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--Havanese

Havanese

Color:  All colors
Height:  8.5-11.5 inches
Weight:  7-14 lbs
Life Span:  13-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, congenital deafness, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation.

Coat:  Double coat.  woolly undercoat/ soft, long, flat or curly outercoat.
Country of Origin:  Cuba

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

Brought from Europe to Cuba in the 17th century, that Havanese is a descendant of a Bichon-type dog.    During the 18th & 19th centuries, the Havanese became a favorite of aristocrats in Cuba.

The Havanese is fond of everyone.  This breed is intelligent and outgoing, and gets along with with all types of pets and people of all ages.  The Havanese has been long associated with being a cherished companion dog.

I had the pleasure of meeting a cute little member of this breed, and I must say, I was quite taken by him!  Cute and cuddly, the Havanese I met made adorable little cooing noises at me to get my attention and love.  Amazing little dogs that I would highly recommend for any dog owner!

Exercise:
The Havanese is always excited to accompany his family anywhere and enjoys socialization and regular exercise.  A good daily walk will keep this breed happy.

Grooming:
The Havanese's long hair needs a lot of regular attention.  Many non-show dog, pet owners, clip their Havanese's hair short.  The hair of this breed rarely sheds and must be brushed out to prevent clots.  Because the Havanese does shed very little, they make an ideal choice for people with allergies.  Special attention should be taken to make sure the hair around the eye stays clean and free from infections.

Training:
The Havanese loves any interaction with his family and therefore thrives on training.  Using positive training methods, this breed learns basic obedience and tricks with ease.

Breed of the Month--Puli

Puli

Color:  Black, white, shades of gray
Height:  Males:  15.5-18 inches/  Females:  14-16.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  28-33 lbs/  Females:  22-28.5 lbs
Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation.

Coat:  Double coat, weather resistant.  Dense, soft undercoat.  Dense, fine, soft, coarse, long curly outercoat.  Adult outercoat naturally forms cords.
Country of Origin:  Hungary

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

Western European sheepherding dogs eventually found their way into Hungary and began breeding with native dogs.  Many wars ravaged the country of Hungary and nearly extinct the Puli.  Emil Raitsits recognized the breed's herding value and began reconstructing the breed in the early 1900s.  Care was taken to preserve the breed's coat, size, and color.  Originally four sized of Puli existed; the most versatile middle size Puli is the true breed of today.

The coat of the Puli helps protect him from the outside elements, predators, and livestock.  The Puli still watches over livestock today, as well as excelling at agility and therapy work.  The Puli makes an exceptional watchdog as he is always focused and interested in getting the job done.  Once the Puli trusts you, you will have a friend for life.  If properly socialized from puppyhood, the Puli will get along with all kinds of other dogs, animals, and people.

Exercise:
The Puli will most likely engage in destructive behavior if not given a daily job to do.  The Puli needs plenty of regular exercise to stay happy.  Puli owners are encouraged to participate in trials and herding tests to give the dog an activity, or "job," to do.

Grooming:
Pulis shed very little.  After 6 months of age the hair will become long enough to form into cords.  Once a Puli has fully corded, coat maintenance is fairly easy.  One must only take a little time to occasionally separate and trim the cords.  Pulis do need regular bathes but can sometimes take a long time to dry, even a day or two.  The coat must only be brushed often if cording is not desired.

Training:
Using positive reinforcement training is a quick easy way to train a Puli.  This breed is eager to please and very responsive.  Early socialization is important to help the breed stay self-confident as an adult.

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--American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier
(APBT)

Color:  Any color, combination, pattern (excluding merle)
Height:  18-22 inches
Weight:  Males:  35-60 lbs/  Females:  30-50 lbs
Life Span:  about 12 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, heart problems, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, cataracts, bloat, hypothyroidism.


Coat:  Close, smooth, stiff, glossy
Country of Origin:  United States

Descended from mastiff-type dogs, the American Pit Bull Terrier was developed from bull and terrier type dogs to catch and hold wild game for hunters, and used to manage bulls by butchers.  The APBT was popular in bear and bullbaiting until it was outlawed in 1835.

Athletic, intelligent, strong, and tenacious, the American Pit Bull Terrier gained notoriety over the years for his affectionate nature with his family and his loyalty.  The breed became increasingly popular in the United States as a hunting and guard dog.

The breed's name was officially changed to the American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898.  The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier have been bred independently for more than 50 years.  

The many dogs labeled "Pit Bulls" are very powerful dogs that need proper training and socialization.  Please do not get this breed if you are not willing to put in a large amount of work in training and basic obedience.  The "Pitbull" has gained a very bad reputation in the United States over the years as being a vicious, unruly dog that attacks for no reason.  This happens because many, MANY people who get a powerful breed such as the American Pit Bull Terrier do not raise the breed correctly, and end up adding to the stereotype.  I have witnessed this problem first hand many times.  When considering adding a dog to your family, you must consider what breed is the right one for you and your family.  It is not about what you think might look cool or that everyone else has.  Please do your research before considering adding any power breed to your family.  Do not add to the problem!  We need American Pit Bull Terrier owners who will take responsibility and raise a power breed to be a well-socialized, calm, balanced member of society.

Visit the Pit Bull Awareness Coalition to get the real fact on many power breed myths.

When comparing the APBT to the AmStaff (American Staffordshire Terrier), it is noted that the APBT is more energetic.  There are very few differences in the two breeds, and many people and organizations consider them basically the same.  The APBT is larger in height and appears to have a more pronounced, slightly wider-looking nose.  

Exercise:

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a high-energy breed that requires an extreme amount of exercise. The APBT requires several fast-paced walks each day to keep him from developing destructive behaviors.  The APBT also requires a large amount of mental exercise to keep him happy and healthy.

Grooming:

The coat of the American Pit Bull Terrier is easily cared for with regular brushing and bathing.

Training:

It is important to learn to read the body language of the American Pit Bull Terrier (or any power breed).  This is one of many reasons I do not recommend them for a first time dog owner.  Smart and responsive, the APBT will excel at training when proper positive reinforcement techniques are used.  Socialization from early puppyhood throughout his life is vitally important to raising a well balanced American Pit Bull Terrier.

Breed of the Month--American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

A.K.A. "AmStaff"

Color:  All colors: solid, patched, particolor
Height:  Males:  18-19 inches/  Females:  17-18 inches
Weight:  57-67 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, cataracts, cancer, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism spinocerebellar ataxia, hives, congenital heart disease, progressive retinal atrophy.

Coat:  Close, stiff, short, glossy
Country of Origin:  United States

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

Descended from mastiff-type dogs, the AmStaff was developed from bull and terrier type dogs to catch and hold wild game for hunters, and used to manage bulls by butchers.  The American Staffordshire Terrier was popular in bear and bullbaiting until it was outlawed in 1835.

Athletic, intelligent, strong, and tenacious, the American Staffordshire Terrier gained notoriety over the years for his affectionate nature with his family and his loyalty.  The breed became increasingly popular in the United States as a hunting and guard dog.

The AmStaff is adept at guarding, hunting, herding and weight pulling.  This breed can be aggressive towards other dogs if not properly socialized and trained.  The AmStaff is a very powerful breed and I would not necessarily recommend them for the first time dog owner.  Properly raised, the AmStaff is a wonderful breed and holds a special place in my own heart.  As soon as my family has really settled into our new lives in Maui, Hawaii, we will be looking to adopt an American Staffordshire Terrier (or more likely a mixed dog with this breed) to add to our pack.

The many dogs labeled "Pit Bulls" are very powerful dogs that need proper training and socialization.  Please do not get this breed if you are not willing to put in a large amount of work in training and basic obedience.  The "Pitbull" has gained a very bad reputation in the United States over the years as being a vicious, unruly dog that attacks for no reason.  This happens because many, MANY people who get a powerful breed such as the AmStaff do not raise the breed correctly, and end up adding to the stereotype.  I have witnessed this problem first hand many times.  When considering adding a dog to your family, you must consider what breed is the right one for you and your family.  It is not about what you think might look cool or that everyone else has.  Please do your research before considering adding any power breed to your family.  Do not add to the problem!  We need AmStaff owners who will take responsibility and raise a power breed to be a well-socialized, calm, balanced member of society.

Visit the Pit Bull Awareness Coalition to get facts on many power breed myths.

When comparing the AmStaff with the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), it is noted that the AmStaff is more friendly with children and people in general.  There are very few differences in the two breeds, and many people and organizations consider them basically the same.  The AmStaff is generally shorter, seemingly smaller, and generally has a slimmer-looking nose.

Exercise:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a high-energy breed that requires an extreme amount of exercise. The AmStaff requires several fast-paced walks each day to keep him from developing destructive behaviors.  The AmStaff also requires a large amount of mental exercise to keep him happy and healthy.

Grooming:
The coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier is easily cared for with regular brushing and bathing.

Training:
It is important to learn to read the body language of the AmStaff.  This is one of many reasons I do not recommend them for a first time dog owner.  Smart and responsive, the AmStaff will excel at training when proper positive reinforcement techniques are used.  Socialization from early puppyhood throughout his life is vitally important to raising a well balanced AmStaff.