BACKGROUND The Shar-Pei originated in China and has a history dating back 2000 years. Although the exact place of origin is unclear, statues indicate they came from somewhere in southern China, Tibet or Dah-Lel. The name Shar-Pei literally translates to mean sand skin. This is from the breed’s characteristic harsh coat. Shar-Pei were used as general utility dogs for herding and guarding. They were also known as tomb dogs, relating to the discovery in ancient tombs of 2000-year-old statues bearing their likeness. When China became a communist country, a tax was brought in that made the keeping of dogs a luxury and basically out of reach of the average farmer. In 1947 the tax was increased and breeding banned. This led to the Shar-Pei becoming an endangered breed and it was listed with the Guinness Book of Records in 1978 as the world’s rarest dog. The first registered Shar-Pei were imported into Australia in 1981 with the first litter in 1985.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN The average lifespan for a Shar-Pei is 10 to 12 years.
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BACKGROUND
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog with its origin to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herders or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the people and driving their cattle. Then at the beginning of the 20th Century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler was among those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the task and therefore they were officially recognised as police dogs in 1910.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Rottweilers can live up to 12 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
56cm to 68cm
42kg to 50kg (more…)
BACKGROUND
The German Shepherd did not exist prior to 1899. The founder of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the dogs to work. This is still a priority with many breeders today, coupled with the need for a sound body, along with the trusted and loyal temperament that makes the German Shepherd such an ideal companion.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
These clever dogs usually live to eight years of age, but with plenty of care and fed the right amount of nutrition, German Shepherds can live up to 10 years. (more…)
BACKGROUND
The picturesque spotting of the Dalmatian makes this breed among the most distinctive of dogs. Pups are born white and begin to acquire their black or liver spots at about two weeks old. Although a breed of ancient lineage, in Victorian times the Dalmatian gained a reputation as a carriage dog and ran with the horses, either out in front, beside or behind the carriage of the nobility. The Dalmatian had a natural affinity with horses, a trait that is still very strong today. Put most Dalmatians anywhere near a horse and they will immediately go and greet it. Any dog that has been a drover of cattle, a trekker in two World Wars and the Vietnam War, earned a place on the racing fire engine, been the darling of the Victorian dandy, a show dog, a trick dog, a gundog, and a hunter, need only be given half a chance to win a place in your heart and your life.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
Dalmatians can live up to 12 years of age, but with the proper care and attention and fed the right nutrition they will often live up to 14 years. (more…)
BACKGROUND
The Borzoi (or Russian Wolfhound) originated in Russia and was bred as a hunting dog, using its excellent speed and sight to chase and run down foxes, hares and wolves. The agility and strength of the Borzoi lent itself perfectly to the great hunting traditions of the Russian aristocracy. The first Borzoi was exported to Australia in 1898.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
This unique animal normally lives to 10 years of age, but Borzois have been known to live up to 12 years of age when fed the correct nutrition.
AVERAGE SIZE & WEIGHT
This is a tall dog with a typical female being 65cm to 70cm tall and weighing up to 35kg while the male grows up to 85cm and weighs 48kg. (more…)
