The popular Beagle is a small, pack oriented hunting hound. Although his natural instinct is to hunt, he is highly adaptable and adjusts happily to a suburban backyard, as long as he has regular exercise to keep him fit while providing him with a change of scene and scent, and company – either human or another dog.
Friendly, playful and eager to please, the Beagle can be wilful. Possessed of great stamina, determination and a definite mind of his own, this picturesque and personality-plus little hound has a tendency to roam. He requires a well fenced yard and firm, patient handling.
The Beagle is lively, active and extremely intelligent, making a devoted friend and companion. Hardy and resilient, he can be happily kept as either a house or a kennel dog. His short, dense, weatherproof coat which comes in attractive colourings, requires very little grooming. He tends to keep himself extremely clean.
Good-natured and steady in temperament, the Beagle has an engaging demeanour which endears him to children and adults alike. A handy size for almost all households, with a handsome appearance and musical voice, the Beagle has something to offer just about everyone.
Ideal height 33-40cm
Weight 12-14kg
Originally of French lineage, the Basset is a scent-hound used for hunting on foot and tracking. His slow-moving ponderous ways and appealing clownish appearance belie his great intelligence.
Known to his fans as the armchair athlete because of his habit of lounging around the house, it is important that a pet Basset Hound be given sufficient exercise otherwise he can tend to put on weight.
The Basset is a hardy, extremely tolerant and devoted dog with a gentle disposition which makes him an excellent children’s pet.
Given the opportunity, the Basset Hound is a potential wanderer. One sniff at an interesting scent and away he goes, nose to the ground and tail aloft, apparently oblivious to anything or anybody. For this reason, it is essential that he lives in a home with a well-fenced yard. Because he does have a stubborn streak, the Basset requires firm but sympathetic handling. The Basset is a “big dog on short legs” and he is extremely strong and heavy for his height and should not be considered by owners who want a small dog.
With his guileless disposition, soulful eyes and comical ways, “Fred Basset”, as he is often affectionately nicknamed, is one of the real characters of the dog world. Bring him up with kindness, patience and affection and your world will be a brighter place because of him!
Ideal height 33 to 38 cm
Weight 23 to 28 kg
An intelligent and alert and attentive dog, the Belgian Shepherd originally was bred for his herding ability and was fairly common throughout most of Europe. Originally a mixture of types, colours and coat lengths, the breed gradually developed into four main types which are named after the districts to which they were native.
The Groenendael is perhaps the most commonly known of the four varieties. His colour is always black, with a small patch or strip of white allowed on the chest and the tips of the toes. His coat is of medium harshness, long, straight and abundant on the body, with shorter hair on the head, outside of ears and lower part of the legs. The hair is especially long and abundant on the neck forming a ruff, particularly in the males.
more…
