Hygenhund

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Hygenhund – Sturdy and Athletic Hunter


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What makes the Hygenhund Unique?


Hygenhunds are medium-sized scenthounds of solid and compact rectangular build and firm back. First produced in the 19th century from various hounds, including German ones, this is a very Norwegian breed.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Hygenhund Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Hygenhund
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 47 to 58 cm (18 to 23 inches)
Females – 47 to 58 cm (18 to 23 inches)
Weight: Males – 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 pounds)
Females – 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 pounds)
Origin: Austria, Norway
Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Colour: red & brown or red & yellow, with black shadings, with or without white markings; black & tan, with white markings; white with red-brown or yellow-red patches, or with black & tan markings
Litter Size: No Information Available

Is the Hygenhund Right For You?


The Hygen Hound is tender and kind only with people it knows and can demonstrate wariness and suspiciousness towards strangers. Be mindful that without good amount of socialisation it can even become outright aggressive if some unfamiliar person tries to pet it. This dog possesses strong protective instinct and usually takes its responsibilities of defending its family very seriously. It can make a wonderful watchdog, both personal and property. The breed is probably too small to become an effective guard dog although it has all necessary qualities to perform guarding duties.

In 5 Words


  • Obedient
  • Loyal
  • Loving
  • Affectionate
  • Intelligent

Fun Fact

A Hygenhund is a Norwegian breed of dog from the hound group, created in the 19th century. The Hygenhund is an endurance hunter who can traverse arctic terrain for long periods of time without fatigue.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Hygenhund


Description

Description

General Description

The Hygenhunds are medium-sized scenthounds of solid and compact rectangular build and firm back. First produced in the 19th century from various hounds, including German ones, this is a very Norwegian breed. They are particularly uncommon, especially outside of Norway, where they are bred for very specific conditions. The Hygenhund is an endurance hunter who can traverse arctic terrain for long periods of time without fatigue. Their heads are triangular, with a broad skull and dark eyes. The ears are wide, the muzzle medium sized and the neck long and clean. They have level toplines and a solid, compact body. The legs are solid and muscular and the feet compact, and they move in a well-balanced, reaching motion. The tail is carried high, but not curled over the back. Their temperaments are energetic and free-spirited.

Size

The Hygenhund stands approximately 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 cm) high and weighs around 44 to 55 pounds (20 to 25 kg).

Coat

Hygenhund have a thick, shiny coat with straight hairs. They can be found in yellow and red, chestnut (with or without black shading) and black with bright chestnut colors, sometimes combined with white markings.

Short History

Short History of the Hygenhund

The Hygen Hound is the product of breeding efforts of Norwegian breeder named Mr. Hygen. In the first half of the XIX century he was inspired by the idea to invent the hunting breed, which would be endowed with enough stamina and determination to pursue the prey in chilling condition and raging blizzard of Arctic regions. In 1839 Hygen settled in Romerike and brought along several Holsteiner Hounds, which he acquired in Germany. Then he mated these dogs with various Scandinavian hounds. Derived dogs were subsequently crossed with the more compact and lighter Norwegian Hound and the new breed was born.

The Hygen Hound was granted the name in honour of its creator. His aspirations were fully fulfilled in this dog as it was characterised with ability to hunt unceasingly for hours on end in the most challenging terrain. Actually this passionate hunter can be tasked to track and retrieve any kind of game in any kind of terrain. No wonder that the breed won many fanciers among avid hunters in Norway in XX century. It is also valued as a companion dog because of its lively and cheerful personality. Eventually owners of the Hygen Hound revealed its hidden talent as a watchdog and today it’s widely used in this role as well.

Despite its pleasant character and supreme working abilities the breeds’ population remains fairly small even in its homeland. The Hugenhund’s breeders stick to very rigorous breeding practices in order to preserve and enhance hunting prowess of this dog. Its standard strictly prohibits its reconstruction from other breeds. Although the Hygen Hound can be exceedingly rarely found outside its native country it was granted the recognition of the United kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.

Temperament

Temperament

Best known for its energetic and lively nature, the Hygenhund loves to keep busy at work or play. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and often look to their owner for leadership and guidance. This breed is highly intelligent and generally easy to train. As a pet, the Hygenhund is obedient, loyal, loving, and very affectionate. The Hygenhund is not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as it enjoys spending time outdoors, taking long walks, and having plenty of room to roam, run, and play.


Caring for Your Hygenhund


Health

General Health

Hygenhund is a very healthy breed.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

As a working breed the Hygen Hound needs insignificant amount of maintenance. Its dense coat provides it with an effective protection from the most adverse weather condition. It should be brushed 3 to 4 times a week to stay neat and healthy-looking.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Due to its eagerness to please and impress its owner and willingness to learn, the Hygenhund generally responds well to basic training and commands. This intelligent breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach. Establishing immediate trust and respect is key to successfully training the Hygenhund. These dogs respond best to a confident, patient, and caring handler with a stern yet gentle approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.

The Hygenhund is a very healthy breed of dog and very energetic as well. It is not possible for everyone to tame this breed. Its very energetic and needs a lot of exercise. It requires ample space to run about freely so it will not be able to stay in an apartment. The free space provided to this breed must however have strong boundary.

Hygenhund Picture Gallery


Maremma Sheepdog

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Maremma Sheepdog – The Fierce Defender


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What makes the Maremma Sheepdog Unique?


Members of this industrious breed are not only excellent sheepdogs, they also work well with both llamas and alpacas.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Maremma Sheepdog Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Maremma Sheepdog
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 25.5-29.5 inches (65-75cm)
Females – 23.5-27.5 inches (60-70cm)
Weight: Males – 34 to 45 kg (75 to 100 pounds)
Females – 30 to 41 kg (65 to 90 pounds)
Origin: Italy
Life Span: 10 – 13 Years
Colour: White with occasional markings in ivory, yellow or orange around the head and ears.
Litter Size: 6 to 9 puppies

Is the Maremma Sheepdog Right For You?


Maremma Sheepdogs take their jobs as estate guardians and livestock managers quite seriously. They are strong animals are known for their stamina and their courage. They don’t bark excessively, but they nonetheless make wonderful guard dogs. Members of this breed have also been used as companion animals for several decades now. Given enough exercise and mental stimulation, Maremma Sheepdogs will be well-behaved indoor pets.

In 5 Words


  • Intelligent
  • Dependable
  • Protective
  • Distinguished
  • Brave

Fun Fact

The Maremma originated in (and was named after) a region of Tuscany where it has guarded sheep and livestock for centuries. Some documents trace the Maremma back to ancient Rome.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Maremma Sheepdog


Description

Description

General Description

Maremma Sheepdogs are sizable animals with large heads and distinctive features. They have strong jaws that come together in a scissor bite. They additionally possess black noses that lighten in hue as they get older to a pinkish brown color. Members of this breed also have small, pointy, v-shaped ears. These dogs generally have an intelligent and lively expression on their faces. Low-set, thickly fringed tails are yet another breed feature.

Size

Male Maremma Sheepdogs generally weigh between 77 and 99 pounds (35 and 45 kilograms) while the females are somewhat smaller at 66 to 88 pounds (30 to 40 kilograms). Height also varies by gender. Female dogs stand between 24 and 27 inches (60 to 68 centimeters) on average while males are slightly taller at 26 to 29 inches (65 to 73 centimeters) in height. However, it is not unusual for Maremma Sheepdogs to be considerably larger than the aforementioned standards.

Coat

These dogs have double coats with a thick, under layer and a long, coarse outer layer. Members of this breed typically are white in hue but ivory, pale yellow, or light orange markings may sometimes appear on their ears.

Short History

Short History of the Maremma Sheepdog

Originating in the Italian Apennine Mountains, these large dogs were created specifically to look after local sheep populations by protecting them from human thieves and animal predators. Maremma Sheepdogs resemble the Kuvasz dogs in particular, but members of this breed are additionally related to several other European dog varieties as well. It is thought that all of these aforementioned breeds had an ancestor in common sometime during the height of the Roman Empire. However, the Maremma Sheepdogs were once two divergent varieties that had each acclimated to a different altitude. They were combined into one breed during the 1950s. About twenty years later, the dogs made their way to America where they currently have many fans. Even so, the Maremma Sheepdogs are still more popular in rural areas in the United Kingdom than they are in the States.

Temperament

Temperament

Maremma Sheepdogs take their jobs as estate guardians and livestock managers quite seriously. They are strong animals are known for their stamina and their courage. They don’t bark excessively, but they nonetheless make wonderful guard dogs. Members of this breed have also been used as companion animals for several decades now. Given enough exercise and mental stimulation, Maremma Sheepdogs will be well-behaved indoor pets.

These dogs get along just fine with the other animals in their households. Members this loyal breed will also form strong bonds with the human members of their families but they are certainly not lap dogs. Some Maremma Sheepdogs may instead attempt to herd people as a sign of affection while others prefer leaning on or pawing at their human owners as a way of showing they care. Even so, the dog should always be the one to determine how much affection is going to be displayed.  

Members of this breed tend to be particularly  wary of unfamiliar people. While they are slow to show any signs of aggression, they will defend their human family members and estates with every ounce of their being if the situation calls for it. Therefore, early obedience training and socialization are recommended to help these animals correctly determine what is a threat and what is not.


Caring for Your Maremma Sheepdog


Health

General Health

Members of this breed do not have the heart problems that are typically seen in larger dog varieties. Maremma Sheepdogs have noses that do change color as they get older but this is customary for the breed and it is not any reason for pet owners to be concerned. However, dogs that are constantly overfed run the risk of joint and hip problems. Diets that are low in protein and calories can be used to help address this issue. Owners will also want to feed their dogs two small meals per day in order to reduce their pet’s risk of bloat, which can easily occur if the animal in question regularly gobbles up large amounts of food in a short time.

Care

Daily

These dogs need plenty of exercise on a regular basis. If they are not being used as livestock guardians,, Maremma Sheepdogs require lengthy, briskly paced walks that vary in scope and take in different scenery. Members of this breed also need a spacious home because they are large animals that must be able to run about and play in order to be at their best.

Weekly

Maremma Sheepdogs should have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis to keep them in good oral health.

Monthly

All dogs need to be given parasite prevention medications once a month to keep harmful pests at bay and these dogs are no different than their contemporaries in this regard.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Despite their weather resistant coats, these dogs need regular grooming to prevent their households from becoming covered in fur. This is particularly true when Maremma Sheepdogs are undergoing periods of heavy shedding.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Maremma Sheepdogs get along best when they are given a job to perform. They take their work seriously and typically enjoy it. However, these dogs should start their lessons at an early age because the first two years are particularly important as far as training Maremma Sheepdogs goes.

Members of this breed, particularly those from working lineages, aren’t especially obedient dogs. These animals also expect their owners to know what they want. Therefore, teaching them can be somewhat of a struggle. Like all breeds, Maremma Sheepdogs need a firm hand and consistent rules. Gaining the respect of the canine in question is also an essential element in obtaining their  allegiance. Owners of these dogs should ideally have a fully trained Maremma Sheepdog around to provide a good example for their newest addition.

Despite their independent streak, these dogs are quite intelligent and will use their knowledge to do whatever they think best in a given scenario. This trait can be exasperating to owners at times but it  is also what makes Maremma Sheepdogs such a good livestock breed. However, this characteristic does mean that unwelcome intruders will quickly be put in their place by members of this imposing breed as these dogs similarly excel at guard duties.

Maremma Sheepdog Picture Gallery


Leonberger

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Leonberger – The Gentle Lion


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What makes the Leonberger Unique?


Leonbergers, or Leos, as they are known to their friends, are loyal, outgoing “lions” who love children, other animals, and water. Originating in the mid-nineteenth century in Leonberg, Germany, these wonderful, weatherproof family dogs are arguably the oldest of the German pure breeds. Although fairly well-known in France, Germany, and Scandinavia, they are still considered a rare breed in most countries.

One of the giant breeds, the Leonberger is powerful and elegant. Females stand 26 to 28 inches at the withers and weigh more than 100 pounds. Males are usually considerably larger, standing 28-31 inches and weighing as much as 150 pounds (although most are in the 120-pound range). Their luxurious double coat is lion-colored, ranging from a light sand to a rich mahogany, accented by a black mask and often black tips on the body fur. Their noble, impressive appearance is complemented by dark, almond-shaped eyes characterized by an open, gentle, friendly expression.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Leonberger Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Leonberger
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males 29 – 31 inches (74 – 80 cm)

Females 27 – 29 inches (61 – 74 cm)
Weight: Males – 130 – 170 pounds (59 – 77 kg)
Females –100 – 130 pounds (45 – 59 kg)
Origin: Germany
Life Span: 8-9 years.
Colour: Black mask with a light yellowish golden color to a red-brown colored coat. Lion colored
Litter Size: 6 – 14 puppies

Is the Leonberger Right For You?


Most Leonbergers are wonderful, loving dogs, but due to their size and strength, they are NOT the dog for everyone. They require time, dedication, grooming and, above all, training to ensure a well-behaved dog. Buying any dog should be a lifetime commitment, so make sure you learn about the Leonberger before you buy. As with any breed of dog, do not buy a Leonberger if you somehow believe it will be a catalyst toward changing your life style. It won’t. Research and purchase a dog that matches your lifestyle as it currently exists.

In 5 Words


  • Lovable
  • Calm
  • Gentle giant
  • Sociable
  • Agile

Fun Fact

Leos can be very destructive if left to invent their own games. Provide lots of interactive toys like Wiggly balls, hide-a-treat balls, Kong toys, and frizbees.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Leonberger


Description

Description

General Description

This is a very large, muscular working dog. The head is rectangular shaped and deeper than it is broad. Males’ heads are generally larger than females’ heads. The skull is somewhat domed. It has a black mask and a rather long muzzle. The black mask should not extend above the eyebrows; the mask can be up to the eyes or above the eyes, but never over the entire head. The large nose is always black with clearly outlined nostrils. The lips should be black, and are usually tight and dry. In males with a very majestic head, slightly loose flews and sometimes slightly open hooks of eyes are often found. Loose flews collect saliva, so some males might drool slightly. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. The medium-sized ears are triangular in shape, fleshy, hanging flat and close to the head. The tips of the ears are level with corners of the mouth. The neck is muscular and strong with no dewlap. The medium to long, water-resistant, double coat comes in lion-yellow, golden to red, red-brown, sand, cream, pale yellow and any combination of those colors, always with a black mask. All colors may have shorter, medium or long black tips on the outer coat. There may be a small stripe or white patch on the chest and some white hairs on the toes. There is always discussion about the amount of white allowed. FCI standard states “like the palm of a hand,” but it all depends on whose hand you are referring to. The Leonberger’s thick mane creates a lion-like look. The mane in males can take up to 4 years to develop; the mane in a female is less obvious than in a male. Rear dewclaws are sometimes removed. The front and rear legs are feathered. The bushy tail hangs straight down. The pads of the feet are black. They often have webbed feet.

Short History

Short History of the Leonberger

The Leonberger is the symbol of pride to the town of Leonberg in southern Germany. In the 1840s Herr Alderman Heinrich Essig, the Mayor of Leonberg, wanted to create a breed that manifested the same appearance as the lion which appeared on the Imperial Coat of Arms in the Town Hall of Leonberg. He set out to do so by crossing the Newfoundland, Landseer, St. Bernard and Pyrenean Mountain Dog. The breed has been bred since 1846. Some believe that the breed descends from the Tibetan Mastiff. When first exhibited, the Leonberger was not accepted by the judges as a breed, simply as a mixture of other dogs, which is what it was. But Essig did succeed in creating a rather handsome breed, which went on to be accepted by the public and involved in the World Wars. Unfortunately, existing in a warring country, starvation and the enemies of Germany was what almost made them extinct. After World War I the breed had only 5 remaining survivors. After careful nurturing and help from breeders, the Leonberger was on its way to recovery. After the second World War the breed was nearly decimated again. Only eight remained this time, and it took about 25 years for the breed to be stable in numbers again. It is still considered a rare breed today, but its numbers are up. In 1949 the breed was given a standard to judge by, and clear distinctions were made between the Leonberger and Saint Bernard.

Temperament

Temperament

The Leonberger has a lively nature. It is brave, intelligent, steady and affectionate. It has a sweet expression. Loving and steadfast, stable and calm, the Leonberger just loves everyone. Its intelligence is extraordinary; its loyalty and love for its family is unparalleled. He has a friendly personality. A well-balanced Leonberger will be highly trustworthy and have incredible patience, even with the most obnoxious children. With most of these dogs, if the situation becomes too intense, instead of showing any aggression, the Leonberger simply walks away. Most of these dogs can take bad behavior in their stride. The Leonberger does not respond very well to harsh training methods; training requires patience. Owners need to be firm, but calm, confident and consistent. Proper human to canine communication is essential. To be an excellent watchdog requires some special training. Often called a gentle giant, the Leonberger is serious, eager and willing to please, responding well to training. The Leonberger can get along with other dogs. Socialize and train early, as this puppy will become a very large adult. Teach your dog to respect humans by training it not to jump, to heel on the lead and to enter and exit all door and gateways after the humans. The Leonberger is more active and coordinated than many other giant breeds.


Caring for Your Leonberger


Health

General Health

Unfortunately the Leonberger suffers from various health issues, including Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, cancer, ectropion, entropion (inverted eyelids), hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, OCD and bloat. Bloat is a health issue common to most dogs, being the second largest killer of all dogs. But Leonbergers can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. Bloat is also known as twisted stomach or gastric torsion.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Weekly brushing is needed. The ears must be kept clean and the teeth cleaned when needed. Bathe only when necessary. Some de-matting is required to avoid hotspots. Wetness and damp/wet weather conditions are responsible for the hot spots. Check behind ears, feathering on legs and tail for mats. The Leonberger is a seasonally heavy shedder; during this time the dog should be brushed and combed daily.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

This breed does not need a lot of exercise, however, it does need to be taken on a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog’s mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. They love to be included in all family outings and are very adaptable to most any environment. They LOVE to swim, hike and be trained to pull carts and sleds. If you plan to have your Leo pull carts or hike, one has to wait until the dog is grown. It is not recommended before the dog is about 18 months old.

Leonberger Picture Gallery


Hungarian Greyhound

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Hungarian Greyhound – Rugged but Elegant


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What makes the Hungarian Greyhound Unique?


The Hungarian Greyhound is a dog breed. It is a type of sighthound originating in Hungary and Transylvania. It is used for hunting and coursing, and is also kept as a companion.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Hungarian Greyhound Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Hungarian Greyhound
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 67 to 70 cm (25.5 to 27.5 inches)
Females – 61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 inches)
Weight: Males – 24 to 31 kg (53 to 68 pounds)
Females – 22 to 29   kg (49 to 64 pounds)
Origin: Hungary; Transylvania (now part of Romania)
Life Span: 12 – 14 Years
Colour: Black & White, Brown & White, Merle / Spotted / Brindle / Speckled, White / Cream
Litter Size: 6 to 8 puppies

Is the Hungarian Greyhound Right For You?


The Magyar agár is a sighthound of elegant yet rugged stature. This breed is affectionate and docile. They are unlikely to bite or be snippy with people, although they have a much stronger guarding instinct than some other sighthound breeds. They are usually well behaved around children and also with other dogs. They are somewhat reserved but should not be overly shy. They are intelligent, easy to train and faithful. As with all dogs, early socialization is a must.


In 5 Words


  • Affectionate
  • Docile
  • Devoted
  • Intelligent
  • Faithful

Fun Fact

The Hungarian Greyhound was bred for long distance racing: dispatching hare or deer shot by horseback riders. Hungarians claim that the breed was expected to run along the hunters for distances of 30 kilometres (19 mi) to 50 kilometres (31 mi) per day.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Hungarian Greyhound


Description

Description

General Description

The Magyar agar is a dog breed that is also called MA or Hungarian Greyhound. The MA, although called a greyhound, is not a descendant of the Greyhound breed and is not even known as a Greyhound in its country of origin that is Hungary and Transylvania. The proper alternative name should be Hungarian gazehound or Hungarian sighthound. The dog was bred for hunting and coursing but is more often kept as a companion. These dogs can live in the city but should be provided with sufficient opportunities to exercise by running, walking or jogging. As with any other sighthounds, the dog should be kept away from cattle. The dog does not like the cold although their coat can adapt to the cool weather when necessary.

Size

They weigh between 49 pounds (22 kg) and 68 pounds (31 kg) with a height between 25 inches (64 cm) and 27 inches (69 cm) at the shoulders.

Coat

The Magyars have much thicker skin with a short, smooth and dense coat. The coat becomes slightly longer during the colder seasons. This special coat trait of this dog makes them very hardy dogs that can tolerate cool temperatures better than some of the other short-coated sighthound breeds.

Short History

Short History of the Hungarian Greyhound

The Hungarian Greyhound is believed to have originated more than thousand years ago. The first archaeological findings of the dog’s fossilized remains indicate that it accompanied the Hungarians in the Carpathian Mountain Range as early as in the I A.D. There is a speculation that the breed has already been a widespread home pet when this nomadic folk inhabited the Ural Mountain Range of Eurasia. Unfortunately there is no factual evidence as to what breeds participated in creation of the Hungarian Greyhound but its fanciers strongly suggest that various Scent Hounds were used in the invention of this dog.

In its native country the Hungarian Greyhound is called the Magyar Agar. The first word stands for Hungarian name for Hungary and for nomadic Eurasian indigenous people that founded their settlements in the Danube River in 896 A.D. The word «agar» is translated as «gaze hound» or «wind hound». The owning of the Hungarian Greyhound was not a privilege of the Hungarian aristocracy and every landed peasant had a right to keep one or several of these dogs. The breed was much favoured by hunters for its speed capability and impressive stamina. Its main preys were hare and deer. The dog was supposed to escort hunters on the horsebacks for distance of nearly 30 kilometres and up to a maximum of 50 kilometres in a single day. Its major responsibility was to dispatch the game that was put down by hunters.

The Hungarian Greyhound can rarely be seen elsewhere except for its homeland. Its superb hunting qualities including sharp sight and good nose earned some following in the western countries. Moreover its speed ability and great endurance make it an exceptional candidate for dog’s racing. The breed’s fanciers also strive to promote the Magyar Agar among public since its gentle and reserved temperament makes it a wonderful companion dog. It was granted recognition of the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.

Temperament

Temperament

This breed is affectionate and docile. They are unlikely to bite or be snippy with people, although they have a much stronger guarding instinct than some other sighthound breeds. They are usually well behaved around children and also with other dogs. They are somewhat reserved but should not be overly shy. They are intelligent, easy to train and faithful. As with all dogs, early socialization is a must.

Magyar agárs are very adaptable and can live comfortably in apartments as well as outdoor kennels as long as they are provided with adequate exercise and human interaction. If kept inside, they are very easy to housebreak and make wonderful house pets. During the day they will spend a good portion of their time sleeping, but they are by no means “couch potatoes” and do require daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Long walks, free running and trotting next to a bicycle are the best ways to exercise Magyars since they are not usually too keen on ball-chasing as are other breeds.

Although they can live peacefully with cats and other small animals inside the home, it is important to remember their coursing heritage. They are an excellent coursing dog, and are still employed for such purposes in Hungary. As such, they will tend to want to chase down anything that resembles prey. However, with proper introduction and supervision, they can coexist very well with cats and small dogs.


Caring for Your Hungarian Greyhound


Health

General Health

Given proper nutrition and care, sufficient exercise and regular visits to the vet, these dogs can live up to 12-15 years on the average.

The most common problems for the breed include:

• epilepsy;
• eyes problems;
• canine hip dysplasia;
• muscle strain;
• hypothyroidism;
• sensitivity to anaesthesia;
• gastric torsion.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

These dogs are fairly easy to groom for their smooth, short coated hair. Bathing should only be done when necessary. A damp cloth can be used to wipe their coat to keep it at its best condition. The breed is known to be generally healthy and free from any genetic diseases.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

The Hungarian Greyhound is known to be an eager and diligent learner, which is smart enough to grasp almost everything the handler is willing to teach it. However there can be some obedience issues with this dog if it doesn’t recognise the dominative position of the trainer or doesn’t trust him/her. That’s why the handler should assert its leading stance right from the first lesson by treating the dog with proper but not excessive firmness.

The breed is somewhat sensitive to unfair attitude and harshness. Its impressive size implies that the wilful Hungarian Greyhound can be hardly controlled so it’s crucial to use in its training only reward-based methods.

Hungarian Greyhound Picture Gallery


Longhaired Whippet

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Longhaired Whippet – Sweet and Friendly


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What makes the Longhaired Whippet Unique?


Longhaired Whippets have sweet, friendly personalities and enjoy spending time with people and other dogs (especially dogs of their own kind). They are affectionate and loving yet still maintain the typical dignified sighthound demeanor. They tend to be a bit more biddable and eager to please than other sighthounds which makes them well suited to obedience and agility training. They do not make good guard dogs, but will bark a warning to their owners if they feel it necessary

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Longhaired Whippet Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Longhaired Whippet
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 43 to 55 cm (17 to 22 inches)
Females – 40 to 53 cm (16 to 21 inches)
Weight: Males – 11 to 13 kg (25 to 30 pounds)
Females – 9 to 11   kg (20 to 25 pounds)
Origin: USA
Life Span: 12– 15 Years
Colour: Any color, markings or combination thereof
Litter Size: 6 to 8 puppies

Is the Longhaired Whippet Right For You?


Longhaired Whippets have wonderful personalities. They are very sweet and do not seem to have the hard edge that many smooth Whippets, especially the females, have. Longhairs are generally not as dog-dominant, either. Therefore, they get along much better with other dogs than the smooths do.

Some may make good alert dogs as they may bark a warning, but even these are not yappy as some breeds of dogs are. However, they are not guard dogs. Longhair Whippets are obedient and eager to please, making them capable of doing obedience and agility work.


In 5 Words


  • Sweet
  • Affectionate
  • Lively
  • Sensitive
  • Loving

Fun Fact

Apart from its longer hair, the Longhaired Whippet is identical to the smooth Whippet. These athletic sighthounds love to run and move with flowing grace.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Longhaired Whippet


Description

Description

General Description

The Longhaired Whippet is a medium-sized, athletic sighthound, identical in build to the Whippet but with a longer silky coat and fringes. The breed standard indicates that the Longhaired Whippet should conform to the general appearance outlined by the Whippet breed standard except, of course, for the longer coat. However, the coat should not prevent the dog from being able to fulfill its function in the field as a running dog. They come in a variety of colors including: solids like red and black, parti-colors such as fawn and white, and various shades of brindle. They range in height from 18-22 inches at the shoulder and usually weigh between 20 and 30 lbs.

Short History

Short History of the Longhaired Whippet

Longhaired Whippets came about when a Whippet breeder named Walter A. Wheeler Jr. set out to bring out a recessive longhaired gene lurking in the Whippet breed. He found success and introduced his new dogs to the public in the 1970s. Although some breeders claimed the longhaired dogs were the result of a cross with Shetland Sheepdogs, Wheeler maintained that the dogs were purebred Whippets.

Temperament

Temperament

Longhaired Whippets have sweet, friendly personalities and enjoy spending time with people and other dogs (especially dogs of their own kind). They are affectionate and loving yet still maintain the typical dignified sighthound demeanor. They tend to be a bit more biddable and eager to please than other sighthounds which makes them well suited to obedience and agility training. They do not make good guard dogs, but will bark a warning to their owners if they feel it necessary.


Caring for Your Longhaired Whippet


Health

General Health

The Whippet is a generally healthy breed, and buying from a responsible breeder will help ensure that you get the healthiest Whippet possible. A puppy from a reputable Whippet breeder will be vaccinated and dewormed before you take him home. Responsible breeders use only physically sound, mature (at least 2 years or older) dogs, and test their breeding stock for genetic diseases pertinent to the breed.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Longhaired Whippets have just enough coat to soften and enhance the look, but not so much as to require tedious grooming. The coat is generally soft and silky, but texture may vary slightly depending on color.

There is very little undercoat, so maintenance (brushing or combing) is extremely minimal. A quick once every other week brushing is more than enough. They do not shed profusely, as some coated breeds, and even the smooths, do. As can be seen from the pictures, the coat should not hide the lovely outline. The Longhaired Whippet takes the weather very well, not needing a jacket to go out in cold weather. Even the older puppies love to play in the snow.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Longhaired Whippets are capable of reaching very high speeds, but are not high-strung or hyperactive. They are sprinters and do enjoy being able to run and play, but spend a large amount of their time lounging comfortably at home.

Like all sighthounds, they do not have a lot of body fat and are not suitable to be kept outdoors year round, nor for long periods outdoors in the cold or inclement weather.

Longhaired Whippet Picture Gallery


Lithuanian Hound

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Lithuanian – hunting dog


123

What makes the Lithuanian Unique?


Although Border Collies are well-known for being beautiful enough to appear on the silver screen, they are also active and intelligent dogs. These lovable animals have boundless energy and are ideally suited to active, country dwelling families with older children.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Lithuanian  Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Lithuanian
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 inches)

Females – 46 to 53 cm (18 to 21 inches)
Weight: Males – 13.6 to 20.4 kg (30 to 45 pounds)

Females – 12.2 to 19   kg (26.9 to 41.9 pounds)
Origin: Great Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, United Kingdom
Life Span: 13 – 16 Years
Colour: Red Merle, Gold, White, Blue, Sable Merle, Red, Chocolate,Brindle, Lilac, Sable, Liver, Blue Merle, Black
Litter Size: up to 10 puppies

Is the Lithuanian Right For You?


This guy wants a job, yep uhuh yep job please. In fact this guy neeeeeds a job. The workaholic of the dog world, if you are thinking of getting a border collie do not expect a cuddly, couch potato of a dog thats for sure.

They need more then just a walk around the block, you might think their energy is endless and it just might be! Herding is built into their very fabric and whether its sheep, squirrels, children (basically anything that moves) they will put that built in instinct to work. An extremely intelligent & sensitive dog you will be rewarded with a faithful companion that has the uncanny knack of knowing what you want before you make a movement.

The Border Collie would be a great match for someone who is willing to be as active as he is. They are interested in putting in the training and willing to get involved in activities including tracking, dog sports, obedience training, flying disc and others that involve agility and co-ordination.

In 5 Words


  • Alert
  • Energetic
  • Tenacious
  • Responsive
  • Intelligent

Fun Fact

BORDER COLLIES ARE KNOWN AS HERDING DOGS, BUT A BC CURRENTLY HOLDS THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR FASTEST CAR WINDOW OPENED BY A DOG.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Lithuanian


Description

Description

General Description

Border Collies that were bred for the show rings are generally stocky, medium-sized dogs. However, there is more variation in size and build among the working lines. Both lines are well proportioned and have a muscular appearance.

The dogs should have tipped erect or semi-erect ears, a tapered muzzle, and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. Their low carried tails should only have a slight curl at the end when the dog is focusing on a particular task. Border Collies tend to trot when walking and should move at moderate speeds when being shown in competitions.

This breed is known for having an intense gaze that they use to control disobedient livestock. As a result, these dogs should have an alert expression in their brown eyes. While Border Collies with blue eyes are accepted in the show ring, this characteristic is not preferred.

Size

On average, these dogs measure between 18 and 22 inches (46 to 56 centimeters) at shoulder and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. (12-20 kilograms). The ideal size for male Border Collies is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 centimeters) in height and female dogs should be slightly shorter at between 18 and 21 inches (46 to 53 centimeters) tall. Female Border Collies should also weigh slightly less than their male counterparts at between 27 and 42 pounds (12 to 19 kilograms) each, while males of this breed should ideally weigh around 35 to 45 pounds (14 to 20 kilograms).

Coat

Coats on Border Collie can be either rough or smooth, but neither is more desirable than the other according to the breed standards. Smooth coat types are naturally short, with feathering on the dog’s legs. Rough coated collies have flat to wavy hair that is much longer. This breed comes in all colors as well as variety of color combinations and markings. White markings are most common.

Short History

Short History of the Border Collie

Unlike some breeds whose origins are shrouded in mystery, the Border Collie is known to have begun its history in the Scottish and English borderlands shortly after the Roman occupation. This breed was responsible for herding sheep and sometimes livestock in this mountainous region. Today, a number of Border Collies still work on ranches and farms.

These dogs were an especial favorite of Queen Victoria, who had become familiar with the breed on her annual trips to Scotland. In 1876, the first sheepdog trials took place. The breed that eventually became the modern Border Collie proved themselves able to successfully herd and capture 100 wild Welsh sheep. The working lines for this breed are still among the world’s best herding dogs.

The Border Collie breed split around 1995 when they were admitted into the American Kennel Club (AKC). There currently are both working and show lines of this breed, so be potential owners should be sure to choose a dog from the lineage that is appropriate to their own purposes.

Temperament

Temperament

These intelligent dogs make good pets for active families with older children. Border Collies tend to be dogs who stay so close to their owners that they are often underfoot. As a rule, this breed is somewhat wary of strangers but those dogs that have been properly socialized are generally friendly. Their tolerance for other animals varies on an individual basis.

True to their breed instincts, these dogs will herd anything that they can including young children and other pets. While the Border Collie is rarely aggressive towards other animals, how well additional pets tolerate being herded is another matter entirely. There are some dogs of this breed with exceptionally strong prey drives that will compulsively chase after cats. Therefore, adult collies which have proven themselves cat-friendly are a safer option than puppies for prospective owners that already have felines in their homes.

Owners should be aware that Border Collies will also attempt to herd bicycles and cars, so it is not a good idea to let them off their leash in city environments. As a breed, these dogs may suffer from quirky borderline obsessive tendencies that vary between animals. However, if a dog is prone to a great many obsessive behaviors, it may be bored and owners should proceed with caution.

Border Collies have a capacity for great destruction when they aren’t mentally stimulated on a regular basis. This breed is also prone to becoming boredom barkers. It goes without saying that Border Collies will do best in rural areas, but they can withstand apartment life if properly exercised. These are not couch potato dogs.


Caring for Your Lithuanian


Health

General Health

This breed is especially prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, PRA (Collie Eye Anomaly) and deafness. The coloration gene is linked to the same one that causes hearing loss and dogs with a large percentage of white fur in their coats are more at risk than others for deafness. Border Collies also are quite often allergic to fleas. Owners of dogs with this condition should be more vigilant than others about making sure their pet is given a monthly flea and tick preventative. During the summer months when fleas are most prevalent, these Border Collies should be bathed on a more regular basis to help prevent infestations and alleviate itching from any insect bites they may have received.

In addition to the aforementioned health risks, some herding lines of Border Collies carry the MDR1 gene, which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that may be safely given to other dogs. Testing can and should be done for this gene, because otherwise these dogs may inadvertently be given medications that could prove deadly.

However, owners of this breed should not be overly concerned with health issues when considering a Border Collie. Cancer and old age are the leading causes of death for the breed and most Border Collies tend to live between 12 and 13 years on average.

Care

Daily

Although energy levels vary on an individual basis, all Border Collies require regular exercise. An hour long walk or time spent in an enclosed back yard is sufficient on a daily basis. This activity period can be broken up into intervals as required by the owner. Some people take their pets out several times a day for short breaks, but others only have time for one lengthy walk per day. Border Collies also benefit from daily human interaction, even if it is only for short period of time. They tire more easily from mental stimulation such as learning new tricks rather than going for long walks, so potential owners should be aware of that fact.

Weekly

Border Collies should be brushed two to three times per week, and more often when the dog is shedding. It is also a good idea to brush a dog’s teeth on a regular basis to prevent bad breath and periodontal disease. A Border Collie’s ears and coat should be regularly checked in order to prevent ticks.

Monthly

As with any breed, monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medicine is recommended.

.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

The Border Collie needs regular grooming, with extra attention given during times it is shedding. These dogs should be bathed only when necessary.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, Border Collies like to keep busy. These energetic dogs benefit greatly from regular physical exercise. They additionally excel in dog sports such as flyball and agility competitions. Border Collies will also do well in obedience classes, because they are smart and willing to please their owners.

Lithuanian Picture Gallery


Landseer

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Landseer –


1234

What makes the Landseer Unique?


Although Border Collies are well-known for being beautiful enough to appear on the silver screen, they are also active and intelligent dogs. These lovable animals have boundless energy and are ideally suited to active, country dwelling families with older children.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Landseer Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Landseer
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 inches)

Females – 46 to 53 cm (18 to 21 inches)
Weight: Males – 13.6 to 20.4 kg (30 to 45 pounds)

Females – 12.2 to 19   kg (26.9 to 41.9 pounds)
Origin: Great Britain, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, United Kingdom
Life Span: 13 – 16 Years
Colour: Red Merle, Gold, White, Blue, Sable Merle, Red, Chocolate,Brindle, Lilac, Sable, Liver, Blue Merle, Black
Litter Size: up to 10 puppies

Is the Landseer Right For You?


This guy wants a job, yep uhuh yep job please. In fact this guy neeeeeds a job. The workaholic of the dog world, if you are thinking of getting a border collie do not expect a cuddly, couch potato of a dog thats for sure.

They need more then just a walk around the block, you might think their energy is endless and it just might be! Herding is built into their very fabric and whether its sheep, squirrels, children (basically anything that moves) they will put that built in instinct to work. An extremely intelligent & sensitive dog you will be rewarded with a faithful companion that has the uncanny knack of knowing what you want before you make a movement.

The Border Collie would be a great match for someone who is willing to be as active as he is. They are interested in putting in the training and willing to get involved in activities including tracking, dog sports, obedience training, flying disc and others that involve agility and co-ordination.

In 5 Words

  • Alert
  • Energetic
  • Tenacious
  • Responsive
  • Intelligent

Fun Fact

BORDER COLLIES ARE KNOWN AS HERDING DOGS, BUT A BC CURRENTLY HOLDS THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR FASTEST CAR WINDOW OPENED BY A DOG.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Landseer


Description

Description

General Description

Border Collies that were bred for the show rings are generally stocky, medium-sized dogs. However, there is more variation in size and build among the working lines. Both lines are well proportioned and have a muscular appearance.

The dogs should have tipped erect or semi-erect ears, a tapered muzzle, and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. Their low carried tails should only have a slight curl at the end when the dog is focusing on a particular task. Border Collies tend to trot when walking and should move at moderate speeds when being shown in competitions.

This breed is known for having an intense gaze that they use to control disobedient livestock. As a result, these dogs should have an alert expression in their brown eyes. While Border Collies with blue eyes are accepted in the show ring, this characteristic is not preferred.

Size

On average, these dogs measure between 18 and 22 inches (46 to 56 centimeters) at shoulder and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. (12-20 kilograms). The ideal size for male Border Collies is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 centimeters) in height and female dogs should be slightly shorter at between 18 and 21 inches (46 to 53 centimeters) tall. Female Border Collies should also weigh slightly less than their male counterparts at between 27 and 42 pounds (12 to 19 kilograms) each, while males of this breed should ideally weigh around 35 to 45 pounds (14 to 20 kilograms).

Coat

Coats on Border Collie can be either rough or smooth, but neither is more desirable than the other according to the breed standards. Smooth coat types are naturally short, with feathering on the dog’s legs. Rough coated collies have flat to wavy hair that is much longer. This breed comes in all colors as well as variety of color combinations and markings. White markings are most common.

Short History

Short History of the Landseer

Unlike some breeds whose origins are shrouded in mystery, the Border Collie is known to have begun its history in the Scottish and English borderlands shortly after the Roman occupation. This breed was responsible for herding sheep and sometimes livestock in this mountainous region. Today, a number of Border Collies still work on ranches and farms.

These dogs were an especial favorite of Queen Victoria, who had become familiar with the breed on her annual trips to Scotland. In 1876, the first sheepdog trials took place. The breed that eventually became the modern Border Collie proved themselves able to successfully herd and capture 100 wild Welsh sheep. The working lines for this breed are still among the world’s best herding dogs.

The Border Collie breed split around 1995 when they were admitted into the American Kennel Club (AKC). There currently are both working and show lines of this breed, so be potential owners should be sure to choose a dog from the lineage that is appropriate to their own purposes.

Temperament

Temperament

These intelligent dogs make good pets for active families with older children. Border Collies tend to be dogs who stay so close to their owners that they are often underfoot. As a rule, this breed is somewhat wary of strangers but those dogs that have been properly socialized are generally friendly. Their tolerance for other animals varies on an individual basis.

True to their breed instincts, these dogs will herd anything that they can including young children and other pets. While the Border Collie is rarely aggressive towards other animals, how well additional pets tolerate being herded is another matter entirely. There are some dogs of this breed with exceptionally strong prey drives that will compulsively chase after cats. Therefore, adult collies which have proven themselves cat-friendly are a safer option than puppies for prospective owners that already have felines in their homes.

Owners should be aware that Border Collies will also attempt to herd bicycles and cars, so it is not a good idea to let them off their leash in city environments. As a breed, these dogs may suffer from quirky borderline obsessive tendencies that vary between animals. However, if a dog is prone to a great many obsessive behaviors, it may be bored and owners should proceed with caution.

Border Collies have a capacity for great destruction when they aren’t mentally stimulated on a regular basis. This breed is also prone to becoming boredom barkers. It goes without saying that Border Collies will do best in rural areas, but they can withstand apartment life if properly exercised. These are not couch potato dogs.


Caring for Your Landseer


Health

General Health

This breed is especially prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, PRA (Collie Eye Anomaly) and deafness. The coloration gene is linked to the same one that causes hearing loss and dogs with a large percentage of white fur in their coats are more at risk than others for deafness. Border Collies also are quite often allergic to fleas. Owners of dogs with this condition should be more vigilant than others about making sure their pet is given a monthly flea and tick preventative. During the summer months when fleas are most prevalent, these Border Collies should be bathed on a more regular basis to help prevent infestations and alleviate itching from any insect bites they may have received.

In addition to the aforementioned health risks, some herding lines of Border Collies carry the MDR1 gene, which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that may be safely given to other dogs. Testing can and should be done for this gene, because otherwise these dogs may inadvertently be given medications that could prove deadly.

However, owners of this breed should not be overly concerned with health issues when considering a Border Collie. Cancer and old age are the leading causes of death for the breed and most Border Collies tend to live between 12 and 13 years on average.

Care

Daily

Although energy levels vary on an individual basis, all Border Collies require regular exercise. An hour long walk or time spent in an enclosed back yard is sufficient on a daily basis. This activity period can be broken up into intervals as required by the owner. Some people take their pets out several times a day for short breaks, but others only have time for one lengthy walk per day. Border Collies also benefit from daily human interaction, even if it is only for short period of time. They tire more easily from mental stimulation such as learning new tricks rather than going for long walks, so potential owners should be aware of that fact.

Weekly

Border Collies should be brushed two to three times per week, and more often when the dog is shedding. It is also a good idea to brush a dog’s teeth on a regular basis to prevent bad breath and periodontal disease. A Border Collie’s ears and coat should be regularly checked in order to prevent ticks.

Monthly

As with any breed, monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention medicine is recommended.

.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

The Border Collie needs regular grooming, with extra attention given during times it is shedding. These dogs should be bathed only when necessary.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, Border Collies like to keep busy. These energetic dogs benefit greatly from regular physical exercise. They additionally excel in dog sports such as flyball and agility competitions. Border Collies will also do well in obedience classes, because they are smart and willing to please their owners.

Landseer Picture Gallery


Lapponian Herder

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Lapponian Herder – The Reindeers’ Guard


1234

What makes the Lapponian Herder Unique?


The Lapponian Herder a very energetic, friendly, loyal and affectionate working breed. It loves pleasing its owner and forms strong bonds with its family. This people-oriented dog loves being involved in any activity with its family and makes a great companion. If you socialize your dog properly it will get along well with even small children.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Lapponian Herder Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Lapponian Herder
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 48 to 54 cm (19 to 21 inches)
Females – 43 to 49 cm (17 to 19 inches)
Weight: Males – 27 to 30 kg (60 to 66 pounds)
Females – 27 to 30 kg (60 to 66 pounds)
Origin: Finland
Life Span: 12 – 14 Years
Colour: Black, Black & Brown, Dark Brown / Chocolate, Gray / Salt & Pepper
Litter Size: No record found.

Is the Lapponian Herder Right For You?


Pastor Lapponian can participate in trials dog agility, carting, mushing, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Herders Lapland exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

As a family pet, the dog displays its calm, friendly and even temperament. It has a sweet nature which is more evident when this playful and lively dog is interacting with children. It is very tolerant of rough handling by children and does not react. Though it is a very friendly breed for its family, the dog is reserved around strangers. With its propensity to bark when playing or working and its alert and protective nature, the dog makes an excellent watch dog. It has a dominant nature around other dogs and pets and will need early age training and socialization. The Lapinporokoira or Laponian herder is an excellent working as well as companion dog for active families that can fulfill high exercise demands of this dog and provide it with a large yard to play and run.


In 5 Words


  • Docile
  • Vocal
  • Calm
  • Energetic
  • Friendly

Fun Fact

The Lapponian Herder is thought to be one of the most ancient Finnish breeds. It originated in the XVII century in Finland and is a descendant from the ancient Nordic spitzes.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Lapponian Herder


Description

Description

General Description

A medium sized, spitz-like race, clearly longer than high, with strong but not heavy bone and muscle, and a layer that resists the Arctic climate. The sex of the dog should be readily apparent by visual examination.

Size

The dog is longer than tall. Height should be 51 cm (20 in) at the withers for males, 46 cm (18 in) for females. Males and females should look distinctly different. Weight is between 55-65 pounds, males usually heavier than females.

Coat

Double, outer layer with very long, straight, hard and erect. The inner layer is thin and dense. The hair is usually more abundant in the neck, chest and back of the thighs.

Short History

Short History of the Lapponian Herder

It is thought that the Lapponian Herder evolved from dogs that have inhabited the northern parts of Scandinavia since pre-historic times. The origin of the breed is the subject of much debate, however, as the Lapponian Herder clearly deviates from traditional Spitz-type dogs.

The earliest information on reindeer husbandry in Lapland dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and the first mentions of reindeer-herding dogs were included in the book Lapponia, which was published in 1674.

As a breed, the Lapponian Herder is centuries old. An effort was made to launch organised breeding in the late 1930s, but this failed to achieve visible results. Systematic kennel work extended to the breed only in the 1950s.

Temperament

Temperament

The Lapinporokoira or Laponian Herder is an obedient, docile, intelligent and calm but very energetic dog. It is ready to do work when the owner is ready otherwise it will relax in the house. Not couch potatoes by any means, this dog is very energetic and will need to do work. As an excellent herding dog, it travels miles after miles to herd the reindeers without being hampered by snow. With a pleasing appearance, this tireless and devoted worker dog has been an excellent herding partner for its human masters. It is highly valued for its skills as a herding dog in Sami people or Lapps. This intelligent breed learns fast and is easy to train. As a family pet, the dog displays its calm, friendly and even temperament. It has a sweet nature which is more evident when this playful and lively dog is interacting with children. It is very tolerant of rough handling by children and does not react. Though it is a very friendly breed for its family, the dog is reserved around strangers. With its propensity to bark when playing or working and its alert and protective nature, the dog makes an excellent watch dog. It has a dominant nature around other dogs and pets and will need early age training and socialization. The Lapinporokoira or Laponian herder is an excellent working as well as companion dog for active families that can fulfill high exercise demands of this dog and provide it with a large yard to play and run.


Caring for Your Lapponian Herder


Health

General Health

The most common health problems for the breed include:

• canine hip dysplasia;
• arthritis;
• von Willebrand’s disease;
• chronic ear infections;
• eye problems;
• ingrown nails;
• skin allergies;
• gastric torsion.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

The fairly long coat is self-cleaning but brushing it once or twice a week will help distribute skin oils evenly to the body. Teeth and ears should be cleaned once per week.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Pastor Lapponian can participate in trials dog agility, carting, mushing, obedience, Rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Herders Lapland exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

Lapponian Herder Picture Gallery


Lancashire Heeler

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Swi

Lancashire Heeler –


123

What makes the Lancashire Heeler Unique?


The Lancashire Heeler is an alert and friendly dog that is wary of strangers. They are devoted to their owners and would take their job as the family watch dog to heart. They have a tendency to nip at people’s heels but this could be remedied with training. Though the Lancashire Heeler is somewhat resilient to training, with patience, you can achieve a lot.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Lancashire Heeler Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Lancashire Heeler
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 25 to 31 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Females – 25 to 31 cm (10 to 12 inches)
Weight: Males – 3 to 6 kg (6 to 13 pounds)
Females – 3 to 6 kg (6 to 13 pounds)
Origin: The exact origin of breed is unknown.
Life Span: 12 – 13 Years
Colour: Black, and liver, with tan markings
Litter Size: 2 to 5 puppies

Is the Lancashire Heeler Right For You?


The Lancashire Heeler is a happy and fun loving dog. It has a unique skill that it can show its happiness through famous “Heeler Smile”. The dog is friendly and affectionate to its family. It is exceptionally playful, gentle and considerate towards children. Its friendly nature surfaces with its family and passer-bys but vanishes when an unknown person approaches its territory. The dog is aggressive towards strangers or intruders. It generally gets along well with other dogs and pets in the family.


In 5 Words


  • Alert
  • Intelligent
  • Clever
  • Energetic
  • Playful

Fun Fact

The first Lancashire Heeler Club was formed in 1981, and the breed was admitted to the Kennel Club (England) in 1982.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Lancashire Heeler


Description

Description

General Description

The Lancashire Heeler is set low to the ground; legs are short in relation to the rest of the body. It has wide-set larger ears. The ears should be erect; drop ears are undesired by breeders. The head is always in proportion with the body. The bright eyes are set wide apart. The legs are short and sturdy and the paws turn out slightly. The hindquarters are very well muscled. The chest is long and deep and the abdomen is firm. The back is strong. The tail is set high and carried forward over the back. The coat is seasonably long or short. In the wintertime the coat is plush with a visible mane and in the summer it has a sleek, shiny coat.

Size

The ideal height for a male Lancashire Heeler is 12 inches at the shoulder; for females, the ideal is 10 inches. They weigh approximately 14 pounds.

Coat

The Lancashire Heeler has a dense double coat, seen in a black and tan or a liver and tan coloring. he Lancashire Heeler sports a coarse, shiny coat that can be black or liver-colored, both with tan markings. They have a fine undercoat below a thick, weather-resistant topcoat. The coat is slightly longer around the neck.

Short History

Short History of the Lancashire Heelers

When people no longer greatly relied on cattle dogs, the Lancashire Heeler declined in numbers greatly to the point of practical extinction. Today’s Lancashire Heelers are a re-creation of the original Lancashire Heelers. The re-creation has lines of the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier. Today’s Lancashire Heelers are almost identical to the Lancashire that existed a long time ago. Although the new Lancashires retain the excellent ability to herd, they are now rarely used for cattle herding.

Temperament

Temperament

It is alert, friendly, energetic, intelligent, playful and a pleasant companion. Personality can range from lazy and playful to energenic and talkative. It is actually a very strong dog that likes to participate in all kinds of activities, and can carry a ball or object the size of themselves. The Lancashire Heeler is friendly towards its owners and passers-by on the street but may be aggressive towards an unknown character on their territory, such as the Mail Carrier.


Caring for Your Lancashire Heeler


Health

General Health

The Lancashire Heeler has a life expectancy of 12–15 years or more. The three most common serious conditions that can affect Heelers are Collie eye anomaly, Primary lens luxation and Persistent pupillary membranes. As well as these eye conditions, dogs of this breed may suffer from Patella luxation.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

The Border Collie needs regular grooming, with extra attention given during times it is shedding. These dogs should be bathed only when necessary.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds, Border Collies like to keep busy. These energetic dogs benefit greatly from regular physical exercise. They additionally excel in dog sports such as flyball and agility competitions. Border Collies will also do well in obedience classes, because they are smart and willing to please their owners.

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Lagotto Romagnolo

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Lagotto Romagnolo – The Truffles Searcher


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What makes the Lagotto Romagnolo Unique?


Due to their importance in epilepsy research and their pleasant dispositions, members of this active breed are experiencing a surge in popularity throughout the world.

Breed Groups

Page Contents


  1. Snapshot
  2. Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Right For You?
  3. Characteristics
  4. Description & Short History
  5. Caring for your Lagotto Romagnolo
  6. Picture Gallery

SnapShot

Size: Males – 43 to 48 cm (17 to 19 inches)
Females – 41 to 46 cm (16 to 18 inches)
Weight: Males – 13 to 16 kg (28 to 35 pounds)
Females – 11 to 14  kg (24 to 30 pounds)
Origin: Italy
Life Span: 15 – 17 Years
Colour: Brown Roan, Off-White, Brown, Orange & White, Orange, Brown & White
Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo Right For You?


Due to their affectionate and playful personalities, Lagotto Romagnolos make great family pets. These placid dogs are quite good around children and other canines. They will typically get along just fine in households that contain smaller animals.  Members of this breed also tend to become especially attached to their human owners.

In 5 Words


  • Loyal
  • Companionable
  • Trainable
  • Active
  • Loving

Fun Fact

The name Lagotto Romagnolo derives, then, from its original “career” as a water dog. In the local dialect of the Romagna “Càn Lagòt” is synonymous with “water dog” or “wetland hunting dog with crimped, curly coat”.

Characteristics


Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Lagotto Romagnolo


Description

Description

General Description

Members of this breed are of a moderate size with square shaped, athletic bodies and level backs. These dogs have large heads and strong necks. Their teeth should have a scissor, reverse scissor, or level bite. Lagotto Romagnolos have large round eyes that range in color from dark yellow to dark brown depending on the color of their coats.. These dogs have triangular drop ears that have round tips. They also have straight legs.

Size

Male dogs typically stand around 17 to 19 inches at their shoulder blades with their female contemporaries being about 1 inch shorter on average. Any male dog that is shorter than 16.5 inches or taller than 19.5 inches in height will be disqualified from the show ring, as is the case with females who measure below 15.5 inches or above 18.5 inches in height. On average, male Lagotto Romagnolos weigh between 28 and 35 pounds with female dogs being somewhat lighter at 24 to 31 pounds in weight.

Coat

Members of this breed have dense, wooly double coats that form tight curls on much of their bodies.  Their thick hair protects these truffle hunting dogs from injuries while they are hard at work in the field. The inner layer of their coat is also water repellant. Lagotto Romagnolos come in a variety of colors including white, off white, rust, or brown. White dogs with rust or brown colored patches are also acceptable. Some individuals may even have a brown mask on their faces.

Short History

Short History of the Lagotto Romagnolo

It seems fairly likely that Lagotto Romagnolos are modern day descendants of an Etruscan breed which had been depicted in artworks found in the former Italian city of Spina. Members of this breed were also presumably mentioned by the Swedish naturalist Linnaeus as being a common breed in the Mediterranean region in the 18th century.

Temperament

Temperament

Due to their affectionate and playful personalities, Lagotto Romagnolos make great family pets. These placid dogs are quite good around children and other canines. They will typically get along just fine in households that contain smaller animals. Members of this breed also tend to become especially attached to their human owners.

Lagotto Romagnolos make exceptional watchdogs because they have very good hearing and they will bark if someone enters their domain. However, older individuals tend to be much quieter than the younger ones.

Lagotto Romagnolos are known to be quite intelligent and incredibly active. As a result, they need a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation in order to be content. These dogs additionally have excellent olfactory senses and a fondness for hunting things. Given these facts, members of this breed would be particularly good candidates for dog sports such as tracking.


Caring for Your Lagotto Romagnolo


Health

General Health

Due to their history as working dogs, only the toughest and healthiest members of the breed survived. The result of this natural selection is that their modern descendants are quite hardy individuals. It is typical for Lagotto Romagnolos to live about 16 years. However, as is the case with any breed, there are some problems that may arise from time to time. These issues include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and cerebral anomalies. Some of these conditions can be partially avoided by choosing a dog from a reputable breeder.

Lagotto Romagnolos have also been helpful in epilepsy research as some individuals have a mutation on the Lgi2 gene which could be used to treat the same disease in human beings. Therefore, maintaining the current standards of good health for the breed is important so that the dogs can be used successfully in future studies.

Care

Daily

These are small dogs that will get along fine in apartments as long as they are given enough exercise. However, Lagotto Romagnolos will need to be walked at least three to four times per day to keep them happy and healthy. It is always a good idea to train your pet to not tug and pull on the leash when they are being walked, but this is an especially important lesson for members of this breed to learn.

Weekly

Brushing your pet’s teeth a few times per week, if not every day, is the best way to keep it in good oral health.

Monthly

All dogs need parasite prevention medications to keep harmful pests at bay and these products are generally administered at least once per month.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

Although Lagotto Romagnolos don’t shed much, members of this breed need to be groomed on a regular basis to keep them looking their best. Dogs with longer fur will need to be brushed often so that their hair doesn’t become matted or seriously tangled. Of course, owners that don’t plan on showing their pets in breed competitions can also have the animal in question’s fur clipped twice a year in order to minimize grooming requirements. Breed standards do call for Lagotto Romagnolos to look like the working dogs that they generally are. Therefore, their coats should be left alone if they are being shown. Even so, if their fur is not regularly brushed it may become felted and the dogs might need to be clipped once a year anyway.

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Lagotto Romagnolos might be small animals but they are also an incredibly energetic breed. In fact, these dogs were originally used to hunt truffles in their homeland. They remain quite good at retrieving and may subsequently enjoy playing fetch with their human owners. Members of this breed also enjoy playing in the water. Mud puddles in particular may serve as a major attraction for these dogs so they probably are not the best pet choice for pet owners who want an animal who will stay scrupulously clean. Lagotto Romagnolos are additionally known to be enthusiastic diggers that can put giant holes in the yard in mere moments. Even so, these dogs are easy to train and incredibly obedient. As is true of most breeds, Lagotto Romagnolos benefit from consistent rules and an instructor who treats them fairly.

Lagotto Romagnolo Picture Gallery