Frequently Asked Questions

A: General Spaniel Dog Breed Information There are several shared characteristics of spaniel dog breeds. They all share a similar temperament and are gentle, loving, eager to please and generally good with children and other pets. They were historically bred for hunting and have a strong prey drive. Despite coming in a wide range of sizes, the spaniel dog breed seems to all have long ears, soft, silky coats and penetrating, soulful eyes. There are fifteen distinct breeds in the spaniel dog breed sub-type. They were originally bred for hunting and continue to be used for hunting today to some degree. Their hunting history causes them to be alert and active. However, spaniels are more commonly companion dogs now and are known for their affectionate natures and devotion to their families. Most spaniels are medium-sized dogs with distinctive drooping ears and a broad muzzle. They have wavy or curly hair on their ears, tail, and legs and will require daily brushing and regular baths. Intelligent and loyal, they are prone to separation anxiety when they cannot be with their humans. Spaniels are generally high-energy and spirited. They tend to do best in an active household or should be kept busy in competitive dog sports. Although typically obedient, spaniels that are not kept busy with enough exercise and enrichment can become bored and develop problem behavior. 15 Most Popular Spaniel Dog Breeds and Their Unique Characteristics Cavalier King Charles Spaniel The most popular of all the spaniel dog breeds and ranked number fourteen on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular Dogs List overall, Cavaliers are also among the smallest. They stand only 12-13 inches at the shoulder and weigh 13-18 pounds. They were originally bred as companions for British nobility. They are loving, friendly, carefree, and agreeable. They get on well with children and other animals and adapt their lifestyle to yours. They will be as active as the family and comfortable in that role. Cavaliers are in the AKC’s Toy Group classification of dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel English Springer Spaniel English Springers rank twenty-seventh on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular List and love the opportunity to have a job to do. They make excellent hunting dogs and are often drug or bomb detection dogs for police and military. They were bred to work with humans and are very unhappy when apart from them. They enjoy close companionship and are good with children. They stand 19-20 inches high and weigh 40-50 pounds. English Springers are in the AKC Sporting Group. English Springer Spaniel American Cocker Spaniel Cockers come in thirtieth in popularity of the spaniel dog breeds. Bred as hunting dogs, they are better known today as companion animals. They are the smallest of the Sporting Group at 14-15 inches and weighing 20-30 pounds. Cockers are lively and endearing and make wonderful playmates for children. They love playtime and fast-paced walks. Their fur is high maintenance for grooming unless kept short. American Cocker Spaniel English Cocker Spaniel The English Cocker is 39th among all dogs and fourth among all spaniel dog breeds. These bird dogs are fantastic at flushing out gamebirds, but just as adept at fitting into family life. They stand 15-17 inches at the shoulder and weigh 26-34 pounds. English Cockers are larger, have a longer and a less domed head than the American Cocker Spaniel. They also have less fur than the American Cocker. Often referred to as a “merry” dog, no matter the dog’s occupation his tail rarely stops wagging. They make wonderful family dogs and are excellent with children and other animals. English Cocker Spaniel Papillon Surprisingly, the Papillon is part of the spaniel group. This dog’s drop ears were selectively bred to be the upright butterfly-like shape they are now. Papillon are one of the smallest toy spaniel dog breeds weighing only 6-10 pounds and standing just 8-11 inches. They are 45th on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) popularity chart in America. A highly intelligent and easily trainable breed, they do well with learning skills and new tricks. Papillion Less Popular Spaniel Dog Breeds Boykin Spaniel The Boykin Spaniel, the official state dog of South Carolina, is a medium-sized sporting spaniel dog breed known for its friendly, energetic personality and love of water. Ranking 75th out of 197 breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Boykins typically stand 15.5-18 inches tall and weigh 30-40 pounds. Originally bred for hunting ducks and turkeys in the Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina, these "Little Brown Devils" as they are known are skilled swimmers with a love for adventure. Tibetan Spaniel Don't be fooled by the name! The Tibetan Spaniel, ranked 121st  on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular List of 2023, isn't actually a spaniel in the traditional sense. This small companion dog, weighing 9-15 pounds and standing 10 inches tall, is classified by the AKC in the Non-Sporting group. Nicknamed "Tibbies," these long-haired charmers were bred by Tibetan monks as loyal companions and watchdogs. Fun fact: Tibetan Spaniels are depicted in ancient Eastern art, and some believe they were historically considered reincarnated humans! Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Springer Spaniel - A cheerful and energetic dog, these “Velcro” dogs, occupy the 132nd  spot recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Classified as a Sporting Dog, this "Welshie" stands between 17 and 19 inches tall and boasts a weight proportionate to its height. Beyond their good looks, Welsh Springers are known for their versatility.  These tough little athletes have a waterproof double coat that shields them while working in the field, and their namesake "springing" gait allows them to navigate dense undergrowth with agility.  Fun fact: Unlike other Spaniels, Welsh Springers have a uniquely tapered head, adding to their distinctive charm. Welsh Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Also known as a "Charlie" after King Charles II who adored them, this dainty dog with a big heart is ranked 145th by the American Kennel Club (AKC). These Toy Group charmers stand at a petite 9-12 inches tall and weigh in at a mere 8-14 pounds. Don't let their size fool you though!  English Toy Spaniels are surprisingly lively indoors but maintain a dignified calmness when out and about.  They come in four beautiful coat color variations: Blenheim (red and white), King Charles (black and tan), Prince Charles (white, black, and tan), and Ruby (solid red).  Interestingly, despite their historical association with royalty, English Toy Spaniels are known for being surprisingly adaptable and happy in a variety of living situations. Field Spaniel This sweet and docile companion dog is ranked 147th on the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular List of 2023 (AKC). They are a medium-sized Sporting Dog standing 17-18 inches tall and weighing 35-44 pounds. Once bred for show rather than function, these dogs were later recrossed with other Spaniel dog breeds to regain their hunting abilities. With a glossy black, liver, or roan coat, Field Spaniels are known for their intelligence and love of spending time with family, making them excellent choices for active owners who can provide them with training and playtime. Field Spaniel Clumber Spaniel This gentle giant of the Spaniel family ranks 148th on the Most Popular list by the AKC and is a powerful Sporting Dog known for its distinctive look. Standing 17-20 inches tall and weighing 55-85 pounds, these low-slung charmers have a dense white coat with lemon or orange markings. Nicknamed the "Gentle Giant," Clumber Spaniels are known for their sweet and affectionate temperament, but their history lies in flushing and retrieving game birds in dense cover, making them a surprising combination of cuddle buddy and capable hunter. Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Affectionately called the Kooiker and recently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2018 is a charming little spaniel dog breed with a big personality. Weighing in at 20-24 pounds and standing 15-18 inches tall, this Sporting Dog is classified as the national dog of the Netherlands. Nicknamed the "Duck Decoy Dog," Kooikers have a fascinating history of luring ducks into elaborate traps using their playful temperament and unique white and orange markings. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje ranks 161st on the AKC’s Most Popular list. The Kooikerhondje American Water Spaniel The official state dog of Wisconsin and a member of the Sporting Group, this spaniel is a versatile hunting companion known for its love of water. Standing 15-18 inches tall and weighing 30-45 pounds, this medium-sized spaniel boasts a curly brown coat that repels water and keeps them warm during retrieves. Bred in the 19th century by hunters in the Great Lakes region, these energetic athletes excel at flushing and retrieving waterfowl in all conditions, making them a cherished partner for outdoorsy owners. It ranks 168th on the Most Popular list by the American Kennel Club. Sussex Spaniel This jolly soul ranked 174th by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a low-set Sporting Dog with a surprising amount of power under its hood. These sturdy fellows stand 15-16 inches tall and weigh 45-50 pounds. Don't be fooled by their sometimes grumpy expression – Sussex Spaniels are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities. Originally bred to hunt small game in dense undergrowth, these unique spaniels combine their love of family time with a surprising tenacity in the field. Irish Water Spaniel The tallest of the Spaniel breeds and ranked 177th by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Irish is a striking dog built for water work. Standing 21-24 inches tall and weighing 55-65 pounds, this Sporting Dog boasts a liver-colored, curly coat that repels water and a distinctive topknot of long curls. Bred for hunting waterfowl in harsh Irish conditions, the Irish Water Spaniel is a powerful swimmer with a tireless work ethic. Despite their impressive size, these gentle giants are known for their playful personalities and loyalty, making them excellent companions for active families that enjoy exercise. Spaniel dog breeds were primarily bred for hunting and are mostly in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting Group. Only three are in the American Kennel Club's Toy Group and were bred as companions for nobility. No matter the group they belong to, they are all active and alert. Spaniels are considered clever and easy-to-train overall. Although considered a “medium-sized” dog, your spaniel may need either a medium or large PlexiDor Dog Door depending on their size. The medium door accommodates a dog up to forty pounds. Should your dog be close to that weight as an adult or will go over as they grow, you will want to get the large door. Contact Customer Service with queries or call 888-PET-DOOR with any questions.

A: These energy efficient dog doors are a game changer for pets and pet parents alike. Keeping your home comfortable while accommodating your furry friend’s freedom can feel like a balancing act, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Traditional dog doors are often criticized for being drafty, letting in the cold or letting out the heat, and spiking energy bills. However, modern innovations in pet doors, like PlexiDor Dog Doors, provide insulated and weatherproof options that keep your home energy-efficient while still offering convenience for your pet. Why Energy Efficiency Matters An inefficient dog door can create an ongoing battle against outdoor temperatures. Heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer can force your HVAC system to work overtime, increasing energy consumption and costs. Choosing a dog door designed for energy efficiency helps: Maintain Indoor Comfort: Prevents drafts and temperature fluctuations. Lower Energy Bills: Reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems decreasing your annual energy bill by 10%. Protect the Environment: Minimizes unnecessary energy waste. Insulated Energy Efficient Dog Doors: A Game-Changer Insulated dog doors use advanced materials and design features to create a barrier against outdoor weather. Unlike traditional flaps that leak air, high-quality saloon-style doors are engineered to seal tightly, ensuring no energy is lost. Why Choose PlexiDor Dog Doors? PlexiDor is a trusted name in the pet door industry, offering solutions specifically designed to address energy efficiency. Here’s why they stand out: 1. Energy-Saving Design PlexiDor dog doors feature a heavy-duty aluminum frame and hardened acrylic panels that seal tightly, minimizing air leaks. These doors use innovative weather-sealing techniques to create a thermal barrier that keeps your indoor climate consistent. 2. Weatherproofing That Works Whether you live in a snowy region or a hot, sunny climate, PlexiDor dog doors are built to withstand the elements. They include weatherproof seals that block drafts and wind, preventing external conditions from affecting your home. 3. Insulated Construction PlexiDor dog doors are made with durable, insulated materials that outperform traditional vinyl flaps. Their unique saloon-style construction helps reduce energy loss, even during extreme weather. 4. Sizes for Every Dog From small pets to large breeds, PlexiDor offers a variety of sizes, ensuring a proper fit to minimize energy loss while providing easy access for your furry friends. 5. Long-Lasting Durability Unlike cheaper alternatives, PlexiDor saloon-style dog doors are “Built to Last” with a 10-year warranty, reducing the need for frequent replacements. A durable door means consistent energy efficiency over time. Additional Tips to Maximize Energy Efficiency Proper Installation: A well-installed door is crucial for maintaining its energy-efficient features. If you’re unsure, consider professional installation. (link to dealer page) Regular Maintenance: Check the seals and panels periodically for wear and tear and clean the door to ensure it closes properly. PlexiDor dog doors are easily maintained with minimal effort and we have replacements for many parts of the door to keep from having to purchase a brand new door. Placement Matters: Install the dog door in a location shielded from harsh winds or direct sunlight to reduce the impact of outdoor weather. The door must be installed under an overhang or awning of some kind. Why PlexiDor Is Worth the Investment While some dog doors may seem like a budget-friendly choice initially, they often cost more in the long run due to energy inefficiency and frequent replacements. PlexiDor’s energy-efficient features and durable construction make it a smart investment that pays off in lower energy bills and greater comfort for your home and pet. An energy efficient dog door is an essential addition to any pet-friendly home. With options like PlexiDor Dog Doors, you don’t have to compromise on comfort, style, or your energy bills. Their insulated, weatherproof designs ensure your home stays cozy while giving your pet the freedom they deserve. For more information or to explore their range of energy efficient dog doors, visit PlexiDor’s website. Make the switch today and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and comfortable home for you and your pet!

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: Arlington Arts & Crafts Details Make the House Beautiful | Episode 15 Watch their detailed PlexiDor Wall Series installation On the linked episode of This Old House, starting at 16:00, they install an extra large PlexiDor Wall Series door for the homeowner's Newfoundland. They go above and beyond, replacing the exterior siding around the door for a classic look that blends right in to the adjacent house door. They also wrote about it in a This Old House magazine article.

A: You can install a pet door through a wall. The PlexiDor dog doors  are available for door or wall installation. The door kit makes it easy to install the pet door through a standard house door. A somewhat handy person can do this themselves and it doesn't take long. The house door isn't always the best place for the pet door - sometimes a wall fits better. The PlexiDor wall kits can be installed in cement, stud, brick or block walls up to 12 inches thick. (24 inch wall kits are available.  Please call our office for details. ) The kits come with an aluminum tunnel to connect the interior and exterior frame. When you install a pet door through a wall it can be trickier than installing through a door - it is more difficult to make a hole in the wall than through a door. (An important tip is cutting from the outside - keep the mess outside the house!) You also need to check if it's a load-bearing wall or not. Watch some of the installation training video to see  how to install a PlexiDor through different forms of walls. https://plexidors.com/learning-center/?category=Installation

A: When installing a pet door, it's usually easiest to put it through a door. However, PlexiDors is a great dog door for wall installation. It can be installed in all sorts of walls and gives a professional grade installation.  Click locate a dealer button for your local dealer.  If there is no dealer in your area contact our office.  We have installers across America and Canada. The wall units can be installed into stud, brick, block, or cement walls up to 12 inches thick. (24 inch tunnels are available.  Please contact our office for details.)  Each wall unit includes a sloped aluminum tunnel that connects the interior and exterior frame. The PlexiDor wall kits meet building code in all 50 states and Canada.  The tunnel will not rust, and it is easy to clean. If your wall is thinner than 12 inches, just trim the tunnel pieces down with included jigsaw blade or tin snips. The PlexiDor dog door for wall installation comes in the same sizes and specifications as the door units: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Colors available are silver, white, or bronze. Tools needed for installation are: jigsaw, drill, and screwdriver. (Jigsaw blade is included with the unit.) Take a look at the PlexiDor size charts, measurements and cut holes.

A: If you need a pet door, the PlexiDor is sturdy, secure, energy efficient, and comes with a ten year warranty. Here are answers to some frequently asked PlexiDor questions. Where can I install a PlexiDor? The PlexiDor can be installed through a door, a wall, or even through glass. The part you see next to the doggie on the picture goes on the inside of the house. The PlexiDor units for door installation fits a standard US house door of 1.75" and the frame covers the cut-out edges of the house door. The units for wall installation come with an aluminum wall tunnel that is adjustable from 4" to 12" On the image to the right, the door is seen from the outside of the house. The aluminum tunnel is angled to drain water and snow to the outside. (Wall kits for with 24 inch tunnels are available.  Call to email our office for details.) When it comes to installations in glass, every size door from the small one to the extra large and the electronic PlexiDor can be mounted in a sliding glass door, french style door, or window. What kinds of pets can use a PlexiDor? The PlexiDor comes in several sizes to accommodate everything from cats to dogs weighing up to 220 lbs. The doors on the larger models swing so easily that smaller pets can use a bigger door. If in doubt, check out thee PlexiDor SizeChart. The door looks so small. Will my dog really go through there? If you have the right size according to the PlexiDor SizeChart, the answer is generally "Yes." The door isn't meant to be mounted flush with the floor; the pets lift their legs and walk/run over a threshold. The reason for this is that you want the opening to be as small as possible while still being big enough for your pet. Looking at the chart above, the extra large PlexiDor, for example, should be mounted 12"-14" up from the floor, unless a dog needs it to be lower. Is it hard to teach a pet to use the door? Pets generally catch on to the idea quickly. Prop the panels open and tempt your cat or dog with a treat. Once they go through with the panels open, try the same thing with panels closed. Many pets who won't use other pet doors still like the PlexiDor because they can see the other side through the panel. What warranties do you have? The PlexiDor comes with an unconditional 90 day money back guarantee. Shipping charges are non refundable, but the factory will refund the purchase price in full. The PlexiDor also comes with a 10 year warranty. Any defective part will be repaired or replaced, including standard shipping charges, for ten years from the purchase date. Labor is not covered. This warranty covers residential use. Commercial kennels should use the BiteGuard line of pet doors. Do you have a door that will let my dog out but keep the cats inside? We can't guarantee that. The PlexiDor Electronic opens only for pets with a key, but cats are quick and can follow the dog outside. How does the PlexiDor Electronic work? It's like a miniature garage door for pets. The pets allowed to use the door get collar keys with RFID. The keys are waterproof, shock proof, and do not require batteries. When the key comes close to the door, the panel slides up. You can program how long the door will stay open, and since there are thousands of RFID codes you can feel confident the door will only open for your pets, even if other animals in the neighborhood have similar keys.

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