iPET Network News

Breed – Mastiffs 

Brief overview - When the Romans invaded Britain in 55BC they found the inhabitants already had a mastiff- type dog, huge and courageous. The Romans took some of these mastiff types home with them to use within the Coliseum. Mastiffs can be seen in the ancient images relating to Babylonian relics way back in 2200 BC.

Grooming tip - Recommend simple daily hand brushing and washing of their lower legs

Interesting fact – A typical English mastiff litter of puppies can be as many as 10 to 12 dogs

Breed – Newfoundland 

Brief overview - The Newfoundland dog is aptly named as it hails from Newfoundland, an island that is part of Canada's most easterly province. The breed excelled in the coastal area as a working dog on both land and in water.

Grooming tip - Brush and comb your Newfoundland's coat at least weekly to control shedding.

Interesting fact – The dog featured in Peter pan ‘Nana’ was actually a Newfoundland.

Breed – Border Collie

Brief overview -The name derives from the border regions of England, Scotland and Wales where they originally showed their worth, working sheep in the hills and mountains. The natural activity and intelligence of the Border Collie means that they need to be engaged to lead a fulfilled life.

Grooming tip - Remove mats using the mat splitter.

Interesting fact –The father of all border collies is Old Hemp, who lived from 1893 to 1901

Breed – Beagle 

Brief overview - The breed was established in England by the 15th century. Queen Elizabeth kept a pack of miniature Beagles small enough to be carried in a saddle pannier or a pocket.

Grooming tip - If you want to reduce shedding and seeing Beagle hair all over your house, you have got to brush your dog regularly.

Interesting fact – Snoopy from Charlie Brown was originally called Sniffy.

Breed – Springer Spaniel 

Brief overview - The English Springer is the highest on the leg of all the Land Spaniels and they share the same ancestry as the other spaniels. At one stage the breed was called the Norfolk Spaniel as it was reputed that the Duke of Norfolk developed the breed.

Grooming tip - Can be hand stripped or clipped. 

Interesting fact - William Wallace had a pet spaniel named Merlin.