12 dog breeds of Christmas
With Christmas just around the corner, finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. A dog is a great gift to get and deciding on which new dog to choose this holiday season can be exciting and overwhelming.
Whether you decide a puppy, adult or a senior dog is right for you, here are 12 dog breeds to consider for the perfect Christmas gift.
Jack Russell
Expected lifespan: 10-15 years
Grooming: Their coats are easy to groom and needs to be combed or brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, they should only be bathed when necessary.
Is it a good family pet? Due to their energetic behaviour, this dog breed is not suitable for everyone. They are naturally assertive and may not tolerate young children or other animals in the home, unless they are brought into the home as a puppy.
Exercise regimen: The Jack Russell has an urge to explore and hunt and needs a lot of exercise. Daily brisk walks are needed, if it does not get enough, it may become a nuisance.
Labrador Retriever
Expected lifespan: 10-12 years
Grooming: Their smooth, short-haired, double coat is easy to groom.
Is it a good family pet? They are loving, affectionate and patient, making a great family dog. They are easily trained and are great around children and easy-going with other dog breeds.
Exercise regimen: Labrador retrievers are energetic dogs and need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. They enjoy brisk long walks, jogging or running alongside a bicycle. Without it, they can use their pent-up energy into destructive ways as barking and chewing.
Cocker Spaniel
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years
Grooming: Regular combing and brushing of the coat is important. Coat types vary within the breed; some coats have an excess amount of cottony hair and are prone to matting, while others are more silky and flat-laying. Check the ears and clean out excess wax regularly. Also, bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.
Is it a good family pet? They are gentle, loving and are a trustworthy family dog breed that are good with children, the elderly and other pets.
Exercise regimen: They need to be taken on a daily walk and enjoy as much exercise as possible.
Shih Tzu
Expected lifespan: 10-16 years
Grooming: They require a daily grooming using a bristle brush. Shih Tzus have sensitive eyes and requires the eye and ear passage to be clean.
Is it a good family pet? They are good-natured, friendly and highly adaptable. They love children and get along with other animals. Due to the nature of their size, adults should always supervise interactions between children and other dog breeds, as to prevent them from accidentally getting hurt during rough play.
Exercise regimen: They need a daily walk and enjoy playing outside. If not taking for daily walks, they are more likely to display behaviour problems.
Border Collie
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years
Grooming: Needs regular combing and brushing, extra care is needed when the soft, dense undercoat is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary and check the ears and coat regularly for ticks.
Is it a good family pet? It’s a highly adaptable dog, best suited to an environment that provides them room: a city home with a securely fenced yard, or a country farm.
Exercise regimen: They need a great deal of physical and mental stimulation. Fast and agile, this dog breed should be taken on a long, daily brisk walk.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Expected lifespan: 10- 16 years
Grooming: Their smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to groom and should be brushed every day with a firm bristle brush. Also, bathe or dry shampoo them as necessary.
Is it a good family pet? Loving, courageous and obedient they are great with families. They are also attentive and work well with children and other pets in the household.
Exercise regimen: They are energetic and enthusiastic and will need plenty of exercise, which includes a daily walk or jog.
Yorkshire Terrier
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years
Grooming: Their coat needs daily to weekly combing and brushing, while their teeth need regular cleaning.
Is it a good family pet? They can be difficult to house break and are recommended for older considerate children due to their size.
Exercise regimen: They are very active and require a daily walk, if they don’t receive them; they are more likely to display behavioural problems.
Lhasa Apso
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years, some live 17-20 years
Grooming: When in full coat, their coats need to be brushed once a day to matting. Some owners opt to cut the coats short for easier grooming. Eyes and ears should be cleaned meticulously as they tend to tear; frequent bathing is necessary.
Is it a good family pet? They tend to bind with adults more than younger children. Older kids or young children who are exceptionally gentle with dogs can get on quite well with them.
Exercise regimen: They are curious and full of energy, so they require a daily walk. They can also enjoy a good frolic in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in garden.
English Springer Spaniel
Expected lifespan: 9-15 years
Grooming: Their coat is fairly easily to maintain and regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush will keep their coat looking good. Particular attention needs to be given to the ears and the feet, if the hair is not kept shaved on the underside of the ears, it can lead to chronic ear infections. In addition, the hair on the feet needs to be trimmed to prevent burrs and foxtails from becoming embedded.
Is it a good family pet? They are happy dogs and usually do well with children if they are brought up with them from puppyhood. They also are generally good with other pets in the household, even small ones, but might see pet birds as prey.
Exercise regimen: Performing well in both agility skills trials and obedience competitions, they enjoy daily long walks, jogs, retrieving and swimming.
Pug
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years
Grooming: Their short-haired coat is easy to groom and should be brushed and combed with a firm bristle brush; shampoo only when necessary. The creases on their face should be cleaned regularly and when taking a bath, thoroughly dry them after to avoid a cold.
Is it a good family pet? They are happy, affectionate and loyal dogs.If trained and well socialised, they get along well with other animals and children.
Exercise regimen: One of the most playful dog breeds, they enjoy energetic games that will keep them in better health if given regular exercise. Be careful not to overdo it, especially if you see them wheeze. Daily walks are another great alternative form of exercise.
Bulldog
Expected lifespan: 8-12 years
Grooming: Their short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and bath when necessary. Make sure to wipe their face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside their wrinkles.
Is it a good family pet? They are very affectionate, dependable animals and are gentle with children. A lot of human attention is required for their happiness.
Exercise regimen: They need to be taken on daily walks and are in good shape to move very quickly for short periods of time.
Cockapoo
Expected lifespan: 12-15 years
Grooming: Having a coat that doesn’t shed means this dog breed can cause matting. To maintain their coat, grooming is essential and should be brushed thoroughly on a regular basis. Ears and eyes need to be checked regularly and cleaned, while claws needs to be clipped and the areas between their pads need to be checked for damage or foreign objects.
Is it a good family pet? They are companion dogs and are usually friendly and affectionate. They work well with other dogs, pets, older adults and children.
Exercise regimen: Exercise is important for them. Take them out for daily walks, or an open fenced yard where they can run around.
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