The Puppy Listener. Jan Fennell

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ to run for long periods during a normal hunting day. They also tend to love water and may be drawn to retrieve or chase birds, because of generations of breeding. Similarly, pastoral or herding breeds tend to be attracted to other species of animals and may instinctively try to herd them. Not every owner is going to have a flock of sheep for their Collie or German Shepherd to round up, but they should be prepared to give these dogs a proper outlet for their considerable energies. They need homes that are going to be up to the challenge of giving them plenty of exercise and play time.

      At the other end of the scale, the toy dog group includes many breeds that were designed to provide little more than companionship and warmth, sometimes literally. Toy breeds such as the Chihuahua, Pekingese, Pomeranian and Maltese don’t need huge amounts of exercise.

      SPATIAL DEMANDS

      The size of a dog is a factor that needs to be taken into consideration. While toy dogs will not take up much space, large working dogs will fill almost any space they occupy. If they are active dogs as well, this could cause owners problems in a small or restrictive space. Everyone, of course, has the right to own the breed of their choice, but allowances should be made for the living space they require.

      GROOMING DEMANDS

      Dogs are naturally clean animals, and take a great deal of care of their condition. As a result, some breeds require next to no grooming. Smooth-coated dogs such as the Labrador Retriever or the Great Dane, for instance, are low maintenance compared to other breeds. By contrast, there are some breeds that have been bred purely for their look and consequently have exceedingly long, high-maintenance coats. Breeds that spring to mind here include Afghan Hounds, Spaniels, Old English Sheepdogs, the Bichon Frise and Poodle breeds. Dogs in the Terrier group can also require ‘hand stripping’ (see page 32) to keep their coats looking good.

      DOGS WITH MEDICAL/LIFESPAN DEMANDS

      The average life expectancy of different breeds varies enormously. Working breeds tend to be bigger dogs so they usually live shorter lives. Smaller toy dogs, on the other hand, tend to live to more advanced ages. Dogs with shorter lifespans are going to need medical care earlier than those with longer lifespans. Old age tends to be the period when the most visits to the vet are required. If the dog isn’t going to live much beyond seven years then, inevitably, this period is going to arrive sooner than if they live to 15 or beyond. They need owners who are willing to meet this challenge.

      DIFFERENT BREEDS, DIFFERENT DEMANDS

      The tables on the following pages illustrate the different demands of dogs within each of the seven main groups.

      KEY

      SIZE

      S Small

      M Medium

      L Large

      X Extra large

      GROOMING AND EXERCISE

      L Little needed

      M Moderate needed

      C Considerable needed

      LIFESPAN

      A under 9 years on average

      B 9–15 years on average

      C over 15 years on average

      DIFFERENT BREEDS – DIFFERENT DEMANDS

      THE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE MOST POPULAR BREEDS

      GUNDOGS/SPORTING

      TYPE OF DOG: English Setter

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: German Longhaired Pointer

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: German Shorthaired Pointer

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: L

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: German Wirehaired Pointer

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Gordon Setter

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Hungarian Vizsla

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: L

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Irish Red & White Setter

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Irish Setter

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Pointer

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: L

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Retriever (Curly Coated)

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: M

      EXERCISE: C

      LIFESPAN: B

      TYPE OF DOG: Retriever (Flat Coated)

      SIZE: L

      GROOMING: СКАЧАТЬ