-
Gordon Setter
The heaviest of the three setter breeds, the Gordon Setter was originally bred as a personal bird dog, but they are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience competitors and show dogs today. Sturdy and muscular, the Gordon suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed while on the move. The breed’s distinctive black and tan coat allows it to be found easily in light fields and early snow.
History
The Gordon hails from Scotland, and his ancient lineage traces back to the early 17th century. Popular among hunters of Scotland, the black-and-tan Setter came into prominence in the kennels of the fourth Duke of Gordon in the early 19th century. As field trials became more popular, the Gordon’s popularity waned in favor of Pointers and other flashy, fast breeds, but the breed remained unparalleled as a one-man shooting dog.
Temperament
Alert and confident, the Gordon Setter is devoted to his family. Although they are bright, they are not blindly obedient, so may appear stubborn. Gordons are capable of adapting to a variety of living situations but need plenty of daily exercise on leash or in a fenced area. Regular grooming is also necessary to prevent matting.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1884.
- Ranging in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and 45 to 80 pounds.
- Gundog.
Environment
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
- Daily moderate to extended exercise.
Grooming
- Regular brushing and combing.
- Bathe only when necessary.
- Average shedding.
-
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC registration statistics. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also makes him an ideal guide, assistance, and search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed and can range from light to dark gold.
History
The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. He crossed his original “Yellow Retriever” with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integrations of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today.
Temperament
This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but requires daily exercise. His water-repellant double-coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. The Golden Retriever is great with children and other pets. They have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1925.
- Average size: from 55 to 75 pounds.
- Devoted companions, hunting dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Moderate activity indoors.
Exercise
- Daily moderate exercise.
- Love interaction and games.
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Regular brushing.
- Average shedding.
-
Giant Schnauzer
Despite his name, the Giant Schnauzer is not a giant breed, but simply a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. An active and spirited dog, his sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make him one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds. His coat, including the beard and eyebrows that are the Schnauzer hallmark, is solid black or salt and pepper.
History
The Giant Schnauzer developed in the Wurttemberg and Bavaria sections of Germany, which were both agricultural areas where dogs were in high demand as farm help. He aided the shepherd in driving livestock to market and was used as a guard dog by the butchers and breweries. During World War I the breed was recognized in Germany for its intelligence and trainability, becoming one of the breeds used for police training.
Temperament
An extremely intelligent, energetic, strongly territorial dog, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly, however, and can distinguish between friend and foe. Giants need a lot of exercise, requiring daily walks, playtime with another dog, or romps in the yard. They especially love having a job to do. The breed also requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping, so owners should be prepared to spend time maintaining the breed’s coat.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1930.
- Ranging in size from 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Cattle driver.
Living Conditions
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Fairly active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily extended exercise is needed.
Grooming
- Regular professional grooming recommended.
- Low odor.
- Little to no shedding.
-
German Wirehaired Pointer
When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all, they created the German Wirehaired Pointer, a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog. Strong and medium-sized, with a typical Pointer personality, the breed’s most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat. Weather-resistant and water-repellant, the outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry, and flat-lying, which helps to protect the dog against rough cover while hunting. The coat must be liver and white in color.
History
Most of the early wirehaired Pointers represented a combination of Griffon, Stichelhaar (both mixtures of Pointer, Foxhound, Pudelpointer, and Polish water dog), Pudelpointer (a cross of Poodle and Pointer), and German Shorthair. The Germans continued to breed the distinctive traits of Pointer, Foxhound, and Poodle until they had created what is today the German Wirehair, a constitutionally tough, courageous breed who points and retrieves equally well on land and in water.
Temperament
Loyal and affectionate, the German Wirehaired Pointer craves human companionship and bonds closely with its “people.” A high energy and high drive breed, the Wirehair must receive regular exercise or have a job to do; otherwise, their creativity and independence may get them into trouble! Although they shed lightly year-round, Wirehairs with a correct coat require only minimal grooming.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1959.
- Ideal size: 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Hunting dog.
Environment
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Very active indoors.
- Love a large yard.
Exercise
- Extended vigorous daily exercise.
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Bathe when necessary.
- Average shedding.
-
German Shorthaired Pointer
A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color.
History
The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear, but the source of the breed seems to have been the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer, and various crossings with local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs. When the Germans introduced the English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer prototype, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting virtue with clean lines, good looks, and sound temperament.
Temperament
The German Shorthaired Pointer thrives as part of an active family. He is an even-tempered, intelligent, and loyal family watchdog that has enthusiasm for his work. An athlete, he can adapt to his living situation but requires consistent exercise. The GSP’s short coat sheds, but grooming is minimal.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1930.
- Average size: 55 to 70 pounds and 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Gun dog, family pet.
Environment
- Apartment? Not so much.
- Very active indoors.
Exercise
- Daily extended and vigorous exercise.
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
-
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world’s leading police, guard, and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States’ most popular breeds according to AKC Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder, and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct, and fearless, with a strong, muscular body.
History
The German Shepherd Dog originated in 1899 at Karlsruhe, Germany due to the efforts of Captain Max von Stephanitz and others. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in 1907. The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high.
Temperament
Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming. The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent. They are very easy to train with a firm hand and keep that training well.
- Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1908.
- Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Herding, police work.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
- Daily moderate to extended exercise.
- May become restless without training.
Grooming
- Daily brushing.
- Bathe when necessary.
- Average shedding, heavy seasonal shedding.
-
German Pinscher
Medium-sized, elegant, and square in build, the German Pinscher is an excellent watchdog and companion. Bigger than the Miniature Pinscher but smaller than the Doberman, the agility, alertness, intelligence, and stamina of the German Pinscher make it suitable for conformation, obedience, tracking, agility competitions, and more. Their short coats can be black, blue, brown, fawn, or red; some have red or tan markings.
History
Originally from Germany, the German Pinscher was prized for his vermin hunting ability. Despite his name, the German Pinscher is more closely related to the Schnauzer than the Doberman or Miniature Pinscher. Like many breeds, the German Pinscher approached extinction at the end of the World Wars, but interested owner Werner Jung revived the breed.
Temperament
A working dog, German Pinschers possess a natural instinct to hunt vermin and protect home and family. This creates a dog with a strong prey drive and a strong will. However, they are willing learners and they make wonderful multipurpose companions with firm but gentle and consistent discipline. A high-energy breed, they enjoy activities with their owners and require daily exercise. Their smaller size makes them suitable for city or country life, but they enjoy having a yard in which to run. The breed’s short coat needs little maintenance.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 2003.
- Ideal size: 17-20 inches tall at the highest point of the withers.
- Watchdog; companion.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Moderate activity indoors.
Exercise
- Daily moderate exercise.
Grooming
- Easy care.
- Average shedding.
-
English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a small, square-bodied dog with a coat that flows like a royal cloak and a merry and affectionate personality. This breed is divided into four varieties based on color: Blenheim (rich mahogany red and white); ruby (rich mahogany red); Prince Charles (white with black and tan markings); and King Charles (black and tan). The coats in Prince Charles and King Charles varieties are longer. The breed appears in numerous noble portraits of the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries.
History
Authorities agree that the English Toy Spaniel originated in the Far East and later appeared in England, but exact details remain hazy. The black and tan, King Charles, appear to have been the King’s favorite and the emphasis in early breeding programs was on this variety. For a long time, the varieties were bred without reference to color, producing several varieties in the same litter.
Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is a gentle, happy, and playful loving breed that is naturally well-behaved and intelligent. They are good family companions and play well with children. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. All varieties of the English Toy Spaniel are easy-to-groom and require regular twice-weekly combing and brushing.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1886.
- Ranging in size from 8 to 14 pounds.
- Companion dog.
Environment
- Apartment is fine.
- Low activity indoors.
- Thrive in moderate climates.
Exercise
- Light daily exercise is fine.
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Average shedding.
-
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel has been endowed with style, enthusiasm, and an “eager to please” quality common to most spaniels. He is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body. He has long, hanging ears and a moderately long coat that can be black or liver with white, blue, or liver roan, and tricolor.
History
English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally born in the same litters; the smaller “Cockers” hunted woodcock while their larger littermates were utilized to flush, or “spring,” game. In 1902 the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed (separate from English Cockers). The Springer Spaniel became even better known in North America after 1924 when the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed and field trials were started for the first time.
Temperament
Cheerful and affectionate, Springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners. They make excellent house pets, but require daily exercise and need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coats neat and free of mats.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1910.
- Average size: 40 to 50 pounds and 19 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Gun dog, versatile competitor.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Low activity indoors.
Exercise
- Moderate to extended daily exercise.
- Love to swim.
Grooming
- Regular brushing.
- Regular grooming and trimming.
- Average shedding.
-
English Cocker Spaniel
An active sporting dog, the English Cocker Spaniel’s compact, solid body practically vibrates with energy and enthusiasm, particularly when at work in the field. Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed is a tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. His coat can be solid-colored (black, liver, or shades of red) or parti-colored, including ticking or roaning.
History
One of the oldest types of land spaniel known, the Cocker descended from the original spaniels of Spain. They were used to hunt in dense cover, flushing, and retrieving game. In 1935, The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America was formed in the United States to promote the interest of the English Cocker and differentiate it from the American-type Cocker that was emerging. The English Cocker was recognized as separate from the American Cocker Spaniel by the AKC in 1946.
Temperament
Merry and affectionate, the English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent family companion due to its even disposition and trainability. Whether working in the field or at home lounging on their owner’s bed, their tails rarely stop wagging. The breed can live in any environment provided it receives daily exercise. Their medium-long coat does take some care, including brushing and regular stripping or clipping.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1946.
- Ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and 26 to 34 pounds.
- Hunting dog.
Environment
- Apartment is ok.
- Average size yard is fine.
Exercise
- Extended daily exercise.
Grooming
- Daily brushing.
- Regular grooming and trimming.
- Average shedding.
Navigation
Hours
Sunday: 12PM - 5PM
Monday: 12PM - 7PM
Tuesday: 12PM - 7PM
Wednesday: 12PM - 7PM
Thursday: 12PM - 7PM
Friday: 12PM - 7PM
Saturday: 12PM - 7PM
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
*OUR BUSINESS HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO HOLIDAYS, INCLEMENT WEATHER AND OTHER REASONS. ALTERED HOURS WILL BE LISTED ON THIS PAGE AND OUR FACEBOOK.
