Dog Breeds

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation's newest advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry just won Best in Breed at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

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Like you, I'm proud to be from Ireland and have big plans for St. Patrick's Day. What about you? I would also love to meet some of the other terriers from the great Emerald and Isle – what do you know about them?
-- Polly. a 5-year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Hi Polly,

I am planning on going to see the parade in NYC to celebrate the great day. My daddy brings out my special green leash, which is a huge improvement from the Leprechaun outfit he once tried to squeeze me into.

But getting back to your question, nine dog breeds were developed in Ireland to hunt and retrieve birds, herd sheep, track down fox and badger, turn the spit on the fire, rid the farm of vermin and keep the bed warm at night. These include the Irish Wolfhound and the Irish Setter -- but let's be honest, you and I only, really care about the terriers. They are:

The Glen of Imaal Terrier
This is me. Glen of Imaal Terriers are rough-and-ready working terriers -- big dogs on short legs that were originally bred to rid the home of vermin and rotate the turnspit over the hearth. (To this day, we are all excellent cooks.)

The Kerry Blue Terrier.
Originally bred to hunt and retrieve, the Kerry Blue's trademark soft wavy coat looks like velvet. They have a typical terrier personality and are true hunters -- so cats beware!

The Irish Terrier
Known for their fire red coats that are short and wiry, the Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds known. If you ever find yourself at a museum, look at the dogs in the old pictures. Bet some of them look like Irish Terriers!

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Any dog that is named after the coat it is wearing is definitely something out of the ordinary -- which is exactly the case with a Soft-Coated Wheaten. Polly, you already know of course, but my other fans will be interested to learn that these elegant and friendly dogs sport a soft, warm, wheaten colored coat with a texture that is so silky they should be in ads for hair product.

Clearly, all of us Irish terriers are gorgeous -- even if we've earned our reputation for being a wee bit stubborn. But one thing is sure, if you're lucky enough to live with one of us, I think you will agree it's better than finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

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Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

Name: Bluetick Coonhound

Personality: Loyal and loving, intelligent and problem-solving. Dog Breed Info Center calls the Bluetick Coonhound "a very intelligent dog, very devoted to its family." The Dog Guide adds, "In general, very friendly, genial and attentive. It is highly intelligent and still makes use of its skill in hunting, much like the black-and-tan coonhound." On PetFinder.org, one user writes, "There is a quality about a bluetick coonhound that just puts a catch in your heart."

Grooming: Low maintenance. Dog Breed Info Center says "an occasional brushing will do" for this breed's coat, which RareBreed Network describes as smooth, glossy and medium-coarse. The AKC agrees: "Their short, glossy coat requires only occasional baths and brushing." As with many hound breeds' floppy ears, they should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.

Common Health Issues: "Prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and Krabbes disease," says Dog Breed Info Center. The Dog Guide says, "The bluetick coonhound is a relatively healthy breed, but keep an eye out for eye problems, hip dysplasia, bloating, hypothyroidism, and luxating patellas."

Training Tips: Blueticks are known as a training challenge and are not for the lazy, as "finding something that motivates this dog more than their scenting ability can be difficult," according to Digital Dog. The site recommends a moderate amount of training in basic commands and socialization. Off-leash training will prove especially challenging.

Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson adores dogs. "I'm a huge animal lover," Johnson told Paw Nation. "I have a golden retriever named Tucker and I love him. He's my life."

Johnson was a special guest at the opening ceremony of the 2009 Eukanuba World Challenge in Long Beach, Calif. earlier this month. "It's a lot of fun to be here," Johnson told Paw Nation. "I've never been to a dog show before."

With 41 different countries participating this year, the Eukanuba World Challenge is the Olympics of dog shows. Each country sent their top champion dog to compete for the title of World Challenge Winner and win a grand prize of $10,000. There was a Saluki from Sweden; a wire fox terrier from Brazil; a puli from Australia; a poodle from South Korea; and a Staffordshire bull terrier from South Africa -- just to name a few.

Representing the United States was Holly, the pointer who was last year's Best in Show winner at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. "Of course we're going to try to win," Holly's handler, Michael Scott, told Paw Nation minutes before entering the show ring carrying the American flag. "We're representing our country."

Neither rain nor unfinished holiday shopping could keep crowds away from the American Kennel Club's "Meet the Breeds" event on December 12 and 13 in Long Beach, Calif. Held in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, thousands of spectators braved unseasonably cold rains for the chance to meet some 160 different purebred dog breeds, and even to experience the world as a canine.

A dog sensory exhibit sponsored by Eukanuba gave people the chance to see, hear, smell and taste as a dog does. "I've always wondered what my dog smells," said one man, sniffing at glass beakers filled with varying intensities of spearmint scent to compare a canine's sense of smell to a human's. Dogs have 125 to 220 million olfactory receptors, says Eukanuba, while humans have a mere 5 million. Bloodhounds have an estimated 300 million olfactory receptors. It means a dog's sense of smell is 1,000 to 10,000 times stronger than a human's.

Joan McFadden loves everything about poodles. "Their personalities are delightful," she tells Paw Nation. "They're just wonderful dogs." And she would know -- McFadden has been breeding poodles since the '80s.

In 2001, McFadden's poodle, Champion Unique Reach for the Rainbow, won Best of Variety at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and went on to win second place in Group competition. So it only made sense to ask McFadden to help us come up with a quiz to find out if you, dear Paw Nation reader, love and know poodles as much as this member and past president of the Delaware County Kennel Club.



Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

Beagles are cute, cheery, and make great (if sometimes mischievious) family pets. You've probably met a beagle or two in your life. But how well do you really know beagles? Take this quiz to find out!



Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

A member of the Toy Group, the Papillon is the 37th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. Papillon means "butterfly" in French, which refers to the breed's pricked, butterfly-like ears. Despite its history as a royal lapdog and its elegant appearance, this happy, lively dog makes an excellent pet, and loves to play and spend time with his family.

A Look Back
Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed. In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.

Did You Know...
Throughout history, the Papillon ranked Madame de Pompadour, Marie Antoinette, and Louis XIV among its devoted owners. The dogs were also depicted in paintings by artists such as Rubens, Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher throughout the years. But although the Papillon owes its name and much of its breed development to the French, it was Spain and Italy that gave rise to its popularity. The Bologna region of Italy sold many dogs to the court of Louis XIV, transporting the dogs through Spain on the backs of mules.

Is a Papillon the right breed for your family?
Papillons are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and exercised indoors as well. Because they don't have an undercoat, they don't require a lot of grooming but should still be brushed regularly.

Thinking about buying a Papillon?
Additional information for those considering an Papillon – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Papillon and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Papillon and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

Anne Bowes has been breeding Pembroke Welsh Corgis for 41 years. "I'm what you call a 'breeder-owner-handler,' which means I both breed my dogs and show them in the ring," she told Paw Nation. Bowes has bred 74 champion dogs, and in 2007 she was named the AKC "Breeder of the Year" for her group. "I love Pembroke Welsh Corgis," Bowes said. "They can pick their owner out of a crowd of fifty."

Steve Gladstone is president of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club, the AKC's parent club organization. He has been breeding the lesser-known Cardigan Welsh Corgis since 1974, producing dogs who have garnered over one hundred AKC titles. "The Cardigan Welsh Corgi comes in a small package, but it has a big mentality," Gladstone told Paw Nation.

Though both are called corgis, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are actually two separate breeds. How much do you know about these storied dogs? Take our quiz and find out!



Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

A member of the Hound Group, the American Foxhound comes in at the bottom of the American Kennel Club® registration statistics, ranking 156th in popularity. Although the Foxhound is one of America's native breeds, arriving in the United States before it even became a country, these dogs are also some of the rarest! Today, most American Foxhounds are bred for a special purpose – fox hunting – and live in packs at various "hunts" throughout the country.

A Look Back
The American Foxhound's origins date back to the early 1700's in Virginia and Maryland, where it developed from the Walker, Trigg and Goodman strains of foxhounds. George Washington is the father of the American Foxhound – he ran a breeding program and often referenced his hounds in his journals.

Did You Know...
George Washington imported his first hounds from England and also received them as gifts from the Frenchman the Marquis de Lafayette. These hounds, which included "Drunkard," "Tipler," and "Tipsy" were the foundation for today's American Foxhound. The breed is fast, smart, strong and extremely good at following scent, making them the idea fox hunting dog. When the hounds pick up the scent, they bark or "cry out" and chase after the fox (with a pack of horses and riders following) over fields, through woods and across streams. Today, fox hunting is practiced for fun, not population control – the fox normally gets away from the pack.

Is an American Foxhound the right breed for your family?
The American Foxhound was bred to run, so they are an ideal pet for those who live in rural areas or on large farms. They can do well in smaller areas, however, with owners who provide them with adequate exercise. Hounds raised in the home tend to be mild tempered and easy going, getting along with children and most other pets. Their short coat is easy to care for, but owners will need patience and persistence in training, as the breed can be stubborn and independent.

Thinking about buying an American Foxhound?
Additional information for those considering an American Foxhound – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the American Foxhound and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your American Foxhound and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

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The Irish Terrier is the 128th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. A cheerful, good-spirited terrier breed, the Irish Terrier possesses an exceptional intelligence and readiness to participate in any activity with his owner. These traits served him in good stead as the star of the recent movie "Firehouse Dog." Although referred to as a mixed breed in the film, the wiry, red coat and alert expression of the Irish Terrier was unmistakable on screen.

A Look Back
His origin has been much debated, but there is indisputable evidence that the Irish Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. Early members of the breed came in a variety of colors, including black and tan, gray, and brindle. It was only near the end of the 19th century that the solid red color became a fixture of the breed. In World War I the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger and sentinel.

Did You Know...
The Irish Terrier got the nickname of "Daredevil" after his work guarding campsites and carrying messages through enemy lines during World War I. His origins are perhaps the most colorful of any breed as well. Legend has it that his first playmates were the "Little people who dance in magic rings on moonlit nights" – Irish faeries. When the Irish's curiosity led him astray and he was lost and hungry, he was found and befriended by humans. So grateful for their kindness, the Irish swore he would forever guard and protect his newfound friends. Since then, he has served as an all-purpose terrier, keeping farms free of rats, woodchucks and rabbits; retrieving game from land and water; and hunting big game throughout the world.

Is an Irish Terrier the right breed for your family?
The Irish Terrier is a smart, quick dog that quickly adapts to new situations. He'll guard his home and family members with determination and pluck. This breed is great with children when raised with them and is deeply loyal to his owner. The Irish's coat sheds considerably less than other breeds, so only occasional brushing is necessary. The coat also looks best when dead hairs are stripped or plucked out once or twice a year. As with all breeds, it's best to start socialization and obedience training early.

Thinking about buying an Irish Terrier?
Additional information for those considering an Irish Terrier – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Irish Terrier and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Irish Terrier and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

A member of the Sporting Group, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the 46th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. A truly American dog, the powerfully built "Chessie" is one of the toughest water retrievers around. Due to his origins in the Chesapeake Bay region, he is the official state dog of Maryland.

A Look Back
In 1807, two Newfoundlands were rescued from the cargo of an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland. After these Newfoundlands were bred to local retrievers -- including the English Otter Hound, Flat-Coat and Curly-Coated Retriever -- the "Chessie" type came to be. Bred to work on land and in water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originally hunted waterfowl in rough and icy waters.

Did You Know...
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever comes in a variety of unique colors. Beyond simple brown, the Chessie's coat can also be "sedge" or "deadgrass" (tan to straw colored), which provided camouflage for the breed's working surroundings. In the late nineteenth century, hunters sold ducks to food markets. They hunted over the Chesapeake Bay day and night, and their dogs were expected to retrieve as many as 100 to 200 ducks per hunt. Luckily, the Chessie coat is highly water-resistant. After coming out of the water, their coat should be nearly dry after a quick shake

Is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever the right breed for your family?
The Chesapeake is a happy and intelligent breed whose courage, working ability and love of water mesh best with active, outdoor-loving families. This strong and active dog needs plenty of exercise each day. His coat is short, but owners must brush and maintain it regularly, as both the rough outercoat and the fine, woolly undercoat contain oils for protection in harsh conditions.

Thinking about buying a Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Additional information for those considering a Chesapeake Bay Retriever – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Chesapeake Bay Retriever and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

This guy looks a little small to have been the model for Clifford the Big Red Dog! The star of the beloved children's books written by Norman Bridwell was inspired by the Vizsla, a member of the Sporting Group and the 42nd most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. Known for his unique rust-colored coat, the Vizsla's intelligence, fun-loving personality and medium-size makes him a great family companion.

A Look Back
The Vizsla was developed as a hunter and companion by the wandering Magyar tribes of central Hungary hundreds of years ago. The agricultural terrain of Hungary gave the dog a superior nose and a high-class hunting ability well-suited to Hungarian climate and a variety of game, including upland game, rabbits and waterfowl. In fact, the Vizsla is still the national hunting dog of Hungary today! Nearly extinct by the end of the World Wars, the Vizsla gradually regained popularity and began to be imported into the United States in the 1950s.

Did You Know...
The word vizsla (pronounced VEESH-la) means "obedient and alert" in Hungarian. The breed's beautiful copper penny coat is referred to as "sarga" by Hungarians, meaning "breadcrust." That same color should be seen on his nose, eyes and even inside his mouth. The Vizsla is also single-coated, with no protective undercoat layer, so he is not designed to withstand cold, harsh climates.

Is a Vizsla the right breed for your family?
Full of energy, the Vizsla thrives as part of an active family that can provide him with daily exercise. He is lively and affectionate to his owners, and possesses an above-average ability aptitude for training. The breed is sensitive, however, and requires gentle corrections. Although he sheds, his short coat requires low daily maintenance.

Thinking about buying a Vizsla?
Additional information for those considering a Vizsla – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Vizsla and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!

Known for his unique face and irresistibly human expression, many will remember the adorable Brussels Griffon as the breakout star of the 1997 film "As Good As It Gets," holding his own alongside Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. A member of the Toy Group, the Brussels Griffon is the 65th most popular breed in the United States according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics, though we find it hard to believe this cutie isn't in the top 10!

A Look Back
Originating in Belgium, the Brussels was bred primarily from the Affenpinscher and the Belgian street dog – an animal similar to the Fox Terrier, except heavier. Brussels Griffons were often kept in stables as rat catchers, but gradually they became regular members of most Belgian households. Old folk songs and tales of the period mention "bearded dogs" in reference to the spunky Brussels Griffon.

Did You Know...
Highly intelligent and sensitive, the Brussels Griffon may be self-conscious around strangers, but is known as a "Velcro" dog with his family, because he wants to be as close to his owners as possible. However, they may try to rule the household if clear limits are not set! Brussels Griffon also often appear in AKC conformation events, companion events and work as therapy dogs. This affectionate breed comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, belge (black and reddish brown), or black and tan in color.

Is a Brussels Griffon the right breed for your family?
The Brussels Griffon's charming and curious personality makes him an excellent companion dog. Though he is a member of the Toy Group, this breed is not typical of the "pampered pet" stereotype. Their active indoor lifestyle and small size makes them ideal for apartment life, but they still need to be taken for daily walks. The breed can have either a rough or smooth coat, both of which need weekly brushing. The rough coat will need to be "stripped" of dead hairs every few months.

Thinking about buying a Brussels Griffon?
Additional information for those considering a Brussels Griffon – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Brussels Griffon and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!