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Оглавление(It’s Me Or the Dog © HarperCollins/ © Mark Read)
Other Popular Breeds
Useful Addresses
In the following pages you will find detailed information on the thirty most popular dog breeds plus brief descriptions of some other well-loved breeds that make good family pets. The way in which dogs are classified varies, and different countries and their canine governing bodies still use different systems. However, they are usually classified according to the type of work they perform.
Gundog Group
These Gundogs were specifically bred to work at finding, flushing out and retrieving gamebirds.
Hound Group
These speedy dogs were developed to hunt, chase and kill prey. They are divided into scenthounds and sighthounds for locating prey.
Working Group
These dogs have been bred over the centuries to perform specific tasks, including guarding, rescue work and police work.
Terrier Group
These dogs were bred to hunt and dig out vermin and small game. Most terriers evolved in the British Isles and they all adore digging.
Toy Group
These miniature dogs were first developed and bred to become companions and pets. Their size makes them suitable for city life.
Utility Group
This group of popular pet dogs contains all the breeds that do not fit easily into the other categories. Dogs in this group make good pets.
Pastoral Group
These ancient dogs have been used to protect livestock for centuries. They tend to be highly intelligent but need a lot of exercise.
Golden Retriever from the Gundog group. (It’s Me Or the Dog © HarperCollins/ © Mark Read)
Cocker Spaniel
(© Jean Michel Labat)
Friendly and sociable and happy-go-lucky, the Cocker makes a lovely family pet. A hallmark of this breed is its happiness when working. Indeed, the Cocker’s enthusiasm knows no bounds, underlined by the incessant tail wagging. It hurriedly quarters the ground, freezing as it bolts a bird or rabbit, waiting for the shot, and then goes after the next. Remembering where the game lies, the Cocker can easily find and retrieve it unmarked because it has an extraordinarily soft mouth.
History
This charming spaniel is believed to have originated in pre-fourteenth-century Spain. It evolved through selective breeding from several Gundog breeds, depending on the terrain worked and the prey. Originally Cockers assisted in falconry and were later used to drive birds into nets. When game-bird shooting reached its zenith during the nineteenth century, the Cocker was found to be particularly effective in putting up woodcock.
Description
A square dog with a merry nature and a soft expression. It is well muscled with good bone and is an easy mover. It has a silky, flat coat, well-feathered forelegs and underparts and above the hocks. Its greatest pleasure is joining in family activities, lying by the fire, horse-play with the children, shopping with mother and shooting with father.
Fact File
Group: Gundog
Country of Origin: Spain
Male: 39–41 cm (15½–16 in)
Female: 38–39 cm (15–15½ in)
Coat: Flat or wavy, with good feathering; dense, water-resistant undercoat.
Life Expectancy: 11–12 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn of any approaching intruders.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Sweet-natured and co-operative. Today there are more pets than there are workers because Cockers are gentle, intelligent, biddable and easily trained. A classic companion, mainly because Cockers love fellowship.
Grooming: Daily attention to ears and feathering. Comb out any debris after exercise and groom the dog at least once a week.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: To stay happy, the Cocker Spaniel needs all the exercise possible, particularly free running in woods and fields.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some hip dysplasia and kidney problems (here). Only buy puppies from eye-tested parents.
English Springer Spaniel
(© John Daniels)
A loving family pet, Springers also make great working Gundogs with boundless energy – being so energetic, these dogs become a nuisance without early training. Their prime object is to ‘spring’ game from their hiding place for the shooters but they can also point and retrieve. They will enter the thickest cover fearlessly and leap into freezing water to retrieve a bird. Their extraordinary sense of smell has recently been exploited by police and customs, who train Springers to sniff out drugs and explosives.
History
One of the oldest recorded sporting dogs, the lively Springer Spaniel was first mentioned in literature by the poet Chaucer. The word ‘Spaniel’ may be derived from the French word for ‘Spanish’, ‘Espagnol’. The Springer was developed to become one of the great working Gundogs during the nineteenth century.
Description
The Springer is taller than the Cocker Spaniel, with a weather-resistant coat and feathering on the ears, forelegs and hindquarters. The coat may be black and white, liver and white, or one of these with additional tan markings.
Fact File
Group: Gundog
Country of Origin: England
Male: Approx. 50 cm (20 in)
Female: Approx. 50 cm (20 in)
Coat: Weather-resistant coat, with feathering on the ears, forelegs and hindquarters.
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn but friendly.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: This is a gentle, loving dog whose natural desire is to please. The Springer is highly intelligent and reacts well to kind training. They crave and give affection, hating to be alone, and are very good with children.
Grooming: They should be brushed and combed once a week (ears daily). Trim the feathering with scissors and make sure you keep the ears dry and clean.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Springers need plenty of free running and play daily. They need things to do, especially retrieving games and play, and take to Agility and Flyball with enthusiasm.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some hip dysplasia. Eye problems include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (here). Buy only from tested parents.
Labrador Retriever
(© Jean Michel Labat)
Worldwide, this is the most popular Retriever of all. Almost the perfect Gundog, the Labrador Retriever has a natural inclination to retrieve on land and water, a desire to please and the ability to learn easily. They have a need for love and understanding. Their natural desire to play makes them good family pets. A wonderful companion dog.
History
The seventeenth century saw trade between Britain and Newfoundland – slates out and salt fish back. An all-purpose water dog helped the fishermen to retrieve dropped articles, haul carts and retrieve game. Called St John’s Dogs, they were originally brought to Poole, England, by sailors. The Earl of Malmesbury, recognizing their skills, developed them as Gundogs.
Description
Labrador puppies may look small and cute but they grow up into large, powerful dogs – the Labrador has a broad, deep chest and a distinctive short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet. Coat colours are chocolate or liver, yellow or black. Stimulating their brains prevents destructive habits forming; owners should invent search and retrieve games and involve them in all family activities.
Fact File
Group: Gundog
Country of Origin: Canada
Male:
56–57 cm (22–23 in)
Female:
54–56 cm (21–22 in)
Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn but friendly.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Cool and laid back, the Labrador Retriever is tolerant and easy-going with dogs and human beings, enjoys the company of children and will allow them to take liberties. However, it is easily upset by shouting or harsh treatment of any kind.
Grooming: Grooming is minimal; all you need to do is just clean the ears and brush the coat weekly to rid it of dead hairs.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: As much as possible. The Labrador is an active, country dog needing plenty of exercise, free running and play.
Feeding: Labradors have a voracious appetite and a tendency to become over-weight, so monitor your dog’s diet carefully.
Health Problems
Hip dysplasia. Some eye conditions: multi-focal retinal dysplasia (MRD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hereditary cataracts and entropion (see here). The best breeders test their breeding dogs.
Golden Retriever
(© Jean Michel Labat)
Delightful family pets, Golden Retrievers are happy to be the Gundog for the father, an elegant companion for the mother and a playmate for the children. Their versatility and intelligence have led them to becoming great guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs for the disabled. They are easily trained to be all-purpose Gundogs and work with great enthusiasm, braving the thickest cover and the coldest water.
History
In 1825 Lord Tweedmouth mated his ‘Yellow’ Retriever to a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct). One of the resulting progeny was mated to another Tweed Water Spaniel, the progeny of which was mated back again. It is rumoured that a Bloodhound was added together with a Sheepdog from a troupe of performing Russian circus dogs with which his Lordship became enamoured and bought. And thus today’s Golden Retriever evolved.
Description
This medium-sized dog is strongly built and muscular with a gentle, loving expression in the eyes. The coat is dense with good feathering and a water-resistant undercoat. The colour varies from a cream to a rich, lustrous gold. Mainly a country hunting dog, the Golden Retriever needs frequent exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. These excellent retrievers have a soft mouth and a good nose for finding lost game.
Fact File
Group: Gundog
Country of Origin: Scotland
Male:
56–61 cm (22–24 in)
Female:
51–56 cm (20–22 in)
Coat: Dense, with good feathering and a water-resistant undercoat.
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn of approach but no aggression.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: A gentle dog of kindly disposition that is highly intelligent and capable of combining the best working qualities with those of a near perfect pet dog. A great companion.
Grooming: These dogs should always be brushed and combed twice a week to rid the coat of dead hairs and tangles from the feathering.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Being mainly a country hunting dog, the Golden Retriever needs frequent exercise and plenty of mental stimulation.
Can never have enough.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (here) and some eye problems. Buy from tested stock.
Airedale Terrier (Roman Zhuravlev)
(Ashley Western/www.phodographer.biz)
(© John Daniels)
(© John Daniels)
Beagle
(Eric Isselee)
A happy, laid-back companion – an intelligent dog with a peaceful nature, the Beagle can adjust well to town or country life. It readily accepts children as part of its family and likes to feel a member of the human pack. Beagles are happy, easy-going and people-orientated, adapting well to most environments.
History
A small hound dating from Norman times, the Beagle evolved and was developed from the Talbot Hound and the Southern Hound. A further mix with small hounds produced the breed first recorded by name in the ‘Privy Accounts’ of Henry VIII. As the larger hunted animals became scarce, huntsmen developed the Beagle to hunt hares, which they do with enthusiasm and skill.
Description
Small to medium in size, two varieties of Beagle exist in the United States, one not exceeding 33 cm (13 in) in height whereas the other is taller but does not exceed 38 cm (15 in). However, in Britain, 33–40 cm (13–16 in) is acceptable. Tri-colours are most popular, with a black back, tan sides and top of legs, and a white chest, stomach and lower legs. Having short legs, it works more slowly than the Harrier or English Hound but hunts cheerfully with its flag (tail) held high and enters dense cover with equanimity.
Fact File
Group: Hound
Country of Origin: England
Male:
33–40 cm (13–16 in)
Female:
33–40 cm (13–16 in)
Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn but no aggression.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Easy-going, friendly and intelligent dog with a peaceful nature, the Beagle can adjust well to town or country life. Beagles are happy, easy-going and people-orientated, adapting well to most environments.
Grooming: A weekly brush and a polish with a chamois leather keeps them looking good.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Beagles need plenty of exercise, which must be augmented with playing in the garden. However, they are not the easiest dogs to train and require a lot of kindness and patience.
Feeding: They eat well and care should be taken to keep them in athletic form as they have a tendency to become overweight.
Health Problems
Rare hip problems. An eye problem under investigation. Otherwise, a hardy, long-lived companion.
Dachshund
(Julia Remezova)
A most adaptable breed, living with equal ease in town or country. Intelligent and easily trained, it is sometimes spirited, always humorous. The Dachshund is a game little dog that loves hunting. All varieties adore activity and need free running and play daily. Each variety has its miniature equivalent. The Smooth-haired Dachshund makes a lively companion and pet.
History
Mystery veils the real origins of this breed. Its German name is Teckel, a word that is found at the base of an ancient Egyptian sculpture of familiarly long-bodied, short-legged dogs. ‘Dachshund’ means ‘badger dog’ and it is one of the oldest hunting breeds in Germany, mentioned in records since the fifteenth century. Few, if any, Dachshunds hunt in Britain but they have not lost their instincts. A few are still used in Germany and in France, particularly the very small variety know in Germany as the Rabbit Dachshund.
Description
A long, low dog known as the ‘sausage dog’, it is full of life and always alert. All colours are acceptable but only small white patches on the chest are permitted. The different sizes and coats have evolved since around 1850 and today the most popular variety is the Miniature Long-haired Dachshund. They will go underground but are in danger of getting trapped. At one time, the Standards were general hunters of foxes, deer and even boar.
Fact File
Group: Hound
Country of Origin: Germany
Miniatures and Standards:
13–25 cm (5–10 in)
Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Guarding Instinct: Distrustful, all sizes will warn off strangers.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Easy to live with and very affectionate. Playful and mischievous – sometimes stubborn, as befits a hunting dog. Long-haireds are more independent than Wires and Smooths, which are more demonstrative.
Grooming: Whereas the Smooths need a soft brush and polish weekly, the Long-haireds need brushing and combing bi-weekly, and the Wire-haireds should be hand stripped every three months.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Needs plenty, plus play and hunting in woods.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
All varieties can have back problems, and they should not be allowed to run up and down steps or stairs. Only buy Miniature Dachshunds from eye-tested parents.
(otsphoto)
(Jana Behr)
Boxer
(Gelpi JM)
Bred to be a companion, guard and show dog, the Boxer’s intelligence and brightness of spirit endear him to most nationalities. An alert house guard with a booming voice but never vicious. As a member of a family, the Boxer is truly a fun dog, very affectionate and loyal to the end. The Boxer’s aggressive appearance belies its soft nature – the right dog for the right family.
History
The Boxer is a German manufactured breed derived from the ancient Mastiff-style dog that accompanied the Roman legions across Europe. Like several other big breeds, Boxers have, in their lineage, the blood of the Bullenbeiser – dogs bred for the purpose of bull baiting. However, the Boxer did not come to the fore until around 1890, after bull baiting was outlawed.
Description
A superb athletic body rippling with muscles, of medium size with a short, glossy coat in fawn shades from light to deep red, or distinct brindle stripes. White is allowed but not exceeding one-third of the base colour. Once over the puppy stages, Boxers are easily trained for all manner of security work. The breed is used in Europe as a police dog where its muscular, hard body can stop a criminal in his tracks. Armed forces make use of its determination and confident attitude.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Germany
Male:
56–63 cm (22½–25 in)
Female:
Slightly smaller.
Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.
Life Expectancy: 9–10 years
Guarding Instinct: Distrustful, all sizes will warn off strangers.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: The Boxer can be boisterous and exuberant and should be trained kindly not to jump up on children, whom it loves. Its aggressive appearance often warns off wrong-doers, but this dog is not a biter and its formidable looks belie its soft nature.
Grooming: Minimal: a weekly brushing will remove dead hairs, then polish with a chamois leather or hound glove.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Natural athletes, Boxers need plenty of activity, free running and play.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some hip dysplasia but serious heart problems. Buy from reputable breeders who test their stock. Some deafness in white dogs.
Schnauzer
(Eric Isselee)
Absolutely devoted to its family, the Schnauzer is a happy dog that can be trained fairly easily to be obedient. The original Pinscher was an all-round farm dog that did anything that was expected of him. The modern Schnauzer is usually a much-loved family pet and does not generally have work to do. Even so, it still retains the will and the ability.
History
This friendly, muscular dog was almost certainly derived from the ancient Wire-haired Pinscher to which it bears a startling resemblance, as can be seen in a picture by Albrecht Dürer (1492). A fourteenth-century statue of a hunter in Mecklenburg, Germany, has a similar-looking dog crouched at his feet. This old breed was once a general farm dog. It was used to accompany stagecoaches in order to defend them against robbers who worked the forests, and thus it became known as the ‘Carriage Griffon’.
Description
A chunky, medium-sized muscular dog, its coat is black or pepper and salt (greyish) in colour. The outer coat is wiry, harsh to the touch and is distinguished by a beard and bushy eyebrows; the undercoat is dense. A good all-round family pet. Although this dog may look fierce and is very protective of its family, it has a very friendly nature.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Germany
Male:
48 cm (19 in)
Female:
46 cm (18 in)
Coat: Dense, wiry coat; dense undercoat.
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
Guarding Instinct: Suspicious, so prowlers beware.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Courageous and assertive, it is a friendly dog and needs strong but kind handling.
Grooming: Needs hand-stripping four times a year, and the leg and face furnishings should be combed out twice a week.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: All Schnauzers require frequent running exercise and play to maintain their athleticism and mental health. They are also the natural friends of horses.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
None. This is generally a very healthy, hardy breed.
Siberian Husky
(otsphoto)
Kind, gentle and very affectionate, in the land of their origin the Husky is a much-cherished working dog and was used for hauling sleds laden with meat and fish. Their tremendous strength and stamina allow them to make some phenomenally long journeys. An excellent companion for energetic families.
History
Husky sled dogs were the only means of transport in Alaska during the gold rush of 1900. Dog team drivers developed rivalries and started to stage races. In 1920, a team of twenty Siberians pulled a sled for 340 miles carrying vaccines to the diphtheria-stricken city of Nome, saving the population. A statue of a sled dog in Central Park, New York, celebrates that achievement. Because the breed have lived closely, probably for thousands of years, with the Chukchi nation, they are ‘people orientated’.
Description
The medium-sized Husky looks very alert and is lithe with grace. It has an abundant weatherproof coat with a thick, soft undercoat. The breed comes in a variety of colours; the facial colours can be contrasting, unusual and striking. Elegant and athletic, the Siberian Husky does not bark but howls and talks. Today, in the West, they are usually companion dogs, although the sport of sled dog racing is growing rapidly.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Siberia
Male: 53–60 cm (21–23½ in)
Female:
Slightly smaller.
Coat: These dogs moult freely and have a double coat.
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Guarding Instinct: Not a guard dog, too easy-going.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: The Siberian Husky is gentle, friendly and people-loving, intelligent and biddable. Easy-going, easy to train and anxious to please, it’s a pack dog that understands its family, particularly the children.
Grooming: Twice-weekly deep grooming required; the undercoat can knot.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Without their work, all Huskies will need frequent free running and exercise, and new owners should consider joining a specialist club that races with wheeled carts.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Hip dysplasia with a low breed average. There are some eye problems, so puppies should come only from eye-tested parents.
Rottweiler
(Eric Isselee)
In spite of its powerful body and formidable appearance, this dog can make a good pet if properly trained. Very few Rottweilers are used for their droving ability nowadays. Instead, their strong protective instincts are put to use in security work. A young puppy will need kind but firm training and lots of socialization if it is to grow into a good-natured adult.
History
The likely origin is from the Mastiff-style dogs that travelled with Roman armies driving livestock as they swept northwards conquering Europe. First used as boar hunters, then as cattle drovers in the German city of Rottweil (a cattle market town in mediaeval times), they doubled as custodians of traders’ money. The Rottweiler is devoted to its family but must be taught its place kindly but persistently.
Description
A big, thick-set, muscled dog, the Rottweiler should show boldness and confidence, never nervousness or aggressiveness. The Rottweiler has a calm look that indicates a good nature and needs no training as a house guard. Because of its intensely protective nature, it is not advisable to leave this dog with young children as, like all guarding breeds, it might misinterpret their signals.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Germany
Male:
63–69 cm (25–27 in)
Female:
58–63 cm (23–25 in)
Coat: Thick, smooth coat.
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
Guarding Instinct: Great guard dog, malefactors beware.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Highly intelligent, the Rottweiler’s strong naturally protective instincts need socialization with firm but kind training. These dogs can be difficult in the wrong hands – can be dominant without training.
Grooming: Easy care; need only be brushed once a week with a stiff brush to remove dead hairs.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Keep these big dogs’ muscles hard with walking, free running and play. If you live in a town, you should take them out for a brisk walk at least twice a day.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Occasional hip dysplasia; osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) largely under control (here); entropion (here).
Dobermann
(© Jean Michel Labat)
A devoted, affectionate house dog, the Dobermann is very intelligent and is easily trained but its power must be kept under control. It is a devout family companion that loves to be part of daily activities. Its guardianship of the family’s children is legendary but it must be trained firmly but kindly. A family dog for experienced owners.
History
This breed was designed in the 1880s by Herr Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector. At a time when taxes were collected personally, he wanted a fearless, alert dog with stamina to defend him as he travelled the country. His secondary job as ‘dog catcher’ gave him the ideal opportunity to study breeds. The Rottweiler, the old German Pinscher and also the Manchester Terrier were probably the foundation. Later the breed may have been refined further with the addition of Pointer and Greyhound blood.
Description
A big dog, the Dobermann is very graceful, with a refined outline; a powerhouse athlete. The coat is a glossy black, brown, blue or fawn (Isabella) with a rich tan, which must be well defined. Powerful but elegant, a well-trained Dobermann makes an ideal guard dog and an affectionate pet. If it is well socialized and trained, a Dobermann puppy can adapt really well to family life.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Germany
Male:
69 cm (27 in)
Female: 65 cm (25½ in)
Coat: These dogs moult freely and have a double coat.
Life Expectancy: 10–13 years
Guarding Instinct: A powerful guard dog.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: A great family dog needing to be trained.
Grooming: Very little is required; a weekly brush and polish with a chamois leather will be enough.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: An hour or so of walking every day with about ten minutes’ free running will suffice. Add fifteen minutes’ play in the garden and a Dobermann will be happy and fit.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Low to average hip dysplasia. Buy from eye-tested parents and test the puppy. Von Willebrand disease (here) is also possible.
Great Dane
(© Jean Michel Labat)
The Great Dane is a majestic-looking dog with its powerful physique and appealing expression. Very family orientated, Great Danes are easily trained and obedient. Although large, they are not clumsy and don’t take up too much space. However, a big house and garden are best. Seriously fond of their family’s children, they will defend them if any danger threatens. The Great Dane is a gentle giant in spite of its size.
History
There is no doubt that this dog’s ancestors were giant war dogs from Asia Minor known as Allens. They probably originated from ancient Egypt. They were used as war dogs by Attila the Hun and fought wild animals in Rome’s Colosseum. The modern dog was developed in the 1500s in Germany for hunting wild boar. A pack owned by Earl Philip of Hessen killed 2,572 boar in 1563. From about 1882, when the Breed Club was formed, the breed changed course and became a pet and guard dog.
Description
A majestic dog, the Great Dane has a soft expression and an athletic body with a look of ‘dash and daring’. Colours range from brindle with stripes to fawn-light to dark, blue-light to dark slate, black or harlequin with black or blue patches which appear torn. Friendly, outgoing, favours children – a deeply affectionate big dog, loyal and caring for his family.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Germany
Male:
Min. 76 cm (30 in)
Female:
Min. 76 cm (30 in)
Coat: These dogs moult freely and have a double coat.
Life Expectancy: 6–8 years
Guarding Instinct: Suspicious nature, will guard owners.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: It is a courageous, devoted but sensitive breed, belying its bloodthirsty past. Never play fight with this breed.
Grooming: A weekly good brushing will keep the dog’s coat lustrous; the ears need cleaning at the same time.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: These dogs need only some gentle exercise when young, which can be built up gradually over time to develop their muscular, athletic body. A fully grown adult Great Dane will demand plenty of walks and free running.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (see here), bloat and eye problems, which are under investigation.
(Vera Zinkova)
(Nikolai Tsvetkov)
(Liliya Kulianionak)
Parson Jack Russell Terrier
Highly intelligent, the busy Jack Russell is always doing things and is very affectionate as well as being a good guard – ever alert and watchful. Their wonderful friendly nature blossoms within a happy family and they are very patient with children. Ideal for the dynamic country family.
History
Parson Jack Russell was born in Devon in 1795, took a good degree at Oxford and was ordained in 1819. It was while he was up at Oxford that he acquired the terrier bitch that was to be the foundation of the breed that was named after him. While strolling in Magdalen Meadow one day he met the local milkman and saw, for the first time, the terrier named Trump. He did not move until he had persuaded the milkman to part with her. The parson died at eighty-four, still in the saddle, his breed of dogs a fitting memorial.
Description
A small athletic dog, it is full of vitality, slightly longer than its height at the shoulders. The wiry or smooth coat is mostly white with black and/or tan patches. Note that the long-legged Parson Jack Russell should not be confused with the smaller-legged Jack Russell terrier. This dog has courage without recklessness coupled with stamina. It is also one of the great ratters, with razor-sharp reactions. Ever vigilant, the Jack Russell’s keen senses will flush out small prey, such as rats and mice. This is an easily-trained, fun dog that is into everything.
Fact File
Group: Terrier
Country of Origin: England
Male:
35 cm (14 in)
Female:
33 cm (13 in)
Coat: There are two distinct types: the smooth variety and the rough coat.
Life Expectancy: 13–15 years
Guarding Instinct: A very watchful dog; intruders beware.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Happy-go-lucky fun dog, very intelligent and trainable.
Grooming: The smooth variety requires only a weekly brush whereas the rough coat needs hand stripping or trimming every four to five months as well as weekly brushing.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Basically, this is a country dog needing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The long-legged Parson Jack Russell loves to be hunting outside.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
A generally healthy breed but buy from eye-tested parents.
West Highland White Terrier
Feisty, stubborn, friendly, playful and affectionate, the Westie is a bright pet for town or country. A clean and biddable terrier. A fun dog that one minute will be digging up your flower beds while hunting non-existent moles and the next minute will be lying on your lap with all the love of a spaniel. A family dog full of zest.
History
Up to the mid-1800s the terriers of Scotland were a nondescript mixed lot that kept down the rats and foxes on the small crofts. As foxhunting became fashionable, gentlemen began taking notice of terriers but white dogs were not liked. However, a Colonel Edward Malcolm, thinking one of his own brown terriers was a fox as it emerged from an earth, accidentally shot it, and from then on he developed this unmistakable white terrier and was the breed club’s first chairman in 1906.
Description
A short-legged, square dog with a profuse wiry white coat that needs careful attention in order to maintain the typical shape. The head should be slightly domed with very dark eyes. The Westie was used as an all-purpose worker that was kept as a ‘vermin’ killer and taken out to hunt foxes, otters and wild cats. It had stamina and courage, and was agile enough to clamber over rocks and penetrate the smallest holes where its prey could hide.
Fact File
Group: Terrier
Country of Origin: England
Male:
28 cm (11 in)
Female:
Slightly smaller.
Coat: There are two distinct types: the smooth variety and the rough coat.
Life Expectancy: 12–16 years
Guarding Instinct: A good, alert guard.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Playful, mischievous, happy.
Grooming: It needs stripping and shaping every three months and combing daily.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Twice-daily walks are essential and the Westie needs the freedom to run and play-hunt in a garden with the family.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some eye problems are under investigation; a type of eczema and fairly rare Perthe’s disease.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
(© Jean-Michel Labat)
The loyal Staffie is fearless, people-friendly and intelligent but must be disciplined and trained. This dog is relatively easy to train providing patience is asserted. Despite its bloody history, it is now one of the most faithful and affectionate, family-loving pets. A Staffie will fiercely guard babies and is good with older children when they show respect.
History
The Duke of Hamilton, a sporting rake who lived around 1770, developed a lighter fighter (the big Bulldogs not being fast enough), which is claimed to be the forerunner of the breed today. At the end of the eighteenth century, they were the best fighting dogs in existence. Later on, they also proved themselves in rat-pits where a dog, Billy, killed 100 rats in seven minutes thirty seconds. However, it was not until the 1930s that a Breed Standard was created and the Staffie became a showdog and companion.
Description
A chunky, well-muscled, medium-small dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a wide head, a pump-handle tail and walks with a jaunty air. The Staffie has a wide, deep chest and straight forelegs. Even though it is very muscular, the Staffie is an agile dog. Affectionate and loyal, these dogs make good pets – a wonderful family dog but not for the novice owner.
Fact File
Group: Terrier
Country of Origin: England
Male and Female:
35.5–40.5 cm (14–16 in)
Note: Height is related to weight.
Coat: The smooth coat is red, fawn, white, black or blue.
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
Guarding Instinct: A forceful deterrent. An outstanding house guard.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Easy-going, happy clown.
Grooming: Grooming is minimal; all that is needed is a brush and polish weekly to get rid of dead hairs; use a hound glove to polish.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Staffies need both physical and mental stimulation, with plenty of exercise including free running and play.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Generally a healthy breed but buy from eye-tested parents and have your puppy tested.
(godrick)
(Dmitrijs Dmitrijevs)
(arturasker)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
(© Jean Michel Labat)
The modern Cavalier King Charles was almost certainly developed from the land spaniels of the fourteenth century, which may have come from Spain. The Stuarts were besotted with them and named them ‘King Charles’. An ideal family companion. With its friendly character, this dog is a joy to own.
History
Although the breed started as a Gundog and companion, it became a showdog and pet when dog shows started in the mid-1800s. A fashion developed for short-nosed dogs and the original breed began to decline again. An American, Roswell Eldridge, then offered handsome prizes to anyone who could reverse the trend and, gradually, by selective breeding, today’s type of longer-nosed Cavalier King Charles evolved, and it has become the most popular of the Toy Spaniels.
Description
An elegant, refined small dog with a kind expression and outgoing, perky character displaying a free action when moving. A silky coat with colours that are vivid and clearly delineated. These lively little dogs come in a range of colours, including ruby, traditional Blenheim and tricolour, as well as black and tan. Docile, gentle and intelligent, the Cavalier King Charles quickly learns the ways of its human family. Confident and gently assertive, it loves to play with children but doesn’t like roughness.
Fact File
Group: Toy
Country of Origin: Spain
Male and Female:
30–33 cm (12–13 in)
Coat: Silky coat in a range of colours from ruby to black and tan.
Life Expectancy: 9–14 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn but with no aggression.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Kind and gentle.
Grooming: The silky coat needs weekly combing; pay strict attention to ears and feathering – look for any tangles after walks.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Being small, the Cavalier King Charles needs less exercise than the bigger spaniels. However, it’s keen on activity of all kinds – loves frequent free running and play.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Some hip dysplasia; both sexes should be heart tested; and puppies and their parents should undergo eye testing.
Pug
The Pug is always an amusing companion and they are guaranteed to bring laughter into any house with their strange facial expressions. They like sitting up high to watch the world go by. Pugs have forceful characters and are very strong-willed. They make rewarding and entertaining pets – a great companion if you don’t mind a little snoring!
History
The great canine authority Clifford Hubbard believes that the Pug and Pekingese were originally related because of the striking similarity of their muzzles and their body shape. However, they were separate by the 1600s, as shown in Chinese art. Dutch mariners brought them to Holland, whereupon they became favourites of the Dutch royalty. William and Mary later introduced the Pug to Britain, where it was often decorated with orange ribbons as an honoured member of the Royal Household of Orange.
Description
A sturdy, thick-set small dog with a fine, smooth, short coat, which may be coloured silver, apricot, fawn or black with a facial mask. The Pug has a distinctive flat face and prominent eyes. There is no evidence that this breed ever worked, although, from an evolutionary point of view, they are Mastiffs. Their ‘work’ has always been to bring solace to human beings, for whom they have an uncanny understanding.
Fact File
Group: Toy
Country of Origin: China
Male and Female:
Ideally 25–28 cm (10–11 in)
Coat: Smooth, short coat, which may be coloured silver, apricot, fawn or black.
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Guarding Instinct: Not a guard dog but will warn.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Even-tempered, lively and humorous. Tolerant, easy-going with children, Pugs are very intelligent, with an independent comical character.
Grooming: Grooming is easy; a light brushing daily gives a glow to a Pug’s coat. In addition, you should keep the eyes and ears clean. They can easily be trained to be clean.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Pugs do not require excessive walking but enjoy a walk twice a day as they like seeing the world.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
The Pug enjoys good health generally but sometimes experiences a little difficulty in breathing, so take care in hot weather.
Chihuahua
(© Jean-Michel Labat)
Totally unaware of their truly diminutive size, these dogs believe themselves to be Mastiffs in heavy disguise. Intelligent and easy to live with, their only work is to be amusing companions and hairy hotwater bottles in the past! Affectionate and bright, they make the perfect pet – ideal for the elderly.
History
Experts are unsure as to the origins of this tiny dog. Some Americans discovered the breed in Chihuahua State, Mexico, and they thought it was Mexican, but there is no evidence to support this. The European breeds they most closely resemble are the Portuguese Podengo and the Maltese Kelb Ta But (the pocket dog). In 1530, the Knights of St John, including the Spanish and Portuguese, captured Malta, so perhaps they took back tiny dogs for their ladies? When the Spanish colonized Mexico, would not the ladies have taken their companion dogs?
Description
Tiny, dainty, active and even feisty, the Chihuahua comes in smooth-coated and long-haired varieties in any colour or mixture. Most people keep more than one as they live together easily and will share their home with cats and other household pets. Care must be exercised when children handle them as their bones are very small. Most Chihuahuas adore being fussed over.
Fact File
Group: Toy
Country of Origin: Portugal/Malta?
Male and Female:
Ideally 15–23 cm (6–9 in)
Coat: Comes in smooth-coated and long-haired varieties in any colour or mixture.
Life Expectancy: 15–20 years
Guarding Instinct: Will warn of approach of strangers.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Very affectionate, active and a bit feisty.
Grooming: The smooth-coated variety needs minimal grooming, but the long-haired variety should be brushed and combed lightly twice weekly.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Active and athletic, this little dog loves a walk and to play in the garden. However, it does not need excessive exercise. A daily walk with plenty of play.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Slipping patella and some heart murmurs. Check with your vet.
Pomeranian
A happy and amusing dog that is very fond of its family and given to being noisy unless trained otherwise. Full of vitality and fun, Pomeranians are always anxious to involve themselves in family activities. An ideal pet for a busy urban family. A type of tiny Spitz dog is depicted on some Roman artefacts and there is evidence of this dog’s existence throughout Europe ever since.
History
It is likely that this minuscule dog is closely related to the much larger Nordic Spitz breeds, such as the Samoyed and Keeshond. It came to Great Britain from Pomerania, Germany, in around 1870 in the form of the much bigger German Spitz – the British bred them smaller and gave them their new name. However, they did not become popular until Queen Victoria exhibited her own dog at the Kennel Club’s show, after which the breed’s future was assured.
Description
A Lilliputian dog, a tiny round ball of fluff. The adult coat is abundant, thick and plush. All colours are permissible, including whole colours – white, black, brown, pale blue or vivid orange – and parti-coloured. They have a large, distinctive Spitz-type ruff of fur. Pomeranians look very cute but they are actually good watchdogs and will warn of approaching strangers – being self-confident, they aren’t worried by bigger dogs.
Fact File
Group: Toy
Country of Origin: Scandinavia/Germany
Male and Female: Ideally 22–28 cm (8½–11 in)
Coat: Abundant, thick and plush.
