The Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Cute, Cuddly and Full of Action

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One of the most unique looking members of the dog family, Corgis have often been compared to foxes. This is due to their stocky frames, pointy ears and long snouts. In reality, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a member of the herding family having originated from Pembrokeshire, Wales. This highly intelligent dog is a favorite among Britons, especially the British Royal Family. Very distinctive looking, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is rather low to the ground and has pointy ears. Their short, stocky bodies are an asset when working which makes them perfect for herding sheep, cattle and goats.

Looking longer than taller, Pembrokes stand 10 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 15 inches long. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs approximately 22 to 27 pounds, with males weighing larger than females. Due to their body composition, this breed needs daily exercise and cannot be overfed, as it tends to easily gain weight. To exercise, when not herding animals, Pembrokes make great play companions and are drawn to their human counterparts. They make excellent watchdogs and if kept indoors, are easily trainable.

While Pembrokes have a very distinctive look, they can vary in coat color. Some of the most common colors available are red, sable, fawn and tri-color. Officially, tri-colors are classified by the AKC (American Kennel Club) as being black and tan in color with white markings. Regardless of coat color, all prospective owners of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi should set aside time for daily grooming, as they shed their undercoat year round and their top coats bi-annually. Females tend to shed more than males due to hormonal changes. While not qualified to be show dogs, some Corgis grow a fluffier coat. In fact, these are referred to by breeders and Corgi enthusiasts as "fluffies", due to their external appearance.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs to be monitored frequently, especially with respect to its weight. Overweight Corgis are more prone to developing arthritis and spinal problems. Receiving a proper diet and frequent exercise, owners should expect their Corgi to live approximately 12 to 14 years. With respect to exercise, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi should engage in at least 25 minutes a day of playful exercise, at least 5 days a week. This means going beyond a basic dog walk to include exercise where the Corgi is running. If working in typical farm-like conditions, Pembrokes would be active for longer periods of time, and the frequency of their exercise would consist of morning and evening herding sessions. Since working on a farm is not feasible for most Corgi owners, exercising them as much as possible and restricting dog treats will help keep your Corgi's weight down. If, by chance, their weight does increase, consult your veterinarian for recommendations regarding lower calorie food.

Other types of health conditions and diseases your Pembroke Welsh Corgi could be at risk for include: hip dysplasia, eye disorders, degenerative myelopathy, and Von Williebrand disease. If ever looking to breed your Pembroke, be sure a qualified veterinarian performs genetic screenings, hip x-rays and an eye examination with a passing CERF rating. This will help improve the quality of the breed and lessen the chance that diseases or other debilitating conditions will be passed down the line.

Due to their past work requirements, Corgis tended to nip at animals' feet. In a family with small children, one may want to wait until his or her children are older before purchasing a Corgi to avoid any nipping. Once older, your children will find the Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes a great playtime companion. By keeping your Pembroke well groomed, properly exercised and within normal weight guidelines, he or she can serve as a loyal companion for many years.

Andy West is a writer on a variety of topics, including dog care and training. If a Great Dane is a bit too big for your lifestyle, you should look down to a Pembroke Welsh Corgi for companionship.

What You Need to Know About Rottweiler Mixes

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Rottweilers like to mix it up in many kinds of ways, which is one reason why there are so many Rottweiler mixed breed dogs in the world today. The cross most on it's way to becoming its own breed is the Rotterman (Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher). Rottweilers also seem to cross often with German Shepherds, although there isn't a cute name for that cross yet. Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds, but they still will need to go to the vet annually.

One cross that does have a cute name and a loyal following is the St. Weiler (that's right - a Rottweiler and Saint Bernard). Since these are massive dogs, they need a lot of room, a lot of food and a lot of care. Big dogs are prone to a lot of structural problems that is due to their size and not due to their breed. Although not giants like Irish Wolfhounds, they are usually over one hundred pounds and rarely live beyond ten years of age (giant size dogs live only six years, on average.) The average length of a purebred Rottweiler's life is 1twelve.

And the Rottweiler mixed breeds recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club keep on coming. A cross between an Afghan Hound and a Rottweiler is a Rottaf. A cross between a Rottweiler and an English Bulldog is an English Bullweiler. And a cross between a Brussells Griffon and a Rottweiler is (are you ready) a Brotweiler. Less comically and more practically, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Rottweiler is called a Labrottie and is hoped to calm the Rottweiler down, while still retaining both breed's love of their families.

You can't show these dogs in a big show like Westminster, but Rottweiler mixed breeds can make excellent companions and friends. You do need to know the traits of both breeds involved in the mix before you go adopt or purchase one. You need to learn as much Rottweiler information as you can as well as much information on the other breed. The odds are, any Rottweiler mix will be a high-energy dog that is protective and wary of strangers.

The future looks good for a Rottweiler mix, as the breeding of them seems to be more concerned with making a healthy, happy family companion. The good traits of being a guard dog and gentle with kids seems to be crossing (for the most part) to the designer dog offspring. Any big dog needs a lot of space and a lot of food. Be ready to clean up a lot of messes as well.

Large, active dogs often do not know their own strength and may accidentally hurt you. Rottweiler mixes seem to be more exuberant and high on life than mean or vicious. Any large dog needs a healthy diet and regular exercise to help curb the energy. They also really should be neutered, as this will not only make them healthier, but more eager to pay attention to your wishes. Rottweiler mixes are often incredibly beautiful dogs with big feet.

Sharon Davies loves everything having to do with dogs, including Rottweiler mixes. Rottweiler mixed breeds deserve all of the same attention as Rottweiler purebreds. Really good Rottweiler information can be found at the library or on the Internet.

The Sweet And Loveable Basset Hound Dog Breed

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The name, Basset Hound, derives from the word "bas", which means low in French. Many believe this dog is a genetic dwarf and were actually born from other litters of French hounds. It is a direct descendant of the bloodhound. This breed has been a round for a very long time. At a Paris dog show in 1863 is the first showing of this breed. It very quickly became popular in England. There was a debate that arose about which class it should remain in. The split revolved around whether keep it as a hunting dog or change it to a companion dog. American breeders were already developing a breed that would maintain the hunting dog characteristics but be a companion dog. Because of their slow pace basset hounds are very good for those who hunt while on foot. They are social and can either hunt alone or in a pack. The first time that the Westminster Kennel Club showed a basset was in 1884, The Basset Hound Club of America was created in 1935.

The AKC formerly recognized the basset hound in 1885 and classified it in the hound class. These dogs are to be between 12-15 inches in height for the male, the female is a little smaller at 11-14 inches. The females weigh a little less also. Their ideal weight is between 45-60 pounds and the male is 50-60 pounds. They have a life span that ranges from 10 to 12 years.

The body of the basset is well proportioned to be able to go over difficult terrain while following a trail. The bone is heavier in their short legs than any other dog breed. A lot of people think of these dogs as a little clumsy. The truth is their movements are very deliberate. The chest should be full and deep and the head is large yet very proportioned.

The elbows and shoulders in this breed will be close to the sides of the chest. The back is well extended and should be smooth and long. A full and round hindquarter is a must.

In normal hound fashion the tail should have a slight curve and be a continuation of the spine, no docking of the tail is necessary. There are no real specifics in color. Any generally accepted hound color is adequate. When being shown the distributions of colorings and markings hold no bearing.

The temperament of this breed is tranquil. They are well behaved, and have a gentle, devoted disposition. With this type of personality traits they are ideal for family life. The may be laid back but do not confuse it for being timid. They are a bit stubborn but are very loving with their owners and gentle with children. They can be trained to be quite obedient but if they find and interesting smell to track, getting their attention may prove to be difficult. The basset has a deep melodious bark.

Because of their low spine and short legs it is important to not allow them to get overweight. That will put to much pressure on their spines. This heavy long body may cause paralysis or lameness. Feeding them in small portions a few times a day is the best way to help alleviate bloating which is common in the breed.

They will do very well in a variety of living styles. The ideal situation is a house with a small yard so it can run and play. It will also do well in an apartment, as their indoor behavior is not rambunctious. Just make sure you are able to included regular exercise in its routine.

They are shorthaired and require regular brushing. They do shed constantly and may not be good for allergy suffers. Only shampoo them when really necessary. Make sure their nails remain trimmed. Their long ears prevent air from getting in so it is important that you clean them weekly.

Lee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123 where you can learn more about dog care and dog breeds like the Basset Hound.

Westminster 2009 Hudson Valley contestants: Krista and "Surfer"

More videos: tinyurl.com "Surfer" , a two and a half year old Schipperke, is just starting out on the dog show circuit. Judging by his accomplished relatives, professional handler/breeder Krista J. Nuovo expects big things from this little guy in the future.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Breed Profile

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The Nova Scotia Duck tolling retriever was first introduced to the UK in 1988, from Canada, but has been in the USA for a substantially longer time. They are a medium sized, compact and powerful looking dog, with a feathered tail that is in motion most of the time. Their head is broad, rounded with a wedge shaped appearance, with medium sized triangular shaped ears, that are also feathered. They have strong jaws with a scissor action tooth arrangement. They have a deep chest with muscular upper legs. Average height ranges from 17-21 inches and weight is 37-51 pounds. Their coloration is, various shades of orange or red with white splashes on the tip of the tail and/or feet, it is also common to have white chest or blaze; however black is possible in the chest blaze region, but is unusual.

History: Nova Scotia Duck tolling retrievers (known, in Canada nowadays, as Tollers) were originally bred as decoys and retrievers for duck hunting. The Toller is naturally playful and this allows them to be used to cause interest. The dogs used to run and play, bounding about, on the waters edge. The aim being that ducks would see this playful thing having fun and come closer to see what was happening, which would bring them into the range of guns, on the foreshore. After the ducks or geese had been shot the dogs would retrieve the prize. They are natural retrievers and work just as efficiently on land as they do in water.

Temperament. They are a naturally playful dog and quite easy to train. They are a handsome and excellent family pet, that gets on well with children, and due to their natural retrieving instinct play well, and provides great entertainment at fetch the ball. They do require quite a lot of exercise but a lot of this is happily done during playtime, if you are too busy for lengthy walks twice a day. It is also a point to remember, as an intelligent dog they can get bored, which may lead to problems, you should stimulate them and encourage play to stop this.

Health issues: The Toller has breed issues of thyroid problems, heart defects (which can be checked for by a vet). Also check the parents have OFA and CERF certificates. They live for about 12-14 years. One minor thing that can cause problems is that they can suffer from abnormal eyelash growth. This is almost insignificant, but the lashes can curl and cause eye problems. However, this is a fairly simple thing for your vet to remedy.

Grooming: General grooming of the Toller is relatively easy with a requirement to brush a couple of times a week, although you should trim hair around the dogs' bottom, for hygiene reasons. It is also a good idea to keep ears clean and regularly checked for any signs of infections. Always be particularly careful with the ears and do not distress the dog, whilst doing it. They tend to shed all year round, so brushing will reduce the amount of hair vacuuming you need to do.

Living conditions: The Tollers can adapt to most living conditions, but as with all dogs, they will enjoy a dry airy environment and a warm bed. Just remember they like exercise.

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Hound Dog Breeds:The Top Ten Dogs In This Group

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The Hound Group includes dog breeds with a wonderful sense of smell and/or great athleticism. These breeds were developed to follow game either by sight or by smell. Sighthounds include the fast and streamlined Afghans, Greyhounds and Salukis. Sighthounds need lots of exercise but some breeds like the Borzoi, the Greyhound, the Irish Wolfhound and the Saluki can adapt to being left alone during the day if they get lots of exercise before and after work. Scent hounds include the slower Bloodhounds, Bassets and Beagles. The dogs in this group have a great size variation and range from the tiny Miniature Dachshund to the extremely tall Irish Wolfhound. The top ten most popular hound dogs in the US are the following. The number in brackets is the rank of the breed out of 154 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 2005.

1. Beagle

The very popular (#5) Beagle is one of the oldest hound dog breeds. The small-sized Beagle is calm, loyal and excellent with children and other dogs. The breed is cheerful and happy and they make good family pets except for the nose. Once a Beagle picks up a scent it will follow it to the exclusion of everything else. Beagles are fairly difficult to obedience train because of their independent or stubborn streak.

2. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small dog breeds with a long body, short crooked legs and large floppy ears. The very popular (#6) Dachshund comes in two sizes - Miniature and Standard and three varieties of coat - Shorthaired, Longhaired and Wirehaired. Dachshunds or Doxies are playful, fun-loving and inquisitive. Doxies are fine with older children but do not like the rough handling they may receive from a toddler. Dachshunds can be independent and stubborn and are difficult to housebreak and train.

3. Basset Hound

The medium- to large-sized Basset Hound is a short legged, loose skinned and powerfully built dog with a great sense of smell. Bassets are one of the easiest-going and best-natured of all dog breeds. The popular (#27) Basset is very gentle, friendly and trustworthy. These hounds adore their masters and children and get along well with other animals and strangers. Bassets can be stubborn, especially when they are investigating an intriguing smell.

4. Bloodhound

The very large and powerful Bloodhound is known for its keen sense of smell which is the most acute of all dog breeds. The Bloodhound is a kind, gentle and loveable dog. The breed is fairly popular (#50) and is gentle and affectionate with his family and children. The Bloody should be supervised around small children and pets as he can be possessive of his food and toys. Bloodhounds are prodigious droolers.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a lean, well muscled and magnificent, large dog breed. The Ridgeback gets its name from a characteristic ridge running down it's back, where the stiff hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The Ridgeback is fairly popular (#54) and is dignified, trustworthy, loyal, intelligent and makes a great family pet. It is extremely protective of its immediate family and wary of strangers and other animals. Ridgebacks are good with children if raised with them but young Ridgebacks can be too rambunctious for small children and toddlers

6. Whippet

The Whippet (#61) is a medium-sized sight hound that looks very much like a small Greyhound. The Whippet gets along well with children and makes a good family dog. This breed is good natured, gentle and very playful. As well this dog can be easily trained, sheds very little and is a great size for an apartment. Although it is important to know that Whippets do like and even expect to sit on furniture - so that should not be a concern if you are considering this breed.

7. Basenji

The Basenji (#81) is an unusual small, elegant and athletic dog that trots like a horse and keeps itself clean by fastidious licking like a cat. Basenjis don't bark but make other unusual sounds like a yodel, howl or chortle - depending on its mood. The Basenji is high spirited, affectionate, demanding and almost cat-like in its cleanliness, lack of bark, grace of movement and inexhaustible curiosity. This breed needs an experienced owner and lots of walks and playtime to prevent it from getting into trouble.

8. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound (#87) is the largest sighthound and one of the biggest and strongest of all giant dog breeds. This breed makes a wonderful family dog as it is reliable, patient, sweet-tempered, intelligent and good with older children. The Wolfhound adores its family and is not aggressive towards strangers or family pets. Toddlers must be supervised carefully around young Wolfhounds as they are in danger of being accidentally knocked over. Fully-grown Wolfhounds can be left alone during the day as long as they get some moderate exercise before and after work.

9. Borzoi

The Borzoi (#94) or Russian Wolfhound is a tall, lean and aristocratic looking large- to very large-sized dog that belongs to the group of sight hound dog breeds. Borzois are kind, gentle and well-behaved indoors. This breed likes lots of attention and loves to recline on a soft bed, a lap or even a couch. Borzois enjoy the company of other sighthounds but the breed is not good with small pets and young children unless raised with them. Borzois don't need an excessive amount of exercise and should not be let off leash because they still retain a high prey drive.

10. Afghan Hound

The large Afghan Hound (#95) has a dignified and somewhat aloof disposition but is also very loyal and affectionate dog. Afghan puppies and adolescents require a lot of knowledge and patience to train and need firm and gentle handling. This breed can be difficult to housebreak and train - so professional training may be advisable. The Afghan needs a lot of exercise but still retains a high prey drive and will run off if you let it off leash. The Afghan is suspicious of strangers but can adapt to older children if raised with the family. However the Afghan should be watched around small children as this dog can have a bad temper in adolescence.

About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health , dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

Westminster 2006 Dalmation 2

Later in show,