Meet the Breeds

Some are small and stubborn while others are large and laid back. All are stars of the doggie world in their own right. Get to know some of the breeds featured in Dogs 101! Australian Cattle DogAKC Ranking: 73 Family: livestock, herding Area of Origin: Australia Date of Origin: 1800s Original Function: cattle herding Today's Function: cattle herding, herding trials Average Size of Male: Height: 18 to 20 inches; Weight: 35 to 45 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 17 to 19 inches; Weight: 35 to 45 pounds Other Name: Queensland heeler, blue heeler, Hall's heeler TemperamentSmart, hardy, independent, stubborn, tenacious, energetic and untiring — these are all traits essential to a driver of headstrong cattle, and all traits of the Australian cattle dog. This dog must have a job to do or it will expend its efforts on unacceptable jobs of its own. Given challenging mental and hard physical exercise daily, it is among the most responsive and obedient of dogs, an exemplary partner in adventure. It tends to nip at the heels of running children. UpkeepThe Australian cattle dog was bred to be active and tireless. This dog needs a lot of physical and mental activity, more than a simple walk on a leash can provide. A good jog or long workout, coupled with obedience lessons or other intellectual challenges, is essential every day. It is happiest when it has a job to perform, and especially when that job is herding. The Australian cattle dog can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates. It is unsuited for apartment life. Its coat needs brushing or combing weekly to remove dead hairs. HealthMajor concerns: CHD, OCD, deafness, PRA Minor concerns: none Occasionally seen: cataract, lens luxation, PPM, vWD Suggested tests: hip, hearing, eye Life span: 10 to 13 years Form and FunctionThe Australian cattle dog is of moderate build, enabling it to combine great endurance with bursts of speed and the extreme agility necessary in controlling unruly cattle. It is sturdy and compact, slightly longer than it is tall. Its gait is supple and tireless, and it must be capable of quick and sudden movement. Its ability to stop quickly is aided by the rudderlike action of its tail (which is never docked). Its weather-resistant coat consists of a short, dense undercoat and moderately short, straight outer coat of medium texture. For more on the Australian Cattle Dog, check out our Dog Breed Selector. Image Credit: iStockphoto (2) Jupiterimages Woraput Chaw Saluki AKC Ranking: 110 Family: sighthound, Southern (sighthound) Area of ... SalukiAKC Ranking: 110 Family: sighthound, Southern (sighthound) Area of Origin: Middle East Date of Origin: ancient times Original Function: coursing hare and gazelles Today's Function: lure coursing, open-field coursing Average Size of Male: Height: 23 to 28 inches; Weight: 35 to 65 pounds Average Size of Female: Height: 23 to 28 inches; Weight: 35 to 65 pounds Other Name: gazelle hound, Persian greyhound TemperamentThe Saluki tends to be aloof and reserved with strangers. It is extremely devoted to its own family, but it is not particularly demonstrative. The Saluki is very gentle with children, but it may not be playful enough to satisfy most of them. Extremely sensitive, it does not take to rough-and-tumble play or deal well with harsh corrections. Some Salukis can be shy. This breed is very quiet and sedate indoors, seeking out a soft, warm spot. Outside, it runs in great circles at tremendous speeds and will chase any small running animals or fast-moving objects. It may not come when called. UpkeepDaily exercise is essential, preferably in the form of free running in a safe, enclosed area. The Saluki's needs can also be met with long leash walks or jogging. Salukis should sleep inside in all but the warmest climates; they do best as indoor dogs with access to a yard. They can play in snow and cold weather but should not be expected to spend extended time in the cold.

Tomato consommé with Lancashire cheese on toast Tugsudhgui

Ingredients For the tomato consomme 3kg ripe plum tomatoes, quartered 175ml white wine 750ml tomato juice 3 garlic cloves, sliced 2 large shallots, finely diced 2 tsp salt 1½ tsp caster sugar fresh picked herb leaves and small sprigs, such as chervil, baby basil, baby sorrel, snipped chives and small salad leaves, to serve For the marinated tomatoes 18 baby plum tomatoes, peeled squeeze lemon juice ¼ tsp icing sugar 2 tsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling For the cheese on toast 25g butter, plus an extra 15g 25g plain flour 100ml milk 175g Lancashire cheese, such as Leagram's organic, grated 1 medium egg yolk 100ml pale ale, such as Bowland Brewery Sky Dancer ½ tsp English mustard 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 6 slices medium white bread from a sliced loaf, crusts removed, each slice halved lengthways into rectangles approx 3½ cm wide x 9cm long