Animals

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. As a hybrid, the Labradoodle can have similar characteristics from either of its parent breeds, but is not necessarily a 50/50 split.

The term "Labradoodle" was first used in Sir Donald Campbell's 1955 book, Into the Water Barrier, to describe his Labrador/Poodle cross. However, the Labradoodle did not truly come into the limelight until 1988, when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. Conron had hoped to create a guide dog for the blind that would also be suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander.

Soon Labradoodles were being bred around the world not only for their "hypoallergenic" characteristics, but also for their intelligence, friendliness and overall appearance. Today you can find Labradoodles serving as alert dogs, assistance dogs, guide dogs and family pets.

Much like the Poodle, there are three main sizes for the Labradoodle: standard, medium and miniature. Due to its hybrid nature, however, the physical characteristics of a Labradoodle may vary. For instance, a Labradoodle's coat may be wiry, wooly, wavy, curly or fleece-like. The color of the coat also varies, including cream, gold, red, black, chocolate, brindle and multi-patterned. Contrary to belief, some Labradoodles do shed, though far less, and with less odor than that of a Labrador Retriever.

Labradoodles may suffer from health issues commonly seen in its parent breeds. This includes, but is not limited to, hip dysplasia, Addison's disease, and eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

The name Spaniel is a misnomer. This ancient breed from Tibet is probably the ancestor of the Pekingese. It has been kept by monks for over three thousand years. The little dog was trained to walk on a treadmill, which turned prayer wheels that the monks believed sent prayers to heaven. The holy dogs were given to the emperors of China as tribute gifts and surely figure in the backgrounds of many of the Chinese breeds. One of the first of the Tibetan breeds to reach the west, the Spaniels appeared in England about 1900 and looked much like the Pekingese of the time. Refinements in England have brought the two breeds to their present forms. The Tibetan Spaniel has much more leg under it and is not so exaggerated in form as the Pekingese. Tibetan Spaniels were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.

The Tibetan Spaniel is a highly intelligent breed and is deeply devoted to their family and friends. They thrive on human companionship, are extremely sensitive, and will respond to their owner’s moods, emotions, and feelings. They do best with older, considerate, well-behaved children. This breed is generally aloof with strangers but is never aggressive. They get along very well with other pets. The Tibetan Spaniel will vigorously alert their family to any unusual event, sound, or to visitors. They are excellent watchdogs that are neither nervous nor hyper. This breed is not only a lap dog but also likes to sleep in bed with their owners. The Tibetan Spaniel likes to be up high so they are able to survey their surroundings.

One of the three native Tibetan breeds in the Non-Sporting group (along with the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Terrier), the Tibetan Spaniel is small, active and alert. They are low to the ground, with a body slightly longer than tall. Popular primarily as companion dogs in their native Tibet, “Tibbies” are also now found in the conformation, obedience and agility rings in the United States. The breed can be all colors including cream, gold and sable, with white markings allowed on the feet.

A very intelligent breed, the Tibetan Spaniel thrives on human companionship and needs to be with its people. Although outgoing and friendly, the breed may be aloof with strangers. Tibbies need only moderate exercise, so they are excellent in apartments. Their double coats need weekly brushing.

Considered to be one of the oldest breeds, the Thai Ridgeback originated in Thailand. Used as a hunter, watchdog, and family protector, this breed is exceedingly rare outside of their native country. Due to a lack of human interaction and isolation this breed remains largely undomesticated and independent.

The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized pariah-type dog with a wedge-shaped head, triangular-shaped prick ears, and a very short, smooth coat. It has a pronounced ridge on its back formed by hair growing in the opposite direction that extends from behind the withers to the hips. Puppies are occasionally born ridgeless. Thai Ridgebacks have a muscular and streamlined body, making them extremely agile. The tail is carried upward called a sickle or sword tail. Its forehead wrinkles with enormous expression. Like many eastern breeds, the Thai Ridgeback has retained a ‘scissor jaw’ where upper and lower teeth interlock when the jaw bones clamp down. The tongue can be black or have black marks. Eyes are almond-shaped and brown but may be amber in blue dogs. The ears are set low and point slightly outward. The ears stand up progressively during the puppy growth period, they are not cropped. The back is straight and level. The coat is short, hard, and straight. Due to the length and density of the coat shedding is minimal, occurring once or twice yearly.

Traditionally, the only other Ridgeback dog beside the well known Rhodesian Ridgeback has been the Phu Quoc Dog. Pho Quoc Island, now a part of Vietnam, is the major isle in the Gulf of Siam, about 200 km south of Bangkok. The ancestry of the Phu Quoc dog is undoubtedly the Thai Ridgeback which has existed in eastern Siam (near the Cambodian border) for at least four hundred years . Ridgeback dogs in cave paintings dating back 1000 years have been found in Cambodia and Thailand.
These Thai Ridgebacks were used for hunting (they are keen sight hounds) deer, tapirs and birds in dense jungle, as guardians for family homesteads and as companions for carts, the traditional mode of transportation in these areas. As a result of the isolation of the area, Thai Ridgebacks have retained their unique type and traditional usage until recently. However, today “civilization” has come even to these isolated areas. Roads have been built and autos have replaced carts as the major mode of transportation. Intense deforestation throughout Thailand has destroyed most hunting habitat. Thai Ridgebacks today are primarily kept as companions or guards for the family homestead and have been adopted by many Thai dog fanciers.

Thai Ridgebacks are medium-large sized short-haired dogs of high intelligence and great jumping ability. Males measure 22 to 24 ½ inches at the withers and weigh from 42 to 60 pounds: female measure 21 to 23 ½ inches and weigh from 37 to 50 pounds. The short coat , ranging from brush to horse coat comes in four colors, black, red (ranging from deep mahogany to light chestnut), blue (or silver) and fawn. The ridge pattern on the back comes in eight different patterns. Thai Ridgebacks bred by Thai fanciers are often kennel raised. Further few Thai’s keep house pets as do Americans. Accordingly, few Thai imports are well socialized. This is especially true since pups must be at least four months old (and have their rabies shots) to be imported into the United States. However, litters bred by American breeders and hand raised in households according to our traditional American socialization methods are very good people dogs, bonding closely to their families. They are usually gentle with their families and with people their families introduce them to, but are excellent watch dogs if people they do not know appear or sounds they don’t understand occur around the house.

Beagle harrier dog is a French breed that was bred by mating two English scent hounds, namely beagle and harrier, to hunt games like hare and deer, in packs. It has an impressive bone structure, with large eyes and hanging ears imparting it both attitude and expression.

The dog has very nicely inherited the qualities of hunting – strong determination, alertness and wonderful scenting ability, from its parents. Beagle harrier is a good and intelligent companion for hunters. Its sweet, calm and affectionate nature makes it an ideal home companion too, the dog but finds it difficult to adapt to apartment life.

It requires less grooming, but a dominating master to train. Read on to know everything about the tough, yet lovable beagle harrier dog breed.

Beagle harrier dog is a medium-sized dog that is larger than beagle and smaller than harrier. It has well-muscled, big and strong bones, with long ears that are common to the parent breed. It has a broad skull and strong head, with well-opened dark eyes, black nose, and a muzzle that is equal to the length of skull. The long ears hang down to both sides of the dog’s head. The canine has a compact body, with short and smooth coat, which has black blankets and tan markings. The coat is usually tricolor, highlighting the fawn, black, tan, or white colors.

Beagle harrier dog is fast, agile, vigorous and courageous, with an even temperament. It is an excellent hunting dog  and makes a wonderful companion and loyal pet at home. The dog builds a strong bond with the family and is quite good with children and other pets.

The Beagle Harrier is hardy, vigorous, fast, agile, and courageous but less powerful than the Harrier. With his determination and keen sense of smell, he works well in packs and is not afraid to enter even the thickest brambles. This easygoing, straightforward dog is a pleasant companion.

The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog. The breed is an old herding breed of Dutch origin. In the old days shepherds and farmers needed a versatile dog, a jack-of-all-trades, with few demands and adapted to the harsh and meager existence of that time.

The most distinctive feature of the Dutch Shepherd is the brindled coat. This breed is powerful, muscular, well-proportioned, and of balanced build. Dutch Shepherd’s possess an expression of intelligence.

The Dutch Shepherds are among the most competent of all shepherd dogs at such tasks as agility, catch, obedience competitions, guard work, herding, field trailing and companionship. Attached to its territory, and an enthusiastic worker. These affectionate, happy to be around dogs are obedient, sober and very loyal to its handler and family. Friendly, loving, playful and highly energetic. A very happy dog. Cunningly smart. Provided children are seenn as pack leaders, they can also be good friends with them. Unwanted visitors will be stopped in their tracks, while known family friends will be greeted enthusiastically.

The Dutch Shepherd is affectionate, lively, obedient, reliable, and faithful. They typically bond closely to one family member, although they are loving to their entire family. The Dutch Shepherd breed is protective and attached to their family, home, and territory and make excellent guard dogs.
The Dutch Shepherd is a highly capable shepherd dog that excels in areas of agility, obedience, guarding, herding, field training, and companionship. They are extraordinarily competent, and they approach their work with great enthusiasm. They have strong territorial instincts and will ward off unwanted visitors at lightning speed. They are very affectionate, cheerful, and playful, and they love to spend time with their family. They are a highly intelligent breed, and they are very easy to be around.

The Goldador is created by the crossing of two breeds: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retreiver. They are typically referred to as a “designer dog”. The most popular Goldadors are those resulting from first generation crosses.

Muscular and sturdy, the Goldador is well-proportioned and of medium size. They are athletic, hardy, and agile. They exhibit a pleasing personality and kindly expression.

Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise–most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Once they’ve reached physical maturity (between 18 and 24 months), Goldadors make excellent jogging companions.

Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy – they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave.

Loving, devoted, and energetic, Goldadors are prized for their good-natured trainability. They make great family members–a natural with kids and social with other pets–as well as valuable guide, service, and bomb detection dogs.

This breed is of European descent and originated in France during the 14th century. Known as the Little Lion, they were particularly favored by aristocracy.

During the first half of the 20th century they nearly became extinct.
However, Madame Bennert of Belgium is credited for saving this breed. The Lowchen has appeared twice in the Guiness Book of World Records: once as the most expensive dog in the world, and once as the rarest dog in the world.

Lowchens generally grow to between 25-33cm. (10-13″) tall. They weigh approximately 5-9 kilos. Lowchens have a long silky coat, and are famous for their beautiful head and large dark eyes which gives them their lovely soft, gentle expression. Lowchens come in many colours and combinations of colours, their coats are often very dark as puppies and will change and lighten as they grow. A small black youngster may well develop into a cream coloured adult – they are full of surprises!!

In the show-ring their long silky coat is clipped off on the back half of their body and their back legs, leaving a full “mane” at the front, with fringes of hair over all four feet and a plume on the end of their tail – they look like a lion!! – which is where they got their name Lowchen, which comes from the German word meaning “little lion”. Lowchens usually live to approximately 12 years of age, although many live happy lives for much longer than this.

This intelligent breed is friendly, affectionate, and willing to please. It is fearless and has been known to challenge other household dogs – even those that are larger – to be the top dog.
This quality is often surprising to others since the breed’s lion cut gives the deceptive image of a frail, undignified dog. The l öwchen is active and lovable. It enjoys playing with children and is friendly with other pets. This fearless dog will bark incessantly to protect its family and property.
If not properly trained, it may dig and bark too much.

The Fila Brasileiro is a large working breed of dog developed in Brazil.

The Fila Brasileiro is a Molosser breed with large bones and loose skin. The breed standard requires males to be between 65 and 75 cm (25.5 inches to 29.5 inches) high at the withers and weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs). Females are slightly smaller and are expected to be 60 to 70 cm (23.5 inches to 27.5 inches) high at the withers and weigh at least 40 kg (90 lbs).

The Fila Brasileiro is arguably the most beautiful and awesome of all the guardian dog breeds, with some characteristics not found in many other breeds. You will often hear Fila owners and breeders say “they’re not like other dogs!”

The Fila excels at family and estate protection as well as hunting, tracking, cattle herding and even carting.

A large and powerful dog, but don’t let that fool you: the Fila is also extremely agile and athletic, and it is not unheard of for a Fila to clear a six foot fence to defend his master.

The Chinook was developed in the United States as a sled dog whose function was drafting and sled dog racing.

Bred to combine the power of freighting breeds with the speed of the lighter racing sled dogs, he is an athletic, hard bodied dog showing good forward reach and rear extension in a seemingly tireless gait.
The Chinook is an impressive dog, with an aquiline muzzle, dark almond eyes, black eye markings, a variety of ear carriages, and a tawny, close fitting coat. His saber tail is held in a graceful sickle curve.
The male should appear unquestionably masculine; the female should have a distinctly feminine look and be judged equally with the male. A dignified and affectionate family dog, the Chinook is known for his love of children.

The Chinook is to be presented in a natural condition with no trimming. The following is a description of the ideal Chinook.

Ideal height at the withers: males 24 to 26 inches; females 22 to 24 inches. PROPORTION – When measuring from point of shoulder to the point of buttocks the Chinook is slightly longer than tall. The proportion of height to length of body being as 9:10 in ratio.

SUBSTANCE – Muscular with moderate bone, a gender difference is easily discernable. The Chinook exemplifies a sound athlete in grace, muscle tone, movement, and carriage.

The Saint Berdoodle is not a purebred dog, nor is it an AKC recognized breed. Saint Berdoodle dogs are a hybrid or cross breed developed from the Saint Bernard and the Standard Poodle. However, the cross is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).

The Saint Berdoodle tends to have a stocky big body, like a Saint Bernard, but the coat of the Poodle. Like all of the other Poodle mixes, the Saint Berdoodle has a coat that rarely sheds and tends to have a lower dander count. The shaggy kind of coat that is produced needs minimal grooming.

The ideal St. Berdoodle is muscular, powerful, and large. They should possess dark eyes and a keen and intelligent expression.

The Saint Berdoodle is a hybrid, or designer, dog. They are large dogs with a height in the male of 27-30 inches and a weight of 150-200 pounds whilst the slightly smaller female measure 24-27 inches and weighs in at a mere 110-160 pounds.

The St Berdoodle is a cross breed, of a pedigree Saint Bernard and a pedigree Poodle. After the cross it is meant that St Berdoodles should be bred with another St Berdoodles but they can be bred with either of the original parent breeds. Generally speaking their coat takes after the Poodle, so it is fairly short and wavy to curly. However their body and size leans more towards the Saint Bernard. Most commonly the coat will be white, as the main color, with some red markings.

Some Saint Berdoodle are true crosses between Saint Bernards and Poodles, while others are the result of successive generations, created by breeding Saint Berdoodle with Saint Berdoodle. These dogs are typically referred to as “multigenerational.”

Originally bred in Wales, the Sealyham was developed from the West Highland White Terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The breed derives its name from Sealy Ham, Haverfordwest, Wales, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who created this breed to quarry badger, fox and otter. Always game and very quick, the Sealyham’s white coat was necessary so that they could be distinguished from the varmint they went to ground to capture!

The Sealyham Terrier is a hardy and muscular breed. They are proud, compact, and charming. They are lively, bold, vigorous, and exhibit a robust nature.

The Sealyham is a jaunty and jovial companion that has a deep depth of devotion to their owner and family.

Sealyham Terriers were originally bred to hunt otters, foxes, and badgers. Today these clowns of the terrier family are primarily companion dogs and a good choice for the novice terrier owner.
Sealyham Terriers, affectionately called Sealies, are distinctive-looking, affectionate terriers who stand out for their inquisitive, self-confident, good-humored nature. Once you’ve had a Sealy, you can never go back to another breed, his fans say.

Originating in Leonberg, Germany in 1846, this versatile breed was a favorite with royalty. The Leonberger nearly became extinct at the end of World War I but was revived and restored by several German breeders that were devoted to the breed. They are considered to be the oldest of the German breeds.

The Leonberger is a calm, non–aggressive, large, muscular, working dog with a proud head carriage.

He is distinguished by his balanced build, black mask, and double coat. Adult males, in particular, are powerful and strong and carry a lion–like mane on the neck and chest.

A dog or bitch is easily discernable as such. For its size, the Leonberger is light on its feet and graceful in motion. Because natural appearance is essential to breed type, the Leonberger is to be shown with no trimming, sculpting or other alterations of the coat.
A breed regarded as a “gentle giant“, the Leonberger is affectionate, loyal, devoted, and trustworthy. This calm and steady breed is excellent with children, dogs, and other pets. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time and will bark and become destructive if bored or lonely. They are gentle, protective, and self-assured. They require a highly dedicated owner.

The Leonberger dog inherited the admirable characteristics of its ancestors, immense size, noble poise and a strong working ability. Males in particular are mighty and muscular. Its disposition is agreeable, playful and friendly towards other small animals, people and especially children. It is lively, but exhibits a self-confident calmness and a willing submissiveness.

It is an intelligent dog remembering what it has learned, so a Leonberger puppy should be given the right start with obedience training. Adults are fearless, neither shy nor aggressive. Its long dense medium soft to coarse coat needs regular grooming. It requires outdoor exercise several times a day. A Leonberger puppy would be a good choice for a family with children. For proper bone development, special kibble is now available for large boned breeds such as a Leonberger puppy.

According to the American Kennel Club website, the breed’s name is pronounced “show-low-eats-queen-tlee”. The Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo, for short) is a a sensitive breed of above average intelligence and devotion.

They are protective, but will meet aggression, rather than instigate it, taking their cues from their master’s uneasiness of a situation or person. Xoloitzcuintli are still primitive to some degree and need to be guided by reason and respect, rather than force of will.

Though the Xoloitzcuintli is known as a hairless breed, litters often contain pups that are fully coated. Because the coated pups have traditionally been destroyed at birth, there is no standardization in coat color.

The Xoloitzcuintli breed is affectionate, loving, intelligent, and devoted. They are highly protective of their family, home, and territory.

This breed is not recommended for first time dog owners. The Xoloitzcuintli typically do not bark. Instead, they emit a howl to alert their family to danger.
The do best in a home with older considerate children and dogs they have been raised with. They may be aggressive toward dogs they do not know.

The Xoloitzcuintli is a sensitive and emotional breed that demands an inordinate amount of attention.
They will become destructive if left alone for extended periods of time, and are prone to digestive problems and neurotic behavior if they become stressed.

The Xoloitzcuintli is very intelligent, loyal, alert, athletic, and extremely loving to it’s family. It is important that all family members play a role in leadership, rearing, training, and feeding the Xolo, or it will bond to the one person or people who do. It is naturally protective and aloof to strangers.
With proper socializing it is very good with company and children. It is a myth that Xolo’s are vegetarian’s, however they do love veggies. This breed is easy to house train, and learns very quick. You must be the leader and teach the Xolo, or it will lead, and run the house for you.

The Welsh corgi is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales.
Two distinct breeds are recognized: the Pembroke Welsh corgi and the Cardigan Welsh corgi, with the Pembroke being the more common.

Corgis are healthy dogs, living into their early or middle teens; however, both do suffer from a few hereditary diseases.

The most famous Welsh corgis were perhaps those of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who kept at least four corgis.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is obedient, loving, loyal, and deeply devoted. They are outgoing, friendly, and thrive on human companionship and attention. This breed is alert, fearless, and assertive.
They make an excellent guard dog, but their tenacity can sometimes lead them into trouble.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is best suited for a family with older and considerate children. If they are left alone for extended periods of time they will become restless and bored which will lead to destructiveness and excessive barking. They are often wary of strangers and over-protective of their family and territory.

Due to their herding nature, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will attempt to perform this task on anything and everything that moves. This breed typically does well with other pets.

Long and low with a robust build, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is spirited, athletic, and dependable.
This versatile companion has a strong work ethic, and displays an intelligent and interested expression.
They are often considered to be “a big dog in a small dog’s suit”.

The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is not known. The breed that is cherished and loved today was developed exclusively in the United States.

The Australian Shepherd has an innate versatility that makes them useful on ranches and farms as a herding dog, retriever, and watchdog. They are typically referred to as “The Aussie“.

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts. He is a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all day.

He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with coloring that offers variety and individuality. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness.

He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail.
Size–The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. Proportion–Measuring from the breastbone to rear of thigh and from top of the withers to the ground the Australian Shepherd is slightly longer than tall. Substance–Solidly built with moderate bone. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, delightful, and loyal. They are highly energetic and thrive on being given something to do. The Aussie has a high degree of intensity and a “no-quit” attitude.
Their herding instinct may be problematic or annoying to their family, as this breed will often attempt to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves. They are reserved and cautious with strangers until the Aussie decides about them. They are confident and protective. Human companionship is crucial to this breed. They get along well with active, considerate older children. The Aussie is not typically aggressive to other dogs.