Tag: Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight

Old England: a green, luscious and pastoral place that reckons back to the family farms and quaint homesteads. The dog that fits into this scene is one that is old, English and friendly to boot. BestBullySticks.com spotlights the Old English Sheepdog, a dog with lots of fur and lots of happiness to share with his family.

History & Background: First simply called “The Shepherd’s Dog,” Old English Sheepdogs originated as working dogs in pastoral England. Most speculate this dog was developed from the Bearded Collie and Russian Owtchar.  Farmers quickly learned these dogs were highly intelligent and used the dogs as drovers and herders. Farmers began to dock these dog’s tails as a symbol the dogs were used for working purposes, which earned them a tax exemption. Just as the farmers would shear the sheep, the dogs were shorn as well and their coats make into warm blankets and clothing.

In the late 19^th century, this dog was first shown in Birmingham, England and gained popularity throughout England shortly after. This dog has changed very little since then. Exported to the U.S. in the 1880s, the breed quickly became a household pet in 5 of the 10 wealthiest American families.  To this day, Old English Sheepdogs are commonly seen as family pets and in the show ring.

Height: Males: 22-24 inches; Females: 20-22 inches

Weight: Males: 65+ pounds; Females: 60+ pounds

Coat: An Old English Sheepdog has a lot of hair, which covers the whole body, but not so much hair as to make this dog look overly fluffy or even appear fat. The texture of the coat is shaggy and coarse, not straight or soft. The undercoat is waterproof but is sometimes removed in grooming or nonexistent during warmer seasons. The coat is also a good guard against cold, heat and moisture. The body of the OES is well coated including the skull. The ears have medium-length hair. In confirmation showings, only the feet and rear are trimmed, otherwise this breed is show in its natural state.  Read more

Straight out of folklore or a country song, the Bluetick Coonhound is somewhat of an American legend. This dog’s resolute look and temperament along with it’s “go-get-‘em” work ethic make the Bluetick a true specimen of a dog and hound. As much as this dog is hardworking, he is loyal and gentle as well. Read more about the Bluetick Coonhound in BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight. 

History & Background: Originating in Louisiana, this dog is a result of breeding the French Bleu de Gascogne, English Foxhound, American Foxhound, Cur and Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. Before they were called Blueticks, this breed was called the English Foxhound in America. In 1945, American breeders broke off from English breeders because they didn’t want to pursue a “hot-nosed” breed but wanted to keep their “cold-nosed” breed with their own distinct hunting style.  This breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 2009.

Famous Blueticks are found in literature but even more so in songwriting. Artists such as Neil Young, Charlie Daniels, Blake Shelton and Emmylou Harris all sing about these Coonhounds. The University of Tennessee’s mascot is a Bluetick named Smokey.

Height: 22-27, Males; 21-25 inches, Females

Weight: 55-80 pounds, Males; 45-65 pounds, Females

Coat: This coonhound’s fur is coarse, short and lies close to the body. A healthy coat is soft and shiny.

Color: Just as it’s name suggests, the Bluetick Coonhound’s color is made up of dark blue and white ticking, creating a navy-like color. More blue than white is preferred in the breed standard.  This hound also has large black spots on its back, ears and sides and its ears and head are mostly black. Some red ticking can be present as well and usually is seen on the feet or lower legs. Blueticks can also have tan points, which appear as dots above the eyes, on cheeks, on the tail and below the tail. Read more

The Australian Shepherd is a hardworking breed, yet a breed that doesn’t have to work hard to win an owner’s love or affection. Best Bully Sticks highlights this breed because they have a great history, temperament and not to forget, they’re beautiful. Read more about the Australian Shepherd below!

History & Background: The obvious guess as to where this breed originates would most likely be a wrong guess. It’s thought Australian Shepherds originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France; yet earn their name because of the Basque shepherds who lived in Australia before coming to America in the 1800s. In practice, this dog is an American breed.

When new cattle species were introduced to the American West, so was a new breed of dog that worked well with the herds. Even in the dangerous altitudes of the Rocky Mountains, this breed was mostly unaffected. Ranchers all over the West were buying up these dogs for their own herds and began further developing the breed. The end result of this breeding gives us the Australian Shepherd that we know and love today; a dog that is adaptable, intelligent, has strong herding instincts and has a beautiful all-around look.

Today, there are still plenty of Australian Shepherds used as working dogs. However, this dog also excels at agility trials, flyball and Frisbee tournaments.

The Australian Shepherd was once called many different names like Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd and California Shepherd.

Height: Males: 20 to 23 inches, Females: 18 to 21 inches

Weight: Males: 50 to 65 pounds, Females: 40 to 55 pounds

Coat: Aussies have a medium length coat, with a profuse amount of hair. The hair itself is soft, but not silky; coarse, but not hard. The AKC describes their coat as having a “medium texture.” An Australian Shepherd’s hair ranges from straight to wavy and is very abundant! This dog’s undercoat varies with climate. The hair on the head, ears and front of legs and below hock. Everywhere else on this dog is frill, mane and fur. Feathering appears on the back of the legs and the chest has a very thick layer of fur. Read more

The Japanese Chin is a royal dog with a royal disposition. “Chin” means “royalty” and any Chin owner could tell you the name fits the personality. Also called the Japanese Spaniel, this dog is a great family pet with a lively and funny personality. Read more about this royal dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Japanese Chin!

History & Background: Always and forever a companion dog, the Japanese Chin was first bred for accompanying the ladies of the Imperial Court to the palace where the dogs warmed the laps of the Chinese ruling class. When these dogs first entered Japan is debatable, but most historians think Buddhist monks brought them to Japan.  Japan is where the dog was selectively bred to be distinct from all other dogs. Dogs in Japan during this time were only used for work or herding, so a companion dog was new to the Japanese. Chins became the dog of the ruling class and only those of royal or noble blood could own these dogs.

There are differing stories about how and when Japanese Chins came to the Western world. What is known for certain is that these dogs were frequently given as gifts to prestigious foreigners.  One story goes that in the 17^th Century Portuguese sailors brought the breed to Europe, presenting them to Catherine of Braganza, Queen Consort to King Charles II. Another story says Chins were a gift to an American Naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry, in 1853 by the Emperor of Japan during trade talks.

Height: 8 to 11 inches

Weight: 4 to 15 pounds, but averaging 7 to 9 pounds Read more

“A clown in the cloak of a philosopher,” describes the humorous, laid-back personality of the French Bulldog. This companion dog is spunky and affectionate; a great addition to any family. Find out more about this pint-sized spit-fire in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the French Bulldog!

History & Background: Originally created to be a “toy” bulldog derived from English Bulldogs, the French Bulldog’s breeding was brought about by lace makers in Nottingham, England.  The lace workers carried these miniature bulldogs to France with them when the Industrial Revolution displaced many English workers. These bulldogs quickly became popular in Paris and the English began sending the bulldogs considered too small or with faults such as standing ears to France. Soon the “Bouledogue Francais” was named as a breed and few miniature bulldog breeds remained in England. The English were none too happy about the name, but nevertheless, it stuck.

In 1885, French Bulldogs were brought to America and high-society ladies immediately took to the breed. In 1906, the French Bulldog was the 5^th most popular breed in the U.S. The Rockefellers even owned a French Bulldog. While plenty of French Bulldogs have won “Best in Breed” none have even won “Best in Show” at Crufts or Westminster. This dog has had a continued and dedicated following through out the years. Famous Frenchie owners include Martha Stewart, David and Victoria Beckham, Hugh Jackman, and Jeremy Renner. Frenchies have even made silver and small screen appearances in movies like Due Date and TV shows like Modern Family.

Height: 12 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 28 pounds or less Read more