The Hound Group includes dog breeds with a wonderful sense of smell and/or great athleticism. These breeds were developed to follow game either by sight or by smell. Sighthounds include the fast and streamlined Afghans, Greyhounds and Salukis. Sighthounds need lots of exercise but some breeds like the Borzoi, the Greyhound, the Irish Wolfhound and the Saluki can adapt to being left alone during the day if they get lots of exercise before and after work. Scent hounds include the slower Bloodhounds, Bassets and Beagles. The dogs in this group have a great size variation and range from the tiny Miniature Dachshund to the extremely tall Irish Wolfhound. The top ten most popular hound dogs in the US are the following. The number in brackets is the rank of the breed out of 154 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 2005.

1. Beagle

The very popular (#5) Beagle is one of the oldest hound dog breeds. The small-sized Beagle is calm, loyal and excellent with children and other dogs. The breed is cheerful and happy and they make good family pets except for the nose. Once a Beagle picks up a scent it will follow it to the exclusion of everything else. Beagles are fairly difficult to obedience train because of their independent or stubborn streak.

2. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small dog breeds with a long body, short crooked legs and large floppy ears. The very popular (#6) Dachshund comes in two sizes – Miniature and Standard and three varieties of coat – Shorthaired, Longhaired and Wirehaired. Dachshunds or Doxies are playful, fun-loving and inquisitive. Doxies are fine with older children but do not like the rough handling they may receive from a toddler. Dachshunds can be independent and stubborn and are difficult to housebreak and train.

3. Basset Hound

The medium- to large-sized Basset Hound is a short legged, loose skinned and powerfully built dog with a great sense of smell. Bassets are one of the easiest-going and best-natured of all dog breeds. The popular (#27) Basset is very gentle, friendly and trustworthy. These hounds adore their masters and children and get along well with other animals and strangers. Bassets can be stubborn, especially when they are investigating an intriguing smell.

4. Bloodhound

The very large and powerful Bloodhound is known for its keen sense of smell which is the most acute of all dog breeds. The Bloodhound is a kind, gentle and loveable dog. The breed is fairly popular (#50) and is gentle and affectionate with his family and children. The Bloody should be supervised around small children and pets as he can be possessive of his food and toys. Bloodhounds are prodigious droolers.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a lean, well muscled and magnificent, large dog breed. The Ridgeback gets its name from a characteristic ridge running down it’s back, where the stiff hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The Ridgeback is fairly popular (#54) and is dignified, trustworthy, loyal, intelligent and makes a great family pet. It is extremely protective of its immediate family and wary of strangers and other animals. Ridgebacks are good with children if raised with them but young Ridgebacks can be too rambunctious for small children and toddlers

6. Whippet

The Whippet (#61) is a medium-sized sight hound that looks very much like a small Greyhound. The Whippet gets along well with children and makes a good family dog. This breed is good natured, gentle and very playful. As well this dog can be easily trained, sheds very little and is a great size for an apartment. Although it is important to know that Whippets do like and even expect to sit on furniture - so that should not be a concern if you are considering this breed.

7. Basenji

The Basenji (#81) is an unusual small, elegant and athletic dog that trots like a horse and keeps itself clean by fastidious licking like a cat. Basenjis don’t bark but make other unusual sounds like a yodel, howl or chortle – depending on its mood. The Basenji is high spirited, affectionate, demanding and almost cat-like in its cleanliness, lack of bark, grace of movement and inexhaustible curiosity. This breed needs an experienced owner and lots of walks and playtime to prevent it from getting into trouble.

8. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound (#87) is the largest sighthound and one of the biggest and strongest of all giant dog breeds. This breed makes a wonderful family dog as it is reliable, patient, sweet-tempered, intelligent and good with older children. The Wolfhound adores its family and is not aggressive towards strangers or family pets. Toddlers must be supervised carefully around young Wolfhounds as they are in danger of being accidentally knocked over. Fully-grown Wolfhounds can be left alone during the day as long as they get some moderate exercise before and after work.

9. Borzoi

The Borzoi (#94) or Russian Wolfhound is a tall, lean and aristocratic looking large- to very large-sized dog that belongs to the group of sight hound dog breeds. Borzois are kind, gentle and well-behaved indoors. This breed likes lots of attention and loves to recline on a soft bed, a lap or even a couch. Borzois enjoy the company of other sighthounds but the breed is not good with small pets and young children unless raised with them. Borzois don’t need an excessive amount of exercise and should not be let off leash because they still retain a high prey drive.

10. Afghan Hound

The large Afghan Hound (#95) has a dignified and somewhat aloof disposition but is also very loyal and affectionate dog. Afghan puppies and adolescents require a lot of knowledge and patience to train and need firm and gentle handling. This breed can be difficult to housebreak and train – so professional training may be advisable. The Afghan needs a lot of exercise but still retains a high prey drive and will run off if you let it off leash. The Afghan is suspicious of strangers but can adapt to older children if raised with the family. However the Afghan should be watched around small children as this dog can have a bad temper in adolescence.

About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: dog-breed-facts.com dog-breed-facts.com He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog-breed-facts.com dog breeds, dog-breed-facts.com/dog-health.html dog health , dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

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Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, dog grooming, dog training, groom, rhodesian ridgeback

History

Records show that ridgebacked dogs were used in South Africa as hunting and companion dogs as far back as the 15th Century. They were used to track big game (hence the name “Lion Dog”) and were trained to trap the prey without attacking, and to alert their masters by barking.

In the 17th Century, these dogs were bred by European settlers with their own scent hounds and mastiffs, into the Ridgeback of today.

Appearance

Ridgebacks are large, handsome and althletic looking dogs. Their name comes from the ridge of hair on their back which grows in the opposite direction to the rest of their hair.

They have a broad skull with big round eyes which are quite wide set. They can have a black nose with dark eyes or a brown nose with amber eyes.

They have a deep set chest with strong, muscular shoulders and loins.

Temperament

Ridgebacks are stubborn and determined dogs; it is essential that they are properly socialised and receive some proper training at an early age. Because of their stubborness, they can be a challenge to train and may not be suitable for inexperienced dog owners.

Having said this, they are a pleasure to own. They make lovely family pets; they are confident and placid at home although they are generally aloof with strangers.

With their imposing size and a big bark, these dogs make good guard dogs and are likely to deter intruders.

Grooming

With their very short, dense coat, a minimal amount of grooming is required.

Exercise

Ridgebacks are big dogs and therefore require a significant amount of exersize - in the region of an hour a day as a minimum although they will keep going for as long as you ask them to!

Health Problems

As with many large dogs, hip and elbow dysplasia is not uncommon. Parents “hip” scores should be checked to minimise the risk of this hereditory disease being present - good breeders will only breed from parents with low hip scores.

It is estimated that about 5% of Ridgebacks have Dermoid Sinus; this relates to a tube like piece going from the surface of the skin into variable depths of the tissue. This has a tendancy to become affected. Breeders should ensure that puppies are tested for this condition before they go to their new homes; if a puppy is free of Dermoid Sinus, it is not something that will develop at a later age.

It is possible for vets to operate to remove the Dermoid Sinus.

Stephanie has written many articles on dogs. Visit Kennel Corner for more kennel-corner.co.uk” target=”_blank Dog Breed Profiles and other interesting dog resources, including a kennel-corner.co.uk/dog_obedience_schools.php” target=”_blank Dog Obedience School Directory.

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Tags: dog breed, groom, rhodesian ridgeback

History has shown us that people have been naming their dogs for as long as they have kept them. Archaeological digs from around the world have given us proof that mans best friend was given a name. We know many ancient Egyptian dogs’ names from leather collars as well as reliefs, stele and statuary. They included such names as Brave One, Reliable, Good Herdsman, North-Wind, Antelope and even “Useless”. Other names come from the dog’s appearance, such as Blue or Snow, while still other dogs were given numbers for names, such as “Seven”. Many of the names seem to represent endearment, while others convey merely the dog’s abilities or capabilities.

Naming a dog today has become a challenge as more and more people become dog owners. We all want our pet to have that unique name which no one else has. However there are certain common sense guidelines that should be followed when naming your beloved puppy.

1. Remember, you will be using and yelling this name thousands of times in the life of your dog, if not hundreds a day. Choose a name that rolls off the tongue easily. Most trainers and breeders suggest a two syllable name. Your puppy will find it easier to learn and you will have an easier time saying it.

2. Choose a name that stays away from common command words (sit, go, down, fetch etc). Name like Brown, Sitah, Bogo, Fletch can confuse a puppy being trained to behave, as well as older dogs whose health and hearing are fading.

3. Remember, your dog will be with you for a long time, so a name that seemed cute and adorable while he was a puppy may not be such a great name in her later years. You will need to guide small children should they be allowed in on the process as they will always go for the cute and embarrassing.

4. Using your dog’s unique appearance, abilities and capabilities is a great way to come up with a name. Your Beagle could be Patches, your Rhodesian Ridgeback could be Big Red or Lion and your new Shar Pei could be named Wrinkles.

5. Let your dog decide her own name by narrowing down the choices to a few, then calling the names to your dog. Whichever one he comes to could be the one. Conversely, you could place the chosen names on separate paper and let your dog decide by sitting on the name she wants.

However you decide to choose the right dog name for your new pet, be comfortable in the fact that you are not alone in the difficult task of choosing a name. just remember to choose the name you and your dog are most comfortable with and you won’t go wrong.

About the author: Mike Mathews is a Dog owner and has shown his dogs in the past. He is a writer and contributor to the popular Dog breed site dog-breed-facts.com. dog-breed-facts.com. He has also written an eBook titled choosingadog.dog-breed-facts.com” target=”_blank “Choosing and Training Your Dog”.

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Tags: dog breed, rhodesian ridgeback

Your list of things to do when starting your move to Germany may seem a neverending one and don’t forget, your trusty pet has needs too!

For sure you won’t want to leave them back home, after all, you’ve loved and cared for them for so long, so how are you going to take them with you? What’s necessary to do and when should you think about it?

Of course, Germany is a very welcoming place for pets, even if the red tape and paper work makes you think otherwise. For example, it’s commonplace to see a dog owner sat at a table in a restaurant with his best friend. It’s also not unusual to find dogs sat alongside their owners on trains. In fact the dog has his own ticket too. Simply ask at the ticket office before you travel, just to make sure. You will often see dog owners WITH their pets in the most unexpected places, compared with your habits back home. Some places however, do draw the line at dogs other than Guide dogs for the blind, and this will be made clear at the entrance to the place with a picture of a dog in a red circle with a line through it, similar to a no smoking sign. Examples of such places include bakeries, butchers, kindergartens, hospitals, some bars and restaurants etc.

There is also a requirement that your dog is not considered a dangerous animal and that if it should be a type of dog that is known to bite, kill or maim, then you will be required to keep your dog muzzled at all times in public places. This rule is not so clear at the moment as there have been several high-interest cases in courts recently and so changes to these rules will surely happen soon. One point to mention here, you as the owner are completely responsible for the actions of your pet and any damage or injury caused by the animal will come under your responsibility to rectify. This is why lots of dog owners take out a third-party accident insurance on their pet that covers things like breakages in shops, injuries caused by tripping someone up in the street etc etc. Contact an insurance broker for more information on this topic.

Your dog is not allowed to make, lets say, solid deposits in any public place unless there are bags/gloves provided for the owner to clean-up after them. Failure to do so can result in a huge fine and many local walking places now provide these bags at all entrances to the paths. Take a plastic bag or two with you whenever you take your dog out just to be sure that you’re prepared. Remember also that even clearing up after your pet is not a tolerated behaviour in childrens’ play areas as it is thought that bacteria from dog dirt can lead to infantile blindness. Keep your dog tied up outside of such play areas just to be sure.

If you are flying with your pet, you will often find that the pet has to be locked-away in a special travel carrying device so that no ’harm’ can come to the pet or the passengers onboard. You may even be allowed access to your pet throughout the journey, be it at your seat or at a designated part of the plane. It’s unlikely that your pet will be stored in the hold of the jet as temperatures in these areas could mean that your pet arrives as a frozen version of it’s former self!

Before you travel.

There are of course rules and regulations concerning the import and export of animals to and from any country in the world and Germany is no exception. You must not forget to comply with these long before you start your journey as you may find that your pet could be taken away from you for a period of quarantine, which is never a good thing for either of you.

If you are travelling within the EU, you now need a pet passport which contain the list of vaccinations recieved as well as any tagging info that may exist under the animal’s skin. This is an EU scheme to ensure or lower the danger of rabies spreading within the EU member states.

Do your research early.

Remember that you will need several documents that have to be readable to the German immigration authorities and do not think that they will not be checked, as they most probably will be. You will be required to visit a vetinary surgeon at your starting place and ask him for a list of vaccinations required and already received. This list must include rabies vaccinations and it should also be in a typed format. You then must take this list to your local Germany authority, be it the German Embassy or Consulate, depending on your country, and ask them to make a certified translation of this list of vaccinations in German - possibly even with an apostile (An apostile is a certificate that proves that the first certificate is really a certificate !! - well, not quite as ridiculous as that sounds, it is simply a wax sealed certificate to say that the two papers attached are identical for all content except language - it is often required for other documents such as birth certificates or driving licenses.) It may be possible to get an international vetinary certificate nowadays that has the list of check-ups and vaccinations performed and received and is in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. One reader has told me of such a certificate that was issued by a vetinarian in Ireland some years ago.

If you are crossing International borders (and this includes flying from the UK to Switzerland for example), then you will need to prove that your pet has received all the required vaccinations within the month prior to your date of entry into the country and you need a document for each pet that you bring. This covers up to three pets and any more will require an Import license. Pets that require this type of attention include dogs AND cats. You should find that smaller house pets require no such attention and you certainly would not expect to provide certificates for hamsters or fish that you bring with you. You will not be allowed to bring birds, such as homing pigeons or parrots with you without prior written permission and a period of quarantine - due to current bird-flu restrictions. Snakes, ferrets and rats are not considered house pets, rather vermin and so you may face very hard times ahead when bringing these pets to Germany.

If you have brought a dog with you, as soon as you have got yourself settled into your new home you need to get yourself a dog license. Like in the UK and Ireland, this can cost up to 30 Euro’s a year but it also depends on which part of Germany you are living in. All other house pets do not require such a license. Simply make a point of enquiring about this license when you register yourself and your family at the einwohnermeldeamt.

Don’t forget that the person you rent a house or an apartment has the last say as to whether you may bring your pet or not, so make sure you check whether you may have pets/haustiere living with you. Many apartment owners say no to pets unless the owner is blind or partially sighted, due to reasons known only to themselves.

Bringing Dangerous Dogs into the country from the USA

In response to a series of dog attack upon humans, Germany’s state and federal governments have enacted measures to ensure public safety. The states bear primary responsibility in this area, and the regulations bearing upon the breeding and ownership of dangerous breeds vary from state to state. In some states, for example, dogs of certain breeds must be kept on leash and muzzled in public at all times. Travelers planning to bring their dogs with them to Germany are advised to contact the appropriate state authorities: a list of the breeds affected by state legislation is given below.

At the national level, the Bundestag has passed legislation banning the import of breeds deemed especially dangerous. The ban applies, notably, to Pitbull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Dangerous dogs accompanying travelers remaining in Germany for no more than four weeks are exempt, as are public service and guide dogs. Any dog owner wishing to bring an animal into Germany must have appropriate documentation. Travelers are advised to contact the nearest German Consulate General for further information.

Breeds Subject to Dangerous Dog Regulations

The breeds of dogs listed here are classified as generally or potentially dangerous under the regulations of one or more of Germany’s states. Other breeds not listed might also be subject to regulations. Dog owners interested in bringing their dogs with them to Germany are advised to contact state authorities for more information.

- Akbas
- Alano
- American Staffordshire Terrier *
- Bandog
- Berger de Beauce (Beauceron)
- Berger de Brie (Briard)
- Bullmastiff
- Bull-terrier *
- Cane Corso
- Carpatin
- Chinesischer Kampfhund (Chinese fighting dog)
- Dobermann
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Estrela-Berghund
- Fila Brasileiro
- Kangal
- Karakatschan
- Karshund
- Kaukasischer Owtscharka
- Komondor
- Kraski Ovcar
- Kuvasz
- Liptak (Goralenhund)
- Maremmaner Hirtenhund
- Mastiff
- Mastin de los Pirineos
- Mastin Espanol
- Mastino Napoletano
- Mioritic
- Mittelasiatischer Owtscharka
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Perro de Presa Mallorquin
- Pit-bull terrier*
- Polski Owczarek Podhalanski
- Pyrenäenberghund
- Raffeiro do Alentejo
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Römischer Kampfhund
- Rottweiler
- Sarplaninac
- Slovensky Cuvac
- Staffordshire Bull-terrier*
- Sürdrussischer Owtscharka
- Tibetanischer Mastiff
- Tornjak
- Tosa Inu

*These breeds are prohibited under all circumstances.

All dogs that reach a shoulder height of over 40 cm (approximately 16 inches) at full maturity or a weight of over 20 kg (44 pounds) are subject to dangerous dog regulations in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dave Small has been living and working in Germany since 2002 and encountered so many cultural hurdles along the way, hence the need for livingingermany.de livingingermany.de - the site that makes clear all of those hazy expat challenges faced by so many English-speakers moving to Germany.

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Tags: briard, bull terrier, rhodesian ridgeback, rottweiler, snake

Although there are approximately 400 breeds of dogs recognized in the world, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes 146 breeds. These breeds are subdivided into seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Herding, Non-Sporting, Terrier and Toy. The dogs in each group share similar characteristics but can be quite diverse and therefore each group has distinctive subgroups.

The Sporting Group were bred to assist man in hunting, especially in retrieving birds from water or fields. These are very active dogs that are loyal and intelligent. They need lots of exercise and do not like to be left alone. Excellent family dogs who love interaction, these dogs can play fetch for hours and absolutely love it. Subgroups in this category include retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels.

The Hound Group are also favoured for hunting because of their instinct to follow fast-moving game like rabbits and foxes. They are renowned for their keen sense of smell and sharp eyesight and tend to be great pets due to their gentle, easy to get along with nature. Subgroups include sight hounds such as greyhounds, whippets and Irish wolfhounds; scent hounds like basset hounds, beagles and dachshunds; and large game hounds such as the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Dogs that make up the Working Group were historically bred to perform specific tasks for people. This group includes sled dogs that love cold weather, living outside and need plenty of exercise. Guard dogs such as mastiffs, rottweilers and Great Danes were bred for protection and are thus alert, courageous, intelligent and independent. These dogs can be territorial and require strong leadership and structured training.

Other breeds that make up the Working Group include personal protection dogs like boxers and Dobermans that are very loyal and strong-willed and rescue dogs such as the friendly Saint Bernard. Rescue dogs can be terrific with children if they are raised with them and tend to be quiet and unassuming.

The dogs of the Herding Group do just that, herd livestock. This group can be broken down into sheep herders like shepherds and collies and cattle herders such as bouviers and corgis. They love to work, exercise and play. Extremely agile and easy to train, these dogs also tend to be fabulous family pets.

The Terrier Group consists of breeds that are determined and very competitive. Two types of terriers are fighting breeds and vermin hunters. Fighters such as pit bulls and bull terriers are courageous yet perhaps somewhat cocky but fortunately most of their aggression has been bred down. They can make excellent pets but need early socialization to ensure that they can be comfortable around other people and animals.

Vermin hunters were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and hence are very alert, lively, agile and independent. These dogs include just about every breed of terrier that you can think of and make great pets if you like spirited dogs that require patience, training and attention.

The majority of the dogs that comprise the Non-Sporting Group were bred to perform specific jobs that now have become obsolete so the animals have become companions. The personalities of the dogs that make up this breed group have very wide variations so it makes sense to consult breed-specific information sources before selecting one of these dogs as a pet. Some of the breeds in this group include the Dalmatian, Bichon Frise, Lhasa apso and the poodle.

The final breed group is the Toy Group. They are mainly miniature versions of hunting or working dogs and tend to be adorable, affectionate pets that are ideal for the elderly or apartment dwellers. These dogs need attention and exercise and will benefit tremendously from training to prevent them from constant barking and nipping.

Many people prefer mixed breeds but the advantage of choosing a purebred is predictability of behaviour. For example, if you want a dog that will retrieve, you know you will get that with a retriever. The main point is that all dogs should make excellent pets if given proper attention including exercise, discipline and affection.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to dog-guides.com/ Dogs

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Tags: bull terrier, pit bull, rhodesian ridgeback, rottweiler, saint bernard