Greyhound

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Description

The Greyhound is a swift as a ray of light and graceful as a swallow. Greyhound is one of the oldest and purest known breeds. The Greyhound has been used on practically all kinds of small game, but the hare is his natural quarry. Normally a quiet dog, he like to curl up on his dog bed and be lazy most of the day.

Size of Male: Height: 25-29 inches Weight: 65-85 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 26-30 inches Weight: 50-70 pounds

Temperament

Greyhounds are sensitive, sweet and elegant. Brave and loyal, the Greyhound can be willful at times. The Greyhound is very intelligent, but its character is often undervalued because of its reserved behavior toward its owner and toward strangers. Socialize them at an early age to prevent timidity. As a rule, they are gentle and even-tempered – both racing lines and show lines. Most Greyhounds have a definite prey instinct. It is instinctive for these dogs to chase anything that moves quickly. They are extremely fast and some will kill cats and other domestic animals, although this is not the majority (only about 20% of ex-racers are too “keen” on chasing prey to ever be safe with small animals). About 10% are immediately ok due to low prey instinct, and the rest can be trained to leave cats and other small pets in the home alone. They seldom present difficulties with other dogs and are normally good with children. Indoors, these dogs are calm and sociable to a point where they can even be considered lazy. They bond strongly with their own family, have tremendous stamina, and do not bark much. Greyhounds are not particularly vigilant. Show lines tend to be a bit heavier and bred more for temperament than racing lines, therefore dogs from show lines often make better pets, but racing lines can also make wonderful pets. Ex-racing Greyhounds are not usually difficult to housebreak. They are already crate trained from the track, so it doesn’t take them long to learn that they are not to run around in the house.

Living Conditions

The Greyhound will do ok in an apartment if he gets enough exercise. Greyhounds are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Greyhounds are sensitive to the cold but do well in cold climates as long as they wear a coat outside. Do ensure they have enough exercise so that they will stay physically and mentally healthy.

Upkeep

The Greyhound needs daily exercise, but it is a sprinter, not an endurance runner. Greyhound’s needs can thus be met with a chance to run, or by a longer walk on leash. Greyhound love to run and chase outdoors, and can easily run into danger at great speeds unless exercised in a safe area. It is not generally amenable to living outdoors. Greyhounds needs comfort and must have soft bedding and warmth. The coat is extremely easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: esophageal achalasia, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Description

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund is the largest member of the Swiss mountain dogs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is your typical draft dog who loves farm chores, pulling carts and sled and children. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog enjoys being a part of a family.

Size of Male: Height: 25.5-28.5 inches Weight: 105-140 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23.5-27 inches Weight: 85-110 pounds

Temperament

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is steady, watchful and protective, but not aggressive. It is willing and loves to please its owner, making Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs excellent with children. Loyal and adoring, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are generally good with other pets and are not generally dog aggressive. Territorial, the Greater Swiss Mountain dog should be introduced to newcomers, but will quickly warm up to those the family accepts. An excellent, courageous, alert watchdog who will bark at strange noises and intruders. They need to be a part of the family and prefers to be with its family all the time. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog gets along well with family pets, but may have to be taught not to chase. They are slow to mature, both physically and mentally. “Puppyhood” may last 2-3 years.

Living Conditions

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs prefer cool climates. A small yard is sufficient. Exercising your dog every day is good to maintain a healthy dog mentally and physically.

Upkeep

As befitting of a dog with working roots, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog likes the outdoors, especially in cold weather. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog needs daily exercise, either a good long walk or vigorous romp. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog especially enjoys pulling. It can live outside in temperate to cool climates but would prefer to be with its family. When indoors, it needs plenty of room to stretch out. Its coat needs brushing once weekly, more often when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: panosteitis, osteochondrosis dissecans, distichiasis, entropion

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Great Pyrenees

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Description

The Great Pyrenees gives the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. Great Pyrenees have a weather resistant coat that will allows him to withstand intense cold temperatures. Great Pyrenees needs human companionship and attention and lots of space. The Great Pyrenees will not do well with apartment dwellers. He is a pleasant, gentle breed of enormous size, extremely intelligent, loyal to his family.

Size of Male: Height: 27-32 inches Weight: 100-160 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 25-29 inches Weight: 85-110 pounds

Temperament

The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers – human or canine. Great Pyrenees is often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, Great Pyrenees is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood. It has an independent, somewhat stubborn nature, and may try to dominate a less secure owner. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. It is important to socialize and train this breed properly to insure good citizenship. Male dogs can be aggressive with other animals. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not reach maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber.

Living Conditions

Great Pyrenees is not recommended for apartment life. Great Pyrenees needs space, but adapts well to family life. Great Pyrenees is not really active indoors, but would be happy with regular exercise outdoors or in a mid-to-large sized yard. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. The Great Pyrenees prefers cool climates.

Upkeep

The Great Pyrenees needs daily exercise to stay in shape, though its needs are not excessive. A moderate walk with the Great Pyrenees will usually suffice. Great Pyrenees enjoys hiking, especially in cold weather and snow. It does not do well in hot weather. This breed can live outdoors in temperate to cold weather, although it enjoys being with its family indoors. Its coat needs brushing once or twice weekly, daily when shedding. It may drool at times, and it tends to be a messy drinker.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation

Minor concerns: entropion, osteochondrosis dissecans, skin problems, osteosarcoma

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Great Dane

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Description

The Great Dane is regal in appearance, having dignity, strength and elegance. Great Dane is the tallest of dog breeds with his great size and well-formed muscled body. Known as the friendly giant, Great Dane should show no unprovoked aggression. There are times he may have a stubborn streak, but early training will help alleviate this problem. The Great Dane makes a great family dog with his gentle, loyal and affectionate nature and patience with children. Adapts well to urban living if given plenty of space and exercise. Despite his large size he should not be kenneled but kept indoors as a member of the family. He truly loves the comforts of home and you may find him sleeping in your big easy chair.

Size of Male: Height: 30-36 inches Weight: 140-170 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 29-34 inches Weight: 110-145 pounds

Temperament

The Great Dane is a gentle giant. Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, Great Dane is playful and patient with children. Great Dane loves everyone and needs to be around people. The Great Dane does not bark much and only becomes aggressive when the circumstances require it. A steady dog, responsible and dependable. Brave and loyal, it is a good watchdog. Because of his giant size, the Great Dane should be thoroughly obedience trained when young so it will be manageable when fully grown. Teach this giant dog not to lean against people, especially children. Some individuals are dog-aggressive, especially with same sex dogs. It is good with other dogs if it is raised with them from puppyhood. However, this breed may be slightly difficult to train.

Living Conditions

The Great Dane will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Great Dane is relatively inactive indoors and does best with at least a large yard. It is recommended to bring them out for long daily walks to exercise and socialize with other dogs and people since young

Upkeep

The Great Dane needs daily moderate exercise. Great Dane’s needs can be met with a good walk or romp. Despite its sturdy appearance, Great Danes are not well-suited to living outdoors and is best suited to dividing its time between indoors and out. Inside, it needs soft bedding and sufficient room to stretch out when sleeping. Some tend to drool. Coat care is minimal, only brushing to remove dead hairs is necessary.

Health

Major concerns: gastric torsion, Hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy

Minor concerns: Cervical vertebrae instability, cataract, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, Osteochondrosis dissecans, Hypertrophic osteodystrophy

Life expectancy: 6 – 10 years 

Gordon Setter

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Description

Gordon Setter is a good-sized, sturdily built, black and tan dog, well muscled, with plenty of bone and substance. The Gordon Setter is a tireless worker and enjoys abundant exercise and attention. Gordon Setter is a better watch dog than the other setters, making him a loyal and protective pet. A lovable, friendly, intelligent dog who is sensitive and gentle.

Size of Male: Height: 24-27 inches Weight: 55-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 45-70 pounds

Temperament

The Gordon Setter is distinguished both for its loyalty and obedience. Gordon Setter is a devoted, polite, gentle and sensible dog. Gordon Setters are pleasant companions that are excellent with children. Intelligent and willing, it is a methodical hunter who seldom errs about a scent. Courageous, cheerful and affectionate. This breed needs lots of exercise or it may become hyperactive. Very loyal to the family, but tends to be reserved with strangers. It may become jealous of other pets, but is generally good with them. This breed likes to roam, so it is a good idea to have a fenced-in yard. Puppies may seem somewhat uncoordinated. Field lines are often smaller and lighter than show lines, but both make good pets. These dogs often have minds of their own, so train early before bad habits set in. Training these dogs is certainly not difficult, provided you take into account that it can be stubborn on occasion. They call for a handler who is both consistent and loving in approach. This dog should be introduced to all situations (people, animals and things) as a young pup to produce a well-balanced dog. A Gordon Setter who has been introduced as a puppy to cats will get along well with them. If strangers visit they adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Generally they get along well with other dogs and with children because they are friendly to everyone.

Living Conditions

The Gordon Setter is not recommended for apartment life. Gordon Setter is relatively inactive indoors (if a Gordon Setter gets enough outdoor activity it will be calm when it is indoors) and does best with at least a large, safely fenced yard where it can run free. Gordon Setters like to roam, so a good fence around your property is essential. However, if you ensure they get enough exercise daily by long walks in the morning and night, they do make ok apartment pets as well.

Upkeep

The Gordon Setter needs much strenuous exercise every day in order to stay in shape. Gordon Setters can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it must be able to spend ample time with its family and does best dividing its time between inside and outside, a good mix of both. Gordon Setter’s coat needs regular brushing and combing every two to three days. In addition, some clipping and trimming is needed for optimal good looks.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, elbow dysplasia

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Golden Retriever

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Description

Golden Retrievers are a powerful, active dog, sound and well-balanced. Golden Retriever possesses a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Golden Retriever is an ideal sportman’s companion, family pet, an excellent gun dog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, they enjoy the endless attention children provide. Golden retrievers love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though they will adapt well to a kennel environment, they prefer human companionship and are not happy in solitude.

Size of Male: Height: 23-24 inches Weight: 65-75 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21.5-22.5 inches Weight: 55-65 pounds

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. Golden Retrievers are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Golden Retriever is loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. They are active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their owners, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Golden Retrievers make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger’s approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden retrievers talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.

Living Conditions

Golden Retrievers will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Golden Retrievers are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard. You can ensure they get enough exercise by bringing them for long walks daily and since this breed is naturally friendly with people, some which dislikes other dogs, they can be socialized when young to be friendly with both dogs and people, making them a great dog.

Upkeep

The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise and human interaction. Challenging obedience lessons, active games or retrieving sessions are all good ways to exercise the Golden Retriever’s mind and body. Although Golden Retriever is capable of living outdoors, it is such a social dog that it is best when it shares its life with its family. The coat does not tend to mat but needs twice weekly brushing.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataract

Minor concerns: entropion, distchiasis, trichiasis, cataract, pyotraumaticdermatitis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, Osteochondrosis dissecans, allergies, von willebrands disease, cardiomyopathy

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years 

Giant Schnauzer

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Description

The Schnauzer family comes in three sizes; giant, standard and miniature but they are each considered separate breeds. The Giant Schnauzer is an unusual looking dog who has high spirits, stamina and loyalty. Independent and intelligent Giant Schnauzer needs firm, but consistent training. Giant Schnauzer may be aggressive with strangers and will make an excellent watchdog.

Size of Male: Height: 25.5-27.5 inches Weight: 65-90 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23.5-25.5 inches Weight: 65-90 pounds

Temperament

The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent dog that is good with children and very reliable. Giant Schnauzer proves to be a devoted and good-natured companion that adapts easily to its surroundings and their owner’s lifestyle. The Giant Schnauzer is very protective, bold and spirited. Calm, loyal and responsible, this is a dominant breed that needs an experienced trainer. They are easy to train and respond best to firm, consistent training with a positive attitude and plentiful rewards. If the Giant Schnauzer is properly trained, it makes a fine pet. This breed is dominant with other dogs and should be socialized extensively both with other dogs and people as a young puppy. It is usually good with other pets and some can be good with other dogs if properly socialized as puppies. They can be fairly reserved with strangers.

Living Conditions

The Giant Schnauzer will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Giant Schnauzers are fairly active indoors and will do best with acreage. But if you do not have a large yard it is ok to just ensure they get enough exercise daily and ensure that they are socialized well when young.

Upkeep

The Giant Schnauzer needs daily exercise and fun. Giant Schnauzer’s exercise requirements can be met with vigorous games and long hikes or walks. Giant Schnauzer can live outside in temperate to cool climates, but it does best when allowed to divide its time between house and yard. Its harsh coat needs combing once or twice weekly, plus shaping two to four times yearly. Shaping is best done by professional scissoring and hand-stripping, but clipping is acceptable for pets.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Osteochondrosis dissecans, gastric torsion

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

German Wirehaired Pointer

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Description

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a well-muscled, medium sized dog of distinctive appearance. German Wirehaired Pointers are balanced in size and sturdily built. German Wirehaired Pointers have weather resistant, wire-like coat, bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. Loves human companionship, but does not do well in apartment living as they need extensive exercise. An all-rounder gundog, they like to hunt birds and small animals making him a high energy dog. The German Wirehaired Pointer makes an excellent watchdog.

Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 45-75 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 20-22 inches Weight: 45-75 pounds

Temperament

The German Wirehaired Pointer is very affectionate, active and intelligent. Eager to learn and loyal to its family, German Wirehaired Pointer needs a handler who is consistent in approach. German Wirehaired Pointers like to be occupied and enjoy working for their owner. They are friendly with those they know, but are naturally aloof with strangers and should be socialized at an early age. They can be rather willful and they like to roam. Powerful and energetic they can become bored and hard to manage without enough exercise. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a good all-rounder gun dog, able to hunt any sort of game on any sort of terrain. This dog has a good nose and can track, point, and retrieve on both land and water. Steady, lively and vigorous. They do best with older, considerate children. Very affectionate with their owners, they can become jealous. Some may try to dominate other animals but most will get along well with other dogs and household animals. They make good watchdogs.

Living Conditions

The German Wirehaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life. German Wirehaired Pointers can be somewhat high strung and very active indoors; needs plenty of exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. German Wirehaired Pointer will do best with at least a large yard.

Upkeep

Exercise is a daily requirement for German Wirehaired Pointer. At least an hour a day of exertion for German Wirehaired Pointer is recommended, and the ideal situation would combine exercise with hunting or a chance to run and explore a field. As a breed that thrives on human companionship, German Wirehaired Pointer does best as a house dog with access to the outdoors. Like most harsh coats, some minimal hand-stripping may occasionally be needed to maintain a sleek outline; otherwise, brushing about once a week will suffice.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, heart disease, seizures

Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

German Shorthaired Pointer

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Description

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter, an all-rounder gun dog capable of high performance in field and water. German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent watchdog. German Shorthaired Pointer prefers to live with family and should not be left alone. If they have to be kenneled he should have a playmate. He is reliable with children and makes a good family pet. Exercise is vital for a well-balanced dog.

Size of Male: Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-23 inches Weight: 45-60 pounds

Temperament

The German Shorthaired Pointer is very energetic, smart and willing to please. Cheerful and friendly, German Shorthaired Pointer likes children. Loyal and protective, German Shorthaired Pointer loves all family members equally, especially if they are carrying the leash, car key, gun or Frisbee. They are very people-oriented, and not happy if isolated from the family. If exercised sufficiently once or twice a day, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes a very agreeable family companion. If left to his own devices for long periods without exercise or companionship, they can become destructive and nervous. Males tend to be more outgoing and are more aggressive hunters than females. Females tend to be less dominant. Energy levels vary somewhat, as litters bred for high performance field competition may require more activity than the average Shorthair. If raised with other dogs and cats from puppyhood, the German Shorthaired Pointer does quite well; however, they are hunting dogs by nature. This breed likes to bark and they are reserved with strangers.

Living Conditions

German Shorthaired Pointer is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard and an athletic family. At least a 6-foot high fence is necessary. Bored German Shorthaired Pointers can become escape artists. Does well in most climates. Make sure they get enough exercise and socialization when young like with most hunting dogs they need a lot of exercise.

Upkeep

Bred to be an active hunting companion, German Shorthaired Pointers have a good deal of energy and requires a good deal of exercise. German Shorthaired Pointer thrives on mental and physical stimulation and can get both by hunting, hiking or playing with its owner for a long period – at least an hour – every day. German Shorthaired Pointers like water and will swim if given the chance. Although physically able to live outside in mild weather, this is a companionable breed that does best when allowed to live in the house with access to a yard. Its grooming needs are minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: lymphedema

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, Eye problems, gastric torsion, von willebrands disease, pannus, Osteochondrosis dissecans, heart problems

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

German Shepherd Dog

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Description

The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled dog, alert and full of life. German Shepherd Dogs are extremely intelligent and makes a wonderful companion, show or obedience dog. The German Shepherd Dog is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, search, rescue dog. He is one breed that becomes truly bonded to his family and may suffer from separation anxiety when apart from his family.

Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 66-89 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 43-74 pounds

Temperament

Often used as working dogs, German Shepherd Dogs are direct and fearless, eager and alert. German Shepherd Dogs are bold, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. German Shepherd Dogs are known for their tremendous loyalty and courage. Calmly confident, but not hostile. Serious and almost human in his intelligence. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but they are very wary of strangers. This breed needs his family and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. German Shepherds have a very strong protective instinct, so they should be extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding when they are an adult. Aggression and attacks on people are largely due to poor breeding, handling and training. A well-bred, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. It is extremely important to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. Some are timid and skittish and may be prone to fear biting. Research a puppy’s lineage carefully. To be successful pets, these dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coerciveness or angry training does not succeed well with these dogs. To be truly happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life.

Living Conditions

The German Shepherd Dog will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. German Shepherd Dogs are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Do make sure you bring them out often enough for exercise daily and socialization with other dogs and people from young.

Upkeep

German Shepherd Dogs need daily mental and physical challenges. The German Shepherd Dog enjoys a good exercise session as well as learning session. German Shepherd Dogz can live outside in temperate to cool climates, but it is family-oriented and does equally well as a house dog. Its coat needs brushing one or two times weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: Epilepsy, Von Willebrands disease, Skin issues, Eye problems

Life expectancy: 9 – 12 years