Frequently Asked Questions

A: Some scientists believe the breed is related to Egyptian dogs with a lineage reaching back to the year 3,000 BC. Other scientists say there is no DNA evidence for the Pharaoh Hound being related to Egyptian dogs. Regardless of their past before they arrived to Malta, they are fast, graceful, and powerful. The Pharaoh Hound makes pleasant companion dogs. They love to play outdoors, but can also be peaceful in the house. It is important to note that even if they like being outdoors, they need to live indoors with soft bedding and warmth. The Pharaoh Hounds have a reputation for being intelligent and naturally well-behaved. They do like to give chase and should not be let off the leash. They are marvelous jumpers and can find a way out of even well fenced yards if they sense something interesting. The breed has a unique trait; they blush when they’re excited, getting a rosy hue on the nose and ears. They love children, but can be reserved around strangers. The Pharaoh Hound needs a minimum of grooming, and the breed has an average life expectancy of 11-14 years. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Pharaoh Hounds.

A: Rat Terriers come in a variety of coat colors and patterns and are often mistaken for Jack Russells. They are intelligent and active dogs who make wonderful family pets. The name comes from the occupation of its earliest ancestors who arrived to the USA in the 16th century; they were used for controlling vermin and hunting small game. During the years they have been bred for speed and working abilities, and this history distinguishes them from many other types of dogs. In many cases a breed developed from a small number of founding dogs, but the Rat Terrier stems from a large number of breeds and benefits from genetic diversity. These dogs have a definite terrier personality, but they’re usually calmer than Jack Russells, and they love lounging on the sofa almost as much as zooming around the yard. They are known for being sensitive, easy to train, and healthy. Like all active and intelligent breeds they require company and stimulation. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Rat Terriers.

A: The Havanese has an interesting history even in modern time; every dog in the world today that lives outside of Cuba stems from 11 dogs who fled Cuba with their owners at the time of revolution. Their coat can look warm, but it developed to insulate and protect the dogs from the tropical sun, and it is light and soft. The Havanese require regular grooming, but they do not shed. This is a small and sturdy breed. They are generally friendly, and become very attached to their families. They are known for being affectionate, intelligent, playful, and easy to train. They don’t bark much, some never bark, and they get along well with dogs, cats, people, and other pets. The Havanese is a healthy breed with an average life span of 14-15 years. They need exercise, but generally do well in apartments. This is not a good breed to choose for an outside dog; they want to be with their family. They are also known under the names Bichon Havanais, Havana Silk Dog, and Bichone Havanese. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Havanese.

A: Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and easy to train, but they get bored quickly, and they need to have something to do. Being big and strong, a bored and unoccupied Tibetan Mastiff can cause a lot of damage. They are devoted to their family, but can be aloof to strangers and the puppies require socialization from an early age. They do well with other dogs and pets, and are generally patient with children belonging to the family. According to the AKC, some Tibetans believe that Tibetan Mastiffs have the souls of monks and nuns who weren’t good enough to enter Shambhala (the heavenly realm) or be reincarnated as people. Also according to the AKC, Tibetan Mastiffs are traditionally kept with Lhasa Apsos, who would alert the larger dog to strangers. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Tibetan Mastiffs.

A: Some kennel clubs consider it a black and white version of the Newfoundland, but many recognize it as a separate breed. They’re known for being sweet, gentle, and serene, and they love to swim. There are two types: The Landseer Newfoundland and The Landseer European Continental Type. They share the sweet disposition and love for water, but there are distinct differences between the varieties. The European version is generally taller, have shorter hair, and lack under wool. They have very long legs and are fast, untiring runners. The Newfoundland version excels at rescuing drowning people and has been very popular with fishermen. They have, amongst other things, been used to tow heavy nets to the shore. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Landseers.

A: As the name hints, these dogs are outstanding watch dogs. They are reserved towards strangers, but also make wonderful and devoted family dogs. As all the working breeds, they require activity and training. It is important to know that a Hovawart works with people and not for people. They excel at search and rescue, tracking, and other types of work – if their human can keep them motivated. The Hovawart possesses the ability to think and act independently, and can be a handful for an inexperienced handler. Hovawarts are medium sized dogs with long coat that can be blonde, black, or a combination of black and gold. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Hovawarts.

A: The Catahoula is an energetic and highly intelligent dog. They like to have a job to do, and that job will be taken seriously. They are outstanding hunting dogs, able to track animals from miles away, and they are often used for herding cattle. However, they also make excellent family dogs as long as they’re allowed to be with the family. They don’t like being alone. Catahoulas are protective and natural alarm dogs who will alert to anything out of the ordinary. They are naturally assertive, but not aggressive, and they like to take charge. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for a Catahoula.

A: The breed originally comes from a cross between English Mastiffs and various German dogs. The name comes from Sehested of Broholm – an 18th century game keeper. It was nearly extinct after the second world war, but in the 1970s isolated members of the breed were discovered and Danish enthusiasts saved it. The breed is known for being calm, good tempered, and friendly, albeit watchful towards strangers. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for a Broholmer.

A: These dogs are completely dedicated to their main handler and loyal to the family. It is important to understand that the family is their whole world, and they will stop at nothing to protect that world. They are extraordinarily patient with children within the family, and will bond with other pets belonging to their home. In order to get a well balanced dog it is imperative to let the puppy meet many people in a positive context. Besides working as guard dogs, these sturdy and intelligent dogs make great trackers, hunters, and herders. The Brazilian army uses them for work in the jungle, because their intelligence, resilience, and strength allows them to handle situations other dogs cannot. Through the breeds history, the Fila Brasileiro has been used for everything from guarding gold mines to hunting jaguars. The Fila is believed to have originated from a mix of English Mastiffs, Ancient Bulldogs, and Blood hounds. They need a lot of exercise to remain healthy and happy, and are not well suited for life in an apartment. The PlexiDor Exgtra Large Large is the right size dog door for the Fila Brasileiro.

A: They come in a wide range of color combinations, and their eye colors vary to the point where the breed has been nicknamed the “ghost-eye-dog.” Their eyes can be any shade of brown or blue, and can even be split with half of an eye being brown and the other half blue. Some Aussies are born with a naturally bobbed tails. Others have full long tails, and others yet natural partial bobs. Breed standards in the US and Canada call for a natural bob or docked tail no longer than four inches, but docking is banned as cruelty to animals in many European countries, and there the dogs can have any length natural tail. Not many dog breeds smile like humans through baring their teeth, but Aussies are known for doing this. They are kind, loving, and devoted to their family. Like all working breeds, the Aussies have a lot of energy and need a job to do. They are often used as arch-and-rescue dogs, disaster dogs, guide, service, and therapy dogs, but also excel at agility, flyball, and frisbee. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Australian Shepherds.