Machine Name
dog
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small/medium-sized, strong, deep-chested scent hound. He has a typical basset-type shape – being longer than he is tall and low to the ground. Adults stand at approximately 34-38cm. The rough, medium-length coat comes in white with lemon, orange, sable, grizzle or black markings, or tricolour.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Personality

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a fun, extrovert dog who loves to be kept active. He can be stubborn, independent and bold, so requires an owner with patience and tolerance, but he is always willing to please. He gets on well with other dogs, children and strangers.

 

History and Origins

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog breed can be traced back to the 16th century and originates from the Vendee region of western France. There are two varieties of the basset type of Griffon Vendeen, the Petit and the Grand. These two originally occurred in the same litters, and it wasn't until the 1970s that the cross breeding of these two varieties was forbidden. Today, these dogs are still used, as individuals or in packs, to hunt wild boar and to scent rabbit and hare.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen requires an hour's exercise or more a day, as well as games and time outside. A country-loving dog, his hunting instincts are still in evidence, and he loves putting his nose to the ground and following any scents he detects – sometimes developing 'hound selective deafness' at the same time!

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

As with many breeds the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can suffer various inherited eye conditions and so eye testing is recommended in all dogs prior to breeding. Epilepsy is also known to occur in both Grands and Petits.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)
Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)

This medium-sized, strong scent hound is slightly longer than he is tall. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen 's weather-resistant coat is rough and comes in white with lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolour or grizzle. They are known for their characteristic hair over the eyebrows, beard and moustache. Adult male GBGVs are about 40-44cm in height, and females 39-43cm.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Personality

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a happy-go-lucky dog who loves to be kept active. They are not ideally suited to living in towns; the country life is for them. They can be vocal, stubborn, independent and bold, but they are always willing to please. A secure garden is essential, as they will be off if they get the scent of small game.

 

History and Origins

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen dog breed can be traced back to the 16th century. These dogs originate from Vendee in the countryside of western France. There are two varieties of the basset type of Griffon Vendeen, the Grand and the Petit. These two originally occurred in the same litters, and it wasn't until the 1970s that the cross breeding of these two varieties was forbidden. Today these dogs are still used, as individuals or in packs, to hunt wild boar and deer and to scent rabbit and hare.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen requires plenty of exercise – two hours a day or more – and lots of time outside. They are full of life and love hunting and other outdoor activities. They never seem able to sit still for long and so are ideally suited for active homes with access to the countryside.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Eye problems are not widely recognised in the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen but eye testing is recommended as there are inherited eye conditions recognised in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Epilepsy is also known to occur in both Grands and Petits.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Fauve De Bretagne

This medium-sized, rough-coated dog is a typical basset shape, though not as low to the ground as the Basset Hound, standing at 32-38cm when fully grown. He weighs about 16-18kg as an adult. The coat comes in fawn, gold-wheaten or red-wheaten. Some may have a little white on the chest.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Personality

These are cheerful little dogs, intelligent, friendly, brave and very active. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne breed gets along well with children and other household pets. Not really guard dogs, they will however announce strangers at the door. They are unhappy if kept confined for too long and love to have busy, full lives and to be involved with all family matters.

 

History and Origins

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne dog breed is the smaller of the two hounds that come from the Brittany area of France in the 1800s. They were achieved by crossing the larger version, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, and Brittany Bassets and were originally used for hunting everything from rabbit to wild boar. The earlier versions of the breed probably looked more like the terriers than they do today. In addition to their homeland, these dogs are now becoming popular in Britain where they have been registered with the Kennel Club since 1991.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

For their size, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes need a reasonable amount of exercise – about two hours a day or more. These nimble dogs love to play and have a passion for hunting, so care must be taken when they are off the lead and they must be trained to recall as puppies or they will turn a 'deaf ear' on you and come back when it suits them!

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

This is a hardy breed with no specific breed related problems reported to date.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

basset bleu de gascogne
basset bleu de gascogne
Basset Bleu De Gascogne

The Basset Bleu is a noble-looking hound, with the typical basset long body and short legs. Powerful and athletic – he is not a heavy, cumbersome dog. Medium-sized, he stands 30-38cm tall when fully grown and weighs approximately 16-20lb. The most striking feature is the coat colour – black on a white background, covered with black mottling to produce the blue appearance. Typical hound markings, in tan, are also a feature (see the breed standard for details).

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Personality

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is affectionate towards his family and friends, but a little reserved with others. He should be 'sagacious' and 'audacious' – words rarely found in canine breed standards, suggesting this dog really is one of a kind! Like all scenthounds, the Basset Bleu is never happier than when he has his nose to the ground, following the trail of an interesting smell.

 

History and Origins

France is the original home of many hounds, and, as his name suggests, this also includes the Basset Bleu de Gascogne dog breed, a dog that hails from Gascogny in the south-west of France. Blue hounds from this region are mentioned as early as the 12th century and were said to have helped hunt out wild boar and wolves as well as deer. The breed nearly died out at the start of the 20th century, but the longer-legged Bleu de Gascogne was used in breeding programmes to bring the Basset Bleu back from the brink of extinction.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. The Basset Bleu is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

Exercise

Like most hounds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can become deaf when following his nose, so a reliable recall is essential, as is exercising him off-lead only in safe, non-traffic areas. He was bred for extended, slow hunts, so is more of a long-distance plodder than a short-distance sprinter, and needs a couple of hours' daily exercise to burn off his energy, along with a chance to use his nose.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Basset Bleu is not known to suffer widely from many inherited conditions. Like other dogs with this body shape they can be expected to be more prone to spinal disorders and abnormal joint development.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Basenji
Basenji
Basenji

An elegant, lightly built hunting dog from Africa, the Basenji is known as the “Barkless Dog” due to his making a noise that sounds like a yodel when excited. His distinctive features are a wrinkled forehead and tightly curled tail. Though aloof around strangers, the Basenji is an affectionate, alert and intelligent breed full of activity and play. The Basenji’s short, odor-free coat requires minimal grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? One of the oldest dog breeds, it is believed that Basenjis were given as gifts to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt.

ALSO KNOWN AS: African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Congo Dog, Zandle Dog

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

 

Living Considerations
 Good with children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living
Size
 Small
Height
 Males - at least 43 centimetres at the withers, Females - at least 38 centimetres at the withers
Weight
 Males - 10 to 12 kilograms, Females - 9 to 11 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
 High
Colour
 Chestnut red, black, tricolor, or brindle; all colors have white feet, chest and tall tip
Activities
 Agility, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Conformation, Lure Coursing, Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
 Both
Personality

The Basenji is without doubt unique and has several characteristics that totally distinguish it from other breeds. First of all, the Basenji doesn’t bark. It will however yodel, chortle or even crow when excited. Like wild canids such as the wolf, the Basenji only has one season a year - and in its fastidiousness it is almost cat-like, cleaning themselves in a similar way. Like cats they are excellent climbers - and some will even climb trees. They are also extremely watchful and can sit for hours looking out of windows.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Africa

 

The Basenji is said to be as old as the Pyramids and indeed it appears in art from ancient Egypt from 4500 years ago. The same type of dog appears throughout hundreds of years - mostly in funeral art which indicates they were favourite dogs of the Pharaohs.While the civilisation of ancient Egypt vanished, the Basenji survived, and soon became prized possessions of local tribesmen and hunters. The Basenji has been an all-purpose hunting dog across Africa for thousands of years and unlike most hounds, it is both a sighthound and a scenthound - and can be trained to point and retrieve.The breed is virtually unchanged since the days of the Pharaohs making it one of the oldest ‘true to type’ breeds.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Their small stomachs also mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

Bred to hunt in rough terrain and with high energy levels, the Basenji needs at the very least an hour's exercise daily, and has the stamina for more if you can offer it. Most of this exercise will need to be on lead as they have a very strong drive to chase and explore - and have a totally dismissive attitude to recall! As such, owners need to be able to be just as active as their dog. Basenjis have exceptional problem-solving skills and so interactive feeding toys, enrichment games, and scent-work can all help keep their busy minds and bodies occupied.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The most widely recognised inherited conditions in the Basenji are a type of dog kidney disease (Fanconi Syndrome) and a form of anaemia. Genetic tests are available for both of these. Like many breeds hereditary eye disorders can also occur. Eye testing and genetic testing of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

 

Space requirements

 

Basenji are small dogs who do not need much houseroom and as long as they have a warm home with a window to look out of, they will be happy. But they do need access to plenty of exercise space. Gardens need to be exceptionally well fenced but even then, they are expert escapologists able to climb fences and trees. Basenji need supervision when outside.

 

Training basenji dogs

 

Basenjis are clever, intelligent dogs, dog training is mostly something that is looked on as being beneath them! With skill, patience and an ability to motivate a Basenji, they can be trained to do virtually anything. They can even make great agility dogs. But their obedience and, certainly their recall, can never be relied upon. Keep in mind that they can be extreme chewers and so need appropriate chewing opportunities.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

The Basenji is a specialist dog that has such specific needs that they do better in households without children or where children are older and sensible. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

The Basenji is probably the world’s oldest dog breed and they got their name from the people of the Ituri rainforests who called them Basenchi - meaning “little bush thing”.

 

Australian Terrier
Australian Terrier
Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a spirited, alert and self-assured dog bred in Australia to control vermin population and guard livestock. Friendly and affectionate with a strong sense of devotion, the Australian Terrier is an excellent family dog. This small, sturdy breed can live comfortably in the city, country or suburbs. His waterproof coat sheds little and is easy to maintain.

DID YOU KNOW? The Australian Terrier was the first breed to be recognised and shown in dog shows in Australia.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

 

Living Considerations
 Good with children, suitable for apartment living, not hypoallergenic
Size
 Small
Height
 Males - 25 to 28 centimetres at the withers, Females -22 to 25 centimetres at the withers
Weight
 Males - 6 to 8 kilograms, Females - 5 to 6 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
 Blue-and-tan, solid sandy or solid red
Activities
 Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Rally Obedience
Indoor/Outdoor
 Both
Personality

Friendly and outgoing, the Aussie is keen to please and revels in human contact and praise, and so is generally easy to train – unlike some terriers! He is not aggressive, but will stand his ground if challenged by another dog. This is not a yappy breed, but he will bark if he considers circumstances warrant it.

 

History and Origins

The Australian Terrier dog breed was created in the early 19th century to work in rugged conditions, hunting snakes and rodents on ranches and down gold mines, and being an all-purpose farm dog. The breed was created from terriers imported from northern England and Scotland – including the forebears of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Skye and Yorkshire, and the old Black and Tan Terrier and Scotch Terrier. The result was the Australian Terrier dog, which had its first breed club established in Australia in 1887. Official recognition was granted by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1936, and in 1958 the American Kennel Club accepted them.

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

About an hour's exercise is needed a day, though he will happily accept more – after all, this dog was a working terrier as well as a companion! As well as walks and games, they enjoy agility, obedience, and other canine sports.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Australian Terrier dog breed is generally a healthy breed with few specific breed related problems.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Silky Terrier

This toy dog's glamorous, long coat is parted along the back and comes in blue and tan, grey-blue and tan, silver and tan, or silver-blue and tan. For full details see the breed standard. When fully grown, he stands at around 23cm and weighs approximately 8-10lb. He looks refined but not delicate.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Little toy dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

 

Personality

Although he's in the toy group, and was bred to be a friendly, loving companion dog, the Australian Silky dog breed also has some terrier-like traits, which, given his ancestors, is no surprise! He's alert, confident, energetic – and still retains some of the hunting instincts of his forebears who killed rodents and even snakes!

 

History and Origins

Once also known as the Sydney Silky, this Australian dog has Yorkshire Terrier and Australian Terrier ancestors. It's thought that when breeders were establishing the Australian Terrier at the end of the 19th century, they used the Yorkie to improve the blue and tan colouring of the coat. The silky-coated puppies that resulted became the foundation of the breed that we have today.

Nutrition and Feeding

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

A couple of 20-minute walks a day will keep an adult happy, together with some play in the house or garden. He doesn't require much physical exercise, but he will thrive on the quality time spent with his loved ones. Mental activity is important for this bright little dog, too, to prevent boredom.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Like many small breeds, the Australian Silky dog breed can suffer from kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place (luxating patellas), a hip disorder and a windpipe problem.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Australian Shepherd Dog
Australian Shepherd Dog
Australian Shepherd Dog

Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd developed in the Pyrenees Mountains. This intelligent, active and good-natured breed is a skilled livestock herder and all-purpose farm and ranch dog. Aussies can be reserved with strangers but are true people dogs that want to be near their family. The breed requires daily vigorous exercise and a sense of purpose. The Aussie’s thick, weather-resistant coat requires weekly brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The Australian Shepherd derived his name from his association with the Basque Shepherd Dogs that came to the U.S. from Australia in the 1800s. As Australian Shepherds age, their colouring darkens and becomes more “pure”.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Aussie, Little Blue Dog

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

 

Living Considerations
 Good with children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living
Size
 Medium
Height
 Males - 50 to 59 centimetres at the shoulders, Females - 45 to 54 centimetres at the shoulders
Weight
 15 to 32 kilograms
Coat
 Medium
Energy
 High
Colour
 Black, red, or blue or red merle
Activities
 Agility, Herding, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
 Both
Personality

This dog has strong herding instincts and loves to be part of family life, thriving on the companionship of his owners. They can be initially reserved with new people so early socialisation is essential. Ongoing training and a combination of physical and mental stimulation is also important to satisfy his considerable intelligence and energy.

 

History and Origins

Surprisingly, the Australian Shepherd dog breed is actually American! Shepherds from the Basque region of the Pyrenees took small 'blue' dogs to work in the U.S. in the late 1800s and early 1900s to work with sheep. The Australian part of the name comes from the sheep that they worked with that were imported from Australia. Another theory suggests that the dogs immigrated first to Australia and then to the U.S. When they first arrived in the south-western United States in the late 1800s, the dogs were initially allowed to interbreed with other shepherd dogs, to enhance working ability. A breed club was established in the U.S. in 1957.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

This dog needs at least two hours a day. Many Australian Shepherd dogs perform to a high standard in the dog sports (agility, heelwork to music, obedience and flyball), where they can use their physical and mental energy.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Australian Shepherd dog is generally a very healthy breed. However as with many breeds, they can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)

Agile, strong and courageous, the Australian Cattle Dog was developed in the 1800s in Australia. An intelligent and determined high-energy working dog, the Australian Cattle Dog is happiest in large, open spaces with an engaging job to do. This loyal and protective breed bonds closely with his family, but his owners must establish themselves as the pack leaders. The breed’s smooth, short coat requires occasional bathing and brushing.

DID YOU KNOW? The Australian Cattle Dog has helped the beef industry of Australia thrive by enabling farmers to maintain huge herds. Australian Cattle Dogs are born completely white.

ALSO KNOWN AS: ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

 

Living Considerations
 Good with children, not hypoallergenic, suitable for apartment living
Size
 Medium
Height
 Males - 45 to 51 centimetres at the withers, Females - 43 to 48 centimetres at the withers
Weight
 15 to 21 kilograms
Coat
Short
Energy
Medium
Colour
 Red speckle or blue
Activities
 Agility, Herding, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking
Indoor/Outdoor
 Both
Personality

Smart and quick to react, the Aussie is a very fast learner, but their tendency to use their teeth to move other animals (including humans) can be an issue. Early socialisation and training to encourage a softer mouth is necessary. Naturally wary of strangers and very willing to guard and alert via barking, this is a breed that needs plenty of training and experienced owners, but will reward that by being a loyal, hard-working companion. 

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Australia

 

Australian stockmen in the late 1800’s found that the Collies imported to Australia were not tough enough for the harsh conditions and bold livestock. Over 60 years of crossbreeding, including Dingo, collie, sheepdog, Kelpie, Dalmatian and Bull Terrier went into producing the Australian Cattle dog. These efforts produced a clever yet biddable dog who could use their own initiative when needed, working tough livestock in very difficult conditions.  Australian Cattle dogs also go by the name ‘Heeler’ which refers to their working practice of nipping at the heels of the cattle they are driving. 

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

The Australian Cattle dog needs at least two hours exercise per day, including mental stimulation and training. They have great stamina and endurance and will happily accept much more. This is a very agile dog, and an independent thinker, it is better not to leave them unsupervised or bored for long!

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Australian Cattle Dog is generally an extremely hardy breed with few health problems. As with many breeds, occasionally hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems) can arise. Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore advised. The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website.

 

Space requirements

 

The Australian Cattle Dog is not difficult to house, providing outdoor space is securely fenced. They have been bred to work out how to get around or over obstacles in the course of their work, and so are excellent escape artists and very skilled counter-top opportunists! Given their natural desire to react to movement and control moving objects, this is a breed better kept away from busy roads and bustling pavements. Quiet rural or farm homes will suit this breed much better than town or city.

 

Training australian cattle dog

 

The Aussie is a dog who will enjoy a variety of dog sports (especially agility) and activities and thrives on training and working closely with their person. Finding an activity this breed excels at is not difficult, teaching them to relax and switch off may be harder. Early work on teaching a soft mouth, and not to chase or nip is essential.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

The Australian Cattle Dog is a herder, they prefer that groups of animals, including people, stay together and move along at a pace they dictate. With adults and older children who can be involved in training this can be overcome, but younger families and those with toddlers will find this difficult. This breed requires a lot of time to exercise and train which may conflict with family time commitments. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

The Australian Cattle dog is one of very few breeds to have intentionally been bred using the wild Australian Dingo. In attempting to produce a dog tough enough to work Australian cattle, initial crossbreeds proved to be too tough, biting stock too hard, and the breeds creators had to try again using smoother Collie blood until they found the right mixture. They have water-resistant double coats which allows water to bead and fall right off them, keeping them dry and happy when in the field. Their ties to the Dingo mean that they have impressive stamina and many owners report that they have seemingly endless energy! One of the oldest dogs in the world was an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey, he lived to an astonishing 29 years of age and was happily chasing sheep for almost 20 years. In 2009, an Australian Cattle Dog called Sophie was thrown off a boat she was on with her family off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Astonishingly, the strong-willed pup then swam five miles back to shore and ended up on St. Bees Island. She survived by hunting feral goats until she was eventually found by a ranger who reunited her with her family. 

 

Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog (kangal)

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originated in rural Turkey about 6,000 years ago to guard livestock and serve as a companion to shepherds. Large, powerful and possessive, this breed adores his family but can be suspicious of strangers. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog has two coat varieties, Short and Rough, both which require little grooming. The breed does best with moderate exercise.

DID YOU KNOW? This breed is slow to mature, reaching adulthood at about 4 years of age.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Karaba? (Blackhead), Anatolian Blackhead (Anadolulu Karaba?), Kangal

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Giant dog
  • Heavy drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

 

Living Considerations
 Good with children when properly trained, not hypoallergenic, not suitable for apartment living
Size
 Large to Giant
Height
 Males - 50 centimetres, Females - 69 centimetres
Weight
 Males - 49 to 68 kilograms; Females - 36 to 55 kilograms
Coat
 Medium
Energy
Medium
Colour
 Fawn with black mask, pinto, white or brindle
Activities
 Conformation, Herding
Indoor/Outdoor
 Both
Personality

This breed's working history is still present today – he is naturally territorial, independent and highly intelligent. Because of the strong guarding instinct, early and ongoing socialisation and patient training is essential. Do ensure your garden is escape-proof with high possible double, fencing. Be sure to keep him occupied, as he may become destructive or problematic if bored.

 

History and Origins

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Karabash, is an ancient breed descended from the Mastiff and flock-guarding dogs of the Middle East. Tall, athletic and powerful, they protected their wards against such fierce predators as bears and wolves. Now they are used for guarding flocks of sheep and goats in Turkey, where they are regarded as a national emblem and are called 'Coban Kopegi' (translated as 'Shepherd's Dog').

Nutrition and Feeding

Giant-breed dogs, as well as having giant appetites, benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. The Anatolian Shepherd dog breed is prone to bloating and stomach problems; try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk.

Exercise

For his size, he doesn't need vast amounts of exercise; two one-hour walks a day should keep him happy. He enjoys walking – his working ancestors would have roamed many, many miles with nomadic shepherds.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Anatolian dog breed is generally a very hardy breed, but as with many breeds they can occasionally suffer from hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Dog