A FEW COOL DOGS
PUREBREDS:  PICKING YOUR FAMILY DOG

   

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These picks are based on a great wealth of experience.  You can't go wrong.

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#1. Labrador Retrievers
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    Intelligent, extremely adaptable, long lived,  and athletic, Labs are, in my opinion, the finest all around family dogs there are.  They have been trained with great success to obedience work, police work, drug search & seizure, tracking dog work, guide dogs for the blind, assistant dogs for the hearing impaired, and, as we all know, hunting dogs...they are the greatest of the retrievers.  They can do it all, and they can do it in any climate.   And after all that, their favorite thing is to lay at your feet to show you that they love you.  They love lakes, kids, all forms of water (including mudholes), baths, riding in the car (or truck), and basically love to be anywhere YOU are.  They are always ready for a new adventure.  They are fantastic with kids, and if your dog is a real labrador you should never have to fear it hurting anyone, even if your 2 year old is dragging it around by an ear.  And yet, they will surprise you in moments of stress and will fiercely defend themselves and their families and home from outside aggression.  If you know of a dog that can do more, and do it better...consistently...send me their name and I'll buy one.

NOTE ON COLOR:  Some people who breed "Chocolate" Labradors will try to convince you they are the "rare" and "valuable" color of the breed, but we have found them to be rare only in their relation to the assets of this breed. In other words, stick with black or yellow.

   

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tgold.gif (7993 bytes)   #2. Golden Retrievers
puppy.jpg (91900 bytes)   The more beautiful, less tough, replica of the Labrador Retriever.  The Golden can be a little more skittish and sensitive on their bad days.  There is also a greater chance of hip dysplasia, and they are generally not as physically tough in the long run.  But at their best, they are every bit the model dog citizen.  Goldens are medium sized, although tend to be a bit larger than their lab cousins. Golden Retriever Club of America can be found by clicking:   http://www.grca.org/
   

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BEST BIG DOG AND BEST LITTLE DOG
(IF YOU MUST)


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BEST BIG DOG: 
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

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Try a Bernese Mountain Dog...reasons:  Big, but not huge; great looking face, head, and markings and at three months the funniest hairdo ever; they like cooler climates since their coat is DENSE and thick;  they are family oriented, and tolerant of children. And guess what? They don't DROOL like many other of the large breeds.  We recommend you call Ruth Reynolds in Marianna, Florida for the scoop on Berners and tell her you want one just like Molly Mooney!    Or click here to go to the

The Berner Home Page.

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BEST SMALL DOG:
SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

I have been around a lot of small dogs, and recommend the  Smart, alert, lively, great looking little dog, yet not so small you can crush them or smush them like a bug.   There are few physical problems (many little tiny dogs have a HOST of medical problems with bad teeth and eyes and ears, and things that have gone haywire as breeders strive to make them so small), and they are super for obedience work.  We HIGHLY recommend Ginny Cavallaro, a great friend and a living legend in this breed.
Click to email Ginny:
Lakehillshelties@msn.com

   

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THE AKC GROUPS:
One from each AKC Breed Group for those who cannot follow advice above

   

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labhead.jpg (2301 bytes)   SPORTING:  The Labrador Retriever
Labs are available in three colors:  Black, Yellow and (gag!) Chocolate.  Real labs do not come in White or Black and Tan. Please read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/labdoret.htm

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  HOUND: The Beagle 
read the standard at http://www.akc.org/beagle.htm
Caution: STAY AWAY from Hounds unless you are an expert. The 13" and 15" Beagle are all the hound dog you need!  Beagles are the greatest looking little puppies and great looking as grown dogs -- just don't get more than one!
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WORKING: The Bernese Mountain Dog

read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/bermtn.htm
thwhigh.gif (6620 bytes)   TERRIER:   The West Highland White 
Normally, I don't recommend terriers unless your are an expert.  The Westy is about the most well balance of the group and might be a terrier you could be proud to own. Read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/westie.htm  
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  TOY   Since they are so small we will give you two for the price of one.  We don't really like Toys, but if you must, please pick one of these:
The Pomeranian
One of the cutest little dogs, face like a fox. Watch the snappishness! read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/pomer.htm
The Pug
One of the ugliest little faces, only a mother could love, but great temperment. They may have breathing problems. The dog in "Men In Black"...they are not aliens, or ticks. (Laugh)  They are adorable puppies. Read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/pug.htm
poodle.jpg (3535 bytes)   NON SPORTING:  The Standard Poodle
Yes, believe it or not, the Poodle (NOT FRENCH poodle - that is not their name) is one of the greatest all around dogs in the Standard size. It does not shed, but must be groomed.   Don't let all the toys and minis and teacups fool you - this is a great animal, in the STANDARD size. Read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/poodle.htm
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HERDING:   The Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties come in three colors: sable, tri-colored and blue merle(see above)   read the standard at: http://www.akc.org/shetshee.htm
jrt1.gif (52994 bytes)   MISCELLANEOUS:  The Jack Russell Terrier
Since you will never find any of the other members of this group, we are choosing "Eddie" from the Frasier show.  Yes, he is a Jack Russel, but don't expect any that you get to act like him.  These little dogs are one-man animals like Eddie, but they can be a real feisty little handful for any but experts and are difficult to locate.  Read their standard at: http://www.akc.org/jrt.htm
   

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