Frequently Asked Questions

A: To assist your dog in easily enjoying the backyard, consider dog door installation in an outside door, wall, or glass house door. Dog doors facilitate your dog’s freedom to the outdoors and free up your time opening and closing the door to let them in and out. The initial cost of dog door installation will pay for itself in the convenience you and your dog will enjoy. Installation is possible as a DIY. Here are some tips: Dog Door Installation of Extra Large Door for Boxer Tips For Dog Door Installation Choose the Right DoorSize - Measure your dog and get the right door for your dog’s size.Substrate - consider where you will place the door and ensure the door you buy is right for the substrate you will place it in.Security and energy-efficiency – there are different levels of security you can achieve in a pet door from locking security plates to electronic doors that utilize microchips in a collar. Ensure the dog door you choose is energy-efficient and doesn’t pose a problem with drafts and leaks.Door Template We are ready to begin the project! Locate the template included in the package. Trace the template on the surface and mark any screw holes. Mark the inside corners of the dog door opening. This shows where you will need to make your cuts. Drill Holes With a ½ inch drill bit, drill holes in each of the four corners of the rectangle created by the template. To drill holes for the mounting hardware, consult the manufacturer’s directions. Make the Cuts Use a saw to cut the opening of the dog door along the marked outline. Insert the dog door from outside the house. Dog door should be inserted so the side with a flap or doors is on the inside of the dog door. The dog door should sit flush against the door. Attach the Dog Door Frame Attach the interior frame of the dog door with the supplied screws. Seal the frame with caulk to keep the air outside from entering the home. These few quick tips on dog door installation are provided as an overall outline of what to expect when installing a dog door and not specific steps for any particular model. Each dog door will be unique. Be sure to consult your manufacturer’s guide for reference during installation of your dog door. Glass House Dog Door A popular model is the PlexiDor Dog Door which features shatter resistant saloon-style doors instead of a flap. The Wall, Door and Glass Series doors come with a 10-year warranty while the Electronic Doors come with a 5-year warranty. All their dog doors carry a 90-day money back guarantee. Contact our Customer Service Department for more information or call 888-PET-DOOR.

A: Large dogs are often gentle giants with as much love to give as they are huge. Here are five of the world's largest dog breeds.  The Great Dane This large breed is easy to recognize, and they are known for being friendly, strong, and elegant. They normally get along well with people, other types of pets, and other dogs. The Dane has roots in ancient history. The earliest known drawings that resemble the breed have been dated to around 3,000 BC, and the oldest written mention to 1,121 BC. The Irish Wolfhound On a breed average these are the world's tallest dogs. When standing on the back legs many Irish Wolfhounds reach seven feet! This breed is known to be patient, intelligent, and reliable. They love people in general, and do well with children. Many Wolfhounds thrive in the city, but they need a lot of exercise. The English Mastiff On a breed average, this is the heaviest dog breed with individuals weighing over 250 pounds. It is also considered England's oldest breed. English Mastiffs are known for being on the lazy side and need to be activated to make sure they get the exercise they need to stay healthy. They're devoted to their family, good with children, and accept other dogs. The Scottish Deerhound The Scottish Deerhound resembles an extremely friendly rough-coated greyhound. They are known for being gentle, loving, and easy to please. It's important to know that these Deerhounds require lots of exercise and gets bored easily - if they have too little to do they might take upon themselves to reorganize the home or redesign furniture. They love to have company of another Deerhound. The Leonberger The Leonberger gets its name from the coat resembling a lion's mane. Young Leonbergers can be very energetic and don't settle down until around three years of age, but after that, nothing fazes them. They're surprisingly agile for their size, and require lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Dog doors for giant dogs If you want a dog door for the large breeds, the extra large PlexiDor dog door accommodates dogs up to 220 pounds. It is constructed to take the impact of a big and powerful dog running through at full speed.

A: PlexiDor Dog Door - size medium The medium door is intended for dogs up to 40 pounds. It has saloon-style doors. The opening measures 9 x 12 inches. Dogs included in this door’s service are Corgis, Dachshunds, Poodles, Beagles, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels, Schnauzers, Shelties, and most Terriers. PlexiDor Dog Door - size large The large PlexiDor dog door’s opening is 11 3/4 wide and 16 inches tall with saloon-style doors. This door is recommended for dogs up to 100 pounds, such as Labradors, Collies, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Boxers, Setters, Bulldogs, Pointers and Golden Retrievers. PlexiDor Dog Door - size extra large The extra-large door’s opening of 16 x 23 3/4 inches, with saloon-style doors, is intended for dogs up to 220 pounds. Larger dogs might be able to use it, depending on their build. The dog breeds this door is intended for are Great Danes, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and Irish Wolfhounds. Find Your Right Size PlexiDor Dog Door You can download the size chart below with an overview of dog door sizes, required installation cut holes, dimensions, height recommendations and other important information here. All the information you need to make the best choice for the right size PlexiDor dog door is available in one convenient place. And, of course, contact our customer service if you any need help. They can help walk you through choosing the dog door and get you in touch with a local installer.

A: You’ve probably heard the adage that every kid needs a dog. Whether that’s true may be a debate, but there are some general reasons kids benefit from being raised with a dog in the family. Dogs may even improve a child’s mental and physical development. Why Your Kid Needs a Dog… Builds Confidence & Stability – Taking care of a pet gives children a sense of a job well-done which builds self-esteem and self-confidence. The daily and weekly routine of caring for a pet provide stability kids need to feel secure and confident. Dogs Don’t Judge – The fact a dog’s love is unconditional is reason enough your kid needs a dog. Dogs aren’t seen as disciplinarians as well the way parents are. Dogs never ask if the bed is made or if homework is done. Dogs never have to hand out punishments. Dogs are lucky that way. Less Stress – It’s been proven that petting a dog can relieve stress by lowering cortisol levels in people. Dogs are often used as therapy animals to relieve stress and perform other calming functions. Your kid needs a dog to ward off stress and relieve tension. Promote Healthier Lifestyle – Dogs and an active lifestyle just seem to fit. Dogs help keep our kids active and active kids are healthy kids, both mentally and physically. Dogs tend to get kids outside and on their feet. Teach Responsibility – Children at any age can take on the responsibility taking care of the family dog, whether it’s placing the water dish down or picking up poop. There’s a way to pitch in no matter the age of the child. It’s good to get children started early. This caring for another also teaches selflessness and helps build cognitive skills. Feel Secure & Protected – Dogs offer a sense of security. Whether it’s as a protector or a therapy animal, dogs comfort us. They are our guardians and our constant companions. They listen to our troubles and our successes. Dogs are always there. Should the reasons above not persuade you your kid needs a dog, then consider how friendly, furry, and cute they are. Perhaps you will be swayed. Do your research when choosing a family dog and make sure it’s the right fit for you. Children benefit from a pooch in their lives in so many ways.

A: The Shetland Sheepdog is a small herding dog originally from the Shetland Islands off the northern coast of Scotland. The Sheltie, as this dog is known, is a great all-around family dog. They are loyal and bright, easy to train, and a whiz at obedience events. This breed is also a true companion. They prefer to be with their people when possible. Shelties look like a smaller version of the rough-coat Collie. It is thought the isolation of the Shetland Islands caused food scarcity and animals of diminutive size like the sheepdog, Shetland ponies, and Shetland sheep. Shelties were bred smaller due to the severe, cold climate of the Shetland Islands. Smaller dogs required less food. It is not known when Collies were initially brought to the islands. Originally, this breed was used in two capacities. They were needed to stand guard against birds and sheep eating the farmer’s garden. They make excellent watchdogs. They like to bark and are wary of strangers. However, they were primarily used as herding dogs of sheep, ponies, and poultry. They have a strong herding instinct and will try to herd just about anything when given the opportunity, including children. Train them not to continue this habit. It can lead to biting. It is a good idea to discourage your Sheltie from herding unless they are participating in a herding class. Shetland Sheepdog Stats The Shetland Sheepdog stands 13 to 16 inches tall and weighs 15 to 25 pounds. They will live an average of twelve to fourteen years. The Sheltie has a long, sleek triangular face and three-quarter upright ears. The top fourth of their ear folds over. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911. Shetland Sheepdogs possess a long, dense double coat of fur that sheds quite a bit. It is a surprise to many Sheltie owners exactly how much loose fur is lying around. This breed requires daily brushings and additional brushings will be necessary will help during shedding season. They are susceptible to matting behind the ears, under the elbows on their front legs, and on their hind quarters under the tail. The Shetland Sheepdog needs only an occasional bath. All dogs should have their nails trimmed regularly. The Shetland Sheepdog is sensitive and doesn’t like to be alone for too long. They be alone while everyone is at work and school but need companionship and play when you get home. They enjoy human companionship and long to be with you. It is important to keep this breed mentally and physically stimulated with work, training, and exercise. Shetland Sheepdogs require a moderate amount of exercise but do adapt well to their family’s lifestyle as long as owners provide adequate activity. They need both mental and physical stimulation. They are proficient at and get a kick out of canine events like agility, obedience, herding and tracking. They are dog sport over-achievers. They also excel as therapy dogs. Early socialization and puppy training classes are always recommended, as with every breed. When taught basic obedience, the Sheltie will be a rockstar companion and rock canine events as they are easy to train, smart, and eager to please. They are vocal dogs so they should be taught to stop barking on command. They also like to chase moving objects so fenced yards and leashes are a necessity. The Shetland Sheepdog would need a medium Plexidor Dog Door. The PlexiDor Dog Door is available for doors, walls, glass doors, and sliding glass doors. There is both an electronic and a standard model in white and bronze. PlexiDor has a 90 day money back guarantee and at least a 5 year warranty on all our doors. Contact our Customer Service Department with any questions.

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.

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 weather is warm and warm weather brings outdoor water fun in the sun. It’s great to include your pooch in the summer activities and many people enjoy swimming and boating with the dog. It is important to remember some basic safety tips so everyone has a good time. The summer months can be days packed with pleasant weather, perfect for a day on the boat. There are many potential dangers for your pooch in a day on the water, however. Knowing before you go and having a plan is always the best course of action. Be prepared and your boating outing will be fun for all. Safety Tips for Boating with the Dog Comfort in the Water – First things first, let’s learn to swim before we boat. Your dog should be comfortable in the water before he rides the waves. Should he ever get thrown from the boat, he will be dealing with enough just being in open water. Don’t make the terror two-fold if he is afraid of the water as well.Comfort on the Boat – Give your dog a chance to get his “sea legs” when boating with the dog. Start them out slow. Give them time on the boat when it’s docked first. Then, with the leash on to prevent bolting, start the motor and get started slowly. Take it easy for a bit to test out the dog’s reaction. When the dog is ready for more action, they will let you know. With no windows on a boat, it’s all wind in the face all the time. A dog’s favorite in the car. An at ease dog will settle down and find a good spot to enjoy the ride. Dog Life Vests are key – Each dog on board should have a doggie life jacket that fits well and preferably has handles on the back for easy removal from the water. Life vests are a must when boating with the dog. Even good swimmers can tire or need a bit of assistance from time to time. There are vests in all sizes and colors. We recommend a brightly colored vest with reflective trim that is correct for your dog’s weight and stature. “Dog Overboard” – Have a plan should the dog go overboard. As with anyone, circle the boat around and cut the motor once the boat is close to the dog. DO NOT jump in after your dog. Just like a human, your dog can panic and pull you down. Call the dog to the boat and then lift them out of the water and into the boat.Water & Shade – Fresh water and access to shade throughout the day are critical. Keep water available in a no-spill bowl. It is important to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. Learn the symptoms of each and protect your dog against them.Sunscreen – Your dog needs sun protection too. There are sunscreens with SPF made especially for dogs that protects their nose and any other exposed skin that may burn. Be sure to apply generously and often. Watch they aren’t licking it from their noses.Insect Repellent - The dog is susceptible to biting pests also. Keep some pet friendly insect repellent available for buggy days and nights.First Aid Kit - You don’t need a special first aid kit for the dog. Keep some items specific for the dog in your regular first aid kit. In this way everyone is covered from the same kit and it saves on space.Leash – Just like on a road trip, boating with the dog will require potty breaks too. A leash on hand makes these short excursions off the boat safe and secure. You don’t want the dog wandering away or running off on the far side of a lake or shore. When your dog shows an affinity for the water, use these tips to keep your dog safe and your trip fun. Boating with the dog should be an enjoyable and relaxing time for everyone involved. Although rare, water tragedies and sun mishaps do occur and prevention is worth the time and effort in all instances.

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.