Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A: Some scientists believe the breed is related to Egyptian dogs with a lineage reaching back to the year 3,000 BC. Other scientists say there is no DNA evidence for the Pharaoh Hound being related to Egyptian dogs. Regardless of their past before they arrived to Malta, they are fast, graceful, and powerful. The Pharaoh Hound makes pleasant companion dogs. They love to play outdoors, but can also be peaceful in the house. It is important to note that even if they like being outdoors, they need to live indoors with soft bedding and warmth. The Pharaoh Hounds have a reputation for being intelligent and naturally well-behaved. They do like to give chase and should not be let off the leash. They are marvelous jumpers and can find a way out of even well fenced yards if they sense something interesting. The breed has a unique trait; they blush when they’re excited, getting a rosy hue on the nose and ears. They love children, but can be reserved around strangers. The Pharaoh Hound needs a minimum of grooming, and the breed has an average life expectancy of 11-14 years. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Pharaoh Hounds.

A: Rat Terriers come in a variety of coat colors and patterns and are often mistaken for Jack Russells. They are intelligent and active dogs who make wonderful family pets. The name comes from the occupation of its earliest ancestors who arrived to the USA in the 16th century; they were used for controlling vermin and hunting small game. During the years they have been bred for speed and working abilities, and this history distinguishes them from many other types of dogs. In many cases a breed developed from a small number of founding dogs, but the Rat Terrier stems from a large number of breeds and benefits from genetic diversity. These dogs have a definite terrier personality, but they’re usually calmer than Jack Russells, and they love lounging on the sofa almost as much as zooming around the yard. They are known for being sensitive, easy to train, and healthy. Like all active and intelligent breeds they require company and stimulation. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Rat Terriers.

A: The Havanese has an interesting history even in modern time; every dog in the world today that lives outside of Cuba stems from 11 dogs who fled Cuba with their owners at the time of revolution. Their coat can look warm, but it developed to insulate and protect the dogs from the tropical sun, and it is light and soft. The Havanese require regular grooming, but they do not shed. This is a small and sturdy breed. They are generally friendly, and become very attached to their families. They are known for being affectionate, intelligent, playful, and easy to train. They don’t bark much, some never bark, and they get along well with dogs, cats, people, and other pets. The Havanese is a healthy breed with an average life span of 14-15 years. They need exercise, but generally do well in apartments. This is not a good breed to choose for an outside dog; they want to be with their family. They are also known under the names Bichon Havanais, Havana Silk Dog, and Bichone Havanese. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Havanese.