Quick Stats for the Great Dane Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 30 – 34 inches (76 – 86 cm) ; bitches: 28 – 32 inches (71 – 81 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 120 – 200 pounds (54 – 90 kg)  ; bitches: 100 – 130 pounds (45 – 59 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1887
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; best with at least a large sized yard

Personality of the Great Dane Dog Breed

The personality of a Great Dane is a combination of dependability, friendliness, and courage. They are generally very friendly towards other household pets, humans, and even children. However, with small kids this dog is typically a bit intimidating. As with any dog, the Great Dane should be supervised when around your young ones.

History of the Great Dane Dog Breed

Always an amazing sight to see, the Great Dane is a very large dog that is said to be the result of the Greyhound and the ancient Molossus war dog. These ancestors helped the Great Dane to be a fearless hunter of big game. By the 14th century, these dogs were widely known for their agility and strength to hunt down wild boar. They proved to have the speed, courage, strength, and stamina to take down these tough, large animals.

Eventually the Great Dane became very popular with the landed gentry because of their hunting ability, combined with its graceful, yet intimidating appearance. These were noble dogs that made the perfect addition to any upper-class family.

The early name for this dog was actually referred to as “German Boarhounds” by the local British people. When and why the name Great Dane came to define these dogs is unknown and remains a mystery.

Interestingly enough, you would assume that it’s homeland would be with the Danish because of its name.  However, it is actually a German breed which, in 1880, the German authorities tried to officially claimed its name as the Deutsche Dogge. However, this name did not stick and by the time these dogs arrived in America during the late 1800s, the name “Great Dane”  has been the official name ever since.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a member of the Working Group.

The Great Dane Dog Care and Grooming

Caring for the Great Dane does not require much; daily moderate exercise in the form of a brisk walk two to three times per day is adequate. Many people assume that because of its large sturdy appearance, Great Danes can live outdoors.  But the truth is that it is not suited for outdoor living at all.  The best thing to do is to split the dog’s time up between staying outside during the day and inside at night.

Care for its coat is minimal, requiring only the occasional brushing. Also, many Great Danes tend to drool often.

Health Problems of the Great Dane Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Great Dane Dog Breed is under ten years. However, there are some Great Danes who have been known to live for between twelve to thirteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• osteosarcoma
• gastric portion
• cardiomyopathy

Minor health issues include:

• OCD
• hypothyroidism
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy)
• Wobbler’s syndrome (known as CVI)

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 16 – 19 inches (41 – 48 cm)
• Weight: 25 – 35 pounds (11 – 16 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 2003
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the German Pinscher Breed

The German Pinscher is considered to be extremely courageous, tenacious, and makes the perfect watchdog.  It is very playful and affectionate, yet overly cautious and reserved towards strange dogs and humans it does not know.  It is very alert to intruders and considered to be somewhat stubborn, especially when it comes to training.

History of the German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is one of the better known of the Pinscher breeds. Its origins date back to the 17th century, and traced to the German Bibarhund and the Tanner of the 14th century. During the 1600s the Rattenfanger was created, which was a mix of black and tan terriers created to make a working ratter and watchdog. The Rattenfanger eventually became the Pinscher.

This Pinscher remained a very hard-working dog for the next few centuries and was valued for its ability to catch rodents and other small game, specifically around stables. Once the popularity of dog shows hit mainstream during the late 1800s, more and more dog enthusiasts became interested in the Pinscher.

The very first Pinscher breed standard was created sometime during 1884 but the dog did not gather enough popularity and their numbers dwindled before the war.  Although there was a large effort to count and register all known Pinschers, these efforts were thwarted by World War II. And by the end of the war, this dog breed was all but extinct.  In fact, not one Pinscher litter was registered in West Germany between the years 1949 and 1958.

This is where the survival of the German Pinscher becomes interesting. The breed would not have been alive today had it not been for the help of a miniature Pinscher, one of its closest descendants. In 1958, four larger-than-normal miniature Pinscher were chosen and then registered in West Germany by the Schnauzer Club.  A female Pinscher was then smuggled from East Germany where some Pinscher dogs still survived.

This female Pinscher was bred with three different miniature Pinscher males and practically every current Pinscher of today descended from those five dogs. German Pinschers then started to show up in the United States sometime during the late 1970s.

In 2001, the AKC accepted the German Pinscher into the miscellaneous class. And finally, it became an official member of the working group in 2003.

The German Pinscher Dog Care and Grooming

Upkeep and maintenance of the German Pinscher takes a bit of attention.  This is one dog that does not like to be left alone or committed to a kennel for any period of time.  It enjoys being right in the middle of all of the action and is most happy when around its owners.

The German Pinscher as high energy levels and requires daily exercise, as well as mental stimulation through training.

Grooming is simple and only requires the occasional brushing to remove excess dead hair.

Health Problems of the German Pinscher Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the German Pinscher is about twelve to fourteen years.

There are no health problems with this dog breed.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

German Pinscher (Comprehensive Owner’s Guide)

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• Height (at the shoulders): 23 – 30 inches (58 – 75 cm)
• Weight: 120 – 145 pounds (54 – 65 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 2008
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); very inactive indoors; okay without a yard
• Other Names: French Mastiff, Bordeaux Bulldog

Personality of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeax, or French Mastiff or Bordeaux Bulldog as they are also known, are patient and extremely loyal and devoted to their families. Although they have such a fearsome appearance, they are gentle with children and other family members.

However, they are fearless and will confront strangers. They are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. They can be aggressive towards other dogs if they are not properly socialized from an early age.

This dogs are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. They require a calm, confident, and firm owner.

History of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The exact origin of this dog breed is not quite known. It is believed that these dogs descended from crosses of the Bullmastiff, Bulldog, and the Tibetan Mastiff.

Towards the end of the Middle Ages, these dogs were used to drive cattle and as guard dogs.

Many dogs died during the French Revolution, but their numbers increased once the war was over. Raymond Triquet and the French Dogue de Bordeaux Club is credited with preserving the breed.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2008 as a member of the Working Group.

The Dogue de Bordeaux Care and Grooming

These dogs require lots of exercise. Take them on a long daily walk or jog with them.

The Dogue de Bordeaux requires very little grooming. This breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of the Dogue de Bordeaux

The average life expectancy of the Dogue de Bordeaux is about ten to twelve years.

Minor health issues include:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• epilepsy
• heart problems
• hyperkeratosis
• females must have cesareans

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 26 – 28 inches (66 – 71 cm) ; bitches: 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm)
• Weight: 66 – 88 pounds (30 – 40 kg)
• Life Expectancy: up to 13 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1908
• Shedding: average shedders
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of Doberman Pinscher Dogs

The Doberman Pinscher, or Dobe as it is sometimes called, is a very intelligent dog. These dogs are loyal, sensitive, obedient, alert, and always ready to serve.They are one of the best watch dogs and guard dogs around. They are not only great protectors, but they are also easily trained.

They can be determined and bold and are not a breed that is recommended for everyone. They need firm, confident, and consistent leadership. All family members must stick to the rules with these dogs.

Dobes can make great family pets as long as they are socialized with children from early on. Some people think of the Doberman as a very aggressive dog, but that is just not true. In fact, Dobes have been known to make great therapy dogs because they can be so sweet and gentle.

History of Doberman Pinscher Dogs

This breed has its origins in Germany and is a recently developed dog breed, sometime during the 1860s. It is believed to have been developed by crossing breeds like old German Shepherds, German Pinschers, Rottweilers, Beaucerons, Manchester Terriers, and the Greyhound dog breed.

Louis Dobermann is credited as being the creator of the breed. He was a tax collector who need a protection dog to accompany in some of the rough areas he had to go. The breed is named after him. The Doberman Pinscher breed was first shown in 1876 and was a huge hit. By 1900, the breed had its own breed club.

The original Doberman looked somewhat different than the breed does today. The original dogs had rounder heads and a thicker bone structure. Over time they were bred to have a more narrow face, like they do today.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a member of the Working Group.

Doberman Pinscher Dogs Care and Grooming

The Doberman is a very energetic dog that requires sufficient daily exercise. Take them on a long daily walk or a jog. Play vigorous games outdoors when possible. They can become frustrated and even destructive if not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation.

These dogs require little grooming and are average shedders.

Health Problems of Doberman Pinscher Dogs

The average life expectancy of Doberman Pinscher dogs is about thirteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• gastric torsion
• demodicosis
• vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease)
• osteosarcoma

Minor health issues include:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• albinism
• narcolepsy
• hypothyroidism
• cervical spondylitis (wobbler syndrome)

Veterinarians recommend having Doberman Pinscher dogs tested specifically for hip, elbow, eye problems, cardiac issues and DNA for vWD (Von Willebrand’s Disease).

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 25 – 27 inches (64 – 69 cm) ; bitches: 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 110 – 133 pounds (50 – 60 kg)  ; bitches: 100 – 120 pounds (45 – 54 kg)
• Life Expectancy: under 10 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1934
• Shedding: light shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; okay with small yard

Personality of the Bullmastiff Dog

The Bullmastiff is a quiet, gentle, and very laid-back dog. They are not aroused easily, but if they are startled they can be quite a threat to any intruder. These dogs are rated among the best for their guarding and protection abilities.

They are great with children, but it is recommended that you raise them together with the Bullmastiff puppy rather than bringing an adult dog home with the children.

These dogs can be a bit aggressive towards other dogs and animals.

Bullmastiffs tend to drool, slobber, and snore.

History of the Bullmastiff Dog

The Bullmastiff has often been mistaken as one of Britain’s oldest dog breeds. However, that distinction actually goes to the Mastiff, which is a different breed. History does seem to indicate that there were crosses between these two breeds as far back as the 1790s.

The earliest documentation of the Bullmastiff goes back to about the end of the 19th Century. During that time they were used mainly to protect large estates from poachers who were causing big problems for gamekeepers.

Before the Bullmastiff  was developed, the only breeds available to guard and protect against the poachers were the Bulldog and the Mastiff. But the Bulldog was not big enough and the Mastiff was a bit too slow. By crossing these two breeds the Bullmastiff was developed to make a great guard dog.

Over time, dog breeders decided to stop crossing the two breeds and focused instead on creating a pure Bullmastiff. The result was a dog that was approximately 60% – 70% Mastiff and the rest, Bulldog. These breeders were extremely successful in refining the breed and by the early 1920s the English Kennel Club officially recognized the Bullmastiff.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a member of the Working Group.

The Bullmastiff Dog Care and Grooming

Bullmastiffs do not tolerate extremes in temperatures, so keep that in mind when you are taking them outdoors.

They are large dogs and require daily exercise to keep them healthy and in shape. Like other large breeds, they tend to gain too much weight if not provided with sufficient exercise. However, a brisk walk every day should be sufficient for these large dogs.

Grooming the short-haired coat of the Bullmastiff is easy. It requires only an occasional brushing with a good dog brush to remove any dead hair from the coat. Pay special attention to their feet and keep the nails trimmed because remember these are large dogs.

These dogs are light shedders.

Health Problems of the Bullmastiff Dog

The average life expectancy of the Bullmastiff dog is under ten years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• gastric torsion
• elbow dysplasia
• prone to bloat

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• mast cell tumors
• hemangiosarcoma
• lymphosarcoma
• SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis)
• hypothyroidism
• osteosarcoma
• boils on the lips

Veterinarians recommend having the Bullmastiff dog tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 22 – 25 inches (56 – 63 cm) ; bitches: 21 – 24 inches (53 – 61 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 60 – 70 pounds (27 – 32 kg)  ; bitches: 53 – 65 pounds (24 – 29 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1904
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); fairly active indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of Boxers Dog

The Boxer dog breed is one of the favorites among dog owners. They are very outgoing, playful, and loyal. Because of their intelligence and eagerness to learn, they are great dogs for obedience competitions. By nature, they are also protective of their families and their homes, but will welcome people they know.

They are great for active families and are excellent with children.  Boxers are typically well behaved around other dogs and pets.

History of Boxers Dog

The Boxer was developed in 19th Century Germany. It is believed that they were developed by breeding two European breeds that are now extinct. They were the Danziger Bullenbeiser and the Brabenter Bullenbeiser. They were then crossed, sometime later on, with the Mastiff and the Bulldog.

Boxers were originally used for dog fighting, bull baiting, and cart pulling. They were also used as working dogs, to herd cattle and other livestock, and to help hunt and pin wild boar and bison.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904.

The Boxers Dog Care and Grooming

Boxers require mental and physical stimulation daily. They make great jogging companions and should at least get a long daily walk. They love to play fetch and other active games.

Boxers are sensitive to temperature extremes. Their bodies can overheat easily, and they can get a chill in cold weather. So be on the lookout for any signs of adverse reactions to extreme temperatures.When taking your Boxer outdoors in hot weather, be sure that there is plenty of shade available for her to rest if she is becoming overheated.

Grooming your Boxer is quite easy. Because of their smooth, short-haired coat, a weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush should be sufficient to remove any dead hairs.

The breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of Boxers Dog

The average life expectancy of Boxers dog is about eight to ten years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis)
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• Boxer cardiomyopathy
• more likely than other dog breeds to develop tumors later in their lives

Minor health issues include:

• corneal erosion
• gastric torsion
• hypothyroidism
• colitis

Veterinarians recommend having Boxers dog tested specifically for hip dysplasia, cardiac issues, and potential thyroid problems.

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 23 – 28 inches (58 – 71 cm) ; bitches: 22 – 27 inches (56 – 69 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 75 – 90 pounds (34 – 41 kg)  ; bitches: 60 – 80 pounds (27 – 36 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Herding Group – AKC recognized in 1931
• Shedding: light shedder (sheds very little)
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; best with large yard

Personality of the Bouvier des Flandres Dog

The Bouvier des Flandres is an adventurous and independent dog. They are quite fearless and protective by nature which makes them an excellent watchdog. They are confident and bold, and an all around great guard dog.

They tend to have a dominant personality which can usually be addressed with proper training. They learn commands very quickly, and will remember a command once they are taught.

They are protective of their family and will not hesitate to defend them. They are great family dogs and are excellent with children. However, they can be reserved around other dogs and pets.

History of the Bouvier des Flandres Dog

The Bouvier originated in Belgium. Their history can be traced as far back as the 1600s. In early times, the Bouvier des Flandres was used by cattle merchants and farmers to herd and guard their livestock. They also excelled at a variety of other tasks as well. The breed lived mainly in the Flanders region, and the French northern plains.

Like many other working dogs, Bouvier dogs came in a variety of sizes, colors, and types. The actual breeds that make up the Bouvier is unknown. Some people claim that that the breed is made up of a variety of Spaniels, Mastiff, and Sheepdog. Others believe that the breed may have been formed by crossing the Griffon and the Beauceron.

In 1912, the first official breed standard was drafted for the Bouvier des Flandres. Unfortunately, many of these wonderful dogs were killed during World War I. But in 1923, a group of dog enthusiasts began working on recreating the Bouvier des Flandres breed.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1931.

The Bouvier des Flandres Dog Care and Grooming

The Bouvier can tolerate cool weather because of its heavy coat, but they do not enjoy the warm weather. They are actually capable of living outdoors during the winter months, but would rather live indoors with the rest of their family.

These dogs are active and have high levels of energy. They need daily exercise including long walks, vigorous outdoor games, and even running along while you ride your bike. If possible, they should be given the opportunity to herd.

The Bouvier des Flandres requires a lot of grooming maintenance. Grooming requirements include a good brushing at least twice per week. This will keep the long, thick coat clean. You may want to have the coat professionally groomed every eight to ten weeks.

As long as you keep your Bouvier well groomed, they should only shed very little hair.

Learn more about proper dog grooming tools.

Health Problems of the Bouvier des Flandres Dog

The average life expectancy of the Bouvier des Flandres dog is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis)
• glaucoma
• elbow dysplasia
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• hypothyroidism

Veterinarians recommend having the Bouvier des Flandres dog tested specifically for hip problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 25 – 29 inches (64 – 74 cm) ; bitches: 25 – 28 inches (64 – 72 cm)
• Weight: 80 – 143 pounds (36 – 65 kg)  -  dogs are generally bigger than bitches
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 2004
• Shedding: non-shedding
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; yard is okay but not necessary

Personality of Black Russian Terriers

The Black Russian Terrier is a courageous, confident, intelligent, and affectionate member of the Working Group. They are considered a top choice for a loving family pet who are wonderful with children. In fact, Black Russian Terrier dogs need to be close to their family to be truly happy. They crave human attention and interaction.

They are wary of strangers, especially once they mature, which makes them excellent guard dogs who will protect their territory and their families. But they are also some of the quietest dogs around.

History of Black Russian Terriers

This breed is pretty recent on the dog scene. They originated in the Soviet Union sometime during the 1950s. In the 1940s the Russians really wanted to have good working dogs to train as military dogs. So, they imported dozens of breeds from various countries and set out to create the working dog they desired.

The first generation of BRTs were bred from a magnificent Giant Schnauzer. This dog was bred with females from several different breeds. The most successful cross came from breeding with the Rottweiler, Airedale Terrier, and the Moscow Water Dog. Each dog was full black and the best dogs were bred with each other.

By 1957, the second and third generations of puppies were sent to various breeding programs. The goal was to keep refining and improving the breed, in particular their versatility as a working dog. But improving conformation was also important.

In the military, Black Russian Terriers were used to locate wounded soldiers, pull sleds, and detect explosives. These dogs were active in both Bosnia and Afghanistan.

An official breed standard was not drafted until 1968. And it wasn’t until 1984 that the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Black Russian Terrier breed. Since then, more and more Black Russian Terriers were exported to various parts of the world and the breed increased in popularity.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2001 as part of the Miscellaneous Class, but was moved to the Working Group in 2004.

Black Russian Terriers Care and Grooming

Because of the breed’s natural instinct to work, daily exercise is a requirement. To help satisfy this working need obedience training and agility training are both recommended.

Grooming requirements include a good brushing of their hard and wiry coats at least twice per week. Their coats are also weatherproof. A full trim is recommended every six or seven months to keep the coat in good condition.

The BRT sheds very little, if at all, especially if they are brushed regularly.

Health Problems of Black Russian Terriers

The average life expectancy of Black Russian Terriers is about ten to fourteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• elbow dysplasia
• otitis externa

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• dwarfism
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

Veterinarians recommend having Black Russian Terriers tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm) ; bitches: 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm)
• Weight: 55 – 65 pounds (25 – 29 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Herding Group – AKC recognized in 1959
• Shedding: constant shedder; light shedder; heavy shedder twice per year
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately active indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Belgian Malinois Dog

The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent and high-energy member of the Herding Group. They are loyal and playful with their family and are great around children. They can get along with other dogs and other pets if properly socialized.

They must be trained and have a strong leader as their owner. This is because they were bred to be a guard dog and can have a very dominant personality.

The Malinois is reserved around strangers, and always on alert, ready to protect and guard their family and their domain.

History of the Belgian Malinois Dog

As you may guess, this dog breed originated in Belgium. Their history goes as far back as the 1800s. The original Belgian sheep herding dogs were called the Chiens de Berger Belge. These dogs were used for various jobs, such as service dogs and guardians of livestock. They were bred to be mainly working dogs.

During this time, there were several other varieties of  Belgian working dogs, which makes it difficult to say that any of the breeds we know today were a part of those breeds. However, it is believed that in 1891, a particular short-coated variety was developed in a region around Malines. These dogs became what we know today as the Belgian Malinois.

This dog breed is still very popular in its native Belgium, but not quite so popular in the United States. After World War II their numbers dwindled in America. However, since then, the Belgian Malinois has become one of the most prominent police service dogs in the world.

They share a common foundation with the Belgian Sheepdog and the Belgian Tervuren.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1959.

The Belgian Malinois Dog Care and Grooming

The Belgian Malinois can tolerate both cool and warm temperatures. Access to a fenced in area to allow them to play freely is recommended. They can live outdoors, but do prefer an indoor life with their family.

These dogs require plenty of exercise and are best suited for families and owners that life an active lifestyle. They are not dogs that you can just keep locked up inside. Belgian Malinois dogs need time to play outdoors. Play games that require a great deal of physical activity and mental stimulation to allow them to expend their energy. You can also provide them with sufficient exercise by allowing them to sprint, or taking them on a fast-paced jog.

These dogs will really enjoy any herding activities if given the chance.

As far as grooming is concerned, a light weekly brushing of their smooth, short-haired coat should be sufficient to remove any dead hairs. Brush them with a firm bristle dog grooming brush. Give them a bath only when necessary.

These dogs are considered light shedders, but they shed constantly. Twice per year they shed heavily.

Health Problems of the Belgian Malinois Dog

The average life expectancy of the Belgian Malinois is about ten to twelve years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• elbow dysplasia
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• cataracts
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• hemangiosarcoma
• pannus

Veterinarians recommend having the Belgian Malinois Dog tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm) ; bitches 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm)
• Weight: dogs 80 – 95 lbs (36 – 43 kg) ; bitches 70 – 85 pounds (32 – 38 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – recognized in 1935
• Shedding: heavy shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; fairly active indoor; large yard recommended

Personality of The Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs that are powerful, strong-willed, independent, obedient, and loving. They are family dogs who love being around people. However, they may be aggressive towards other animals, especially strange dogs. Because of their strong prey instinct, they should be supervised around small animals.

They are very affectionate dogs and thrive on lots of human interaction. Although they are quite capable of sleeping outside even on cold nights, they prefer to sleep indoors with the other members of their family.

They are great with older children. Because of their extreme friendliness towards people, they would not make a suitable watchdog.

The Malamute is relatively quiet, but they do like to howl occasionally.

These dogs can be difficult to train in formal obedience, however, they are usually well-mannered since they love to please their owners so much. Proper socialization and obedience training is recommended to keep them well behaved.

History of Alaskan Malamute Dogs

The Alaskan Malamute originated in Alaska (who would have thought ). At first, their primary jobs were to hunt large game and to pull heavy sleds. Today, they are used almost exclusively for pulling sleds.

Like other spitz dogs, Alaskan Malamutes are at home in very cold climates. They are descendants of the Arctic Wolf.

The history of these dogs go back some 2000 to 3000 years, when they were used as transportation by the Mahlemuit Eskimos of Alaska. They were also used to hunt large animals such as seals and polar bears. Since they are incredibly strong, they would then be used to haul the carcasses back to the villages.

During WWII, Alaskan Malamutes were used as service dogs and to help with search and rescue missions. They were also used to haul freight, and as pack animals. After the war, the popularity of the dog breed continued to grow.

They were officially recognized by the AKC in 1935.

Alaskan Malamute Care and Grooming

The Alaskan Malamute is a dog breed that is very much at home in cold climates. They are capable of running for miles in the snow without stopping, usually as part of a larger dog team pulling a heavy sled. So you can probably tell that they are high energy dogs. This means that they require daily exercise, usually long walks. However, be careful not to overexert them in warm and hot weather.

Fun and active games are an essential part of the lives of these dogs. Without proper physical and mental stimulation they will become bored, frustrated, and then probably destructive.

Malamutes have a thick, coarse double coat. Their heavy coats need a proper brushing twice weekly, every other day during shedding season. Because their coats sheds so easily, it is rarely dirty. So they hardly ever need to take a bath. By all accounts, Malamutes are clean and odorless.

They are very heavy shedders.

Health Problems of Alaskan Malamute Dogs

Alaskan Malamutes have an average life expectancy of about twelve to fifteen years.

The two main health issues that are common to this breed are cataracts and CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Other minor health concerns that may occur include hypothyroidism and chondrodysplasia. They also seem to be prone to bloat.

Veterinarians recommend that Alaskan Malamute dogs be tested for potential hip, thyroid, and eye problems.

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book: