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Posts tagged "meet the breeds"


Meet the Breeds - What A Weekend!

by Eliot Glazer (Subscribe to Eliot Glazer's posts)
Oct 22nd 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats, Pet Clothes, Photo Galleries
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Meet the Breeds
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Karen Dewey pets her dog "Garth", a bloodhound, during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)
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Meet the Breeds

    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Karen Dewey pets her dog "Garth", a bloodhound, during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Cindy Lopez shakes hands with a black lab during a demonstration at the "Meet The Breeds" show in the Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Lopez works with NEEDS service dogs. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cindy Lopez

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Diane Bove shows her black Selkirk Rex cat, during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Diane Bove

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: An Exotic breed cat is shown during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. An Exotic, is a mix between an American Shorthair and Persian. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Two Borzoi dogs, owned by Debra West, are shown on the floor during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Hahl Perry walks his Afghan Hound outside the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the "Meet The Breeds" show October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: A Beagle and its owner Nanette Prideaux, pose during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: "Garth", a bloodhound, receives attention from his owner Karen Dewey (L) and a spectator during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Karen Dewey

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Owners and their dogs get ready to walk on the floor during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Hundreds of spectators view the different breeds of dogs and cats during the "Meet The Breeds" show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 17, 2009 in New York City. Forty-one CFA registered cat breeds and 160 AKC registered dog breeds were shown at the Meet the Breeds event. (Photo by Afton Almaraz/Getty Images)

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This past weekend, Paw Nation visited the American Kennel Club's "Meet the Breeds" event at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Packed wall to wall with dogs, cats, breeders, specialists, merchants, and veterinary professionals, the weekend-long showcase featured hundreds of extremely patient animals, ready to be pet for hours on end.

Some famous faces were there, including Whoopi Goldberg, Mario Lopez, and Cindy Adams. We're pretty sure we even passed fashion icon Michael Kors after we finished up at the Havanese booth, one of 160 stations occupied by specific breeds and their respective specialists, all of whom were eager to provide the history behind their beloved pooch of choice.

Amid the amazing dog-trick demonstrations and swarms of cat ladies (no, literally, there were a lot of ladies dressed up like cats), we were lucky enough to stumble upon a booth for the Fundle, a pet sling we've been eyeing for a number of months. We're happy to report that the Fundle is even better than we imagined.

Hope to see you next year, Meet the Breeds! You'll be able to tell it's us by the Fundle we haven't taken off in 365 days.
    

How Well Do You Know German Shepherds?

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Oct 15th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Maybe you've always had a soft spot for the German Shepherd. Perhaps you've even owned one (or a bunch)! But how much do you really know about this beautiful breed? See if you could earn your GED on the GSD in our quiz below!

Plus, check out all of our picks for the top 10 smartest dogs!

How Well Do You Know German Shepherds?

What color(s) is/are most common for German Shepherd Dogs?

  • Black and White
  • Red
  • Black and Tan
  • Yellow

Where does the AKC currently rank the German Shepherd Dog's popularity?

  • 2
  • 10
  • 4
  • 14

Which of these famous dogs is a German Shepherd Dog?

  • Buddy
  • Beethoven
  • Scooby Doo
  • Rin-Tin-Tin

What trait is the German Shepherd Dog best known for?

  • Laziness
  • Hunger
  • Dependability
  • Speed

Where did the German Shepherd Dog originate?

  • America
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • Hungary

What are German Shepherd Dogs often used as?

  • Military, police and guard dogs
  • Herding dogs
  • Family pets
  • All of the above
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.
    

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Q: How Can I Stop My Dog From Licking Everything?

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Sep 30th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Photo: Tim PopUp/Flickr


By Mary R. Burch, PhD, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director

A: Every now and then I hear from an owner who says, "Help, my dog won't stop licking the floor," or "My dog licks everything!" When it comes to excessive licking, the jury is still out on the cause. Several things are suspected; plus, licking could actually have different causes for different dogs.

Excessive licking is often seen as an OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) behavior. Some dogs lick when they are bored -- it can be a form of self-stimulation and something to do. In these cases, licking is in the same category as dogs who will snap at flies that aren't there, or chase their tails or shadows.

Most often, we think of OCD as being extreme, such as a woman who washes her hands exactly 40 times before leaving the house or a man who checks the door exactly 10 times before going to bed to be sure it is locked. But OCD can manifest itself in less intense ways in both people and dogs.

One theory about floor licking is there is sometimes a cleaner on the floor with a scent the dog likes. Another theory would be something was dropped on the kitchen floor, and the dog -- with its remarkable sense of smell -- is licking up the fond memory of a piece of yesterday's bacon.

Another common theory is that licking is related to anxiety -- the dog is stressed about something and is engaging in unusual behaviors.

If your dog is licking, don't despair. There are a few thing you can do:
  • Make sure your dog has access to clean water all the time.
  • Give your pup some acceptable things to chew -- some people offer their dogs a frozen ice cube as a substitute for licking.
  • Interrupt the behavior by calling your dog for a short play or training session.
If the licking is really excessive in terms of time spent and intensity, consider a behavioral consultation by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.

About the Author
Mary Burch is the director of the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program. She is one of the 50 Certified Animal Behaviorists in the United States. With more than 25 years of dog experience, Dr. Burch is an international expert on dog therapy. She is the author of nine books, more than 200 articles and has been a lobbyist on legislation concerning hazardous dogs and responsible dog ownership.

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.
    

How Much Do You Know About Beagles?

by Rebecca Quimby (Subscribe to Rebecca Quimby's posts)
Sep 18th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

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!

How Well Do You Know Beagles?

What were beagles were originally bred to do?

  • Hunt rabbits
  • Track deer
  • Be family pets
  • Imitate bugles with their baying

According to AKC Registration Statistics, how popular are beagles?

  • #2
  • #5
  • #14
  • #9

Which of these traits is beagles known for?

  • Courage
  • Laziness
  • Independence
  • Retrieving

Where did the breed originate?

  • France
  • The United States
  • England
  • Belgium

What U.S. President owned three beagles named Him, Her, and Edgar?

  • John F. Kennedy
  • Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Grover Cleveland
  • Ronald Reagan

Which of these famous fictional dogs is a beagle?

  • Snoopy
  • Odie
  • Brian Griffin
  • Grommit
  • All of the above


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.
    

Q: Why Do Dogs Dig?

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Sep 15th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Training, Meet the Breeds

"Not diggin' my hole?" Photo: uberphot/Flickr

By Mary R. Burch, PhD, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director

A: Dogs can make a minefield out of your yard for a number of reasons:
  • Left alone in a backyard, some dogs dig as an outlet for frustration. Digging provides something to do when an active, intelligent dog is bored out of his mind.
  • Confined dogs will often dig to get out of a fence. There's a big wide world out there and the dog wants to see it.
  • Some breeds - terriers in particular - often dig because it's in their genes. These are go-to-ground dogs who dig to find moles, lizards, mice, bugs, and any other critters in the hunt of the day.
  • Dogs who are outside in the heat will dig to expose cool earth that they can lay on to lower their body temperatures.
  • Dogs who like bones often bury their bones and dig them up later.
Not diggin' your dog's habit? The best thing you can do for a bored dog is provide mental stimulation through daily play and training sessions. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is a great place to start training all dogs and owners.

You can design a digging pit in your yard so there is a designated place for your dog to dig. Burying bones or favorite toys will help your dog learn that this place is an approved digging area.

Finally, in warm weather, bring your dog inside so that he doesn't have to handle the heat on his own. If you don't want to give your dog access to your whole house while you're gone, a designated climate controlled area with water and toys will be much appreciated by the canine member of your family.

About the Author
Mary Burch is the director of the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program. She is one of the 50 Certified Animal Behaviorists in the United States. With more than 25 years of dog experience, Dr. Burch is an international expert on dog therapy. She is the author of nine books, more than 200 articles and has been a lobbyist on legislation concerning hazardous dogs and responsible dog ownership.

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.
    

The Perfect Dog: The Best Pup for Your Personality

by Michelle Toglia (Subscribe to Michelle Toglia's posts)
Aug 28th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

With over 160 recognized dog breeds, finding the perfect dog breed for you can be a challenge. Luckily, the American Kennel Club divides breeds into seven variety groups to make your choice easier. Take this quiz to choose the dog that is right for you.

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Find the Right Dog Breed for You!
Find out the best dog breed for your lifestyle.
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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.

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How Much Do You Know About Bulldogs?

by Rebecca Quimby (Subscribe to Rebecca Quimby's posts)
Aug 27th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Jean Hetherington has been breeding and showing bulldogs since 1964. She's also been an American Kennel Club judge for over 20 years. She first became interested in bulldogs when she and her husband, who had one as a child, bought one for his family. After a month, Jean was won over and wanted one for herself. "Their personality is like no other," she told Paw Nation." They are entertaining, stubborn, comical and just fun to live with."

Hetherington -- who recently won the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Non Sporting Group Breeders award -- generously agreed to answer our trivia questions about this fascinating breed. See how well you do!

How Well Do You Know Bulldogs?

What is the official AKC name of the breed?

  • Bulldog
  • English Bulldog
  • French Bulldog
  • British Bulldog

What were bulldogs originally bred for?

  • To help cowboys herd bulls
  • To herd the bulls for Pamplona's Running of the Bulls
  • A sport called bullbaiting
  • To be lapdogs for Spanish royalty

What breeds were part of the original bulldog?

  • Boxers and Pugs
  • Mastiffs and Pugs
  • Pugs and Pitbulls
  • Mastiffs and Pitbulls

What are bulldogs' typical health concerns?

  • They don't do well in heat
  • Heart problems
  • Hip dysplasia
  • All of the above

According to AKC Dog Registration Statistics, how popular are Bulldogs?

  • #10
  • #3
  • #24
  • #17

Which of the following is true about bulldogs?

  • They crave constant attention
  • They require minimal exercise
  • They have an affectionate temperament makes them great family pets
  • All of the above

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.
    

Breed of the Week: Dalmatian

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Aug 26th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Photo: American Kennel Club

A member of the Non-Sporting Group, the Dalmatian is the 74th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. As dogdom's only spotted breed, the Dalmatian's short white coat, dotted with hundreds of black or liver (brown) spots, stands out in a crowd. When the Dalmatian is not being chased down by Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, he stars in Budweiser television commercials and serves as a mascot for many local firehouses.

A Look Back
Spotted dogs have appeared throughout history in Europe, Asia, and Africa, credited with a dozen nationalities and as many native names. The Dalmatian is believed to have developed over centuries by nomads wandering through Europe. The breed was named after an area in the former Yugoslavia called Dalmatia. The dog we know today as the Dalmatian has been a dog of war, a draft dog, shepherd, ratter, fire-apparatus follower, firehouse mascot, bird dog, trail hound and retriever.

Did You Know...
The Dalmatian's spots range from as small as a dime to as large as a half-dollar. Puppies are born white and develop their spots two to six weeks after birth. The Dalmatian is also the original and only coaching dog. When people used to travel by horse-drawn carriage, drivers would keep "Dals" alongside their coaches. If any loose farm animals wandered onto the road, the Dal would herd them out of the way. He also served as a companion to the horses and guarded the carriage when the coachman stopped for a rest or a meal. Today, this instinct is tested in "road trials," where the dogs must accompany horses over a certain distance and perform obedience exercises as directed by its rider.

Is a Dalmatian the right breed for your family?
The fun-loving, people-oriented Dalmatian thrives in a family environment. The breed is polite around strangers, but does possess some guarding instincts due to his history as a coaching dog. Very high-energy, Dals require daily exercise on leash or within a fenced area. The breed is great for runners, but owners should hold off on long jogs until their dog finishes growing at around the age of two. The breed's short coat sheds almost year round, but regular brushing helps minimize the shedding.

Thinking about buying a Dalmatian?
Additional information for those considering a Dalmatian – 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 Dalmatian and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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

Breed Banners: Beagle

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Aug 21st 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats, Meet the Breeds
Are Beagles your favorite dog breed? Then get your paws on one of The American Kennel Club® and Cat Fanciers' Association® breed banners to show your pride for Beagles!

You can download this or any other breed sticker from Flickr. Add them to your Myspace page or promote them as bumper stickers to your Facebook profile. With over 160 dog breeds and 41 cat custom breed banners to choose from, you'll have no problem representing for your beloved breed.

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.
    

American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers' Association Launch Meet the Breeds

by Sonia Zjawinski (Subscribe to Sonia Zjawinski's posts)
Aug 7th 2009 9:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats, Meet the Breeds
When watching the Westminster Dog Show, haven't you often caught yourself wondering just how snuggly and smooshable a Brussels Griffon's face really is?

Meet the Breeds, hosted by the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers' Association, comes to New York City's Javits Center October 17th and 18th. The event will showcase 160 AKC-registered dog breeds and 41 CFA-approved kitties whom you'll be able to play with and pet.

Each breed will have its own booth, decorated to represent the breed's origins or cultural throwbacks. Example: the Old English Sheepdog group designed a "Peter Pan" booth for a similar event in Long Beach last year.

While we know that October is a ways away, AKC's just-launched Meet the Breed's website is sure to tie you over until then. The site includes a Meet the Breeds game so you can test your breed know-how and compete with others online, along with a gallery of the 160 dogs and 41 cats that will be at the show. Advance tickets can be purchased via the site as well.

As we get closer to the event, Paw Nation will be previewing more from Meet the Breeds, including interviews with breeders and Broadway's top dog trainer. Stay tuned!
    

Breed of the Week: Norwegian Buhund

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Aug 5th 2009 11:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Photo: American Kennel Club

A member of the Herding Group, the Norwegian Buhund is one of the newest AKC-recognized breeds. Despite its newbie status with the AKC, the fun-loving Norwegian Buhund has existed for centuries, sailing on Viking ships and working hard on farms in Norway. Their herding abilities are tops, but the Buhund also loves to hang out with his "people," playing Frisbee, chasing sticks and stealing the hose from the unsuspecting family gardener.

A Look Back
The breed as we know it today, with its prick ears and curled tail, was nurtured in the rainy western coastlands of Norway, where they herded sheep, guarded farms and hunted bear and wolf. Ancient versions of the Buhund traveling with Vikings on their many journeys have been documented as far back as the year 900.

Did You Know...
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. Bred as an energetic working dog, Buhunds have always been charged with the task of herding livestock and guarding home and family. Several early Buhund skeletons have been found in Viking graves, indicating their status as cherished possessions and that they were expected to continue their protecting and herding duties in the afterlife. Today, the breed is also trained to aid the hearing impaired, perform some types of police work, and perform in obedience and agility trials. Their thick coat is wheaten (pale cream to bright orange) or black in color.

Is a Norwegian Buhund the right breed for your family?
This breed makes a wonderful companion for active people or families and will thrive in a home where plenty of exercise is provided. As a herding dog, Buhunds will bark to communicate, keep a close watch on everything, and round up anything they can, even family members! Grooming is minimal – brushing will keep mats and tangles out of the breed's medium to short easy care coat. Training wise, the Buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the Spitz breeds, but obedience training is still very important.

Thinking about buying a Norwegian Buhund?
Additional information for those considering a Norwegian Buhund – 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 Buhund and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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

Breed of the Week: Bull Terrier

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Jul 22nd 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Photo: American Kennel Club

Where's his Hawaiian shirt? Unfortunately for the Bull Terrier, his breed was the model for one of the advertising industry's strangest creations -- Bud Light's party pooch Spuds MacKenzie. A member of the Terrier Group, the Bull Terrier is the 55th most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. Stocky yet sweet, the "Bullie's" trademark feature is his egg-shaped head, which curves downward from the top of his skull to the top of the nose. Also a film and print star, the Bull Terrier appeared in the movie Patton and was featured in Target ads as the uniquely marked "Bullseye."

A Look Back
Bulldog-terrier crosses of various sizes and colors became popular as sporting dogs in the early 1800s. Around 1860, English dog dealer James Hinks developed a more refined version of these crosses, distinguished by its all white coat. These dogs soon established themselves as a new breed -- the Bull Terrier. In Hinks' day they were often referred to as White Cavaliers. In the early 1900s Bull Terriers were back-crossed with brindle Staffordshires to produce a colored variety.

Did You Know...
Playful and clownish, the Bull Terrier is best described as a three year-old child in a dog suit. Given his muscular build, the Bullie can appear unapproachable, but he is an exceedingly friendly dog, with a sweet and fun-loving disposition. Bullies are very popular in the obedience, agility and show rings.

Is a Bull Terrier the right breed for your family?
Bull Terriers can adapt to life in the city or the country as long as they get enough exercise to maintain their fit, muscular physique. The breed also becomes quite attached to their owners and families and does not thrive when left alone. Bullies love children, but obedience training is necessary and care must be taken that they don't get over stimulated around younger kids. Their short coats are easy to care for with only minimal brushing and bathing.

Thinking about buying a Bull Terrier?
Additional information for those considering a Bull 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.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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

Breed of the Week: Chesapeake Bay Retriever

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Jul 15th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Photo: American Kennel Club

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!
    

Vizsla: Breed of the Week

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts)
Jul 8th 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Meet the Breeds

Photo: American Kennel Club

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!
    


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