Dog Breed Database

Border Collie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: Height: 18 – 21 inches, Weight: 30 – 45 pounds Occasionally seen: Cerebellar abiotrophy, ceroid lipofuscinosis, deafness Major concerns: CHD Minor concerns: PRA, lens luxation, CEA, PDA, OCD, PPM Suggested tests: Hip, eye Average Size of Male: Height: 20 – 23 inches, Weight: 30 – 45 pounds Life span: 10 – 14 years Brief History on Border Collie Origin There was a large variety of sheepdogs in Great Britain around the 1800s, each of which had … Read more

Basset Hound Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Basset Hound Average Size of Male: Height: less than 14 inches, Weight: 40 pounds–60 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: less than 14 inches, Weight: 40 pounds–60 pounds Lifespan: 8 years–12 years Major Concerns: Foreleg lameness, osteochondritis dissecans, entropion, ectropion, otitis externa, intervertebral disc disease, glaucoma, Von Willebrand’s disease, canine thrombopathia, gastric torsion, obesity Minor Concerns: Foot cysts, infection Occasionally Seen: Patellar luxation Brief History of the Basset Hound The Saint Hubert Hound of France was the foundation of several types of … Read more

Alaskan Malamute Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Alaskan Malamute Suggested Tests: Hip, eye, ChD clear rating Major Concerns: Canine hip dysplasia, cataracts, chondrodysplasia (ChD) Occasionally Seen: Gastric torsion Lifespan: 10–12 years Minor Concerns: Renal cortical hypoplasia Average Size of Female: Height: 23 inches–26 inches Weight: 75 pounds Average Size of Male: Height: 24 inches–26 inches Weight: 80–100 pounds Brief History of the Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamute is all tied up in the history of the Great Land and its people. The word, Malamute, originated from the name of … Read more

Australian Shepherd Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Australian Shepherd Average Size of Male: Weight: 50.71 pounds (23 kg)–63.93 pounds (29 kg) Height: 20.08 inches (51 cm)–22.83 inches (58 cm) Average Size of Female: Weight: 30.86 pounds (14 kg)–63.93 pounds (29 kg) Height: 18.11 inches (46 cm)–20.87 inches (53 cm) Lifespan: 12 years–18 years Major Concerns: Cataracts – blocks light in eye’s iris; coloboma – missing area of the eye’s iris; collie eye anomaly (CEA) – open pits in the eye; canine hip dysplasia – femur does not properly … Read more

Mastiffs Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: 119.05 pound (54 kg) – 200.62 pound (91 kg) Height: 29.92 inch (76 cm) Major concerns: hip dysplasia, gastric torsion Minor concerns: obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria Occasionally seen: cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) Average Size of Male: 149.91 pound (68 kg) – 242.51 pound (110 kg) Life span: 10-12 years Brief History on English Mastiff Origin Stories suggest that these dogs were … Read more

Shar Peis Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: 39.68 pound (18 kg) – 55.12 pound (25 kg) Height: 18.11 inch (46 cm) – 22.05 inch (56 cm) Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, prone to tearing/rupturing the cruciate ligament, bloat, atopic dermatitis, allergies Minor concerns: Familial Shar-pei Fever, tumors and cancers, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease Average Size of Male: 55.12 pound (25 kg) – 63.93 pound (29 kg) Life span: 8-10 years Brief History on Shar Pei Origin The Shar Pei … Read more

Pit Bulls Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: 30.86 pound (14 kg) – 59.52 pound (27 kg) Height: 16.93 inch (43 cm) – 22.05 inch (56 cm) Major concerns: hip dysplasia, cataracts Minor concerns: valve malformations and irregularities in heart rhythm, allergies Average Size of Male: 35.27 pound (16 kg) – 66.14 pound (30 kg) Life span: 8-15 years Brief History on Pit Bull Origin Formal breeds often considered in North America to be of the Pit Bull type include the American Pit Bull … Read more

Jack Russell Terriers Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: 14.11 pound (6.40 kg) – 18.08 pound (8.20 kg) Height: 9.84 inch (25 cm) – 14.96 inch (38 cm) Major concerns: hereditary cataracts, ectopia lentis, congenital deafness, patellar luxation, ataxia, myasthenia gravis, Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome Minor concerns: epilepsy, vonWillebrand’s disease, cerebellar Ataxia Average Size of Male: 14.11 pound (6.40 kg) – 18.08 pound (8.20 kg) Life span: 13 years – 16 years on average Brief History on JRT Origin The small white fox-working terriers we know today … Read more

Cocker Spaniels Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Average Size of Female: Height: Males 15 – 17 inches (38 – 43 cm) Height: 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm) Major concerns: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), progressive retinal atrophy, liver disease, obesity, deafness, congestive heart failure Minor concerns: Cardiomyopathy, ectropion, urinary stones, otitis externa, hypothyroidism, seborrhea, phosphofructokinase deficiency, entropion, “cherry eye,” ear infections, allergies Average Size of Male: Weight: Males 28-34 pounds (13 – 16 kg) Height: Males 15 – 17 inches (38 – 43 cm) Life … Read more

Border Collies Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Breed: Yorkie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation Occasionally seen: PRA Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: <7 pounds Life span: 12–16 years Suggested tests: Liver ultrasound, (knee), (eye) Major concerns: Portacaval shunt, tracheal collapse, Leggs–Perthes Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: <7 pounds Brief History on Yorkshire Terrier Origin The Yorkshire Terrier’s original function was to hunt and kill rats and other rodents in the cotton mills and mines in Yorkshire, England. Initially it was looked down upon by … Read more

Breed: Weimeraner Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Spinal dysraphism, CHD, entropion, distichiasis, vWD, hemophilia A, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, Life span: 10 – 13 years Major concerns: Gastric torsion Occasionally seen: Ununited anconeal process, eversion of nictitating membrane, Avg Size of Female: Height: 23-25 inches, Weight: 70-85 pounds, Avg Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches, Weight: 70-85 pounds, Suggested tests: Hip, eye, blood, Brief History on Weimaraner Origin It is uncertain where the Weimaraners steel grey coloring originate, however it goes far back to being an important … Read more

Breed: Vizsla Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Male: Height: 22-24 inches, Weight: 45-65 pounds Major concerns: None Suggested tests: Hip Minor concerns: Hemophilia A, CMO, CHD Life span: 10 – 14 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 21-23 inches, Weight: 45-65 pounds Brief History on Vizsla Origin Hungarian hunters were seeking a quick, agile and close-working dog that could point and retrieve birds, as well as track smaller sized mammals. Barons and warlords had discovered the breed and sought it out … Read more

Breed: St. Bernard Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: OCD, diabetes, heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, pyotraumatic dermatitis Occasionally seen: Epilepsy Note: The Saint Bernard does not tolerate heat well. Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, cardiac, eye Avg Size of Female: Height: >25 inches, Weight: 120-200 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: >27.5 inches, Weight: 120-200 pounds Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma Life Span: 8 – 10 years Brief History on Saint Bernard Origin The Saint Bernard is a massive working dog from the … Read more

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: None Occasionally seen: Cataract, CHD Note: The high pain threshold may mask problems Life span: 12 – 14 years Suggested tests: CERF, OFA Avg Size of Female: Height: 17-18 inches, Weight: 30-35 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 18-19 inches, Weight: 35-40 pounds Major concerns: None Brief History on Staffordshire Bull Terrier Origin Stories suggest that this breed was a result of crossbreeding the Old English bulldog with the black and tan terrier. The result was the small … Read more

Shih Tzu Breed Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

The Shih Tzu is a breed favorite of many and quickly becomes a family member. Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-16 pounds Minor concerns: Renal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, trichiasis, PRA, KCS, CHD, otitis externa, portacaval shunt, inguinal hernias Suggested tests: Eye Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-16 pounds Life span: 11- 14 years Major concerns: None Brief History on Shih Tzu Origin Originating around the 17th century, it is assumed that the Shih Tzu … Read more

Dog Breed: Shiba Inu Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Female: Height: 13.5-15.5 inches, Weight: 20-30 pounds Occasionally seen: None Major concerns: None LifeSpan: 12 – 15 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 14.5-16.5 inches, Weight: 20-30 pounds Minor concerns: Patellar luxation Suggested tests: Knee Brief History on Shiba Inu Origin The Shiba Inu was actually not given the name “Shiba Inu” until the 1920s. The origin of the breed descended from spitz heritage. The fact that it could roam traverse steep hills and mountain regions that … Read more

Breed: Sheltie Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Eye, hip, DNA for vWD Major concerns: Dermatomyositis Avg Size of Female: Height: 13-16 inches, Weight: 20 pounds Life span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: CEA, PRA, trichiasis, cataract, CHD, hemophilia, Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation Avg Size of Male: Height: 13-16 inches, Weight: 20 pounds Occasionally seen: PDA, deafness, epilepsy, vWD Note: May be sensitive to ivermectin. Merles should not be bred to merles because homozygous merle is lethal or detrimental to health. Brief History on Shetland Sheepdog … Read more

Breed: Schnauzer Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Suggested tests: Hip Avg Size of Male: Height: 18.5-19.5 inches, Weight: 40-45 pounds Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Female: Height: 17.5-18.5 inches, Weight: 35-40 pounds Life span: 12 – 14 years Major concerns: None Minor concerns: CHD, follicular dermatitis Brief History on Standard Schnauzer Origin Stories suggest that the Schnauzer is a blend of both hunting and working terriers. It was a cross with wirehaired pinschers, black German poodles and gray wolf spitz. The result of crossing them was … Read more

Breed: Samoyed Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Avg Size of Female: Height: 19-21 inches, Weight: 35-50 pounds Major concerns: CHD Occasionally seen: PRA Life span: 10 – 12 years Minor concerns: Gastric torsion Suggested tests: Hip, eye Avg Size of Male: Height: 21-23.5 inches, Weight: 45-65 pounds Brief History on Samoyed Origin This breed takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. These spitz dogs were utilized to hunt, pull sleds and protect their families from predators. Both as a worker and as a companion, the … Read more

Breed: Rottweiler Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, vWD, panosteitis Life span: 8 – 11 years Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, SAS, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, eye Avg Size of Male: Height: 24-27 inches, Weight: 85-135 pounds Occasionally seen: PRA, cataract, epilepsy Avg Size of Female: Height: 22-25 inches, Weight: 80-100 pounds Brief History on Rottweiler Origin The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large or large in size. The dogs were known in German as … Read more

Breed: Pug Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Life span: 12 – 15 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 14-18 pounds Occasionally seen: Epilepsy Avg Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 14-18 pounds Minor concerns: Elongated palette, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes, entropion Note: Skin fold dermatitis occurs if wrinkles are not regularly cleaned. The pug cannot tolerate heat and is sensitive to anesthesia. It is prone to corneal abrasion and obesity. Major concerns: None Suggested tests: Eye Brief History on Pug … Read more

Breed: Poodle Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns for toy and miniature: PRA, patellar luxation, Legg – Perthes, epilepsy Life span for standard: 10 – 13 years Major concerns for standard: Sebaceous adenitis, gastric torsion, Addison’s Occasionally seen for standard: PDA, vWD Occasionally seen for toy and miniature: Urolithiasis, intervertebral disc degeneration Life span for miniature: 13 – 15 years Minor concerns for toy and miniature: Trichiasis, entropion, lacrimal duct atresia, cataracts, glaucoma, distichiasis Minor concerns for standard: Distichiasis, entropion, cataract, CHD, epilepsy Suggested tests for … Read more

Breed: Pomeranian Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Occasionally seen: Tracheal collapse, PDA Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 3-7 pounds Minor concerns: Open fontanel, hypoglycemia, shoulder luxation, PRA, entropion Suggested tests: Knee, eye, cardiac Major concerns: Patellar luxation Life span: 12-16 years Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 3-7 pounds Brief History on Pomeranian Origin The first Pomeranians did not look like Pomeranians at all actually, and they were not called by that name up until they were introduced to England. Majority of … Read more

Breed: Pekingese Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Minor concerns: Elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, KCS, patellar luxation, distichiasis, trichiasis, skin fold dermatitis Major concerns: None Avg Size of Female: Height: 6-9 inches, Weight: <14 pounds Note: The breed is sensitive to anesthesia and does not tolerate heat well. It is also prone to corneal abrasions. Puppies must often be delivered by Caesarian. Life span: 13 – 15 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 6-9 inches, Weight: <14 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Occasionally seen: Urolithiasis Brief History … Read more

Breed: Papillon Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Life span: 12 – 15 years Minor concerns: PRA, patellar luxation Suggested Tests: Knee, eye Occasionally seen: None Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-10 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 9-10 pounds Major concerns: None Brief History on Papillon Origin The Papillon originated in France, where the breed was called the “Dwarf Spaniel”, and featured spaniel-type dropped ears. The court of France’s Louis XIV was particularly passionate about the Papillon, and imported many of … Read more

Breed: Old English Sheepdog Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: CHD Avg Size of male: Height: 22+ Weight: 70 – 90 Avg Size of Female: Height: 21+ Weight: 60 – 80 Life span: 10 – 12 years Suggested tests: Hip, eye, hearing Minor concerns: Gastric torsion, otitis externa retinal detachment, cataract, deafness Occasionally seen: None Brief History on Old English Sheepdog Origin There are many stories that suggest the true origin of the Old English Sheepdog, most of which being a link between the Bearded Collie or the … Read more

Breed: Newfoundland Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Note: Newfoundlands do not tolerate heat well; some are sensitive to anesthesia. Occasionally seen: Epilepsy Avg Size of Female: Height: 26 inches, Weight: 100-120 pounds Avg Size of Male: Height: 28 inches, Weight: 130-150 pounds Major concerns: SAS, pulmonic stenosis, elbow dysplasia, CHD, gastric torsion Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, ectropion, vWD, cataract Suggested tests: Hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, (eye) Life span: 8 – 10 years Brief History on Newfoundland Origin Regardless of its exact origin, the result was a large … Read more

Breed: Maltese Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: None Life span: 12 – 14 years Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, open fontanel, hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, distichiasis, entropion Avg Size of Male: Height: 9-10 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds Occasionally seen: Deafness, white shaker-dog syndrome Avg Size of Female: Height: 9-10 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Brief History on Maltese Breed Origin Crusaders who were returning from the Mediterranean in the 14th century are the ones who brought this lively little dog to England. It quickly became … Read more

Breed: Lhasa Apso Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Major concerns: None Life span: 12 – 14 years Avg Size of Male: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 13-15 pounds Avg Size of Female: Height: 10-11 inches, Weight: 13-15 pounds Suggested tests: Knee, eye Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, entropion, distichiasis, PRA, renal cortical hypoplasia Occasionally seen: CHD, urolithiasis, vWD Brief History on Lhasa Apso Origin The Lhasa Apso originated in the remote mountains of Tibet, near the city of Lhasa. This is where they were first bred as companions and watchdogs … Read more

Dog Breed Database

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