Tammy and Raider

Weight 55 – 75 pounds (24.95 – 34.02 kg)
Height 21 – 24 inches (53.34 – 60.96 cm)

Trademark Traits
•Broad, clean-cut head
•Pendant (hanging) ears
•Short, thick, weather-proof coat
•Otter-like tail
•Natural retrieving skills
•Fun-loving and free-spirited
•Easygoing pal
•Mellow and gentle
•Patient with children

Some Ideal Human Companions
•Hunters and fishermen
•Runners and bicyclists
•Campers and hikers
•Outdoor sportspeople
•Families

What They’re Like to Live With
Labradors are people-oriented dogs, always ready for a jog around the neighborhood, a strenuous hike or an endless game of fetch. Labs are reliable, willing and patient. They love nothing more than activity and attention.

Lacking many personality pitfalls, Labs are not especially aggressive, territorial, whiny, sulky or destructive. However, a Labrador Retriever’s trademark affability can become a little out of control in later years if not checked as a puppy.

Labs are easily trained, being naturally patient and obedient, but they are probably not the best guard dogs. Despite an alert instinct and an excellent sense of smell, they tend to be more friendly than aggressive with people they don’t know. Also, Labs are not particularly noisy, barking only at unknown sounds, yet they’ll often bark protectively when someone approaches your home.

Around the house, Labs are animated and good-natured, playing well with children and other dogs. They like to be involved in family occasions, joining social gatherings in an easygoing way, and they are pretty good about sharing and respecting space.

Labradors tend to get bored when left alone indoors for too long. This can lead to listlessness and destructiveness from all the unspent energy and lack of attention. This breed is happiest and healthiest with plenty of exercise and outdoor play.

Things You Should Know
The life expectancy for Labrador Retrievers is generally 10-12 years. They have relatively few health problems, but are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections and eye disorders. Labs that are fed too much and exercised too little may develop obesity problems. It’s very important that they get daily exercise along with moderate rations of food.

If possible, Labradors need an average-sized yard. They can manage in an apartment, as long as they get regular walks or visits to the park.

Yet, even in a fenced-in yard Labs can get a little stir-crazy. They have a natural curiosity, a desire for companionship and an uncanny single-mindedness that could drive them to break through a fence or leap over it. For this reason, dog experts recommend clearly marked tags for Labs, and in some cases a traceable microchip implant.

Labrador Retriever History
Named the “Labrador” in 1887 by the Earl of Malmesbury—an English hunter and breeder—the Lab actually originated in 18th-century Newfoundland, Canada. At the time two breeds emerged from the St. John’s Water Dog: the Greater Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland. The Greater Newfoundland dogs worked in teams hauling fish, but the Lesser Newfoundland had a rugged friendliness that fishermen valued. Fishermen marveled that these smaller Newfoundlands kept their can-do attitude even after long days retrieving nets from the sea, playing happily with children back when returning to shore. Soon, these dogs came to Poole, England—the Newfoundland fishing-trade hub—where hunters and sportsmen honed them into skilled hunters and retrievers. In 1903 the English Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as an official breed. The American Kennel Club certified the breed in 1917.

The Look of the Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers come in black, chocolate and yellow. They have a broad, clean-cut head with hanging ears and alert, friendly and intelligent eyes. They have thick noses and wide muzzles and strong necks. Labradors have a short, dense and water-resistant outer coat and a downy undercoat that keeps them warm. Their straight tail, also covered by the coat, is otter-like—beginning thick and tapering at the end and defecting water—and their webbed feet are great for swimming. Though not very tall, Labs are solid and well built. They are usually slim but can get a little heavy without enough exercise.

from dogster.com

Having control of your dog at all times, even around distractions allows you to take him anywhere. To see how we can help your dog, call today for a free home demonstration 519-870-DOGS.

Thank you Brent!!

Patricia, Ray and Stella

Trademark Traits:
•Easygoing
•Playful and puppy-like
•Bold and loyal
•Protective
•Intelligent
•Easy to train

Some Ideal Human Companions:
•Singles
•Ranchers
•Outdoorsy types
•Families

What They’re Like to Live With:
Australian Shepherds are loyal, dependable, easygoing companions. When it comes to their love of play, they never really outgrow the puppy stage. For this reason they are excellent with children—and the more active, the better. But they have a gentle nature that prevents their play from ever getting rough. They are also eager to work: Give them a job and they’ll get it done with loads of energy to spare.

Australian Shepherds can be a little standoffish at first. Given time, however, they will become comfortable with new people and come out of their shells. They have excellent guarding instincts and a strong sense of loyalty to their families. Australian Shepherds will bark when strangers approach the house, and they’ll sometimes run a few laps around the house for good measure.

Things You Should Know:
Like most herding breeds, Australian Shepherds have a strong work ethic. They love having a job to do. Left alone indoors for too long, they can go a little batty. For this reason, they are not really suited for apartments. Take them out to work in the field or for a long run in the woods—the activity and mental stimulation will result in a very happy Australian Shepherd.

Some Australian Shepherds retain strong working-dog genes. This makes them more eager to be in the field and less eager to hang out with the family. These dogs are more inclined to herd people and nip at heels to keep everyone moving, but with proper training these quirks can be worked out.

A healthy Australian Shepherd can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, cataracts and hypothyroidism. Australian Shepherds don’t shed excessively and only need occasional brushing.

Australian Shepherd History:
The Australian Shepherd we know today was developed mainly in the U.S. In fact, this breed has no real connection to Australia. Originating in the Basque region between Spain and France as a working dog and sheepherder, the breed drew the name “Australian Shepherd” because many of the Basque shepherds came from Australia. Australian Shepherds became more popular in the mid-twentieth century, favorites of ranchers and cowboys for their unique herding talents, but did not enter the AKC Stud Book until 1991.

The Look of the Australian Shepherd:
Australian Shepherds are vigorous, well-proportioned and rustic dogs—a little longer than tall. Their slightly domed heads and medium-length muzzles are about the same length, with almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, brown or amber. Their ears are triangular and set high, their chests are deep and their tails are straight and naturally short. They have a weather-resistant coat with a moderate texture, creating a little bit of a mane. Their hair is short and soft around the head, ears and front legs. Australian Shepherds can be found in black, blue merle, red merle, solid-red or red with white and/or tan markings. Overall, Australian Shepherds have strong, square, balanced frames.

From dogster.com

Weight: 30 – 50 pounds (13.61 – 22.68 kg)
Height: 18 – 21 inches (45.72 – 53.34 cm)

Trademark Traits:
Long, two-toned mane
Smart and independent
Eager to please
Suspicious of strangers
Great herders
Perfectionists
Tireless workers

Some Ideal Human Companions:
Singles
Agility trainers
Families with older children
Shepherds

What They’re Like to Live With:
Border Collies are loyal, trainable, whip-smart pets with an oversupply of energy; i.e. they won’t just hang out on the couch. They need lots of space to run, so a big backyard (or even a farm) suits them best. These dogs are the ideal companions for those who work outdoors or across wide-open spaces.
Easily trainable and eager to please, Border Collies can sometimes be perfectionists when it comes to learning and executing new skills. Always give them tasks and they will serve you until the day is done. They form a strong bond with their owners but can be standoffish with strangers. Border Collies will let you know fairly quickly if someone is approaching the house.

They have natural herding instincts that can sometimes come into play in the household: Young children and small pets may get “herded” from time-to-time. These are tough, busy and sometimes high-strung dogs with a determined drive and focus. People who like dog sports will love Border Collies. They are great competitors.

Things You Should Know:
If you’re just looking for a nice family pet, a Border Collie might not be the ideal choice. These are demanding dogs requiring dedicated owners. They need lots of attention, plenty of outdoor exercise and—if possible—something to do: This could be a task, training exercise or a “herding” game. Border Collies are so crafty, intelligent and full of energy that it would be a shame to leave them alone all day in the house.
Border Collies also like direction. A firm (but friendly) owner who can keep up with obedience lessons and training is necessary. They have a tendency to dominate weak-willed owners, so make sure your Border Collie knows who’s the boss. However, severe punishment or harsh treatment can elicit strange, irrational reactions. Regular doses of positive reinforcement will help them thrive.

Always remember to keep your Border Collie active and challenged: If bored or neglected, they can cause trouble by being destructive in the yard or with personal property.

A healthy Border Collie can live as long as 15 years. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, deafness and epilepsy.

Border Collie History:
Considered the world’s best sheepherder, Border Collies originated on the Scottish/English border in Northumberland, derived from a mixture of Spaniel and early droving breeds. While no one knows for sure how long they’ve been around, some experts say English sheepdogs have been tending herds since the Romans landed in Britain. Their keen intelligence and adaptability has made them a top choice for narcotics and bomb detection, not to mention guiding the blind and assisting the handicapped.

The Look of the Border Collie:
A medium-sized dog with a light frame and long hair, the typical Border Collie has a slightly wide head with a tapered muzzle, half-perked ears and dark, oval eyes. The long tail sometimes raises but never curls over the back. They have two types of coat: sleek and coarse (which is slightly longer than sleek). Colors include black, black & white, red & white, tri-color and black & gray. Overall, Border Collies have an athletic body—strong and agile, quick and coordinated—that seems always ready for action.

From Dogster.com

Hilary and Bella

Weight: 55 – 70 pounds (24.95 – 31.75 kg)
Height: 21 – 25 inches (53.34 – 63.50 cm)

Trademark Traits:
Stocky, muscular frame
Strong and nimble
Lovably excitable
Protective
Clever and (sometimes) sneaky
Friendly and accepting
Some Ideal Human Companions:
Singles
Families
Active, outdoorsy types
A-type personalities

What They’re Like to Live With:
Boxers may look tough as nails (and they are certainly tough) but under the surface they are lovable, playful, sometimes goofy pals. They get along with the whole family, including children and other pets. Some have even been know to get chummy with cats.
Though it’s a myth that Boxers got their name from their tendency to stand up and “box” with their paws, they do use their paws frequently, whether to bat playfully at their water bowls, toys and friends. They sometimes do it for fun, but mostly it’s to send you a message like “feed me” or “play with me!” Boxers also love to carry things around the house. This could be a toy, a shirt, or just about anything.

Loyal and affectionate, Boxers need lots of attention. Playtime, walks and obedience games are always appreciated. They are extremely protective of their surroundings, serving as very dependable guard dogs. However, they are generally friendly—and sometimes giddy—when meeting new people. An excellent companion to kids, they might be too rambunctious with the very young—but they never lose their patience or good nature.

Things You Should Know:
Boxers sometimes try to dominate their owners. The best way to handle this is to maintain a firm but friendly hand. If acquired as a puppy, make sure your Boxer gets adequate training and socialization to manage the extreme aspects of his energetic personality. An untrained Boxer—using its speed, energy and jumping skills at will—can be a handful.
Boxers are sensitive to heat and cold. Their short snouts make it hard for them to cool themselves down in humid weather, and their coats are not thick enough for the cold. If you live in an extreme temperature area, either consider another breed or closely monitor your Boxer when playing outside.

A healthy Boxer can live as long as 14 years. Common health problems include tumors (especially in older Boxers), skin allergies, hip dysplasia and heart problems. They also tend to drool and snore. Like most energetic canines, they need loads of exercise, activity and human contact to maintain good health and happiness.

Boxer History:
Developed in 19th century Germany from German Mastiffs and English Bulldogs, the Boxer was used as a hunting, fighting and working dog, prized for its tenacity, strength and obedience. Later used as cattle dogs, they also made a name for themselves as circus performers. In the early 1900s, the Deutscher Boxer Club established a breed standard for Boxers, and the AKC approved them in 1904. Decades later, American soldiers brought them home after World War II, and they quickly became popular in the U.S.

The Look of the Boxer:
Boxers have a compact, square-built frame that looks equally elegant and powerful. Their lean, well-developed muscles are usually visible under the tight, unwrinkled skin, and they carry themselves in a proud and balanced manner. They have chiseled heads—in proportion to their bodies—with open nostrils and wide, blunt muzzles. They have strong necks, short backs, docked tails and straight front legs. Their taut, close-fitting coats can come in a variety of colors: beige, tawny brown, and shades of red with white markings.

from Dogster.com

According to American Kennel Club® (AKC) 2009 registration statistics released today during a press conference at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier last year and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the first time in more than three decades.

An American favorite since the time of Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog became the number one breed of the 1920s, but then slipped in popularity until after World War II.

“Labs have been America’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “But the German Shepherd Dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad. Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls.”

2009 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Bulldog

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Shih Tzu

WORKING K-9s “SNIFF OUT” THE TOP 10
The German Shepherd Dog isn’t the only breed Americans will spot at the airport or train terminal when they travel – Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Beagles work throughout the country to keep the homeland safe. These breeds are used by law enforcement military and homeland security personnel for a variety of tasks ranging from border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection, to searching for missing persons and tracking down fugitives.

These four breeds were developed for various forms of hunting or herding, but the traits that made them so effective at these jobs, such as strong scenting ability of the Beagle, the eager-to-please attitude of the Golden Retriever and Labrador, and the bold nature of the German Shepherd, make them effective in their careers today.

“Despite advances in security technology, the canine and its unique abilities remain a valued resource for the military and law enforcement agencies that work to keep us safe,” said Peterson. “The loyalty, intelligence and hardworking nature which make these breeds desirable as K-9 partners in the field also contribute to their status as valuable companions in the hearts of dog owners around the nation.”

Want a well trained dog? Call the experts at Sit Means Sit for your free demo and consultation. (519) 870-DOGS.