Dachshund

DOG BREED A to K KNOW YOUR BREED

Dachshund

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The Dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog belonging to the hound family.

His cute appearance and lively disposition have inspired many affectionate nicknames for the breed, including wiener dog, sausage dog, doxie, dashie etc. Dachshunds are intelligent, loving and extremely loyal to their families, but they are not for everyone!

HISTORY

First known as the Teckel in his home country of Germany, the Dachshund has been around in one form or another for at least 500 years. 

The Dachshund’s distinctive long, low shape is due to being purpose-bred to tear down burrows after badgers, rabbits and foxes in its country of origin, Germany. Dachs is the German word for badger, and hund means dog.

In the 1800s, Dachshunds started being bred more as pets than as hunters, especially in Great Britain. They were favourites in royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was especially fond of the breed. Due to this trend, their size was gradually reduced by about 10 pounds. Eventually, an even smaller version - the Miniature Dachshund - was bred to hunt smaller game like rabbit.

APPEARANCE

There are two sizes: the Standard, which is 25-28cm (10-11″) and the Miniature which is 20cm (8″). 

Their lungs are large for a dog this size and they have a barrel-like chest. 
The Dachshund's unusually large and paddle-shaped paws were perfect for efficient digging.

There are three coat varieties: the smooth, the long, and the wire, which when combined with the two sizes accommodates the six different types. 

There is a wide range of colours available in either solids, or lesser-known dapples (also called merles).

Weight: 9 kg-12 kg. For a Miniature, the ideal weight is 4.5kg (10 lbs).

For the full breed standard, please visit the ANKC website

TEMPERAMENT

Dachshunds are extremely sociable dogs and are not suitable for being left alone all day. They want to be with you and your family as much as possible and also like to be on your lap or having cuddles on the couch, so if you want a dog for the backyard a Dachshund is not for you.

They are just as happy playing and being taken for a walk or car ride, which they love, as they are cuddled up to you on the sofa. Some Dachshunds have been described by their owners as couch potatoes, but it is important that they are exercised regularly to keep their weight down and also to prevent boredom and destructiveness.

Dachshunds have a mind of their own, can be stubborn, obstinate, have selective hearing and if you let them, they will rule the household. 

They are not hard to housetrain with the right training, but it can be said that this breed doesn’t enjoy getting wet, and there is certainly a consensus of opinion that when it rains they will not willingly go out in the garden to answer calls of nature!

Dachshunds will bark and are territorial. If a stranger comes to the door they’ll bark, if the doorbell rings they’ll bark, if they can see someone walking past their house, they’ll bark, a bird flying into the garden, they’ll bark. Whatever they can see belongs to them. Not all Dachshunds display this behaviour but you need to be aware of it.

Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers and some of them can have high prey drives, meaning the chooks will not be safe! You may think your Dachshund has excellent recall off leash but if they see something interesting they will be off in a second following their instincts and will not come back until they’re ready. This often leads to tragic consequences. Dachshunds are better off being walked on the leash, especially in areas where there are cars as they do not have any road sense.

Not all Dachshunds like big dogs and they have no idea of their size in relation to other dogs. They will happily take on a bigger dog to protect you or their territory, sometimes with tragic consequences. 

TRAINING AND EXERCISE

A Dachshund's hunting instinct should be strongly encouraged through Field Trials, Earthdog events, and Tracking. Dachshunds also excel in Agility, Rally, and Obedience as well.

Dachshunds are not a pushover but they believe you are! They need firm, consistent training from an early age but they respond well to rewards for good behaviour.

A daily walk for 30 minutes is ideal, and quite important for dogs which otherwise live indoors permanently. 

HEALTH

The extreme short legs of the Dachshund are caused by a dominant gene which produces a condition known as Chondrodysplasia; this is where the cartilage of the growth plates grows at a slow rate and can weaken the backbone. This means the long spine might be vulnerable to back problems especially if the dog is obese, frequently uses stairs or is allowed to jump down from chairs or lounges.

Intervertebral disk disease is a major clinical problem in the breed. However, by recognising the causes and consequences of the problem, owners may prevent a great deal of difficulties by restricting the amount of excessive jumping and managing the weight of their dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a term for retinal degenerations occurring in many breeds of dogs. The disease results in a degeneration of the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye – the retina – resulting in loss of vision, and often leading to blindness. PRA has been diagnosed in all varieties of Dachshunds but there has been a predominant incidence in the mini long-haired variety.

GROOMING

Dachshunds are a low-maintenance breed. They shed, but not excessively.

• Smooths can be wiped with a damp cloth between baths to keep them clean. If you live in a location that is cold in the winter, your Smooth Dachshund may need a sweater when he goes outside.

Wirehaired Dachshund

• Wirehaired Dachshunds require regular brushing, and they'll need to have their coats "stripped" two to three times a year to look their best. 
• Longhaired Dachshunds should be brushed regularly to remove knots and burrs and prevent mats from forming. They need to be bathed more often than the Smooth Dachshund, and you must blow-dry them afterward for their coat to look good.

Special attention should be given to the areas under the ears and between the pads of the feet.

RECOMMENDED FOR

The small, neat size of the Dachshund makes him an ideal housedog. The breed is frequently chosen by older people looking for a companion as well as a reliable watchdog.
A Dachshund can be suitable for families with young children, but they are small dogs and children should be taught how to behave around them.

Dachshunds are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. If you're interested in adopting an Dachshund, a rescue group is a good place to start.

Dachshund Rescue Australia

For more information on the breed, please contact:

Dachshund Club of NSW
Dachshund Club of VIC
Dachshund Club of QLD

Great Dane

DOG BREED A to K KNOW YOUR BREED

Great Dane

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The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest dog breeds. A true gentle giant, the Great Dane has a playful, easy nature which can give way to bouts of silliness both as a pup and as an adult.

HISTORY

Great Dane history from the 14th century forward reveals that the early Dane was a courageous and powerful hunter, capable of great speeds and swift attack.

This muscular dog was developed primarily in England and Germany by combining the speed of the Greyhound, with the muscle and strength of the English Mastiff.

German Chancellor Otto von Bismark and his Great Danes

Many canine historians further link the Irish Wolfhound to this breed lineage. 

Over time and through selective breeding, Great Danes have been transformed from fierce hunting dogs into the noble, well-mannered giants we know and love today.

They are the national dog of Germany and have been favoured by the likes of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and Buffalo Bill Cody.

APPEARANCE

One of the largest dog breeds in the world, the Great Dane can reach a minimum of 76cm (30") at the shoulder and weigh upwards from 54kg (120lb).

This is a tall dog with a moderately deep chest and a square appearance. The head is rectangular in shape with ears which are large, triangular and floppy.

Harlequin Great Dane

There are six recognised colours - Fawn, Brindle, Black, Blue, Mantle and Harlequin. 

Great Danes with colours or markings besides these six cannot be shown but regardless of colour, they all can make fine family pets. Be cautious of those breeders trying to sell you a 'rare' colour.

The Great Dane grows into a massive dog which should be considered before purchasing the breed. A Great Dane can grow well over 6 foot in height, when stood on their hind legs, so he is capable of peering over any garden fence. 

Prospective owners also need to think about fitting both the dog and the family in the car, how much room there is for the dog to lay on the lounge room floor when the children want to play. Consider that a Great Dane will ‘counter-surf’ the kitchen with ease and a Great Dane dog door is big enough for an adult to get through...

• Height: Female: 71–81 cm, Male: 76–86 cm
• Weight: Female: 45–59 kg, Male: 54–90 kg

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website

TEMPERAMENT

Great Danes are territorial and most will bark at strangers on their property, but once introduced, are friendly and affectionate. Owners say they are loving and loyal, and adore human company.

Despite their size, Great Danes have a sensitive nature and this can easily lead to anxiety issues if they are not given clear boundaries early on.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

Bone strength is vital for giant breeds such as Great Danes. Start with a balanced diet as puppies and stick to the diet sheet provided by the breeder.

Danes do have a slower metabolism than most other breeds and even other giant breeds so the accepted practice is to stay with a food that fits the 23%-25% protein range, feeding a well-balanced diet, which generally consists of a premium adult dry dog food mixed with raw mince. Just bear in mind that a growing puppy can eat up to 8 cups of dry food a day.

Carrying excess weight adds stress to bones and joints and particularly impacts as they grow old. An obese or even a chubby Great Dane is not a healthy one.

Great Danes may be predisposed to certain health problems such as:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Von Willibrands Disease
• Wobbler Syndrome
• Eye/hearing abnormalities (especially in predominately white dogs)
• Sports and/or weight injuries like cruciate ligament tears
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions 

Puppies and young adults can develop growing or bone problems which are sometimes associated with an improper diet. The most negative aspect of the breed is a short life span.

Deal only with a reputable breeder and make sure you see certificates with low-risk ratings for hip and elbow dysplasia, both inheritable defects causing degeneration of the hip or elbow.

Being a deep-chested breed, Great Danes are vulnerable to bloat or stomach torsion and it is recommended to feed your dog smaller portions several times a day. Also don’t exercise him immediately after eating or drinking.

Cancers are now part of the world of canines across many breeds and they are more readily diagnosed and can be treated. Great Danes do have a slightly higher prevalence to cancers compared to some dogs and Osteosarcoma, especially in a limb, can be a huge hurdle to overcome. You should consider whether you could care for a Dane with an amputation or nurse one through surgery and/or chemotherapy.

HOUSEPET POTENTIAL

If  you have the room, Great Danes are good indoors, with little hair shed and usually content to stretch out on the floor or lounge as they love lying at (or on) the feet of their owners. 

A Great Dane can live as an outside dog but cannot be people deprived. They will seek the company of their humans and if it is not available, may show signs of anxiety or destructive behaviour. A naughty Great Dane doesn’t chew the chair leg, it chews the table!

They do require more food than a Labrador sized dog, vet bills and medications will also cost more as this is a giant breed. If you decide to bring a Great Dane into your home you will need to be realistic of the costs that can be involved in caring for him.

Pet insurance will help enormously with the costs that you will incur particularly with any major medical events. A Canine Bloat and torsion episode can range from $6,000 - $20,000 and finding these large sums of money urgently stretches any budget.

All Danes slobber, some more than others. There is a gene in their make up which causes excessive slobber, some Danes have it, some don't - it is the luck of the draw! Some of the Danes with a finer head shape and tighter lower jowl will slobber less in volume but there is no guarantee. It is usually while they are exercising or overheating. Get used to carrying a 'slobber' cloth with you wherever you go.

A Great Dane can live as an outside dog but cannot be people deprived. They will seek the company of their humans and if it is not available, may show signs of anxiety or destructive behaviour. A naughty Great Dane doesn’t chew the chair leg, it chews the table!

TRAINING & EXERCISE 

Adult Danes kept in suburban backyards will need a daily walk of 30 minutes. Many Danes are kept on acreages and will self-exercise.

Dogs under 12 months of age should only have smaller amounts of exercise until their growth plates close.

GROOMING

Great Danes require minimal grooming, although washing them can take some time!

RECOMMENDED FOR

Much of the success in owning a Great Dane will come with responsible ownership and attention to early socialisation and training. Control of this huge dog is essential at all times in all situations, and most experts say Danes respond well to training. Puppy school is an ideal introduction, and basic obedience is very important.

Although Great Danes who have been raised with children are usually very gentle, they are much larger than a small child even as puppies and "teenagers" and can be boisterous. Children must be taught the correct way to interact and parents need to monitor correct behaviour on the part of the child and the puppy. Dogs and children should never be left alone unsupervised.

For more information on the Great Dane breed or to re-home a “Gentle Giant", please contact:

The Great Dane Club of NSW
Great Dane Society of QLD
The Great Dane Club of VIC

Great Dane Rescue & Re-homing
Great Dane Rescue VIC
Great Dane Lovers Association of WA

Jack Russell Terrier

DOG BREED A to K KNOW YOUR BREED

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent, versatile and incredibly fearless for their size, but also fun loving and extremely loyal which makes them the ideal family companion when properly trained.

HISTORY

The Jack Russell Terrier is an intrepid little dog, originally bred to hunt foxes who had gone underground. The breed originated in Devon, England in the mid- 1800s and to this day the Jack Russell remains a keen terrier.

The founder was the Parson “Jack” Russell who wanted a longer-legged agile terrier with plenty of spirit who could keep up with the hounds.  

Russell had a passion and understanding for the breed that is still highly regarded today. By 1830 Russell would embark on a series of cross-breeding with assorted breeds, most likely including beagles and bull terriers, in order to create a breed that would meet the needs of any British hunter.

It is not really clear when the first Jack Russell Terriers came to Australia and the breed was only officially recognised here in 1991.

APPEARANCE

The Jack Russell Terriers are ostensibly different - slightly longer - to the Parson Russell Terriers who are taller and square. Ideally the Jack Russell stands between 25-30cm (10-12″) in height, a bit taller than a Maltese, and is slightly longer than it is tall. 

Although narrow, the chest is deep though the shortened legs should still allow for plenty of clearance. The eyes will appear alert, the jaws deep, wide and powerful and the coat is predominantly white with black, tan or brown markings.

Today's Jack Russells are characterised by two-tone or tri-colour patterns of white, brown, and sometimes black. The Jack Russell Terrier comes in three coat varieties - smooth, rough and broken, and all require a minimum of grooming.

Modern day Jack Russells are much more sturdy and muscled than their ancestors.

• Weight: 6 – 8 kg 
• Height: 25 – 30 cm 

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website.

TEMPERAMENT 

The Jack Russell Terrier is a happy, energetic dog with a strong desire to work. This breed is most happy when given companionship and a job to do. Digging is normal for a Jack Russell, especially if he decides it is his job to free your yard from rodents! Hunting ability is bred into them; it is their nature. The desire to hunt combined with a high energy level makes training a must for the Jack Russell. You will never win a battle of wills with him!

Early socialisation is one of the most important things you can do for your Jack Russell puppy. Introducing him to the world in a controlled environment is key to raising a well-behaved, happy and friendly dog. Socialising is familiarisation of your puppy with different people, children, other dogs, animals and getting them used to all kinds of environments, sounds, smells and situations. 

Although bold and fearless, the Jack Russell Terrier should remain a friendly and playful dog with children and their owners. An untrained Jack Russell may grow to be a nippy dog and any bored dog is likely to be destructive. Because of his origins, Jack Russells can be vocal and they also make good watchdogs.

The breed’s fearless character can manifest itself when confronted with other dogs and any animal that resembles prey, including cats, hamsters etc.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

The Jack Russell is a hardy breed with few health and genetic problems.

Some are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness and Legg Perthes—a disease of the hip joints of small dog breeds.

Most other health issues relate to injuries caused by the dog’s fearless and spirited nature. This is a strong, healthy breed with an expected long lifespan, about 14-15 years.

GROOMING

The Jack Russell is a medium maintenance dog with all type of coats requiring some grooming. Smooth coat Jack Russells actually require more brushing (weekly) whereas the rough and broken coats will only need to be stripped every four weeks.

EXERCISE & TRAINING

The breed is energetic and requires at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Tall, secure fencing is essential as some dogs will be prone to dig, especially if bored. They are regarded as accomplished escape artists.

If you want a smart dog who can quickly learn tricks, run an agility or flyball course, play fetch until you drop, and who will make a charming companion when he's not getting into mischief, the Jack Russell could be the dog for you. 

Initially, training may be difficult as these strong-willed dogs can be easily distracted, therefore professional obedience training from an early age (around 12 weeks) is essential and a careful eye when walking your dog (on a lead) is always recommended.

RECOMMENDED FOR

Jack Russells have amazing skills and traits that make them excellent hunting dogs: digging, barking, an aggressive nature and the ability to follow scent. However, these same traits in a household are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up.

The Jack Russell Terrier can make an excellent companion and guard dog for experienced dog owners, families and the elderly as long as his exercise requirements are met.

Jack Russell Terriers can be recreational barkers, so they're not suited to apartment life.

Unfortunately too many Jack Russells are purchased as puppies by owners ill-prepared to care for this active breed. As a result, many are dumped at shelters and pounds or abandoned. It is important to consider the breed’s temperament and its match to your lifestyle before purchasing a new puppy.

• Temperament: outgoing and friendly
• Lifespan: 14-15 years
• Maintenance: low
• Recommended for: experienced owners

For more information on the breed, please visit:

Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia
Jack Russell Club of NSW Inc.
Jack Russell Club of VIC

If you'd like to re-home a Jack Russell Terrier, please contact:

Jack Russell Terrier Rescue

Weimaraner

DOG BREED L to Z KNOW YOUR BREED

Weimaraner

Comment  

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:

Weimaraner Club of NSW
Weimaraner Club of QLD
Weimaraner Club of VIC 
Weimaraner Club of WA 

Australian Weimaraner Rescue

Hungarian Vizsla

DOG BREED A to K KNOW YOUR BREED

Hungarian Vizsla

Comment  

The Hungarian Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary. They are sporting dogs and loyal companions, in addition to being the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds.

HISTORY

The Vizsla (meaning “pointer” in Hungarian) is the national dog of Hungary. Its early origins are hard to trace but its history probably began in the ninth century when the warring Magyar tribes migrated from the Steppes of Asia and eventually settled in the Carpathian Basin, known today as Hungary. It is believed that, over the centuries, the Vizslas we know today evolved from the hunting/herding dogs that the Magyars brought with them.

For centuries the Vizsla was owned by the sporting nobility of Hungary and used to scent and search for birds that were then either caught by falcons or netted. After the introduction of firearms during the 1700's the nobility of the day required a gundog with an all-round ability to work on fur and feather, on the plains of Hungary. 

The dogs needed to be fast and have good noses which would enable them to work the giant hare and point the various game birds and wildfowl. The Vizsla was also used to hunt deer, wild boar and wolf, all of which it was expected to hold at bay. This work was usually performed using several dogs working together. 

During the 20th century, two world wars and the Russian invasion of Hungary decimated the Hungarian Vizsla population. After the First World War about a dozen dogs remained and these became the basis of all registered Vizslas in Hungary. During the Russian occupation, many nationals fled taking their Vizslas with them and thus the breed became established in Europe and the West.

APPEARANCE

Photo credit: Hubertus Vizslas Australia

The Hungarian Vizsla is a slim, sleek, sophisticated-looking dog with a sensitive expression and thin, silky, drop ears. 

He has a short russet gold coat and the eyes and nose come in various shades of brown.

Although sometimes described as medium-sized, most dog owners would consider the Hungarian Vizsla belongs to the large breed category.

Height: Male: 56–64 cm; Female: 53–61 cm

Weight: Male: 20–29 kg; Female: 18–25 kg

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website 

TEMPERAMENT

Lively, friendly, even tempered and easily trained. The Hungarian Vizsla has an outstanding willingness to keep contact with his master while working and it is one of his essential qualities. 

The good-natured Hungarian Vizsla has even been called the "Velcro Vizsla" because he is so tactile - he likes to attach himself to people, preferably in their laps or on their heads!
The breed ranks low on aggression, destructiveness and snappiness, and high on playfulness.

If you're interested in dog sports, your Hungarian Vizsla would probably be happy to compete. The Vizsla excels in conformation, field, obedience and agility. His superb scenting skills make him a natural hunter. 

Hungarian Vizslas have also been guide dogs, drug detection dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs, and have competed in falconry, flyball, tracking, and hunt tests.

Hungarian Vizslas are talkers: they will whine, moan, or make other noises to let you know their opinion on everything that's going on. Some can become recreational barkers if this bad habit isn't controlled early on.
Being a retrieving dog, the Vizsla is mouthy and likes to chew. Provide him with a variety of chew toys and rotate them regularly so he doesn't get bored and decide to gnaw on your shoes or other expensive items.

TRAINING & EXERCISE

Said to be highly trainable, the Hungarian Vizsla does not respond well to harsh scolding or aggression and owners have found that attention and reward-based training work best. His keen senses and protective instinct make him an excellent watchdog.

The Hungarian Vizsla is still used as a versatile gundog - excelling in field, forest or water situations. He can cope with difficult terrain as well as extreme weather conditions.
Because of his adaptability he is also easily kept as a companion dog in the house.

This dog needs LOTS of exercise, with some owners saying 5-10km every day is vital. This is not a breed for the infirm unless a regular dog walker is employed! With daily walks the backyard size becomes less relevant. Most will enjoy a suburban backyard in which to snuffle around but it must be well-fenced.

HEALTH

In Australia, Hip Dysplasia - a degenerative disease of the hips - cases in Hungarian Vizslas have been reported though the incidence has been low. If you're buying your puppy from a reputable breeder, please ensure the parents have been x-rayed and have good hips before buying their pups.

The average lifespan is 12-14 years.

GROOMING

This smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed.

HOUSEPET POTENTIAL

Hungarian Vizslas love being indoors and, due to their thin coats, feel the cold in winter. Most quickly learn to be neat and quiet, although puppies can be a danger to your fragile ornaments!

RECOMMENDED FOR

Hungarian Vizslas are best suited to very active, responsible people with a commitment to a long daily walk. They are probably too boisterous for toddlers and pre-schoolers, although families with school-age children should be fine. They are not a dog to be left alone in the backyard and must have a family willing to include their pet in their home life.

Hungarian Vizslas are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering.

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

Hungarian Viszla Club of NSW
Hungarian Viszla Club of VIC
Hungarian Viszla Club of WA

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

DOG BREED A to K KNOW YOUR BREED

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Comment  

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often called a "sporting toy breed" because of his combination of spaniel and toy traits. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it is still one of the most popular breeds. 

Born to be a companion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is sweet-tempered, playful, and gentle.

One of the largest of the toy breeds, he's often as athletic as a true sporting breed and enjoys hiking, running on the beach, and dog sports such as agility and flyball. The more restful members of the breed find happiness sitting on a lap or getting a belly rub.

HISTORY 

While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a relatively new breed, recreated less than a century ago. His prototype is the toy spaniel that has existed for centuries as a companion to royalty and nobility.

Cavaliers are descended from the same toy spaniels depicted in many 16th, 17th, and 18th century paintings by famous artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The spaniels in those paintings had flat heads, high-set ears, and longish noses. 

King Charles II and his Cavaliers (Ward)

These little spaniels were favourites of royal and noble families in England. Mary, Queen of Scots had a toy spaniel who accompanied her as she walked to her beheading, and her grandson, Charles I, and great-grandson, Charles II — who gave their name to the breed — loved the little dogs as well. It's said that King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685, never went anywhere without at least two or three of these little spaniels. He even decreed that the spaniels should be allowed in any public place, including the Houses of Parliament. 

After Charles II's death, the King Charles Spaniels' popularity waned, and Pugs and other short-faced breeds became the new royal favourites. The King Charles Spaniels were bred with these dogs and eventually developed many of their features, such as the shorter nose.

There was one stronghold of the original King Charles Spaniels at Blenheim Palace, the country estate of the Dukes of Marlborough. Here, a strain of red and white Toy Spaniels continued to be bred, which is why Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with this coloration are called Blenheim today. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Blenheim

Since there was no standard for the breed and no dog shows yet, the type and size of the toy spaniels bred varied. In the mid-19th century, however, English breeders started holding dog shows and trying to refine different dog breeds. By that time, the toy spaniel was accepted as having a flat face, undershot jaw, domed skull and large, round, front-facing eyes. The King Charles Spaniels depicted in paintings from earlier centuries were almost extinct.

APPEARANCE

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Tri-colour

With a sweet rounded face, big brown eyes and soft floppy ears the Cavalier is the ultimate “cute” dog. 

There are four colours, Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tri-colour (black, white and tan), black and tan, and ruby (solid red).

• Weight: 5.9 – 8.2 kg (Male or Female) 
• Height: 31 – 33 cm (Male or Female)

For the full breed standard visit the ANKC website

TEMPERAMENT 

Cavaliers are affectionate and compliant, tolerant of children and come highly recommended by many vets. 

This comfort-loving breed adores cuddling in laps but he also has more athletic instincts than you might think. Indeed, he can be a runner and chaser. A fenced backyard or a leash are musts at all times, because many Cavaliers have an instinct to chase most things that move including low-flying birds or even butterflies, vehicles on busy streets etc. and so most Cavaliers will never become "street-wise". 

Because the breed is so people-oriented, Cavaliers become stressed when left alone too long and are best suited to a home where someone is around. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is lonely will whine or bark or chew destructively. 

Most Cavaliers are polite with everyone and peaceful with other dogs and cats. As they tend to regard all strangers as friends, members of the breed will usually not make good guard dogs.

Cavaliers do need a decent amount of exercise - a couple of long daily walks and a fenced yard in which to run.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

Responsible breeders are screening parents to eliminate known genetic problems such as luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), eye defects and congenital heart problems.

Cavaliers can often suffer from, most notably Mitral Valve Disease, which leads to heart failure. It is both a congenital disease and is inherited in certain lines of Cavaliers.

Syringomyelia (SM) is reported to be "very widespread" in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. Syringomyelia is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord, which may cause severe head and neck pain and possible paralysis.

The average lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 and 14 years.

GROOMING 

The Cavalier needs bathing and a good brush for 15-20 minutes each week. 

When coming out of winter hair may be shed onto furnishings. 

The drop ears should be wiped clean and checked regularly to avoid infections. 

RECOMMENDED FOR

The Cavalier makes an ideal housepet, being small, quiet and unobtrusive. They are said to be easily house-trained and do not need a big backyard. A regular walk, however, is recommended.

Cavaliers appeal to older people and young families alike  -especially those with children unfamiliar with dogs. Puppies may be injured if left unsupervised with children under three years.

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

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of NSW
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of QLD
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of SA
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of TAS