The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the most playful members of the Terrier Group. They are a fun-loving breed that look tough on the outside but thrive on love, attention, and lots of human affection. These dogs are amiable, easy to train, and are typically responsive to its owner’s commands.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers need constant human companionship. They are a devoted breed, loyal to its family and although friendly towards other dogs, pets, and strange people, will protect its loved ones at all costs. This dog is generally good around children but may prove to be a little too boisterous with smaller kids.

A Brief History Of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

These dogs have roots that go back to England during the 1800s. Around this period of time one of the most popular sporting uses of man’s best friend was to chase and kill rats. The common working class found great entertainment with these events which eventually led to dog fighting, otherwise known as “bull baiting”.

In their need to create a better fighting dog, one that had more strength, agility and speed, breeders crossed the Black and Tan Terrier with the Bulldog of that time. The result was the Bull and Terrier. Through further selective breeding, a dog had emerged that not only was smaller and had more jaw strength, but one that was less aggressive towards humans, known as today’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

England had eventually banned dog fighting but these dogs were still adored by their fans as companions. Of course there were always illegal dog fights going on which still used the breed, but more of them were starting to pop up in the show ring instead. This helped the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to gain recognition by the English Kennel Club in 1935 and by the AKC in 1974.

Care and Maintenance of  The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

This is a fairly active breed that needs daily exercise. Several walks on the leash each day plus a few vigorous games of catch or chase is perfect. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not good swimmers therefore playing next to water is not recommended. The ideal living arrangement is to provide the dog with access to a safe outside area during the day.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not meant to live outdoors completely so they should  sleep inside at night with the family. They can only tolerate mild temperatures. It is best suited to be a house dog. Grooming requirements for the dog’s short coat are minimal, only calling for a brushing every couple of weeks to remove dead hair.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health

The average lifespan of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is CHD with no minor health issues to worry about. Rarely seen are cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs get specifically tested for eye and hip problems.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Stats at a Glance:

(1) Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Broad Appeal/Popularity & Availability 22 points
Average Life Expectancy- 13 years/ 9 points
Hereditary Illness- Eye Problems – 1 point
Insurance 12 points
Feeding Costs 3 points
Maintenance 4 points
Total 49

Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed profile as scored by K9 Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Dog Breeds’ feature.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers For Adoption:

dog adoption & dog rescue » Staffordshire Bull Terrier
bring joy, adopt a dog!

Sandy – 2 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Sandy is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross around 2 years old. She’s a big strong girl, very friendly and good with other dogs. Kennelled at Carlton Forrest Kennels, Worksop, Notts. Please Call Pam on 0781 1117067 or Kim on 07825604477. Open 1.30pm – 4pm everyday for viewing. See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for [...]

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Sandy – 2 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Rita – 3 year old female Whippet cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Gordie – 2-3 year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Esmerelda – 6-7 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Jezebelle – 1 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Pumbaa – 2 year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Rossi – 2 year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Bradley – 4 year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Pete – 2 1/2 year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier

See more @ DogsBlog.com - dogs for adoption and rescue

Ferdy – 21 month old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Powered by FirstRSS Plugin

The Golden Retriever is extremely popular among dog owners, especially in the United States.  This dog breed is currently listed as the number two most popular registered dog with the AKC and is equally adored in the United Kingdom and Europe – and for good reason, due to the fact that the Golden Retriever maintains the following qualities: high affection levels, friendliness towards strange people and other foreign animals, very easy to train, and always playful.Golden Retrievers were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the year 1927.  Initially valued for its hunting abilities, it soon became  an extremely popular household pet, obedience competitor, and show dog winner.

This dog is known as “everyone’s friend” and is widely appreciated for its companionship towards family. Golden Retrievers are highly physical animals and have been known to lead towards behavior problems when there is a lack of activity.  In fact, poor breeding practices have produced Golden Retrievers who are overly boisterous and excitable when left in house.  However, a properly bred Retriever is one that will remain calm when trained, yet energetic when given the opportunity to play outside.

Golden Retriever Maintenance and Care

Upkeep of the Golden Retriever must include daily physical exercise.  Runs through the sand, long walks on the leash, and of course retrieving games are all highly recommended to keep this animal happy.  Human interaction and social events are also desired by the Golden Retriever.

This dog can live both indoors and outdoors.  However, indoor living is what best suits the Golden Retriever.  Because of its need for human interaction and companionship, it is best to make room for your Retriever inside the house so that he can love and be loved by the rest of family as much as possible.

Golden Retriever Health

If you own a Golden Retriever or plan on raising one from puppyhood, major health concerns that you should know about are various skin problems (such as hot spots, ear infections, and allergies), CHD, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma.  Minor issues include hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, potential eye disorders, mast cell tumors, and seizures.

Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of up to 13 years when living a life of good health.  Veterinarians suggest that these dogs be specifically tested for thyroid, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, and potential eye problems.

Thinking of buying a Golden Retriever? Stop!

Don’t make another move until you have read this professionally prepared Golden Retriever breed guide.

Brief History Of The Affenpinscher

With its spunky attitude and lively personality, the Affenpinscher certainly acts in accordance with its name. The word “Affen” means monkey and “Pinscher” means terrier. The French refer to the dog as the diablotin moustachu, which means “mustached little devil”.

Although we know that the area of origin of the breed is in Germany, it’s exact specific origins are still obscure. One of the oldest toy breeds, its history has been traced back to the 1600s in paintings from the old Dutch Masters who displayed dogs that resembled the breed.

By the 17th century, the Europeans used small terriers to help catch rats. The Germans also used the little dogs to keep rodents away from kitchens and other areas where food was stored. There were even smaller versions of the dogs that were bred as lap dogs and mice killers. It was these smaller versions that became the Affenpinscher.

As time passed, the dogs were refined through crosses with the German Silky Pinscher, Standard German Pinscher, and the Pug. The Germans claimed the breed as its creation due to the high popularity it had with the people at that time. The AKC recognized the dog in 1936. After World War II the breed’s numbers declined, making them one of the rarer toy breeds seen today.

Upkeep Requirements For The Affenpinscher

Although this dog can be a bit boisterous and seem to have an endless amount of energy, the exercise requirements for the Affenpinscher can be met with daily playtime and a few brisk walks on the leash. They love playing outside but these little guys should not stay outdoors, but rather sleep inside at night.

Affenpinscher dogs need lots of love and attention. They thrive off of human contact and absolutely love to be the center of the action. They make great watchdogs because of their need to bark at any unknown sound, but should not be counted on for protection ability. Grooming requirements consist of a thorough combing, three times per week (due to the harsh coat). Clipping should be done about four times yearly.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the Affenpinscher is between twelve and fourteen years. They are a healthy breed with absolutely no major health concerns. Minor issues may include corneal ulcers and patellar luxation. Rarely seen are respiratory problems, open fontanel, and PDA. Veterinarians suggest that Affenpinscher dogs get tested for potential cardiac and knee problems.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a sporting dog par excellence, having achieved the distinction of earning more than 100+ Dual Championships since the 1950’s. Only one other breed, the Brittany Spaniel, can claim this honor.

Development of the German Shorthaired Pointer began in Germany – logically enough – in about 1860, or perhaps a little earlier. Until about the middle of the 19th century, hunting privileges had been reserved for the titled and wealthy, who kept large kennels of various kinds of hunting dogs, each with his special purpose.

But with the advent of social change, the sport became available to men of more humble circumstances, and they needed an all-around hunting dog of moderate speed, excellent nose, pointing, flushing and retrieving ability; one who could work closely as well, for this new type of hunter traveled on foot and had no need for far-ranging hounds whose quarry might be miles away.

Well that is quite a tall order to say the least! But patient and imaginative German breeders – to whom we owe so many of our finest sporting and working dogs – embarked on the undertaking with their customary optimism and zeal.

The Pointer Who Started It All

Modern authorities disagree on all but one point: the basic stock was founded upon an Old Spanish Pointer, then very popular in Germany. This fellow was a large-boned, rough-coated, liver-and-white canine with a broad head, and – most important of all – the instinct to pause momentarily before flushing game.

His faults seem to have been a poor nose, a sluggish gait and a surly disposition. It is generally conceded that the Hounds of St. Hubert, which were described by George Turberville in 1607:

“The black hounds originally came from St. Hubert’s Abbey in Ardene. These are the hounds which the Abbots of St. Hubert’s have always kept in honor and remembrance of the Saint, whereupon we may conceive that all good huntsmen shall follow them into Paradise.”

According to historian Edward C. Ash, “these dogs were found mighty of body with short legs, and slow; the bloodhounds of this color prove good, especially those which are very dark and coal black.”

It has also been suggested that the developing breed was crossed with the bloodhound, the foxhound, the setter and almost certainly with the English Pointer to improve the nose; but since no accurate records were kept prior to 1900, and hot dispute over the exact origin abounds, it is impossible to state with certainty all crosses that were tried.
Breeding Gone Wrong

At first the experimental breeding produced some haphazard – even grotesque – results. The breeders themselves were secretive and at odds with each other. There were those who stubbornly pursued perfection of head and ear, others who strove for leaner bodies and longer legs, and still others who were concerned with coat color.

Historians of the breed credit a Hanoverian prince named Albrecht zu Salms-Brauenfels with a major role in the animal’s development. It was he, who, in the midst of the confusion, counseled the breeders to stress performance rather than beauty; to breed only the dogs with the desired hunting abilities, predicting that, in time, the lineaments would take care of themselves. The principle of “form follows function” is true in any anatomical physiological development: the body will adapt to the uses to which it is put.

Note: It is interesting to note that this theory closely parallels the thinking of Charles Darwin, whose writings first appeared in 1858.

This excellent advice was ignored by many; but those who were wise enough to follow Prince Albrecht’s suggestions began to produce the very promising forerunner of the German Shorthaired Pointer. Subsequent inbreeding and linebreeding resulted in the dog we know today – a first-rate sporting animal.

Welcome To The American Kennel Club

In 1883 a Shorthair – Nero von Hopenrade – distinguished himself in the German Derby. Then, several decades later the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America was formed in 1930, and the breed was accepted by the American Kennel Club that same year.

The modern Shorthair weights 60 to 80 pounds and stands 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder. He is a compact animal, with a straight, short back, a deep chest, substantial neck and broad skull. His head is almost rectangular in profile with very little stop, although his brow line creates the impression of a stop.

He has broad, high-set, close-handing ears, nicely rounded at the tip. His coat is short, smooth, and hard, and may be solid liver-and-white, or speckled liver-and-white with solid liver head and ears. He has large nostrils, a square muzzle, and his nose is slightly darker than his coat. His tail is docked to two-fifths its natural length.

A Great Personality

In personality, he is cheerful and eager; he wriggles all over with pleasure at greeting those he loves – and he is quick to accept visitors. He is not a guard dog, but will bark at the approach of strangers until he is satisfied they are welcomed by the family – then he will make friends readily. He is intensely curious. He has been known to recover lost objects, such as a slipper, a glove, or even a camera.

In character, the Shorthair is an enthusiastic and obedient aide to the foot-hunter of small game. He is happiest and most useful when in his natural element – the field – energetically and efficiently using both sight and scent in finding the best-camouflaged bird or animal in the most dense brush.

Hunting Is Where This Breed Is Most Happy

He especially excels in hunting quail, pheasant or duck. The well-trained Shorthair will stand at point a few feet from the quarry until the hunter reaches shooting range; he will then advance slowly – but inexorably – until the bird has been driven into the air, and he will then retrieve – from land or water – the hunter’s prize.

He works closely and quietly, getting his scent from the air – although he can, when necessary, track from spoor, and is used successfully for upland game shooting as well.

He is keen and willing and seemingly tireless. He goes about his job with a workmanlike concentration, and is so determined to accomplish his task that he has been known to retrieve game from trees! With these attributes, then, it is not surprising that he can readily learn the exercises necessary to win Field Championships.

Shining In The Show Ring

What is remarkable, however, is his fine record in the show ring, where an entirely different set of talents is required. It is a tribute to the integrity of his breeders and to the skill and patience of his handlers that so often the very same dog who has won a Field Championship has walked off with Best in Show as well, earning the rare and coveted title of Dual Champion.

Reputable breeders deplore the practice noted in recent years of sacrificing field ability by inbreeding particularly beautiful specimens to get show dogs or, conversely, neglecting acceptable conformation to get field ability alone.

Such irresponsible breeding can cost the Shorthair its Dual Championship potential, and negate the painstaking work of those who developed the breed. With the Shorthair’s growing popularity, this is a real danger, presenting, as it does, the temptation to make quick profits by prolific but indiscriminate breeding.

German Shorthaired Pointers Are Not For Everyone

Despite his proficiency in the field and in competition, the Shorthair is not for everyone. The ebullience which makes him the bane of the man who wants a quiet chair-side companion.

According to the opinion from expert breeders, the person who should not consider the breed is the man or woman who wants a beautiful backyard animal but is unwilling to build a suitable dog run; or the owner who has neither the time nor the inclination to give this highly energetic fellow some useful work to do.

Normal home training of the young Shorthair should begin early, just as with any newly acquired pup; he will be toilet trained, restrained from undesirable behavior, and introduced to collar and lead as readily as any other breed, for he has in desire to please; but training for work in the field is a very different matter, and must not be rushed. Here the aim is to capitalize on the Shorthair’s natural instincts, not repress them.

The very young puppy will joyously and spontaneously flush and pursue any furred or feathered creature, but he soon learns that he cannot catch a bird on the wing, and quite sensibly concludes that he must approach more cautiously. Pointing is a natural instinct with the Shorthair.

A dog is considered to have stood at point when he halts in his tracks, all alertness and keen concentration, and gazes intently at the quarry, leaning forward slightly, and remaining motionless from extended tail to lowered nose. If he raises a foreleg, so much the better – and most Shorthairs do; but this gesture is not the criterion.

Such a dog must be carefully bred and carefully trained, if he is to retain his natural love of sport throughout his life. He must introduced to swimming, seeking, and finding and retrieving games. He is ready for this introduction at about three months; but he must never be pushed into serious work or chastised for errors until he is mature and fully prepared for work in the field.

It may take the dog a year to reach this stage of development, or it may take as long as two years. The perceptive trainer will know when his particular animal can accept commands and corrections. For instance, if, on point, a dog is given the command “Hold!” and if he thereupon tucks his tail and acts afraid, the experienced trainer will realize he is pushing the dog too hard too soon.

The pup’s not yet ready, and the trainer will wait a little longer, meanwhile continuing with the games – for he will not want to destroy the dog’s eagerness for the sport, his willingness, his initiative, or his joy in doing his job.

Thought the Shorthair is hardy and reliable when properly handled, he is sensitive and can be permanently ruined if you attempt to force a high-spirited, adventurous pup to perform beyond his level of maturity. But the time will come, soon enough.

A Word About The Prevention Of Gun-Shyness

The same principle applies here as with the other aspects of the Shorthair’s training. The key is gradual, gentle introduction to the sound of a shot, almost without the puppy’s being aware of it. While he is engrossed in sniffing out game – or better yet – when he has caught the scent – fire a cap pistol at some distance. He will barely notice.

The next day, fire the cap pistol a little closer, two or three times; and be sure that the first time a real shot is fired the dog is intent upon his find and you are seventy-five or a hundred yards away. Soon he will grow accustomed to the sound of a gun and will associated it with his favorite game.

An Ideal Family Dog

The temperament of the Shorthair makes him an ideal family dog. He accepts and loves all members of the household equally. He will sleep indoors or in the kennel. He desires to please and responds to praise and joyfully participates in games or work. He is extremely easy to maintain, and does well on a diet of good commercial dog food, with vitamin supplements added as necessary.

He can be obedience-trained, but may require a bit more patience on the part of the trainer and a little more time for this work than do dogs which are bred primarily for obedience work.

Needless to say, children love him as a companion, for he will gaily chase a ball until their arms tire of throwing it; and he loves nothing better than a romp and a swim at the beach or river, or a walk in the woods where he can explore to his heart’s content.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an elite-type among sporting dogs, a source of infinite pride and pleasure to his trainer, and a beautiful and affectionate member of the family.

Since the late 1800’s, the Pekingese and the Chow Chow gained fame in Britain and Europe and paved the way for the rest of the oriental dogs such as the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniels and Terriers, and the formidable Akita. But none, perhaps, have had the rise to popularity as has the charming little Shih Tzu, which has won the hearts of show and pet owners the world over.

The Shih Tzu – pronounced sheed zoo, singular or plural – means Lion, and in their native land are referred to as the Shih Tzu Kou. “Kou” is the Chinese word for dog. The Shih Tzu originated in ancient Tibet where they were important in the palace life of the Dali Lama.

They came to china during the Manchu Dynasty as tributes from Tibet or as gifts from the Grand Lama to the Imperial Court in Peking. Their popularity, along with that of the Pekingese and the Chinese Pug, was well established by the turn of the century because of their fearless dispositions and their clownish antics.

Written records dating back to 1913 described their wide distribution in the Chinese capital, but it was the 1940s before they appeared in Britain in any great number.  A British couple living in China took a Shih Tzu named Wuffles back to England with them in the late 1940s, as they escaped the country just ahead of the advancing Red Army.

Wuffles was a camel-colored dog, bred in 1948, and fortunately sired a few litters before being killed by a truck in 1952. Another Shih Tzu left China before the Communist take-over; a black-and-white female named Mai-Ting. Mai-Ting was brought out from under a car seat by a chauffeur and presented to some children of the British Consulate.

She was a gift from a high-ranking Chinese family fleeing the city, who wished to place the little dog with a British family where she would be safe.  Special permission was required before she was allowed to leave Shanghai in April, 1949, but it was accomplished.

A Royal Navy vessel was sent to Shanghai to evacuate United Kingdom citizens to Hong Kong and Mai-Ting went right along with them just as her original owners had hoped. After reaching England, Mai-Ting was bred once to Wuffles and they produced a single black-and-white daughter in October, 1950.

Mai-Ting spent three years of her long life as a favorite pal at the British Embassy and Cyprus, and was 14 ½ years old when she died in August, 1962. Rumor had it that another female had left China in 1952, but no records are available since the order that no dogs were to leave the mainland was being strictly enforced.

The presumption that this was largely responsible for the breed becoming extinct in its homeland was born out of a written request dated July 1, 1966, from the Honorable Secretary of the Hong Kong Kennel Club, and published in an issue of the British magazine, Shih Tzu News, expressing interest in securing both pet and show stock for members of their club. Obviously their members could not locate Shih Tzu in Asia.

A very few scattered  Shih Tzu had reached Britain and Scandinavia and the preceding decade. Mrs. Kenrik Kauffman, wife of the Danish Minister to China, brought some to Oslo, Norway, when her husband was transferred to that country.  These were registered with the Norwegian kennel club.

Mrs. Kauffman first saw Shih Tzu in China when two were about to be burned alive as part of a funeral ceremony. She begged that their lives be saved and took them home with her. These two little dogs increased her interest in the breed and two others were acquired; one puppy from the Imperial Palace and one from Shanghai.

A puppy from these lines was presented to Queen Elizabeth, then the Duchess of York, in 1933.  Elizabeth named the puppy Choo-Choo, and he was used at stud in England. The King referred to the dog as “the hairy monster!” This association with the Royal Family did much to bring attention to the breed in Britain, especially after it had enjoyed a similar royal position in its own country as well.

The Paris-educated Princess Der Ling, first lady-in-waiting to the dowager Empress of China was also a breeder of Shih Tzu and had dozens of them. She and Empress both adored the little dogs and it was the Princess Der Ling who was largely responsible for the extensive breeding program carried on by the French Countess d’Anjou.

By 1933 Miss E.M. Hutchins exhibited a few Shih Tzu at the Cheltenham show in England. One, a black-and-white male, named Lung-Fu-Ssu had been imported from peking to Ireland in 1930 with General Sir Douglas and Lady Brownrigg, who were to become prominent Shih Tzu fanciers in the future.

A photograph of these dogs can be found in various dog breed books. It is a fascinating comparison with the breed as it appears today! Originally the Shih Tzu was shown in the Apso classes but in 1934, the Tibetan Breeds Association ruled that the dogs from China were not Apso, and the name Shih Tzu was selected for them by the then Chairman of the Kennel Club, Mr. Croxton Smith. On May 7, 1940 a separate register was granted to the breed and they were made eligible for championship certificates.

Paving Their Way For Success In The United States

It was September, 1969, when this was accomplished in the United States. Winner of the first Best in Show in the country, on this very first day of recognition, was Canadian Champion, and later American Champion, Chumulari Ying-Ying, owned by Rev. and Mrs. D. Allan Easton. The award was made by Judge James W. Trullinger at the New Brunswick Kennel Club show in New Jersey and set a record for the breed.

As far as can be established, no other breed has ever won a Best in Show on their first day of eligibility. The Eastons have done a great deal for the breed in this country, being among the most devoted and first to import the very best Shih Tzu from overseas to establish the breed in this country.

They have always presented the breed at its best in every possible way. Both by the written word, and by the magnificent presentation in the ring, the Easton’s Shih Tzu are largely responsible for the tremendous admiration for the breed they love so much.

Present Day Shih Tzu Standards

Present day standards for the Shih Tzu acccept all colors, though in China the goldens or honey or camel-colored are the most prized.  Gold, or yellow, is the Imperial color so it is understandable that this color would be preferred. It is also the color of the lion – the beast after which they were named!

The 1938 Peking Kennel Club Standard for the breed states, “all colors permissible, a white blaze on the forehead and a white tip to the tail are highly prized.” Along with the mid-50s French standard we learn, “Honey-colored and white are rare and much appreciated.” The appreciation of the whites in China is highly questionable, however, since white is the color of mourning there and the Chinese do not like to be reminded of death.

It is believed that the Shih Tzu is descended from both the Lhasa and the Pekinese. This cross-breeding was designed to change the shape of the head to become more lion-like, to reduce the size of the Lhasa and improve coat in the Pekinese, and to introduce all colors to all the breeds. Sufficient breeding stock of quality is available today so that such cross-breeding is no longer necessary and, indeed, frowned upon!

The Amazing Temperament Of The Shih Tzu

Perhaps more than anything else in accounting for their tremendous popularity is the remarkable temperament of the Shih Tzu. They are completely attuned to active family living, either in the country or in the city. They make excellent guard dogs since they possess fearless personalities and bark only when there is good reason.

Grooming is a necessity, of course, as with any long-coated breed, but the end result of your labor results in a darling little face with a “palm tree” topknot, a constantly wagging silky tail at the other end, and beautiful silky hair in between!

The general appearance of the Shih Tzu maintains a personality that is lively, active and alert, with a somewhat arrogant demeanor. This is one dog that walks and acts as proud as its noble ancestry has produced it – head up and tail carried proudly over the back.

As evidence of their popularity, since their elevation in 1969 from the miscellaneous classes at the dog shows championship status, the breed has become one of the top toy dog contenders in the world. A favorite year of the Shih Tzu was in 1973, when Ch. Witch’s Wood Yum Yum, was not only top winning Shih Tzu in the nation for that year, but the top-winning toy dog, and placed tenth of all breeds.

A truly remarkable accomplishment for this wonderful little female owned by Dr. and Mrs. Wesley Edel of Charleston, South Carolina. Her record for the year was nineteen Bests in Show, fifty-five Toy Group firsts and twenty-nine additional group placements, a feat which also captured the Quaker Oats Award for having won more Toy Groups than any other toy dog in 1973.

Looking To The Future

There are those of us Shih Tzu fanciers who contend that the lovely little Shih Tzu will equal the popularity enjoyed for so many years by the poodle in this country. We further predict that it will probably happen within the next decade. We can only hope that the demand of the shift to will not result in excessive, indiscriminate breeding, but rather will excite interest in the further appreciation and enjoyment of it all over the world!

This breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club back in 1903, and then by the AKC in the year 1917. Amazingly, the Labrador Retriever was voted the most popular dog breed of 1991 and has continued to reign atop the charts even today.

When these dogs are trained they are very amiable and obedient. They are especially wonderful around kids, as they have high tolerance levels towards children and their antics. This dog has its moments of being very calm around the house, yet can become intense and energetic in the blink of an eye when stimulated.

The Labrador Retriever is extremely loyal to its owner and is eager to please. It enjoys learning new tricks and is a wonderful student of obedience training. Swimming, running, and retrieving are all activities that this dog breed enjoys being a part of. Being challenged mentally and physically is desired by the Labrador retriever.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Upkeep must be fairly active on a daily basis. Labrador retrievers must have daily exercise in the form of running and swimming. Retrieving, however, is at the top of the list of fun games that Labs really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

These dogs can either live indoors where it’s warm and cozy, or remain outdoors during all types of weather. Be sure to adhere to common sense safety rules when keeping your lab outside during the hot humid months, or the chilling winter temperatures. However, like most dogs, a Labrador Retriever would prefer to be inside with its family and stable temperatures.

Health Information

The Labrador Retriever has an average lifespan of ten to twelve years in general. This is of course depending upon the health of the animal. Major health concerns which should be looked at are elbow dysplasia, CHD, OCD, patellar luxation, and obesity. Occasionally, some health issues spring up throughout the Labrador Retriever breed such as diabetes, tricuspid valve dysplasia, over-exercise (leading to collapse), distichiasis, and muscular dystrophy.

The Labrador Retriever: Much More Than A Family Pet

Labrador Retrievers have become one of the most popular breeds used today as both assistance dogs and dog guides for the blind. The skills necessary for these two working jobs are extremely varied and are physically and mentally demanding, nevertheless, the Lab has once again proven that its popularity is based on much more than its good looks!

Guides For The Blind

Nobody will forget the amazing story of the brave and courageous yellow Lab named Roselle, who on the disaster of 9/11, guided her vision-impaired owner, Michael Hingson, down 78 stories in the World Trade Center’s Tower One.

The pair exited from the choking smoke, dust and fumes just moments before the entire building collapsed on that horrible day. Roselle was bred, raised and trained by the Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. As amazing at it sounds, she was just doing her jog that day.

A position originally dominated by German Shepherd Dogs in the early 1900s, dog guides for the blind now include a large percentage of Labrador Retrievers, as well as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs and Lab-Golden Mixes.

The Lab has risen to popularity in this service mostly because of their highly-qualified work ethic needed for such services: a stable temperament, a willingness to work, a moderate size and weight, and a low-maintenance coat.

Assistance Dogs

The type of work an assistance dog can perform is perhaps only limited by a trainer’s imagination. Labs are trained to assist those with limited mobility by picking up dropped items such as pencils, credit cards and keys.

Some dogs are trained to alert hearing-impaired handlers to a knock at the door, a baby crying, or in the case of a child, the sound of the school bell signaling a class change. Other Labs are trained to help disabled individuals to lean on and hold onto.

Some Labs even alert handlers to oncoming seizures before they happen and provide assistance during a seizure. Labrador Retrievers have been taught to pull wheelchairs, turn lights on and off, and even remove the handler’s socks before he or she goes to bed.

The benefits of an assistance dog can be seen at many levels. One of the greatest benefits is that people with assistance dogs regain a sense of independence, as well as an increase in self-esteem and self-worth because they can rely on the dog to help them, rather than have to rely on other people.

Assistance dogs can also serve as ice breakers. Disabled individuals frequently feel shunned because the general public feels uncomfortable in their presence. The company of an assistance dog, particularly a friendly Lab executing amazing skills for the disabled individual, is often the attraction that can facilitate conversation, social interaction and the formation of friendships.