The Origin of the Scottish Deerhounds

The Scottish Deerhound Dogs originated in Scotland and were well respected as deer hunters in the early 16^th century. Researchers believe that these dogs came from an ancient breed and have roots that connect them to the Greyhounds.

Although the specific bloodline of the Scottish Deerhounds is still not confirmed, it is known that during this period these dogs were owned specifically by the nobility. At that time nobody below the rank of an Earl could own a Deerhound. These dogs were used for the hunting of stags, but after the decline of the stag population there was not much use for these dogs.

Between the 1700s and the1800s, the invention of guns and rifles, which became the main tools of deer hunters, caused the Scottish Deerhounds to become almost extinct. During the mid 1800s a distinctive effort was made to bring back the popularity of these dogs. The project was successful and during the 1860s the first Scottish Deerhound club was started in England. Today, although the number of the breed remains low, they are still classified as a classic breed.

Care and Attention for the Scottish Deerhound Dogs

The Scottish Deerhounds like all other hound dogs need a lot of exercise in order to remain fit and to cope with their high level of energy. These dogs need to take several long walks on the leash and it would also be very beneficial for them to be able to run around outside in a large area. Because the Deerhound loves to chase small animals, they should be trained to stop when commanded.

Scottish Deerhound dogs are moderately tolerant to both hot and cool temperatures. If necessary they are able to live outdoors, but it is best for your pet if it is allowed to sleep indoors with the family at night. Scottish Deerhound dogs need to be groomed at least twice a week and in order to keep their hair neat, they need to be trimmed occasionally.

Health Problems for the Scottish Deerhounds

There are a few health concerns connected with the Scottish Deerhounds. Major health problems include osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion. Minor health problems include allergies and cystinuria. Neck pain and hypothyroidism may occasionally occur. It is recommended by veterinarians that your Scottish Deerhounds be tested for potential cystinuria and cardiac problems. With proper care and attention the Scottish Deerhound may live up to between seven and nine years.

The behavior of the Schipperke Dogs is one that can be considered as being courageous, independent, playful and very loving. These dogs make very good companions. Schipperke dogs are strong headed and enjoy being busy. Because they are very easy to train, they make very good house pets. The Schipperke Dogs are somewhat friendly to other dogs and pets but are cautious with people that they are not familiar with.

The origin of the Schipperke Dog Breed

Although there is still some controversy about the exact origin of the Schipperke Dog Breed, most people believe that they originated in Belgium as far back as the 1600.It was first believed that these dogs were boat dogs that were used to do different jobs for boatmen who traveled between Antwerp and Brussels.

Because the word “schip” means” boat” in Flemish, most people believed that the name Schipperke referred to these dogs as little boatmen. In Belgium these dogs were known as “Spitz”. Some people also believed that these dogs were used as watchdogs and ratters for the middle class and tradesmen.

Although we may not be sure of the origin of the Schipperke dogs, their existence was not documented until sometime in 1960. In Brussels these dogs participated in local competitions sponsored by their owners. Their popularity increased tremendously until almost every household had one of these dogs. Several Schipperke dogs came to the United States in the late 1880s. Since then their popularity has been slowly increasing.

Care for the Schipperke Dogs

Schipperke dogs should be stimulated both mentally and physically because they always need to be busy. Because the Schipperke dogs are small dogs, a few brisk walks on the leash together with some playtime either indoors or outdoors would be sufficient exercise for them. These dogs love to look for something to do even when they are relaxing.

These dogs do not do well in the heat, but do very well in cool temperatures. They should not be left outside to live altogether, but should be allowed to sleep indoors with the family. These dogs love to be busy, so ideally they should have access to a fenced-in yard during the day. You should brush these dogs thoroughly at least once a week.

Health Problems for the Schipperke Breed

The only major health problem connected with the Schipperke dogs is MPS IIIB. Minor health problems could include hypothyroidism, epilepsy and Legg-Perthes. Occasionally, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), distichiasis, CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), and entropion may occur. It is recommended that you have your Schipperke tested for DNA for MP IIIB, thyroid and hip problems. With the proper care and attention, a healthy Schipperke dog may live between thirteen and fifteen years.

The origin of the Samoyed Dogs

The Samoyed Breed of Dogs originated in Siberia, Russia and their bloodline dates as far back as ancient times. Originally they were used to herd reindeers and to be guard dogs. Today, the Samoyed Dogs are being used to herd animals and to pull sleds.

The Samoyed Dogs were named after the nomadic Samoyed people that came from Central Asia and settled in the Northwestern part of Siberia. The Samoyed people needed reindeer as food to be able to survive. The reindeer was always on the move in order to find food. The Samoyed Dogs were used to round up the reindeer in order to protect them from hungry predators.

Not only were the Samoyed Dogs used to guard herds of reindeer keeping them moving all the time to avoid Arctic predators from attacking them, but because they were very keen hunters, they were also used to hunt bears. These dogs were very good at towing boats and sleds too so, whenever necessary, they were used for this purpose. The Samoyed dogs were allowed to sleep with the children inside the villagers’ tents at night to help keep them warm.

It was in the late 1800s that the Samoyed Dogs arrived in England. Many of these early dogs were not all-white like the dogs we see today. Queen Alexandria immediately became so fond of a pure white Samoyed Dog that was given to her as a gift that she promoted the Samoyed’s beauty throughout the country. Even up to this day, you can find descendants of the Queen’s dogs in most of today’s pedigrees.

The Samoyed Breed arrived in the United States of America in the early 1900s. These dogs out- performed many other breeds that were used to pull, so right away they became very popular as sled pulling dogs. In fact, it was the Samoyed Dogs that were used for all the traveling when the South Pole was discovered.

Caring for the Samoyed Breed of dogs

The Samoyed Dogs require plenty of exercise every day. They would be very happy to be with families that lead an active lifestyle. In order to help these dogs to release some of their energy, they need brisk walks and vigorous playtime. What these dogs enjoy most is pulling and herding.

The Samoyed dogs are genetically bred to live in the arctic region, so they do not do well in hot temperatures but do very well in cold weather. They should be allowed to be outdoors during the day, but should sleep inside with the family at night. These dog’s thick coats need to be thoroughly brushed at least two to three times a week.

Health Concerns for the Samoyed Dogs

There are not many major health problems connected to these dogs. The only major problem is CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Other minor problems that may come up include hypothyroidism, cataracts, and gastric torsion. It is recommended by veterinarians that all Samoyed dogs be tested for DNA, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hip, eye and thyroid problems. With proper care and attention, Samoyed dogs may live for up to ten to twelve years.

When you compare the Shetland Sheepdogs to other breed of dogs, they were bred to their unique form in a short period of time. This was able to take place because they were separated from the rest of the world. It would have taken decades or even centuries to cross other breed of dogs before they became a breed that would be recognized by the American Kennel Club.

After visiting the Islands, the British Naval Fleet took Shetland Sheepdog puppies back with them to England. These dogs soon became very popular with the people of England.

The Shetland Sheepdogs were known as “Toonie dogs” because of the Shetland farming area where they originated. In the early 1900s, these dogs were called “Shetland Collies” but, Collie lovers did not approve of this name, so it was then changed to the “Shetland Sheepdog”.

Shetland Sheepdogs are said to be very bright and intelligent dogs. They are always willing to please. These dogs are very easy to train because they learn very quickly and are very obedient. Because these dogs are gentle and friendly, they make very good house pets, especially with a family with small children.

Care and Attention of the Shetland Sheepdogs

The Shetland Sheepdogs are very energetic so, to help them release some of this energy, they require daily exercise. To help these dogs get the exercise that they need, they can have brisk walks on a leash, short jogs and playful training sessions.

As long as the temperature is mild the Shetland Sheepdogs are able to sleep outdoors if necessary. But because these dogs are always in need of human companionship, it is recommended that they be kept indoors with the family, so that they can be more contented.

Health Concerns of the Shetland Sheepdogs

The only major health problem connected with the Shetland Sheepdogs is dermatomyositis. Other minor problems may include allergies, patellar luxation, CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), CEA (Collie Eye Anomoly), hypothyroidism, trichiasis, Legg-Perthes and cataracts. It is recommended by veterinarians that you have your Sheltie dogs tested for DNA, VWD (Von Willerbrand’s Disease), hip dysplasia, eye problems and thyroid problems. With the proper care and attention Shetland Sheepdogs can live up to about 14 years.

Even though in the Muslim world most dogs are said to be “unclean”, the Saluki dogs were the exception, and were known at the time as “el hor”, which means noble. Because these dogs were such good meat providers, they were allowed to sleep inside with the family. They enjoyed the love and attention of their Bedouin masters.

For thousands of years the Saluki dogs were not allowed to breed with other dogs outside of its race. This kept the Saluki dog breed quite pure. It was after the nomadic owners started to distribute these dogs throughout the Middle East that variation of the breed started to exist.

It was sometime during the year 1900 that the western world took notice of these dogs. Their popularity quickly increased and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Saluki dog breed in 1928.

Characteristics of the Saluki Dogs

The best way to describe the average Saluki dog is aloof and relaxed. Most Saluki dogs are very shy. Around strangers these dogs can be a bit reserved, but with their owners they are very loyal and loving dogs. Saluki dogs are very good with children, but since most children like very active dogs, these dogs may be too quiet and gentle for them.

Care and Attention for the Saluki Dogs

Like most dogs, the Saluki Dogs need daily exercise. What these dogs love most is to be able to run around outdoors. This should be done in a safe area, if not a couple brisk walks on the leash would do.

Saluki dogs do well in both hot and cold temperatures. They even enjoy playing in the snow. It is recommended however, to allow them access to outdoors in the daytime, and to have them sleep indoors at night. These dogs are naturally thin and could develop calluses if allowed to sleep on hard surfaces, so it is important to provide a warm soft bed for them to sleep in.

Health Concerns of the Saluki Dogs

People who do not know much about the Saluki dogs may think that because these dogs look skinny, that they are sick or underfed. This assumption is quite wrong. These dogs are naturally thin dogs that do not gain weight easily.

Because the blood line of these dogs has been kept pure for centuries, these dogs are known to be very healthy dogs. The only major health problem connected to these dogs is hemangiosarcoma with cardiomyopathy as a minor issue. Occasionally hypothyroidism may occur. A healthy Saluki dog may live between 12 to 15 years.

Rottweiler dogs were brought to the United States in the early 1930s after which they were recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because there was not much use for this breed of dogs, they had become almost extinct. But today they have become one of the most popular household dogs. America’s Kennel Club ranks these dogs among the top ten most popular registered dogs.

Rottweiler dogs are very alert, bold and confident dogs. If you are looking for a watchdog with great protection abilities, then a Rottweiler dog is the dog for you. You have to remember though, that because these dogs are so courageous and aggressively confident they can also be stubborn, especially when undergoing training. If you choose to have one of these dogs as a household pet, the extra effort and time spent on its training is well worth it.

Care and Attention for the Rottweiler Dogs

The Rottweiler dogs, like most other large dogs need a lot of physical activities daily. Mental games and obedience training should be included in their daily routine. Long walks on the leash through safe areas should also be included in their daily exercise. These dogs also enjoy playing vigorous games.

These dogs do well in cold weather and actually enjoy the winter months. They do not do well with the hot humid temperatures of the summer months. If run too hard during the summer, it is easy for them to become overheated.

Rottweiler dogs can live both indoors and outdoors. If you choose to have your dog live outdoors, it is important that you provide your dog with plenty of shade and shelter especially during the summer months. It is well known that these dogs love to spend a lot of time with their owners indoors.

Health Concerns for the Rottweiler Dogs

Major health issues with the Rottweiler dogs include elbow dysplasia, SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis), CHD   (Canine Hip Dysplasia), and osteosarcoma. It is recommended that you have your dog tested for hip dysplasia, cardiac problems, VWD (Von Willerbrand’s Disease), and elbow dysplasia. The average healthy Rottweiler dog can live up to about 11 years.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a personality of their own and are very strong willed. These dogs are very loyal to their families. Even though they have a strong will, they are easy to train. They require a strong person to control them so that they do not try to dominate the family.

The origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed originated in South Africa during the 1800s. Between the 16^th and 17^th centuries, Boer settlers from Europe came to South Africa and wanted a dog that could hunt in either cold or hot weather. They also wanted a dog that could survive on small amounts of water and be able to go through rough brush. At the same time they wanted a dog that they could trust as a guard dog.

These Settlers had brought with them some different breeds of dogs, namely, the Greyhound, Pointer, Mastiff, Staghound, Bloodhound and Great Dane. They crossed these breeds with the native breed which was the Hottentot tribal hunting dog.

The type of dogs that resulted from this mixture was very good hunting dogs that were very successful in tracking down prey by using both scent and sight.  These dogs were such excellent hunters that sometime during the 18^th century it was recorded that in Rhodesia some of them even hunted down lions. They also make good watchdogs and protectors.

At that time these dogs were known as “Lion Dogs”. They had a very distinctive ridge of hair running down the top of their backs. They were such successful hunters, that they became very popular with dog owners. Because there were too many types of the Lion Dog existing at that time, it was decided during the 1920s to develop a specific standard breed. This became the basis for the standard breed that we know today.

The name of these dogs was changed, and they became known as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. During the 1930s the breed was introduced to the United States and England, but it was not until the 1980s that it was recognized as a sighthound. These dogs were then allowed to participate in sighthound field competitions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have become one of the more popular hounds and are a favorite with dog lovers throughout the world, becoming a favorite household pet.

Care and Attention for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

The Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very energetic and need daily exercise like all other Hound Dog groups. These dogs enjoy being mentally stimulated through dog training and playing games. But, what they enjoy most of all is a good hike with their owner.

These dogs do well in both hot and cold weather as long as the temperature is not too extreme. In the daytime they should have access to a large fence-in yard where they can run around and play, but at night they should be allowed to sleep inside with the family. They do not require much grooming, but need brushing every few weeks to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

There are no major health problems to worry about with these dogs. Minor health problems that may occur include elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and CHD. Occasionally, dermoid sinus and deafness may occur. It is important that you get your Rhodesian Ridgeback specifically tested for elbow, hip, thyroid and dermoid sinus. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can live for about ten to twelve years.