YOU ARE HERE : HOME > DOG BREEDS

DASCHAUND
Developed in Germany to deal with the local badger plague, the Dachshund is a low set, short legged, long bodied dog designed to go to ground and follow game into their burrows. Although the word Dachshund literally means "badger dog" in German, these lively little hounds were also used to hunt fox, otter, stoat, hare, in some instances wild boar, even trail wounded deer, as well as dispatching badgers! There are six varieties, identified by coat type and size (Smooth Haired, Long Haired, Wire Haired, each in Standard or Miniature size).

The Smooth Haired Dachshund is first and foremost a bold and determined sporting dog, although equally adaptable as a house pet. The most popular of all the six different varieties, the Standard Smooth is small enough to fit comfortably into any household, yet embodies many big dog qualities normally found only in much larger animals. Outdoors he is hardy, vigorous and tireless; indoors he is affectionate, companionable and entertaining but he prefers adult company to that of children.. However, like all Dachshunds, he should avoid rough games, jumping down from furniture or in and out of cars, for fear of possible back injuries. Long the butt of canine cartoonists, he tends to be a real character!

His sleek odourless coat, which is impervious to rain and mud, requires very little attention - a quick rub over with a piece of velvet and he shines like satin!

Height: approximately 27cm
Weight: Dogs not to exceed 11.3kg
Bitches not to exceed 10.4kg

GREAT DANE
The Apollo of the dog world, the Great Dane was used by the German nobility to hunt wild boar and stags. To contend with the swift, savage, powerful European boar, a real superdog was required - and this is exactly what the Great Dane is!

A massive dog, spirited and courageous, with a proud dignified bearing, it is little wonder the Great Dane is considered the king of dogs. Aloof in the company of strangers, the Dane is nevertheless the gentlest and kindest of dogs with his own family and friends. Ultra loyal, dependable and devoted in the extreme, he is generally a very gentle playmate for children.. Despite his size, he makes a well-behaved house dog, and thoroughly enjoys his creature comforts.

Regular exercise and training is essential for the Great Dane, as is special care and feeding for a growing puppy.

Ideal height: Dogs over 76cm
Bitches over 71cm
Weight: Dogs minimum 54kg
Bitches minimum 46kg

BASSET HOUND
Originally of French lineage, the Basset is a scent-hound used for hunting on foot and tracking. His slow-moving ponderous ways and appealing clownish appearance belie his great intelligence.

Known to his fans as the armchair athlete because of his habit of lounging around the house, it is important that a pet Basset Hound be given sufficient exercise otherwise he can tend to put on weight.

The Basset is a hardy, extremely tolerant and devoted dog with a gentle disposition which makes him an excellent children's pet.

Given the opportunity, the Basset Hound is a potential wanderer. One sniff at an interesting scent and away he goes, nose to the ground and tail aloft, apparently oblivious to anything or anybody. For this reason, it is essential that he lives in a home with a well-fenced yard. Because he does have a stubborn streak, the Basset requires firm but sympathetic handling. The Basset is a "big dog on short legs" and he is extremely strong and heavy for his height and should not be considered by owners who want a small dog.

With his guileless disposition, soulful eyes and comical ways, "Fred Basset", as he is often affectionately nicknamed, is one of the real characters of the dog world. Bring him up with kindness, patience and affection and your world will be a brighter place because of him!

Ideal height 33 to 38 cm
Weight 23 to 28 kg.

PUG
The Pug originated in the Far East but subsequently came to prominence in Europe where he was a great favourite of European high society and royalty. In Europe he was treated as a toy and dressed up in bizarre fashions, while he lived in the lap of luxury.

Today the Pug's main claim to fame is as a much loved pet. Extremely friendly, he attaches himself to a household and family with complete acceptance of the fact that he is an essential part of that lifestyle. Although small, he requires no coddling, and his roguish face soon wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children, for whom the Pug has a special affinity. His overwhelming reason for living seems to be that of being close to and pleasing his folks. In his old age, he becomes very much the rather wheezy old relation, sitting in the most comfortable chair in front of the fire! A delightful dog to own.

The Pug enjoys fetching a ball or playing with you, but does not require extensive exercise. Similarly, minimal coat care is needed, although his eyes and head wrinkles need to be regularly checked and cleaned. He can be miserable in hot weather, so keep an eye out for possible breathing problems and make sure he does not become stressed.

This dapper little character can be somewhat headstrong, but his impish charm more than compensates making it easy to spoil him, which he naturally accepts as his rightful due!

Height approx 30 - 33 cm
Weight 6.3 - 8.1kg

DALMATIAN
An elegant animal of ancient lineage, the Dalmatian with his picturesque spotting is certainly one of the most distinctive looking of all breeds. His traditional role in life was that of a carriage dog, trotting either alongside the horses or underneath the axle of the coach for mile after mile, to protect occupants from being attacked by highwaymen. Made redundant with the advent of the motor car, the Dalmatian subsequently came to prominence working with horse-drawn fire engines.

A strong, muscular active dog, capable of great speed and endurance, the Dalmatian's great love in life is exercise, exercise and more exercise! He is ideally suited to somebody with a very active lifestyle, or alternatively someone living on an acreage. He has a natural affinity for horses.

The Dalmatian is a true gentleman, being quiet, sensitive and well-mannered. Politely reserved with strangers and with a highly developed protective instinct, he makes a sensible and dependable guard dog. His short, hardy, dense coat requires very little attention to maintain a well-groomed appearance. A very natural "no-frills" breed, the Dalmatian is hardy, adaptable and super sound.

Temperamentally, he is an ideal companion dog. Intelligent, willing to please, with a friendly outgoing disposition, the Dalmatian makes a handsome and faithful family pet.

Height: Dogs 58.4 - 61cm
Bitches 56 - 58.4cm
Weight: approx 32kg