Archives for Non-Sporting Dogs category

Boston Terrier Characteristics

Boston Terrier Characteristics

At a glance:

  • Height: 15 to 17 inches
  • Weight: 6 to 25 lbs
  • Color: brindle and white, black and white, seal and white
  • Life Expectancy: 10-15 yrs
  • Grooming: simple
  • Exercise: undemanding
  • Temperament: Determined

Boston Terrier Characteristics – History:

The Boston Terrier is said to have been the result of crossing the English Bulldog with the English Terrier which has now become extinct. It lead tho the birth of a dog named Hooper’s Judge who approximately weighed about 30 pounds. This dog was successively bred down and crossed with the French bulldog which is also said to have been the predecessor of the Boston Terrier. The present day breed was bred down from the original Boston Terrier which is said to have weighed about 44 pounds and was used in pit fights. The breed gained immense popularity and fanciers of this particular breed formed the American Bull Terrier Club. The name was not well received by Bull terrier enthusiasts and the breed was eventually renamed after its birthplace.

Boston Terrier Characteristics – Physical Representation:

The Boston Terrier has a muscular body with a compact build. It has a square shaped head along with a short and wide muzzle. The nose is black in color and the large and dark colored eyes are set far apart with the ears standing erect. The board chest is accompanied by a neck which is visibly arched. The short haired coat has a smooth texture and comes in a combination of brindle and white, black and white or seal and white.

Boston Terrier Characteristics – Type of work the breed does:

This breed was originally used for pit fights but over the years has been bred to develop non aggressive traits. Today they are highly regarded as companion dogs and are known to be good watchdogs as well.

Boston Terrier Characteristics – Personality and Temperament:

This highly intelligent breed has acquired a reputation for having a lively and endearing personality. Once used in pit fights, the Boston Terrier has been effectively developed to become a companion dog. Gentleness and playfulness have become their pronounced attributes. They are easy to train as they are highly intelligent and always prepared to learn. This Breed is also known to be willful and therefore should be treated patiently. They are excellent companions for children and aged people as well as friendly with strangers and accommodating of other pets.

Boston Terrier Characteristics – Care:

The short haired coat which has a fine texture is easy to groom. It should be brushed with a firm brush and the dog should be bathed only when required. The face should be cleaned with a damp cloth and the eyes should also be paid adequate attention. The ears should be checked consistently for ticks and grass seeds. The nails also need clipping at regular intervals. The Boston Terrier is known to be an average shedder.

Boston Terrier Characteristics – Living Environment:

The Boston Terrier can adapt to apartment life very easily as they are active indoors and do not require a yard.

The Hidden Pet Fence does work with well Boston Terriers but should be installed by a hidden dog fence professional. Bostons are easily trained to the pet fence but it must be done with care for they are a sensitive breed. Contain-A-Pet now mandates all its hidden pet fence dealers are dog trainers. This ensures that the hidden fence is installed correctly and the dog is correctly trained.

You will be amazed what our dealers know about dogs, their personalities and temperaments.  Call them today.  Ask questions and get to know your local dealer.  Need your local dealer?  Call 1-800-777-3647 and we will be happy to direct you!

Jul 20, 2011 | Comments are off | Non-Sporting Dogs

Standard Poodle

Standard Poodle Characteristics

At a glance:

  • Height: 22 to 27 inches
  • Weight: 45 to 70 lbs
  • Color: Cream,cafe’-au-lait, apricot, gray, blue, brown, silver
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Average litter: 8
  • Grooming: Demanding
  • Exercise: Medium
  • Temperament: Sparky and cheerful

Standard Poodle Characteristics – History :

The Standard Poodle is considered to have originated in france and is said to have descended from the Barbet which is a virtually extinct French water dog and the Hungarian water hound. The breed derives its name form the German word Pundel meaning one who plays in water.

The Standard Poodle was originally used in France as well as in Germany to retrieve waterfowls. They were employed as gun dogs by hunters who clipped thier coats leaving fur on the legs and joints in order to provide protection form frigid waters. Their high intelligence and dog trainability was effectively used by the French for circus performances. The Toy and Miniature varieties of the Poodle were created through the crossing of the Standard Poodle with smaller dogs.

Standard Poodle Characteristics – Physical Representation:

The Standard Poodle is an elegant medium to large sized dog, squarely built with a symmetrical body. The wire haired coat is abundant and curls naturally. The rounded skull has a somewhat distinct stop and the mouth closes in a distinct scissors bite. The wide ears hang close to the head and the oval shaped eyes are usually have a dark hue. The feet are small in comparison to the rest of the body but at the same time are very compact. The coat is groomed into three styles known as the Pet clip, English Saddle clip and the Continental clip. In the Pet clip the coat is maintained with short hair all over the body whereas in the Continental and English Saddle clip the rear half of the body is shaved leaving portions of hair around the ankles and pompoms on the hips and tail.

Standard Poodle Characteristics – Type of work the breed does:

The Standard Poodle was originally used as a gun dog and for the retrevial of waterfowl. However, today they are bred exclusively as companion pets and show dogs.

Standard Poodle Personality and Temperament:

The Standard Poodle has a happy, playful and lively personality. They are inherently good natured with proud and dignified mannerisms. Being highly intelligent they are very easy to train. They are excellent companions for children and readily take to other pets. The Standard Poodle needs companionship and does not like being left alone for prolonged periods of time. This breed is friendly with strangers as well but can also be trained to be good guard dogs.

Standard Poodle Characteristics – Standard Poodle Care:

This breed requires a lot of maintenance and needs to be groomed extensively. Baths should be given regularly and trimming is necessary every six weeks or so. The ears should be checked regularly for infection and parasites and the teeth need to be scaled once in a while as well. The shed little or no fur.

Standard Poodle Characteristics – Standard Poodle Living Environment:

The Standard Poodle can easily adapt to apartment life but a small yard for them to run freely about will be ideal.

Standard Poodle Characteristics – Standard Poodle Electric Dog Containment:

Standard Poodles do need an area to be able to exercise.  The perimeter pet fence is a great for exercise and happy play.  In my experience, poodles adapt very well to these systems with the proper fence training.

Do not allow anyone to just shock these loving creatures.  It is not fair or necessary.  Proper perimeter dog fence training is the key.

Never, ever put a Standard Poodle puppy or any other puppy on these perimeter pet fence before at least 16 weeks of age.

Oct 14, 2009 | Comments are off | Dog Breeds, General Pet Info, Non-Sporting Dogs