Bradenton Dog

Breed Profile

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Breed Profile: Shepherd Husky Mix

By Lauren R. Tharpe

The Shepherd Husky is a mix of two breeds: The German Shepherd and the Siberian Husky.  Most Shepherd Husky owners consider this breed to be the best of both worlds.
Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Large.  Shepherd Huskies range from 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.  Their weight also varies, but usually falls within the 35-75 pound range.

Coat & Color: Very thick coated dogs!  Their outer coat is coarse and their undercoat is thick, plush-like, and like their Husky-half, have the ability to thrive in cooler weather.  They also come in a variety of colors.  Black, black and white, or black and tan.  Their coats tend to shed constantly and will need to be groomed on a regular basis.

Other: While most Shepherd Huskies have brown eyes or blue eyes, some have one of each!

Also, the most decorated war dog of World War II, Chips, was a Shepherd Husky!

Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

Temperament

Shepherd Huskies are diligent working dogs who are eager to please.  Shepherd Huskies are highly intelligent (their “shepherd” half, the German Shepherd, was ranked the third most intelligent dog breed in the world!) and they adapt quickly to just about any situation.  Equally good as a service dog or a family pet.

Wags

  • Highly intelligent and fairly easy to train – if the Shepard side is dominant, if Husky is prevailing – dig in, you’ll have your work cut-out for you.
  • Highly courageous.  Makes for a great watch/guard dog.
  • People “person.”  These dogs, unless trained otherwise, get along with most people—including children—that they meet!

Challenges

  • Shepherd Huskies can be howlers!  Be prepared for a long night of howling any time a siren passes through your neighborhood.  They’re also known to be very “talkative.”  They may howl and moan more than actually bark, but expect a full bodied bark when they do vocalize in that way.
  • Require a lot of exercise!  Without daily exercise, these dogs may become destructive.   With your Veterinarian’s approval, this would be a great dog to bicycle, run or trike with.
  • The predator/prey instinct runs fairly strong in this breed.  If not properly socialized with other animals from a very early age, they may see smaller creatures as “prey” rather than “playmate.”

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Breed Profile: German Shorthaired Pointer

While the exact origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is unknown, what is known is that they were bred to create an enthusiastic weekend hunting dog that also made a great family companion and watchdog. What resulted was a dog with the clean lines, keen nose, and good looks of a Pointer, as well as the loyal, even temperament of a lapdog (although their size may require a rather large lap!). Full of energy and happy to be included in a sporting adventure, German Shorthaired Pointers make great companions for active families.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: German Shorthaired Pointers stand from 21-25 inches at the shoulders and weigh in between 45-70 pounds, with males being larger than females. They have long, streamlined bodies that are typical of most Pointer breeds.

Coat & Color: German Shorthaired Pointers have short, thick coats that are water resistant and keep them warm in cold weather. Their coat color can be solid liver or a combination of liver and white, and serve as camouflage in snowy weather.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament

Equal parts brains and brawn, German Shorthaired Pointers are very intelligent dogs with great athletic ability. A dog originally bred for hunting, they possess not only a great nose, but can point, track, and retrieve on land or in water, making them versatile, sturdy hunting dogs. They also rank as the 17th most intelligent breed of dog and are highly trainable, often performing well in obedience tests, as well as with simple at-home commands like sit and stay. More than just hunting animals, German Shorthaired Pointers are very loyal and even-tempered companion dogs that can make a great family pet in the right home. Their endless dose of energy does require daily exercise, so they are best suited for an active family—they’re very happy to tag along on the morning run!

Something to Bark About: German Shorthaired Pointers have been highlighted in many literary works for their superior hunting skills. Two works of non-fiction—Run, Rainey, Run and Colter: The True Story of the Best Dog I Ever Had—have delved deeper and explored the authors’ extraordinary relationships with their beloved dogs (I’d say the Colter title says it all!).

Wags:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers’ strong sense of loyalty makes them great watchdogs.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have friendly personalities, and get along well with kids.
  • Their requirement of daily exercise will keep you active and healthy!

Yelps:

  • These dogs require LOTS of exercise on a daily basis. They should have access to open space so that they can run, and are not suited for apartment living.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers who do not get daily exercise can become bored and restless and exhibit destructive behaviors.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have strong hunting instincts, which can sometimes be misdirected at the family cat or rabbit. They should be trained at a young age to discern what is prey and what is not, and should be carefully socialized with other small family pets.

Do you think the German Shorthaired Pointer would make for a great running buddy and friend? Contact the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of South Florida to adopt.

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Breed Profile: American Cocker Spaniel

By Alisha Corsi

With their ever-wagging tails and bubbly personalities, it’s no wonder that the American Cocker Spaniel has held the title of America’s most popular breed for a total of 18 years! Their love for people and animals has endeared them to several presidents, including Richard Nixon (who could forget his famous “Checkers Speech”), Rutherford B. Hayes, and Bill Clinton.  Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels are now generally bred as family pets, and make great companion animals.


Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting Group of dogs, measuring around 13-15 inches at the shoulders (with females being at the shorter end of the scale). Cockers weigh in between 15-30 pounds, making them a medium-sized dog. Their distinctly shaped heads make them immediately recognizable.

Coat & Color: Cocker Spaniels have medium length silky fur on the body and ears, with feathering down the legs and bellies. Color can be any solid or multi-color variety.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament

Often referred to as the “Merry Cocker,” these are cheerful, gentle dogs that are equally well suited for life as a household pet or gundog. Known for their happy dispositions, Cockers are social butterflies who love everyone, and are extremely devoted to their pet parents. They are best suited for living indoors, where they can spend most of their time with the people they love.

Something to Bark About:The term “Cocker Spaniel” actually refers to two different breeds of dogs, the American Cocker and the English Cocker. Both are simply referred to as Cocker Spaniels in their home countries. While similar in stature, American Cockers generally have shorter backs and muzzles than their English cousins. Since their official recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1878, the American Cocker Spaniel has won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on four separate occasions.

Wags:

  • Cockers are great with adults, children, and other animals.
  • They are generally easy to train.
  • Fiercely loyal, Cockers remain faithful to their human families for life.

Yelps:

  • Cockers who are left to their own devices for too long can become bored and destructive, so if you’re out of the house most of the day, this may not be the dog for you.
  • Because of their popularity, Cockers have frequently been bred in puppy mills, leading to increased numbers of breed-related health problems in certain bloodlines.  These include ear infections, eye problems, and heart conditions.
  • Because of their unique coats they require regular grooming.

Do you think the American Cocker Spaniel would be the perfect addition to your family? Check your local animal shelter or contact Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue.

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Breed Profile: Scottish Terrier

by Alisha Corsi

Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are a highland breed of terrier originating in Scotland. They are known for their distinctive beards and eyebrows. Beloved by Scottish and English royalty for centuries, the Scottie only recently made their American debut in the 1890’s, but quickly became a favorite of American presidents as well. Scotties are the only breed who have lived in the White House three times, with Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and George W. Bush. Former First Dog Barney Bush, who only recently lost his battle with lymphoma, was one of two Scotties who spent 8 years in the White House with President Bush. And Fala Roosevelt was so famous that he is the only pet to ever be memorialized in a statue in Washington, D.C. with his famous pet parent!

FDR and his beloved Fala

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Scotties are small, compact dogs, standing at 10-11 inches at the shoulders, and weighing between 19-23 pounds.

Coat & Color: Scotties have hard, wiry outer coats with soft, dense undercoats. Their coats can be any color except for white, although dark brown to black is most common.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Temperament

Scotties are small, hardy, loveable dogs with big personalities. Nicknamed “Diehard” for their endless determination, Scotties are independent and self-assured. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t love people—Scotties are charming dogs who make loving, gentle members of the family. They have a strong desire for approval, and don’t respond well to harsh words or punishment, so it’s best to use positive reinforcement when training.

Something to Bark About: Scotties have won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show a total of nine times, second only to the Wire Fox Terrier. And they’re are not just favorites of world leaders and world-class dog shows—recently fans of the classic Monopoly board game voted the Scottie dog game piece the most popular of the original tokens!

 

Wags

  • If you’re looking for a dog that will reward your love with a lifetime of devotion, this is the dog for you! Scotties are known for becoming fiercely attached to the select few people they bond with.
  • Scotties shed little to none.
  • Scotties make great watch dogs, family pets, and companions—the total package (Not to mention they’re quite handsome)!

Yelps

  • Because of their spirited nature they require regular exercise. They should always be walked on a leash, as their chase instinct is strong.
  • Because they were originally bred to hunt vermin, Scotties are natural-born diggers and so they should be monitored if let outdoors.
  • Scotties can be stubborn, and need to be trained and socialized from a young age.

To adopt a Scottish Terrier of your own, please visit Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast for more information.

 

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Breed Profile: Yorkshire Terrier

by Lauren R. Tharp

Known as “Yorkies” to those who love them, the Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England (how appropriate, no?) where they were originally used to catch rats in clothing mills. Perky, fun, and utterly adorable, this toy breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1885 and currently reigns as the third most popular dog in the United States.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Extremely small, even by Toy breed standards. Yorkies are generally 5-7 inches in height and weigh a mere 3-7 pounds. “Teacup” Yorkshire Terriers can be even smaller than that!

Coat & Color: Colors are black and tan or “steel blue” and tan. Their hair is long, straight, and incredibly silky. Many Yorkies have hair that reaches all the way down to the floor.

Other: A Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky was a war hero (with the 5th Air Force in the South Pacific) during World War II. Smoky was also the first therapy dog!

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years.

Temperament

Intelligent and energetic, Yorkies are incredibly loyal to their owners and, although they don’t require much exercise due to their small size, they need daily interaction with their preferred human. Quick to adapt to almost any surrounding, Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate, fun, agile, and intensely curious.

Wags

  • Easy to train.
  • Excellent watchdogs.
  • Requires very little exercise.

Yelps

  • Grooming needs for this breed are high.
  • If not properly socialized at a young age, Yorkies can become yappy—or worse: snappy!—with strangers.
  • Yorkshire Terriers were originally ratters and those instincts still run strong within the breed today, often making them unsuitable around small animals (especially rodents such as mice, rats, and hamsters).

Do you think the Yorkshire Terrier would be the perfect addition to your family? Check your local animal shelter and/or rescue groups like the Florida Yorkie Rescue.

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Breed Profile: Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles get their names from their mixed heritage of Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. First bred in the early 1990’s as allergy-friendly seeing-eye dogs, Goldendoodles have now become just as popular as family companions and embody the best personality traits of both of their highly popular parent breeds.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Goldendoodles are a range of sizes including standard, medium, and miniature (if the Poodle parent was a miniature). Standard Goldendoodles stand at 22-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45-70 pounds. Medium Goldendoodles weigh between 30-45 pounds, and miniatures weigh between 15-30 pounds.

Coat & Color: Goldendoodles can be any mix of cream, gold, tan, brown, grey, or black. Many Goldendoodles inherit the fur qualities of their Poodle parent, but not the texture, so they shed very little, if at all.

Life Expectancy: 15 years

Temperament

Golden Retrievers and Poodles have much in common temperament-wise—both are great family dogs, friendly, highly intelligent, affectionate, and easy to train. With these overlapping character traits, you can see why the Goldendoodle makes such a great companion. Because the Goldendoodle is a very human-orientated dog, they develop strong bonds with their human companions and show lots of affection. They are also very calm and patient dogs, which makes them great with children.

Something to Bark About: Poodles are ranked as the 2nd smartest dog breed in the world, and Golden Retrievers are ranked 4th. With those genes, you could say the Goldendoodle is one of the great intellectuals of the dog world!

Wags