Breed of the Month--English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Colors:  Black & white, liver & white, blue or liver roan
Height:  Males:  20 inches/  Females:  19 inches
Weight:  Males:  50 lbs/  Females:  40 lbs
Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed health concerns:  ear infections, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.

Coat:  Double coat with straight, medium-length, weather-resistant outer coat.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Used to flush game from cover in England, this breed gained the name "Springer" from the way the jumped into the brush.  In the late 1800s, the Spaniel breeds (Cockers, Fields, and Springers) were officially separated.  The English Springer Spaniel was official given breed status in England in 1902.  Today there are two types of English Springer Spaniels, the field and show varieties.

The English Springer Spaniels are very playful and affectionate dogs.  They are quick learners, even-tempered, and respectful of their owners.  Springers make excellent hunting dogs.  Springers are very attracted to water, and will gladly swim in any body of water.  Springers are good with kids and can may sometimes become overly attached to the person they spend the most time with.  Because Springers become so attached, they can sometimes create a barking problem when left along.

Exercise:
To keep a Springer happy and healthy, several energetic walks per day are required.  The more exercise a Springer gets, the better.  Springers are happy to accompany their owners everywhere.

Grooming:
A Springers ears should be kept clean and frequently inspected for signs of infection.  The Springers coat needs regular brushing, and the long fur on the ears must be kept free of tangles and knots.

Training:
Springers very quickly catch on to training because they aim to please their owners.  This breed is very athletic and loves to participate is many activities like hunting, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, and anything else the owner might want to do.  Springers need good socialization from an early age.

Breed of the Month--Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Colors:  Black, yellow, chocolate
Height:  Males: 22-24.5 inches/  Females:  21.5-23.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  60-80 lbs/  Females:  55-70 lbs
Life span:  10-14 years

Breed health concerns:  hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Coat:  Double coat with a dense, short, straight outer coat and a water-resistant, soft undercoat.
Country of Origin:  England

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

This breed became very popular in the 1800s.  The English marveled at this dogs abilities:  able to work in icy waters and retrieve whatever necessary, these dogs were noted for their weather resistance and responsiveness.  The first actual kennel for Labradors was founded by the second Earl of Marlesbury, and by the late 1800s the English had begun using these dogs to develop the Flat-Coat Retriever and the breed known today as the Labrador Retriever.

Today in both the United States and England, the Labrador Retriever has become a very popular dog.  Today there are considered to be two types of Labs:  the show type and the field type.  The show type is shorter and stockier, whereas the field type is more energetic and skinnier.

Personality:
The Labrador Retriever is willing to please, even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, and sensible.  Labs seem to understand that children need to be treated with an extra gentle touch, but are willing to play with anyone.  Labs can be kept happy for hours with a tennis ball or toy, and are generally exceptional swimmers.  These dogs are a large breed dog.

Exercise:
Labrador Retrievers are very high energy dogs and must get plenty of regular exercise.  A 10 minute walk around the block will most definitely not keep this breed happy.  The Lab must get several hours of mentally stimulating exercise daily.

Grooming:
Labs must be brushed frequently; they are considered moderate to heavy shedders.  With this breeds love of swimming, it is important to keep the dogs ears clean and dry to help prevent infection.

Training:
The Lab is one of the most highly trainable breeds.  Labs love to please and are attentive to work for their owners.  Training ability along with an excellent temperament makes this breed highly popular is the use of service dogs, police dogs, and drug-detection dogs.  Labs make excellent hunting dogs with their keen sense of smell.  Many Labs are also big stars in the dog show world and arenas of agility, tracking, flyable, and obedience.  This breed tends to love to do anything his owner is willing to participate in.

Toy Breeds

The Toy Breed group includes:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Maltese
Miniature Pinscher
Papillion
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Poodle
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

The most obvious characteristic this breed carries is its size.  The small size of these dogs can make it difficult for some people to train.  Having to bend over constantly during training can get tiresome.  Also because these dogs are seen as so cute and cuddly because of their size, many owners think that they should not receive the same rules and exercise as a larger dog.  This is a big mistake.  Just because a dog is small, does not mean it doesn't need exercise.  I've known a Toy Breed dog that ran circles around his larger counter-part on a daily basis.  Depending on your dog, this breed may need as much, if not more mental and physical exercise than a dog several times it's size.  Also do not be fooled into that "cute little face" and let your toy breed dog get away with bad behavior.  Everyone thinks the little toy puppy that bites at your face is so cute until they actually make contact.  Just because they are small dogs, does not mean that they cannot cause damage.  Toy breed dogs need the same consideration for exercise and rules as any other dog.

For more information on the Toy Breed Group visit the American Kennel Club's website.

Hound Breed

The Hound Breed group includes:


Afghan
American Foxhound
Basset Hound
Beagle
Black & Tan Coonhound
Bloodhound
Dachshund
English Foxhound
Greyhound
Irish Wolfhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Saluki
Whippet

Breeds in this group are easily distracted and have an independent nature.  Dogs in the group may have less drive to please their owners because they were bred to work independently of humans.  These dogs may easily be distracted by scent and movement.  The most important basic obedience cue you can teach these dogs is focus.  This cue is usually verbalized with a "Look" or "Watch Me."

Many of the dogs in this breed group like to bark and howl, as they were bred for.  This can make it very difficult for many owners and I do not recommend this group for apartment dwellers.

For more information on the Hound Breed group visit the American Kennel Club's website.

Non-Sporting Breeds

The Non-Sporting Breed group includes:

American Eskimo
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow Chow
Dalmation
French Bulldog
Lhasa Apso
Poodle
Shiba Inu
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier

The breeds in the this group typically have less in common than other groups.  Members in this group have some characteristics from the working and sporting groups.  Most of the dogs in this group were not bred for labor-intensive purposes and there-fore could be difficult to motivate for training.  It is important to follow the "No Free Luncy" policy training technique.  This means that your dogs must work for everything they get.  Making your dog do simple basic commands like sit, wait, and focus can help your training go much more smoothly.

On the other hand, because the dogs in this group were not bred for anything specific, they can make easier pets for inexperienced owners.

For more information on the Non-Sporting Breed group please visit the American Kennel Club's website.

Terrier Breed

The Terrier Breed group includes,
Airedale Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier

Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Bull Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
Miniature Bull Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Scottish Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Wire Fox Terrier

Some characteristics of the Terrier Breed group include a high need for daily physical and mental exercise and tenacity.  This group was bred to be very active, and to not only hunt vermin, but to not back down from them when attacked.  This breed can be especially difficult for a first time dog owner.  Terriers were bred to route out small critters and therefore like to dig and hunt.  This breed of dogs is very alert and agile.  If these dogs are not provided with significant physical and mental exercise in a manner similar to what they were bred for (hunting), it is possible that they may become dog and/or animal aggressive.

To learn more information and for a full list of the Terrier Breed group please visit the American Kennel Club's website.

Herding Breed

The Herding Breed Group includes:
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Tervuren
Border Collie

Collie

Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Shetland Sheepdog


The Herding Breed group has an extremely high need for daily exercise and mental activity.  This group was bred to have a high chase and prey drive, making it difficult for these dogs to become desensitized to the activities of moving objects.  Without sufficient physical and mental exercise, these dogs are highly likely to develop behaviors such as barking, tail and animal chasing, fence running, digging, pacing, or aggression.

Visit the American Kennel Club's website for a full list of the Herding Breed Group and more information.

Working Breeds

The Working Breed group includes:
Akita

Bullmastiff
Boxer
Doberman Pinscher
German Pinscher
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees

Mastiff
Newfoundland
Portugueses Water Dog
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
Samoyed
Siberian Husky
Standard Schnauzer

Some basic characteristics of the working breed include an independent nature, a dominant disposition, and a tendency to become territorial and possessive.  Because these dogs were bred to work independently and do jobs like guarding and protecting people, they tend to become dominant.  It is important for an owner of this breed type to show strong, consistent leadership.  Because of this breed groups independent nature, you may see them as stubborn durning training.  It is important when training these breeds to follow the the training tool of "No Free Lunch" policy.  This means that these dogs must always work for something, and never be given anything for free.  Even if it is something as simple as sitting and waiting to be released to eat their dinner, they must work for it.

Visit the American Kennel Club's website for a full list of the Working Breed Group and more information.

Sporting Breeds

The Sporting Breed includes the following:
American Water Spaniel
Brittany

Cocker Spaniel
Curly-Coat Retriever
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
German Wirehaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Labordor Retriever
Pointer
Vizsla
Weimaraner


Some common characteristics of the Sporting Breed Group include a high need for daily exercise and high distractibility.  A walk around the block every day is not nearly enough exercise for this type of dog. Sporting breeds have been bred to notice and react to everything going on around them.  Having high distractibility offers this breed an advantage to notice and find birds and other game, however can make it difficult for them to focus on basic obedience exercises.

You can visit the American Kennel Club website for more information and a full list of the Sporting Breed Group.

Breed of the Month--Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

Color:  White with various red shades, white and brindle, white markings.
Height:  Males:  27.5-35.5 inches/  Females:  25.5-31/5 inches
Weight:  120-200 lbs
Life Span:  8-10 years

Breed Health Concerns:  epilepsy, elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, osteochondritis dissecans, ectropion, and osteosarcoma.

Coat:  Two types:  1) Longhaired:  profuse undercoat/ plain medium-length outercoat,
2)  Shorthaired:  profuse undercoat/ dense, smooth, coarse, close-lying outercoat.
Country of Origin:  Switzerland

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

This breed worked alongside monks to help people through a dangerous pass between what are now Switzerland and Italy, named the Great St. Bernard Pass, after an Augustine monk, Saint Bernard of Menthon.  The monks and their dogs would travel the pass after heavy storms, searching for possible survivors.  The Saint Bernard made a good draft and guard dog for the monks, and used his keen nose to sniff out survivors.  The Saint Bernard's sheer size aided in his ability to push through large drifts of snow.

The Saint Bernard is noted for being able to tolerate rambunctious children.  He is loyal, tolerant, intelligent, patient, and friendly.

Exercise:
Puppies under 2 years of age should be restricted in activity to help protect their growing bones.  After 2 years of age the Saint Bernard needs regular daily walks.

Grooming:
Both types of coats shed twice yearly.  Weekly brushing is important to maintain the coat; the Saint Bernard should not be bathed unless truly necessary.

Training:
The Saint Bernard must be socialized and taught proper manners from an early age.  These dogs grow quickly and grow to be very large animals.  The breed can be stubborn at times, but is loyal and aims to please.  Positive reinforcement training is recommended.  

Breed of the Month--Borzoi

Borzoi:

Color:  Any color or combination
Height:  Males:  28-33.5 inches/  Females:  26-30.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  75-105 pounds/  Females:  55-85 pounds
Life Span:  11-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Coat:  Silky, long coat.  Can be curly, wavy, or flat.  Neck has a curl, large frill.
Country of Origin:  Russia


Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Borzoi has been used for coursing wolves since the early 1600s in Russia. 
 {Coursing:  the sport of hunting game animals such as hares with greyhounds using sight rather than scent.}
The Borzoi is a result of attempts to combine durability with speed.  Arabian hunters were crossed with native coated breeds to be able to withstand the cold Russian weather.  The exotic look of the Borzoi made them sought-after by nobles.  Sadly the breed was almost irradiated during the Russian Revolution, but the breed survived and has flourished since.

The Borzoi has an independant nature, but is extremely affectionate and loyal.  This dignified dog is incredible calm and cat-like.  He enjoys a calm atmosphere and does not easily tolerate roughhousing.

Exercise:
Although the Borzoi can reach high speeds, he does not require a great deal of exercise.  Daily walks or running around an enclosed yard will keep him happy.  Due to his independent nature and love of running, he should never be off leash around dangerous traffic and busy streets.

Grooming:
His coat should be brushed every few days.  The Borzoi is a seasonal shedder and will require extra brushing during these times.  The hair between this dog's toes must be kept short and his face should be cleared with a soft, damp cloth.

Training:
When training a Borzoi, consistency and patience are key.  Bred to be independent and with a high prey and chase drive, basic manners training can sometimes be a challenge.  Positive reinforcement training with a calm disposition and lots of patience is a must.

Breed of the Month--Chow Chow

Chow Chow

Color:  Solid color, cream, fawn, blue, red, black.
Height:  Males:  18-22 inches/  Females:  17-20 inches
Weight:  45-70 pounds
Life Span:  13-15 year

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, elbow dysplasia, ectropion, patellar lunation, and entropion.

Coat:  Two Types:  Rough Coat has dense, straight autocrat with a thick, wooly, soft undercoat.  Smooth Coat has dense, hard, smooth autocrat with definite undercoat.
Country of Origin:  China.

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.


The Chow Chow can be traced to 11th century BCE.  Sculptures and pottery from 150 BCE depict Chow-like dogs hunting.  In China, the Chow Chow was considered a delicacy.  Eating the flesh of the dog was (and still is) common.  For many centuries the Chow Chow was not seen outside of China.  Around 1780, sailors smuggled the breed out of the country.  Their popularity quickly increased due to the dog's unique look and distinguishing features including its blue-black tongue, gums, and lips.  

The Chow Chow is generally aloof with strangers but will typically bong strongly to one person.  It is said that the Chow will not obey his master, but would be ready and willing to die for him.  

Exercise:  
Although the Chow Chow does not need a ton of exercise, daily regular walks are important to keep the breed in good shape.

Grooming:  
Extra care must be taken to keep the flaps around the dog's face clean, dry, and free from dirt and debris.  Both coat types of the Chow Chow need regular brushing with a steel comb.  The fur around the Chow Chow's ears is thick and may trap dirt and also must be kept clean.

Training:  

The Chow Chow is naturally protective and aloof and must be properly socialized from puppyhood.  The Chow Chow does not like to be pushed, and requires a trainer who is both firm and fair.  Using positive reinforcement training methods for this breed is a must.

Breed of the Month--Great Dane

Great Dane

Color:  Black, blue, brindle, fawn, mantle, harlequin

Height:  Males:  30 inches/  Females:  28 inches

Weight:  Males:  119 lbs/ Females:  101.5 lbs

Life Span:  7-10 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, bloat, cervical vertebral instability, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma.

Coat:  Thick, short, and glossy

Country of Origin:  Germany

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The origins of this breed are not exactly known, but believed to have been descended from a type of mastiff and possibly Irish Wolfhound.  Danes originally served as boar hunters, war dogs, and bull baiters.  The Germans refined the breed and declared it the national dog of Germany in 1876.

Today the Great Dane is more of a lover than a fighter.  The Dane retains a powerful protective instance for his family, but is very playful, affectionate, and patient.  The Dane enjoys children, but sometimes his size can be dangerous when leaning affectionately towards small children.  Great Dane's are very people oriented.

Exercise:  

Although the Great Dane is quite large, he does not require a lot of exercise.  The Dane is happy with the normal walk twice per day.  The Great Dane is happy indoors and enjoys just hanging out with his family.  Although the Dane does not require a lot of physical exercise, it is important to keep him mentally stimulated.  Without regular mental and physical stimulation, the Dane can become quite destructive.

Grooming:  

The Great Dane is an average shedder, and will require regular brushing, but the short coat is easy to care for.

Training:  

The Great Dane can be somewhat of a challenge to train.  The Dane is intelligent, but was bred to be an independent thinker.  Holding the Dane's attention requires creativity and high rewards in training.  Socialization is very important to start as a young puppy with Great Danes.

One of our dog pack, Caravaggio, is part Great Dane.

You can definitely see this breed in his size, but also his temperament.

Although Caravaggio is well trained (as all my pack is),

he does have an independent mind and can become easily distracted.

With the proper training however, this is easily managed.

Great Dane's are amazingly gentle, loving dogs,

and we very much enjoy having one in our pack.

Our Great Dane/ German Shepherd/ Lab mix Caravaggio (right)

helping puppy Dora learn some leash skills.