As the name infers, the Chinese Shar-Pei originated in China. There is evidence that they have existed since around 200 B.C.

The name Shar-Pei literally means “sand-skin” or “sand-paper-like coat” and refers to the two distinct qualities of their coat which makes this dog breed unique - roughness and shortness.

Following the communist take-over of China the breed was essentially eliminated from the country. Dogs were seen as a luxury and were heavily taxed. So it is not surprising that by 1950 the breed was in danger of surviving.

A few Chinese Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and it was one of these breeders who appealed to dog fanciers in the United States in 1973 to save the Chinese Shar-Pei. Due to their rarity, and because of such an enthusiastic response, a small number of Shar-Pei were brought to the United States in 1973.

The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc., was formed when the recipients of these dogs got together and decided to form a national dog club and registry, and the first meeting was held in 1974.

It wasn’t until August of 1992 that the breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club.

The Shar-Pei has made an amazing come-back, numbering 15,000 by 1994.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a regal, alert, intelligent and dignified dog. They are standoffish with strangers but extremely devoted to their family.

This breed can be difficult to train unless he is well-socialized as a pup and taught at a young age that you are superior. If that is achieved, they will be a dependable, devoted companion and get along fine with children.

The Shar-Pei has several health problems that could discourage prospective owners. They are susceptible to eye problems, mouth problems and ear problems and because of the folds of their skin infections and pyodermas are difficult to control.

They weight 40-55 pounds and are 18-20 inches at the withers, making it a medium dog breed. Colors include fawn, cream, black, red, chocolate, sable, apricot, a dilute shade of red, silver, and a dilute shade known as blue in other breeds.

When visiting a breeder make sure to ask if they x-ray their pups to check for hip dysplasia, which is a problem for this breed, and check to see if they give the young dogs plenty of human interaction. These dogs are very people-oriented and needs lots of interaction.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great guarddog and watchdog. They combine a great sweetness and loyalty with dedicated protectiveness of both person and property.

They are a one-family dog.They are wonderful with children, so they make a great family dog. They are gentle with everyone except strangers.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a large dog breed, weighing  55-75 pounds.

Stubborn and bold, yet fairly easy going. They learn somewhat slowly and require firm, consistent training from puppyhood. But the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is well worth whatever effort it takes to train, for he will reward you with his loyalty and protection.

This breed is reserved with strangers but no problem with strange dogs.

They love to swim so if you have a pool or nearby pond or lake expect to take them to enjoy the water.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need regular exercise but does fine in the city.

Remember the little dog Toto in the movie The Wizard of Oz? He was a Cairn Terrier. Or did you ever read the book or see the movie about Greyfriar’s Bobby? He was a Short-haired Skye Terrier, which Cairn Terriers were called until the turn of the 20th century.

The ancestors of the Cairn Terrier originated in Scotland over 200 years ago as a working dog. Trained to hunt vermin in rock piles (called cairns) they were prized for their working ability and for their courageous and intelligent character.

Gradually the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland Terrier evolved from this hardy breed but the Cairn Terrier is closest to the original and was the last of the three breeds to be named.

Cairn Terriers learn quickly, are very alert watchdogs but are not suited to guard dog because they are friendly with everyone.

They are extremly intelligent but senstive to harsh punishment, which should never be used.
Cairn Terriers are very hardy and long-lived, remaining active and playful into their teens. It is not unusual for them to live to be 15 or older.

They seem to have a special love for children and being a hardy breed they will easily forgive offences. But children should never be allowed to tease.

They do equally well in apartments, suburban homes, and farms, but are not suited to outdoor life. They do much better living in close contact with their family.

Keep in mind this breed was trained to hunt and they will chase cats, rabbits, other dogs, etc., unless kept safely on a leash when out walking.

Due to irresponsible breeding, many Cairns available today are either too small or too big. They are a small dog breed. The right size is 9-13 inches and 13-18 pounds. Their fur will get matted but an hour or so of grooming each week will keep it looking good.

These are independent dogs and do not typically like to snuggle. Keep that in mind when deciding on a dog breed. If you want a dog that likes to sit in your lap or by your side, this is probably not the dog for you. But if you like a dog that is independent, highly intelligent, hardy, fearless, loyal, feisty and a good watchdog, the Cairn Terrier is a breed you should investigate more fully.

The Border Collie
By Michael Russell

The Border Collie is a sheep-herding dog of exceptional qualities. For many years the Border Collie has excelled at sheepdog trials as a dog with uncanny instinctive abilities to herd sheep. The dog performs this function often without any direction from the herder. When direction is given it is through low whistles or hand signals on the part of the human Master.

The Border Collie will lie down with uncanny timing and precision, will dart in or out at just the right moment to guide the sheep, all the while maintaining an intense eye contact or “staring” at the sheep; this eye contact is a well known characteristic of the breed. Anyone who has seen this dog perform at herding trials cannot help but be fascinated by the outstanding talents of the breed.

The Border Collie originated as the name implies, from the border territories of England and Scotland. The first Sheepdog Trials were held in North Wales in 1873, where a dog named “Tweed” won the trial and also a prize for being “the most handsome dog”. It is said that this dog became the foundation of the Border Collie breed.

The Border Collie was imported into Australia as a working sheepdog. The breed developed in that country as a versatile herding dog. It was used very successfully on both sheep and cattle and in the vast ranchlands of Australia became well known as the herding dog of choice. When it later began to be imported into the United States, it also joined the ranks of the dogs who are shown in dog shows and is popular as an Agility dog and Obedience dog.

The dog is extremely agile, able to crouch, spring and corner skilfully for the purpose of driving the recalcitrant sheep or cattle into line. The Border’s coat should not be overly abundant yet should be double and thick enough to be weather resistant. In appearance it is most like the collie but with shorter length of feathers.

There is a “smooth coat” variety of this breed, however this variety appears mostly in Great Britain and the most popular type of coat is the “rough coat”. The dog is of medium height and build and comes in many colors, but white should never be predominant.

This breed is highly instinctive. Coincidentally, both the Border collie and the Newfoundland have been used in the genetic studies of the Human Genome Research Project as the DNA markers for comparison of strong inherited behavioral tendencies.

The Border Collie is noted as one of the most intelligent of breeds and is not happy without a job to do. It learns quickly and enjoys the challenge of learning. This is not a dog who will be happy left alone for hours in a house and also should not be left unsupervised in an unfenced area. This dog needs mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy.

The dog does well in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Sheep Herding Trials and is a popular Conformation breed. Furthermore their medium size and high intelligence have made them quite useful as Search and Rescue dogs.

These dogs should always exhibit stable temperament and be absolutely without shyness. People who have this dog as a pet or as a utility dog will have a loyal and faithful friend, one who will respond eagerly and willingly to any request and is happiest when asked to perform a job.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals.

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