Doctor Woof from Bayer here…

After checking out the new Friends Furever pages on Facebook, my tail’s wagging with pleasure. You can chat about all kinds of cat and dog issues; stay up-to-date about our fitness and health; plus take part in all kinds of pet-friendly giveaways, promotions and offers.

To sniff it out for yourself, click here.

Also, keep your ears pricked for an email about our new Friends Furever website – coming soon.

With royal mania still in the air following a certain internationally famous, special wedding, we thought it was only appropriate to profile the most regal of pooches for our latest Breed of the Month segment. That’s right, we’re talking about the Welsh Corgi, official pooch of the Queen herself, and we can definitely see why they’re such a favourite…

History
With a royal lineage dating back to the King Hywel Dda, King of Wales (and what a fantastically Welsh name that is!), in the early 12th century, these prestige pooches were always destined for palace life. A member of the Spitz family, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, used to guard family farmyards, as well as for herding fowl.

As time went on, the Corgi also proved its versatility and was used as both a gun dog and ratter, tying itself inextricably to the pursuits of the well-to-do in the British Isles. In more modern times, it was recognised as a breed in the early 1930s – and became one of the best-known breeds in the world after a certain princess (now Queen Elizabeth II) developed a fondness for them.

Appearance
Fox-like and low to the ground with an elongated body and short legs, the Corgi paints an endearing if slightly awkward picture. A small dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs in at around 12kg for an adult male and 11kg for an adult female. In terms of colour, it is available in red, fawn, black and tan or sable, with or without white markings on the legs and body.

Temperament
Despite its royal lineage, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is hardly reserved, and can be quite boisterous, though very trainable. Always aiming to please (and if the Queen was your owner, wouldn’t you?) the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is suited to herding, agility work and as a family companion.

Having found itself in the national spotlight for so many years due to Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong love, one can only guess which breed will soon shoot to fame when the new Princess Kate sets up house!

[IMAGE SOURCE www.dogbreedsinfo.org; www.dogspedia.net]

History
Said to have descended from the small dogs used to keep Tibetan Lamas (as is monks, not South American critters!) company and act as watchdogs and ‘hot water bottles’ during the colder months. Closely related to the Pekingese, but with some marked differences, the Tibetan people called the dogs ‘little lions’, yet the official Tibetan Spaniel breed was actually established half a world away from its mountainous origins – in England in the 1920s, where it became loved for its lapdog qualities and attractive coat.

Appearance
A toy-sized dog, the Tibetan Spaniel is of about the same height and weight as a Maltese Terrier. In fact, ‘spaniel’ is a misnomer, as the breed differs in significant ways from other spaniels such as the Cavalier and Cocker Spaniels traditionally used as gun dogs.
With a silky, luxurious coat that comes in a variety of colours (with fawn featuring most frequently), the Tibetan Spaniel is a good-looking dog. As with the Pekingese, the Tibetan Spaniel’s head looks small in relation to the body, while its underbite and large, inquisitive eyes give the breed unmistakable charm.

Temperament
Loyal, alert, playful and intelligent, Tibetan Spaniels retain a puppy-like charm throughout their lives. While the Tibetan Spaniel is an affectionate breed, it does have an independent streak and doesn’t feel compelled to be by a human’s side every second. People who own Tibetan Spaniels report that while the dog always wants to be in their vicinity, it is happy to watch on from the floor or another chair, not needing constant handling.
There’s no doubt that Tibetan Spaniels are heart-winners. With a lineage that stretches back to mystical mountains and monastery life, one can’t help but look into those big, black, expressive eyes and wonder if the Tibetan Spaniel knows a lot more about the meaning of life than he’s letting on.

[IMAGE SOURCE www.dogbreedsinfo.org; www.justdogbreeds.com]

The French have had a long connection to their canine companions, but far before the French Poodle came along and became synonymous with the elegance of Paris, there was a far more substantial, meatier national dog – mais oui! We’re talking about the Dogue de Bordeaux, that drooling, wrinkled, lumbering beast of a dog – a loveable giant with a rich history.

Origin

As the name suggests, the Dogue de Bordeaux originated in Bordeaux in the south of France, around the 14^th century. Because of their considerable size and hardy nature, they were put to a number of uses by the French aristocracy, including as guard dogs, hunting dogs and even bear and bull-fighting dogs!

One theory suggests that because of their sheer size and brute strength, the breed is descended from the Greco-Roman molossoids that were used as war dogs. What is certain is that during the French Revolution many Dogues perished with their masters, because they were seen as a rich man’s dog and therefore shown no mercy.

In later years, Dogues were used to guard homes and a variety businesses, including butchers’ shops. And if that isn’t an indication of self-controlled dog, we don’t know what is! It wasn’t until 1920 that French breeders got together and standardised the breed, which has gone on to thrive around the world as a popular pet and guard dog.

Star quality

Americans first became really aware of the breed thanks to a Dogue called Beasley, who played Hooch in the Tom Hanks film ‘Turner and Hooch’. More recently, Aussies have been exposed to the breed’s loveable qualities thanks to the recent adverts for Olympus cameras in which a Dogue ‘chews’ and generally slobbers all over a camera. Both showcase how well-trained the breed can be, which accounts for its growing popularity. Specialist breeders exist in Australia, with organizations like the Dogue de Bordeaux Club of Australia providing detailed information.

Appearance

The Dogue de Bordeaux has a striking appearance, sharing similarities with the bulldog and mastiff, albeit with far more distinctive facial structure than either of those breeds. With wrinkles cascading down its face and an often inquisitive, perplexed expression, this canine cuts a memorable figure. Standing at up to 70cm tall and weighing in at a minimum of 52 kilograms for males, there’s a whole lot of dog in a Dogue de Bordeaux!

Temperament

While the Dogue de Bordeaux is a naturally inquisitive and watchful dog, which makes him a suitable guard dog, he is rarely unnecessarily aggressive and is slow to anger. Because of its size, it is absolutely mandatory that Dogues de Bordeaux receive early socialisation and are not allowed to become dominant. However, these giants make incredibly loyal, affectionate and amusing family pets for people who know how to handle them.

Image Sourced from: Commons.Wikimedia

At the end of a long, hard day, sometimes all you need is someone to vent to. You drop your bag in the hallway, kick off your shoes, pour yourself a glass of red and unleash all the day’s worries to your dearly beloved… who, for his part, sits still, listens dutifully – and when you’re finished, showers you in affection.

Then he licks your face and scratches himself.

That’s right, we’re talking about the family pooch, who, it would seem, is quickly taking his place in the family as resident therapist and sympathetic ear.

A new poll conducted in the US by pet-loving website Petside has discovered that one third of married, pet-owning American women and 18 per cent of their male counterparts admit that their pet is a better listener than their spouse.

With more and more pet owners discovering the therapeutic value of a furry friend around the house, and the amazing connection that develops between people and their pets, this comes as no surprise to us at Dog Diaries. Pets have long been used as natural healers and helpers, with guide dogs, aged-cared therapy pets, cancer-detecting dogs, seizure-detecting dogs and now even dogs that can help your child learn to read becoming a standard part of our healthcare system.

So even though this may be a slightly dismal advertisement for married life, we say it’s yet another endorsement of the joy a pet can bring!

Images by: Grazie, davvero and Ars technica

Usually, we feature a specific dog breed for our ‘Breed of the Month’ section, but because so many Dog Diaries members have mixed-breed, cross-breed and what we euphemistically refer to as ‘lucky dips’ for their canine companions, we decided it was time to do a feature on that loveable scallywag: the Bitza. We’re not speaking here about designer dogs – those that have been intentionally ‘created’ to incorporate certain traits or qualities from two or three particular breeds, but the good old Aussie mongrel, often an accidental cross resulting from a flurry of usually forbidden passion between two star-crossed pooches.

Obviously, this presents some problems. Because the mixed-breed dog can be made up of several different breeds, there is no breed standard, no particular temperament type and no particular physical traits. It’s difficult to pinpoint what it is about the mixed-breed dog that presents such a loveable picture. Perhaps it’s the Australian spirit of the underdog (no pun intended) that has created such a soft spot in our hearts for these Mr Potato Heads of the canine world.

Health
Although there are obviously no guarantees when you are unsure of the breed origins of your Bitza, many owners of cross-bred dogs believe that their pets are somewhat sturdier, healthier and more outgoing than their purebred counterparts. This, it turns out, is not simply a case of bias, but a much-contested concept called ‘hybrid vigour’, which assumes that cross-bred animals, as a group, will be healthier than purebred ones.

The reason this is so highly contested amongst dog owners and breeders is that one school of thought believes that hybrid vigour in dogs is a myth, due to the fact that they believe a proper ‘hybrid’ animal must be born of two different species (i.e. the horse and donkey, or the ‘liger’, the recent lion/tiger hybrid created in a Thai zoo).

According to Dr. Anne Fowler, of the Australian Veterinary Association, ‘while hybrid vigour does exist for cross-bred animals, genetics remains largely a “numbers game”’ . Nonetheless, many dog lovers whose furry friends are mixed breeds remain convinced that the ‘mix’ of their pet makes it a healthier one. And it appears PetRescue Australia agrees:
‘Mixed breeds offer several advantages over purebreds. When you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog that’s likely to be free of genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed breeds, in fact, are often considered the more “natural” dog. When you adopt a mixed breed, you adopt a unique companion.’

Temperament
Again, the temperament of any dog varies greatly depending on its parents, circumstance and upbringing, but this is compounded when there’s a mix of temperaments in its breed origins. However, if you are considering adopting or buying a mixed-breed pup, research and education into its origin breeds will give you as good an idea as any other dog owner about what you might be able to expect from your new pet. The thing to remember is that any dog’s temperament can vary depending upon how he is raised – give your pup love, guidelines and lots of socialising and you are giving it every chance possible of a happy, well-balanced life.

•    To further celebrate the loveable mutt, we’d love to hear your stories about your mixed-breed. Do you know the origins of your pooch? What characteristics does he have? Tell us a story about your ‘lucky dip’ pet!

Images sourced from: wikimedia.org, wikivisual.com, dogtime.com

While the Australian Bulldog is not at present accepted as a registered breed with the Australian National Kennel Council, they have fast become a much-loved companion for many a Bulldog-loving Aussie.  And, of course, the Australian Bulldog Society (founded by the original breeders) has its sights set on acceptance by the ANKC as its goal.¹

History

According to Pip Nobes, who, along with Noel and Tina Green, was one of the first breeders of an Aussie Bulldog: “The Australian adventure did not start from any noble premise or lofty ideals, but evolved into that” ². Nobes began developing the first Aussie Bulldog less than 20 years ago in the early 1990’s. She began by breeding a British Bulldog with her husband’s pig-hunting girl “more from curiosity than any other altruistic motive”³.

Cooperation between Nobes and the Greens produced the first two original Aussie Bulldog lines, the Pip Nobes Line and the Jag Line. What eventuated was a bulldog bred for Australian conditionsª. The proof of the success of the breed is that it has fewer of the medical conditions that plague the British variety of the breed.

Temperament

Like its British relative, the Aussie Bulldog is extremely loyal, outgoing and affectionate. While their appearance may seem imposing, the reality is that the Aussie Bulldog is an incredibly good-natured and people-friendly family pet. Having said this, the Aussie Bulldog has a very high muscle-mass, and therefore when excited there may be a danger of the Aussie Bulldog knocking over a small child in its enthusiasm, so Aussies are probably best suited to families with older kids.

Health and Appearance

The health problems afflicting the British Bulldog are well-documented, and a large part of the motive for breeding an Aussie version of the Bulldog, is to try and lessen and eventually eliminate the severity of the common Bulldog ailments. These ailments include breathing difficulties, hip dysplasia and skin conditions associated with the excessive skin folds of the British breed.

According to The Balerow Aussie Bull Blog created by Aussie Bulldog breeders in Sydney, most of the differences in appearance between the two breeds are in some way related to their health. “British Bulldogs tend to have exaggerated short legs, wrinkles, short face, bowing front legs, broad shoulders and very narrow pelvic space. All of which pose problems, not only those that are obvious like breathing problems but can lead to a myriad of issues outlined in our blog on genetic disorders associated with bulldogs.”º

The Aussie Bulldog, sporting a longer muzzle, tends to avoid the common breathing issues of its British cousin. Despite the muzzle, its head still retains the typically handsome square bulldog shape. In addition to this the Aussie is a larger, more athletic dog with longer legs and far less excess skin, further improving the overall health of the dog†.  Having said this, breeders agree “There’s an enormous challenge ahead. It’s probably taken 150-200 years to inflict the genetic damage seen in Bulldogs, and it will take a long time to undo it.”‡

At Dog Diaries we love to see an Aussie excel, and with the help of passionate breeders, that is exactly what our variation on the Bulldog has done.

1. http://www.australianbulldogsociety.com/history.html
2. http://www.australianbulldogsociety.com/history.html
3. http://www.australianbulldogsociety.com/history.html
ª. http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Dogs/Aussie-Bulldog/1904
º. http://aussiebulldogs.net/blog/2007/12/01/what-is-the-difference-between-the-australian-bulldog-and-the-british-bulldog-a-comparison/
†. http://aussiebulldogs.net/blog/2007/12/01/what-is-the-difference-between-the-australian-bulldog-and-the-british-bulldog-a-comparison/
‡. http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/1998/archives/26/roadtests/dog_breeds/aussie_bulldog

Images sourced from: greatdogsite.com, skyrock.net and dogscatspetshops.com

At first glance, you could be forgiven for mistaking a Newfoundland dog frolicking in the park for an escaped black bear – such is the sheer size of this gentle giant. Yet looks are where the similarities end, as Newfoundlands are quiet, loving and relaxed dogs that are noted for their gentle disposition.

Originating in Newfoundland, Canada, as working dogs for the fishermen of the area, their loyal temperament, muscled bodies and webbed feet made these powerful pooches the ultimate deck hands. It is believed that they are the product of cross-breeding between the St. Bernard and the St. John’s Water Dog, and they share many characteristics with these two breeds.

Newfoundlands are the perfect addition to your family

Appearance and possible problems
Physically, the Newfoundland is all raw strength. With a sturdy bone structure, stout legs, thick bull neck and massive head and snout, it is no surprise that an adult male can weigh in at over 80kg and measure over 70cm at the shoulder.

A thick, water-resistant coat (coming in a variety of colours, but most commonly black, brown or landseer, which consists of a brown or black head with a white and black body) makes the breed perfect for long stints swimming in the icy Atlantic waters where it originated, while the droopy jowls – which can sometimes cause excessive drooling – are actually well-formulated for maximising breathing while swimming through choppy water.

The question of whether the Newf (as it is commonly known in Australia) is right for you may depend on which part of the country you live in. The thickness of its coat makes the breed best suited to cooler climes such as Tasmania or anywhere with a degree of elevation. And like many large-breed dogs, Newfs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia (as well as cystinuria, where the urethra becomes blocked, leading to the risk of kidney failure).

Gentle, heroic giants
The Newfoundland dog is noted for its benevolence, loyalty and gentle nature. While its size can instil initial uneasiness, one look at a Newfoundland interacting with children, other dogs and even smaller pets like cats and birds will attest to its status as a ‘gentle giant’.

Easy to train and with surprisingly low-maintenance exercise requirements (while needing regular walking, the Newfoundland’s size belies a propensity to laze around the house), one of the most interesting facts about these colossal canines is that they have a natural inclination for water-rescue.

There are reports of many instances in which  Newfoundlands have saved people from drowning, including a story about Tang, a brave pooch who was onboard the sinking Ethie off the coast of Newfoundland in 1919. Tang took a rope in his teeth and swam through treacherous seas until he finally reached land and was able to give the rope to a waiting rescue team. Tang saved the lives of 92 of the 93 stranded sailors, and was awarded a medal for bravery, which he wore for the rest of his life.

If you want a relaxed, easy-going pooch with a strong saviour instinct (especially with children) and don’t mind fronting for the mountain of food you’ll need to provide, this large and loveable dog could make the perfect addition to your family.

Images sourced from Wikipedia and soberandbrown.se

As the name suggests, these gentle giants were originally developed in England for hunting otters, yet with the banning of otter hunting in the UK in the late 1970s, the Otterhound has had to make the transition from hunter to family pet.

While they did so with relative ease, the breed is increasingly rare and with only an estimated 1000 of the dogs remaining worldwide, the Otterhound is now considered more endangered than the Giant Panda.

History
In order to create the perfect otter-hunting dog (otters used to compete with – and often beat – fishermen for trout), the Bloodhound was bred in the 1800s with various other breeds of terriers and hunting dogs until the perfect specimen was produced.

With a keen sense of smell, a thick, oily double-coat (perfect for keeping warm in the water and for drying off quickly), substantially webbed feet for swimming and a deep, booming bark, these strong-bodied hunters were a formidable threat… if you were an otter.

When hunting otters was banned, Otterhound numbers sadly started to decline, and in 1978 they were officially considered one of the most endangered breeds worldwide. Efforts have since been underway to preserve the lineage of this charming and laidback hunter as a family pet – a role that suits the breed just as well as its former occupation on the riverbanks of the United Kingdom.

Appearance
Coming in almost any combination of colours, the Otterhound is mainly distinguishable by its shaggy, curly coat, large size and booming bark (which belie a very friendly temperament!) At approximately 66cm tall and weighing in at over 50kg, the Otterhound is a very sturdy, muscular dog and has a lot of endurance and stamina for exercise and hard work. Having said this, most are happy to lie on the couch and be loved, so have a tendency to obesity in later life if they’re not exercised regularly.

An interesting aspect of the Otterhound’s appearance is the fleshy membrane on the bottom eyelid, which can give the impression of being awake when they are actually fast asleep. This attribute evolved from the breed’s history in the wild, to ward off predators which may attack whilst they are vulnerable.

With a lifespan of eight to 12 years, the breed can have a tendency towards some ‘large dog’ health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia and thrombocytopenia (a blood disease characterised by an abnormally small number of platelets), so regular check-ups with the vet, as with any dog, are a must.

Personality
Friendly and affectionate, the Otterhound is not only great with members of its family, but strangers and, especially, other children, too. While its bark is loud and deep, the Otterhound is no guard dog, and is much more likely to offer the postman a sniff and a smile than any serious threat!
While their intelligence makes them good learners, their stubbornness can sometimes pose an obstacle to training when they are pups, which must be overcome early on.

Given its double coat, Otterhounds are, not surprisingly, more common in cooler climates. However, there are several breeders within Australia doing their best to encourage the continuation of the breed. Because they are so rare, expect a long wait for a puppy, but if you are looking for a big, lovable companion that is both affectionate and able to entertain themselves, you may just be in line to take care of one of the canine world’s rarest gifts.

Image sources: breederretriever.com and clubs.akc.org

A few years ago I happened to switch channels on my TV and watched the last few minutes of an article that featured a dog called the Puffin Dog. Apparently, this dog has been bred specially to walk along the very narrow tracks on cliff faces to flush out puffin birds.

When this dog came across the bird’s nest, it had to watch out as the bird flew over its head. The dog couldn’t turn around on the track, so it bent its head back over its own back to the bird as it flew away.

Can you find out if this is true and would this dog be indigenous to Scandinavian countries?
Well, the short answer is ‘yes’. This dog can indeed bend its head back along its own spine (and that’s only part of its super-flexibility!), and it is certainly indigenous to Scandinavia. It is also one of the rarest (if not the rarest) of all breeds, but it is not called the Puffin Dog – not technically, anyway.

The breed in question is officially known as the Norwegian Lundehund. However, since lunde means ‘puffin’ and hund means ‘dog’, in translation it does mean ‘puffin dog’! As the name suggests, the breed originated in Norway and has been used for hunting puffins along the coast since at least the 1600s.

Flexible friend

As well as being able to bend its head back along its own spine, the Norwegian Lundehund can turn its legs to the side at a 90-degree angle (much like human arms), and it can also seal its small, pointed ears by folding backwards or forwards. And whereas almost every other dog has four toes, the Lundehund has six. The combination of these features made the dog perfectly suited to hunting puffins, which love to nest in otherwise inaccessible locations in caves and on cliffs.

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog, and it’s only by good fortune that it is still around today. Puffins became a protected species in the 1800s, meaning interest in the breed declined until the dogs were only found in one small part of Norway. The few surviving Lundehunds were almost wiped out when canine distemper hit the region in the 1940s and again in the early 1960s.

By this point, there were only six dogs in existence, but a careful breeding programme has now seen the worldwide population swell to 1500-2000, with most found in Norway. There do not appear to be any Norwegian Lundehund breeders in Australia.

Characteristics

The Lundehund has a dense, rough overcoat coupled with a soft undercoat. Its unique flexibility and polydactyl (having more digits than usual) are its most distinguishing characteristics. The dogs are said to be cheerful, intelligent, inquisitive and stubborn. They are also big barkers and protective of their homes and families.
Agile and energetic, they require plenty of exercise. However, they are also extremely prone to Lundehund syndrome – a series of gastrointestinal disorders – which manifests in many dogs from an early age. As a result, the lifespan of the Lundehunds is unpredictable.

•    If you’d like to request a Breed of the Month, or have any breed-related questions you’d like answered, feel free to let us know…

Images by infosightmedia and blogcdn