Pet Supplies and Product Reviews

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs worldwide due to his cheerful, tail-wagging nature. His even temper coupled with his intelligence and responsiveness to training makes him a popular choice for families, people with disabilities, and owners involved in obedience, tracking, agility and retrieving. HISTORY Keepers and dogs at Guisachan (Scotland) - Nous (on the left) The relatively modern Golden Retriever was originally developed in Scotland in the late 19th century as a retrieving dog to use while hunting wild fowl from scrub and  water. In 1865 Lord Tweedmouth purchased his first yellow retriever at Brighton, a dog named Nous, bred by the Earl of Chichester. Nous was the only yellow puppy in an unregistered litter of black Wavy-Coated Retrievers. In 1867 he was given a Tweed Water Spaniel, Belle, by his cousin Mr David Robertson, MP of Ladykirk on the Tweed. Nous and Belle produced four yellow puppies in 1868 at Guisachan, named Crocus, Primrose, Ada an...

The Australian Shepherd known simply as the "Aussie" is a medium-sized breed of dog that was, despite its name, developed on ranches in the United States during the 19th century. The Australian Shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive.  For many years, Aussies have been valued by stockmen for their versatility and trainability. HISTORY The Australian Shepherd's history is vague as is the reason for its misleading name! The breed was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Austrian Shepherd.  It is believed by some that the breed has Basque origins in Spain and was used there by shepherds. Those shepherds might then have emigrated to the West Coast of the United States via Australia.  However, scientific evidence has shown that the breed has lineage from American dogs that originally came over the Bering Land Bridge...

The Cocker Spaniel is a small dog belonging to the sporting and gundog group of breeds. He is energetic, gentle and affectionate with an extreme desire to please his owner. HISTORY The Cocker Spaniel origins can be traced back to 14th century Spain. Prior to the 1600's all types of spaniels were categorised together; the larger ones were used to spring game and the smaller ones to flush out woodcocks. Hence the names Springer and Cocker were derived.  In 1892, the Kennel Club of Great Britain differentiated the two breeds separately. In the 1930's, the Cocker was the most popular dog breed in Britain and remained No.1 for almost 20 years! During that time, Americans were using the same breeding stock to develop a slightly different Cocker. In 1940, the Kennel Club finally split these Spaniels into American and English. A pair of American Cocker Spaniels was brought into Australia during World War II and the breed is still very popular today. We follow England’s lead and call t...

Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. A mischievous goof ball, the Frenchie needs an owner who is consistent, firm and patient. HISTORY OF THE FRENCH BULLDOG There are many conflicting references as to the origin of the French Bulldog. Some breeders claim the origin can be traced to Britain during the advent of the industrial revolution. The theory is that as mechanisation spread, the lacemakers of Nottingham, some of whom had been breeding toy or miniature bulldogs, were pushed out of their jobs. Many left England for Brittany and France where their skills were in demand. They took with them some of these small bulldogs, many of which had bat (upright) ears. French Bulldog (Australia) brindle - Photo credit: Karen McAndrew This new style of dog appealed to the French and demand increased so much that breeders began breeding up the ‘French style’ to supply the demand in Paris. The breed became popular in England in the 1900’s and then in America as Amer...

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is known for his loyalty, trustworthiness, intelligence and affinity for people. These qualities have helped make the German Shepherd Dog one of the most popular breeds of companion dog throughout the world. HISTORY As the name suggests, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany where it evolved from herding dogs that were used to tend and protect sheep. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed, dating back to 1899, and he owes his existence to one man: Captain Max von Stephanitz, a career captain in the German cavalry with a goal of creating a German breed that would be unmatched as a herding dog. The dogs were recognised as being excellent guard and attack dogs and were used by the police and the military. Consequently, there were 48,000 Shepherds enlisted in the German army during the First World War. After the First World War English owners changed the name to Alsatian because nobody wanted to be associated with anything German. However, now ...

The Border Collie is a working and herding dog, specifically bred for intelligence and obedience. His superior intellect, combined with his intensity and obsessive zeal for working, are his most impressive features - and also the ones that make him unsuitable for most homes. HISTORY The Border Collie originated in the Border counties of Scotland around 350 years ago. They were developed by local farmers to work their livestock. Renowned for their low and quiet approach to the herd and their gentle attitude, the dogs are relentless workers who thrive on the mental and physical challenges herding presents.  Queen Victoria's favourite: Sharp, Border Collie When Australia began its sheep farming industry Border Collies were imported to work the herds. The breed, one of the earliest ever brought to Australia, has been known here since the mid-1800s. Today the shorter coated ‘varieties’ of Border Collies are bred and used strictly for working purposes. Some of these dogs are registered w...