Frequently Asked Questions

A: The Saluki This is the royal dog of Egypt, and it is believed to be the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. In the distant past, these dogs would be mummified, just like the Pharaohs. Saluki are independent dogs, moderately interesting in taking orders from humans. They are known for being gentle and loyal, but the independent streak is always there. This is because they work alone – no other dog can keep up. They’re so fast they’ve been used for hunting Gazelles – the fastest of the Antelopes. Greyhounds have been clocked at somewhat higher speeds than Saluki, but over distance even a Greyhound will be left behind. Fun fact: Saluki have padded feet to minimize the impact of excessive running. Their hunting instinct is deeply rooted, and the dogs will give chase if something runs. They shed little, but require weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Depending on the individual, a Large or Extra Large PlexiDor is the right size dog door for a Saluki.

A: The Scottish Deerhound When the majority of people were cut off from the Deerhound, the breed nearly went extinct. There weren’t enough royalty to keep it alive. In the early 1800s, breeders revived it, and it has remained popular ever since. Scottish Deerhounds are known to be very friendly and gentle with people. They think everyone’s their new best friend. They are also eager to please and take well to training, but it is important to remember that they have a strong hunting instinct. A Deerhound will be tempted to chase anything furry that runs past it. This is a bred that requires a lot of exercise, particularly when they’re young; they get bored and might take upon themselves to rearrange the house. Once they mature, many like to lounge on the sofa and take a nap. Deerhounds like to be with people, but they really thrive when they have another Deerhound as companion. The PlexiDor Large or Extra Large is the right size dog door for a Scottish Deerhound.

A: The Rhodesian Ridgeback The breed stems back to the 1600s when European settlers in Africa bred their dogs with African dogs. Great Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Terriers, and other breeds were mixed in. Starting in 1707, European immigration was closed for a hundred years, and the native dogs got a bigger portion of the mix of today’s Ridgeback. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large and tough enough to corner a lion, yet quick enough to compete with Greyhounds. They are independent and strong-willed, but extremely loyal. They love to be with their people, preferably curled up on the couch, and they’re generally reliable with children. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

A: Dachshunds Dachshunds are enthusiastic, playful, and loving. They require moderate exercise, and generally do well with children. They do get bored easily, so be prepared to keep your dog busy and load up with fun toys. Even though they make great lap dogs, they are hunters, and can be a bit stubborn. They come in three different coat varieties – smooth, wire-haired, or longhaired – and can be standard size or miniature. Smooth and wire-haired dachshunds shed very little, and can work well for people with allergies. Unless the individual is very small, the PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Dachshunds.

A: The Golden Retriever The Golden, as it is affectionately referred to, stems from Scotland, where the breed was created as a hunting companion well suited for the climate and terrain. The breed as we know it today took shape in the late 1800s. They’re generally good at whatever they do, and take tasks seriously. These dogs are active and energetic, and require daily exercise. Goldens have a joyful approach to life, and they love to be part of an active family that takes them hiking, jogging, and lets them play every day. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Golden Retrievers.

A: The most eye-catching aspect of the breed is the unusual felted coat. It consists of three types of hair: a fine, dense, and oily undercoat, long hairs similar to a goat’s, and a wooly outer coat. The mats “set” at age one, and after that the coat requires little maintenance. A Bergamasco should be bathed 1-3 times per year. They shed very little, and should not be brushed. Bergamascos are known for being very sociable and having a strong work ethic. They think independently and are very intelligent. If you want a subordinate to the other members of the family, a Bergamasco is not a good choice; they tend to see themselves more as an equal that works together with the humans. This breed is also known for its almost supernatural hearing, and for being good judges of character. As long-time protectors of herds they can predict violence, and they are reliable predictors of approaching visitors and violent behavior. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for a Bergamasco.

A: The breed is believed to stem back to ancient Rome, and arrived to Europe with Roman invading forces. When they reached Germany, the locals appreciated the dog’s herding and guarding instincts, and kept breeding them to enhance these skills. Rottweilers are believed to have herded animals in Germany for at least 2,000 years, until the industrial revolution took over and made the needs for such services obsolete. The breed nearly fell extinct until the early 1900s when a breed club was formed. Rottweilers love their family and are generally good-natured and patient, but can be suspicious against strangers until they’ve been properly introduced. Early training and socialization helps create a well-balanced dog that adapts well to different people and environments. These dogs need a lot of exercise, but very little grooming. The PlexiDor Large or Extra Large will be the right size dog door for a Rottweiler.

A: New Guinea is isolated and these dogs were separated from all other dog breeds since ancient history. They have developed undisturbed and are close to the wild. Thus, they have a strong hunting instinct, can be stubborn, and require a lot of exercise. They are extremely intelligent, agile, graceful, lively, alert, and active. It can be difficult to contain a regular dog in a yard. This breed is known for being escape artists and can jump, dig, and climb trees. While the Singing Dogs are affectionate and gentle towards people they know, they are uninterested in strangers, and they are uninterested in learning tricks. They don’t see the point in performing for human entertainment. The name Singing Dog comes from their howl, which is distinctive and melodious. They can vary the pitch and when howling in a group, all dogs will strike a different pitch. The PlexiDor Media is the right size dog door for New Guinea Singing Dogs.

A: This is an athletic and highly intelligent breed with an abundance of energy. Most working dogs are always ready for action, and the Toller is not an exception. They need physical and mental stimulation to be happy. Not surprisingly, they do great in many sports and often compete in agility, dock diving, and obedience. Many also work as search and rescue dogs; the combination of intelligence, working drive, excellent sense of smell, and small size make them ideal for the job. The breed was originally used for retrieving from icy waters, and they have webbed feet and a water-repellent outer coat. A Toller requires little grooming; an occasional brushing and bath will do the trick. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Tollers.

A: These are small dogs that don’t know they’re small; they are eager for adventure and new experiences. They are typically loyal, brave, and clever. Biewer Terriers are affectionate and sweet little dogs, generally good with older children, but they are dogs; not toys or accessories. Like all dogs, they require attention, exercise, and training. They love to play, and they require a daily walk. Biewer Terriers are generally hardy, with an average life span of 12-15 years. They can get stomach problems, and it is important to be consistent with their diet.The Biewers require a fair amount of grooming with bathing, brushing, and combing. Many keep their coat short to make it more manageable. The Biewers require a fair amount of grooming with bathing, brushing, and combing. Many keep their coat short to make it more manageable. The PlexiDor Small is the right size dog door for Biewer Terriers.