August 12th, 2009 by admin

History and origin:

The Bullmastiff is believed to have been evolved between 200 or 300 years ago by crossing the Mastiff with the Bulldog.  He was used as a guard dog against poachers (who were hunting on large estates) without actually harming them.  The Bullmastiff was bred to be courageous, quick, strong, and willing to challenge humans.

Description:

The Bullmastiff stands 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 100 and 135 pounds.  He has a powerful, heavily muscled and boned body and a short, low-maintenance shedding coat that needs regular brushing.  Ears may be cropped or uncropped. The color may be fawn, reddish brown, or brindle; a small white patch on the chest is acceptable.

About the breed:

The Bullmastiff is a trustworthy, affectionate, lazy, powerful breed with a natural instinct of guarding his home and family.  These dogs are usually very suspicious of strangers and other dogs and are one of the most territorial of breeds.  Though normally gentle with children in their own family, Bullmastiffs can be unpredictable with friends, relatives, and co-workers.  Keep in mind that this breed was designed to challenge human beings and will do so without hesitation if a threat is perceived.  When a Bullmastiff becomes aggressive, it is explosive and unstoppable.  This breed is capable of killing another dog in seconds, so do not consider letting him off leash.  The only way to minimize this instinctive behavior is to socialize and train the dog from day one, allowing the Bullmastiff puppy to interact with people and dogs in a controlled, positive environment.  Males should be neutered by the eighth month.  Females tend to be less aggressive and are quite more timid than males.  The Bullmastiff is normally content to lie around the house.  Though less energetic than the Boxer, he does tend to be slightly more active than the Mastiff.  Training should begin early and should be firm but not overbearing, as this breed matures slowly and can become worried if pushed too hard.  Patience and consistency are required, as well as positive, confident attitude.  Spoiling will create a pushy dog that lacks confidence, a combination that could be dangerous.  Mature children are permissible provided absolutely no roughhousing is permitted.  This breed eats large quantities of food.  He usually lives ten to twelve years, and is susceptible to bloat, hip dysplasia, eyelid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory problems.  He snores and drools and is often flatulent.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for this breed is at least 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of a branded meaty product with biscuit added in equal amount or 5 cupfuls of a dry, complete food.

Ideal home:

A large house in the country with a fenced yard or kennel is preferred, though this breed is easygoing in the home.  The owner of a Bullmastiff must be a strong, easygoing, confident leader who is fully aware of the power of this breed and who does not project worry or concern.  Time must be available to train, socialize, and handle this breed.  Though very affectionate with his family, the Bullmastiff may be unpredictable and aggressive with your children’s friends.  Spoilers and weak, nervous, or overbearing people should avoid this breed, as should the elderly and the disabled.  The Bullmastiff needs regular exercise; a child or lightweight person may have a hard time controlling the lead.

August 12th, 2009 by admin

There is no excuse for heat stress ever occurring. No one questions your love for your dog, or he wouldn’t have survived this long. Just a little logical forethought during hot weather is all that is needed. Don’t take him shopping with you if your stores do not allow dogs on the premises. Then you won’t have to tie him outside. If you are going for a drive, be sure he will be welcome at every place you intend to stop. If his outdoor exercise area is small, take him indoors before you leave the house for any length of time.

Those breeds more prone to heat stress (pug, boxer, English bulldog, Boston terrier, etc.) should have even normal outdoor activity severely curtailed during periods of hot sun and high temperatures. In extremely hot parts of the country they may require air-conditioning. Certainly, free access to frequently changed cool water is a must. As far as I am concerned, any dog who suffers heat stress, and survives, ought to pack up and look for a new owner!

July 24th, 2009 by admin

History and origin:

Once known as Russian Wolfhounds, this Russian sight hound was developed by crossing the extinct Lapp sled dog with the Collie.  The Borzoi was used as coursing hounds to chase rabbits, foxes, and wolves in packs.  His speed, agility, and strength allowed him to range far ahead of the mounted hunter, acquire the prey by sight, run it down, and hold it at bay until the hunter arrived. The first Borzoi was brought to the U.S. from England in 1889.

Description:

The Borzoi stands 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs 65 to 100 pounds.  He has a lean, leggy, athletic body and a long, silky, shedding coat that requires medium maintenance.  The coat is usually white with black, tan, or lemon markings.  It was developed to protect the breed from the cruel Russian winter.

About the breed:

This breed was once a favorite among the Russian aristocrats and admired by the Russian czar’s court.  He has the beauty, elegance, carriage, and personality to match his regal heritage. The Borzoi is fast, agile, aloof, and very clean.  He is faithful to his owners but cautious with strangers.  He is normally intolerant of unpredictable young children and may bite without warning.  The Borzoi needs early training and socialization. The training should not be overbearing because this breed processes information slowly and will shut down if pushed.  Patience and consistency are important.  The “Sit” command is difficult to teach because of the Borzoi’s bony, lanky structure and lack of body padding.  The “Come” command is crucial and must be perfected because his great speed enables him to disappear from sight in seconds.  The Borzoi has a high prey drive and will seize and kill small animals before his owner can react.  He can also be very dog-aggressive.  Similar to all sight hounds, the Borzoi must often be allowed time to be by himself.  Do not expect him to be as affectionate as a Golden Retriever.  Owners who are used to the mind-set of cats will appreciate this breed, though it would be a mistake to own a cat along with a Borzoi.  He needs a bed or a thick blanket to lie on because he does not have much muscle or fat on his body and can get pressure sores if his sleeping area is not cushioned properly.

Feeding:

Recommended feeding for this breed is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of branded meaty with biscuit added in same amount or 5 cupfuls of complete dry food.

Ideal home:

This breed is not suitable to live in an apartment, although he can adapt to one  as long as he is getting plenty of space and exercise.  A quiet environment free of unpredictable events and young children is preferred.  Small animals may pose a problem due to this breed’s high prey drive.  He needs to run, and activity that is possible only if you have properly trained him to come when called and if you have socialized him among other dogs and people.  Borzoi owners should be calm, easygoing leaders who do not necessarily want a dog that is too affectionate.  Nervous, hyperactive, and pampering types should avoid this breed.  The elderly and disabled may have trouble training and exercising this breed.  He should not be left alone in a yard because can easily jump a six-foot fence.