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 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 Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, French mastiff-type breed. Although a fantastic choice for select owners, this breed is certainly not for everybody. Admirers of the breed should be aware of what it takes to own one before they seek out a Dogue for themselves, lest they find themselves in over their heads. This is not a dog for novice owners!

To start with, the Dogue can end up being more expensive than other breeds to take care of. As a very large breed, food costs alone can be considerable. Unfortunately, the breed also has a number of health issues. Getting a puppy from a responsible breeder who performs health tests can help your chances, however it is always best (for any dog) to be prepared for the worst. Allergies, for example, are a common issue and may result in an owner spending more on specialized diets.

Despite having the appearance of a “tough dog”, the Dogue craves attention from his owner. This is definitely not a breed to just throw outside without much human contact. He needs engagement from his owner, whether it be in the form of working, exercising or just plain affection (preferably all three). A Dogue left outside to “fend for himself” may soon become fearful or aggressive and his temperament could quickly become a liability. Raised correctly however, this breed should never show aggression. A Dogue with a proper temperament is loyal and friendly, especially to his family.

The Dogue is known to have a stubborn temperament. This, combined with his size, means that it is vital that he is taught rules and boundaries from an early age, before he gets so big and hard to control. When training in obedience, patience is often required. Although he should never be handled roughly, he does need firm (yet fair) discipline. This is one of the primary reasons why he should be owned by experienced dog owners.

When it comes to children, the Dogue generally gets along with them quite well. That said, the child must be taught to respect the dog and the dog should ideally be socialized to children when he is young. It should also go without saying that, with very small children, their interaction should always be supervised. This is due to the Dogue’s large size. Although gentle, it is easy for him to accidentally injure a child in play. Common sense should always be applied.

Dog-to-dog aggression is not uncommon in the Dogue de Bordeaux, particularly between males. Although it is possible to raise the chances that a Dogue will get along with another dog by socializing extensively from puppyhood, this does not always work. Once they reach adulthood, many will show signs of hostility toward other dogs. Whether or not a Dogue likes to be around other dogs, it is still important that he be trained to behave civilly around them, such as at the vet or on a walk.

His exercise needs are fairly low compared to other breeds, however this is not to say that he doesn’t need any at all. At the very least, he should be taken on a walk once or twice a day. A fenced yard in which he can romp is great as well, but is not a substitute for a walk. A Dogue whose exercise needs haven’t been fulfilled may become destructive in the home.

As might be ascertained by his distinctive, loose-lipped face, the Dogue is a drooler! At worst, an owner may find drool on their clothes, belongings, furniture… and even walls! What he lacks in hygiene, however, he makes up for by being quiet and calm in the house. This is not a loud or yappy breed. The one exception to this rule is that he will normally bark when someone comes onto the property.

One last word about the Dogue de Bordeaux for those still interested in acquiring one. The average lifespan of the breed is unfortunately short, 6-7 years being typical. For people who own and love them, however, that short time is worth it. If you have a Dogue de Bordeaux and are looking for a dog trainer in Austin or the surrounding areas, call us today!

The Black Russian Terrier is not a terrier. In fact, it is a true working breed, developed in Moscow to be the ultimate police and military dog. As such, it is a serious breed that should only be owned by those who know what they are doing, definitely not for novice dog owners or those looking for an “easy dog”. Extremely intelligent, steadfast, and trustworthy, he requires an owner with the same traits. Black Russians are confident and not easily ruffled. Assuming they were socialized correctly, they should never be skittish. With strangers, they may act aloof but this is not fear, rather it is their standoffish personality.

As might be assumed by their background, they are a breed that must be given firm (yet fair) obedience training from an early age to prevent them from becoming too dominant or aggressive. They were bred to be working dogs first, and companions second. Unlike other breeds where the primary importance was based on breeding easy-going, docile dogs, Black Russians needed to be bred as soldiers and guards. Thinking about them in this way, one can see how important it is to not allow them to gain the upper hand in a home situation. Black Russian Terriers raised by people who allow their dogs to get away with whatever they want at home will likely end up with an aggressive, biting dog!

Adding to this, the Black Russian is a superb protection dog as long as he has been trained and socialized correctly. He is a “defensive” breed that will wait for a threat to come to his home or his owners, but he will not go actively seeking a fight. This protectiveness usually begins to show itself when the dog is 12-18 months old. Many times, Black Russians will never show aggression to their owner, but will show aggression to other people, sometimes causing quite a surprise to an owner who “never saw it coming”. This does not mean that the dog is unpredictable, but rather that the owner did not spend enough time socializing or training the dog. It is worth remembering that this breed was bred to bite people (through training). Someone who wants to own this breed needs to keep this in mind at all times and put in all the work necessary to ensure their dog is never a liability!

Alright. Well, how hard is this breed to train? Black Russians are incredibly intelligent, but also tend to get bored with too much repetition. You must keep this in mind as you work with them, and vary the obedience routines. They also tend to work best with their owners and people that they know. A professional trainer must first earn the trust of a Black Russian before real work can get started. This said, the breed learns quickly and has great problem-solving abilities. Overall, Black Russians are fairly easy to train. This is good because they need to be worked regularly.

Black Russians have a background of working with people, and therefore should never just be outside-only dogs. They are a true people-pleasing breed, and need to spend a lot of quality time with their owners. This breed will follow their owners from room to room just because they want to be as close as possible. Some need to always be touching their owners with a foot or a nose. One other reason why Black Russians do not make good outdoor dogs has to do with the fact that their thick, black coats were designed for Russian living. Our Texas weather can cause them to overheat if left outside for too long.

Now that we have gone over the most important aspects of owning a Black Russian Terrier, we shall look at other factors. One such factor is cleanliness. One of the key physical characteristics of the breed is their large beard. Although beautiful, they do tend to get wet quite often in the home as the dog drinks from their water bowl. This water will get all over your house, including in the carpets and up the walls! This, combined with the fact that they also shed a lot, does not make them good candidates for clean freaks.

Grooming alone can take up a lot of time, as they do need regular care. Their thick coat will need to be brushed two-three times a week, and they need baths every two-four weeks. Their coats are traditionally clipped into the style you see at dog shows, they do not naturally “come like that”. Add in the fact that you must take care of nails and teeth, and you can see why they require so much time dedicated to grooming.

The Black Russian usually does very well with children and is very gentle and tolerant. Because of his giant size, he still may not be a great choice for those with very small children because he may accidentally injure them. When it comes to other pets, it depends on the dog. If raised with cats and other dogs, many do just fine although others have dog aggression issues and will need to be only-dogs. Two intact males of this breed normally do not do well together at all and is usually not recommended.

“Malahovkaja Serenada” by Guidopatek

It is important to exercise Black Russians regularly. They are very adaptable to the type of exercise and will do everything from jog with you, run on a treadmill, swim, hike, and run alongside a bike. As long as you provide enough physical (and metal) workouts, it is possible to have a Black Russian in an apartment. They have been called an “energy-efficient breed”, meaning that they are content to lay around lazily at home until it is time to do their job, at which point they will suddenly be ready to work! This “on off switch” is a rarity among most breeds, and is a highlight of the Black Russian Terrier. Here at The Academic Hound, we have experience with Black Russian Terriers. If you live in the Austin, TX area and are looking for a dog trainer, give us a call!

The Rottweiler is a powerful German working breed, excelling equally at protection work as well as being a loyal family dog. They are one of the more versatile breeds recognized today and can fit into homes with several different lifestyles. That said, one consistent need must be met in order to own a Rottweiler. The owner must realize that these dogs need a stable pack leader and be willing to take on that role.

Rotts are not recommended for first-time dog owners or for people who don’t like setting up rules and boundaries. Without obedience training or rules, Rotts will decide that they need to take on the most dominant role instead, and this can lead to all sorts of very bad behaviors including aggression. Having firm leadership is the most important factor in owning a Rottweiler, but there are other significant needs that must be met as well.

As Rotts are extremely athletic dogs, they need a great deal of exercise. A short walk is not sufficient; jogging or biking with your dog are much better. Rotts that aren’t able to burn off their energy can become destructive. Not only do they need physical exercise, but mental exercise as well. Because Rotts were bred for many utilitarian purposes, they are incredibly intelligent and need to be challenged mentally so that they do not become bored. Obedience is a great way of accomplishing this! Finally, Rottweilers need to be socialized from puppyhood and continuing through their adult life. Because they are naturally suspicious dogs, they must be taught how to handle new people and situations so they won’t react in fear.

Although Rotts are very gentle with their families and people that they know, they are still large and powerful dogs. They are not recommended for owners that are frail or elderly simply because they don’t know their own strength and might accidentally hurt their owner in their exuberance. The same goes for small children. Although loving toward kids, it is easy for an accident to happen just from the dog jumping around excitedly. It is best to wait until the children are a little older before adding a Rottweiler to the household. Rotts often get along fine with other pets as long as they are introduced while in puppyhood. If they didn’t grow up with other dogs or animals, however, the process can be harder. Adult males rarely get along well with other adult males, especially if both are unneutered.

As far as temperament goes, there is a variation that can be seen depending on bloodlines. Some are very happy and affectionate to everyone while others are more aloof. If there is a particular temperament you would prefer, it’s best to do research on the breeders and ask questions. Responsible breeders will be happy to tell you about their dogs. Avoid pet shop puppies at any cost as those dogs are plagued not only with health problems, but psychological issues as well.

Many people are drawn to Rottweilers because of their protective instincts. They do, indeed, have this trait but it must be reiterated that in order for the dog to be both a protection dog as well as a family companion they must be socialized early, trained in obedience, and given rules and boundaries. Otherwise, the dog could end up either being overly aggressive (both to strangers and family) or incredibly shy and scared. It is worth noting that if you own a Rott and you need to go out of town for a few days, the pet sitter needs to have been introduced to the dog before you leave. Rottweilers don’t take kindly to strangers coming on to your property.

Rottweilers take very well to training and pick up commands quite fast! Some go through a stubborn phase, but once you work past this stage they normally go back to working easily again. They work best with firm but fair methods. Obedience is the best place to start, but once a Rott has mastered the basic commands he can go on to learn skills that you can use to compete with him in many dog sports! Carting, rally, schutzhund, conformation, agility, herding, tracking and/or therapy work are recommended for this breed. Rottweilers excel in all of these areas!

This breed cannot be left outside in the yard by themselves all day, they need to be with their humans. Not only can it foster destructive behavior and increased yard territoriality, but it is also dangerous to do here in Texas. Because of their mostly black coats, dogs left outside in Texas summers can overheat and die. When they are outside (for exercise and play) a 6 foot fence is highly recommended. Rotts have high prey drive and will often chase small animals, joggers, bikes, other dogs, etc., so they need to be kept confined to the yard for their own safety as well as the safety of others. A wooden privacy fence is much better than a chain link so they won’t be as bothered by the “outside events”.

The Mastiff is one of the largest breeds in the word. With no upper height limit nor a weight range listed in the standard, they can get downright huge! For this reason alone, it is important that anyone who is thinking about owning one be prepared to put in the work needed in order for their dog to be a well-mannered member of society.

Despite their incredibly intimidating appearance, these dogs are generally not aggressive. In fact, they are loyal and faithful to their human families, gentle with children, and calm around strangers. Most of them get along well with other dogs although some males have issues with other males. Because of their size, it is supremely important to socialize them around as many animals and people as possible while they are puppies. It is much easier to teach a 20 pound puppy to “play nice” than it is a 200+ pound adult! While aggressive behavior is not generally seen in the breed, it does happen from time to time and usually stems from either bad genetics, a learned response or poor socialization.

A well-trained Mastiff is a joy to live with but the real fun comes with training specifically for the various dog sports. Some activities that you can participate with your Mastiff include carting, obedience, nosework, therapy work, tracking, conformation, weight pulling, agility, barn hunting, freestyle, rally… even coursing! Mastiffs are intelligent animals that love to please their owners, but can be sensitive to certain types of training. Sometimes that sensitivity comes across as stubbornness, so it is important to be able to tell the difference. It helps to have a trainer who is familiar with molosser breeds. Dealing with real stubbornness is different than dealing with a dog who is simply confused or frightened.

Some people are drawn to this breed thinking that a Mastiff would be a great home protection dog. This is both true and untrue. While they look very fierce and frightening, they are actually quite gentle in nature. That said, their looks along with their loud bark will deter almost any would-be-intruder. For intruders that do come into the house… it really depends on the individual dog and situation as to whether or not they might defend their home. If a family member is being threatened, however, a Mastiff will almost certainly come to the aid! They will defend their owners if they sense that “their people” are being threatened!

Like most breeds, Mastiffs do not do well being left outside all of the time. They need to be with their families, otherwise, they may become bored and destructive. They make very good house companions anyway, so there really is no need to keep them chained up outside! Mastiffs are quiet, easy keepers that aren’t terribly active. The biggest downsides are that they do tend to drool, as well as snore.

Mastiffs can also be diggers, and they can dig a deep hole much quicker than a dog half their size, should they feel like it. Because of this, they probably aren’t the best choice for those with prize lawns. That aside, they aren’t terribly active outdoors either. A short romp is usually enough for most adult dogs, although puppies might want to play a bit longer. It should be noted that Mastiffs stay in their puppy stages much longer than other dogs. A Mastiff isn’t considered done growing (mentally or physically) until about three years old.

They do require exercise, but it is minimal. When left to their own devices, many would prefer to lounge around most of the day but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go out for walks. Be careful not to over-exercise younger dogs (up to 18 months), as it can strain their joints and cause future problems.

“Westgort Anticipation” by Radovan Rohovsky