Pet Care

Australian Kelpie

The Kelpie is a medium-sized dog and come in a variety of colors. It’s an Australian sheep dog which is very successful at mustering and droving with little or no command guidance. The breed has been separated into two distinct varieties: the show or bench Kelpie and the working Kelpie. The show Kelpie is seen at conformation dog shows in some countries and are selected for appearance rather than working instinct. Working Kelpies are bred for working ability rather than appearance.

Kelpies are loyal, friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs that require a challenging job to be satisfactory companions. They need to be stimulated as idle and bored dogs become frustrated, noisy, and destructive with personalized love and attention, they can be very placid and faithful, although they do need space to run. For the show or bench Kelpie, walks and socialization may be sufficient to keep them happy.

A working bred Kelpie must have a job to do and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and companionable.

Kelpies are a hardy breed with few health problems, but they are susceptible to disorders common to all breeds, like cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Current research is underway to find the genetic marker for cerebellar abiotrophy in the breed.

Dog Breed 23

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.

Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was breed from stock originating in central Africa; specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type.

The Basenji produces an unusual yodel -like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname “Barkless Dog.” In behavior and temperament they have some traits in common with cats.

Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously.

Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a “double-suspension gallop”, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed.

The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate handlers. Basenjis dislike wet weather, like to climb, can easily get over chain wire fences, and are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play.

Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is a type of small herding dog that originated in Wales. Welsh Corgis are generally recognized as two distinct breeds: the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Beginning in 1934, the American Kennel Club recognized them as separate breeds.

The Cardigan is the larger of the two, with larger rounded ears and a foxy, flowing tail. The Pembroke features pointed ears and is somewhat smaller in stature. Historically, the Pembroke was a breed with a natural bob tail (a very short tail). Due to the advent of docking, the trait was not aggressively pursued, with breeders focusing instead on other characteristics, and the tail artificially shortened if need be. Given that some countries are now banning docking, breeders are again attempting to select for dogs with the genes for natural bob tails.

The coats of both breeds come in a variety of colors, although there are some differences between the breeds. Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi are among the healthiest and longest-lived dogs in the Herding Group. The Cardigan tends to be a little hardier and has fewer documented hereditary health issues; among them are canine hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy and progressive retinal atrophy. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a typical life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis typically live between 11 and 13 years.

Brittany (dog)

The Brittany is a Breed of gun dog primarily breeds for bird hunting. Although the Brittany is often referred to as a spaniel, the breed’s working characteristics are more akin to a pointer or setter. Brittanies were developed in the Brittany province of France in the 1800s.

Brittanies should range in a height of 17 inches to 20.5 inches at the withers, with females at the lower end and males taller. A properly constructed and healthy Brittany maintains a weight between 36 and 43lbs (16 to 19 kg), depending upon height.
A Brittany is typically quite athletic, compact, and solidly built without being heavy. Other characteristics include long legs, and their expressions are usually of intelligence, vigour, and alertness. Their gait is elastic, long, and free.
Some Brittanies are born with naturally short tails and others with long tails. If born with a long tail it is normally docked to a length of 3 to 10 centimetres (1 to 4 inches).
Brittanies come in a variety of colours, where an orange and white coat is most common in the American Brittany. Other colours include liver and white, orange roan and liver roan, all of which are acceptable in the show ring.
The Brittany makes a good house pet as long as it receives daily mental and physical exercise, as well as superb socialization on a regular basis. If not given sufficient exercise, love, and socialization, Brittanies can become house destructive or develop unnatural habits unrepresentative of the breed.
Brittanies are generally healthy and hardy dogs. Be sure to check and clean ears at home due to the fact that their ears can get infections because air can not easily pass through. They usually live 14-15 years.

Vizsla

Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary. The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a strong claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. The Vizsla’s size is one of the breed’s most attractive characteristics and through the centuries he has held a unique position for a sporting dog -that of household companion and family dog.

The Vizsla is a natural hunter endowed with a good nose and an above average trainability. Although they are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing.  The standard coat is a solid golden-rust color in different shadings, but some breeding programs have resulted in a solid rust coat. The coat could also be described as a copper/brown color, russet gold and dark sandy gold. Solid dark mahogany red and pale yellow are faulty. Small areas of white on the fore-chest and on the toes are permissible but not preferred.
The breed standard calls for the tail to be docked to two-thirds of its original length. Although the remainder of the tail is strong, the third docked is thin and whip-like and is open to damage in the field. The Vizsla holds its tail horizontal to the ground and wags it vigorously while charging through rough scrub and undergrowth. Without docking, the unprotected tip is docked to keep it from splitting and bleeding. Once damaged, the tail is extremely difficult to heal.’

Vizslas are very high energy, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as “velcro” dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.

The life expectancy of the Vizsla is 12-15 years. The Vizsla is considered to be a robust dog, but some localized breeding programs using a small number of dogs have led to heritable illnesses in some offspring, including:

Basset Artesien Normand

The Basset artésien normand (Norman Artesian Basset) is a short legged hound type dog developed in France. The word Basset refers to short legged hounds.  Bassets are walking hounds, which are followed by the hunter on foot. The short legs mean that they would not get too far away from the hunter.

The Basset artésien normand was used to hunt rabbits and other small game alone or in packs, but today they are primarily bred to be pets.
The height of the Basset artésien normand is between 30 and 36cms (11.8 to 14.2ins), with a ratio of the height to the body length of about 5 : 8. Weight is roughly 17kgs (37.4lbs). The coat is short and tricolored (fawn and white with black blanket, a patch across the back) or bicolored (fawn and white). The head and long ears are distinctive, and the temperament should be calm and good-natured.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also called Korthals Griffon in the UK it is a breed of dog used in hunting as a gundog. It is Dutch in ancestry, but is regarded as a French breed because the breed’s development took place in France. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is particularly adapted for swampy country, where its harsh coat is excellent protection.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium-sized dog with a harsh, wiry coat. The coat is preferably gray with tan to brown markings and a brown head. Other acceptable colors: chestnut brown, white and brown, roan, and white and orange. A black coat is not acceptable. The Griffon should have flat ears that lie close to the head, and eyes that are either yellow or brown. Its nose must be brown.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a superb swimmer and retriever and it loves to play in the water. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known as intelligent, extremely eager to please, friendly dogs. They are also known for their slightly less excitable temperament when not in the field, which makes them a very comfortable dog when home.