Fact Sheet: BEAGLE

(Original Title: The Beagle Dog Breed: An Expert Guide To This Lovable Hound)

Beagle

The Beagle is a member of the Hound Group and is America's fifth most popular dog. This breed has origins dating back roughly 2,500 years ago. Today, the Beagle's keen sense of smell makes it the popular choice for working in airport security, while its amiable nature, size, and lack of health problems make them a common choice for a family pet.

History

The first modern day Beagle originated in England in 1830, but the Beagle's ancestors can be traced roughly 2,500 years prior in ancient Greece when William the Conqueror bred Talbot Hounds to create the Southern Hound. In Medieval times, hunters used what were called "Pocket Beagles" that could fit in the hunter's pockets and could be released after larger dogs had cornered prey in areas that only smaller dogs could reach. King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I were huge fans of the pocket beagle, which became extinct around the year 1900.

By the 1700s, the North Country Beagle and the South Hound were the two breeds used for hunting rabbits and the Beagle's main common ancestors. The two breeds were mixed with the Foxhound, as fox hunting became a popular sport in Great Britain. In 1830, the basis for the modern day Beagle would appear when Reverend Phillip Honeywood of Great Britain would begin breeding dogs that slowly moved away from the North County Beagle and South Hound. The first Beagles were smaller and had pure white coats.

In the 1840s, the Beagle now had four variations:

• The medium Beagle
• The dwarf or lapdog Beagle
• The fox Beagle
• The terrier Beagle

Approaching the 1900s, the number of Beagles had risen and the standard for the breed was recorded. General Richard Rowett from the United States had Beagles imported to his home in Illinoise, where he would begin breeding them and helping the Beagle become recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884.

Description

Beagles resemble miniature Foxhounds, but have a broader head and a shorter muzzle. The following is based off the AKC standard:

• Coat: Beagles can come in a variety of colors, such as the Classic tricolor, the Faded tricolor, and the Dark tricolor.
• Head: A slightly domed skull and medium-length muzzle. The ears are set somewhat low and hanging almost to the nose. Brown or hazel eyes set well apart in a gentle hound expression.
• Body: A sturdy body with a broad and deep chest. Strong legs and sloping shoulders. The tail is set somewhat high. They are a small-sized breed, weighing from 18-30 lbs.

Defects:

• If the dog measures more than 15 inches.
• Any cringing or sulking behaviors.
• Straight shoulders or a disproportionately wide chest.
• Crooked forelegs
• Short, thin coat.
• Tail that is curved or short.

The America Kennel Club recognizes two different varieties of Beagles:

13-inch Beagle: measuring less than 13 inches (33 cm)

15-inch Beagle: measuring between 13 and 15 inches (33 and 38 cm)

Temperament

The Beagle is a happy, loving, and outgoing breed that will greet both people and other animals with joy. For this reason, they do not make good guard dogs. Small rodents should not be trusted around Beagles since they were bred to hunt small prey. Beagles are content to curl up on the couch with their owners and relax, but this breed needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become destructive. Beagles should be trained early and are easily motivated with food.

Care

• Grooming: The Beagle's short coat only requires a quick brush once a week to remove dead hair and they do not need frequent baths.
• Living Situation: This breed can live in apartments or houses, as long as they get a daily walk.
• Exercise: A 30-minute walk daily will be sufficient.
• Approximate Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Common Health Problems: The Beagle is one of the healthiest breeds and therefore, is not susceptible to many health issues. Obesity can occur in Beagles if left to free-feed.

The Rundown: Beagles are healthy, happy pack animals that need homes with multiple people. A fenced yard is a necessity due to their strong scent drive and inclination to wander. Their size is perfect for most living situations, but their tendency to howl can be detrimental to apartment living.

By Beth Fletcher Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: The FOXHOUND Dog

English Foxhound - CC Wikimedia

Foxhounds were the very first of the canine races in Great Britain  to come under the domination of scientific breeding. There had been  hounds of more ancient origin, such as the Southern  Hound and the Bloodhound; but something different was wanted towards the end of the seventeenth century to hunt the wild deer that had become somewhat scattered after Cromwell's civil war. The demand was consequently for a quicker hound than those hitherto known, and people devoted to the chase began to breed it. 

Head:-

Somewhat broad, not peaked like the Bloodhound, but long from the apex to the frontal bones, eyebrows very prominent, cheeks cut clean from the eye to the nostril, ears set low and in their natural condition thin and shapely, but not large, nose large, jaw strong and level, and small dewlaps, expression fierce, and with the best often repellent.  

Eyes:-

Very bright and deeply set, full of determination, and with a  very steady expression. The look of the Foxhound is very remarkable.  

Neck Should be perfectly clean, no skin ruffle whatever. The length of neck is of importance, both for stooping and giving an air of majesty. 

Shoulders:-

The blades should be well into the back, and should slant, otherwise be wide and strong, to meet the arms, that should be long and powerful.  

Legs and feet:-

The bone should be perfectly straight from the arm downward, and descend in the same degree of size to the ankles. The knee should be almost flat and level; there should be no curve until coming to the toes, which should be very strong, round, cat-shaped, and every toe clean set as it were.  

Coat:-

The coat is hard hair, but short and smooth, the texture is as stiff as bristles, but beautifully laid.  

Colour:-

Belvoir tan, which is brown and black, perfectly intermixed, with white markings of various shapes and sizes. The white should be very opaque and clear. Black and white, with tan markings on head and stifles. Badger pied a kind of grey and white. Lemon pied, light yellow and white. Hare pied, a darker yellow and white.  

Height: Dogs from 23-1/2 to 24 inches; bitches from 22 to 22-1/2 inches.

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Fact Sheet: CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER

(Original Title: Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed Profile)

A Chesapeake Bay Retriever. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Description:

• The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a medium to large sized dog with good musculature. 
• The dog will be 23 to 26 inches at the shoulders and the bitch 21 to 24 inches. 
• The maximum weight for the dog is about 80 pounds and for the female, 70 pounds. 
• The coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever consists of a wavy, oily outer coat and a wooly and dense undercoat. 
• The color of the coat is usually brown or reddish. The eyes of the Chesapeake Retriever are amber or yellow. 
• This dog will live for 10 to 12 years on average.
• Other names for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever are Chessy Dog and Chessie.

History:
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a dog developed here in America. In 1807 a British ship, the Canton, was shipwrecked off the Maryland coast. Fortunately, everyone aboard was saved, including two Newfoundland Dogs. The captain of the ship sold the dogs to local people around Chesapeake Bay and they were eventually bred to various dogs in the area. Combining the blood of the Otterhound, the Flat-Coated Retriever, and the Curly-Coated Retriever, the Chesapeake Retriever came into being.

Temperament: 
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a loyal and protective dog with its human family, but will often be reserved with strangers. This dog tends to be assertive and confident and will need a firm, but kind master to bring out the best in it. The Chesapeake Retriever should be socialized with family pets from an early age. Due to its somewhat dominant nature, this dog probably will do better with older children. This breed loves to go in the water.

Health Issues:
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can suffer from hip dysplasia and several eye disorders, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Von Willebrand's Disease is also present in this breed, so it is important to make sure your dog comes from stock free of this type of hemophilia. As with most large breed, bloat or stomach torsion can occur, in which case, immediate veterinary help is called for. Feeding the dog 2 or 3 small meals a day can help prevent bloat.

Grooming:
The coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever should be brushed with a bristle brush once a week. This dog has a very oily coat, which helps with water resistance, so it is advisable not to over-brush the coat and remove the oil. As this dog has a rather distinctive odor, they should be shampooed every once in a while.

Living Conditions:
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a dog that loves to be outdoors and especially near water. It enjoys cool weather. This dog is probably not a good choice for apartment living, it needs too much exercise and its dominant nature might make it too much dog in a small space. It needs a lot of daily exercise and will become frustrated and destructive if deprived of this. This is an outdoor dog that would do best with a family who participated in outdoor sports, especially those pertaining to water. A hunter would be an excellent choice for the owner of this dog.

By Scott Allan Lipe For more information on the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Morkies please visit our websites below. Teacup Puppies For Sale - Puppies or Dogs [http://www.puppies-or-dogs.com] Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER

(Original Title: Curly-Coated Retriever - Dog Breeds)

Curly Coated Retriever (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Group: Sporting

Weight: Male: 80-100, Female: 70-90 lbs

Height: Male: 25-27, Female: 23-25 inches

Overview

The Curly Coated Retriever has its origin in England and is one of the oldest dog breeds there is. English hunters favoured this breed, as they had very gentle retrieving abilities. This breed is particularly popular in Australia and in New Zealand. In the United States however they are fairly rare, and very difficult to get hold of.

Temperament

Curly-Coated Retrievers are very content and easygoing dogs. They are very bright, and always keen on pleasing their owners. This breed was formerly used as hunting and gun dogs, and this makes them very trainable. These dogs are also late to mature, and will only reach full maturity after about 3 years. This breed will make a wonderful family, and they like to be close to the family.

The Curly-Coated Retriever likes to show affection, and also makes very good therapy dogs. Seeing that these dogs are so tolerant, they are the ideal dog to have around your children. The Curly-Coated Retriever will make a brilliant watchdog and will also protect the family wherever they can. It is important to socialise the Curly-Coated Retriever well when still young, as they can be fairly reserved toward strangers.

Care

The grooming requirements for the Curly-Coated Retriever is not very time consuming. It is advised that the nails of these dogs should be trimmed, but only when it is necessary. The Curly-Coated Retriever should not be bathed excessively, and two or three times during the year should do. Too much bathing will strip their coats from the natural the oils. The Curly-Coated Retriever should not be rubbed down in order to get them dry, they should rather be left to air dry. The coat of the Curly-Coated Retriever will benefit from these dogs swimming and being out in the sun a lot.

Training

It is vital for these dogs to receive proper training, as they can be very difficult puppies. The Curly-Coated Retriever should get enough physical and mental stimulation, as they tend to get bored very easily. This will in return then lead to destructive behavior. The Curly-Coated Retriever will also bark a lot when bored. These dogs should also be learned from a young age that jumping is not suitable.

Health problems

The Curly-Coated Retriever has a few health concerns potential owners should be aware of. Like many other breeds they have problems with hip dysplasia and cancer. They can also suffer from patterned baldness, bloat and cardiac problems. Epilepsy is also a concern in this breed from time to time.

By John M Williams Visit the following links for more info on the Curly-Coated Retriever or a full list of Dog Breeds. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: GERMAN SHEPHERD

(Original Title: GERMAN SHEPHERD Dog Breed Information)

German Shepherd

They are one of North America's most popular dogs. AKC has the German Shepherd Dog ranked #2 in the US. They are extremely intelligent and a very capable working dog and their devotion encourage to their family is unmatched. They are amazingly versatile being able to excel and almost anything that they are trained to do whether it is police or military service, search and rescue or simply obedience training. They are a faithful companion to any family that would have them.

Coat and Color

The German Shepherd comes in many different color variations. AKC recognizes these 11 colors: Bi-Color, Black, Black and Cream, Black and Red, Black and Silver, Black and Tan, Blue, Grey, Liver, Sable and White. They do shed. They tend to shed heavier during shedding season. More brushing than normal will be required during this time period. An occasional bath here and there along with regular brushing and grooming will help keep the dogs medium length coat in check.

Size

With the males of this breed standing 24 to 26 inches tall, the females of the breed are generally between 22 to 24 inches in height. The weight of a shepherd will range from 75 to 95 pounds.

Personality

The shepherds personality is rather aloof however they are not known for being particularly aggressive. They are a well preserved dog that doesn't make friends immediately, however, once they do they are extremely loyal to those that they love. The shepherd makes an excellent watchdog as they are easygoing and approachable when they are with their family however when they feel threatened they can be very strong and protective. They are highly intelligent and very trainable and are excited to be able to have a job to do. The German Shepherd can be trained to do almost anything making them one of the most versatile dog breeds around.

The one thing that a shepherd is not good at is being left alone at home for long periods of time. Without companionship and something to do with their time they can become easily bored and frustrated which leads to a host of behavioral issues. You'll find that they will release their pent up issues generally by chewing and excessive barking. Like every dog your German shepherd should be socialized as early as possible and regularly worked with so that they grow up to be a well rounded dog.

By F. Szczepanski Breeders Association of America Inc http://njpup.com/pure-breds-for-sale Article Source: EzineArticles

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