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Great Danes

The Great Dane is a big dog that often has no concept of his size. One family fashioned a cowbell on their Dane so they could hear him coming. There was not an aggressive bone in him but when he galloped full bore towards you he’d brush past enough to knock you sideways if you weren’t ready for him!

This is a giant of a breed with a gentle heart. They’re a clown that is the inspiration for Marmaduke cartoons with the impression of power in television and movies. Danes have been immortalized by the likes of Scooby-Doo and in movies such as The Patriot, The Swiss Family Robinson, Good Boy! Pluto and Goofy are said to be inspired by Great Danes.

They’re dignified yet can be goofy. Their very size demands early training and discipline to be calm, loving adults. Gibson, a harlequin, is 42.2 inches and 170 pounds – when he stands on his hind legs he’s seven feet tall!

The Great Dane is noble and elegant and a true giant of a dog. They have a history dating back over 400 years where they were used for boar hunting. A dog resembling a Dane was found in materials dated to 1211 B.C. The Great Dane is believed to trace to the Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff as parent breeds, for the purpose hunting of a fast, powerful and savage foe. Along with hunting for boar they were also used for deer hunting.

By the breed standard they are powerful and smooth muscled with a spirited attitude. The males must be over 30 inches and over 32 inches are preferred as long as he is balanced. This leaves a dog that can be 150 pounds without being fat! Counters are head high to them. A smooth bbut thick coat that shines with good care is ideal.

The Danes come in several colors including brindle, fawn with black mask, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. A harlequin is a pinto pattern of black and white while the mantle is “collie marked” in black and white. This is a breed that strides out level and powerful and is friendly. They shouldn’t ever be timid or aggressive. The ears may be cropped or uncropped.

Their giant size means massive growth as puppies that is a challenge to feed. Too fast growth can cause problems with joints while too slow isn’t good either. Several health issues can face the breed and are serious enough to warrant attention.

The Great Dane is the #1 breed in statistics for bloat, which is the leading killer of this beautiful breed. It is imperative to feed several small meals per day and restrict exercise immediately afterwards to keep the stomach from filling and twisting. If a twist occurs it causes the dog excruciating pain and he will die in hours without surgical care. This cannot be stressed enough – prevention is much much better than dealing with a dog in crisis. Preventing these giants from drinking large amounts of water is another recommended tip.

Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism also affect Danes as well as cardiomyopathy. All three of these are genetic and can be tested for to eliminate breeding dogs that will pass the disease on. Cataracts can affect the breed as well as bone cancer and lymphoma. Wobblers or CVI is another serious disorder that results from pressure on the spinal cord in the neck area. Dogs appear unsteady or ‘drunk’. HOD – hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a painful disorder resulting from rapid growth. Panosteitis is another disorder that can cause lameness during the growth phase.

The Great Dane needs a fenced yard but keep them away from landscaping as they are apt to rearrange it! Due to their size they should not be left alone with children. Although Danes are not mean dogs their size and playfulness can injure children as well as smaller pets. They are people orientated but do need consistent training from puppyhood! Their size alone deters many problems and they shouldn’t be taught to be aggressive.

This is a breed that can be expensive due to the large size and everything from beds to dishes is bigger! If socialized they love people with one Dane owner putting a bell on his dog so there was warning of him coming. The dog was not a bit mean but his size brushing past people could knock you down!

This is a breed that can live 8-10 years and more than one child has climbed up on a Dane to ride them as a small horse. Most dogs take such things in stride but again – the size if playing or wrestling can hurt a small child without ever intending to.

A good diet is critical for these dogs not only in quantity but quality. This is an active breed that loves to run but should do so only in controlled situations. They are not typically barkers without a reason to bark.

When taking on a Dane remember that many people are afraid of large dogs. Be responsible enough to keep your Dane home where he belongs. Fawn Danes in particular are at the mercy of unethical hunters in the fall and more than one Dane has lost his life simply wandering in the woods. In urban areas the dangers can be even higher. Don’t take the chance of losing a great dog for lack of a fence, and don’t rely on the invisible fences.

Training is not an option but a requirement! They MUST know their place in the pack order (and always below humans!) and firm, consistent handling is key to establishing this. Allowing a Great Dane to dominate a household means someone will get hurt or killed sooner or later, a situation in which both people and dogs lose. It is also one which is preventable. The Great Dane is an intelligent dog that wants to learn and wants to do the right thing – it is up to his owners to teach him what that is!

As of 2007 the world’s tallest dog is a Great Dane. The Great Dane is the official dog of Pennsylvania and the team mascot at the University of Albany. A Great Dane has been a member of the South African Navy and the breed is prominent in Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin.

Among the fans of the Great Dane is Burt Ward, famous as “Robin” in the Batman series of the 1960s. He and his wife have a home that gives Great Danes a second chance and 3,000 Danes have found homes since 1994.

The Great Dane is a big dog that is a great dog in the right hands with the right handling. They need a home that is willing to be firm enough to teach manners and discipline but compassionate enough to bolster them and help them be the bold, outgoing adult they are capable of being.

The Dane will give you his heart and his life if need be. Make sure your time with him is worth that kind of devotion!

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers family related issues from raising children to dog information, relationships to cooking.

• Great
• Danes

Pembroke Welsh Corgis

They are small in stature but big in heart. Developed to work on farms the Pembroke Welsh Corgi retains their herding instincts but can do more than herd. “Cruiser” completed the requirements for Tracking dog, Tracking Dog Excellent” and “Variable Surface Tracking” title after having won his show championship for conformation. Proving a pretty dog can work Cruiser was the first conformation champion of any breed to earn a champion tracking title.

“Ceri” was the first Pembroke to win a master agility champion title. Corgis with proper training can be hearing dogs and work in other service capabilities.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi historically has a history that speaks of legislation and adaptation. The Romans classified dogs according to use. In the 10th century the only dogs allowed to peasants were small dogs for pest control. Shepherds were allowed to keep their dogs but they had to be mutilated but the shepherds dogs were allowed a docked tail which allowed them to work. Later taxes were charged on dogs except for those with docked tails – the Pembroke had a natural bob-tail that was an early selection trait.

The lack of a tail separates him from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the two have been maintained as separate breeds since the mid 19th century. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has gained recognition as the breed kept by Queen Elizabeth II.

Thus the corgi was a dual purpose dog – herding and pest control. This is a breed that is low set but strong. They should have enough bone for strength but not coarse. They’re bold, intelligent dogs without any shyness. The ears are stockier and their erect ears more pointed than the Cardigan.

By the standard they are 10-12 inches and fewer than 30 pounds for dogs. They have a medium length coat that is weather-resistant. They are seasonal shedders with an undercoat that can vary their appearance. Regular brushing helps the dog maintain a good coat and when they lose the heavy undercoat there will be plenty of hair for lining bird nests or composting! Apart from this shedding they require little grooming.

Low to the ground with a fox like head with dark eyes this is a dog that is more than he appears. They may be red, sable, fawn or black and tan. Like many herding breeds they may follow movement and nip at heels, which bear training away from the trait. They can be barky and a good alarm dog. Males can be aggressive with other dogs.

They need regular exercise including walks and play. They often duck and roll in play as well as avoiding kicks from larger livestock. Some can be quite possessive with toys and other treasures including children.

The long body can present problems sometimes with back issues. They are heavier muscled than some other breeds so more durable but shouldn’t be allowed to play on stairs. Regular exercise is good but watch they don’t overdo it.

There are some genetic issues that occur in the breed and should be tested for before breeding. Among these are hip dysplasia, eye problems, cancer and autoimmune system issues, sterility in males and uterine inertia during whelping. Other issues that can affect the breed include hot spots, epilepsy, glaucoma, corneal ulceration, lens luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. Breeding for health is important as generally speaking this is a healthy breed.

They’re affectionate dogs but allow people to come to them. They are highly intelligent and trainable. They are energetic but do take heavy praise of doing the right thing rather than heavy correction to keep them motivated. They are sensitive and want to please so are eager to repeat things that get praise.

The food can be an issue – in particular the amount of it. Keep them in good condition without being too thin or too heavy. You should be able to feel but not see the ribs and a good layer of covering over their rumps. Too heavy puts more stress on his spine and increases the chances of serious health problems.

Regular training and activity are needed to keep him from getting bored and creating his own entertainment which usually is less entertaining to you!

Keep him confined at home. His small size means he doesn’t stand a chance of defense either running or fighting against aggressive larger dogs. While he is active and athletic for his size there is just no way he can stand up to a dog twice or three times his size. Their basically trusting nature also leaves them open to theft and unsupervised herding dogs that learn to chase cars can find it a fatal pastime. Many corgis never meet a stranger but love and trust everyone.

Even among herding dogs there are dogs that were used different purposes. There were breeds like the border collie that were sent out into the field to gather the livestock and bring them in then there were droving breeds that drove cattle to market. The latter is reported to be where the Corgi fit in. He could run in and nip a heel then drop and roll safely out of the way to avoid getting kicked.

Those looking at herding can find understanding the difference between these two styles can save a great deal of frustration. Many get irritated when moving cattle and their herding dog circles and stands right in the gate you want them to go through – and often these are dogs that bring them to you, not driving away. On the other hand some of the drovers are less adept at getting around to stare down and turn livestock as their nature is to follow and gently guide but not as much to bring them to you.

Corgi puppies are so cute it’s especially important to steel your resolve when training and stick to discipline and boundaries. The effort that you put into training your puppy will come back to you many times over in a happy, healthy, well mannered adult corgi. One allowed to misbehave and run wild can be a destructive terror created by your lack of boundaries. Training from all owners is highly important. Selection of a stable dog from a breeder is important but training much more so as the dog lives with you.

The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a cute puppy, a loyal companion and an intelligent canine that can do a wide variety of things to help their owners. They take little care but give much back! Research, choose wisely and pick the best individual for a loyal pet that will last many years.

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers family related issues from raising children to dog training, relationships to cooking.

• Pembroke
• Welsh
• Corgis

Shetland Sheepdogs

A Shetland sheepdog is not a “mini-collie” but a distinct separate breed that actually has roots in the Border collie. A native of the Shetland Isles in far northern range of Scotland he was a dog developed to help on crofts, or small farms, where there wasn’t much food to be had. A small dog was needed for that reason, yet a tireless worker in all kinds of weather which gave rise to selection for a durable coat and a loyalty to their owners.

Shelties are also thieves – they’ll steal your heart slicker than any pickpocket! They are commonly sable, black and white, tri color and blue merle. They can be barkers without patience and training but are a loyal, observant dog. Their intelligence and trainability make them among the most successful obedience breeds.

The sheltie coat does require regular grooming to remain tangle free and prevent it from becoming matted. There is a double coat with an outer layer that is more harsh and straight and an undercoat that is very dense. This can help shed rain from a working standpoint and enough harshness to the coat to resist tangling. For pet dogs you must be committed to thoroughly combing a Sheltie a couple times per week. It is not advisable to shear or close cut a Sheltie’s natural coat.

From a show standard point the Sheltie is 13-16 inches tall and of course show dogs are bred for that glorious coat. Dogs over or under height can excel at herding, agility, obedience and many other tasks where intelligence and their work ethic is valued.

Some Shelties are very nervous, some very friendly and some reserved. One sheltie came to a new home at five months old and was very stand offish initially, almost timid. After a week or so his new owners noticed he was observing EVERYTHING in the household. From washing clothes to cooking dinner to hooking up speakers on the stereo the young Sheltie was observing as if taking notes on human behavior. Once he was satisfied in his mind things were fine he became a constant companion and irreplaceable part of the household. He had his little quirks and routines – he loved to be outside but let one rumble of thunder roll and he wanted inside pronto! He would patiently stand to be combed and brushed until the camera came out when he would primp and pose like the most arrogant of film stars!

Shelties are above all people dogs. They’re intensely loyal and affectionate with a high drive to please their owners. They should move as a working dog with purpose, without up and down hackney action. They are wonderful dogs for those who have a small area or need a small dog due to housing requirements. They are a big dog in a small package and often have a hero worship for the people lucky enough to own one.

There are health considerations that warrant attention in the Sheltie. Among them is hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, von Willebrands disease, dermatomyositis, collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and Addison’s disease are among those to watch for. Many of these can be tested for including eye disease, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a clotting disorder – this is normally not a huge issue to have a dog get a cut but for a dog affected any surgery (including spay/neuter), birthing puppies and injuries takes on a much more serious tone. Eye and heart diseases should always be something that breeding dogs get a clean bill of health on before breeding.

Another thing that needs to be watched is a high sensitivity to Ivermectin which can send them into an overdose situation that also affects border collies and collies. This might not affect every dog, but when you’re watching a dog seizure after getting an Ivomectin dose intended to help her it is of little consolation.

Some Shelties can be sensitive to grain content in less expensive dog foods and many owners advise that a raw or real meat diet can be a good choice especially for Shelties.

The Sheltie is a breed for many reasons and will capture your heart like few others. They are intensely loyal and loving with those in the home that they choose to trust and when you get the Sheltie stamp of approval it’s a pretty incredible thing! Early socializing is recommended so the Sheltie learns to tolerate strangers even if not enjoying the interaction. When you bond with a Sheltie there is no question to anyone watching who his owner is.

Owing to his herding heritage Shelties will often chase movement. They aren’t particular if it’s ducks, sheep, children, cats or squirrels! This is a breed that LOVES to play! They’re intelligent and observant dogs that enjoy the mental puzzle of figuring things out. Some Shelties can be real “chow hounds” while others are apt to pick at their food throughout the day. If you feed raw meat there it few sights that radiate happiness more than a Sheltie with his meal! It’s not unusual for him to savor each bite as if in full appreciation of the good things in life!

An example of the Sheltie intelligence is the owner who worked from home but the telephone was in the living room while she worked in the office. Her Sheltie would get up in the morning, go outside, come in for his breakfast then head to the office door. As she answered email he settled contentedly at her feet unless the phone rang. Because she would get up to answer it – he learned on his own when the phone rang to run to the office door! Even if she didn’t hear the phone he did and would alert her to a telephone call or knock on the door.

This same Sheltie would observe everything from the normal routine of the cats to the pack order of the household. It was almost as if he was supervising and keeping things in order!

The beautiful coat of a Sheltie does require regular brushing but it’s also important to lay your hands on your Sheltie daily. Because of that coat it can be deceptive and feeling him lets you know if he’s too thin or too heavy. Some of the less active members of the breed can quickly become obese which shortens their lives and can trigger several diseases.

The Sheltie isn’t a breed for everyone. Although low maintenance the do take an owner who is sensitive to gain their confidence and yet firm enough to lead them. Their intelligence can also mean without a balance of training they can be a poor representative of dogdom due to lack of boundaries. That said, for an older couple they can be the ideal companion as they are small and smart.

One dog owner had always had border collies and took in a Sheltie who needed a home. After just a few months he absolutely had moved in and taken over the household! He gave ‘king of his domain’ a whole new definition!

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers family related issues from raising children to feeding dogs, relationships to cooking.

• Shetland
• Sheepdogs