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Breed Profile: German Shepherd

by Lauren R. Tharp

The fourth most popular breed in the United States, the German Shepherd has long been known for its heroic exploits and loyalty as a family pet. First recognized by the AKC in 1908, the German Shepherd is the leading police, military, and guard dog breed in the world…and is also known for being a wonderful pet!
Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Medium to large dogs (with the males of the breed being larger). They’re usually 22-26 inches in height and weigh 75-90 pounds.

Coat & Color: German Shepherds have a double-coat of short to medium length. Their outer coat is extremely dense, while their inner coat is more on the plush side. The most common color is black with tan, but sable, solid black, and solid white are also available.

Other: Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd! As were Batman’s dog, Ace; Bolt in the computer-animated movie of the same name; and Charlie Barkin in All Dogs Go to Heaven.

Life Expectancy: 10-13 years.
Temperament

The German Shepherd in one word: Dependable. These dogs are muscular, intelligent (rated the 3rd most intelligent dog breed in the world!), and highly active. They are protective and obedient although early and thorough training is required early on. They do not bond quickly, but once they do bond, it’s for life.

Wags

• Is incredibly obedient, quick to learn, and eager to please.

• A loyal and loving family pet if socialized early on.

• An excellent guard dog—as stated above, the German Shepherd is the leading breed of guard dog in the world!

Challenges

• Early socialization and obedience training is a must. German Shepherds can become very territorial, overly protective, and stubborn if not taught “right” from “wrong” at a young age. If not, they can be hard to control and sometimes dangerous. (Note: With proper training, you couldn’t wish for a better pet! Put in the effort and you’ll get the reward).

• Regular grooming is required, and even with regular grooming, German Shepherds shed a lot.

• Exercise, exercise, exercise. The German Shepherd is always on the go!—and you will be too if you own one!

Looking for a German Shepherd? Please contact Tampa Bay German Shepherd Rescue to learn more about their adoptable dogs.
A special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the German Shepherd.

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Breed Profile: Chihuahua

Chihuahua Profile by Lauren R. Tharp

The Chihuahua: Little Dogs with Big Attitudes

While Chihuahuas don’t actually have Mexican accents like they do in the movies and on television, they do originate from Mexico. Chihuahua, Mexico, to be specific (go figure?). Recognized by the AKC in 1904, Chihuahuas are estimated to be the oldest—and smallest!—breed to originate in the Americas.

The Chihuahua is now the 11th most popular dog in the United States according to AKC registration records.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Chihuahua is a Toy breed. An actual “show” Chihuahua is not to exceed six (6) pounds in weight, but pet Chihuahuas can get up to 10-12 pounds and still be considered “healthy.”

Coat & Color:

Most have short coats, but some have longer coats that are “flat” or “curly” in texture. Chihuahuas are generally made up of solid colors, or marked and spotted with color on a white background.

Other: We all know that Chihuahuas are small, but Chihuahuas are also typically known for their apple-shaped heads. They’re also very swift and graceful with their movements.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.

Temperament

There’s one thing that all the commercials, television programs, movies, and cartoons seem to get exactly right: Chihuahuas have attitude.

Chihuahuas tend to have very high self-esteem and are quite often filled with a sense of self-importance that’s a force to be reckoned with! (If you’re familiar with the term “Napoleon Complex,” then you know exactly what I’m talking about—shorties with attitude!). They’re actually quite similar to many smaller terrier breeds in temperament.

Chihuahuas are also very charming, alert, confident, and surprisingly self-reliant.

Wags:

• Grooming and exercise needs are relatively low

• Chihuahuas are perfect for an urban environment

• Longer lifespan that most dogs

Challenges:

• With their small size, Chihuahuas are the perfect prey for coyotes and other predators. (In my research, I even read of a few cases in which someone’s pet Chihuahua was taken away by an owl!)

• They aren’t the best dog for first-time dog owners. With their bossy attitudes, Chihuahuas require a moderate to high amount of training.

Chihuahuas are fragile. They can live a long time, but it can be tough getting them there! Chihuahuas have bones that break extremely easily and can suffer from eye problems, heart disease,

If you are considering adding a Chihuahua to your family, please visit Chihuahua Rescue for adorable, adoptable dogs.

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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.

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Breed Profile: Golden Retriever

By Lauren R. Tharp

The second most popular dog in the United States (according to AKC registration records), the Golden Retriever originated as a hunting dog, roaming the Scottish Highlands, in the late 1800s. Now known for being excellent guide dogs and search and rescue dogs, the Golden Retriever was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1925 and has been a favorite among dog-owners everywhere ever since.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Medium to large. Females are smaller, generally around 20-22 inches tall and 55-65 pounds. Males are much larger, measuring 23-25 inches tall and weighing 65-80 pounds.

Coat & Color: Dense, water-resistant, outer coat with a softer undercoat. Their coats also have some feathering at the neck, back, thighs, and underside of the tail. The color is, true to their name: Golden.

Other: Digby on Pushing Daisies, Shadow in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Dug in Up, and Buddy from the Air Bud movies were all Golden Retrievers. President Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, also had a Golden Retriever, Liberty, as his Presidential dog while in office.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Temperament

The ultimate people dog! Friendly, happy, and reliable, Golden Retrievers are a wonderful dog choice for people of all ages and living situations. They’re energetic, requiring daily exercise, but they aren’t overly demanding. Eager to please, these dogs will go to great lengths to make sure you’re happy with them.

Wags

  • Easy to train!
  • A great family pet. Works well with people of all ages.
  • Exceptionally friendly. Great with strangers and other animals.

Challenges

  • They shed a lot. If you’re fussy about your household cleaning, this might not be the breed for you
  • Not the best watch dogs. They’re just too friendly!
  • Can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

If you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please visit Golden Retriever Rescue, based in South Florida, they will help you to match family your with the right dog.

Special thanks to Stephen Hunack’s Dog Mountain gallery for use of this Golden Retriever featured image.