Posts tagged "choosing a dog breed"

Dog Breed: Havanese

Personality: "Havanese are a happy, playful sort, with immense charm," says Susan Siver, a member of the Havanese Club of America's breeder directory committee. "They are a small dog in stature with a big-dog attitude, and they are very people-oriented." "The Dog Breed Bible" describes the Havanese as "a busy, curious dog. It loves to play and clown and is affectionate with its family, children, strangers, other dogs and pets. Basically everyone!"

Grooming: The Havanese's "wavy, silky coat is profuse," according to the American Kennel Club. It's a good thing that it's a nonshedding dog, and Havanese owners have options when it comes to "how much effort they want to put into maintaining a Havanese coat," Siver says. "A puppy cut, which most pet owners prefer, requires much less effort in brushing. However, there is still daily brushing involved."

Common Health Issues: This is a "relatively healthy" breed, Siver says, although particular concerns can include "cataracts, cherry eye, chondrodysplasia, deafness, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes, liver shunt and luxating patella."

Dog Breed: American Eskimo Dog

Personality: "Highly intelligent and eager to please" is how Thy Cavagnaro -- co-owner with her husband, Jimmy, of Atka the Eskie, a renowned performance and therapy American Eskimo Dog -- describes her breed of choice. "It adores its entire family, and often loves with its whole heart."

The American Kennel Club calls the American Eskimo Dog "alert and friendly," noting that they can make equally good watchdogs, showbiz dogs and competition dogs. "The Dog Breed Bible" describes them as "bright, eager to please, lively and fun-loving -- but also independent and tenacious."

Dog Breed Name: Norfolk Terrier

Personality: As "one of the smallest working terriers," these dogs more than make up for their small size with their active, energetic personalities. According to the American Kennel Club, "farmers and hunters admire the breed's gameness, loyalty and great charm," dubbing the Norfolk terrier a "perfect demon" in the field. The American Norfolk Terrier Association describes the Norfolk as "a tiny dynamo who seizes every opportunity to tackle the seemingly impossible." Often associated with Benji (the most famous Norfolk terrier of all), the canine phenom often appears on screen running full speed down a sidewalk on an independent mission of great import.

Grooming: The Norfolk terrier is equipped with a weather-resistant double coat, which "requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping," according to the AKC. The Norfolk Terrier Club advises that these dogs be "brushed or combed weekly" and their coat should be stripped twice yearly.

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.

Courteney Cox's daughter, Coco Riley, has been a good girl all year long, and at the top of her Christmas list is -- you guessed it -- a present with a pulse.

"She wants a puppy!" Cox tells People. "Which is unfortunate because we have two other dogs."

Luckily for Cox, she and Coco have already reached an agreement on one of the most basic terms. "All I said was 'No Chihuahuas!" Cox tells People. To which her daughter readily agreed, reportedly telling her mom, "No, they're just crazy!"

Now the "Cougar Town" star has a tough decision to make: Invest the time it takes to pick out the perfect puppy, or try to divert the 6-year-old's attention with an even more spectacular gift. It's a tough call, but an important one. Further compounding the already difficult decision is the fact that Cox recently split with her husband David Arquette. New puppies are a lot of responsibility even if you can afford to have help around the house. Maybe Cox should consult Paw Nation's guide to giving a pet before making her final decision.

One things for sure, Cox should put some serious thought into choosing a dog that will fit in with the family. Aside from the banned Chihuahua, what type of dog should Cox choose for Coco? Share your ideas in the comments below?

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Dog Breed: Tibetan Spaniel

Personality: "Tibetan spaniels are very independent dogs," says Deb Henson, a member of the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America who is renowned for her rescue work with the breed. Both she and the American Kennel Club cite the Tibetan spaniel's intelligence, but also note that while these dogs can be outgoing and friendly, they may proove "aloof with strangers." "The Dog Breed Bible" says, "Tibetan spaniels are independent, bold and stubborn, but also sensitive, biddable and happy."

Grooming: Tibetan spaniels have a medium-length double coat that will shed once or twice a year. This is known as "blowing coat," according to Henson. "The owner can keep the loose hair to a minimum with weekly brushing," she says. On the plus side, "they don't really have a 'doggy' odor and they like to be clean. Most enjoy a bath." If your Tibetan spaniel gets muddy, Henson recommends you let the mud dry, and "it will just fall off the hair."

Common Health Issues: According to Henson, "Most Tibetan spaniels are very healthy and tend to live about 15 years, active up to the very end." "The Dog Breed Bible" concurs, recommending tests only on Tibbies' knees and noting nothing more than patellar luxation and cataracts as health concerns.

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.

Name: Skye Terrier

Personality: "A skye terrier has stamina, strength and courage," says Karen G. J'Anthony, president of the Skye Terrier Club of America. "They are good-tempered, loyal and sensitive to the needs of their owners. However, although they are sensitive, they do have a mind of their own." According to the American Kennel Club, "The skye terrier is an elegant dog and fiercely loyal to those he knows and loves."

Grooming: A skye terrier's grooming needs change from puppyhood to adulthood, says J'Anthony. "The adult skye carries a double coat comprised of a harsh, outer coat, with a softer, wooly-textured undercoat," J'Anthony explains. "Weekly grooming using a pin brush and comb, beginning at the skin and working out towards the topcoat, will keep the coat in an unmatted condition." The AKC notes that "trimming is necessary to keep the hair from dragging along the ground."

As for younger skyes, "they may need more frequent grooming, as the puppy coat tends to be softer." Grooming how-to is mostly the same between younger and older skyes; the main difference, says J'Anthony, is that for younger dogs, "extra care needs to be spent ensuring that matting does not occur on the inside of the legs and behind the ears."

The extra work involved in grooming a skye puppy comes with benefits. "When started young, skyes look forward to grooming and bonding time with their owners," says J'Anthony. Overall, she recommends that a skye owner dedicate one to two hours per week to grooming.

Name: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Personality: The Dog Breed Bible lists the breed's best qualities as "devoted, willing to please, amiable, and often comcial," though the book also notes that they are "reserved with strangers."

Jay Hoth, president of the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association, adds that he tells prospective griffon owners that these dogs are "almost too smart for our own good."

Grooming: The American Kennel Club describes breed's fur as a "coarse double coat." Jim Lorraine of Frog Hollow Griffons, a wirehaired pointing griffon breeder in Sauquiot, N.Y., says their coats are also "non-shedding and hypoallergenic." Not much unkeep is needed. "Using a comb on their coats a couple times a week works the best," according to Lorraine. Hoth agrees, noting, "Griffons don't require a great deal of grooming, but do benefit from periodic brushing to remove dead hair. The griffon should not be bathed too frequently or have a conditioner used on their coat."

There are other elements of good hygiene that you can incorporate into your Griff's grooming. Hoth says, "Their ears need regular maintenance to prevent ear infections. This includes cleaning with a quality ear cleaner and pulling of hair from the ear canal. The hair between the pads of the feet should be trimmed regularly to reduce dirt and ice accumulation. Nails need to be trimmed on a regular schedule."

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."

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."