Dalmatian Dogs

Dalmatian - Immortalised by Disney

Breed Origins: Yugoslavia ( Dates back to Ancient Times )

Breed usage: Watchdog, herding, ratter, bird dog, trail hound, retriever and performer

Dog Weight: 40 - 60 Pounds

Dog Height: 22 to 24 inches to the shoulder

Cost of Puppies: From $250 US Dollars

Information, Facts & Origins of the Dalmation - Dalmatian Dog

The Dalmatian originates from Yugoslavia and was bred originally for watchdog, herding, ratter, bird dog, trail hound, retriever and performer. It's origins can be dated back to antiquity. This dog is classified as one of the Non-Sporting Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Dalmatian was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1888. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often mis-spelt as Dalmation. This breed was immortalised in the animated Walt Disney movie - 101 Dalmatians.

Description of the Dalmation - Dalmatian Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information

The Dalmatian's coat is normally a shade of pure white with black or liver brown spots. The coat is normally short, fine, dense and close.

Dog & Puppies Health information - potential problems of the Dalmations - Dalmatians

All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Dalmatian, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Dalmatian may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

• Deafness
• Skin allergies

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Dalmation - Dalmatian Dog Breed 

The Dalmatian requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Dalmation - Dalmatian Dogs.

Life Expectancy information of the Dalmation - Dalmatian Dog Breed 

The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 – 14 years.

Age comparison between the Dalmation - Dalmatian Dog Breed and a Human

Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!

The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Dalmatian - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Dalmation - Dalmatian Dog Breed - Puppies Info and Names 

The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:

• Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
• Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
• Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
• Exercising requirements for the Dalmatian breed
• Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
• Family - child suitability
• Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Non-Sporting Dog Breed Information

Dogs in the Non-Sporting Group are a diverse group which do not fit the specified criteria of the other breed groups. In addition, the Non-Sporting Group may no longer perform the tasks they were originally bred for. 

These dogs vary in every conceivable way from size, temperament, features and coats! Some are well known and some are less common. There is no unifying theme with these dogs! Times, fashions and societies have changed and so have the need for breeds to assist in what was once considered entertainment, or sport, such as bull or bear baiting.

Non-Sporting Breed Past Duties

The characteristics and features of Non-Sporting Dogs cannot be generalised. Each breed would have originally have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Because of the diverse nature of these breeds it is not possible to detail every task they were involved with but here are a few:

• Hunting game birds - the Finnish Spitz
• Hunting waterfowl
• Hunting small game - the Shiba
• Truffle hunter - the Poodle
• Bull Baiting - the English Bulldog
• Coach Dog - the Dalmatians
• Circus Performers
• Guarding duties 

In this day and age only a few of the breeds might undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original breeding programs so successful. These dogs generally fall into the medium to large size groups and make popular family companions.

Examples of other Breeds within the Non-Sporting Dog Group 

The Non-Sporting group includes the Dalmatian and all of the following breeds:

American Eskimo Dogs, Bichon Frise, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs,Chinese Shar-peis, Chow Chows, Dalmatians, Finnish Spitz, French Bulldogs, Keeshonds, Lhasa Apsos, Lowchens, Poodles, Schipperkes, Shiba Inus, Tibetan Spaniels and Tibetan Terriers. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often mis-spelt as Dalmation. Pictures and information about all of the above Non-Sporting breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:

Dachshund Dogs

Dachshunds may look cute and cuddly, but they are tirelessly energetic, clever and curious—some might even say “intense.” Always up for a walk, run or a game in the park, they can easily get bored when left to their own devices for too long. Sometimes, that can involve chewing things.

weight: 16 - 32 pounds
height: 7 - 8 inches

Ideal Human CompanionsSingles
City dwellers
Families with older children
Hunters and outdoorsy types

Trademark TraitsLong and short
Vigorous and muscular
Tenacious and high-spirited
Bold and clever
Loveable
Loyal
Hard workers
Great players


WhatThey Are Like to Live With
Though very loyal to their owners, Dachshunds can take time to warm up to other people. The benefit, however, is that their (sometimes) relentless barking at the sign of strangers makes them an extremely handy—and compact—guard dog.

Dachshunds, true to their hunting lineage, love the outdoors. With a decent-sized yard to run around, they will frolic: chasing small animals, fervently barking and possibly digging a few holes. They will also be happy in an apartment (they are among the most popular city dogs), but require lots of play, interaction and regular walks to stay in physical and mental shape.

Things You Should Know
Dachshunds are proud and bold. With proper attention, positive reinforcement and training, they will surprise you with a lovable and dependable temperament. They thrive with single people or families with older children. Very young children could lack the necessary patience and maturity required with Dachshunds.

Dachshunds are prone to back problems, due to their long spine and short rib cage. If allowed to jump down from a bed or couch, they can easily slip a disk. For this reason, it is also important to hold them properly, supporting their full frame. (Warning: You’ll find most Dachshunds will resist being picked up).

Also, be sure to ration their food appropriately: Dachshunds can gain weight quickly, causing more back problems and other issues.

A healthy Dachshund can live as long as 16 years, providing years of fun and companionships.

Dachshund History
A breed dating back to at least the Middle Ages, Dachshunds—coming from the German dach, which means “badger,” and hund, which means “dog”—were used widely in 17th century Germany as hunting dogs. Their short, sleek frames and an incredible sense of smell allowed them to hunt above ground, below ground and track animals for days at a time. Various sizes were developed over the years—i.e., smaller Dachshunds for hunting foxes and larger Dachshunds for hunting boar—and in 1895 the Dachshund Club of America began to promote the breed in the U.S.

The Look of a Dachshund
The Dachshund “look” is hard to miss: low, long and short with a vigorous and muscular body that somehow stays solid and balanced in spite of its squat frame. Its elongated, convex head is erect and alert with ears that hang low and a pair of friendly oval eyes. The base of the neck slopes down to a protruding chest and a tighter abdomen, and the tail follows the line of the back. Dachshunds come in three varieties— smooth, longhaired and wire-haired—and colors can vary from solids of red, tan or yellow or combinations of chocolate, black and gray (among others).

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The personality of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, or any wolf dog, is a combination of dog and wolf traits. This breed tends to be somewhat timid, except around its owner, and nervous in new situations.

weight: 44 to 54 pounds

height: 24 to 26 inches

Ideal Human Companions

Those who want a one-person dog

Very experienced dog owners who are willing to learn about this dog/wolf breed

Adults and possibly families with older children

Those who want an unusual dog

Trademark Traits

Similar appearance to the wolf

Docile, often timid nature

Undying loyalty to its owner

Incredible speed

Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

What They Are Like to Live With

This breed is part-wolf minus the fear of man, but rarely shows the connection most dogs share with humans (except for its owner). If you want a quiet yet lively, majestic, fearless, loyal dog, this breed may be for you. 

Make sure you give this dog sufficient exercise. Grooming is infrequent except for twice a year, when you can expect large tufts of hair around the house, even with the most diligent brushing.

Things You Should Know

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog will become restless if not exercised enough. This is often expressed in pacing back and forth inside the home. 

Because this dog is closely related to the wolf, it is extremely quick and agile, so you must be cautious around possible prey, including other dogs. Though, as with all dogs, they will not attack unless provoked, you must be on guard and know your dog's body language and signals. Expect a dog with wolflike traits who is unlikely to cuddle on the sofa and who needs to be outside a lot of the time. 

This breed is prone to hip dysplasia.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog History

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, also known as the Slovak Wolfdog, is a new breed, developed in 1958 as the offspring of an experimental crossing of a German Shepherd with a Carpathian Wolf to establish that wolf and dog genes could be combined to create a healthy specimen. It was recognized as a separate breed in 1982. 

Today, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is no longer used as the military pack dog it was once famous for, and can be found in homes as companion animals and guard dogs.

The Look of a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

As the name implies, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog looks like a wolf. It has the long legs and agile body of the wolf as well as the straight, thick, coarse silver-gray or yellow-gray coat. It has the white mask, amber eyes, flat chest, and upright ears of the wolf. This dog is rectangular in shape, with a defined waist, sinewy build, and a tail that sits high. When in motion, this dog is agile and graceful.

Crested Tzu dog (Chinese Crested/Shih Tzu)

The Crested Tzu is a mix between a Chinese Crested and a Shih Tzu purebreds. They are called hybrid dogs. The characteristics of the Crested Tzu can be determind by studying the parent breeds.

A comparative study of the parent breeds shows that the Crested Tzu dogs are small size dogs having a height not more than 13 inches and weighing around 15 pounds. They are alert, cheerful and loving dogs. They can be found in different colours having different types of coats.

These dogs are loving and cheerful dogs that are good with children and should make good family pets.

Color

The Crested Tzu dogs are found in a few colours like black, brown and white.

Coat
Their coat depends on whether they inherit hairless trait or powderpuff trait from Chinese Crested parent breed. If they inherit hairless trait, these hybrids will have hair only on head and ears. On the other hand, if they inherit powderpuff trait, they will have silky and fine hair all over their body.

Personality
The Crested Tzu dogs are very loving and affectionate dogs. Both parent breeds of these hybrids are good to children and they are not different either. They are cheerful and loving dogs who are eager to please the owner. These dogs are very good companion and family dogs.

They may show stubborn streak occassionally but can be dealt with consistant training and food rewards. They are social dogs who get along well with other pets and dogs. They are generally good with guests although need to be trained from puppyhood to be social.

They make good companion dogs for elderly people as well.

Care
If the Crested Tzu is hairless type, they would require sunscreen when going out in the sun.

If they are powderpuff type, they may need freequent grooming and regular brushing.

Training
Not very difficult to train, these hybrids may show stubborn behaviour sometimes. This can be dealt with consistant training sessions accompanied by food rewards.

Activity
They need moderate level of exercises. A daily walk or playing session in the yard should take care of their exercise needs. They are difficult to housetrain.

Crestoxie dogs

The Cresoxie is a mix between a Chinese Crested and a Dachshund purebreds and are called hybrid dogs. They are small to medium size dogs having weight around 15-28 pounds and standing not more than 18 inches.

A comparative study of the parent breeds shows that these hybrids are alert, social, loyal, courageous and cheerful. These qualities make a very good family dog but one of the parent breed, the Dachshund, is not known for their obedience and good behaviour towards other dogs and pets. On the contrary, these Dachshunds are known to be wilfull and disobeying to their owners. This trait, if dominante in the resultant hybrid, can make them not suitable for families with small children or other pets. If this trait is not dominante, they can make a good family pets.

Color They are found in black, black and tan, brown and red colours.

Coat 

The Crestoxie hybrids have two types of coats. One is hairless type in which hair are only present on the head, ears and legs of the hybrid. Other one is powderpuff where the whole body is covered with fine and wiry hair.

Personality
They can be good family pets if they do not inherit hounding instincts of the Dachshund. They are alert, social, loyal, and courageous but at the same time, stubborn and wilfull. They may or may not be suitable for families with small children. They would need supervision of elders when they are around children or other dogs and pets in the family.

Care
The hairless type needs sunscreen when going out in sun.

The powderpuff type needs freequent grooming and regular brushing.

Training
They are not easy to train. Their wilfull and stubborn behaviour makes them harder to train. They would need a strong packleader who can train them with firm and consistant training sessions.

Activity
These hybrids would require fair amount of exercises and playing opportunities.

Cretan Hound dogs

Description 

The Cretan Hound is a slender dog, somewhere in the middle between a scenthound and a sighthound in body, particularly light on its feet (that are oval rather than cat-like) and strong in loin, specially adopted for swift reflexes and high speed over dangerous, rocky terrain. The head is wedge-shaped, elongated and dry, with pricked and very mobile ears that fold backwards like a greyhound�s during the chase. (Specimens with semi-pricked or drop ears do occur, and the latter tend to be more sight-houndy in type; there is also a smaller variety, something like a whippet, which little is known about). The skin is fine and tight over the body, sort and of many colors. The tail is a most important breed characteristic, long and curved upwards, forming a loose or tight ring and covered with a brush of longer hair underneath. The dog is slightly longer than tall, with medium angulations, slender legs and good muscle; the ribcage is spacious but neither too broad nor too rounded and it doesn�t quite reach the point of elbow. The loin is slender yet powerful and there is good tuck-up, with the points of the hipbones slightly prominent. There should be a balance between characteristics of speed and stamina, the conformation being a compromise producing great agility. Flabby, clumsy, heavy individuals not to be tolerated. Colors: pure white, cream, sandy, fawn, grey, black or brindle, bi-colored or tri-colored. 

Temperament 

The Cretan Hound uses both sight and scent on the hunt and they have a particular tendency to taste the aerial or ground scent, even to the point of sucking it from pebbles and stones. When the prey is sensed, the tail moves in circular fashion and the hound becomes rigid, moments before the chase begins. Meek, affectionate, aristocratic, yet deadly on the chase, it�s a polite hound that comes alive in the presence of prey; clean, gentle, elegant in form and movement, it�s never vulgar or overwhelming in gestures. Slightly reserved with strangers, it�s naturally inquisitive and tolerant. The Cretan Hound lives happily together with other domestic animals but will ruthlessly chase the neighbor�s cat! Excellent, gentle and very affectionate with children. It rarely barks but will give notice of strangers approaching its home; at the farm it will kill mice and rats and it�s not indifferent to feathered game, but the latter use will make the breed lazy and untidy in the hunt; its constitution needs the challenge of the true chase. Make sure you are this dogs calm, but firm, and confident leader providing enough leadership and exercise to produce a well balanced canine companion. Proper human to dog communication is essential. 

Height, Weight 

Height: Females 19+ inches (50+ cm) Males 27+ inches (60+ cm)

Weight: 44-66 pounds (20-30 kg) 

Health Problems 

A fairly healthy breed. 

Living Conditions 

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. It needs space to run. 

Exercise 

Robust and healthy, it�s a breed easy to maintain as long as it has plenty of exercise, which includes a daily walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the humans. It will also greatly enjoy running free in a safe open space. 

Life Expectancy 

About 10-12 years or more. 

Grooming 

Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe in mild soap only when necessary. Inspect the feet and mouth for damage after work or exercise sessions. Keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder. 

Origin 

A primitive hunting breed, its existence on the Greek island of Crete is documented in writing and artifacts for at least 3500 years. It was extensively cultivated and used by the Minoan civilization which, at its peak, dominated over most part of the Aegean, the Cyclades islands and eastern Peloponessus. A tracking and coursing hound, it was always used in chasing and catching hare and wild rabbits on the harsh terrains of its native island. The classic authors praised the Cretan hounds (Kressai Kynes) as the best hare-hunters known to man and in the ancient times they were exported to the Greek colonies and other countries in Europe, reaching as far as Spain and the British islands, to mix and improve the local hounds. The dogs have many such peculiar traits and they are evidently a truly ancient species, probably the oldest dog breed in Europe. It is possible that their ancestors came from Africa but they were subsequently adapted to this very unique habitat of Crete, an island remote enough to host other unique species of animals also, such as a unique sub-species of wild goat, lynx and others. Isolated there for millennia, these dogs were formed by function to perform a particular and challenging task and they remained pure and unchanged to this day. Due to a long history of struggle against outside enemies, the Cretan people are a freedom-loving race, proud, independent, somewhat suspicious and even stubborn. They don�t like to give their dogs to outsiders and even to this day the best specimens are kept hidden from the public eye. Breeding practices are ruthless and the limited means of the past taught the locals to neuter all but the best males and destroy the dogs that were lacking in the hunt. This resulted in a particularly strong and healthy breed, but also one very small in numbers. For years they were kept secret and even now they rarely leave Crete, apart from on the rare occasions they take part in International dog shows held in Athens, where the visitors have the opportunity to meet a true living legend. 

Croatian Sheep dog

Description 

This breed is of lower medium height and the base color is always black, although there may be very small patches of white on its chest and/or toes. A characteristic is the short hairs on its somewhat fox-like head and legs. The remainder of the coat is longer, wavy or curly. The height at the withers in both sexes is between 16 to 21 inches and the length exceeds the height by approximately 10%. Nowadays, some dogs are even taller; that is probably due to better nutrition and an easier life - they grow to their full genetic potential. Traditionally the tail is docked very short but, if undocked, it is more or less curled over the dog�s back. 

Temperament 

The Croatian Sheepdog is an alert, agile, keen and intelligent dog with enormous energy and with a strong need for human leadership. It is healthy, resistant to disease and not expensive to keep. It possesses a well developed herding instinct and is an excellent watchdog. An instinctive herder, it is wary of strangers. If socialized early however, it responds well to obedience training. As a pet without early obedience training and exercise, to occupy its athletic body and excellent mind, it can become very noisy, even destructive. 

Height: 16-21 inches (40-53 cm.)

Weight: 29-43 pounds (13-20 kg.) 

Health Problems : Usually very healthy. 

Living Conditions : The Croatian Sheepdog will dog okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. It is a virtually weatherproof canine and a comparably adaptable disposition. 

Exercise : Needs a lot of exercise, which includes a daily walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind, the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the humans. It is a very good breed for all dog sports. 

Life Expectancy : About 13-14 years. 

Grooming 

This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing to remove dead hair is all it needs. This breed is an average shedder. 

Origin

This is a native Croatian breed and descends from dogs which the Croats brought with them from their original native land into the region they occupy today and which has been continually bred in Croatia, mostly in the fertile plains of Slavonia, from those days onward. According to written documents, the appearance of this breed has not changed greatly from the 14th century to the present day. Probably because it possesses an excellent hereditary instinct for working sheep and cattle, selection on the basis of usability was being carried out spontaneously, which has resulted also in the balance of its look. The earliest written document about Croatian Sheepdogs, named �Canis pastoralis croaticus�, found in the archives of diocese of Djakovo by "father of the breed" - veterinarian Prof Dr Stjepan Romic - is from 1374. In this document, Petar, Bishop of Djakovo, says "the dog is about 18 inches high, with medium long black curly coat, the hair on the head is short, ears are pricked or semi-pricked and it is very good for keeping flocks of all farm animals." He also mentions that the Croats brought the dog with them while migrating from their original native land to Croatia in the 7th century. Romic also found in archive of Djakovo's diocese important information from Years 1719, 1737, 1742 and 1752. In all of these documents the description of the Croatian Sheepdog matches entirely its appearance today and in all of them the dog is named Canis pastoralis croaticus or Croatian Sheepdog. A systematic selection breeding program was started by the same Prof Romic in 1935 with dogs in the territory of Djakovo. After 34 years of work, breed was finally recognized by FCI in 1969. 

Curly-Coated Retriever dogs

Group classification: Sportin Country of origin: England Date of origin: 18th century

Weight (M): 60 - 70 lb Height (M): 25 - 27" Life expectancy: 9 - 12 years

Weight (F): 55 - 65 lb Height (F): 23 - 25" 

1.General Description of the Curly-Coated Retriever

The oldest of the retrieving breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever is also the most graceful and longest of leg. Its distinct head is clean cut and wedge shaped with a shallow stop, topped with small, close lying ears. Eyes are large and almond shaped, and vary in color from black to amber, depending on coat color. The muzzle tapers gradually, and features a nose with large nostrils, tight lips and a scissors bite. The body conveys power and elegance, with a deep chest, strong level back, and tucked up loin. Feet are compact and round, and the tail is long and fairly straight. The most distinctive feature of the Curly-Coated Retriever is its coat, which is (you guessed it) curly, tight, close, shielding and water resistant; hair on the face, feet and front of forelegs is smooth, short and straight. Coloring is solid black or solid liver.

2.Curly-Coated Retriever Temperament

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a dog of even temperament and gentle manners, eager and energetic in the field yet well mannered in the house. Some say the Curly reaches adulthood later than other dogs, making it a great choice for a family that wants a dog that can grow up along with its children. The Curly-Coated Retriever enjoys the company of other dogs, pets and children, but may be reserved or aloof around strangers. However, it almost never acts aggressive toward anyone or anything. The Curly-Coated Retriever is perhaps the most independent and least tractable of the retrievers, which can make training a chore at times; counter the dog’s occasional bouts of stubbornness with an authoritative voice and clear commands. This is a sensitive breed, and should be trained with patience and compassion – never harshness.

3.Caring for a Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever needs daily vigorous exercise, and enjoys games of fetch and swimming. The dog is quite resistant to cold and moderately resistant to heat, but should nevertheless be allowed to sleep inside since closeness to its family is so important. The coat should be brushed only occasionally, except during shedding season when weekly or biweekly brushing may be necessary. The Curly-Coated Retriever is susceptible to canine hip dysplasia.