Frequently Asked Questions

A: The Norwich Terrier Norwich Terriers were originally created to hunt small vermin and foxes, and the strong hunting instinct remains in the breed. Even the most well behaved dog can succumb to instinct and take off after a squirrel or other animal considered prey, and it is wise to not let them off leash outside a fenced in yard. These dogs love their families. They’re adaptable, eager to please, and generally get along well with children. They do need ample exercise – at least two long and brisk walks every day – and they’re happiest when they have something to do. If your Norwich barks a lot or digs a lot of holes in the yard he or she is probably bored. When it comes to grooming they need a weekly brushing. Most owners strip the coat twice a year – stripping means to pull out the dead top coat – and doing so maintains the dog’s characteristic appearance and gets rid of a lot of the shedding. They don’t need frequent baths, unless they find something stinky to roll in, of course. Depending on the individual, a Small or Medium PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for your Norwich Terrier.

A: The Kerry Blue Terrier These dogs have a distinctive appearance with a soft, dense, and wavy coat. They shed very little, but still require regular grooming and should be brushed and trimmed regularly. As adults they’re gray, but the puppies are born black and their coat will fade until their around 18 months old. Kerry Blue Terriers are energetic and active dogs, and do best with active families. They love to dig and to chase things, and require lots of exercise. Without both physical and mental stimulation they get bored and can become destructive. This breed was created to work, and they do best with a job to do. A typical Kerry loves people and is devoted to the family, but owners should be aware that the breed still has a strong hunting instinct. Early socialization with other dogs, cats, and other animals is a must to get a dog that will get along with others. These dogs can be quite stubborn as well, and require training. Depending on the individual, the PlexiDor Medium or Large will be the right size dog door for Kerry Blue Terriers.

A: The Chow Chow is a powerful and ancient Chinese dog breed that has been performing all sorts of work for at least 2,000 years. Their true origin is unknown, but they're depicted on pottery and in sculptures dating back to 206 BC. The Chow Chow During the millennia they have been used for almost everything other dog breeds do, and the Chow Chow is a good hunter, herder, puller, and protector. They have great scenting abilities, they're quick, resilient, and smart. This breed can be suspicious against strangers, but loyal and devoted to the family. They're independent and moderately interested in obeying humans, and it's a good idea to socialize and train the dogs from an early age. They're very clever and can learn to do things just fine - the trick is to make them want to. They require daily exercise, and regular grooming and bathing. A Chow Chow generally weighs between 45 and 70 lbs, and requires a Large PlexiDor dog door.  They are sensitive to heat and prefer cooler weather.

A: The Pug This is a lot of dog in a small package. Pugs are even-tempered, loving, charming, and often filled with mischief. They are curious and love to explore, but don’t need excessive amounts of exercise and can thrive almost anywhere – as long as they’re close to the family. Their family is its reason for living. Pugs are generally happy. They’re happy living in the country or in the city, amongst children or with the elderly, and amongst other pets or as an only dog. They can be as happy in a little apartment as in a mansion, as long as they’re loved. The dogs shed a little, but the short coat doesn’t need a lot of grooming. However, the wrinkles on the forehead and face must be kept clean and dry. Like all breeds with short snouts these dogs overheat quickly, so if you live in a hot climate or experience hot summer days you need to make sure the dog doesn’t get a heatstroke. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Pugs.

A:   The Whippet The Whippet is a fairly young breed, around a hundred years old, descended from Greyhounds, terriers, and Italian Greyhounds. They were originally used for vermin hunting and racing. They are quiet, smart, and dignified. Despite of their great speed and focus when running they're usually couch potatoes indoors. They're gentle and loving, and make great family dogs. They're also healthy and often live between 12 and 15 years. These dogs don't bark much and they don't make great guard dogs, but they can be very protective when it comes the family's children. They've even been known to hide a child's favorite toys when other kids come to visit. If you like to be active with your dog, the Whippet will love any sport that allows them to run. They're fantastic at lure coursing. A Whippet is a fairly small dog, they generally weigh between 15 and 40 lbs, and do well with a medium PlexiDor dog door.

A: The Poodle Poodles are the national dog of France, but the breed is believed to come from Germany. The standard Poodle is the oldest variety that was bred down to Miniature and Toy sizes. The words “standard,” “miniature,” and “toy” are only used to describe the size – all sizes of the dog are one breed. These dogs were originally water retrievers, and the traditional haircut was designed to help the dogs swim more efficiently. Patches of hair were left to protect vital organs and joints. Many associate the Poodle with their traditional haircut – and avoid getting them if they don’t like the cut – but there are many different ways to trim the dogs’ hair. Many like the “Sporting Clip” where the coat is cut to follow the body’s outline. This breed is active and needs exercise to stay happy. They do great in many dog sports, as circus dogs, and service dogs. Depending on the individual, a Small, Medium, or Large PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for Poodles.

A: The English Bulldog Bulldogs are calm dogs that like to relax in a comfortable chair and watch TV with their owners. They need a walk every day, but they’re far from the explosive bundles of energy characteristic for many other dog breeds. Take care with bulldogs during summer – they are extremely heat sensitive and must be protected so they don’t get heat stroke. Also watch over your bulldog near water. Most bulldogs are unable to swim and will sink no matter how much they paddle to stay afloat. These dogs are known for being gentle, loving, dependable, and protective. They often form strong bonds with children. English Bulldogs seek out human affection and require a lot of attention to be content. They are also known for being courageous when the occasion calls for it, and if needed they will protect their family. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for an English Bulldog.

A: The Irish Wolfhound The Irish Wolfhound has been around for a long time – the oldest references stem back to Roman records from around 390 AD. Today, many think the name comes from the dogs’ ragged appearance, but they were originally bred to hunt wolves. These versatile dogs would hunt with their humans, fight in battle, guard homes, and play with the children. Irish Wolfhounds are known for being calm, kind, dignified, and courageous. This is not a breed that gets into trouble, but they do have a hunting instinct and will give chase. It might be tempting to think a dog this size would make a great guard dog, but except being big they’re much too friendly to work as watch dogs or patrol dogs. A typical Irish Wolfhound will think the best of all people, unless their own humans are physically attacked. The mere size of the breed can be a challenge for owners – a Wolfhound standing on their hind legs can reach seven feet. The coat doesn’t require much grooming, but dogs this size require lots of room, lots of exercise, and a big car. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Irish Wolfhounds.

A: The Borzoi These hunting dogs were often used for hunting wolves, and they are bred to be strong and quick enough to be able to chase and capture a wolf. They are extremely fast and run between 35 and 40 mph. Someone considering a Borzoi should know the strong hunting instinct remains, and if the dog takes off after a perceived prey you won’t be able to catch up. Thus, it is very important to always keep a Borzoi on a leash, or in a securely fenced yard. When they’re not running, Borzoi are known for being calm and easy to get along with. They are quiet, affectionate, and independent. They require daily exercise and grooming. Brush the coat every day, or at least every second day, and be prepared for seasonal shedding. This is a large dog, males often stand 28 inches or more at the shoulder and weigh around 100 lbs. Even so big, they’re graceful and catlike indoors. Depending on the individual, a Large or Extra Large PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for a Borzoi.

A: The Leonberger Looking at the dog, speed or agility might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they are surprisingly energetic, light on their feet, and agile. They need ample amounts of exercise, but do well in all sorts of living quarters. To a Leonberger, being with the family is more important than having lots of room. Most love to swim – they even have webbed feet – and they do well with water rescue. They’re actually related to Newfoundlands as well as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and St. Bernards. Their thick coat sheds profusely, and they need to be brushed all the time. These dogs are generally very good with children and other pets. All interaction between dogs and young children should be supervised, but the Leonberger was originally created to be a family dog, and they are reliable. These dogs have been popular among German painters, and they have been featured on stamps of many European countries. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for a Leonberger.