Collins Complete Dog Manual

Description

A big, thick-set, muscled dog, the Rottweiler should show boldness and confidence, never nervousness or aggressiveness. The Rottweiler has a calm look that indicates a good nature and needs no training as a house guard. Because of its intensely protective nature, it is not advisable to leave this dog with young children as, like all guarding breeds, it might misinterpret their signals.

Fact File

Group: Working

Country of Origin: Germany

Male:

63–69 cm (25–27 in)

Female:

58–63 cm (23–25 in)

Coat: Thick, smooth coat.

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Guarding Instinct: Great guard dog, malefactors beware.

Temperament & Grooming

Temperament: Highly intelligent, the Rottweiler’s strong naturally protective instincts need socialization with firm but kind training. These dogs can be difficult in the wrong hands – can be dominant without training.

Grooming: Easy care; need only be brushed once a week with a stiff brush to remove dead hairs.

Exercise & Feeding

Exercise: Keep these big dogs’ muscles hard with walking, free running and play. If you live in a town, you should take them out for a brisk walk at least twice a day.

Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.

Health Problems

Occasional hip dysplasia (#litres_trial_promo); osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) largely under control (here (#litres_trial_promo)); entropion (here (#litres_trial_promo)).

Dobermann

(© Jean Michel Labat)

A devoted, affectionate house dog, the Dobermann is very intelligent and is easily trained but its power must be kept under control. It is a devout family companion that loves to be part of daily activities. Its guardianship of the family’s children is legendary but it must be trained firmly but kindly. A family dog for experienced owners.

History

This breed was designed in the 1880s by Herr Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector. At a time when taxes were collected personally, he wanted a fearless, alert dog with stamina to defend him as he travelled the country. His secondary job as ‘dog catcher’ gave him the ideal opportunity to study breeds. The Rottweiler, the old German Pinscher and also the Manchester Terrier were probably the foundation. Later the breed may have been refined further with the addition of Pointer and Greyhound blood.

Description

A big dog, the Dobermann is very graceful, with a refined outline; a powerhouse athlete. The coat is a glossy black, brown, blue or fawn (Isabella) with a rich tan, which must be well defined. Powerful but elegant, a well-trained Dobermann makes an ideal guard dog and an affectionate pet. If it is well socialized and trained, a Dobermann puppy can adapt really well to family life.

Fact File

Group: Working

Country of Origin: Germany

Male:

69 cm (27 in)

Female: 65 cm (25½ in)

Coat: These dogs moult freely and have a double coat.

Life Expectancy: 10–13 years

Guarding Instinct: A powerful guard dog.

Temperament & Grooming

Temperament: A great family dog needing to be trained.

Grooming: Very little is required; a weekly brush and polish with a chamois leather will be enough.

Exercise & Feeding

Exercise: An hour or so of walking every day with about ten minutes’ free running will suffice. Add fifteen minutes’ play in the garden and a Dobermann will be happy and fit.

Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.

Health Problems

Low to average hip dysplasia (#litres_trial_promo). Buy from eye-tested parents and test the puppy. Von Willebrand disease (here (#litres_trial_promo)) is also possible.

Great Dane

(© Jean Michel Labat)

The Great Dane is a majestic-looking dog with its powerful physique and appealing expression. Very family orientated, Great Danes are easily trained and obedient. Although large, they are not clumsy and don’t take up too much space. However, a big house and garden are best. Seriously fond of their family’s children, they will defend them if any danger threatens. The Great Dane is a gentle giant in spite of its size.

History

There is no doubt that this dog’s ancestors were giant war dogs from Asia Minor known as Allens. They probably originated from ancient Egypt. They were used as war dogs by Attila the Hun and fought wild animals in Rome’s Colosseum. The modern dog was developed in the 1500s in Germany for hunting wild boar. A pack owned by Earl Philip of Hessen killed 2,572 boar in 1563. From about 1882, when the Breed Club was formed, the breed changed course and became a pet and guard dog.

Description