‘Dog Breeds’ Articles
The Whippet was the result of selective crossbreeding between Greyhounds and terriers in England, explaining its appearance as a “miniature Greyhound.” Once used by the English working class to hunt small game (particularly rabbits), the breed eventually became quite valued in the sport of coursing. Much like the Greyhound, the Whippet is an extremely swift runner and is considered the fastest dog of its size.The Whippet was first brought to the US in the late 1800s and registered with the AKC in 1888. Surprisingly, the breed was not officially recognized by the English Kennel Club until 1891.
Size:
25-40 pounds
Colors:
Whippets are seen in a variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, red, white and various shades of brindle, or a combination of any of these colors.
Health Problems:
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:
About the Breed:
The Whippet is a dog breed quite similar to the Greyhound, though smaller in size. Typically, it can run as fast as 35 miles per hour, making it the fastest dog breed of its size. This sighthound is also known for its alert and friendly demeanor
The Whippet has a very short, smooth coat that needs very little grooming. The breed sheds at a low to moderate rate, but shedding tends to increase seasonally. Most Whippets only need periodical brushing with a grooming mitt and occasional bathing. Their nails should be kept short to prevent slipping on slick floors.
Whippets are full of energy and sometimes a bit goofy, but they can also have a lazy side. In short, don’t expect your Whippet to stay off the furniture. The breed does love to run, so be sure to provide plenty of space and daily exercise. As a sighthound, the Whippet is likely to run after anything in motion, and will not easily find its way back. The breed should never be permitted to run off-leash, and the “invisible fence” is not an option.
Proper dog training and socialization is important for the Whippet, as with all dogs. While the Whippet may not seem like the sharpest tool in the shed, the breed will learn relatively well with persistence. It is important to know that cats and other small animals may provoke the Whippet’s predatory instinct. Proper socialization is essential, but the breed might never truly be trusted around small creatures. On the other hand, Whippets tend to get along extremely well with children.
Whippets are very affectionate with their families prefer not to be left alone. They are rarely aggressive and act quite welcoming to strangers. For this reason, they do not make ideal guard dogs. However, the joyful Whippet is a lovely and loyal companion that makes a delightful addition to almost any household.
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Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as “Yorkies,” offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. They have long, luxurious blue and tan coats. This portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds according the AKC® Registration Statistics.
A Look Back
Named for the English city from which they originally hail, Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers; in fact, facetious comments were often made about how the dogs’ fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of the looms. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society.
Right Breed for You?
Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with their people. Their long coat requires regular brushing.
Colors
Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.
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A powerful, sturdy dog of Arctic type, medium in size and muscular with heavy bone, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese origin. While the breed was originally a working dog, he primarily serves as a companion today and is seen in show rings across the country. This lion-like, regal breed comes in five colors – red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream – and is known for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Their coats can also be either rough or smooth.
The true origin of the Chow is unknown, but the breed as it is known today is easily recognizable in pottery and sculptures of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 22 A.D.). An all-purpose dog used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home, some scholars claim the Chow was the original ancestor of the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian and Keeshond.
Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some kind of exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain their double coats.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1903.
- Ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Hunter; guard dog.
- Size: 40-70 pounds
- Coats & Colors: Coats: rough or smooth
- Colors: black, blue, cinnamon, cream, red
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, or “Chessies,” are medium to large-sized working dogs with sturdy, athletic builds. These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty and strong desire to work. Though the Chessie was bred to be a hard-working retriever, the breed also makes a wonderful companion for the right owner. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known as one of the hardest working retrievers and an excellent protector. The breed is also intensely loyal to its family. While happy, playful and energetic, this is no Labrador Retriever. Yet the Chessie is sometimes mistakenly considered a close relative of the Lab. This does not mean they are any less wonderful, but if you are expecting a “happy-go-lucky” dog that is kid-friendly and highly affectionate, you are not looking for a Chessie.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the area for which it was named. The breed was developed from two Newfoundland puppies that ended up in Maryland after a ship coming from Canada wrecked in 1807. Over time, the Newfies were bred with local retrievers as well as Flat-Coat and Curly-Coated Retrievers and English Otter Hounds. The Chessie was developed to retrieve ducks in the Chesapeake Bay’s rough, icy water.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was registered by the AKC in 1878. The American Chesapeake Club, was founded in 1918. Chessies are still known today as excellent workers, but also loyal companions.
Many people think the Chessie is a variation or close relative of the Labrador Retriever. It is quite important to know that this is not the case. Both breeds are loyal, happy, playful and energetic retrievers, and both have Newfoundlands as ancestors, but the similarities tend to stop there. The Chessie is more the strong, silent type. This is also a dog with an instinct to protect loved ones. This breed will bond closely with its family, but may seem neutral around other people and dogs. The Chessie is also a strong-willed dog that may have its own agenda. This breed needs structure, discipline and a solid foundation of obedience training. In addition, Chessies need plenty of exercise, and thrive in environments where they have jobs to do. The use of a good dog training collar will be a big help instilling proper training in your Chessie
Size:
55-80 pounds
Colors:
brown, deadgrass, sedge or ash
Health Problems:
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:
The Chessie has a double coat that contains unique protective oils, making the coat highly water-resistant. The top coat is thick and coarse, while the undercoat is woolly. The Chessie sheds at a moderately high rate year round, but will blow its coat (shed excessively) seasonally. Routine basic grooming is important in order to keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.
The is not the right breed for everyone, but in the right home will make an excellent companion. With proper training and socialization, the breed can get along with children, but a home with older kids will be a better fit. The Chessie will be your exercise partner, loyal guardian, diligent worker, reliable retriever and all-around top-notch family member.
Could this be the breed for you? While Chessies are not right for everyone, they make wonderful companions in the right homes (where all of their needs are met). That means plenty of training, lots of exercise and, ideally, a job to do. If you decide the Chessie is a good fit for you, you’ll find that the breed is a delightful addition to your home. Are you the proud owner of a Chessie? Tell us all about it.
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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a native of Switzerland, where its ancestors can be traced back over 2,000 years. The Bernese Mountain Dog was named for its region of origin, the Canton of Berne.
Known for centuries as hard-working farm dogs, they kept watch over property, drove small herds of cattle, and hauled carts. They were also the farmers’ loyal and valued companions. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and lovable dog breed that thrives upon the companionship of people. In the late 1800s, as the need for farm dogs decreased, enthusiasts were able to preserve the breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog was first brought to the US in 1926 and was recognized by the AKC in 1937. Affectionately called “Berners,” this working breed has a solid history as a Swiss farm dog and farmers’ companion. Today’s Berner is known as more of a companion than anything else, but the breed is well-suited to obedience trials, cart-hauling competitions and conformation.
Some of the best traits of the Berner are it’s gentle nature and ability to get along with children and other animals. This loyal breed is protective without being aggressive and playful without being too rough. Like most large-breed dogs, the Berner’s life expectancy is short at 6-8 years. However, this does not keep enthusiasts from continuing to love the breed. Instead, they work hard to promote veterinary medical research and to breed quality dogs with a goal to avoid hereditary diseases.
Size:
70-115 pounds
Color:
Tri-color (black, rust and white)
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The Whippet was the result of selective crossbreeding between Greyhounds and terriers in England, explaining its appearance as a “miniature Greyhound.” Once used by the English working class to hunt small game (particularly rabbits), the breed eventually became quite valued in the sport of coursing. Much like the Greyhound, the Whippet is an extremely swift runner and is considered the fastest dog of its size.The Whippet was first brought to the US in the late 1800s and registered with the AKC in 1888. Surprisingly, the breed was not officially recognized by the English Kennel Club until 1891.