Gilpa Kennel
Breed Profile: English Mastiff
One of the oldest and largest dog breeds, the English Mastiff is a guard dog that can be surprisingly gentle. This dog is not for the faint-hearted though. A breed this big needs a big home and has a big appetite too. History of Breed: There is some confusion over the Mastiff breed and the term…
Breed Profile – German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog, or GSD, is famous for it’s herding, tracking and guarding abilities. Read on to find out more about this versatile, working breed from Germany. History of Breed: Formerly known as the Alsatian in the UK, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in the late 19th century, making it a fairly new…
Breed Profile – Irish Wolfhound
The tallest dog breed in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is a sight hound with an interesting history. Whilst it might be the biggest, it’s also one of the gentlest and certain to increase your food bill! History of Breed: As its name suggests, the Irish Wolfhound was developed in Ireland to hunt wolves. It’s Irish…
Breed Profile – Rhodesian Ridgeback
We’ve talked about this handsome breed before, but never done a proper breed guide, so it’s time to put that right. Despite an image as a fierce lion hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a good-natured breed. This interesting breed with its distinctive ‘ridgeback’ needs an experienced handler. History of Breed: The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in southern…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Breed Profile – St Bernard
Originating in the Swiss Alps, the St Bernard is now popular worldwide. This ‘gentle giant’ has a lovely nature but could eat you out of house and home! History of Breed: The St Bernard was originally a crossbreed of mastiff-type dogs, in particular the Alpine Mastiff. The Alpine Mastiff is also the ancestor of the…
