Dogs-
The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland and England in the late 19th Century
for the purpose of retrieving wildfowl on land and water. Its physical characteristics and
its willing, adaptable, trainable nature have also fitted it for usefulness in many other
endeavors. The Golden Retriever is a "natural" dog needing no surgical alteration to ear
or tail, and no exotic grooming, to keep it looking characteristic of the breed (as
opposed to some terriers, poodles, etc.). The Golden Retriever has a normal canine
structure without distortions of leg, jaw or tail, and is characteristically a healthy, sturdy,
adaptable animal. Basic grooming for a Golden Retriever should take no more than 20
to 30 minutes a week.
The mature male Golden Retriever is ideally 23-24 inches tall at the shoulder, and
weighs 65 to 75 pounds; Bitches, 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches, and 55 to 65 pounds.
Variances of an inch in height either way are permissible, though less desirable. The
build is sturdy and muscular, but neither massive like a Newfoundland nor as refined as
a Setter. The head is broad, with short pendant ears, and a kindly expression. The
coat, which is one of the most characteristic features of the breed, is a "double coat"
with a thick weather-proof topcoat and a dense, soft undercoat. There are featherings
of longer hair on the backs of the legs, on the neck and chest, and on the tail. The adult
coat may range from light to dark golden, and a golden body color with lighter
feathering is quite common. A predominant color of either ivory or setter-red, or white
markings on the head, feet or chest, are not desirable in the show ring, but have no
effect on the dog's usefulness for work or companionship.
What are you looking for in a Golden Retriever? A beautiful animal? A good family
pet? A good hunting dog? A good obedience worker? There are Golden Retrievers
that fit each description, and some that fit all of these descriptions. The Golden
Retriever Club of America has hundreds of members whose interest in the breed has
led them to develop the potential of the Golden Retriever in each of these areas.
Goldens also work as guide dogs for the blind, as narcotics detection dogs, as tracking
dogs, appear in commercials and advertisements, and are one of the"preferred" breeds
of veterinarians. There is no question that the Golden Retriever is a versatile and
remarkable breed.
Before you even start looking at litters of puppies, take time to learn about the breed.
Attend dog shows and field trials, Golden Retriever club meetings, and local kennel
club meetings, and talk with and question Golden owners. They are proud of their dogs
and are happy to share their enthusiasm.
The Dalmation
No breed has more interesting background or a more disputed heritage than that dog from
long ago, the Dalmatian. His beginning is buried so deep in the past that researchers cannot
agree as to his origin. As to the great age of the breed, and
the fact that it has come through many centuries unchanged, investigators are in complete agreement.
Models, engravings, paintings, and writings of antiquity have been used with fair excused
but no certainty to clam the spotted dog first appeared in Europe, Asia, and Africa Perhaps
some of the divergencies in opinion as to the original home of the Dalmatian can be accounted
for by the fact that the dog has frequently been found in bands of Romanies, and that
like his gypsy masters, he has been well known but not located definitely in any one place
Authoritative writers place him first as a positive entity in Dalmatia, a province of Austria
on the Eastern shore of the coast of Venice. Though he has been accredited with dozen nationalities
and has as many native names -- he is nicknamed by the English, The English Coach
Dog, The Carriage Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog, the Fire House Dog and the Spotted Dick -- it is from his
first proved home that he takes his correct name, the Dalmatian. We find references to him as Dalmatian
in the middle eighteenth century. There is no question whatsoever that his lineage is as ancient and
his record as straight as that of other breeds.
His activities have been as varied as his reputed ancestors. He has been a dog of war, a sentinel
on the border of Dalmatia and Croatia. He has been employed as draft dog, as shepherd. He is excellent
on rats and vermin. H is well known for his heroic performances as fire-apparatus follower and fire-house mascot.
As a sporting dog he has been used as bird dog, as trail hound, as retriever, or packs for boar or
stage hunting. His retentive memory has made him one of the most dependable downers in circuses and on stage.
Down through the years the intelligence and willingness of the Dalmatian have found him in practically
every role to which useful dogs are assigned. Most important among his talent has been his
status as the original, one-and-only coaching dog.
He is physically fitted for road work. In his makeup, speed and endurance are blended to a nicety.
His gait has beauty of motion and swiftness, and he has the strength, vitality, and fortitude to keep
going gaily till the journey's end. The instinct for coaching is bred in him, born in him, and trained
in him through the years. The Dalmatian takes to a horse as a horse takes to him, and that is to say,
like a duck to water. He may work in the old way, clearing the path before the Tally Ho with dignity and
determination, or following on with his ermine spotting in full view to add distinction to an equipage. He
may coach under the rear axle, the front axle, or, most difficult of all, under the pole between the leaders
and the wheelers. Wherever he works, it is with the love of the game in his heart and with the skill
which has won him the title of the only recognized carriage dog in the world. His penchant for working
is his most renowned characteristics, but it in no way
approaches his capacity for friendship.
Doberman Pinscher
How is it that of 117 recognized breeds, one breed stands alone as having the worst reputation,
is the most respected and the most feared? Only two other breeds have a similar negative aspect attached to
their reputations, yet not nearly as negative as the Doberman Pinscher. The Rottweiler and the German Shepard
established their reputations during World War I and II. When the war years subsided, the ferocious reputations
remained with those breeds. But the Airedale Terrier was used in Germanys war effort, proved to be a top-notch
war dog, yet emerged with not a taint of a ferocious reputation. Why the Doberman? What is there about him
that commands such respect - and in many cases - such fear.
The Doberman Pinscher is a product of man - not of nature. To better understand that statement, a comparison
between the Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher can be used. The Rottweiler dates back to the days of the
Roman era and in fact, was used as a war dog during the Roman conquests. The Doberman Pinscher was not
even in existence at that time...And even in the near yesteryear of the Civil War, when Union and
Confederate armies were battling for control of Richmond, Virginia, there
were no Doberman Pinschers in exhistence.
Todays Doberman is a gentle, affectionate and loyal pet. But because of his uncanny intelligence,
working ability and strength,
a Doberman Pinscher needs proper discipline, an abundance of love, and - equally important, training! Theres an awful lot of
energy as well as intellect packed into the Doberman Pinscher and it needs to be channeled in the proper direction. Fanciers of
the breed and those that truly know the Doberman Pinscher do not see ferocity and fire in his eyes. They see loyalty, devotion
and Intelligence,which has no peer. The utilitarian ability of the breed is historical fact, for they have been used in every
capacity in which dogs are known to excel. The Doberman Pinscher has been used to lead the blind, as well as the pursuit and
attack of fleeing criminals. He has been successful in search and rescue tracking as well as narcotics detection. He has excelled
in his ability to work alone as a sentry dog. His instinct to protect and defend is unequaled. As more and more people come to
realize the advantages of owning a Doberman Pinscher, his popularity increases.
The Doberman Pinscher is considered a "middle-sized" dog with a sleek coat which requires very little grooming. Measured
from ground to shoulder, the ideal height is 27" for males, and from 24-26" for females. They are compactly built, muscular
and extremely powerful. The have great speed and endurance. Though the coat of the Doberman Pinscher is short and smooth,
they are considered a dog for any climate. They adjust well to both extremes of temperature. A Doberman fancier will have a
choice of four colors to select from. The Doberman Pinscher will be seen sporting a coat of black, brown (red-rust), blue or
fawn. The most polular color currently seems to be the red Doberman, followed by black, then blue.
The 
The Boxer's most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection.
Through his spirited bearing, square jaw, and cleanly muscled body
suggest the well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is happiest when he is with
people--especiall children. His short smooth coat, handsome chiselled head, and striking silhouette
never fail to excite comments from passersby as he trots jauntily by your side with neck arched and
tail held erect. Yet the Boxer's greatest wish is to be with children, watching protectively over their
play. He is truly a "dog for all seasons," suiting the need for household guardian, attractive
companion, and children's playmate and loyal friend.
The Boxer is a medium-sized dog ranging from 21 inches high at the shoulder in a
smaller female up to 25 inches (sometimes even taller) in a large male. Adult weight may reach
65-80 pounds in the male, with females about 15 pounds less. There are no miniature or giant
varieties. The short, close-lying coat is found in two equally acceptable and attractive basic
colors-fawn and brindle. The fawn may vary from a tawny tan to an especially beautiful stag red.
The brindle ranges from sparse, but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background, to such a
heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn hackground color barely, although
clearly, shows through (which may create the appearance of "reverse brindling").
White markings should be of such distribution as to enhance the dog's appearance, but may not
exceed one-third of the entire coat. It is not uncommon to have a totally white Boxer born in a litter.
An all-white coat, or a predominantly white background (known as a "check") may occur. In order
to retain the beauty of the true fawn and brindle colors, American Boxer Club members are pledged
not to register, sell, or use these "whites" for breeding.
The Boxer requires relatively little care, but ownership of any dog is a definite responsibility. Your
Boxer should not be allowed to run loose. Exercise within a fenced area or on a leash should be
adequate. It also prevents a potentially unpleasant encounter with a neighbor's dog or an overly
effusive greeting that may frighten the small child who may not have had the chance to know how
instinctively tolerant the Boxer really is. Death from automobiles, poison, or a myriad of other
causes may await the Boxer who run loose in the neighborhood. Remember, too, that improperly
protected screen doors are a common mode of unexpected house exit.
