The Gordon Setter originated in Scotland and was bred to hunt/retrieve game for their owners. They are thought to be a mixture of the English Spaniel, Land Spaniel and the Spanish Pointer. These dogs originally were bred and used for working alongside their masters on a hunt, but today are more used as either show dogs or family companions due to their sweet nature.

This breed has a lean, toned body with straight muscular legs. Their muzzle is long, possessing a gentle bite which aids in retrieving/carrying game and they have large friendly eyes. The Gordon Setter has big floppy ears and a sensitive nose that enables them to quickly find their prey, as well as a long, slender tail that when in the water acts as a rudder.

The Gordon Setter is a calm, well behaved breed that will make a great family pet. They interact well with children and other pets but will need a lot of socialization as puppies to get to this state. This breed will need to be brought around other dogs/animals and busier public situations to get them comfortable with people and loud areas so they don’t become timid adults.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 24-27 inches high

Females: 23-26 inches high

Weight

Males: 55-80 lbs
Females: 45-70 lbs

Color(s)

The Gordon Setter will come in only 1 coat coloration which is the black and tan. They have specific colour patching throughout their body that must coincide with the breed standards and if it does not, will count as a disqualification in the show ring!

Coat

This breed has a sleek flat coat that is smooth to the touch. They should not have curled or frizzy fur as only the straight coat is permitted for show requirements of the breed’s standard.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Gordon Setter is a sweet, loving companion that will make an excellent pet! They love people and are exceptionally affectionate with their owners, showing sheer loyalty and devotion to them at all times. They are clever and relaxed, making them an easier breed to train provided their owners use gentle methods and repetition. Although they have a serene persona, these dogs will need a large amount of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

This breed can be protective of their property and will make a good watchdog that will be ready to alert their owners of intruders! Despite their friendly character, the Gordon Setter will be weary of people they haven’t met but will warm up quickly once they have been introduced.

Care

The Gordon Setter will need a moderate amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing 2-3 times per week and bathing every 2 months will be perfect to keep their coat mat free. This breed is prone to hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia, bloat and cataracts.

Training

These dogs will need repetition and clear techniques to teach them obedience or any type of training. Their owner will need to be positive and firm to show the dog that they mean business! Gordon Setters are an intelligent breed and will be able to grasp training concepts much quicker if they are taught in short lessons multiple times per day, so for every session the information will sink in more effectively.

Activity

The Gordon Setter will need at least 1 hour of exercise per day which would be best if done in an off-leash park so they can run! These dogs love to swim so that is also an excellent option to burn off their energy. They will do well in a household environment that has a backyard because they need as much space as possible to live in.

The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Islands. The breed comes from crosses between the Flat-Coated Retriever, Spaniel breeds, Setters, the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. This breed was first shown as the Golden Flat-Coat.

Highly obedient, the Golden Retriever as been used for many tasks like hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection, guiding blind people and service dog for the disabled.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Male: 23-24 inches

Female: 21½-22½ inches

Weight

Male: 65-75 lbs

Female: 55-65 lbs

Color(s)

The Golden Retriever can come in any shades of golden and feathering can be lighter.

Coat

The Golden Retriever’s outer coat is lying close to body, stiff and tough, but never coarse. It can be straight or wavy with moderate feathering on back of forelegs and under the body. Feathering is heavier on back of thighs, under the tail and front of the neck. Hairs on the front of legs, paws and on the head are short and smooth.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

These lovable dogs are known for their great charm and their high intelligence. In fact, the Golden Retriever, eager to please, is very easy to train and excels in obedience competitions. Well-mannered, sweet, patient and gentle with children, this breed makes an outstanding family dog.

The Golden Retriever is loyal and confident, loving and cheerful. This dog is friendly with everyone which makes it a poor guard dog. It constantly needs to be around people to be happy.

Care

The Golden Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia, congenital eye defects and skin allergies. The parents should be checked for heart problems. The Golden Retriever is very easy to take care of. It needs to be brushed, combed and dry shampooed regularly, but bathed only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Training

The Golden Retriever will thrive if the training is done softly. As it is eager to please its master, this breed is very easy to train and excels at obedience competitions.

Activity

The Golden Retriever is a very energetic dog that needs daily vigorous exercise. It will enjoy activities like running alongside you or your bicycle, swimming or retrieving.

The German Wirehaired Pointer originated in Germany and was bred to work alongside their hunting master and find or “point” out the game after it was shot. This breed is thought to be a mixture of the Bloodhound, Wirehaired Griffon, Foxhound and Poodle mixes, giving them their excellent hunting skills as well as their fantastic agile and speedy gait.

This breed has a muscular body, strong, toned legs and triangular, floppy ears which give them an innocent look. The GWP (German Wirehaired Pointer) has a long, powerful muzzle and large circular eyes. Naturally their tail is long, but for showing purposes will be docked. Their fur is the most valuable asset to them because this will not only protect them from the bitter cold, but also from rougher terrains where they must retrieve their owner’s game.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is energetic, responsive and very devoted to their families. They will make a great family pet because they interact well with children and will get along with smaller animals in the household. This breed will need a large amount of exercise to remain calm, so if this is not done they might become destructive.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Males: 24-26 inches high

Females: 22-24 inches high

Weight

Males: 60-70 lbs
Females: 60-70 lbs

Color(s)

This breed will come in one colour variation which is the white & liver. They can have many different markings, spottings or patches as long as the colour stays the same.

Coat

The German Wirehaired Pointer has a hard, dense, double layered coat. The top layer is wire-like and straight and the under layer is thickly insulated. It is very important for their fur to meet the standards of any show ring because if not, they will be disqualified no matter how beautiful the dog. The length is to be about an inch long and should have a messy look to it.

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years.

Personality

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a cheerful, outgoing breed that will need to be socialized as puppies, especially around other dogs and people to ensure they will be comfortable in varying situations as adults. They are affectionate with family and friends but will be weary around people they’ve never met. This will quickly pass once they have been introduced to the new person and a new friendship will have been created!

These dogs have a strong personality and will need an owner who possesses that type of energy. Large amounts of exercise as well as quality time spent with this breed is definitely needed or they will become lonely and depressed dogs.

Care

The German Wirehaired Pointer will need a moderate amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing 3-4 times per week and bathing when the owner finds it necessary will be perfect! These dogs might be prone to skin ailments (allergies and cancers), hip dysplasia, and eye infections. Generally this is a healthy breed which doesn’t inherit many genetic diseases.

Training

This breed will need an owner who has experience in training or has some knowledge in that field as they can be very stubborn dogs. Short training sessions will be needed and firm consistency will be the only way this breed will learn. If obedience is taught in an enjoyable or fun manner, it is much more likely these dogs will pick it up quickly because they won’t see it as a chore, but more of a treat to learn the commands!

Activity

This breed will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out! Trips to an off-leash park where they can run or chase after a ball will be essential to burn off their energy. These dogs will need a household to roam around in because they are large dogs that cannot live in the space of an apartment. A backyard would be needed so they can have an outdoor area at home to run in.

The German Shorthaired Pointer comes from the old Spanish Pointer, which was brought to Germany in the early 1600’s.

However, it is impossible to know the exact origins of the German Shorthaired Pointer, the best candidates would be the Schweisshund, the Foxhound, other hounds and also the Italian Pointer.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

Male: : 23-25  inches high

Female: 21-23 inches high

Weight

Male: 55-70 lbs

Female: 45-60 lbs

Color(s)

The German Shorthaired Pointer can come in combinations of liver and white ticked, liver patched and white ticked or liver roan.

Coat

The coat of the German Shorthaired Pointer is short, thick and tough. Hairs are softer, thinner and shorter on ears and head and are longer under the tail and on back of haunches.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a loyal and protective dog that loves to be with family members; it constantly needs to be near people and is very cheerful and friendly. Liking children, these dogs make excellent family pets if enough exercised.

If left alone for a long time, they might become bored and destructive. German Shorthaired Pointers are extremely energetic and need to have daily chances to spend their energy. Smart and willing to please, these dogs are quite easy to train.

Care

The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally a healthy breed, but some can be prone to epilepsy, hermaphrodism an lymphedema. Some other minor concerns are gastric torsion, entropion, VWD, pannus, OCD and CHD.

Very easy to take care of, the German Shorthaired Pointer needs to be brushed regularly and bathe only when necessary. The ears must be checked regularly and the coat must be dried after hunting.

Training

The German Shorthaired Pointer is quite easy to train, but tend to be stubborn, so it needs patient and firm training.

Activity

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an extremely energetic dog that will take as much exercise as you can give it. They need a lot of daily exercise or they might become destructive.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier originated in Ireland and was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and rodents. They are related to the Irish Terrier, Wheaten Terrier, and Kerry Blue Terrier. Their name comes from the region in Ireland from which they began to be bred. These dogs were used in pit fights that owners and gamblers alike would bet on. The Glen of Imaal was also used for manual labor in a wheel shaped contraption that they would run in. As they ran the machine would slowly spin a long rod that would sear meat like an old age rotisserie!

These dogs have a shaggy coat and a long athletic body. The Glen of Imaal has a disproportionate body that is longer than it is tall. This breed has large ears that prick half way up as well as a rectangular shaped muzzle that is very powerful. Their tail is naturally long but is docked for show purposes. These dogs slightly resemble the Welsh Corgi in body shape and the West Highland White Terrier in facial expression.

This breed is a lively, playful, exuberant dog that has a bit of a stubborn streak. They are devoted to their owners and the family but will be less welcoming of new people to the household. Upon a couple of meetings, this breed will warm up and become much friendlier. The Glen of Imaal will make perfect family dogs as they adore children! This breed will be suitable in an environment that has no other pets because they are not as outgoing with other dogs and consider smaller animals such as cats, hamsters, rabbits etc. prey and will chase these.

Breed Group

Terrier

Size

Males: 12-14 inches high
Females: 12-14 inches high

Weight

Males: 34-36 lbs
Females: 34-36 lbs

Color(s)

The Bull Terrier comes in solid white, brindle, fawn, red, tri-colour and black. Most commonly seen are the solid white and brindle colouring.

Coat

This breed has a double layered coat that has a thick, soft under layer and a tougher, more harsh textured outer coat. This will help them stay much warmer in colder temperatures when hunting alongside their owners. Their coat will need moderate grooming as they should be brushed about twice per week. Bathes should be given every 2-3 months and they will need to have their fur stripped about twice a year.

Life Expectancy

About 10-14 years.

Personality

The Glen of Imaal is a tough, scrappy dog that has a soft spot for their families. They are muscular hunters that are agile, intelligent and tenacious. They are hard working and extremely loyal to their owners and have a harsh attitude when it comes to hunting down their prey. It is said that the only way these dogs will release their grip from their prey is to force open their jaws! The Glen of Imaal has an intense love for their owners and are affectionate, playful and energetic. These dogs will make great family pets or working dogs for people that are looking for a loyal and hardworking breed.

This dog has an arrogant attitude but it exhibits his character about his confidence. They are outgoing and passionate dogs that need an owner who will be able to train, live with, and share their lifestyle with, as these types of dogs need owners who will be willing to go the extra mile with them!

Care

This breed will need to be brushed on a weekly basis as their coat is long and thick which will promote tangles and mats. Bathing will not need to be done often unless the dog dirties themselves but yearly stripping of their coat will be needed at least twice. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is prone to skin allergies and some eye diseases, one being Progressive Retinal Atrophy. On the whole this dog is a very healthy breed.

Training

The Glen of Imaal will need strict and firm training. These dogs are smart but have a stubborn attitude that will need to be worked on. Gentle methods are necessary but firm consistency and repetition will be the only way to train this breed. They have a high motivation to please their owners so once training is completely understood they show excellent understanding.

Activity

This breed will need daily long walks to burn off their energy. They play the majority of the day which usually tires them out but will still need more exercise. Trips to an area where they can run around would also be great for these dogs to play or chase a ball. The Glen of Imaal will do ok in an apartment as long as they have their daily exercise. A fenced in backyard would be ideal but isn’t necessary for this breed.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is probably the oldest Swiss dog and has made a contribution in the development of the St-Bernard and the Rottweiler breeds.

There are a few theories about the origins of the Swiss Sennenhund breeds, the most popular one states that they are descendant from the Mollasian, a dog that invaded to the Alps with the Roman Legions 100 years B.C.

Breed Group

Working

Size

Male: 25.5 to 28.5 inches
Female: 23.5 to 27 inches

Weight

Male: 100-140 lbs
Female: 80-110 lbs

Color(s)

The coat is black on top, with white and rust colored markings on the body.

Coat

The outer coat is dense and not more than 2 inches in length. The thick undercoat is always present and shows at the neck as well as other places.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 11 years.

Personality

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is vigilant. It is also protective, loyal and courageous but not aggressive. Territorial, this breed can be suspicious of newcomers. However, if introduced to them, they will quickly accept the family’s friends. Very alert, it will bark at weird noises or intruders.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is usually good with other pets, but it has to be taught not to chase them. They are nice to children and need to feel like a family member; they always want to be near them and are eager to please. It takes a long time, 2 or 3 years, before they come to maturity physically and mentally.

Care

The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is an average shedder. It needs to be brushed regularly.

Training

The training is very important for this dog. It’s usually a challenge to train them, but with a lot of time, they can make really good companions. They are very protective of their family but it is important for them to know that the owner is the boss.

Activity

They only need moderate amount of exercise. They can even live in an apartment or with a small yard if properly worked out. They prefer cool temperatures, but they can always adapt themselves.

The Great Pyrenees comes from the Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. This dog is native from France and was used as a guard dog for sheep and cattle. Back in 1800 B.C., a dog similar to the Great Pyrenees had been discovered in Europe.

The breed probably first came from Asia or Siberia, but when established in Europe, it stayed in the mountainous regions until the middle ages. The dog became a noble guard dog as it gained popularity. In the 17 th century, every French noble wanted a Great Pyrenees.

It was used to protect owners from bears and wolves. Later on, this breed was used for rescue operations from avalanches, as a sled dog, as a pack dog, as a cart-puller and as a guardian. It may have been used as a war dog in ancient time when it was less gentle. It was officially recognized by the AKC in 1933.

Breed Group

Working

Size

Male: 27-32 inches
Female: 25-29 inches

Weight

Male: Approximately 100 lbs
Female: Approximately 85 lbs

Color(s)

The Great Pyrenees can be white, white with gray markings, reddish brown or different shades of tan. Markings can appear on the ears, on the tail and on the body and a full face mask can also be seen.

Coat

The Great Pyrenees, suspicious of strangers, is a very imposing guardian, devoted to its family and capable of self-sacrifice if needed. This dog is courageous, loyal and obedient, but it can also be very stubborn. It tends to be gentle and affectionate, somewhat independent, with the family. This is a good breed for children but it does better when it’s raised with them. This dog is also used for livestock guarding. Calm when not provoked, this dog is well-mannered and serious. The Great Pyrenees tends to be dominant with a less strict owner. These dogs usually get along very well with other non-canine pets, especially cats. Their puppyhood lasts only two years.

Life Expectancy

About 10 – 12 years.

Personality

The Great Pyrenees, suspicious of strangers, is a very imposing guardian, devoted to its family and capable of self-sacrifice if needed. This dog is courageous, loyal and obedient, but it can also be very stubborn. It tends to be gentle and affectionate, somewhat independent, with the family.

This is a good breed for children but it does better when it’s raised with them. This dog is also used for livestock guarding. Calm when not provoked, this dog is well-mannered and serious.

The Great Pyrenees tends to be dominant with a less strict owner. These dogs usually get along very well with other non-canine pets, especially cats. Their puppyhood lasts only two years.

Care

The Great Pyrenees is prone to hip dysplasia and may develop skins problem in warmer weathers.

A regular brushing is demanded to keep the coat in a good condition. The Great Pyrenees heavily sheds once a year, an extra care should be taken during this period. Bathe this dog only when necessary.

Training

The Great Pyrenees needs to have leash training, to learn the meaning of “no” and to learn how to act in the family house at an early age by using positive reinforcement. To socialize the dog at a very young age is also very important.

Activity

The Great Pyrenees needs regular exercise to be stay in shape and be healthy.

Back to 36 B.C., the image of a dog similar to the Great Dane appeared on Greek money. The Great Dane is considered as the “Apollo of dogs”. In 407 A.D., Asiatic people (the Alans) invaded part of Italy and Spain and German Gaul. The Alans brought big mastiff dogs (especially in Germany) with them.

These giant dogs were able of overcoming bears and other wild beasts. They were admired for this reason and that’s when the breeding begun. These dogs were crossed with Irish Greyhounds and the result of this cross is the Great Dane that we have today.

Breed Group

Working

Size

Male: no less than 30 inches, but preferably more than 32 inches
Female: no less than 28 inches, but preferably more than 30 inches

Weight

Male: 120-200 lbs
Female: 100-130 lbs

Color(s)

The Great Dane has a high variety of colors:

Brindle Danes: The base color of this Dane is light to golden yellow and has black stripes.

Fawn Danes: Golden yellow with a black mask.

Blue Danes: The entire Great Dane is blue without any other color.

Black Danes: Glossy black, no other colors.

Harlequin Danes: The base color of this Dane is white. It has black, irregular patches all over the body. A pure white neck is preferable. The patches should never be too large.

Boston Danes: The first color of this Dane is black. The muzzle, the chest and part of the legs are white. The presence of an entire or partial white collar is preferable. The tail’s end is white. The dog has dark eyes and nose.

Coat

Its coat is very short and dense. It is also smooth and glossy.

Life Expectancy

About 10 years.

Personality

The Great Dane is extremely gentle. It is proud, kind and affectionate; it loves anybody and always wants to be around people. It is playful and sweet with children. However, some children might receive an accidental tail whip! It doesn’t bark much except when it’s required. It is responsible, courageous and loyal; effectively it is a good watchdog. If it is not used to be with other dogs, it can be aggressive with them, especially if they are of the same sex.

Care

This dog prone to hip dysplasia, to tumors, heart disease, bloats and tail injuries.

This breed is an average shedder. Grooming once in a while is sufficient. However, to avoid the major chore of bathing this dog, daily brushing is preferable. Nails should always be trimmed.

Training

For a better manageability of this giant dog, early obedience training should be taken. It has to be shown not to lean against people, especially children.

Activity

The Great Dane needs at least one long daily walk.

The Giant Schnauzer is also known as the Russian Bear Schnauzer, the Munich Schnauzer and the Riesenschnauzer. It comes from a cross between the Standard Schnauzer, Bouvier des Flandres and the Great Dane.

The Giant Schnauzer was first used to drive livestock in Bavaria, but later was used as a guard dog for the police and the military. The word Schnauze is German for muzzle.

Breed Group

Working

Size

Male: 26-28 inches
Female: 23-26 inches

Weight

Male: 60-80 pounds
Female: 55-75 pounds

Color(s)

The colors of the Giant Schnauzer can be solid black or salt and pepper.

Coat

The Giant Schnauzer’s coat is tight, strong, hard and rough. It is shorter on the ears, on the top of head, on the neck and under the tail. It is barely longer on the legs and under the chest. It has longer hairs under the muzzle and on the eyebrows. The undercoat is soft and dense.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 15 years.

Personality

The Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent and alert dog. His calm behavior makes him good with children. Very protective, it is a good guard dog. It is courageous, loyal and responsible. Very attached to his owners; it always wants to be near them.

Care

The outer coat is easy to take care of, but the undercoat is very dense and needs to be brushed weekly. The Giant Schnauzer should be trimmed equally all over the body at least four times a year.

A blunt-nosed scissor should be used to trim around the eyes and around the ears. After the meals, the whiskers should be washed. It does not smell and it barely sheds. The Giant Schnauzer should have a bath at least two times a year.

Training

The Giant Schnauzer is very dominant, so it needs an experienced trainer that will be firm and able to show that he is the boss. It needs constant training, with positive attitude and rewards. They aren’t really good with kids; if they are not trained properly, they might bite them.

Activity

This dog is very energetic and will consequently require a lot of activity. If not exercised at least twice a day, it will be very difficult to manage, more so if it lives in an apartment.

The German Pinscher comes from a mix of the Miniature Pinscher and the Schnauzer. That’s why, at the beginning, it had both smooth and wirehaired puppies. The German Pinscher was used as a vermin hunter, a family pet, a herder and a watchdog. The breed was officially recognized in 1879.

The Pinscher-Schnauzer Club was then founded in 1895 in Germany. Since this time, it was agreed that only the smooth coated ones would be bred. This was made by separating the wirehaired and the smooth haired puppies in the same litters.

After World War II, this breed was near extinction. Fortunately, a man named Karl Werner Junghof was able to find a few dogs left in Germany and began to breed them. The German Pinscher has been accepted by the American Kennel Club in 2001. The German Pinscher also played a role in the development of the Doberman.

Breed Group

Working

Size

Male and female: 17-20 inches

Weight

Male and female: 25-35 lbs

Color(s)

The German Pinscher can come in different colors. These colors are black, tan, yellow, fawn and dark brown. There are also bi-colored dogs that have red and tan markings.

Coat

The coat is very short and dense. It is smooth and shiny, close to the body.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 14 years.

Personality

The German Pinscher is a courageous, loyal, protective and insensitive dog. It is also very territorial and possessive of his things like toys or bones. If there is a new visitor, it will be welcomed by a loud barking. Not a good breed for children, it will instinctively protect and bite before thinking.

If it gets in a fight with other dogs, it will not move away, so it’s important to keep it under control. However, they normally get along very well with other pets in the house. The German Pinscher is very lively and adapts easily to new situations. It has a great endurance and has been used as a guard dog and a watchdog, a herder, a vermin destroyer and as a family pet.

Care

The German Pinscher is an average shedder. It does not need a lot of grooming. An occasional brushing is enough.

Training

Because of their high intelligence and their independent nature it’s a must to do obedience training. They are very stubborn and bull headed so it’s important for them to know that they aren’t the boss. If they are well trained, they will thrive. The important thing to remember when you are training a German Pinscher is to have consistency. The owner needs to let the dog understand that it can’t growl at humans.

Activity

The German Pinscher needs a lot of exercise every day. It loves to run a lot, to play or to take a walk. They’ll enjoy running by your side, on your bicycle or on rollerblades.