Frequently Asked Questions

A: They were indeed used for rescue missions in the Swiss Alps, and the earliest written records stem back to 1707. There are even older paintings depicting the dog. However, in the early 19th century the breed was nearly extinct, and in an effort to save it, the remaining dogs were bred with Newfoundlands. The cross-breeding changed the build of the dogs and gave them a much longer coat than they originally had, which prevented them from successfully rescuing people in the mountains. The dogs are very friendly and loyal, but with an average weight between 140 to 260 lbs, training is vital. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for St Bernards.

A: Afghanistan is a country with many extremes; there are high mountains with cold and thin air as well as deserts. The dogs that developed in the southern and western regions - desert regions - tend to be light in color and have a sparse coat. The dogs from the north are more compact, darker, and have a thicker coat. Once the dogs were discovered by the west some ended up in Europe, but as World War One took its tool, the western dogs became extinct. The breed of today stems back to a group of dogs brought to Scotland from Pakistan in 1920. The first dogs to set foot in the USA came here in 1926. Afghan Hounds are known for being highly individual, aloof, and dignified - unless they're playing. They love to have fun and can be quite clownish when playing. They make wonderful family members, but need supervision around small animals that might look like prey. These dogs require a log of exercise and they are very fast. They are also able to run for a long time, so you're not likely to run an Afghan tired. The long coat requires regular grooming. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for an Afghan Hound.

A: These dogs are known for being cheerful, well behaved, friendly, and eager to please. They make great family dogs who adapt quickly and have the ability to change behavior from quiet to lively as the situation calls for it. Since they are a hunting breed, they love outdoor life and need exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need a daily long walk or jog. Even though they can be happy in an apartment, they prefer a fenced in back-yard. Just like all working dogs, the Kooikerhondje gets bored easily, and they require stimulation. It’s much better to give them a task than allow them to make up some form of “work” of their own. They usually reach a height of 14-16 inches, and can weigh up to 40 lbs. The average life span is 12-14 years. Today, they’re often used as service dogs, and for search and rescue. They also excel at agility and obedience. Kooikers are believed to be ancestors to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The PlexiDor MEdium is the right size dog door for Kooikerhondje.

A: In their home land Australia these dogs drive cattle across long distances over rough terrain, and they are unfazed by angry cows. They were originally bred to herd by biting, and they can be nippy around running children. They don’t mean to inflict harm; as most herding breeds they are independent and can take upon themselves to herd anything that moves. They are agile, courageous, strong, and intelligent; they consistently score amongst the ten most intelligent breeds. Australian Cattle Dogs generally have very high-energy, and paired with bright minds they need something to do. They’re fantastic companions for herding, obedience, and agility, and bonds closely with the family. They’re not suitable for a life where they’re left alone in an apartment all day long. Little grooming is required. An occasional bath and brushing is usually enough. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Australian Cattle Dogs.

A: In ancient China the punishment for stealing a Pekingese was death, and during periods of time common people were not allowed to own or breed the dogs. Furthermore, if someone crossed paths with a Pekingese the person was supposed to bow and show respect. These dogs are known for being good natured, intelligent, and affectionate. They enjoy going for walks, but do not require extensive exercise. They do require grooming. Some cut the coat to make it more manageable. If it is held long the dog needs a thorough brushing every week. Their average lifespan is around 12 years and they are fairly healthy, but some suffer heart murmurs, and some have breathing problems due to the short nose. The latter also means that they can’t handle heat well. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Pekingese.

A: Basenjis are independent, think and make decisions on their own, and are known to be careful around strangers. Let the dog take the first step when introducing new people. This breed has some habits unusual for dogs. They don’t like wet weather, they clean themselves all over like a cat, and they don’t get the “doggy smell.” While extremely intelligent, they can be difficult to train; they need to see the point in whatever they’re asked to do. An average Basenji is alert, curious, and energetic. They love to climb and can easily make their way over a fence. The Basenji tends to become emotionally attached to one person. They accept other family members and are generally loving and patient with children, but there’s one person that is “theirs.” The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Basenjis.

A: The Bull Terrier was created in the 1800s. Bulldog-terrier crosses were popular as sporting dogs, and gained popularity as companion dogs as well. James Hinks refined the crosses, and around 1860 the Bull Terrier saw the light of day. At that time they were often called White Cavaliers, and got an exceptional reputation for being great pets and companions as well as show dogs. Bull Terriers love to play, thrive on affection, and are often referred to as clowns. They can be quite goofy and become closely attached to their families; they do not like to be alone. Bull Terriers are also energetic and need exercise. Like all breeds, Bull Terriers require training and socialization. For those who like to compete, many Bull Terriers do great in obedience, agility, and show rings. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Bull Terriers.

A: Dalmatians are energetic dogs that requires daily exercise and training. They excel at obedience, agility, and road trials; the Dalmatian is the one and only coach dog. They love horses and have a natural instinct to follow and guard horse-drawn vehicles. Their endurance and stamina also makes them great rescue dogs. In the past, Dalmatians have been used as dogs of war, shepherds, firehouse mascots, bird dogs, retrievers, and more. Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their first spots appear around three weeks after birth. After about a month they have most of their spots, but new ones can appear throughout their entire life. Most Dalmatians are short-haired, but they still shed a lot around the year and require regular brushing. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Dalmatians.

A: In 1809, Pierre Megnin different two types of French herding dogs; one with a long coat that became known as the Berger de Brie (Briard) and one with a short coat, known as the Berger de Beauce (Beauceron). Like most herding breeds the Beauceron has a lot of energy and needs something to do. They are loving, loyal, and protective of their families, eager to learn and easy to train, but can be reserved with strangers. They are known for being highly intelligent, brave, and obedient. They excel at obedience training and are often used for police work. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for a Beauceron.

A: Beagle-type dogs have existed for at least 2,000 years, but the modern breed comes from Great Britain where it was developed around 1830. They’re popular in film, TV, and comic books, and Snoopy is no doubt the most famous beagle. This breed is easy to care for. They don’t drool, they don’t “smell like dog” and they shed little. Beagles are generally healthy and have an expected life span of 12-15 years. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Beagles.