The Dogs

The Border Collie is a sheep-herding dog of exceptional qualities. For many years the Border Collie has excelled at sheepdog trials as a dog with uncanny instinctive abilities to herd sheep. The dog performs this function often without any direction from the herder. When direction is given it is through low whistles or hand signals on the part of the human Master. The Border Collie will lie down with uncanny timing and precision, will dart in or out at just the right moment to guide the sheep, all the while maintaining an intense eye contact or “staring” at the sheep; this eye contact is a well known characteristic of the breed. Anyone who has seen this dog perform at herding trials cannot help but be fascinated by the outstanding talents of the breed.

The Border Collie originated as the name implies, from the border territories of England and Scotland. The first Sheepdog Trials were held in North Wales in 1873, where a dog named “Tweed” won the trial and also a prize for being “the most handsome dog”. It is said that this dog became the foundation of the Border Collie breed.

The Border Collie was imported into Australia as a working sheepdog. The breed developed in that country as a versatile herding dog. It was used very successfully on both sheep and cattle and in the vast ranchlands of Australia became well known as the herding dog of choice. When it later began to be imported into the United States, it also joined the ranks of the dogs who are shown in dog shows and is popular as an Agility dog and Obedience dog.

The dog is extremely agile, able to crouch, spring and corner skilfully for the purpose of driving the recalcitrant sheep or cattle into line. The Border’s coat should not be overly abundant yet should be double and thick enough to be weather resistant. In appearance it is most like the collie but with shorter length of feathers. There is a “smooth coat” variety of this breed, however this variety appears mostly in Great Britain and the most popular type of coat is the “rough coat”. The dog is of medium height and build and comes in many colors, but white should never be predominant.

This breed is highly instinctive. Coincidentally, both The Border collie and the Newfoundland have been used in the genetic studies of the Human Genome Research Project as the DNA markers for comparison of strong inherited behavioral tendencies. The Border Collie is noted as one of the most intelligent of breeds and is not happy without a job to do. It learns quickly and enjoys the challenge of learning. This is not a dog who will be happy left alone for hours in a house and also should not be left unsupervised in an unfenced area. This dog needs mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy.

The dog does well in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Sheep Herding Trials and is a popular Conformation breed. Furthermore their medium size and high intelligence have made them quite useful as Search and Rescue dogs. These dogs should always exhibit stable temperament and be absolutely without shyness. People who have this dog as a pet or as a utility dog will have a loyal and faithful friend, one who will respond eagerly and willingly to any request and is happiest when asked to perform a job.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Animals.

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A Dalmatian is a breed of dog known for its black spots which cover its white coat. In the United States, Dalmatians are often portrayed as firehouse dogs.

A popular breed, Dalmatians are midsized, muscular and have great endurance. Dalmatians’ coats are dense, short and very fine. The base color of this breed is white, with round spots in black or brown. A Dalmatians feet are small and round and their nails are either the same color of their spots or white. The color of their nose also depends on the color of the spots that they have. The eyes of a Dalmatian share an intelligent expression and are either brown or blue. The ears are high and thin and are close to the dog’s head. Spots on Dalmatians come later, as Dalmatian puppies are born fully white.

The Dalmatian breed was named after Dalmatia, an area in the Venetia Republic, in the 18th century. The breed’s origin is not known for sure, but it is believed to be either Yugoslavia, Egypt, Greece, or Rome.

At 22 to 24 inches tall and about 55 pounds, the dog breed is known for being a working dog. Although not specialized in one area, often Dalmatians herded and hunted. It was also used as a carriage dog - a type of dog who used to run next to a carriage and clear the way, help control horses and to guard the carriage. With training, Dalmatians can gain a high level of obedience.

As past history of being a carriage dog shows, the Dalmatian breed is active and needs exercise. Though they may be too rough and big for younger kids, they are good companions for teens with their playful attitude. They need companionship and affection too, as they can become depressed. Dalmatians are known as having good memories and being loyal and kind.

Unfortunately, some Dalmatians (about 10%) tend to have hereditary deafness, which is somewhat common in all-white breeds. There is a strong relationship between blue eyes and deafness, too. The average lifespan of a Dalmatian is 10 to 12 years. Dalmatians also suffer from a lack of uricase, an enzyme which breaks down uric acid. Without this enzyme, uric acid can cause bladder stones or gout, as it builds up in joints. To reduce the likelihood of stones, owners should not feed Dalmatians organ meats.

The Dalmatian breed got very popular after the 1956 novel “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” and the Disney animated film with the same name. Sadly, some owners bought Dalmatians because of the film but were unaware of the high amount of exercise that Dalmatians need. Dalmatians even like to swim, but owners must be careful as wet ears can cause an ear infection.

Although they are easy to keep breed, Dalmatians need to be frequently brushed to deal with the constant shedding. Their nails also need to be kept trimmed as they tend to grow quickly. However, they only needs baths when necessary as they have no doggy odor and like to stay clean.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs

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Few breeds are as widely loved as the Maltese. This intelligent and affectionate pet is popular all over the world with the rich and famous as well as the commoners.

The Maltese is a playful and adventurous little dog with a rich history dating back more than 28 centuries.

As with every breed there is some disagreement about the first traces of the breed. Some say the dog originated in Sweden and is a descendent of a Spitz type dog.

The Greeks believe the first Maltese originated in the Isle of Malta. They called this dog “Melitaie Dog”. Melitae was the ancient name for Malta. Some sources indicate the Maltese originated in Asia.

The earliest artifacts resembling Maltese dogs was found in Egypt. These date back to between 600-300 B.C.- suggesting that the ancient Egyptians worshipped early forms of the Maltese.

There are many historical pictoral representations of these dogs. Greek cermaic art and many Greek and roman philosphers also mention the Maltese. Aristotle and many other noteworthy philosophers and historians mention the dog. The Greeks even erected tombs to their Maltese.

These tiny dogs most likely made their way through Europe and the Middle East as nomadic tribes migrated. Some say the little dogs were used in bartering and in this way the Maltese found its way around Europe, and beyond.

The Maltese was regarded as a upper class dog, prized by aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. In the middle of the 19th Century it was regarded as quite fashionable to have a Maltese in your pocket or handbag. Some even believed that the dog possessed magical healing powers.

The first records of the Maltese in Britian is during the reign of Henry VIII. Many royals have enjoyed Maltese companions since then. Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria also owned Maltese.

Nobody documented how the Maltese came to America. The Maltese were first seen in the US in the late 1800’s. The first Maltese was white and listed as a “Maltese Lion Dog” at the first show in 1877. The American Kennel Club started recognizing the breed in 1888.

Maltese owners come from all walks of life. Many pop culture icons have owned these good natured little dogs. Marylin Monroe, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett are some of the famous owners.

Most likely its white color and long silky coat had a great deal to do with its popularity. It also has alot to do with its great personality

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide.

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