Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Dalmatians



This popular breed of dog is a well-muscled, mid-sized, elegant dog with excellent endurance. The Dalmatian is slightly longer than tall when bred under the European (FCI) Standard. The American Kennel Club standard states that the dog should be more square, as long as it is tall at the withers. Shoulder should be well laid back with the elbow falling directly under the tip of the shoulder blade. Rear angulation should match the front with the stifle "well" bent indicating good angulation in the rear. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The nails are either white and/or the same color as the spots. The ears are thin, tapering toward the tip, set fairly high and carried close to the head.
The ideal Dalmatian should stand between 54 and 61.5 cm (20 and 24 inches) at the withers and weigh from 23 to 35 kg fully grown. Breed standards for showing sometimes call for more specific sizes; the UK standard for instance, calls for a height between 22 and 24 inches (56-61 cm). Males are generally slightly larger than females.The female Dalmatian's gestation is about 2 months (60-64 days).

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Belgian Shepherd Dog



Belgian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge) can refer to any of four varieties of dog: the Groenendael, the Laekenois, the Tervuren, or the Malinois. In Belgium (the country of origin) they are considered to be one breed, hair colour and structure divides them into four varieties. In some non FCI countries and other regions, they are considered separate breeds.The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only the Groenendael under the name "Belgian Sheepdog", but also recognizes the Tervuren (with the alternative spelling "Tervueren") and the Malinois as individual breeds. The Laekenois can be registered as part of the AKC foundation stock service and should eventually be recognised fully by the AKC.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Briard


The Briard is a large breed of dog, one of many herding breeds. The Briard has been known for some centuries. Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette all owned Briards. This ancient sheep guard and herder has also been used by the French Army as a sentry, messenger, and to search for wounded soldiers because of its fine sense of hearing.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Boxer




The Boxer is a medium-sized, squarely built canine of good substance with a short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. Boxers should have a broad, blunt muzzle and an expression of alertness. Their faces resemble that of a Bulldog, and their tails are usually docked for show. Ears are sometimes cropped for show as well, but they naturally have drop ears. Boxers should have a fenced yard to roam in, but will do well in a city environment if walked daily.

Bullmastiff



The Bullmastiff shows great strength, endurance and alertness. They are a natural guardian of the home and will not back down from a fight. To strangers they are rather standoffish, but they are loving toward their owner. Bullmastiffs are normally very gentle, cheerful and calm. They make a devoted, gentle companion. They are also known as the "gamekeeper's dog" because they were bred to accompany gamekeepers for the ability to track and overpower a poacher.

Collie



A collie is a distinctive type of herding dog, ultimately originating in Britain, especially in the upland areas of the north and west. The collie type has spread through many parts of the world (especially Australia and North America) and has diversified into many landraces and breeds. Some of these have remained working dogs, used for herding cattle, sheep and other livestock, while others are kept as pets, show dogs or for dog sports, in which they display great agility, stamina and trainability.