Dog Breeds

Siberian husky

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2021

David Baddeley

The Siberian Husky is a breed of dog belonging to the Pole and Keeshonden. They are known as typical sled dog.

History of Siberian husky

The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated among the Chukchi, a tribe of Siberian nomads. The history of the breed is relatively unknown, but DNA tests confirm that they are among the oldest dog breeds. What is known is that the Chukchi used the dogs as a means of transport and that they interacted with the Chukchi as a family dog. The Husky often slept with the children because of the warm fur

The Siberian Husky was first spotted in Alaska in 1908 and was used as a sled dog. They were used in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, a 408-mile greyhound race, and are still an active competitor in the Sweepstakes. Records showed that the last Siberian Husky was exported from Siberia in 1930 when the borders were closed by the Soviet government. The breed continued to thrive in North America. Although they have changed slightly, they still retain many of the wonderful qualities of that breed of dog. The Siberian Club of America was founded in 1938 and the Siberian Husky was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and the Canadian Kennel Club in 1939.

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Weight: 16 – 27 kg

Height at the withers: 50 – 60 cm

Character of the Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi as a sled dog. Although this breed is not the most popular breed for sled racing today, the Husky remains popular as a pet because of its beautiful appearance and affectionate nature. More of a playmate than a watchdog, the Siberian Husky is often described as alert, with a desire to have fun with young and old alike. The Chukchis encouraged their children to play with these Siberian Huskies. The Husky can be a bit stubborn by nature, so this breed is not recommended for people who have no experience with dogs.

Health

Huskies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all Huskies will develop one or more of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed. When buying a puppy, find a reputable breeder who will show you health benefits for your puppy’s parents.

Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and is free of a particular condition. With the Husky, you should expect health issues from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Care

Keeping a Siberian Husky’s coat in top condition is essential to his health and happiness. Too many people see grooming as a dreaded chore but it really isn’t, the Siberian Husky is a relatively easy dog to care for and grooming is also an opportunity to spend some quality time with the dog. Huskies are a diligently clean dog by nature and free of body odor, they clean themselves just like cats. Bathing is minimal and many owners only bathe their dogs once a year.

Grooming provides the opportunity to get to know the Husky in a calm and controlled manner. Use the time to play with his paws, ears and tail, they are all sensitive areas and grooming time is a good way to desensitize him to touching these areas. The Husky has a double coat of hair, underneath is a soft fluffy undercoat, protected by a hard outer coat, which actually grows through the undercoat. The outer layer is ‘water resistant’ and protects the Husky against rain, dirt, thorns, and so on. The underlayment serves to provide insulation against holds and cold environments.

Dog Breeds

Everything to Know About the Whippet Dog Breed

Published

2 weeks ago

November 11, 2021

James Betterson

If you’ve ever spent much time around the Whippet dog breed, you know that these lovable creatures are excellent companions. If you like medium-sized dogs, these are a unique breed to keep.

However, before you purchase one, there are several pieces of Whippet dog breed information to know. For instance, did you know that Whippets are high-performing show dogs? How about their history as racing animals?

If these facts interest you, we have plenty more in store! We’ll explore the critical pieces of information that distinguish Whippets from other types of dog breeds in the guide below.

Whippet Dog Breed Temperament

Whippets are generally a docile, dignified, and amiable breed. They tend to stay quiet, rarely barking unless it seems necessary. Whippets rarely display aggression and tend to enjoy human companionship.

That said, Whippets are hardly lethargic or inactive. This breed once had the nickname “The Poor Man’s Racehorse.” This nickname came from the fact that these dogs, with their horse-like build, were often trained to race.

Because of their breeding, Whippets love a good run outdoors. They also have an aptitude for chasing small animals, and they take the task very seriously.

It’s always a good idea to let these dogs spend time outside. However, make sure to keep them fenced in. Otherwise, they may stray too far if they chase animals.

Health Concerns for Whippets

As a general rule, Whippets have a physique that lends them to good health. However, there are a few health threats that face the breed.

Some of these threats include deafness, eye defects, and Von Willebrand’s disease. If you purchase a Whippet, it’s wise to consult with a breeder about potential eye conditions that the breed can suffer.

It’s also crucial to keep a Whippet’s ears clean. Over time, inner ear buildup can result in the dog losing hearing.

Another thing to keep in mind is that these dogs have a naturally skinny build. However, they maintain that build through an active lifestyle. If the dog becomes inactive and overeats, it can quickly become obese.

Experts advise you to have your dog undertake regular cardiac exams. These help ensure the dog retains its heart health.

As a side note, understand that Whippets have a sensitivity to anesthesia. Generally, this sensitivity comes from their low body fat.

Consult with a veterinarian about this if the dog must undergo any operations at some point. To learn more about these dogs’ health needs, check out WhippetCentral.

Low-Maintenance Grooming

One helpful feature of the Whippet breed is their low-maintenance grooming. Whippets have many similarities with sighthounds. As such, they have a short, smooth coat that needs little maintenance. All they need is regular weekly grooming.

Find a Whippet Today!

The Whippet dog breed is an excellent companion for many households. They have an amiable temperament and are easy to care for.

Whippets are also a fun breed to own. Their natural athleticism makes them fun to spend a day within the park. If you’re interested in this breed, find a breeder today!

We hope you enjoyed this article! If so, check out our other content today.

Dog Breeds

Shikoku

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2021

David Baddeley

The Shikoku has a wild look, with a wolf-like color complete with pointy ears and a tapered muzzle. This breed comes from Japan, where it is a primitive breed similar to the Shiba Inu. The Shikoku has been named as a natural landmark of Japan, where it is the ideal companion for active outdoor enthusiasts.

Shikoku History

An ancient Japanese breed, the Shikoku is one of six breeds native to China. In between the smaller Shiba Inu and the larger Akita Inu, these dogs were originally used for boar hunting in the mountainous regions of Kochi Prefecture. Also known as the Kochi-ken, there were once three varieties of this breed – Awa, Hongawa and Hata. All three were named after the area they were bred in and all were tough, agile and intelligent dogs.

While the exact origin of the breed is unknown, Shikoku is known to have been developed by Matagi fighters. First known as the Tosa Ken, he was later renamed to avoid confusion with the Tosa Fighting Dog. Efforts to protect the breed began in the 1920s and the breed was declared a Natural Landmark in 1937. The breed is not yet recognized by the AKC but is part of the Foundation Stock Service and is recognized by the FCI and UKC.

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years

Weight: 16 – 25 kg

Height at withers: 43 – 55 cm

Character

The Shikoku is highly intelligent and can respond well to training when there is a fixed and consistent authority figure. Training should be started at a young age and early socialization is equally important. These dogs learn very quickly, and they are generally not as stubborn or independent as other Japanese breeds, although they do get bored easily. Keep your training sessions short and fun to make sure your Shikoku stays engaged.

The Shikoku is a highly intelligent breed that bonds closely with family. Socialization is important because he can be somewhat aloof with strangers and potentially suspicious of unfamiliar dogs. These dogs get along well with children if they are raised together and the children treat the dog with respect. Keep in mind that as a hunting breed, the Shikoku has a high prey drive and must be supervised around pets. This breed needs a lot of human interaction and mental stimulation to keep him from becoming bored and developing problem behaviors.

Health of the Shikoku

As an ancient breed, the Shikoku is very healthy with no known hereditary health issues specific to the breed. Still, these dogs can be prone to certain health conditions, including elbow dysphasia, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, epilepsy, and allergies.

Care

As a spitz-type dog, the Shikoku has the typical double coat. The top coat feels straight and hard with a softer, dense undercoat. The top coat is longer on the chest and neck with some feathering on the back of the legs. The primary color for this breed is black or red, usually with variations of sesame and brown. These dogs have black noses and brown eyes. Weekly brushing with a soft brush is sufficient to keep the coat in good condition.

Dog Breeds

Shiloh Shepherd

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2021

David Baddeley

The Shiloh Shepherd is a relatively young dog breed that is still in full development.

History of Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd is the brainchild of breeder Tina Barber. In 1974 she started to restore the German Shepherd breed to its former glory. She has set her standards for tall size, intelligence, good temperament, and healthy hips by crossing the German Shepherd with the Giant Malamute. In 1990 she changed the name of her kennel to “Shiloh Shepherd”.

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years

Weight: 36 – 72 kg

Height at withers: 66 – 76 cm

Character

The Shiloh Shepherd is very similar to the German Shepherd Dog. The breed club promotes temperament testing and issues certificates for individuals it deems neither fearfully shy nor dominantly aggressive. Although the Shiloh is still relatively unknown, it makes a nice companion. It is a very intelligent, courageous and confident dog who is willing to protect his family, yet is friendly and a good companion to his friends and family. This makes him a good guard and watchdog.

Shilohs have tremendous loyalty and courage. This dog is calm and confident, but not hostile. They have a high learning capacity. Shilohs love to be close to their family. They need to be trained and socialized from a young age with a firm and loving hand. It is critical to a successful relationship between you and your shepherd to remain alpha over the dog and perform daily walks, jogs or runs.

Health of the Shiloh Shepherd

These dogs are predisposed to get hip dysplasia, skin diseases, gastric torsion, congenital heart disease, von Willebrand’s disease and some nervous diseases. Skin disorders, autoimmune problems and digestive problems also occur in the Shiloh Shepherd.

Care

The Shiloh Shepherd’s coat comes in two varieties: smooth and plush. The plush coat should be brushed regularly to keep it clean and free of tangles. The smooth coat requires very little grooming. The Shiloh Shepherd always sheds somewhat and also sheds heavily. A quick daily brushing is sufficient. The Shiloh Shepherd rarely needs to be bathed to avoid the loss of skin oils.