Although the exact origins of the Chinese Shar-Pei is unknown, experts agree that the breed may be connected to the Chow Chow. Both breeds stand a good chance of sharing the same ancestry, and of course both are from China.

Further evidence suggests that the Chinese Shar-Pei was in existence by the 13th century. Stout, wrinkly dogs were depicted in writings during this time. The breed may have even existed in the southern provinces of China, approximately 200 B.C.

The reason why its history is so hard to trace is because most of the records that relate to the Chinese Shar-Pei were lost or destroyed when China became a communist country. During this time the breed was used by peasant farmers dog fighters, guard dogs, and even as a hunter of wild boar.

Soon after China became communist, the majority of the country's dogs were completely eliminated. A few breeds were left in existence outside of city areas and several Shar-Peis were bred in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The breed was officially recognized by the Hong Kong Kennel Club in 1968.

It was during this same time period that groups of Chinese Shar-Pei dogs made their way to the United States. But it was in 1973 that more dog fanciers became familiar with the breed when an article was published that explains the breed's alarmingly low numbers.

The Chinese Shar-Pei was considered one of the world's rarest dogs at the time and dog enthusiasts made their best efforts to revive the breed. These efforts paid off. The Chinese Shar-Pei went from the brink of extinction and rose to new heights of popularity. In fact, they are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the United States today.

Personality

The Chinese Shar-Pei has a personality that can best be described as independent, bold, and stubborn. These dogs have a serious temperament which many people describes as "self-possessed." However, don't let its rough-edged attitude fool you. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a highly devoted pet that is loyal and protective of its family. It is generally well-behaved around other pets in the house but may be overly aggressive towards strange dogs and other animals.

Taking Care Of Your Chinese Shar-Pei

This breed will need daily physical exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. Activities such as fetching games and long walks are plenty to fulfill these needs. The Chinese Shar-Pei is not necessarily suited for all-around outdoor living, so it's best to divide its time between being inside and outside.

Grooming requirements are minimal, with the occasional brushing needed approximately one time weekly. However, some extra attention will be needed for the dog's facial wrinkles. Check the skin folds to make sure that no irritation is breaking out.

Health Information

Healthy Shar-Pei dogs have an average life span of approximately 10 years. Major health concerns that may come up are CHD and entropion. Minor issues include amyloidosis, otitis externa, patellar luxation, skin fold pyodermas, allergies, and hypothyroidism. Fever breakouts are also quite common in this breed.

The Plott is one member of the Hound Group that makes the perfect, all-around family companion. They are instinctively drawn to picking up a scent and following that trail until the end, yet once inside the house the Plott turns into a calm, mild-mannered family dog that is good around children.

This breed is about as courageous as a hound can get, reserved around strangers, but will fight to the death if need be to protect its family. These dogs are quite head-strong which makes training a bit of work, but once honed in to its owner's commands the Plott is the perfect addition to a loving family.

A Brief History Of The Plott

Although the Plott is known as an all-American dog, one that is actually the official dog for the state of North Carolina, its roots go back to Germany during the mid 1700s. During this period the Hanoverian Schweisshunds were highly appreciated for their use as hunters, tracking down wild boars. Five of these dogs were taken back to the United States from Germany with a young hunter named Joahnnes Georg Plott.

Mr. Plott lived and hunted in the Great Smoky Mountains. And although there were no wild boar for his new dogs to hunt after, they were used with much success for other large prey, especially bear. Plott's dogs could not only track and keep a bear at bay, they could also take the large animal down if necessary.

The Plott family continued to breed their dogs and over the upcoming decades other crosses were added to the mix to improve the breed. Almost all Plott dogs can be traced back to this family of hounds. In 1946, the "Plott" name was officially coined for the breed and it received AKC recognition.

Upkeep Requirements For The Plott

Taking care of the Plott breed is all about giving the dog an equal balance of love, attention, and time to roam the great outdoors to satisfy their hunting desires. The ideal living situation would be to have a large fenced-in yard that has access to the inside of the house during the day, and then to sleep with the rest of the family at night.

Plott dogs have moderate exercise requirements which can be met with several brisk walks on the leash each day or some vigorous playtime sessions outside. A truly happy Plott will be one that accompanies his owner on long walks through nature trails. They also enjoy swimming. Grooming requirements for the breed are minimal, with only the occasional brushing needed to remove any dead hairs from its short coat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Plott dog is between eleven and thirteen years. When it comes to common diseases among dogs, this is one of the healthiest breeds in existence. They have absolutely no major health issues or minor problems. Rarely seen in CHD. Veterinarians suggest that Plott dogs get specifically tested for hip problems only.

"The red, long-tailed dog goes at night into the stalls of the hills. He makes no delay in hunting, his face glows like a God and he delights to do his work."

The above description of the Pharaoh Hound is a hunting account that was taken from the XIX Egyptian dynasty. Even to this day, Pharaoh Hound dogs can literally blush, which results from its nose and ears flushing with blood and creating a light glow when the dog gets excited.

Various dog breeds are claimed to be "ancient" by dog enthusiasts. Some of them are speculated, but experts are confident that the Pharaoh Hound is one ancient breed that can be confirmed and has changed very little over the past 2000 - 3000 years. This dog looks strikingly similar to the jackal god Anubis, other dogs that were depicted on tombs of ancient pharaohs, as well as dogs portrayed in ancient artwork by the Greeks.

It is said that Phoenician traders brought Pharaoh Hound dogs from North Africa and Greece to the Malta islands, and then to the Gozo islands, where they became secluded from the world.

Pharaoh Hound dogs flourished on these islands and were used as rabbit dogs. At night, several were released to track down rabbits and would then bark loudly when one was found going into its hole. A belled ferret would that be released in order to go after the rabbit so that the Pharaoh Hound could finish the job of catching the animal.

Pharaoh Hound dogs were imported to England sometime during the 1960s. Soon after, America received the breed and the AKC officially recognized the Pharaoh Hound in 1983.

Personality

Pharaoh Hounds make a wonderful addition to any home. This dog loves to chase and hunt but will remain calm and relaxed when indoors. It is gentle, loving, and a bit on the sensitive side. Pharaoh Hounds are great with children and other dogs, but are prone to chase small animals when outside. When strangers approach, most Pharaoh Hound dogs are quite reserved. And as mentioned earlier, this breed of dog can literally "blush" in the face when excited.

Taking Care Of Your Pharaoh Hound

Although this dog can get its physical requirements taken care of by a long walk on the leash or the occasional jog, it is most happy when given the opportunity to run long distances or sprint dashes through an open field.

Pharaoh Hounds should not be expected to sleep outdoors and must rest comfortably by given a warm, soft bed. Grooming maintenance is low, with only the occasional brushing once per week to remove any dead hair.

Health Information

The Pharaoh Hound dog breed is considered to be one of the healthiest dogs recognized by the AKC. Because of their pure bloodline, there are absolutely no major health concerns or minor health issues to worry about. Healthy Pharaoh Hounds can have a lifespan of anywhere between 10 and 15 years.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, a breed most popular in France, is a highly affectionate and playful dog that - although gives the appearance of being a wire-coated Basset hound - is a breed all on its own. They are always on the lookout for fun and games and will stay busy to keep up with its high energy levels.

These dogs were made to trail and even today they have an insatiable desire to roam the great outdoors to sniff and explore. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is very friendly, even towards strangers and other dogs. They are also wonderful around children and makes an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or as most often referred to as the "PBGV" for short, is actually new on the scene to the American Kennel Club. However, they have been around since the 16th century, with its roots in France, used to trail hare.

The breed's name is long, but a very reliable description of the dog:

- Petit meaning "small"
- Basset meaning "low"
- Griffon meaning "rough coated"
- Vendeen being the dog's area of origin in France.

Vendeen is a land full of rocky terrain and thick brush, perfect for the hunting abilities of the PBGV. These dogs could push through thorns, slide through the underbrush, and chase rabbits to the end, all without getting tired until the job was done. In 1990 the AKC recognized the breed and ever since that year the number of proud owners of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has increased tremendously.

Upkeep Requirements For The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not the type of dog to keep lying around the house all couped up. They are true busy-bodies at heart and will only be happy when exploring and picking up a scent. However, several brisk walks on the leash and some laps around the yard should do the trick.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs are not meant to live outdoors entirely, but can spend plenty of time outside. Living arrangements for the breed should be equally divided between having access to the outside yard during the day and coming inside at night to sleep with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about once per week to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is between eleven and fourteen years. There are no major health issues to worry about. Minor health problems that run common in the breed include hypothyroidism, meningitis, intervertebral disk disease, epilepsy, and patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip and eye problems.