Thursday, December 6, 2012

north to Alaska


 
 
 
Husky

   The husky originated in Siberia with a tribe called the Chukchi.  It was a working job that was used primarily to haul sleds from one town to another.  The dog was strong and had exceptional endurance.  It was used mainly for transportation of supplies from village to village.  A the time of the Alaskan gold rush the gold miners adopt the dogs for the purpose of hauling gold and supplies in and out of wilderness areas.

 

  The Husky is a medium size outdoor working dog. It is not suitable for apartments.  It needs almost daily exercise in order to remain emotionally stable. This breed is also not a guard dog.  It likes to be around people and will not be sufficiently discriminate around strangers.  It is a large dog that makes a good house pet.  Husky’s get along with children that are old enough not to get knocked down by the size of the dog.

Huskies have a heavy coat which makes them not suitable for warm climates.  In the desert or tropics they are sure to overheat.

Huskies grow to about 24 inches in height and up to 60 pounds.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A relentless hunter


 
 
Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound was a cross between four types of foxhounds, Bleu de Gasconge and a Cur.  If ever a dog was bred for hunting this is it.  This breed hunts by smell and is very relentless when tracking game.

  This hound needs to be exercised constantly and is not suited for an apartment.  It is good with children, strangers and other dogs.  It has a loud bark that can be heard for long distances.  This is an animal that was bred to hunt small game and is very motivated by the chance to go into pursuit.  This type of dog can get caught up in chasing pray at any time.  That is something to think about before obtaining this breed.  The slightest aroma of prey and it starts running.  This can complicate things in an urban environment.

The breed is very popular and has been in several movies.  A Blue Mountain Ticks have been the subject of several books, songs and at least two movies.  

 

Bluetick Coonhounds can weigh up to eighty pounds and reach a height of twenty-seven inches as measured from the ground to the shoulder blades

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Hypoallergenic Dogs



What is a hypoallergenic dog and why would anybody care?  A hypoallergenic dog is a dog that is unlikely to provoke allergies in humans.  Some people have allergies problems.  If you have an allergy problem and you want a dog, then a Hypoallergenic dog maybe the best choice for you. What makes a hypoallergenic do unique?   Theses dog shed very little if at all.  This means that there are much fewer particulates in the air that may get in the nasal cavities and trigger the allergy.  These particulates that come of the bodies of animals are called dander. Some people are very sensitive to dander.  It triggers an undesirable response.

Examples of Hypoallergenic are Poodles, Water Dogs, Terriers,Bichon Frises,Hairless dogs, wirehaired dogs and corded dogs.  These are examples of breeds that people with an allergy maybe be able to tolerate.

It is recommended that people who have allergies problems foster a breed that is hypoallergenic before adopting it.  This it’s a way to determine if the dog’s rate of shedding can be tolerated.  It is also wise to consult with your allergist beforehand.

 As always owning a dog is a tradeoff.  Some of the hypoallergenic dogs are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise.  Some of the breeds in question have serious grooming requirements. It always pays to do research before adopting.

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Japanese National Dog


                                                                                                                                    

  The Akita is named for Akita Prefecture (state) in Japan.  Akita’s are very large working dog that was developed from the now extinct Miyagi dog.   The dog was originally used to hunt bear and later it was developed by Shogun Tsuyanoshi (military ruler) to be a guard dog for the Japanese Royal family.  The breed is a large dog that bonds tightly with its owner and family.

    Akita’s do not do well with other animals or children outside the owner’s family.  These are large dog’s that need a large area to roam in.  This breed needs daily exercised frequently.

   Akita’s are also known for their loyalty.  An Aikita named Hachiko went down the street every day to a train station to greet its owner.  Nine years after its owner died the dogs still went to the train station every day looking for its owner.  The owner’s relativities fed the dog until its death by natural causes.

Helen Keller was given an Akita that turned out to be a long term companion dog.

Akita’s can reach a maximum height of 28 inches as measure from the top of the shoulders and weigh up to 120 pounds.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Gray Ghost

                                                                              


The Weimaraner is a medium size member of the sporting group.  Weimaraner was originally bred in Germany to assist in bird hunting. Weimar is the name of the city where the first of the breed were created. The Duke of Weimar bred several pointers with a bloodhound.  Since the Duke kept no records the exact paper trail is unclear.  It may be a cross between an English Pointer yellow pointer and a Bloodhound.

As a sporting dog this breed is exceptional.  It is fast and retrieves birds from the most extreme terrain imaginable

Weimaraners are often referred to as the “Gray Ghost” due to their Silver-Grey color.  This is a very people friendly dog that gets very attached to their owner and family.   An Owner must be prepared to spend a lot of time with the dog. They get along well with teenagers.  The breed’s energy, size and speed can be over physical with children. This is a high energy dog.  It is not suitable for apartment living.  This breed needs a lot of room to exercise and should frequently be taken on very long walks.

 Weimaraner’s are a maximum of 27 inches and can weigh up to 80 pounds.

   

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Bearded One


 

 The Bearded Collie was bred in 1514 by a Shepard in England. It is a cross between Polish Sheepdog, English  Sheepdog and a Komondor.  Bearded Collies are members of the working group dogs.  The breed is used primarily to herd sheep and farm animals.

As a domesticate pet the breed has a very mild temperament.  Bearded Collies are easy to train, fun and very child friendly.  Since Bearded Collies are very affectionate, they need a lot of attention.  A lack of attention may lead to the dog becoming neurotic.  This is a high energy dog and will need to be walked every day.

   Bearded Collies are not suited for apartment life.  The breed needs a large yard to run free and work off excess energy.  Bearded collies are outdoor type dogs and can sleep outside in moderate whether without problems. This breeds has a loud bark but has little disposition to be a watch dog.

A Beaded Collie can measure up to 22 inches tall with a maximum weight of 60 pounds.

The breed gets its name from its chin whiskers.  The hair on a Bearded Collies chin resembles a beard.

 

 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Borzoi Delight

                                                                       

Borzois are a member of the hound group of canines. The first Borzoi’s were a cross between Arabian Greyhounds and Russian Sheepdogs.  These types of hound were originally bred in Russia to hunt small game in a harsh environment.  Borzoi’s are sight hounds with little sense of territory.  When Borzoi’s are off lease they have a tendency to run off.

Borzois make good pets for teenagers and adults. Borzois are usually reserved around strangers.  They do not take well to roughhouse type playing that children sometimes engage in. They are loyal and friendly and can be easily trained.  Since they are relatively inactive indoors they can adapt to apartments.  Borzois need regular exercise to keep healthy.

Borzoi’s can be up to inches 28 inches in height and 105 pounds in weight.
 Borzoi’s resemble Greyhounds in their body structure