BACKGROUND
The origin of the Irish Setter is not known, although it is believed that it evolved from a combination of land spaniels. These were imported to Ireland from Spain when the Spaniards helped the Irish in their rebellion against the British. It should be noted that this breed (which was established as early as 1800) was not originally a solid colour, but a combination of red and white.
Through selective breeding the rich, mahogany red colour we know today was derived. Irish Setters were originally used to “set” game, hence the name “setters”. They found upland birds and crouched down close to their find so that the hunter could come and throw a net over dogs and birds. When firearms were introduced, this practice was discontinued, as the hunter wanted a dog that pointed, flushed game and hunted with an upright stance.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Irish Setters live from between 10 to 14 years of age.
AVERAGE HEIGHT & WEIGHT
58cm to 70cm
24kg to 32kg
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BACKGROUND
Bullmastiffs were bred to catch, pin and hold down poachers in the forests of England. The gamekeepers needed an agile, strong and obedient dog, so they crossed the English Mastiff and the British Bulldog. These dogs were more aggressive than is considered either necessary or acceptable in today’s Bullmastiff.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
These big dogs normally live to eight years of age, but fed correctly and given the love and respect they deserve Bullmastiffs will usually live up to 10 years.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
This is another big dog where a healthy bitch can weigh up to 45kg and reach 61cm in height, while the male weighs in at 60kg and can grow to 73cm tall.
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BACKGROUND
The origin of the Dachshund has been lost in antiquity and there is much conjecture as to its origin. However, it is generally accepted that the breed came to prominence in Germany where it was used by foresters and noblemen to hunt badger, fox and rabbits in dense forests where a larger animal would have difficulty in pursuing its quarry.
The Dachshund is a unique breed in that there are three different coats, Long, Wire and Smooth and two sizes, Standard and Miniature. These varieties were each developed for a specific purpose, mainly depending upon the type of terrain encountered in their district of origin.
Today’s Dachshund in Australia and England is not normally used for hunting and is only bred as a faithful companion or show dog.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
This popular little dog usually lives up to 12 years of age, but given a loving home and the correct nutrition Dachshunds will often live up to 14 years of age.
AVERAGE HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Happy and healthy dogs of this breed should be 4.5kg and 15cm in height for the females and 12kg to 20cm tall for the males.
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BACKGROUND
Nothing is quite certain about the origin of this small bulldog. The French claim them as a national breed, the English consider them to be a descendant of the British Bulldog. The latter landed in France in 1850s with Lace makers from Nottingham, who crossed the Normandy, taking small bulldogs with them.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
This friendly animal normally lives to 10 years of age, but with plenty of care and attention to feeding the right diet the French Bulldog can live up to 12 years of age.
AVERAGE HEIGHT & WEIGHT
In peak condition the female should be about 11kg and stand 28cm while the male bulldog is 13kg and is 30cm tall. Continue Reading…
BACKGROUND
This dog is famous in England for its use in fox hunting packs. It is believed this well known breed was developed from the Saint Hubert Hound (looks similar to a bloodhound) and arrived in the UK during the Norman invasion. The St Hubert Hound was first developed in the Ardennes Abbey in Switzerland.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The average lifespan of a Foxhound is 12 years but, with good care and nutrition, can live up to 14 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
The ideal height for the bitch is 58cm and should weigh up to 25kg, while the male is normally 69cm and weighs up to 34kg. Continue Reading…
