Posts tagged "Dogs101"

Dog Breed Name: Schipperke

Personality: "Truly a big dog in a small body," says Melanie Coronetz, author of "Schipperkes: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual." "Schips have attitude. They're alert, active, loyal, inquisitive, clever -- and often stubborn."

On its website, the American Kennel Club uses adjectives like "enthusiastic, joyful and sometimes willful" to describe this tail-less, headstrong breed. "The Dog Breed Bible" notes that Schipperkes were often kept as boat dogs and the name translates roughly to "Little Captain." They are "happiest when on the lookout for adventure."

Grooming: Brush the coat daily, the teeth weekly, and clean out the ears "periodically," Coronetz recommends. ("The Dog Breed Bible" allows for a more lenient, weekly coat-brushing regimen, with more grooming needed when the dog is shedding.) A Schip bonus: They're odor-free and "don't need frequent baths," Coronetz says. "I bathe mine twice a year when they're 'blowing coat' to help get rid of the dead undercoat."

Dog Breed Name: French Bulldog

Personality: Joyce E. Baker, a breeder and founder of Forever French Bulldogs in Tallahassee, Fla., notes that the breed "loves attention," but also lists "happy, playful, loyal, inquisitive" as their more admirable, endearing qualities. The American Kennel Club notes on its website that French bulldogs are "often described as 'a clown in the cloak of philosopher.'"

Grooming: Only "an occasional bath and brushing" are coat-keeping requirements, says Baker. However, because of a the French bulldog's odd physical attributes, you'll need to do some maintenance around the head and face. "Ear cleaning is necessary," Baker says, and "some Frenchies will need their facial wrinkles wiped out and their noses rubbed with petroleum jelly to prevent drying and cracking."

Common Health Issues: Again, the physical peculiarities of French bulldogs can make for special circumstances. One term with which an owner will become quite familiar is brachycepahly, also known as flat-head syndrome, a recurring characteristic of the breed. What does this mean for a French bulldog's well being? Says Baker, "Their short face puts them at higher risk during anesthesia. They are also prone to allergies." Then there's that short spine of theirs, which may result in hip and spine problems. Because of all this, regular vet visits and proper diet and exercise (less is more) are a must. "The Dog Breed Bible" notes a lifespan of 9 to 11 years.

Dog Breed: Gordon Setter

Personality: When Jan Ruggles, manager of the Nodrog Gordon Setter Club of Michigan's website, recently polled the club's members for words that best describe the personality of a Gordon setter, the three most popular responses were friendly, loving and loyal. The American Kennel Club says on its website, "the Gordon setter was originally bred as a personal bird dog, but they are equally at home as companion dogs."

Grooming: Nothing too fancy or arduous is needed. Most of Ruggles's survey-takers advocate "regular" brushing, which to many meant daily, but a few suggested brushings could occur as seldom as once every one or even two weeks. "The Dog Breed Bible" falls somewhere in the middle, advocating "brushing every two to three days." Otherwise, give baths on an as-needed basis (which probably won't be more than a few times per year) and always keep an eye out "to make sure no nasty mats are forming," as these are best dealt with as soon as possible.

Common Health Issues: Nodrog's members note cancer and bloat as two ailments that seem to occur in Gordons more often than other breeds. "The Dog Breed Bible," on the other hand, notes only bloat (aka "gastric torsion") and hip dysplasia as concerns, and gives a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

What do you get when you take one New York City photographer and 170 precocious and well-coiffed show dogs? A photo book packed with some of the most expressive furry mugs we've ever seen. Sharpshooter Kate Lacey shares with us what it was like to corral and capture hundreds of canines on film to make "Show Dogs: A Photographic Breed Guide."

What inspired you to create this book?
In 2005, "Life" magazine asked me to photograph the dogs at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. As a photographer, I'm frequently asked, "What has been your favorite shoot?" For years, without hesitation, I'd say that assignment. I knew I had to turn the project into a book.

How challenging was it to round up so many breeds?
I was a little naive when I started this project. I had 16 portraits from the first Westminster show. The book's editor and I thought we'd need to attend maybe one or two more dog shows to reach our ultimate goal of profiling 170 breeds across seven categories, from toy breeds to herding dogs. Over a year later, after traveling to countless shows in multiple states, we eventually did it, but the process wasn't easy. The closer we got to our goal, the more difficult it became to find the less common breeds.

Name: Pharaoh Hound

Personality: "Pharaoh hounds are intelligent, inquisitive, independent and energetic," says Nelle Wyatt, LVMT, CPDT-KA at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (and a proud pharaoh-hound owner). The American Kennel Club likewise says, "friendly and playful, the pharaoh hound is affectionate with its family." Wyatt adds, "Occasionally, individuals may be aloof until they befriend strangers."

Grooming: As a breed without odor problems and with a "short, glossy coat," as described by the AKC, "pharaoh hound grooming is easy," Wyatt proclaims. "Frequent bathing is not necessary. In between baths, wiping with a damp cloth or grooming mitt is usually sufficient to keep shedding down and keep their coats looking pretty."

Common Health Issues: "Pharaoh hounds are genetically clear for serious problems," says Wyatt, although she notes that, in her line of work, "We do see senior thyroid problems, occasional IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] and Addison's disease, as well as luxating patellas in some lines."

Training Tips: "Hounds in general can be more of a training challenge due to their genetic hunting drive," Wyatt says. The good news about pharaoh hound training in particular is that they are, "very intelligent and seem to want to please their people." Wyatt advocates reward-based training techniques not just as a personal preference, but as a pharaoh-hound necessity. "They do not respond well to force and tend to 'shut down' or show avoidance behaviors to communicate to their trainer that the techniques are inappropriate." Wyatt especially recommends "great caution with off-leash work until the dog has been proofed many times."

Name: Irish Wolfhound

Personality: There is an old Irish proverb, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) website, that best describes this unique and robust breed: "Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked." But relax -- that just means that IWs, anciently bred for duties like hunting and castle-guarding, still like to "instinctively give chase to fleeing prey." In fact, the AKC is quick to add, family-friendliness has likewise been in this breed's blood since as far back as 391 A.D. Though, they add, an IW could be counted on to "play with their [master's] children and lay quietly by the fire as family friends."

The second edition of the "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds," by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., calls the Irish wolfhound "the gentle giant... soft-natured, easygoing" while "gentle and kind" is how Beverly C. Little, secretary of the Irish Wolfhound Club of Puget Sound, chooses to describe IWs. "The IW is very people-oriented," Little explains -- meaning "its" people, not just any people. Loyalty is a key and prized aspect of an Irish wolfhound's appealing personality.

Grooming: Don't be put off by the IW's shaggy-dog appearance; this is still a relatively low-maintenance breed. The dog's double coat -- "to keep cold and rain out," Little explains -- needs only "a good combing/brushing at least weekly... to keep him tidy," she says. Of course, "more is better, especially in the spring and summer," while a bath may only be required "when he needs it, to keep him socially acceptable." The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds recommends that just a couple more steps be taken, including "occasional slight scissoring to neaten up straggly hairs" and hand-stripping twice yearly.

Dog Breed Name: Keeshond

Personality: "Clownlike" is how Karen Staats, vice president of the Sandalfoot Keeshond Club of Central Florida, describes the keeshond (plural: keeshonden), because "they can be pretty goofy, they are always happy, and they love to make the people around them happy." Similarly, the American Kennel Club describes the Netherlands-descended keeshond as being "an affectionate, good-natured companion, outgoing and friendly with people and other dogs."

Don't, though, equate silliness with a lack of intelligence. "Even through their goofy behavior, the keeshond is an extremely intelligent breed," Staats says. "They are both beautiful and very smart."

Grooming: Staats recommends a "full grooming" -- bath, blow dry and brush -- "at least once a month," and both the AKC and "The Dog Breed Bible," by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., suggest a wice-weekly brushing regimen.

Common Health Issues: "Keeshonden are generally a very healthy breed," Staats says. "Though congenital health issues are not common, the conditions which have been known to sometimes occur in keeshonden are hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, epilepsy, Cushing's disease, and hypothyroidism." "The Dog Breed Bible" notes a longer-than-average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

Name: Standard Schnauzer

Personality: Do a search on "the dog with the human brain" and you'll find many references to the standard schnauzer; it's what owners of this breed love to say about their whip-smart companions.

Diane R. Mitchell, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Standard Schnauzer Club (GPSSC), describes this breed's brand of intellect as "very interested in what is going on around them," while Mary Lu and Bob Quehl, vice president and treasurer, respectively, of the GPSSC, explain that "standard schnauzers are unique in their problem-solving ability, intelligence and sense of humor in interactions with us and other standard schnauzers."

That working-breed awareness and intelligence makes them popular as "therapy, service and search and rescue dogs," according to the American Kennel Club website, which also calls the SS "sociable and affectionate."

Grooming: The list of hygiene needs for this breed and its "harsh, wiry coat," as described by the AKC, certainly isn't short. But given the pride most SS owners take in their dog's distinct appearance, you'll likely want to abide by "daily brushing, regular bathing of their beards, coats and furnishings, cleaning ears and trimming nails on a regular basis," which is what the Quehls list as grooming necessities. Stripping and scissoring of the coat is also required "to maintain their hallmark appearance."

Golden Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs in the country, according to the American Kennel Club, but even longtime fans of the dogs don't necessarily know all about golden's breeding and history. We asked dog breeder and trainer Chris Miele of Cross Creek Goldens, to tell us what he loves most about the dog and to put our knowledge to the test.

"For me, they are the ideal dog. They have a wonderful sense of play, a fun sense of humor and they set a perfect example for us on how to behave," Miele tells Paw Nation. Think you've got the goods on goldens? Take our quiz to find out!

Dog Breed: Shetland Sheepdog

Personality: Praise is heaped upon this herding breed, which the American Kennel Club describes on its website as "a working collie in miniature." The site also notes that the Shetland sheepdog "is alert, intensely loyal... known as a devoted, docile dog with a keen sense of intelligence and understanding."

The second edition of the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, by D. Caroline Doile, Ph.D., says, "The Shetland sheepdog is extremely bright, extremely sensitive, and extremely willing to please."

Meanwhile, Karen Peak, member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and developer of the Safe Kids/Safe Dogs Project, says, "This breed can be a fantastic companion. A good Sheltie has been described as loyal, intelligent, hard working, sensitive." Despite all the praise, many expert sources, including Peak and the AKC, note the Shelties' reputation as being shy, wary, reserved or aloof around strangers.

Grooming: The Sheltie's double coat does shed, which means "a good brushing once a week," Peak says, "with frequency increased during shedding periods and baths when needed to keep the coat looking good." She warns against cutting back on shedding problems by shaving your Sheltie: "Shaving does not do anything to lessen shedding; it just makes the shedding hair shorter."

Dog Breed: Japanese Chin

Personality: The Japanese Chin is a curious canine -- very catlike, in fact, says Carla Ryan, founder and president of the Japanese Chin of the Carolinas Club. The breed is very mature-acting for a toy breed, not known for being hyperactive or yappy. Most of all, a Japanese Chin exhibits devotion and loyalty. The American Kennel Club (AKC) warmly describes the Japanese Chin as "bright, alert and playful" and "a sensitive and intelligent breed whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion."

Grooming: Because Japanese Chins can "spend hours grooming themselves or each other," says Ryan, they are "very much a wash-and-wear type of dog." She recommends just the "occasional bath and brush-out, which they can be trained easily to accept." (The AKC specifics that "twice-weekly brushing" is ideal for their "silky and flowing coat.") Special care should be taken with the Chin's large eyes, says Ryan. If one of them get scratched, "immediate vet care should be sought." (An insider tip: "Chin breeders have on hand at all times triple antibiotic ophthalmic eye ointment to use before getting to vet," says Ryan. But check with your own vet to make sure that's appropriate choice for your dog.)

Common Health Issues: Ryan lists the Chin's common ailments as heart murmurs, collapsed trachea, food allergies, luxating patellas, umbilical hernias, cleft palates, dry mouths and cataracts. Find a reputable breeder, however, and "your dog can live a long and happy life," Ryan says. She also recommends finding a vet with some experience treating Japanese Chins. (You'd be surprised how many have never seen one!).

Dog Breed: Maltese

Personality: "The Maltese is a sweet, loving little dog, who wants to be wherever its owner is," says Mary Palmer, president of Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc., located in Racine, Wis., a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing Maltese nationwide. "If Maltese cannot be with you, they want to know why. They are affectionate and intelligent almost to a fault." On its website, the American Kennel Club describes the Maltese as "gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playfyul and fearless."

Grooming: Because of the Maltese's coat -- which is naturally long, flowing and snowy-white, a gorgeous trait that ranks the Maltese as "an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries," according to the AKC -- "grooming is a top priority," Palmer says. Most Maltese owners will keep their dogs' coats maintained in some kind of puppy cut, she says. "A visit to the groomer every six to eight weeks is important, and grooming in between visits is a must."

Dog Breed: Norwich Terrier

Personality: "One can sum up the Norwich terrier personality as human-centric, gregarious and curious," says Magda Omansky, who sits on the board of directors of the Norwich Terrier Club of America and is a breeder in Murray Hill, N.J. at Dig-n-Pop Norwich Terriers. On its website, the American Kennel Club describes this dog in more integrity-driven terms, saying it "has good substance and is an eager worker" and is "fearless and loyal." Above everything else, these little terriers love the company of people. "A Norwich greets everyone as a long lost friend," Omansky says, "and the more attention he can draw out in return, the better."

Grooming: "The seemingly easy, wash-and-go appearance of the Norwich terrier is deceiving," Omansky warns. "The coat requires stripping by experienced terrier groomers." Simply shearing or cutting the coat, she says, will remove the pigmented tips of a Nowich terrier's fur, so you might inadvertently wind up changing the color of your dog! (But you can take care of brushing at home, says the AKC, and doing so will help maintain a high-quality coat.) A Norwich terrier's coat, properly maintained by an experienced terrier groomer, has the added benefit of "not requiring frequent bathing," Omansky says.

Common Health Issues: Although it is a hardy breed with relatively few health problems, Norwich terriers are prone to upper airway syndrome (UAS), an anatomical obstruction in the airway that most often involves an elongated soft palate and everted laryngeal saccules. The severity of this condition, Omansky says, "varies from very mild, where the dog might be reluctant to exercise in hot weather, to severe, where the dog's quality of life is seriously compromised." A surgical correction is usually very successful, but limiting the dog's exposure to hot temperatures and keeping it fit and in good weight might be all that is needed to keep this condition in check, Omansky says.

Dog Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Personality: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA) describes the breed's personality as "outgoing, alert, active, and very people-oriented," stressing the corgi's need to be "involved with your family or in some kind of work."

Like other dogs bred for herding livestock, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is very "intelligent and trainable, but they are also easily bored and do not do well if confined in the backyard with little human contact." The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that the Pembroke Welsh corgi "responds well to training," making the breed "an avid competitor in many dog sports, including conformation, herding and obedience."

Grooming: These hardy dogs have a medium-length double coat that consists of a short, water-resistant undercoat and a longer outer coat. The PWCCA refers to it as a "shedding coat." Lindy Bezdek of North Texas Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fanciers puts it a little more bluntly, "They shed. A lot."

Common Health Issues: As a true achondroplastic (dwarf) breed, according to the PWCCA, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is built like normal-sized dogs and thus avoids some of the health issues present in other small breeds. A study conducted by the PWCCA found that the most common issues to look out for in corgis are hip dysplasia, cancer, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Dog Breed: Italian Greyhound, aka IG

Personality: "IGs are homebodies and bed warmers first," says Lynette Coyner, corresponding secretary of the Italian Greyhound Club of America, "but do enjoy car rides, outings and even hiking. They are very affectionate and need their owners to return their affection. They can be wary of strangers and large dogs but are devoted to their owners and families." Not only are they highly attuned to their owners, IGs are also notably "playful and intelligent," according to the American Kennel Club.

Grooming: Because of their super-short hair, coat grooming is rarely an issue for IGs. Dental hygiene for this breed, however, does take up more time. "IGs are notorious for losing teeth at a young age due to gum recession and bad tartar build up," Coyner explains. "Brushing their teeth every day and yearly dental visits at your veterinarian's will help your Italian greyhound keep his or her teeth longer."

Common Health Issues: Besides the aforementioned dental problems, IGs carry increased risks of a number of unusual health concerns. For example, broken leg and tail bones are a heightened risk, Coyner says:. "Since the tail is long, thin and fine-boned, an excited IG wagging its tail against a wall or other hard surfaces can result in a broken tail." Because of the breed's slight build and fine coat, frostbite may also be a problem depending on where you live.

IGs are also prone to suffering from progressive retinal atrophy. However, unique to this breed, it can sometimes lead to blindness at an age as young as 2 years. Cataracts, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases may also occur. For these types of conditions, the best prevention that Coyner recommends is "purchasing an Italian greyhound from a careful, responsible and knowledgeable breeder who does health testing on the sire and dam before breeding."