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Mark Raycroft, Getty Images Dog Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer Personality: The American Kennel Club breed standard describes German shorthaired pointers as "friendly, intelligent and willing to please. The first impression is that of a keen enthusiasm for work without indication of nervous or flighty character." The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America agrees, saying the breed is "eager to please and willing to learn at relatively young ages." This is a relatively high-energy breed, with instincts that should be channeled. Grooming: "Maintenance of the GSP is minimal compared with many other breeds," states the GSPCA website. However, they do emphasize that "being short-coated ...

pwcorgigirl, Flickr Name: Rottweiler Personality: The American Kennel Club describes the breed as "robust and powerful," and states that "the rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform." According to the breed standard, a rottweiler is generally "a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships." According to rottweiler expert Jeff Shaver, "A calm, self-assured temperament is the cornerstone of a good rottweiler." Grooming: Shaver says, "Grooming is as simple as baths as needed, trimming nails, and regular veterinarian checkups. No trimming or other grooming is needed." The AKC concurs, ...

Getty Images Dog Breed: Miniature Schnauzer Personality: According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, a miniature schnauzer is "alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. He is friendly, intelligent and willing to please." The American Miniature Schnauzer Club describes the breed as "Sweet, loving and loyal. They often have a favorite person, even though they will love the whole family." However, the breed does tend to be a bit vocal. "They will bark when someone comes to the door," says the AMSC. Grooming: "Miniature schnauzers should be groomed every five to eight weeks to look their best," according to the AMSC's website. "The breed has a double-coat; wiry topcoat and soft ...

Jo-Anne McArthur for Farm Sanctuary Father's Day is fast approaching, and once again you're not sure what present to give your dad. A tie? A robe? Some grilling gadget? Please. Let your siblings go that route. Paw Nation is here to inspire you with great gift ideas that do good for animals. Give Him A Rescued Goat (or Pig Or Duck) When you adopt a farm animal at Farm Sanctuary in your dad's name, you are making a year-long donation so that the Farm Sanctuary can provide for the animal's daily needs. You can pick from many animals, including cows and pigs and sheep, but you should consider sponsoring Jerry Lee, the goat. Neglected and abandoned as a youngster, he had a rough start, but ...

Juniors Bildarchiv, Alamy Name: Flat-Coated Retriever Personality: These dogs make for "a versatile family companion... with a happy and active demeanor," says the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America. In describing the breed standard, the FCRSA explains: "Character is a primary and outstanding asset of the flat-coat. He is a responsive, loving member of the family, a versatile working dog, multi-talented, sensible, bright and tractable." Dog Breed Info Center adds about the breed, "Friendly, sweet and high-spirited, they love everyone, even strangers." Grooming: "Coat is of moderate length, density and fullness, with a high luster," notes the FCRSA, yet "the feathered coat... needs ...

Jennifer Sena, Alamy Name: Toy Fox Terrier Personality: "Possesses intelligence, courage and a take-charge attitude," says the American Kennel Club of the toy fox terrier, "truly an American breed" (which is probably why they're aka American toy terrier, aka Amertoy). They're also "outgoing and friendly, yet fiercely loyal to their families." Dog Breed Info Center heaps praise upon the breed as "intelligent, loving, sensitive, pleasant... very alert, inquisitive and quick... affectionate and very loyal." In summation, "This happy dog is sure to bring smiles to the faces of nearly all who meet it, due to its enthusiastic, puppy-like ways." Grooming: These terriers require only "a quick ...