Dogs and Puppies | Cats and Kittens

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is also known under the names and abbreviations of: Czech Wolfdog, Czechoslovakian Vlcak, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Chechoslovakian Wolfdog, CV (outdated), Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Slovak Wolfdog, Czech Wolfdog and Ceskoslovensky Vlcak. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, as it is commonly known, would be better called ‘Ceskoslovensky Vlcak’, the name the breed is registered under with the FCI, in order to avoid that the dogs are seen as ‘wolf hybrids’ which they are not. Exercise Needs: High. Typical Health Problems: Few. Average Life Expectancy: Up to 16 years or even more. Grooming Requirements: Middle. Training Difficulty: High. Diet: Depending on exercise / work load. Price and Cost: Puppy prices vary greatly (see below). Introduction If you always dreamed of having a wolf, but don’t have the acres of land necessary for a wolf sanctuary, you might be tempted to look at the different wolfdog breeds available. Before you do so, you have to [...] Read more »

The Old English Sheep Dog is also known under the (nick) names and abbreviations of: Bobtail, Dulux Dog, OES, Olde English Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog or simply English Sheepdog, but you shouldn’t be confused with the English Shepherd, which is a completely different breed. Exercise Needs: Middle to high. Typical Health Problems: Eyes, hip dysplasia and heatstroke. Average Life Expectancy: 11 years Grooming Requirements: High, unless trimmed. Training Difficulty: Low to middle. Diet: Normal. Price and Cost: Puppy prices start at around $500. Introduction If you are looking for a large family or companion dog that is great with children and pets and don’t mind a fair bit of grooming, the Old English Sheep Dog might be just what you are looking for. A gentle character combined with intelligence and a good sense of humor makes this dog a first class choice for families. But two caveats come with this [...] Read more »

The Dachshund is also known under the (nick-) names of: Dackel, Teckel, Tekkel Doxie, Weenie Dog, Wiener Dog, Hotdog and Sausage Dog. Exercise Needs: Middle to high. Typical Health Problems: Ears and back problems (prone to slipped discs). Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years, but more then 20 year old dogs have also been reported. Grooming Requirements: Low for the short-haired variety, middle for the longhaired and wired haired one. Training Difficulty: Hard. Diet: Normal. Price and Cost: Dachshund puppy prices start typically at around $300. Introduction Perhaps the most German of all dog breeds, the Dachshund has enchanted dog aficionados worldwide for many years His official name ‘Dachshund’ is a compound noun of two German terms, Dachs = Badger and Hund = Dog. The reason being, that the ‘Badger Dog’ was originally bred to drive badgers, and other small game, out of their den, into the shooting line of the [...] Read more »

The Italian Greyhound is also known under the names of: IG, Iggy and Piccolo Levriero Italiano, its correct Italian name. Exercise Needs: Medium. Typical Health Problems: Several. Average Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years. Grooming Requirements: Medium. Training Difficulty: Medium. Diet: Normal. Price and Cost: Puppy prices for the Italian Greyhound start at $400, typical additional costs are special collars and clothes for bad weather. Introduction Originating in Old Egypt, the Italian Greyhound, or Iggy, as it is called lovingly by its fans, is the smallest of the sight hound breeds. Elegant and delicate, it is an ideal dog for the city and for people that like to have a dog that is always in close contact to them. This dog needs a fair amount of care, but, on the other hand, sheds remarkably little hair and can therefor be a good choice for people with allergies to other dog [...] Read more »

The Brussels Griffon is also known under the names of: Griffon Bruxellois, Belgium Griffon, Petit Brabançon, Griffon, Griff, Bruss and Griffon Belge. Exercise Needs:Moderate. Typical Health Problems: Eyes. Average Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years. Grooming Requirements: Middle. Training Difficulty: Easy. Diet: Normal. Price and Cost: Brussels Griffon puppy prices start at around $600, grooming costs. Introduction Remember ‘Verdell’ playing alongside Jack Nicholson in ‘As Good As It Gets’? This little fellow was a Brussels Griffon! A hardy little breed with a playful temperament, they make great city dogs due to their small size and moderate exercise needs. This is a peculiar breed as it is recognized by some kennel clubs and associations as one breed in three coat varieties and by others as three different breeds. History The word ‘griffon’ means ‘rough or hard coated’ and makes reference to the harsh fur of this small dog breed. The breed, [...] Read more »