The Leonberger

The Leonberger is a powerful breed hailing from Germany. Good-natured and calm, the Leo makes a devoted companion, especially once he has matured. Puppies have more energy and can be more of a handful – especially considering that Leonberger puppies are huge! For owners who are willing to put in the time and effort, however, many find this breed to make an amazing pet. Prospective owners need to be aware that this is a very strong dog that requires regular obedience training, lots of grooming, and plenty of interaction with people in order to be happy. Leos are confident but not pushy or overly dominant.

Leos do not make good outdoor-only dogs because they crave being around people. Neither are they a good match for people with long work hours. A Leonberger must have adequate time to be with their family. A playful and affectionate breed, they love interaction and games. Left alone for long periods of time, that playful nature might cause them to invent their own games – which in turn could lead to destructive behavior. Giant breeds have the potential to be more destructive than their smaller counterparts simply because they have bigger mouths and bigger bodies to do more damage!

The breed also requires a large backyard – preferably fenced as they can be prone to wander. A giant breed such as this cannot be crammed into a small space, and needs to be able to run around freely. In addition to “yard time”, a Leo needs at least one long walk a day. Swimming and carting are other favorite activities! If a Leo does not receive enough exercise, he may develop behavior problems which may lead to over-protectiveness. Unlike some other giant breeds, the Leonberger does not do well living in an apartment. He needs room – both inside and outside – to stretch his legs.

The luxurious coat of the Leonberger needs care in order to stay healthy. Regular brushing (3-4 times a week) and bathing is necessary. There is no special trimming required – it is work, but it is easy work. Brushing will also help to keep shedding down… but either way, the Leo will shed quite a lot (twice a year, it will be extra bad)! A good vacuum cleaner is a must for owners of Leonbergers – that hair will get everywhere!

Leonbergers normally are very friendly to other dogs. These gentle giants also get along well with children, although may inadvertently knock down toddlers. They do best with older kids for this reason. Otherwise they generally don’t mind screaming or the fast-paced movement of children, and are relatively relaxed and easy-going. They keep this same attitude when meeting new people, young or old. Their mellow temperament also makes them ideal for visiting new places and experiencing new things. Most Leos are happy just to be with their owners – the new experiences are the icing on the cake!

Leos love the cold and enjoy playing in snow, but are able to live in hotter temperatures if their owners take extra precautions. No need to shave these dogs down as long as they are kept brushed out, so the air can reach the skin! Otherwise, just use common sense. Don’t keep them outside or force them on a walk if the weather is too hot. Keep them in air conditioning once the temperature begins to rise. With proper care, this breed is otherwise fairly healthy although unfortunately they do not have particularly long lifespans. Seven to eight years is considered average.

Although intelligent, the Leonberger is not always easy to train. They may retain puppy behaviors such as mouthiness for a longer-than-average time period. With patience, however, these German molossers can learn obedience as well as any other trick you may want to teach them!

Photo By Irmavgog from nl

The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is an ancient oriental breed with a very distinctive temperament. There are several characteristics of the Chow that are unique to the breed, and which makes them unsuitable for certain types of owners. Their temperament has often been called cat-like, in that they are aloof and independent. That said, many are incredibly dominant in nature and will take advantage in a poorly managed household. They can be untrusting with strangers unless their owner lets them know it’s ok – even so, strangers need to be polite and gentle. They don’t take well to teasing of any kind.

Above all, socialization is extremely important for this breed. Aggression is not the norm in a well-socialized (and well-bred) Chow, but an undersocialized (or poorly bred) Chow has an easier potential to become aggressive. The breed has gotten a bad rap – and indeed, there are many aggressive individuals out there. This is why it is so important to do a lot of research before buying a puppy to make sure it comes from lines bred for good temperament! But this is not enough! Any Chow that misses out on the critical socialization period runs the high risk of becoming very shy or aggressive. If deciding on a Chow for your next dog… make sure to ask yourself if you are ready to dedicate this necessary time.

This breed can be raised with children but – as mentioned above, does not take well to teasing. As such, they are normally better with older kids that are well-behaved. It is also imperative that the Chows are raised, since puppyhood, around kids. As with all breeds, supervision is required.

Like a cat, this breed is often silent and unassuming in the house. He is not the type of dog that gets all wiggly and jumpy when his owner gets home. Instead, he holds a quiet devotion for his owner – dignified and cat-like. While receiving hugs isn’t his favorite thing, he will put up with it. To further his more feline features, the Chow is very clean and has little odor. He prefers not to get his feet wet or go outside in the rain. Housebreaking is often an easy ordeal. Finally, he is well suited to apartment life and doesn’t require a ton of exercise.

Chows are extremely intelligent but also extremely stubborn. Many are willful and may try to derail their training sessions. This requires an owner that is patient and even more willful than their dog! When owners are able to push past their stubborn streaks, they often find that the Chow Chow indeed can be trained! Putting an obedience title on the dog is a worthwhile endeavor, but even just basic obedience is an absolute must with this breed. Good boundaries, rules and obedience are necessary to curtail this breed from taking over the household. It should also be stated that, unless they are very highly trained in off-leash obedience, a Chow should always stay on-leash.

One of the major historical uses of the Chow was to guard temples in China. As such, they have excellent protective instincts! Although normally quiet, they will bark when necessary – such as when a stranger comes near the house. Their lion-like appearance is often enough of a deterrent to keep away intruders, but their serious demeanour and heavy bark often seals the deal. Another historical use of the breed was hunting, so the breed does have a high prey drive. Cats are often considered fair game, especially if outside. Some Chows (especially when in packs) have been known to kill livestock, which means they might not make the best ranch dogs.

With other dogs, some Chows have issues with same-sex aggression. In opposite-sex pairs (or when one of the dogs is altered) the Chow will typically tend to ignore them. That said – if the other dog starts a fight, the Chow will most certainly fight back tooth-and-nail! Unfortunately, this breed has a long memory and can become dog-aggressive after a fight. Some develop breed-specific stereotypes and will only go after dogs that resemble the instigator, while others will act aggressively toward any dog. This problem can be worked through using behavior modification.

The thick coat of the Chow Chow makes him vulnerable to the heat, so care must be taken when he is outside in hot days. For obvious reasons, black dogs are even more vulnerable. It is important to adjust the timing of walks and outside excursions to mornings or evenings – particularly in the summers here in Austin! These things said, resist the urge to shave down a Chow! This breed uses his double coat as insulation against both cold AND heat. Shaving the coat will lead to all sorts of skin and hair issues, and will do little else than make the dog more prone to getting a sunburn.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

The Boxer

The Boxer is a versatile breed with a fantastic disposition, often craving the company of humans. He can serve a number of functions and fits into all manner of households quite easily. A lover of children, he makes a terrific and gentle family dog. He can also play the part of guard dog relatively easily – a job that he will take very seriously. Unlike some other guarding breeds, he can still be relaxed around strangers as long as he is given the “ok”. Despite his tough appearance, he is genuinely soft-hearted and loyal with his owners.

Boxers are incredibly playful dogs – a trait which often continues well past puppyhood. They require an owner that will play with them on a regular basis! Boxers that are ignored for long periods of time can become mischievous and frustrating to live with. The same can be said for exercise – this is a fairly high energy breed that needs daily outings to keep from becoming destructive. All-in-all, these dogs have the potential of being easygoing household companions… as long as the owner puts in the work.

Boxers do not do well in extreme temperatures of cold or heat. Hot days can be particularly deadly because the Boxer’s short muzzle can cause overheating. They should never be left outside without supervision if the temperature is expected to get hot! On cold days, they need to be given a coat if they are going outside. Their short coat is not particularly insulating to cold weather.

The Boxer is quiet in the house and will generally only bark when he has good reason to. Furthermore, he is not spastic and overly hyper (as long as he is regularly exercised). He is content to lay at his owner’s feet for hours on end, or share the couch and watch tv! He can make a decent apartment dog as long as the owner is able to take the dog out frequently for exercise, training and play. He does not thrive in an environment (apartment or house) where he is left alone for long stretches of time.

This breed is known for mimicking the emotions of his owner. If the owner is happy, so is the Boxer! On the other hand, if the owner is feeling sad the Boxer will be a quiet source of comfort. They have been called sensitive souls and are incredibly tuned-in to moods. If they were to have a “default state”, many would say it would be affectionate. They will show their affection in whichever way most mirrors their owner’s emotions.

Training comes naturally to the Boxer, which may be the reason why the breed is often seen competing in so many different events! It should be warned, however, that this breed has a well-developed sense of humor and may try to add “his own spin” to the training process. A pinch of patience will probably be required! Besides the usual events (rally, obedience, agility, etc.), the Boxer has been successfully trained to be guide dogs, seizure-alert dogs, narcotics detectors, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, hearing dogs for the deaf, couriers in war, and police dogs! Because of their highly-varied working background, every member of the breed must have mental challenges given to them.

Some Boxers do not get along well with other dogs. Same-sex aggression is not unusual to see. If socialized very early on, however, many opposite-sex pairs get along just fine. Both genetics as well as socialization will determine whether a particular Boxer will have problems with other dogs or not. With Boxers that DO enjoy the company of their species, they tend to play in a unique way – they use their paws frequently.

Grooming a Boxer is a simple task and mostly involves keeping up with nail trims and teeth cleaning. The short coat does need to be brushed in order to pull out dead coat and prevent excessive shedding. The most frequent grooming task often involves wiping drool from the dog’s face – yes, the breed does drool.

Photo By Boxer los Abriles

The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog recognized by the AKC but has one of the biggest personalities in dogdom! “Sassy” is one of the key terms used to describe these tiny dogs. Bred to be a companion first and foremost, this breed prefers living indoors and should never be relegated to spending all of their time outside. Even a small apartment is normally enough room for a Chihuahua. They can be trained to use a litter box, although this convenience does not mean they should never be allowed a walk outdoors! Although they need very little exercise, all dogs should be given fresh air and the structure that a walk provides.

Well-bred Chihuahuas are loyal and loving almost to the point of obsession! Most will choose their “favorite” person (if owned by a family) and follow them wherever they go. Some can become intensely over-protective and occasionally aggressive when other people approach “their person”. This can be prevented by establishing rules and boundaries early on, and giving them regular obedience training. Just because the Chi is small does not mean they get a “pass” for behaving badly!

As mentioned above, there is a range of personalities in the breed. Some are very active while others prefer to sleep much of the time. Some are little spit-fires while others possess a laid-back attitude. Some love to be trained while others are seriously stubborn. Some of this variability has to do with how the dog is raised but genetics play a very big role. Want a particular temperament in your Chi? Meet relatives of potential puppies! This will go a long way in getting the dog that you want. However, almost all Chihuahuas are clownish, quirky and comical – these traits are practically hard-wired!

The Chihuahua is not the best dog for a family with small children – partly because of their delicate bodies, but also because they are not patient or forgiving with rough handling! They may or may not get along with other dogs. If the other dog is another Chihuahua or similar tiny breed, the chances are better. If meeting a strange dog while out on a walk, they may behave badly and must be taught to be a good citizen. With strange people, the breed is standoffish and reserved.

This breed is a comfort lover and will seek out warm beds, blankets and other comfy places! They also love the sun and anyplace else that is warm. If you have two Chihuahuas, they will probably curl up together for warmth! The breed is also a great traveler – put their favorite blanket in your car (preferably inside a crate for safety) and they’re good to go! Their small size makes it very easy to bring them to all sorts of places.

Chihuahuas are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Prepare to spend a lot of time teaching this (normally simple) skill! And just when you think that your Chihuahua has been housebroken… a rainy day might just ruin any progress you thought you had made! This breed doesn’t like to go outside if it’s wet. One other common behavior problem is barking. The breed is known for being excessively “yippy”.

The Chihuahua is a generally healthy dog that has the potential for living a very long time. Although they have some health problems (Epilepsy, Legg-Calves-Perthes, and Mitral Valve Disease for example), the biggest cause of vet bills usually come from accidents. Because they are such a tiny breed, they are incredibly delicate. They can be seriously injured from being stepped on, sat on, or even from jumping out of someone’s arms. They are also at risk by being hurt by larger dogs, who can do a lot of damage with only one bite. Owning a Chihuahua means being vigilant and careful at all times, and keeping them out of dangerous situations.

The Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd is a relatively new breed originating in the 60’s. Bred down from the larger Australian Shepherd, they were known by several different names in the past (and there are still different registries today who know the breed by other names). Despite what they are called, this breed is a small herding dog and companion. Their size makes them easier to own than other herding breeds… but this does not mean that they fit into every lifestyle. They still possess the same high drive and energy as their larger relatives!

Vastly intelligent and devoted to their owners, the Mini American is a breeze to train! They enjoy spending time with family – as well as using their brain, which means obedience training is a perfect fit. These dogs must have a job to do, or they will become difficult to live with. Destructive behavior and excessive barking are the result of a Mini American who is not provided with enough mental stimulation. Otherwise, they are fairly quiet dogs.

Great with kids and other pets, the Mini American is an excellent choice for a family companion – provided their needs are met. They are naturally sensitive and often seem to know the emotions and needs of their owners, providing comfort and support. They will follow members of the family from room to room (occasionally becoming tripping hazards). Being herding dogs, they may try to herd the children of the household. The breed is aloof and naturally suspicious with strangers, with a touch of a protective streak. Early socialization is a necessity to keep their aloof nature from becoming fear. Miniature-American-Shepherd

Mini Americans require a moderate amount of daily exercise, although their small size makes this need easier to fulfill. Although their energy requirements are on-par with other herding breeds, their shorter legs means that they will get tired-out over smaller distances! Well-exercised Miniatures are calm and easy-going in the house, and can even make great lap-dog. They are the perfect breed for those who want a dog to compete in multiple dog sports (agility, flyball, herding, etc.) as well as have an “off-switch” at home!

This breed does shed year round – and twice a year they shed even more than normal. Keeping the coat brushed out a few times a week with help with the process, and to stop mats from forming. The coat comes in a number of beautiful colorations; the four main color patterns are red, red merle, black and blue merle. Each of these coats can also be accompanied by white and/or tan markings which gives rise to an even greater number of color possibilities!

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a pointing gun dog breed which is also capable of retrieving and tracking. Less known than his German cousin, the German Wirehaired Pointer, he is admired for his slower and steady hunting style. Easily trained and possessing much thought and consideration, the Griff makes a perfect pet for the right owner.

Obedience training is normally a breeze with the Griffon, although males are known to be easier to train. Females are more likely to test their limits to see what they can get away with! Both sexes can become easily distracted (by running squirrels, birds, etc.) and need to be worked extra hard on distraction-training. The breed also has a bit of an independent streak, but will eagerly work with motivation.

As could be surmised from his name, this breed has a wiry double coat that protects him while out in the field. He does shed, but does so minimally. The coat doesn’t need much care, however it does need to be stripped or plucked with special tools in order to keep it in a very harsh texture. Shaving a Griffon should never be done – not only will the coat become very soft, but it will never grow back in the same way again. The wiry coat, while rugged and dignified, does tend to collect leaves and other plant life when the dog goes outside! Furthermore, the Griff’s distinctive beard gets wet (and stays wet) whenever the dog gets a drink.

Although a hunting dog, this breed shouldn’t be kept kenneled outside all day. Griffs love human contact and need plenty of time with their owners in order to be happy. In fact, separation anxiety is well-known in the breed and occurs more often in individuals who are left home alone for long stretches of time. Chewing on furniture and other objects is a common symptom of separation anxiety, so training and/or crating is recommended. The breed is also known for excessive barking – again, particularly if the owners are gone. One final frequent behavior problem in the breed is difficulty in housebreaking.

They also require daily exercise – although they are not a super-high energy breed, they still require a moderate amount each day. As long as these needs are accounted for they are pleasant and calm in the house. Griffs that do not receive enough exercise can be obnoxious and prone to jumping up on people. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was bred to be a hunting/working dog first and foremost and not bred to be a fastidious house dog. This also means that along with physical excercise, they must have a job to do! Mental and emotional tasks are just as important to ensuring that the Griffon and their owners can live in harmony.

Griffons do very well with children and are not easily upset or frightened by them. They have a gentle nature and are often extra careful around kids. Because of their laid-back nature, however, it is important to make sure kids do not take advantage of a Griff’s easygoing temperament. Teasing should never be allowed as it is never fair for the dog! The Griffon usually gets along fine with other dogs, particularly if one or both is altered. With cats… many Griffs enjoy chasing them up trees.

The breed is not a guard dog by any means and might not protect the house if an invader breaks in. That said, most Griffs will bark an alarm if they hear a stranger. When taken on walks, they tend to ignore strangers who come up to say hi. This aloof temperament around new people is common and shouldn’t be taken as an insult. To ensure the best possible results (and safeguard against the dog being fearful of people), the Griffon absolutely needs to be socialized around as many people as possible when he is a puppy!

Photo By Elf at English Wikipedia

The Wirehaired Vizsla

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a somewhat newer breed, created in the 1930’s by crossing the Vizsla with the German Wirehaired Pointer. The breed was created in Hungary with the purpose of keeping Vizsla traits but adding a coat that was better able to withstand cooler temperatures. This is an entirely separate breed from the Vizsla, although has many of the same characteristics. One of the biggest differences is their laid-back temperament, compared to the more hyper personality found in their smooth cousins.

The Wirehaired Vizsla is affectionate, outgoing and very loyal to their owners. Friendly with children as well as other dogs, they make great family pets. They can be good with cats as long as they are raised with them. Some also have a bit of a protective streak – and although are not aggressive dogs – will not hesitate to defend a family member if confronted. In general, however, they love meeting new people and are almost always friendly to strangers.

The Wire bonds very closely with their family and are considered a “velcro breed” – meaning, they prefer to be wherever their owner is. If there is more than one person living in the household, the dog will pick a favorite person to follow around! Living with one of these red dogs means that they will often be underfoot, although not particularly cumbersome. They are also fairly quiet dogs and will only bark to alert to visitors.

The breed is considered quite adaptable and can fit into many different lifestyles. They enjoy being outdoors just as much as they love the comfort of indoors, and ideally prefer both! They can be kept as outdoor dogs (although should be allowed “people time”), and many also do well living in apartments (with more frequent exercise). Wirehaired Vizslas are happiest, however, when they are allowed to work outside (hunting or other similar activities) and then come indoors to hang out.

They are slightly less active than their short-haired cousins and will gladly take naps on the couch in between excursions. They do not require as much exercise, although do appreciate being taken for jogs on a regular basis. Wires that are kept cooped up for very long periods of time are prone to destructiveness and all manner of other behavioral problems. Just because this breed is versatile, does not mean they can be kept confined day-in and day-out with no exercise! Although less demanding of time than other sporting breeds, they still need to be given physical (and mental) outlets every day.

Intelligent and easily trained, the Wirehaired Vizsla is an excellent choice for those wanting a good obedient dog. This said, they have a sensitive nature and tend to shut down if the training is too forceful. Being naturally willing to please, a good trainer knows there is no need for excessive force with this breed anyway. Keep sessions short and challenging or this breed may become bored. Also, take advantage of the breed’s playful nature and use it to your advantage! If your Wire is acting particularly stubborn, he may not see you as a full authority figure and you must reevaluate your tactics.

The wiry coat is easy to take care of but does require “stripping” (pulling out of the undercoat with special tools) in order to keep the coat rough and coarse. It is also important to take regular care of nails, ears and teeth. Although some people believe that the Wirehaired Vizsla is hypoallergenic, it is not. The breed does shed, although not excessively.

Photo By Noveczki Katalin

The English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a wonderfully versatile companion – capable of hunting, doing highly competitive obedience work, as well as being a terrific family pet. English Springers compete in agility, work as service dogs, and some even work in law enforcement! Prospective owners should know that there can be a divide in the breed. This means some bloodlines are more suited to being hunting dogs while other lines are more apt at different talents. While many reputable breeders are working on bridging this gap, they generally advise new owners to do their homework before bringing home a puppy. For example, while Most English Springers will have a hunting instinct… but some will be stronger than others. If this is a desired quality, obtain a dog from a kennel that breeds for hunting traits (field lines) or you may be disappointed.

The English Springer is a natural when it comes to training. Generally easy to teach, they can often reach the highest levels when brought to the competitive obedience ring. Every Springer needs to have training, however – whether or not the owner wants to compete. An untrained dog can quickly turn into a nightmare, especially active intelligent ones bred for working purposes (like the Springer). General destructiveness, as well as excessive barking are typical problems in the breed if they do not have clear and consistent training. At worst, some Springers can become aggressive if not given this all-important structure.

Friendly and affectionate with everyone, the English Springer remains playful throughout his years. He bonds very strongly to his owner and prefers to be in a home where he is not left alone all day. Although a hard worker and devoted companion (many will do almost anything you ask them to do, provided you give them training), he still enjoys coming home and relaxing on the couch. Ever alert, however – even after he has settled down for the night – he will still bark to alert if someone comes creeping around the house.

This breed is known to be active and require moderate to high amounts of exercise! Unfortunately, many English Springers sitting in rescue organizations lost their homes because their previous owners didn’t realize how much energy they have. Daily exercise is a necessity – jogging, swimming and retrieving are favorite activities but anything that will get them out and moving (quickly) will do. The good news is that they are not a “bouncing off the walls” breed inside the house as long as they have been allowed to burn off steam regularly. The bad news is that many households don’t allow their dogs to exercise and burn off this steam. Potential owners should take a good look at their lives and decide realistically if they are active enough to own a Springer.

For the most part, the English Springer gets along amiably with other dogs. His sweet disposition and patient nature also makes him a great companion for children. He may not be the best buddy to a home with birds, however – which is understandable as he was bred to hunt fowl! When it comes to meeting new people, this breed is normally quite friendly. They don’t make the greatest guard dogs for this reason, although they can make decent watch dogs as they will bark when people come to the door.

The English Springer Spaniel does require regular grooming and should only be owned by those who have the time and energy to keep up with these needs. The coat will need to be brushed at least 3-4 times a week (sometimes more for show lines) and bathed 1-2 times a month. The long ears must be cleaned weekly. Trimming and scissoring is also required for this breed, meaning that the owner must learn how to do it themselves or be prepared to bring the dog to a groomer regularly. It also should be noted that the English Springer does shed!

Photo By Elf at the English language Wikipedia

The Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog was bred for many purposes but most of their tasks involve helping fishermen while out in the water. Herding fish, retrieving broken nets, and serving as couriers to transport messages from boat to boat – these were some of their responsibilities. Obviously these dogs take naturally to water. As such they are extremely athletic and require a lot of exercise (swimming is a huge plus). Affectionate with their families and always ready for adventure, they do best living with people who love spending time outside!

The Portie is very active and doesn’t spend a lot of time laying on the couch – in fact, some call him tireless. It shouldn’t be a surprise that this breed needs quite a bit of exercise in order to stay sane. Not only physical, but also mental! A Portuguese Water Dog without a job to do is not a happy dog, and he might take this frustration out via great destruction of his house. While it isn’t the best scenario – he can be ok living in an apartment but only if he is given twice the exercise as he might receive in a house.

The coat of the PWD can be either wavy or curly. Although it is hypoallergenic and non-shedding, it requires a lot of regular care. Regular clippering and scissoring will be required in order to maintain the distinctive look of this breed. Depending on the coat type, it will need to be brushed 2-3 times a week and bathed every 2-4 weeks. Without this care, the “non-shedding” coat will actually shed into itself and cause mats (any breed classified as non-shedding is actually a misnomer – they shed into their coats rather than into your carpet).

Although the Portie is generally a quiet dog in the house, they will vocalize when people come to the door. They may also bark at their owners to communicate, showing exceptional intelligence and thinking skills. The Portuguese Water Dog has a great love and respect for his owner and will not only communicate frequently, but also follow his master from room to room. Because they were bred to work closely with one or two people in tight quarters, they seem to have an almost unparalleled bond with “their people”. As such, take note… this is not a breed to keep home alone for long periods of time.

Although fairly easy to train, this water dog does have an independent streak so he needs to be taught that obedience is fun! Convincing them of this fact isn’t difficult, however, as they are naturally born working dogs and do desire to please their owners. Many Portuguese Water Dogs are employed as service dogs (including hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs and other types) because they are such biddable workers once they are given the groundwork.

Portuguese Water Dogs are natural retrievers and should be given opportunities to demonstrate this skill, such as with games of fetch. Their oral fixation also means that they do have higher-than-average tendencies to chew on objects (and hands) and may need extra training in this department. Another annoying habit which should be given extra training attention is that of jumping. This breed likes to bounce – especially on their favorite people! When not bouncing, they may employ other behaviors which keeps them from having all four feet on the floor – such as hopping and dancing on their hind legs. This is a favorite activity of the breed, especially because it often causes laughter from the people around them!

Friendly with both kids, small pets and other dogs the PWD is naturally a happy and sociable breed. It is recommended that in multi-pet households, it is best if the Portie is raised with other animals as a young puppy in order to ensure the best results. When taken outside the house, they may act a bit aloof toward strangers but usually warm up fairly quickly.

Photo By State Farm

The Irish Water Spaniel

The largest of the spaniels is the Irish Water Spaniel, originally bred for retrieving birds from both land and water. Loyal and possessing a keen sense of humor, the breed has been called “the best kept secret of the dog world.” To start, the IWS is normally quiet around the house and doesn’t bark very often – a trait which separates him from other members of the spaniel family.

The IWS is a great family dog and is exceptional with children. Active and energetic, they prefer to be “in on the action” and enjoy taking part in family activities. The breed actually prefers living in a family situation rather than with only one owner. They can also be somewhat protective of their families (some make great guard dogs) and are not naturally trusting of strangers. When out on a walk, they are often aloof around those they haven’t met. With other dogs and small pets, it is dependent upon the IWS as to whether or not they will get along well.

The breed is considered easy to train, and they learn fairly quickly. Some of them can be stubborn at times and others might “test” their owners, particularly adolescent dogs. Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent dogs and take well to obedience training but they might put their own spin on things… they are well-known for their senses of humor! Although they can be fantastic performers in the obedience ring, individuals who want a dog to be a top competitor in obedience competitions might want to look for a different breed. Handlers must have a certain sense of humor of their own when it comes to competing with this breed!

When it comes to coat care,the IWS requires a medium amount of work. The coat needs to be combed out once a week – taking care to reach the skin – and the dog will need to be scissored every 6 weeks or so. Baths should be given on a regular basis (every 3-4 weeks) but take note… it can be difficult to get water and shampoo all the way through the coat to the skin! These dogs were bred to be water-proof so it will take some work getting them wet! While their curly coat does shed a little, it is not much. Some allergy sufferers have also discovered that they are not allergic to this breed (although it is always recommended that allergy-suffering potential owners test this out before acquiring a puppy).

There does seem to be a difference in temperament between the sexes. Male Irish Water Spaniels adore their owners and seek to always be in the middle of what they are doing – which could be just as obnoxious as it is endearing. Females are more laid-back in temperament although still loving. Those who are looking for a low-key personality would probably be better seeking a female while a male might be just the thing for owners looking for a clown!

As with most other gun dogs, the IWS does need regular exercise. Walks, biking and hiking will do… although swimming is a favorite activity! They do not do well with owners who work all day either, even if the owner comes home and immediately walks the dog. Many will become bored and therefore destructive. They definitely need both the steady companionship as well as regular activity from at-home (or mostly home) families. Houses with yards are much preferred over apartments – these dogs are generally too active for apartment life.

As with all breeds, there are unfortunately a few health problems to look out for. One such issue includes sometimes-fatal reactions to certain drugs and vaccines. Owners must be an advocate for their dog and never allow these meds to enter their dogs’ systems. Other health issues include allergies, chronic ear infections, seizures, and joint problems. On average, however, this breed is fairly hardy – many will hunt in the fields and water all day long if given the chance!

Photo By Pleple2000