Tag: B Letter Dog

Lovingly referred to as the Beardie, the Bearded Collie is an intelligent, curious-looking dog breed that loves to play with children. Thought to be originally from Britain, it later spent some time in Scotland as a sheep and cattle herder before coming to America. The Bearded Collie is now mostly bred for dog shows, though it makes an excellent family companion.

Physical Characteristics

The Bearded Collie has a sturdy medium-sized body. Its long, lean body provides it both power and agility, essential qualities in a sheep herding dog. Besides its ability to make smooth, quick movements, the Bearded Collie possesses a double coat, which is soft and furry underneath with a straight, flat, and coarse outer coat. This outer coat comes in either black, blue, brown, or fawn, with or without white markings. Its facial expression is both bright and keen.

Personality and Temperament

The Bearded Collie is extremely smart, cheerful, playful, and always active. Full of enthusiasm and energy, the dog is obedient in nature and prefers to spend time with people. It can have an independent attitude at times, but loves playing with children; and although it can become too boisterous with children, it is never intentionally aggressive. Otherwise, the Bearded Collie is pleasant to live with.

Care

Although the Bearded Collie can live outside in cool climates, it prefers to remain indoors with its master and family. Walking and playing sessions are recommended for keeping the dog in optimum form, and herding is its favorite activity. The Bearded Collie should be combed and brushed regularly to keep its coat lustrous and tangle free.

Health

With a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years, the Bearded Collie is susceptible to some minor health problems, including colonic disease, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), hypoadrenocorticism, pemphigus, and epilepsy. Other diseases that can be occasionally seen in the breed are cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), and persistent pupillary membrane. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid, hip, and eye exams on the dog.

History and Background

Occasionally referred to as the Highland Collie, the Mountain Collie, or simply Beardie, the Bearded Collie is one of Britain’s oldest breeds. Its origins are thought to date back to the early 1600s, with a relation to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed. The earliest known picture of the Bearded Collie, however, was not until 1771, when a dog of similar appearance was placed in a portrait with the Duke of Buccleuch. A description of the breed was later published in an 1818 edition of Livestock Journal.

The dog proved to be an excellent sheep and cattle herder, both in the rough terrain of England and in Scotland. It was only afterwards, during the Victorian era, that the Bearded Collie came to be regarded as a popular show dog. This occurred when the two breeds of the Highland strain with gray and white coats, and the brown and white way coat Border strains were crossbred to form a single breed.

The Bearded Collie was introduced to the United States in the late 1950s, and by July 1969, the Bearded Collie Club of America was founded. The breed became eligible to be shown in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Miscellaneous Class in 1977 and was given full status as part of the AKC’s Herding Group in 1983.

The Beagle is a medium-sized breed belonging to the hound sporting group. Though many variations of this breed have existed throughout history, the modern breed emerged in England in the early 1800s. The Beagle is a popular choice for pet owners because of its size and calm temperament, and is useful for hunters because of its sharp sense of smell.

Physical Characteristics

Having a solid structure, the Beagle resembles a Foxhound. Hunters can follow the dog on foot, and the tuneful bay of the Beagle aids hunters in locating the dog from a distance. Because of its moderate size, the Beagle can even be carried to the hunting site, where it can then scurry into the dense undergrowth to look for the target. The dog receives protection against the thick underbrush from its coarse and close coat. And being an amicable dog makes it a great pack hunter, mixing well with other dogs.

Personality and Temperament

Known to be among the most friendly of the hound breeds, the Beagle was developed to be a pack hunter. The best qualities in the Beagle are its fondness for exploring the outdoors and its enthusiasm for trailing. This independent breed barks, howls, and sometimes runs off on a trail on its own. Because it is also an incredibly tolerant, calm and adventurously playful dog, the Beagle also makes a perfect pet for families with children.

Care

The Beagle is a social dog that is particularly well suited to the company of humans and other dogs alike. It also needs to spend equal time in the yard as it does in the house. Regular exercise, such as a romp at the park or in a spacious yard area, along with regular leash-led walks are great outdoor activities for the Beagle. This breed can withstand temperate climates and live outdoors most seasons, as long as it has bedding and an enclosed, warm shelter. With its short, close coat, the Beagle does not require extensive grooming. An occasional brushing to encourage turnover of hair, and to minimize hair buildup in the house is all that is needed to keep your Beagle looking healthy and vibrant.

Health

The Beagle has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. While this breed is generally healthy overall, some specific ailments that are known to affect the Beagle breed are patellar luxation, glaucoma, epilepsy, central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA), hypothyroidism, distichiasis, chondrodysplasia, cherry eye, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Deafness, cataract, hemophilia A, demodicosis, and umbilical hernia are some other health problems that affect the breed, while some major ailments include primary carnitine deficiency (CUD) and intervertebral disk disease. Some exams used to identify these conditions include hip, thyroid, and eye tests.

History and Background

The word “beagle” is thought to have come from certain old French words meaning an open throat, a possible connection to the dog’s musical bay. It is also speculated that the dog’s name might have derived from old French, Celtic or English words meaning small. Beagle-like dogs were probably used for the popular sport of hare-hunting in England during the 1300s, but the term “beagle” was not used until 1475. Hunters would follow the dog on foot and sometimes even carry one in his pocket. There were several sizes of Beagles in the 1800s, but the pocket-size dogs were most popular. These small dogs measured only about nine inches and required the hunter’s help while crossing rough fields. Because the smaller Beagles were slower and easier to follow on foot, they appealed especially to women, the elderly, and those who otherwise did not have the stamina or inclination to keep up with an active dog.

The first mention of the Beagle in the United States occurred in the town records of Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1642. Before the American Civil War, people in the South used Beagles, but these dogs did not resemble English Beagles. However, when the war was over, English Beagles were imported for crossbreeding and to develop the modern American Beagle we know today. The last part of the 19th century saw the emergence of Beagles as popular competitors on the field and in exhibitions. Soon thereafter, this little hound dog with the melodic howl came to be amongst the most preferred family pets in the U.S.

The Basenji is a lighly-built, elegant hunting dog from Africa. It has a wrinkled head and a high, curled tail. The Basenji is commonly known as the “barkless dog” because it doesn’t bark, but when excited, it makes a noise that sounds like a yodel.

Physical Characteristics

The Basenji differs from other primitive dogs, in that it has a sturdy build. Its longer legs help it to run fast, performing a sort of double-suspension gallop. The Basenji also has a short black, red, brindle, or tricolor coat, which is effective in coping with the hot African climate, while its erect ears are excellent for dissipating heat and locating game in dense bushes.

Personality and Temperament

The Basenji is reputed to get along well with other dogs, but does not mingle with members of its own breed. As it is a feisty hound, many feel that this dog resembles the terrier in its nature and mannerisms. The Basenji has also been described as cat-like: reserved, clever, inquisitive, independent, and stubborn.

Although the dog does not bark much, it makes a howling and shrieking sound and occasionally makes a coughing sound like a fox.

Care

The Basenji requires minimal coat care: it is sufficient to brush the coat once in a while to get rid of dead hair. Being a very active breed, the Basenji should be given daily physical as well as mental exercise, for fear that it might become aggressive and/or frustrated. A long walk, free running, and energetic games in an enclosed area are also suggested. The dog functions well as an indoor dog.

Health

The Basenji, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, suffers from health problems such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD), corneal dystrophy, and patellar luxation. Some of the major diseases affecting the breed include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Fanconi syndrome, and Basenji enteropathy, while the minor concerns include umbilical hernia, persistent pupillary membranes (PPM), Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, and hypothyroidism. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may conduct urine, thyroid, eye, and DNA exams on the dog.

History and Background

The Basenji, or “Barkless Dog,” is an ancient breed that draws its lineage to Egypt. It later became the premier pack hunter for the native tribes and Pygmies of the African Congo region, sometimes referred to as the Congo terrier or Zande Dog.

Attempts were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to bring the Basenji to England, but sadly the efforts were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until 1937 that the Basenji (roughly translated to “bush thing”) was introduced to England.

The Basenji, meanwhile, became a popular breed in the United States for show dog and pet owners, further gaining acclaim when the 1954 novel Good-bye, My Lady (later made into an eponoymous film) featured a Basenji.

There were two controversial but significant events associated with the Basenji in the 1980s. Firstly, numerous dogs were imported from Africa to reduce some common hereditary health problems in the breed, producing a brindle color for the first time. Secondly, the American Sighthound Field Association recognized the Basenji as a sighthound, allowing the dog to participate in lure-coursing tests. Earlier, the hunting style and the body structure of the Basenji had been regarded as inappropriate for a sighthound. To date, this dog breed retains many of its primitive traits, such as a yearly estrus cycle and no barking.

The Belgian Sheepdog is elegant, with proud carriage of the head. It is a strong, agile, well-muscled dog that is alert and full of life. The Belgian Sheepdog is also recognized for its endurance and ability to learn quickly.

Physical Characteristics

The Belgian Sheepdog is a breed that is square-proportioned with moderately heavy bones in the body. A gait that is effortless, tireless, and smooth enables it to herd for a long time. Its intelligent facial expression, meanwhile, is striking and gives the dog a sophisticated look.

The Belgian Sheepdog’s undercoat is dense, and its outer coat, which is black in color, is straight and long. Curiously, many Belgian Sheepdogs tend to move in a circle instead of a straight line.

Personality and Temperament

The Belgian Sheepdog is best defined as “intense.” It exhibits an independent nature and is highly protective of its human family. That is why this breed is a great choice for a house dog.

It is somewhat conscious of strangers, and at times show signs of aggression towards other pets and dogs. Extremely obedient, the Belgian Sheepdog is also playful, alert, intelligent, and a quick learner. Some Belgian Sheepdogs, however, display a dominating character.

Care

The Belgian Sheepdog loves to live inside the house with its human family, although it can adapt to outdoor living. It also performs best when given access to the yard. Apart from that, exercise on a regular basis is essential for the breed and should ideally combine long hours of play and jogging. The Belgian Sheepdog’s coat requires the occasional brushing to keep away dead hairs, even more so during times of shedding.

Health

The Belgian Sheepdog, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is not prone to any major health concerns. However, it is susceptible to minor issues such as hypothyroidism, seizures, allergies, and skin disorders. Ocassionally, elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), hemangiosarcoma, pannus, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are seen in this breed. To identify these issues early, a veterinarian may recommend that the dog undergo regular thyroid, elbow, hip, and eye exams.

History and Background

The Belgian Sheepdog, sometimes referred to as Groenendael, is known for its versatility and hard-working nature. It is one of the variations of the Belgian Shepherd (or Continental Shepherd); the others being Belgian Malinois and Belgian Tervuren. However, the Belgian Sheepdog has a longer black coat compared to the other Beglian shepherd dogs

Between 1891 and 1901, a time in which the Belgian Shepherd became registered by the Societe Royale Saint-Hubert, there was a concerted effort to develop a standard for the breed, as well as improve its type for exhibition shows.

The earliest Belgian Sheepdogs were used for herding and guarding purposes. They later became popular police dogs in the United States and played a significant role in the First World War as watchdogs. It was not until 1959 that the Belgian Sheepdog got its current name, after the three Belgian Shepherd types were separated into distinct breeds.