BACKGROUND
In 1807, an English ship was wrecked off the coast of Maryland and the survivors included two puppies, a red male named Sailor and a black bitch named Canton. The puppies were of the St John’s Newfoundland breed that was used to help fishermen retrieve their nets. The local waterfowl hunters used these pups and their offspring soon became known for their courage and prowess in the icy cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The original pups were crossed with other breeds in this area, including water spaniels, curly and flat- coated retrievers, pointers, setters and coonhounds. Always the selection of breeding stock was based entirely on superior working ability.
The strength and endurance of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, with its incredible courage, enabled these dogs to make long swims and to retrieve more than 200 ducks or geese in a single day. The breed gained the reputation of a peerless water-retrieving dog in snow, ice and heavy seas as cold water does not bother them.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can live up to 12 years of age, but will soon reach 14 years if fed correctly and given a loving environment in which to thrive.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
A healthy male should weigh 36kg and be 66cm tall while the bitch should be 25kg and 54cm in height.
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BACKGROUND
Cairn Terriers were one of the original breeds of Scotland, originating in the Highlands and the West Coast Islands. The Cairn has been bred since time immemorial for its ability to go to earth and claw its way through piles of rocks (cairns) to get to the vermin hiding in these areas. Previously known as the Shorthaired or Prick Eared Skye Terrier, it was named the Cairn Terrier in 1910.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
These extremely friendly dogs can usually live for 12 years, but it is not unusual for Cairn Terriers to live up to 15 years of age if fed the right nutrition and given plenty of affection.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
The Cairn Terrier bitch in good condition is typically 6kg and 28cm tall with the male being 7.5kg and 30cm tall.
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BACKGROUND
The Bearded Collie has evolved during hundreds of years to perform specialised tasks in the service of man and was first bred by sheep farmers to work the rugged ranges of the Scottish Highlands. As its working ability was all that mattered, there was no concern for accurately recording their history. It is possible that the very early origins of the Bearded Collie may be found in the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, although this connection is not documented.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
A Bearded Collie will normally live to 15 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE
51cm to 56cm
22kg to 28kg
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BACKGROUND
The word Basset is French and means “low-set”. The first detailed proof of the Basset’s existence was in 1585 where they were used as badger dogs. Their original home was the region of Artois and Flanders.
The French Basset hound was first discovered in Britain, after the invasion by the Normans, in 1066. By the 1900s, packs were established and the breed was popular on the show bench. In 1957 Bassets were sent to Sydney, where today they are found throughout Australia.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Basset Hounds will normally live to 10 years of age but can live up to 12 years when given lots of love and attention as well as being fed the correct diet.
AVERAGE SIZE
These dogs in top condition should be up to 18kg and 33cm for the females and 25kg and 38cm for the males.
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BACKGROUND
Alaskan Malamutes are big, powerful active dogs that have been bred for their ability to pull heavy loads over long distances.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
These large dogs usually live for eight years, but with loving care and sound nutrition Alaskan Malamutes can live up to 10 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
Alaskan Malamute bitches in peak condition normally weigh up to 34kg and are 59cm tall, while the male usually weighs up to 39kg and is 64cm tall.
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