Archive for 'Dog Breeds'

Jul200920

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AFFENPINSCHER

APPEARANCE
The Affenpinscher is a small breed of dog that has a unique personality and sturdy constitution of a terrier. The breed is known for its terrier-like hunting ability and athletic qualities, as well as its almost monkey-like face. It has a short, thick and wiry coat which comes in a variety of colors including black and tan, black, gray, silver, and red. The ears of the Affenpinscher are usually cropped, but can be left natural. The weight of the Affenpinscher is around 7-12 pounds, and the height around 8-12 inches.

PERSONALITY
The Affenpinscher is the perfect pet for anyone that likes to laugh and wants a dog that will always find a way to brighten your day. The dog loves to play, climb, and get into trouble. You will need to quickly show this breed who is boss otherwise you may find your Affenpinscher to be very demanding and bossy. This is a sensitive breed, and is also intelligent and energetic. They love to entertain and expect to be entertained. The Affenpinscher enjoys being with their family.

TRAINING
The Affenpinscher is very easy to train, but does require constant change in their routine to prevent boredom. The breed is very quick at learning complex tricks and routines, and they really love a challenge. The Affenpinscher is a very intelligent dog that does best when challenged mentally. Affenpinschers may be difficult to housetrain. The crate training method is recommended. Training sessions should always begin and end with some fun time for the owner and the dog.

EXERCISE
The Affenpinscher is a moderately active dog that does require regular exercise. They can be exercised in relatively small areas, and will play indoors just as well as outdoors. They also enjoy a chance to run, so a small fenced yard is ideal. The Affenpinscher tends to climb and bark so supervision is required in the outdoor setting. The Affenpinscher should have regular, daily walks and exercise.

SOCIALIZATION
Early socialization with other pets, including cats, is important in any breed and the Affenpinscher is no different. The more socialization that occurs with the breed as a puppy, the greater their acceptance of new people, animals and environments will be. In most cases these toy dogs will get on fine with other family pets, and with older, considerate children, although they are not recommended for families with younger, boisterous children.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The Affenpinscher’s small size makes them ideal for those who live in apartments or small homes without a yard. The Affenpinscher has modest resistance to both heat and cold, and may have trouble keeping itself cool on hot days – this breed absolutely cannot live outside.

GROOMING
The Affenpinscher’s naturally wiry type coat requires regular grooming to keep tangles from developing. A wire brush or good quality pin brush, as well as a wide tooth metal comb are usually all the supplies that are required. Avoid bathing this breed unless necessary. Dry powder can be used for grooming between baths if necessary. Watch for any signs of irritation of the eyes in the form of tearing. Small hairs can sometimes grow on the side of the eyes.

HEALTH ISSUES
The lifespan of the Affenpinscher is around twelve to fourteen years. The Affenpinscher is a healthy breed, and has few documented hereditary health problems. Occasionally, one will see patellar luxation, breathing problems and corneal ulcers in the breed.

HISTORY
The Affenpinscher is originated in Germany in the 16th century, and the Affenpinscher name is derived from the German affe (”ape”, “monkey”) and pinscher (”terrier”) because of his monkey-like expression. The breed can be traced back to around the seventeenth century, and was originally trained for ratting. He was registered with the AKC in 1936.

Jul200915

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AFGHAN HOUND

APPEARANCE
Afghan Hounds are highly recognizable with their narrow and tall body and long, thick and profuse coat. Long silky coat can come in all colors including blue, brindle, black, and cream, amongst others. The head is rather lengthy, with a balanced foreface and skull. The muzzle is normally long and very slender. The average height of this large breed is 25-28 inches, and the weight is 50-60 pounds.

PERSONALITY
The Afghan Hound is a very sweet, loving and playful dog that enjoys human interaction and companionship. These dogs are usually determined and quite independent - however, this is not a breed that likes to be left alone for long periods, and if neglected can become bored and destructive. Consistent, regular positive interactions and lots of time with the family is the best way to enhance the Afghan Hounds sweet and gentle personality.

TRAINING
The Afghan Hound is a very intelligent dog but it does have an independent streak that requires patience and understanding. Being that the Afghan Hound is sensitive, this breed must be trained gently, yet consistently. The Afghan Hound will often become bored of the same types of routines and training activities. Try to provide as much of a variety as possible. The Afghan Hound is often very difficult to housebreak and because of their large physical size crate training is usually not an option.

EXERCISE
They are herders and hunters by nature, and require a good deal of physical exercise. Because these dogs are so fast, they need a secure area like a yard with a high fence in which to run. They will chase cars, cats, squirrels and anything else that catches their eye. However, they are also very obedient when trained on the lead, making them simple to walk and exercise on a regular basis.

SOCIALIZATION
Some Afghan Hounds have a tendency to become withdrawn without proper socialization, and therefore you should ensure that he is socialized at an early age. A well socialized Afghan should get on okay with other dogs, and will also get on well with older and more considerate children. Care should be taken around smaller animals, as he may chase them. These cautious dogs can be suspicious around strangers, and are often seen as aloof.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The Afghan Hound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a large yard. However this breed can live in or outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping indoors.

GROOMING
To keep an Afghan Hounds coat in good shape it will usually take a commitment of several hours of grooming time per week. You will need to trim his bottom and keep his ear canals clean for health and hygiene reasons, and you may wish to get his coat trimmed every few months. The commitment to grooming is essential for families or individuals thinking about choosing an Afghan Hound as a pet. This dog is a medium to high shedder, and therefore is probably not the best choice for those with allergies.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Afghan Hound is around 10 to 12 years. Generally healthy, the Afghan has a low incidence of hip dysplasia, can suffer from cataracts, and has sensitivity to pesticides, also a progressive paralytic disease is unique to the breed. Make sure they have plenty of clean cool water as this breed has a thick coat, which can cause him to become hot.

HISTORY
The Afghan hound originated in an area along the Afghan border with Iran known as Seistan. Afghan Hound a sight hound (meaning they hunt by sight rather than scent). A member of the Greyhound family, this is a breed that enjoys a long history, dating back thousands of years. This hound was first registered with the AKC in 1926.

Jul200914

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AIREDALE TERRIER

APPEARANCE
The Airedale Terrier is a large and very lively terrier. The Airedale has a long flat head and a very wiry and hard coat. The outer coat is dense and wiry, and the undercoat is short and soft. Coloring is typically in various shades of tan, with darker markings on the saddle and upper parts of the dog; white markings on the chest are also occasionally seen. The height of the Airedale Terrier is around 22-24 inches, and the weight is around 45-70 pounds.

PERSONALITY
The Airedale Terrier is very loyal, and can be a joy to own, but can be difficult at times. Dominance issues can arise if proper training is not started at and early age. The Airedale Terrier makes a loyal family pet when he feel loved and respected. The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for the average family, this independent, strong-minded and intelligent dog he can be a joy to own, eager to please he learns easily, but he can be difficult at times.

TRAINING
This dog is very lively and requires an experienced handler. Firm but gentle training is required. Positive, consistent training is key with this breed as well as keeping them challenged both physically and mentally. They are not always easy to train often going through a period in the “teen years” of being very headstrong and willful. This is a dog that may me best for those with experience in obedience training.

EXERCISE
The Airedale Terrier is very agile and energetic, and it is important to keep him occupied and dedicate plenty of time to play and exercise. This dog loves to swim, jog, run, and play so this breed does require extensive exercise. Airedale Terriers typically enjoy games such as fetch, tag and even tug of war. Care needs to be taken to avoid engaging the dominant or independent Airedale Terrier in games of strength such as tug of war as this may reinforce the dog’s dominance.

SOCIALIZATION
This breed is fine for families with children, but can be a little rough in terms of play and therefore may not be the best choice for families with smaller children. This dog loves to chase small animals, but can do exceptionally well with cats and other dogs, given the dog has had proper socialization. This breed can be aggressive with other dogs, but will usually be either friendly or simply polite with strangers.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The Airedale Terrier should have at least an average sized yard available. Not recommended for apartment life as they are very active indoors and can become a tyrant if not sufficiently exercised.

GROOMING
Despite the short, wiry wavy and dense outer coat and the thick, wooly undercoat shedding can be minimized with the Airedale Terrier with regular stripping. Grooming the Airedale Terrier usually requires a grooming rake or pin bristle brush followed by a stiff bristle brush. It is important to brush the undercoat, not just the wiry overcoat. You should make sure that his beard is combed on a daily basis to keep it clean and hygienic, and his bottom will need to be kept trimmed. Bathing is only required when necessary.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Airedale Terrier is around 10-14 years. The Airedale Terrier is a very healthy breed with few inherited diseases. Some things to watch out for include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion and hypothyroidism.

HISTORY
The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in Airedale in Yorkshire, England from crosses between the now extinct English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter hound. In the nineteenth century this breed was used for a number of purposes, such as military work, killing vermin, and hunting. This terrier was first registered with the AKC in 1888.

Jul200914

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AKITA

APPEARANCE
The Akita is a large breed, with males often weighing over one hundred pounds and standing up to twenty-eight inches at the shoulder. The Akita is best recognized by its almost bear shaped head as well as the tightly curled tail. The coat of the Akita is harsh and straight, but has a softer, dense undercoat. There are various coat colors available, and this includes fawn, red, white, brindle, and silver. The height of the Akita is between 24-28 inches, and the weight is around 75-115 pounds.

PERSONALITY
The Akita is a noble and dominating breed. They are powerful and alert, responsive and courageous. This is an independent and often strong willed breed, and this can make training difficult. The Akita breed is also a very patient, loyal and devoted breed that protects children. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those they know. They require an inordinate amount of attention. Akitas are not recommended for the novice dog owner.

TRAINING
They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. Training can be trying at times, as the Akita will often try to establish dominance. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds. They require a huge amount of attention and must receive socialization and obedience training from a very early age.

EXERCISE
They enjoy play sessions with their family or other family activities. However, they will become bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods of time either inside or outside. They enjoy a daily walk, but it is vitally important they are very securely leashed and kept from encountering other dogs. Daily walks, occasional swimming (Akitas have webbed feet and are very good swimmers) and freedom to run in a large securely fenced yard is important for him to stay in shape.

SOCIALIZATION
They must receive socialization and obedience training from a very early age. When it comes to other pets, the Akita can be dog aggressive with dogs of the same sex, and may also be aggressive around others smaller animals. This is a breed that is usually fine with children that live in household, but can be protective when other children are around and can also be aloof and stand offish with strangers.

LIVING CONDITIONS
They are not well suited for apartment dwellings and do best in a home with a large securely fenced yard. The Akita is happiest in a large yard. Because of thick coat, might be uncomfortable in warm environments.

GROOMING
The Akita’s coat should be brushed on a weekly basis. It is important to use a grooming comb and a slicker, steel Pin brush to groom your Akita’s coat effectively. You can also use a firm bristle brush. However, you should bear in mind that this is a dog that sheds heavily on a seasonal basis, and therefore grooming may need to be stepped up during this period. It is important to know that you should not bath an Akita too frequently.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Akita is around 10-13 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes: progressive retinal atrophy, canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, lymphosarcoma, gastric torsion and pemphigus.

HISTORY
The Akita Inu breed is native to the island of Honshu in the region of Akita, is considered as a natural monument and a national treasure in Japan, is also one of the oldest dog breeds. The Akita was registered with the AKC in 1972.

Jul200913

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ALASKAN MALAMUTE

APPEARANCE
Alaskan Malamutes are large working dogs. Their outer coat is harsh and thick, with a dense, softer undercoat. The underbody, feet, and face mask is white, and the rest of the coat can vary in terms of color, with colors that include gray, black, gold, red, and seal. Absolutely magnificent coloration and such a beautiful and strong overall build. The height of the Alaskan Malamute is around 23-27 inches and the weight is around 75-110 pounds.

PERSONALITY
Extremely loyal, affectionate and friendly, the Alaskan Malamute isn’t all work and no play. Males can be very dominant and both sexes can be combative with other dogs. Although very intelligent this calm and quiet dog can prove to be a bit stubborn. They have strong instinct so it’s advised to keep an eye on them around small animals. It is important to spend time with this breed and not neglect them, as they can become bored easily and this can lead to destructive behavior.

TRAINING
The Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent and clever dog. Bred for sledding and independence the Alaskan Malamute can prove to be stubborn. These dogs will do well in obedience training classes, but do not do so with smaller dogs as this can often cause their predatory instincts to come to play. You’ll find that males are more dominant and harder to train than females. One area where you may have problems in training is with housetraining.

EXERCISE
Alaskan Malamutes are very active and tireless dogs and are not recommended for apartment life, they prefers largely to pull a sled or a wheeled cart outside all day. Malamutes need a minimum of 2 hours exercise a day. You will want to spend time playing physical games with this breed. Because of its thick coat, the Alaskan Malamute easily gets overheated, so make sure to give them fresh water frequently to avoid dehydration.

SOCIALIZATION
Although a great companion and very loving, the Alaskan Malamute can be headstrong and stubborn, so they are best suited to those with experience in dog ownership. Early socialization is essentials to ensure that he gets along with other animals and people. The hunting instinct in these dogs is strong, and this means that you should be careful when he is around other animals or when he is loose.

LIVING CONDITIONS
Malamutes need open spaces and a large yard where they can engage in their favorite game: digging. Alaskan Malamutes are very active and tireless dogs and are not recommended for apartment life.

GROOMING
Alaskan Malamutes coat will require a brushing at least several times per week. You’ll want to be sure that the dog cared for in terms of his teeth too. Brush his teeth as often as your brush his coat. Twice yearly these dogs shed heavily, and at other times of the year they still shed although not quite as much - therefore this is not the best breed for allergy sufferers. As far as bathing goes, you don’t have to worry about doing so very often. In fact, besides to cool down in hot water it is almost unnecessary.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Alaskan Malamute is around 10-12 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes thyroid problems, bleeding disorders, Chd, cataracts, ligament problems, skin conditions, and autoimmune problems. You can also minimize the health problems of your dog by providing proper health care to the dog from the time that it is born and throughout its lifetime.

HISTORY
Originally used 2000 to 3000 years ago, the Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the Nordic dogs. It gets its name from Mahlemuts, a tribe of northwestern Alaska. These dogs were also used for hauling and hunting in larger numbers. These working dogs were first registered with the AKC in 1935.

Jul200908

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AMERICAN ENGLISH COONHOUND

APPEARANCE
The American English Coonhounds ears hang rather low, reaching nearly at the end of the nose when drawn out and an expression that can be best described as kind and houndy. The coat is a medium length, hard, protective hair with a deep chest, strong back and broad loin without any exaggerated parts. Coat colors are: red, white, tri-color, red and white, black and white. Height: Male: 24-26; Female: 23-25 inches. Weight:40-65 lbs

PERSONALITY
Affectionate, assured, watchful, fearless, and loyal. The American English Coonhound breed does best in packs rather than being the only dog. An American English Coonhound is watchful, assured and affectionate to humans as well as other dogs. Hunting is in its nature and shows it by being able to handle the physical pain associated with varied terrains.

TRAINING
The American English Coonhound requires early socialization. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. The American English Coonhound breed excels in performance, conformation, and field trial events.

EXERCISE
Natural hunters require regular exercise and an American English Coonhound is definitely one. Exercise may be in the form of regular walks, playtime in an open field and swimming. They do best in a rural setting with an active owner. If they are excessively confined or become bored they will bay consistently and become destructive.

SOCIALIZATION
The American English Coonhound breed does best in packs rather than being the only dog. They get along with older, considerate children and other pets they have been raised with. An American English Coonhound is watchful, assured and affectionate to humans as well as other dogs
.

LIVING CONDITIONS
A highly energetic breed, the American English Coonhound is not recommended for city or apartment dwelling. Tremendous adaptability to just about any environment is what separates the Coonhound from other breeds, and this holds true for the American English Coonhound.

GROOMING
Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush is recommended. Baths are given when necessary and not too frequently. Coats of American English Coonhounds are short thus it does not soak up water which facilitates drying in a small amount of time.. It is important to regularly check the ears and paw pads for debris.

HEALTH ISSUES
Life Span: 11 - 12 years.
This breed is quite healthy but may be prone to hip dysplasia like most other breeds.

HISTORY
The breed originated in the southeastern United States where they were bred from American and English Foxhounds, other European hunting breeds, and native dogs for the purpose of trailing and treeing a variety of animals.
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Jul200907

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AMERICAN ESKIMO DOG

APPEARANCE
The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes, and this includes the toy American Eskimo Dog, the miniature American Eskimo Dog, and the standard American Eskimo Dog. The coat color is white, or white with cream or biscuit markings. The toy is around 9-12 inches in height, and weighs in at around 6-10 pounds. The miniature version is around 12-15 inches in height, and weighs around 10-20 pounds, and the standard is around 15-19 inches in height, and weighs in at around 25-35 pounds.

PERSONALITY
The American Eskimo is known for being a very good companion dog. It is beloved for its intelligence, alertness and spunk. The breed is considered very active and quite loving. The American Eskimo Dog can get bored easily if not kept entertained, and this can lead to destructive behavior. You should bear in mind that the American Eskimo Dog loves to bark and dig, and therefore may not be the best choice for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle.

TRAINING
American Eskimos are considered incredibly smart, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to train. It is suggested that training in basic housebreaking, obedience and agility, if desired, begin as quickly as possible after an Eskie is brought home. When obedience problems are present with this breed, consistent reinforcement of proper behavior is generally the way to go. The American Eskimo Dog is quite gifted in guarding, performing tricks, competitive obedience, agility, and narcotics detection.

EXERCISE
This breed must have regular daily exercise. A perfect workout involves at the very least a good, long daily walk. At least 20 to 45 minutes. American Eskimos love to play and run and tend to do very well with both agility and obedience training, which can double as exercise. American Eskimos are also known for their ability to perform tricks, so some spirited fun might also be in order.

SOCIALIZATION
You should find that the American Eskimo Dog gets on well with older, considerate children, and should be okay with other dogs and pets, although they can be predatory when around smaller creatures such as birds and rodents. They are suspicious and wary of strangers and make good guardians of their family and home. The American Eskimo Dog can also have a jealous streak when it comes to other animals getting attention.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The American Eskimo can live comfortably in an apartment but needs adequate exercise. Ideally it should have a small yard. The American Eskimos can tire themselves out playing in an enclosed back yard. Find a favorite toy, such as a ball, and an owner will get to see just how much energy even the smallest American Eskimo has.

GROOMING
The American Eskimo Dog has a beautiful, flowing coat that needs to be brushed approximately twice a week, particularly when shedding. A coat like the American Eskimo has can easily become tangled and matted if a proper brushing routine isn’t established and maintained. It is not necessary to bathe these dogs on a regular basis. Do take care to clean out their ears and remove hair, dirt and any wax build up that is troublesome. Their paws should be inspected regularly and nails trimmed as needed.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the American Eskimo Dog is around 13-15 years. Typically a very healthy breed, the American Eskimo does have the potential for some medical conditions that might be a concern: canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.

HISTORY
The American Eskimo Dog originates from the USA and is a member of the Spitz group. It has been bred solely to be a loving companion and hardy watch dog. The breed was first registered with the AKC in 1995.

Jul200906

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AMERICAN FOXHOUND

APPEARANCE
American Foxhound has a lean, strong build and is covered by a solid, tight coat that may be of any color. The head is relatively long and the eyes have a gentle or soft look. coloring can vary, including black, tan, and white, red and white, tan and white, and lemon and white, although the tri-colored coat is the most common. The height of he American Foxhound is around 21-25 inches, and the weight around 60-90 pounds.

PERSONALITY
American Foxhound’s are tolerant, social, amiable, and active. These dogs love to explore, and owners should bear this in mind and ensure that the dog is not let off the leash in an unsecured area, as he may run off. Sometimes, foxhounds are a bit nervous around loud noises and situations where they’re overwhelmed by scents and sounds. Although the American Foxhound is a fun loving and people loving dog, he can be very immature and playful, even when grown up.

TRAINING
The American foxhound is a very intelligent breed, though not always responsive, even to the best of training. The American Foxhound is typically difficult to housebreak. The American Foxhound does best with fairness, firmness, routine, and consistency in training. Many owners find their foxhounds are very receptive to positive reinforcement.

EXERCISE
Just about any type of exercise is suitable for this very active dog, though they are definitely at their best when running through the woods. Regular exercise in a yard or even frequent walks are an absolute must for a hound kept in the relative confinement of living in a house. They do best in a rural setting with acreage or a large securely fenced yard. This breed excels at agility, tracking, and hunting.

SOCIALIZATION
These dogs love to be around other dogs and people, but can be protective. With strangers the dog’s reaction may vary. This breed does well with children and other dogs. American Foxhound’s should not be trusted with non-canine pets. American Foxhound is still primarily a hunting dog and don’t always make good family pets, though he has had some success as a companion dog he is not particularly people oriented.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The American foxhound may not do well in an apartment setting, as it tends to be very lively when indoors. They do best in a rural setting with acreage or a large securely fenced yard. Because of its considerable size, the foxhound is usually made to live outdoors under temperate weather conditions, with beddings and a warm shelter.

GROOMING
Regular brushing is not only good for the skin, but it may also alert you to the presence of fleas before they get out of control. Brushing may be done with either a large dog comb that more closely resembles horse tack or, the more traditional fine-toothed comb. You can also wipe the short, hard coat with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking glossy and in good condition. Careful grooming regimen should include regular checks on their toenails. Pay very close attention to the dewclaws.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the American Foxhound is around 10-12 years. The American Foxhound is an unusually healthy dog. Generally, the breed doesn’t Show any sign of congenital defect or inherited conditions. It is also usually free of debilitating hip and bone disorders that plague many other large breeds.

HISTORY
This extraordinary Foxhound come from two breeds, English (brought to America in 1650) and French (sent as a gift by Lafayette to George Washington), this combination have produced the American Foxhound. Bred to hunt foxes, deer, and coyotes, these dogs were a favorite with George Washington. The American foxhound was first registered with the AKC in 1886.

Jul200902

0

AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER

APPEARANCE
The American Staffordshire Terrier has an athletic, robust, yet compact build, and an alert expression. Ears can be either cropped or uncropped, naturally folding over the head. The coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier is short and glossy. Can come in many colors including black and tan, red, brown, and white. The height of the American Staffordshire Terrier is around 17-19 inches, and these dogs weigh in at around 40-75 pounds.

PERSONALITY
The American Staffordshire Terrier is good-natured, stable, and responsive to things around them. Stable and outgoing, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed that will be fun to have around the house. They want to do nothing but please their master, so they will be willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy. These dogs can be very determined and tough, but also very intelligent and devoted.

TRAINING
Being intelligent yet very willful and stubborn, this breed requires consistent and firm training from a dominant handler to prevent dominance issues that could arise. Firm correction is a must as this is a very powerful and willful breed. House training is of particular concern with this intelligent breed. Obedience classes at an early age are definitely recommended for someone experienced with the American Staffordshire Terrier breed.

EXERCISE
The American Staffordshire Terrier requires quite a bit of exercise being so energetic and lively. You will want to take this dog on frequent walks and keep them occupied with toys and other distractions. Owners that take their American Staffordshire Terrier out for an hour of walking each day report that their dogs are more content and don’t become bored or fidgety when they are then brought back indoors.

SOCIALIZATION
This breed does do well around small children, but should not be left unsupervised around them, as this is a very powerful and rambunctious breed. It is important to remember that they were bred to be aggressive towards other dogs and therefore should be supervised when with other canines. These dogs may also be aggressive towards other pets, such as cats, rabbits, and rodents.

LIVING CONDITIONS
This breed does best with at least a medium sized yard and does not do well in apartment life as they have the tendency to become bored and can become very destructive at the expense of the owner.

GROOMING
The American Staffordshire Terrier’s short, sleek coat is easy to look after, and needs only occasional brushing. Brushing with a coarse bristle brush on a regular basis is recommended. In addition, try to use dry shampoo to keep up the appearance of the coat and bathe only when absolutely necessary.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the American Staffordshire Terrier is around 10-12 years. In most cases, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a hardy breed that doesn’t suffer from a lot of Health Problems, but there are some concerns that do come up with some dogs. Cases of hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, and inherited cataracts have been recorded.

HISTORY
Originated in nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire, by crossing bulldogs and various terriers. This breed used to be known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, but then became known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. The breed was first registered with the AKC in 1936.

Jun200930

2

AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL

APPEARANCE
The American Water Spaniel has muscular body and curly water-proof coat contribute to its abilities as an all-around hunting dog. The ears are large and drooping, framing the face, and he sports an eager and intelligent expression. The American Water Spaniel has a double coat, which is distinctive and weather resistant. The color may be dark chocolate, brown, or solid liver. The height of the American Water Spaniel is around 15-18 inches, and the weight is around 25-45 pounds.

PERSONALITY
The American Water Spaniel is a very gentle, kind and affectionate dog as well as an energetic hunting dog and an incredibly intelligent worker. The American Water Spaniel is suitable for newcomers to dog ownership as well as for the more experienced. The American Water Spaniel loves to be a part of the action when it comes to family fun and activity. Overall, the American Water Spaniel is a friendly, energetic and loving companion.

TRAINING
They are considered to be a very easy dog to train although socialization is very important and can cause problems in the future if not included in the training process. They may be difficult to housetrain and the crate method is highly recommended. This breed has a highly sensitive nature and does not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. Training as hunting dogs requires additional time by the owner.

EXERCISE
The American Water Spaniel does best with lots of regular exercise. The American Water Spaniel is happy to go for a long walk through the neighborhood or go to the park in the off leash area and just get a chance to run. They are excellent retrievers and will spend as much time chasing the ball, toy or Frisbee. They have a tendency to roam, so daily jogging or walking must be done with the American Water Spaniel securely leashed.

SOCIALIZATION
If not socialized well when young, the breed can become timid and potentially aggressive toward other dogs. The American Water Spaniel is usually good with children and is sturdy enough to handle a fair amount of rough play. You should be mindful that the American Water Spaniel does not like to be teased, and can be quite noisy in terms of barking and whining.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The American Water Spaniel will do okay in an apartment provided they are given sufficient exercise and a securely fenced yard is available. They prefer a home in the country setting with room to run.

GROOMING
This breed has an oily coat that needs brushing twice a week. Start by grooming the coat in the direction of hair growth, being very careful around sensitive areas such as the ears and face. Bathe the animal only when necessary, as shampoos tend to remove the coat’s natural oils and dry out the skin. The ears should be carefully checked for any signs of discharge or infection. Also, clip the hair around his feet and the top part of the ears.

HEALTH ISSUES
The lifespan of the American Water Spaniel is around 10-15 years. Mitral valve disease is a major health concern in this breed; patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis and canine hip dysplasia are also sometimes seen. For American Water Spaniels used in field events or hunting it is very important to check for ticks after every outing to prevent any possible diseases or infections that can be caused by contact with the ticks.

HISTORY
The American Water Spaniel originates in the United States, and although there is no clear knowledge with regards to its exact origins. Since the 18th century this breed has been used on the farm and for hunting, particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Bred to be water retrievers and to retrieve ducks, geese, and rabbits, the breed was first registered with the AKC in 1940.

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