All Kinds Of Dog Info

The Chihuahua is a popular favorite of the toy dog group among dog enthusiasts. This spicy little character of a dog is extremely devoted and loyal to its owner. Although reserved with strangers and a little aggressive towards other dogs, the Chihuahua can get along great with other indoor pets that you may have.

Not all Chihuahuas have the same bold temperament. Some are very intense and will have an attitude as if they can take on the world, others may be extremely shy and timid. Either way, all Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners and the rest of the family.

Upkeep And Maintenance

The Chihuahua is a very excitable dog that needs a bit of daily exercise. But the good news is that these little guys can get all of the vigorous physical activity they need from running room to room in a house or a small apartment. But do not neglect outdoor walks and play time. The Chihuahua loves to roam outside and explore.

In terms of living arrangements, the Chihuahua is an indoor dog and should not be kept outside. There is nothing wrong with having him explore the yard a couple of hours each day, but this should only be temporary. Chihuahuas absolutely hate cold temperatures and will run to seek out warmth and coziness.

Grooming is a minor concern if you're the proud owner of a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas come in two types; short-haired and long-haired. Short-haired Chihuahuas need very little brushing, perhaps once every week or so. Long-haired Chihuahuas will need a brushing twice weekly.

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Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed

Cocker Spaniels (the American version) were derived from English Cocker Spaniels after they found their way to the United States in the late 1800s. Americans preferred to breed a smaller sized Spaniel that would be ideal to hunt quail in various other small birds. Although the exact practice and decision to which the American version was created is not entirely known, we do know that the first true American Cocker Spaniel was recorded to be born sometime in the 1880s and his name was the dog Obo 2nd.

At that time, both the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were considered to be the same breed by the American kennel club. However, in 1935 the AKC decided to finally separate the two as different breeds. The Cocker Spaniel then rose to popularity and was considered the most popular dog breed for a large number of years. It was then divided into three color types: black, particolored, and ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black).

This dog breed is extremely cheerful, playful, and always willing to please. They are great family dogs which are wonderful with little children. If there was a scorecard to rate the Cocker Spaniel on its affection level and friendliness towards animals and people, it would rate at the highest score. This dog is also easy to train and is considered to be a moderate watchdog.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Keeping up with the Cocker Spaniel in terms of grooming takes a little work on a daily basis. They have extremely long hair with heavy fur growing from head to toe. Even their ears and its long hair will need a brushing on a daily basis. Professional clipping should be taken into consideration at least once per month in order to maintain a decent coat.

Cocker Spaniels can receive plenty of exercise with a least one daily walk on the leash. It loves to socialize and be a part of its family, as well as get a taste with the outside world and the people and other animals that it offers. Although Cocker Spaniels are meant to live indoors with its family, keeping this animal socialized with the outside should be considered a necessity. They are extremely friendly and eager to meet other pets and people.

Health Information

Cocker Spaniels have a lifespan of up to 15 years which is a long time considering this dog is a member of the sporting group. Major health concerns include cataracts, PRA, patellar luxation, and glaucoma. Minor health concerns include allergies, cherry eye, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, urinary stones, CHF, liver disease, seborrhea, entropion, and fructokinase deficiency.

Border Collie Dog Breed

The Border Collie has been bred for over 100 years with functionality as the number one priority. These sheep herding dogs were abundant in Great Britain during the 1800s, however they were made up of different types. Most of these dogs were considered to be “fetching” dogs who had the ability to circle stock and guide them back towards the shepherd.

Sheepdogs (as the Border Collies were called) became very popular and in 1873 the first official sheepdog trial took place to test the qualities and function of the animals. This led to one of the first famous Border Collies known as “Hemp”.

Hemp did very well at the trials and sired a high number of offspring. In fact, he is considered to be the father of the Border Collie. Hemp's way of herding was done with intimidation, using eye contact with the livestock.

Although these dogs were very popular and functioned superbly at their sheepdog abilities, it wasn't until 1915 that “Border Collie” was officially announced as the proper name for the breed. And as soon as the Border Collie came to America they were instantly appraised by serious shepherds who needed the animal's magnificent herding abilities. Amazingly enough, it took until the year 1995 for the AKC to officially recognize the Border Collie as a show dog.

Personality

As far as temperament is concerned, Border Collie dogs have enormous amounts of intelligence and is highly obedient. While these attributes are positive, it can make for a disastrous house dog when kept enclosed with little exercise. Border Collies are very loyal and protective towards its family, so be prepared for its reserved and guardian-like personality to spring up when in the company of strange dogs and other animals.

Taking Care Of Your Border Collie

This is one dog that thrives off of physical and mental stimulation each and every day. You can easily say that the border collie simply “needs a job to do” whenever possible. He is extremely work-oriented and genetically programmed for labor.

Border Collie dogs can certainly live outdoors in very mild to cool climates, but of course it prefers and enjoys the company of its family inside the house, especially at night. This is one animal that should not be forced to live in a small apartment.

Health Information

Border Collie's have a lifespan of up to 15 years, with 12 being the average. Fortunately, this dog breed does not have many health problems that arise. Major concerns are only CHD. Minor health issues that may come up are hypothyroidism, PRA, PDA, CEA, seizures, OCD, and lens luxation, but these occurrences are extremely rare.