This is a guest post by Carrie Boyko from

At the heart of the American Kennel Club’s devotion to dogs lies their commitment to owners’ proper care and handling of their canines. Earning the coveted Canine Good Citizen certificate is the first level for many owners. The CGC certificate is often required to enter training as a working dog. This certification includes more than mere obedience and proper care; it requires the teaching of proper behavior, manners and socialization. And it does not stop there.

Taking their seriousness to another level, the AKC requires several additional confirmations of good teamwork from a dog and its handler:

Before taking the test, the AKC requires that owners sign a Responsible Dog Owners Pledge, promising to take care of their dog’s health, safety, exercise, training and quality of life, among other items.

The CGC evaluation is a 10 item test, during which the examiner will assess the dog and handler’s ability to behave calmly in public; allow social interactions with dog and owner; perform skills such as sit, stay, down, and come; manage environments where other dogs are present; accept a separation of dog and owner for a brief time without anxiety; stay calm during distracting noises, and permit a physical exam and grooming without issue.

Each of the items on the test is taken as seriously as another, and only a 100% completion will permit certification. This is a Pass or Fail test, so owners tend to take it seriously. And so they should. A qualified CGC dog should always be a good example of proper behavior in public, thus helping to ensure their place in the many areas where they can work alongside humans for the sake of our health and safety.

The CGC exam is given only by experienced trainers who have been qualified as CGC evaluators by the AKC. To find an evaluator in your area, check with the AKC at this link. Most trainers recommend that dogs and their handlers take an advanced training class to prepare for the CGC evaluation. This extra training will allow the evaluator to assist the owner with any areas of difficulty, to better prepare both for the exam. Good luck in this important step as a team with your dog.

Carrie Boyko from www.AllThingsDogBlog.com

• Height (at the shoulders): 16 – 19 inches (41 – 48 cm)
• Weight: 25 – 35 pounds (11 – 16 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 2003
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the German Pinscher Breed

The German Pinscher is considered to be extremely courageous, tenacious, and makes the perfect watchdog.  It is very playful and affectionate, yet overly cautious and reserved towards strange dogs and humans it does not know.  It is very alert to intruders and considered to be somewhat stubborn, especially when it comes to training.

History of the German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is one of the better known of the Pinscher breeds. Its origins date back to the 17th century, and traced to the German Bibarhund and the Tanner of the 14th century. During the 1600s the Rattenfanger was created, which was a mix of black and tan terriers created to make a working ratter and watchdog. The Rattenfanger eventually became the Pinscher.

This Pinscher remained a very hard-working dog for the next few centuries and was valued for its ability to catch rodents and other small game, specifically around stables. Once the popularity of dog shows hit mainstream during the late 1800s, more and more dog enthusiasts became interested in the Pinscher.

The very first Pinscher breed standard was created sometime during 1884 but the dog did not gather enough popularity and their numbers dwindled before the war.  Although there was a large effort to count and register all known Pinschers, these efforts were thwarted by World War II. And by the end of the war, this dog breed was all but extinct.  In fact, not one Pinscher litter was registered in West Germany between the years 1949 and 1958.

This is where the survival of the German Pinscher becomes interesting. The breed would not have been alive today had it not been for the help of a miniature Pinscher, one of its closest descendants. In 1958, four larger-than-normal miniature Pinscher were chosen and then registered in West Germany by the Schnauzer Club.  A female Pinscher was then smuggled from East Germany where some Pinscher dogs still survived.

This female Pinscher was bred with three different miniature Pinscher males and practically every current Pinscher of today descended from those five dogs. German Pinschers then started to show up in the United States sometime during the late 1970s.

In 2001, the AKC accepted the German Pinscher into the miscellaneous class. And finally, it became an official member of the working group in 2003.

The German Pinscher Dog Care and Grooming

Upkeep and maintenance of the German Pinscher takes a bit of attention.  This is one dog that does not like to be left alone or committed to a kennel for any period of time.  It enjoys being right in the middle of all of the action and is most happy when around its owners.

The German Pinscher as high energy levels and requires daily exercise, as well as mental stimulation through training.

Grooming is simple and only requires the occasional brushing to remove excess dead hair.

Health Problems of the German Pinscher Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the German Pinscher is about twelve to fourteen years.

There are no health problems with this dog breed.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 12 inches (30 cm)
• Weight: 19 – 22 pounds (9 – 10 kg)  and 22 – 28 pounds (10 – 13 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1898
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; okay without a yard; not good with extreme temperatures

Personality of the French Bulldog Breed

The French Bulldog is a fun-loving, clownish lapdog that enjoys playtime and being the center of attention. They love to cuddle and curl up next to you. These dogs are extraordinarily sweet, willing to please, and make great companions for anybody. They are slightly stubborn when it comes to training but once conditioned through obedience lessons,

French Bulldogs can make great trainees.

History of the French Bulldog

The Bulldog was extremely popular in England during the 19th century, particularly around the area of Nottingham. Most of these dogs were very small, weighing in at less than 25 to 30 pounds. They made their way to France when a large number of lace workers headed to the area for work and brought their small toy Bulldogs with them.

The Frenchwomen absolutely adored these little dogs, specifically the ones that had erect ears. This feature of the ears were very common, but most people did not like this look back in England. Soon enough, many more of these clown-like looking dogs were brought to France by dog dealers, which were referred to as Bouledogue Francais.

As their popularity grew, the breed had caught the attention of wealthy families throughout the entire upper class. You could find French Bulldogs in some of the most prestigious homes throughout France. It was during this same time period that American travelers who were visiting France brought several Bulldogs back to the United States and began breeding them.

Soon an entire American club was created for this dog and 1898 they had sponsored one of the most popular and elegant dog shows that was ever displayed. This dog show was specifically for French Bulldogs and had attracted large numbers of wealthy spectators which helped the breed’s popularity skyrocket in America. Their popularity among the rich continued to soar and the French Bulldog was rated the most popular show dog in the United States in 1913.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1898 as a member of the Non-Sporting Group.

The French Bulldog Care and Grooming

French Bulldogs are quite small and like most toy-sized dogs, physical exercise can be met through a nice walk on the leash or a romp through the house. These dogs do not do well in hot weather but can take the cold if necessary. This is one breed that should be living indoors at all times. Also keep in mind that these dogs tend to wheeze, snore, and drool.

Grooming care is minimal, with the occasional brushing once weekly. However the facial wrinkles should be cleaned on a daily basis.

Health Problems of the French Bulldog Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the French Bulldog is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• intervertebral disk disease
• brachycephalic syndrome
• dog allergies

Minor health issues include:

• hemivertebra
• patellar luxation

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 22 – 23 inches (56 – 58 cm)
• Weight: 60 – 70 pounds (27 – 32 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1915
• Shedding: constant shedder; light shedder; heavy shedder twice per year
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Flat Coated Retriever Dog Breed

There is nothing better than a dog that loves to hunt all day yet end the adventure with boundless affection for its family. The Flat Coated Retriever is such dog. With a sweet and exuberant personality, this breed is one of the most loving members of the sporting group.

Devoted, loyal and playful, the Flat Coated Retriever is the perfect family pet for those that enjoy spending lots of time outdoors, yet loves nothing more than quiet evenings in the house.

Regular, daily exercise is a requirement to keeping this breed happy. The Flat Coated Retriever also has a sensitive mindset which makes it very easy to train.

History of the Flat Coated Retriever

To get a grasp on the history of the Flat Coated Retriever we need to start at Newfoundland, during the 19th century, when retrieving was hugely popular with fisherman who needed trustworthy canines to help bring back fish and other objects from the water.

Cod fisheries used Labradors as the most common dog (not the same Labrador Retriever as we know of today). They also used various sized Newfoundland dogs. In time, technology advanced with its creation of firearms and hunters had the new ability to shoot from short distances and needed a dog that could retrieve the fallen foul.

The fisher dogs preferred were natural swimmers and retrievers so they were used to cross with British setters and pointers to further enhance the dog’s bird senses. The result is the Wavy Coated Retriever, which quickly grew in popularity in England and the United States.

Sometime toward the end of the 1800s, breeders crossed the Wavy Coated Retriever with breeds that had straighter hair on the coat because it was thought that the wavy coat was not as water repellent as straighter hair.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Flat Coated Retriever Care and Grooming

Sporting dogs need a ton of daily exercise and this requirement is no different with the Flat Coated Retriever. Always seeking the chance to hunt and jump into water, this breed is best suited for a family that enjoys plenty of outdoor action.

The coat of these dogs needs only a weekly brushing, and only minor trimming. This breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of the Flat Coated Retriever Breed

The average life expectancy of the Flat Coated Retriever is about twelve to fourteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• gastric torsion
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• hemangiosarcoma
• glaucoma
• osteosarcoma
• patellar luxation
• lymphosarcoma

Veterinarians recommend having the Flat Coated Retriever tested specifically for possible hip, knee and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 15 – 20 inches (38 – 51 cm)
• Weight: 31 – 35 pounds (14 – 16 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1991
• Shedding: seasonal heavy shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; okay without a yard (with sufficient exercise)

Personality of the Finnish Spitz Dog

Finnish Spitz dogs make excellent watchdogs and have average-to-medium levels of playfulness, affection, and energy. You will find that these dogs are not very friendly towards strangers and other pets, but their cold temperament towards outsiders makes them a loyal protector to its family.

This dog is very independent and a bit stubborn, but also alert and inquisitive. They are generally good with children and other pets from the same household, but will bark incessantly when strangers approach.

History of the Finnish Spitz

Today’s Finnish Spitz dog stems from its ancestors, northern Spitz dogs, which were owned by Finno-Ugrian tribes traveling across the lands of Eurasia and Finland. It is theorized that these early dogs were used as watchdogs. Soon after, they were used to help assist hunters.

While most dog breeds experience crossbreeding through time, this dog remained pure due to isolation. It was not until the early part of the 1800s that interbreeding with other dogs became common practice once introduced into the region. In fact, interbreeding almost wiped out the original pure Finnish Spitz.

The bloodline was saved thanks to a couple of Finnish sportsmen who saw a pack of these dogs that had apparently not been mixed with other breeds.  They were so impressed by the look of the Finnish Spitz that they decided to rescue and save the original breed.

During this time, several names were introduced to describe the Finnish Spitz. Suomenpystykorva was one of them.  It meant “Cock Eared Dog”. Another name that was used was the Finnish Barking Bird Dog.

When introduced to England they were called Finsk Spet dogs.  However, in 1891, the name was officially changed over to the Finnish Spitz and inherited the name “Finkie” in England during the 1920s.

It was not until the late 1960s that the Finnish Spitz was breeding in the United States.  Finnish Spitz dogs of today are mostly considered to be household pets in the U.S. but are still used to hunt in Finland. They hunt such animals as the black grouse and the capercaille bird.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a member of the Non-Sporting Group.

The Finnish Spitz Dog Breed Care

Upkeep of the Finnish Spitz requires daily exercise needed from long walks or runs outside. Having a large fenced-in area for this dog to roam is recommended. Due to its hunting ancestry, you must be careful not to let this dog roam by itself without a leash in an area that will attract it towards scent hunting. It will run off on its own if not well trained.

You can keep this dog outdoors due to its high tolerance towards cold, but as all pets prefer, your Finnish Spitz will appreciate and enjoy sleeping inside with the rest of the family.

Health Problems of the Finnish Spitz Breed

The average life expectancy of the Finnish Spitz is about twelve to fifteen years.

Amazingly, there are no major or minor health concerns for this breed.

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• epilepsy
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• patellar luxation

Image courtesy of Wikipedia