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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: 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: Great Dane

Known as the “Apollo of all dogs,” Great Danes are a very old breed dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. Drawings of dogs resembling the Great Dane appear on Egyptian monuments and currency from 3000 B.C., and descriptions a similar dog can be found in Chinese literature from 1121 B.C. With their huge size and regal appearance, Great Danes are a majestic and striking breed that makes for an imposing dog. In reality, Great Danes are really just “Gentle Giants” who are friendly and attentive with their families.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Male Great Danes stand between 30-34 inches at the shoulders, and females between 28-32 inches. A Great Dane’s weight can range from 100-200 pounds depending on gender, and males should have a very masculine appearance, while females should appear finer boned and more feminine.

Coat & Color: A Great Dane’s coat is short and thick with a glossy appearance. Their color can be any one of six variations: fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, and mantle.

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Temperament

Great Danes can be intimidating at first sight, but they truly live up to their nickname of “Gentle Giant.” A very friendly dog, they are gentle and loving towards people and other animals, and show great patience with children. Their charming personalities make for a great family pet, but they also possess the courage and spirit needed in a watchdog.

Something to Bark About: Over the years Great Danes have held the record for world’s largest dog many different times. The current record holder, Giant George, is a blue Great Dane who stands at 43 inches (that’s over 3 ½ feet)!

Wags

  • Great Danes are trustworthy, dependable dogs who can be counted on to love and defend their families.
  • Great Danes are easy to groom and are not excessive shedders.
  • Great Danes get along well with children, adults, and other animals, as long as they are properly socialized at a young age.

Yelps

  • Great Danes are prone to congenital heart problems and have short life-spans, giving them the nickname “The Heartbreak Breed.”
  • Because their bones grow so quickly they are at risk for bone and joint problems, and should not be over-exercised, especially while they are young and still growing.
  • Great Danes require consistent training and rules from a young age so that they learn not to jump or lean on people.

If you’d like to learn more about adopting one of these Gentle Giants in our area, visit the Great Dane Rescue of Southwest Florida for more information.

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Breed Profile: Bulldog

by Lauren R. Tharp

There are several varieties of bulldog: The American Bulldog, the French Bulldog, and the English Bulldog.  The latter could be considered the “winner” of the bunch as it is the most famous and has earned the right to be referred to simply as “Bulldog.”  The Bulldog is the mascot to 39 American universities, the official mascot to the United States Marine Corps, and is a popular character in cartoons—including Spike from Tom & Jerry and Hector the Bulldog from Looney Tunes!  First recognized by the AKC in 1886, the Bulldog is now the 14th most popular breed in the United States.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Bulldogs are medium-sized with adult dogs weighing in at 50-60 pounds and adult bitches weighing 40-50 pounds.

Coat & Color:  Short-haired with glossy straight hair close to their bodies.  They are available in the following colors: Brindle (They come in all varieties of brindle, but red is the most common and generally most desired), solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, and piebald.

Other:  The name “bulldog,” or rather “bull dog,” comes from the bulldog’s original occupation of being used in the sport of bull baiting, a blood sport in which the dog was pitted against a chained up—but very angry!—bull in a fight to the death.

Life Expectancy:  8-12 years.

Temperament

While the above may lead you to believe otherwise (“They fought will bulls and won?!”), bulldogs tend to be more courageous than they are vicious.  Kind-hearted and dignified, these dogs are well-suited to urban and apartment living.  This dog can be described as a “lifelong puppy” and will never lose their early enthusiasm for life.  A family dog to their core, bulldogs should never be left alone for extended periods of time or their loneliness can drive them—and you!—mad, leading to destructive behavior.

Pros

  • Require very little exercise and, in fact, tend to do better without it.
  • Gentle with children if socialized early.  Will become an instant “member” of the family rather than just a “family pet.”  You may even forget it isn’t one of your actual children!
  • Bulldogs make excellent watchdogs.

Cons

  • Craves constant companionship/attention!  If left alone, bulldogs can become very destructive.
  • Require moderate to heavy obedience training (depending on each dog’s individual personality).  The phrase “stubborn as a bulldog” doesn’t come out of thin air!  Bulldogs can become willful and challenge you for dominance if you don’t show them who’s boss early on.  But you’d probably think you were a pretty tough guy too if you came from a line of bull conquerors!
  • Doesn’t do well in heat or humidity.

Looking for a Bulldog? Please contact Buddies Thru Bullies  to learn more about their adoptable dogs.

A special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Bulldog.

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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.