Latest Articles & News
Breed Profile – Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog, a breed of uncertain origin, is the focus of our latest breed profile. It’s origin may be uncertain, but we do know that its distinctive coat is going to require a lot of upkeep. Grooming this breed is practically a full time job! History of Breed: The origin of this breed is…
Hendrix The Hill Walking Dog
In a new series of articles, we’re finding out a bit more about those special canine companions in your lives and what makes them tick. First up, Jim Pickard’s black Labrador Retriever, Hendrix, who accompanies him on all his hill walking adventures. Name: Hendrix Age: 4 years. Breed: Labrador Retriever. Owner: Jim Pickard How long have you…
Crossbreeds
From Morkis to Puggles, the recent explosion of crossbreeds over the last ten years has certainly given birth to some pretty amusing portmanteau names. Regular readers of Gilbertson & Page’s breed profiles will know that the profiles tend to concentrate on pure breeds. We thought we’d give a little space to some of the amazing crossbreeds, the…
Breed Profile – Great Dane
An impressive working breed, the Great Dane started out life in Germany, not Denmark as the name suggests. Owners need big homes, big gardens and big pockets to take on this giant ‘Scooby Doo’ breed. History of Breed: Originally a German hunting dog, the Great Dane’s ancestors were of a heavier build than the tall, elegant…
Italian Spinoni Go from Strength to Strength
Back in January 2015, we published an article about ace Italian Spinone breeder and judge Nina Fleming’s latest litter. You can find the original article here. Well, Nina’s dogs have come up trumps yet again and she very kindly attributes some of her success, and the health of the mother and pups, to the role of…
Common Canine Eye Conditions
Regular readers of our breed profiles may have noticed that eye problems crop up regularly in the ‘Potential Health Problems’ section. We thought it was worth elaborating on some of the most common canine eye conditions and which breeds they affect most. We all know that monitoring your dog’s health is important. Furthermore, understanding ‘normal’ will…
Breed Profile – Afghan Hound
This breed profile focuses on perhaps the most elegant of dog breeds, the Afghan Hound. Aloof and regal, yet with a lively comical side that endears them to all who meet them. Watching the Afghan class at a championship event is the canine equivalent of the Oscars red carpet, so let’s find out more about…
Motivation to Exercise
Motivation to exercise our dogs can come in many forms. We got chatting to the members of Teesdale Flyball Club to find out what keeps them coming back for more flyball exercise. I think we’re all agreed exercise is good for us and our dogs. In fact, it is vital for our canine companions to…
Breed Profile – Rottweiler
This German working breed has an unfair reputation for aggression thanks to its deep protective instinct. In this breed profile, we find out more about the Rottweiler. History of Breed: Originating in Rottweil, south west Germany, the Rottweiler was a mixture of mastiff-type breeds and sheep dog breeds. It needed to have the skills…
A Brief History of Gundogs
Once upon a time (as all good stories start), Man discovered that dogs could be trained to locate and chase prey, making them the ideal hunting companion (the seaweed doesn’t count, but Oscar was a puppy at the time!). It was the start of a beautiful relationship. It is from these dogs that terriers, hounds, gundogs…
Breed Profile – Otterhound
This breed profile explores the water-loving Otterhound. Friendly, intelligent dogs, they are good fun to be around, but definitely come with their own particular challenges. History of Breed: The Otterhound is a vulnerable native UK breed, with only 22 puppies born in 2014. As the name suggests, the breed were originally bred to hunt otters, which is…
Breed Profile – Newfoundland
It’s Winter and it seemed like the perfect time to take a look at the Newfoundland dog breed, or Newfie to its friends. The majesty and bulk of the Newfoundland belies its playful and fun nature. Our latest breed profile focuses on this working dog with an interesting history. History of Breed: The origins of the…
