Basenji - African Bush Dog

Introduction:
The place of origin of Basenji is Zaire. The dog is a hound breed. Today it is used as lure coursing. The life span of Basenji is 10-14 years. The Basenji is also called as African Bush Dog, African Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, Congo Dog, Zande Dog.



Origin / History:

• The early Basenjis were brought from Central Africa to Egyptian pharaohs as gifts
• The credit for development of Basenji goes to Veronica Tudor Williams, who traveled through the remotest areas of Africa in search of specimens to better the strain
• The Basenjis were used as hunting dogs, pointing, retrieving,  and bolting prey
• Basenji resembles those dogs portrayed in tomb paintings from ancient Egypt 
• In 1934 the Basenjis were brought to Europe under the name of Congo dog
• In 1943 the Basenji was recognized by the American Kennel Club

Nature / qualities:
The Basenjis are very intelligent, alert and energetic dogs. They have close and strong bond with their family members and are very affectionate. They are distrustful to strangers and will circle them like prey if they are not supervised. They are very protective to their home and owners.  They need lots of exercise. If not given they become destructive. They are very playful dogs, so they love to run and climb over. If the owner likes to keep them in, then they need to have a high fence, as they like to climb. They are reserved with strangers and socialize well. They are not trusted with non-canine pets. They do not bark, but may yodel, howl, grow, or crow.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Male Basenji is 16-17 inches (41-43 cm) and the weight is 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg). The height of the Female Basenji is 15-16 inches (38-41 cm) and the weight is 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg).  The Basenji is a muscular, medium size and lightly built dog. The head is flat and wrinkled. The eyes are almond shaped and dark hazel to dark brown in color.  The nose is black in color. The ears are small and erect.  The tail curled and set high.  They have small and compact feet. The color of the Basenji is Chestnut red; pure black; tricolor (pure black and chestnut red); or brindle (black stripes on a background of chestnut red); all with white feet, chest and tail tip.

Health Concerns:
The Basenji is prone to Fanconi's syndrome (kidney problems), which must be treated the moment the symptoms are noticed. They are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, intestinal, and eye problems.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is recommended.  They need lots of exercise to remain healthy.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1200 USD

Advantages:

• The Basenjis are patient and eager to please
• They are well with older children as compared to young ones 

Disadvantages:

• They chase small animals as they do not like and catch and kill them if given chance
• They do not get along with other dogs

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Australian Terrier - Aussie

Introduction:
The Australian Terrier was developed in Australia. The dog is a terrier breed, especially used as a earth dog. The life span of the Australian Terrier is 12-14 years.  It is also called as Aussie as its nick name.



Origin / History:

• The Australian Terrier was developed in the 19th century by Australians
• The Australian Terrier was welcomed for his skills  at dispatching the hated rabbit and killing the snakes
• Aussie dogs and their shrill barks were also once ideal for their use as watchdogs on a frontier that still contained real dangers, well into the 20th century.

Nature / qualities:
The Australian Terrier is courageous, vigilant and alert dog. They like to bark.  They are quick learners. They are brave, lively and self-confident.  They become happy when able to romp and play. They are people friendly and enjoy interacting with people.  They are usually good with older children.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Australian Terrier is 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) and weight is 9-14 pounds (4-6 kg). The Australian Terrier is a small and sturdy dog.  The eyes are small with dark brown and black color. The nose is dark.  They have small ears that are erect and pointed.  The tail is docked to half its length and it is carried high but not over the back. The color of the breed may be blue with tan markings, clear sandy or red.

Health Concerns:
The Australian Terrier is generally a healthy breed that lives many years.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing should be done nicely and also some trimming around the feet and ears will keep this dog look neat and clean.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 475 USD

Advantages:

• They are excellent vermin destroyers  
• It is beloved and faithful house pet

Disadvantages:

• They are stubborn
• Do not tolerate teasing from children
• They are dog-aggressive with other terriers

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Australian Shepherd - Little blue dog

Introduction:
The Australian Shepherd dog was originated in the Basque region of Pyrenees, United States. It is a herding breed, used for herding trails and sheep herding. The life span of the Australian Shepherd is 14-16 years.  It is also called as Aussie or little blue dog as its nick name.



Origin / History:
The Australian Shepherd dog was developed in the 19th and the earlier 20th centuries
European settlers immigrating to the United States brought over many herding breeds to take care of the livestock
After World War II, they were used regularly in Western movies, television shows
The Australian Shepherd Club of America ASCA was founded in 1957 to promote the breed
In 1975, ASCA created a breed standard, by describing how this breed looks like
They became popular as performing dogs in rodeos

Nature / qualities:
The Australian Shepherd dog is intelligent, active and protective dog.  Aussies are used as hearing dogs for the deaf. They are eager to learn new tricks.  They are good natured. They love to play with the family members.  They love to be among the family. Some of them may try to herd the children by nipping at their heels.  Otherwise they are good with children.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Australian Shepherd dog is 20-23 inches (52-58 cm) and the weight is 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg).  The height of the Female Australian Shepherd dog is 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) and the weight is 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg). The Australian Shepherd dog is a well-built, medium-size, athletic dog.  The skull is slightly rounded and the head is strong.  The eyes are almond-shaped and blue, amber in color, or any combination, including flecks or marbling.  They have dark nose. The ears are dropped and triangular in shape.  The four inches tail is straight and docked. The acceptable color of the body of the breed is solid red, solid black, blue merle and red merle, with or without white and/or tan markings. The front legs are strong and straight.

Health Concerns:
The major health of the Australian Shepherd dog is cataract, CEA. Minor concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, iris coloboma. Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM, hip dysplasia

Grooming:
Weekly brushing should be done and it should be increased during the summer. Daily exercise must be given to this breed.  Also lots of exercise and training is recommended.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 400 USD

Advantages:

• The Aussies are working dog
• They are delightful companions

Disadvantages:

• They are distrustful to strangers

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