American Staffordshire - Pit Bull Terrier

Introduction:
The American Staffordshire Terrier was originated in United States. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a terrier breed.  It is used as a companion dog and show dog. The place of origin of American Staffordshire Terrier is 12-14 years.  The nickname used for this breed is AmStaff.  The dog is been labeled by various names like Bull-and-Terrier, Half-and- Half, Pit dog, Pit Bull terrier, American Bull Terrier and Yankee Terrier.



Origin / History:

• The American Staffordshire Terrier was brought to United States in  the 19th century
• The American Staffordshire Terrier gained popularity in the first half of the 20th century
• They were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book  as Staffordshire Terrier  in 1936
• The name was revised to American Staffordshire  Terrier  on  January 1, 1972
• Today the breed is ranked  66 among  155 dog  breeds in USA

Nature / qualities:
The American Staffordshire Terriers are protective kind of breed.  They become aggressive and even bite the intruder if they feel that they are being threatened.  They prove to be an extra layer of protection for the owners who wants for their home.  They fight to the extent that they feel the attacker or intruder is submissive. This can be helpful in dangerous situations but may create problem to the ones who is friend or foe.  So they need to be taught properly in this regard.  They are docile and loving dog. They love to please their masters or owners.

Physical Appearance:
The height of American Staffordshire Terrier is 16-19 inches (41-48 cm) and the weight is 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg). The American Staffordshire Terrier is a well-built, muscular, compact and sturdy dog. The color of the American Staffordshire Terrier is multiple. It has strong jaws and broad skull. They have dark and round eyes.  The nose is black.  The ears are either cropped erect or semi-erect or naturally rose.  It has a short tail that tapers to a point.  The legs are long and strong.

Health Concerns:
The American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies, tumors, hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease.

Grooming:
Brushing on a regular basis is recommended. The American Staffordshire Terrier require regular exercise in order to remain healthy and happy.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1250 USD

Advantages:

• The American Staffordshire Terrier is a natural and good guard dog
• Has prove to be a good family dog over the years
• The American Staffordshire Terrier is a good breed for all ages 

Disadvantages:

• The American Staffordshire Terrier is a constant fighter
• They become aggressive and destructive if backed into a corner

Read More

American Foxhound Dog - Foxhound

Introduction:
The American Foxhound was developed in United States. It is a hound breed.  Especially used for fox trailing. The life span of the American Foxhound is 12-13 years. It is also called as Foxhound as its nickname.



Origin / History:

• The American Foxhound was brought by Robert Brooke in  early 1650
• The American Foxhound was the first domesticated dog in America
• The American Foxhound has actually been named as the official state animal
• It is recognized in the common studbooks that the Brooke dogs were distinctly separate line from other dogs

Nature / qualities:
The American Foxhound is an energetic, easy going and friendly dog. The American Foxhounds can be stubborn and independent which causes difficulty in training and takes patience. It is difficult to make them understand that it is not necessary to bark at some people. They howl in a quite loud voice. They have a very good sense of smell. The American Foxhounds don’t run off but are clever enough to figure out how gates latch. So do not leave them off the leash, unless you are sure that there are no roads anywhere.

Physical Appearance:
The height of American Foxhound is 21-25 inches (53-64 cm) and the weight is 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg). The American Foxhound is a large, powerful and medium size dog. The color of the breed is white, black and tan. The head is long and broad. The eyes are large and brown in color. The nose is black in color. The dropped ears are of medium length. The legs are long and straight.  The tail is curved and set high.

Health Concerns:
The American Foxhound is generally a healthy breed. American Foxhounds are free of many genetic diseases such as hip and bone problems, which plague other large breeds.  They gain weight easily, so do not over feed them.

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is needed. Regular vigorous exercise is recommended to this breed. They should be taken on daily walk, jog and run.

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

Advantages:

• The American Foxhound gets along with everyone, including children and other dogs
• They are very social dogs 

Disadvantages:

• The American Foxhounds do not make good watch dogs
• They become destructive in loud noises and overwhelming situations

Read More

Alaskan Malamute Dog | Mally

Introduction:
The Alaskan Malamute was developed in the country of USA/ Alaska.  It is a working breed, bred as a sled dog. The life span of the Alaskan Malamute is 10-14 years.  It is called as Mal or Mally as its nickname.



Origin / History:

• The Alaskan Malamute is one of the world’s oldest breed
• The name  Alaskan Malamute came from  Mahlemuts, the Alaskan tribe that kept it
• The Alaskan Malamute helped the Mahlemuts tribe with virtually all facets of life including hunting and working with them and also living with them

Nature / qualities:
The Alaskan Malamute is an energetic dog.  The Alaskan Malamute is very intelligent and very quick learner. They can be trained easily to fill your needs as well.  They are loyal to their owners. They are very protective and independent dog. The Alaskan Malamute is very loving and affectionate toward their owners. The puppy Alaskan Malamutes are more energetic and active than the adult ones.

Physical Appearance:
The height of Male Alaskan Malamute is 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and the weight is 80-95 pounds (36-43 kg). The height of the Female Alaskan Malamute is 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) and the weight is 70-85 pounds (32-38 kg). The Alaskan Malamute is a well built and heavy boned dog. The color of the breed is of various shades like gray and black, always with white on underbodies, parts of legs, feet and face. The markings on the face should be cap- or masklike. The only solid color allowed is white. Blue eyes are a disqualification. The eyes are almond and brown in color. The nose is black, brown or snow.  The ears are erect and triangular in shape. The tail is plumed and curled over the back.

Health Concerns:
The Alaskan Malamute is prone to bloat, hip dysplasia and chondrodysplasia (dwarfism).

Grooming:
Weekly brushing is required. Regular exercise must be provided to the Alaskan Malamute.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 800 USD

Advantages:

• They are very friendly to other family members
• They are gentle, playful and an excellent pet

Disadvantages:

• They do not get along with other animals or pets
• They are not good guard dogs

Read More

National dog of Japan - Akita

Introduction:
The Akita was developed in the country of Japan.  The Akita is a working breed. Today it is used as a guardian dog. The life span of Akita is about 12 years. The other names used for Akita is Great Japanese Dog (Obsolete), Japanese Akita. It is also called as Akita as its nickname. It is the national dog of Japan.



Origin / History:

• The ancestors of the Akita were for hunting by matagi, or  a hunter from the Tohoko region
• The name Akita comes from the Akita Prefecture, located in the Tohoko region
• It is believed that the Akita was originated from this particular area
• It is one of the seven breeds that Japan has designated national monuments

Nature / qualities:
The Akita is very alert and intelligent dog. They are very calm and powerful in nature. They are quite dogs who will bark only when they feel it is necessary. Akita makes people relaxed and calm. It is described as the “cat like” for their odorless, because it is a very clean dog. Akita is very protective dog that protects the children. It takes care of the children very well. They prove to be a good companion pets with cats and other dogs.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Akita is 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) and the weight is 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg). The height of the Female Akita is 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and the weight is 75-110pounds (34-50 kg).  The Akita is a large, heavy, muscular and well balanced dog. It is longer than it is tall. They have small, dark and triangular shaped eyes. The nose is dark.  The ears are small and erect. They have long size tail that is carried over the back in a single or a double curl. The colors of the Akita are white, brindle and pinto (white with large, evenly placed patches). Any color is allowed. It has powerful, thick legs.

Health Concerns:
Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee.

Grooming:
Regular brushing with infrequent bath is recommended. Regular exercise should be given to Akita as it is an athletic dog.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 1000 USD

Advantages:

• It is the ideal pet to own if you suffer stress
• Very clean dogs
• Gentle with children

Disadvantages:

• Akitas become aggressive with other dogs

Read More

Airedale Terrier - King of terriers

Introduction:
The place of origin of Airedale Terrier is England. It is a terrier breed, originally called as the “Kings of Terriers” as it is the largest of the terrier breeds. The Airedale Terrier is used for hunting, as a working dog.  The breed was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the river Aire. The other names used for the Airedale Terrier is Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier. It is also called as Airedale and King of terriers as its nickname. The life span of the Airedale Terrier is 10-14 years.


Origin / History:

• The Airedale Terrier originated in the early 1800’s near the river Aire in Scotland
• In India the Airedale terrier was used in safari type hunt
• It is used as a police dog in UK

Nature / qualities:
The Airedale Terrier is very distinctive and intelligent dog. They love to be the center of attention. These are very lively and energetic breed.  They should be given proper training so that they do not become over possessive to toys and food.  Be careful during training as they have independent nature. Always look for the breed that is already trained and has the basics would be better. They bark only with a reason.

Physical Appearance:
The height of the Male Airedale Terrier is 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) and the weight is 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg). The height of the Female Airedale Terrier is 22-23 inches (56-58 cm) and the weight is 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg). The Airedale Terrier is a large, well built and square terrier breed.  The color of the breed is tan head, ears, legs, chest, and belly; sides and upper body are black, dark gray, or black with a red mixture. They have dark and small eyes with a distinctive terrier expression. They have v-shaped ears that is carried at the side of the head. The tail is carried high and slightly curled but not on the back.

Health Concerns:
The Airedale Terrier is generally a healthy breed. But however some prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia and skin infections.

Grooming:
Daily brushing is required.  Clipping must be done every two months or hand stripping should be three times a year.  Plentiful exercise in a safe area is needed for this breed.

Cost:
The cost of purchasing this breed is $ 600 USD

Advantages:

• The Airedale Terrier will interact well with children of all ages
• They can adjust to many environments and living situations

Disadvantages:

• They tend to be the dominant dog as well as the leader if proper training is not provided
• Not a good choice for a first time dog owner

Read More