My husband has been training Labrador Retrievers since before we met. He is very good in working with the dogs. Before long I began helping him with field training as well as basic obedience training.

We belonged to a retriever club and our dogs took part in the field trial competitions. It was at one of these competitions that I saw a German wirehaired pointer for the first time. The dog stood out for several reasons, the majority of the dogs competing that day were Labrador’s, this was an advanced field trial so there were not that many dogs present, and the German wirehaired pointer has a very unique appearance that is quite different than a Labrador. 

I pointed the dog out to my husband and asked what type of breed this was. The breed has the markings and build of German shorthairs, but they are covered in long hairs and also have curly beards and ears. The long hair and beards give the German wirehaired pointers a very unique and comical appearance. This particular dog was liver colored and white. There are also black and white dogs in the breed.

I kenneled the dog that I was field testing that day and approached the owner of the German wirehaired retriever. The dog immediately stood up from its sitting position and barked. The owner quieted the dog and had her sit. He explained that he had brought her to the field trial for socialization training.

He said that he had been working with the breed for several years. They are a versatile breed in that they were bred to point, flush and retrieve not only upland game birds, but also water fowl and fur bearing animals. In Europe the dogs are judged in all these categories. He said that they are a very loyal and protective dog. Unlike Labrador’s that will approach everyone, the German wirehaired pointer needs to warm to a person first.

 The owner explained that they are very comical to have around because they are so intuitive and fun loving, yet they have such a serious look about them because of the beard and their distinct eyes. Their eyes are hazel color. Unlike other dogs they look you in the eye as you talk to them or pet them.

My husband and I were so intrigued by this dog that we looked into purchasing a German wirehaired pointer of our own. We had never trained a pointing breed and thought that this would be a fun area to learn. We did not realize that the fur hunting instinct would be so strong in this breed.

After several months of basic obedience training we gave the dog to a game farm to be used in upland game hunting. She was a fun dog and quite a clown, however she stalked our cats every chance she had. She was also very strong willed and tried to be the top of the pecking order with our other dogs.

We decided that the German wirehaired pointer is best trained if they are an only dog, or are with their own breed.

The Shih Tzu originates from China and was originally developed to be a lap dog and companion to Chinese Royalty. The origins of this breed date back to the 1800’s, when it was developed in China during the reign of the Empress Dowager Cixi or Tz’u-shi, which explains the origins of the name. The Shih Tzu is also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog.

This dog is classified as a member of the American Kennel Club’s Toy Dog Group. The Shih Tzu was first registered by the AKC in 1969.

The Shih Tzu is a lively dog with a very unique appearance. The dog is small but sturdy, with a long flowing double coat. Underneath the silky topcoat is a woolly undercoat. This proud looking little dog has hair above its nose that grows up toward the top of its head and is often gathered in a topknot. 

There are some considerable size variations for this breed. These dogs can have a height of up to 11 inches and the weight ranges from 9-16 pounds.

The Shih Tzu is content to live in an apartment or town home. This dog does not need a lot of space. While the Shih Tzu can be active at times, the breed is usually fairly lazy. A Shih Tzu will find a favorite spot and just lounge all day. It is up to the dog owner to initiate regular exercise to help keep these little guys healthy and fit.

The Shih Tzu is an ideal family dog. The breed is playful and lively. This ‘cute-as-a button’ charmer is very affectionate and loves being around people. They are generally good with other pets. Children love these little dogs and the feeling is mutual. These dogs respond well to children, as long as they are not mistreated or handled roughly.

Be careful with the amount of food you give this dog breed. Because of their reluctance to exercise, they can become fat quite easily.

Shih Tzus will benefit from early and consistent training, because its small size doesn’t mean this breed is a malleable pushover. In fact, these little dogs, can be quite obstinate. Patient, consistent training is best. Yelling or impatient behavior doesn’t work with these dogs.

Daily grooming is a top priority for the Shih Tzu. Brush your dog’s coat daily with a bristle brush. The topknot is usually taken loose several times a week, brushed out to avoid matting and then retied with a bow so that the dog can see properly. 

Check your dog’s ear passages and the area around the eyes to keep them clean. Shih Tzu’s have sensitive eyes that may water and develop matter frequently. Because of this, your dog’s eyes should be kept clean. This breed sheds very little. Because of this, some people claim that it is hypoallergenic. However, no dog is truly allergen free.

Potential health problems of the Shih Tzu can include ear, eye and respiratory problems and spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs. This breed’s teeth require regular veterinary attention, as they tend to rot. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed.

If you are looking for a happy little dog that loves play and laughter, then this breed with a royal heritage just might be the perfect choice for you and your family.

 

The Maltese is the oldest breed of all the lap dogs. It was a favorite of royal families and was especially popular with the ladies of the royal courts. The women would carry the Maltese on their sleeves as little ornaments to attest to their station in life.

It is said that the Greek Philosopher Theophrastus and even Aristotle alluded to the Maltese. Today, the glorious Maltese is an adored and pampered pet, as well as a sought after show dog. This dog is classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group. The Maltese was first registered by the AKC in 1888.

Some historical evidence links the Maltese to the genetic make up of the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terrier, the Tibetan Spaniel and even the Pekingese. By all accounts, the Maltese is a truly ancient breed of dog. Aristotle attributed the origin of the dog to the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The name Maltese is derived from the area of Malta.

The Maltese is a small but a beautifully appointed dog. For its petite size, the Maltese has a hardy build. The breed’s luxurious silky white coat hangs straight to the ground. The appearance of this tiny dog is striking. The most common color for this breed is pure white, but light ivory cream or light lemon ears are also seen in this breed. The adult Maltese will stand up to 10 inches high and weigh from 3 to 10 pounds.

The Maltese is very adaptable and does quite well in an apartment. They are active enough indoors that they will exercise themselves. Of course, the Maltese will still enjoy a regular walk in the park. This breed stays active and playful into its old age. 

The Maltese’s long, silky, dazzling white hair needs daily combing and brushing. Be gentle with this little creature, because the coat is very soft. Clean your dog’s eyes daily to prevent staining. After eating, the dog needs its beard cleaned. Bathing is also needed on a regular basis. The ears are of some concern and should be free from any hair in the canal. The Maltese sheds little to no hair.

Some medical concerns for the Maltese include sunburn and skin problems. There are some respiratory and eye and teeth problems, as well. Maltese sometimes have digestive problems and may be difficult to feed. They are more comfortable in mild weather.

Despite its pint sized appearance, the Maltese will benefit from puppy obedience training. This breed is energetic in nature, which can cause a few problems if a dog has no training. These dogs can be snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak. However, since the Maltese is intelligent and intuitive, obedience training will be fairly easy.

If you want a small dog that has a big heart and plenty of spunk, then the Maltese may be perfect for you. These dogs offer their owners years of faithful companionship and loving obedience.
 

The Irish Setter is one of the most popular breeds of setters. This setter is elegant and beautiful. Irish Setters, which originated in Ireland, were bred primarily to work with hunters to hunt game birds.

The Irish Setter comes from several different breeds, including the Irish Water Spaniel, Spanish Pointers and the English and Gordon Setters. These dogs were carefully interbred to produce the stately look and demeanor of the modern Irish Setter.

This dog, which is classified as a member of the Sporting Dog Group, was first registered by the AKC in 1878. The Irish Setter is also known as the Red Setter. The spectacular coat of the Irish Setter is legendary for its rich deep chestnut or mahogany color.

In fact, because of its beauty, many breeders preferred the Irish Setter for its look rather than its hunting ability. So much attention was paid to increasing the beauty of the dog that it almost completely lost its hunting instincts. Today, some breeders are working to restore these instincts.

This breed’s hair is moderately long and straight. The Irish Setter is a large dog, weighing in at 65-75 pounds and standing at a height of 26-28 inches. The females are a bit smaller, weighing 55-65 pounds and standing 24-26 inches tall.

Apartment living is not recommended for the Irish Setter. The setter needs room to roam. A fenced large yard is the only way to contain this athletic breed, and even that doesn’t always keep your dog from roaming.

Irish Setters must get regular exercise to vent their energy. If not exercised enough, this breed will become rambunctious and bored. So get out with your Irish Setter and start walking (or, more accurately, running.)

The Irish setter is one of the most affectionate breeds and loves to be with people. This breed needs constant interaction with humans and does not like being left alone. Unfortunately, their large size and tremendous energy means that these dogs are often left in the yard for much, if not all, of the day.

To show you their displeasure, they will often chew up items and bark constantly. If you work all day or want a dog that will spend most of its time as an outside dog, then this is not the breed for you.

Training the Irish Setter is not always easy. The Irish Setter is an intelligent breed and most of these dogs have an exceptional memory. The breed will remember everything it is taught, both the good and the bad.

Early training is mandatory, because without training, the setter can be a very stubborn and willful animal. This dog is overflowing in enthusiasm and will quickly develop bad habits if left unchecked.

Grooming the Irish Setter is a pleasure. Many owners take pride in brushing and combing the silky coat regularly to keep it free of matting. You may want to have the coat professionally trimmed every few months. A professional dog groomer can keep the Irish Setter’s coat gleaming. Irish Setters shed quite a bit. Their hair will come off on everything they come in contact with.

If your dog romps in the woods, you should be prepared to do additional grooming to keep the coat free from burrs and tangles. You should also pay special attention to the coat when the dog is molting.

Irish Setters are fairly healthy dogs, but they are prone to several genetic disorders. Thyroid or epilepsy problems are common, as is bloat.

If you want a good natured dog with plenty of energy, then an Irish Setter may be the perfect choice for you. Just be prepared for some serious obedience work when your dog is a puppy, or you may be the one being walked when you take your full grown dog for a stroll.

If you are looking for a dog that marches to the beat of its own drummer, loves to round up the kids for dinnertime and has a happy go lucky attitude, then you may want to take a look at the Bearded Collie.

This breed, which has been seen as far back as 1514 in Scotland, is a direct descendent of the Polish Sheepdog. It is fairly likely that the Bearded Collie is also related to the Old English sheepdog because of the obvious similarities.

Some of the Beardie’s talents are tracking, herding and performing tricks. The Bearded Collie was used in Scotland as a herder of both sheep and cattle. Since collie is the Scottish word for herding dog, it makes sense that the breed eventually became known as the Bearded Collie.

This breed, which is still fairly rare in the U.S., is registered with AKC as a member of the Herding group.

The Beardie is a robust, hardy and active dog. This medium to large sized dog weighs in at a solid 40-60 pounds with a height of 20-22 inches. The Beardie has a shaggy coat all over his body, including under the chin, which makes him look as if he is sporting a beard. That is why lovers of this breed refer to it as Beardie.

The Bearded Collie is not recommended for apartment life. These dogs are fairly active, even indoors, and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This is a dog that needs lots of exercise, preferably running free. Beardies do not like to be confined and your dog should have a place to run off of its lead.

Obedience training is important for this breed because although they are intelligent, these dogs can be very headstrong.  Since it was bred to be an independent thinker, the Beardie may resist training. The Beardie is a natural herder of people and animals. They are noisy barkers, but most Beardies do not make good watchdogs.

Grooming for the Bearded Collie involves daily brushing of its long, shaggy coat. If you don’t maintain your dog’s coat, it will become so matted that you will have to have the dog shaved to remove the matts.

You should use a brush to thoroughly groom your dog’s coat once a day. A fine mist of water will help to tease out any matts. A spray on conditioner can also be helpful. Pay extra attention to the coat when the dog is shedding. Grooming can help gather up all of that loose hair before it hits the ground.

You might want to consider having your dog professionally groomed every few months. A daily check of the eyes, ears and paws is also a good idea. Bathe your dog or use a dry shampoo when necessary. Check regularly for ticks on the thick undercoat.

Overall, Beardies are a sturdy breed that enjoys good health. However, problems do occur within the breed. These include allergies, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, auto-immune disease and some eye problems. Also, the breed’s dense coat may conceal external parasite infestation.

If you’re looking for a dog that is a good family companion that has a tail that is almost constantly wagging, then the Beardie may just be the perfect breed for you and your family.