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One of the handsomest and possibly most noble looking of all the Spaniel varieties, the Field Spaniel has had a chequered career since the breed evolved some 150 years ago. Their fur is lighter than other spaniels and have no undercoat. Their coats come mostly in solid colours with some occasional markings on the chest. They can make good family dogs and are patient with children, but can require some sort of purpose, be it hunting or agility work in order to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.
They are considered to be a rare breed, and are registered as a Vulnerable Native Breed by The Kennel Club, with only 55 puppies registered in 2011 and 51 in 2009, it has been in steady decline since 2000. Out of all the Spaniel breeds registered with The Kennel Club, the Field Spaniel has the lowest numbered registered year on year, with only the Sussex Spaniel coming a close second with 60 registrations in 2009. This is compared to the English Springer Spaniel with 12,700 and the English Cocker Spaniel with 22,211 registrations in 2009 alone.
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large dog, the most distinctive feature being his coat. The water-resistant coat is very distinct coat with small, tight, curls that cover every part of the body accept for the forehead, face, front of forelegs, and feet. The coat protects the dog from brambles and icy waters. The Curly-Coated Retriever is a high-energy, but also very intelligent dog that needs a lot of exercise, both mental and physical. Preferably involving swimming and retrieving, which they love.
easy to get along with, this breed is loyal and eager to please. Proud and confident, very intelligent and trainable, which means it needs quite a lot of stimulation to remain contented. They have been used in competitive obedience and agility, but are not as predictable as some other breeds, as they can get bored with a the same actions over and over again. Curlies do not fully mature until they are about three years old and can be willful with meek owners. Make sure you are the dogs firm, but confident, consistent pack leader to bring out the best in their temperament. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving, and excellent with children. The more mental and physical exercise you give them the calmer they will be. Socialize them well with people and other pets at an early age. Without proper balance in their life they can be reserved or timid with strangers.
The Cairn Terrier is an alert, animated, hardy, little dog. They are adventurous, intelligent, strong, loyal, and tough–not a delicate lapdog but they usually enjoy playing with children. The Cairn is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of terrier north of the border. It is also rumoured to be an ancestor to all Scottish terriers, although there are no reliable records.
Although the breed had existed long before, the name Cairn Terrier was a compromise suggestion after the breed was originally brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909 under the name Short-haired Skye terriers. This name was not acceptable to The Kennel Club due to opposition from Skye Terrier breeders, and the name Cairn Terrier was suggested in 1910 as an alternative. They are usually left-pawed,which has been shown in dogs to correlate to superior performance in tasks related to scent. Cairn Terriers are ratters. In Scotland they would search the cairns (man-made pile of stones) for rats and other rodents. Thus if one is kept as a household pet it will do the job of a cat, specifically catching and killing mice, rabbits, and squirrels.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humour. The breed is people loving and its reputation with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle, it tends to greet everyone enthusiastically, it doesn’t make a good guard dog.Staffordshires are certainly not the pet for people who prefer quiet or reserved pets. Staffords are usually good with other pets in the household, but may often be combative with dogs outside the family.
They are intelligent, persistent and active, although not a good swimmer. As a puppy they tend to chew a great deal so make sure you provide them with plenty of chew toys. Their powerful jaws will tear though vinyl toys to get to the squeaker in no time. This can be dangerous if the dog swallows the plastic. Be sure to only give your Staffie strong toys. Do not let puppies chew on human hands. Do not allow it to be off its leash unless it is safe to do so, be particularly aware of the presence of other dogs. Like many terriers, they have a strong vermin hunting drive and may take off after rabbits and other small furry animals.
They can be trained for agility and competitive obedience. The breed competes in agility and obedience in the UK at the highest level. Staffie’s love a challenge and variety. Owners need to protect these dogs from injuring themselves. Totally fearless and curious, they’re liable to jump off of a deck or walk through broken glass.
The English Springer Spaniel is a dog for all seasons, an endearing energetic companion for the owner who is willing to give it the time that it deserves. Highly thought of by the police as sniffer dogs, well known in the field trial world for their tireless enthusiasm, many a rough shooting man’s friend, a joy to behold when moving round the show ring in their own distinctive style, a wonderful family pet and a good companion for young and old alike. The Springer is a sociable breed that enjoys the company of children and handles the company of other pets well. If left alone for too long, they can become destructive and mischievous through boredom. They love the water, and tend to get wet whenever they have the chance.
This popular gun dog breed is traditionally used for flushing and retrieving game. It is an affectionate, excitable breed with an average lifespan of twelve to fourteen years.Descended from the Norfolk or Shropshire Spaniels of the mid-19th century, the breed has diverged into separate show and working lines. The breed suffers from average health complaints. The show-bred version of the breed has been linked to “rage syndrome“, although the disorder is very rare. It is closely related to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and very closely with the Cocker Spaniel; less than a century ago, springers and cockers would come from the same litter, the only distinguishing feature being size. They are used as sniffer dogs on a widespread basis. The term springer comes from the historic hunting role, where the dog would “spring” (flush) birds into the air.
The breed name ‘cocker spaniel’ can be used to refer to two similar breeds, the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker spaniel although each breed is called ‘Cocker spaniel’ in its country of origin. The major differences between the English and American varieties is that the American is smaller with a shorter back, a domed head and a shorter muzzle, while the English variety is taller with a narrower head and chest. This article will refer to the English version. The Cocker spaniel is only surpassed by the Labrador in popularity in the UK with over 20,000 registered with the Kennel Club every year.
The English Cocker Spaniel, known as the ‘Merry Cocker’ due to its cheerful temperament and constantly wagging tail is an intelligent, sturdy and robust dog. Lively, perky and lovable, pleasant, gentle, playful and affectionate, they are excellent with children and usually get on with other animals. They are average barkers, and are willing and happy to listen to their owners. Generally an outgoing breed, taking to strangers easily, but some individuals can be reserved without enough socialization.
Like many other working breeds there are two types, field lines and show lines. Field types are bred for hunting and field trial work. The bench type are bred for conformation shows. Both types are energetic and need daily exercise, but field lines have a higher energy level, and need even more exercise. The dominancy level in this breed varies widely even within the same litter. They are sensitive to the tone of one’s voice and will not listen if they sense they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. If you are not the type of person who can display a natural air of calm, but firm authority, then be sure to choose a pup who is more submissive. The temperament of both show and field lines vary widely, depending upon how the owners treat the dog and how much and what type of exercise they provide.
One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Labrador Retriever is loyal, loving, affectionate and patient, making great family dogs. Highly intelligent, good-natured, very willing and eager to please, they are among the top choices for service dog work. They love to play, especially in water, never wanting to pass up the opportunity for a good swim. These lively dogs have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human leadership and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized, preferably while they are still puppies. Adult Labs are very strong, train them while they are a puppy not to pull, and not to bolt out doorways and gateways before the humans. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs, although some have been known to guard. They can become destructive if the humans are not 100% pack leader and/or if they do not receive enough mental and physical exercise, and left too much to their own devices. Like most gun dogs they usually go through a chewing stage as puppies. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. Field lines tend to be smaller and have a slighter build than show lines but are very energetic and will easily become high strung without enough exercise.
The smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs are average shedders. Labradors com in three colours, black yellow and chocolate, with more working dogs being black and yellow, rather than chocolate.
The Rottweiler is a medium to large breed. The dogs were known as “Rottweil butchers’ dogs” because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market. It’s a versatile breed used in recent times for many purposes, the Rottweiler is primarily one of the oldest, if not the oldest of herding breeds. A multi-faceted herding and stock protection dog, they are now also used as search and rescue dogs, as guide dogs for the blind, as guard dogs or police dogs, and in other roles.
Rotties make loyal and quite undemanding pets, but crave human affection and to be a dependable pet, need to be treated as being part of their family, just like any other dog.
The breed’s history likely dates to the Roman Empire. In those times, the Roman legion traveled with working dogs to herd the cattle needed to feed the army. One route the army traveled was through Württemberg and on to the small market town of Rottweil. The principal ancestors of the first Rottweilers during this time are believed to be the Roman droving dog, local dogs the army met on its travels, and dogs with molosser (mastiff) appearance coming from England and the Netherlands.
The Rottweiler, which first appeared in Britain in 1936 and was shown at Crufts the following year, is medium to large, very agile, black-and-tan dog. Extremely strong and imposing, Rotties are easily obedience trained and enjoys working, but it in obedience, learning tricks or in a more traditional role; rotties love to please their family. Rotties are naturally protective, but they are not aggressive by nature. However like any other trait, in a dog eager to please this instinct can be increased with training. The rottie expression is tranquil and kind, but when aroused, it can hold its own with any opponent.
The West Highland White Terrier, fondly known as the Westie, is a Scottish breed with a distinctive white coat. He makes a merry energetic companion, is a handy size, and is a courageous and self reliant dog.
The modern breed is descended from a number of breeding programmes of white terriers in Scotland prior to the 20th century. Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch, is credited with the creation of the modern breed from his Poltalloch Terrier, but did not want to be known as such. Other related breeds included George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll’s Roseneath Terrier and Dr. Americ Edwin Flaxman’s Pittenweem Terriers. The breeds of small white Scottish terriers were given its modern name for the first time in 1908, with recognition by major kennel clubs occurring around the same time. The breed remains popular in the UK and is in the top third of all breeds in the USA since the 1960s.
The breed is a medium-sized terrier, although with longer legs than other Scottish breeds of terrier. It has a white double coat of fur which fills out the dog’s face giving it a rounded appearance.
Sir Henry Snugglesworth ……………………………. A True Story about owning a Shar Pei
We decided to get a Shar Pei as they are couch potatoes, likes short walks, are medium sized dogs, with little moulting and grooming required. Henry was the compromise dog between a Japanese Akita and a French Bulldog!!!We viewed him with his mother and his litter mates at home when he was 8 weeks old. He picked us as he made a beeline for Tim’s shoe laces and seemed quiet happy chewing the furniture. We instantly fell in love with him and collected him week later.We were warned of all the negatives to having a Shar Pei, entropian,allergies, temperament, familial Shar Pei fever, swollen hock syndrome and amyloidosis. We never thought that Henry would have the problems he has, coming from a home breeder that is KC registered, and having the pedigree he has.Henry isn’t the most wrinkly of Shar Pei but, to date, he has had 3 entropian correction operations on both his eyes, a hernia operation, has food allergies so he cant be fed commercial dog food so we have to make his food from scratch. He is on 1 Atopica tablet and 4 Piriton tablets daily to help with his allergies. He has to wear a cone when left on his own as he scratches himself so badly that he breaks his skin and, because he’s allergic to the bacteria and yeast naturally present on his skin, he flairs up dreadfully. When we walk him, he is often attacked by other dogs as they can’t read him because his face is wrinkly. The tail, which is carried high, makes dogs think that he is agressive and he also makes grunting noises which people think is him growling. All that said, Henry is a character of his own. He is stubborn, has selective hearing(like most men!), loves to be pampered, play, cuddle loads and is a great house dog. He is the most clumsy dog you could ever meet and has even been know to walk into patio doors!!!
We will update you on Sir Henry’s progress..