Frequently Asked Questions

A: This is a rare breed, traditionally used for hunting of large animals such as wild boar. The dogs are intelligent and easy to train, they bond closely with their families, and are generally good with children. They can be suspicious against strangers, and early socialization and training are recommended. If you’re considering a Cane Corso, remember that this is a big and strong dog that is both intelligent and active. An unruly dog of over 100 lbs can be a challenge and it’s better to teach them good manners from the start. The breed is generally athletic and requires plenty of exercise. The short coat looks smooth on photos, but it is really coarse and thick, and protects the dog from water. The Cane Corso is an easy breed to groom; they shed little and only require an occasional brushing. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Cane Corsos.

A: Chinese Crested are believed to be an evolution of African hairless dogs, bred down in size by the Chinese. Their earliest appearances in written history are around the 1500s, and even then explorers encountered then in Central and South America as well as Afria and Asia. They are prone to allergies and sunburn, because they lack a protective coat. In cold climates they need to wear clothes in the winter, and in warm climates they need protection from the heat and sun. There is a variety with a double, straight, and soft coat called a Powderpuff. The two types are often seen in the same litter, but the Powderpuff is genetically recessive and will eventually disappear. Chinese Crested are alert, agile, charming, and affectionate. They are intelligent and good at learning tricks. Most Chinese Crested is very gentle with children, but parents still need to pay attention; since the dogs don’t have a protective coat they get injured easily. Children must be taught to return the dog’s gentleness. This is not a breed that does well when left alone. They covet company, and they need to be a part of the family. The PlexiDor MEdium is the right size dog door for Chinese Crested.

A: In the 17th century, the Coton de Tulear was considered the “Royal Dog of Madagascar” and only nobility was allowed to have one. The breed is nearly extinct in Madagascar now, but gains popularity in the USA and Europe. These dogs are fairly sturdy and have a lifespan of 14-16 years. They have great personalities; they are playful, lively, intelligent, trainable, and affectionate. They are also know for extreme curiosity, and they love to meet new people. An average Coton de Tulear adapts well to new environments, and do great with children as well as other types of animals. The fluffy coat requires regular brushing and combing. The dogs don’t shed, but unless they’re brushed nearly every day the coat mats quickly. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Coton de Tulear.

A: Pyrenean Shepherds were traditionally paired with a Great Pyrenees that would protect the herd against wild animals. Two Pyrenean Shepherds are enough to manage a flock of 1,000 sheep. The breed comes in two varieties; smooth-faced and rough-faced. They are intelligent and energetic, and need a job to do. When herding, a dog easily covers 25 miles every day, and running one tired is almost impossible. Mental stimulation can make them tired, and they are great at agility, flyball, and competitive obedience. This is not a breed that does well being left alone. They prefer to be by their human’s side at all times, and love to follow a person around the house to help with daily chores. They are very sensitive to a person’s moods and often seem to read minds. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Pyrenean Shepherds.

A: This is a fascinating breed because it is not created; it was discovered as a naturally occurring shepherd’s type of dog. It might be a natural mix of the Pumi, Puli, and German Spitz type of dogs. The Mudi breed counts as naturally developed, and this is the last natural breed of its kind that still works with livestock and shepherds. Many claim that this is one of the best herding breeds. The Mudi also makes a good companion, watchdog, and hunting dog. Like most herding breeds it does very well in various sports; these are great dogs for agility. An average Mudi loves to play and swim. They will easily learn to play ball or frisbee, and they make great jogging companions. The breed is great for families with children, houses with yards, and active people. Just watch out if the dog is left alone outside; they are notoriously good diggers and can dig their way under a fence. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Mudi.

A: The breed resembles the Shiba Inu and the Akita in appearance, but the Shiba Inu is smaller, and the Akita larger. In its homeland Korea, owners divide the Jindo into two groups: The Tonggol or Gyupgae, which are stocky, muscular, and have a deep chest. This variant of the breed has an equal proportion of height at the withers and length. There is also the Hudu or Heutgai, which are slender with less depth of chest. The Korean National Dog Association recognizes one more body type: the Gakgol, which is a gradually emerging combination of the two traditional types. Jindos are highly intelligent, independent, and strong willed. While they tend to be suspicious towards strangers, they are loyal, loving, and protective towards the family. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for a Jindo.

A: This breed generally do very well with children and they are known to be mild and gentle with their family. It is important to teach them good recall; they run extremely fast, and it is not a good idea to let them off leash unless in a securely enclosed area. Bedlington Terriers can get along fine with other household animals, but they were bred to be hunters and it’s a good idea to get them accustomed to living with other pets at a young age. Despite their small size they have been used to hunt both badgers and foxes, and the strong hunting instinct remains. When it comes to care and grooming, the Bedlington sheds little to no hair, but needs trimming every six weeks. Despite some hereditary diseases such as a liver problem, their average life expectancy is still around 17 years. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Bedlington Terriers.

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: There are several theories on the breed’s history. Some claim the earliest references to Barbets in literature actually refers to poodles. Others claim the breed’s history stretches back into antiquity. Some researchers subscribing to the latter theory believe the Barbet descends from herding dogs brought to Europe from North Africa with the Moors occupying the Iberian Peninsula. This would have been during the 7th and 8th centuries. From there, they followed crusaders over the Pyrenees to central Europe and France. Other researchers who also date the breed back to antiquity state the Barbet originated in Asia and found its way to Europe over land. It is difficult to prove either theory, and the truth might very well be a mix of all three. The dogs are quick to learn, and as all intelligent breeds they need training and stimulation. They tend to be joyful and goody, and they generally love children and other pets. They enjoy swimming, hiking, and traveling. A fun fact about the Barbet is that they have hair much like humans instead of fur. That means that they don’t shed in the same way as most other breeds, and that they require regular combing and trimming. Depending on the individual, a Medium or Large PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for a Barbet.

A: This is a large and active breed that requires exercise, training, and a job to do. Due to their size and high energy level they’re not ideal for apartment life. They bond closely with their owners and thrive on attention, but can be suspicious towards strangers. They do, however, normally get along well with other dogs and other types of animals. Appenzellers are generally affectionate and charming, intelligent, tough, and energetic. They learn quickly and love having something to do. They are often used to herd cows, and control wayward cows through dashing in to nip at its heels. This, of course, requires courage. They also excel at agility and games of catch. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Appenzellers.