Pug is a dog breed with an incredibly long lineage dating back to ancient China and they were brought to Europe in 16th century. But i would be very curious, if the people who brought them to Europe in 16th century would recognize the Pug we have today, because they look very very different.
[Historical Evolution] Like all animals, dogs evolve and change over time, but some breeds experience more rapid transformations due to selective breeding. And Pug is a great example. Pugs were not bred for any specific working purpose, they are just our companions. And since there is a demand for companion dogs to be as cute as possible, breeders started selectively bred Pugs to have flatter faces, more wrinkles and larger eyes. They are basically trying to make Pugs look similar to human infants. However, this has drastically altered their appearance. Historic photos reveal that past Pugs were leaner, more athletic, and had longer legs. While they might not have been as cute as today's Pugs, they were undoubtedly much healthier. [Health Concerns] The current breeding standard causes many unnecessary health problems, such as various breathing difficulties and overheating due to the flat face, encephalopathy or various eye issues. Pugs are also prone to becoming obese. These health issues are a consequence of prioritizing appearance over well-being. [Appreciating Modern Pugs] This is not intended to insult modern day Pugs. We all know their charming personality. Pugs have super playful, loving and outgoing temperament, perfect for companion dog. And even modern day Pugs can be active companions and there are even individuals that compete in agility! And i think that is very important for the dog, to keep them active, to keep them moving. They should not lay on the coach all day long doing nothing. The Pug is famously nicknamed "multum in parvo," meaning much in little, or a big personality in a small body. While their appearance may have changed, their spirit remains intact. The Pug's endearing personality is what captures our hearts the most. It is also important to notice, that Pugs are not the only breed that radically changed over time. Bulldogs, Bull Terriers or German Shepherds look very different in historic photos as well. And just like the Pug, it is not a change for better.
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1) Origin
The Campeiro Bulldog has its origin in 16th and 17th century in the Brazilian region Rio Grande do Sul. In the 16th century, European immigrants brought many dog breeds with them to Brazil, and one of these breeds was the famous Old English Bulldog. In Brazil, the Old English Bulldog was bred to better meet the needs of local farmers as a catch dog and to be able to work in harsh rural Brazilian environment. Actually, the Campeiro Bulldog can be translated to English as a „rural Bulldog“. 2) Catch dog The main and traditional utilization of Campeiro Bulldog always was to be the best possible catch dog. Which means that they were trained to catch and hold the cattle, they traveled long distances to fetch cattle and they were also used to round up pigs. Later, they were used to work with cattle in slaughterhouses as well. To be good at this kind of utilization, the Campeiro Bulldog must be very durable and endurant, fearless and courageous, quite strong and they must be able to make good decisions on their own. 3) Almost Extinct In 1970s, it was banned to use dogs like Campeiro Bulldog in Brazilian slaughterhouses. Before this ban, the Campeiro Bulldog was very common in some Brazilian states, but after the ban, the breeds population declined rapidly, as they lost their main utilization. Brazilians could not use them for work and there was a big competition by foreign breeds for compenion pets. This resulted in almost extinction of the Campeiro Bulldog. Luckily, groups of enthusiasts decided to preserve the breed and already in the mid 1970s private breeding programm was commenced. And they were succesfull, as the Campeiro Bulldog is not on the verge of extinction anymore. One of the man credited for saving the breed is Ralf Bender Schein. 4) Loyal guardian Even today, the Campeiro Bulldog is still used to work with cattle. But it can also be trained to be reliable and loyal protector. They are strong and their mere presence could deter any intruders. But they are also absolutely loyal, brave and they are naturally suspicious towards strangers. This combination of personality traits is perfect for good guardian. And indeed, the Campeiro Bulldog would protect its loved ones from any kind of danger if needed. 5) Loving companion But of course, the Campeiro Bulldog is not only the tough worker, but also, and maybe surprisingly, very loving companion dog. The breed is typically very calm and relaxed around its own people, and it shows affection towards the whole family. They are known to be quite patient with kids as well, but of course, you should never leave any dog breed with a very young child unsupervised. Above all, the Campeiro Bulldog is known for its loyalty to its owner, they are loyal beyond the grave. 6) Size Accordingly to the official breed standard, the Campeiro Bulldog is standing between 19-22 inches, which is 48-56 cm, and its weight is usually between 68-93 lbs, which is 31-42 kg. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males. 7) Coat and Color The Campeiro Bulldog has short and smooth coat with a medium texture, which is neither too rough or too soft. The breed can come in any possible color and color combination with the exception of merle color. The most common colors are fawn, brown and brindle. 8) Maintenance Thanks to its short coat, the Campeiro Bulldog does not need almost any maintenance and grooming. Ocassional brushing will benefit the coat, as it will remove all the dead and loose hair and it will minimize the shedding. No other grooming is required. Just like with all dog breeds, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed. 9) Exercise needs The Campeiro Bulldog has average exercise needs. They are not hyperactive dogs, but definitely not coach potatoes neither. Daily walks accompanied with some playtime or training will be enough for these dogs. But they are always ready for a long hike as well, they love outdoor adventures and they will love to accompany you to even harsh terrain hikes. It is important to provide them with some longer daily walks, so they stay in good shape, happy and healthy. 10 Health The Campeiro Bulldog is typically hardy and relatively healthy dog breed, capable of living in warmer climate than most other Bulldogs without problems. Of course, every dog breed can suffer from some health issues and the Campeiro Bulldog is no exception. The short nose of Campeiro Bulldog can be prone to becoming dry and crusty. The Campeiro Bulldog should not have that many breathing difficulties like some other Bulldogs. Just like all dogs, they can sometimes be prone to allergies and infections or some eye problems, but it should not be very common in this dog breed. Did you know that there are two Akita dog breeds? The original ancient Japanese Akita, also known as Akita Inu or Akita Ken and the younger American Akita, that was developed in the 20th century.
Let's start with a brief history of these two breeds, which will explain why there are two different Akita breeds. The Japanese Akita is an extremely old ancient dog breed that dates back hundreds of years. It was used to hunt elks, boar or even bears, later as a guard or as a companion for samurais. Due to the international isolation of Japan in the past, the Akita Inu lived exclusively on the Japanese islands and it was not exported to other countries. That changed in the 20th century. The first Akita Inu dog was brought to the USA by the famous Helen Keller in the 1930s. Since than, many Akitas were brought to other countries around the world, but most often it was Akitas that fell out of favour with the Japanese breeders, particularly the Dewa-types and dogs with the signature black mask or pinto marking. Many US military servicemen also took Akita dogs from Japan. To this day, many Japanese breeders do not consider the American variety as pure, as they are not bred by the more strict Japanese breed standard. In America, the Akita was bred to be bigger, better for guarding and fighting and stronger. Some American breeders even mixed the imported Akitas with various Mastiff dog breeds in order to achieve a taller and heavier dog breed. And the size really is one of the main differences between these two breeds. Here you can see the height and weight comparison of both Akita breeds. The difference is rather subtle, but on the first sight, the American Akita really looks larger and more powerful. The easiest way to recognize these two breeds apart is their head. The Japanese Akita has more pointy features on their head, such as the muzzle and they have slightly smaller heads. On the other hand the American Akita has a larger and boxier head. Most people will agree that the Japanese Akita has a fox-like face and the American Akita has a bear-like face. Both breeds have the same coat type, which is a fluffy, shorter double coat that sheds a lot. You will have to brush their coat regularly in order to minimize the shedding. The difference in the coat is in the coloration. The original Akita Inu is only accepted in brindle, white, sesame and red fawn color. You can find American Akita in the same colors, but they can also be black, pinto, gray or silver. Usually, the American Akita has a distinctive dark mask on their face, which is very rare in the Japanese Akita. There are some others, smaller differences. The Japanese Akita typically has a more tightly curled tail and their ears can sit further down in comparison to American Akitas' always pointed ears. The Japanese Akita has almond shaped eyes and the American Akita has smaller, deep set eyes. So now you know how to recognize the two Akita breeds apart. Now, let's look at their temperament. And it is very very similar. Both dogs are known for their extreme loyalty. If you saw the Hachiko movie, you know what I'm talking about. They are loyal beyond the grave. Both breeds are also extremely independent dogs, typically very alert, confident, smart, aloof towards strangers and other dogs. It is not a dog breed for novices, they need firm, but kind hands and proper training and socialization. With the wrong owner, these dogs might become aggressive. There really is not many differences in the behaviour of these dogs. I would say that the Japanese Akita is slightly more energetic, they might have a higher chasing instinct and I would say that they are more alert and distrustful towards strangers. This does not mean that the American Akita is friendly towards strangers. They also have a natural protective instinct and it takes them some time before accepting a new person into their life. But I would say that they are a little bit more relaxed, calm and possibly more tolerant. But again, these differences are very very small. Lets end the video with comparing the health of both breeds. The smaller Japanese Akita has slightly longer lifespan, typically around 12 or 13 years, while the American Akita has lifespan around 11 or 12 years. Those are pretty healthy dog breeds and they tend to have the same health problems, such as bloating, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy or hypothyroidism. Both breeds have pretty sensitive stomachs and they tend to react badly to high energy food. Often times, first time dog owners make a mistake of choosing a fashionable breed they saw on TV or social media, without further investigating the breeds temperamental traits or exercise needs and they end up with a dog that is beyond their abilities and they could not handle it.
Powerful livestock guardians, hunting dogs with high prey drive or hyperactive herding dogs are generally not the best choice for novices, but many of these dogs are pretty trendy, either for their attractive appearance or their ability to learn a lot of commands with experienced trainers. But those should not be the main traits to look in your first dog breed. You should rather look for traits such as eagerness to please, overall friendliness, to you, but also towards strangers and other animals. You should look for calm, gentle, affectionate and outgoing dog. And without further ado, here is the list of 20 fashionable dog breeds that i would not recommend to novice dog owners. 1) Belgian Malinois One of the most popular police and military dogs gained lately a lot of popularity among the ordinary owners as well, including the newbies. They are so good at various jobs mainly thanks to their high intelligence and extremely high energy level, which is great for dog sports and jobs, but it can make the breed quite handful for normal owners. It would not be very wise to start your dog journey with this dog breed. 2) Akita Inu Akita Inu became very popular after the movie Hachiko. People from all around the world started to admire the loyalty of this breed. And indeed, the Akita Inu truly is one of the most loyal dog breeds of all, but it is also very independent dog with strong guarding instincts that is known to not showing much of its own emotions. It is also very strong and powerful dog and that is not the best combination for novices. 3) Siberian Husky Many people fell in love with the wild and wolf like appearance of Siberian Husky, but before you consider one as a first time owner, you should be prepared for a very vocal, very energetic and independent dog breed. 4) Shar Pei The Shar Pei is known for its cute wrinkly looks, but deep inside, it is an independent dog breed that is very distrustful towards strangers and other animals. It is challenging to properly socialize this breed. 5) Border Collie Everyone knows Border Collies from various dog shows, dog sports or even from television talent shows, where they are performing the hardest tricks you can imagine. But this breed is far from being good for novices. They are extremely active and extremely smart. They need constant physical and mental stimulation to stay docile, healthy and happy and most owners are not able to provide them with enough exercise. 6) Rottweiler Rottweilers are known to be very affectionate and friendly towards its own family. But you should not forget, that they have strong natural guarding instincts and they will be distrustful of strangers. It is also extremely strong and powerful breed and if you fail training and socialization with dog this powerful, you will be in big troubles. 7) Beagle Beagles are popular for their cute face and lovely coloration. It is definitely super playful and friendly dog breed, but it is also a hunter at heart and when they smell something interesting, it will be almost impossible for them to listen to your commands rather than its own nose. Beagles are pretty hard to train even for experienced owners. 8) Airedale Terrier Almost all the terriers are not the best choice for first time dog owners. It is because they are hunters with high prey drive, independent thinkers and very active dogs. The Airedale Terrier is not an exception and because it is the largest and strongest true terrier, it just must be on this list. 9) Bloodhound Similar to Beagle, even the Bloodhound has extremely high prey drive. They also have one of the best senses of smell of all dogs, if not the best. They also like to be in control and are very independent. This is another dog breed that is hard to train and socialize for the classic companionship. 10) Chow Chow The Chow Chow has a cute teddy bear like appearance, but it is excellent guard dog and watchdog which is very dignified, independent and alert dog, that is naturally suspicious of strangers. It typically does not get along with other dogs and pets very well. 11) Jack Russell Terrier The second terrier is much smaller than the Airedale Terrier, but it is one of the most hyperactive of all dogs. These dogs just run and play all the time and they do it to the fullest. Without enough exercise, these dogs will burn out their energy with digging, barking or destruction. 12) Mastiff Whether it is English Mastiff, Bullmastiff or for example the Tibetan Mastiff, it is not recommended to novices, mostly due to their extreme strength. Most Mastiffs are very gentle, relaxed and confident dogs, but with bad training and socialization, they might be extremely dangerous, which is a reason why novices should stay away from them. 13) Dalmatian Dalmatian is another breed popularized by a movie, 101 Dalmatians. It is a reason why many people fall in love with this breed. The reason why we put Dalmatians on this list is their very high energy level, which might be little bit too much for ordinary person. 14) Saint bernard The Saint Bernard is known as a gentle giant. They also gained a lot of popularity in a movie Beethoven. They are naturally very friendly, loving, pretty calm and sweet, so why are they ranked in this video? It is true, that they are gentle and loving, but they are also very stubborn and without proper socialization they might develop some temperamental issues. Plus they drool. A lot. Both things would be okay for small, medium or large sized dog, but i would not recommend stubborn giant dog for any novice. 15) Alaskan Malamute Similarly to Husky, the Alaskan Malamute was developed as a sled dog and they have very high energy level. They are also slightly bigger and stronger than the Husky and they are on this list for the same reason. Their energy level might be just little bit too much for ordinary person. 16) Cane Corso The Cane Corso is beloved for their majestic and strong appearance. But it is a dog with strong guarding instincts, which is suspicious of other people or animals. Most dogs with these characteristics are not a good choice for first time owners 17) Shiba Inu Basically smaller version of Akita Inu we talked about earlier in this video. Many first time owners are thinking about Shiba Inu for their cute fox like appearance, but they are not ready for strong willed independent thinker. 18) German Shepherd One of the most popular dog in the world is German Shepherd. They are very intelligent, trainable, loyal and affectionate to its own family. But, they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, many of them are naturally protective and sadly, many of them suffer a lot from various health issues such as hip dysplasia. 19) Australian Cattle Dog Another extremely active dog breed, which can be too hyper for a novice owner. It is also independent thinker that will try to outsmart its owner. Combination of these two traits is always very bad for unexperienced owner. 20) Weimaraner The last dog in this video is the „grey ghost“. And once again, the reason why they are on this list is their energy level. They are also pretty sensitive and attached to its owners and might easily develop separation anxiety. So here you have it. 20 popular dog breeds that are not a good choice for first time owners. None of these dogs is a bad dog, they just might be too energetic, too independent, too strong or too protective, which makes them challenging to handle for a novice. 1) Origin
The history and origin of Segugio Italiano is lost in the past. It is believed that it is an ancient dog breed and there are ancient Roman statues portraying hunting dogs similar to Segugio Italiano. One theory claims, that the Segugio Italiano might be a descendant of Pharaoh Hounds of the Middle East, but it is impossible to verify this theory. For centuries, this dog breed was used as a skilled hunting and tracking dog. The Segugio Italiano was finally officially recognized in 1920s when the first breed standard was written. 2) Two breeds There are two, almost identical dogs, known as Segugio Italiano. They have the same personality, size, body type and purpose, but they differ in one main thing, and that is the coat type. The two breeds are known as Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte and as Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso. A genetic comparison found that these two breeds are almost indistinguishable and they are very close to other italian breeds as well, such as Segugio Maremmano. 3) Coat types So what are the actual coat types of the two Segugio Italiano breeds. The first one is short coated type, with straight and dense coat. The second one is wire haired. This type has longer hair, up to 5 cm long (2 in) and the coat is smoother on the head, tail and legs. Two coat colors are officially recognized and those are any shade of fawn-coloured, varying from deep fox-red to very pale; and black-and-tan. They might have few white markings on the head or chest. 4) Hunting The Segugio Italiano always had one main purpose, which he serves even today and that is of course hunting. Segugio Italiano main weapons on the hunt are its extremely good sense of smell and never ending stamina, they could really hunt all day long without tiring. These dogs are adaptable hunters and they hunt alone, but also in large packs. Their main quarry are hares, but they can be used to hunt larger prey as well, such as wild boar. The Segugio Italiano is known for its loud baying which he is using when pursuing the game. 5) Companions Of course, the Segugio Italiano is not only a hunter, but also loving family pet. It is known for its kind and gentle character and they create strong bond with the family. Most of these dogs adore children and they will love to play with them, but it is always a must to supervise any actions between any dog breed and young child. If considering Segugio Italiano as a pet, you should be prepared for kind of independent and stubborn dog. They are intelligent and they will learn all the commands easily, but because of their independent mind, they dont always want to obey them. And of course, they are not the best for families with other household pets, as Segugio Italiano is natural born hunter with strong prey drive. 6) Exercise As you can probably imagine from a dog that can hunt all day long, these dogs require quite a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They will love daily long walks, jogs, hikes, vigorous playtime or fun traning sessions, anything that will occupy their mind and body. Without enough exercise, these dogs might develop unwanted behaviour such as excessive barking or destruction. 7) Size This is very athletic dog breed with squared shaped body and with average height between 48-58 cm, which is 19-23 inch and weight is usually between 18-28 kg, which is 40-62 lbs. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males. 8) Appearance The Segugio Italiano has longish and oval head with large and almond shaped dark colored eyes with soft expression, large, triangular and hanging ears and thin tail that is set high and it is typically hanging at rest and it is raised above when the dog is at work or at any kind of action. 9) Maintenance It is relatively easy to keep the coat of Segugio Italiano in good condition. As you already know, these dogs can have two coat types, the short and rough haired coat types. Both coats should be brushed regularly, lets say few times a week, to keep them clean and healthy. They do not need much bathing, only when it is really really necessary. You should take extra care about their long hanging ears and properly clean them and dry them so they do not develop any infections. And just like with any other dog breed, you should regularly check their eyes, nails and teeth as well and keep them in good condition. 10) Health The Segugio Italiano is usually very hardy and healthy dog breed with average lifespan around 13 years. There are no known health issues, which would be very common in this breed and they should typically not suffer from any serious genetic health issues. As i already mentioned, they might have problems with ear infections, ocassionally bloating or some joint problems, but as i said, this is usually very healthy dog breed. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the famous Pug and the lovable Brussels Griffon. These two dogs are both small and cute companions with pushed-in muzzles and large expressive eyes. However, there are some important differences as well, and in this video, I will show you all of them!
First of all, let's mention that there are three types of Brussels Griffon: the Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, and Petit Brabancon. The Griffon Belge and Griffon Bruxellois have longer, wiry coats, so you can easily distinguish them from the Pug. On the other hand, the Petit Brabancon has a smooth coat and looks much more similar to the Pug. If you're curious about the striking similarities in appearance between these two breeds, it's important to note that they are related. The Pug is an ancient Chinese dog breed that dates back thousands of years and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. The Brussels Griffon, on the other hand, is a much younger breed with a history tracing back to 19th-century Belgium. They were developed from a rough-coated dog known as the Smousje and were later crossbred with the Pug and King Charles Spaniel. So, while the Pug is not the main ancestor of the Brussels Griffon, these two breeds are related. At first glance, you can see the similarities between the two breeds. Both are small and have short, flat snouts. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice many differences in their appearance. The first difference is size. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now. The Pug is slightly taller but much heavier than the Brussels Griffon. Most of the time, this difference is visible, as the Brussels Griffon appears more athletic and lean, while the Pug looks more compact and robust. Both dogs have pushed-in noses and large eyes, but the Pug is known to have more wrinkles on its muzzle and face. Pugs also have slightly larger eyes compared to Brussels Griffons. Another major appearance difference is the tail. The tail of the Brussels Griffon is often docked. When undocked, it is carried upwards with the tip towards the back without reaching it or being curled. On the other hand, the Pug's tail should be tightly curled over the hip, and a double curl is highly desirable. As I mentioned earlier, there are different coat types for the Brussels Griffon. Some have wiry coats, which are easily distinguishable from the Pug. However, the Petit Brabancon type has a short coat similar to the Pug. This type of coat is harsh, flat, and gleaming. The Pug's coat is smooth, short, and glossy. The coat type is quite similar for both breeds. Despite the similar coat types, these two breeds come in different colors. Pugs can be silver, apricot, fawn, or black, with fawn being the predominant and most common color. The Petit Brabancon comes in red, black, or black and tan colors. They can have a few white hairs on the chest, and both breeds should have a black mask. Now let's talk about temperament. Both dogs have big personalities, but they are not the same. The Brussels Griffon is much more watchful and alert; they are very inquisitive and interested in their surroundings. The Pug is a more social dog and is typically friendlier to strangers. They just enjoy being around people. However, both dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They are like shadows and want to be everywhere with you. Both can be good companions for kids and can be socialized to live with other dogs or pets in the household. The Brussels Griffon is slightly more energetic and active, always ready for any kind of outdoor adventure. However, even Pugs need daily exercise to stay in good shape, but they are not as demanding in terms of exercise as the Brussels Griffon. Both can be prone to health issues related to their large eyes and short snouts, but these problems are more prevalent in Pugs. Both breeds can suffer from breathing difficulties, heat stroke, various eye conditions, or cleft palate. In addition to that, Pugs can have problems with skin infections caused by their wrinkly skin, and many Pugs are prone to obesity. The average lifespan of the Brussels Griffon is around 13 or 14 years, while the average lifespan of Pugs is around 12 years. |