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Whippet

Alternative Name
The Snap Dog
Basic Info

Whippets are generally quiet and gentle dogs, content to spend much of the day sleeping.Because color is considered immaterial in judging whippets, they come in a wide variety of colors and marking patterns, everything from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, or cream. All manner of spots and blazes and patches are seen, sometimes all in the same litter. Whippets are a medium-size dog ranging from 25 to 40 lb (11-18 kg), with a maximum height of 22 inches (56 cm).

Health

Given proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, most whippets live for 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy, and are not prone to the frequent ear infections, skin allergies, or digestive problems that afflict other breeds. Genetic eye defects have been found in the breed, but are still very rare. Because of this threat, the American Whippet Club recommends that all breeders have the eyes checked clear on their breeding stock. Hip dysplasia is not a problem in whippets. Undescended testicles are common in the breed. Whippets, like many sighthounds, are sensitive to barbiturate anaesthetics.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

Whippets are generally quiet and gentle dogs, content to spend much of the day sleeping. They are not generally aggressive towards other animals, and although especially attached to their owners, they are friendly to visitors. They are not prone to snapping, so they are good with young children. Because of their friendly nature they have often been known to be used in aged care facilities. They may or may not bark when strangers arrive, and are not suited to be guard dogs due to their trusting and unsuspicious nature. They do however tend to attack cats that stray onto their territory. Outside, particularly when they are racing or lure coursing, they demonstrate their superb athletic skills and will pursue their “quarry” (even when it is an artificial lure) with the heart of a lion. Unlike some other breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and no more aggressive, than females. Both sexes make excellent pets. Males are sometimes considered to be slightly more loyal and to enjoy repetitive play. Females can be a little more complex and strong-willed, but are equally devoted to their owners. Males tend to be one to two inches taller, and three to six pounds heavier, than females. Whippets are not well adapted for living in a kennel or as outside dogs. Their coats do not provide the insulation to withstand prolonged periods of exposure to the cold. Their natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept as housepets. They are most at home in the company of their owners, in their lap or lying next to them on the lounge. Whippets are quiet and thus well suited to apartment life, although they do need regular exercise. The chance to run free in open spaces should be made available to the whippet. Care, however, should be taken with Whippets on the street as it is difficult to instil any sort of traffic sense into them. Whippets, as their heritage would suggest (they have been called a “poorman’s greyhound”), are outstanding running dogs and are top competitors in lure coursing, straight racing, and oval track racing. In these events, a temporary track and lure system is set up. The lure is usually a white plastic trash bag. With new methods of motivational obedience training being used, whippets are becoming successful obedience dogs. Many enjoy flyball and agility. The elegance and ease of grooming of the whippet have made it a popular show dog, but to be successful at this sport, you must purchase a puppy who is considered by its breeder to be show quality.

Origin

England

History

These dogs were bred to hunt by sight, coursing game in open areas at high speeds. Although one can find numerous representations of small greyhound-like hounds in art dating back to Roman times, the modern whippet was created by working-class people of northern England by crossing greyhounds with several other breeds, including the Italian Greyhound and a now-extinct long-legged terrier. These small coursing hounds were cheaper to feed and house than greyhounds but were very handy at providing rabbits for the pot. They also were used to provide sport on nonworking days as their owners enjoyed racing them against each other. The modern look of the breed was created by upper-class English dog fanciers, who bought the best-looking whippets and bred them selectively to appear most similar to a miniature greyhound.

Common Foods

pellet dog food

Wire Fox Terrier

Alternative Name
Fox Terrier Wire-Haired Fox Terrier Wire Fox Terrier (nick Foxie)
Basic Info

The Wire Fox Terrier is a breed of dog, one of many terrier breeds. It is an instantly recognizable fox terrier breed. Although it bears a resemblance to the Smooth Fox Terrier, they are believed to have been developed separately. This is a sturdy, balanced dog weighing up to 21 pounds. Its rough, broken coat is distinctive. The coat colour is predominantly white; brindle or liver markings are a disqualification.

Health

N/A

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

N/A

Origin

England

History

The Wire-Haired Fox Terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts and is believed descended from a now-extinct rough-coated, black-and-tan working terrier of Wales, Derbyshire, and Durham. The Wire-Haired Fox Terrier was not popular as a family pet until the 1930s, when The Thin Man series of feature films was created. Asta, the canine member of the Charles family, was a Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, and the popularity of the breed soared. Milou (Snowy) from the Tintin comic strip is also a Fox Terrier. In the late 20th century, the popularity of the breed declined again, most likely due to changing living conditions in the Western world and the difficulty of keeping hunting terriers in cities due to their strong instincts. Among the less desirable traits of all fox terriers are their energy, digging, stalking and chasing of other animals, and yelping bark. This notwithstanding, the Wire Fox Terrier has the distinction of having received more Best in Show titles at major conformation shows than any other breed. Wire-Haired Fox Terriers kept as pets show the loyalty, intelligence, and breeding befitting such a storied breed.

Common Foods

pellet dog food

Xoloitzcuintli

Alternative Name
Mexican Hairless Dog Xoloitzcuintle Xoloitzquintle Tepeizeuintli (nick Xolo)
Basic Info

The Mexican Hairless Dog is a rare, (almost) hairless breed of dog which can be quite variable in size. It’s also known as Xoloitzcuintli or Xoloitzcuintle (the initial x is pronounced as an sh), Tepeizeuintli or Mexican Hairless. Owners of this dog call them “xolos” for short. The breed ranges in size from about 10 pounds (4 kg) to 50 pounds (20 kg), with an average body temperature of 40 °C. Similar in appearance to a Pharaoh Hound, with a sleek body, almond-shaped eyes, large bat-like ears, and a long antelope neck, the Xolo is notable for its dominant trait of hairlessness. Many members of this breed are also missing several teeth. There is also a “coated” Xolo with a very short coat of hair, and individual dogs may exhibit varying degrees of head and body

Health

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Habitat

N/A

Behavior

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Origin

Mexico

History

The breed is native to Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and may date back 3500 years or earlier. Some cultures are believed to have kept them as pets, and believed the animals to be sacred. Xolos were considered sacred dogs by the Aztecs because they believed the dogs were needed by their masters’ souls to help them safely through the underworld. According to Aztec mythology, the god Xolotl made the Xoloitzcuintle from a sliver of the Bone of Life from which all man was made. Xolotl gave this gift to Man with the instruction to guard it with his life and in exchange it would guide Man through the dangers of Mictlan, the world of Death, towards the Evening Star in the Heavens. Even today some people may believe this breed to have healing, telepathic, or (gray) alien qualities. Other cultures ate the meat of the Xoloitzcuintli for ritual or medicinal purposes, and the meat may still be found for sale in some parts of rural Mexico. Xolos are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), making them a rare breed in the United States and other parts of the world. The breed is recognized by the FCI (Federacion Canofila Mexicana) which began a registration and breeding program for the Xolo on May 1, 1956. Prior to that time the Xolos were considered nearly extinct. New breed stock is still found in remote pockets of rural Mexico.

Common Foods

pellet dog food

Yorkshire Terrier

Alternative Name
nick Yorkie
Basic Info

The Yorkie has a compact, small build. It holds itself in an upright, sprightly manner which makes it look confident and selfassured (a reflection of its temperament). Its appearance should be one of spirit, cleverness, curiousity, and vigour. Dogs that appear sullen or life-less are to be penalized. It is solidly built and balanced, and must not appear weak. The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkie, is a breed of small dog, one of many toy dog breeds. Yorkies can be very small, usually weighing between 5 and 7 lb (2.5 to 3.5 kg). Coat and color The Yorkie should have a long, steel blue and tan coat that hangs straight and parts down the middle. However, many Yorkies do not conform directly to the standard. Some coats are black or silvery grey on the body. Tan is on the face and legs. The hair is usually straight and will grow long. Yorkies can also have somewhat wavy hair, although it is not acceptable for show dogs. In either case, Yorkie hair is soft, silky, fine, and high-maintenance, and must either be trimmed short or washed and brushed frequently. Show dogs often have their hair ‘wrapped’ in rice paper, after a light oiling. This prevents the hairs from being broken easily, and keeps the coat in condition. The nose, paw-pads, lips, and eye-rims must be darkly pigmented.

Health

Yorkies tend to develop cataracts in their old age, but their small size limits the effects of conditions such as arthritis. There is also the possibility of tracheal collapse, the cause of which is thought by many to be partially genetic, and partially caused by environment- specifically, the strain an energetic Yorkie puts on its neck when straining against its collar. Most veterinarians recommend use of a harness instead of a collar to help prevent the chronic coughing caused by partial trachea collapse. As with many purebred dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier is prone to certain genetic disorders. Most common is the liver shunt (portosystemic shunt). In this condition some of the dog’s blood bypasses the liver and as such does not get cleaned of those toxins that the liver is responsible for removing. A Yorkie with this condition might exhibit some or all of the following symptoms: small stature, poor muscle development, behavioral abnormalities, unresponsiveness, seizures, and so on; however, if treated by a veterinarian, the condition is most often reversible in time.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The Yorkshire Terrier, though a toy breed, still retains much of its Terrier ancestry in terms of personality. Though personalities differ from dog to dog, they are generally intelligent, independent and spunky. Yorkies, especially males, are very territorial and are known for their disregard for the limitations of their own size. They will often attack much larger dogs despite their extreme size disadvantage. Yorkies typically get along well with cats and other dogs, and love to play together in groups. However, they are terriers, and even an old, sedentary lap dog may eagerly hunt rodents. Because they are so small, they are easily injured; They usually get along well with children, but may be endangered if kept in the house with an undiscerning or abusive person, especially a child. Also, despite their small size, if attacked or continually provoked, like all dogs, they pack a surprisingly powerful bite. Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more difficult to train than some of their canine cousins; however, this difficulty is considered to be a result of the breed’s characteristic prey drive rather than any major deficiency of intelligence as they were bred to work without human intervention.

Origin

United Kingdom

History

Most believe that the Yorkshire Terrier is the product of comingling Scottish and English terriers when many Scots were displaced by the Industrial Revolution and settled in England. Though pedigrees are not available for the first Yorkshire Terrier ancestors, several breeds have been suggested, including the Old English Black and Tan, which is also considered the ancestor for the Welsh Terrier and the Manchester Terrier, the Waterside Terrier, the Clydesdale Terrier, and the Paisley Terrier. The Scottish influence, brought in by the weavers during the industrial revolution, are the same ancestors as the Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Cairn Terrier (all once one breed), as well as the Skye Terrier. Many have suggested that at some time the Maltese, an old breed from Malta, may be in the backgound of some as well. The original Yorkshire Terrier, known as the “Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier” was a 12-to-14 pound dog with wire hair whose intended purpose was the catching of rats and other vermin that lived in small spaces. In 1870, the breed was renamed the Yorkshire Terrier, after the county of Yorkshire, England where the breed is believed to have originated. The father of the breed is considered to be Huddersfield Ben, who was born in 1865 and died in 1871 from a carriage accident, the inbred offspring of a mother and son. Huddersfield Ben was bred by Mr. W. Eastwood Huddersfield. A multiple champion, Huddersfield Ben set the foundation for what would develop into the modern Yorkie. Based on registrations, Yorkshire Terriers became the #3 most popular dog breed in the United States in 2005 according to the American Kennel Club, trailing only the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever.

Common Foods

pellet dog food