The Border Collie

Border Collies

Background: Border Collies originated in the United Kingdom and got their name because they were bred on the border of Scotland and England as herding dogs and since then have earned the title as smartest breed because of how well they herd livestock. Today they are still used for what they were bred for. They have even helped in an art project, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj9w89TqUcM. When herding they use their eyes to scare the animals they are herding, they move quickly when crouching which makes them so successful in herding because other breeds can not do this technique as well. They can make great family pets if kept occupied and working. 

Characteristics:

Weight: 27-45 lbs (depending on sex)

Height: 18-22 inches (depending on sex)

Lifespan: 12-15 years 

Temperament: Border Collies are highly trainable and are perfect for herding and have a lot of energy to run and herd, although they need a job to do and if they are not given a job then they will become destructive and destroy your house, and possible herd children by nipping at their feet like they would sheep. They need experienced owners. 

Coat and Color: Border Collies can come in multiple colors and patterns as seen on the left. They are easy to groom though there is a lot fo shedding due to the double coat.  

Health issues: hip Dysplasia and eye issues but  generally healthy

Living conditions: Border Collies need plenty of exercise, apartment living is not recommended. They can live in any climate.  

The American Pitbull

The American Pitbull

 

 

 

Background: The pitbull is a very well known dog in America and can be seen in "The little rascals", The RCA dog, and the Buster Brown shoe dog. Although the dog is more well known for its's negative history. They were developed in the United Kingdom when crossing bull dogs and terrier's to make the pitbull. For years they were put in fighting rings and were forced to fight other dogs. This history has followed them and they are now labeled as aggressive,and dangerous dogs that shouldn't be allowed in public and with people.

 -Pitbulls are even banned in certain cities and even countries, such as Denver, parts of Florida, Great Britain and New Zealand. Also over 500 cities have strict restrictions on the breed.

 

Characteristics:

Height: 14-24 inches

Weight: 22-78 lbs

Life span: about 12-14 years

Temperament:Loyal, good natured, loving dog that if trained properly can be a truly amazing dog.

Coat&Color: pitbull's can come in almost every color, tan, black, white, mixed, brindle etc.

 

 

 

Health issues: Generally a healthy breed, although some are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and congenital heart disease.

Living conditions: Pitbulls do best with a lot of space to run but can live in apartments with plenty of exercise.

 

 

Tips:

*Pitbulls have a lot of energy and should be taken on long daily walks and are given plenty of exercise.

*As a puppy you should socialize them as much as possible so they become used to people and other animals.

*During training you should be firm but calm and confident.

* When any dog is brought into a home it is the dogs natural instinct to make us their pack, there fore you must remain the pack leader.

*Teach them bite control so they know not to bite people.

*Pitbulls are not recommended for first time owners.

 

 

Final note:

Pitbull's have a very bad history but what people don't understand is that these are loving dogs that are eager to please and when trained and treated wrong they will become the vicious monsters that everyone believes the entire breed is to be. Any dog can become vicious it doesn't matter if its a poodle, a golden retriever, or a pitbull, it is all about how they are raised. Pittbulls are powerful dogs that can recover from horrible conditions and learn to trust humans again which is surprising because a lot of dogs cannot recover from what pitbulls go through. I've known about this breed since I was younger watching them on Animal Planet when they would be rescued from homes that would put them in illegal dog fights and never once did I think that they were bad dogs.