Pets Rock Blog

The German Shepherd Dog is a large breed dog that originated in Germany around 1899. German Shepherds belong to the herding dogs classification and were originally bred to herd sheep. They are a popular breed.

After World War II they were given the name Alsatian (Wolf Dog), due to negative connotations to the word: German. The breed was called “Alsatian” (named after the German-French border Alsace-Lorraine) until 1977 when the name German shepherd could be used again.

They are highly intelligent and are most commonly used as police dogs. Alsatians are also used as search dogs, guide dogs and service dogs. According to Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs; they are the third most intelligent dog breed.

They are fairly large dogs. Males measure 60-65 cm in height and weigh 30-40 kg. Females are about 55-60cm high and weigh 22-32 kg.  They have pointed ears, a dome-shaped head and long muzzle. The nose is black.  They have long bushy tails, which are not docked (cropped).

Alsatians are most commonly black and tan in colour, but can also have other colours like all-white, all-black and sable.  Coats consist of two layers and come in either medium- or longhaired. The outer coat will shed year-round.

German Shepherds have a life span of 7-10 years. Like many other big dogs they can have issues with hypdisplasia. They can also be prone to arthritis, Degenerative Myelopathy (a neurological disorder), Von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder) and ear infections.

Alsatians are very active, obedient and highly trainable. They can be prone to aggression, being over-protective and being very territorial. They make good guard dogs.

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The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed. It is of Mexican origin and got its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The State borders the USA, which is how Chihuahuas got introduced to the US.

Chihuahuas are delicate little dogs and are very popular among lovers of miniature pets. They have become somewhat of a fashion accessory amongst celebrities; Paris Hilton carries her Chihuahua in her designer handbag.

The modern Chihuahua breed is thought to have originated in the 1800s. They breed was recognized by the American Kennel club since 1904.

Chihuahuas can vary in size, but on average are 15 – 25 cm heigh. The show-standard for weight is 1.5 –3 kg, but pet Chihuahuas can weigh more.

They have thin legs and may at times appear shaky. They have larger pointy ears and sharp noses giving their heads a deer (bokkie) like appearance.

Coats come in longhair or shorthair and a variety of colours. Some kennel clubs disqualifies the Merle (spotted) colour pattern, since it was not traditionally accepted for the breed and is possibly related to genetic problems. The longhair variety surprisingly sheds less than the shorthair and requires less grooming than other longhaired dogs.

The breed requires special veterinary care and is the only dog breed to be born without a complete skull. The gap in the skull will close, as the dog grows older. The breed is also prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), epilepsy, seizures, hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and eye infections. To combat hypoglycemia your doggy should eat small regular meals.

Chihuahuas are alert, energetic and territorial dogs. They usually choose one person to bond with and will be protective and jealous if others get attention from their human. They prefer the company of their own kind above other breeds. They are not usually well suited for little children.

A Chihuahua can be a good choice if you have limited space, but they require special care. They are well-suited to the South African climate. Be responsible when buying (or adopting) a dog and remember that they are living creatures; not fashion accessories!





Source: Wikipedia

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, commonly know as the Staffy, was first bred in the early 1900s in England as bull-bait. Hence the term bull terrier

Bull bating is a savage blood sport where a bull is tied to a stake in an arena. The bull only has a range of about 10m to move around in. The bull is then angered by having pepper blown in its face, or by having a dog bite it. After bear- and bull biting was outlawed in the UK in 1835, staffies were used in dog-fights, since dog fights were easier to keep “underground”. (In Jock of the Bushveld, Jock is used for dog-fighting by a gambler and trick into fighting a baboon)

The Staffie is related to the American Staffordshire bull terrier and American pit bull terrier, but are much smaller than its American relatives. After Pit bulls were banned in the UK, some breeders deceptively labled their pit bulls as staffies. This might have led to reports of staffies attacking people. Staffies are sometimes confused with pit bulls. However, many kennel clubs make a clear distinction between staffies and pitt bulls.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was accepted into the UK kennel club in 1935 and the American Kennel club in 1976

Staffies are small-medium sized dogs measuring about 36-41 cm in height. Females weigh about 11-5 kg and males can weigh up to 20kgs. They have short-haired coats and can be brown, brindle, black, red, white or a combination of white and another colour.

They are quite robust and a healthy breed, but like many other dog breeds they can develop hipdysplasia and cataracts. Staffies love to “tan” and excessive sun exposure can lead to melanomas especially on areas like the tummy where there is less hair.

Staffies are friendly, loyal, intelligent, hardy and persevering. Due to their amicable nature (and despite the original intent for their breed), they are not considered to make good guard dogs or attack dogs. They love people and make good family pets.

Personally I think Staffies have been quite popular in South Africa in the past thanks to Jock of the Bushveld and a Dunlop (tyres) TV commercial where a staffie (accompanied by the theme music from Chariots of Fire) runs through obstacles.

Related Site: Pretoria Staffy Club.

Picture: Bao H (flickr).
General source: Wikipedia

Remember always:
Before you consider buying a puppy, make sure that the breed will be suited to your family. Give some thought to adopting an older dog from a rescue organization (they do also have puppies). You could also find dogs in the classifieds where you can get a dog from its original owner before it has to go to a shelter. Dogs should be treated like family members and not like commodities.

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The term Schnauzer comes from “Schnauze,” the German word for snout, and is applicable because of the dog’s distinct beard.

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular dog breeds due to its size and temperament. They were developed in Germany around the late 1800s. Originally breeders wanted a miniature version of the popular Standard Schnauzer. They tried bringing the size down by crossbreeding the Standard Schnauzer with other breeds, such as the Affenpinscher, Poodle and Miniature Pinscher, These dogs where originally bred a “ratting” dogs to catch rodents. Thus they have very strong hunting instincts.

Schnauzers require very specific grooming and are very high maintenance. They are known for the distinctive beards, which give them a wise and noble appearance. They do not shed a lot of hair, which make them hypoallergenic and suitable to those with pet hair allergies.

Minis are about 30-36 cm in height. Males weigh about 5.4 -6.8 kg and females 5.0 to 5.9 kg. Their tails are usually docked as puppies and some dogs also have their ears cropped.

Their colours usually vary from black and silver, salt and pepper and pure black. There are also some white schnauzers though the breeding of white Schnauzers is controversial, as many associations won’t allow them in conformation competitions. There is rare cases of multi-coloured, chocolate- or liver coloured pups, but those colour variations are considered faults.

They are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to diabetes, hyperlipidemia (which can lead to pancriatitis), bladder stones and eye problems. They can generally live up to 12-15 years.

They are highly intelligent, friendly, energetic and alert dogs that make good guard dogs. They will bark when they spot a possible intruder, but are not incessant barkers. They will bark at strangers but once they see their owner welcomes the visitor, they will stop perceiving the visitor as a threat and stop barking. They are not aggressive towards people, unless the pose a threat. They don’t really like to be picked up and are not lap dogs. They are very territorial so they do well in homes where they are the only pet, but they can learn to get along with other pets if they are properly socialized as puppies.

If you live in a complex or have a small yard, only want one pet and want a good (but not too noisy) guard dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is a ideal choice. They have a high cute factor and are highly trainable.

As always buying a dog is a serious choice. Before you start looking for dogs for sale first make sure that you have selected the right breed for you. Also give adopting a dog some thought.

See also: Standard Schnauzer

Source:  Wikipedia.

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Huskies include several breeds of dogs used originally as sleigh dogs. The Siberian Husky, Samoyed, and Alaskan Malamute are all breeds directly descended from the original “sled dog”. The Siberian Husky is probably the best known type. Other types of huskies include:

• Alaskan Husky
• Mackenzie River Husky
• Sakhalin Husky
• Siberian Husky
• Greenland Husky

These dogs are very popular for their lupine appearance.
The Siberian husky originated in the icy cold Siberia in Russia. They were later exported to Alaska during the gold rush giving rise to the Alaskan husky.
The Siberian husky is a medium sized working dog with a dense coat. Their coats are thicker than most coats in order to keep them warm in icy winter conditions. They are prone to shedding in summer and require regular grooming. They are most commonly black & white, copper & white, grey & white or white in colour.
Their eyes are dark blue, light blue, amber or brown in colour. Some dogs can also have eyes that differ in colour. They have pointy ears and long tails.

These dogs are known to howl rather they bark, not unlike the wolves they resemble.
They are highly energetic and love to hunt. They are considered to be fun loving, affectionate, friendly, stubborn, intelligent and mischievous. They are not considered to be guard dogs.

In comparison with other dogs of their size they aren’t very prone to hip dysplasia, though they are genetically prone to problematic eyes.

Apart from being sleigh dogs they are also sometimes used in sleigh races.

If you are a fan of Huskies, be sure to watch The Eight Below. This Disney live action movie is inspired on a true story. Eight huskies (Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes) get left behind during a snowstorm in Antarctica to fend for themselves.

If you are planning to get a Husky remember buying a dog it is a serious decision. These dogs prefer colder climates and if you live a warmer clime, you’ll have to ensure that your husky adapts to its environment.

Huskies are certainly one of the most beautiful and a fascinating group of dogs.

See also: The Alaskan Malamute

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