Breed of the Month--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 they 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.  These dogs are very attracted to water, and will gladly swim in any body of water.  Springers are good with kids but 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.  And of course swimming is always a favorite for the Springer!

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, swimming, and anything else the owner might want to do.  Springers need good socialization from an early age.

Water!  Yippy!

I will bring this to you because I love you.

Our oldest dog, Nekita, is a Springer Spaniel/ Lab mix.  She most definitely exhibits the love of the water from both breeds!  Nekita's most favorite thing in all the world to do is go swimming.  Nekita also exhibits the Springer Spaniel's breed characteristic of being very happy-go-lucky.  Most Springer Spaniels or Springer mixes I have come across tend to be very happy dogs that enjoy meeting new people and playing with new friends.  Nekita is also very attached to the person she first bonded with, me.  

Here is Nekita (right), our Springer Spaniel mix,

playing with some friends at the beach.

Someone please throw this ball!

Breed of the Month--the DEVO mix.

For this month's Breed of the Month, I wanted to highlight our new puppy, DEVO, who is a mix of Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua.  Although both of these breeds have been in previous posts, I felt the need to redo them with a fresh reminder of the breeds in my own home.  DEVO is currently 5 months old.

DEVO definitely has the Miniature Pinscher coloring, but his legs and eyes have more of a Chihuahua look.  As some of you may know, I am a HUGE fan of mutts!  Even though we do the Breed of the Month focusing on Purebred Breeds, I highly recommend adopting a mutt of several breeds for your next dog.  Why?  The fact is...ONE IN FOUR purebred dogs will have some sort of genetic health problem.  Mutts tend to be healthier over all, and usually also tend to have less behavioral problems.  So I present to you, our newest pack member, DEVO...

DEVO's first pack walk (with Nekita & Caravaggio).

DEVO's first day at the beach.

Since he looks most like the Miniature Pinscher, let's start with that...

Miniature Pinscher

Color:  Black with rust markings, stage red, solid red, chocolate or fawn with rust markings.
Height:  10-12.5 inches
Weight:  9-13 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more

Breed Health Concerns:  Epilepsy, heart problems, patellar lunation, Legg-Calve-Perthes, eye problems, cervical disk problems.

Coat:  Dense, close, smooth, shiny, straight, short
Country of Origin:  Germany

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

Although this breed looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, the two breeds are actually not related.  The Miniature Pinscher comes from breeds including:  Italian Greyhounds, terriers, Dachshunds.  The breed comes from the word "pinscher," which refers to the way the dogs actually attack vermin.  The dog literally pinches his prey.  The "Min Pin" is the top toy breed in Italy, Holland, and Denmark.

It is important to properly socialize this breed and to not allow him to get too spoiled.  The Min Pin is a fun-loving, self-assured dog that bonds very quickly with his family.  This breed does enjoy using his voice and can become a real behavior problem if not properly trained and managed.

Exercise:
The Miniature Pinscher enjoys getting exercise by accompanying his owners anywhere, as much as possible.  He also enjoys draining mental and physical energy with obedience and agility.  A short walk each day will be enough exercise for this toy breed.

Because DEVO is still a puppy, he has plenty of energy and still needs lots of exercise (usually followed by a nap).  DEVO definitely has the characteristics of following me around.  He is always on my heel following me around the house or out on the leash.  DEVO has also learned to enjoy car rides and meeting new people and dogs wherever we are.  He is a very social dog.

Grooming:
The Min Pin coat is easily cared for with occasional brushing and rub downs.  Keep the face clean.

DEVO does shed, but brushing does very little to help the process at this point.  This is typically true of most puppies of any breed.  We are currently brushing him to get him used to the process of being groomed so that when the brush will actually do some good, he is already used to it and sits well.

Training:
This little dog is athletic and able; he does not need to be carried around everywhere he goes.  In fact, it is better for the dog to walk alongside his owner than to be carried by him.  Socialization is important and training from puppyhood is key.  Short, reward-based, and motivational training sessions are best.

As is stats above, you should let your puppy walk, not carry them.  This is very important for small dogs.  Many small dogs can easily develop fear or anxious behaviors (its hard to be small and have everyone under the sun come right up to your face).  Dogs must learn how to be without being constantly coddled or protected by their owners.

This Min Pin (right) looks a lot like DEVO.

DEVO is very good in training.  He is very food motivated and will do anything for that reward.  We have kept his training sessions short and sweet, and DEVO has already learned all of Level One dog training items.

Now the other half...Chihuahua...

Chihuahua

Color:  Any color, short coat any color, long coat solid-colored markings/ solid color
Height:  6-9 inches
Weight:  Up to 6 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more

Breed Health Concerns:  eye problems, patellar lunation, seizure, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, pulmonary stenosis. 

Coat:  Long and short coat types, both types can be double or single coat...smooth, soft, silky
Country of Origin:  Mexico

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

The Chihuahua is the smallest and oldest breed on the American continent.  It is believed that travelers from Spain brought the beginnings of this breed, mixing them with hairless breeds, making the Chihuahua of today.  The Chihuahua is one of the most popular toy breeds today. 

The Chihuahua is affectionate, lively, playful, and alert.  He will bond quickly with his family and must be properly socialized so strangers will not intimidate and frighten him. 

Small and easy to transport, the Chihuahua is a favorite choice for many Americans.  It is important that even these small dogs still learn rules, boundaries, and basic manners.  Many people let these little dogs get away with a lot of bad behaviors because they think it looks cute or funny coming from such a small little dog.  It's not cute, and it's not funny!  It is very important to teach these dogs proper manners and socialization.  I have also found this breed to be very susceptible to anxiety.  The Chihuahua owner would do well to create a nice calm home life and give their dog plenty of regular exercise to keep this from becoming a problem.

Exercise:
The Chihuahua can be prone to short little bursts of energy.  An easy daily walk and following his owners around are usually enough exercise for this breed.  It is important to give the Chihuahua several little play sessions each day.

DEVO enjoys following us and the other dogs around and loves to play (then take a nap).

Grooming:
The shorthaired Chihuahua is easily kept clean with regular brushing and bathing.  The longhaired version needs more attention, including trimming.  All Chihuahuas must be kept clean around their eyes and ears.

DEVO has Chihuahua eyes and we must be sure to keep them clean and free from gunk.  

Training:
Positive, fun, upbeat training is necessary to keep the Chihuahua'a attention.  This breed can be difficult to potty training.  Never use punishment or harsh tones with this breed.  Socialization is especially important to keep the Chihuahua comfortable in all situations throughout his lifetime.

Although we are doing well with potty training, we have had some set-backs with DEVO.  But we are continuing to be consistent in taking him out and rewarding for proper elimination.  He is doing very well overall and I expect to be fully potty trained very soon.

Breed of the Month--Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound

Color:  All colors.

Height:  Males:  26-29 inches/ Females:  24-27 inches

Weight:  Males:  60lbs/ Females:  50lbs

Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, cataracts, chylothorax, bloat, hip dysplasia, and cancer.

Coat:  Fine, silky, and thick, with a top layer of long hair (may have lower jaw beard).

Country of Origin:  Afghanistan

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

This beautiful sight hound comes from Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.  The breed was created to be a guardian and protector to both livestock and humans alike.  The breed was developed to be an independent think, with a coat that withstand harsh environments, both cold and hot.  The Afghan Hound did not leave the region until the turn of the 20th century.  The breed is now prized all over the United States for his beauty and grace he shows in the competition ring.

Although the Afghan Hound has great beauty and grace, he is a goofball at heart.  The Afghan Hound is determined and athletic, and will follow his owner anywhere.  Because he is a dog that hunts by sight, care should be taken around smaller animals.  

Exercise:

Because the Afghan Hound was bred for hunting quick moving prey, this dog needs to get outside and get plenty of exercise often.   The Afghan Hound will thrive on some quality play time (in a secured area) along with several long walks a day.  

Grooming:

For a first-time Afghan Hound owner, a professional groomer is a must.  Because of their think coats, intensive grooming is required.  The coat of the Afghan can only be brushed after being washed so as not to damage the hair.  Extra care must be taken to ensure the dog's long ear hair stays out of food and water bowls.

Training:

Socialization at an early age is especially important to reduce the Afghan Hound's large prey drive.  Although very intelligent, the independent Afghan can be difficult to train.  For best training results, be sure to use positive-based training methods.  The Afghan Hound excels at many events including:  dog shows, agility, obedience, and lure coursing.

Breed of the Month--Miniature Bull Terrier

Miniature Bull Terrier

Color:  Pure white, white with markings, and color predominating

Height:  10-14 inches (no more than 14 inches)

Weight:  25-35 lbs

Life Span:  10-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  allergies, congenital deafness, primary lens luxation, mitral dysplasia, compulsive tail chasing, and subaortic stenosis.

Coat:  Harsh, flat, glossy, short; in winter a soft-textured undercoat may be present

Country of Origin:  England

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

As with its standard cousin, the Miniature Bull Terrier was originally created from bull and terrier breeds.  As stated in my previous post, the Bull Terrier breed was established by Englishman James Hinks in the 1850s by crossing a Bulldog with the white English Terrier (now extinct).  The Bull Terrier was bred for agility, tenacity, and endurance.

Bull Terriers ranged from as little as 3 pounds up to 50 pounds at one time.  The smaller version of the Bull Terrier with the same features of its larger-sized counterpart was admired by many breeders.  They continued breeding these smaller versions to make a more manageable house pet.  Although the Miniature Bull Terrier breed was shown in the United States in the early 1900s, the breed was not accepted by the American Kennel Club until 1991.

The best word to describe the Miniature Bull Terrier is ACTIVE.  This compact bundle of fun is playful and clownish.  This breed enjoys being the center of attention.  He is very protective of his family and must be "kept in check" so as not to become over-protective or aggressive.  Miniature Bull Terriers have a tendency to chew many objects, so it is important to train early and often and to keep valuables out of reach.

Exercise:
The Miniature Bull Terrier enjoys being part of the action, whatever it may be.  He requires a lot of regular daily physical and mental activity.  He enjoys games like fetch or finding an object.  He is energetic and playful and loves being active.

Grooming:
The Miniature Bull Terrier requires little, but regular grooming.  A hound glove and soft brush every now and then are sufficient to keep him looking and feeling great.  Special care must be taken to ensure his skin around the eyes and ear canals stay clean.

Training:
Properly socializing the Miniature Bull Terrier from puppyhood is essential.  This breed needs a firm leader using positive reinforcement and proper motivation to learn.  It is best to keep this breed's training sessions very short, sweet, and to the point.  His natural, silly nature makes him a great candidate for teaching fun tricks.

Such a cute little puppy.

Size comparison.

A Miniature Bull Terrier with a standard Bull Terrier.

Kool Dog Kuts, LLC

There is a fabulous new grooming team that has recently come to Maui.
I wanted to let everyone know about them.

Kool Dog Kuts, LLC
Full Service Doggie Salon & Spa
Kustom Kanine Stylists

Denise Fauth & Todd Gibbs
310-415-3806 / 310-683-8085
kooldogkuts@yahoo.com

I met these two fabulous people while working part time at West Maui Pet Supply.  They are on the West Side of Maui Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday (with some Saturdays), and at the Kihei Pet Supply store Monday & Tuesday.

This is Wickett & Gigi

Denise giving Gigi her pre-bath trim.

Bath time.

Kool Dog Kuts uses amazing whitening shampoo for these little guys!

Get that face clean too :)

Fluff dry off.

Gigi's post bath hair cut.

What a cutie pie!

Wickett drying off after her bath.

Wickett getting her post bath hair cut from Todd.

Wickett at home doing some training with mom after her haircut.

She's such a sweet girl.

Kool Dog Kuts grooming includes:  bath, nail trim, ear clean, and hair cut.

Prices vary on dog's size and breed.

Just a nail trim is $18.

Give them a call today to book your dog.  Watching them work has been a great experience.  The reason I am sharing their business with you is because I believe them to be good, honest, hard-working people that do a fabulous job at grooming.  I enjoy both Denise & Todd very much.  They are very experienced in grooming, and have a natural talent in dealing with dogs.  I would highly recommend them to you!  

If your dog has any grooming needs, please call them today!