Large Dogs

So You Want The Perfect Dog

Large Dogs

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Large dogs range around 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and 25 pounds and up.

The book covers 48 breeds in this section.

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound was developed in Afghanistan and are sight hounds. They come in all colors and are members of the hound group. they were AKC recognized in 1926.They range in size from 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 50 to 60 pounds. The Afghan Hound has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are not susceptible to any major health concerns. They can suffer from tail injuries and react to barbiturate anesthesia. Health ailments like canine hip dysplasia, cataract and necrotic myelopathy are also seen occasionally.

Airedale terrier

Airedale terrier is believed to have originated in the valley of the Aire in England. They were used to hunt badger and water rats. They come in both tan and black and tan and grizzle. They are members of the terrier group and were AKC recognized in 1888.The Airdales are approximately 23 inches tall at the shoulder (less for females). The Airedale Terrier has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years.They sometimes suffers from colonic disease., but serious health issues include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism.

Akita

Akita originated in Japan as a bear hunter and guard dog. They are members of the workiing group and were AKC recognized in 1972.They range in size from 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. They have thick double coat that can be any color including white, brindle or pinto. A trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back. Helen Keller brought the first one to the United States in 1937. The Akita has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They occasionally suffers from microphthalmia, patellar luxation, epilepsy, renal cortical hypoplasia, VKH-like syndrome, polyneuropathy,entropion, and cataract. Major health problems associated with the breed such as canine hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Minor health issues include gastric torsion,hypothroidism, elbow dysplasia,cruciate ligament rupture,pemphigus, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and sebaceous adentis.

Alaska Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute was named after the native Innuit tribe called Mahlemuts. They were bred to carry heavy loads. The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red with face markings, usually of a cap on the head and a bar/mask on the face. They are part of the working group and were AKC recognized in 1935. The ideal size of males are 25 inches tall at the shoulder and 85 pounds; the females are 23 inches tall at the shoulder and 75 pounds. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.The major health problems are canine hip dysplasia and cataracts. Minor concerns include osteochondrodysplasia and hypothyroidism and occasionally gastric torsion, seizures, hemeralopia, and polyneuropathy.

American Foxhound

American Foxhound were developed in Virginia and Maryland for fox hunting. George Washington is the father of this breed. They are members of the hound group and were AKC recognized in 1886. They range in size from 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. They can be any color and have a average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. They have no major health poblems but may suffer from thrombopathy occasionally.

American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniel was developed in the Great Lake area for hunting. The Spaniel's coat can be solid liver, brown or dark chocolate and ranges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. They are members of the sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1940. They range size from 15 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and 25 to 45 pounds.They generally lives for 10 to 12 years. One of its major health problems is mitral valve disease with a few minor health issues including canine hip dysplasia, patent duct arteriosus, and pulmonic stenosis. It may also occasionally suffer from progressive retinal atrophy andpaatellar luxation.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd Dog originated in Turkey as a working guard dog. The coat can be short (one inch) or rough (approximately four inches), with all color patterns and markings, including fawn and brindle, equally acceptable- usually bred to match the color of the animals they were guarding.. They are part of the working group and were AKC recognized in 1996. The ideal size for males is 29 inches tall at the shoulder and 110 to 150 pounds; the females is 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 80-120 pounds. The Anatolian Shepherd has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. They are prone to health conditions such as entropion and canine hip dysplasia and they reacts adversely to barbiturate anesthesia.

Beauceron

Beauceron is an old and distinct French breed of herding dog. There coat can be seen in variations of black and tan. They are members of the herding group and were AKC recognized in 2007. They range in size from 24 to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder. The Beauceron has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They do not have any major health problems. They are susceptible to some minor health concerns such as gastric torsion and canine hip dysplasia.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois were developed in the city of Malines where they were used to herd sheep. They are members of the herding group and where AKC recognized in 1959.They range in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.The basic coloring is a rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs. The mask and ears are black and the underparts of the body, tail and breeches are lighter fawn.The Belgian Malinois has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years and are not prone to any major health issues.They have been known to suffer occasionally from elbow dyspasia, pannus, progressive retinal atrophy, hemangiosarcoma, and cataract.

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdog origin can be traced to the late 1800's where they were used to herd sheep. They are members of the herding group and were AKC recognized in 1912. They range in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They come in one color only: black: certain white markings are allowed.

The Belgian Sheepdog has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.They do not seem to have any major health concerns. However, they are susceptible to minor issues such as hypothyroidism, seozures, allergies, and skin disorders. Elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, pannus, and progressive retinal atrophy have beenseen in this breed.

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren owes its name to the Belgian village of Tervuren. Their coat's color is a rich fawn to russet mahogany with black overlay. They were used as sheep herders and belongs to the herding group. They were AKC recognized in 1959 and range in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

Belgian Tervuren has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to minor health issues like hypothyroidism, canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies, and elbow dysplasia. Major problems include seizures. Belgian Tervurens can also be affected by hemangiosarcoma, persistent pupillary membranes, cataract, and pannus.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in Switzerland and are named for the Canton of Bern. They thrive in cold weather and where used for pulling carts to market, driving dairy cattle, watching the farm and acting as companions to farmers. They are members of the working group and were AKC recognized in 1937. They range in size from 23 to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet black with markings of rich rust and clear white.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is sometimes prone to health problems like von Willebrand's Disease, hypomyelination, allergies, hypothyroidism, hepatocerebellar degeneration and progressive retinal atrophy. The minor diseases that the dog is likely to suffer from are cataract, sub-aortic stenosis,entropion, and ectropion. The more serious ailments affecting this breed inclues canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplsia, gastric torsion, and mast cell tumor. A lot of care should be taken to prevent heat stroke. The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average lifespan of 6 to 9 years. (The dog's lifespan is, according to a Swiss maxim, "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, and three years an old dog. Anything more is a gift from God.")

Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan coonhound is an American dog used to trail and tree raccoon. Their coat is coal black with tan markings and they are members of the hound group. They were AKC recognized in 1945 and range in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Black and Tan Coonhound has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to minor health concerns such as ectropion and hypothyroidism, and major issues like canine hip dysplasia. They also occasionally suffers from Hemophilia B.

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is from England and are scent hounds. They are members of the hound group and were AKC recognized in 1885.Bloodhounds range in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They can be black and tan, liver and tan, and red; the darker colors being sometimes interspersed with lighter or badger-colored hair, and sometimes flecked with white.

The lifespan of the Bloodhound is 7 to 10 years. The breed is susceptible to some major health problems which include skin-fold dermatitis, ectropion, entropion, otitis externa, gastric torsion, canine hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. The Bloodhound also suffers occasionally from hypothyroidism.

Bouvier des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres originated in Belgium as farm dogs. They are members of the herding group and where AKC recognized in 1931. They range in size from 23½ to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder. There coat colors range from fawn to black, passing through salt and pepper, gray and brindle.

The Bouvier des Flandres has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to minor health problems such as hypothyroidism and major issues like elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis, and glaucoma.

Boxer

Boxers were developed in Germany and originally used for dog fighting and hunting large game. They comein both fawn and brindle colors. They are part of the working groupand were AKC recognized in 1904. Boxers range in size from 21 ½ inches to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Boxer has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They can suffer from minor aliments like colitis, gastric torsion, corneal erosion, and hypothyroidism. Major diseases are canine hip dysplasia,Boxer cardiomyopathy, and subvalvular aortic stenosis. Degenerative myelopathy and brain tumors are also seen in Boxers. They react severely to acepromazine and are sensitive to heat. White boxers can be deaf.

Briard

The Briards were used to defend against wolves and poachers in their native land of France. They are part of the herding Group and were AKC recognized in 1928. They range in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They can be any uniform color except white.

The Briard has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to diseases such as canine hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. They also succumb to heart problems, progressive retinal atrophy and minor health problems such as night blindness.

Chesapeake bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an American sporting breed. They are water retrievers. They were AKC recognized in 1878.They average in size from 55 to 80 pounds and 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. A coat color of brown, sedge or deadgrass is acceptable.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. They are prone to some major health issues such as gastric torsion and canine hip dysplasia. Minor concerns include hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy. Some other potential issues affecting the breed includeelbow dysplasia, entropion, cerebellar abiotrophy, and Osteochondrosis Dissecans.

Collie

The Collie's exact origin is uncertain, but they have existed for centuries as herding dogs of Scotland and England. The coat can be rough or smooth and the four accepted colors are sable and white, tri-color, blue merle and white. They are members of the herding group and were AKC recognized in 1885. They range in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and 50 to 75 pounds.

This breed’s lifespan ranges between 8 to 12 years. Collies are susceptible to gastric torsion, dermatomyositis, seizures, microphthalmia, Colloe eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, demodicosis and other minor aliments.

Curly Coated Retriever

Curly-Coated Retriever was developed in England as both a waterfowl retriever and upland game hunter. The breed's curly coat can be black or liver in color. They are part of the sporting Group and were AKC recognized in 1924. They range in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Curly-Coated Retriever has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. They may be prone to health concerns such as cataract and distichiasis. They are also susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, a major health issue.

Dalmatian

Nothing is definitely known about its origin of the Dalmatian, but they have been trace back to Dalmatia.

Dalmatian puppies are born with plain white coats and within weeks begin to get black or liver coloered spots.They are members of teh non-sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1888. They range in size from 19 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder

The Dalmatian, has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Minor health concerns includes hypothyroidism, allergies, iris sphincter dysplasia, seizures, and major issues likedeafness and urinary stones. Some may also be prone to canine hip dysplasia or the formation of urinary calculi, as they cannot break down uric acid.

Doberman Pinscher

It is thought that the Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany and used asa guard dog as well as companion. They are in the working group and were AKC recognized in 1908. They range in size from 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.

They can be black, red, blue, and fawn in color with markings in rust, sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. A white patch on chest, not exceeding ½ square inch, is permissible.

The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Wobbler's syndrome, cervical vertebral instability, and cardiomyopathy are some serious health problems that can affect Dobermans. Minor diseases seen in this breed of dog include canine hip dysplasia,osteosarcoma, von Willebrand's disease, demodicosis, and gastric torsion. Albinism,narcolepsy, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy are sometime seen in Dobermans, while the Blue Doberman is more prone to hair loss.

English Foxhound

The English Foxhound was bred in Great Britain as a fox hunter. They come in many colors: black, tan, and white, or any combination of these three. They are in the sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1909.The ideal size is 24 inches tall at the shoulder.

The English Foxhound, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. They can suffer from canine hip dysplasia and renal disease, but do not have a propensity to any major or minor health concerns.

English Setter

The English Setter was developed in England to help hunt game. They have a feathered coat ehich is white with an intermingling of darker hairs resulting in markings called "belton." Belton markings can be orange, blue (white with black markings), tricolor (blue belton with tan points), lemon and liver.

They are members of the sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1884. They range in size from 24 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.

English Setter has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to major health issues such as elbow dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism, and canine hip dysplasia. They are also prone to epilepsy, Osteochondrosis Dissecans and progressive retinal atrophy.

Flat Coated Retriever

Flat Coated Retriever was originally bred in the United Kingdom to flush and retrieve both upland game and waterfowl. The Flat-Coat has a solid black or liver-colored coat. They are in the sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1915. Their ideal size is 22 to 24½ inches tall at the shoulder. They have a life expectancy average of 10 years.

The Flat-Coated Retriever sometimes suffers from diabetes and seizures. They have no major health concerns. Only a few minor health problems like hemangiosarcoma, canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, glaucoma, gastric torsion, patellar luxation, and patellar lymphosarcoma can be seen.

German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog (Deutscher Schäferhund), also known as an Alsatian or just the German Shepherd, is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany as a herding dog and is in the herding group.They were AKC recognized in 1908 and range in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder with a long body ( generally 22-26 inches).There coats are usually tan and black, or red and black in color, is medium in length and they shed all year round. Frequent training or exercise sessions are essential for keeping its mind and body active.

The German Shepherd has an average lifespan of between 10 to 12 years. It is susceptible to some serious health conditions like elbow dysplasia and canine hip dysplasia, as well as minor problems like cardiomyopathy, hemangiosarcoma,panosteitis, von Willebrand's Disease,degenerative myelopathy, , cauda equina, malignant neoplasms, pannus, hot spots, skin allergies, gastric torsion, cataract, and perianal fistulas. This breed is also prone to a fatal fungal infection due to the Aspergillus mold.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear but we do know they were bred for hunting.They are members of the sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1930.They average in size from 55 to 70 pounds and 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. They must be solid liver or liver and white in color.

The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Minor health concerns include gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, canine hip dysplasia, Osteochondrosis Dissecans, von Willebrand's Disease, entropion, and pannus. Major health concerns include lymphedema. Cardiomyopathy, ectropion, and progressive retinal atrophy are occasional problems.

German Wirehaired Pointer

The Germans created the German Wirehaired Pointer as a hunting dog. The coat must be liver and white in color. They are members of the sporting Group and were AKC recognized in 1959. The ideal size are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

The German Wirehaired Pointer has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They can occasionally suffer from heart disease, seizures, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, entropion, and hypothyroidism;other major health concerns include canine hip dysplasia.

Giant Schnauzer

Gaint Schnauzer was developed in the Wurttenberg and Bavaria sections of Germanyand they were used to herd animals and guard buildings. They are solid black or salt and pepper in color and require regular grooming and stripping. They are in the working group and were AKC recognized in 1930 and range in size from 23½ to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder.

The Giant Schnauzer has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Minor health issues include Osteochondrosis Dissecans, hypothyroidism, and gastric torsion. Canine hip dysplasia is a serious health concern.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands and was used predominantly for hunting.The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth. The golden-colored coat can range from light to dark gold. They are in the sporting groupand were AKC recognized in 1925. They average in size around 55 to 75 pounds. The Golden Retriever has a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years. Some of its minor health problems include hypothyroidism, sub-aortic stenosis,eye disorders, elbow dysplasia, mast cell tumors, and seizures. Osteosarcoma has been seen in Golden Retrievers. Some other major health concerns for the breed include lymphoma, canine hip dysplasia,hemangiosarcoma, and skin problems.

Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter comes from Scotland,the heaviest of the three setter breeds, the Gordon was originally bred as a personal bird dog. The dog's distinctive black and tan coat allows it to be seen easily in light fields and early snow. They are in the sporting group and were AKC recognized in 1884. They range in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 80 pounds. The Gordon Setter, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to major health issues such as gastric torsion and canine hip dysplasia, and minor problems like cerebellar abiotrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and elbow dysplasia.

Greyhound

Evidence of the Greyhound was first discovered in tomb carvings in Egypt. They are the fast known dog and where used as hunters.They can be any color, including black, fawn and red, often combined with white or brindle markings. Greyhounds are part of the hound group and were AKC recognized in 1885.They range in size from 60 to 70 pounds. The Greyhound, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. They are not prone to any major health problems. Some of the minor ailments that can affect the breed include osteosarcoma, esophageal achalasia, and gastric torsion. The AKC and NGA Greyhounds cannot tolerate barbiturate anesthesia and are susceptible to tail-tip injuries and lacerations.

Ibizan Hound

Ibizan Hound is native to Spain, where they wheere used in packs to hunt rabbits. They come in red, white or any combination of the two colors. They are members of the Hound group and were AKC recognized in 1978. They range in size from 22½ inches to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.They have no major health problems. A few minor health problems include seizures and allergies,retinal dysplasia, deafness, cataract, and axonal dystrophy and they cannot tolerate barbiturate anesthesia.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter tends to be a very healthy breed. Problems that have been noted in Irish Setters include: cancer,hip dysplasia, progessive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, entropion, hypothyroidism, hyperosteodystrophy, bloat, osteosarcoma, Von Willebrand's disease, patent ductus ateriosus, Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency, Celiac disease, Irish Setters are now one of the few breeds for which genetic tests have been developed to detect the presence of both CLAD and PRA (RCD-1). Irish Setters life expectancy tends to be around 11 to 12 years The coat is moderately long, silky, and of a red or chestnut in color. They were AKC recongnized in 1878 . They are in the Sporting group and used as gun and show dogs. There average size is 60 to 70 pounds and 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water spaniel were found in southern Ireland . They have a water-repellant liver-colored double coat that consists of dense, tight ringlets with a topknot of long, loose curls and a smooth face and a signature "rat tail." They were AKC recognized in 1884 and range in size from 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 65 pounds. The Irish Water Spaniel, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, is prone to otitis externa and canine hip dysplasia .

Komondor

The Komandor was developed in Hungary to guard large herds of sheep and cattle on the plains. A grown dog is entirely covered with a heavy coat of white tassel-like cords, which form naturally. They were AKC recognized in 1937 and range in size from 25½ inches tall at the shoulder and up and 80 pounds and up.

The Komondor has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are susceptible to minor health issues like canine hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, as well as otitis externa, hot spots, and entropion.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, they work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. They comes in three colors - yellow, black and chocolate. The breed was AKC recognized in 1917. Males should stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches (57 to 62 cm) tall at the withers and weigh 65 to 80 lb (29 to 36 kg). Females should stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches (55 to 60 cm) and weigh 55 to 70 lb (25 to 32 kg).
They average in size from 55 to 75 pounds.
Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Some of the general health conditions that afflict Labradors are patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia , and osteochondritis dissecans , which is canine elbow and shoulder dysplasia. This breed also occasionally suffers from distichiasis, exercise-induced collapse, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and entropion. Minor health concerns include retinal dysplasia, central progressive retinal atrophy , hypothyroidism, hot spots, and cataract.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog (OES)originated in the western counties of England.They were used to herd sheep and cattle. They were AKC recognized in 1888 and are 21 inches tall and upward at the shoulder.They can be any shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle with or without white markings or in reverse. The tail should be Docked close to the body, when not naturally bob tailed. The Old English Sheepdog has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are prone to minor health conditions like deafness, cataract, gastric torsion, otitis exrerna, progressive retinal atrophy, cerebellar ataxia, rental detachment and hypothyroidism. Major health issues include canine hip dysplasia.

The Otterhound

The Otterhound is from England where they were used to hunt otters. They were AKC recognized in 1909.
The males are approximately 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 115 pounds; females are approximately 24 inches tall and 80 pounds.
They can be any color with dark matching nose and eye rims.
The Otterhound has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. It is prone to minor health issues such as elbow dysplasia and canine thrombopathia, and more serious problem like canine hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Epilepsy is also seen on occasion

Plott

The Plott hound was brought from Germany but started officially in United States by the Plott family to hunt boar. This is the state dog of North Carolina. They were AKC recognized in 2006 and range in size from 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and 40 to 60 pounds. Any shade of brindleincluding the following colors yellow, buckskin, tan, brown, chocolate, liver, orange, red, light or dark gray, blue or Maltese, dilute black, and black is preferred.

The Plott, has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years, is not prone to any major health problems. Canine hip dysplasia has been seem in some Plotts

Pointer

The Pointer first appeared in England around 1650.They have a short coat which can be liver, lemon, black, and orange; either in combination with white or solid-colored. The breed was first used to stand game. They were AKC recognized in 1884 and range in size from 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and 44 to 75 pounds.

The Pointer has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. It is prone to tail-tip injuries and will occasionally suffer from cataractsand deafness. Minor health conditions affecting Pointers are hypothyroidism and canine hip dysplasia. Entropion is a major health issue which can affect the breed.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback also called African Lion Hound is a native of South Africa where the were used to hunt loins and guard households. They were AKC recognized in 1955.They range in size from 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 70 to 85 pounds. Coat colors are light wheaten to red wheaten with a ridge on the back which is formed by the hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, does not suffer from any serious health conditions. However, it may be prone to minor issues such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, and hypothyoidism. Dermoid sinus and deafness are also occasionally

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler was from Germany and they were used to herd livestock and pull carts. They were AKC recognized in 1931and range in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.They are always black with rust to mahogany markings.

The Rottweiler has a lifespan of about 8 to 11 years and is prone to major health problems like canine hip and elbow dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis (SAS), osteosarcoma and gastric torsion, as well as minor concerns like allergies and hypothyroidism. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), ectropion, cataract, seizuers, von Willebrand's disease, entropion and panosteitis.

Saluki

The Saluki were royal dogs of Egypt.They were used by the Arabs to track and bring down gazelle,when they were first imported to England in 1840 they were used primarily to hunt hare. They were AKC recognized in 1929. They range in size from 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder; females are smaller. The breed comes in the following coat colors white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolor (white, black and tan) and black and tan.They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They occasionally suffers from hypothyroidism and is prone to cardiomyopathy, a minor condition. The breed is also susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, a serious health condition, and reacts adversely to barbiturate anesthesia.

Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano, also called the Italian Pointer, is Italy's all-purpose hunting dog. They were AKC recognized in 2000 and they range in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. The only acceptable coat colors are solid white, white and orange; orange roan with or without orange markings; white with brown markings, brown roan with or without brown markings.

The Spinone Italiano has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are susceptible to major health concerns such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and minor issues like otitis externa, ectropion, cerebellar ataxia, and gastric torsion. Allergies and elbow dysplasia may also be seen. Routine hip exams are recommended as the dogs grow older

standard Poodle

The Standard poodle weight 45 - 70 pounds whata height of 15 - 24 inches . They were AKC recognized in 1887.

This breed lives for 10 to 13 years, and may suffer from serious conditions like gastric torsion,progessive retinal atrophy,sebaceous adentitis, Addison's disease, and idiopathic epilepsy, as well as minor concerns like distichiasis, entropion, epilepsy, cataract, and canine hip dysplasia.

Vizsla

The Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary as sporting dogs and loyal companions. They were AKC recognized in 1960. The average size is 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder with a 1 1/2 inch adjustment. These are meant to be medium size hunters. They are golden rust in varying shades. They weight between 48 and 66 pounds.

The Vizsla, which has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, may suffer from hypothyroidism, dwarfism, persistent right aortic arch, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is also prone to minor health concerns like lymphosarcoma and canine hip dysplasia, or major issues such as epilepsy.Idiopathic elilepsy, Cancer: Mast cell tumors, hemanglosarcoma heart defects- PDA, murmurs hert bsed tumors, Addision's disease.

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner was originally bred for hunting in Germany. There weight range from 55 to 82 pounds and the height from 23 to 27 inches.The breed was AKC recognized in 1943 These dogs have a short, smooth and sleek, solid color, in shades of mouse-gray to silver-gray coat.

Common health problems associated with this breed are bloat,hip dysplasia, Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) and Adverse Reactions to Vaccinations.They can also be prone to various allergies, distichiasis, cell cancer, thyroid problems, and a rare bleeding disorder known as Von Willebrands Disease.
They have a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years.

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