Have you ever admired a beautiful Siberian Husky and thought, “I wish those were just a little smaller?” If so, you’re in luck. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a rare breed that resembles a Siberian Husky but is only 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. These petite Northern dogs were created by Linda S. Spurlin, a dog lover who in the mid-1970s acquired an unusual dog created as a result of an accidental mating between a small dog and an Alaskan Husky. “Curious” inspired Ms. Spurlin to selectively breed in hopes of creating a miniature Alaskan Husky.

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed began with one dog owned by Linda Spurlin in Alaska and a few similar dogs bred by her brother-in-law and his family in Oklahoma. In the early 1980s, the brother-in-law decided to stop breeding dogs and sold his remaining stock to Ms. Spurlin. With these additional dogs, she was able to create what we now know as the Alaska Klee Kai.

Breeds used in creating the Klee Kai include the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog, as well as the “unknown small dog” that mated with an Alaskan Husky to produce the original Klee Kai, Curious. The Alaskan Klee Kai’s small size was achieved without introducing dwarfism. This avoided both the health problems of dwarf dogs and the conformation disparities that might have occurred had dwarfism been used to shrink the dogs. Dwarf dogs generally have short legs and large heads, while the Klee Kai is a small but proportionate duplicate of the Siberian Husky.

Should You Own an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai are dogs best suited for active adult households or households with children over the age of eight. These petite dogs need a great deal of exercise but could easily be injured by an enthusiastic child tripping on them or trying to wrestle and roughhouse with them. Additionally, some Alaskan Klee Kai are extremely shy even if well-socialized from birth. This genetic trait is a fault in the breed and conscientious breeders avoid producing it, but shyness is still common in the few pet-quality dogs made available to buyers.

If you’re not absolutely certain that this is the perfect dog for you, it’s likely that you’re better off choosing a smallish dog from a shelter or a more common, similar breed like a Schipperke. Alaska Klee Kai are very rare and the few breeders working with them tend to be very selective about homing them with pet parents. Would-be Klee Kai owners often must wait a year or more for a puppy to become available from their chosen breeder. You might even have to drive cross-country to get the puppy or ship it to you by air. The breed is likely to remain rare thanks to the strict standards of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America, which grants breeding rights only to dogs that pass an inspection. All others must be spayed or neutered.

If you do choose to buy or adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai, be prepared to fall in love with an energetic and very LOUD little dog. Your Klee Kai needs a long walk or run every day. Playing in the backyard won’t do. It will make a variety of howls, barks and yodels continually throughout the day and night. Many owners report that their dogs seem to “talk!”

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Is there any breed more controversial than the American Pit Bull Terrier? Not only are many people afraid of them, they’re even singled out to be killed on sight in some areas due to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). So what’s the truth about Pit Bulls, and how can the average owner train one to be a friendly family pet? Read on.

Pit Bull Temperaments

Contrary to the beliefs of the legislators and activists who have introduced legislation banning them in many cities and counties throughout the United States, Pit Bulls are not naturally vicious. In fact, their ancestors were family dogs prized for their ability to guard their owners’ wives and children without harming them or the livestock while the man of the house was away from home.

Most Pit Bulls are naturally prone to test their limits and ignore the occasional command. They may, due to their background as a dogfighting breed, be reactive toward other dogs. Pit Bulls are best suited for households with at least one experienced dog owner who understands positive reinforcement training and is willing to take some obedience classes with the dog. As long as there is a family member taking responsibility for training, however, most Pit Bulls do very well with children of all ages. Their low sensitivity to pain makes them less likely to react violently to a pulled tail or being tripped on by an exuberant child. Additionally, they are playful, puppy-like dogs throughout life. Most are very fond of children if socialized with them at a young age.

Training Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls, like all dogs, learn best through positive reinforcement. Harshly punishing a Pit Bull can be dangerous. They have a high tolerance for physical pain, so by the time you are giving a big enough correction to get a response from the dog, you could be at risk of injuring him or her. Additionally, Pit Bulls often associate whatever they’re looking at when they feel pain with the pain, rather than their own behavior. For example, if you gave a harsh collar correction for sniffing a cat while walking, the dog might think that the cat caused the pain and attack the next cat it sees.

Try clicker training to motivate your Pit Bull during training. This method allows you to reinforce the exact instant your dog performs the correct behavior. If your Pit Bull isn’t food motivated, try using a game of Tug-of-War with a favorite toy as a reward for each click. Some Pits will even work hard for praise alone.

Combine clicker training with a NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) approach to make sure your Pit Bull continues to obey even when you’re not actively in a training session. That means no attention on demand–if your Pit walks up and shoves his head in your lap, ignore him. When he’s doing something desirable, like chewing an appropriate toy, call him over and give him attention, then stop on your time, not his. Whenever the dog wants something, he must perform a desired behavior to get it. That includes petting, going outside, coming back inside, getting his breakfast, getting a treat, getting his leash put on for a walk, getting his leash taken off when you get home, and everything that the dog finds desirable and rewarding. This method of interacting with your Pit Bull will keep him continually attentive and obedient.

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The Portuguese Water Dog
(Photo by Steffen H. Wohnort)

The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) made news in early 2009 as one of the two finalists to become the “first dog,” as President-Elect Barack Obama’s family announced in early January that they’re deciding between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Labradoodle in their search for a new dog.

The History and Origin of the Portuguese Water Dog

While the Portuguese Water Dog is not as popular and well-known as the Poodle or Golden Retriver, it’s actually a very old breed with a faithful following.

This breed originated in – you guessed it – Portugal more than 2,000 years ago. The Portuguese Water Dog breed was developed in the coastal fishing villages of Portugal, where these working dogs served several purposes as a companion, watchdog and fishing assistant.

The Portuguese fishermen used the PWD for several purposes. The dogs would jump into the water to “herd” fish into the fishing nets. They were also adept at diving, which meant these dogs were great for retrieving fishing gear and lost nets. The dogs would also swim between boats and from boats to the shore to deliver messages, among other things.

This breed’s history as a working dog and companion of Portuguese fishermen explains this dog’s strong stamina, powerful hindquarters, his intelligence, his strong drive to perform tasks and please his owner, and, of course, his love of water.

Portuguese Water Dogs: Coat and Appearance

In general appearance, this dog is often mistaken for the Poodle by people on the street.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a large dog, typically weighing between 40 and 60 pounds. There are two coat types: wavy coat and curly coat. The coat is actually more of a hair than fur. PWD’s coat comes in shades of black, brown and white.

Are Portuguese Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?

The Portuguese Water Dog is actually preferred by many dog lovers who have allergies. Like Poodles and the Bichon Frise, the PWD has one coat. This lack of an undercoat means a dramatic reduction in shedding, which makes housekeeping and grooming easier. This attribute is also great for many people who are allergic to dogs, as many are allergic to the undercoat.

But beware! While the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a “hypoallergenic” dog breed, it’s important to note that no dog is truly “hypoallergenic.” Some people are allergic to the dander as well as the fur, and since all dogs have dander, all dogs are capable of creating problems for an individual with animal allergies.

The Portuguese Water Dog’s Temperament

The Portuguese Water Dog has a working dog temperament: eager to please, generally friendly with most strangers and extremely devoted to his family. This is not a shy or soft-spoken dog; the Portuguese Water Dog is confident, loyal and eager to get going!

Like all working dogs, the PWD is a high-energy breed, both in a physical and in a mental sense. So this means anyone considering this breed will need to provide plenty of walks, jogs and games of fetch in the yard. This is not a dog breed that will be satisfied by one or two brief walks each day. Boredom and inactivity can be a dangerous thing for a working breed; if a Portuguese Water Dog is not kept mentally and physically active by his family, he will go in search of mental and physical stimulation on his own and you may not like what he comes up with! Like all working dogs, the PWD needs a “job” to be happy, so he’s apt to assign himself to a job if you don’t do it for him and that job may be barking at the neighbors or unstuffing the couch!

In sum, the Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent and friendly working breed that’s especially at home in the water. If you like the PWD, you may also enjoy reading about another working dog – the Siberian Husky.

(Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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Siberian Huskies Doing What They Do Best – Running! (Stuart Blacklock Photo)

Siberian Huskies are most commonly recognized as sled dogs, a favorite of mushers worldwide for their endurance and their high tolerance of cold climates. These dogs can also make great pets for the right type of person; Siberian Huskies, while beautiful dogs, are not a breed for everyone. As an owner of Siberian Huskies and several other dog breeds, I can confirm that there is a very big difference in the way that Siberian Huskies interact with humans compared to many other dog breeds.

Siberian Husky Appearance, Form and Function

Siberian Huskies are bred to work as sled dogs. They’re bred for their thick coats, their enduarance and ability to run pulling light loads for long distances in cold climates. The Siberian Husky has a medium, compact build, usually weighing between 40 and 60 pounds. This breed is graceful and light on his feet, and while not an extremely fast runner, huskies get tope scores for endurance.

The Siberian Husky is often confused with his cousin, the Alaskan Malamute, which has a larger, bulkier build and rounder face.

Siberian Huskies are one of the few dog breeds with blue eyes, which is an attraction to many “Sibe” owners. Huskies can have both blue eyes (an ice blue in appearance), both brown eyes or one brown eye and one blue eye. The Siberian Husky’s erect ears are extremely expressive, tilting and moving as a mode of expression.

The husky comes in two basic colors: white and grey and white and a brownish red. The coloring can vary slightly from dog to dog, with some grey and white dogs appearing almost black in some areas. The same goes for the white and brown/red huskies, as the coloring can range from a light ruddy tan to a rich rusty red.

Wondering about the Siberian Husky’s other method of self expression? Howling. Siberian Huskies do not generally bark. They howl and yowl and yodel when they’re mad, sad, happy, frustrated or experiencing virtually any other emotion, and Siberian Husky owners will find that they’ll know what their dog is experiencing based on his vocalizations. In fact, the Siberian Husky’s howls are contagious among dogs – they have a way of getting entire neighborhoods of dogs howling together in symphony. That said, potential Siberian Husky owners should be aware of this potentially bothersome Husky trait when considering this dog breed.

Another important note about this breed’s physical appearance is his fur – in short, he sheds. A lot. The Siberian Husky does require daily grooming and even with daily brushings, this dog can shed copious amounts of fur year-round. Owners must also be careful during the warm summer months, as this breed does not deal well with heat, so he will require a hair cut or an air conditioner in the home.

Husky Behavior and Temperament

Huskies tend to be very in-tune pack animals and most really appreicate the company of other canines. Huskies tend to do very well when kept with other dogs.

The Siberian Husky’s personality is easy-going and friendly, polite and alert and very eager to take part in activities like a walk, jog or romp in the park. These dogs are actually quite accepting of strangers and they are less apt than many other breeds to get overzealous during greetings. The Siberian Husky’s demeanor is that of a polite, mature, calm dog, even in adolescence.

It’s important to note that the Siberian Husky is not a lap dog. Even as puppies, this breed is not apt to cuddle with you on the couch or in bed. They are simply not a “lovey dovey” breed of dog. They are independent dogs who enjoy a more passive human presence as opposed to a direct sitting-on-your-lap interaction. For this reason, Siberian Huskies make a wonderful companion for a car ride or a great jogging partner (as long as you’re not jogging in really warm weather!)

Due to their degree of aloofness toward humans, many Siberian Huskies do not do well with young children. In tune with their pack dog heritage, this breed is more apt to nip than some other dog breeds. The Siberian Husky does not normally appreciate the cuddles and direct interactions that children typically offer; a husky will find these close interactions overwhelming and this can lead to dog bites involving youngsters. In fact, the Siberian Husky is deemed a “high bite risk” breed by many house insurance companies as a result of their tendencies toward aloofness. As a result, anyone considering a Siberian Husky will want to investigate whether their home insurance company has any breed restrictions in place involving this particular dog breed.

Owners of cats and small pets will need to be cautious when adopting a working dog like the Siberian Husky, as these dogs are particularly in tune with those canine instincts. This breed may chase cats and even “hunt” small animals, including pocket pets. So it’s important to take a zero-tolerance stance, discouraging any inappropriate behaviors if they arise. Some owners will also need to take measures to ensure that the SIberian Husky does not interact with and make prey of small animals like guinea pigs, ferrets or rats.

The Siberian Husky – Summed Up

While the Siberian Husky gives the impression that he is calm and reserved, every dog of this breed has a little bit of mischief inside, especially as puppies. So like owners of all working breeds, it’s important that husky owners keep track of shoes, clothes and other items that are commonly chewed by dogs. Fortunately, many bad chewing habits can be quelled by keeping the Siberian Husky well-exercised and by providing hard rubber chew toys to keep his mind occupied.

In sum, the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized, well-mannered working dog. He is a cheerful, polite and faithful companion, who is more than happy to accompany you on a walk or car ride. He’ll also be satisfied to simply enjoy your company, relaxing in the same room with his human and dog companions.

Looking for more of a lap dog breed? Consider the lovable Pug or the feisty Miniature Pinscher!

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Kota the Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is among the spunkiest, peppiest dog breeds out there. They bounce, they bark, they’ll chase cats, other dogs and small children if you let them. Min Pins are fiercely faithful to their humans, and most will eagerly take on the role of protector and doorbell. They’re a breed like no other; a breed that will either win you over or drive you nuts.

The Miniature Pinscher Appearance

Min Pins are a toy breed that’s commonly mistaken for a sized-down Doberman Pinscher. In fact, the two breeds are not closely related; the Min Pin is actually believed to be the older of the two breeds.

The Miniature Pinscher comes in two colors: a red rust or black and tan. The coat is short, soft, sleek and virtually maintenance-free, though this is not a breed that you can send out into the snow “naked” – your Min Pin will need a jacket, as they chill easily due to their relatively thin coat.

Most Min Pins top out at a weight of approximately 12 pounds. Their build is muscular and trim. And the Miniature Pinscher’s gait is among the most distinctive in the dog show ring. A Min Pin does not walk; she prances with a graceful high-stepping gait that gives this breed a light-on-her-feet appearance. A very bouncy breed, jumping is among the Miniature Pinscher’s specialties, though their fragile build makes these dogs prone to injury from too much jumping.

The Miniature Pinscher Personality and Temperament

In Germany, the Min Pin is known as the “Reh Pinscher,” for their strong resemblance to the small red Reh Deer. “Pinscher” means terrier. Spend five minutes with a Min Pin and you’ll have no doubt that this feisty breed has terrier roots.

Min Pins tend to be very passionate dogs and they approach life with gusto. True to those terrier roots, Miniature Pinschers often have yappy tendencies, so barking is something that must be kept under control from day-one, lest you one day find that your dog is a serious neighborhood bother. But when trained properly, the Min Pin can make a wonderful doorbell or fire alarm.

Many Min Pins are also a bit scrappy; they tend to be outgoing dogs who are prone to giving chase and many will not back down from a confrontation with a human, another dog or even the family cat. In fact, in the early days of the breed, this scrappy and brazen nature was harnessed and Miniature Pinschers were bred for use as ratters.

Miniature Pinschers are some of the most loyal and devoted dogs out there. They are very people-oriented dogs and to own one is to be the center of her universe. A Min Pin is not truly happy unless she’s in the company of her humans; she’ll want to spend every minute in your company. And if you let her, she’ll be quite content to sleep with you in your bed (under the covers, of course).

Is The Miniature Pinscher a Dog for You?

Due to their terrier heritage and their brazen outgoing nature, Miniature Pinschers are not a dog for beginner dog owners. The Min Pin is an extremely smart breed and she will manipulate her humans if given the opportunity. A Min Pin needs a firm, yet loving hand. She is a dog who requires consistent training from an experienced dog owner.

But if you’re an experienced dog owner who is looking for a peppy, spunky dog; a fiercely devoted companion, then the Miniature Pinscher may just be the dog for you.

Looking for a more laid back toy breed? Consider the lovable pug!

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I’m a firm believer in biodiverisity. Variety is the spice of life, after all! For that reason, I’ve decided to start occasionally profiling a rare breed on Petlvr: The Blog, in hopes of encouraging dog lovers who’ve decided on a purebred dog to investigate rarer dogs. Of course, I always encourage adoption as a first choice for most pet parents, but for those who want a purebred, owning a rare breed can be fun. It’s a great conversation starter, too!

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Hungarian Pumi!

Pumi Dog by Lake

Photo by Voff.

If you love the look and attitude of spunky terriers like the Wheaten Terrier, but enjoy the energy and intelligence of herding breeds, the Pumi (not to be confused with the Puli, another Hungarian breed) might be your perfect dog. The breed originated in Hungary and was originally developed to herd sheep. Although the Pumi is first and foremost a herding breed, its terrier traits are more than skin deep. Like many terrier breeds, the Pumi also eagerly combats rodents and other prey, even wild boar, and can easily learn to hunt by scent.

Allergy sufferers like Malia Obama might also consider a Pumi the perfect pet. Its harsh, curly topcoat and soft undercoat grow continuously, but the dog has little or no shedding, making it potentially less likely to trigger dog allergies. No breed is truly “hypoallergenic,” but breeds like the Pumi and Poodle with coats that do not shed are generally more likely to be compatible with owners who have dog allergies.

Pumis aren’t perfect for everyone, however. The high energy levels of a herding breed, combined with the boldness and confidence of a terrier, make the Pumi a dog not suited for a meek pet parent or a couch potato owner. They need frequent, high intensity exercise to stay calm. Obedience training is mandatory for this breed. Without training and frequent practice, they may become defiant and ignore commands. Like all herding breeds, Pumis are happiest when they have work to do, whether it’s herding, hunting, or something else.

If you think a Pumi might be the right dog for you, answer the following questions:

• Can you commit to exercising a Pumi every day?
• Would your Pumi have a job, like hunting with a member of the family, competing in dog agility, or taking herding lessons?
• Will you take an obedience class with my Pumi and reinforce lessons at home with at least one short training session daily?
• Are you willing either to learn to groom a Pumi at home or to pay for professional trimming and grooming every 8-16 weeks?
• Can you wait anywhere from a few months to 2 years to add a Pumi to your family? Rare breeds can be hard to find, and good breeders have long waiting lists.
• If you choose to get a Pumi from a breeder, will you commit to keeping the breeder updated on the dog’s health and temperament, to help the breeder make better decisions in breeding future Pumi generations?
• Can you afford treatment for hip dysplasia or patellar luxation if necessary, both of which are unfortunately fairly common in Pumis?
• Can you commit to the care and keeping of a Pumi for at least 12-15 years?

If you answered “yes” to all of the above, consider contacting the Hungarian Pumi Club of America and locating a Pumi fancier in your area who can introduce you in person to the breed.

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Piggy the Pug – He’s Stubborn Yet Lovable!

When I moved away from home and moved in with my now-husband, my first “want” was a pug. Ever since I was a kid, I had wanted a pug – my favorite movie growing up was even The Adventures of Milo and Otis.

So finally an “adult” with my own home, I decided it was time to rescue my very own pug. We named him “Colby,” which morphed into “Colbert,” then “Cubby,” and then “Piggy.” “Piggy” finally stuck – it fit his personality and his looks – chubby, cobby body, with a curly tail and perpetual snorting, snarfling and snoring.

What to Expect When You Adopt a Pug

Before I adopted my pug, I did my homework – as I do with every animal and breed that comes into my home. But somehow, none of the books, websites or other pug owners really prepared me for what it’s like to own a pug. So I hope that my experiences with Piggy will help to better prepare potential pug owners.

If you’re thinking of adopting a pug dog – also called “Carlins” and “Mops” – consider these common pug breed traits.

They’re a big dog in a small body

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC’s) breed standard for pugs describes this breed as “Multo in Parvo,” a Latin phrase that translates into “a lot of dog in a little space.”

If I had to pick one phrase to describe the pug breed, “Multo in Parvo” would be it; these dogs may be a toy breed, but there’s nothing delicate, fragile or toy-like about the pug. Pugs are larger than life. They have no idea they’re “small” dogs, which is great if you’re looking for a toy breed dog that emits an aura of a large dog.

Pugs are stubborn

Very stubborn. When they don’t want to do something, they’ll stare at you and give a literal “snort” of disapproval in a frustrating yet endearing way. A stubborn pug can be very difficult to train – they tend to do what they want to do; not what you want them to do, so if your pug is not in the mood for a training session, you don’t do a training session that day. Be prepared for this.

Also remember that pugs, like most other toy breed dogs, tend to be difficult to housebreak (though many dog trainers would contend that it’s not the toy dogs that are the problem in this equation – it’s the toy dog owners, who treat their dog like a fragile little angel.)

Pugs are not tolerant of heat

Pugs are a brachycephalic breed. This means pug have a short snout that limits the pug’s ability to cool his body by panting. Therefore, pugs tend to be prone to overheating. So pugs will require air conditioning in the summer, and a sweater in the winter due to their relatively thin coat.

Pugs require frequent cleaning of their facial skin folds

If the pug’s face folds are not cleaned regularly, he’ll develop yeast infections and sores. So be prepared to clean your pug’s skin folds a few times per week. The pug’s buggy eyes must also be cleaned regularly and monitored for corneal abrasions (scratches) and other eye injuries. Frequent ear cleanings are also required, as many pugs are also prone to ear infections. The good news is that pugs are easy to groom. Pugs do shed – especially when they’re stressed or upset – but their short coat is easy to brush and maintain.

Pugs are very expressive

This can also make the “correction” element of training rather difficult if you’re soft and vulnerable to those expressive pug dog eyes.  Pugs snort, snarfle, and they even snore when they sleep. When a pug is sad or upset, his tail will uncurl. There are few things more pathetic than a sad pug.

Pugs love to please their owners and generally speaking, they’re good with children

Pugs are very “people oriented” – in fact, pugs were originally bred in China as lap dogs, so it’s in their blood to love human attention.

Pugs typically do well with children; better than most toy breed dogs, who tend to be much too physically fragile to be in a household with small children. With some larger pugs tipping the scale around 20-25 pounds, pugs are a bit sturdier than many other toy breed dogs and most pugs are easy going, which makes them more tolerant of a child’s antics. Of course, children should always be taught the proper way to interact with a dog, no matter the size or breed.

In my opinion, the pug breed is a breed that you own for life. Own a pug and you’ll realize that life will never again seem complete without a puggy companion.

Oh, and one last thing…Pugs are mischievous! So if you do decide to adopt or rescue a pug, especially around the holiday season, don’t forget to check out my article on Holiday Hazards for Pets so you can keep your beloved puggy friend safe when the holidays arrive!

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Terriers are among the most diverse breeds, ranging from the tiny toy Yorkie to the large Airedale. Originally developed to hunt and trap small game, the group has largely changed its role in human life over the past 200 years. But the wide range of size, temperament and appearance has caused terriers to continue to be among the most popular group in the world.

Even within a single subset, such as the smaller breeds, variety is everywhere with terriers. Jack Russells look and behave very differently from Westies. A Scottie and a Yorkie are roughly the same size, but have very different attitudes in detail, while still retaining many general terrier characteristics.

Medium-sized terriers, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Welsh Terrier could hardly look more different. To the novice, it would be hard to find reasons to put them into the same category. Yet both have similar lineage, being developed not far from one another by modern measurements of distance.

Larger terriers look still more different from their smaller cousins. The Airedale, the Lakeland Terrier and the Irish Terrier are much more similar to one another, in appearance and behavior, than they are to the smaller breeds. Yet, a Kerry Blue – while much larger than the Scottie – was bred in similar circumstances and show common behaviors. That shows in the stance, the coat and other attributes, such as their high spirits and able mountain herding ability.

These are all very different from others that carry the terrier name. The Border Terrier resembles a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, even though the former is quite a bit taller. Both have the same square head, close coat and highly alert nature. Yet, you could hardly find two terriers more closely related, while looking dissimilar, than the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire-Haired Fox.

This ’similarity within diversity’ is no accident, of course. Originally bred to hunt, many breeds were narrowed to perform that service for a group of prey that is equally varied. Fox and rabbit are similar enough to be hunted by the same breed. But animals that live above ground, such as tree squirrels, require a different technique.

That variation took on even larger dimensions as the generations went by and hunting became much less common. Everything from sports contests to film production, from watchdog and drug-sniffing duty to Border Patrol has called terriers into action. Breeding a dog to perform services for the deaf is naturally going to take a very different turn from one who will simply be a family pet.

Tastes in terriers run as wide a range as the breeds. Some like the portability and cute look of a little Westie. Others will find their hearts stolen by a miniature schnauzer, with their floppy ears and quizzical look. Still others can’t resist the sweet good nature of an Airedale and enjoy their tall, proud stance and beautiful appearance.

But whether one’s taste runs to the Manchester, looking a lot like a Doberman, or preference is for the tiny Norfolk, there’s a terrier just right for you.

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The image of a friendly, active Golden Retriever is familiar to anyone who has seen a magazine ad or TV commercial. And there’s a good reason that breed features prominently in so many of them: it’s all true!

Golden Retrievers are one of the most easily trained breeds because they are smart, active and sociable. They take readily to any sort of outdoor activity because they enjoy anything that gets them moving. From their beginning as a derivative of Russian circus dogs in the mid-19th century, they’ve been bred to retrieve. Fetching a tennis ball, jumping short fences and other such activities are a natural extension of retrieving game.

They’re easily socialized and friendly with people and (usually) other animals. Individuals vary, but they typically adapt well to children and other pets. But proper socialization does take a modest amount of training. Golden Retrievers can be territorial and will bark at or chase animals and people who are not part of their regular environment.

In general, they don’t make good watch dogs or guard dogs despite their ready bark. They will definitely alert on the approach of the delivery person, but they also will bark at random movement. Teaching them to tell the difference can be a big challenge. They may bark at a stationary car outside the front screen door or a rabbit darting across the grass outside. Too many false alarms make most of them unsuitable for that role.

Also, since they’re so friendly by nature, they will almost never attack a person. Training them to do so is not consistent with their nature. Though they bark, they rarely bite. Their bark is a greeting, not a warning or a sign of anger. And though they can be mouthy, owing to their breeding history, biting in anger or protection is almost unknown.

They’re among the most intelligent of breeds, though, and can learn a wide variety of behaviors with only modest effort. They’re easily housebroken and will give clear signs (after initial training) that they need to be let outside to eliminate. Training them to fetch is almost automatic, but they can also be taught easily to sit, stay, roll over and more.

Reducing leash tugging for a Retriever, as with many large breeds, can be a challenge. But since they’re eager to please they can be taught to patiently wait at your side, or walk along without pulling forward. Like any training program, this will take a few weeks with most individuals and is best carried out young.

Since they’re so active and energetic by nature, it’s important to give them plenty of room to run and lots of exercise. Inside the house, they can get into trouble without intending to. Their tails wag often because they’re generally a happy and active breed and this is how they express it. That can cause objects to get knocked off the coffee table, or anywhere else low enough for them to reach.

They prefer company and being left alone for long periods is not healthy. If there’s no person at home during the day, having at least one other dog as a partner is best.

They’re best for people who want an active, friendly dog, one they’re willing to devote time and attention to.

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The upgrade is complete now. There was an issue last night completing the little odds and ends related to the feed of the blog, because for some reason Feedburner didn’t recognize this URL! However, this morning it did and I just completed the configuration of the new Network wide template installation.

What do you think of it?

Because this was a major upgrade to the new 2.3+ version wordpress, I still consider this blog to be “in test” .. so, if you see anything kooky .. please let me know!

Thanks
HART

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