Information on Loughborough

Briard Dog Breed

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Briard Dog BreedBy John M Williams

Group: Herding

Weight: 75-100 lbs

Height: male: 23-27, female: 22-25.5 inches

Overview

Briards have been known for many centuries, however they are originally from the Brie region in France. Their ancestry goes as far back as over one thousand years. The Briard was originally bred to be a herding dog. The French Army also used this dog to be a messenger, a guard and to look for soldiers that have been wounded. Briards are still being used as herders, and they are also respected companion dogs. The Briard is very talented in areas such as search and rescue, police work, military work, herding, watch dogging and guarding.

Temperament

The Briard is a typical farm worker and they live to herd almost anything. Briards have an excellent hearing ability and they are also very kind. This breed is very protective, and therefore makes excellent watchdogs. These dogs are very receptive, funny and submissive, however they have a mind of their own. Seeing that these dogs have been working for humans for a long time, they have a very peaceful and sweet nature. The Briard is also very brave, reliable and daring. They have an excellent memory, and shows lots of initiative. The Briard is a very trainable dog.

Care

The Briard is a medium shedding dog breed. They have long, thick coats that should be combed about twice during the week. It is advised that they are combed more often during the shedding season.

Training

It is compulsory that the Briard receives intense socialisation and obedience training at a very young age. They need firm owners that are able to take control. Very often these dogs end up in shelters because people don't understand they can be quite a challenge to raise and to live with. If this breed is not brought up in an suitable way, they can turn out to be particularly aloof, afraid, or even both. They will not react well to unkind, unjust, or rough training methods. These training methods will give the dogs grounds to become reserved and aggressive. Training must be done with constancy, determination, patience, and love. The Briard will do very well at search and rescue, police training, and protection work.

Health Problems

Briards do have a few health problems potential owners should be aware of. These problems include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy which cause a loss of vision and in some cases blindness. These dogs also have problems with stationary night blindness, lymphosarcoma and bloat.

For more info on Briard or a full list of Dog Breeds visit this Dog Training resource website.

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Border Collie

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Border CollieBy John M Williams

Breed group: Herding Weight: 30-45 lbs Height: male: 20-23, female: 18-21 inches

Overview

The Border Collie is originally from Northumberland where they have first been bred during the 19th century. Border Collies are exceptional herders and this tough and tireless sheepdog is capable of mastering any kind of herd. Many believe that the Border Collie has an eye that can mesmerize cattle. They crouch down and hypnotize the animals with their intense gaze. Being one of the most trainable breeds, the Border Collie also does very well as a narcotics and bomb detection dog. They also perform well in obedience, Frisbee trials, police work, search and rescue and fly ball.

Temperament

Border Collies are extremely intelligent and responsive dogs. They perform very well in obedience, agility and Frisbee trails. They flourish on admiration, are responsive and very trainable. This breed is full of life with immense endurance. Provided it gets sufficient activity to keep it occupied and ample exercise, Border Collies will get along happily with other dogs and children provided they get enough exercise. They may however be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex, and should also not be left alone with non-canine animals. It is important to socialise the Border Collie enough when young so that they are not shy when older. These dogs require lots of attention, stimulation and exercise to be happy. The Border Collie lives for serving their owners' day in and day out, however will not be ideal for those with not enough time to spend with their animals. These dogs are too bright to sit around the house with no job.

Care

Border Collie will need to be combed and brushedregularly to make sure their coats are in a good condition. However, during shedding seasons extra care is required. They should only be bathed or dry shampooed when it is deemed necessary. It is also advised that their ears and coats are checked for ticks on a regular basis. The Border Collie is an average shedding breed.

Training

Early socialisation and obedience training is strongly recommended for this breed. The Border Collie is very trainable, and will do greatest in a training environment with enough praise, consistency, fairness and respect. Seeing that this is a very sensitive dog, they should never be treated in a cruel or unkind manner. These dogs are exceptionally talented in herding, police work, competitive obedience, search and rescue, Frisbee trials, and fly ball. Border Collies are also used effectively as rehabilitation dogs and guide dogs for people that are blind.

Health problems

In generally the Border Collie is a very tough breed, however they do have some medical conditions potential owners should be aware of such as hip dysplasia that can cause mild to severe lameness, osteochondritis dissecans which is a degenerative disease of the joints, progressive retinal, epilepsy and deafness.

For more info on Border Collie or a full list of Dog Breeds visit this Dog Training resource website.

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Bullmastiff - Dog Breeds

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Bullmastiff - Dog BreedsBy John M Williams

Group: Working

Weight: male 110-130, female: 100-120 lbs

Height: male: 25-27, female: 24-26 inches

Overview

The Bullmastiff is a cross between the Bulldog and the Mastiff, and consists of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. This breed was developed in England, and these dogs go as far back as 1795. These dogs were used by gamekeepers to follow, tackle and hold poachers. Although these dogs were aggressive and frightening, they were trained not to bite the intruders. The Bullmastiff is a respected hunting guard, and is also used successfully in army and police work. The Diamond Society of South Africa has also used these dogs as watchdogs.

Temperament

Bullmastiffs are very reliable and observant guard dogs. This is a dog with a very pleasant nature, although they can be stubborn at times. In general these dogs are passive, unless they are aggravated. The Bullmastiff is a brave dog that is protective, however at the same time very affectionate. Although they are hesitant to attack, they will catch an impostor if it is required of them. Bullmastiffs are also very tolerant of children. This breed is intelligent, calm and reliable. These dogs prosper on human attention. The Bullmastiff is a particularly imposing dog and will need a firm owner.

It is vital for this breed to receive sufficient obedience training, and also to not pull on the restraint.

Care

The grooming requirements for theBullmastiff are not very high. Their coats can be kept in a good condition by brushing it on an occasional basis. Dead and loose hair can be removed by using a glove or damp cloth to wipe down their coat. The grooming needs of this breed are a bit higher during the shedding season.

Training

The Bullmastiff is especially sensitive to the tone of their owners' voice. It is crucial for this dog to be handled firmly if they are to achieve success in training. These dogs perform fairly well in obedience training and exceptionally well when used as guard or watch dogs. The training environment for the Bullmastiff should also be firm patient and fair. These dogs will not perform well if cruel or unkind training methods are employed.

Health problems

In general the Bullmastiff is a healthy and athletic dog, however they are prone to several health problems. These problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion and lymphoma cancer which is fairly common in this breed.

For more info on Bullmastiff or a full list of Dog Breeds visit this Dog Training resource website.