A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Shepherd to consider for puppy training.

The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is not known. The breed that is cherished and loved today was developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd has an innate versatility that makes [...]]]>

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Shepherd to consider for puppy training.

The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is not known. The breed that is cherished and loved today was developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd has an innate versatility that makes them useful on ranches and farms as a herding dog, retriever, and watchdog. They are typically referred to as “The Aussie”.

The Australian Shepherds most identifiable characteristic is the natural or docked bobtail. Their eyes are one of this breeds most commented on feature. Their eyes come in a variety of colors or color combinations and include blue, amber, hazel, and all shades of brown. The Aussie is a vigorous and athletic dog breed.

The Australian Shepherd has a striking and varied coat. It is of moderate length, straight to wavy, and weather resistant. The under coat is shed twice a year; with moderate shedding between these periods. The coat comes in four accepted colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle. A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front, and rear legs.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, delightful, and loyal. They are highly energetic and thrive on being given something to do. The Aussie has a high degree of intensity and a “no-quit” attitude. Their herding instinct may be problematic or annoying to their family, as this breed will often attempt to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves. They are reserved and cautious with strangers until the Aussie decides about them. They are confident and protective. Human companionship is crucial to this breed. They get along well with active, considerate older children. The Aussie is not typically aggressive to other dogs.

The Australian Shepherd requires minimal grooming. An occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush will suffice. It is important to do more in depth grooming when they are going through their seasonal shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Aussie is susceptible to a myriad of health issues and concerns. Their merle coloration carries a blind/deaf factor. Natural bobtails may have serious spinal defects. They are also prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.

Australian Shepherds are easy to train. They benefit from early socialization and very basic obedience. It is important that they know who the master is or they will attempt to take control. The Australian Shepherd requires firm, fair, consistent, and effective direction. Their high intelligence and keen learning ability make repetitive training boring.

The Australian Shepherd requires an inordinate amount of exercise. A mere walk is not sufficient. They thrive on running, herding, playing, and all family activities. They are at their best when they are given a great deal of social interaction and a task to do. Australian Shepherds are not recommended for apartment dwelling. They are moderately active indoors and require a non-sedentary owner and a large securely fenced yard or safe open area.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Terrier to consider for puppy training.

Classified as one of the smallest working terriers, this dog breed was developed in Australia. They were bred for a variety of uses such as watchdog, shepherd, vermin hunter, guard dog and companion. [...]]]>

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Terrier to consider for puppy training.

Classified as one of the smallest working terriers, this dog breed was developed in Australia. They were bred for a variety of uses such as watchdog, shepherd, vermin hunter, guard dog and companion. Australian Terriers hold the unique distinction of being the first native-bred Australian dog to be shown and the first to be recognized in other countries.

The Australian Terrier is low-set, sturdy, and small in stature. However, their small size belies their exhibition of a strong and true terrier nature. This breed is proud, hardy, alert and confident. They are bold, fearless, and charming. They are an excellent choice for a variety of lifestyles and make lovely companions.

The Australian Terrier is a double coat breed. The outer coat is straight, harsh, and rough in texture. The under coat is soft, dense, and short. This breeds weatherproof coat is longer on the body than the hair on the tail, rear legs, and feet. There is a protective ruff of softer hair at the neck, which blends into an apron. The forelegs have light feathering and there is a topknot of soft and fine hair, which covers only the top of the head. The color of the coat comes in dark blue, silvery blue with tan markings on the legs and head, solid red, and sandy. This breed sheds little to no hair.

This breed displays the bravery and courage of much larger dogs. The Australian Terrier is extremely affectionate with their family, loyal, and highly intelligent. They are exceedingly amusing, spirited, and curious. This breed does best in a home with older considerate children. They get along with other dogs and household pets, but do have a propensity for chasing the family cat as well as small outdoor animals such as squirrel and rabbit. They thrive on human interaction and do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. The Australian Terrier has acute hearing as well as keen eyesight and makes an excellent watchdog. They are wary of strangers but are not aggressive unless provoked.

This breed requires brushing several times a week. They also need the coat plucked every three months Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat. Trimming around the eyes and ears should be done as needed. The Australian Terrier is a relatively healthy breed. However, they may be prone to patella luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, diabetes, epilepsy, skin allergies, and thyroid disorders.

The Australian Terrier is quick to learn but is easily bored by repetition. Early socialization and obedience training is a must. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed does best when trained with consistency, firmness, fairness, praise, and motivation. They are very adept in the areas of agility, tracking, earthdog, and obedience.

This breed requires exercise on a regular basis to keep them physically and mentally fit. If they become bored they will become destructive. The Australian Terrier enjoys securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a romp in a safe area.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Bedlington Terrier to consider for puppy training.

Originating in England during the 18th century, this dog breed was used by gypsies as a vermin hunter and small game retriever. They are often affectionately referred to as the “gypsy dog”. The [...]]]>

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Bedlington Terrier to consider for puppy training.

Originating in England during the 18th century, this dog breed was used by gypsies as a vermin hunter and small game retriever. They are often affectionately referred to as the “gypsy dog”. The Bedlington Terrier is often described as a dog with the heart of a lion and the head of a lamb due to their unique appearance and assertive demeanor.

This well-balanced breed is mild and gentle, never shy or nervous. They have immense energy, courage, and endurance. The Bedlington Terrier is full of confidence, is spirited, and quite muscular. They have strong sporting instincts and also make an intelligent and amiable companion.

The Bedlington Terrier is a very distinctive breed. The coat is an interesting and unusual mixture of both soft and hard hair. The body coat is curly, crisp, and lint-like in texture. There is a fringe of silky hair on the tips of the ears. This thick double coat breed comes in blue, sandy, or liver. They are non-shedding.

Bedlington Terriers have an affectionate personality. They are cheerful, playful, lively, and loyal. This breed is deeply devoted to their family, and loving with considerate and well-behaved children. They will get along with cats and other animals they have been raised with, but will not tolerate dominating or threatening behavior. Despite their gentle appearance it is important to remember that the Bedlington Terrier is a terrier breed. If they are challenged they are ferocious and terrifying fighters. They are fairly friendly with strangers. They make excellent watchdogs as they are extremely protective of their family and will alert them to danger and visitors.

This is a high maintenance breed. They require professional specialized clipping every six weeks. They must be brushed and combed on a daily basis. Dog bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Bedlington Terrier is prone to a serious inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. They also have a tendency for such health issues as thyroid problems, cataracts, and kidney disease.

The Bedlington Terrier can be independent, skittish, and quite difficult to train. They benefit from early socialization, particularly with cats and other pets. Intensive obedience training is crucial as this breed has a tendency to be destructive and bark excessively. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training. The Bedlington Terrier thrives on human companionship and is trained best with firm, loving and consistent guidance. They excel in agility, obedience, and flyball.

Bedlington Terriers are an exceedingly active breed that requires a great deal of exercise and stimulation. They are fairly active indoors and benefit from family play sessions. They are excellent walking companions provided they are securely leashed. They enjoy outdoor play provided the yard is securely fenced and they are supervised. This breed is highly prone to digging. The Bedlington Terrier will do okay in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Azawakh  to consider for puppy training.

Originating in Africa, this sighthound was bred by nomadic tribes for guarding, hunting, and companionship. They are exceedingly fast when running and are able to reach and sustain speeds of up to 40 miles [...]]]>

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Azawakh  to consider for puppy training.

Originating in Africa, this sighthound was bred by nomadic tribes for guarding, hunting, and companionship. They are exceedingly fast when running and are able to reach and sustain speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Azawakh’s are quite adept at hunting both hare and gazelle. This dog breed is extremely rare in North America.

The Azawakh is elegant, slender, and athletic in appearance. This breed is swift, aloof, ever-watchful, and resilient.

The coat of the Azawakh is silky, short, and close. This breed is an average shedder.

A true pack dog, the Azawakh does well with other dogs they have been raised with. They are not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with non-canine pets. The Azawakh will do well with respectful and considerate children although they should never be unsupervised. This breed is highly protective of their family, home, and territory. They are wary and suspicious of strangers, but are loyal, gentle, affectionate, and devoted to family and those they know. The Azawakh is a regal and noble breed with incredible endurance.

The Azawakh breed requires occasional brushing. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo. Dry shampooing will suffice. It is important to regularly check the ears and paw pads. This breed is prone to such health issues as seizures, myositis, spondylosis, and auto-immune problems. Azawakh’s do not do well in colder climates.

Early socialization and structured obedience training are recommended. The Azawakh breed does not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. They do best with motivation, respect, fairness, and firmness.

The Azawakh is a highly active breed that requires a highly active owner. This breed is not recommended for apartment living. They do best with a large securely fenced yard or rural setting with ample opportunity to run. They excel in field hunting, lure coursing, and agility. Azawakh’s enjoy free-play, family activities, hiking, jogging, and swimming.