The American Cocker Spaniel, a docile, playful and affectionate dog

Elegant with its beautiful long coat, the American Cocker Spaniel was a hunting dog before becoming a pet. Robust, docile, playful and affectionate, he combines all these qualities. And one can only be charmed!

Characteristics of the American Cocker Spaniel

Belonging to the large family of spaniels, the American cocker spaniel has an average size and measures up to 39 cm for males and between 34 and 36 cm for females, for a weight of approximately 13 kg depending on sex and size. Endowed with a compact and robust body, it is neither low nor long on legs. His head with clean lines is finely chiselled and reveals an impression of softness, alertness and intelligence. It is proportional to the body and has an accentuated stop, with a rounded skull, a broad muzzle and frank jaws. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The ears for their part are furnished with hair and are both long and fine. They are set low and drooping. The American cocker spaniel owes all its beauty to its silky, full and wavy coat. The bangs are more provided at the level of the ears, the limbs, the chest and the abdomen. As for the coat, it can be jet black, multicolored or single-colored. But generally, the dog has tan extremities.

History of the breed American Cocker Spaniel

Coming from the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker Spaniel, as its name indicates, comes from the other side of the Atlantic. The first Cockers of English origin landed in the United States in the 19th century. The American version has been adapted to local tastes and reveals a more marked type than its English cousin. The American Cocker Spaniel was a great success in his native country, but did not enter France until the 1950s. It will be necessary to wait until 1965 before the recognition by the FCI (Fédération cynologique internationale) is official. It should be noted that this breed was notably popularized by Walt Disney's famous cartoon "Beauty and the Tramp".

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the American Cocker Spaniel

Even if it is an outstanding hunting dog, the American Cocker Spaniel has brilliantly succeeded in its reconversion as a pet. It is a docile and charming animal that appreciates children and has no trouble living with its other congeners. Affectionate and friendly, it is full of joy of life and has a lot of balance. Because it is gentle and intelligent, it is easy to train. In addition, he can adapt to life in an apartment as long as he goes out as often as possible for walks and some physical exercise. In any case, he will be more fulfilled if he evolves in the open spaces or, at the limit, in a house with a large fenced garden.

Diet and main health problems of the American Cocker spaniel

The American Cocker spaniel can suffer from a number of diseases such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases, heart defects, hemolytic anemia or ear infections. Its diet is not very specific.

The Bichon Frise, a dog with a crunchy mug

Behind this crunchy little face is an animal full of liveliness and cheerfulness. Even if it looks angelic, the Bichon Frise is far from being a placid animal that spends its days sleeping. It needs interaction and affection from its masters and does not tolerate loneliness.

Characteristics of the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog measuring 30 cm at the withers and weighing an average of 5 kg depending on sex and size. Of small corpulence, he has a muscular body with a well developed chest. The Bichon Frise has a head that he wears proudly with a flattened skull, a slight stop, flat cheeks, dry and fine lips and a round nose. His eyes full of mischief and liveliness are round and very dark. The ears are furnished with hair and are drooping. All the particularity of this breed rests on its silky and fine hairs from 7 to 10 cm in length which give corkscrew curls. The coat is exclusively pure white, a color that gives its soft and angelic look to the animal.

History of the Bichon Frise breed

Because of its modern appearance, it is rather difficult to believe that the Bichon Frise is an ancient breed. And yet, its traces can be found as early as the 14th century. It is said to be a cross between the Maltese Bichon and the Barbet, ancestor of the poodle. The Bichon Frise arrived in France in the 16th century where it quickly met its public and not just any public since it found refuge in the Royal Court. It was one of the preferred breeds of sovereigns such as François I and Henri III because of its natural elegance. Like most dog breeds, the Bichon Frise saw its population decrease very quickly during the Great War. The breed was able to rise from its ashes thanks to a Belgian breeder who relaunched the breeding program. Official recognition will wait until 1959.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a model of enthusiasm and cheerfulness. He also knows how to be calm when necessary. It is an animal that is always looking for movement so that it is always clinging to its masters in their movements, just to be aware of the slightest event. This dog appreciates affection and that's good because with his little teddy bear look, you just want to cuddle him. In fact, his name says a lot about his character, since he likes to be "pampered". As far as his lifestyle is concerned, this dog can very well live in an apartment as well as in houses with a garden. He needs to go out regularly, but does not need to do intense physical activity.

Diet and main health problems of the Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise can be a victim of Legg-Perthes-Calvé, a disease that alters the joint and causes the animal to limp. Respiratory and liver problems should also be monitored. As for its diet, there is nothing specific about it. Whether it is industrial or homemade, it will suit him.

Parson Russel Terrier, agile and energetic working dog

Tailored for stamina and speed, the Parson Russel Terrier is an agile and energetic working dog. Like its close cousin the Jack Russell Terrier, this dog needs daily physical activity, making it incompatible with sedentary or elderly people.

Characteristics of the Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is a dog of small size, with a shallower chest than the Jack Russell Terrier and higher on legs than the Jack Russell Terrier. It develops a well proportioned, supple and harmonious body. The males are between 34 and 38 cm while the females measure between 31 and 35 cm for a weight between 5 and 8 kg depending on sex and size. The head delivers an intermediate width and has a flat skull whose shape reminds the shape of a wedge. The stop is not very accentuated. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The ears form a V shape and are carried low. Their tip reaches the outer corner of the eye. They are also quite small. The Parson Russell Terrier has an abundant, short and rough coat. He has a uniform white or white coat with tan or black spots.

Breed History Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier was created at the instigation of Reverend John Russell in England. Great amateur of hunting, but also of cynology, the character had several Fox Terriers which accompanied him in the fox hunt. However, the Reverend felt that this breed was not efficient enough. He then took the initiative to create a smaller breed from his Fox Terriers. From there were born the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier whose limbs are longer than his cousin. The hunting skills of these terriers were such that they were popular with riders and hunters. The official recognition of the Parson Russell Terrier by the FCI (Fédération cynologique internationale) is carried out in 1990.

Necessary living conditions and behaviour of the Parson Russell Terrier

A hunting dog, the Parson Russell Terrier is the perfect companion for tracking coyotes, badgers, foxes and other game. Because of this particularity, he has developed a lot of liveliness and agility that has allowed him to excel in his work. Very courageous, he is not afraid of his fellow creatures and sometimes likes to attack small animals. This is why he cannot live with cats, especially when he is driven by his hunting instinct. Very important: as he has energy to spare, the Parson Russell Terrier needs a sporting master, able to satisfy his needs in physical activities. Sedentary and inactive lives are definitely not for him. Therefore, he cannot also live in an apartment.

Nutrition and main health problems of the Parson Russel Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier can live up to 13 years. To ensure such longevity, it is important to offer him a quality food, industrial or home, adapted to his health, age and physical expenses. In terms of health, it is a dog known for its robustness that does not develop any specific disease.

Persian Greyhound or Saluki, a dog of undisputed nobility

In addition to its undisputed nobility, the Saluki or Persian Greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. In the Arab culture, it is a sacred animal that cannot be commercialized, but only offered as a gift. Because of this peculiarity, this dog remains relatively rare.

Characteristics of the Persian Greyhound

The Saluki or Persian Greyhound is immediately recognizable by its muscularity and agility. It reveals harmonious lines, elegant and full of finesse. Its proportions in length and height are the same and this dog also attracts attention by its velocity. He has a fine and long head, just like his body. It develops a little marked stop. The eyes are oval shaped, not protruding, shiny and of hazelnut or dark color. They reveal an expression filled with softness. The ears of the Saluki are rather long, set low, but not too much and are also mobile. They are covered with a kind of long and silky fringe. And what about the coat. This breed always has long, silky hairs that are fringed on the throat, shoulders and legs. All coat colors are allowed except brindle. The dog can then be golden, white, tan or fawn.

Breed history Persian Greyhound

The Persian Greyhound has a particularly rich and interesting history. This dog is mentioned in old texts dating back thousands of years, especially in Arabic poems. For this breed is native to the Middle East. It owes its name to the city of Saluk, an Arab city that has now disappeared. At the time, each Arab nomadic tribe had a Saluki which owes its great success to its impressive speed allowing it to hunt gazelles or horses without any problem. It will be necessary to wait the XIXth century before seeing the arrival of this race in the European countries, in particular in England. Interesting fact: the appearance of the Saluki has not changed and has remained in its primitive form.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Persian Greyhound

The Saluki has a tender and affectionate character. He likes to keep a certain independence while being attached to his masters. The long solitude does not please him either. His calm makes him rarely bark, which does not prevent him from being alert as soon as strangers approach. Like all greyhounds, he is an outstanding runner. This is why he will be suitable for sports people with whom he will be able to exercise very regularly. His education will be very gentle because he is also a sensitive dog. Socialization begins as soon as possible.

Diet and main health problems of the Persian Greyhound

Even if he looks like a fragile dog, the Saluki is actually very robust. This is certainly due to the fact that he has been preserved from genetic manipulation by man. Nevertheless, it is necessary to pay attention to certain pathologies such as spinal amyotrophy, ectropion, entropion and corneal stromal dystrophy. Glaucoma and alopecia should also be monitored. Her diet will have to be sufficiently nutritious to compensate for her high energy expenditure.

The Airedale Terrier, elegant dog with an atypical physique

The Airedale Terrier is nicknamed the "King of the Terriers". Elegant, with a very atypical physique and especially with a strong character, this dog marks all the spirits. After having been used for a long time for hunting, he now proudly assumes the title of companion dog, a role in which he excels.

Characteristics of the Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is "axe-sharpened" as they say and this particularity is even more visible thanks to its grooming. It must be said that this big dog attracts all the attention by its most atypical physique. He develops a slender and short body. His head looks like a parallelepiped and is rather long and flat with a very discreet stop. The eyes are small, have a dark color and express an expression of intelligence and liveliness. The V-shaped ears are also small and placed on the sides, bending slightly above the head. The Airedale Terrier also stands out from the pack by its wavy, hard and dense hair, reminiscent of a wire. The coat should always be gray or black, but the rest of the body displays a tan color with darker tones on the neck, ears and sides of the head.

Airedale Terrier Breed History

The Airedale Terrier is originally from Yorkshire, a region in the north of England. It was developed in the 1850s in the Aire Valley to hunt rodents as well as otters. It is said to be a cross between otterhounds and the old english black which no longer exist today. Later, it will be found in Germany where it will be used to hunt wild boar. It will even become a bear hunter in Russia. Nowadays, the Airedale Terrier has exchanged its role as a hunter for that of a companion, competition, defense or working dog.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is an active, energetic and alert animal, its origins as a hunting dog oblige. He develops an incredible intelligence and above all a lot of liveliness. Even if he is a bit stubborn, he is courageous, devoted and affectionate towards his masters. On the other hand, he has difficulty living with cats. In addition, he needs experienced masters because of his very assertive character. Ideally, they should also be athletic, because the Airedale Terrier needs a lot of physical exercise to be happy and stay in shape. If this condition is respected, he doesn't need to live in the country, but he will be able to live in the city, in an apartment.

Diet and main health problems of the Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier can be a victim of eczema problems, which is why it is so important to wax it as often as possible. Because it is a large dog, stomach twisting and hip dysplasia can affect it. As for his diet, specialists recommend two meals a day of rice, meat and vegetables for adult dogs. Otherwise, premium kibbles are also suitable. The addition of vitamin complex and raw vegetable oil is also recommended.

The German Spitz, dog with a false fox look

Under its false fox-like airs, it is difficult not to succumb to its charm. The German Spitz attracts all eyes with its beautiful fur, elegance and mischievous expression. It has had a rather atypical history since it was a time when it shared the lives of the greatest personalities of recent centuries. Raise the curtain on the peculiarities of this ball of fur.

Characteristics of the German Spitz

To begin, you should know that there is not one German Spitz but rather 5 different standards in size and color. First of all, there is the Loulou of Pomerania or Dwarf Spitz which can wear several colors of dresses: white, brown, black, wolf gray, orange, cream, orange sable, cream sable, variegated or black and tan. This breed measures between 19 and 21 cm. Then we find the Small Spitz between 24 and 27 cm and the Medium Spitz between 32 and 36 cm, which both have the same colors as the Dwarf Spitz. The Large Spitz is between 44 and 48 cm and admits only white, brown or black robes. Finally, the Wolf Spitz can only have one coat: silver gray or gray shaded with black at the tips of the hairs. It measures between 46 and 52 cm.

The common point between all German Spitz is that their head is similar to that of the fox with almond-shaped eyes, a pointed snout, erect triangular ears and a broad forehead. The long, straight hair is silky and fairly full on the shoulders and neck.

History of the German Spitz breed

The German Spitz has a long and beautiful history. Already, it is a very old breed of which we discover the first traces as early as Antiquity and the Middle Ages. It is said to be a descendant of the Stone Age bog dog which is the ancestor of most European breeds today. From the 19th century, the German Spitz has been miniaturized and diversified, which has largely contributed to its success. As a proof, it was the favorite pet of several personalities to mention only Mozart, Marie-Antoinette or Emile Zola. Unfortunately, he gradually lost this noble title and was relegated to the status of a janitor's dog who appreciated his talents as an alarm dog.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the German Spitz

The German Spitz is a gentle, lively and very alert dog. He is faithful and attached to his masters and is ready to do anything to please them. He is the perfect companion for children because he is full of energy and will never refuse a play session. In addition, it develops a sharp intelligence with strong adaptability and listening skills. The German Spitz prefers to live in the countryside, but can adapt to an urban life, especially in an apartment. It will be enough to offer him regular walks.

Diet and main health problems of the German Spitz

The German Spitz does not develop any specific pathology and is renowned for its robustness. On the other hand, the dwarf Spitz must benefit from a good nutrition because they are relatively fragile. The rations should be watched, because Spitz tend to make fat very quickly.