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Showing posts with label dog breeds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog breeds. Show all posts

AKC Recognizes 2 New Dog Breeds in 2014

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Learn more about the Coton De Tulear
This year the American Kennel Club has allowed two new breeds to join their roster of pure bred dogs.  The Wirehaired Vizsla has joined the Sporting Group while the darling Coton De Tulear has entered the Non-Sporting Group.


The Coton De Tulear


This tiny fluffy dog is the national dog of Madagascar, where the breed originated. Named for its cottony white coat, "Coton" and the Port of Madagascar, Tulear, these charming dogs have graced Madagascar's
national stamps.

The breed standard calls for a gay and light-hearted dog that is never demanding. The tail is carried happily over the back and the proportions of the dog are slightly longer that tall.  

The expression of the Coton is a smiling one that expresses "joie de vivre." The temperament of the breed is marked by a unique sympathy to the emotions of those around them. They are also known for their unique vocalizations which may include unusual grunts and growls.  Bred purely as companion dogs, the Coton listens well when spoken to and often tries to answer.

Overall the coat is dense, dry and cottony, never harsh. It should be white, with occasional light tan or grey shading on the ears or back.  On the body, the light color should not cover more than 5% of the dog.


The Wirehaired Viszla 

Learn more about the Wirehaired Vizsla 


Developed in the 1940's in Hungary from the standard Hungarian Viszla, hunters were seeking a sturdier dog with a coat that could stand up to the harsh Hungarian winters. They possess a dense wiry coat with bearded facial furnishings and "eyebrows." 

The wirehaired vizsla has an excellent sense of smell and is a great tracker of things made of fur or feathers. Sturdily built, these dogs cover ground easily in all terrains.

The wirehaired vizsla is biddable and easy to train and handle.  As sensitive dogs, they do not respond well to heavy-handed treatment.   Lively and gentle, they make excellent companions. 

With these two additions to their rooster, the AKC now recognizes 180 pure breeds.

Pugs - Wrinkly, Pudgy Bundles of Joy!

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Mention the name pug and people who knows a lot about dog breeds are bound to describe it with the phrase “multum in parvo” which means “much in little”. True enough, there is so much more to the small package than what meets the eye. Despite its compactness, the pug has a big personality.

What Meets the Eye  


How would you describe a pug physically? It is easy to recognize a pug with its dark, short-muzzled face; glossy, wrinkly skin; soft, flapped ears; and a curled tail. It has a large head and a square, stocky body carried by four, pudgy but sturdy legs.

The average weight can range from 14 to 18 pounds.  Males are generally larger than the females in terms of height.  They can grow anywhere from 10 to 14 inches tall.  On the other hand, females typically grow from 10 to 12 inches tall.

Fawn and black are the most common coat coloring for pugs, but some pugs may have apricot fawn or silver fawn coats. A pug with a fawn-colored coat would have a black mask on the face and dark ears.

The breed originated in China, but was introduced in Europe by the 16th century. They are a favored breed in the House of Orange of the Netherlands, and the House of Stuart. It was officially recognized by the AKC in 1885, and listed under the Toy Group. Today, they are one of the most popular breeds in many countries across the globe.

Multum in Parvo 


Pugs generally have a fun, friendly, loving temperament which makes them ideal as companion or family dogs. They are very smart dogs, and are also great with children. However, as mentioned at the onset of this article, pugs have a strong personality and can be stubborn if not trained. This is why it is so important for the human to clearly show the dog who’s the boss. Calm, loving, and consistent training is important when you’re caring for a pug – or any dog on that matter.
They love to eat and would definitely eat more than they should when more food is available. Hence, pug owners must avoid overfeeding their pets to prevent obesity and other health risks. They also need regular exercise – daily walks and playtime in order to be healthy and happy. The pug is playful when it has someone to play with, but it doesn’t mind being lazy and enjoying some quiet time in a corner. It likes to follow its owner wherever he or she goes around the house, and are thus called “shadows”.

Grooming Your Pug 


Grooming is a very important role when you have a pug.  The face, especially the corners of the eye needs to be wiped with a clean, wash cloth daily since they are prone to weeping, eye infections, and cherry eye.

Although they have short, smooth coats, pug are actually heavy shredders so you may find pug hair stuck in your clothes, furniture, curtains, and everywhere.  The coat should be brushed after each bath, and everyday to remove loose hairs.  The creases on the face and the folds between the skin must be regularly cleaned as well. A pet hair removal tool is definitely recommended when you have a pug!

Should You Get a Pug? 


The pug is a remarkable breed but it is not for everyone.  Before you decide that you want a pug in your life, get to know as much as you can about the breed – what they need, what kind of temperament they have, how to best care for them.  If you feel that your personality and lifestyle jives, then why not welcome a pug to your home?  And don’t forget to consider adoption as your first option.
What’s it like to  be living with a pug?  When you have a pug, it will surely grow on you! Without a doubt, these wrinkly, bundles of joy were born to make their people happy!
If you’re thinking about getting a Pug, seriously consider if this dog breed is right for you. Don’t support puppy mills or buy from pet stores. Adopt a dog from a shelter or animal rescue center. 

The Dachshund - the Long and Short of It

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The Dachshund is a small, hound-type dog with a muscular, elongated body, and short legs.  Like the Corgi, the Dachshund can be funny looking because its legs are remarkably short compared to its brawny body.

The “Badger” Dog

The name Dachshund is a combination of two German words – Dachs which means “badger”, and Hund which means “dog”.  Back in the 1600s, Dachshunds were first bred in Germany, where they were used for hunting small animals like rabbits and badgers. Their keen sense of smell and swiftness make them the ideal dogs for digging burrows and chasing badgers.
Because of their appearance, they are also often referred to as the sausage dog or wiener dog. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1895, listed under the Hound Group.


The Different Types of Dachshunds

There are three types of Dachshunds, classified based on their coats – the short or smooth-haired, the long-haired, and the wire-haired. The coat can either be of a solid color, bi-color, brindle, or piebald. The colors range from tan, chocolate, fawn, or a combination of black and tan, or black and chocolate.
Dachshunds can also be classified based on their size and weight. The standard Dachshund can weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds). There is also the smaller kind – the miniature Dachshund which weights only 11 pounds or less.


Dachshund Temperament

Dachshunds are smart, alert, and playful dogs. Because they’re small, they make great pets even for people who live in apartments. However, like all dog breeds, they need to be socialized and trained from a young age. In Stanley Coren’s Intelligence of Dogs, Dachshunds are ranked 49th, making them an average breed in terms of obedience.
Do you own a Dachshund or would you like to have one? If you’re thinking about getting a Dachshund, seriously consider if this dog breed is right for you. Don’t support puppy mills or buy from pet stores. Adopt a dog from a shelter or animal rescue center. 

6 Giant Dog Breeds You've Probably Never Heard Of

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Many popular dog breeds are considered giants because of their immense size and weight.  Perhaps you might be familiar with the St. Bernard, the Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound, the Newfoundland, the Bullmastiff, or the Black Russian Terrier?
There are numerous breeds of very large dogs from different parts of the world and some of them,  you have probably never heard of.  Here are six amazing, large dog breeds that may not be as famous as their giant cousins, but are definitely worth knowing.

Šarplaninac

The Sarplaninac is a large dog breed that lives in the Šar mountains, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania. It is also known as the Illyrian Sheepdog or the Yugoslov Shepherd. These giant breeds can grow from a height of 28 inches to 32 inches, and weigh anywhere from 38 kilograms to 55 kilograms when full grown.
Like many mountain dogs has a large, strong body. They have a slightly long coat (4 inches), and can either be rough or smooth. The coat coloring can range from white, black, fawn, gray, or sable. They are originally bred as a livestock guardian dog. They can live up to 11 or 13 years.
When it comes to temperament, the Sarplaninac is known to be an intelligent, reliable, calm, and loyal breed. As a livestock guardian, it is independent and instinctively protective of the flock and its human family. It can be suspicious of strangers and if it senses impending danger, it will be very protective.

Kangal


The Kangal is a mastiff-type breed originally from the Sivas Province of the Central Anatolia Region, Turkey. It is a livestock guardian dog well-favored for its gentle temperament as well as its protectiveness and loyalty.
Kangals can reach a height of 26 inches to 31 inches.  Males are often larger and heavier than the females, weighing about 50 to 63 kilograms.  Females on the other hand can weigh from 41 to 59 kilograms.  The Kangal has a short, dense outer coat.  The color can be solid tan or sable while some may have a brindled coat. It is also noted for its black mask on its face.
Compared with other mastiff breeds, the Kangal is not as heavy-built and thus, are more agile.  They can run up to 30 miles per hour. These dogs will do everything in their power to protect their sheep, and will not back out of a confrontation if the predator stands its ground. The Kennel Club of the UK officially recognized the breed in October 2012, listing it under the Pastoral Group.

Akbash


Here’s another livestock guardian dog that’s a native of Turkey – the Akbash or the Akbas Coban Kopegi.
This giant dog breed can grow from 27 inches to 34 inches tall, and reach a weight ranging from 34 to 64 kilograms. Its smooth, double coat in solid white color is its most prominent characteristic.  They are leaner and taller than other Turkish livestock guardian breeds.
The Akbash is calm, independent, and intelligent.  They are instinctively protective of their flock.  An Akbash dog would stay with its flock for many hours, “sleeping with one eye open”, and reserve its energy in case a predator attacks.  Like many large breeds, it has an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years.

 Estrela Mountain Dog


The Serra da Estrela or Estrela dog is a native and ancient breed of Portugal.  These dogs can reach the height of over 24 inches to 27 inches for females, and over 25 inches to over 28 inches for males.  The weight can range anywhere from 66 to 88 pounds for females, and from 88 to 110 pounds for males.
The coat can either be short or long, yet both resemble that of a goat’s  – thick, close to the body, and coarse – except for the hair on the head and the base of the legs which is smooth. The color can range from fawn, yellow, gray, and brindle. The face is dark which makes the dog look as if it’s wearing a black mask.
Like most giant breeds, the Estrela Mountain dog is intelligent, calm, loyal, and affectionate by nature.  They were traditionally bred as guardian dogs because of their instinctive protectiveness and strength.

Bully Kutta

The Bully Kuta or the Bully originated in Pakistan, where (sadly) it is commonly bred for dog fighting.  Its name is derived from the English term “bull” in reference to its resemblance to the Bulldog, and “kutta” which means dog in South-Asian languages. It is also referred to as the Pakistani Mastiff or the Sindhi Mastiff in reference to its place of origin.
The Bully can grow from 28 to 35 inches tall and reach a weight of 64 kilograms to 95 kilograms.  The coat is short and smooth, often white while some may have brown, black, fawn, or brindled coat.  It has a loose skin, a large head, and well-defined bone structure.
The Bully Kutta has a calm temperament.  It is a smart and loyal breed, but it can be very protective of its master and family.

Pyrenean Mastiff


This mountain dog is originally from Spain, also known by its Spanish name, Mastin del Pirineo.  It is not the same breed as the Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, although both breeds are native of Spain.
The Pyrenean Mastiff has an average height of 28 inches for females and 30 inches for males.  They can weigh from over 80 kilograms to 100 kilograms.  It has a slightly long coat which is usually white with black, fawn, or brown patches.
Like most livestock guardian dog breeds, it is independent, docile, and gentle to the people as well as the animal it knows.  However, it is a protector and will not hesitate to act on its instinct to protect when it feels threatened.
Which of these giant dog breeds did you know?  Do you know of other giant dogs?  Or do you own a giant dog?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

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Welsh Corgis are small herding dogs from Wales. There are two different breeds of Corgi – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi- both named after their town of origin [Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire].

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their strong affiliation with Queen Elizabeth II, as well as with other British royalties. History reveals that no less than The Queen herself, has owned more than 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis during her reign.

Physical Characteristics of a Pembroke Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis can grow from 10 to 12 inches in height – from feet to shoulder. They have a sturdy built and adults can weigh anywhere from 25 to 28 pounds. They have a slightly elongated yet athletic body but with short legs. Pembroke Corgis are shorter than their cousins the – the Cardigan Corgis.
Pembroke Corgis have a triple coat – a fine undercoat and a coarse, water resistant overcoat. The overcoat can grow up to a medium length, and more on the chest. They can shed quite a lot, and they blow their coat twice a year.  The recognized coat coloring for Pembroke Welsh Corgis are red, sable, fawn – either solid or with white markings; or a red-headed or black-headed tricolor.
One of the Pembroke Corgi’s most prominent feature is the white, saddle-like marking or blaze on their shoulders. It is believed that fairies once used Pembroke Corgis as steeds and the breed has never lost its “fairy saddle” markings.
The AKC (American Kennel Club) requires the tails to be docked so many Pembroke Corgis in the US and Canada have docked tails, while others are naturally born with a bobtail.

Pembroke Corgi Temperament

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As most dog breeds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent, alert, sociable, highly-trainable and they love to please their people. In Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is ranked 11th. They are not heavy barkers and will only bark if needed. Pembroke Corgis easily get along well with children and other animals.
Since the Pembroke Welsh Corgi had been originally bred for herding, they have a tendency to follow their instinct – to nip at people’s or an animal’s ankles – which is how they herd cattle. They also love chasing moving objects – a behavior common to herding dogs.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

 Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally bred as farm guardians but they were eventually used in herding. They are not quite as popular as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed and this probably has to do with the fact that the latter breed is so close to the Queen of England. However, the Cardigan Welsh is the older Corgi breed.

Physical Characteristics of a Cardigan Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is somewhat larger than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They can grow from 10.5 to 13 inches in height. They also have a heavy, muscular built and short legs. Adult Cardigan Corgis can weigh from 30 to 38 pounds.
 They have bushy, long tails which are neither docked or naturally bobbed. The recognized coat coloring for Cardigan Corgis are red, sable, brindle, black, or blue merle with white markings on the neck, muzzle, chest, legs, tip of the tail, and on the head. The white marking is also called the “blaze”.

Cardigan Corgi Temperament

Cardigan Corgis are intelligent, athletic, affectionate, charismatic dogs which make them great as pets. They are also alert and make really good watch dogs.

Corgis – Pembrokes and Cardigans

Pembrokes and Cardigans are related to the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound and Finnish Spitz breeds. Both the Pembroke and the Cardigan Corgi need training from an early age – in order to avoid behavioral problems such as constant “nipping” at one’s heels.

Miniature Pinscher - the King of Toys!

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The Miniature Pinscher is one of the smallest dog breeds. It originated from Germany and is often called the “King of the Toys”. The Min Pin may have been a descendant of the German Pinscher [a medium-sized pinscher breed that is also from Germany], mixed with the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund. Kennel Clubs recognize Min Pins as “toy dogs”, and because of their boldness, they are called the “King of Toys”.

What Does A Min Pin Look Like?

There is a misconception that this little dog is the miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. Despite their incredible resemblance however, they are two distinct breeds, and Min Pins are definitely not tiny Dobermans.
Miniature Pinschers have a sturdy built, a proud stance, and a commanding presence inspite of their size. They can grow anywhere from ten to twelve inches in length.  Some pinschers have cropped ears or a docked tail. They have short, smooth, shiny coats which can either be of a solid black, chocolate, red, fawn, or blue; or a combination of black and red, chocolate and red, or these colors.

Miniature Pinscher Temperament

In terms of temperament, min pins can be very assertive, possessive, and dominant dogs. They like to think of themselves as “big dogs” and they can try to bully around other dogs or people. This attitude is often seen in smaller dog breeds and is known as the “small dog syndrome”. Min pins can take on the role of the pack leader so they need to be trained well, and training must begin early.
Miniature Pinschers are smart, energetic, alert and are very wary of strangers. They can bark pretty loud and give out sharp, shrilling cries when confronted with a stranger. These qualities make them good watch dogs. And because they are small, they are ideal for a dog lover who lives in an apartment or a home with limited space.
Min pins are loyal, loving dogs, who seem to recognize just one master. It loves to be in the company of its human and can be very protective. It can spend hours sitting beside or on the lap of its human, where it feels most at ease.

Grooming Your Min Pin

When it comes to grooming, the Miniature Pinscher is low maintenance. Because Min Pins have short coats, a bathe once a week is enough to keep them clean and shiny. They don’t really smell even for days without shampooing. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth in-between bathing schedules.
However, although short-coated, daily combing is a must because Min Pins tend to shed a lot of their tiny hairs. Combing or brushing will remove those loose hairs and prevent them from sticking on your clothes, sofa, or pillows.