Frequently Asked Questions

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A: Some dogs are better hot weather dogs than others. While dogs are quite adaptable to different situations and locations, some breeds are better suited to certain climates than others naturally. Many of these breeds originated in warm climates and have short coats of fur or are light colored from generations of breeding and adaption to their environment. While every dog will not possess every trait of typical hot weather dogs. Each dog that does well in hot weather will possess at least some of the below characteristics. Common Characteristics of Hot Weather Dogs Short Coat or No Hair and a Single Coat of Fur – Obviously, less fur or hair keeps the dog cooler. Some dogs will have a double coat of fur to insulate them against the cold or keep water away from their skin. Our hot weather dogs typically have just one coat of fur, if that. There are some warm weather dogs that are hairless. Long, Slender Build – Many dogs ready for the heat are thin and tall and this allows them to cool down more efficiently. The more skin you have in relation to your body weight, the more rapidly you can cool off. It’s a skin-to-body-weight ratio thing. Long Snout and Large Stand-Up Ears – A longer nose is able to process the hot air coming in from the environment faster and cool it down before it hits the lungs. Dogs with short snouts, or brachycephalic, like Pugs and French Bulldogs are not cut out for hot weather. Many hot weather dogs’ ears stand erect as they cool down faster than droopy ears. Small Body Size – Just as large, thin dogs have an adequate amount of skin to cool off the size of their bodies, so do small dogs. Small dogs weigh so little that they are also well suited to warm climates. Warm-Weather Roots – Many dogs simply originated in a region with a warm climate. Breeds that were developed in hot temperatures usually will have traits specific to that climate and better suited to warm weather naturally. Light Fur Color – Dogs that do well in hot weather will typically have lighter colored fur or hair. These canines are white, tan, gray or some color combination thereof. 7 Hot Weather Dogs Perfect for Hot Climates Australian Cattle Dog Stats – AKC Ranking: 51st Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Herding. Height: 17-20 inches. Weight: 35-50 pounds. ACDs, as they are affectionately referred to, are hardworking cattle herders from the Australian Outback. They have a short double coat of fur that keeps them cool enough during the high daytime temperatures but also insulated against the harsh temperature swing at night in the desert. The weather doesn’t bother them. They love to work no matter the temperature. It’s play to them. Ibizan Hound Stats – AKC Ranking: 182nd Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Hound. Height: 22-28 inches. Weight: 45-50 pounds. This sighthound comes from the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain and descended from an Egyptian hound. They were bred to sprint after prey in the hot sun. They are quite graceful while they run and can leap very high. This breed comes in solid red, solid white or white and red patterns. They are known to be rather stubborn, yet extremely enjoyable and lively. German Shorthaired Pointer Stats - AKC Ranking: 9th Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Sporting. Height: 23-25 inches. Weight: 45-70 pounds dependent on sex. Shorthairs, as they are appropriately named, have short fur with no undercoat. They are an eager gundog that loves exercise and staying busy. They were bred to go out with hunters on foot, but there is no limit to what they are good at. They not only point, but hunt and track also on both land and water. They love the water. Their short thin coat usually comes in solid liver (a reddish brown) or liver and white in patterns and speckles. Airedale Terrier Stats – AKC Ranking: 62nd Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Terrier. Height: 22-24 inches. Weight: 40-65 pounds. The Airedale originated in England and is the largest of the terrier breeds standing almost two feet at the shoulders. This breed tolerates the warm weather quite well. Their coat looks wooly, but it is short and wiry which allows the heat to escape. It is best to keep them shaved down in the hotter months. Unlike most hot weather dogs, they have a double coat. They were bred to hunt on land and water and enjoy cooling off with a splash on a hot day. Airedales heads and ears are tan in color and the body is a mix of tan and black. Afghan Hound Stats - AKC Ranking: 114th Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Hound. Height: 25-27 inches. Weight: 50-60 pounds. The Afghan Hound is one of the hot weather dogs that does well in both extremes of temperature. It is hot by day and there are cold temperatures at night in the harsh mountainous, desert environment of Afghanistan. This breed does well in a hot climate because its long locks are a single coat. They do require weekly grooming to ensure they don’t get knots and tangles in their coat. Their coat is long, thick, and fine and protects them from the relentless rays of the sun. These sighthounds have been known to run 40 miles per hour. Chinese Crested Stats – AKC Ranking: 77th Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Toy. Height: 11-13 inches. Weight: 8-12 pounds. The Crested is an ancient breed that originated in Asia and most likely descended from hairless dogs brought over from Africa. The most well-known variety is hairless. These affectionate dogs have soft, silky hair on their heads, feet, and tips of the tail only. Like any hairless, or sparsely haired dogs, their pink and gray skin can sunburn easily, and precautions should be taken. There is a coated variety as well. Italian Greyhound Stats – AKC Ranking: 73rd Most Popular Dog in 2021. AKC Group: Toy. Height: 13-15 inches. Weight: 7-14 pounds. This diminutive sighthound has a thin frame and a short, single coat making the Italian Greyhound ideal for warm weather. They have very little body fat, so a coat or jacket is necessary in colder climates. A sunny hot climate makes them more comfortable. These hot weather dog’s origins date back 2000 years in the Mediterranean. Since then, they have been quite popular with royals including James I, Catherine the Great, Anne of Denmark, Frederick the Great of Prussia, and Queen Victoria. Hot weather dogs are quite different from each other despite having some characteristics in common. Each of these breeds does well in hot weather due to place of origin, coat type, body size, coat color, stamina, or some combination of those characteristics. These dogs are also all different in stature, ranging from an 11-inch Chinese Crested to a 28-inch Ibizan Hound and would require different size dog doors. PlexiDor Dog Doors has saloon style dog doors for doors, walls, and glass doors in two color choices. Our doors come in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large for pets up to 220 pounds. Contact our Customer Service department for questions or call 888-PET-DOOR today.

A: Not all dogs enjoy the water equally. Some breeds would much rather stay dry than so much as get a paw wet. However, some dogs are water dogs. They live for the water no matter if it’s lake, stream, pool, or beach. They love to splash, and they were bred to retrieve waterfowl and other game in the water. Dogs that love the water had this enjoyment bred into them along with their eagerness to work in the water. All these dogs possess coats well suited to keep them warm in the chilly water and many have webbed toes to help with swimming. While bred to work in the water not all dogs are still known for this trait. Over the years, the Poodle has become more of a companion or a show dog than a working water dog. All of these dogs, however, still enjoy a good romp in the water. It should be mentioned that just because a breed is considered a “water dog” does not mean it should be assumed a dog of that breed can swim. Each dog should be gotten accustomed to the water in their own time and coached or coaxed into swimming on the timeframe. Some dogs will take to the water right away and others may not at all. Water Dogs Bred for the Water Standard Poodle Poodles of all sizes, not just Standard, rank number five on the Most Popular Dog Breed List by the American Kennel Club. A Poodle over 15 inches tall at the shoulder is considered a Standard size. This size dog will weigh between 40-70 pounds depending on sex. Poodles are very affectionate towards their families and good with small children as are many water dogs. A Poodle’s curly hair keeps it warm in the water, but most Poodle owners opt to keep their hair shorn close as it mats when not kept short. The Standard Poodle is the national dog of France although it originated in Germany as a duck hunter. The pompon cut it is famous for was originally done as a practical way to keep the dogs leg joints, hips, and chest protected from the cold waters. Newfoundland Newfoundlands come in at number 45 on the AKC’s Most Popular list. These are large dogs standing 26-28 inches and weighing 100-150 pounds. They are sweet, affectionate dogs that get along with everybody, yet vigilant watchdogs. In the past, a Newfoundland’s dense thick coat kept it warm on water rescues and hauling fishing nets to shore in the North Atlantic. These dogs were used on board ships by Canadian fisherman. They have partially webbed toes and are excellent swimmers. Today they are still employed all over the world as water rescue dogs. Chesapeake Bay Retriever The Chesapeake Bay Retriever comes in at number 48 on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breed list. Chessies stand 21-26 inches at the withers and weigh 55-80 pounds. They are most often thought of as hunting dogs for waterfowl, but they are known as search and rescue and bomb and drug detection animals as well. Chessies were bred for a specific job in a specific location. They are native to the Chesapeake Bay area between Maryland and Virginia. This dog’s thick, curly, double coat of chocolate brown fur is oily and waterproof. Their feet are webbed to aid with swimming. They are the perfect duck dogs for this shallow American estuary. Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are the Most Popular Dog Breed in America and have held that spot for the last 31 years, since 1991. Labs are 21-25 inches tall and weigh from 55 to 80 pounds depending on sex. Labs are excellent family dogs. Protective and nurturing, they are good with all children and other animals alike. Their overwhelmingly good-natured disposition is what sets them apart from all other dogs. Labrador Retrievers are the original water dogs of Newfoundland. At that time, they were used both as a duck retriever and a boat dog. English nobles brought them back to England in the early 1800s and refined them into what we know today as the “Labrador.” Their short, thick coat is water-resistant and keeps them warm and free from ice build-up in chilly waters. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the water dog who ranks 92nd on the AKC’s Most Popular Breeds List and is the smallest of the retrievers. The Toller stands 17-21 inches high and weighs only 35-50 pounds. These dogs are excellent family companions and great with children of all ages and other family pets. They have boundless energy and will require a good outlet to stay mentally and physically stimulated. The Duck Tolling Retriever has an unusual skill for hunting. They play along the shoreline, splashing in the shallows, much like a fox would. This lures the waterfowl down to see what is going on and down into shotgun range. Then the Toller retrieves the fallen game aided by their webbed toes. This style earned them the name “Decoy Dog.” Water dogs are a hard-working bunch. They collect waterfowl, work on boats, and act as decoys. The above five dogs are just a few of the breeds representing the water dog. Other Water Dogs That Love the Water Portuguese Water DogBoykin SpanielEnglish SetterIrish Water SpanielBarbetLagotto RomagnoloCurly Coated RetrieverSpanish Water DogIrish SetterGolden RetrieverAmerican Water SpanielFlat Coated RetrieverOtterhoundSchipperke Find out more about water dogs in another upcoming installment…

A: The Beagle is a scent hound completely ruled by his nose. They are born and bred to hunt small game like rabbits and hares in packs. When in pursuit, they will follow a scent wherever it leads with no thought to busy roads or distance. Due to a beagle’s love of chasing down a smell, they require a fenced in yard. Beagles are escape artists, so the fence should be at least five feet tall and extend underground to prevent tunneling. They are diggers as they were bred to dig rabbits from warrens and will escape under the fence if given the chance. They should always be on a leash when on a walk to prevent chasing off after a scent. They love to go on long walks allowing them to sniff to their heart’s content. They do require additional exercise like playtime in the backyard to stay mentally and physically fit. An hour of playtime or other exercise is recommended daily, preferably with a friend. Beagles were bred to hunt in packs and prefer companionship, both canine and human. They generally enjoy company and do not like to be alone. It is good to have another dog in the house or plan to have them as a constant companion. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left all alone. They make great family dogs. They are friendly and happy. The Beagle breed does well with small children and other animals. However, small animals may invoke their strong prey drive. While they are affectionate family dogs, they will take off after a scent without warning or thought. For this reason, some don’t think them loyal. Beagle Stats There are two size varieties of the Beagle recognized by the American Kennel Club, or AKC. The smaller of the two is 13 inches and under and weighs under 20 pounds. The larger of the two weighs 20-30 pounds and stands 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder. Beagles have a smooth short double coat which requires minimal grooming. Although they are considered low maintenance, they do shed in the spring and require extra brushing during that time. Regularly, just a weekly brushing with a grooming mitt and an occasional bath, when needed, will do. Of course, keep up with routine nail trimming as well. Beagles possess a large personality for their size. They are sturdy, muscular dogs. They appear to be a smaller version of the Harrier, measuring 19-21 inches at the shoulder, or the English Foxhound, measuring 21-25 inches. They do not have “doggie odor”, drool, or shed much. They do have a tendency towards baying, as opposed to, barking. This behavior should be corrected at an early age to keep the neighbors happy. Early socialization and puppy training is crucial for this breed. They are strongly food motivated and train best with positive reinforcements, such as treats. Negative techniques do not have favorable results. They can be challenging to train but rewarding positive behaviors will win out in the end. Their History in America In the early 1870’s, General Richard Rowett from Illinois began importing Beagles from England to establish a quality bloodline in America. Rowett’s dogs were models for the first American standard Beagle. Beagles were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884 and have been the only breed to rank in the top ten since their registry. Today they rank number seven on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2021 list. This breed had long been used at airports to sniff out weapons, drugs, and illegal food. Their diminutive size and friendliness towards strangers are less likely to make passengers nervous. This type of work was first introduced at Los Angeles International Airport in 1984. The US Department of Agriculture used Beagles to sniff out contraband food items. This has expanded and now Beagles are used in more than 20 international airports across the United States. Although a scent hound bred for hunting rabbits, the Beagle has proven itself a wonderful family companion and admirable working dog. Either size variety of the breed will require a medium size Plexidor Dog Door. Should you have any questions on our doors please contact Customer Service or call 888-PET-DOOR.

A: This is part 2 of a previous blog on Herding Dogs. Please check out last week's blog to get all the information. Border Collie – Height: 18-22 inches tall Weight: 30-55 pounds Drooling: Low Shedding: Moderate Life Expectancy:  12-15 Years Borders have a long history amongst shepherds and sheepdogs. They originally developed from crossing a stocky Roman herding dog and a Viking spitz-type herder. Today’s Border Collie comes to us from the land of Britain, where both cultures once ruled for a time. Border Collies are thought by many to be the world’s greatest herding dogs, as they are keenly aware and intelligent. When herding, they read each situation and know what action is required; crouching low, setting off at a sprint, making wide sweeping turns, or stalking stealthily. Collie (Smooth and Rough) – Height: 22-26 inches tall Weight: 50-75 pounds depending on sex Drooling: Low to Moderate Shedding: Moderate Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years Rough Collies are one of the more well-known breeds of shepherds and sheepdogs as Lassie made them famous in the 1950s. There is also a smooth variety with a short, sleek coat. Collies are excellent with kids and make wonderful family dogs. They are devoted and loyal to their families. The Collie is originally from England where Queen Victoria popularized the breed in the late 1800s. German Shepherd – Height: 22-26 inches tall Weight: 50-90 pounds depending on sex Drooling: Low to Moderate Shedding: Moderate to High Life Expectancy: 7-10 Years German Shepherd Dogs are ranked fourth on the Most Popular Dogs Breeds of 2021 list by the American Kennel Club, or AKC. They were the first breed of shepherds and sheepdogs to be trained as guide dogs for the blind. This breed was developed by a German cavalry officer in the late 1800s looking for the perfect German herder. He was completely devoted to promoting and refining the breed. They are highly trainable and loyal and often used as police and military dogs, service dogs, search and rescue, and drug detection dogs. Old English Sheepdog – Height: 21 inches tall and up Weight: 60-100 pounds Drooling: Moderate Shedding: Moderate Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years The Old English Sheepdog is seemingly ill named as it is a relatively young breed first surfacing in the early 1800s as a drover, or dog used in herding cattle, not sheep. These are the quintessential shaggy dogs. In fact, they are the star of the 1959 Disney film The Shaggy Dog. (The 2006 remake used a Bearded Collie.) They appear to be all fur but there is a strong, muscular frame underneath. They are affectionate with family and small children and make watchful guard dogs. Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Height: 10-12 inches tall Weight:  up to 30 pounds Drooling: Low Shedding: Moderate to High, Daily Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years Well known as Queen Elizabeth II’s chosen favorite breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is among the smallest of the Herding Dogs. The Pembroke is a great family dog but should be observed around small children. They are a big dog on short, squatty legs and have a big dog bark to go with their stature. Corgis shed a little every day and need to be brushed daily. Pleasant little dogs they are affectionate without being too needy and love to play. Shetland Sheepdog – Height: 13-16 inches tall Weight: 15-25 pounds Drooling: Low Shedding: Moderate, Seasonal Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years Shelties hail from Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands. The Shetland Sheepdog is the Rough Collie’s little cousin, bred smaller as food could be scarce on the island and it took less to feed a smaller dog. Due to the inaccessibility of the northern Shetland Islands, Shelties were virtually unknown until the early 1900s. The AKC first recognized the Sheltie in 1911. This breed is an amazing family dog, affectionate and good with small children and other animals in the house. These shepherds and sheepdogs come in all shapes and sizes and will require different sizes of dog doors. Fortunately, the PlexiDor Dog Door is available in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large. Shepherds and Sheepdogs Breeds Needing a Large PlexiDor Dog Door Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Belgian Malinois Belgian Sheepdog Bergamasco Sheepdog Border Collie Collie (Rough or Smooth) German Shepherd Old English Sheepdog (possibly an extra-large dog door) Shepherds and Sheepdogs Breeds Needing a Medium PlexiDor Dog Door Pembroke Welsh Corgi Shetland Sheepdog Contact PlexiDor Dog Door Customer Service Department with any questions or call at 888-PET-DOOR today.

A: French dog breeds come in all different coats and colors, shapes and sizes. Many are named for the geographic area they are from like the Briard and the Brittany. There is not one common element running throughout all the French dog breeds, and there are no two alike. Let’s take a look at five breeds ranging in size from five pounds to over 110 pounds. Five French Dog Breeds Briard The Briard is an old breed of working dog from the dairy producing region of Brie in Northern France. These pooches pull double duty of not only herding the sheep, but also guarding them from predators. They got their start in the United States when Thomas Jefferson ended his position as ambassador to France and brought home a pregnant Briard. The Briard is a large dog standing 22-27 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 55-100 pounds. They are smart and learn quickly, protective of their families and wary of strangers They have seemingly boundless energy. Beauceron The Beauceron is also one of the French dog breeds that can protect the herd and round them up too. They possess this duality of purpose. These dogs were named for their region of origin southwest of Paris. They developed in the late Middle Ages and are sometimes referred to as Bas Rouge for their red feet. The Beauceron stands 24-28 inches tall and weighs 70-110 pounds. This is a dominant dog and not meant for the first-time dog owner. Well-trained and socialized Beaucerons are faithful, amiable, and obedient companions. Brittany The Brittany is a tireless and eager gundog requiring lots of exercise. These dogs come from the Western region of France with the Bay of Biscay on the South and the English Channel to the North for which they are named. Of all the French dog breeds, they are the most versatile birddogs in the field, able to hunt almost anything with feathers. The Brittany came to America in 1931 and was introduced to the AKC in 1934 as the Brittany Spaniel. The name was changed to Brittany in 1982. The Brittany weighs 30-40 pounds and is 17-21 inches at the withers. While the Brittany is usually either bred as a showdog or a gundog, many breeders will try for the “dual” Brittany. A dog that excels in both the showring and in the field. Dogue de Bordeaux The oldest of French dog breeds, dating back to before France was a country, is the Dogue de Bordeaux. This Mastiff originally was bred in two sizes as war dogs and as fighting dogs. The smaller of these disappears in the early 1800s and the larger becomes a cattle herder. Today’s Dogue was almost unknown outside of France until the Tom Hanks movie “Turner & Hooch” was released in 1989. The Dogue de Bordeaux is between 23-27 inches tall and weighs 99 pounds and up. Males start at 110 pounds and up. A Dogue’s life expectancy is between 5-8 years. These very devoted and loving canines can be dominating and require proper training from puppyhood so they don’t take the upper hand as seen in the movie. Papillon Papillon, meaning “butterfly” in French, is in reference to the breed’s wing-like ears. Paps were initially bred as companions for noblewomen and men and can be found in many portraits of royalty by great artists like Rembrandt and Goya. They were a favorite of Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV. The first Papillon was registered by the AKC in 1915. The Papillon is between 8-11 inches tall and weighs only 5-10 pounds. Papillons are spaniels by nature and will chase after anything that moves, even insects are fair game. They are a little dog with a big dog attitude and sometimes don’t realize they aren’t so big. They may chase after something they can’t handle, like a cat. We’ve only scratched the surface of French dog breeds. There are over 50 breeds tied to France in total. They each have the jobs they were bred to do and are from very different regions of the country. There are city dogs and farm dogs, high mountain dogs and water dogs. The one thing all these dogs have in common is they are French.