German Wire-Haired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a medium-large hunting dog, slightly longer than they are tall and with a harsh wire coat that protects the body. They come with distinctive eyebrows and a distinguished-looking beard. These dogs are full of stamina, so they like to be kept active with lots of walks and games.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Weight:
25-34kg for males and 20.5-29kg for females
Height:
60-67cm for males and 56-62cm for females
Colours:
Liver and white, solid liver, and black and white
Size:
Large
UK Kennel Club Groups:
Hound
Personality

Gentle and even tempered, the German Wire-Haired Pointer is a friendly, hard-working companion, and while they lack a little of the speed of their smooth coated cousins, they are the stronger, more rugged of the German Pointers, and really can go all day. Keen to learn and affectionate to their loved ones, the GWP needs to be well exercised mentally and physically, and to spend quality time with their family to remain happy and well-balanced.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin:  Germany

 

Germany has a long history of hunting with dogs and particularly with wire-coated multi-function dogs that are hardy, resilient and can point, flush, and retrieve in all weathers. It is hard to pin-point the GWP’s exact ancestry, as breeders were more interested in function than appearance and so bred from dogs with good working records that suited their needs rather than dogs that looked the same! As the GWP was one of the less speedy gundogs, they nearly died out as a type, until a local breeder who recognised their value set out to save them in 1865. It wasn’t until 1970 however that the breed was officially recognised.  It is possible the German Wirehaired Pointer has links to Airedale Terriers, Foxhounds, possibly even French Griffons as well as other German pointing breeds. 

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Large breed dogs, such as the German Wirehaired Pointer, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.

Exercise

This is the ultimate in all-terrain, all-weather outdoor dogs. The German Wirehaired Pointer needs at least two hours of daily dog exercise, ideally involving some scent work, free running and training across a variety of routes. If you enjoy running, gundog sports, working and field trials, agility, even falconry, this may be the ideal breed for you. They will enjoy sharing the sofa with you as well, but only after a full day out and about, working their nose, legs and brain! A bored GWP however will find their own entertainment and can become destructive.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The German Wire-Haired Pointer is generally a healthy breed. However, as with many breeds, they can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. Epilepsy is also seen more commonly in this breed. Check with the Kennel Club and breed clubs for the most up to date health information.

 

Space requirements

 

This is a medium to large active dog that wants to be out and about in all weathers. Not ideally suited to small homes or town/city homes, but excellent in the rural or rural-suburban home with a large secure garden and access to a variety of interesting walking routes.

 

Training german wire-haired pointers

 

The German Wire-Haired Pointer is easy to train if you understand their motivation (hunting, retrieving, carrying things in the mouth, food) and are willing to work hard to have them believe that working with you will lead to all the good things in life. Dog training for this breed will be an on-going daily thing for life rather than something you do in one-hour sessions at the local village hall. Pay particular attention to recall, and retrieve as GWP’s are independent thinkers and can cover a lot of ground and adore carrying things in their mouths which can lead to conflict if not understood.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

A great companion for the active family with older children who enjoy long walks and dog training as a hobby. Not ideal for those with very young families or those who do not have the time to commit to the GWP’s exercise and training needs. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

In Britain in the 1800’s the trend was to develop specific dogs for each hunting task, hence the wide variety of spaniels, setters and pointers we have today! In mainland Europe however breeders focused on producing all-rounders, the ‘Hunt/Point/Retrieve’ or HPR breeds. These dogs, of which the German Wire-Haired Pointer is one example, were excellent at hunting, pointing, flushing, springing and retrieving, meaning all those jobs could be done by one dog. European efficiency at its best!

 

German Spitz (Mittel)

Medium-sized and compact, the German Spitz (Mittel) has the attractive foxy face and curled tail typical of spitz breeds. They have an abundant long coat, particularly around the neck where it forms a frill of profuse hair. Hair on the face is short and smooth, pricked ears are covered with soft short hair and the limbs are well feathered. Tail should be profusely covered in long, spreading hair.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Lifespan:
13 – 15 years
Weight:
7 – 11kg
Height:
30 – 38cm
Colours:
Comes in a variety of colours and variations
Size:
Medium
Kennel Club Group:
Utility
Personality

Active and alert, the German Spitz Mittel is a happy, confident dog with an even temper and should show no signs of aggression or nervousness. They adore human company and love to be included in any family activity. They do not enjoy being left alone and do not make a good companion for people who will regularly leave them. Whilst small, they are intelligent and should be kept entertained and content with training and exercise. A bored German Spitz is liable to be a very noisy and irritable house-mate!

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin:  Germany

 

Descending from larger Nordic herding dogs such as the Samoyed, which were taken to Germany and Holland by the Vikings during the Middle Ages, the German Spitz Mittel is, not surprisingly, the middle sized of the five recognised German Spitz types.By the 1700’s the German Spitz became a fashionable pet of British society, and were used to produce the smaller Pomeranian (and then later to improve the increasingly tiny Pomeranian then struggling due to its very small size).

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular?body condition?scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

An hour and a half per day, split into two walks will suffice for the German Spitz, as long as there is company, training, games and other entertainment on hand for the majority of the day. This is a multi-purpose companion breed happy to sit on their owner’s knee while still alert to danger and be fun company always up for a game or an outing. Due to the thick coat, exercise should be in the coolest parts of the day in summer.

Other Information

Health and common concerns

 

The German Spitz is generally a relatively healthy breed. Like many breeds they can suffer from hereditary eye disorders and therefore eye testing prior to breeding is advised. Epilepsy and kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place also occur in the breed.

 

Space requirements

 

The German Spitz Mittel will fit into most homes, but a secure garden is important. Space to groom, and to dry off a wet dog should be considered, as their coat does require some care and can hold a surprising amount of water and mud (although they will often avoid the latter). Because of their tendency to alert to suspicious activity, a quiet home will do better than a busy one, and whilst they can fit into an inner-city environment, this may be stressful and overwhelming for them if busy and noisy.

 

Training a german spitz mittel

 

Early socialisation and habituation is necessary to build confidence. Using positive reinforcement and motivation, the enthusiastic German Spitz can be taught a range of fun tricks and useful behaviours, and this should definitely be done to keep their active and clever minds occupied. Capable of achieving respectable results in competition at agility and obedience if you want to put in the work, they will enjoy time spent with their owners, no matter what the occupation.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

A fun family dog if all the family can be involved in training and exercise. Very small children find it hard to differentiate between ‘small dog’ and ‘stuffed toy’ and as the German Spitz as a puppy is very small and incredibly cute, it may be better to wait until children are older. The German Spitz is very much a companion dog and not well equipped to spend long periods alone, which may well rule out full time working families. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

Spitz type dogs have been around a long time. Skeletal remains of spitz types have been found associated with human settlements from five to six thousand years ago, throughout Central Europe. Whilst now their behavioural traits can differ from the companion type tiny fluffy spitz’s to the hunting spitz’s willing to take on boar and bear, to the sled pulling spitz’s of the frozen tundra, in form they are all recognisably “spitzy”, with their foxy faces, pricked ears, plush coats and curled tails. 

 

German Spitz Klein

The German Spitz Klein is a small, compact, long-coated dog with a typical spitzy head and tail curled over the back. They can be seen in all colours and variations. It should be obvious of the dog's sex – with males being masculine in appearance and females feminine. Adult German Spitz Klein stand at 23-29cm and weigh 8-10kg.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Personality

The German Spitz Klein is a happy, friendly dog. A confident, even-tempered companion, there should be no signs of nervousness or aggression. They are very active and alert and love human company, liking nothing better than to be included in any family activities.

 

History and Origins

The German Spitz breed descends directly from the Nordic herding dogs, like the Samoyed, which were taken to Germany and Holland by the Vikings during the Middle Ages. These dogs then spread throughout Europe and were crossed with other herding/shepherd breeds, making the foundation of the Spitz type. By the 1700s, the Spitz became the fashion of British society and were bred smaller in Victorian times to produce the toy Pomeranian. 

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

The German Spitz Klein needs little exercise when compared with other larger breeds. About half an hour a day should suffice for an adult though he will happily accept more if it is offered. They do enjoy a run or a walk and will quite happily occupy themselves in the garden all day with their owners.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The German Spitz Klein is generally a relatively healthy breed. Like many breeds they can suffer from hereditary eye disorders and therefore eye testing prior to breeding is advised. Epilepsy and kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place also occur in the breed.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

German Short-Haired Pointer

The short-haired German Pointer is a large, muscular, noble-looking dog. Energetic and affectionate, these dogs might be difficult to handle for first-time owners, but they’re a joy to be around and will make a lovely companion.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Life Span:
12–14 years
Weight:
25–32kg
Height:
Males measure between 58–64cm and females 53–59cm
Colours:
Liver, white and black
Size:
Large
Kennel Club group:
Gundog
Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a gentle, loving, people-oriented dog who makes a good companion for an active family or individual who can give them the exercise, training and attention they need. They are highly attached to their owners and do not like to be left alone. They may not be reliable with small fluffy animals or unfamiliar cats although can learn to get on with their own.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Germany

 

The German Shorthaired Pointer was created in Germany in the 17th century by crossing the Spanish Pointer with some of the early German bird dog breeds and, some historians suggest, Bloodhound. This was successful, but the new breed was heavy and slow and so in the 19th century steps were taken to improve the breed by crossing them with the English Pointer which produced a lighter, faster dog.However, the emphasis has always been on the breed’s searching ability rather than their speed. The GSP is one of the versatile Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR) breeds and is happy to work on land and water. To their supporters, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the perfect, all-round gundog.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. German Shorthaired Pointers need a balanced diet that includes the main nutrients groups and a constant supply of fresh water.

Exercise

The German Shorthaired Pointer is very active and needs at least two hours of daily dog exercise. In addition to this they need plenty of enrichment, brain-games, training and stimulation to prevent them getting bored and making up their own entertainment - which can include digging, chewing, hyper-activity and generally getting up to mischief!

Other Information

Health and common concerns

 

The short-haired German Pointer is generally a healthy breed. However, as with many breeds, they can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. Epilepsy is also seen more commonly in this breed.

 

Space requirements

 

This is a large country dog who needs space both indoors and out - and plenty of open countryside for exercise.

 

Training german shorthaired pointer

 

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, clever dog who loves working with their owners and so can be trained to a high standard. They will excel with owners who can find pet gun dog classes where they can be taught to give these active working dogs an appropriate outlet for their natural hardwired hunting behaviours.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

Being affectionate and friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes are a great dog for active, sporty families. Their activity levels and playfulness may make them too boisterous around small children. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

The German Shorthaired Pointer was originally known as the Deutscher Kurzhariger Vorstehhund.

 

German Shepherd Dog

One of the most easily recognised breeds in the world, the German Shepherd Dog is a muscular, alert dog with a noble, regal attitude. Agile and well balanced and carrying themselves with pride, the ‘GSD’ is a big dog with a big presence. Coats may be short or long but should not be excessively fluffy.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys vigorous walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Lifespan:
9 – 13 years
Weight:
22 – 40kg
Height:
58 – 63cm
Colours:
Coats come in a range of colours including black, sable, black and tan, black and gold.
Size:
Large
UK Kennel Club Groups:
Pastoral
Personality

Renowned as a ‘one man (or woman) dog’, the GSD forms a strong, affectionate and close bond with their handler and will want to be with them as much as possible. Their loyalty is undeniable, however unfortunately over the last few decades many breeders seeking to promote their natural guarding tendencies have selected for nervous animals who alert faster out of a lack of confidence and who are willing to use aggression first rather than last.


 

A well-bred, well-reared German Shepherd should be bold, confident, swift and intelligent, and always calm and steady enough to be able to listen to their owner or handler whatever the circumstances. They are eager to learn and easy to train with the right approach, using kindness, positive reinforcement and patience.


 

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Germany

 

Originally a herding dog, although not in the way you may think – the German Shepherd works as a living fence, walking or running an invisible boundary between sheep and land they need to be kept from, keeping livestock where they are meant to be. If they spotted a sheep straying from the flock, they would silently move them back into the fold without barking – which would alarm the whole flock. Formed from a variety of different sheep-herding dogs, they can trace their origins back to the 7th Century.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The German Shepherd dog can be prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

Exercise

Two hours or more exercise with plenty of variety in route and location should meet the adult GSD’s needs. Puppies require careful exercise to avoid damaging still developing joints. Lots of training and puzzle solving games will keep that sharp mind engaged productively. A bored or lonely German Shepherd is likely to be reactive, vocal and destructive!

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The German Shepherd dog is predisposed to a number of problems including gastrointestinal diseases, a specific stomach condition (gastric dilation volvulus), a disease of the spinal cord and epilepsy. As with many other breeds, they can also suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia (joint conditions that can be painful and lead to mobility problems). Hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website.

 

Space requirements

 

This is a big dog who takes a long time to physically mature and so is not suited to flats accessed by stairs or homes without access to a secure garden. Town or country will be fine, but plenty of space to walk, train and run freely is advisable. They will guard and so a busy urban environment can be too stimulating for them.

 

Training german shepherd dog

 

Early and consistent socialisation is vital to ensure the GSD grows up confident and happy in a variety of situations with people, other animals, livestock and children. This is a breed that needs to be sourced form a breeder who understands the importance of early habituation and socialisation with this potentially reactive breed. Easy to train if you employ kind reward-based training methods. Patience is needed as the GSD is slow to mature and often suffers from looking like an adult physically long before their brain has matured! A well-trained GSD is capable of most jobs, sports or activities – in fact one of the first non-herding and non-military uses for the GSD was as Guide Dogs for the Blind.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

A German Shepherd Dog from a breeder who focuses on temperament and health makes an excellent family pet if you have the time to dedicate to training, exercise and vacuuming up shed hair. Possibly a little too boisterous and large for homes with tiny children or frail older family members. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

  • German Shepherd Dogs have had many jobs, one of the least well known however was as guide dogs for the blind, and the GSD was preferred as their height made them very suitable for blinded ex-military men, who would have found the Labradors and Golden Retrievers (and their mixes) too short! They are still used today for taller people but the amount of hair they shed makes them less popular.
  • Long before Lassie, the first canine film star was a German Shepherd Dog known as Rin Tin Tin who was rescued as a puppy in 1918 from a World War I battlefield by Lee Duncan, an American soldier. He made 26 films, had his own radio show and even his own private chef!
  • German Shepherds are super intelligent and can learn new tricks and behaviours in only a few repetitions.
  • After the World Wars, Americans and Europeans were very concerned about anything German so their named was changed to Alsatian Wolf Dogs, some still refer to them by that name today.
  • The German Shepherd is incredibly popular and are the second most registered breed by the American Kennel Club after the Labrador Retriever.

 

German Pinscher

An elegant, strong, muscular dog, the German Pinscher has a short smooth coat that comes in red, fawn, black and tan, and blue and tan. Adults stand at 43-48cm and weigh approximately 11-16kg.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Personality

An alert, bold breed with natural guarding tendencies, the German Pinscher needs an active home with experienced owners, who can socialize, train and handle him. This high-spirited dog would run rings around a first-time owner! In the right home, he makes a loyal, rewarding dog that can be trained in a number of disciplines.

 

History and Origins

The German Pinscher dog breed is of the same origin as the Dobermann, which is larger, and the Miniature Pinscher, which is smaller. A farm dog, with his forefathers working as far back as the 15th century, the German Pinscher was used as a watch dog and ratter. Originally, there were two coat types – and the Standard Schnauzer is thought to have developed from the rough-coated Pinscher-type. The German Kennel Club recognised the German Pinscher in 1879.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

Around an hour's exercise is needed per day, though he will happily accept more if you can offer it. Agility, obedience, tracking and other doggie sports will be enjoyed, too.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

As with many breeds, the German Pinscher can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is an enchanting looking little dog who looks like a miniaturised but bat-eared Bulldog, and has the same flat face, short tail and smooth, short coat – but in a much smaller package. While small, they are muscular with a heavy bone-structure and strong legs.

Sadly, the breed’s popularity has led them to be irresponsibly bred so prospective owners should make sure they buy their puppies from a reliable source.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Quiet dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Lifespan:
11–14 years
Weight:
7.5–12.5kg
Height:
30–31cm
Colours:
The French Bulldog can come in a variety of colours including fawn; cream; brindle or pied
Size:
Small
Kennel Club Group:
Utility
Personality

This is a friendly, good-natured, playful dog, who makes an ideal affectionate and fun companion or family dog that’s as happy living in towns and cities as in the countryside. This is a courageous breed who think they are many times bigger than they actually are - and can on occasions find themselves in conflict with other dogs who can’t read their flat face and lack of tail.


 

A French Bulldog would suit an owner who lives in a smaller space and who doesn’t want to have to give their dog a lot of exercise but enjoys plenty of games and interaction in the home. They probably shouldn’t object to snoring either…


 

 

History and Origins

The French Bulldog is originally descended from the Toy Bulldog, a miniaturised version of the British Bulldog, and a breed that was popular with the lace-makers of Nottingham. During the industrial revolution, many relocated to France and took their dogs with them. Here the breed changed, possibly with the inclusion of other breeds including the Pug and some terriers, resulting in the French Bulldog we know and love today.

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

The Frenchie doesn't require very much exercise compared with some breeds and about an hour's exercise daily should suffice. Do ensure that they are protected from the heat, as due to their flat face they can suffer heat exhaustion and respiratory distress if exercised in warm weather. Exercise them in the early morning and late evening in the summer.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The most common health problems encountered in the French Bulldog relate to their flat face, which may result in obstruction of their airways and a difficulty in breathing. Over-exercising and over-heating is therefore to be avoided. They are also prone to skin infections, eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia (joint conditions that can be painful and lead to mobility problems) and spinal disorders. Pet insurance is a must for this breed - as is buying from a reliable and knowledgeable breeder.

 

Space requirements

 

The Frenchie doesn’t need a lot of space so is as happy living in a flat as in a house with a garden, as long as they have access to the outdoors for exercise and toileting.

 

Training french bulldogs

 

The French Bulldog is never going to be an obedience champion or excel in your local training class, but with patience and reward-based training they can easily master the basic exercises like sit, down, recall and walking on a lead and harness. They can also enjoy interactive enrichment games.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

The French Bulldog can happily fit into family life and gets on well with older children, although may not be a great fit for an active sporty family or a family with younger children. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

  • While starting off life as a working rural companion, stories of the French Bulldog’s unconventional appearance spread to Paris where they were adopted by those who wanted to appear socially daring and they found fame in paintings by Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec. Postcards can still sometime be found of scantily clad women posing with their ‘Bouledogues Francais’.
  • In the majority of cases, French Bulldogs can’t swim because of their short snouts which cause their body to tilt backward to keep their nose and mouth above water and their large heads and short legs make it difficult for them to stay afloat.
  • One unfortunate French Bulldog called Gamin de Pycombe was on the ill-fated Titanic when it sunk. He had been bought in England for the very high price of $205 ($18,580 in today’s money) and was insured for what at that time was an extraordinary amount of money -$750.
  • A French Bulldog called Bugsy took care of a baby orangutan named Malone who was abandoned by his mother at Twycross Zoo.
  • Despite not being barkers, they’re very talkative and will communicate with you in the form of yips, gargles and yawns!

 

Foxhound

The Foxhound is a large, powerful dog with a short, hard wearing and weatherproof coat. They have drop ears, a deep chest and muscular build with the strong tail held high. This playful dog is extremely affectionate and loyal, making Foxhounds amazing members of the family.

 

The need-to-know

  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a
  • Large dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Not a guard dog
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • Great family dog
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Weight:
29 – 32kg
Height:
58 – 64cm
Colours:
White base with tan, lemon, brown or black markings, or tricolour
Size:
Large
UK Kennel Club Groups:
Hound
Personality

The Foxhound is a working pack hound, bred for centuries to hunt, and to travel long distances at a trot and then further distances at a gallop, several days a week. Although sociable, friendly and affable in character when not working, this breed thrives on hard work, and will not be happy without it.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin:  England

 

As their name suggests, the Foxhound was bred to hunt foxes either on foot or followed by a mounted pack depending on the terrain they hunted. Individual hunts developed their own lines specific to their needs, so their breed standard is broad and they have never been a particular popular show or pet dog. Over the years the breed has been refined and altered with the addition of Greyhound, Fox Terrier and Bulldog, along with outcrossings to different lines of Foxhound from other packs. Although recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK, the Foxhound almost never appears in Kennel Club run show-rings, instead being shown at agricultural shows as a pack or as couples (pairs of dogs) rather than as individuals. This is and remains very much a working hound. 

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Foxhound, with his deep chest, is more prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.

Exercise

Two hours of dog exercise per day is the absolute minimum for a Foxhound. A mixture of walking, trotting and free running across a variety of terrains, plus scent work to use their inherent desire to follow a trail. They are bred to run miles each day, running alongside a horse or bicycle on non-hunting days, and galloping across hills, muddy plough, through ditches and over hedges on hunting days, which are two or three days per week. The Foxhound has incredible stamina and agility and is not shy of cold or wet weather. It is difficult for most owners to provide this kind of exercise.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Foxhound is a very hardy breed with few health problems commonly encountered.

 

Space requirements

 

This is a big hound, who wants to be out and about in all weathers. A home with space to provide a Foxhound with their own room, ideally with several other Foxhounds as company, and an extremely secure garden (and never leave a Foxhound unsupervised outside, they can scale, jump or dig under fencing with ease). Suited to the countryside only, and to an owner who enjoys Cani-x, tracking, mantrailing and spending long hours retrieving their hound from muddy woodlands. Ideally an owner who does not work, as the Foxhound does not do well when left unsupervised or unoccupied!

 

Training foxhounds

 

To train a Foxhound first you will need to understand how a Foxhound thinks. They think with their noses, and once the nose is down they follow the scent until they find their quarry. There is really no such thing as a ‘pet’ Foxhound, if you really must own one, you will need to find some form of work for your hound, every day, no matter the weather, and you must be more engaging and interesting than the surrounding environment at all times! Work on recall and dog socialising with livestock and other pets is vital but should never be relied upon for the safety of either the dog or other animals.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

Although sociable and friendly when well trained, socialised and habituated to family life, the Foxhound is a big dog prone to clumsiness in small spaces. Better suited to older teens and families who do not mind a bit of knocking about by an enthusiastic hound, particularly as these dogs are happier in the company of other Foxhounds. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Did you know?

 

  • The Master of Foxhounds Association is the governing body for registered packs and maintains the Foxhound Stud Book which keeps all the records of Foxhounds born into each registered pack since fox hunting began. Foxhound studs are referred to as ‘stallions’, unusual in the dog world but this is related to their close link with horses and horse breeding.
  • Foxhounds briefly came to public attention with the 1981 Disney film The Fox and the Hound but despite its appeal, most people thankfully recognised it as the ultimate parable about the social pressures and expectations put on those from different groups or backgrounds to be adversaries.

 

Fox Terrier Wire Coat

He might be small, but the short-backed, muscular Wire Fox Terrier exudes strength. The thick, wiry coat is predominantly white with black, tan, or black and tan markings. Adult male dogs are 39cm tall or under and weigh about 8kg, and females are slightly smaller.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Personality

An alert, ever-ready terrier, the Wire Fox Terrier is an active dog that needs to be kept busy. If he's bored, he will find his own amusement – in digging, barking or finding other 'entertainment'. A bold, outgoing terrier, he should be friendly with people, though his keen hunting instinct may never be far from the surface.

 

History and Origins

Developed from a regional wire-coated black and tan working terrier from Wales, Derbyshire and Durham, the Wire Fox Terrier dog breed has been used since the 19th century to hunt flush out foxes if they went to the ground so that the hunt could continue. Originally the breed was classed as the Fox Terrier with two varieties within it – the Wire and Smooth coats – and interbreeding between the varieties was common in the early years, but they are now considered quite separate, with their own breed standards.

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

Although the modern Wire Fox Terrier is primarily a show and companion dog, the working ability remains strong. An hour’s walk per day should be considered the minimum, with much more exercise being welcome, alongside training, games and doggy sports or competition.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Wire Fox Terrier is generally a very healthy breed. However, in common with many small/toy breeds they can suffer from kneecaps that are prone to slipping temporarily out of place (luxating patellas) and some inherited eye problems.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

 

Fox Terrier Smooth Coat

A short-backed terrier with a long face, this dog has a short, smooth coat that is predominantly white, with or without tan, black or black and tan markings. He has smooth, elegant lines and appears strong, compact and ready for action! When fully grown the Smooth Fox Terrier stands at around 39cm or under and weighs approximately 7.5-8kg (males) and 7-7.5kg (females).

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids
Personality

The Smooth Fox Terrier is often a bold, courageous character that fears nothing, but he shouldn't be feared himself as he is a friendly dog, especially towards his owners. As you'd expect, given his working terrier heritage, this dog loves to dig, so keen gardeners should ensure any prized plants are out of reach. A dedicated dig pit where he can excavate toys or chews to his heart's content would be much appreciated.

 

History and Origins

Developed from various breeds in the 19th century, including the Black and Tan Terrier and Bull Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier dog breed was bred to find the fox and drive it from its lair, so it could continue to be hunted by the hounds and horsemen if it went to ground. He was also used for killing vermin. Originally the breed was classed as the Fox Terrier with two varieties within it – the Wire and Smooth coats – and interbreeding between the varieties was common in the early years, but they are now considered quite separate, with their own breed standards.

Nutrition and Feeding

Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Exercise

An active dog, the Smooth Fox Terrier will need at least an hour exercise a day, though will happily take more. He will enjoy being kept busy – be it patrolling the garden for rodents, digging, or practising a dog sport with you. He will chase squirrels, cats or other small furries on walks, so do keep him on a lead in areas where traffic or other hazards pose a danger. He will also enjoy playing terrier-type games with his owner.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Smooth Fox Terrier is generally a very healthy breed. However, in common with many small/toy breeds they can suffer from kneecaps that are prone to slipping temporarily out of place (luxating patellas) and some inherited eye problems. Some inherited eye problems can arise, so routine eye testing of breeding dogs is advised.

 

Best family dog breeds

 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.