Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in America according to the AKC. They were originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada as a water dog for fisherman. They have also been used to retrieve water foul and assist in hunting. Labradors have great warm personalities and make great family pets. They have been described as excitable, playful and goofy at times. Labrador Retriever puppies tend to be mouthy and like to chew on almost anything but with proper training this can be corrected. They can be easily distracted but train very well. Some have been known to tend towards obesity so its best to give your lab lots of exercise. Hip dysphasia is common among older pure bred labs, as it is amongst many of the larger pure bred breeds. Labradors come in 3 colors; black, brown and yellow, black being the most common.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are the second most popular breed in the America. They are similar in appearance to Labradors but are distinguished by their longer, silky, golden coats. They were originally bred in England as retrievers of water foul and other birds killed in hunting. They are lovers of water and are known to have a special fondness for ducks. Goldens tend to be strong willed, playful and aim to please. Like most retriever breeds they tend to be big chewers, especially as puppies and should be given proper outlets for this behavior. They are a great, lovable, affectionate breed that make excellent family pets.

German Shepard

German Shepards were first bred in Germany as guard dogs. Shepards have a strong muscular build with a hard, straight, brown and black top coat as well as a distinctive muzzle. Personality wise they tend to be very strong willed, full of energy and highly intelligent. With Shepards it is important that they be socialized to people and other animals at an early age. Because they were bred as guard dogs they tend to be territorial at times and can become barkers if not trained properly. Shepards are used for almost every type of K9 work possible and usually require a job within the family unit. Shepards are very affectionate, loyal and make great family pets.

Boxer

Boxers were originally bred in Germany as fighting dogs and are related to the Bulldog. The bred has since become very sweet and docile making great pets. They are characterized by their lean agile bodies and distinct, strong, muscular necks. Boxers tend to be full of energy and have amusing personalities. They have been known to jump up quite a bit and should be trained accordingly. Due to their high energy Boxers are easily distracted at times and need a lot of patience when being trained. They also need to have a strong willed person be in charge.

Bulldog

Bulldogs were originally bred in England for blood sports such as bull baiting (the Bulldogs would run around biting the heals of bulls during bull fights. That is why they were bred small with flat faces.) The breed has since become very docile, even tempered and people friendly. They are now a very sweet and loving breed. They are characterized by their large heads, stout bodies and low set eyes. Bulldog births are commonly performed by Caesarian section due to complications of natural births. As puppies Bulldogs tend to be a bit mouthy. Snorting and heavy breathing is common and takes getting used to. They can also be a bit territorial and should be socialized against this at an early age. Bulldogs do tend to overheat so be aware of this.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel was originally bred in England to assist hunters in retrieving small game and "flushing" out forests and brush areas for birds. Cockers are most distinctly characterized by their silky fur and droopy ears. The Cocker Spaniel was brought over to America early in the last century and soon after the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed. The American tends to be smaller than the original English Spaniel. Cocker Spaniels are usually very energetic and full of life. Because they are so excitable they tend to be wetters, especially as pups and should be given copious amounts of patience and understanding. Training your Cocker young and in a quite place with no distractions will ensure a well trained pup. Cockers are also very sweet and the absolute cutest as puppies.

Poodle

The Poodle is the Einstein of the dog world. They are extremely intelligent and human like in their personalities. Poodles were originally bred in France as water retrievers. The breed comes in 3 major types; the toy, the mini and the standard. The toy and mini make great, cute little pets but tend to be very jumpy and excitable. The standard is considerably larger than the toy and mini and tends to be more reserved and quite in nature. Poodles can be very athletic and require lots of exercise. Because they are so smart they can be trained to do almost anything and excel in obedience. Adopt a Poodle and watch as he makes all A's in obedience school. Poodles require quite a bit of brushing and grooming as their coats grow fast and can become matted.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers were originally bred in Yorkshire, England. Like all terrier breeds they were bred for hunting rodents. Fiesty and fearless Yorkshire terriers tend to act as if they were giant dogs trapped in tiny dog bodies. They are characterized by their long, silky coats, small frames and brown and black coloring. Owners need to be weary of not carrying their Yorkies too much or they will tend to not walk properly on their leash. Inappropriate urination can also become an issue if your Yorkie is held and handled too much. Its best to treat them as dogs and not human babies. Yorkies make excellent pets and are extremely adorable. Yorkies require quite a bit of grooming to maintain that beautiful flowing coat.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a very old Mexican breed that some place back to ancient Mexico. The breed was introduced to America early last century. They come in two main types; long haired and short haired. Early socialization of Chihuahuas to humans and other animals is essential for healthy, well rounded pets as Chihuahua tend towards anti-social behavior if not trained properly. They are known to be highly energetic and rambunctious. Since they are so small and thin, shivering and sensitivity to cold become issues and should be properly monitored by the owner. As with all toy breeds housebreaking tends to be an issue. However with consistent, patient training any problem can be overcome. Chihuahuas make excellent pets.

Beagle

Beagles were originally bred as scent hounds in England. They were used to hunt hares primarily and are considered mini Fox Hounds. Beagles are very courageous and have great stamina. They are also highly energetic and are distracted easily. Some have been known to carry big attitudes and personalities. Being big pack oriented animals barking, which is used as a means of communication during the hunt, can become an issue. Beagles have also been known to be territorial and should therefore be socialized and trained at an early age. When training one needs to be very patient and make the sessions short and sweet as beagles lose attention quickly and can be strong willed, slow learners. Also pick a quite place to train. Beagles are also sweet and great around kids.