Largest Dog Breeds Series : Newfoundland

 

 

 

The origin of the Newfoundland breed is traced to Newfoundland - an incorporated island of Canada.

 

The Newfoundland is a working dog, especially in water.  The physical attributes of the Newfoundland allow this breed to "excel at water rescue/lifesaving" - muscular build, thick double coat, webbed feet, natural swimming ability.

 

The Newfoundland is calm in temperament.  The Newfoundland is loyal and excellent with children.

 

The Newfoundland is an ideal therapy companion dog and is otherwise known as a "nanny dog."

 

Point of interest - "Nana" in Peter Pan was a Newfoundland dog.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh 132 to 154 pounds & Females weigh 100 to 121 pounds

- Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, defective heart valves

- 8 to 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Wikipedia

 

 



Largest Dog Breeds Series : Neapolitan Mastiff

(Source:  American Kennel Club)

 

 

 

"All European mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, the most ancient member of the canine species." - Dog Breed Info

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is also referred to as the Italian Mastiff and Neo.  The Neapolitan Mastiff is often used by the Italian police and army.  The Neo is considered to be a "formidable guard dog."  (Dog Breed Info)

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is affectionate and calm.  The Neo is intelligent, protective, and courageous. 

 

Socialization is critical to avoid reservation around strangers, other animals, and unfamiliar territory.

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is good with children IF the children show proper leadership.

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not recommended for a new dog owner.  Dominance and experience are ideal in training.  Natural leadership is likewise ideal.  Consistent communication is necessary.  According to Dog Breed Info, if this dog does not listen to a command, the owner should try a different approach while remaining confident.

 

Stats:

- The average weight is up to 165 pounds.

*Male Neapolitans can weigh as much as 200 pounds.

- Prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat

- Sensitive to heat

- Long walks twice a day or more

*Neapolitan Mastiffs require a good amount of daily exercise

- Up to 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

Largest Dog Breeds

The Daily Puppy has inspired me to find trends in dog breeds. 

This post will kick off a special series on the largest dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club.

The American Kennel Club lists 14 dogs as the largest breeds -

1.  Great Dane
2.  Mastiff
3.  Neapolitan Mastiff
4.  Bullmastiff
5.  Newfoundland
6.  Dogue De Bordeaux
7.  Cane Corso
8.  Great Pyrenees
9.  Bernese Mountain Dog
10.  Tibetan Mastiff
11.  Black Russian Terrier
12.  Leonberger
13.  Irish Wolfhound
14.  Scottish Deerhound

In the posts to come, I will discuss the history of each breed.

Boxer Week on The Daily Puppy

In the post Daily Puppy Trend : The Labradoodle, I noticed the Labradoodle breed being a feature throughout this month of May.  However, there is a Daily Puppy trend for this week alone - the Boxer.

On Wednesday, Tyson the Boxer was The Daily Puppy feature.  Today, Chloe the Boxer is The Daily Puppy feature.

On review of past posts, I have yet to write about the history of the Boxer.

In 2014, the American Kennel Club ranked the Boxer #8 as the most popular breed in the United States.

The origin of the Boxer dates to 19th Century Germany with trace to the Mastiff and the Bulldog.  In early history, the Boxer was used in dog fighting and bull baiting.  The Boxer was also used as a working dog - round up livestock, catch and pin boar and bison for hunters.  At the present time, Boxers are often used in police work, military work, and search and rescue.  This breed's name is seemingly derived from the way the dog uses its front legs against opponents, in similar appearance to a human boxer.

The Boxer is playful, curious, athletic, and energetic.  The Boxer is loyal and affectionate - an excellent family dog and great with children.  This breed is intelligent and quick to learn.  The Boxer is naturally and highly protective of its family and home - welcoming known visitors and restraining strangers.

Training and leadership must be firm and consistent.  According to Dog Breed Info, an owner should teach this dog not to jump up on people especially.

Stats:
- Males weigh on average 60 to 70 pounds & Females weigh on average 53 to 65 pounds
- Prone to cancer, mast cell tumors - signs can be shown as of age 8 on
- Prone to arthritis, hip dysplasia, back and knee problems
- Possible health concerns:  Heart problems, skin allergies, epilepsy
- Sensitive to warm and cold climates - overheat easily and chill quickly
- Daily mental and physical exercise and play to satisfy active nature
- 11 to 14 years is the average life expectancy

Source:  Dog Breed Info

A Place to Rest for an Active Dog

Breed of the Day : American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniel


HISTORY :

• Sporting dog breed - smallest size
• Relative to the English Cocker Spaniel
• U.S. reference is "Cocker Spaniel" & Global reference is "American Cocker Spaniel" - separate references due to different breed standards in America and the UK
• "Cocker" origins - hunt woodcock in England
• "Spaniel" origins - Spain
• First spaniel in America came on the Mayflower in 1620
• Cocker Spaniel officially registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878
• The AKC officially declared the English Cocker Spaniel a different breed in 1946 due to noticeable differences.
• The UK Kennel Club officially declared the American Cocker Spaniel a different breed in 1970.
• Most popular breed in the U.S. in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1980s
• Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - 4 shows
• Well-known owners include Richard Nixon and Harry S. Truman

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Cocker_Spaniel)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Ideal as a gundog or household pet
• Gentle and devoted
• Average intelligence
• Respectful of authority
• Active and playful
• Naturally shy - socialize when young
• Need firm, loving leadership
• Daily exercise to maintain positive temperament
• Can be difficult to housebreak, but relatively easy to train
• Tolerates other animals
• Owner must show pack leadership to avoid Small Dog Syndrome - if the dog senses leadership among human family, he/she will develop fear, dominance, and viciousness, submissive urination due to overexcitement and lack of mental & physical exercise to burn off energy, aggressive behavior, obsessive barking

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average weight - 15 to 30 pounds

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Apartment friendly with daily exercise
• Fairly active indoors

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 12 - 15 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm)

Remembering Swanny

From time to time, I like to check in with The Anti-Cruelty Society online.  From time to time, I do the same with PAWS Chicago.  I see familiar faces and I meet new ones.  I also miss a few.

Today I remember my sweetheart Beagle, Swanny.  Swanny is a 2-year-old female Beagle brought into PAWS Chicago on May 5, 2010.  She was my spotlight on Examiner in the article Favorite Breed 2010.  Swanny was a special dog, so labeled by PAWS Chicago.  Swanny was more so a special dog in my heart.  She had a story to tell that no one heard because of her momentary lapse in proper behavior.  I heard her story quite clearly.  I loved Swanny a great deal and did hope dearly to adopt her.  My resources, sadly, are still not together.

Swanny has found someone who will listen to her and give her a home fit for pure perfection.  Swanny was adopted.

The Beagle breed is not easy to adopt in urban settings mainly because of their infamous howling bark.  The American Kennel Club offers an incredible list of rescue groups around the United States.  If you are aware of a Beagle in need of help, consider the contact information listed on the American Kennel Club.  Scroll down to Beagle.

Personal note - If you enjoy Puppy Love, please consider making a donation in any amount to support this blog's continued success.  Donations are anonymous and secure through PayPal (an account with PayPal is not needed).  Donations may be made through "Forever Home Donations" at the bottom of the screen.  Thank you so much for your support.

Non-sporting Dog Breeds

A comprehensive list of dog breeds classified as non-sporting can be found on
American Kennel Club.

Amazon offers over 3,000 toys for small breeds.  This selection (albeit quite extensive) is excellent for dogs residing in apartment settings, where most of their exercise activity is indoors.  If you own a small dog or are interested in adopting a small breed, invest in such toys as found on Amazon.  I encourage use of my Amazon Search Box found at the bottom of the screen.  Enter "dog toys for small dogs" and shop away!

The American Kennel Club has strong ties to dog.com.  This website offers anything dog -

beds

bowls/feeders

carriers

clothes

collars/leashes/harnesses

doors/gates

eco-friendly products

food

grooming

health

luxury

made in the USA

personalized products

puppy supplies

toys

training

travel/outdoor

and so much more 

Hours will easily be spent looking around and shopping.  Simply go to the American Kennel Club site and click on Dog.com at the top of the screen.  Puppy Love highly recommends dog.com as a priority source for all things dog.  An added bonus to shopping at dog.com is that shoppers will be supporting the American Kennel Club.

Love Amazon.com.  Love the American Kennel Club.  Love your dog.

Mika the American Eskimo

Today's daily puppy is Mika the American Eskimo.  Mika is adorable with a snowball fur coat and does indeed look ready for anything.

The American Eskimo is well recognized for its beautiful white coat and contrasting black lips, nose, and eyes.  Its triangle-shaped ears take notice as well.

The Eskie, as generally referred to as, is surprisingly not in relation to Eskimo natives.  The Eskie is actually a descendent of the Spitz family - white German Spitz, white Italian spitz, and white Pomeranian.  The Eskie came to the United States in the 19th century to be part of traveling circuses.  A further history of the American Eskimo can be found on the American Kennel Club.

The temperament of the American Eskimo is one of gold.  This breed is affectionate and playful.  This breed is alert.  The Eskie is highly intelligent and lives to please its master, therefore making training quite easy.  The American Eskimo is an excellent family dog and loves new people (admittedly after initial hesitation).  The American Eskimo thrives as part of a family.  This dog, like all others on Puppy Love, needs firm but gentle and always consistent and confident leadership.  A further look on the behavior of the American Eskimo can be found on Dog Breed Info.

Dog Breed Info describes the American Eskimo as perfect for all house types.  Why?  The Eskie comes in three weight sizes - toy (6 to 10 pounds), miniature (10 to 20 pounds), and standard (18 to 35 pounds).  With these weight classes come health concerns.  The American Eskimo easily gains weight if not given enough exercise or if overfed.  Other concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and allergies to fleas in some.  Despite these health concerns, the American Eskimo has an incredible life expectancy at 15 years or longer.

The American Eskimo will fair well in apartment settings and in homes with yards.  Due to their acute intelligence, the Eskie needs daily exercise and activities that will provide purpose as this breed likes to work.  Such exercise can be done indoors or out.  A daily walk, however, is always a must to satisfy the natural canine instinct to move.

Dog Breed Info and the American Kennel Club recommend daily grooming as the double coat sheds.

Gizmo the Shih Tzu

Today's daily puppy is Gizmo the Shih Tzu.  Gizmo must live quite the happy life to stick out his tongue without a care.

The name "Shih Tzu" means "lion" and definitively defines this breed's personality - kind and playful but brave without fear.  A glance at Gizmo, then, makes sense. 

The history of the Shih Tzu dates several centuries in Chinese royalty.  The Shih Tzu is believed to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese.  This breed served as house pet for the Ming Dynasty and came to be discovered by English soldiers during World War II.  For more information on the history of the Shih Tzu, visit the American Kennel Club.

The pronunciation of Shih Tzu, interestingly, has a history all its own.  In America, the name is spoken as "sheet-sue."  Proper Chinese Mandarin pronunciation is "sure-ds" (where "ds" sounds like the "ds" in "words").  For more information on the history of the name Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info.

The Shih Tzu is lively, gentle, and loyal.  The Shih Tzu is friendly and eager to make new friends.  The Shih Tzu is courageous and intelligent.  Despite its small size, the Shih Tzu makes for a good watch dog because of its alert nature.  Like all dogs posted on Puppy Love, the Shih Tzu requires an appropriate place within its human pack.  If led to believe in being the leader, inappropriate behaviors will arise - i.e. separation anxiety, growling, biting, lack of trust, etc.  Firm but gentle and always consistent training and rule-setting brings out the best in the Shih Tzu.  For more information on the temperament of the Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info. 

The Shih Tzu averages up to 11 inches in height and 9 to 16 pounds in weight.  This small stature comes with health concerns.  The Shih Tzu is prone to spinal disc disease due to a long back and short legs.  Other health complaints include ear infections, eye problems, and tooth loss.  Respiratory issues can arise as the Shih Tzu tends to snore.  Owners and potential adopters should know never to overfeed this dog as they can easily gain weight.  The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is incredible at 15 years or longer.  For more information on the health of the Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info.

The Shih Tzu is excellent for apartment living because of its small size and minimal need for outside exercise.  However, this dog needs a daily walk to satisfy its instinct.

The Shih Tzu needs regular grooming because of its long coat.  Regular grooming will allow for little to no shedding.  For more information on grooming needs of the Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info.

Brutus the Dachshund

Today's daily puppy is Brutus the Dachshund.  In my opinion, I do not match "Brutus" with "Dachshund" - his sweet eyes and small, cuddly body do not seem intimidating enough for such a tough name as Brutus.

The Dachshund is a friendly breed dating to early 17th Century Germany.  At that time, breeders were looking for a fearless, small, and long dog to dig through ground to attack and kill nuisance badgers.  The Dachshund name - pronounced "dak sund" - translates to "badger dog."  Dachshunds found popularity in the United States in the early 1900s, but lost interest after World War I for unknown reasons.  American breeders brought the Dachshund breed back into popularity some years later when importing German dogs.  For a further history, visit the American Kennel Club.

True to their hunting instincts, the Dachshund is curious, intelligent, and brave.  The Dachshund is likewise known for affection and devotion.  This breed requires strong lead by its human owner.  Lack of authority will lead to separation anxiety, biting, obsessive barking, and other poor acts of behavior.  This breed can also become unpredictable around strangers and owners if gone without lead.  An owner with experience with smaller dogs is ideal for the Dachshund.  If a Dachshund is adopted into a family with other pets and there comes to be a lack of authority, this dog can become jealous and irritable.  Dog Breed Info describes such  negative traits as that of small dog syndrome and not in any way that of the loveable Dachshund breed.

In the United States, the American Kennel Club classifies the Dachshund in two sizes - standard and miniature.  Standard height stands at 8 to 11 inches.  Standard weight is over 11 pounds by one year of age (12 months).  Miniature height stands at 5 to 7 inches.  Miniature weight is 11 pounds or less by one year of age (12 months).  In Europe, the Dachshund is classified as Toy size - 12 inches in height and 8 pounds in weight by one year of age (12 months).  Nicknames such as "Wiener Dog," "Hotdog Dog," "Tweenie," "Dwarf," and others are not official American Kennel Club titles.  For further information on the description of the Dachshund, visit Dog Breed Info.

Dachshunds come with serious health concerns.  This breed is prone to spinal disc problems leading to paralysis, urinary tract problems, heart disease, and diabetes.  Dachshunds tend to become overweight, causing further back ailments.  However, life expectancy is quite long at 12 to 15 years.

Apartment settings for urban adopters are fine as the Dachshund is active indoors.  Daily walks and outdoor play are still requisite.

As described by the American Kennel Club and Dog Breed Info, the Dachshund is an ideal dog to own for its temperament and familial companionship.  If the Dachshund sounds like the right fit for you, look to your local animal shelter or Petfinder.com for possible adoption availabilities.

Puppy Love Holiday Edition

December whispers silent snowfall, crystal lights as illuminous as the evening moon, cold that warms the heart, and a sparkle in forever eyes.  December whispers glittering magic in the name of the holiday season.  Puppy Love wishes all forever families and little ones loving memories in the 2010 season.

Today's daily puppy is a special one.  In this Holiday Edition, I feature the Cocker Spaniel. 

Lady -



- was a Christmas gift to her forever family when she was an infant.  Her puppy litter was an addition to the family in the last Christmas scene in the forever classic Disney film, Lady and the Tramp.  Lady is the Holiday Edition in Puppy Love.

The Cocker Spaniel has been recognized since the late 1800s and has been a popular breed since.

The Spaniel breed derives from the term Spanyell coined in the 14th Century.  Cockers are the smallest of the breed and are in fact part of the Sporting Group.  The formally recognized Cocker Spaniel is the English Cocker Spaniel.  The English Cocker Spaniel is a formidable hunting dog with surprising speed on land and ability in water.

For more history on the Cocker Spaniel, visit the American Kennel Club at http://www.akc.org/breeds/cocker_spaniel/index.cfm. 

The Cocker Spaniel is known as well for its loving and gentle nature.  This breed is trustworthy and respectful of authority.  The Cocker Spaniel is naturally shy and should be socialized well early in puppyhood.  The Cocker Spaniel is an excellent fit for families with children and other animals.  Strong leadership and authority in training will make housebreaking easier.

The Cocker Spaniel does require authority.  If this breed senses any hesitation or weakness in its owner, behavior issues will arise.  When a dog is adopted, they must know their place in the family.  The family is the dog's pack.  Humans in the family - adults and children - must lead and must call the rules.  If a dog senses otherwise, their behavior will rise into dominance.  This dominance will lead to viciousness, exicted urination, excited energy that is not able to be expended, aggressiveness, uncontrolled barking, hyper activity, and much more.  Human leadership and authority is critical to appropriate behavior.  Love is the reward of appropriate behavior.

The Cocker Spaniel is prone to cataracts and glaucoma.

The Cocker Spaniel requires daily exercise.  Walks must train the dog to heel beside or behind the walker - or leader - or human.

The Cocker Spaniel fairs okay in apartments settings as they can be just as active indoors, with the condition though that they still go for walks.

The Cocker Spaniel lives a fairly long life, with average life expectancy at 12 to 15 years.

The Cocker Spaniel litter is relatively small at 1 to 7 pups, with average 5.

To learn more about the Cocker Spaniel, visit Dog Breed Info Center at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm. 

Harvey the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Today's daily puppy is Harvey the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Harvey is too much!  He looks like a most happy pup ready for play time or unconditional loving.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed dates to the 19th Century in Staffordshire, England.  Coal miners needed a small, fast dog.  They crossed the Bulldog with a local terrier breed to result in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier known today.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is well-known for courage, obedience, intellect, affection, humor, and muscular strength for its small size at no more than 38 pounds.  The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is most affectionate with children.  An experienced owner is needed, however, for firm but gentle training.  It is interesting to note that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not ideal for families with young children because this breed requires all members to be firm and consistent in leadership.  Rules for the pup to follow must be the same when given by all family members.  Any deviations in rules and leadership will lead to difficult behavior to control. 

For more history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, visit the American Kennel Club at http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm.

The "Staffie," as is affectionately referred to, has a temperament of pure perfection.  They are eager to meet new people and allow strangers to come to them.  They tolerate other pets in the household.  (An experienced owner is needed to keep possible aggression around outside dogs at bay, however.)  

Staffie puppies love to chew.  Chew toys will be needed.  The strong jaw can bite straight through a toy to the source of the squeaking noise.  This can be dangerous if the plastic cover is swallowed.  The strong jaw is capable of doing damage to humans.  Do not encourage chewing hands.  Staffies are naturally curious.  Walks should keep them on a leash so as not to lose them.  

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to cataracts and should be examined very early in puppyhood.

Staffies require constant exercise.  Apartment settings are fine as living conditions only if the dog gets daily walks.  Staffies are very active indoors, though.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers average 10 to 16 years in life expectancy.

To learn more about these "too much" Staffies, visit Dog Breed Info at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/staffordshirebullterrier.htm. 

Jack the Labrador Retriever

Today's daily puppy is Jack the Labrador Retriever.  Jack looks adorably content in happiness.  And his breed is so popular in December posts - Maddie the Golden Retriever, Mylah the Labrador Mix!

The Labrador Retriever is intelligent and family friendly - making this breed the most popular in the United States.  The Labrador Retriever is a hunter by nature and suits well as a guide dog for the blind, for narcotics detection, and for search-and-rescue.

Labs, as are known, were crossed with Setters, Spaniels, and other Retrievers and evolved over time to become true retrievers.  Labs are now bred to retrieve game and hunt in other ways.

The Labrador Retriever has a calm demeanor and pure love for its forever family.  Millions of Americans adopt and own Labs every year.

For more information on the Labrador Retriever, visit the American Kennel Club at http://www.akc.org/breeds/labrador_retriever/index.cfm. 

Chloe the Australian Shepherd

Today's daily puppy is Chloe the Australian Shepherd.  Miss Chloe looks like a worker (but just too cute to act on her puppy chores).

The Australian Shepherd breed is in fact meant to work - herding livestock and working on a farm.  This sense of daily accomplishment settles the breed into content happiness.

The origins of the Australian Shepherd come with a bit of a shock.  This breed more or less came about in Europe, in the mountains between Spain and France.  The Australian name is linked to the breed for its relation to Basque shepherds who came to America from Australia in the 1800s.

For more information on the history of this "Ausssie" breed or to determine if you are a match for an Australian Shepherd, visit http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_shepherd/index.cfm. 

Sawyer the Golden Retriever

Today's daily puppy is Sawyer the Golden Retriever.  Sawyer is a most cuddly puppy and is my favorite breed.

The American Kennel Club tends to agree - "The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. . ."  A full history of the Golden Retriever breed can be found on http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/index.cfm. 

A sweet video on "the Golden" can be found on Animal Planet - http://animal.discover.com/videos/dogs-101-golden-retriever.html. 

Enjoy this perfect breed!

Milly the Flat-Coated Retriever

Today's daily puppy is Milly the Flat-Coated Retriever.  Milly looks so gentle and innocent and her breed is seemingly unassuming.  Yet the Flat-Coated Retriever is in fact a breed with history.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a hunting breed by nature but in family life settings, is equally as active.  This breed likewise performs well in dog shows for its obedience.  The Flat-Coated Retriever derives from a cross between the Newfoundland, setter, sheepdog, and spaniel water dog.  British and North American fishermen often traded this breed and eventually was termed simply "Labrador."  Shortly thereafter, the term "Wavy-Coated Retriever" described what is now the Flat-Coated Retriever.  Appearance is literal - straight and flat coat that protects the dog from the elements.  A more detailed history of the Flat-Coated Retriever can be seen on the American Kennel Club website - http://www.akc.org/breeds/flat_coated_retriever/index.cfm.   

Riley the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Today's daily puppy is Riley the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  This little one is a sweetie with such a long breed name! 

The history of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is rather literal.  Toller, as is known, is playful outdoors especially along shorelines, chasing balls or sticks.  This energy often catches (or tolls, lures) the attention of nearby ducks, who (sadly) come within shooting range.  The dog then retrieves the dead or wounded bird.  Early generations of this breed date back to the 19th century when Europeans brought red decoy dogs to Nova Scotia (this breed has shades of red). 

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is active as a water dog, loving, good with children, and intelligent.  Maintenance is minimal.  For more detailed information, visit American Kennel Club at http://www.akc.org/breeds/nova_scotia_duck_tolling_retriever/.