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
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. (more…)
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. (more…)
BACKGROUND
The Bull Terrier is known as the gladiator of the canine race and is one of the oldest terrier breeds native to England. The Bull Terrier was originally bred for combat with dogs and other animals, a sport that was permissible in England in the 1800s. Since the late 1800s the Bull Terrier has been bred as a companion dog.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Bull Terriers will normally live for 10 years, but given heaps of attention and the right foods it can live up to 13 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
The healthy male of this breed should be 22kg and 38cm tall, while the female should be 16kg and 30cm tall. (more…)
