The Beauceron

The Beauceron is a powerful French working breed with a commanding presence. Incredibly versatile, this breed can take on almost any task and perform it exceptionally. Equally adept as a therapy dog as he is in Schutzhund (a sport combining guard work with tracking and obedience), he can demonstrate both the highest level of intensity as well as the gentlest of temperament. Scent detection, weight pulling, police patrol work, multi-purpose herding dog, agility, sled mushing… the list goes on and on! Owning a dog of this caliber takes an owner that can manage all of this, as well as provide all the exercise and mental stimulation that a Beauceron requires.

The Beauceron is a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Originally bred to serve as a “living fence”, the breed would often travel 30 miles a day with their flock of cattle or sheep. As such they naturally have a lot of energy that needs to be expended. While many Americans today do not live on farms, they still need to find ways for their Beaucerons to burn off this energy. Dogs that are not given ample opportunity to work will most likely take their frustrations off on the house and their owners belongings. Bored Beaucerons can be destructive.

Temperamentally, it is recommended that newcomers to the breed choose their puppies wisely. Beaucerons are not recommended for those who have never before owned a dog, but even experienced dog owners need to be aware of their goals before choosing a pup. For example, someone who is planning on working their dog in protection sports might want to choose a confident male puppy. Someone else might want a family dog to work in basic obedience and might do better with a calm female. As a large dog that might be dominant, Beauceron owners need to be honest with themselves (and the breeder) about their goals, lifestyle and dog experience in order to start off on the right foot!

Make sure that the puppy you buy is from a reputable breeder who holds temperament in high regard. A well-bred Beauceron should never be skittish or aggressive, but occasionally this trait will pop up with breeders who don’t care about good dispositions. Do not confuse aggression with the breed’s naturally protective attributes. A Beauceron will not hesitate to protect his owner if danger arises, even with no prior protection training. Even in the home, many like to keep a close eye on their owner and will often follow the person from room to room.

Despite their fairly short coats, the Beauceron does shed. While they won’t drop as much coat as one of the Northern breeds might, a potential owner must ask themselves just how much hair they would be bothered by. A simple brushing several times a week will greatly reduce the amount of “hair tumbleweeds” rolling across the floor. Otherwise, the breed requires very little grooming and is generally considered an easy-keeper.

Very intelligent, but strong-willed and independent, the Beauceron is certainly trainable by those who know what they are doing. And yes… training is a necessity with this strong breed, along with early socialization! Many like to jump on people and will need to be trained to stop this behavior. Another common breed trait is their mouthiness – they like to grab at clothing and hands in a playful manner. Their exuberance combined with their love of people and the fact that they can be slow to mature can make them a handful!

This breed is often gentle with children but does best in homes with kids out of the toddler years. Their size and energy level increases the chances of them accidentally knocking a very young child down. With older members of the family, this breed makes a loyal companion of the highest caliber. Only with strangers will the Beauceron act aloof and occasionally suspicious (although never aggressive unless provoked).

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The Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier, as his name might imply, has a very distinctive blue color to his coat. While Kerry puppies are black, as this terrier matures his coat will take on the characteristic blue shade that he is known for. Friendly and outgoing with people, he loves adults and children alike although he has a decidedly different view of other dogs. Like many of his terrier cousins, this breed does not prefer the company of other dogs and can be quick to fight, particularly if both are male. Many Kerrys also do not get along with cats or small animals. In both instances it is possible for them to live harmoniously with other pets (including other dogs) however it is necessary for them to be raised around them when they are puppies.

With children, he takes his role of guardian very seriously and will not hesitate to defend them if danger arises. In fact, the protective instinct of the Kerry is fairly high. He will also serve as a great watchdog, alerting his owners to people who come to the door. Once the owner gives the ok, however, the dog will most likely treat the stranger as a treasured guest. After all, this breed does love meeting new people – after he is certain his own family is safe.

The Kerry is an intelligent dog who needs a job to do in order to keep his mischievousness to a minimum. In his native country of Ireland, not only was he expected to “go to ground” (burrow into animal dens and hunt the inhabitants) he also had several other jobs. Kerrys would herd and protect livestock, retrieve birds, hunt large game and guard the home! This breed has also been used as assistant dogs for the disabled, in search and rescue operations, and even as police dogs! It’s no wonder that these “jack of all trades” need a job… they were bred to be hard-working multi-taskers.

The Kerry Blue Terrier also needs to receive obedience training from a young age, which should continue throughout his life. In a home without structure or rules he will quickly rule the household! For this reason, the Kerry should not be owned by novices. A Kerry owner must be very familiar with how to structure their dog’s home and life. Although intelligent and fast-learning, many Kerrys will only obey when they feel like it. Because they test their limits frequently, an owner must remain calm but persistent while training – being even more stubborn than the dog!

This medium-sized breed can fit into either a house or an apartment as long as his exercise requirements are met. Most can be housebroken easily which is an additional perk for apartment-dwellers worried about their cleaning deposits. As far as exercise requirements, the Kerry has a medium activity level and will need to be walked or jogged on a daily basis. By no means should someone buy a Kerry and expect it to be an outside-only dog, this breed is social and must be inside with the family. Besides, these terriers are diggers and can quickly create caverns in the backyard.

The coat of the Kerry is soft and non-shedding, as well as being hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers. In addition, as long as the coat is taken care of he shouldn’t have a strong dog odor. This said, taking care of this high maintenance coat will take a lot of work. He will need to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis, include a monthly scissoring. As well as brushing the coat out several times a week, an owner must inspect it for burrs, twigs and other fragments – the curly coat will grab anything and everything.

Photo By Pleple2000

The Berger Picard

The Berger Picard is a newly recognized breed that, at first glance, might look like a mixed breed dog. Indeed, this is truly not the case. This herding breed is thought to be one of the oldest sheepdogs from France – perhaps as old as 400 BC! The breed is loyal and sensitive, yet clownish and possessing a big sense of humor, which makes them great pets for a family or single owner. Many Picards actually prefer having only one owner – a throwback to the days when they would work with a single shepherd in the fields. If they are owned by a family they may choose one particular person with whom they will spend most of their time with.

The Picard is intelligent and fairly easily trained, although some come with a bit of a stubborn streak. In addition, they can be sensitive both to corrections as well as the tone of voice being used. They are paradoxically both independent yet willing to work with people, a combination not often seen in many breeds. In fact, training a Picard is often a different experience than training other dogs. It is important to find what motivates the dog – in Picards, toys can be very useful – and teach by getting the dog engaged and excited! Too much repetition can be boring for Picards so it’s best to mix it up and keep it fun!

As with most herding breeds, the Picard is active and lively does require regular exercise. In addition, they should also be provided with some sort of job to do to keep them mentally stimulated. As long as these things are provided, they are normally quiet and calm in the house. If the Picard does not get them, they may become destructive and obnoxious. Quick note about exercise – care should be taken not to over-exercise young puppy Picards as their joints cannot handle the undue stress of too much forced exercise.

Unlike many other herding breeds, the Picard can live in an apartment as long as they are taken out often enough. In fact, many Picards that live in the country prefer to be inside with their owners rather than outside in the yard! This is a testament to how much they love to be with their people. If a Berger Picard is left outside for too long he may become annoyed and might just consider digging giant holes in your yard… Berger Picard Travis County

Good with children, this sensitive breed is normally trust-worthy and gentle. They do just as well with toddlers and younger children as they do with teenagers. Although Picards love their families, they can be standoff-ish around strangers and sometimes require a bit of time before they develop trust. This natural suspicion also means that they are protective of their owners, making them excellent guard dogs.

Grooming is a fairly easy endeavor with this breed. Keeping the coat brushed out a few times a week is usually a quick task, and some coats only need to be brushed about once a month! Their wiry coat does not smell, form mats, or collect dirt very easily. Picards do shed – but normally only twice a year. During those times of year they will need to be brushed a little more often, but no more than a few times a week. Many owners of Picards rarely bathe their dogs.

The Berger Picard does have a high prey drive and will chase cats and other small animals – especially if outside. If raised with cats from puppyhood however, many Picards learn to live peacefully with them. The breed also tends to get along well with other dogs.

The Vizsla

The Vizsla is a beautiful, athletic dog that often draws attention wherever he goes. At home, he is cuddly and affectionate with his owner, often following his “people” around from room to room. This trait has earned him the nickname as a velcro dog. He is known to have a “soft” temperament, meaning that he is sensitive and doesn’t do well with people who are loud and intense. This also means that he needs to be socialized extensively from a young age so that he won’t be anxious and phobic of new situations and people when he grows up. All puppies have certain stages when it is critical to socialize them before the window of opportunity is closed forever, but this is especially true for Vizslas.

This breed is active and definitely requires at least an hour of strenuous exercise a day. A short walk is absolutely not enough, nor is it enough just to have a big yard (most dogs won’t just exercise themselves in a yard – many will just lay around). Vizslas need to actually be taken out on a jog or hike with their owners in order to burn off their energy. A bored Vizsla that doesn’t get enough exercise may become destructive in the house. They require this commitment from someone who is active and athletic themselves – these dogs are strong and normally too much for owners that are frail.

This breed is quite intelligent but can take a while to mature fully, sometimes until the age of 4. They may act like puppies for longer than many breeds – which could either be fun or frustrating depending. For the owner that is looking to compete in obedience, they should be aware that they will be working through puppy antics for a while. There is also a stubborn streak in the breed, although easily overcome if the owner or trainer has patience. This said, the Vizsla is usually eager to please and really wants to do right by his owner! As long as the training sessions are kept generally positive – as Vizslas are indeed sensitive to harsh and unfair corrections – they are certainly very trainable.

Grooming is quite an easy task with the Vizsla. Their short, thin coat does shed but is normally not a problem except for the most fastidiously clean people. The breed also prefers being clean and will lick and groom themselves like a cat! Keeping up with nails, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth is about all that needs to be done, as well as a short brushing ever now and again. Baths can be given when needed, but probably won’t be required any more often than every month or two.

The Vizsla is not a guard dog and should never be aggressive, although he may bark at a person he feels may be threatening his family. This breed normally loves people, as well as children. They can be good dogs for families, as long as parents are aware that Vizslas are active, strong and athletic. This means that they may accidentally knock a small child over, or possibly nip if playing ball. This is not aggression… it is the outcome of an exuberant hunting dog. It is recommended that kids be at least 10 years old. The breed also gets along great with other dogs and is normally happy and playful as a member of a multi-dog household.

The Vizsla’s intelligence can be a hinderance as well as a source of amusement. It is not uncommon for them to figure out how to open doors, cupboards, and manage all sorts of other mischief. Vizslas that are left outside for long periods of time may dig holes in the backyard or under a fence. This is most common when they become bored and they decide to invent new games to play! As many of their “games” can actually be frustrating to their owners, it is best to provide them with all sorts of intellectual outlets. Obedience is a great one, as are other dog sports. Even puzzles and games made specifically for dogs can be helpful to keep their minds busy. Many breeders also recommend keeping Vizslas crated when owners are gone to keep them out of trouble, although a well-trained dog is less likely to get into things.

Photo By Steffen HeinzCaronna

The Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is an active, feisty little dog originally bred to hunt foxes in the British Isles. Although he is happy in the home and a great companion and lap-dog, he definitely needs to be given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With a mischievous temperament, he enjoys making up his own games which may or may not please his owners. The more bored he gets, the more he will try to make his own fun, which usually results in destructive behaviors. With a low threshold for boredom, it is important that his owners see to it that his mental needs are met!

Friendly with people of all ages, the Wire Fox certainly exudes a cheerful demeanor most of the time. He is loyal and devoted to his family, as well as being affectionate. Good with kids, he loves to be “in the middle of the action”, and enjoys active children who will play ball with him. A caveat should be made for young children, such as toddlers… the Wire Fox may be too energetic for them. As with all dogs and children, supervision is absolutely recommended.

The Wire Fox is a very bold little terrier, ready to rush into any situation at a moment’s notice. Sometimes this courageous streak can lead him into dangerous encounters, which means that would-be owners need to keep him out of harm’s way! Some examples of his misplaced enthusiasm can include chasing bikes or cars, running after dangerous animals, and trying to start fights with dogs much bigger than himself.

The Wire is not a needlessly yappy dog although they will bark if they hear a strange sound. People that live in apartments or other areas where there is a lot of activity may find that their Wire Fox makes a lot of noise. This said, other members of the breed will become accustomed to the constant sounds around them and will remain fairly quiet dogs. It really does depend, although the majority of Wire Fox Terriers are not considered nuisance barkers.

As with many terriers, the Wire does not shed however he will still need to have his coat taken care of regularly. People with show dogs will have their coats “stripped” several times a year, which is a painless process for the dog but time-consuming for the owner. If preferred, a pet owner can simply keep the coat clippered, although the color and texture of the coat will become soft and dull compared to a coat which has been stripped. The coat of the Wire is unique in that, if one tries to part the coat, the skin underneath cannot be seen! This is due to the density of the coat and gives indication to the importance of keeping it combed out and/or stripped or clippered.

Many Wire Fox Terriers do not get along with other dogs, whether living with them or not. This aggression can also extend to other animals such as cats or even critters living outdoors. The trait is not surprising considering that they were bred to be hunting dogs – and many take their jobs very seriously! This said, it is possible (and recommended) to socialize them as puppies among other dogs. With the right amount of socialization (plus the right genetics), some Wires will live amiably with other dogs – although cats and small creatures are usually still fair game.

While a big yard can provide a lot of space for a Wire to run and play in, be aware that most love to dig! Some people find it helpful to designate a “digging spot” such as in a sandbox, although this may or may not work with this breed. Supervising them while they are outside generally yields the best results for eliminating problem digging behaviors, and can also be helpful in other areas as well – the Wire is known to be an escape artist and can jump, climb, and dig under fences. Keeping an eye on them is often key to having them be well-behaved in the yard.

The Wire Fox is an intelligent dog with an independent nature. They are very trainable, but would-be owners should be aware that they cannot be trained in the same way as a Border Collie or a Lab. Rather than anticipating what the trainer might want, many Wire Fox Terriers are interested in “what’s in it for me?” With a dominant streak and an occasional reactive nature, this breed needs to be taught with the right mix of “fun but firm”. Wires that are not taught any obedience, and who live with owners who don’t set down house rules, often end up with nasty behavior issues.

Photo By State Farm

The Parson Russell Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier is known to many as the Jack Russell Terrier. Same breed, although with a somewhat-recent name change! These high-energy dogs will keep most people on their toes and are only recommended for those who have the time (and energy) to devote to them. With a high prey drive and sharp instinct to hunt, they tend to thrive with the “outdoorsy types” who can offer them physical and mental stimulation in the form of regular outings. A fenced yard is very much recommended, as these little guys will be off their properties the second they see a squirrel or rabbit to chase!

Perhaps the number one adjective to describe the Parson is “active”. Some people purchase one of these terriers thinking that it is a small dog and therefore won’t require very much work. Nothing could be further from the truth! It is best to think of this breed as a large dog in a small body… having the same exercise needs as many athletic large breeds do. It takes a lot to wear out a Parson Russell! Furthermore, many remain active even when reaching older ages. As this breed can live to 15 years or longer, that is a long commitment to make for many people. The unfortunate side effect is that many Parson Russells end up in shelters or rescue groups because their owners had no idea what they were getting themselves into.

The Parson also requires a job (or several jobs) to do so that he doesn’t get bored and subsequently destructive. Obedience training is a great outlet, as are other dog sports such as agility and flyball. To satisfy their hunting instincts, many owners compete with their dogs in earthdog and barnhunt events. This breed will always have a desire to hunt but providing them with healthy outlets (like earthdog) will help to keep them mentally stable and fulfilled.

Affectionate with their owners, the Parson especially loves to play… and play… and play! The majority of these dogs don’t seem to come with an “off switch” and particularly enjoy spending all of this active time with those they know and love. This means that if a Parson had the choice between playing with a ball on their own or playing fetch with their owner they would choose their owner every single time. This can occasionally be an inconvenience for someone trying to get work done at home! As long as someone is at home most of the time, however, this should at least satisfy the Parson’s need for companionship. This breed absolutely cannot be left at home for very long periods of time. If not crated, many can become very destructive when bored – separation anxiety can be a major issue with this breed! Parson-Russell-Terrier

The Parson is also outgoing with new people, and many act as though they’ve never met a stranger in their life! They also love children, although will not tolerate any rough handling. A household with very young children or toddlers should wait until the child grows up a few years before introducing a Parson Russell into their home.

This breed is undoubtably clever, often seen in performance competition events of all types. This said, they are also independent, bold and assertive. If they don’t want to do something, they’ll certainly let you know about it! They will often continuously test their limits throughout their lives, whether in training or just day-to-day life. They must be given rules and those rules must be consistently reinforced so that they don’t end up ruling the household! In extreme cases, the Parson can show aggressive behavior to their owners if never given structure and boundaries.

Some Parsons can become overly possessive of people, places and things that they consider to be “theirs”. This behavior must be stopped at the first sign of it happening. A dog who is trained is less likely to show this behavior, but if they do it is easier to halt it if rules have already been put in place.

Many Parsons do not get along well with other dogs, nor do they live amiably with cats, birds or other small animals. Their exceptionally strong hunting instincts mean that they see small animals as prey, and can injure or possibly end up killing a beloved family pet. When it comes to other dogs, Parsons are fearless and love to fight, especially if the other dog is the same sex as they are. Many will pick fights with much larger dogs “just because”. They therefore do best living as the only pet in the household, although may fare better if the other dog is of the opposite sex. A person thinking about adding a second Parson to the family would do best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist first in order to determine how to go about the process safely.

The Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier is a short-legged, soft-coated terrier breed designed to hunt in the fields as well as fulfill the role of family pet. With an unwavering loyalty to his owners, he does possess certain traits which make him an “easier keep” than other terriers. Intuitive to the moods of his owner, he is more sensitive than many of his terrier cousins. The Cesky is also a playful, fun-loving breed in the home without the intensity or feistiness that terriers are often known for.

Although people-loving (and occasionally attention-seeking), the Cesky can be shy and reserved around strangers and may take a while to warm up to them. Early socialization is key to make sure that they don’t become overly fearful of strangers or new situations. Most are good dogs in homes with children. Many also live quite amiably with other dogs as long as they were raised with them. Some Ceskys are less trustworthy with canine companions and need to be supervised. As far as small pets, the breed may be ok with cats (if raised with them) but will always consider hamsters and mice as snacks!

Very intelligent and possessing an excellent memory, the Cesky is certainly trainable – especially if the trainer has food! Most are of the opinion that they will work as long as there is something in it for them – and food is a great motivator! This said… the amount of food given during training must be watched as this breed does have a tendency to gain weight. As trainers, we believe that food treats should be gradually reduced as training goes on anyway, and eventually given on a random schedule. Despite being relatively obedient, many Cheskys have a stubborn streak and will need firm (not harsh) handling.

This breed does have a medium amount of energy and will need daily exercise. With his sense of adventure, he is usually up for anything! Once bred as a multi-purpose hunter – retrieving small game, going to ground, as well as blood-trailing – this is a courageous dog who really needs to be outside and participate in activities. Any type of exercise that can mimic his original purpose would be ideal, although Ceskys will also settle for a game of fetch or a short hike with their owner. Once back at home, however, the Cesky possesses a fairly calm nature. This makes him an ideal companion for many households! He can even live quite comfortably in an apartment as long as his exercise needs are provided for.

Grooming is an important aspect to owning a Cesky Terrier. Their coat will need to be shaved into the particular Cesky pattern in order for them to look like the dogs in the show ring. The longer hair should be brushed out regularly 3 or 4 times a week to keep from matting. This breed does not shed, which is not to say that they never lose their coat. Instead, the hair comes out and gets caught in other hair, which then causes mats. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that this breed is brushed on a regular basis!

Not a breed to be left at home alone for long periods of time, the Cesky may become destructive if bored. Some will become nuisance barkers. This breed needs companionship throughout the day and many can’t take the 8-hour workday if they are left home alone the entire time. An alternative option – take your Cesky with you! This breed is excellent in the car and loves traveling to new places, assuming that you take him to dog-friendly establishments.

Some Cesky Terriers are known for counter-surfing (they are small, yet their long bodies certainly afford them a high reach when standing on hind legs)! Others have issues with consuming non-food items such as the stuffing from toys. Both of these habits can be dangerous and training is recommended to stop or limit these behaviors. Supervision is necessary while the dog is still learning. Do you own a Cesky Terrier? Are you looking for a dog trainer in the Austin, TX area? Call us today and tell us about your dog!

Photo By Pleple2000

The Akita

The Akita is one of the largest and most powerful spitz breeds in existence today. With a temperament most often leaning towards natural dominance, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. This breed is brave, independent and can be hard-headed but for experienced owners who know what they are doing, the Akita can be a companion like no other. Owners of these Japanese dogs like to say that under that harsh exterior is a loyal… occasionally silly, dog! Although independent, they do enjoy living inside with their families – this is not an outside-only dog!

Akitas are fairly athletic, making exercise an important task for owners. This said, the breed does not possess the “non-stop activity level” that certain other breeds have. Rather, Akitas have a medium energy level and medium requirement for exercise. In the house, they are generally calm.

They are a fairly quiet breed and do not tend to bark excessively, but they will protect your home – often stealthily. It is important to note that Akitas are very territorial and protective. They are not a watch dog… they are a natural guard dog. Some families acquire an Akita without realizing this fact, and then begin to realize that their dog is showing aggression towards friends and family who visit their house. This oftentimes results in the dog being dumped in the shelter or at a rescue organization. It is so important to realize that this breed must be socialized very extensively as young puppies, as well as receive structure and obedience training throughout their lives, so that they can differentiate “friend from foe”. As adults, well-socialized Akitas are often reserved around strangers but this is normal. Aggression is not.

As related to above, it should be noted that some home insurance companies will not cover you if own certain breeds. Furthermore, Breed Specific Legislation in certain areas of the country outright ban particular breeds of dogs. Akitas are sometimes on these lists. This does not make it right… but it is the law and worth looking into if you are thinking about adding an Akita to your family.

There are many Akitas competing across the country in all manner of dog performance events, so this breed is certainly trainable! However, training may be easy or hard depending on the dog’s individual personality and the trainer’s knowledge and skill. Some are easily motivated while others may seem to have no motivation for work. Stubbornness is a common trait. Most do not respond well to harsh training tactics nor – the other end of the spectrum – training that is too “soft”. The trainer must find the correct balance of “firm, yet fair” for each individual dog while also using the right motivation. To further complicate things… many Akitas get bored easily if the training becomes too repetitive! Nonetheless, training is absolutely vital in this breed. Many tend to be naturally dominant – some will go so far as to take direct eye contact as a challenge – so obedience training must be implemented early on and carried out consistently throughout the dog’s life!

When it comes to personality around their owners, some Akitas hate cuddling and are generally aloof. Others are more needy and can’t get enough rubs, scratches and attention. Fanciers of the breed like to say that each Akita comes with its very own unique personality! If you are looking for a specific temperament in your new puppy it is best to meet relatives of various litters in order to narrow your search down and find what you are looking for. With children, this breed absolutely must be raised with them if they are going to live with them. Some will tolerate kids from their own family but not from others. They are also not a breed that takes kindly to teasing of any kind, which children are sometimes apt to do. Kids should never be allowed to tease any dog – but especially not Akitas.

Many Akitas do not prefer the company of other dogs but there is variation in this trait as well. Some do just fine (and can even be playful) with other dogs. Most males will not get along with other males and females do not “play nice” with other females. Opposite sex interactions generally have better outcomes. With smaller pets, the Akita does not have the greatest track history. Because of their high hunting drive, cats and other small animals are often thought of as prey.

Although their coat is fairly short… Akitas have a lot of it! As such, expect a little bit of shedding year round and a LOT of shedding every few months or so (the breed sheds seasonally). Keeping the coat combed out on a regular basis will definitely help (as will regular bathing), but either way expect to be doing a lot of vacuuming!

As with all breeds (and mixes), health problems are always a possibility. Conditions that are known to affect the Akita include allergy and skin issues, auto-immune deficiencies, hip dysplasia, PRA, and bloat. Buying your dog from a responsible breeder who runs health tests on all dogs can help your chances of getting a healthy dog (although there is never a 100% guarantee – as with any dog). Overall, it is important to do your homework before you add an Akita to your family. For those who have the experience and knowledge, however, this breed can bring a lot of joy! If you have an Akita and are looking for a dog trainer in Austin or the surrounding areas, call us today!

Photo By Caro108

The Poodle

The Poodle has one of the most varied appearance of any breed – coming in three sizes, a multitude of colors, and a number of different clips in which they can wear their coat. Poodle owners can choose short pet clips, a corded style, or the extravagant “lion clip” often seen in the show ring. Many people believe (because of the fancy haircuts and the tendency for Poodles to look like fashion accessories) that this breed is dainty, hypersensitive and prissy. However, nothing could be further from the truth! In all actuality, Poodles are highly intelligent working dogs that will do almost any job that you ask him to do. The breed is very adaptable – they can be trained to the highest levels of competitive obedience and dog sports but can also live quite happily with families and novice dog owners.

This breed is active and actually requires a job to do to keep from getting bored. He also needs plenty of exercise – especially the standard size. Poodles love to jog, hike… and especially swim (one of the breed’s original purpose was water dog work). While a standard would do best living in a home with a yard, the smaller varieties are quite adaptable to living in an apartment as long as they are still given enough exercise. It is also imperative that owners provide their Poodles with chances to play, either inside or outside. Playtime is often the pinnacle of many a Poodle’s day, and they all need at least a little time to zip around and be silly!

The Poodle’s coat is fairly unique in that it is hypoallergenic, which makes him a good choice for someone who would otherwise not be able to have a dog because of allergies. This said, some people are allergic to dog saliva and not to dog hair, so that distinction would need to be made before getting a Poodle. Whether allergic or not, however, anyone who decides to buy a Poodle must be able to commit to taking care of the coat on a regular basis! The upkeep can be fairly intense, especially if one is planning on keeping the coat at full-length. Poodle

The Poodle is a sociable creature, both with humans as well as animals. They might be a little wary of strangers at first, but will often warm up quickly. With children, standards are generally the best choice as they can hold up more easily with play. Some toys and minis might be a little too delicate for very young children who don’t understand how to interact with animals. Standards, on the other hand, love to play and will gladly romp through the mud with a group of kids! Lovable and loyal, these dogs are true people-lovers and usually want to be involved in every aspect of their owner’s lives! The downside of this is that many Poodles dislike being left alone… even if they are merely locked out of their owner’s room. Separation anxiety is subsequently common in the breed.

As might be expected from such an intelligent dog, Poodles are highly trainable. This is good news because untrained Poodles can be mischievous and occasionally might try to claim the status of pack leader (particularly minis and toys). Eager to please, this breed was built upon doing a job and needs one in order to be happy. Obedience can fill that need, as can other canine sports and activities such as rally, field events, conformation, agility and tracking.

Poodles aren’t generally considered to be exceptionally “barky” and loud, although this can vary with each individual. Some are so quiet, you might never know they were there. Others can be more than a little annoying with their voices. Toys are generally louder than the other two varieties, on average. Most Poodles, however, will bark when someone comes to the door. Furthermore, people who live where there is more “action”, such as a city or very busy suburb, might find that their dog barks more often. This has to do with Poodles having a territorial streak, and many will sound an alarm to alert that someone is on their property. Here at The Academic Hound, we have experience with Poodles. If you live in Travis or Hays county, TX and are looking for a dog trainer, give us a call!

The English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel is not as easily recognizable as his cousins in the toy group. Indeed, many people have never heard of the breed, making him a well-kept secret. For those in the know, the Charlie (as he is affectionately known) is a loving companion dog and great pet! Many are very smart and love to play games; providing endless entertainment and smiles. Some enjoy “showing off” and clowning around quite a bit! A throwback to his spaniel roots, the Charlie does have some spaniel traits and many love to chase birds.

The Charlie is affectionate and loyal with his owners – often playful, mischievous and happy – yet remains aloof around those he does not know well. He can do well with children, although he is sensitive and therefore does best with older, gentler children. The same can be said for other dogs – English Toys can live quite peacefully with canine companions, but prefer their housemates to be mild-mannered rather than rambunctious. It is not surprising that the breed favors people and animals with similar traits as themselves – quiet, gentle and unobtrusive. In fact, many Charlies will pick their “favorite” human and tend to hang out with that person more than everyone else!

A combination of his sensitive nature and his love of (quiet) people, the English Toy is known to suffer from separation anxiety when he is left home alone. Long periods of being left alone are particularly hard for him. If he had his way, he would probably choose to live with a work-at-home owner or a retired senior citizen (Charlies are excellent companions for seniors). This said, separation anxiety can oftentimes be managed through behavior modification.

Charlies are ranked as moderate on the trainability factor. They are sensitive and should be trained with this in mind, focusing on positive rather than negative experiences. As a matter of fact, finding ways to teach by using games can be very succesful for this breed since Charlies LOVE games! Just make sure that you are still installing rules and structure in your training or you may begin to see the English Toy’s stubborn side.

There is a range of temperament in the breed. Some are quite docile and laid-back, while others are more active. All Charlies need some exercise, but the amount to be given depends on the dog’s own activity level. This said, even the liveliest members don’t require much more than a short walk or a romp in a fenced yard each day. Also, this breed generally doesn’t need much space and often thrive in apartments. Most are naturally well-behaved inside with very little training (making them great for novice owners).

Shyness is common in the English Toy Spaniel, especially when they encounter new people and situations. Some Charlies with extreme shyness and insecurities have been known to bite out of fear when they think they are being threatened. Early socialization and positive experiences in puppyhood can go a long way in helping this problem, but the owner must be committed to socializing quite extensively while the puppy is still young!

The Charlie should never be left outside for long periods of time on hot days due to their short muzzle. In our hot and humid Texas summers, extra care and supervision should be taken! This breed needs to live inside with air-conditioning more than other breeds. Furthermore, keeping these dogs brushed out will help with their ability to regulate their temperatures, especially with black and tan dogs (this pattern is called King Charles). Looking for a dog trainer for your English Toy Spaniel? If you live in the Austin, TX area give us a call today!

Photo By Pleple2000 10:18