Breed Spotlight

Malamute Ronaldo at 2009 KKC Dogshow (pic by snoangels)

Height: Male: 24-27 inches tall, Female: 22-24 inches tall

Weight: Male: 80-95 lb., Female: 70-85 lb.

Coat: The Malamute has a thick, coarse guard coat, never long and soft. The undercoat is dense, from one to two inches in depth, oily and woolly. The coarse guard coat varies in length as does the undercoat. The coat is relatively short to medium along the sides of the body, with the length of the coat increasing around the shoulders and neck, down the back, over the rump, and in the breeching and plume. Malamutes usually have a shorter and less dense coat during the summer months. The Malamute is shown naturally. Trimming should only be done to show a clean cut appearance of feet.

Color: Various color combinations- gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or solid white. Blue and white (slate gray with gray pigment) also is seen in the breed.  The face of the Malamute has distinguishing facial marks to include a cap over the head and a face that is 100% white or with a mask and/or bar.

Appearance: The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, is a powerful and substantially built dog with a deep chest and strong, well-muscled body. The Malamute stands well over the pads, and this stance gives the appearance of much activity and a proud carriage, with head erect and eyes alert showing interest and curiosity. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. There eyes are almond-shaped and are always brown. The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. Malamutes are of various colors. Face markings are a distinguishing feature. These consist of a cap over the head, the face either all white or marked with a bar and/or mask. The tail is well furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waving plume. The Malamute must be a heavy boned dog with sound legs, good feet, deep chest and powerful shoulders, and have all of the other physical attributes necessary for the efficient performance of his job. The gait must be steady, balanced, tireless and totally efficient.

Temperament: Although the Alaskan Malamute can look imposing, it is actually a gentle breed. Showing great affection to its master, this breed is often said to be a one-person dog. However, the Alaskan Malamute is also playful while knowing his place within the home. While the Malamute is still used in many Artic regions for hunting, hauling, and sledding, you will find them kept as companions around the world.

What you will discover with the Alaskan Malamute is a graceful yet powerful dog. This breed is good natured, friendly, and generally great with children. Although the Alaskan Malamute is strong-willed, it is also an intelligent and easy to train dog. The only thing to be aware of is that sometimes, this breed will show aggressive tendencies toward other pets and animals to include livestock. Remember, the Alaskan Malamute is a pack animal, meaning it typically likes to lead. Therefore, you will need to make sure it knows who the boss is.

The majority of Malamutes are also fairly quiet dogs, seldom barking like most other dog breeds. When it does vocalize, more often than not they tend to "talk" by vocalizing a "woo woo" sound (the characteristic vocalizations of Chewbacca in the Star Wars films are based upon a Malamute named Indiana once owned by George Lucas). They may also howl like wolves or coyotes.

Health: The life expectancy of the Alaskan Malamute is 10-12 years. The most commonly reported health problems of Alaskan Malamutes  are musculoskeletal (tendon injury, patellar luxation, fracture, arthritis, cruciate ligament rupture, hip dysplasia), dermatological (dermatitis, interdigital cysts, hair loss, fading nose pigment), and reproductive disorders.

Other health issues in Malamutes include inherited polyneuropathy, chondrodysplasia, and eye problems (particularly cataract and progressive retinal atrophy).

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To cute for words! Adorable Boston Terrier lulu enjoying our bully sticks.

Height: between 38-43cms (stands 15-17 inches at the withers)

Weight: Weight is divided by classes as follows: Under 15 pounds; 15 pounds and under 20 pounds; 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds.

Coat: The coat is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture.

Color: The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal, or a combination of the three. Seal is a color specifically used to describe Boston Terriers and is defined as a black color with red highlights when viewed in the sun or bright light.

Appearance:

The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, smooth coated, short-headed, compactly built, short-tailed, well balanced dog, brindle, seal or black in color and evenly marked with white. The head is in proportion to the size of the dog and the expression indicates a high degree of intelligence.

Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned dogs with erect ears, short tails, and a short muzzle. The body is rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and neatly turned, the tail is short and no feature is so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order; carriage easy and graceful. A proportionate combination of "Color and White Markings" is a particularly distinctive feature of a representative specimen.

Temperament:

Boston Terriers have strong, friendly personalities. Bostons can range in temperaments from those that are eager to please their master to those that are more stubborn. Both can be easily trained given a patient and assertive owner. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, expressive, and well-mannered.  They were originally a cross-breed between the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. 

Some Bostons enjoy having another one for companionship. Both females and males generally bark only when necessary. Having been bred as a companion dog, they enjoy being around people, and, if properly socialized, get along well with children, the elderly, other canines, and non-canine pets. Some Boston Terriers are very cuddly, while others are more independent.

Health: The life expectancy of the Boston Terrier is 13-15 years. Several health issues are of concern in the Boston Terrier: cataracts (both juvenile and adult type), cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmur, and allergies. Curvature of the back, called roaching, might be caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn causes the dog to lean forward onto the forelegs. This might also just be a structural fault with little consequence to the dog. Many Bostons cannot tolerate excessive heat and also extremely cold weather, due to the shortened muzzle, so hot or cold weather combined with demanding exercise can bring harm to a Boston Terrier. A sensitive digestive system is also typical of the Boston Terrier. In the absence of proper diet, flatulence is associated with the breed.

Bostons, along with Pug, Shih Tzu and other short-snouted breeds are Brachycephalic breeds. The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head. This anatomy can cause tiny nostrils, long palates and a narrow trachea. Because of this, Bostons may be prone to snoring and reverse sneeze, a rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds used to clear the palate of mucus, but does not harm the dog in any way. Bostons are also prone to sensitive stomachs and intestinal gas.

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Height: 8-9 inches

Weight: 7lbs

Coat: Yorkshire Terrier quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.

Color: Yorkshire Terrier puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.

Appearance: The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog, weighing 3.2 kg (7 lbs) or less, with a glossy, long silky coat that hangs straight from a part that runs along the middle of the head, back, and tail. The coat is dark on the back with a tan chest and tan on the head and legs. Small erect ears are covered with short, deep tan colored fur. The tail was traditionally docked but today the Yorkshire Terrier often has a long tail, held a little above the level of the back, with long, dark fur parted down the middle.

Temperament: One of the world's smallest dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier is a cheerful, sociable, and adaptable little creature. Affection and loyal, yet courageous and confident, this is a dog that is suited to both experienced and inexperienced owners. These dogs make great companions and loving pets, with their love for being pampered or cuddling up with their owner. Yet, in true terrier style they have plenty of spirit, are agile, and have a very inquisitive nature. Training the Yorkshire Terrier shouldn't prove too much of a problem, as he is very intelligent and quick to learn. Housebreaking, can be a quite a task.  These little dogs will certainly bark to raise an alarm, making them effective watchdogs.

Early socialization is recommended with the Yorkshire Terrier to promote stability and confidence. Although he is not overly demanding in terms of exercise, he does have plenty of energy and will appreciate a place to frolic and play. However, this must be a secured and safe place, as he is inquisitive, agile, and an avid chaser, all of which could spell trouble should he escape. He can also be easily injured or bullied by larger dogs, so he should not be allowed off his leash when out and about. Despite his size, the Yorkshire Terrier will often try to dominate other dogs. They do tend to get along fine with other pets. When it comes to children they are best suited around older, gentle kids. These are very small dogs that can get easily injured and scared by rough, boisterous children. The Yorkshire Terrier is a versatile creature that is just as happy dashing around the garden and playing as he is cuddling up and getting thoroughly pampered.

Health: The life expectancy of the Yorkshire Terrier is around 12-15 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. This includes luxating patella, liver problems, inflamed pancreas, low blood sugar, allergies, dental problems, and sensitivity to chemicals and drugs. He does not fare well in cold weather and should be provided with a jumper if out and about in the rain or cold. He must also be protected from rough handling and heavy object because of his size and fragility.

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Happy satisfied Best Bully Sticks customer & beautiful Shiba Inu named Robin Hood, enjoying her bully stick!!

Height: Males 14 1/2 inches- 16 1/2 inches &  Females 13 1/2 inches to 15 1/2 inches

Weight: Males 23 lbs & females 17 lbs

Coat: The Shiba Inu has a thick double coat. Outercoat should remain stiff and straight. The undercoat should be soft and thick. This breed has bushy hair on its tail and its hind legs

Color: Shiba Inu may be red, black and tan, or sesame (red with black-tipped hairs), with a cream, buff, or grey undercoat.

Appearance: The appearance of the beautifu l Shiba Inu is mostly determined by its muscular and compact body. Its regular measurements are 14 to 16 inches of height and 18 to 25 pounds of weight. It has a square shaped body with rather short but strong legs. Its neck is wide and powerful as so is its muzzle. The head is broad and the ears appear to be really small in proportion. They are V shaped and naturally erected. The eyes are round, large and dark with an interesting expression. Finally, the Shiba Inu coat is really gorgeous: it is short and tight to the body, soft to the touch and available in different colors. It covers the entire body of the animal.

Temperament: A spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. At times aggressive toward other dogs, the Shiba is always under the control of his handler. While the Shiba has an independent nature, this breed enjoys being a member of a pack and should not be left alone for long hours.

An independent, strong minded, and hardworking dog, the Shiba Inu is a creature with plenty of spirit and courage. These are not clingy dogs and are not overly demanding, but can be willful and stubborn, making them best suited to those with experience of dog ownership. The Shiba Inu is adept and digging and climbing, and is a confirmed pursuer of just about anything that crosses his path - it is essential that they are in a safe and secured area whenever they are not on a leash. Very fast and agile, the Shiba Inu is an intelligent dog and thrives on interaction and mental stimulation. The Shiba Inu needs consistent training using positive reinforcement or they can be difficult to control. Early socialization is recommended with the Shiba Inu to promote a more stable temperament.

The Shiba is a fastidious breed and feels the need to maintain themselves in a clean state. They can often be seen licking their paws and legs much like a cat. They generally go out of their way to keep their coats clean, and while walking will avoid stepping in puddles, mud, and dirt.

Health: The life expectancy for Shiba Inu is about 12-15  years. Health conditions known to affect this breed are glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Shibas are also prone to food allergies. Epilepsy is also becoming common in several bloodlines in Australia and the USA. Overall; however, they are of great genetic soundness and few Shibas are diagnosed with genetic defects in comparison to other dog breeds

If you would like to recommend a dog breed for our next Best Bully Sticks spotlight on a breed please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks

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Picture of Beautiful French Mastiff Scarlett (photo by @stellascarlett)

Height: Males 23½ to 27 in &  females 22½ to 25½ in

Weight: Males 110 lbs & females 99 lbs

Coat:short, fine, and soft to the touch.

Color: They can come in shades of fawn (light, coppery red) to mahogany (dark, brownish red) with a black, brown or red mask. White markings are permitted on the tips of the toes and on the chest, but white on any other part of the body is considered a fault, and a disqualifying one if the pigmentation goes beyond the neck.

Appearance: The French Mastiff (aka Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff) looks quite intimidating, and indeed, it can be so. These dogs have a rectangular appearance and generally stand between 25 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Many specimens weigh in around 145 pounds. They have fairly thick tails that taper to a point that stretches down to the back of their hocks. Their build is stocky and powerful, but their most impressive feature is their heads.

The ideal head is massive and equipped with strong jaws. Loose jowls cause these dogs to drool. The eyes are oval-shaped and wide-set. Their skin is fairly loose and quite thick with significant wrinkles on the head, face and neck. The ears are relatively short and hang downward.

Temperament: The French Mastiff is calm, balanced and affectionate. Breeders have softened the temperament of this dog quite a bit from his original ferocity; today the Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament. This breed is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to its family. It makes a first class watch and guard dog. Despite its fearsome appearance, the French Mastiff is gentle with children and family members. This dog can be very aggressive with other dogs. Socialization at an early age is a must. It is highly recommended that this dog become fully obedience trained, requires an experienced owner. It is highly intelligent and learns quickly although it can be quite stubborn. Once the French Mastiff learns a command it rarely forgets it.

Health: The life expectancy for French Mastiff is about 10-12  years. As with many heavy dogs, hip dysplasia is a significant problem. Dogues de Bordeaux are also susceptible to some forms of cancer. One breed-specific ailment has to do with the Dogue's larger-than-average head, which can cause trouble for female Dogues during the birthing process. Veterinary assistance should usually be secured if you plan to breed your Dogues de Bordeaux--the breed has a fairly high litter size, but problems with birthing (and with the extremely large dogs accidentally crushing or smothering their litters) can reduce this very quickly.

If you would like to recommend a dog breed for our next Best Bully Sticks spotlight on a breed please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks

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Our photo gallery is growing constantly, please submit a photo of your dog enjoying any of our products to enter our twice monthly contest!