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--Beagle

Beagle

Color:  Any hound color.  No liver or solid colors.
Height:  13-16 inches (2 varieties)
Weight:  22-35 lbs
Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hypothyroidism, heart problems, epilepsy, glaucoma, Chinese Beagle syndrome, and Beagle Pain Syndrome.

Coat:  Medium length, weatherproof, close, hard, dense coat.
Country of Origin:  Great Britain

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


A British breed, the Beagle dates as far back as the Celts.  Beagles were used in Wales and the British Isles for hunting hares.  As fox hunting popularity rose and rabbit hunting fell, the breed became less popular.  It was saved by small farmers in southern England that still used the breed to help supplement their diets with rabbit.  The breed was brought to the United States around the 1880s and quickly gained popularity.

With his small size, charming personality, and keen nose, the Beagle has ranked in the Top 5 most popular dogs to own for several years in the United States.  The Beagle was even the inspiration for the character Snoopy, by cartoonist Charles Schulz.

Although friendly and a cute size, the Beagle is still a hunting dog.  He was bred to use his voice, as all Hound dog breeds do.  Beagles do not generally like being left alone either.  These are things one should consider if thinking of adding a dog of this breed to your home.


Exercise:
The Beagle is a hunter by nature and loves to use his nose.  Plenty of regular daily exercise is required to keep this breed happy.  A walk around several blocks or a hike in the woods, it does not matter to the Beagle, as long as he gets to explore.

Grooming:
The short hair and small size of the Beagle make him easy to keep clean.  Regular baths will keep him smelling his best (as many hunting breeds like to find stinky dead things).  The eyes and ears must be kept clean and free of debris.

Training:
Using positive reinforcement training combined with treat-based rewards is important for training a Beagle.  The Beagle can be quite stubborn at times, but is highly food motivated.  Keep your Beagle engaged in training by using high-value rewards.  Once your Beagle learns a new skill, he will quickly be ready to move onto a more difficult task.

Breed of the Month--Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Color:  Various shades of golden or cream.
Height:  Males:  22-24 inches/  Females:  20-22.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  65-75 lbs/  Females:  55-70 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, sub aortic stenosis, and progressive retinal atrophy.  

Coat:  Double coat.  Firm, dense, water-repellant outer coat...straight or wavy.  Ruff neck with good undercoat.
Country of Origin:  Great Britain


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


Although yellow retriever have always been present in the breed line, the fashion in England in the 1850s was for black-colored Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.  Sir Dudley Majoribanks is credited with developing the separate breed in the late 1800s.  The history of creating the Golden Retriever includes mixing such breeds as Labradors, red setters, possibly the Bloodhound, and Tweed Water Spaniels (now extinct).  Majoribanks worked for 20 years to refine the light-colored hunting dog, but it wasn't until the 1920s that the breed got its name we now know, the Golden Retriever.  The Golden Retriever came to North America in the 1920s, but did not really gain popularity until the 1970s.  


Easygoing and lovable, the Golden Retriever has become one of the most popular breeds to own.  Goldens are smart, sociable, and want to please.  This breed gets along well with other breeds, other animals, and children.  A versatile dog that loves to learn, Goldens are often sought after by service dog organizations.




Exercise:
The Golden Retriever requires plenty of regular exercise throughout his life, but especially as a puppy.  Goldens love to swim, run, hunt, and play.  As long as you find a suitable daily exercise activity, your Golden will be happy.

Grooming:
The coat of the Golden Retriever requires regular brushing several times a week.  His long, wavy hair must be kept free of dirt and debris.  The ears on the Golden can be prone to infection and therefore should be cleaned regularly.  







Training:
Proven by its ever-growing popularity, the Golden Retriever is one of the most easily trainable breeds.  Training using positive reinforcement methods will quickly lead you to a happy, well-behaved companion.

Breed of the Month--Irish Setter

Irish Setter

Color:  Rich chestnut red with no trace of black, may have white markings.
Height:  Males:  23-27 inches/  Females:  21.5-25 inches
Weight:  Males:  70-75 lbs/  Females:  60-65 lbs
Life Span:  11-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Arthritis, canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), bloat, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), osteosarcoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and von Willebrand disease.

Coat:  Straight, flat, with feathering, moderate length.
Country of Origin:  Ireland

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.
Also see our previous post on Sporting Breeds.

The exact origins of the Irish Setter are not known, but the breed is believed to be developed from pointers, setters, and spaniels.  These dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and were bred to locate birds and hold their position instead of chasing.  The unique abilities of this breed made it highly sought after in the 18th century for hunting and tracking.  The magnificent color of the dog's coat gained it popularity in the show ring in the 19th century.  The Irish Red Setter Club was formed in 1882 in Ireland.  The Irish Setter was brought to the United States in the late 1800s and the breeds popularity again grew.  A few years later, an overwhelming demand for Irish Setter puppies decreased its breed popularity.  US breeders took that opportunity to recover the breeds better traits and reemphasize its qualities as a field and show dog.

The Irish Setter is an intelligent, loving, and enthusiastic companion.  Admired by many for his beauty and grace, the Irish Setter has an upbeat happy-go-lucky personality and makes friends easily.


Exercise:
The Irish Setter is a very high energy breed and requires lots of daily exercise.  This breed needs at least two good hour long walks per day, plus plenty of other time to run, hunt, and explore.  This is a breed for a high energy, active person.  This breed excels at agility, obedience, hunting tests, and even pet therapy.

Grooming:
The beautiful red coat of the Irish Setter requires regular brushing.  Show dogs must be professional groomed.  Special care should be noted in taking care of his long ears that may become infected if not kept clean.

Training:
The Irish Setter is eager to please, but his enthusiasm can make long sessions difficult.  Short, positive, reward-based training sessions are recommended.  This breed is very intelligent but extra care must often be taken to keep his attention.

Breed of the Month--Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees

Color:  White, white with gray, reddish-brown, badger, tan markings.

Height:  Males:  27-32 inches/  Females: 25-29.5 inches

Weight:  Males:  110 lbs minimum/ Females:  88 lbs minimum

Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Bloat, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, factor XI deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, and skin problems.

Coat:  Double coat, weather-resistant.  Dense, woolly, ding undercoat.  Long, thick, flat outercoat.

Country of Origin:  France

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

Separating Spain and France, the Pyrenees mountain inhabitants earn their living by tending flocks of sheep, cows, and other livestock.  Although the exact origin of the breed is unknown, the Great Pyrenees dogs have worked protecting livestock in this area for centuries.  This gentle giant is completely reliable with his flock or herd, and is ever sure-footed in the mountains.  Many Great Pyrenees pups are raised within their flock or herd from puppyhood.

The Great Pyrenees is devoted to his family, gentle, and trustworthy.  Bred to be suspicious of strangers, it is vitally important that this breed is properly socialized at a young age and throughout his life.  

I had the pleasure of having a Great Pyrenees neighbor.  She was one of the most gentle and loving dogs I have ever met and got along well with everyone, from adults to children, and other animals.  I feel blessed having known such a fabulous dog.

Exercise:

The breed's desire to patrol his territory may sometimes get the best of him; it is therefore important that the breed be kept on leash or in a fenced area during exercise.  Although the Great Pyrenees is a very large breed, he does not require excessive exercise.  Two to three good walks per day will satisfy his exercise needs.  It is most helpful to find some sort of "job" for this breed to do.  He will be well satisfied to guard the property or family.

Grooming:

The Great Pyrenees's coat will require almost daily brushing.  The coat was designed to protect this breed in all types of weather, and should never be shaved.  The hair around the toes should be occasionally trimmed and extra care must be taken to keep his face clean and wiped free of drool.  

Training:

If training the Great Pyrenees for guarding or herding, training will be easy.  In other aspects of training, the Great Pyrenees can be stubborn and requires a persistent and patient trainer.  This breed will not respond to harsh training methods.  Positive reinforcement training is best.

Breed of the Month--Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Color:  Chestnut markings on white background (Blenheim), tricolor, rube, black and tan.

Height:  12-13 inches

Weight:  11-18 lbs

Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Chiari-like malformation (CM), syringomyelia (SM).

Coat:  Long, silky coat of moderate length, feathering, straight or slightly wavy.

Country of Origin:  Great Britain

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

Toy spaniels were first developed as hunters is Great Britain.  By the 1500s, the dogs were no longer hunters and became companions of the wealthy.  King Charles I and King Charles II both adored and kept the breed in the 1600s.  The name of the breed was derived from King Charles II.

The breed was crossed with the Japanese Chin and Pugs during the Victorian era, but eventually came back to its original "Blenheim Spaniel" look in the 1920s when American Roswell Eldridge offered money to breeders to bring the breed back to its "old style."  Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944, the breed has gained extreme popularity over fast few decades.  Famous admires of the breed include President Ronald Reagan and Princess Margaret of England.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good natured dog that enjoys the company of others.  This breed is large enough to go on adventures with his family, but still small enough to fit comfortably into your lap.  The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally well-behaved, and a calm, loving member of his family.  This breed is extremely people oriented and does not generally like being left alone.  The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is great with all people, including children, and other pets.

Exercise:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a high energy dog, but still requires regular daily walks.  This breed will easily adapt to the activity level of his family.  He enjoys playtime and regular outings, but can also be content to sit at home and relax with his family.

Grooming:

The coat of the Cavalier is easily kept clean and nice with regular brushing a few times per week.

Training:

Although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may sometimes need extra help with potty training, this breed is generally easily trained.  The Cavalier is eager to please and will be easily trained using positive reinforcement methods.  I highly recommend this breed to anyone!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Wicket.

Wicket is a very sweet girl that definitely aims to please during training.

Wicket & her mom practicing some training.