The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (WPG) has an uncertain origin, some historians say France and some say the Netherlands. They are a mixture of the Setter, German Pointer, Barbet, German Griffon and various Spaniels. These dogs are not common but they are fantastic hard working dogs that would be an asset to any hunter.

This breed has a muscular, athletic body and straight, toned legs. They have a long powerful muzzle and large round eyes which give them a friendly look. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has large floppy ears, and a thick rough coat that will protect them colder climates as well as cold water. Naturally this breed has a long slender tail, but for show purposes it will be docked.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a loving, happy and loyal pet that will make an excellent companion as well as an excellent worker. They are great family dogs because they interact well with children and other family pets but tend to be more energetic and will need more exercise per day compared to other breeds. Even though they are considered a more difficult dog to raise, they will do well with an owner who is able to be firm and stay patient with them while training.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 20-24 inches high

Females: 20-24 inches high

Weight

Males: 50-60 lbs
Females: 50-60 lbs

Color(s)

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will only come in 2 coat colours which are a rich brown or gray with patches of brown. Most commonly seen is the gray with brown patches but both colour variations are accepted for show standards.

Coat

This breed has dense, harder textured fur that is wiry to the touch. They have a double layered coat with the outer layer being bristle-like and thick, and the under layer being plushy and insulating. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon definitely needs their type of coat for the conditions in which they hunt because it’s not only the weather they need protection from, it is also the terrain!

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will need an owner who has ample time to spend exercising and raising them. These are not the type of dogs who can be left alone too often because they thrive on the affection and attention they get from their owners. This breed is incredibly intelligent and should be more simple to train provided their owners are repetitive and gentle! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is also protective of their territory and will make a good watchdog as they will gladly alert the family or their owners of intruders!

Despite their outgoing personality, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will be more weary of people they’ve never met, but upon introduction will warm up. These dogs will need to be socialized as much as possible as puppies, especially around people, dogs and busier locations, so they will become adjusted to these as adults.

Care

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once per week and bathing every 1-2 months is all this breed needs! Once per year they should have their fur stripped just to ensure the dead coat is expelled. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is prone to hip dysplasia but is generally a very healthy breed!

Training

This breed will need gentle repetitive training in order for them to be taught obedience or any type of training. They are clever dogs that will be able to pick up the concept quickly, plus they have the motivation to please their owners! Training sessions should be kept short with this breed so they have time in between to let the information sink in.

Activity

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out. They are an energetic breed that will need time spent off leash to run around or swim! These dogs will only be happy once they are exercised thoroughly enough and have had their dose of attention for the day. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon will do well in a household environment with a backyard because they need as much space as possible to live in.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel originated in Wales and was bred to hunt and locate game for their masters. The exact lineage of these dogs is not known but it is thought that the English Springer Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel might be their relatives. Their name “Springer Spaniel” comes from they way these dogs hunt down their prey which when they are located, will “spring” upon them!

This breed is a significant weight for their height and are solidly built. Their ears are long, floppy and are perfect to listen for the movement of quiet prey. The Welsh Springer Spaniel has muscular legs, and a long slender tail that is docked according to owner preference. They have a long, powerful muzzle that is used to carry large game in and big friendly eyes.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an energetic, happy breed that loves affection from the family. They develop very strong bonds with their owners and will need a lot of attention and time spent with them to be truly happy. The Welsh Springer Spaniel adores children and will make an excellent family pet because they will also get along with other dogs and smaller pets, such as cats.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 18-19 inches high
Females: 16-18 inches high

Weight

Males: 40-45 lbs
Females: 35-45 lbs

Color(s)

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will come in one colour variation which is the white & red. They are allowed different patches or markings throughout their body, but the colouring must stay the same or they will be disqualified in the show ring.

Coat

This breed has a smooth, straight coat that cascades from their chest, underbelly and tail. Curly hair will be a disqualification as they must have a coat that is plushy and flat which is needed for this breed to protect them from the elements they hunt in.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a laid back, caring family pet that will be a great addition to one person or a family. They need a large amount of attention but will also enjoy time spent to themselves. Once they have a bond with the family or their master, this cannot be broken and they will be near them at all times. Their loyalty is renowned and are often said to be their owners shadow!

This breed will need to be socialized at a young age around other people and dogs to ensure they will not be aggressive nor shy as adults. They will need an owner who is gentle yet firm and fair to raise them because the Welsh Springer Spaniel must have stability and correct rules set into place. Obedience and hunting/retrieval training is suggested to start at a very early age as they can be stubborn if taught later.

Care

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once per week and bathing every 1-2 months will be excellent. They are prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, eye ailments such as entropian and possibly epilepsy.

Training

These dogs will need a patient, gentle owner to teach them obedience or any type of retrieving or hunting training. Lessons should be kept short and made to be fun so the dog relates training and working to an enjoyable experience. They already have a high motivation to please their owners, but will need repetition and consistency to perfect the commands!

Activity

The Welsh Springer Spaniel will need about an hour of exercise per day which can be done at a dog park playing with their friends, chasing a ball, or even on a walk. This breed has a tendency to become quite lazy, so even if they choose to not want to go out on a particular day, they should be encouraged! These dogs will do well in an apartment and will not need a backyard but access to one would definitely be a bonus.

The Weimaraner originated in Germany and was bred to hunt down foxes, birds, boar, rabbits, deer, fowl and even bears! They are also used as retrievers on land and on water making them a versatile, useful hunting partner. They are thought to be a mixture of Pointers, Braken’s (a type of German Hound), and Mastiff’s.

This breed has a lean, toned body and muscular straight legs. They have a long muzzle, large circular eyes and floppy, triangular ears. The Weimaraner has a unique coat colouring which is a gray-ish blue as well as a matching nose and nails. Naturally their tail is long and slender, but for showing purposes it will be docked.

The Weimaraner is a responsive, outgoing, and energetic breed that will need a large amount of exercise daily to keep them mentally and physically healthy. These dogs will become very rowdy and hyperactive indoors if they do not get taken out at least twice per day. They are an affectionate breed that are loyal to their masters but are not recommended for people that want a low key pet.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 24-27 inches high

Females: 22-25 inches high

Weight

Males: 55-70 lbs
Females: 50-65 lbs

Color(s)

The Weimaraner will only come in one coat colour which is the steel blue-ish gray. There are to be no spotting or markings on the dog and consistency in colour is a must. The eyes may be gray, yellow or blue and the nose must correspond with the shade of gray the coat comes in.

Coat

This breed has a short, sleek coat that will need very minimal grooming. Weimaraner’s also come in a rare long haired version that will have fur about 1-2 inches in length but most commonly seen is the smooth coated variety.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Weimaraner will be a hard worker as well as a great family pet if owned by the correct person. These dogs are definitely not for the first time owner because they can be remarkably stubborn and will need firm, repetitive obedience training by someone who has knowledge of this subject. They will also need large amounts of exercise and affection for them to flourish into happy, loving dogs. The Weimaraner will interact well with other dogs and children but should not be around small family pets such as cats, hamsters, rats etc. because they have a high prey drive and will chase or hunt them when nobody is looking.

These dogs are incredibly energetic and thrive on their owners love and affection! They are not the type to be left alone too often because they will become depressed, bored and even neurotic. Training of a Weimaraner should start as soon as the dog is brought home to enforce the house/family rules and these should be kept strict so the dog understands what is allowed and what is not.

Care

The Weimaraner will need very minimal grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once every 2 weeks and bathing every 2 months will be perfect! They are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and bloat. Progressive Retinal Atrophy and distichiasis may also be genetic ailments this breed may inherit.

Training

These dogs will need an experienced, patient owner to teach them any sort of obedience, agility, or hunting training. They are clever dogs but will be stubborn and uninterested in training at times, so short lessons done multiple times per day is suggested so they do not get overwhelmed with all the new information. Weimaraner’s need to be taught using very gentle methods or they will become discouraged and unmotivated.

Activity

Weimaraner’s will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out! Running at an off-leash park, swimming or climbing on a hike will be perfect to burn off their energy. Without proper physical activity, these dogs will become neurotic and even destructive of their owners home, so exercise daily is a must. This breed will do well living in an apartment as long as they are taken out every day, and a backyard is not needed but access to one would be a bonus.

The Hungarian Vizsla originated in Hungary and was bred to locate and collect game for hunters. Although they look like more of a dainty breed, these dogs will work in any terrain and is a prized pet and worker! Vizsla translates to “Pointer” in Hungarian which is very fitting considering the breed is actually a mixture of the Turkish Yellow Dog, German Shorthaired Pointer and the Transylvanian Hound.

These dogs have an athletic, toned body and long muscular legs. They have large floppy ears, and a slender muzzle that is gentle enough to carry or collect small game. Vizsla’s have a deep chest that gives them a speed advantage when working as well as small, rounded paws. Naturally their tail is long, but for show purposes it will be docked.

Hungarian Vizsla’s are extremely sweet, cuddly dogs that thrive on any affection they get! They are friendly and outgoing making friends anywhere they go. These dogs have an unusually high energy level and will need a large amount of exercise daily to be happy and healthy. Despite their loving character, this breed will become destructive or misbehaved if they are not taken out everyday. They literally need 1-2 hours every day of running or swimming to burn off their energy!

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 22-26 inches high
Females: 20-24 inches high

Weight

Males: 45-65 lbs
Females: 40-55 lbs

Color(s)

The Vizsla will come in red but there are various shades that are accepted for show rings such as golden reds, brown-ish reds and coppery reds. Tiny white markings located on the chest or paws are permitted but are not encouraged.

Coat

This breed has 3 different coat varieties: the smooth, long and wirehaired. The most
common is the smooth coat which is sleek, short and glossy throughout the entire body. They only have 1 layer of fur which will make it more difficult to work in as they will become cold easily.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Vizsla is an excellent working dog but will also be a great family pet! They interact very well with children and other dogs. Smaller animals such as mice or rats should be monitored around this breed because they have a high prey drive and might consider these prey!

These dogs are great for people that want a clean pet, they do not shed too much and because their coat is so short, it doesn’t smell. Even though Vizsla’s are great for companionship, they are not recommended for every person. Potential owners of this breed must have ample time to spend training, exercising and loving them because if any of these are lacking, the dog will become neurotic!

Exercise will be a key element to raising these dogs. They need multiple walks, or trips to the park daily and should be made to run until they are tuckered out! Although they look more delicate than the average Pointer, Vizsla’s will need hard, physical exercise such as swimming, running, hiking or jogging with their owners so they will be at ease when at home.

Care

The Vizsla will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing every 2 weeks and bathing once every 1-2 months will be perfect! These dogs are prone to epilepsy, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia and a couple of eye ailments such as entropian and ectropian. If interested in buying a Vizsla, the potential owners should check the medical background of the puppy’s parents to ensure they get a healthy baby.

Training

Vizsla’s are a very intelligent breed but will need firm, positive training methods to be able to grasp obedience. They have a stubborn streak that will need repetition and most of all patience to overcome. Once these dogs have a certain command understood they will not forget it, but owners should still practice on a weekly basis just to keep this fresh in the dogs mind. Socialization will be needed when they are young especially around other people and louder, busier situations so they will become stable, confident adults!

Activity

These dogs will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day which can be done at an off-leash park or on multiple walks. They will do well in a household environment that has a backyard because they need as much space as possible to live and roam around in. When inside and exercised to their content, Vizsla’s are happy, calm dogs that are a pleasure to own!

The Sussex Spaniel originated in England and was bred to chase game out of hiding and locate/retrieve them for their owner. They are thought to be a mixture of various Springer Spaniels and the Field Spaniel. This breed came very close to extinction and were selectively bred to a safe level but are still a rarity today.

This breed has a long body and shortened muscular legs giving their body a high resemblance to the Basset Hound and the Clumber Spaniel. Their eyes are large and they have long, floppy ears. The Sussex Spaniel will have a long muzzle, wide chest and big paws. Naturally these dogs have a long tail, but will be docked for show purposes.

The Sussex Spaniel is a very docile, sweet breed that has a laid back attitude. They are energetic while working but for the most part are at ease and take life at a slow pace. This breed is not common, but will make a great family pet because they adore children and interact well with other animals. Sussex Spaniels have a stubborn streak, but are generally obedient and want nothing but to please their masters.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 13-16 inches high
Females: 13-16 inches high

Weight

Males: 35-45 lbs
Females: 35-45 lbs

Color(s)

The Sussex Spaniel will come in a golden liver which is a light reddish brown colouring. This is the only colour that is accepted for show standards and it must be solid or the dog will be disqualified.

Coat

This breed has a long, straight coat that cascades from their belly, chest, tail and legs. Their fur is flat but will be loosely wavy at the ends and is fine to the touch. The Sussex Spaniel will only need a moderate amount of grooming for their fur and brushing them 3-4 times per week will be sufficient.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Sussex Spaniel is an intelligent dog but will need an owner who can be gentle and repetitive with their training. These dogs can have a willful attitude at times and will need their owner to be firm when necessary. They love to be the center of attention and will live up every moment of it! The Sussex Spaniel should not be left alone too often because they might take up barking as an extracurricular activity as well as become very lonely.

Despite their working abilities and skills, the Sussex Spaniel makes a fantastic pet. They are renowned for their calm persona and can be owned by elderly, couples, and families. These merry, amiable dogs will make a good house pet and excellent watchdog, prepared to alert the family at a moments notice.

Care

The Sussex Spaniel will need a moderate amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing a few times per week and bathing every 1-2 months will be excellent. This breed is prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease and ear infections but both of these ailments are due to their physical build. They will become overweight if they’re fed too much so their owner will need to monitor the food intake.

Training

The Sussex Spaniel will need a gentle owner who can train them using firm and repetitive methods. They can be stubborn so will need consistency as well as shorter lessons for them to grasp obedience. If the training sessions are made to be fun, this breed will relate commands to positive outcomes and they will want to continue to learn.

Activity

This breed will need about an hour of exercise per day to tire them out. Trips to an off-leash park or longer walks will be perfect. Although they are a more calm breed, when out for exercise, they become quite energetic and will run around excitedly! The Sussex Spaniel will do well in a household environment because they need as much space as they can get to live in. A backyard would be preferable so they can have access to an outdoor area at home.

The Spinone Italiano originated in Italy and was bred to be a hunters right hand man and either retrieve, point out, or hunt down game. It is thought that this breed is a mixture of the German Wirehaired Pointer, Russian Setter or Spanish Pointer (two of which are now extinct) but this is uncertain. These dogs were given their name from the shrub they would find their prey in which was called the “pino”.

This breed has a large resemblance to the German Wirehaired Pointer in the way that both their bodies are lean and muscular and both have long, powerful muzzles. The Spinone Italiano has large floppy ears, and big circular eyes which gives them their sweet expression. They have strong, straight legs giving them their lengthy stride when on the hunt and a thick wiry coat that will protect them from rough terrain and cold weather. Naturally the Spinone’s tail would be long but for show purposes will be docked.

The Spinone Italiano is a sweet, caring breed that is laid back and well-behaved. They are extremely affectionate and adore children, making them great for family pets as well as excellent working companions. This breed has a very high motivation to please their owners and will go the extra mile to do so. Hunting and retrieving are their specialty but if trained correctly in a gentle manner, can be taught many other different ways to help out their master on a hunt!

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 23-28 inches high
Females: 22-26 inches high

Weight

Males: 75-86 lbs
Females: 61-75 lbs

Color(s)

The Spinone Italiano will come in a brown & white, speckled brown, white, orange, speckled orange and brown with white markings. These dogs will have a large variety of coat patterns, markings, and patches but as long as their colours are within these standards, they will be accepted into show rings.

Coat

These dogs have a wiry coat that is very similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer but the Spinone will only have one layer of fur. To the touch, their coat will be dense yet hard giving them much protection from shrubs and other low to the ground plants that could potentially scratch or scrape them when on a hunt.

Life Expectancy

About 8-12 years.

Personality

The Spinone Italiano is a versatile, low-key dog that will be great for people that like to relax and lay back with their pet or for people that like to be outdoors on an adventure. They are moldable dogs that will adapt to the lifestyle of their owners, provided they still get regular exercise. These dogs are very emotional and will tap into their owners moods, so a gentle attitude and manner towards this dog is always a must because it is quite possible for them to have hurt feelings otherwise! The Spinone will always want to please their owner and make them happy, so disciplining will need to be done sensitively.

These dogs have a charming little personality, they are said to be comedians in dog suits! They enjoy playing, performing little tricks, and keeping the mood light with their funny antics! They are definitely a breed that will need to be included in family activities because if left alone too often, will become depressed. Socialization will be needed as puppies around other animals and people to ensure they will not be shy or aggressive as adults.

Care

The Spinone Italiano will need very minimal grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing 1-2 times per week and bathing every 2 months will be perfect for this breed! Their coat is not quite long enough to tangle, but will need to have the dead fur removed weekly. The Spinone is prone to Cerebellar Ataxia, hip dysplasia and bloat. Generally they are a healthy breed but potential owners should have the puppy’s parents medical history checked before buying, just to see what their puppy might be genetically inheriting.

Training

This breed is incredibly smart and will not need a large amount of training to understand basic obedience. However they will need an owner who can stay calm and remain firm but in a gentle manner because these dogs will show guilt if they are disciplined to harshly. Short training lessons that are made to be fun and positive, will make all the difference for this breed’s understanding of any type of training concept so their owner will need to be repetitive and clear with each new command they introduce.

Activity

The Spinone Italiano will need about a half and hour to an hour of exercise per day to tire them out. Long walks or trips to a dog park will be perfect to burn off their energy. They are not as hyperactive as other sporting dogs, but will still be quite energetic! These dogs will do well in an apartment as long as they get their regular exercise and access to a backyard would be preferable so they have an outdoor area at home to roam around in.

The Pointer originated in England and was bred to locate game for hunters. They are thought to be a mixture of the Setter, Greyhound, Bulldog, Bloodhound, Newfoundland and Foxhound. Although this amount of purebreds is unlikely to create a physically well balanced dog for hunting, the creation is proof that it can be done!

The Pointer has a lean, athletic body and long, muscular legs. They have a powerful muzzle, and floppy, triangular ears. This breed is deep chested, giving them a speed advantage when on the hunt, as well as large paws and an extremely sensitive nose to sniff out their silent prey. The Pointer’s tail is long and slender which is often the marker for locating the dog in tall grass!

The Pointer is loyal, hardworking and energetic making them perfect for hunters that need a right hand man! This breed will also make a great family pet because they interact well with children and will get along with other dogs as well as smaller animals. Pointers are friendly and outgoing but will need socialization as pups to get them to this state, especially around other people and louder noises.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 22-28 inches high
Females: 21-26 inches high

Weight

Males: 40-75 lbs
Females: 35-65 lbs

Color(s)

The Pointer will come in a variety of colours such as orange, brown, tri-colour, black or lemon. These colours can be a mixture of patches, spots or be completely solid. Most commonly seen is the brown with patches of white throughout their body, but all are permitted in the show ring.

Coat

Pointers have a short, sleek coat that will only need minimal grooming. They have 1 layer of fur which makes them much more susceptible to the cold, resulting in not being able to hunt in temperatures that are too low.

Life Expectancy

About 12-17 years.

Personality

The Pointer is a happy-go-lucky breed with a spirited personality around family and friends. Around people they’ve never met however they tend to be more weary and stand-offish but this will subside once they’ve been introduced. As puppies of a few months old, this breed will start to develop their inherited skills for hunting and will practice for their owners often! Pointers tend to be a bit more independent and will not mind spending some time to themselves so having a person stay with them throughout the day is not necessary.

Breeders and fanciers of this breed alike say that for a companion, potential owners should stick to buying dogs who have show blood lines rather than actual hunting blood lines because they are much less energetic and driven. These dogs have a fantastic sense of smell and will go looking for any food or interesting smell if given the chance, so when walking this breed a leash is always necessary!

Care

Pointers will need a very minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing once every week or 2 and bathing every 2 months will be perfect! This breed is prone to skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. For the most part, Pointers are healthy dogs with very few inheritable diseases.

Training

English Pointers are a highly motivated breed that want to please their owners. They will need firm yet gentle methods to be able to grasp obedience or any type of hunting command. Repetition as well as lessons that are kept short will allow this breed much more practice as well as time for each new trick or command to sink in. Once they learn a specific trick, this stays with them forever and their owners will be able to rely on these dogs as if they were literally partners.

Activity

English Pointers will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day which can be done running them at an off-leash park or taking them on multiple walks. If these dogs are not given their needed amount of exercise, they will become quite hyperactive and ill-behaved. This breed will do well in a household environment that has a big backyard or even land because they literally need as much space to live and roam around in as possible.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR) originated in Nova Scotia and was bred to attract ducks until they were in range for the hunter, and to collect them once they were down. They are thought to be a mixture of the Labrador, Irish Setter, Flat Coated Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Chesapeake Bay retriever! The variety of hunting and sporting breeds combined into this dog make the NSDTR excellent at their job and gives them a high prey drive.

This breed has a compact, athletic body with toned, thin legs. They have a long, slender muzzle and medium sized floppy ears that are pricked upwards. The NSDTR has large curious eyes and a long bushy tail that is used as a rudder when retrieving game that has landed in water.

The NSDTR is a lively, loving breed that will make a great working partner as well as a great family dog because they adore children, dogs and smaller pets. This breed is friendly, outgoing and affectionate and will be a simpler dog to train, but their owners will experience their stubbornness at times! NSDTR’s thrive on the attention and praise they get from their owners because they need to know that they are needed!

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 17-21 inches high

Females: 17-21 inches high

Weight

Males: 37-51 lbs
Females: 37-51 lbs

Color(s)

The NSDTR will only be a reddish colour but can come in different shades of the red. White patches or markings on their paws, tail, and chest are permitted but they must not be large.

Coat

This breed has a wavy, smooth textured double layered coat. The outer layer is a bit more coarse and long but the under layer is plushy and thick. The NSDTR will not need extensive grooming but weekly brushing and monthly bathes should be perfect!

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years.

Personality

The NSDTR is an active, smart and energetic breed that will need a large amount of exercise to keep them happy. Despite their small size, this breed should have at least 1-2 hours of physical activity per day. This breed is outgoing and friendly with family and friends but when it comes to people they’ve never met, they tend to be more weary until they are introduced. NSDTR’s have an unusually strong bond with their owners and they literally thrive on the affection they get from them.

These dogs are in a constant mind of play and usually find things to keep them entertained. They love to explore and are high spirited dogs making friends everywhere they go! This cheerful breed will do best with an active owner or family that enjoys outdoor sports or events.

Care

The NSDTR will need a minimal amount of grooming maintenance to upkeep their coat. Brushing 1-2 times per week and bathing every 2 months will be great! These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, eye ailments such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy and possibly thyroid problems. For the most part, this breed is generally quite healthy!

Training

These dogs are incredibly clever and will just need a gentle owner who can be firm while teaching them. Shorter lessons that take place multiple times per day will be much more effective as it will give the dogs more repetition and time for the information to sink in. NSDTR’s are not a difficult breed to train because they have such a high motivation to please their owners.

Activity

The NSDTR will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out. This can be done running at an off-leash park or swimming in a lake. These dogs don’t really care what sort of activities they do but as long as they and their owners are having fun, that’s all that matters! They will be well off in an apartment as long as they are taken out every day and a backyard is not needed but access to one would be a bonus.

The Labrador Retriever, also called “Labrador” or “Lab” for short, is one of the most popular breed of dog in the North America and England. One of the oldest recognized breeds, there are more Labrador Retrievers officially registered with breed registries in the beginning of this century than any other purebred in the US or UK.

Originating on the island of Newfoundland, Canada, during the 1700s, the Labrador Retriever were brought to England in the early 1800s by English fishermen. The Labrador Retriever is the result of selective breeding between the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog, the Newfoundland, and some native water dogs.

He was first used to jump overboard into the icy waters of the North Atlantic to retrieve large fish escaping from nets or to haul fisherman’s nets to shore. There are two types of Lab, the English and the American lines. The English bred Labrador are more calm, thick and heavy, while American bred Lab mature slowly and are tall and thin.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

21 – 24 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

55 – 80 lbs, but some males can grow up to 100 lbs.

Color(s)

The Labrador Retriever coat colors are solid black, yellow or pale to deep “chocolate”, in that order of frequency and popularity and it’s possible to have all three colors within a single litter.

Coat

The Labrador Retriever is a short, straight, easy-care and very dense water-resistant double coat breed, thus protecting this breed from the extensive use of the dog in all types of ground and water environments.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

The highly intelligent Labrador Retriever is a loyal, affectionate, patient and high-spirited dog. They are good-natured, outgoing, and possess an extremely sociable temperament, they love everyone.

They are kind to children and friendly to other dogs and animals. They may be aloof with strangers and make good watchdogs, but not guard dogs.

The Labrador Retriever need human attention and to feel they are part of the family. Known as docile and reliable, these active dogs have even been put to work as service dogs for the handicapped person and numerous guide dogs for the blind in the world are Labrador Retrievers.

Care

Labrador Retrievers are a generally healthy breed with few major problems. However, they may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eye disorders and skin tumors. The smooth, short-haired, double coat requires regular grooming with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when absolutely necessary.

Training

The versatile Labrador Retrievers is easy to train and open minded to new things, some of their talents include; hunting, police work, search and rescue, watchdogging, agility, and competitive obedience. They needs fairness, firmness, consistency in training and do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Labrador Retriever have very strong necks and must be train early not to pull on the leash.

Activity

Labrador Retrievers breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard to run without a leash. They enjoy work and play (especially in water), family play sessions, swimming, retrieving a ball and fetch Frisbees.

The Irish Water Spaniel originated in Ireland and was bred to retrieve game from lakes or rivers. It is thought that this breed is a mixture of the Barbet, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog and Curly Coated Retriever but this is not certain. Although they make great working dogs both alone and along side their master, they also make excellent family pets, they are just not as well known as some of the more popular breeds of today.

This breed has a very unique coat being made up of all tightly coiled ringlets. This will help protect them from cold weather, as well as cold water making it much easier for them to hunt/retrieve. The Irish Water Spaniel has a lean, muscular body, a slender long tail, and strong toned legs making the swim to retrieve game faster. They have large floppy ears and a long powerful muzzle to carry birds in, but should be noted that they are quite gentle with their owners catch!

The Irish Water Spaniel is a head strong, willing, and happy dog that will be a great pet as well as a hard working partner. They get along well with children and smaller family pets as long as they both treat the dog with respect. This breed is not for a family or owner that has had no experience raising or training dogs because they have a stubborn attitude at times and will require more exercise and attention than the everyday house pet.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 20-24 inches high
Females: 20-24 inches high

Weight

Males: 45-65 lbs
Females: 45-65 lbs

Color(s)

The Irish Water Spaniel will come in one colour only which is the rich brown. There is to be a purple-ish hue in the light making their coat unique only to them. Some lines will be a darker brown and other lines will be a more rich light brown.

Coat

These dogs have a tightly curled coat that will have the same texture throughout their entire body! Their fur is double layered with the outer layer being the curls which are a soft, clean texture and the under layer being thick and plush. They have this specific coat because they need extra warmth when swimming in extremely cold water.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

This breed will need a lot of socialization as a puppy, especially around other dogs and people so when in social situations they will not become timid or aggressive. The Irish Water Spaniel is a comical breed that will make a wonderful companion as long as they are raised by an owner who is firm yet fair. Training this breed will need to start as soon as they are brought home to ensure they understand what is acceptable in the household and what is not. The Irish Water Spaniel is a clever breed and will make a great addition to the right owner or family!

These dogs are protective, loyal and independent but still quite affectionate towards their masters. People they have never met before will in a sense, not matter unless they are formally introduced to the dog. Generally they are a goofy dog that has a charming personality and excellent demeanor. This agile and beautiful breed will be a great pet for people that enjoy physical activity or just enjoy the outdoors!

Care

The Irish Water Spaniel will need a moderate amount of grooming to keep their coat looking great. Brushing 4-5 times per week and bathing when the owner finds this necessary will be perfect. These dogs tend to be quite clean so the only real supervision should just be towards tangles developing in their coats. The Irish Water Spaniel is prone to ear infections, and hypothyroidism. Generally this breed is quite healthy but the parents medical history should be checked just for the potential owners awareness of any inheritable diseases.

Training

The Irish Water Spaniel will need an owner with experience to raise and train them in obedience. They have a stubborn side which will sometimes make them more difficult to train but consistency and repetition are always the key. These dogs are incredibly smart and have the motivation to please their owners, but need gentle yet firm guidance in order to follow commands. It is suggested that these dogs be given short training lessons multiple times per day so they have time to think about the commands and have the concepts sink in.

Activity

This breed will need at least an hour per day of exercise and this can be done at an off-leash park where they can run and stretch their legs or just by swimming! They will burn off much more energy being off-leash roaming, or chasing after a ball than on a walk. The Irish Water Spaniel will be better off in a household environment that has a backyard because they need as much indoor and outdoor space as possible to live in.