Chinese Shar-Pei dogs

The Chinese Shar-Pei is also known as: Chinese Fighting Dog
Fast Facts
Group classification: Non-Sporting Country of origin: China Date of origin: Antiquity
Weight (M): 50 - 60 lb Height (M): 19 - 20" Life expectancy: 9 - 10 years
Weight (F): 45 - 50 lb Height (F): 18 - 19"

1.General Description of the Chinese Shar-Pei

A unique and intelligent dog that most often is recognized for its wrinkles, the Chinese Shar-Pei initially was developed as an all-purpose Chinese farm dog: a medium sized, square and compact dog, close coupled with a large yet handsome head. The Chinese Shar-Pei has a unique look all their own, wrinkled loose skin — with a short bristled coat — that covers the body and head, small ears, a “hippopotamus” muzzle, and a high set tail. The dog’s wrinkles are more pronounced in a puppy than in an adult. Shar-Pei commonly have two coat types, either “horse,” short; or “brush,” up to an inch long. A third rare coat-type, which is not recognized by the AKC, is the “bear” that is longer than one-inch. The large head has dark, small, sunken, almond-shaped eyes that lend a scowling expression; the extremely small ears lie flat on the skull and are set high and forward; the muzzle sports a large and wide nose, and a blue-black tongue. The coat can be of any solid color, and is absolutely straight and off-standing on the main trunk of the body but generally lies flat on the limbs.

2.Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament

The Chinese Shar-Pei takes itself seriously, and demands that others do likewise. The dog’s ever present scowl is indicative of its attitude toward strangers or anything else it sees as a threat to its family, including other dogs. This is not to say the dog cannot be socialized – quite the contrary, in fact – but its first instinct toward outsiders is definitely suspicion. Once the newcomer has been brought into the fold, however, he will have a proud, loyal and devoted friend. The Shar-Pei’s independent nature can make training a chore, as the dog is unlikely to obey anyone it sees as weak or not in control. Though not a particularly playful breed, the Shar-Pei gets along well with children and other pets. Take care when training your Shar-Pei that it does not become antisocial or too much of an “alpha dog.”

3.Caring for a Chinese Shar-Pei

Training a Shar-Pei requires a firm hand and plenty of patience. Establish dominance over the dog, and do not let it display aggressive behavior in front of strangers, pets or children. Make sure the dog is thoroughly socialized as a puppy with other dogs to avoid problems in adulthood. As a working breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei needs plenty of exercise, and should have an opportunity every day to go on a long walk or play off the leash in a dog-friendly park. The most common health conditions seen in the breed are fever, amyloidosis, canine hip dysplasia and eye entropion; other concerns include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, allergies and skin fold pyodermas.

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Border Collie dogs

Fast Facts
Group classification: Herding

Country of origin: Scotland and England
Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 35 - 45 lb Height (M): 20 - 23"
Life expectancy: 11 - 14 years
Weight (F): 30 - 40 lb

Height (F): 18 - 21"

General Description of the Border Collie

The Border Collie is a medium size dog renowned for its unique herding techniques. The head is well proportioned, with a muzzle that tapers slightly toward the nose. Eyes are wide set, medium in size and oval shaped – color is typically brown but may be blue in merle dogs. Ears are set apart and carried erect or semi-erect; it is common to see one ear erect and the other semi-erect in some dogs. The Border Collie’s expression is intelligent and interested. The body is substantially muscular and facilitates graceful, fluid movement. The topline is level with an arch over the loin. The tail is set and carried low. The Border Collie’s coat is either rough or smooth, but in either case constitutes a soft, dense undercoat protected by a coarse, weather resistant outer coat. Coloring can be just about anything, including, solid, tricolor, bicolor, sable and merle.

Border Collie Temperament

The Border Collie is an uncannily intelligent dog with a natural inclination toward work and herding things in general, be it sheep, cars, or other animals. It is an alert, diligent and highly energetic dog. The Border Collie is also very responsive and easily trained. The dog has a good habit of remembering orders even when its master is out of sight, and requires minimal supervision when working. While reserved in the face of strangers, the Border Collie can be quite affectionate towards those it recognizes and is comfortable around. The dog’s characteristic stare during work and play can be quite endearing for its family, but may be disturbing for other animals. Border Collies have a reputation for not getting along well with small animals, though they are usually pretty good with dogs. This dog is protective of its family.

Caring for a Border Collie

If you can’t give the Border Collie a job to do, then at least make sure you can devote at least 45 minutes a day to providing it with exhausting, vigorous exercise. A game in the park or a challenging obedience training session is preferred. Proper socialization around cats and strangers, and to a lesser extent other dogs, is important and should begin at a young age. The Border Collie can live outside in moderate climates, but is infinitely happier when allowed to sleep indoors with its family. The Border Collie is not suited to living in an apartment, and needs ready access to a yard. Coat care involves a biweekly brushing session. The Border Collie is susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, and on rare occasions may develop diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, CEA, seizures, lens luxation, PDA, OCD and deafness.

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Chihuahua Dogs

Group classification: Toy Country of origin: Mexico Date of origin: 16th century
Weight (M): Less than 6 lb Height (M): 6 - 9" Life expectancy: 15 - 18 years

Weight (F): Less than 6 lb Height (F): 6 - 9"

Chihuahua dogs

1.General Description of the Chihuahua dogs

The very smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua dogs is ever vigilant and fleet of foot, with a spunky attitude. Compact with a terrier-like temperament, the Chihuahua has the appearance of a fine-boned but muscular dog that carries his sickle-shaped tail like a flag. The distinctive apple dome head features large eyes, dark or a luminous ruby in color, and large ears that stand erect when the dog is alert and flare out to the sides when at rest. The muzzle is short and pointed with a self-colored nose. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume. A Chihuahua's coat can be of any color or patterning. Many Americans recognize the Chihuahua as the Taco Bell Dog from the popular "Yo quiero Taco Bell" advertising campaign.

2.Chihuahua Temperament

Alert with terrier-like qualities, the Chihuahua can be irritable, overconfident or downright nasty when provoked. Nevertheless, this spunky little Toy's intense devotion to its "person" has earned the affection of millions of owners. The Chihuahua is brave and is known to defend itself and its home from large dogs and invaders by barking in protest and threatening mayhem. Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with small children but do well with elderly individuals or couples, or an owner who loves to spoil. The Chihuahua is typically wary of strangers and unknown dogs (except other Chihuahuas), but gets along well with other pets in the house.

3.Caring for a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a long-lived breed with minimal grooming needs. The smooth coat type should be brushed or wiped with a cloth occasionally; the long coat should be brushed daily. A monthly bath is recommended, but take care to keep the ears dry. This breed is an average shedder. Resist the temptation to carry these little dogs everywhere. They are much happier and fitter when walked; use a harness rather than a collar. Chihuahuas dislike the cold and appreciate a sweater on cool days. They are perfect for apartment living. Their “shivering or trembling” is not always a cold or health issue but often happens when the dog is excited or stressed. Do not allow your Chihuahua to jump off high furniture or from your arms as the impact could have serious consequences. For the same reason, do not allow children to play roughly with or to carry a Chihuahua. A rather healthy breed, the Chihuahua may nevertheless suffer from pulmonic stenosis, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia and hydrocephalus. Have your veterinarian perform all appropriate tests.

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