Borzois were created to hunt wolves, fox and hare on the open plains of Russia.  Previously known as the Russian Wolfhound in the United States, Borzoi are sight hounds, meaning they hunt by sight instead of by scent.  Russian hunts frequently included 100 or more Borzoi at a time.  Their hunting instincts require that they be kept on leash or in a fenced area in order to keep them from harm as they will give chase to anything that moves.  Borzois are large dogs, standing up to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing 60 -105 pounds depending on their gender.  Commonly affectionate with their owners, Borzois are very independent and undemanding in nature.  Grooming requirements are higher than many breeds as they should be brushed daily.  General healthy, Borzois are prone to bloat due to their deep chest and have been known to be sensitive to several medications.  Owners should always discuss medications with their veterinarian and monitor their Borzoi for any complications during the course of medication.

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

Border Collies have been a recognized breed for more than 100 years.  Historically they have always been working dogs and this trait remains unchanged today.  As part of the herding classification of working breeds, Border Collies will herd nearly anything that moves including people and objects that it encounters.  For this reason, families with small children may not be the most suitable homes for a Border Collie.  Due to their working nature, Border Collies have extremely high activity levels and require greater amounts of exercise than most other breeds.  Their minds must be kept constantly busy or they may exhibit signs of boredom.  Activities including agility, Frisbee, flyball and obedience are great ways to provide the increased exercise that Border Collies crave.  Border Collies are very intelligent and while they are loyal to their family they are frequently leery of people they don’t know.  They come in a wide variety of colors and their hair coat tends to be one that requires moderate grooming care including regular brushing and bathing.  Seasonal shedding is typical and requires additional grooming.  Border Collies are classified as a medium-sized dog standing approximately 18 – 22 inches at the shoulder and weighing 27 – 45 pounds depending on height and working condition.  Medically Border Collies tend to be prone to seizures, deafness, hip dysplasia and eye problems.  Average life span for a healthy Border Collie is approximately 12 – 15 years.

Ask us at Animal Central for more information on Border Collies or visit:  http://www.americanbordercollie.org/Choosing_Your_Border_Collie.html

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

Bedlington Terriers are known for their lamb like appearance.  Often dark coated as a puppy, their wool like fur fades with age.  Grooming maintenance is high and requires the experience of a professional groomer to keep their coat trimmed and healthy.  Known for their gentle temperament and big hearts, Bedlingtons are family friendly dogs.  Like many of the terrier breeds, Bedlingtons were originally utilized for hunting small vermin.  Orginally bred in England, the first “Bedlington Terrier” was whelped in 1825.  Measuring 15 – 17.5 inches at the shoulder, Bedlington Terriers weigh on average 17 – 23 pounds.  Although calm and docile, Bedlingtons are also known for their endurance and can gallop gracefully for long distances.   Lifespan for a Bedlington Terrier is on average 13 – 14 years, although they may live into their late teens depending on their health.  While not as predominant in the United States, one of the most common inherited disorders in this breed is copper toxicosis or copper storage disease in which excessive amounts of copper is stored in the liver.  Bedlington Terriers may also be more prone to eye problems, kidney disease and knee problems.

Ask us at Animal Central for more information on Bedlington Terriers or visit: http://www.akc.org/breeds/bedlington_terrier/

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

A sophisticated hunting dog native to Africa, the Basenji is agile and muscular.  Commonly considered the “barkless dog”, a Basenji is not incapable of making noise as they will often make a yodeling sound when they become excited.  Coloring varies from chestnut to black or brindle; however all have white feet, chest and tip to their tail.  Recognized by the AKC in 1944, Basenjis are part of the hound group and typically stand 16-17 inches at the shoulder and weigh 22-24 pounds depending on their gender.  Basenji may be standoffish with strangers; however they are usually affectionate with their owners.  They are an intelligent and independent breed and require minimal grooming.  One benefit to their hair coat is that it lacks the typical “dog” odor.  Full of energy and vigor, Basenji are commonly playful.  Historically they were given as gifts to the Pharaohs of Egypt.  Depending on their health, Basenjis frequently live 10-12 years.

Ask us at Animal Central for more information on Basenjis or visit:   www.dogbreedinfo.com/basenji

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

Dog obedience is more than just good manners for your four legged best friend.  It can be a matter of saving your pet’s life.  In the event that your pet gets free from its’ leash, a dog failing to obey commands given by the owner can be the difference in their safety, as well as the safety of other people and their pets.  Dogs frequently bolt through open doors and end up in the street where they are in danger of being hit by a car.  Owners can decrease this concern by properly training their canine friend.  Simple commands like sit, stay and come are all fundamental commands that may be taught in many different ways.  Basic commands may also assist in trips to the veterinarian for examination and during grooming.  Many owners find additional comands of wait, stand, and off to be helpful in everyday life as well.  Obedience may be started at any age.  Many pet owners find that even an older pet is receptive to training techniques if positively reinforced and done on a consistent basis.  Training can be a fun and important aspect of life for canines and their families.  Ask Animal Central for more information and training tips for your canine best friend.

For additional information please visit:  www.sitmeanssit.com

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

The Alaskan Malamute is a Nordic sled dog which descended from the Arctic Wolf.  They were actually names after the Mahlemuits which were an Alaskan Inuit Tribe who bred and cared for these dogs.  The Alaskan Malamutes were used 2,000 to 3,000 years ago by these people as their only form of transportation.  These dogs are very strong and have an amazing endurance, which the Mahlemuits used for not only light traveling sleds, but for hauling heavy sleds full of food and supplies for the village as well.  The Alaskan Malamute is also cousins with other Arctic breeds like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, and American Eskimo dog.  Alaskan Malamutes do need a good deal of exercise including long, daily walks but you must make sure not to do too much in the warmer months because they can overheat easily.  They are not good candidates for apartment living and definitely need a yard to roam around in.  The Alaskan Malamute is prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, and chondrodysplasia (dwarfism).   The males are usually 24 – 26 inches and weigh 80 – 95 pounds whereas the females are 22 – 24 inches and weigh 70-85 pounds.  The Alaskan Malamute is a loyal, intelligent, affectionate dog that is good with children as well as the rest of the family.  They are big dogs, but are extremely friendly so they don’t make great guard dogs.  They do make great family pets, especially for people living in cooler climates and people who enjoy snowy, winter activities.

Ask us at Animal Central for more information on Alaskan Malamutes or visit:  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/alaskanmalamute.htm

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

The German translation for this breed is Monkey-Terrier and derives from the monkey like behavior and facial features of the Affenpinscher.  Serving as ratters and companions, Affenpinschers are small, fearless dogs.  They tend to be mischievous and fun-loving in personality; however quite demeanor quickly fades when threatened or attached no matter the aggressor.  Children should be monitored and taught how to property handle this breed in order to avoid problems.  Indoor play with daily walks is often accommodating to the excercise needs of Affenpinschers and their size makes them ideal apartment dogs.  Moderate grooming is needed as they should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.  Their wire-haired coat comes in a variety of colors including gray, silver, red, and black.  Standing 9 – 11.5 inches high at the shoulder and weighing in at only 7 – 8 pounds, many owners are surprised by the “big dog” appearance that the Affenpinscher exhibits.  Owners should be cautious of potential respiratory problems, especially in hot weather.  Affenpinschers are also prone to PDA (Paten Ductus Arteriosus) and fractures.  Average lifespan for this small breed dog is 10 – 12 years.

Ask us at Animal Central for more information on Affenpinschers or visit:  http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/affenpinscher.htm

Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff

Bring your pet to have their Easter picture to Benefit the Ellie May Fund! The Ellie May Fund was started to help provide care for pets whose family has financial hardships.

A 5.00 donation for a 4×6
A10.00 donation for an 8×10

Animal Central
8308 Church Ranch Blvd
303-469-7387
Friday 3pm to 5pm
Saturday 12pn to 4 pm

We will also be hosting an adoption event on Saturday!