Fawn Archives - Edie MacKenzie

The Chow Chow

February 28, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Chow Chow History and origin:

The Chow Chow is a member of the Spitz family that is known for over 2000 years. This Chinese breed was once used for guarding and hunting. His thick coat protected him in harsh weather and, unfortunately, provided clothing for the infamous Mongols, who also reportedly used the dog for food.

Description:
The Chow Chow stands 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. He is a powerful dog with a short, broad muzzle. The coat may be rough or smooth. Through coat is dense, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat; he sheds profusely, particularly in early summer and needs daily brushing. The smooth coat is shorter and less dense, but sheds just as much. The color may be red, blue, black, fawn, or cream.

About the Chow Chow:

The Chow Chow is a beautiful dog who tends to be very loyal to only one or two people. Intelligent and intensely stubborn, the Chow is highly resistant to training, particularly when learning the “Down” command. Proud and moody, this dog likes to take the lead and have his own way. He does not like to be touched on the head, legs, or feet, even by his owner, and can be very difficult to groom. The Chow is extremely aloof with strangers and can be vicious, even to family members. He will not tolerate lots of people coming and going and prefers a consistent, predictable environment. He can be very dog-aggressive and has a high prey drive toward small animals. The Chow may bite a stranger who reaches out to pet him. Training must begin early and must be firm and persistent. This breed despises the very idea of submitting to anyone and may attempt to bite even his owner if so inclined. Socialization is crucial and will be the cornerstone of successful ownership of a Chow. Spoiling this breed will create a bossy, dangerous animal. As a Chow owner you will very likely have to deal with challenges to your authority, and you will probably face some aggression problems with this breed, no matter how effective a leader you are. The Chow needs regular exercise each day to stay fit. He is susceptible to hip dysplasia, entropion (a curling in of the eyelids), and skin disorders, and he does not do well in warm climates.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1-1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete dry food.

Ideal home:
This breed is not suitable to live in an apartment. A house with a well built-in fence and secluded yard is essential. If you lead a predictable, quiet life, an owner with strong leadership skills, and prefers an aloof, protective, serious dog, then this might be your breed. Chows are not advisable for those who have children. The elderly and the disabled may not be able to establish dominance with a Chow and should consider another breed. There should be no other small animals in the home with a Chow. Spoilers may create a dominant, dangerous animal that bites. Time to train and socialize the Chow Chow must be made available.

The Chinese Sharpei

February 27, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Chinese Sharpei History and origin:

Formerly known as the Chinese fighting dog, the Chinese Sharpei is an ancient breed who was revered by the nobility during the Han dynasty, around 200 B.C. The Sharpei and the Chow Chow are the only two breeds with a blue-black tongue; this may point to common ancestry. The Sharpei has been used as a fighting dog, with loose skin that enables him to swing around and bite even while being bitten by another dog. He was also used to hunt wild boar and herd flocks.

Description:
The Sharpei stands 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 55 pounds. He has a medium-size muscular body, a fleshy face, a curled tail, and wrinkled skin on his face and body, though the wrinkles become less exaggerated as the dog matures. The shedding coat is short, harsh, and prickly to the touch and requires only periodic brushing. Coat length can vary from extremely short to just over an inch in length. The color may be black, chocolate, reddish brown, fawn, or cream.

About the Chinese Shar-pei:

The Chinese Sharpei is an intelligent dog who is loyal and affectionate toward his owner. On the other hand, he can also be an extremely dominant, controlling, moody breed that can be downright mean and dangerous. He will bond with only one or two persons and can be very suspicious of strangers. He is likely to bite if approached or petted by anyone he does not know and respect. He does not like being petted on the head even by his owner and is not for families with children unless he was raised with them from day one. The Sharpei is extremely territorial, dog-aggressive, and an excellent watch dog. There have been cases in which Shar-Peis have literally ripped another dog to shreds. This breed has a high prey drive toward small animals.

Training must start early and should be firm and consistent. This breed can be disobedient and defiant and will bite even his owner if so inclined. Tantrums and uncontrollable behavior often occur during training, particularly when the owner attempts to teach him the “Down” command. Socializing the puppy is mandatory and is the cornerstone of successfully owning this breed. Never spoil this breed. Spoiling creates a bossy, nasty, suspicious dog capable of seriously hurting someone. The females are less aggressive than the males. The Sharpei can suffer from hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, respiratory problems, and skin allergies. He drools, snorts, and may snore. This breed has become very popular over the last decade and has suffered from poor breeding. Breeders of the Chinese Sharpei should take a long, hard look at the type of dog they are producing, and endeavor to breed a dog with a more stable, more predictable, less combative temperament.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is about 1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product per day with biscuit added in equal part or 3 cupfuls of complete, dry dog food.

Ideal home:
This breed is best suited in a house with a well-fenced secluded yard. The owner of a Chinese Sharpei should be a strong, commanding no-nonsense leader who desires a protective, highly discriminating, territorial dog that will be at best reserved with strangers. The home should be quiet and predictable. Children will not be tolerated and could get badly hurt, particularly if roughhousing occurs. The elderly and the disabled should not consider this breed. Time to train, socialize, and exercise the Chinese Sharpei must be available.

The Bulldog

February 22, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Bulldog History and origin:

Bulldogs were first used in England during the Middle Ages as baiters and fighters of bulls. They were originally bred to have courage and tenacity similar to the Mastiff. These early dogs were incredibly aggressive. It was not until the 19th century that the present personable temperament was achieved.

Description:

The Bulldog stands 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds. He has a dense, powerful body, an extremely blunt muzzle, a pronounced under-bite, and a short, smooth shedding coat that requires regular brushing with a fairly stiff brush. The color may be brindle, white, fawn, red, or patched.

About the Bulldog:

The Bulldog is a courageous, intelligent, sweet, stubborn, incredibly strong dog that is filled with athletic enthusiasm. Despite his ferocious appearance, this breed has a docile temperament. He is extremely personable and loving, but because of his strength and enthusiasm, he is not always the best choice for the elderly or the disabled. Though normally not aggressive, he may resist training because he has a stubborn streak left over from his bull-fighting days. The Bulldog needs training from early on, particularly in learning not to pull on the leash, not to jump up on people, and in general to contain his exuberance. He is a fast-learner and loves taking part in games. He loves children and gets along well with strangers; just make sure he does not get overenthusiastic and knock your friends or your children with his bowling-ball body. Training should start form puppy hood and should be firm and persistent. You must gain adequate control of this eager, powerful, stubborn breed early in life. The Bulldog is susceptible to respiratory problems. He will snort and sneeze, spewing out undesirable secretions, usually while licking your face. The Bulldog also snores. In addition, the deep wrinkles on his face and forehead tend to get infected if not cleaned and powdered with cornstarch once a day. Some Bulldogs may need eyelid surgery if a condition known as entropion sets in, causing the eyelids to turn in so that the eyelashes rub against the cornea. This breed is also sensitive to extremes in temperature and can easily become overheated. Finally, because of his heavy frame, the Bulldog can develop structural problems and arthritis later in life. Do not take this dog jogging or let him get overweight.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 can (13.3oz) of high quality meaty product with biscuit added. 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil daily is recommended in winter.

Ideal home:

An apartment is fine provided this breed is exercised regularly. The owner of a Bulldog should be an active, capable leader who desires a sweet, personable, vigorous dog that is good with family and friends. Children are fine as long as no roughhousing is allowed. The elderly and the disabled may have difficulty dealing with this breed’s high level of enthusiasm; the Bulldog can be a very physical animal and, in his eagerness to play, may knock his owner down and cause an injury. Time to train, exercise, and socialize thie Bulldog is important.

The Boxer

February 20, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

History and origin of The Boxer:

This breed can be traced to the old holding dogs of Mollossus or Mastiff types. Perfected in Germany during the 19th century, the Boxer was developed by crossing Mastiff, Bulldog, and terrier bloodlines and was once used for fighting and bull baiting. Similar to the Bulldog, his jaw is undershot, a trait common in bull-baiters. Today’s Boxers do not have the fierce temperament of the earlier dogs.

Description:
The Boxer stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 75 pounds. Strong and thickly muscled, he has a short muzzle, a docked tail, and cropped or uncropped ears. The shedding coat is short, stiff, somewhat prickly to the touch, and of very low maintenance, requiring only an occasional brushing. His color may be brindle with white or fawn with white.

About The Boxer

The Boxer is a brave, loyal, clownish dog who loves children and makes a good guard dog. He is a friendly, headstrong, high-energy breed that is very affectionate but easily distracted. A busy, curious breed, the Boxer needs firm, precise obedience training from an early age in order to contain his boundless energy, but the training should not be overbearing or rushed. He can be suspicious of strangers and, in some cases, may be dog- or people-aggressive, especially the male. Daily exercise is important. This dog makes an excellent jogging partner and agility dog. The Boxer is normally good with children, but care must be taken that this strong breed does not knock down and hurt a child. Roughhousing, wrestling, and chasing should not be allowed. He is a powerful, exuberant dog who tends to wag his whole body when pleased. The Boxer has little cushioning on his body and needs a blanket or bed to lie on. He has no body fat and therefore gets cold easily and does not do well in cold climates. He is also prone to respiratory problems, is a horrendous snorer and sneezer, and can be flatulent. This breed is susceptible to heart problems and bloat and normally lives only ten to twelve years.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for the Boxer is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of a branded meaty product with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry food.

Ideal home:
A house with a fenced yard is important. The owner of a Boxer should be an active, strong, competent leader who has the time and patience to work, socialize, and exercise this energetic, often stubborn breed. Children are okay provided no roughhousing occurs. Persons who are very easygoing or slow-moving should avoid this breed, as should those who are nervous, cautious, or overbearing. The elderly and the disabled may have a hard time controlling the Boxer and may create a dominant dog that lacks confidence.

The Bouvier des Flandres

February 18, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

History and origin of The Bouvier des Flandres:

The Bouvier des Flandres was developed in Belgium in the 19th century. This working breed was used for herding, herd-guarding, and cart pulling. He has also been used for tracking by the police and military.

Description:
The Bouvier des Flandres stands 23.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 65 and 95 pounds. His body is large, powerful, and thick-boned. The tail is docked. The shedding coat is weather-resistant, shaggy, and somewhat harsh, with a soft undercoat. The dog has a beard, a mustache, and bushy eyebrows. He needs daily brushing to prevent matting, and should be clipped every three or four months. Show dogs must be hand-stripped to preserve the texture and luster of the coat. However, the coat can be kept in a shorter clip to reduce maintenance. The color may be black, salt-and-pepper, gray, brindle, or fawn.

About The Bouvier des Flandres:

This Belgian cattle dog is strong, alert, trustworthy, easygoing but aloof, and tends to be moody and serious. Though affectionate with his owners, the Bouvier is very suspicious of strangers and will serve well as a watchdog for your home and property. Training can be difficult due to his stubborn, dominant nature. Passive resistance is common, and aggression is possible when the dog is annoyed or threatened. Training should be patient and firm but not overbearing. The Bouvier learns slowly and can be defiant. The “Down” and the “Come” can be the hardest commands to teach this controlling breed. The Bouvier has a high prey drive and may be very dog-aggressive. He may want to chase cars, joggers, and bikes. Though good with his own family’s children, he may be intolerant of visiting children, especially if they are running around. No roughhousing or chasing should be tolerated. Spoiling can encourage dominant, controlling, nippy behavior in this breed and may promote timidity. Overbearing training techniques may elicit fear-biting. Confident, firm leadership and early socialization are crucial to successfully owning a Bouvier. He needs daily exercise and tends to bark and may be destructive and noisy if left alone too long. He is susceptible to hip dysplasia and bloat.

Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of a high-quality meaty product with biscuit added or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.

Ideal home:
A house with a fenced yard is important. The owner of a Bouvier des Flandres should be a firm, strong, active leader who desires a reserved, protective dog. Mild or nervous owners as well as the elderly and the disabled may have trouble establishing dominance over this breed. The Bouvier needs daily exercise, but should not be jogged with over long distances because of his heavy structure and predisposition to hip problems. Time to train, socialize, exercise, and groom the Bouvier des Flandres must be made available.