Breed Spotlight

At Best Bully Sticks, we love all breeds of dogs--pure bred to mutt and everything in between.  That being said, dog lovers should note six new AKC registered dogs on the books. These breeds include the Cesky Terrier, the American English Coonhound, the Xoloitzcuintli, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund and the Finnish Lapphund.  All of these dogs will be added into the competition at the Westminster Dog Show which will be televised February 13th-14th.  In honor of this exciting news, BBS will be highlighting each of these breeds over the next six weeks in our Breed Spotlight. This week we look at the Cesky Terrier.

Height: 10 to 13 inches

Weight: 16-22 pounds

Coat: Ceskys usually sport long hair with a fine texture, which is wavy and glossy.  If this terrier's hair is shorter, it curls.

Color: Cesky puppies are born black, or black and tan.  Mature dogs (3 years and up) show shades of gray from charcoal to platinum gray.  Black colors usually show up around the head, ears, feet and tail.  White, brown and yellow colorings are usually seen on the head, beard, cheeks, neck, chest, limbs and around the vent.

Appearance: The overall appearance of the Cesky Terrier is a short-legged, long-bodied terrier which looks similar to the Scottish Terrier.  This terrier has a long head, bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows.  Their bodies are solid, but not heavy.   The blue-gray varieties have brown eyes and black noses and lips. Brown varieties have yellow eyes and liver-colored noses and lips.

Temperament: This breed of terrier is calmer than most but can still be playful, especially loving to dig. They can be reserved around strangers but are loyal to their owners.

Health: The Cesky sometimes suffers from the Scotty Cramp, which is a minor problem causing awkward movement but isn't painful or life threatening.

History & Background: The Cesky Terrier was created by a Czech breeder in 1948 and is a cross between Sealyham and Scottish Terriers.  This breed was created to be suitable hunter in the forests of Bohemia.

Product Suggestions: At BBS, we have lots of great treats and toys for dogs. For the Cesky Terrier, we would recommend a 4, 5, or 6 inch bully stick, which are great for smaller dogs. Because of the reserved nature of this breed, the Cesky might like Simply Fido Dog Toys, which come in a range of animals and sizes.

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Would your dog like to be in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog”. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the Afghan Hound.

Height: 24-28 inches (Male: 26-28 inches tall, Female: 24-26 inches tall)

Weight: Male 60-64 lb., Female: 58-62 lb.

Coat: The long, fine hair of the Afghan hound is shiny and silky to the touch. Though it is fine, Afghans have a thick covering of fur and many describe the texture as very similar to human hair.

Color: Fawn,Gold,Brindle,White,Red,Cream,Blue,Gray,and Tricolor

Appearance: Afghan Hounds are “The Aristocrat” of the dog world, carrying themselves with dignity and poise at all times. They are tall and lean, with long, narrow heads, high hipbones, long curling tails and a silky topknot that are unique to the breed. Their long, flowing hair covers their entire body, except for the face, and is truly a sight to behold when properly groomed. Afghans have almond-shaped eyes, which the AKC states, “gaze into the distance as if in memory of ages past." This breed comes in just about any color of the canine rainbow, so dark colored Afghans are just as common as light colored Afghans.

Temperament: Despite his glamorous reputation, the Afghan hound is a hunter at heart, bred to chase down game over rugged terrain. While he maintains his regal bearings inside, he needs a daily chance to stretch his legs in a safe area. His worst trait is a reluctance to come when called. He will chase small animals outside; inside, he will coexist peacefully. The Afghan Hound is gentle with children and described by some as 'catlike'. He is independent yet sensitive and not overly demonstrative. He can be reserved with strangers; some can be timid. He has a clownish side.

Afghan Hounds are very loving, affectionate and sweet-tempered dogs. They are very responsive to calm talking and commands. They carry themselves very elegantly and with grace. Though they are somewhat aloof, they are a bit standoffish with strangers.  They crave affection and attention from their families and can be trained to tolerate children, though they do best with older children. Housebreaking this breed can be an arduous task but it is possible with time and effort put into the dogs.

Health: The Life expectancy for Afghan Hounds is 12 years and 18 years if the dog is taken care of. Major health issues are allergies and cancer. They are hypersensitive to pain. Even simple, common injuries can cause them great discomfort. Afghan hounds are also among the dog breeds most likely to develop chylothorax, a rare condition which causes the thoracic ducts to leak, allowing large quantities of chyle fluid to enter the dog's chest cavity. This condition commonly results in a lung torsion (in which the dog's lung twists within the chest cavity, requiring emergency surgery), due to the breed's typically deep, "barrel"-shaped chest. If not corrected through surgery, chylothorax can ultimately cause fibrosing pleuritis, or a hardening of the organs, due to scar tissue forming around the organs to protect them from the chyle fluid. Chylothorax is not necessarily, but often, fatal.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog”. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.

Max & Sam Miniature Schnauzer's alert & ready for a treat (pic by flickr KRO-Media)

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the Miniature Schnauzer.

Height: 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm)

Weight: female 12 to 18 lbs & male 12 to 20 lbs

Coat: They have a double coat. The exterior fur is wiry and the undercoat is softer. Harsh and wiry when hand stripped, soft and curly when unclipped

Color: Black, salt-and-pepper, black-and-silver and white

Appearance: They Miniature Schnauzer are characterized by a long head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; teeth that meet in a "scissor bite"; oval and dark colored eyes; and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears. (cropped ears point straight upward and come to a sharp point.) Their tails are naturally thin and short, and may be docked (where permitted). They will also have very straight, rigid front legs, and feet that are short and round (so-called "cat feet") with thick, black pads

Temperament: Miniature Schnauzer are "alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. They are friendly, intelligent and willing to please and should never be overaggressive or timid. " Usually easy to train, they tend to be excellent watchdogs, with a good territorial instinct, but more inclined toward vocal notification than attack. They are often guarded towards strangers until the owners of the home welcome the guest, upon which they are typically very friendly to them; unlike some of their terrier cousins, they are not typically aggressive. However, they will express themselves vocally, and may bark to greet their owner, or to express joy, excitement, or displeasure.

Proper socialization with other dogs and people is important. The breed is generally good with children, but as with any dog, play with small children should be supervised. They are highly playful dogs, and if not given the outlet required for their energy they can become bored and invent their own "fun." Schnauzers have a "high prey drive" (appropriate for a ratting dog), which means they may attack other small pets such as birds, snakes, and rodents. Many will also attack cats, but this may be curbed with training, or if the dog is raised with cats.

Health: The average lifespan of this breed is between 12-15 years. While generally a healthy breed, Miniature Schnauzers may suffer health problems associated with high fat levels. Such problems include hyperlipidemia, which may increase the possibility of pancreatitis, though either may form independently. Other issues which may affect this breed are diabetes, bladder stones and eye problems. Feeding the dog low- or non-fatty and unsweetened foods may help avoid these problems.^. Miniature Schnauzers are also prone to comedone syndrome, a condition that produces pus filled bumps, usually on their backs, which can be treated with a variety of protocols.  Miniature Schnauzers should have their ears dried after swimming due to a risk of infection, especially those with uncropped ears; ear examinations should be part of the regular annual check up.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog”. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.

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We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the  Chihuahua.

Height: 6-9  inches

Weight: 2-6 lbs

Coat: There is a long-haired variety of Chihuahua, but the most common variety is the short-haired Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume.

Color: Chihuahua coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue. They may also be black & tan or tri-color.

Appearance: The Chihuahua is a very small-sized dog with a proportionately robust build and distinctive facial features. Their body is stout and just longer than it is tall, and they have straight limbs. They have a sickle-shaped tail that curls over the dog’s back or off to one side. They have an apple-shaped head with a short, tapered, pointy muzzle. Their large eyes are round, dark, and can sometimes be ruby or luminously-colored. They have large, triangular-shaped, erect ears that are a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the top of their skull that closes as they become adults.

Temperament: The Chihuahua is lively, alert, proud, and makes a good companion. They seek and demand affection, and they are very spunky by nature. They are determined, courageous, and they become very attached to their owner(s). They have a jealous streak, and they will follow their owner’s every move if strangers are present. Some Chihuahuas are difficult to train, but they are intelligent and generally learn quickly. Thus are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn’t like to be poked, pestered, or teased, and he may snap if a child provokes him. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. This breed may often be noisy and difficult to housebreak. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior.

Health: The average lifespan of this breed is between 15-18 years. There are also a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. Prone to rheumatism, slipped stifle, colds, gum problems, corneal dryness, secondary glaucoma due to protruding eyes, weight gain and susceptible to fractures. Also some Chihuahuas have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life making them prone to injury. They often wheeze and snore because of their small, short muzzles. This breed is also susceptible to stress.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog”. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the Finnish Spitz.

Height: Male 17½ - 20 inches, Female 15½ - 18 inches

Weight: Male 47-53 lb, Females 40-47 lb

Coat: The Finnish Spitz has a typical double coat, which consists of a soft, dense undercoat and long, harsh guard hairs that can measure one to two inches long. The coat should be stiffer, denser, and longer on the neck, back, back of thighs, and plume of the tail, whilst shorter on the head and legs. Dogs should sport a slightly longer and coarser coat than the females, who are slightly more refined. However the plume of the tail is important to the overall look of the dog but should not be too long. Feathered long tail hairs without sustenance can give the dog an unkempt look. Additionally the tailset is important and the Finnish Spitz should be able to move its tail from one side to the other. Most Finnish Spitz have a preferred side and this is not incorrect.

Proper care of the coat is most important. The Finnish Spitz blows coat or loses its undercoat twice a year. It is imperative that owners brush out the old undercoat so the new coat can grow properly. Excessive undercoat can cause skin problems and although a dog may look fluffy and full, the undercoat may be causing serious skin problems.

Color: They are golden-red in color, and the hues range in shade from a pale honey to a deep auburn. The undercoat is always more pale than the outer coat, giving the dog a “glowing” appearance. Finish Spitz are solid in color with white markings at the toes and the chest.

Appearance: The Finnish Spitz is a medium size dog with a square build, meaning that the length of the body is the same, or slightly shorter than the height of the withers to the ground. It should look like a fox with a fluffier coat. The length of the body is measured from the point of the shoulder or forechest in front of the withers to the rump, giving a truly square dogs a short back. Females are usually a little longer in the back. Both dogs and females should appear slightly longer in the leg.

They have pointed muzzles, prick ears and come in bright colors ranging from pale honey to vibrant golden-red. The nose, lips and rims of the eyes are black in color. The ears sit high atop the head, are erect, pointed and open towards the front of the dog. Their feet are round, like the feet of a cat and the tail is plumed and curls over the back and down the side of the dog

The Finnish Spitz is a double coated breed but the outer coat should not exceed 2½ inches at the ruff. The undercoat is soft and lighter in color than the red/gold outer coat. The undercoat will shed twice a year, and if a Finnish Spitz is to be kept healthy, a good shedding of the undercoat when the dog is ready to "blow coat" is needed.

Temperament: This breed is active, alert and lively. They need one or two long walks each day and they will be fairly inactive indoors. This breed will not adapt well to a strictly kenneled living situation; they need a balance of outdoor exercise and indoor time with the family. Finnish Spitz are considered to interact well with people and they are especially good with children. They are always ready to play with children but if ignored, they will usually walk away. As with all dogs, young children and dogs should always be supervised when together. It is an independent breed and will attach to the family while remaining aloof with strangers. The Finnish Spitz is a protective breed, with males tending to have more domineering traits than females. Most Finnish Spitz get along well with other dogs in the home. They are bred as a hunting dog and thus are unreliable around small animals, but may do alright with cats.

Health: The life expectancy for Finnish Spitz is 12  to 15 years. The Finnish Spitz is typically a very healthy breed, and health concerns are rare. Here is a short list of health problems that may occur: Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation Elbow dysplasia and Epilepsy.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject "Spotlight My Dog" or tweet @bestbullysticks. If you are submitting your very own dog don't forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.