ribs with long limbs and tail. There are three different sizes: Miniature (25-35cm), Intermediate (36-45cm) and Standard (46-60cm, with a 2cm allowance in top quality dogs).
Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography
The Xolo comes in two varieties and can be hairless or coated. The hairless Xolo is a very attractive dog characterised by a lack of hair with smooth and soft skin. The coated Xolo is fully coated and displays the same proportions. Both varieties occur in all hair or skin colours, and often marked, splashed, or spotted. The most common colours are termed black with also varying shades of grey and red.

Xolos often have tusk-like canine teeth and a particular feature (in the hairless variety) is that the dentition is nearly always incomplete, associated to the hairless gene whilst the coated dogs have full dentition.


Their well developed interdigital membranes in the toes are somewhat prehensile, allowing them to grip toys with dexterity!

For the full breed standard, please visit the ANKC website

TEMPERAMENT

The Xoloitzcuintle's primitive temperament (very high intelligence, sensitivity, high energy, inquisitiveness, strong survival and social instincts) is apparent because the breed's temperament was not modified overall by selective breeding in their native history in Mexico.

The Xoloitzcuintle is a calm dog, cheerful and alert yet reserved towards strangers. He is an intelligent, loyal and extremely devoted companion but he can also be an effective watch dog.

The Xolo makes a wonderful pup however just with all dogs, puppies need to be well socialised. With an intelligent and fast learning attitude, they will require an owner who utilises a consistent and structured training routine to earn their respect.

Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography
The Xoloitzcuintle needs a great deal of companionship and does not like being left alone for more than a few hours. Sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs”, bored Xolos can become anxious and suffer from separation anxiety, which they express by destructive chewing and excessive barking.

They also have a tendency to climb or dig to escape from confinement so high secure fences are a must. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you!

These dogs exhibit well in conformation, they excel in the obedience and agility arenas and they are also used worldwide as therapy and assistance dogs.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN
Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography

The Xolo has been developed by natural selection for thousands of years, and is therefore generally not prone to health and structure problems as other dog breeds more modified by human selection efforts. 

As Xolos came from tropical climates they are not suited for outdoor life in colder temperate and should be considered an indoor dog breed. 

Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.

GROOMING & MAINTENANCE

Xolos enjoy food and are well-known to enjoy chomping on some fruit and vegies.

Because they are hairless, they will require a dog coat during the cooler months and in summer a sun coat and/or sun protection should be used. 
Weekly bathing and skin care is also recommended.
Photo Credit: Diane Andersen - Animal Images Photography

We would like to thank Jacqi Dinis from Wazzat Xoloitzcuintle for her assistance with this story. For more information on this unique breed, please visit the following websites:

www.xoloaus.com
www.xoloworld.com

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Dog Breed

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dog-breed-Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are tough, stocky and boisterous and the clear winners as one of Australia’s favourite dogs. Once used as bull-baiters, modern Staffies are friendly to a fault, well behaved if trained early and adored by their owners.

HISTORY

Staffordshire in England is the birthplace of fine china (Wedgwood and Spode), and one of Australia’s most popular dogs, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

While Josiah Wedgwood was slaving away at his kiln in the 1700s, just down the road the Staffies’ forebears were probably being readied for another round of bull-baiting.

It was thought beef would be tough unless the beast was ‘hot’ before slaughter and so Staffordshire Bull Terriers were developed to tease cattle. Bull-baiting was a popular pastime, later replaced by dog fights. Today’s dog, however, is literally centuries away, and is proving to be a faithful, attractive and surprisingly popular choice for pet owners.

Surprising because it is not a breed immediately recognisable from other bull terriers. Yet owners are besotted by these strong, stocky dogs, with their broad skulls and short snout.

APPEARANCE


Staffords are well muscled in the hindquarters with a strong tail. Coat colours are red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or brindle with white is also acceptable.
  • Height: 36-41cm
  • Weight: Males 13-17kg, Females 11-15kg

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website

TEMPERAMENT

The breed is very human-oriented and loyal, although they can be aggressive to other dogs. It is essential that pups between 8-18 weeks are well socialised, especially with children and other dogs. Breeders warn, too, that the friendly nature of most Staffords means they go to strangers readily and risk being stolen for use in illegal dog fights.

HEALTH



Some Staffords can suffer from a few hereditary diseases that can be tested by DNA as a puppy, such as Hip Dysplasia (degenerative bone disease), Luxating Patellas (slipping kneecaps) and Entropion (an eye disease), but none are common in the breed. Staffies is known to be at a higher risk from mastocytoma (mast cell tumours) than the general population of dogs.


GROOMING


Staffords are happiest indoors with the family; they shed little hair and are easily house-trained. Fortnightly bathing is adequate if the dog spends most of its time indoors. 

TRAINING & EXERCISE

As with any dog breed, proper training is a must for the Staffie. This is a very intelligent dog breed that can be stubborn, following his own will if permitted. Therefore, obedience training is essential in order to manage your Staffie.

The Stafford is an athletic dog breed with plenty of energy, so routine exercise is very important. Whilst they enjoy a walk (20 minutes is ideal), be cautious not to overdo it in warmer weather, as this breed is sensitive to heat. 

Staffies will especially benefit from dog sports that challenge them mentally and physically. Regardless of the type of exercise you give your Stafford, be sure it is provided about twice daily or more.

RECOMMENDED FOR


Staffordshire Bull Terriers are suited to families and they are said to be good watchdogs.

Commonly known as the "Nanny Dog", the Stafford is prized for his patience with and love of children, although it goes without saying that no dog should ever be left unsupervised with children. They are strong, enthusiastic dogs and may bump over smaller children.

  • Temperament: tenacious and playful 
  • Lifespan: 12 years 
  • Maintenance: medium 
  • Recommended for: families with older children

For more details on the breed, please contact:

The Stafforshire Bull Terrier Club of QLD Inc.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of SA
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Victoria Inc.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of WA Inc.

If you're interested in adopting a Staffy, please visit

Staffy Rescue

Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie

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Yorkshire Terriers also known as Yorkies are one of the most popular dogs among the toy breeds. 

The Yorkshire Terrier is lively and inquisitive, physically and mentally alert and spends much time dashing around checking things out. He is also a lover of comfort and enjoys cuddling on laps and snuggling into soft pillows.

History

Scottish weavers migrated to Yorkshire during the industry revolution to work in the coal mines, textile mills and factories, bringing with them a dog known as a Clydesdale Terrier or Paisley Terrier.

These dogs were much larger than the Yorkshire Terrier we know today, and it's thought that they were used primarily to rid the mills of mice and rats. The small dog could also fit into burrows of animals to chase them out.

It is said that people used to make sarcastic remarks about the dog coats that they were products of the loom from the clothing mill in which the weavers worked. Despite this perception, the breed flourished and was named for the city of Yorkshire, England, in 1870.

Yorkies were bred down in size over time to become the tiny toy dogs so popular today. The breed appeared in the United States in 1872.

Yorkshire Terriers were first registered in the British Kennel Club stud book in 1874. The first Yorkshire Terrier breed club in England was formed in 1898.

The Yorkshire Terrier has also contributed to the development of other breeds, such as the Australian Silky Terrier.

Appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy-sized dog. The small head is rather flat on the top, with a medium-sized muzzle and V-shaped ears.The nose is black and the medium-sized eyes are dark with dark eye rims.

The coat is long and silky and comes in colours of steel blue and tan. The hair must be glossy, fine and straight. Traditionally the coat is grown out very long and is parted down the middle of the back, but "must never impede movement”. The coat is sometimes clipped short for easy maintenance, especially near the face.

Height: 15-17.5 cm

Weight: 3.2kg

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website.



When a Yorkie weighs 2kg or less full grown it is often called a teacup. To achieve this small size breeders often need to breed runts with other runts. The dogs sometimes have health problems due to their abnormal small size.


Temperament

Don’t let their size fool you: Yorkshire Terriers may be small in size but they are big on personality. They need to be trained or can become snappy or unruly. They are brave, curious, energetic and affectionate companions.

With their keen senses, Yorkies make excellent watchdogs. However, this can make them too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them before this tendency to excessive barking becomes an established habit. If that training is to be successful, your Yorkshire Terrier needs to respect you so that he stops barking when you tell him to.

No matter what home they live in, they'll get along with other resident dogs and cats as long as they were raised with them. Yorkshire Terriers may become possessive of their owners if a new pet is brought into the house. Being terriers, they may want to challenge the "intruder," and if a fight breaks out, the terrier spirit is to fight to the death. Take a lot of care when you're introducing a new dog to other animals in your household.

Training & Exercise

Housebreaking is notoriously difficult with Yorkshire Terriers, especially in cold or wet weather. You may consider crate training or teaching him to use an indoor litter box or you could install a doggy door leading out into a small covered potty yard.

Yorkshire Terriers need only limited exercise due to their small size. Daily interaction, play and a walk will help expel energy. They are active indoors and suitable for apartment life.

Grooming Requirements

Without daily brushing and combing, Yorkshire Terriers become a matted mess. 

If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy. You can even shear the coat very short with clippers and then you won't need to brush it at all. 

This breed also has a propensity for dental problems, so get comfortable with brushing your pooch’s teeth. Ears should be cleaned and the nails trimmed weekly.

Health & Lifespan 


Yorkshire Terriers are sensitive to cold temperatures and prefer warmer weather. In addition to their temperature sensitivity, they are prone to Luxated Patella, Bronchitis, eye problems, tooth decay and Herniated disks.

Additionally, Yorkies often have a delicate digestive system, with vomiting or diarrhoea resulting from consumption of foods outside of a regular diet.The relatively small size of the Yorkshire Terrier means that it usually has a poor tolerance for anaesthesia.

Their average life expectancy is around 12-15 years.

Housepet Potential

Yorkshire Terriers are companion pets, ratters and competitive show dogs.
Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Yorkshire Terrier by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Yorkies can seriously injure or kill themselves by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. 

A larger dog can grab a Yorkshire Terrier and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed will mean constant supervision of what's going on around your tiny dog. Yorkshire Terriers must always be kept on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control.

Recommended For

Yorkshire Terriers are considered a great option for people with dog allergies or asthma.They are recommended for older children and need training because they can be difficult to house train.

The Yorkshire Terrier is not suited to being an outdoor dog only. The ideal owner are those who require a family companion and are prepared to have a dog living indoors or in the enclosed backyard most of the times.

The dental issues experienced by this breed make tooth brushing and regular dental exams a must. Grooming will require maintenance in the form of daily brushing and regular grooming.

These small dogs are affectionate with their families and make excellent watchdogs. If you can handle the maintenance, a Yorkie might be a great fit for your family.

 For more information on the breed, visit the Yorkshire Terrier Club of NSW

If you consider getting a Yorkshire Terrier, please try adoption resources first. To re-home a Yorkie, please contact Silky and Yorkie Rescue

Siberian Husky

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Dog-breed-Siberian-Husky-sable

The Siberian Husky is a medium size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in Siberia. A member of the Spitz family, the Siberian Husky has a double coat of thick fur, perky ears, and unique markings. Highly intelligent, hardy, and energetic, the breed was developed in the harsh Siberian Arctic, where it was used to haul cargo long distances across frozen tundra.

HISTORY

The Siberian Husky is the only pure bred dog in Australia where the word husky is part of the proper name; husky being a corruption of the word esky which once was used for eskimos and, subsequently, their dogs.

The Siberian Husky is, and has for centuries been, a purebred dog – not a wolf, half-wolf or cross-bred animal as some sites suggest. The breed was originally developed by the Chukchi (pronounced ‘chook-chee’) people of north-east Asia as an endurance sled dog. In 1909, the first large numbers of these Chukchi dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races, and the Alaskan dog drivers quickly recognized the ability of these huskies from Siberia.

In the winter of 1925, when a diptheria epidemic broke out in the isolated town of Nome, Alaska, a relay of dog teams brought life-saving serum from distant Nenana. This heroic endeavour earned national prominence for the drivers and their dogs. One of these drivers, Leonhard Seppala, brought his team of Siberian Huskies – descendants of the original imports from Siberia – to the U.S.A. on a personal appearance tour. While in New England she competed in sled dog races, and again proved the superiority of Siberian Huskies over the native dogs.


Siberian-Huskies-Iditarod-dog-sled-race
Karen Romstead and her Huskies during the famous Iditarod race
The breed has since become very popular. It earned recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1930, and later in England, Europe and Australia.

From near obscurity in the 1980s  the Siberian Husky has had a meteoric rise in popularity in Australia.

APPEARANCE

The Siberian Husky is an arctic breed with striking blue or brown eyes – or one eye of each colour. The skull is medium sized and should be proportionate to the body, slightly rounded on top and tapering from the eyes forward. The muzzle is medium length and with, tapering gradually to the tip which is neither completely round nor completely square.

The nose is black for gray, tan or black dogs, liver in cooper dogs, and can be flesh-coloured in white dogs. Some dogs have a nose that has pink streaks, referred to as “snow nose.” The ears sit high atop the head, are triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips that should point straight up in the air. The back is long and straight. 
Siberian-Husky-breed-standard
Siberian Husky - Photo Credit: Asryn Kennel

The Husky's tail is covered in thick fur and is fox-brushed shape. It is carried over the back in a sickle curve when the dog is alert, and trails when the dog is relaxed. The coat comes in many colours including various shades of gray and silver, sand, red, and black-and-white, often with striking markings on the head that are not found in other breeds.

  • Height: Male: 54–60 cm; Female: 50–56 cm 
  • Weight: Male: 20–27 kg; Female: 16–23 kg

For the full breed standard, please visit the ANKC website.


TEMPERAMENT

The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may be a heritage from the past, since the Chukchi people held their dogs in great esteem, housed them in the family shelters, and encouraged their children to play with them. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and adaptable. Their intelligence has been proven, but their independent spirit may at times challenge your ingenuity.

The versatility of the Siberian Husky makes them an agreeable companion to people of all ages and varying interests. While capable of showing strong affection for their family, the Siberian huskies are not usually a one-person dog. 

They exhibit no fear or suspicion of strangers, and will greet guests cordially.Theirs is not the temperament of a watchdog, although a Siberian husky may unwittingly act as a deterrent to those ignorant of their true hospitable nature. 


Siberian-Husky-howling
A Siberian rarely barks – they prefer to whine or moan and will hold their head high and produce a beautiful howl. If the howl persists the neighbours may get upset – they are a rather vocal dog.

In their interactions with unfamiliar dogs, the Siberian Husky displays friendly interest and gentlemanly decorum. If attacked, however, they are ready and able to defend themselves.

Predatory instincts in the Siberian Husky are strong. While the Siberian is normally gentle and friendly with people and other dogs, owners MUST be aware that small animals in and around the home, such as rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and cats, are potential victims of their strong predatory instinct. 

Chewing and digging? Siberian huskies have been known to do their share. 

Bored Siberian Huskies are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
Siberian-Huskies-digging-holes
Digging holes is a pastime that many Siberian Huskies have a special proclivity for so if you take great pride in your landscaping efforts… Don’t buy a Siberian Husky.

HEALTH

Huskies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.

Breed health concerns may include crystalline corneal opacity, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, juvenile cataracts, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), nasal depigmentation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and von Willebrand disease.

The average life span of the Siberian Husky is 12 to 14 years.

GROOMING

The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. They are by nature fastidiously clean and free from body odour and parasites.
Siberian-Husky-shedding-coat

Once or twice a year the Siberian Husky sheds his coat, and it is then, when armed with a comb and a garbage bag, that one realizes the amazing density and profusion of the typical Siberian Husky coat. Some people feel that this periodic problem is easier to cope with than the constant shedding and renewal of many smooth-coated breeds. 

If you like fur all over the house and in the very air you breathe, then fine. If, however, you value neatness at all times, then… Don’t buy a Siberian Husky.

TRAINING AND EXERCISE

This is not a breed suitable for a flat or homes without a large yard unless the owner is an extremely active person prepared to exercise their pet for several hours a day.

Siberian Huskies are intelligent and physically very capable. They are often more in need of training than other breeds so that small problem behaviours don’t grow into big ones. Behaviours that can perhaps be tolerated in toy breeds often become completely unacceptable when done by a dog as large and active as a Husky.

Some owners recommend bonding the dog with a toy or food for reward-based training. Creative training techniques may be needed as these dogs are easily bored!

HOUSEPET POTENTIAL

To make sure you can safely invite a Husky into your home you will need to have:
  1. Six foot fences around your entire yard with proper latching gates. Huskies can dig, chew, squeeze and climb their way out of even apparently secure yards, and have been known to learn to operate simple gate locks.
  2. Time during the day and especially the morning and evening to walk, play with and be a close companion to your Husky. They are not a set-and-forget breed and need to be included in all the variety of your family’s daily life, every single day. A family’s lack of time is the number one reason most Huskies end up in rescue.
  3. A commitment to training to bring out the best in your Husky, and manage their intelligence, exuberance, assertiveness and even affection using motivational training techniques. Lack of basic discipline is the number two reason most huskies end up in rescue.
Australian-dog-sled-race-Shepparton
Australia's largest dry land dog sled race near Shepparton (VIC)


RECOMMENDED FOR

The happiest Husky is one owned by an active person or family with a strong sense of responsibility, who will give it plenty of exercise (1-2 hours daily!) and has a firm, consistent training routine.

Breeders strongly recommend new owners attend dog training classes with their puppy and to always exercise the dog on a leash. Owners say Siberian Huskies have no road sense and if they are let off a leash or escape, they will just run and run.

Frankly, most Siberian Huskies are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people can provide the types of athletic activities that keep this breed satisfied.

For more information on the breed, please visit

Siberian Husky Club of NSW
Siberian Husky Club of VIC

If you’d like to re-home a Husky, please contact

Arctic Breed Rescue
Husky Rescue 





Weimaraner

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The Weimaraner or “Silver Ghost” is a highly-energetic, intelligent, friendly and affectionate dog. Originally bred as a gundog to handle big game like deer and bear, he was a highly sought-after dog breed in its native Germany. 

HISTORY

The Weimaraner dates to the early 19th century, when he was developed at the Weimar court in what is now Germany. The noblemen loved hunting and wanted a dog with courage, intelligence, good scenting ability, speed, and stamina. How they achieved their dream dog, first known as the Weimar Pointer, is unknown, but it's believed that the breeds used to create the Weimaraner included the Bloodhound, the English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Great Dane, and the silver-gray Hühnerhund (chicken dog). 

In 1897, an exclusive club was started in Germany to maintain the breed and no one was permitted to buy a Weimaraner unless they joined the club. Strict guidelines were imposed upon the breeding of Weimaraners.

President Eisenhower and his Weimaraner Heidi

During World War II, it became difficult for German breeders to keep their dogs, so many outstanding Weimaraners were sent to the U.S. At the end of World War II, many American servicemen brought Weimaraners home with them, and they quickly grew in popularity, after President Eisenhower brought his Weimaraner - Heidi - to the White House.




APPEARANCE



The Weimaraner is a powerful-looking dog, well-muscled for strength and stamina and deep-chested for endurance. 

The coat is short, smooth, sleek, and solid-coloured, ranging from mouse-gray to silver-gray, usually with lighter shades on the head and ears. The Weimaraner head is aristocratic, with muzzle and skull being the same length. 

Eyes must be light amber, gray, or blue-gray; ears are fairly long and are set high on the head and folded over. The nose is dark gray and the skin pink (not white or black) inside the flaps of the ears and on the lips.

  • Weight: Male: 32-37 kg; Female: 25-32 kg
  • Height: Male: 63-68 cm; Female: 58-63 cm

For the full breed standard, please visit the ankc.org.au

TEMPERAMENT

The Weimaraner is a housedog however he’s not suited to apartment living. This highly active dog needs both a large, securely fenced backyard where he can run and an active family who can provide him with the exercise and mental stimulation he needs.


Weimaraner competing in Dog Agility

Weimaraners need a couple of hours of exercise daily if you want to prevent recreational barking, digging and chewing. 

You could play fetch and other running games, take him jogging or hiking, teach him to run alongside your bicycle, or get him involved in a dog sport such as agility or flyball. 


In the house, a mature, well-trained Weimaraner will be your shadow, from bedroom to bathroom to kitchen to den. Weimaraners are more prone than many breeds to suffer from separation anxiety and can become destructive and "dig" in your carpet or sofa in an attempt to create a secure nest.

Weimaraners are highly intelligent, but they're also independent thinkers. This combination can make them a challenge when it comes to training. Be consistent and firm, but gentle. Among the tricks your Weimaraner may learn are getting ice from the dispenser in the door of your refrigerator, turning on faucets, and opening gates and doors.


HEALTH


Weimaraners are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions:
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is an abnormality of the hip joint. It may affect one or both sides. Dogs with hip dysplasia may or may not show any clinical signs. Although the tendency toward hip dysplasia is thought to be inherited, diet, rapid growth, and environment also are thought to be contributors to the condition.
  • Bloat or Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): This is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs, especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Some think that raised feeding dishes and type of food might be a factor in causing this to happen too. It is more common among older dogs. 
  • Skin Allergies

GROOMING

A Weimaraner is one of the easiest breeds to groom. Even when he has been running through mud, the dirt just seems to fall off him. Weekly brushing with a bristle brush should keep his coat and skin healthy. Weimaraners shed, but brushing will help keep loose hair off your clothes and furniture. Bathe when needed. He takes great pleasure in rolling in anything stinky, so this may be more often than would normally be necessary.

All breeds with hanging ears are prone to ear infections. Check your Weimaraner's ears weekly and wipe them out with a cotton ball moistened with a cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Your Weimaraner may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear.


RECOMMENDED FOR


The high-energy Weimaraner needs an athletic owner willing to meet his demanding exercise needs: running, biking, hiking, jogging etc.

Too much confinement leads to hyperactivity and destructiveness, as does being left alone too much. A bored Weimaraner will bark up a storm, demolish your home and garden and even attempt to escape in search of adventure.

Reserved with strangers, dominant with other dogs, predatory toward small animals such as cats, rabbits or birds, most Weimaraners need an owner who can provide leadership, socialisation, and training beyond the beginner level.

If you can provide the time and attention this dog needs, you will be rewarded with a loyal and affectionate pet that loves nothing more than being by your side.

For more information on the breed or to re-home a Weimaraner, please visit: