Breed of the Week 3

As I was looking through the different breeds that come to daycare I kept seeing pictures of a particular dog that just screamed "BLOG ME!"...so although everyone knows about Border Collies, I just couldn't resist.

From the CKC site:

ORIGIN
(Listed) The craft of tending flocks of sheep was introduced to the British by the Romans and it wasn't long before Celtic clans developed their own types of sheepdogs to tend to these tasks. One of these, the Border Collie, is recognized as the finest sheep-herding dog in the world. While appearance has been a major concern in many breeds, the working ability has always been the prime criterion in this breed.

TEMPERAMENT
Intelligence and trainability are a hallmark of the Border Collie. Alert and eager, the breed can display a single-mindedness for the task at hand. Affectionate with friends, the Border Collie may be reserved toward strangers.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
‘Highly active’ only begins to describe the Border Collie. Swift, agile, tireless and with an incredible desire to work, the Border Collie is not for the couch-potato. This high-energy dog needs to work and if there are no sheep handy, it will thrive on such activities as flyball, agility, Frisbee-catching and advanced obedience.

COAT
There are two varieties of coat in the Border Collie. The smooth coat is short over the entire body with some feathering on the forelegs and chest. The rough coat is medium to long and may be flat or slightly wavy. Both varieties carry a soft undercoat beneath the weather-resistant outer coat.

COLOUR
The Border Collie comes in many colours and colour combinations. The most common is black with white markings on the collar, blaze, stockings and tail tip. However, dogs may be a solid colour (with the exception of all white), bi-colour, tri-colour, merle or sable.

GROOMING
Both coats are easy care and may be maintained with regular brushing.

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A good Border Collie is one with a job- fetch, tricks, regular walks, haiking, camping, agility, obedience, flyball...pretty much anything to keep them physically and mentally active. In the house they should be calm and relaxed, only turning into busy dogs when asked or out doing something fun- but without exercise will be busy all the time. Border collies are VERY smart, so smart in fact that they often train their owners without them even knowing! Almost all of the Border Collies that come to daycare have trained us how to play fetch with them...and will convince us over, and over, and over to throw the ball.



The border collies at daycare tend to be good players, but mostly love to be with us. They are often at our feet, or pushing a ball into our hands. They are very much people dogs, who just want to please. As mentioned in the breed description above they come in all colors and two coat varieties. Most common is a black and white with a rough coat. We do have a few smooths that come, and they all have different ears it seems!



Border Collies do make GREAT pets, if you are active. They are not for couch potatoes, nor are they for fairweather walkers. They need exercise every day, and will get pretty creative to exercise themselves. One must be on their toes if you own a Border Collie!

Everyone's friend

Heidi came to daycare for the first time on Monday and was a hit. EVERYBODY wanted to be her friend, and she was happy to oblige. She kept up to those young puppies all morning, but from what her parents say she was pretty tired that afternoon!






Isn't she cute?

Puppies Galore

I think we broke a record!!! Monday we had four new puppies come to daycare. Cute, Wiggly, and all very fun. Here are just a few pics that Wendy managed to take today. She took a LOT of photos!

The players:

Roscoe a Golden Retriever


This blur is Cooper a Brittany Spaniel


Ralphie a Border Collie/Great Pyr cross


Molly a Boxer


And the action:







I think it's safe to say that everyone went home nice and tired- including the adult dogs they kept busy all day!

Breed of the Week II

This week I thought I'd showcase one of the most popular breeds around- Dachshunds!

From the CKC website:

Physical Dimensions:
Miniature: Approx. 8 inches (20 cm) tall at the shoulders, 20 inches (50 cm) long, nose to rump and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
Standard: 30-40% larger than the Miniature.
Wirehaired: Slightly higher off the ground than the Smooth and Longhaired.

Weight:
Miniature: The ideal weight is 10 lb (4.5 kg).
Standard: Over 11 lbs (5 kg)

Color:
COLOUR
All types/sizes may be one-coloured, two-coloured, dappled or striped.

Dachshunds, also known as Dackels or Teckels, were developed in Germany and used to hunt badger and fox since the Middle Ages. The original Dachshund was the Standard Smooth. The name "dachshund" means "badger dog" in German. Dachshunds work in packs and are strong and fearless when sent underground to rout out the ferocious badger. These short-legged dogs were well recognised and known as one of the most versatile and useful breeds for hunting both below and above ground.

They come in two sizes, and three coat varieties.

The Miniature Dachshunds were bred to hunt the rabbits that destroyed farmers' crops. These little dogs must be small enough to slip down rabbit holes and, in their native Germany, they are classifed according to girth, not weight.

The Dachshund is clever, lively, fearless, persistent and outgoing. With his fun-filled outlook, he is an affectionate and wonderful family companion.

The Dachshund's lively and active personality make him an ideal participant in several dog sports and activities, such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Earth Dog Trials, Field Work, and Hunting.

You can find more information about the breed on the Club Website

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We are lucky enough to have a whole bunch of Dachsies attend daycare. They are great little daycare dogs and are generally quite playful and active. Dachshunds are feisty enough to even play with the big dogs on occasion! The Dachshunds that we have at the daycare range from busy and wild to laid back couch potatoes! And some fall in between.

Because of their size and activity level they make great family pets, but it is important to socialise them young with people, dogs and cats so that they remain friendly and outgoing. Also, as with all long, short dogs they are prone to back/disc problems. Keeping a Dachsie thin is the key to a long life!

As mentioned in the breed standard above Dachsies come in all coat colors and variety. Here are a just a few that come to daycare.


Maggie is Mini, Longhair with a dapple coloring. She is the princess. :o)

Cooper is also a mini and a longhair but is a black and tan

Buddy is a mini longhair too! He is quite unique in his coloring.

Pip is an old girl, a red Mini Smooth. She has faded with age, and her face is getting whiter and whiter.

These two handsome devils are Max and Otto. They are both Mini Smooths.

and we couldn't post about Dachshunds without mentioning Perkins. Perkins is a mini smooth who rules the roost from his perch on the sofa. :o)

Undecided

Macy's ears that is....

"Not by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!"

Katie has the most amazing expression.

New Kid on the Block.

Malachai is a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy. He is new at daycare but has had no problems making friends!

New Classes Starting Soon!

We are excited to offer a variety of new classes!

Check out the list below and let us know if you and your dog would be interested in attending!

Manners Obedience- $125/7 weeks

teach your dog the basics including leash manners, how to greet guests, and more!

Puppy Prep- $125/7 weeks

start those puppies young! All the basic skills for obedience, as well as typical puppy issues.

Beyond Basics- $125/7 weeks

looking for a more advanced class? This class is more than the basics and will include off leash obedience, more distractions, hand signals, and fun tricks.

Beginner Rally Obedience- $125/7 weeks

looking for something fun to do with your dog? Rally Obedience is great fun for all dogs. Rally is an obedience challenge and will fine tune your dogs training and improve you and your dogs relationship!

Tricks for Treats- $125/7 weeks

a fun class to teach you and your dogs some great tricks. Tricks are a great way to build confidence, and improve your training skills.

Classes will only run if there is enough interest.

Please email or call to be put on the class list and we'll contact you as soon as the class is filled.

Mind your Manners, and Beyond Basics are set to start Monday, March 8th. There are spots still available in both.

Breed of the Week

For a slight change of pace I thought that it would be fun to showcase a different breed of dog each week. I'll post photos, breed information and website links to parent breed clubs so people can learn more about new breeds, and the breeds that they know and love.

This week I have chosen the Norwegian Elkhound.

Norman, striking a pose.

Information from the Canadian Kennel Club:
CKC Recognized / In the HOUND group.
ORIGIN
The Norwegian Elkhound has been honoured as the dog of Norway. He comes from Spitz-type dogs known in Scandinavia since Viking times and perhaps even earlier. In their homeland, Elkhounds have been used to pull sleds, guard the home and family, do mountain rescue and hunt big game such as moose and bear as well as smaller quarry. The breed was known as the Elghund, meaning “moose dog,” but it became Elkhound in English.

TEMPERAMENT
Bold and Energetic, the Elkhound is an excellent family pet and guardian noted for being good with children.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
A dog of great endurance and stamina, the Elkhound is relatively tireless and likes having a job to do. He's a rugged outdoor type that needs plenty of exercise.

HEIGHT
19-20 inches at the shoulder

COAT
The coat is thick, rich and hard but smooth-lying. On the head and front of legs, it’s short and even.

COLOUR
The Elkhound is grey in colour with black tips to the long, covering hairs.

GROOMING
Regular, thorough brushing is the only grooming attention required. This is a breed that sheds year round, but more so in the spring and fall.

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Beacon and Baby Ullr

We are lucky to have four of these beautiful dogs attend daycare regularly. They are fantastic players and definitely liven the place up at times. Elkhounds are a happy breed and often have big smiles on their faces. They are a "hound" breed so can be a little independent but for the most part they love people and are very friendly.

The trademark of an Elkhound has to be their bark. They like to hear themselves and aren't afraid to express their opinions! Thankfully they are mostly obedient and want to please you. It makes teaching a "no bark" command doable.

Pele

Ullr as a baby

The Elkhound is a beautiful breed that can easily capture your heart- they aren't for everyone though so be sure to do your homework if you are interested in adding one of these beauties to your family!

Squish

Don't you just want to squish him?


Duke is a Boxer puppy and is all tongue, wiggles, and happiness...

The tongue photo isn't quite in focus but I couldn't delete it. :o)