Collins Complete Dog Manual

Country of Origin: Scotland

Male:

56–61 cm (22–24 in)

Female:

51–56 cm (20–22 in)

Coat: Dense, with good feathering and a water-resistant undercoat.

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Guarding Instinct: Will warn of approach but no aggression.

Temperament & Grooming

Temperament: A gentle dog of kindly disposition that is highly intelligent and capable of combining the best working qualities with those of a near perfect pet dog. A great companion.

Grooming: These dogs should always be brushed and combed twice a week to rid the coat of dead hairs and tangles from the feathering.

Exercise & Feeding

Exercise: Being mainly a country hunting dog, the Golden Retriever needs frequent exercise and plenty of mental stimulation.

Can never have enough.

Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.

Health Problems

Hip dysplasia (#litres_trial_promo), elbow dysplasia (here (#litres_trial_promo)) and some eye problems. Buy from tested stock.

Airedale Terrier (Roman Zhuravlev)

(Ashley Western/www.phodographer.biz)

(© John Daniels)

(© John Daniels)

Beagle

(Eric Isselee)

A happy, laid-back companion – an intelligent dog with a peaceful nature, the Beagle can adjust well to town or country life. It readily accepts children as part of its family and likes to feel a member of the human pack. Beagles are happy, easy-going and people-orientated, adapting well to most environments.

History

A small hound dating from Norman times, the Beagle evolved and was developed from the Talbot Hound and the Southern Hound. A further mix with small hounds produced the breed first recorded by name in the ‘Privy Accounts’ of Henry VIII. As the larger hunted animals became scarce, huntsmen developed the Beagle to hunt hares, which they do with enthusiasm and skill.

Description

Small to medium in size, two varieties of Beagle exist in the United States, one not exceeding 33 cm (13 in) in height whereas the other is taller but does not exceed 38 cm (15 in). However, in Britain, 33–40 cm (13–16 in) is acceptable. Tri-colours are most popular, with a black back, tan sides and top of legs, and a white chest, stomach and lower legs. Having short legs, it works more slowly than the Harrier or English Hound but hunts cheerfully with its flag (tail) held high and enters dense cover with equanimity.

Fact File

Group: Hound

Country of Origin: England

Male:

33–40 cm (13–16 in)

Female:

33–40 cm (13–16 in)

Coat: Short, dense coat that can withstand the cold and wet.

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Guarding Instinct: Will warn but no aggression.

Temperament & Grooming

Temperament: Easy-going, friendly and intelligent dog with a peaceful nature, the Beagle can adjust well to town or country life. Beagles are happy, easy-going and people-orientated, adapting well to most environments.

Grooming: A weekly brush and a polish with a chamois leather keeps them looking good.

Exercise & Feeding

Exercise: Beagles need plenty of exercise, which must be augmented with playing in the garden. However, they are not the easiest dogs to train and require a lot of kindness and patience.

Feeding: They eat well and care should be taken to keep them in athletic form as they have a tendency to become overweight.

Health Problems

Rare hip problems. An eye problem under investigation. Otherwise, a hardy, long-lived companion.

Dachshund

(Julia Remezova)

A most adaptable breed, living with equal ease in town or country. Intelligent and easily trained, it is sometimes spirited, always humorous. The Dachshund is a game little dog that loves hunting. All varieties adore activity and need free running and play daily. Each variety has its miniature equivalent. The Smooth-haired Dachshund makes a lively companion and pet.

History