Dog Breeds
Pomeranian
About Pomeranian : The Pomeranian is a dog that looks like it belongs in the lap of luxury. The dog’s foxy little face and expressive eyes give this little spitz a look of intelligence and slyness. Its ears are small and pointy, resting high on the head. The dog’s body is small and squarely proportioned, and its plumed tail is noticeably curved along its back, giving the dog a rather elegant appearance. The Pomeranian’s coat is said to be its glory, though in fact is more accurate to say the dog has two coats: one is soft, fluffy, and thick while the other is long and coarse. The dog’s coat can be of any color or pattern, though a fox red is probably the most popular color.
The cocky little Pomeranian has an unquenchable love for life, and carries itself with apparent disregard for its size. While the Pom is unquestionably a Toy breed, there is clear evidence of his larger spitz cousins in this little dog’s demeanor. Ever ready to explore and play, the Pomeranian can keep a child or active adult happily entertained for hours; however, be warned that the dog’s small size makes it an inappropriate playmate for very small children, who might accidentally cause the dog harm. The Pomeranian may be reserved toward other dogs and strangers, and will bark incessantly at an unannounced knock at the door or anything that gives it a start. Properly trained the Pom can be quite the little watchdog, though if left to its own devices, the dog will bark at just about anything. Pomeranians are not known for being the most affectionate of dogs, and may at times seem much more interested in themselves than anyone else in the house. Like in any breed, however, there is a distribution of personalities, and some Poms have been known to show unsurpassed levels of affection and devotion.
Appearance : The Pomeranian is a very cute, pretty, and dainty creature with a fragile build. He always has a bright, inquisitive expression, and looks alert and eager pretty much all of the time. He has a long, straight coat that is harsh in texture, and a dense, fluffy undercoat. The coloring of the coat can vary, and some of the colors include parti-color, cream and sable, cream, blue, red, orange, sable, and brindle. The height of the Pomeranian is around 7 inches, and he weighs in at 3-7 pounds.
Grooming : The Pomeranian’s very long, double coat should be brushed frequently. If you work from the head, parting the coat and brushing it forward, it will fall neatly back in place, so the task, although time-consuming, is relatively easy. The cottony undercoat is shed once or twice a year. Dry shampoo when necessary. Clean the eyes and ears daily and take the dog for regular dental checkups. The Pomeranian is a constant shedder.
Caring for a Pomeranian : Pomeranians do not require very much exercise, and a short daily walk should be enough to keep your dog happy and healthy. It is very important to brush the coat weekly to keep it free from mats and looking beautiful. The usual ear and nail care is recommended, along with the occasional bath; however, take care not to bathe them too frequently because their skin is sensitive and can damage easily. Pomeranians tend to shed quite a bit; the males only shed once a year while the females shed after birthing a litter, while in heat and when they are stressed. These dogs are known to develop dental problems so it’s a good idea to keep them clean and, ideally, brushed daily. The most serious health problem seen in this breed is patellar luxation. Lesser concerns include progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, hypoglycemia and open fontanel.
History : The Pomeranian originates from Germany, and has a history that dates back to around the eighteenth century. Introduced in Britain in the nineteenth century, this breed used to be significantly larger, but its size was reduced through selective breeding.
Pug
About Pug : The Pug is a good natured, sociable creature that likes to play and have fun, but is not an overly active dog. These dogs are more inclined to snuggle up and have a nap than to frolic around, although some can be very entertaining to be around. A loving, affectionate, yet not overly demanding dog, the Pug is well suited to those with no experience of dog ownership as well as the more experienced. The Pug is not the ideal choice for a guard dog or watchdog, as he is small, a little too sociable to be daunting, and prefers to communicate through grunting rather than barking. His table temperament and friendly nature makes the Pug a good family pet, and he is also ideal as a companion dog for the elderly or anyone that just wants a peaceful friend.
These dogs get along well with children and other animals, although jealousy can strike if another pet gets more attention than them. They will also get along well with strangers. They are intelligent, and training should not prove too challenging, but housebreaking can be another matter. Some can be quite stubborn and strong minded, but most are sweet and sensitive. They love their creature comforts, and enjoy the affection and attention of their owners. These charming dogs do have a tendency to look grouchy because of their wrinkly faces and short snouts.
Living Conditions : The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature.
Appearance : The Pug is a small, compact, and sturdy dog with a muscular build. He has an expression that seems to combine grouchiness with sweetness and bewilderment. This short muzzled dog has facial wrinkles, small folded ears, and a curled tail. The coat of the Pug is short, close fitting, and sleek, and the coloring includes silver, black, or apricot-fawn, with black markings on the face and ears. These dogs have protruding eyes, and this is something that needs to be considered if you have young children that are boisterous, as they can easily be injured. The Pug weighs in at 14-20 pounds, and is around 10-11 inches in height.
Pug Grooming : The Pug is not an overly high maintenance dog, although his coat will need to be brushed daily to cut back on shedding and to keep it sleek. You should ensure that you clean the wrinkles on his face to avoid skin problems and infection, and also check his prominent eyes for signs of infection, dryness, or other problems. This is a year round shedder, and is not well suited to those with allergies or those who don’t like finding hair all over the house.
Health Problems : Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to chronic breathing problems. (Pugs suffer from poor ventilation.) They are not the easiest whelpers. Expect Cesarean Section if breeding. There is a chance of keratites (inflammation of the cornea) and ulcers on the cornea. The delicate eyes are prone to weeping. This breed tends to wheeze and snore, but on the whole is a very easy-care dog. Do not overfeed a Pug, as they will eat more than is good for them, quickly becoming obese and living much shorter lives. Prone to skin problems. Pone to Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), an inflammation of the brain that strikes adolescent Pugs usually between the ages of 2 and 3. The cause is unknown.
History : The Pug originates from China, and were once a firm favorite of Tibetan monks. The breed enjoys a long history in terms of ancestry, and in the sixteenth century was introduced in Holland by Prince William of Orange.
Boxer
About Boxer : The Boxer is a dog that is very good natured, and has plenty of affection, devotion, and love to give to his family. This is a dog that is friendly and playful, and craves attention – but has plenty of attention to give too. For those looking for a dog with bags of energy and a real people lover, the Boxer is the perfect choice. The energy levels of the Boxer do start to calm as he grows older, but this does not affect his playful and loving nature. At the same time the Boxer manages to be very dignified and steady. Some boxers can be headstrong and even animated in the way that they act, and their protective nature and love of their family makes them effective watchdogs.
The Boxer is known to get along very well with children, and loves to play with them. However, do bear in mind the size of this dog if considering a Boxer in a household with very small children. When properly socialized the Boxer should get along well with other pets, although some can be dominant and aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. When it comes to strangers the Boxer’s response may vary – some may be very friendly and welcoming and others may be simply polite or even aloof and wary. This is a dog of high intelligence and a headstrong nature, which means that training can be a challenge. Although this breed is suited to inexperienced dog owners, confidence and assertiveness is required in order to maintain effective leadership.
Appearance : The Boxer is a dog that has a square built and strong, athletic limbs. He carries himself with grace and dignity, and his expressions are known to reflect his emotions. He has erect ears when cropped, which add to his alert expression, and a blunt muzzle. The coat of the Boxer is tight fitting, hard, short, and sleek, and the coloring of the Boxer is fawn or brindle with white markings. The Boxer weighs in at around 50-85 pounds, and the height of the Boxer is around 21-26 inches. The Boxer has distinctive drooping jowls.
Caring for a Boxer : In order to stay happy and healthy, the Boxer needs physical and mental exercise every day. A challenging game in the park or a good jog are usually sufficient. The Boxer should have a yard to play in, but it prefers to sleep indoors and does not do well in either hot nor cold climates; particularly in the heat, the short-muzzled Boxer can have difficulty breathing and keeping cool. Coat care is very basic and entails a weekly or biweekly brushing; Boxers are very clean and tend not to smell. Major health concerns for the Boxer include subvalvular aortic stenosis, boxer cardiomyopathy, and canine hip dysplasia. Other health concerns in the breed include colitis, low thyroid, corneal erosion and gastric torsion (Bloat).
People don’t always look at how pretty or nice looking a dog is. That’s a good thing when it comes to boxer dogs! They have a face that only a mother would love. Yes, harsh maybe but they are certainly not the prettiest of dogs. But when it comes to being obedient, they certainly make up for any downfalls of looks. So if you are looking for a dog that is easy to train, very obedient and relatively easy to look after then a boxer dog is an easy choice to make. If however, you are the type of person that wants a dog to look pretty and nice then a boxer dog may not be the ideal choice. Whatever you choose, just remember a dog is for life and you must care for it.
Dalmation
About Dalmation : Dalmation dogs are sometimes just called the “black and white spotted dog.” The distinctive black and white spots of the dalmation are unique to this breed: no other purebreed dog has the distinctive Dalmation spots. It is believed that the Dalmation dog gets its name from Dalmatia, a province in Croatia, where the breed is thought to have originated. Dalmations are one of the oldest purebreds in the world.
Dalmation dogs have quite a regal history. They used to accompany coaches in the olden days. Their spots made them really stand out and they truly made a great royal coach dog. They have a very durable and flexible physique, so were perfect to accompany the coaches.
Dalmation puppies are born with completely white fur. They begin developing their spots when they’re about a week old, and the spots develop rapidly during the first few weeks of life. Dalmations continue developing spots throughout their life, although the rate of development slows down as they age. Most dalmations have black spots on a white coat, although liver-colored spots are also fairly common.
Appearance : Adult dalmations reach about 45 to 70 lbs. in weight when full grown, and stand about 19 to 24 inches tall. They have coats of short, fine fur, which they shed year-round. If you’re considering acquiring a Dalmation dog as a pet, you should be aware that Dalmations shed more than most short-haired dogs; cleaning up Dalmation fur is a continuing chore when you have Dalmations.
Grooming : The grooming requirements for the Dalmatian are not overly high, and regular brushing will help to get rid of dead hair and keep the coat looking good. The Dalmatian is a medium shedder, and tends to shed all year round, which means that he is not the ideal dog for those with allergies.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy : The life expectancy of the Dalmatian is around 11-14 years, and this breed has a range of health issues and disorders linked to it. This includes glaucoma, deafness, diabetes, gall stones, allergies, and seizures.
Temperament : The playful and happy Dalmatian was bred to run, and therefore has a lot of energy. Dalmatians are not good yard dogs because they love their families and can become very sad and even depressed without human companionship. They are very well known for their ability to remember for years any bad treatment they have suffered. Dalmatians love children and enjoy playing with them but they are a little too rambunctious for toddlers. Without proper socialization, the Dalmatian can be timid or aggressive; often, males do not like other males. The Dalmatian is an intelligent breed but needs consistent, firm training.
Great Dane
About Great Dane : The Great Dane is a giant of a dog with a patient and gentle personality. These sweet natured dogs make great family pets, and are attentive and devoted to their owners. The Great Dane is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership, as they can be stubborn and bossy. Early and extensive socialization is also important to promote a stable, confident manner. The Great Dane is a bold, spirited breed, and his size alone means that he makes an effective watchdog. These dogs do need plenty of attention and devotion from their owners, and are not suited to those with little time to commit to a pet. Training should be consistent and firm, yet positive. The house proud may want to think twice before considering this breed, as they can be very messy and do drool.
Younger Great Danes can be very destructive and boisterous, and will need a good deal of supervision. These giant dogs do need a fair amount of exercise, and plenty of space will be needed because of their sheer size. When not on a leash the Great Dane will need a large, secured, safe area in which to exercise. The Great Dane is good with children when raised with them, but his size could cause a problem if you have very small children. When it comes to other pets, some Great Danes will be accepting but others may see themselves as the dominant one, and supervision may be required. Again, early socialization is important. The reaction of the Great Dane around strangers can also vary, and can depend upon the individual personality of the dog. These dogs are very sensitive, and some can come across as quite aloof. However, with consistent training and extensive, early socialization the Great Dane can make a very loyal and loving – if rather large – pet.
History and origin: The Great Dane has been in Britain for many centuries and may have resulted from a cross between the ancient Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound. He was first used as a hunting and guarding dog.
Appearance: The Great Dane is a large, elegant breed, standing 30 to 34 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 120 and 165 pounds. The harlequin Danes, white with black patches, are the largest variation, whereas the brindle and fawn-colored Danes are more slender. The black Danes and the blues are usually somewhere in between. The ears can be cropped or uncropped. The body is massive, lanky, and well muscled, and the shedding coat is short, glossy, and of low maintenance, requiring regular brushing. The color may be black, black-and-white (harlequin), bundle, fawn, or blue-black.
Grooming : The grooming requirements for the Great Dane are quite low, and an occasional brushing will help to keep his coat looking good. You may need to brush more regularly when he is shedding more heavily. The Great Dane is a medium shedder, and can shed all year round and more heavily at certain times of the year, so he may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy : The life expectancy of the Great Dane is around 6-8 years, which is far shorter than many other dog breeds. There are a number of problems associated with this breed, and this includes deafness, heart problems, bloat, HD, HOD, cataracts, and bone cancer. Care should also be taken in extreme temperatures, as the Great Dane is sensitive to extreme heat or cold.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Great Dane is 4 cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added or at least 5 cupfuls of a complete dry dog food. A Great Dane will eat eight to twelve cups of food a day.
Ideal home: A Great Dane needs a large house with a big yard with a fence at least six feet high. The owner of a Dane should be a physically strong, confident, and easygoing leader. Physically weak, nervous, and spoiling types should avoid this breed, as should the elderly and the disabled. The Dane can be very dog-aggressive and needs strong leadership and socialization with people and other dogs from day one. No roughhousing should be allowed. Time to exercise this giant breed must be available everyday.
German Shepherd Dog
About Dog : The German Shepherd Dog is a very popular breed. This is an alert, lively, loyal, and very intelligent breed. He is often used as a military, police or search and rescue dog. These dogs are obedient and very quick to learn. He is one of the easiest of all breeds to train due to his high intelligence. The German Shepherd is active, full of energy, courageous, confident, and independent. In fact, The high intelligence and responsive nature of the breed makes this one of the easiest dogs to train. Some German Shepherd Dogs can be quite aloof and serious, and some can be dominant and sharp. However, these are very capable dogs, and are eager to please their owners, although their personality makes them best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. You will need to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with physical and mental stimulation, and these dogs do not fare well when isolated or neglected. The German Shepherd will need regular exercise, including daily walks and regular runs, although this should obviously be either in a safe and secured area or on the leash.
The German Shepherd is known to get along very well with children, although you should bear in mind his size if you have younger children. Early socialization is important if you have other pets, as these dogs may chase smaller animals such as cats, and can also be aggressive or dominant with other dogs of the same sex. Whining can be a problem with the German Shepherd, as some will whine a lot. The German Shepherd is known for its protectiveness too, and therefore makes a very affective watchdog and will not back down if he feels that he or his loved ones are being threatened.
History and origin: The German Shepherd is a new breed that first appeared in Germany about one hundred years ago. This very smart breed was initially developed for herding but has adapted well to police and military work, search-and-rescue work, tracking, bomb detection, protection work, and guide dogs for the blind.
German Shepherd Dog Appearance : The German Shepherd Dog is a handsome and powerful creature, with a well built, athletic body, an alert expression, and tall, erect ears. His coat is straight, hard, and medium in length, and he also has a dense undercoat. The coloring of the German Shepherd Dog can vary and includes black and tan, sable, and black. The German Shepherd Dog weighs in at 60-80 pounds for females, and 75-100 pounds for males.
Grooming : The grooming requirements for the German Shepherd Dog are not excessive, and brushing his coat every couple of days should help to control shedding, although you will need to step up the grooming at certain times of the year when he is shedding more heavily. That said, the German Shepherd Dog is a heavy shedder all year round, and is therefore not well suited to allergy sufferers.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the German Shepherd is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.
Ideal home: This breed needs a house with a fenced yard. The owner of a German Shepherd should be a strong, confident, emotionally secure leader who desires a smart, protective, athletic dog. This is not a breed for an insecure or immature person. He is very sensitive and will reflect the mood and emotion of his owner, often with alarming results. Do not let a Shepherd assert himself against you or achieve dominance, he will quickly take charge if you spoil him. Children are fine provided no rough housing or chase games are permitted. Daily exercise is mandatory. Obedience, herding, retrieving, or agility work will direct the Shepherd’s energy and build his confidence. The elderly and the disabled may have trouble controlling this active, dominant, intelligent breed.