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Breeds N-S
 Pug
|
Group |
Toy |
| Country of Origin |
China |
|
Breed History |
Like most gifts from the
Orient, the origin of the Pug is lost in the mists of ancient civilization.
The breed is probably more than 1000 years old and was developed as a
beloved companion of royalty from the same stock that produced the
Pekingese. The Pug is said to have originated in China around 400 B.C. and
it is possible they may be a scaled down relative of the Tibetan Mastiff as
they were once the pet of Tibetan Monks. They were then taken to Holland
during the 1500's by Prince William of Orange who became William III of
Britain. The breed was standardized in 1883 and the British Pug Dog Club was
formed. |
|
Life expectancy |
13-14 years |
|
Colour |
Silver, apricot, fawn or
black, black mask and ears and black trace along back |
|
Coat |
Fine, smooth, short,
sleek and glossy |
|
Exercise |
Up to an hour a day |
|
Character and Temperament |
The Pug has a stable,
even temperament and a playful, outgoing disposition. They are perky small
dogs which have a short sleek coat and a cute inquisitive face. These loyal
dogs are extremely sensitive to commands, they are sturdy and rugged, love
to play and are very good with children. To communicate with humans Pugs
make a grunting nasal noise, somewhat like a pig. Being snuggled down at
your feet snoring or being close to you, but unobtrusive, are some of Pugs'
favourite activities. Pugs are a dog who tends to make people smile because
they are convinced of their own importance. Pugs are adaptable, sociable and
good-natured. |
|
Grooming |
Need brushing at least twice a week as they shed
a lot, wash the eyes 2-3 times a week |
 Rottweiler
|
Group |
Working dog |
| Country of Origin |
Germany |
|
Breed History |
This steadfast canine
soldier developed from the Molossus dog of Italy, a Mastiff-type dog bred to
fight lions in Roman amphitheatres and serve the army in its campaigns.
Known in Europe as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, they were named after the
town of Rottweil. Believed to have come from the Mastiff or the German
Shepherd Dog they were originally bred to control livestock. During the
First World War the Rottweiler proved to be an intelligent police and guard
dog. |
|
Life expectancy |
9-15 years |
|
Colour |
Always black with tan markings |
|
Coat |
Short to medium with little shedding |
|
Exercise |
At least 2 hours a day |
|
Character and Temperament |
It is in breed
temperament that the Rottwiler is often misjudged. A well-bred Rottweiler is
calm, confident, and courageous with an inherent aloofness towards strangers
and a reserved attitude in new situations. Rottweiler's are unconditionally
loyal to their handler and family and will defend them and their property to
the end. They are protective and brave and, like many other dogs, can be
jealous of attention given elsewhere. Training should be kind, patient and
consistent as a Rottweiler is dominant in nature. Females tend to be more
gentle than males and require less forcefulness in training. |
|
Grooming |
One of the easier breeds to maintain given a
good brush down regularly with a rubber glove during the moulting season |
 Schnauzer
- Miniature
|
Group |
Utility |
| Country of Origin |
Germany |
|
Breed History |
Miniature Schnauzers
actual roots are uncertain, but their is speculation that the black Poodle,
the wolf-spitz and a rough coated German Terrier are breeds which may have
played a part in their early development. They were primarily used for
herding, protecting the flocks as well as a watchdog. they were originally
used as ratters but today they are companions and show dogs |
|
Life expectancy |
9-15 years |
|
Colour |
Salt and pepper, black with silver, solid black
or white |
|
Coat |
The breed has a double
coat. The outer coat is hard and wiry, the undercoat softer and close to the
skin |
|
Exercise |
Needs long, brisk, daily
walks and loves to play off the lead. |
|
Character and Temperament |
The Miniature Schnauzer
is an energetic, active dog who has clean habits, is neat in size and makes
a delightful companion for apartment dwellers or someone with a small house
and yard. Charming and attractive, the perky Miniature Schnauzer are seldom
addicted to wandering, being devoted to their home and family. They can be
stubborn and wilful and do need a firm hand when training. Miniature
Schnauzers are excellent family pets and children's companion. |
|
Grooming |
Brush or comb the wiry
coat of the Miniature Schnauzer daily or it will become matted. Clip out
knots. Miniature Schnauzers should be clipped all over twice a year. Trim
around the eyes and ears with blunt-nosed scissors and clean whiskers after
meals. |
 Shih
Tzu
|
Group |
Utility |
| Country of Origin |
Tibet (China) |
|
Breed History |
The Shih Tzu comes by
his regal attitude quite honestly, for he was developed as a favoured pet of
Chinese emperors of the Manchu Dynasty from the middle of the 19th Century.
But his history begins centuries earlier, as one of Tibet's "lion dogs," an
exclusive group of dogs bred by Buddhist monks that includes the Lhasa Apso
and Tibetan Spaniel. In 1850, as was their custom, the monks sent several of
their treasured temple dogs to Manchu emperors in Peking, and the Chinese
called these dogs Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou, or Tibetan Lion Dog. The dogs were
bred specifically to please the emperors in each palace, and type varied.
The Shih Tzu found their way west to England when Lady Brownrigg discovered
the breed in Peking in 1930. Originally classified as "Apsos," the Shih Tzu
was ruled a separate breed by The Kennel Club by 1935 |
|
Life expectancy |
9-15 years |
|
Colour |
The coat comes in a variety of colours,
including, black, gold, grey, silver, red, beige and brindle. All of these
colours can have white with them |
|
Coat |
Long, dense, not curly
with a good undercoat |
|
Exercise |
Minimal exercise is
needed, but they love to play outdoors. |
|
Character and Temperament |
The Shih Tzu is an
affectionate, playful and intelligent toy dog with a long flowing double
coat. They have a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail
curved over the back. They may display an arrogant personality, but are
actually playful and gentle. Shih Tzus adapt well to any family situation
and will enjoy a cuddle in your lap, doing tricks, or fetching a tennis
ball. Shih Tzus are an intelligent dog who will make a good family addition.
Despite their small size the Shih Tzu is a confident and dignified breed.
They do love children and will accept other dogs and household pets if
introduced from an early age. As a breed they can be independent and wary
of strangers. |
|
Grooming |
A lot of daily grooming
is required to keep their coats in tip top condition. Daily grooming is
essential for the Shih Tzu. Bathing once a month. Clipping of matting on
feet. |
 Siberian
Husky
|
Group |
Working |
| Country of Origin |
Alaska |
|
Breed History |
The Siberian Husky was
developed by the Chukchi tribe of north-eastern Asia about 3,000 years ago.
Used to pull sleds and herd reindeer for this nomadic tribe, it wasn't until
the early 1900's when the Siberian Husky was introduced into Alaska where
they became renowned for sled racing and search and rescue work. The fine
temperament of the breed can possibly be acclaimed to the fine treatment of
the Chuckchis. As dog sledges were the principal means of transport, these
huskies were of paramount importance to the natives. |
|
Life expectancy |
11 to 14 years, this
breed can live longer and often lives to 16 years or more |
|
Colour |
Come in all colours and
markings including white, with some striking patterns being seen |
|
Coat |
Siberian Huskies have
a thick insulated coat and are not suited to live in hot climates. Will do
well in a kennel or outside in a fenced yard. |
|
Exercise |
This breed needs a
considerable amount of exercise, but this must be done on the lead as they
have a strong desire to run if free and cannot be relied upon to return on
command. They should not be exercised hard in warm weather. Daily walks will
help keep the Siberian Husky in shape and prevent boredom and destructive
behaviour. Makes a great cross-country skiing partner. |
|
Character and Temperament |
This breed is known for
its good temperament and is suitable in a family environment. They adore
people so they do not make natural guard dogs. They are keen and efficient
hunters, so contact with other household animals needs careful handling and
training. They love and need company and should not be left alone for long
periods of time or they can become very destructive. A member of the Spitz
family, the Siberian Husky is strong and has the ability to haul heavy loads
over long distances and rough terrain. Siberian Huskies will happily pull a
young child in a wagon or sled. |
|
Grooming |
Brush their coat twice
a week, paying special attention during shedding. Bathe the Siberian Husky
only when necessary. Clip nails regularly. |
 Staffordshire
Bull Terrier
|
Group |
Terrier |
| Country of Origin |
Great Britain |
|
Breed History |
Evolved from the British
Isles as a direct result of a cross between an Old English Bulldog and a
smooth-coated terrier, possible the Black and Tan Terrier. They came about
when Bull and Bear baiting was outlawed in the 1830’s and the interest in
dog fighting increased. When these activities were also outlawed some owners
decided that they would try to maintain the breed by introducing them to the
world of dog showing. Because of this change the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
was developed along gentler lines as a show and companion dog. |
|
Life expectancy |
12-14 years |
|
Colour |
Red, fawn, white, black, blue and brindle, or
any of these with white in colour |
|
Coat |
Short and smooth with little shedding |
|
Exercise |
Need plenty of regular
exercise which should consist of play time an daily walks on a lead. They
need sufficient exercise to keep their boisterousness in the house to a
minimum. |
|
Character and Temperament |
The Staffie is an
intelligent dog that is relatively easy to obedience train. They can also be
quite headstrong and boisterous . They should be socialised early especially
with other household pets, and their training started at an early age.
Consistent training is the best approach. Staffordshire Bull Terriers
usually adore their family circle, but need firm handling and constant
training as they have a strong instinct to fight with other dogs. The
Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a quick learner though they may be stubborn at
times. With their great sense of humour, intelligence and the fact they are
boisterous, life is never dull with a Staffie around. They can be very
destructive if they are left alone at home for long periods of time. |
|
Grooming |
Minimal grooming for the
Staffordshire Bull Terrier is necessary to keep their coat in top condition.
Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush. Rub down with a towel or
chamois to remove loose hairs. Bathe only when necessary. |
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