Archive for the ‘featured breed’ Category
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………………………………………………………………………………….. I love Staffordshire terriers, also known as the American pitbull terrier or “pitbull.” With so many pitbulls sitting in shelters across the country (more than 9,000 on Petfinder alone), I thought I’d share how great these dogs are. My next dog just might have to be a pitbull. The guy in this photo is Matty. He needs a home and you can read his profile here. Staffordshire terriers have a bad reputation because they have been used as fighting dogs since the 1800s when they were first bred in the United States, according to the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile. They are known as pitbulls because they would fight other dogs in “pits.” However, be aware that the term “pitbull” refers to a group of dogs, including the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier. Several similar breeds are often inaccurately slapped with the name pitbull such as the Cane Corso, the American bulldog and any mix resembling these breeds. American Staffordshire terriers were bred to be affectionate to people because their owners had to handle them even in the middle of a dogfight. Because of this, Staffordshires are friendly to strangers and generally love children and make loyal family pets. American Staffordshire terriers weigh about 55-70 pounds, larger than the Staffordshire bull terrier. American Staffordshire terriers come in colors ranging in solid or mixes of white, brown, red and black. Advantages to owning an American Staffordshire terrier: 1. Staffordshires are playful and gentle around people. They love children and affection. This is why it is so sad to see a Staffordshire terrier unsocialized and tied up in a yard all the time. These dogs thrive off of human interaction and companionship. 2. Staffs require very little grooming. Their coats are short and smooth. They still shed, of course. 3. This breed is easy to train because of its desire for attention and to please its owner. 4. Staffordshires make great watchdogs and will protect their owners if threatened. Unfortunately this trait is abused when owners encourage their Staffordshires to be aggressive. 5. They are beautiful dogs to look at, with muscular bodies and a strong, sturdy appearance with smooth, shiny coats. Disadvantages to owning an American Staffordshire terrier: 1. Staffordshire terriers require dedicated owners who will give them the training, attention and exercise they need. They are powerful dogs and need their owners to encourage the gentle side of the breed and provide positive outlets for their dogs’ energy. 2. Staffordshire terriers have an inacurate reputation for being aggressive. Of course, this is the same as assuming one nationality of humans is aggressive. If you own a Staffordshire, some people will be afraid of your dog and you will be treated differently just for owning one. If your dog so much as growls at another dog, expect other dog owners to freak out even though the same behavior would be tolerated from a Yorkie, a golden retriever, a beagle or many other breeds. 3. Many laws ban “pitbulls,” especially apartment complexes and some cities. Be aware of the inconveniences and stereotypes you will have to deal with if you own a Staffordshire. 4. Staffordshires need to be properly socialized around other dogs and small animals. Because they were bred to fight dogs, they are fearless of other dogs and can be aggressive to other animals. 5. Because of their strength and size, Staffordshires can be difficult to handle. A pinch collar or Gentle Leader help with walking a Staff that pulls on the leash. If you would like to write a profile of your favorite breed, send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com. I’ll use pictures of your dog and link to your site. I’m happy to feature any breed! Click here to see all the breed profiles that have been done. Below is Ace hanging out with the Staffordshire we fostered for a short time last fall. He thought she was great!
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The rottweiler is a large, powerful breed that originated in Germany in the town of Rottweil. They were originally bred as all around working farm dogs. They rounded up cattle, drove them to town, pulled carts and guarded their owners. Their early owners would attach a pouch around their neck containing the money earned from a day at auction in town, and the rottweiler would see that the money made it all the way home. Today’s rottweiler still often excels at many of these original tasks. Rottweilers are used on farms and are often used as guardians. Rottweilers can be found competing in obedience competitions, agility, Schutzhund and more. More often than not, however, the rottweiler is a resident couch potato and treat vacuum, perfectly content to wile away the hours napping and watching the world go by. Known for their devotion to their owners and high level of intelligence, the rottweiler can make an excellent companion for adult and child alike. A rottweiler may not be a great dog for a first time owner as it is highly recommended that the owner knows how to handle and train large dogs. Begin training at an early age to imprint good behaviors and teach leadership. Left unchecked, many of these dogs can develop dominant tendencies and may attempt to rule the roost. The first time rottweiler owner should know that these dogs are often extremely territorial and should not be left unsupervised in unfenced yards. In recent years, poor breeding and owning practices have led to aggression problems in certain representatives of this breed. Also due to poor breeding this breed has seen a surge of health problems such as hip dysplasia. It is highly recommended that a person seeking to own a rottweiler search out a breeder that screens breeding stock for health and temperament. Rottweiler owners are just as devoted to their breed as the breed is to them. Enthusiasts of this breed are like missionaries attempting to convert others to the ‘gospel’ of the rottweiler. If you are looking to get a rottweiler, do your research and realize that you will never want another breed again! Ty Brown is a dog trainer and author who operates a web site offering dog training tips and resources. Visit his site, Dog Behavior Online. The photo is of Ty’s rottweiler, Rocco, taken after he earned his BH title at a Schutzhund trial. If you would like to write a profile of your favorite breed, send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com. I’d be happy to feature any breed! Click here to see all the breed profiles that have been done.
Golden retrievers are easy to train and eager to learn, which is why they make such great service dogs. They are also used for hunting and will wait patiently for hours in a boat before diving into ice water to retrieve a bird. The golden was originally bred in England during the 1800s, according to the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile. Its original purpose was for retrieving and assistance, which it is still used for today. The Golden retriever comes in many reddish shades, from blond to deep red. Some have straighter coats, while other are more wavy. The breed weighs from 55-75 pounds. Advantages to owning a golden retriever: 1. They are athletic. A golden will love to tag along on any outdoor adventure. 2. These dogs are not hard to train and they love to learn. They do really well at obedience trials and make great hunting companions. 3. Golden retrievers are friendly and gentle. In general, they love every person and animal. They are usually great around children and other pets. 4. They are beautiful dogs. Who can argue with that? 5. They do just fine in colder climates. They love water, including rolling, swimming and playing in it. They also love snow and don’t get cold too easily. Disadvantages to owning a golden retriever: 1. Their endless energy will get annoying if they don’t get enough exercise. This is probably the worst problem with the breed. So many families want a golden retriever because they are gentle, but no one takes the time to walk the family pet. 2. They make terrible watchdogs. Although a golden might bark at a stranger, he is more likely to make friends with everyone, give kisses and try to initiate a game of fetch. 3. Their coats will require some brushing, and the breed sheds throughout the year. Be ready to deal with a ton of dog hair. They also overheat easily, which is part of the reason why they love the water so much. 4. At around 60 pounds, they can be a handful, especially if they are not trained. Obedience training with this breed is a must. 5. Several health issues are common with golden retrievers. I hear more and more about health problems with this breed at a young age, most likely due to poor breeding. Problems include hip dysplasia , allergies, ear infections, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma (both are forms of cancer), according to Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. I have owned three goldens in my life. One died of liver cancer. One died at age 7. Two had seizures several times a year all of their lives, and one had hip dysplasia by age 5. I may or may not own another golden retriever in my lifetime. But either way, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for every golden I see. I especially love the older ones, with gray around their eyes and muzzle. They just look so wise and understanding. It’s not a surprise that so many people love them. If you would like to write a profile of your favorite breed, send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com. I’d be happy to feature any breed! Click here to see all the breed profiles that have been done. Ivy over at AnimalShak featured her dog’s “breed,” a rat terrier/chihuahua mix she calls a rathuahua! Check it out. |
Just look at this sweet face. How could you not love a golden retriever? This is my old dog, Brittni. I guess you could say Ace is her replacement. He has a lot to live up to. I grew up with golden retrievers, so it will always be one of my favorite breeds. I don’t know if there is a more loyal, affectionate dog than a golden. That’s probably why so many people own them. There’s just something about having a golden retriever always at your side.