Puppydia

Group: Terrier
Lifespan: 12-15 yrs
Pups per Litter: 3-5
Average Weight: 45-70 lbs
Average Height: 23 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: High
Temperament with: Children

The Airedale Terrier is an all-around dog. Its large size and working abilities as well as its very friendly and playful nature earns its label as the king of terriers. Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to pick up commands. They are very good companion dogs and also very protective. This dog can get along with children well, as well as with other pets in the house, given the proper socialization while still young.

Origin and History

The Airedale originated in West Riding, Yorkshire England. The name of dog actually comes from the area of West Riding called the Valley of the Aire, hence the Airedale Terrier. Oddly enough, this dog was bred to hunt otter, so what better way to create a dog that does that exact deed then to add an Otterhound and a Terrier together! The history of the breed shows it a few names, such as the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, the Rough Coated Black and Tan Terrier and the Waterside Terrier. Historically this breed dates back to the 19th century and has become ever more agile and intelligent.

Characteristics

This extremely intelligent dog is very easy to pick-up commands and learns things fast, but it has a tendency to be independent and dominant when not properly trained and socialized. It is considered a very good family dog with its guarding skills and obedience. Airedales are generally good playmates for children but this dog has a tendency to be rough on smaller children whom the dog sees as submissive in the family.

Caring and Nurturing (Haircut, Fur Treatment, Washing…)

Owners should regularly conduct hair stripping for Airedales, to remove dead hairs and prevent it from matting. Three to four times a week brushing is also needed to keep the dog’s hair from tangling. A grooming rake or pin bristle brush is recommended. The long beard should be washed often to remove food trapped into it. Ears and teeth should be checked regularly.

Food

Because Airedale terriers are prone to having dry skin and skin allergies, their food should contain ample amount of omega 3 fatty acids. They can be fed with vegetables, chicken, lamb and beef meat and fish, as well as eggs, cheese and milk. Protein content should not exceed 24%. They also like brown rice and oatmeal as sources of carbohydrates. Fiber content should be less than 4% while fat content should not exceed 20%.

Traits

The Airedale is an extremely intelligent dog and has a very high learning ability. They are responsive and very active making them great guard/watch dogs. As terriers are bred to do, the Airedale hunts small game such as otters and other small animals. This breed is an excellent family dog and is great with small children as they are very tolerant and gentle. They love affection and need a lot of exercise as they are high energy dogs, so regular long walks and preferably an off leash area or backyard to run around in would be ideal.

Appearance

Weighing in at 45- 70 pounds (20-32 kg) and averaging around 23 inches high, the Airedale is known as the “King of Terriers” as it is the largest in the Terrier group. They have either medium or short hair that sheds moderately and heavily during shedding season. The Airedale has a double coat, which is usually a tan color with black markings, or black with tan markings. A white patch on the chest is also noticeable and a slight reddish highlight is present at the back.

The coat is quite wiry and short but doesn’t shed that much! Instead, this dog needs to be stripped of its coat because unlike other breeds that shed regularly or “blow their coats”, this dog does not, so “stripping” the coat is necessary for this breed.

Black and tan are the AKC standards for colouring of this dog. As for the tail of the dog, it is to be docked, which is done quite quickly after birth (3-5 days actually) but isn’t required for the breeds standards. The eyes should be dark and small and the ears should be small and floppy but not out of proportion for the size of the breed.

Health

Unlike some purebred dogs, the Airedale is relatively hearty as its not prone to any genetic diseases except for Hip Dysplasia which is in only some of the blood lines of the breed. As most terriers do, Airedales are prone to dermatitis caused by food and can have thyroid gland problems (either to active or not active enough).

Generally, terriers like the Airedale are healthy dog breeds. But like other dogs, they are also prone to hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, skin allergies, and eye problems.

Training

This dog excels in training as they are agile, responsive, intelligent and strong. Agility, hunting, and obedience would be fun for both the owner and the dog as these are the breeds strongest abilities! This dog is easy to medium level for owner training and constancy is the key!

Training should be done in a positive and consistent way. Though this dog is intelligent, trainers often find it hard to train them because of their slow process of maturity. However, Airedales are very good in obedience training. They should also be taught not to jump on people when excited or happy.

Care

For this breed, stripping of the coat is necessary because they don’t shed as regularly as some other dogs do. Stripping is done by a groomer who takes a serrated knife and pulls out the loose fur. As for the tail of the dog, it is usually docked ( meaning to be shortened by way of surgery) and this is done at around 3-5 days after birth! The breed standard states that this is not necessary as it is somewhat a controversial subject of owners and dog fanatics.

Breed

The breed is categorized in the Terrier Group. They are ideal family dogs and would do the best in either a big apartment or a house that has a big backyard. The Airedale Terriers average life span is between 12-15 years. They have about 5-12 pups per litter. When obtaining a baby Airedale Terrier, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!

Group: Toy
Lifespan: 15 Years
Pups per Litter: 1-4
Average Weight: 2-6 lbs.
Average Height: 6-9 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: High
Temperament with: Children

History

The Chihuahua originated in Chihuahua, Mexico. This breed is the smallest dog that exists today and some lines when they become full grown, will fit standing up, in the palm of a persons hand. They became popular all over the world due to people who traveled to different countries and continents with this breed and distributed them.

Traits

The Chihuahua is a sweet little companion breed of dog that is for that purpose solely, companionship. They are loyal and affectionate to their owner and only them. Chihuahuas are known well for their cheeky attitude and entertaining personality and they prove that the smaller the dog does not equal the smaller the personality. They do not do particularly well with other dogs as every other dog is going to be larger than they are, and do not do well with young children as they are the size of toys.

Appearance

Weighing in at a whopping 2-6 lbs (1-3 kgs) and averaging 6-9 inches high, the Chihuahua is a small bundle of energy with a large head! They have an “apple shaped” head that looks to big for their body. The Chihuahua’s coat comes in two varieties, short & smooth, and long haired. The colours for the coat, come in blue, silver, fawn, and black & tan. Their eyes are small and dark and their ears are large and pricked upward. The Chihuahua’s body is small structured and their legs are frail. Their tail is thin yet slightly curves to the back.

Health

The Chihuahua is prone to Molera, which is a condition of the skull not connecting together, leaving a soft spot on the head, also Corneal dryness and wheezing occur with some. As a precaution, owners need to be constantly on their guard as these little guys have small bone that are frail and will break easily. They are also prone to slipped Stifles and the common doggie cold!

Training

The Chihuahua is an intelligent little dog! They need very gentle and consistent training and with this, will do well as adults. They need to be socialized well as pups, especially with other dogs and people because the breed is notorious for being weary those they do not know. They are also one of the tougher breeds to housetrain as they can be a bit stubborn.

Care

The Chihuahua is a lower maintenance dog. The short haired variety only needs to be brushed weekly, and the long haired variety needs to be brushed daily just to avoid tangles and mats. Bathing should be done about once every month or two and special attention should be brought to their ears to ensure they are clean.

Breed

This breed is categorized in the Toy Group. They will do well in an apartment as they do not require a household of space as they are quite tiny. The Chihuahua will need to be walked daily, not carried around. It is important that they get to have physical activity as well, even if they are small. The lifespan of the Chihuahua is around 15 years. They have on average 1-4 pups per litter and it is not uncommon for the mother to have a cesarean section, as these puppies will have large heads. When obtaining a puppy Chihuahua, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!

Group: Working
Lifespan: 10 Years
Pups per Litter: 4-13
Average Weight: 100-133 lbs
Average Height: 24-27 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: Low
Temperament with: Children

History

The Bullmastiff were originally bred in the United Kingdom. They were created by mixing Bulldogs with Mastiffs. They were bred for the use of game keepers and were taught to fight off poachers in a daunting manner but trained to not harm them when doing so.

Traits

The Bullmastiff is a sweet, loving companion breed that is protective of their family. They have a great disposition and are calm dogs. They are known to be great with children but need socialization with dogs and other family pets from puppy hood. Bull Mastiffs, despite their size are sensitive dogs. They are extremely loyal to their family and will guard the house in a flash. They are known as watchful dogs and wouldn’t hurt an intruder but will pin and hold them, as they were bred to do with poachers.

Appearance

Weighing in at 100-133 lbs (45-60 kgs) and averaging 24-27 inches high, the Bullmastiff is an impressive dog. They are muscular and powerful dogs that have an intimidating look but their personality is the opposite. The Bullmastiffs eyes are of medium size and are alert, and their nose is large with wide nostrils. They have a large head and their jaw displays an under bite. The coat is short and hard and is either red, fawn or brindle and the face/muzzle should be black. The Bullmastiffs legs are muscular and their tail is long and comes to a point.

Health

The Bull Mastiff is prone to Hip Dysplasia, Cancer, tumors and bloat. When feeding this breed, feed smaller portioned meals a few times a day rather then one or two larger meals to prevent stomach torsion from happening. They are also prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Training

The Bullmastiff will need very firm and consistent training as early as possible. They do not require harsh training as they are a sensitive breed, just an owner who can be the leader and teach this dog their place in the family. They need to have an owner who is experienced either with this breed or in obedience as this dog can be dominant. They will also need to be socialized at pup hood, especially around other dogs and people.

Care

The Bull Mastiff is a low maintenance dog. They have a short coat and are average shedders, so weekly brushing will be good. They should be bathed according to the owners discretion and should have their nails clipped regularly as they are carrying around a lot of weight and with long nails, can be painful as explained on Petsium.

Breed

This breed is categorized in the Working Group. They would do well in apartments if they are exercised regularly. They are not as active inside so will not need a house to roam around in. A yard or even access to a park would be perfect for this breed. The average lifespan of the Bullmastiff is around 10 years and under. They have on average 4-13 pups per litter. When obtaining a puppy Bullmastiff, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!

Group: Non Sporting
Lifespan: 8-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 3-6
Average Weight: 45-75 lbs.
Average Height: 17-22 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: Low
Temperament with Children: Good

Chow Chow History

The Chow Chow originated in China. They were used as guardians of their masters possessions and for hunting peasants and wolves. The name comes from the Songshi Quan which is Chinese and translates to “puffy-lion dog”. The Chow Chow is also known as a food item in China as the flesh is considered a specialized meal.

Chow Dog Traits

The Chow Chow dog breed is an independent breed of dog that is known for their guarding abilities. They may look cute but these dogs can and will protect their master and his possessions at will. They are stubborn and will need an owner who can work with this dogs dominance and aggressive tendencies. The Chow Chow interacts very well with children. They will need to be socialized with other dogs and smaller animals as puppies to ensure they will co exist well with them as adults.

Chow Chow Dog Appearance

Weighing in at around 45-75 lbs (20-33 kgs) and averaging 17-22 inches high, the Chow Chow is a large puffy dog that resembles a lion. They have 2 types of coat, a rough and a smooth coat. The colors of the coat will be either a black, cream, gray, red, blue, tan or white but must be solid with no markings. They have small circular eyes and small ears. Their legs are straight and strong, especially the hind legs which will give this dog a stiffer walk. The Chow Chow dog tail is curled over to touch their back and is very fluffy. The most distinct feature of this breed is that they have a black tongue!

Chow Chow Health

The Chow Chow are prone to Entropian, Hip Dysplasia, and Luxating Patella’s. They are also known for developing Cancers, and Bloat as they are a deep chested breed. When choosing to own a Chow Chow dog make sure to check out breeders references to ensure that the lineage is clear of these genetic traits.

Chow Chow Training

The Chow Chow will need very consistent and firm training as this is a stubborn and independent breed. They will need an owner who will be able work with the dominance factor this dog is attributed to and will be able to show them that they are not the top dog of the household. Training should commence as soon as the dog is brought home. The Chow Chow should be socialized extensively with other dogs and other animals as puppies because if not done so, can become aggressive towards them as adults.

Chow Dog Care

The Chow Chow is a moderate maintenance breed. They will need to be brushed daily to keep their long, thick coat tangle free. Bathing is up to the discretion of the owner. This dog will shed heavily and will need special attention to ensure that they do not develop mats or hot spots.

Chow Dog Breed

This breed is categorized in the Non Sporting Group. They will do well in an apartment as they don’t need as much room as a household to lounge around in. They will need to be exercised daily because they can be lazy and might need to be encouraged to get out! The average lifespan of this breed is 8-15 years. They have on average 3-6 pups per litter. When getting a Chow Chow puppy, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!

Group: Hound
Lifespan: 12-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 3-4
Average Weight: Standard 20Lbs Mini 9Lbs
Average Height: 15-17 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: Moderate
Temperament with: Children

Dachshund Dog History

The Dachshund originated in Germany.

The name Dachs, is German for “badger” which is exactly what these little guys were bred to flush out and hunt.

Their small body was bred this way purely for the fact that they could fit into badger holes to flush them out!

They are also known for hunting down hare, otter, fox, and stoat.

Dachshund Dog Traits

The Dachshund is a cheeky and goofy little clown.

They are entertaining both to watch and interact with as this inquisitive little guy is a ball of energy.

They love people and would make great family pets as they get along well with other dogs and other pets, but can become jealous if too much attention is paid to these.

These dogs will do much better if the children in the family are not young as they don’t like to be man handled.

The Dachshund can be stubborn and enjoy hearing themselves bark!

There are 3 types of Dachshund, the long haired, short haired, and wire haired and they can be either Standard or Miniature(dwarf) sized.

Dachshund Dog Appearance

Weighing in at up to 20 lbs (9 kgs) for Standards and up to 9 lbs (4 kgs) for Mini’s, and averaging 14-18 inches high for Standards, and up to 14 inches high for Mini’s, the Dachshund is known for being the “wiener dog”.

They have short little legs and a stretched out long body.

Their muzzle is long and pointed and their ears are large and floppy.

The coat is either long haired, short haired or wire haired and all come in a tan, brown, black, gray or harlequin colors.

The tail is thin yet long and their eyes are medium sized and can be either a brown, or dark red and have a curious look to them.

There are very cute small dog names online to choose from.

Dachshund Dog Health

When choosing any dog to bring into your home as a pet it is important to first discover what conditions the dog could be prone to during their lifetime.

It is common for dogs to have injuries because of the way they have been bred, usually the breeders are aiming for a particular look, like a long back or short snout but this can cause the breed to have health problems such as excess weight and stress on the spinal column etc.

The Dachshund due to their long bodies, might suffer from spinal problems, such as slipped discs or paralysis.

They are genetically prone to urinary problems, heart disease, and may become diabetic.

This breed should defiantly not be over fed as if they become obese, this will not only affect their heart, but also put added strain on their spine.

The dachshund breed of dog is known to have some common health problems concerned with their backs.

This is usually invertebrate disk disease caused by their elongated bodies and having a short rib cage.

This causes a strain on the dogs back and can lead to problems during their life span; an overweight dog worsens this as it puts more strain on the back area from more body weight.

A veterinarian may tell you to refrain from allowing your dog to climb stairs (especially if you would need to use them on a daily basis) and instead take the elevator if possible.

It is important to carry your Dachshund properly to avoid injury, both front and back ends of the dog should be held correctly and firmly, you should never let the dogs weight slip to one side.

The problems Dachshunds experience with their backs is mainly a hereditary disease caused by breeders aiming for the longest possible back.

Breeders are now working to remedy this situation.

If your Dachshund has back problems there are medications that are available in the form of anti-inflammatory steroids.

Sometimes surgery is an option where the surgeon removes the disk from their back that is causing the problems.

It is also known for Dachshund dogs to be taken to canine chiropractor.

Dachshund Dog Training

The Dachshund is a stubborn breed and will need very firm and consistent training.

It should be done in a gentle manner as they will not respond well to harsh training.

They will need to be socialized as pups to ensure they can interact well with other dogs and people.

This breed is also quite protective of its owners so extra oversight to ensure that this does not get out of control is necessary as the Dachshund is sometimes known to bite and ask questions later.

Dachshund Dog Care

The wire haired Dachshund will need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed upon request of the owner as they are a moderate maintenance breed.

The short haired Dachshund is a very low maintenance breed as they only need to be bathed about once a month and brushed about every week or two.

The long haired Dachshund is a moderate maintenance breed as they will need to be brushed daily to ensure no tangles or mats develop.

Bathing is up to the owners discretion as to how often.

All 3 types will shed an average amount of fur.

Dachshund Dog Breed

This breed is categorized in the Hound Group.

They will do very well in an apartment as they are a small breed and don’t need the extra room of a house to run around in.

Daily walks or even access to a park would be perfect as these little guys will enjoy the off leash running time.

The average lifespan of the Dachshund is 12-15 years.

They have around 3-4 pups per litter.

When obtaining a puppy Dachshund, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!

Dachshund Dog Temperament

The Dachshund breed of dog is known to be very playful, one thing they love to do is chase small animals, birds, toy balls or anything you can throw for them, when you see them chase these things you will see that they were masters at the job they were bred for which is to hunt badgers.

Dachshunds are also known to be pretty stubborn which can in turn make them hard to train.

They are very loyal to their owners and love companionship; if they are left alone, they will usually whine until someone comes to spend time with them.

Dachshunds need an owner that can care for their every need and at most times put the dog first.

Every Dachshunds temperament will be different from dog to dog.

Some take a laid back approach to life while others are energetic and run all around the home never stopping for a rest.

If Dachshunds are left to get bored they will usually use this time to be destructive and if the necessary time is not taken to train and care for them properly they can easily become aggressive.

As with many other small breeds of dog the Dachshund does not care that it is in a small body and will walk proud and stand up for itself.

They are commonly known as the big dog that comes in a small package.

Group: Working
Lifespan: 7-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 8
Average Weight: 80-110 lbs.
Average Height: 23-28 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: Moderate
Temperment with: Children

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog (or Berner) originated in Switzerland and were bred to draft carts for their owners, whom were mostly farmers, as well as guarding and herding farm animals. They also go by the name Berner Sennenhund, and can work in cold climates as their double layered coats provide them with ample warmth. In warmer weather these dogs need to be kept cool because they can overheat easily.

Traits

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely affectionate breed with people and animals. They are a devoted dog, great for families or for working purposes because this breed will give 100% of themselves as they are efficient and loyal to their owners. When meeting strangers, the Berner is outgoing and friendly, often leaving a lasting impression on anyone they meet. This breed is especially loving around kids and will tolerate small children climbing all over them. The Bernese Mountain Dog will also show great affection towards the other household animals as they don’t have an aggressive nature for smaller creatures. For the most part, one walk per day is usually sufficient exercise for the breed, but time in an off leash park would be great also.

Appearance

Weighing in at between 80-110 lbs (39-50 kgs) and averaging 23-28 inches high, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a substantial dog with a very thick fluffy double layered coat. They have a large head, square muzzle, and big friendly eyes. Their legs are thick, yet muscular and they have a toned body that can become overweight easily if overfed. This breed has 1 type of coloring which is primarily black, with white and rust colored patches on their chest, belly, head, and paws. The Berner’s tail is long and very fluffy with a slight upturn at the tip giving them a dignified yet noble look. Their appearance could be a good indicator when choosing a name for your new puppy. There are sites like DogNameHero with for example big dog name ideas.

Health

The Berner is prone to multiple genetic disorders, most commonly are hip dysplasia, bloat, arthritis, kidney disease, skin allergies, cruciate ligament damage or ruptures, cancer, eyelid ailments and elbow dysplasia. Although they are a beautiful breed of dog, one who is interested in buying or adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog should be financially stable as owning a dog of this breed can be expensive. A potential owner should definitely check the parents medical history so they are completely aware of the genetic ailments this breed will be expected to develop.

Training

These dogs are very outgoing and thrive on pleasing their owners therefore training, when done in a positive repetitive manor should not be too difficult. Short lessons done multiple times per day will help this dog understand the commands their owner is trying to teach. Many Berner owners have said their dogs are mostly food motivated, so having small treats available at any time throughout the day will be a good idea when in the beginning to mid stages of training.

Care

The Bernese Mountain Dog will need a significant amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. They will need to be brushed at least 3-4 times per week, so mats do not develop and bathes should be given at least once every month to two months. Nail clipping should be done at least once per month and special attention to their teeth will be needed as they can develop tartar buildup quickly.

Breed

This breed is categorized in the Working Group. They can live comfortably in a household environment because they need as much room as possible to roam around in. A big backyard would be preferable as well so they can have an outdoor area to run around in. The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between 7-15 years and they have around 8 pups per litter. When obtaining a puppy Berner, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!

Group: Sporting
Lifespan: 12-15 Years
Pups per Litter: 4-6
Average Weight: 25-45 lbs.
Average Height: 15-18 inches
Exercise/Activity Level: High
Temperament with: Children

History

The American Water Spaniel is a more rare breed of dog and is somewhat unknown. It is thought that they were starting to be bred around the middle of the 1800. They are used widely in the United States as hunting and retrieving dogs and hunt game such as pheasant, rabbit, duck, and quail. It is the national dog breed of Wisconsin where it is specifically bred for function.

As the name states, it is a water dog excelling in swimming in rivers and lakes where their master hunts for game. It is thought that they were a mixture of Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly Coated Reteriever. Most American Water Spaniels are bred purely for their function which is to be the right hand man to their master in flushing out game and bringing it back.

Traits

The American Water Spaniel is a companion dog. They are obedient and intelligent but are actually quite a sensitive breed. They are of the easier to train dog breeds but need to be trained in a kind manner as they don’t respond well to harsh or strict training as they only want to please their owners.

The American Water Spaniel is a swimmer! They enjoy the water and can swim with ease in tougher turbulence areas of lakes or rivers. They love affection but can keep themselves busy when nobody is there to entertain them. The American Water Spaniel is a great family dog and gets along with children and the other family pets just fine.

Appearance

Weighing in at 25-45 lbs (11-20kgs) and averaging 15-18 inches high, the American Water Spaniel is an athletic dog that lives to serve his owner. They are quite muscular and have a double layered coat which is very curly on the outer layer and a thick inner layer which was made to protect them from the cold lakes and rivers of where they must retrieve their game from at times.

Their coat should be a dark chocolate brown, or a liver colour. Their ears are long as most spaniel’s are, and are curly as well. They should have friendly circular eyes that match with their coat, so if they have a darker coat then they should have darker eyes as where if they have a liver coat they should have lighter eyes. The tail is straight but curves up and is used like a paddle would be for a boat!

Health

The American Water Spaniel is a healthy dog but can be genetically prone to some types of skin conditions or allergies, cataracts, cancer, epilepsy and hypothyroidism. Diabetes and follicular dystrophy are also conditions which they can be prone to.

Training

The American Water Spaniel is an easily trainable dog because they love to please their owners! They should be trained in a very kind manner as they do not excel with harsh or strict training. They are sensitive dogs and need to be socialized as puppies as they can grow up to be timid adults. They excel in hunting, swimming and retrieving so any of these activities either for fun or for actual use would be great exercise and fun for this breed!

Care

For this breed, weekly brushings are needed as they have an oily coat and this distributes the oils. Bathing is not required unless it is necessary because bathing this dog often will take away the oils of the skin and coat which will dry out their skin. The American Water Spaniel is a not a heavy fur shedder and can be easily maintained with the appropriate grooming!

Breed

The breed is categorized in the Sporting Group. They are ideal family dogs as they love children and other family pets. They would do best in a home with a backyard or acreage but will be fine in an apartment if they get a lot of exercise. The American Water Spaniels average lifespan is 12-15 years. They have around 4-6 pups per litter. When obtaining a baby American Water Spaniel, keep in mind that every puppy is different and to research your breed before bringing the baby home!