Bull Terrier

Why would I consider purchasing a Bull Terrier? I love bull dog type breeds and my choices today will deal with bull dog types. Although I have never owned a Bull Terrier; they appeal to me in a basic way. Other than a general interest, my consideration for this breed is based on research of the various breeds of dogs from books and watching dog shows. I also have to admit that I loved the Bull Terrier in the movie Patton. My research showed that they are much more versatile than I would have guessed based on their original purpose of fighting. Some have been used to herd sheep and hunt.

Brief Description: True to it’s original purpose the Bull Terrier is strong, agile, and balanced on it’s feet. Since they are not breed for fighting any longer, modern breeders breed for disposition rather than the desire to fight. Today’s Bull Terrier is not at all quarrelsome, rather they seek to avoid trouble. You can observe their easy going personality at dog shows. An unusual byproduct of its origin’s breeding is that these fighting dogs had to be able to keep its head and think for its self because the owners did not want an out of control dog which would bite them when it was wounded and hurt. This makes the Bull Terrier unusually reliable with children. The most notable mental characteristics of the Bull Terrier are desire for human companionship, longing for affection, unusual intelligence and an apparent sense of humor. He likes to be lead, not forced. He responses much better to positive training rather than a lot of punishment.

Positives:

1. Great companion and faithful protector.

2. Usually a calm breed.

3. Intelligent

Negatives:

1. Do not tolerate teasing from children.

2. Can be possessive and jealous.

3. Need a lot of companionship or they can be destructive.

Boston Terrier

Why would I consider purchasing a Boston Terrier? Although I have never owned a Boston Terrier, my Uncle owned one and loved him. The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds developed in America. Like all bull dog types, the Boston Terrier was used for fighting. At one time the Boston Terrier was one of the most popular show dogs in America.

Brief Description: True to it’s original purpose, the Boston Terrier should be lively, highly intelligent, smooth-coated, short round headed, compactly-built, and short tailed. They should convey an impression of determination and style with easy carriage in its movement. They should not weigh over 25 pounds. Most Boston Terriers are black with some white markings generally on their shoulders.

Positives:

1. Well mannered and intelligent.

2. Easily trained.

3. Friendly with a sense of humor.

4. Great with children and the elderly.

Negatives:

1. Skin and heart tumors are common in the breed.

2. Can be difficult to house train.

Boxer

Why would I consider purchasing a Boxer? I have always liked Boxers and have owned a couple plus one half Boxer/half Bull Dog. The Boxers were great family dogs but the half Boxer was the most un-trainable dog I have experience.They are beautiful dogs in my eyes, especially the brindled ones. Boxers are very popular in America and Europe.

Brief Description: The Boxer is a clean-limbed dog of great strength. This characteristic is greatly enhanced by their sturdy beauty, good nature, good sense, and utter dependability. They are widely used by law enforcement and security agencies. The boxer is a median-sized, sturdy dog, squarely built, with a short back, strong limbs, and short tight-fitting coat. His muscles should be well developed, clean, hard, and appear smooth (not bulgy) under taut skin. His movements should denote energy.

Positives:

1. Playful and curious.

2. Highly intelligent.

3. Loyal and affectionate.

4. Great guard dogs

Negatives:

1. Love to jump.

2. Very energetic and need a strong owner.

Irish Setter

Photo by  bri-1970

Why would I consider purchasing an Irish Setter puppy? When I was about 13 or 14 years old, my Aunt Susie gave us a grown Irish Setter. I will never forget how beautiful he was running in the pasture behind our house. When I hear the phase, “grace in motion”, the Irish Setter comes to mind. Unfortunately, he was not much more and we did not keep him very long. I also recall that he chased our chickens which did not set well with my Mother. He was not that bright and uninterested in learning anything.  Even today, many people think that they have been breed for beauty and not for intelligence or hunting ability.

Brief description: The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic mahogany red bird dog, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight fine and glossy coat. Afield he is a swift moving hunter; at home he is a sweet natured companion and very loyal. He can easily become a one person dog.

Positives:

1. One of the most beautiful dogs in the World.
2. Very loyal companions.
3. Friendly and outgoing.

Negatives:

1. Daily grooming of their coat.
2. Some experience hip dysplasia.
3. Require lots of exercise if they do not have a large yard.

Collie

Photo by  Leo-Avalon

Why would I consider purchasing a Collie? Once again a dog from my past is part of my consideration of a Collie. My cousin had a rough coated Collie and he was a great dog. He was with us on our childhood adventures for many years. I can still remember how watchful and protective he was. We never doubted that he would protect us from any potential enemy, people or animal.

Brief Description: The Collie is an intelligent, strong, responsive, and active dog which stands naturally straight and firm. They have deep and moderately wide chest which shows it’s strength. It’s face shows high intelligence and quiet confidence A Collie presents a proud picture of balance, no part of his body is out of proportion. In summary a Collie is a beautiful herding dog that makes a wonderful companion.

Positives:

1. Very loyal and protective companion.
2. Very intelligent and capable of learning almost any task.
3. The breed comes in many different sizes and styles (rough, smooth, miniature, etc.).
4. Generally healthy if purchased from a reputable breeder.

Negatives:

1. Some may have a problem with temperatures in the South.
2. Very popular, so be sure to buy from a reputable breeder. Many dogs are out there that have health and genetic problems.

Airedale Terrier

Brief Description: The head should be well balanced with little difference between the length of skull and fore face. The eyes should be dark, small and full of terrier expression, keenness, and intelligence. The dogs should measure approximately 23 inches at the shoulder; females slightly less. Movement should be free and quick.

Positives:

1. Good companion and protector.
2. Versatile and intelligent.
3. Can be trained at a high level.
4. Very healthy and hardy.

Negatives:

1. Some times challenge dominance.
2. Rowdy if not trained properly.
3. Very energetic and need a lot of exercise (especially the first 2 years).

We recently lost our family dog, Minnie, a ten year old yellow Lab. We are considering getting another puppy and I thought I would write an article about how to select a puppy or new dog.  Man’s best friend provides so much pleasure for us in the outdoors. One of my favorite times with my grandson was shared with a chocolate lab puppy who had escaped his yard and took a walk with us.

The first question to ask is why do you want a dog? Many people see a beautiful puppy and purchase it. Consider asking yourself the following questions: Do you want only a companion? Do you have job for your dog such as herding animals, hunting, etc.? The answers to the above questions may assist you in deciding whether to adopt from an animal shelter or buy a pure breed from a breeder. An estimated 2 million puppies or dogs are not adopted each year and are put down. Many of these animals would have made great family pets. Also part of this decision is whether or not you only want a young puppy or will an older dog meet your wishes.

Second: Decide on a breed. There are hundreds of different breeds which have special abilities or talents. Each breed also has it’s own needs and exercise requirements. Breed selection is the cornerstone of the puppy selection adventure. I will write following article on the 15 or 16 breeds we are considering.

Third: The size of the dog may be a factor for some people but is not really an issue for us. We live out in the country on a two acre lot. Apartment dwellers should generally have a smaller dog.  Most large breeds are not suited for apartment living due to the exercise needed. 

Fourth: Type of coat is a consideration for most individuals. If your animal is to spend considerable time inside, how much do they shed may be a factor. How much grooming would your dog require is a factor.

Fifth: The energy level of the breed and your own energy level should be considered. Directly related to this is the required exercise required. I think it’s unreasonable to keep a hunting type dog in a kennel all day. I know many people do but I do not think it’s fair to the dog.

Sixth: Can you afford to feed and care for your dog as it should be cared for? Good nutrition and regular vet visits are essential to the well being of your dog. Therefore, one should pay a great deal of attention of the health of the puppy or adopted dog. Look around the owner’s kennels to see if they are clean and well maintained. Many pound dogs have health issues and may have been exposed to various diseases.

Seventh: Consider your neighborhood and neighbors. A constantly barking dog is never appreciated and sometimes may be illegal. This leads to another point; research the local laws to determine any restrictions which need to be considered.