Well, I guess I should have called this Dogs of the Month instead.  This time I will go over the Australian Cattle Dog and the Beagle.

Australian Cattle Dog

This dog is also called the Blue, Hall or Queensland Heeler. It originated in Australia for the ranchers that called for a herder with more stamina and determination in a hotter and drier climate, as well as keeping quiet when herding so as not to spook wild cattle.  It was recognized in 1980 by the AKC, and is slowly gaining in popularity today.

Males and females average 17-20 inches and weigh 35 – 45 lbs.

Temperamentally, this dog is commonly described as  hardy, independent, stubborn, tenacious, energetic and untiring. It needs a job, or it will find one itself, which may not be acceptable in the home. it needs hard physical exercise daily, and it is among the most responsive and obedient of dogs, but it tends to nip at the heels of running children. This can be gleaned from its need to herd.

This dog needs to be challenged mentally and physically every day, or else it may get into trouble when bored. The Australian cattle dog can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it is unsuited for apartment life. It needs weekly brushing to remove dead hairs.

The suggested tests to do before breeding or adopting out puppies are for hips, hearing and eyes.

Other possible concerns:

hip dysplasia, joint disease, deafness and

Progressive retinal atrophy – this is where the light-sensing receptors in the back of the retina deteriorate over time, eventually causing the dog to become blind.  This can be checked with a simple eye exam from your vet.  There is no treatment for this, but other than the blindness, there are no other health concerns directly connected with this disease.  Most of the specialized care for this has to do with keeping things safe and easily attainable for the dog, like food and water in the same place and easy to get to, and no unattended trips on staircases or the yard.

Beagle

This dog heralds from the 14th Century, with a name meaning either “open throat” in French or “small” in Celtic/Old English.  The first it was mentioned in America was 1642, and by the end of the 19th century, beagles were popular competitors in both field and conformation exhibitions. It has become one of America’s all-time favorite breeds, finding its special niche as a family pet.

Males and females average 13-15 inches and weigh 18-30 lbs.

Temperament-wise, this dog is a social dog, needing companionship and an active family, and can be loud and expressive, especially when left alone for long periods of time.  It loves to explore, and tends to wander off, so make sure it is either fenced-in, or accompanied by someone to ensure it can find it’s way home. it is gentle and tolerant around children, and loves to be part of the action.

This dog does need exercise daily and is a low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming.

The suggested tests before breeding or adopting out puppies for this breed are for hips and eyes.

Other possible concerns:

intervertebral disc disease (the spine), joint disease, glaucoma, and epilepsy.