Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Other Names: Lion Dog
Dog Group Kennel Club: Toy (AKC) Utility KC (GB)
Appearance
The Shih Tzu is a small, compact, sturdy dog with luxurious coat, upright head, jaunty step, and plumed, curved tail flowing over the back.
Coat
They have an abundant double coat of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat. Colours include: white and silver, white and black, white and brown.
Weight: 9 – 16 lbs
Average Life Span: 13 – 14 yrs
Temperament
Although the Shih Tzu has the appearance of being proud and arrogant they are very affectionate, playful and intelligent dogs. Shih Tzu are a good choice for a family with well-behaved children as they love to play, as long as they are handled with care. They get on well with other animals as long as they have been socialised from an early age. A very alert watch dog, the Shih Tzu likes to bark, but is usually quiet inside the house. Shih Tzus crave human attention and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
Training
They have an independent mind of their own and can be stubborn and manipulative, and tend to resist being told what to do. Therefore basic obedience is highly recommended to help develop a content and pleasant member of the family. They can be difficult to housebreak.
Grooming
These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush to keep their elegant appearance. A topknot is usually tied with a bow so that the dog can see properly. The top knot must never be pulled too tightly as it will cause the hair follicle to die. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. The area around the eyes must be kept dry and clean to avoid problems with staining.
Exercise
They do require exercise but are quite happy to stay at home and play. They are perfectly content with short walks.

Shih Tzu Health Issues
Hip dysplasia: a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Renal Dysplasia: A kidney disease known as Renal Dysplasia is common in the Shih-Tzu. This disorder inherited and every effort should be made by Shih-Tzu breeders to avoid breeding any stock whose former puppies have been affected. Currently the disease is irreversible and death is inevitable. There are 3 stages of development. Unfortunately there are no clinical symptoms of early renal disease which may progress over a period of months or years to the second stage, when symptoms first become obvious. The affected dog will develop an excessive thirst and will pass greatly increased amounts of urine. Some dogs will be listless, poor eaters, and may suffer a weight loss. In the final stage, the symptoms of stage two are more pronounced and may be accompanied by severe depression, diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration – all evidences of kidney dysfunction which will sooner or later result in coma and death.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease of the eye that has been identified in this breed. PRA is a blanket term for many types of retinal diseases, all of which result in blindness. All shetland sheepdogs, regardless of age or breeding status, should be examined yearly by a member of the Veterinary Opthalmologists.
Distichiasis: Eyelashes that are abnormally located in the eyelid margin which may cause irritation.
Dry Eye: Caused by abnormal tear production due to a deficiency in production of the watery secretions from the lacrimal glands. Normal tears are essential for the health of the cornea. Deficient tear production causes chronic irritation of the cornea and conjunctiva resulting in corneal ulcers and eventually corneal scarring and can also result in blindness. A dog displays irritation and discomfort by rubbing their eyes, squinting and being sensitive to light. The eye may appear reddened and inflamed and there may also be a thick mucous type discharge in and around the eye. If left untreated, over the long term, the normally transparent cornea becomes thickened and scarred. Blood vessels and pigmented cells move into the cornea and blindness may result. Tear stimulants and artificial tear replacements are used to treat KCS. This is not a cure but away to manage a frustrating, painful, and potentially blinding condition.

Shih Tzu History
Although the Shih Tzu is generally thought to be a Chinese breed, it was developed from Tibetan “lion dogs” which had been bred in Tibet for some 2000 years. The “lion dogs” were an exclusive group of dogs bred by Buddhist monks that included the Lhasa Apso and Tibetan Spaniel. The Shih Tzu, whose name means lion, is reputed to have been the oldest and smallest variety of the Tibetan holy dogs. At one time there was considerable contact between the rulers of ‘Tibet and China, and the “lion dogs” were presented to Chinese Emperors as gifts of high esteem. 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.
In 1908, the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, sent some small dogs of Shih Tzu type to Tzu Hsi, Dowager Empress of the Manchu Dynasty. The Empress was a renowned breeder of Pekingese and added the Shih Tzu to her interests. She breed these dogs giving rise to dogs with different lengths of coats.
After the death of the Empress Tzu Hsi there was much competition among the various palaces to produce dogs of the finest coats and colours, so breeding practices were tightly guarded secrets and records were not kept. During the rise of the Communist government in China, many of the royal dogs were slaughtered. The Breed found their way to England by lady brownrigg when she vivsited Peking in 1930. from this point breeding began in Britain, and in 1935 the breed was officially named the Shih Tzu, but not elevated to championship status in Britain until 1949.

Shar Pei

Other Names: Chinese Shar Pei
Group: Utility
The Shar Pei is a breed of dog originating from China, whose distinctive feature is its deep wrinkles. As young puppies, they have lots of wrinkles, but as they mature, the wrinkles disappear as they “grow into their skin”. The Shar-Pei’s coarse, bristly coat gives him his name: Shar is a gritty type of sand, and pei is Chinese for dog.
Appearance: The Shar-Pei is a compact, square, muscular dog with a blocky head that brings a hippopotamus to mind, blue-black tongues, tiny ears that lie against the head, and a short, curled tail.
Coat:There are 2 distinctive types of coat textures: horse and brush. The horse coat is very short and harsh, and the hair is straight and it stands off from the body, and can also cause an irritating rash on some people.The brush coat is longer than the horse coat, but at the same time it is just as harsh; as well, the hair should be no longer than one inch at the withers. Colours: most popular being that of a tan, but others include that of fawn, cream, black, red, chocolate, sable (two colors of hair, one dark and one light), apricot, a dilute shade of red, and silver, a dilute shade known as blue in other breeds, and more.
Height: 46-51cm
Weight: 18-27kg
Average Lifespan: 8-10 years
Temperament: Shar-Pei are very loyal to their handler. Intelligent playful, active, dominant, and brave. They bond with their family, but are not unfriendly toward strangers. If the dog meets cats and children while they are still young, they usually will not have a problem with them. The Chinese Shar-Pei is easy-going, calm, independent, and devoted. They make a delightful companion and are good watchdogs with a strong protective instinct. Shar Peis are utterly devoted to their family, and want to be with them as much as possible. If relegated to the backyard and excluded from family life he will not only be miserable but may also exhibit behavioural problems. Training
They are very easy to housebreak as they are naturally very clean. The Shar-Pei needs a confident handler. If you are uncertain, inconsistent, too soft, or mild, in the dog’s eyes, it will take over as the boss. Shar-Pei need a firm, but gentle, extremely consistent authority figure. The dog must be taught all humans are above him in the pecking order. Those who see themselves as above humans will be stubborn and bold. This breed needs firm obedience training to establish your leadership.
Exercise
They do need exercise, but enjoy playing as well as running and walking. They will need daily walks to keep them happy and healthy. Shar Peis do not like to get wet, and bad weather may well put them off going out. As Shar Pei are sensitive to heat exercise should be undertaken in the cooler parts of the day and shade and fresh water should be available at all times.
Grooming
The folded skin of this breed needs a lot of attention to keep it in good condition, and stop skin problems developing. Some lines have very close set tails and these must be inspected and cleaned to prevent infection. Shampoos must be chosen with care and, as the nails grow very quickly, must be trimmed regularly. The eyes as well should be inspected daily. The coat itself just needs a going over with a soft brush.
Shar Pei Health Problems
Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards. The condition can be repaired surgically.
Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelids fold inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes rub against the eyeball constantly. Entropion is usually caused by genetic factors and may be congenital. Trachoma infection may cause scarring of the inner eyelid, which may cause entropion.Treatment is a simple surgery in which excess skin of the outer lids is removed. Prognosis is excellent if surgery is performed before the cornea is damaged. Entropion has been documented in most dog breeds, although there are some breeds (particular purebreds) that are more commonly affected than others.
Cherry eye is the term used to refer to canine nictitans gland prolapse, a common eye condition in various dog breeds where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible. This condition usually must be corrected, mostly through surgery, because the gland produces some of the eye’s tears. Older methods of cherry eye correction involved simply removing the gland, but it is a last-resort procedure today (complemented with a lifetime of eyedrops if performed), as the gland’s purpose was unknown then. Modern methods of cherry eye correction involve repositioning of the gland to its normal location. The success rate of this type of surgery is approximately 80% in most breeds.
Hypothyroidism – an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to seek out warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.
Swollen Hock Syndrome
The most common of the Shar Pei health problems is called Swollen Hock syndrome, which is the inability to break down and remove amyloid proteins which causes an the proteins to build up and take over the kidneys and liver. This disease is frequently found between four and 18 months of age, but can be discovered at any time.
Swollen Hock syndrome is characterized by lethargy, fever, decrease in appetite, occasional fever, stiff or swollen legs, and muzzle tenderness and swelling. A low protein diet that is high in parsley and natural sulfur can help cure some of the symptoms associated with Swollen Hock Syndrome, though there isn’t technically a cure for the disease itself.
Wrinkle Problems
Infections, sores or rashes can develop in the folds of the skin if they are not properly cleaned. Shar Pei owners must make sure not to subject their pets to moist or overly heated environments, as the skin folds hold moisture, and cause mold, sores, and rashes. The best way to avoid this if the dog must be wet, is to make sure to take a clean towel and lift up each of the skin folds and assure they are completely dry before laying them back down.
Hip dysplasia – a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Shar Pei History
The Shar Pei is one of the world’s ancient dog breeds and is believed to have originated in China’s Kwangtung Province. Although there is no definite date as to when the sharpei first came into existence, there are some historical drawings and statues from the Han Dynasty that feature an animal that closely resembles the breed and date as far back as 200 B.C.
Despite the fact that the shar pei has been around for a long time, his actual ancestry is still shrouded in mystery. Many people think that he is a descendant of another Asian breed – the Chow Chow. However, the only distinct connection between these two canines is their purple or blue/black tongue. Other dogs they have been linked to include the Great Pyrenees and the Tibetan Mastiff.
It is likely that they were originally bred as general purpose farm dogs. Their jobs consisted of hunting and guarding livestock, as well as their home and family. They were prized for their intelligence and fighting capability and were also said to have been protectors of samurai warriors and Chinese Royalty.
As time passed, the shar pei were used for animal fights. With their impressive strength, strong jaws, sharp teeth, loose skin and bristly fur, they became known as ultimate fighting dogs and could easily break free from a grasp and crush their opponents.
Although sharpeis spent many centuries thriving in China, they almost became extinct when the dog population was practically eradicated when the People’s Republic of China was established. It was through the efforts of a dedicated Chinese businessman from Hong Kong, Matgo Law, that the breed was saved and introduced to America in the 1970’s.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard
Other names: Alpine Mastiff, St Bernhardshund
Dog Group Kennel Club: Working (AKC, KC) Appearance
The Saint Bernard is one of the instantly recognisable breeds, this gentle giant has a strong muscular body with a massive head and drooping ears.
Coat
There are two varieties of St Bernard: smooth shorthaired (short, thick, and dense coat), or rough longhaired (medium length and slightly wavy coat). Both types have double coats. Colours include: red-brown and white or brindle and white
Weight: 110 – 200 lbs
Average Life Span: 8 – 10 yrs
Temperament
Saint Bernard’s are gentle giants that are loyal, protective and courageous. They are good-humoured, trustworthy, sensible, gentle, and patient. This is a breed that loves family life and revels in the company of children. They can become depressed if they are left alone. They make excellent watchdogs and good family dogs.
Important

• They do not bark very much. However drooling is a problem in this breed. The drooling usually comes after and during exercise, eating, drinking, or excitement.
• St Bernard’s need a lot of room and would not be suitable for a small home.
• The St Bernard is a big dog and needs a large amount of food. Therefore feeding can become quite expensive

Training
St Bernard’s are highly intelligent and easy to train. Saint Bernard’s must receive obedience training as a puppy because of their tremendous size as an adult. They must be trained to not pull on a leash when young.
Grooming
The soft-coated Saint is much easier to groom than the rough-coated. Saint Bernard’s shed a lot, both varieties need to brushed 2-3 times a week.
Exercise
Exercising St Bernard puppies must be done very gradually until the bones are well formed and strong. Short walks are best until the dog is about two years old. From then walks should be made gradually longer to meet their moderate exercise level. Adult Saint Bernard’s need more exercise to keep them in shape, but not in hot or humid weather for fear of overheating.

Saint Bernard Health Issues
Bloat (gastric torsion), though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many breed including the st bernard. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information
Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): is an autosomally (not sex-linked) inherited bleeding disorder with a prolonged bleeding time (somewhat similar to hemophilia in humans) and a mild to severe factor IX deficiency. A DNA test for vWD is now available. Carrier-to-carrier breedings, in theory, will produce puppies that are 25% clear, 50% carriers, and 25% affected. Ideally, only clear-to-clear or clear-to-carrier should occur, so that no puppies will be affected. Not all dogs that are vWD affected will have severe bleeding problems, but they ARE at risk whenever they need to have surgery or have an accident. Some unlucky affected dogs will actually bleed out from a needle stick or minor wound.
Epilepsy: is a seizure disorder which has been found in this breed. Seizures vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your pet falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs. Seizures usually appear suddenly and end spontaneously, and can last from seconds to minutes. The disorder has no known cause, however it is important for your veterinarian to determine your pets general health and make sure there is no underlying disease that may be causing the seizures. Treatment can include anticonvulsant medications. Always ask your vet for advice.
Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

Saint Bernard History
The Saint Bernard is a descendant of the Roman Molossus, the original Mastiff stock in the Swiss Alps. The first Saint Bernard was bred by Monks at the Hospice of St. Bernard de Menthon around 1660. The hospice was snow free only a few months during the warmest part of the summer, it was very dangerous for foot travellers journeying to or past the hospice. These good-natured giants are world renowned for their long history of rescuing these travellers and climbers on the Swiss Alps. During the three centuries that the dogs served as rescue workers at the hospice, it is estimated they have saved over 2,000 lives. The most famous St. Bernard in history, Barry, born in 1800, saved forty people over a period of ten years.
In 1830 Newfoundland blood was introduced in an attempt to give the breed added size and vitality. this resulted in the longhaired variety of the breed. Up until that time all Bernard’s were short-coated. It is the long-haired variety that is now most common. Called at different times in history as the Mountain Dog, the Alpine Mastiff, and the Barry Dog, this breed was officially recognized as the St. Bernard in 1880.

Rottweiler

Rottweiler
Other Names: Rottie
Dog Group Kennel Club: Working (AKC, KC)
Appearance
Rottweilers are one of the strongest and most powerful dogs for their size. They are solid muscular dogs.
Coat
Rottweilers have coarse flat coats. They are black in colour with rust markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest, legs, above the eyes and under the tail.
Weight: Females 84 lbs – Males 110 lbs
Average Life Span: 10 -12 years
Temperament
The ideal Rottweiler is quiet, even-tempered, obedient, easy to train, faithful and brave. Owning a Rottweiler is both a pleasure and a responsibility. They are good with children if raised with them from the start and if children are respectful of the dog. Rottweilers generally do well with other dogs if they have been socialized and trained properly, but can become aggressive with other dominant dogs. They are loyal and protective of their family and make excellent companion and guard dog. Rottweilers love human attention, separation from their owners can cause severe distress. This is an intelligent breed with a high energy level therefore boredom can easily lead to behavioural problems.
Owners should be knowledgeable about this breed type and the needs of the breed they are taking on.
Training
If not properly trained the protective nature of these dogs can lead them to dominate the household which could lead to many future problems. It is essential to train and socialise this breed from a puppy so that they know who is the boss of the household. Training should be firm, positively rewarded and consistent. These are confident and strong minded dogs that must be owned by responsible people committed to the care, training and exercise of their dog.
Grooming
Grooming requirements is fairly minimal due to their short coats, weekly brushing should be enough to remove dead hair keep the coat healthy.
Exercise
Rottweilers have medium to high exercise, and will need regular long daily walks to keep them happy and healthy.
Rottweiler Health Issues
Bloat (gastric torsion), though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many breeds including the rottweiler. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information
Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Panosteitis: an intermittent mild-to-severe lameness caused by a painful, inflammatory disease that affects the long bones of young, rapidly growing dogs. Reported to affect males more often than females, panosteitis may appear in one leg or in all four legs simultaneously.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. It is diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind and lack the ability to see in dim light; later on daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs adapt to their handicap very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Certain breeds are affected early in life, whereas in other breeds, PRA develops much later in onset.
Cataracts: cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.
Rottweiler History
The exact origin of the Rottweiler was never documented but the breed is thought to be a descendant of the mastiff type drover dogs of Ancient Rome. During Ancient Roman times very large armies were required for expeditions throughout Europe, the freshness of food became an important issue. No form of refrigeration meant that live cattle was needed to accompany the Roman Armies. This meant a dog capable of keeping the herd together during the long marches was needed. The drover dog was well suited to this task as well as guarding the cattle at night.
With time the Roman campsites developed sites of civilisation, with roads leading into different army camps. One road in Southern Germany led into a trading center, which became known as Rottweil. The butchers of Rottweil depended on their mastiff type dogs to herd cattle and pull meat carts to market. They were also used to guard them when they were walking back from market with their profits.
All of this led to increasing respect for the “butcher’s dog”, and local owners began selectively breeding them. They were considered superior to other dogs found in that area, the name “Rottweiler” was introduced. This name has remained until the present day.

Pug

Other Names: Mop, Chinese Pug
Dog Group Kennel Club: Toy (AKC, KC) Appearance
The pug is a compact, muscular and sturdy little dog with a distinctively flat wrinkled face.
Coat
The coat is fine, smooth, soft, short, and glossy. Colours include silver, apricot, or fawn with a dark mask over their face.
Weight: 13 – 20 lbs
Average Life Span: 12-15 yrs


Temperament
Not as fragile as other toy breeds, the pug combines a cocky confidence with a friendly, sensitive nature. They are clowns at heart with a great sense of humour, but also hold themselves with dignity. They crave human attention and just love to be loved. They are playful with children and will get along well with other family pets and dogs, making ideal family companions.
Training
Pugs have a sensitive nature so training should be positive and gentle but it must be consistent.
Grooming
The Pug sheds a lot, weekly brushing is required. The face wrinkles should be cleaned daily with a cotton swab to prevent fungus infections. Ear cleaning, and nail clipping are also required.
Exercise
Although minimal exercise is needed pugs do need more exercise than most other toy breeds.
Pug Health Issues
Heat:The pug has a unique “flat faced” nose and head structure which is technically called “brachycephalic”. Dogs with this structure feel the effects of warm surroundings and exertion sooner than dogs with more typical nose and head structure. They pant more readily to cool themselves.
Hot weather can therefore be fatal to these little dogs, they don’t even need to be moving about in it to succumb to the heat. Please make sure that any exercise is given early in the morning or late in the evening, don’t be tempted to go for a nice Sunday afternoon stroll when it is very sunny or hot. Also please don’t allow your dog to lay out in the sun for long periods, they do not know when they have had enough and it doesn’t take long for their panting to become out of control. Click here For More Information
Luxating Patella Slipping knee joints (also referred to as luxating patellas, slipped stifles) are a common problem in small breeds. In this condition, the kneecap slips out of its groove and moves against the thighbone (femur) instead of along its natural groove. Although this has been found to be a heritable condition, small, active breeds are likely to aggravate it through the course of their natural activities (jumping up and down) around taller objects such as furniture.
Legg’s Perthes Disease (commonly mistaken for hip dysplasia) is due to the death of the head of the femur bone. This causes wearing and promotes arthritic changes. Therefore, after the condition has progressed for some time it is difficult to diagnose whether the resulting degenerated joint is a manifestation of hip dysplasia or Legg’s Perthes. This condition is congenital and has no known cure. The accompanying pain and arthritic changes can be controlled with steroids.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. It is diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind and lack the ability to see in dim light; later on daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs adapt to their handicap very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Certain breeds are affected early in life, whereas in other breeds, PRA develops much later in onset.
Cataracts: cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.
Glaucoma: is a painful and serious condition that causes pressure within the eye to increase. It can lead to blindness if not treated early.
Pug dog encephalitis: an inflammation of the brain unique to pugs. Seizure is the primary symptom of pug dog encephalitis, which tend to affect young to middle-aged pugs and which cannot be cured.
Elongated soft palate: often results in some degree of obstruction of the dog’s airway, thus causing snorting, snoring and breathing through the mouth. In sever cases the palate partially blocks the opening into the voice box and surgery is necessary.
Pug History
The exact origin of the Pug is uncertain but it is thought to date back to 400 BC. Some theorists suggest that the breed resulted from cross-breedings of small bulldogs and mastiffs. Another interesting theory is that it originated in China, and that it is a larger, smooth-coated cousin to the Oriental Pekingese
In the 1500s, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland when a silver Pug named Pompey saved the life of his master, William, Prince of Orange. Upon hearing enemy soldiers, Pompey licked William’s face and barked loudly until the prince awoke. William then grabbed Pompey, and ran to safety. The Pug became the court’s official dog and William’s tomb displays both himself and the cherished pet. In France, Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, was imprisoned and used her pug to get secret messages to her husband. The pug arrived in England around 1860.
Some believe that the name of the breed comes from the Latin word “pugnus” which means “fist” because the pugs head looks like a clenched fist. Another theory is that the name originated from the marmoset pug monkeys that were kept as pets and resembled the little dog.

Neapolitan Mastiff

 

Other Names: Italian Mastiff, Neapolitan Bulldog, Mastino Napoletano, Mastino and Neo Mastiff
Group: Working
The profile of this breed has recently increased with the use of this dog in the Harry Potter films. Hagrid the Giant has a Neapolitan named Fang, although he is described in the film as a Boarhound. The Neapolitan’s massive size and abundant wrinkles combine to make him one of the most intimidating dogs there is, helping them serve as excellent guard dogs. They are fearsome only in appearance not in temperament. In fact, they are highly affectionate and trustworthy dogs.

Hagrid's Dog Fang

Appearance: They have massive wrinkles and skin folds around the face and on the back accompanied by a large dewlap around the throat. The flat and wide head tends to be larger than the rest of the body. His eyes are almost hidden beneath the drooping upper lids, and the lower lid also droops
Coat: Short, thick and shiny. Colour: Typically blue, black, tawny of mahogany. The Neo can be either solid or brindle.
Height: 65-75cm
Weight: 50-68kg
Average Life Expectancy: 8 to 9 years
Temperament: The Neapolitan Mastiff was originally bred for guarding and fighting. Today the breed has a gentle, and steady temperament to friends and family, but is still wary of strangers and willing to go to great lengths to defend home and property. This loyal dog does well with children if socialised from an early age, but due to its large size, should be supervised when around small children. Neapolitan Mastiff breed dogs have a tendency to drool excessively, especially during the summer months. Moreover, male tend to drool more as compared to the females. They also tend to be quite messy with its food and water. They require plenty of affection and attention.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is NOT suitable for the average owner.
Training: A very intelligent breed of dog and learns his commands very quickly. Due to his large size, the Neapolitan Mastiff needs a confident trainer who is both calm and assertive and can maintain proper leadership, early training is vital to establish your control over him while you still can. As with all large breeds the Neopolitan must be socialised from an early age.
Exercise: As with all large breeds care must be taken with puppies and young dogs that they do not run around too much andabsolutely no jumping, so as to avoid bone and joint problems as an adult dog. Adults need at least two long walks a day to maintain their physical and mental health. Hot weather can be fatal to this breed, they don’t even need to be moving about in it to succumb to the heat. Please make sure that any exercise is given early in the morning or late in the evening, don’t be tempted to go for a nice Sunday afternoon stroll when it is very sunny or hot. More Info
Grooming: Coat care is minimal, but you must keep the skin within the wrinkles clean and dry, nails clipped, and teeth clean.
Neapolitan Health Issues
Bloat – though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many dogs including this breed. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information
Hip dysplasia – a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism – an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to seek out warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.
Cherry eye is the term used to refer to canine nictitans gland prolapse, a common eye condition in various dog breeds where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible. This condition usually must be corrected, mostly through surgery, because the gland produces some of the eye’s tears.
Neapolitan Mastiff History
Tracing its roots to the Molossus dogs that existed in Rome before Christ, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a rich and intriguing history. They were thought to have been brought to Rome by Alexander the Great when he traveled from Greece. Alexander the Great apparently prized the ancient Molossus dogs for fighting and defending, and that is what they were bred for. Alexander was given a pair of these dogs from Asia, supposedly after he defeated King Porus in Northern India in 326 B.C. So the breed is over 2000 years old, and may have had its roots in Asia. After they were brought to Rome they were used in animal fights in the arenas, pitted against leopards, bears, lions and even gladiators. They were also excellent guard dogs for their armies. They made their way to the Middle East as well, serving their duties there. Known for at least 2000 years ago in Southern Italy, the breed didn’t actually appear publicly until 1946 in the Naples dog show. It is thought that during this show, a painter named Piero Scanziani was so impressed that he bought his own Neos and began a kennel. He developed the breed into what it is today, and is thought of as the modern father of the breed. He created a standard for the breed and it was recognised by the Italian Kennel Club as the Mastino Napoletano.

                                                        

 

 

Miniature Pinscher

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Miniature Pinscher
Other Names: Min Pin
Dog Group Kennel Club: Toy (AKC, KC) Appearance
Sometimes known as the “King of the Toys” the Miniature Pinscher is a small, compact, muscular, sleek dog, with a docked tail. They have an unusual high stepping “hackney” gait. The Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller version of anything, especially the much-larger Doberman Pinscher which many people mistakenly assume.
Coat
Smooth sleek short haired coat. Colours include red, black & tan or chocolate.
Weight: 8 – 11 lbs
Average Life Span: 14 – 17 yrs
Temperament
The Miniature Pinscher is proud, vigorous, assertive, outgoing, active and independent breed. They can be very possessive of loved ones, fearless when on guard, and make an alert watch dog. This breed is not suited for a family with small children as they need gentle and calm affection. However, they will do well with older, well-behaved children. They are known to bark, so would be best suited in a house rather than apartment.
Training
They can be hard to housebreak and obedience train because of their stubbornness, therefore responsible training is needed from the start so they know who is boss. In the right home, with the proper training, they can be the best companion dog you have ever owned.
Grooming
They have a smooth short haired coat, making grooming requirements easy. To keep the coat shiny and healthy they should be groomed twice a week. Frequent bathing is discouraged, as it tends to dry out the coat. They have a low tolerance to cold therefore it is necessary to provide warm housing for this breed.
Exercise
They are high energy dogs that are very inquisitive. Therefore they need a lot of exercise for a little dog. Give them the opportunity to run and play in the yard or daily walks on a lead. Don’t let them off the lead as they like to chase anything that runs.
Miniature Pinscher Health Issues
Hip dysplasia a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Legg’s Perthes Disease (commonly mistaken for hip dysplasia) is due to the death of the head of the femur bone. This causes wearing and promotes arthritic changes. Therefore, after the condition has progressed for some time it is difficult to diagnose whether the resulting degenerated joint is a manifestation of hip dysplasia or Legg’s Perthes. This condition is congenital and has no known cure. The accompanying pain and arthritic changes can be controlled with steroids.
Luxating Patella: Slipping knee joints (also referred to as luxating patellas, slipped stifles) are a common problem in small breeds. In this condition, the kneecap slips out of its groove and moves against the thighbone (femur) instead of along its natural groove. Although this has been found to be a heritable condition, small, active breeds are likely to aggravate it through the course of their natural activities (jumping up and down) around taller objects such as furniture.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. It is diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs become nightblind and lack the ability to see in dim light; later on daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs adapt to their handicap very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Certain breeds are affected early in life, whereas in other breeds, PRA develops much later in onset.
Miniature Pinscher History
The Min Pin is not a smaller version of the the much-larger Doberman Pinscher. The Min Pin was in existence a long time before the development of the Doberman. Both may have descended from the German Pinscher, a medium-sized black and tan dog bred to control vermin in the barnyard, but there the relationship ends. The Min Pin reportedly came from crosses with breeds such as the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Part of the confusion in origin comes from the word “pinscher,” which is another term for “terrier”. In German, “pinscher” means “biter” and derives from the dog’s habit of jumping on and fiercely biting its quarry. The German pinscher family includes the Affenpinscher and the schnauzer. Originally bred to catch vermin, the min pin has, over the years become a wonderful companion dog.

Maltese

Appearance
The Maltese is a toy dog related to the Bichon family, and is one of the oldest European breeds. They have heavily feathered and hanging ears, a compact body, and large dark eyes.
Coat
The Maltese is covered from head to foot with long, silky, white fur
Weight: 4 – 6 lbs
Average Life Span: 12 – 14 yrs
Temperament
They are gentle-mannered and affectionate, intelligent, eager and sprightly in action. They crave human attention. Despite their small size they are fearless and make an excellent companion. The Maltese would not suit a family with small children, as they prefer calm and gentle attention. Generally they do not get along with other house hold pets. Maltese do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.Although they have a reputation for being glamorous show dogs, they are also sturdy and vigorously playful.
The Maltese is a good choice for people who live in small apartments because of their size.
Training
Maltese can be strong willed when it comes to training. It is therefore best to start training early, owners need to be patient and consistent.
Grooming
The long white coat requires constant attention and care. Shampooing once a week and daily grooming is needed to maintain a healthy coat for this breed. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming is reguired.
Exercise
Maltese have minimal exercise requirements. A daily short walk or daily play will be sufficient.
Maltese Health Issues
Hypoglycaemia: the medical term for low blood sugar is a condition associated with a sudden drop in the level of blood sugar. This commonly affects the small toy breeds as puppies, and usually not seen in puppies over twelve weeks of age. It is most likely caused by the uneven spurts in growth of the internal organs of the puppy, especially the pancreas which is associated with insulin production. Symptoms that a dogs sugar level has dropped too low include: weakness, confusion, drooling, pale gums, seizures. These attacks can be fatal. Prevention from these attacks are monitored through diet. Always ask your local vet for advice!!
Ear infections: Dogs with long ears are more predisposed to ear problems than those breeds with short, erect ears. As the ear folds, it covers the ear canal and prohibits air from entering and drying the canal.
The result is a moist, warm ear canal that is a perfect environment for organisms to grow. It is important to check your Maltese ears regularly. The ear should be light pink or flesh-toned and clean, and there should be no odour coming from the ear or the ear canal. Always ask your local vet for advice
Tear Staining: Is a common problem for the Maltese. Causes can be due to a number of factors including excessive drainage of the tear duct, teeth and ear problems, diet, also both stress and excitement can cause tear production which can easily stain the fur around the eyes. The eyes need to be cleaned regularly with clean cotton wool. Depending on the cause of the tear staining diet may need to be changed, or eye ointment may be needed. Always ask your local vet for advice!
Maltese History
Known to many as “ye ancient doge of Malta”, the Maltese breed has a history that traces back many centuries. References to the Maltese are made in early European writings and were favourites of the Greeks and Romans. Ancient Europeans long believed that the Maltese came from one of the islands off the coast of Sicily. Known then as Melita, geographers eventually agreed to the name Malta. Malta was an important trading centre. Goods moved east and west from this small island. The Maltese often travelled with their owners to distant shores around the world. Their compact size and loving personalities of these charming dogs soon made them ideal items to barter. They were offered as gifts to reigning monarchs, undoubtedly to obtain favoured trading status along commercial routes.
It was thought that these lively little dogs were first brought to England by Crusaders returning home from the Mediterranean. The breed became particularly popular with noble women, who often carried them in their sleeves and even tucked in their bosom!

Leonberger

Other Names: Leo
Group: Working
The Leonberger breed was established in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany. A breeder named Heinrich Essing crossed three breeds to come up with a dog that would look like a lion as well as retain the strengths of the individual breeds. He used the St. Bernard, the Newfoundland, and the Great Pyrenees.
Appearance
The Leonberger is a very large muscular dog, their distinctive feature is a black mask covering the face and reaching up to the eyes. They have brown eyes that view the world with a gentle expression. The ears hang down to the cheeks. Mature Leonbergers have a pronounced mane covering the neck and chest, contributing to the lion-like appearance. It can take a male dog up to four years to develop the mane, and a female may never develop it totally. Since the Leonberger has the characteristics of the Newfoundland, a water dog, its feet may be slightly webbed.
Coat: The coat is medium to long and water resistant. The modern-day Leonberger has a variety of coat colours, including “lion yellow,” red, red-brown and sand, each possible with black tipping highlighting the colour. The dog will always have a black mask. Weight: Male: 63-68kg Female: 58 kg
Height: 74-80 cm Female: 60-74cm
Average Lifespan: 8-9 years
Temperament: The Leonberger is described as having a sweet expression. This dog is very intelligent and loyal, and it loves people. Leonbergers tend to be rather shy or wary of strangers, making integration and proper socialization a must. Also, the Leonberger dog has a great need for interaction – they are not a breed of dog that is content spending long periods of time on their own. Additionally, they are a slow dog to mature, so you have to be patient and wait for them to grow out of those “terrible two” type behaviors – for best results, enroll in puppy obedience classes and continue these classes as your dog matures. Leonbergers also love to romp and play in the mud, roll in anything and everything, and they are a heavy shedding breed. If you’re looking for a low maintenance, tidy dog, the Leonberger is not be for you. Leonbergers suit a family that lives in a large house with an equally large garden and one that has the time to both train the dog and give it the attention it needs.
Training
Since the dog is eager to please and intelligent, it will respond very well to training. It is important to use gentle methods when training a Leonberger dog. You will need to be patient, firm and consistent during the time you are teaching your pet. This breed responds well to loving, confident firmness in the owner. As with all large breeds, It is essential to begin obedience training early because the breed becomes extremely large as an adult dog and can be difficult to control.
Grooming
Coats must be groomed at least once a week to avoid any matting. The dog will shed heavily during the change of seasons and should be brushed daily during this time. Always check your dog over carefully for fleas, ticks and ear mites as well as injuries that can be difficult to find beneath so much hair.
Exercise
The Leonberger does not need a huge amount of exercise. As with all large breeds care must be taken not to over exercise this breed during puppy-hood as this can lead to long term damage to bones and joints. Daily gentle exercise is all that is needed to keep them healthy, at 9 months they are ready for some extra exercise but don’t overdo it. Gradually increase the amount of exercise as muscles grow and bones strengthen. Be careful during hot or humid weather for fear of overheating. The Leonberger loves swimming and is a superb dog to watch in water.
Leonberger Health Issues
Bloat – though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many dogs including this breed. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information
Hip dysplasia – a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism – an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to seek out warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.

Entropion

Entropion, inward curling of the lower eyelid or ectropion, rolling out of the eyelid, is fairly common in the breed. The condition should be corrected surgically to prevent damage to the cornea of the eye.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an adult-onset condition which gradual degeneration of the retina leading to blindness.
A cataract is an opacity of the lens of the eye. May cause blindness if not treated surgically.
Inherited Leonberger Paralysis/Polyneuropathy (ILPN) is a degenerative disease of the peripheral nervous system that causes muscular weakness and progressive debility usually involving the rear legs. Damage to the laryngeal nerve may result in hoarseness, changes in barking, wheezing, heavy panting and coughing after eating or drinking.
Leonberger History
The Leonberger was established in 1846 in Leonberg, Germany. A breeder named Heinrich Essing crossed three breeds to come up with a dog that would look like a lion as well as retain the strengths of the individual breeds. He used the St. Bernard, the Newfoundland, and the Great Pyrenees. This combination gave the dog a large, muscular body with semi-long, silky hair. The Leonberger was imported to Russia in the 1800s and has been owned by numerous royal families, including:

• Empress Elizabeth of Austria
• King Umberto of Italy
• Napoleon II
• Prince of Wales

By the end of the 19th century, the breed had found a home with many farmers, who used the dogs to guard livestock. During World Wars I and II, however, the breed facenear extinction in Germany. According to historians, only five Leonbergers survived World War I. The eight dogs who survived World War II can be credited as the ancestors to all modern-day Leonbergers.
The first Leonberger dogs were imported to the United States in the 1970s and are becoming popular for their versatility and unusual appearance. The breed found itself back in the spotlight in 1997, when three Leonbergers appeared in the starring role of “Buck” in the film “The Call of the Wild: Dog of the Yukon.”

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Other Names: Labrador, Lab
Dog Group Kennel Club: Sporting (AKC) Gundog (KC)
Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a large, powerful-looking dog with a blocky head, drop ears, a sleek, short coat, and a strong tail.
Coat
The short Lab coat is very dense and repels water, protecting the dog from chill. Coat colours include: jet black, pale to deep chocolate, and yellow, which can range from cream to russet.
Weight: 55 – 75 lbs
Average Life Span: 11 – 13 yrs
Temperament
The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing, and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water – for they love to swim. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs. They crave human attention. A good watchdog, but not a good guard. Labradors are known for their complete lack of aggression. They really just love people too much.
Training
Labrador Retrievers are very intelligent and are easy to train. Training should be gentle and consistent. Early socialisaton with animals and people is required as with all breeds.
Grooming
Weekly brushing is required to remove dead hairs and keep the coat healthy.
Exercise
They need a lot of exercise. Unexercised they may be forced to alleviate their energy and boredom by turning to destruction. They are also known to love their food, and can put weight on easily, therefore this needs to be monitored. Ask your local vet for advice.
Labrador Retriever Issues
Bloat (gastric torsion), though not a hereditary condition, frequently affects many breeds including the labrador. This is a very serious condition. When a dog bloats, the stomach can turn and block, causing a build up of gas. Unless treated quickly, bloat can be fatal. Signs of bloat include futile attempts to vomit and to salivate. Bloat, which may lead to cardiovascular collapse, usually occurs when exercise too closely follows eating. The incidence of bloat may be lessened by feeding adult dogs twice a day and, of course, by allowing a dog time to digest before taking him for a run in the park. Click Here for more information
Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Elbow Dysplasia : Due perhaps to improper development (different growth rates) of the three bones making up the elbow, the joint is lax or loose and in mildly affected dogs leads to painful arthritis. Treatments involve surgical correction if possible, or medical management using aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cataracts: As with humans, dogs can get cataracts, but the presence of cataracts in young dogs, called juvenile cataracts, have a hereditary foundation. Cataracts are diagnosed by means of an ophthalmoscopic exam. If the dog is in good health, cataracts can be surgically removed with usually good results.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. It is diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram (ERG). Early in the disease, affected dogs become nightblind and lack the ability to see in dim light; later on daytime vision also fails. As their vision deteriorates, affected dogs adapt to their handicap very well, as long as their environment remains constant. Certain breeds are affected early in life, whereas in other breeds, PRA develops much later in onset.
Ear Infections: Because of their floppy ears and their love of swimming, Labradors can be prone to ear infections. Not all Labs get them, but many that do can be chronic about it. It is important to check your Lab’s ears regularly. The ear should be light pink or flesh-toned and clean, and there should be no odour coming from the ear or the ear canal.
Allergies: in dogs usually involves the skin but can also involve the ears, nose and other parts of the body too. The reasons can be many and it is difficult to pinpoint the underlying causes. Often it is a question of a reaction to some food or additive to the food formulation. Flea bites are a major problem with many dogs. When confronted with skin allergies, first, check for flea bites. Dogs are very sensitive to them and often mutilate their bodies by chewing the area, trying to get some relief. The best allergy test is intradermal skin testing, which is usually done by a veterinary dermatologist. It is possible to test for inhalant allergies using blood testing, but this is not yet considered to be as accurate as skin testing.
Labrador Retriever History
The Original Labradors were black dogs bred for water work, including collecting fish that fell out of the nets and retrieving waterfowl. These dogs originated in Newfoundland, Canada. In order to avoid confusion with the larger, heavy-coated Newfoundland dog, he was called the Labrador. The Labrador frequently accompanied fisherman across the ocean to England where they became a popular sporting dog. At one time Labradors were only black, now yellow has become more popular as has chocolate. They still remain one of the most popular breeds of dogs.

Hungarian Puli

Hungarian Puli
Other Names: Puli, Hungarian Sheepdog, (Pulik plural)
Group: Pastoral
Weight: Female 10-13kg Male 13-15kg
Average Lifespan: 9-15 years
General
The Puli is an ancient breed of Hungarian sheep dog that has a very unique and unusual mop like appearance with their dreadlock/corded coats. There can be confusion between the Komondor and the Puli dog breeds due to their mop like appearance, but their jobs were more specific: Komondors guarded the flock while the Puli herded them.
The Puli has a small head with a strong muzzle and a round nose with a bright red tongue. The eyes which are hidden under the hair are dark brown and have a lively expression. The ears hang down in a rounded shape. The Hungarian Puli is medium-sized lively, cheerful dog who is very loyal to his family. Puli’s are intelligent and lovable due to their puppy-like attitude with people making them great family pets. The breed rarely moults and is deceptively fast and acrobatic. Coat: The uniqueness of the Puli comes from its corded coat. Similar to the appearance of dreadlocks, they give a fun look to this breed. However unlike the dreadlock thatneed twisting and braiding, the coats of the Puli naturally turn that way. On average, it would take 4 to 5 years for the coat to grow long enough to touch the ground. But the cording doesn’t begin there. It begins as early as nine months and by twelve months it will be quite impossible to stop.

• Birth – The puppy has a short, wavy coat which is very shiny.
• 8-12 weeks – The coat is thick and 4-8cm long.
• 9 months – The adult coat has nearly formed and the undercoat of soft hair is beginning to cord or wrap around the more coarse top coat.
• 2-3 years – The coat has finished growing and the dog has long cords of various lengths up to 18cm. The coat is extremely weather resistant.

Coat colours are either black, white, grey or apricot. In Hungary the coat works well in protecting the Puli from the intense winter cold.
Training
The Puli are very intelligent and that is a bonus when it comes to training. However, this same intelligence can give them a sense of independence in that they often have a mind of their own. It is this same level of intelligence that allows them to do well in obedience training and gives them the agility they need for the show ring. With more advanced training the Puli can become very impressive and is often regarded as one of the most “trainable” breeds around.
Exercise
Hungarian Puli’s are very energetic and love exercise. They are delightful to watch when they run and play with their unusual coat swinging freely. This breed usually does well in agility and fly-ball sports.
Grooming
It is very important to understand that this breed should NOT be brushed. The corded coat of the animal begins to form at around the age of 6 months when the soft woolly undercoat intermingles with the harsher outer-coat. At this point, the mats that have formed should be separated by hand. This should be done on a regular basis. This breed’s coat needs some intense work because keeping up a steady grooming schedule will cut down on matting and odor problem from arising on its thick coat. The clumps should be separated by hand from the tip of the clump back to the skin. It should be noted that each coat is individual to the animal but as a rough guide, the sections should not be made thinner than the width of a pencil. Learning this may take a bit of time and practice but the animal itself often finds this hand care to be relaxing and will not usually complain. Once you have learned the technique for this the care is quick and easy.
Bathing – Usually the dog is placed in a large tub filled with room temperature water and a bit of shampoo, the individual cords are squeezed by hand and the skin is gently massaged. Care must be taken not to damage the cording or the individual cords will become tangled together and the show look requires that the long cords hang naturally and separately from each other. Once the shampoo has been squeezed through the coat, the dog is placed in several tubs of tepid clear water as a rinse and also sprayed thoroughly and finally, toweled dry with the same squeezing process. A blow dryer can then be used, provided it is not so powerful that it “frizzes” the coat. It can take up to 24 hours for their coat to dry naturally.
If you do not intend to show this breed in the ring, for the easiest coat, you may choose to keep the coat trimmed or clipped so it’s short and neat.
Health Issues
Hip dysplasia: a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease of the eye that has been identified in this breed. PRA is a blanket term for many types of retinal diseases, all of which result in blindness. All Alaskan malamutes, regardless of age or breeding status, should be examined yearly by a member of the Veterinary Opthalmologists.
Cataracts: cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.
Hungarian Puli History
Since the ninth century, nomadic shepherds on the Steppes of Hungary have utilized two kinds of sheep dogs. One is the familiar large, white guard dog (Komondor) that was used to protect the flock at night. The other was a small active herding dog, the Puli, and it was this little bundle of energy that actually herded the sheep by day.
The shepherds did not cross breed the two types and through the centuries the unique characteristics of each became firmly fixed and it has remained that way to present day. For these ancient shepherds, the size of the Puli did not matter to them. They were impressed with the animal’s intelligence and willingness to work. For these reasons, the Puli were highly regarded and respected by these ancient nomads. It may also be reasoned that their responsibilities as a herding dog may have added to their sense of independence. The original the breed was a multi-colored breed. It has only been through years of specialized breeding that the color variations were eliminated.