More dogs, horses and pets here To view samples of more than 60 dog / breeds, please visit / my online photo galleries / and my cafepress shop On request, or as time allows, I will add other breeds to my range here on Redbubble.
Gray Mini Lop Ear rabbit with Christmas tree and gifts and wearing red and white stocking hat, isolated on white background
9×12 colored pencil two in a series of 12. Original is available…. make me a reasonable offer.. all will be looked at and taken into consideration. Completed 2005
18×24 graphite on bristol. Original available. Presently 527 views The Chinese Crested Dog is a smaller (10-13 lbs) breed of dog known for its unusual appearance and entertaining personality. It is a member of the toy dog group. Two types can be born in the same litter; the Hairless and the Powderpuff. Appearance / At first glance, the “Hairless” and “Powderpuff” varieties of Chinese Crested Dogs appear to be two different breeds, but hairlessness is a dominant trait within a single breed. The Hairless has soft, humanlike skin, as well as tufts of fur on its paws (“socks”) and tail (“plume”) and long, flowing hair on its head (“crest”). In addition to being a dominant gene, the “hairless” gene is lethal when homozygous. All living hairless Cresteds are therefore heterozygous for this trait. / The Hairless variety can vary in amount of body hair. Fur on the muzzle, known as a beard, is not uncommon. A true Hairless often does not have as much furnishings (hair on the head, tail, and paws). The difference between a very hairy Hairless and a Powderpuff is that the Hairless has a single coat, often with hairless parts on the body, while the Powderpuff has a thick double coat. The skin of the Hairless comes in a variety of colors, ranging from a pale flesh to black. Hairless cresteds often lack a full set of teeth, but this is not considered a fault. / The look of the Powderpuff varies according to how it is groomed. When its fur is completely grown out on its face, it strongly resembles a terrier; however, the Powderpuff is usually shaved around the snout as a standard cut. Its fur is incredibly soft. Due to its coat type, both Powderpuff and Hairless are considered good pets for allergy sufferers. / The amount of bodyhair on the hairless variety varies quite extensively, from the true hairless which has very little or no bodyhair and furnishings, to what is called a hairy hairless, which if left ungroomed can grow a nearly full coat of hair. These hairy hairless are not a mix between powederpuffs and hairless Chinese Cresteds though, but is merely a result of the varying expression of the hairless gene, which the powderpuff does not have at all. Temperament / Chinese Cresteds tend to be affectionate, energetic and playful. They are considered great family pets, with endearing personalities. Some are known “singers” or “screechers” while others are known to “smile.” They are generally happy lap-dogs with candid personalities and usually aren’t the grumpy type but some males can become a tad bit aggressive as they age. In addition, Chinese Cresteds do not tend to be a “one-person” dog, spotting one particular member of the family as their “owner” seeing as how many of the Chinese cresteds are happy with anyone. Though most cresteds are like that sometimes they will choose to be attached to certain people. Often, this person is the one who gives the dog the most safe and secure feeling, and the dog would clearly show its affection towards him/her above others in the family. Grooming / Grooming of the Crested is work for both varieties. The Puffs have a very soft and fine double-coat that requires full brushing every other day to avoid matting. Although a Puff’s coat does not continuously grow like that of some other breeds, it can be quite long at full length and some owners choose to put their Puffs into a “pony cut.” This lower-maintenance option keeps the body hair and facial hair short, leaving the crest, feathers, and tail plume at full length. Maintenance of the Hairless variety’s skin is similar to maintaining human skin – and as such it can be susceptible to acne, dryness, and sunburn. A Hairless should be bathed at least 2 times per week to avoid acne and other skin conditions(some dogs shower with their owners every day). Hypoallergenic or mildly perfumed moisturizing cream can keep the skin from becoming too dry when applied every other day or after bathing. Burning can occur in regions that lend themselves to strong UV-rays, especially in lighter-skinned dogs. Many owners apply baby sunscreen to their pets before spending time in strong sun. / Unless the dog is a “True” Hairless (one with virtually no hair growth on non-extremities), trimming and/or shaving must be performed to remove stubble growth. Many owners use a clipper for the face and ears and to remove any longer growth that was allowed to occur, and then use a variety of methods to achieve complete hair removal of non-extremities. Commonly used methods include a man’s razor and hypoallergenic shaving cream, waxing, and electric razors. Some people have had success with hair removal cream, although one should be sure to apply an amount to a small test area to be sure no adverse reaction occurs. / The Chinese Crested is further distinguished by its “hare foot,” (having more elongated toes) as opposed to the “cat foot” common to most other dogs. Because of this the quicks of Cresteds run deeper into their nails, so care must be taken not to trim the nails too short to avoid pain and bleeding. Health / Due to the relative rarity of the Chinese Crested Dog, and generally speaking, this breed has not been ill-bred enough to develop many congenital diseases found in more popular Toy Breeds. There are, however, some lines prone to the conditions below. / Cresteds have what is called a “primitive mouth.” This means that most of their teeth are pointy like their canines. Hairless varieties of the Cresteds can be prone to poor dentition when they come from a line that was bred Hairless to Hairless for multiple generations. Poor dentition may include missing or crowded teeth and teeth prone to decay when not properly cared for. Some breeders advise new owners not to give their puppies hard toys to chew on lest the pups lose their teeth. This problem is mostly avoided in lines that do not feature multiple pairings of Hairless to Hairless parents. Most dogs of the Puff variety have few, if any, dental defects. / Eyes can be a major concern within the breed, having at least two forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) which can eventually lead to blindness. Breeders concerned about the health of the breed genetically test and annually certify their stock. Many register their stock’s certifications with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). / As with all other Toy Breeds, the Cresteds can be prone to patellar luxation. This inheritable condition is caused by shallow knee joints (stifles) and results in kneecaps that pop out of place. Its onset is often at a young age, and can cause temporary to permanent lameness based on the severity. Breeders concerned about the health of the breed have their stock certified free of patellar luxation and registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) / Some Crested dogs are prone to allergies, especially if care is not taken with breeding. Dietary allergies seem to be most common in Cresteds fed a diet that is heavily composed of wheat, corn, or soy products. / Many allergic reactions of the skin of Hairless Cresteds are caused by topical products containing lanolin (wool fat) and other sheep wool products. Some other allergies peculiar to Cresteds include Aloe vera gel and strong fragrances contained in skin care products. / The lifespan of a Chinese Crested Dog can be quite impressive. Many well-cared-for and healthily-bred Cresteds live to see 15 years or more. History / Though possibly associated with China since the 13th century, some believe the Hairless mutation originated in Africa, and others believe it may be a cross of the Chihuahua and Mexican Hairless Dog, which it resembles. It is sometimes said that this breed (among others, such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback) belongs to a different species from most dogs, namely Canis africanus; but it is not firmly established either that such a species exists or that the Chinese Crested originated in Africa. It is also possible that this dog originated from two breeds of dogs, one coming from Africa, one from China. It is now believed that the dog has no correlation or genetic relation to the Mexican Hairless dog. It is more closely related to the Basenji. Recent DNA has established that the dog is of African origin and shares genes with the Basenji. The Peruvian or Mexican hairless has no connection to the Chinese crested. / Although there is an anecdotal history of hairless dogs in many seaports (apart from the hairlessness, it is unclear how closely these dogs resemble the modern Chinese Crested), European visitors in the 1700s remarked in particular on hairless dogs in Chinese port cities, as well as dogs owned by Chinese sailors plying the African trade route. Paintings of the breed (and later, photographs) reached Europe in the 1800s. / Early Chinese Cresteds may have been valued as ratters (ratcatchers), both on ships and in agricultural communities, though such traits are rarely evident in the breed today. The breed has also been called the Chinese Edible Dog, the Chinese Hairless Dog, the Chinese Ship Dog, the Chinese Royal Dog. / The Chinese Crested was officially recognised by the FCI in 1987,in the UK Kennel Club in 1981 and by the American Kennel Club in 1991. The USA parent club is the American Chinese Crested Club. The winner of the 2007 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest held at the Sonoma-Marin county fair in California was a Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mixed breed dog named Elwood. The winner of the 2006 competition was a Chinese Crested named Archie. Completed 2005
12×19 format, graphite and white charcoal. Original is available. The Spinone Italiano (plural Spinoni Italiani) is an Italian dog breed. Its original purpose was as a versatile gun dog, which the breed is still a master of today. The Spinone is a loyal, friendly and alert dog with a close lying, wiry coat. It is an ancient breed that can be traced back to approximately 500 BC. It is often used for hunting, pointing, and retrieving game (HPR), but the intelligent and strong Spinone can be used for practically anything ranging from companions to assistance dogs. The name of the breed is pronounced spin-own-ay (singular) and spin-own-ee for plural. / Appearance / The Spinone has a square build (the length of the body is approximately equal to the height at the withers). It is a strong-boned, solidly built dog with a well-muscled body and limbs that are suited to almost any kind of terrain. Brown and white Spinone can sometimes be confused with a German Wirehaired Pointer by someone not familiar with the breeds. However, the long head and pronounced occipital are unique to the breed. He has an expression that shows intelligence and understanding and is often described as having human-like eyes. The tail of the Spinone is customarily docked at half its length (approx 5.5 to 8 inches or 140 to 200 mm from the base of the tail), and it sports dewclaws on all four feet, giving its hind legs a substantial appearance. Even as adults, Spinoni retain disproportionate, puppy-like, webbed paws which make them powerful swimmers. / Coat / The coat is tough, slightly wiry, and close fitting. The preferred length is 1½–2½ inches (4–6 cm) on the body; however, the ears, muzzle, head, and parts of the legs and feet are covered with shorter hair. Eyebrows have longer and stiffer hair; longer but softer hair covers cheeks and muzzle, creating a profuse moustache and beard. The Spinone should not have an undercoat. A long, soft or silky coat is undesired and is a sign of excessive grooming. / Colour / Acceptable variants (UK and US) are solid white, white with orange markings, orange roan with or without orange markings, white with brown markings, and brown roan with or without brown markings. Pigment of skin, nose, lips, and the pads on their feet should be a fleshy red-orange in white dogs, slightly darker in orange and brown roan dogs. The white and orange coloration is unique amongst the wirehaired gun dogs.(information from Wikipedia) Complete 2004
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15×22 watercolor on cold press Arches paper. Original available. The English Mastiff, often called simply Mastiff, is a large breed of dog of the general mastiff or Molosser type. AppearanceThis breed is powerfully built, with a massive body, broad skull and head of generally square appearance. It is also the biggest dog breed. Mastiffs have a tendency to over-salivate and “drool” frequently. Their size is very large and gives an impression of power and strength when viewed from any angle. The body is massive with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs, causing these to be set wide apart. While no height or weight is specified for this breed, the approximate height is 27 inches to 34 inches (70 to 80 cm) and weight is (175 to 230 lb). The short coat is close-lying and the color is apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, always with black on the muzzle, ears, and nose and around the eyes. Guinness Book of World Records recognizes a mastiff from England named Zorba as the heaviest dog in the world, at over 315lb (142.8 kg).[1] Zorba stood 37 inches (94 cm) at the shoulder and was 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Zorba set this record in November 1989, when he was 8 years old, and about the size of a small donkey. (there are claims of heavier St. Bernards). / Temperament / The Mastiff breed is a combination of grandeur, dignity, and courage; calm and affectionate to its master, but capable of protection. This particular mastiff-type breed is an extremely capable guard. If an unfamiliar person approaches near their perceived territory or its master, the Mastiff will immediately position themselves between its master and the stranger. If the approaching person does not back down, they take immediate defensive action. It is because of this instinctive behavior that English Mastiffs have earned themselves a spot in the world’s top 10 guard dogs. The breed is innately good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle. It is a well-mannered house pet but needs sufficient room for exercise and activity. This is an extremely loyal breed, though not excessively demonstrative. It is exceptionally devoted to its family and good with children. / Health / Mastiff puppies require a carefully watched diet due to their very rapid growth.This is a particularly large dog demanding correct diet and exercise. The expected lifespan is 9 to 11 years. Major issues include hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Minor problems include obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria. Problems only occasionally found include cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and persistent pupillary membranes (PPM). When purchasing a purebred Mastiff, experts often suggest that the dog undergo tests for hips, elbow, eyes, thyroid, and DNA for PRA. (information from Wikipedia) Completed 2004
15×22 watercolor on cold press Arches paper. Original available. A Gordon Setter is a large breed of dog, a member of the setter family that also includes both the better-known Irish Setter and the English Setter. Setter breeds are classified as members of either the Sporting or Gundog Group depending on the national kennel club or council. The original purpose of the breed was to hunt gamebirds. Their quarry in the United Kingdom, may be partridge or grouse, pheasant, ptarmigan, blackgame, snipe or woodcock: whilst overseas bird dogs are worked on quail, willow grouse, sand grouse, guinea fowl, sage hen, francolin and any other bird that will sit to a dog – that is to say, will attempt to avoid a potential predator by concealment rather than by taking to the wing at the first sign of danger. It is this combination of a bird that will sit fast in front of a dog that will remain on point that makes bird dog work possible. / Origin / This is the title of the chapter covering pointers and setters in Stonehenge’s work on dogs published around a hundred and fifty years ago. The term ‘Gun Dogs’ would pretty well cover all the dogs described in the chapter. Many of the gun dogs described by Stonehenge are no longer to be found in the United Kingdom or have been absorbed into one of the other breeds. The Russian Setter, the Welsh Setter, Northern Irish Water Spaniel, Southern Irish Water Spaniel and English Water Spaniel, the Spanish Pointer and the Portuguese Pointer have all disappeared in the past hundred and fifty years, and the pictures of some of the breeds that are still with us show considerable differences to the breed as we see them today. Edward Laverick wrote in The Setter, published in 1872: ‘the setter is but an improved spaniel’; while the Rev Pearce in The Dog, published in the same year, said, ‘he is a direct descendant of the Spaniel: “a Setting Spaniel” was the first Setter’. Since then this is the generally agreed with conclusion that the Setter was primarily derived from the old Land Spaniel, so called so as to distinguish it from the Water Spaniel. It is however likely that outside crosses with Hounds or Pointers did influence its development. William Taplin in The Sportsman’s Cabinet (1803-04) maintained that it was ‘originally produced by a commixture between the Spanish pointer and the larger breed of the English spaniel’. We now really need not to go back to the Spaniel and its specialised development into the setting-dog, as it was called, and can be found in the work by the famous French sportsman, Gaston de Foix, Vicomte de Bèarn (1331-91), who it is said owned about 1500 dogs ‘brought from all countries of Europe’ and was known as ‘Gaston Phèbus’ owing to his love for the chase. This work is called Livre de Chasse or Miroir de Phèbus, and was started in 1387. This work was the bases of The Master of Game written between 1406 and 1413 by Edward III’s grandson, Edward, second Duke of York, who acknowledged his debt to de Foix. Below is the main passage referring to the Spaniel and the Setting-dog, as republished in 1904: ‘Another kind of dog is that is called falcon-dog or spaniel (espaignols in the French original ed.) because it comes from Spain, notwithstanding that there are many in other countries…. ‘A good spaniel should not be too rough, though his tail should be rough. The good qualities that such a dogs are these: They love well their masters and follow them without losing, although they be in a great crowd of men, and commonly they go before their master, running and wagging their tail, and raise or stat fowl and wild beasts. But their right craft is of the partridge and of the quail. It is good for a man that has a noble goshawk, or a tierecel, or a sparrowhawk for the partridges to have such dogs; and also, when they are taught to be couchers (chiens couchants in the original French – ed.), they are good for taking partridge and quail with the net…’ (Baillie-Grohman, p66). The modern Gordon Setter is a predominantly black dog with rich tan marking on the muzzle, legs and chest. A little bigger and heavier than either the Irish or English, he is nevertheless descended from the same genetic mixing pot , which undoubtedly has its origins among those setting spaniels we met earlier. The Kennel Club applied the name ‘Gordon Setter’ to the breed in 1924. Before that they were known as vlack and tan setters, and were found in many kennels beside those of the Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon (1743-1827). Indeed, as we shall see, there is plenty of evidence that the majority of the setters at Gordon Castle during the Duke’s time were tri-colored rather than pure black and tan. The breed was brought to the United States by George Blunt and Daniel Webster in 1842, with the purchase of two dogs from the Duke’s kennels. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1892. (information from Wikipedia) Complete 2004
18×24 colored pencil. Original is sold. A Rottweiler is a large dog breed originating in Germany. / Appearance / The breed is always black with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, legs, and eyebrows. The markings on the chest should form two distinct upside-down triangles, and even a tiny patch of white in between is not acceptable for show dogs, because white indicates a substandard breed. The cheeks should have clearly defined spots that should be separate from the muzzle tan. The muzzle tan should continue over the throat. Each eyebrow should have a spot. Markings on the legs should not be above a third of the leg. On each toe should be a black ‘pencil’ mark, and the nails are black. Underneath the tail should also be tan. The coat is medium length and consists of a waterproof undercoat and a coarse top coat. Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance, although they experience shedding during certain periods of the year. The skull is typically massive, but without excessive jowls. The forehead may be wrinkly when the Rottweiler is alert, but otherwise the skin should be relatively fitted, or “dry.” A Rottweiler’s eyes are a warm, dark brown — any other color does not exemplify the desired breed type. The expression should be calm, intelligent, alert, and fearless. The ears are small drop ears whose inner edges are flush with the head. ‘Flying’ ears are considered undesirable. Inside the mouth, dark lips and gums are preferred, although the tongue is pink. Blotchy pigmentation is undesirable and complete lack of pigment (“bubble-gum pink”) is listed as a serious fault in the AKC standard for the breed. Naturally, Rottweilers are a tailed dog. There are at least two different explanations as to why tails were originally bobbed. One version is that tails were originally removed to prevent breakage and infection that would occur when the tail became covered in mud and other debris collected from pastures and livestock. Another is that as working dogs they were bobbed to avoid a “tail tax” (the method used to count livestock being driven to market was to count tails). Today, many owners in U.S. decide to have the tails removed soon after the puppy’s birth for purely cosmetic reasons. The tail is usually docked to the first joint, and in general should give the impression of a lengthened topline. In the past docking was a commonly accepted practice, but it has been banned in many European countries and Australia as well as Mexico. The chest is deep and should reach the dog’s elbows, giving tremendous lung capacity. The back should be straight, never sloping. According to FCI standard, the Rottweiler stands 61 to 68 cm (24-27 inches) at the withers for males, and 56 to 63 cm (22-25 inches) for females.[2] Average weight is 50 kg (110 pounds) for males and 42 kg (95 pounds) for females. / Temperament / In the hands of a responsible owner, a well-trained and socialized Rottweiler can be a reliable, alert dog and a loving companion. However, any poorly trained dog can become a danger in the wrong circumstances. In general Rottweilers are fond of children, very devoted, quick to learn, and eager to please. They are typically very bright dogs. Rottweilers are playful animals who may frequently demand attention from their owners. However, if they are not receiving the mental stimulation they desire, they will find creative and sometimes destructive ways to elicit it. Such behavioral problems as chewing, barking for attention and eating less can be a result of lack of human interaction. The Rottweiler is a good working dog that is also good for protection of children, as well as guard duties. The Rottweiler is a steady dog with a self-assured nature, but early socialization and exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible are very important in developing these qualities. The Rottweiler also has a natural tendency to assert dominance if not properly trained. Rottweilers’ large size and strength make this an important point to consider: an untrained, poorly trained, or abused Rottweiler can learn to be extremely aggressive and destructive and, if allowed to run at large, may pose a significant physical threat to humans or other animals. They can be strong-willed (bull-headed) and should be trained in a firm, fair, and consistent manner – the owner must be perceived as the leader. If the owner fails to achieve this status the Rottweiler will readily take on the role. However, Rottweilers respond readily to a clear and benevolent leader. Aggression in Rottweilers is associated with poor breeding, poor handling, lack of socialization, natural guarding tendencies, and abuse. The Rottweiler is not usually a barker. Male dogs are silent watchers who notice everything and are often quite stoic. Females may become problem barkers in order to protect their den. An attentive owner is usually able to recognize when a Rottweiler perceives a threat. Barking is usually a sign of annoyance with external factors (car alarms or other disturbances) rather than a response to actual threats. (information from Wikipedia) Complete 1996
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12×19 graphite and white charcoal on tinted Canson pastel paper. Original available. The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of dog. It is one of several spaniel breeds which can serve as gundogs. / Appearance / The Field Spaniel is 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) tall at the withers. Its long, silky coat comes in solid colours of liver and black. Tan points are allowed as is Roan, which is defined as a blend of both dark and white hairs without large patches of either colour. The Field Spaniel is somewhat longer than taller to a ratio of 7:8. Field Spaniels weigh on average 37-45 lb (23-30 kg). / History / The Field Spaniel was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The breed developed at the time when dog showing was first coming into vogue. With most spaniels being a base colour with white splashes, breeders wanted to create a solid black dog. They bred every black spaniel of that time including Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Water Spaniel. Upon introduction, the Field Spaniel was an instant hit. The Field Spaniel enjoyed a burst of success quite early and quickly became a popular breed. The intense focus of show breeders on this breed led to a rapid demise of the original Field Spaniel. The dogs were crossed with Sussex Spaniels and Basset Hounds to produce low legged, long backed versions leading to tremendous health problems. Just as quickly as the Field Spaniels star rose in the show world, it fell once the myriad of genetic problems emerged. On the brink of extinction, breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to its former glory. Crosses with English Springer Spaniels, under the watchful eyes of the English Kennel Club were made to increase the gene pool. Even though The Field Spaniel is now restored to normal, it has never achieved the same level of popularity and remains a rare breed. The Field is now seen more often in the show rings and in the field as a hunting companion. / Temperament / The Field Spaniel is a very social breed that can adapt to almost any lifestyle. Whilst they will coexist peacefully with dogs and cats, as a hunting dog, their instincts make them difficult around rabbits, mice, rats and similar animals. They can sometimes be difficult around birds but should adjust if socialised as a puppy. Fields Spaniels are a family breed and will show affection to all household members. However, they are naturally cautious of strangers making them an excellent watchdog. The Field Spaniel will not handle abusive situations and should never be treated as a guard dog. / Grooming / Being a spaniel, the breed requires some grooming to keep a neat appearance and to prevent ear infections. Normally the head, face, ears, throat and feet are trimmed. Ear trimming is important in all spaniel breeds as the long ears prevent air circulation in the ear canal causing excessive moisture and infection. Fields Spaniels have webbed feet and excessive hair can also lead to excessive moisture and infection. Fields that are shown have more extensive grooming to present their conformation in the ring. In addition Field Spaniels for show may also have their feathering on the legs and undercarriage trimmed. Nails should never be allowed too grow long. An active Field Spaniel will naturally wear down nails however carpeting can sometimes prevent this. (information from Wikipedia) Complete 2004
19×24 colored pencil. Original available. Presently 1167 views. A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature. / Inu is the Japanese word for dog, but the “Shiba” prefix’s origin are less clear. The word shiba usually refers to a type of red shrub. This leads some to believe that the Shiba was named with this in mind, either because the dogs were used to hunt in wild shrubs, or because the most common color of the Shiba Inu is a red color similar to that of the shrubs. However, in old Japanese, the word shiba also had the meaning of “small”, thus this might be a reference to the dog’s small size. Therefore, the Shiba Inu is sometimes translated as “Little Brushwood Dog”. / Appearance / Shibas range in height from 14.5 to 16.5 inches (37 to 42 cm) at the withers for males, and 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34 to 39 cm) for females, with males weighing approximately 23 lb (10 kg), and females approximately 17 lb (8 kg). Height or weight outside of this range is a disqualifier in the show ring. / In Japan, some animals bred for miniature size are referred to as Mame-Shiba (Mame-Shiba). The prefix “mame,” meaning “bean” in Japanese, is similar to “teacup” prefix used to refer to other miniature breeds. / Coat and color / Shiba Inu have double coats, with a straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that is blown generally two times a year, producing a relatively large amount of fur given the size of the dog. Shedding normally occurs at the beginning or end of each season. However, between seasonal sheddings Shibas generally shed in smaller quantities and require regular brushing. / Shiba may be red, black and tan, or sesame (red with black-tipped hairs), with a cream, buff, or grey undercoat. They may also be creamy white or pinto, though this color is not allowed in the show ring as the markings known as “urajiro” are unable to be seen. The urajiro markings are defined as a pattern of white in contrast to the dog’s primary coat color that exists on the underside of the Shiba. / Temperament / Shibas are generally independent, intelligent dogs. Some owners struggle with obedience training, but socialization at a young age can greatly affect temperament. Some shibas must always be on a leash, but with the proper upbringing, a shiba’s loyalty will keep the dog with its owner for life. / The Shiba is a fastidious breed and feels the need to maintain themselves in a clean state. They can often be seen licking their paws and legs much like a cat. They generally go out of their way to keep their coats clean, and while walking will avoid stepping in puddles, mud and dirt. Because of their fastidious nature, the Shiba puppy is easy to housebreak and in many cases will housebreak themselves. Having their owner simply place them outside after meal times and naps is generally enough to teach the Shiba the appropriate method of toileting. / A distinguishing characteristic of the breed is the so-called “shiba scream”. When sufficiently provoked or unhappy, the dog will produce a loud, high pitched scream. / History / Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest and most “primitive” dog breeds, dating back to the third century B.C. / In 1936, the Shiba Inu was declared a natural treasure of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act. Despite efforts to preserve the breed, the Shiba nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of bombing raids and a post-war distemper epidemic. All subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines, known as the San’in, Mino, and Shinshu. / Health / Health conditions known to affect this breed are glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Shibas are also prone to food allergies. Epilepsy is also becoming common in several bloodlines in Australia and the USA. Overall, however, they are of great genetic soundness and few shibas are diagnosed with genetic defects in comparison to other dog breeds. Their average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. (information from Wikipedia) Complete 1997
19×24 colored pencil. Original available. The Saluki is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. Widely admired for its beauty, speed, and endurance, the saluki historically travelled throughout the Middle East with nomadic desert tribes and therefore the habitat and actual origin of the Saluki comprised a region stretching from the Sahara to the Caspian Sea. As a direct result, the types varied somewhat in this widely scattered area-mostly in size and coat. / Temperament / A true Saluki retains the qualities of hunting hounds. They may appear reserved and uninterested. They learn quickly but can get bored with repetition, so training sessions should be short and varied. Salukis need regular exercise, but behave quietly indoors. They do not bark much but “sing” when they feel that something is wrong or when a member of the family is away for a long period of time. They get along well with children, but must be respected when they want to be left alone and rest. Salukis have a fairly long life span, living an average of 12-13 years. Sensitive and intelligent, the Saluki should never be trained using force or hard-handed methods. They are usually quiet and don’t bark unless there is a reason. / Health / Like most sighthounds, the Saluki is a very healthy breed. The biggest problem to worry about is their sensitivity to anesthesia as a result of their low levels of body fat. / History / The Saluki has historically served as a courser, a speedy hunting dog that operated in packs. The breed also appears on the Egyptian tombs of 2100 B.C. The Saluki was so esteemed that his body was often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves. The remains of numerous specimens have thus been found in the ancient tombs of the Upper Nile region. In the Middle East, dogs were often seen as dirty, but the Saluki was treasured by the Bedouin for the “Kiss of Allah” or white spot on the dog. These dogs always hunted in tandem with falcons which would find prey and then the Saluki would chase it down. Bedouin in the Middle East valued Salukis and raised them to be beautiful and to possess hunting qualities. Salukis slept with their owners in their tents to be protected from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. Salukis were first brought into England in 1840. There was no real interest however, until the Hon. Florence Amherst imported the first Arabian Saluki in 1895 from the kennels of Prince Abdulla in Transjordan. King Abdullah’s hounds were probably originally from Kurdish areas of Syria. As is the case with some other pedigree breeds in the United States, including the Basenji and Portuguese Podengo, the current population of Salukis is descended from a small number of founders introduced into the country within the last 100 years, and must be carefully mated to avoid inbreeding. However, the original dogs imported into the US came from throughout the whole Middle East, a vast geographical area, unlike most other breeds that come from very small areas, so salukis have the largest genetic base among purebreds. Recently, the AKC (American Kennel Club) has allowed the third generation of COO (Country of Origin) salukis to be registered after inspections by recognized judges so the DNA base will increase even more as more dogs are imported. (information from Wikipedia) Complete 1997
19×25 colored pencil. Original available. A Bichon Frisé (French, literally meaning Curly lap dog; often spelled Bichon Frise in English) is a small breed of dog. They are popular pets especially to girls, similar to but larger than the Maltese. They are very intelligent and generally have happy dispositions. They are a non-shedding breed that requires regular grooming. / Appearance / Color – Almost every piece of fur is white, sometimes with cream, apricot or buff shadings, usually around the ears. At least 90% must be white in a purebred Bichon for show. At least 50% must be white in a Bichon puppy for show. Color fades during the first year of life. During this time the coat also changes from puppy fluff to frisé. Face – Expression should be alert, soft, inquisitive. The eyes are usually very dark, either black or dark brown. The skin surrounding the eye is also very dark, this is called a “halo” and is looked for in purebred puppies and dogs. The nose and lips are always dark. The ears are drop and covered in long, feathery fur. A characteristic Bichon Frisé “triangle” is formed by the black eyes and the nose, which are distinctly set of in contrast to the white fur. Coat – The undercoat is soft and dense while the outercoat is curly, giving it a powderpuff look. The coat feels thick and should spring back if touched. The coat may feel velvety if is groomed correctly. The fur makes this particular dog look like a marshmallow puff dog. Muscle-The muscle tone should be of exceptional quality, especially the lower thighs and buttocks area. / Temperament / The well-bred Bichon Frisé is feisty, sensitive, playful, and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is a prominent personality trait. Most Bichons enjoy socializing with people and most dogs. Bichons may be relatively stubborn, but are also said to be patient. They may tend to nip gently in play. They may have sudden bursts of energy resulting in the “blitz” or “buzz”, where they race around in circles. They are great around children and also good watch dogs. They tend to very friendly towards people even outside the intimidate family. / Special Considerations / Because Bichons do not shed, they are suitable for many people with allergies, however human sensitivity to dog fur varies considerably. People with dog allergies should first visit with a Bichon to test their individual reaction before committing to ownership. Like most non-shedding dogs, Bichons are high-maintenance. They require regular grooming, which can be expensive and/or time-consuming. (information from Wikipedia) Complete 2001
19×24 colored pencil. Original unavailable. The Weimaraner is a silver-grey breed of dog developed originally for hunting. Early Weimaraners were used by royalty for hunting large game, such as boar, bears, and deer. As the popularity of large game hunting began to decline, Weimaraners were used for hunting smaller animals, like fowl, rabbits, and foxes. Rather than having a specific purpose such as pointing or flushing, the Weimaraner is an all purpose gun dog. The Weimaraner is loyal and loving to his family, an incredible hunter, and a fearless guardian of his family and territory. The name comes from the Grand Duke of Weimar, Charles August, whose court enjoyed hunting. / Appearance / The Weimaraner is elegant, noble, and athletic in appearance. All parts of the dog should be in balance with each other, creating a form that is pleasing to the eye. It must be capable of working in the field, regardless of whether it is from show stock or hunting stock, and faults that will interfere with working ability are heavily penalized. The tails, which may be amber or gray, are kept short. In some cases, tails are docked and dewclaws are removed, the tail usually docked at birth to a third of its natural length. / Coat and colour / This breed’s short, smooth gray coat and its unusual eyes give it a regal appearance different from any other breed. However, the breed has been deemed very similar to the Vizsla. The eyes may be light amber, gray, or blue-gray. The coat may range from mouse-gray (grayish beige or tan) to silver-gray. Where the fur is thin or non-existent, inside the ears or on the lips, for example, the skin should be a pinkish “flesh” tone rather than white or black. The silvery-gray colour is rare in dogs and is the result of breeding for a recessive gene. It has also lent the breed the nickname ‘silver ghost’ or ‘gray ghost.’ The coat is extremely low maintenance; it is short, hard, and smooth to the touch. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard, a distinctly blue or black coat is an automatic disqualification, though a small white marking in the chest area only is permitted. There is a long-haired variety that is recognised by most kennel clubs around the world except in North America. The long haired weimaraner dog has a silky coat, with contrary to the short coated variety an undocked feathered tail. Because the gene is recessive, breeding two long-haired Weimaraners only produces long-haired puppies. Breeding of a long-haired Weimaraner to a short-haired Weimaraner will produce some long-haired puppies only if the short-haired parent carries the recessive longhair gene. Otherwise, the offspring will all be short-haired. (Information from Wikipedia) Complete 1996
19×24 colored pencil. Original available. As of 12-10-09, 2196 views. The Jack Russell Terrier is a type or landrace of small, principally white-bodied, smooth or rough-coated terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. The name “Jack Russell” has been used to describe a wide array of small white terriers, but is now most commonly used to describe a working terrier. The Jack Russell Terrier is not the same as a Parson Russell Terrier, which is a breed recently created by narrowing the Jack Russell standard. The Parson Russell Terrier is primarily a show dog, and is rarely found in the hunt field. The Jack Russell Terrier is also not the same thing as an Australian Jack Russell Terrier or Russell Terrier, which are dogs first brought into the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 2000 and the United Kennel Club in 2001, and which are maintained under a different breed standard and described as having been developed in Australia out of dogs originating in England. Temperament / The Jack Russell is a working terrier. Terrier work requires a dog that will bark at prey so that the dog can be located underground and be dug out if necessary. Because of this, Jack Russell Terriers were bred to be very vocal dogs. Jack Russell Terriers are also very intelligent, high-energy dogs – requirements of a working dog which must problem-solve in the field and work tirelessly against often formidable quarry. Due to their compact size, friendly and inquisitive nature, and intelligence, Jack Russells are popular as pets. Prospective buyers should be aware, however, that while these dogs may enjoy sitting in a lap, they are not “lap dogs” – they are dogs that require training and regular and consistent exercise to maintain their temperament and to occupy their minds. Jack Russells that are not trained on a consistent basis, or are not exercised regularly, may exhibit unmanageable behaviour, including excessive barking, escaping from the yard, or digging in unwanted places inside and outside the house. In America, several Jack Russell rescue networks have to work constantly to find temporary and permanent homes for Jack Russell Terriers whose owners could not meet these requirements for keeping these dogs as house pets. Prospective Jack Russell Terrier owners are advised to do their homework. Most Jack Russell Terriers easily mingle with children, though they do not tolerate even unintentional abuse. Most are outgoing, and very friendly towards other dogs, but a good number show same-sex aggression issues. Some JRT’s exhibit a Napoleon complex regarding larger canines that can get them into dangerous situations. Their fearlessness can scare off a larger animal, but their apparent unawareness of their small size can lead to a lopsided fight with larger dogs if not kept in check. It is not uncommon for a Jack Russell terrier to be cat-aggressive, and homes with other small fur-bearing animals in them (pet hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets etc.) would do well to think through the ramifications of bringing a working terrier into the house. (Information from Wikipedia) Complete 2000
15×22 watercolor. Original available. And this was the very first watercolor dog I’ve done (in more than 40 years)! Complete 2004
Sheltie is short for Shetland Sheepdog, a herding breed that originates from the Shetland Islands off the northern tip of Scotland. / “What a cute miniature Collie!” “Look at the little Lassie!” “Is that a toy Collie?” / Every owner of a Shetland Sheepdog has heard and responded to countless comments such as these, but although Shelties bear a striking resemblance to Collies, they are a totally separate breed with differences in structure and temperament. And they are not a toy. The standard for Shelties states that they should measure between 13” and 16” at the shoulder. Most fall into the upper half of this range. The old guy in this photograph is our own Sheltie. His name in Strolchi, a German name which means “Little Tramp”. He was the smallest among his siblings and is one of the more rare Shelties which measure only 13” at the shoulder. We got him almost 14 years ago when he was 10 weeks old. Strolchi was not bred in a puppy mill but by an experienced, knowledgeable, European Shetland Sheepdog breeder, so his loyal, alert, enthusiastic, and charming personality is undisturbed. His luxurious coat as well as his sweet expression are only a few of his hallmarks, but we never bugged him with coaxing his ears into the correct carriage. He, as all Shelties, is happiest when the whole family is together in one room, enjoying each other’s company. In the Sheltie’s mind, the family is its flock, and a family spread throughout the house can lead to a very restless, pacing Sheltie. He lives to please and spreads his love, and when he turns on the sheltie cuteness it is impossible to resist him. / We love him with all our heart. Set of Two / Border Collie / (from the Herding Dogs Collection) / Featured in Paws n Claws 30.04.09 / / I LOVE YOU Card / / / COME BACK SOON Card /
19×24 watercolor enhanced colored pencil on bristol paper. Original available. For anyone interested in how this came about, please go to my “journal” and check the AIP/ golden with ghost.. you may find it interesting and helpful. Complete 2008
Beagle puppies are among the cutest critters on God’s earth. The Beagle’s soft brown eyes are probably his most appealing feature. One long gaze into the eyes and the potential owner is likely to become an actual owner, for the breed has mastered the trick of looking as if he doesn’t have a friend in the world. The cuteness of Beagle puppies has made them favorites of the pet store trade. However, Beagles are sociable dogs developed to work in packs. If a Beagle becomes an only pet, its family must be prepared to provide a lot of stimulation for the dog to keep him home. Otherwise, his need for companionship and his desire to follow his nose to adventure could lead him to adopt another family, get arrested for running at large, or worse. His wanderlust, need for activity, and loud voice make him unsuitable for sedentary families or for apartments or unfenced yards. And it’s the bay, or half-howl, that causes neighbors to curse the day you bought your pet. Beagles are wonderful in the right home, with the right person or family. If treated right they are one of the most amiable hounds and calm, tractable house pets. They are excellent child’s dogs, gentle, incredibly tolerant and always ready to join in a game or an adventure. Puppy Time Set of Two / ! / / /
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A pair of adorable orange roan / Cocker Spaniel puppies. More dogs, horses and pets here
19×24 watercolor enhanced colored pencil. Original available. This piece was started and finished without the ghost image. Then I decided that it would be a good idea to add a little something to help bring out the rest of it.. besides, I already had a Bull Terrier in the original collages and wanted to do a new series.. and this just fit the bill. Complete 2009
9×12 watercolor. Original available. Started as part of a “Holiday Series”, which illness made me put off. Complete 2007
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