How do we compare?
Crossbreed under 1 year old, neutered male, purchase price £50
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| Pet Plan Budget |
£308.52 |
| PDSA 7000 |
£297.36 |
| Asda Superior |
£218.40 |
| Argos Platinum |
£189.72 |
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£130.56 |
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Data taken online 5th May 2011. Postcode used GU32 3QF Full comparison page >
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November 25, 2009
 Breed History – An ancient breed of dog, the Siberian Husky, originating from the freezing wastes of eastern Siberia, is primarily a working dog use for sledging, but they can also make for excellent pets in the right hands. Bred to survive in Arctic conditions, many families adopted these sled dogs as their pets as they started to be imported around the world, particularly in parts of North America and Canada.
There are many tales of how these dogs have helped man brave the cold climates of the north; they are often involved in expeditions to the North Pole as a pack animal pulling sledges in the harsh environment. The Siberian Husky was first recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1930, and the Canadian Kennel Club in 1939. Shortly after, the Siberian Husky was used to great effect in World War 2 working in the US Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit. To this day, the Husky remains predominantly a working dog. (more…)
November 20, 2009
 Breed History – The heavily wrinkled Shar Pei may seem to be cute and cuddly, but don’t be fooled – these sweet looking canines were originally bred as fighting dogs in China. Their loose skin was created so they could twist around and bite back at any attacker which gripped onto its coat. Amazingly, their skin is so loose, they can perform a complete body twist so wherever they are gripped, they will be able to turn themselves around and face their assailant! Along with their wrinkles, the Shar Pei is also recognisable for its distinctive blue-black tongue, which can also be found in Chow Chows having shared common parentage along the breed’s line.
The Guinness Book of Records once named the Shar Pei as one of the world’s rarest dogs, but thanks to intensive breeding and a resurgence in popularity, this is no longer the case and the breed is now growing in numbers year by year. There are currently just over 100,000 in existence in the United States and Canada. (more…)
 Breed History – The spotted Dalmatian is a breed of dog originally from Croatia, taking its name from the country’s region of Dalmatia. The exact country where the Dalmatian came from has long been a subject of debate, with many breeders citing Yugoslavia as the country of origin. However, it is universally agreed that today’s dogs really come from England, where the breed was keenly developed upon its introduction in the mid-1800’s.
The Dalmatian is primarily a working dog, and over the years has been employed for guarding duties, used as dogs of war and even to accompany horse-drawn carriages on their journeys. They were also used by brewers to guard wagons whilst they were left unattended during deliveries. In America, the breed is known for being the fire-fighters dog, and can still be seen to this day in many fire stations across the country. (more…)
November 6, 2009
 Breed History – One of the tallest dogs in the world (second only to the Irish Wolfhound), the Great Dane is instantly recognizable. The breeds tall frame and gentle nature make it an appealing choice for many owners, and its popularity may also be accounted for thanks to cartoons such as Scooby Doo. The origins of the Great Dane can be traced back to Germany in the 1700s, where it was developed by cross-breeding an English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound. However, there are also arguments that point its origins towards Denmark at around the same period of time. The term ‘Great Dane’ used to apply to any large dogs that could be traced back to Germany, although by the 1800s the breed became standardized and developed into the dogs we know today.
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 Breed History – Originally called the Short-Haired Skye Terrier, the Cairn Terrier’s name was changed upon its registration into the Kennel Club in 1909, due to Skye Terrier breeders disagreeing with the original choice of name. From the breed’s inception, Cairn Terriers were used as hunting dogs, especially bred to tackle vermin in the Scottish Highlands. Cairns are a formation of large rocks found in hills and similar locations, and the dogs were employed at rat-catchers both in Scotland and Ireland. This natural instinct to hunt and kill continues to this day, and many house hold pets perform superbly when it comes to catching mice and rats.
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 Breed History – With origins that can be traced back over 2,000 years, the Beagle is one of the world’s most instantly recognisable and much loved breed of dogs. Belonging to the Hound group of dogs, the Beagle was originally conceived to hunt game by scent, and to this day their sense of smell is as acute as ever. Many military and police forces around the world employ the Beagle to help detect potentially hazardous and dangerous objects. Thanks to their even temper, they make for popular pets, but unfortunately their docile character and hardy nature also makes them a likely choice for animal experimentation. Their keen sense of smell also lends them to hunting, and they will always be associated with fox hunting in the nation’s eyes. Beagle packs are still maintained to this day, even though the ‘sport’ as it once was has since been outlawed, and is now primarily focused on following a scented trail. (more…)
 Breed History – Taking their name from the Scottish Borders where the breed was originally conceived, Border Terriers were bred by fox and vermin hunters as an effective way of chasing out and destroying rodents and other pests. They were especially trained to drive out badgers and foxes from their warrens, and if confronted, be strong enough to kill them. Whilst it is hard to trace the exact origin of the breed, the Border Terrier was first recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1920, and its American counterpart a decade later. Always a popular dog amongst its owners, the Border Terrier consistently ranks among the top ten breeds registered in the United Kingdom year in, year out.
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