Breed of the Day : Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier


HISTORY :

• Abbreviation : Airedale
• Origin in Yorkshire, England
• "King of Terriers" reference because the Airedale is the largest of Terrier breed
• Mix between Welsh Terrier and Otterhound - "Waterside Terrier" is an alternative breed name
• Breed intent - Hunt otters surrounding the River Aire that runs through Airedale
• Trained police dog in the UK

(A detailed history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airedale_Terrier)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Suitable for older children
• Courageous, Protective
• Intelligent
• Loyal
• Responds well to obedience training - train especially not to jump on humans!...repetition in training will lead to refusal reaction...provide challenge
• Focus - owner will be center of attention to the Airedale when there are no distractions...owner must be an "ace trainer" to keep an Airedale on track and focused...Focus is key for both the Airedale and owner as the dog is a naturally avid hunter
• Requires daily mental and physical exercise
• Submissive owner and/or family members leads to disobedience
• Okay with cats and other dogs in family...Tends to dominate other dogs in family...Care and training for the Airedale should be the same for other dogs

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Male average weight : 50 - 65 pounds
• Female average weight : 40 - 45 pounds

HEALTH :

• Relatively healthy
• Concerns:  Eye problems, Hip dysplasia, Skin infections

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Not suitable for apartment living

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 10 - 12 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Living Conditions, and Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/airedale.htm)

For the love of Basenji

Breed of the Day : Basenji

Basenji


HISTORY :

• Hunting dog
• Origins in central Africa...Basenjis known as "Congo dogs"
• Native English-speaking kennel clubs (such as the AKC) place the Basenji as a Hound dog
• "Barkless Dog" due to yodel sound
• Naturally athletic
• "Deceptively powerful for size"
• "Gait like a trotting horse"
• Curled tail straightens when running at top speed

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basenji)


APPEARANCE :

• Pure black, copper, red, chestnut red, tricolor - black, tan, white OR black, brindle, white
• AKC standard - White on feet, chest, and tip of tail

TEMPERAMENT :

• Alert, Energetic, Curious
• Affectionate
• Intelligent
• Responds well to training
• Naturally shy around strangers - socializing is important
• NOT TOLERATE around non-canine pets!
• Children must be able to show leadership
• Not tolerate of wet weather
• Likes to chew - provide many toys
• Climbs easily over tall fences
• Playful - frisky and tireless
• Potentially deceptive as a pet - "quiet" does not necessarily mean rest and can take owner by surprise by activity without noise
• Daily exercise to burn off mental and physical energy
• Owner must show natural authority as Basenjis tend to easily get their way
• Ideal owner : calm, firm, confident, consistent, astute knowledge of canine behavior
• Passive owner leads to behavior issues, especially when left alone

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Male average weight - 22 to 26 pounds
• Female average weight - 20 to 25 pounds

HEALTH :

• Prone to Fanconi's Syndrome - Kidney problems...Treat IMMEDIATELY upon first sign of symptoms
• Possibility of Retinal atrophy, Intestinal problems, Eye problems

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay in an apartment if given daily exercise
• Very active indoors
• Ideal with other Basenji companions

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 10 - 12 years

GROOMING :

• Basenjis wash themselves like cats
• No dog smell
• Little to no shedding

(Appearance, Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy, Grooming source : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/basenji.htm)

According to Spaniel pups...

...tennis balls are the preferred choice for play, exercise, and just having fun!

(http://www.dogster.com/forums/Cocker_spaniel/thread/408177 - a proven source from the adorable, furry, and goofy Cocker Spaniels)

A Popular Must Toy for American Cocker Spaniels

Breed of the Day : American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel


HISTORY :

• Sporting dog breed - smallest size
• Relative to the English Cocker Spaniel
• U.S. reference is "Cocker Spaniel" & Global reference is "American Cocker Spaniel" - separate references due to different breed standards in America and the UK
• "Cocker" origins - hunt woodcock in England
• "Spaniel" origins - Spain
• First spaniel in America came on the Mayflower in 1620
• Cocker Spaniel officially registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878
• The AKC officially declared the English Cocker Spaniel a different breed in 1946 due to noticeable differences.
• The UK Kennel Club officially declared the American Cocker Spaniel a different breed in 1970.
• Most popular breed in the U.S. in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1980s
• Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - 4 shows
• Well-known owners include Richard Nixon and Harry S. Truman

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Cocker_Spaniel)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Ideal as a gundog or household pet
• Gentle and devoted
• Average intelligence
• Respectful of authority
• Active and playful
• Naturally shy - socialize when young
• Need firm, loving leadership
• Daily exercise to maintain positive temperament
• Can be difficult to housebreak, but relatively easy to train
• Tolerates other animals
• Owner must show pack leadership to avoid Small Dog Syndrome - if the dog senses leadership among human family, he/she will develop fear, dominance, and viciousness, submissive urination due to overexcitement and lack of mental & physical exercise to burn off energy, aggressive behavior, obsessive barking

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average weight - 15 to 30 pounds

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Apartment friendly with daily exercise
• Fairly active indoors

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 12 - 15 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm)

Life's Best Friend

I will not generalize animals, especially cats and dogs, as being every person's best friend.  Some love cats but not dogs.  Some love dogs but not cats.  Some love both cats and dogs.  Some aren't really animal people for personal reasons known only to them.

However.  In the event that you are a cat &/or dog person, I found an amazing blog on WordPress - Leatherwood Designs.  Leatherwood Designs features homemade accessories with, of course, an animal theme.  There is an Animals tab with detailed information on anything you may want to know.  I am still sifting through the blog for so much more to discover and learn.

I highly recommend leaving a comment under About the Artist tab, especially if you have a common bond.  She promotes adoption of cats and dogs in immediate need of a forever home on her Pinterest site.  My heart melted with every little face and "liked" away.  If interested, ask her to provide her Pinterest link for you to browse.

Leatherwood Designs needs and deserves a grand public and connections.  The accessories are adorable and 100% guarantee worth buying.  Support her financially.  The Pinterest site is just...how I feel about Puppy Love.  Support the featured animals in any way you can.

Support Leatherwood Designs.