Archives for Sporting Dog category

Golden Retriever Breed

At a glance:

  • Breed Group: Golden Retriever
  • Height: 23-24 inches
  • Weight: 65-75 lbs
  • Color: golden color coats.
  • Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
  • Average litter size: 6

History:

The golden retriever breed originated from Scotland in 1800. There were doubts over the original breeds which were crossed. The original or traditional opinion was believed to be among some yellow complexioned dog with a tweed or water spaniel. They were first recognized as golden retrievers in 1911 and in 1913 a club dedicated to them was also formed. The lineage of all golden retrievers is believed to be hunting dogs.

The type of work the breed does:

These are usually hardy dogs and very useful to humans. They are so lovable that they can win everyone’s heart. In the beginning, they were raised as hunting dogs.  A few talents of the golden retriever are tracking, hunting (retrieving ducks and other small prey), agility, obedience, narcotics detection etc. Goldens also work as guides, companions, rehabilitation, and search and rescue dogs.

Physical Representation:

The natural life of a golden retriever is between 10 to 13 years. A male golden retriever can measure between 23-24 inches and a female one between 21½-22½ inches. The males will weigh approximately 65-75 pounds and the females will weigh 55-65 pounds.  As with many other breeds today, I have seen goldens bred even larger. Golden retrievers can vary in the color of their coats as they come from different parts of the world.  Some are cream in color.  Some are of a dark brown or reddish color having a dense coat. Most are said to be of the light golden color, from where the name comes. It comes in various feathering and molding which are of golden, cream etc.

Personality and Temperament:

Usually, a golden retriever is a well-balanced, athletic & good mannered dog. It is very lovable & socially accepted for its friendly nature. They have a patient, fun loving temperament. They are also very intelligent. And, just as noted in its name, it loves retrieving anything like balls, frisbees, etc.  It has a fun loving, entertaining temperament which is suitable for interacting with people and makes a great family dog.

Care:

Golden Retrievers, being moderately active dogs (males are more active), require a reasonable amount of exercise each day and are more active in the morning and evening. If they have a companion, they burn more energy through play. Golden Retrievers should be groomed at least once a week because their coats shed heavily the entire year and even more excessively during spring, their shedding season.  I would consider feeding a bland diet such as chicken or lamb and rice type foods.  Supplementing their diets will also be beneficial to them.  Golden retrievers seem to be very prone to skin allergies and cancer.  As with any big breed, careful care should be made regarding their hips.

Living environment:

Due to their very mild, calm temperament, they can be easily trained. As mentioned earlier, they are great family dogs as they are very loving and caring.  They are not very vocal, so they do not normally bark a lot. Golden retrievers are very patient with children. Aside from bumping into toddlers on occasion, it is very rare to see an aggressive golden retriever.  I have said this before and I will say it again.  The golden retriever is probably the best all-around family dog (with children) that God ever put on this earth.

Containment:

Golden retrievers do need an area to be able to exercise.  The electric dog fence system is a great solution for containing one, but not feeling contained yourself.  In my experience, goldens adapt very well to these systems, especially with Contain-A-Pet Fencing, with proper training.  Do not allow anyone to just shock these loving creatures, as it is not fair or needed.  Never put a golden retriever or any other puppy on these electronic systems before at least 16 weeks of age.

Oct 05, 2009 | 0 | Dog Breeds, Sporting Dog

Brittany Spaniel – Dog Breed Info

The Brittany Spaniel, a member of the Sporting Dog Group is a fantastic all around dog. Known as a hunter. They also have a great disposition and very friendly. Choosing the right breed dog is very important for you and for the dog. Here are the dog breed standards and other important information you should consider prior to bringing a new dog or puppy home.

At a glance:

  • Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group
  • Height: 17.5 to 20.5 inches
  • Weight: 30 to 40 lb
  • Color: orange and white, liver and white, tri-colored.
  • Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
  • Average litter size: 6

History:

Also referred to as the Epagneul Breton or Brittany Spaniel, this breed of dogs derives its name from the French province of Brittany from where it originated. The breed was primarily used to hunt woodcocks in France. Their numbers started declining sharply but due to the breeding programs of Arthur Enaud they have been successfully revived. The Brittany was introduced in the United States around 1925.
The type of work the breed does: The Brittany is extremely popular for its hunting capabilities as it is known to be an exceptional in pointing towards the catch. They are also ranked high as “friendly” watchdogs due to their sharp sense of sight and smell, but have developed into very good companion and family dogs.

Physical Representation:

This Brittany is leggy, medium-sized and has a compact build. The color of the eyes which are either amber or hazel as well as the darkness of the nose are ascertained by the color of the coat. The skull is round and of medium length with the muzzle being ram-shaped and having a distinct stop. The ears are fringed and triangular in shape hanging in close proximity to the head. The tail is about four inches in length and can be naturally short or docked.

Personality and Temperament:

The breed is very active, intelligent, loyal and obedient. They grasp every possible opportunity to please their owners. Being essentially good-natured, they take to children very easily. Moderate training is sufficient in order to instill a sense of duty and obedience in the Brittany. However, excessively harsh training or ill-treatment can make them timid or nervous. They have a reputation for developing a special attachment to one particular member of the household but do not undermine the authority of the other members. Early socializing can make them accept other pets and dogs readily.

Care:

The Brittany does not require too much of grooming and minimal attention is adequate. Regular brushing of the coat will keep it in good condition. Trimming of the feet and hocks will prevent the unwanted accumulation of foreign substances but more intricate trimming is required for dogs to be presented in shows. Bathing, dry shampoo and clipping of the nails should be done as and when necessary. The ears should be checked when it has been exposed to brushy terrains. The Brittany is considered to be an average shedder.

Living environment:

Known to be hyperactive at times, the Brittany Spaniel requires a back yard and a considerable amount of physical exercise. They are known to be good apartment dwellers due to their small size but are best utilized in the country side when they have been assigned to do a particular job.


Jul 24, 2008 | 0 | Dog Breeds, Sporting Dog

American Cocker Spaniels

Is the American Cocker Spaniel the right dog breed for you? Following is a brief standard on American Cocker Spaniels. Included is their history, their physical and mental makeup and how to best care for them.

At a glance:

  • Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group

  • Height: 14 – 15inches

  • Weight: 15 – 30 pounds

  • Color: Black, any firm Color except black, and parti-Color varieties.

  • Average Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years

  • Average litter size: 1 – 7

History: American Cocker Spaniels are the smallest member of the Sporting Group of spaniels. Initiated in Spain and developed primarily in England, they were named because they were popularly used to hunt the woodcock in England. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed after the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America (ECSA).The increasing popularity of the breed led to an increase in its exports into the United States. By 1946 American-bred Cocker Spaniels became prevalent and were acknowledged by the American Kennel Club to be quite distinct from their English cousins.

The type of work the breed does: The American Cocker Spaniel was initially employed as hunting dogs. They chased out birds and prey from brush lands, which were then shot by their masters. Even today they are primarily thought of as sporting dogs even though they are mainly bred for companionship and dog shows.

Physical Representation: The texture of the coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy. It is short and fine on the head and of medium length in the rest of the body and accompanied with adequate undercoating for protection. Dogs with feathered ears, chest, legs and abdomen are preferred.The standard height of a male American Cocker Spaniel is 15 inches and bitches are typically 14 inches tall; the height being measured from the top of the shoulder blades to the ground. A grace of half an inch is permitted in a confirmation show.

American Cockers are categorized into three colors in a confirmation show: black, any firm Color except black, and parti-Color varieties. The Cocker Spaniels that come under the black category include those that are solid black as well as black with tan points. The ASCOB categories include a range of solid colors from the lightest shade of cream to the darkest red and even brown with russet points. Parti-colors include a mixture of two colors with white as the primary color with no more than 90% coloration and at least 10% of the secondary color. Roans are also included within this category.

Personality and Temperament: Originally meant to be hunting dogs, American Cocker Spaniels are now enjoying immense popularity as household pets. They have acquired a reputation for being good companions to children and get along very well with other pets.

Care: A Cocker Spaniel’s coat should be sufficiently clipped so that it does not hinder movements of the dog. Electric clippers should be avoided while trimming. Also the trimming should be such that it appears to be naturally done.

Living environment: These are very content dogs and prefer to live in small backyards or similar places. The breed, however, needs to be looked after well and taken care of regularly. Caring for a Cocker Spaniel should include a regular exercise regime in order to prevent obesity and the onset of emotional distress.

Adaptability to the Electronic Dog Fence: Cocker Spaniels adapt very easily to electronic dog fences. Care should be taken to take the time to properly condition these dogs to the dog fence as it is very possible for them to be intimidated. Once trained, they are content to play in their yard.

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Oct 09, 2007 | 0 | Dog Breeds, Sporting Dog

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