Bradenton Dog

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Poodle Profile

By Lauren Tharp

The perfect mix of beauty and brains, the Poodle has rightly earned its spot as the 8th most popular breed in America and the 2nd most intelligent by the American Kennel Club.  The Poodle, originally used as a hunting dog, has had an ever-changing role throughout its history.  Being employed as anything from a guide dog to an Army working dog to a circus performer, Poodles are now known more for their haircuts but one thing has never changed: How much their owners love them.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  This wonder dog comes in all sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy!  Standard Poodles are 15-20 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45-70 pounds.  Miniature Poodles are around 10-14 inches at the shoulder and typically weigh 6-10 pounds.  Toy Poodles, the smallest of them all, measure 10 inches or less at the shoulder and weigh an itty-bitty 4-6 pounds.

Coat & Color:  Poodle coats are curly or corded.  They’re available in nearly all solid colors including white, black, cream, blue, gray, silver, brown, and apricot.

Other:  Poodles don’t shed; their hair grows and grows and grows.  It’s because of this that the breed has their hair clipped on a regular basis.  However, the classic “poodle cut” was originally designed to help the dogs move through water more efficiently when on hunting trips with their masters.

Life Expectancy:  12-17+ years.  Life spans for Poodles vary.  As a general rule: The smaller the dog, the longer the lifespan.

Temperament

Never shy.  Quite the opposite, really.  Poodles are bold, confident, and highly intelligent.  Highly “people-orientated,” this breed loves (and needs!) human companionship.  They follow orders extremely well.

Wags:

  • They’re fantastic at obedience training! They learn quickly and they retain what they’ve learned, making them well-suited for old pros and first-time owners alike.
  • Great with children.
  • Considered by many to be more “hypoallergenic” than most breeds due to is lack of shedding.

Challenges:

  • Requires regular professional grooming.  This can be expensive and time-consuming.
  • Due to their strong hunting instinct, they’re not always the best breed to mingle with smaller animals.  Birds in particular could be in danger if your poodle isn’t introduced to them early enough.

Can grow to be high strung or mischievous if not physically exercised or mentally challenged on a regular basis

If you are considering adding a poodle to your family, please consider contacting one of our local rescue group or Florida Poodle Rescue.  Need some gear for Poodle?  Check out this cool site CollarPlanet.com or for breed specific Poodle goodies, RamonaLovesDogs.com.

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Rottweiler Profile

by Lauren R. Tharp

Opinions of Rottweilers vary wildly.  While many remember Alexandra Day’s Good Dog, Carl children’s book series, still more remember the breed as the “evil” dogs from The Omen.

The one thing everyone seems to agree on?  Rottweilers make excellent guard dogs!  Most commonly used as guard dogs, this breed is also commonly used for Police work, search and rescue, and sometimes as guide dogs for the blind.  Officially recognized by the AKC in 1931, Rottweilers are currently the 16th most popular breed in the United States.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Large. Definitely large. Rottweilers grow to be 22-28 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 90-140 pounds!

Coat & Color:  The Rottweiler’s coloring is so “classic,” you’re probably already familiar with it, even if you didn’t know you were looking at Rottweiler at the time.  Their black coats with rust markings are so recognizable, it makes you say, “Oh, it’s one of those dogs…”  As for the texture of the breed’s coat:  It’s coarse, dense, and generally very straight.  Rottweilers have medium-length hair with thicker “undercoats” on their necks and thighs.

Other:  This breed sometimes has their tails docked (stubby tails).  Tail docking for this breed is most common in the United States and New Zealand.

Life Expectancy:  8-12 years.

Temperament:

Rottweilers are so known for being difficult, that the AKC itself has accepted it as simply a part of the breed personality, stating, “An aloof or reserved [Rottweiler] should not be penalized, as this reflects the accepted character of the breed. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted.”  What’s that?  “Aggressive or belligerent?!”  Well…yes.  Rottweilers can have that temperament.  But Rotties can also be calm, loyal, brave, and hard-working.  With extensive training and early socialization, this breed can make a lovely pet.  If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, your dog will too!

Wags:

  • Excellent guard dogs.
  • Grooming needs are minimal.
  • If you’re highly athletic and enjoy running or swimming on a regular basis, a Rottweiler will definitely be able to keep up with you. (They require daily exercise!)

Challenges:

  • Their reputation precedes them…  Unfortunately, since Rottweilers have gotten such a bad rap over the years, many insurance companies have been refusing to insure homeowners with Rotties as pets.  Check your policy!
  • They get bored very easily.  This can lead to destructive behavior of the house-thrashing variety.
  • NOT for first-time owners. Rottweilers require a good deal amount of obedience training and socialization.  They need an owner who is as confident, strong-willed, and hard-working as they are.

If you are looking for a Rottweiler, please check your local shelters or visit : Adopt a Rottweiler

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Breed Profile: Rhodesian Ridgeback

by Lauren R. Tharp

Rhodesian Ridgebacks come from South Africa (from Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe).  Originally bred by Boer farmers as a hunting dog, big game hunters in the late 1800s found them especially useful as a companion while hunting down lions while on horseback.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks were eventually introduced to the United States in the early 1950s and became officially recognized by the AKC in 1955.
Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a Large breed.  They can be up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.  Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically weigh 80 pounds or more while the females usually weigh in around 60-75 pounds.  These are not small dogs.

Coat & Color: The most noticeable thing about the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat is its trademark “ridge” along the spine.  Other than that, the coat is short and sleek.  Their colors are light or dark red wheaten, with or without white markings on their chest and feet.

Other: Somewhat flat skull and wide-set eyes.  They’re often described as having an “intelligent” look to their facial features.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
>Temperament

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to be fierce hunters and they have managed to retain many of those traits even now!  Strong-willed and extremely independent, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and protective of their masters but can be aggressive with strangers and other dogs.

These dogs are very energetic and intelligent and require near constant physical and mental stimulation to be happy.  They can become destructive when bored or under-exercised.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback makes an excellent guard dog.

WAGS:

  • Great for an active family.
  • Trained Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to be calm and gentle unless provoked (they work well for families with older or very well-behaved children)
  • Loyal and protective = the perfect guard dog

CHALLENGES:

  • This is not the dog for a first-time dog owner.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks will challenge you for dominance and absolutely, positively, require obedience training.  And that training will be hard.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be subtly described as as “stubborn,” but from what we can tell, they can sometimes be downright defiant!
  • Not good with other small animals.  Unless your Rhodesian Ridgeback is trained at a very early age to respect your other small animals, their first instinct will be to hunt your other pets.
  • Regular exercise is a must.

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Breed Profile: Manchester Terrier

by Lauren R. Tharp

A descendent of the “original” terrier (the Black and Tan Terrier!), the Manchester Terrier originated in England and was specifically bred to hunt rats!  This breed is still adept at hunting small vermin and remains a favorite dog of terrier-lovers everywhere.  The Manchester Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1886.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Manchester Terriers come in both standard and toy varieties.  Standard Manchester Terriers are usually weighs 13-22 pounds while the Toy variety is generally 7-12 pounds.

Coat & Color: Smooth, short, glossy coats.  Black and tan in color.

Other: There are 3 different ear types: Naturally erect, cropped, or button.

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament:

The cross between a Black & Tan Terrier and a Whippet, the Manchester Terrier exhibits personality traits from both its parent breeds.  Manchester Terriers are loyal, energetic, fun-loving, friendly and observant.  Equally good at home with the family as they are on the “hunt.”  They make mighty fine watch dogs.

Wags:

  • Is a very quick learner.  The combination of sharp intelligence and an eagerness to please makes the Manchester Terrier one of the easier terrier breeds for beginners to train.
  • Very little grooming is needed.  Not only does the Manchester Terrier have a short, easy-to-manage coat, but they tend to favor grooming themselves.
  • Great watchdogs!

Challenges:

  • Not the best with small animals.  The “chase” instinct in runs strong in Manchester Terriers.  If you have smaller pets (especially if they’re of the rodent family), then this might not be the dog for you.
  • As with all terrier breeds, obedience training is a must.  And while the Manchester is more manageable than some varieties, they can still be stubborn on occasion.
  • While the Manchester Terrier doesn’t bark incessantly for no reason like some dog breeds, its (perhaps overly) efficient tendencies as a watchdog can lead to more noise than you may be prepared for—or that your living situation will allow.

Special Thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Manchester Terrier.

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Breed Profile: Pugs

by Lauren R. Tharp

Rumored to have first appeared before 400 B.C., the Pug is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds.  Originating in Asia, the Pug shares a similar bloodline to that of the Pekingese.

People pleasers by nature, the Pug reigns as the 12th most popular dog breed in the United States (according to AKC registration records) and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1885.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Small.  Pugs are in the Toy group and generally weigh 14-18 pounds.

Coat & Color: Black, silver fawn, or amber fawn.  Their coats have a short, coarse, outer coat with a very fine undercoat.

Other: Next to the Chihuahua, Pugs are one of the favorite dogs of celebrities (including Jessica Alba, Hugh Laurie, Gerard Butler, and Maria Bamford).  Pugs have also shown up in many movies, television shows, and books!

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Temperament

Small, sturdy, and eager to please: the Pug is a perfect choice for a first-time dog owner.  Pug’s are very even-tempered and adapt quickly to almost any and every situation they’re thrust into.  They are charming, loving, and all around wonderful companions.

Wags:

  • Extremely low maintenance: Minimal grooming, minimal exercise, minimal training!
  • Good with children and other animals.  Pugs are extremely calm and generally good-natured.
  • Perfect for urban living!

Challenges:

  • Prone toward obesity.
  • Pugs commonly develop breathing problems.  Even Pugs who do not develop serious conditions are known to snuffle and snore.
  • Excessive shedding.

If you are thinking of adding a Pug to your family, please visit Pug Rescue of Florida or Compassionate Pub Rescue of South Florida for more information about adoptable dogs.

Pug owners tend to be passionate enthusiasts of the breed.  In Sarasota, a special PUG PARADE is hosted each year by Sarasota Magazine.  The location and date has not been announced yet but keep an eye on the BradentonDog.com calendar.

Special thanks to Dog Mountain for this featured image of the Pug by Stephen Huneck.

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Breed Profile: Jack Russell Terrier

By Lauren R. Tharp

The original “purse dog!”  Long before Paris Hilton was stuffing Chihuahuas into her handbag, Jack Russell Terriers were being toted around in “terrier bags” while their owners traveled around on horseback.  Originally bred in England, the Jack Russell evolved to its current form in Australia.  This faithful outdoorsy breed was first recognized by the AKC in the early 19th century and is currently the 72nd most popular breed according to AKC registration records.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Small to medium.  They’re generally 10-12 inches “tall” and weigh 14-20 pounds.

Coat & Color: Tri-color, white with black, or tan.  Their coats can be smooth, wire, or a mix of both (smooth heads with wire bodies)

Other: Famous Jack Russells include the title character on Wishbone, Milo in The Mask with Jim Carrey, and Eddie on the television show Frasier.

Life Expectancy: 15 years or more

Temperament:

Highly intelligent, these dogs can often be described as “tricky.”  They’re definitely not to be trusted with small animals (their hunting instincts run very deep and very strong) and they’re prone to pull off Houdini-worthy escapes!  They have a penchant for digging and love to explore.  These dogs are very intense.  Fortunately, they’re as intense with their wonderful qualities as they are with their troublesome ones.  With the right owner, Jack Russells can be loyal, affectionate, playful family pets.

Wags:

  • Minimal grooming required.  This breed is super low-maintenance.  The occasional bath and they’re good to go!
  • Eager to learn.  The perfect candidate for learning and performing tricks
  • They’re friendly, loving, and have a long life-expectancy.

Challenges:

  • Highly unsuitable for first-time owners.  Jack Russell Terriers require extensive obedience training.  And even trained Jacks can be wily!
  • Very vocal.  Even though Jack Russells hardly ever bark “for no reason,” they find “reasons” to bark much too often.  They’re alert to the extreme and they’ll let you know it!
  • Without consistent training, exercise, and companionship, they can become destructive or even aggressive!

If you’re looking for a Jack Russell to join your family, visit the Florida Jack Russell Rescue.

Special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Jack Russell Terrier.