twenty Siberians pulled a sled for 340 miles carrying vaccines to the diphtheria-stricken city of Nome, saving the population. A statue of a sled dog in Central Park, New York, celebrates that achievement. Because the breed have lived closely, probably for thousands of years, with the Chukchi nation, they are ‘people orientated’.
Description
The medium-sized Husky looks very alert and is lithe with grace. It has an abundant weatherproof coat with a thick, soft undercoat. The breed comes in a variety of colours; the facial colours can be contrasting, unusual and striking. Elegant and athletic, the Siberian Husky does not bark but howls and talks. Today, in the West, they are usually companion dogs, although the sport of sled dog racing is growing rapidly.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Siberia
Male: 53–60 cm (21–23½ in)
Female:
Slightly smaller.
Coat: These dogs moult freely and have a double coat.
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Guarding Instinct: Not a guard dog, too easy-going.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: The Siberian Husky is gentle, friendly and people-loving, intelligent and biddable. Easy-going, easy to train and anxious to please, it’s a pack dog that understands its family, particularly the children.
Grooming: Twice-weekly deep grooming required; the undercoat can knot.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Without their work, all Huskies will need frequent free running and exercise, and new owners should consider joining a specialist club that races with wheeled carts.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Hip dysplasia with a low breed average. There are some eye problems, so puppies should come only from eye-tested parents.
Rottweiler
(Eric Isselee)
In spite of its powerful body and formidable appearance, this dog can make a good pet if properly trained. Very few Rottweilers are used for their droving ability nowadays. Instead, their strong protective instincts are put to use in security work. A young puppy will need kind but firm training and lots of socialization if it is to grow into a good-natured adult.
History
The likely origin is from the Mastiff-style dogs that travelled with Roman armies driving livestock as they swept northwards conquering Europe. First used as boar hunters, then as cattle drovers in the German city of Rottweil (a cattle market town in mediaeval times), they doubled as custodians of traders’ money. The Rottweiler is devoted to its family but must be taught its place kindly but persistently.
Description
A big, thick-set, muscled dog, the Rottweiler should show boldness and confidence, never nervousness or aggressiveness. The Rottweiler has a calm look that indicates a good nature and needs no training as a house guard. Because of its intensely protective nature, it is not advisable to leave this dog with young children as, like all guarding breeds, it might misinterpret their signals.
Fact File
Group: Working
Country of Origin: Germany
Male:
63–69 cm (25–27 in)
Female:
58–63 cm (23–25 in)
Coat: Thick, smooth coat.
Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
Guarding Instinct: Great guard dog, malefactors beware.
Temperament & Grooming
Temperament: Highly intelligent, the Rottweiler’s strong naturally protective instincts need socialization with firm but kind training. These dogs can be difficult in the wrong hands – can be dominant without training.
Grooming: Easy care; need only be brushed once a week with a stiff brush to remove dead hairs.
Exercise & Feeding
Exercise: Keep these big dogs’ muscles hard with walking, free running and play. If you live in a town, you should take them out for a brisk walk at least twice a day.
Feeding: There are no special feeding requirements.
Health Problems
Occasional hip dysplasia; osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) largely under control (here); entropion (here).
Dobermann
(© Jean Michel Labat)
A devoted, affectionate house dog, the Dobermann is very intelligent and is easily trained but its power must be kept under control. It is a devout family companion that loves to be part of daily activities. Its guardianship of the family’s children is legendary but it must be trained firmly but kindly. A family dog for experienced owners.
History
This breed was designed in the 1880s by Herr Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector. At a time when taxes were collected personally, he wanted a fearless, alert dog with stamina to defend him as he travelled the country. His secondary job as ‘dog catcher’ gave him the ideal opportunity to study breeds. The Rottweiler, the old German Pinscher and also the Manchester Terrier were probably the foundation. Later the breed may have been refined further with the addition of Pointer and Greyhound blood.
Description
