Origin:
One of the oldest spaniels known, the English Cocker Spaniel was originally known as the general spaniel and the only one recorded as being imported into England many centuries ago. They were then separated into 7 different individual spaniel breeds. These were; - English Springer - Cocker Spaniel - Clumber Spaniel - Sussex Spaniel - Welsh Springer Spaniel - Field Spaniel - Irish Water Spaniel All of which are still well-known and kept breeds todays. It was not until 1946 that the Cocker Spaniel was first recognised as two separate breeds, being the American and English Cocker Spaniel. Their name comes from the bird the Woodcock, a bird that the breed was fantastic at flushing out, leading them to be named the ‘Cocker’ Spaniel. Purpose: The Cocker Spaniel was breed for a working dog. They were used as hunting gun dogs and were able to travel easily through wet and dry land and harsh environments. Their key talent is to flush out and retrieve game very gently and without damage. Along with hunting and retrieving, the Cocker is also great at agility and obedience work as well as making a brave watchdog. Coat care: The Cocker Spaniel can be kept in full coat, breed cut or trimmed all over. When kept in full or breed coat, they will require daily brushing, sometimes twice daily, to avoid matting especially around their pants and underbelly. Being low to the ground they can pick up burrs and twigs very easily. They can also matt very easily on their feet and between their toes so special focus should be made on these areas too. Their long ears can also pick up grass seeds easily so should be checked after being out in any areas of long grass. They can also hold a lot of moisture so should also be checked often for signs of infection. They should be bathed only as needed. Health & Temperament: Don’t let their small side fool you, the Cocker Spaniel is a strong, sturdy and very smart little dog. Being bred as a working dog, they love to run and play and need a decent daily walk at a minimum. They can be very gentle with their family and love to play, making them great with children. When well socialised from a young age, they make for a very confident dog who enjoys being around other people, dogs and cats. They thrive on plenty of physical and mental stimulation as well as having rules and boundaries in place, to avoid any dominance issues. They are a breed who can gain weight easily, so diet and exercise need to be well managed. They are often prone to ear infections so any Cocker owner needs to be confident in checking ears regularly and knowing the signs of an infection beginning. The breed has no serious hereditary issues and on average they live for 12 – 15 years.
0 Comments
Origin:
The exact origin of the Chihuahua is somewhat unknown, with a number of theories floating around. Some believe they originated from China, others believe they were brought from the islands of Malta and then brought to Mexico. Another theory, and given their name this is the most popular, is that they originated in the town of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are recorded as the smallest breed in the world as well as the oldest breed on the American continent. The breed was considered sacred to Pre-Columbian Indian nations and were considered a sign of wealth or status for the upper class. Purpose: The Chihuahua was bred as a companion dog and a status symbol for the wealthy. Their level of devotion and protection of their owners led for them to have a level of spiritual significance for the Aztec’s, who believed a Chihuahua could guide souls through the afterlife with protection. Coat care: The Chihuahua comes in two coat options, short or long hair. The short haired coat offers easy maintenance that can be brushed every so often or as needed and wiped over with a baby wipe or damp cloth as required. The long coat will require daily brushing, focusing under the arms and around the ears to avoid small knots. They can also be wiped over as needed to remove any mess from the coat. The Chihuahua requires bathing only when extremely dirty. They can be prone to ear infections so water should be avoided around the ears. Health & Temperament: Don’t let their tiny frame fool you, the Chihuahua is full of personality and energy. They are active little dogs who require daily walks and will also enjoy playtimes with their family. The Chihuahua is a breed that immediately from a young age require boundaries and good socialisation, to avoid neurotic issues, aggression, anxiety issues and small dog syndrome. They are a fantastic companion dog who is fiercely protective and loyal. Although this can be cute, it can lead to a dog that will bite, so needs to be managed from a young age. A well socialised and confident Chihuahua is happy to play and interact with other dogs. They have a poor reputation with children and can be known for being snappy, however this is only because of the way they are raised. Chihuahuas, along with other toy breeds of dogs, are often treated more as babies instead of dogs and this leads to serious behavioural issues. If raised with boundaries and treated like a dog that is a member of the family, not a human, a Chihuahua can be a very well behaved, loving pet. Unfortunately, as the Chihuahua is prized for it’s tiny size and over the years has been bred, interbred and cross bred to create a teeny tiny dog, the Chihuahuas of today can sadly have an array of health issues. This includes eye issues, central nervous system issues, gum problems as well as knee, joint and muscle issues. It’s essential to do your research into breeders and view their breeding dog’s health history prior to purchasing a puppy. All Chihuahua owners should be well educated in the health issues that can occur with breed, so they can be aware of signs and begin treatment as it’s needed, for a happy and healthy dog. Origin:
The Golden Retriever was developed by a Lord in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s. They were created by cross breeding a yellow Flat Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, the latter now being extinct. Later in time he bred in the Bloodhound and the Irish Setter, naming the new breed the ‘Golden Flat Coat.’ It’s unsure at what time their name changed to Golden Retriever. They are now one of the most popular breeds around the world. Purpose: As their name would suggest, they were used for retrieving. They were used for collecting and returning birds, mostly water birds for hunters. They are confident in retrieval both on land and in the water. Coat care: The Golden Retriever’s beautiful coat requires regular care, to avoid matting, hot spots and to remove any debris they may collect on their adventures. Their long, double coat will require daily brushing. They will require bathing only as needed and a strip out from a professional can help throughout the warmer months too. Health & Temperament: The Golden Retriever is a well loved family pet. They are fantastic as companions and also thrive in activities such a hunting, tracking, obedience as well as sniffer dogs and service/assistance dogs. As with any dog, they thrive well with structure and rules and still need to be exposed to new situations, people and other animals from a young age, to avoid any anxious or nervous behaviours. They are an active breed of dog, loving to get out and play with the family. Daily walks are a minimum, they will also enjoy a run in an open area or keeping up beside a runner or a bike. They are an easy to train dog and with the right exercise for their body and mind are a very happy, easy-going, laid-back dog. The breed is unfortunately prone to cancer. They can suffer from skin allergies, hip dysplasia, heart problems and eye issues. Due to their popularity, it’s important to do your research into breeding parents before purchasing a puppy, to avoid any serious hereditary health issues. Origin:
An ancient breed, the Italian Greyhound is depicted in drawings and artefacts from over 6000 years ago. This includes being included on Egyptian tombs and art from the Mediterranean. They were known to be owned by noblemen and people of higher class. In the 16th century, the breed was brought to Europe where it’s popularity continued to grow. From here they made their way around the world. Purpose: The Italian Greyhound was bred as a companion dog to be owned by families of wealth and to be used as a sign of stature within the community. They have also been known throughout history to hunt small game however this was never their intended purpose. Coat care: One of the easiest breeds to groom, the Italian Greyhound requires very little coat care. They are covered in a very fine, silky fur that repels dirt and smells. You should avoid bathing them unless absolutely necessary as they feel the cold very easily and also have natural oils to keep their coat and skin healthy. Bathing too often only damages these oils and can cause them to smell. Health & Temperament: Don’t let their small size deceive you, these little pocket rockets require good daily exercise. They love getting out to explore, run and play. Boundaries and rules are best to be put in place from a young age, to help them grow into a confident and well socialised little dog and to avoid little dog syndrome. They are very affectionate breed and great as companion dogs. There are, unfortunately, a number of health conditions the breed is prone too, including epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, fractures of the bones and slipped stifle. Until fully grown they can be very fragile due to their tiny frame and can easily break a bone. Origin:
The Japanese Spitz is another breed with somewhat unknown origins. All of their physical aspects point to them simply being a smaller version of a Samoyed, leading some to believe they are direct decedents of the native Siberian Samoyed. Other's claim they originated in Japan and have been bred by using white German Spitz's. They became incredibly popular in Japan in the 1950's, leading to their name and have since grown popularity in Europe, North America and Australia. Purpose: As their originating story is very much unknown, there are no clear answers on what the purpose of creating the Japanese Spitz was. No records confirm any type of working jobs for the breed and instead point to them being bred as the ideal companion dog. Coat care: The Japanese Spitz requires a good, daily brush. They are a very clean dog, with their white coat repelling dirt and mess very well. To keep this ability, they should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. They require extra attention when shedding. Health & Temperament: The Japanese Spitz is a very playful, happy dog. They are happy to please, making training easy and love interaction with people. They will happily play games and run all day long. They do well with agility and like to be kept busy. In general, when well socialised from a young age, they do well with children, other dogs and other household pets. They are considered a very healthy breed of dog, with no serious hereditary issues and can live for 14+ years. Origin:
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately knowns as 'The Westie' originates from Scotland. They are in fact, simply a white Cairn Terrier, that came about when a Scottish breeder had some white pups within his Cairn Terrier litters. He continued to breed these white pups and created the Westie. Purpose: The Westie was used as a working dog to control vermin issues as well as foxes, badgers and otters. Coat care: The Westie is equip with a double coat however they shed very little hair. The breed requires a clip every 4 or so months and brushing every other day. Their coat is good at repelling dirt and mess and only requires bathing when needed. Health & Temperament: The boldness from their original ancestors has not escaped the Westies we know of today. They are a confident, sturdy and determined little dog. It's important they have rules and boundaries set in place from a young age to avoid little dog syndrome. In general, they are great with kids and robust enough to keep up with them for some playtime. Without balanced training and good socialisation, they can become destructive. They enjoy companionship and are an easy breed to train. The breed can be prone to liver issues, hip issues and diabetes. They are often sensitive to certain foods which can cause skin issues too. The results are in for 2024! It seems Australia is going oodles for Oodles! Did any of your guesses make it to the top 10?! What do you think of the results for 2024? Did your pooch make the lists?!
Origin: Their name is a bit of a giveaway – the PWD originated in Portugal. The breed was created from mixing a number of working dogs from the Iberian Peninsula, to create the perfect dog companion for fisherman. Purpose: The PWD was used as a working dog for fisherman and were capable of many different tasks including herding and catching fish, transporting messages between ships as well as retrieving items from the water. Coat care: When in full coat, the PWD requires a good brush every few days. A distinct clip the PWD are known for is the ‘lion clip.’ Originally this was used to help them move through water and dry quickly, with fur only kept around their vital organs to avoid them suffering in the cold water. They are a great option for allergy sufferers as they as considered a hypo-allergenic dog. Their coat is slow growing and does not require frequent clipping. Health & Temperament: The PWD is a great family pet. They are a fun loving dog who is loyal to their pack. They have plenty of energy to burn and can be very playful but also very relaxed and calm natured when their needs are met. As their name is history suggests, they love water! Water play and exercise included in their routine will keep them very happy and pleased. They are very intelligent and easy to train, responding best to calm pack leader. The breed isn’t prone to many health issues although hip dysplasia can occur. Their average life span is between 10 – 14 years. ![]() Origin: The first Pomeranians bred, in the early 1800’s weighed up to 13kgs and were used as sheep herders. They were developed by breeding several ancient Spitz breeds together. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s when Queen Victoria began showing and breeding the Pomeranian that she started to breed them down in size to the dog we know today. Purpose: Starting off as sheep herding and guard dogs, the Pomeranian we know today is more suited to agility tasks and performing tricks, making them popular as show dogs. Coat care: The Pomeranian’s long, thick, double coat requires daily maintenance to avoid matting and skin problems. It should be brushed thoroughly daily as well as daily eye cleaning as they are prone to discharge build up. They shed all year round with twice yearly undercoat sheds. Health & Temperament: The Pom, as common with other smaller breeds of dogs, are prone to a luxating patella (dislocating kneecap.) This is something that can easily correct itself, sometimes with human assistance so its important owners are educated in this. Skin and heart problems are often seen within the breed too. They are also prone to eye and teeth conditions so regular check-ups at the vet can help prevent these develop into serious issues. They are a high energy, bouncy breed of dog. They are very smart, willing to learn and need to be set boundaries from a young age, to avoid an unruly, dominant, bossy dog developing. With rules and boundaries in place, you will have a very loving, loyal and calm companion. Their size makes them ideal for smaller households, providing they get regular daily walks, even if only short. They are a very brave breed of dog, with no fear. It’s important they are socialised from a young age to avoid aggression issues as an adult. They can also act as a good guard dog, having no hesitation in using their voice to warn off any strangers. Their life expectancy is around 15 years. Did you know......?
|
ARCHIVES
February 2025
CATEGORIES
All
|