Breed of the Month--Least Obedient Breeds

For this month's Breed of the Month, we are going to give you a list of some of the least obedient dog breeds.

1.  Afghan Hound

Socialization at an early age is especially important to reduce the Afghan Hound's large prey drive.  Although very intelligent, the independent Afghan can be difficult to train.  For best training results, be sure to use positive-based training methods.  The Afghan Hound excels at many events including:  dog shows, agility, obedience, and lure coursing.

(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Afghan Hound)

2.  Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is generally aloof with strangers but will typically bong strongly to one person.  It is said that the Chow will not obey his master, but would be ready and willing to die for him.  The Chow Chow is naturally protective and aloof and must be properly socialized from puppyhood.  The Chow Chow does not like to be pushed, and requires a trainer who is both firm and fair.  Using positive reinforcement training methods for this breed is a must.

(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Chow Chow)

3.  Besenji

The Basenji was also bred and used to hunt over long distances, making this breed independent and aloof.  The Basenji does love to play and is full of energy.  Use this love of play in positively based-training to get the dog interested.

(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Besenji)

4.  Bulldog  

This is an intelligent breed that is capable of learning many things.  The Bulldog makes an excellent watchdog and although he does have strong protective instinct, he is one of the most gentle breeds.  Extra patience is key when training a Bulldog.

(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Bulldog)

5.  Bloodhound 

The Bloodhound is easily recognizable with its long drooping ears and facial wrinkles.  The  Bloodhound is kind and gentle and gets along with everyone. Bred to be a pack animal and persistent, the Bloodhound should be kept in an enclosed yard so his nose does not get him into trouble.  The Bloodhound was bred to be an independent thinker and requires extra incentive to do basic obedience tasks, however the breed will thrive if asked to track a trail.  The best way to train any breed is to work with their instincts.

(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Bloodhound)

6.  Pekingese

The characteristics of the Pekingese are quite distinctive.  The breed has a shortened muzzle and a flat face.  The Pekingese eyes can be prone to injury, and he also has a flat and wide head and short neck.  Pekingese are compact and fearless but never aggressive. The sole purpose of the life of the Pekingese is to comfort his companion.  This breed is quite charming but can become jealous of other pets or children.  Bred to be a lap dog, many refer to the breed as "stubborn" when it comes to training, however basic manners are still important.  This breed should be well socialized from puppyhood. 
(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Pekingese)

7.  Borzoi

The Borzoi has an independant nature, but is extremely affectionate and loyal.  This dignified dog is incredible calm and cat-like.  He enjoys a calm atmosphere and does not easily tolerate roughhousing.  When training a Borzoi, consistency and patience are key.  Bred to be independent and with a high prey and chase drive, basic manners training can sometimes be a challenge.  Positive reinforcement training with a calm disposition and lots of patience is a must.
(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Borzoi)

8.  Beagle

Although friendly and a cute size, the Beagle is still a hunting dog.  He was bred to use his voice, as all Hound dog breeds do.  Beagles do not generally like being left alone either.  These are things one should consider if thinking of adding a dog of this breed to your home.  Using positive reinforcement training combined with treat-based rewards is important for training a Beagle.  The Beagle can be quite stubborn at times, but is highly food motivated.  Keep your Beagle engaged in training by using high-value rewards.  Once your Beagle learns a new skill, he will quickly be ready to move onto a more difficult task.
(See previous post:  Breed of the Month--Beagle)

Breed of the Month--Borzoi

Borzoi:

Color:  Any color or combination
Height:  Males:  28-33.5 inches/  Females:  26-30.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  75-105 pounds/  Females:  55-85 pounds
Life Span:  11-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Coat:  Silky, long coat.  Can be curly, wavy, or flat.  Neck has a curl, large frill.
Country of Origin:  Russia


Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Borzoi has been used for coursing wolves since the early 1600s in Russia. 
 {Coursing:  the sport of hunting game animals such as hares with greyhounds using sight rather than scent.}
The Borzoi is a result of attempts to combine durability with speed.  Arabian hunters were crossed with native coated breeds to be able to withstand the cold Russian weather.  The exotic look of the Borzoi made them sought-after by nobles.  Sadly the breed was almost irradiated during the Russian Revolution, but the breed survived and has flourished since.

The Borzoi has an independant nature, but is extremely affectionate and loyal.  This dignified dog is incredible calm and cat-like.  He enjoys a calm atmosphere and does not easily tolerate roughhousing.

Exercise:
Although the Borzoi can reach high speeds, he does not require a great deal of exercise.  Daily walks or running around an enclosed yard will keep him happy.  Due to his independent nature and love of running, he should never be off leash around dangerous traffic and busy streets.

Grooming:
His coat should be brushed every few days.  The Borzoi is a seasonal shedder and will require extra brushing during these times.  The hair between this dog's toes must be kept short and his face should be cleared with a soft, damp cloth.

Training:
When training a Borzoi, consistency and patience are key.  Bred to be independent and with a high prey and chase drive, basic manners training can sometimes be a challenge.  Positive reinforcement training with a calm disposition and lots of patience is a must.

Breed of the Month--Pekingese

Pekingese:

Color:  All colors and markings, may have black mask but no albino or liver
Height:  6-9 inches
Weight:  Up to 12 pounds
Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Breathing problems, patellar lunation, trichiasis, degenerative heart valve disease, and ulcerative keratitis.

Coat:  Double coat.  Soft undercoat with coarse, straight, long outercoat.  Mane may have some feathering.
Country of Origin:  China

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

In ancient times when people were much more superstitious, the lion-like look of these dogs and the idols that represented them, the "Foo Dog," were supposed to frighten away evil spirits.  The Pekingese was known by many names including:  Sun Dog, Lion Dog, and Sleeve Dog.  Anyone who was not of noble birth was not allowed to own a Pekingese, and stealing one was punishable by death.  These dogs knew only pampered lives filled with gentle care.

In 1860 Peking was invaded and taken by the British.  The Imperial family gave instructions for all Pekingese to be destroyed so they would not fall into enemy hands.  However, four Pekingese were found guarding the Emperor's aunt who had taken her own life.  These dogs were returned to England and there bloodlines were continued with other Pekingese found in China.

The characteristics of the Pekingese are quite distinctive.  The breed has a shortened muzzle and a flat face.  The Pekingese eyes can be prone to injury, and he also has a flat and wide head and short neck.  Pekingese are compact and fearless but never aggressive. The sole purpose of the life of the Pekingese is to comfort his companion.  This breed is quite charming but can become jealous of other pets or children.

Exercise:  
The Pekingese does need a regular daily walks, but because of his short muzzle (which makes him wheeze and snore) excessive exercise is not recommended.  The breed does enjoy meeting new people and being out and about.

Grooming:  
The coat of the Pekingese requires daily maintenance.  Daily brushing and combing is required, with extra attention to be paid to keeping his hind quarters clean and free from caked debris.  The feet must also be brushed.  A cloth around the face must be used to keep it clean and free from debris and possible infections.

Training:  
Bred to be a lap dog, many refer to the breed as "stubborn" when it comes to training, however basic manners are still important.  This breed should be well socialized from puppyhood.  

Breed of the Month--King Shepherd

King Shepherd

Color:  Sable, bicolor (mostly black with red, cream, or tan), black saddle with red, gold, tan, silver, or cream markings, solid black, solid white.

Height:  Males:  27 inches/  Females:  25 inches

Weight:  Males:  100 lbs/  Females:  80 lbs

Life Span:  11-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  May include hip dysplasia.

Coat:  Two varieties:  1) Coarsehaired:  has dense, straight outer coat with varying hair lengths, 

2) Longhaired:  has a longer coat but is not always straight.

Country of Origin:  United States

Visit the American King Shepherd Club (AKSC) for more information.

It is unknown just how many breeds went into making the King Shepherd, but among those credited most often include:  the German Shepherd Dog, Alaskan Malamute and the Great Pyrenees.  American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross are credited with the development of this breed.

Originally developed to get away from the many breed health problems of the German Shepherd Dog, the King Shepherd was developed to serve as both guardian and shepherd.  He is most defined by his massive head.  The King Shepherd is strong, rugged, and solid.  The breed was developed as a protector, but also as a working and family dog.  He is poised, self-confident, and alert.  He may be somewhat wary of strangers, as it is his instinct to protect his family.

Exercise:

The King Shepherd is most satisfied when he has work to do.  This breed needs plenty of daily walks and regular exercise to be happy.  If not properly exercised, the breed may become destructive.  Consider this breed a high energy breed.

Grooming:

Both coat types of the King Shepherd need regular brushing a few times each week.  His undercoat will shed and must be kept clean from dead hair.  The longhaired King Shepherd's coat will need a bit more attention as it is more likely to become caked with debris and tangled.

Training:

Socialization from an early age is extremely important for this large breed.  The King Shepherd is obedient and intelligent and training him can be a real joy.  It is very important to build a good relationship between owner and dog right away.  As with the German Shepherd Dog, the King Shepherd as a breed is very owner/ family orientated.

Breed of the Month--Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound

Color:  All colors.

Height:  Males:  26-29 inches/ Females:  24-27 inches

Weight:  Males:  60lbs/ Females:  50lbs

Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, cataracts, chylothorax, bloat, hip dysplasia, and cancer.

Coat:  Fine, silky, and thick, with a top layer of long hair (may have lower jaw beard).

Country of Origin:  Afghanistan

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

This beautiful sight hound comes from Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.  The breed was created to be a guardian and protector to both livestock and humans alike.  The breed was developed to be an independent think, with a coat that withstand harsh environments, both cold and hot.  The Afghan Hound did not leave the region until the turn of the 20th century.  The breed is now prized all over the United States for his beauty and grace he shows in the competition ring.

Although the Afghan Hound has great beauty and grace, he is a goofball at heart.  The Afghan Hound is determined and athletic, and will follow his owner anywhere.  Because he is a dog that hunts by sight, care should be taken around smaller animals.  

Exercise:

Because the Afghan Hound was bred for hunting quick moving prey, this dog needs to get outside and get plenty of exercise often.   The Afghan Hound will thrive on some quality play time (in a secured area) along with several long walks a day.  

Grooming:

For a first-time Afghan Hound owner, a professional groomer is a must.  Because of their think coats, intensive grooming is required.  The coat of the Afghan can only be brushed after being washed so as not to damage the hair.  Extra care must be taken to ensure the dog's long ear hair stays out of food and water bowls.

Training:

Socialization at an early age is especially important to reduce the Afghan Hound's large prey drive.  Although very intelligent, the independent Afghan can be difficult to train.  For best training results, be sure to use positive-based training methods.  The Afghan Hound excels at many events including:  dog shows, agility, obedience, and lure coursing.

Breed of the Month-- Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute

Color:  Solid white, mostly white with black to light grey shadings, red, sable.

Height:  Males:  25-28 inches/ Females:  23-26 inches

Weight:  Males: 85 lbs/ Females:  75lbs

Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Bloat, cancer, coat funk, epilepsy, diabetes, eye problems, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hemeralopia, hip dysplasia, immune diseases, hypothyroidism, and skin problems.

Coat:  Double boat.  Dense, woolly, oily undercoat.  Coarse, thick outercoat.

Country of Origin:  United States

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Originally bred by Malamute Eskimos (now known as the Kobuk) in the harsh environment of northeastern Alaska, the Alaskan Malamute was bred to literally "pull his weight."  The Eskimos needed a dog that was reliable, intelligent, and strong enough to withstand the cold.  The Malamute was designed to carry large loads over long distances.

The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896 brought many settlers to the area who quickly learned the value of a good sled dog.  Although many tried to mix the Malamute with smaller, faster dogs, in the end the breed was returned to the true Malamute type, and been preserved since.

It is said that the Kobuk gave great care to the Alaskan Malamute and the breed has a better temperament because of it.  The Alaskan Malamute is very affectionate and playful, and is a loyal devoted companion.


Exercise:
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to be a hard working dog, and therefore will require plenty of exercise as a family pet.  This breed requires vigorous daily walks, and a great deal of daily mental and physical exercise.  Many Alaskan Malamute owners may find it helpful to engage their dog in organized pulling or other contests.

Grooming:
The coat of the Alaskan Malamute almost constantly sheds, and therefore requires regular grooming.  About twice a year, his coat will also "blow out."  When this happens, large clumps of fur fall out, and his coat will require extra attention.

Training:
Because the Alaskan Malamute was bred to be independent, this breed may be more challenging to train.  The Alaskan Malamute must start training as early as possible.  This breed responds best to positive, motivational training.  The Alaskan Malamute is smart and strong, and must be challenged accordingly.