Information on Loughborough

Brussels Griffon

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Brussels GriffonBy John M Williams

Group: Toy

Weight: 8-10 lbs

Height: 7-8 inches

Overview

There are three types of the Griffon, the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Griffon. The Brussels Griffon was first revealed at the 1880 Brussels exhibition and can also be seen in the paintings of Van Eyck, a Flemish painter. Originally these dogs were kept to keep vermin away, however today these dogs are companion dogs due to their charming character. This breed is well-known for it human-like expression, and is also very cheerful.

Temperament

The Brussels Griffon is a very bright dog that is also very alert. This is a pleasant toy dog that makes an ideal companion dog. These dogs are spirited and curious, and they can also be very amusing and entertaining when they want to be. But they will also enjoy just lying on the laps of their owners. This is a very independent dog that also has a controlling streak if they are not rightly taught when young. At the same time the Griffon is also very receptive, sharp and enjoyable to be around. The Brussels Griffon likes children - however is better if the children they are around are older. Children that are energetic and younger could put this dog in danger seeing that they are so small. This is not an outwardly aggressive dog, however they can be shy with new people and situations. The Brussels griffon prefers a calm setting, and will try to avoid confrontation to the greatest of their ability.

Care

The Brussels Griffon is not a heavy shedding dog, and shed very small hair. This is a low maintenance dog that does not require a lot of maintenance. A daily brushing is sufficient to keep their coats in a good condition and to prevent any mats from forming. It is important to also clean the beard around their mouths to avoid cakes from forming.

Training

It is important to be very consistent when training the Brussels Griffon. These dogs loose interest fairly quickly, and obedience classes is very important for these dogs at a young age. A good idea is to make the training sessions fun as this will help to keep the attention of these dogs.

Health problems

The Brussels Griffon does not suffer from canine conditions more or less than any other dog breed. Some of the conditions they have problems with include narrowed nostrils which can sometimes hinder their breathing, prolapse of the eyeball, eyeball lacerations, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

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

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German Wirehaired Pointer - Dog Breeds

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German Wirehaired Pointer - Dog BreedsBy John M Williams

Group: Sporting

Weight: 45-75 lbs

Height: 22-26 inches

Overview

The German Wirehaired Pointer was first bred in the late 1800s and in the beginning of the 1900s in Germany. The origin of this breed is based on the thoughts of Sigismund Freiherr von Zedlitz und Neukirch. It was cautiously crossbred from the German Pointer and numerous other breeds. Not everyone agrees on all of these breeds, however it is believed that these breeds were the Wirehaired Griffon, the Poodle-Pointer, the Foxhound and the Bloodhound. In Germany, the Wirehaired Pointer is the most chic / stylish / trendy / hip / cool dog. It was however only formally recognized during the 1920s. Temperament

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a very clever, lively and affectionate breed. They like to have a job to do, and without enough exercise they can become bored and difficult to handle. It is imperative for these dogs to be kept busy or to be occupied with outdoor activities. The puppies of this breed are full of energy and very rambunctious. This breed only matures when about two years old. When bored, these dogs will bark excessively or chew destructively. The German Wirehaired Pointer shows strong signs of separation anxiety and does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. These dogs are very devoted family pets, however they can at times be jealous. They make brilliant watch dogs and are also very protective of their owners and families. These dogs should be socialised when still young, as they tend to be wary ofstrangers later on.

Care

The grooming requirements for the German Wirehaired Pointer are fairly low. They will however need a brushing twice during the week as they do shed. During the shedding seasons, they should also be plucked and stripped by a professional or expert groomer. The German Wirehaired Pointer is an average shedding dogs. This breed can be bathed when it is required.

Training

It is vital for the German Wirehaired pointer to be brought into contact with other animals and humans from puppyhood onwards. Even though they are inclined to be stubborn at times, they are still very eager to please their owners. Obedience training for these dogs is important, and it should be done in a firm manner. The German Wirehaired Pointer will do very well in retrieving, tracking and hunting activities.

Health problems

Some of the known health problems the German Wirehaired Pointer struggles with are hip dysplasia, entropion and cataracts.

Visit the following links for more info on the German Wirehaired Pointer or a full list of Dog Breeds.

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Bouvier Des Flandres

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Bouvier Des FlandresBy John M Williams

Group: Herding Weight: 69-90 lbs Height: male: 24-28, female: 24-27 inches

Overview

Not everyone agrees on the origin of this Franco-Belgian breed. This breed may have been created by crossing the Griffon and the Beauceron. At first the Bouvier des Flandres dog was a cattle herding dog, and they were also extensively used as a rescue dog and message-carrier during the First World War. As a result of their skill during the war and the nearly entire destruction of Flandres; the breed was almost entirely killed off. In 1923, after the war, the Bouvier was reconstructed by a small number of individuals and a breed association for these dogs were also established in Belgium. Currently the Bouvier des Flandres serves as a watchdog, protector, family friend and as a tracking dog. This dog has also been used successfully as a guide for the blind and in search and rescue operations.

Temperament

Bouviers are very docile dogs that have a pleasant personality. Although they look very intimidating, they are in fact very peaceful and calm. These dogs are intense faithful, even tempered and without fear. They are exceptional guard and watchdogs, and are very trainable. Bouviers also learns commands very quickly and will need a stable training environment that is also consistent. If learned a new command, the Bouvier will remember it for the rest of its life. It is also very important to let this breed know who the boss right from the start is. Bouviers need skilled training in order to prevent dominance problems later on. They should be socialised well from puppy hood onwards to steer clear of over-protectiveness and timidity.

Care

The shaggy coat of the Bouvierrequires a lot of attention, and it is vital to brush their long coats frequently. They should however only be bathed when it is really necessary. Bouviers will require a trimming about three times during the year, and surplus hair should also be removed from the inside of their ears. The hairs between the pads of their feet should also be kept trimmed. If the Bouvier is groomed well, they will not loose a lot of hair. Some people believe that Bouvier are good for allergy sufferers seeing that they do not shed a lot.

Training

Consistent training is a must for this breed. They can be very stubborn at times, and will therefore require firm training. The Bouvier is very quick to learn, and makes an excellent guard dog. In general these dogs are very easy to train.

Health problems

The Bouvier des Flanders has a very high tolerance for pain, and also a very healthy and tough constitution. These dogs are not a high demand dog due to their size, and this makes them less likely to be caught up in backyard breeding programs that have seriously damaged other more fashionable breeds. Some of the most common health issues with Bouvier des Flanders are hip dysplasia, bloating and entropion.

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