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"A lot of vets don't know anything about breeds of dog" - Akunyun
while a lot of breeders know everything about breeds of dog ?

I just shared an informative article and didn't intend to create an argumentative thread. You can do well by sharing your knowledgeable ideas to prospective dog owners as well and stop planting fear & hatred towards a profession.

MR BIGGS ALONG OMOLAYO AKOBO OJURIN CALL 07068362448 (Temitope) She works there, she can deliver it to you steadily.

Whether you like it or not different people prefer different breeds of dog likewise different people are suited to different kind of dog breed. I have seen individuals that own dogs because their friends own the same but are not satisfied. Some just own dogs intending a security attribute from the dog only to get the opposite. What I’m trying to emphasize here is the need to get a breed of dog that satisfy your specific need. It is easier in other Countries like the USA and UK but fairly difficult to obtain in Nigeria. In these other countries there are established breeders of specific dog breeds with the pedigree of each dog properly outlined whereas the breeders in Nigeria are few and most keep multiple breeds at the same time.

Common Practice

Most Nigerians just stop along the road at the sight of a beautiful looking puppy carried by a local vendor and just purchase these puppy without any records at all. They may not even know if the dog is sick. The next thing is to get a vet to check the dog only to be exposed to their ignorance. I have seen a lot of this as a veterinary doctor.

Prevailing Dog Vendors

Unfortunately, there are few serious dog breeders in Nigeria, what we have are dog lovers who happen to get puppies from their bitch and wish to sell the puppies. You see these people advertising online and on the streets with signs. In most cases the breed they tell you end up being false or “incomplete” but in others you will get a nice one.

There are false assumptions that dogs brought from Jos Plateau State of Nigeria is pure breed but it might surprise you to know that in-as-much-as there are many serious dog breeders in Jos, there are also fake or unserious breeders too. Jos has been the dog breeders’ capital of Nigeria so you get many good breeds there but you will need to know the breeders with track records.

How to start your quest

If you really want to buy a pure breed dog of whatever breed in Nigeria you have to do some homework on your own part. Go online and check photos and description of the breed you desire – click here https://www.nairaland.com/4184093/doggypedia Read thoroughly the description and body conformation of the breed, view photos of the adult and puppy of the breed before you set out to buy.

Consult a veterinary doctor, the reason is that most vets have image to protect so they will advise you sincerely on how to get these dogs and who to get it from sometimes they will help you get the right puppy or dog you desire.

Use online sources to get the right breed. The free ad sites can help you but look out for original images. When you browse some of these websites especially Nigerian sites, you will see adverts with duplicate images or photos with different name of vendors, please avoid these duplicated image adverts.

Talk to people that own dogs to tell you more about these dogs and where to get them but the most preferred people to talk to are well established vets. I mean vets that own offices you can walk into anytime. Tell them you will return the dog if you find out it’s not the breed you asked for - that is if they source dogs.

It is important to visit the kennel from which the dog is sourced to see the parents of this puppy and compare with the photo you saw from the internet. Do this or request the pictures if the parents are out of reach.

I guess this article is getting too long so for more tips comment below to get more.

One of the most frequent sudden killers of dogs in Nigeria is exposure to insecticides used against insects and sometimes used mistakenly to kill ticks on the body of the dog. It’s unfortunate that these insecticides are sold in the streets and a lot cheaper than most aerosols insecticide sprays also used against insects especially mosquitoes. The most popular product causing this menace is ‘SNIPER 1000EC DDVP’. This product is packaged like some acaricides used as deeps against ticks, fleas and mites and therefore mistaken for acaricides. For just the past one month I have recorded more than 10 emergency cases as a result of exposure to these insecticides.

How does it kill dogs?
These chemicals are mostly organophosphate based chemicals and are dangerous to dogs due to the fact that dogs cannot easily eliminate them from their body. These substances when smeared or sprayed or inhaled by the dog to a toxic level cause the dog to convulse or ‘vibrate’, salivate profusely, loose consciousness, lose of coordination, coma and if nothing is done urgently can lead to death. This incidence is called organophosphate poisoning.

Don’t spray insecticides where your dogs stay
Some people live with dogs but don’t realize that the insecticides they use are dangerous to their dog so in a bid to get rid of mosquitoes, cockroaches etc just spray or sprinkle these harmful insecticides in their house leading to poisoning of the dog. My advice is that your dog be kept far from the fumes of the spray because the fume alone is enough to kill your dog especially when inhaled for a long time.

Take your dog far when doing general insecticide spraying
Most elite Nigerians like to spray insecticides quarterly or monthly sometimes yearly. The misleading name given to this in Nigeria is ‘fumigation’. This practice has been the most frequent cause of this problem. Most employ the services of non-professionals to handle this service and consequently the wrong advice is given to them on how the dogs should be kept during this process. Some practically leave these dogs in the compound while the spraying is going only to have the dogs convulsing heavily later.

Do not smear or spray insecticides on your dog’s skin or hair
Through normal human reasoning you may think that you can eliminate ticks or fleas from the body of your dog merely by smearing or spraying the dog with insecticides. The truth is that insecticides are different from acaricides. Acaricides are the only substances allowed on animals to control ticks, mites and fleas in a controlled procedure. If you smear or spray your dog with these chemicals you have simply signed the death sentence of your dog.

Engage the service of a professional or obtain advice from your veterinarian.
Insect control using insecticides comes with a lot of precaution. These precautions are best understood by the professionals. Most Nigerians misconceive the process and believes that because nothing happens to them when they use these chemicals once or twice. Let me tell you that you are not safe also. When you see the professionals they wear a lot of protective suits, face masks & gloves. These things are not for fashion but to protect the person spraying these chemicals. Commonly the quacks do not observe these precautions they merely carry the knapsack spray behind their back and Nigerians starts calling them to do ‘fumigation’ for them.

Caring for organophosphate poisoned dog
In the African environment the use of palm oil to neutralize poison is a common practice so most Nigerians whose dog comes down with organophosphate poison resort to this practice but it is the ‘wrongest’ thing to do because the dog is not able to swallow so most of the oil enters the lungs and reduce the ventilation of the lungs therefore reducing the intake of oxygen by the lungs which leads to a faster death.

Take the dog away from the fumes immediately.
Rush your dog to the vet immediately.

It's tick season and you need to be careful peradventure your dog(s) fall victim to ticks.

It is a common issue in our environment to buy a puppy without proper information as to the age and pedigree of the puppy. There are cases were vendors hawk these puppies at the road side and looking at these sometimes cute puppies you are tempted to buy. An ignorant buyer will just pay for a puppy without obtaining proper information about the age, breed or pedigree of the puppy. Puppies of any breed are usually cute and lovely to own but when the puppy is fully grown to a full adult issues of breed, pedigree and actual age comes into question. Age of any puppy or dog is an important factor or information for a proper health care for that pet.

Types of tooth in dogs
As in humans, dogs also have the 4 types of teeth namely:
1. Incisors
2. Canines
3. Premolars and
4. Molars.
These four sets of teeth erupt at different stages of the puppy’s development and life. Meaning that at a certain age a certain tooth type erupts or grows out. This is the basis of the age estimation.

Deciduous versus Permanent teeth
The deciduous teeth or baby teeth are the first set of teeth to erupt in the life of a puppy which are usually 28 in number i.e. 14 teeth on the upper jaw and 14 on the lower jaw as opposed to 42 permanent teeth or adult teeth having 20 teeth at the upper jaw and 22 teeth at the lower jaw.

Number of teeth types
1. Incisors Deciduous (6 L-J & 6 U-J) Permanent (6 L-J & 6 U-J).
2. Canines Deciduous (2 L-J & 2 U-J) Permanent (2 L-J & 2 U-J).
3. Premolars Deciduous (6 L-J & 6 U-J) Permanent (8 L-J & 8 U-J).
4. Molars Deciduous (none) Permanent (6 L-J & 4 U-J).
NB: L-J means Lower Jaw & U – J means Upper Jaw

Differentiating between the Deciduous and Permanent tooth
A deciduous tooth in looks appear smaller than the adult tooth and kind of triangular pointing downwards, they hardly fill the space of the gum at the root. In some cases they look irregular in arrangement. They are also very fragile and fall off to allow the permanent tooth to erupt at the set age of the puppy.

Age at Eruption of the Teeth Types
1. Incisors Deciduous (4-6 weeks) Permanent (12 – 16 weeks).
2. Canines Deciduous (3-5 weeks) Permanent (12 – 16 weeks).
3. Premolars Deciduous (5-6 weeks) Permanent (16 – 20 weeks).
4. Molars Deciduous (none) Permanent (16– 24 weeks).

Actual Estimation
Now let us do the real thing. With the chart above you can now be able to tell the age of your puppy by observing the teeth first of all to see if they are deciduous or permanent, then check the already erupted teeth types and do your estimation. You can only estimate here not to say the actual age of the puppy. We want to focus on puppies here because in adult dogs you can only use the wear and tear of the teeth to estimate the age which can be uncertain. If you can estimate the age at puppy stage you can now keep a record based on that estimate.

Example
Let us assume that a dog of 2 months was brought to us and we needed to be sure that the dog is actually 2 months old. What do we expect to see examining the teeth?
Answer
2 months means 8 weeks and some days so we expect to see:
· 6 deciduous incisors on the upper jaw and 6 deciduous incisors on the lower jaw,
· 2 deciduous canines on the upper jaw and 2 deciduous canines at the lower jaw,
· 6 deciduous premolars at the upper jaw and 6 deciduous premolars at the lower jaw,
· No molars present at all.

Try your hands on more examples!!

Now with this you can correctly tell the age of your puppy for accurate health documentation and records.

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Bearded Collie

Breed Description

Overview:
The Bearded collie, from the collie family is highly spirited, cheerful and clever breed of dog that originated from Scotland. They look bigger than most toy dog but belong indoors not in a kennel outside the house.

Country of Origin:
Scotland

Size type:
Medium Dog Breed

Character:
This is a high spirited, cheerful and clever dog that is eager to learn, lovable gentle, sociable and companionable, extremely independent, active. A bearded collie belongs to the family and is not a suitable dog to banish outdoor to a kennel.

Breed Group:
Herding dog breed

Height:
Female: 20 - 21 inches (51 - 53 cm)
Male: 21 - 22 inches (53 - 56 cm)
Weight:
Female: 18 - 27 kg
Male: 18 - 27 kg

Temperament:
These dogs can get very on well with children, household pets, and other dogs even strangers are normally greeted exuberantly. The bearded collie will adapt himself to the situation but you can give him no greater pleasure than to take him on long country walks. Bearded collies have no tendency to run away (in contrary they stay close by you). This breed usually performs well in obedience trials and agility competitions

Coat:
The undercoat is dense and woolly; the outer coat is straight, tough, long and rough. Permitted colours are black, blue, slate-colored, reddish- brown, all shades of grey with the markings on the nose, chest, leg and feet or neck. The white markings are not permitted beyond the shoulder.

Care:
The Bearded collie requires lots of grooming. The hair must be brushed and combed a couple of time each week to avoid tangles. Remove excessive hair between the pads and keep inside the ears clean. The hair of a bearded collie should be parted along the back.

Training:
The Bearded collie is an intelligent dog who learns quickly. Treating him severely during if the training does not work; you can achieve better result dose not by a playful, soft-handed approach. Give him ample praise and avoid pressurizing him, because that spoils his receptive and friendly disposition.

Poodle, Giant

Breed Description

Overview:
Giant Poodles are commonly used as family pet and companion as against the use as hunting dog on origin. Giant Poodles are high spirited and highly intelligent dogs that are sportive, companionable, loyal, pliable, active, careful, curious, and vigilant, and they are also eager to learn.

Country of Origin:
France

Size type:
Medium sized dog

Character:
Giant Poodles are high spirited and highly intelligent dogs that are sportive, companionable, loyal, pliable, active, careful, curious, and vigilant, and they are also eager to learn.

Breed Group:
Toy dog breed

Height:
45 - 58cm (17 -23in).

Temperament:
These are sociable animals by nature and they get on well with dogs and other pets. The company of children will be equally trouble-free. They are usually vigilant but not unfriendly towards strangers.

Coat:
The coat consists of fine, woolly but fizzy hair. Acceptable colours are monotone white, black, apricot, brown, and grey. Poodles that form corded coats after a time are very exceptional.

Care:
Poodles are majorly show dogs. Show dogs have to be clipped out according to the breed-style. This requires considerable skill and knowledge and is best left to a professional specialist salon. Keeping a dog in this condition requires not only considerable time but also cost some fortune.
The poodle is regarded as one of the most difficult breed-standard patterns to achieve "if not the most difficult. The competition is usually considerable in the show-ring. Poodles that are kept as pets are usually closely trimmed leaving longer hair on the head, the ears, and the legs. They do not shed their hair. Check the teeth for tartar and clean the ears regularly. Poodles can be washed quite often.

Training:
Giant Poodles are very intelligent dogs, when handled properly, quickly learn what is required of them. The best results are achieved with a gentle but consistent approach.

Characteristics:
The head is long and fine with almond-shaped eyes, and the chest is deep and moderately wide. The back is short and strong. The tail is normally docked. Poodles are often chosen as pets by those who are normally allergic to dogs, as they do not shed their hair and lack the distinctive doggy smell.

Poodle, Miniature

Breed Description

Overview:
The Miniature Poodle is of a later origin than the Standard Poodles and used exclusively as a companion. Lively, spirited and responsive, they are easily trained and reliable companions. Although their show clip can make them look frivolous, they are serious, willing good-natured workers and make excellent companion to active owners.

Country of Origin:
France

Size type:
Small sized dog

Character:
Miniature Poodles are lively, playful dogs that are intelligent, keen to learn, but sensitive, and they bond closely with their owner and family.

Breed Group:
Toy dog breed

Height:
Under 38cm (15in) but not less than 28cm (11in).
Weight:
12 - 14kg (26 - 30lb).

Temperament:
These are generally trouble-free dogs in terms of getting along with other dogs, and pets. They announce visitors but that is all.

Coat:
The coat consists of fine, woolly but fizzy hair. Acceptable colours are monotone white, black, apricot, brown, and grey. Poodle that form corded coats after a time are very exceptional.

Care:
Poodles are majorly show dogs. Show dogs have to be clipped out according to the breed-style. This requires considerable skill and knowledge and is best left to a professional specialist salon. Keeping a dog in this condition requires not only considerable time but also cost some fortune.
The poodle is regarded as one of the most difficult breed-standard patterns to achieve "if not the most difficult. The competition is usually considerable in the show-ring. Poodles that are kept as pets are usually closely trimmed leaving longer hair on the head, the ears, and the legs. They do not shed their hair. Check the teeth for tartar and clean the ears regularly. Poodles can be washed quite often.

Training:
Miniature and toy Poodles are very intelligent dogs, when handled properly, quickly learn what is required of them. The best results are achieved with a gentle but consistent approach.

Characteristics:
The head is long and fine with almond-shaped eyes, and the chest is deep and moderately wide. The back is short and strong. The tail is normally docked. Poodles are often chosen as pets by those who are normally allergic to dogs, as they do not shed their hair and lack the distinctive doggy smell.

Poodle, Standard

Breed Description

Overview:
Originating in France, the Standard poodle as its known was a gundog over a wide area, including France, Germany, and Russia. Its adaptability, intelligence, and unusual appearance soon led to its being used for wide range of purposes as well as in the production of other gundogs breeds.

Country of Origin:
France

Size type:
Medium sized dog

Character:
Standard Poodles are extremely intelligent, high-spirited dogs which are lively, affectionate, sociable with other dogs, and are loyal to their handler. Most of them enjoy swimming.

Breed Group:
Companion and toy dog

Height:
37.5 - 38.5cm (15in)
Weight:
20.5 - 32kg (45 - 70lb)

Temperament:
They are dogs that get on well with their own kind and with other household pets; there is also unlikely to be any problem with children. You will always be warned of visitors.

Coat:
They come with fine, woolly but fizzy hair coat. Colours acceptable with Standard Poopdles range from: white, black, apricot, brown, and grey. Poodles that form corded coats after a time are very exceptional.

Care:
Poodles are majorly show dogs. Show dogs have to be clipped out according to the breed-style. This requires considerable skill and knowledge and is best left to a professional specialist salon. Keeping a dog in this condition requires not only considerable time but also cost some fortune.
The poodle is regarded as one of the most difficult breed-standard patterns to achieve if not the most difficult. The competition is usually considerable in the show-ring. Poodles that are kept as pets are usually closely trimmed leaving longer hair on the head, the ears, and the legs. They do not shed their hair. Check the teeth for tartar and clean the ears regularly. Poodles can be washed quite often.

Training:
This breed is fairly easy to train because they learn so quickly. They can win attention of people in various dog sports such as fly-ball and agility skills trials.

Characteristics:
The head is long and fine with almond-shaped eyes, and the chest is deep and moderately wide. The back is short and strong. The tail is normally docked. Poodles are often chosen as pets by those who are normally allergic to dogs, as they do not shed their hair and lack the distinctive doggy smell.

Boxer

Breed Description

Overview:
Boxers are very exuberant, energetic, playful and agile dogs. They are good natured and friendly to all, although proper socialization is needed to ensure they are tolerant of other dogs. Boxers were originally bred to hang on to the nose of large game until hunters arrived. Nowadays Boxers are used mainly as police dogs and guard dogs.

Country of Origin:
Germany

Size type:
Medium sized dog breeds

Character:
This happy, friendly, spontaneous, and intelligent dog is eager to learn and curious, learning quickly, he is also vigilant, boisterous, uncomplicated, straight forward, lively and constantly on the move, bonding very closely with family.

Breed Group:
Working dog breed

Height:
Males: 57 - 63cm (22 - 25in).
Females: 53 - 59cm (21 - 23in).
Weight:
Males: 30 - 32kg (66 - 70lb)
Females: 25 - 27kg (55 - 60lb)

Temperament:
Boxers are known for the way they get on so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get on with his own kind and other household pets.

Coat:
The Boxer has a short smooth-haired coat. They are either brindle or yellow, possibly with white markings and a dark face the white should not cover more than a third of the dog.

Care:
The coat can be kept in condition by grooming occasionally with a rubber brush. Do this particularly during moulting.

Training:
Teach the Boxer not to jump up at people. Since he learns quickly and has substantial intelligence, the Boxer is ideal for various sporting activities from defense trials to skill trials. This dog is for experienced and affectionate owner who will enjoy an exuberant, responsive dog and who have enough time and energy for exercise, play and training.

Characteristics:
The Boxer is a medium-sized sturdy dog of square build with a short back, strong limbs and short, tight-fitting coat. The Boxer is clean and hard in appearance, with a firm, springy stride. The head is square and short, a distinctive feature of the breed, with skin forming deep wrinkles. In some countries the ear may be cropped while its illegal in some countries like Britain. The mouth is normally undershot, though the teeth of the under-jaw should not be seen when the mouth is closed.

English Mastiff

Breed Description

Overview:
Powerful and courageous, the Mastiff's sheer size alone would deter all but the most determined intruder. They are protective of their owners and territory and require a great deal of time for early and continued socialization with both dogs and people.

Country of Origin:
England

Size type:
Large sized dog breed

Character:
The Mastiff is a calm, self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is soft-natured towards his family, intelligent and dignified. He rarely barks but its in his nature to defend his territory and the family who go with him against wrongdoers.

Breed Group:
Working dog breed

Height:
70 - 76cm (28 - 30in)
Weight:
79 - 89kg (175 - 190lb)

Temperament:
Despite the strength of the Mastiff he has a calm temperament and is affectionate and protective towards his owner. He needs plenty of space and has a hearty appetite. Provided they are correctly socialized, the Mastiff presents no problems mixing with other dogs, and household pets. They get on well with children but may refuse strangers access unless they are accepted by their handler.

Coat:
The Mastiff's coat is short-haired and can be apricot, silver, yellow, or streaked. Witt all of them, the muzzle, ears and nose should be black.

Care:
During moulting the loose and dead hairs can best be removed by using a rubber brush. Give the Mastiff a soft place to lie down to avoid ugly pressure marks. Economies must not be made with the young and growing dog's diet. Good nutrition is essential to optimum growth. Like other mastiff types, the Mastiff has a high pain threshold and since he is very demanding of himself, injuries and illnesses can be overlooked until they are truly serious.

Training:
Training a Mastiff must be enjoyable, conducted calmly and in a harmonious manner. Consistency, lots of love and plenty of understanding works wonders during training sessions.

Characteristics:
The Mastiff is a large, massive, and robust dog with a symmetrical and well-knit frame, combining grandeur with good nature and courage with docility. The Mastiff has a square, powerful-looking head, strong teeth, heavy muscular shoulders and hindquarters, and a long, tapering tail.

Doberman Pinscher

Breed Description

Overview:
Dobermans are one of the most popular dogs in the world especially in the USA where they are known as Doberman Pincher (Pincher is the German for terrier). They are strong in both body and mind. Easily trained, they make natural guards and are affectionate and loyal to their owners. They have abundant energy and they need careful socialization when young.

Country of Origin:
Germany

Size type:
Medium-sized dog breed

Character:
Doberman is an active, cunning dog that bonds closely with his owner. They are brave, intelligent, good guard-dog, loyal, dependent, occasionally noisy and boisterous, and has tremendous stamina. Doberman's have tendency to become a one-person's -dog.

Breed Group:
Working dog breed

Height:
Males: 68 - 72cm (27 - 29in)
Females: 63 - 68cm (25 - 27in)

Weight:
Males: 40 - 45kg (88 - 99lb)
Females: 32 - 35kg (71 - 77lb)

Temperament:
A properly socialized Doberman can get along fine with other dogs, other household pets, and children. Unwanted visitors are stopped in their tracks.

Coat:
The colour of the sleek smooth coat of short hairs is often black and tan, or brown and tan. Coats of blue and tan, or grey-yellow and tan are not recognized in every country.

Care:
A Doberman's coat does not require much attention. During moulting use a rubber glove with knobbled surface to remove dead and loose hairs. Keep the claws short and check the teeth from time to time for tartar.

Training:
This strong, handsome dog requires very careful and consistent training. Strive to ensure everything is harmonious throughout the training. If you have little experience of training dogs, then the Doberman is not for you to own. Always act clearly and fairly with a Doberman; never hit him and make absolutely sure he is not pestered. They are ideally suited to defense-dog training, but do not start too young and avoid too much pressure on the dog in the early stages, never force him!

Characteristics:
The Doberman is a medium-sized dog with a well-set body, muscular and elegant, proud carriage and bold alert temperament, compact and tough with light, elastic movement. The head is long and clean, and the eyes are deep and almond-shaped. The ears may be erect or dropped; they may be cropped in countries where the operation is not banned. The body is square, and the back is short and firm, the tail is normally docked.

Collie (Rough & Smooth)

Breed Description

Overview:
This breed originated, like the other Collie breeds, Border and Bearded, in the dark-colored herding dogs of Scotland, from which the name is derived, col being Anglo-Saxon for black. They come in two varieties: the Rough Collie with long-hair and Smooth Collie with short-hair. They are very alert, happy, active and friendly dog good for the family.

Country of Origin:
Northern England & Scotland

Size type:
Medium dog breeds

Character:
The Collie is a very happy, very intelligent dog with enthusiasm for work, cunning, sociable, protective, energetic, alert, loveable, watchful, sensitive, affectionate, they bond closely with their family members. Like most dogs in same group, they have no tendency to run away. They would rather stay close to you.

Breed Group:
Herding dog breed

Height:
Males: 56 - 61cm (22 - 24in)
Females: 51 - 56cm (20 - 22in)

Weight:
Male: 20.4 - 29.4 kg
Female: 18.1 - 24.9 kg

Temperament:
The collie gets on well with its own kind, other pets, and children. Visitors whom you wish to see are given a friendly welcome.

Coat:
The Collie comes in long-hair (Rough) & short-hair (Smooth). They are available in sable, blue-black, and three colours. The three colours are chiefly black with white and tan markings. The long-haired coat is a desired feature for showing.

Care:
The Collie requires regular grooming about once a week consisting of a thorough brushing. In the areas of the coat that are thickest, the brushing should be worked right through to the skin to prevent tangles. During moulting, daily brushing and combing is necessary.

Training:
The Collie learns very quickly and is best trained using the intonation of your voice.

Characteristics:
The body conformation is firm, hard and muscular, a trifle long in proportion to the height. The ribs are well-rounded behind the well-sloped shoulders and the chest is deep, extending to the elbows. The back is strong and level, supported by powerful hips and thighs and the croup is sloped to give a well-rounded finish.

Keeshond

Breed Description

Overview:
The Keeshond shares origin with Pomeranians, its close neighbor. They are named after a Dutch patriot, Kees de Gyselaer of Dordrecht. The Keeshond is a small breed dog with the typical Spitz family characteristics and coat design. A very reliable pet and loyal friend of his owner.

Country of Origin:
Germany

Size type:
Small dog breeds

Character:
The Keeshond makes a friendly companion and good domestic guard, with a tendency to be a one-person dog. They are boisterous, loyal to their handle, vigilant, not easily led astray by gifts, intelligent, and eager to learn.

Breed Group:
Non-sporting dog breeds

Height:
Males : 45.7cm (18in),
Females: 43.2cm (17in)

Weight:
24.9 - 30kg (55 - 66lb)

Temperament:
Keeshonds are naturally good with other dogs and children but they need to be introduced when young to cats. They bark to approaching strangers.

Coat:
The Keeshond has a thick undercoat with longer covering hair. They are wolf-grey, plain black, brown or white.

Care:
During moulting the coat needs to be brushed and combed regularly to remove the dead hair. Too much combing or grooming is not encouraged to avoid damaging the undercoat.

Training:
Training the Keeshond is fairly easy due to the fact that they appear to know what is expected of them. They are often successful in dog sports such as agility skills trials. The Keeshond's natural exuberance needs to be kept in check by early training.

Characteristics:
The Keeshond has a short, compact body, alert carriage, and a fox-like head. The well feathered tail is curled over the back in the typical Spitz manner.

Chow Chow

Breed Description

Overview:
The Chow chow is a proud and very independent breed in character. Originating from China where it was produced as food. They come in two variety: short-haired and long-haired varieties with a characteristic blue tongue in both cases.

Country of Origin:
China

Size type:
Medium sized dog breeds

Character:
The Chow chow is a dog with a mind of its own but calm and noble, independent, dominant, vigilant, brave, demanding of itself, and full of character. It is asserted that the shorter-haired variety is more active and learns faster than the longer-haired.

Breed Group:
Non-sporting dog breed

Height:
The shoulder-height is 48 - 56cm (18.5 - 22in) for Males and 46 - 51cm (18 - 20in) for Females.

Weight:
Male: 20 - 32 kg
Female: 20 - 32 kg

Temperament:
The majority of Chow Chows are dominant towards other dogs. In contrast, they are usually good with children. They need to be introduced when young to cats and other household animals to prevent problems. The Chow Chow is somewhat reserved in the company of strangers.

Coat:
The Chow Chow comes in short-haired and long-haired which are somewhat believed to be different in character and sometimes regarded as separate breeds. The colour ranges from plain red, black, blue, and cream. Chow Chow has a blue tongue and blue pigmentation.

Care:
The care for the short-haired Chow Chow is much less than of the longer-haired variety. In spite of this they must still be groomed regularly with thorough brushing, especially during moulting. The Long-haired Chow chow needs regular thorough brushing, especially in those places where tangles may form. The young Chow chow of the long-haired variety needs to be introduced to this brushing ritual to avoid resistance against grooming.

Training:
The Chow chow calls for a handler who is calm, equable, and exudes natural authority. It is asserted that the short-haired variety is more active and learns faster than the longer-haired variety.

Characteristics:
The Chow chow is a powerfully built dog, leonine in appearance with a proud, dignified bearing, loyal yet aloof, and with a stilted gait. The head is large and broad, the ears small, thick, and rounded, the eyes small and dark. The body is short, compact, and strong. The tail is carried well over the back.

Pekingese

Breed Description

Overview:
The Pekingese was in the ancient times, the sacred dog of China. Their introduction to the West came after the Imperial Palace in Peking had been looted; part of this loot was a fawn and white Pekingese which passed into the hands of Queen Victoria.

Country of Origin:
China

Size type:
Small dog breed

Character:
The Pekingese are affectionate, noble dogs that possess a winning way. They can be both self-centered and stubborn, but they are intelligent, brave, and not particularly fond of strangers. They choose who will be their boss.

Breed Group:
Toy dog breed

Height:
The shoulder-height is about 20cm (7.5in).

Weight:
These dogs weigh 4 - 5kg (8 - 11lb).

Temperament:
The Pekingese do not generally have problems in mixing with other animals although this has a lot to do with extent to which they have been socially trained. Since they do not like to be disturbed when they are resting, they are less suitable for a household with young children.

Coat:
The abundant long-haired coat has a copious undercoat. A wide range of colours are known for the breed with the most unusual being black and beige, sometimes combined with white. There are no albino or liver-colored Pekingese.

Care:
The Pekingese require intensive grooming of their coat. Teach them when young to regard it as something enjoyable, to prevent wrestling matches every time you use a brush and comb when they grow up.

Training:
Although a Pekingese will not let you lay down the law to him, it is essential to teach him some basic principles if you do not want to be saddled with a bad-tempered dog that wants his own way. Praise him when he does something well but do not punish too harshly when he gets it wrong (this is the best way to achieve anything).

Characteristics:
The Pekingese should be a small, well-balanced, thick-set dog with great dignity, a fearless carriage, and an alert, intelligent expression. The head is massive for the size of the dog, the skull broad, wide, and flat between the ears and eyes. The nose very short and broad, well wrinkled with a firm under jaw, giving a flat profile. The eyes are large, clear, dark, and lustrous; the ears heart-shaped and carried close to the head, with long profuse feathering. The body is short with a broad chest, falling away behind, lion-like with a distinct waist.

St. Bernard

Breed Description

Overview:
At the beginning of the 18th century the St. Bernard was used as a rescue dog, working from hospice founded by Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon. Rescue work was a well-established part of this breeds use, although a hundred years earlier the hospice appears not to have possessed any dogs.

Country of Origin:
Switzerland

Size type:
Giant dog breed

Character:
The St. Bernard is a good-humoured, friendly, and equable dog. They are marvelous with children, loyal to their handler, careful, and not given to barking. They will defend you and your possessions if necessary although this is not their primary role.

Breed Group:
Working dog breed

Height:
The shoulder-height is minimum of 70cm (27.5in) for dogs and 65cm (25.5in) for bitches.

Weight:
This weight depends upon the height and build of the dog but should be at least 60kg (132lb).

Temperament:
St. Bernards gets along fine with children, and other dogs and household animals normally present no problems.

Coat:
St. Bernards comes in both short-hair and long-hair. The colour is red with white or white with red, or white with streaked patches. The St, Bernard must have white legs, a white chest, and white tip to his tail, a white blaze, and a white neck patch or collar.

Care:
Groom with brush or comb every day to remove loose hairs. Keep the ears clean and check the eyes of dogs that have drooping eyelids regularly.

Training:
Young St. Bernards must be taught early not to pull on the lead because this will be hard to teach them later. In common with all mastiff types, the St. Bernard requires considerable understanding in their training from you. Ensure also that they are not too physically stretched in the growing stage.

Characteristics:
The head of a St. Bernard is massive and round with an expression of benevolence, dignity and intelligence. The muzzle has well-developed dewlap. The body is broad and muscular throughout, set on strong, well-boned legs. The gait should be easy and unhurried.

Old English Sheepdog

Breed Description

Overview:
The Old English sheepdog was used not so much as a herding dog but as a drovers dog for driving sheep and cattle to market. They were probably developed, if they did not originate, in the West of England, by using either indigenous herding breeds such as the Bearded Collie or, less likely, imported stock such as Russian Owtchow.

Country of Origin:
England

Size type:
Large dog breed

Character:
The Old English Sheepdog is intelligent, considerably adaptable, amiable, social, not particularly alert, boisterous, uncomplicated nature, and likes to be part of the family. They are the most faithful breed; playful and excellent with children.

Breed Group:
Working dog breed

Height:
The shoulder-height of the dogs is 61cm (24in) and upwards, bitches 56cm (22in).

Weight:
30kg (66lb) or more.

Temperament:
The Old English Sheepdog gets on exceptionally well with other animals, dogs, and children. Visitors too will be greeted warmly.

Coat:
The coat is luxuriant, rough, tough, and long, with a waterproof under-layer. Permitted colours are blue or different shades of grey. The head, neck, front quarters, and belly are white, with or without markings. White patches in the blue on the back are not permissible.

Care:
The Old English Sheepdog requires regular grooming: brush them thoroughly at least once a week, not over-looking the places where tangles form. During moulting it is quite possible to collect half or even a whole rubbish bag full of hair that you have brushed off him.

Training:
This breed needs gentle and consistent handling during training. He wants to please you and rarely display dominant behaviour, making it suitable for people with little experience of the upbringing of dogs.

Characteristics:
The Old English Sheepdog is a strong, compact-looking dog, profusely coated all over, very elastic in a gallop, but when walking or trotting it has a characteristic ambling or pacing movement. The bark should be loud with peculiar "bell-like" ring to it. The head is large and rather squarely formed, and the jaw is fairly long and strong.

Samoyed

Breed Description

Overview:
The Samoyed is probably the oldest of the Northern Spitz breeds. Originally bred as a guard for herds of reindeer, the breed also acted as companion, guard and sled dog. It shared the hard life of the Sayantsi people in ancient times, and more recently accompanied the polar explorers Nansen, Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen on their expeditions. The Samoyed's strength, stamina, and hardiness are belied by its child-like good nature and soft, fairy-tale appearance.

Country of Origin:
Western Siberia

Size type:
Medium sized dog breed

Character:
The Samoyed is friendly and cheerful, intelligent and reasonably obedient, yet never follows your orders slavishly and can be extremely stubborn. They are sensitive and good-natured but dominant and vigilant, affectionate but not obtrusively so. The Samoyed loves to wander, has considerable stamina, and remains playful into old age. They love to hear themselves and can be very noisy.

Breed Group:
Working dog breed

Height:
The shoulder-height for Males is 57cm (22.5in), and Females 53cm (20.5in).

Weight:
22.5 - 29.5kg (50 - 65lb).

Temperament:
The Samoyed is gentle-natured and patient with children but can be rather dominant towards their own kind. Do not forget that Samoyed is a hunting dog which enjoys chasing something if it gets the chance. Social training with cats and other pets is therefore very important! The dog is reasonably vigilant.

Coat:
The protective topcoat is wiry and erect, while the undercoat is short and dense. The coat is white, cream, or white with light brown.

Care:
The Samoyed is not meant to be brushed too often because this can harm the under-layer of its coat. If too many hairs are shed in your home use a comb with a double row of metal teeth to remove the loose hairs from the undercoat.

Training:
For the Samoyed breed, training is no easy task and needs to begin very early. Make sure there is plenty of variety in the drills. Constantly practicing the same command can have an adverse effect on this breed, its stubbornness taking over. Teach him when very young that he must come to you when you call and arrange for many positive encounters with cats and other household animals as possible. Your authority should be clearly seen but with a friendly touch. Screaming and shouting at him and hitting him will lose you any respect he may have had.

Characteristics:
The Samoyed should be strong, active, and graceful, with a muscular back of medium length allowing liberty of movement. The chest is deep and well sprung, the neck is proudly arched, the front is straight, and the loins are exceptionally strong, giving an impression of great endurance. The head is powerful and wedge-shaped, the eyes almond-shaped with an intelligent expression. The ears are erect and thick, covered inside with hair. The tail is long and profusely coated, carried over the back when alert, but sometimes dropped when at rest.