Every year, thousands of individuals and families bring home a member of a large dog breed, only to discover in a short time that it is not the right fit for their home and lifestyle. Of course this sudden realization is understandable. Why would most people want a canine that reaches 100 pounds and is taller than the children? It was not a responsible decision in the first place to buy a large breed of dog without doing the research needed, to ensure it was a perfect match for you and the family.

They Don’t Always Stay Cute

Too many people see that oh-so-cute pup in the store, or walking around the neighbor’s yard and are suddenly drawn to have one. Why? Cute ears, puppy breath, that harmless wobbly walk – but you know what – all puppies are cute!

Let’s take some breeds for example that have characteristics that many people are not privy to when purchasing: A beagle is one of the cutest puppies there is, but most likely will run away most of the time without lots of training. A Coonhound is cute and will be big, but due to its genetic makeup must have a large outside area to explore and run when it is older. It is a tracking and scenting dog.

Know The Breed of Dog

Big dogs all have unique big dog personalities and somehow they must blend with you and your home. There must be a fit. They can put a huge demand on you and your home if the family is unprepared to handle it.

The characteristics bred into canines by humans will determine if a big dog can be a good companion in your situation. The expenses are often greater, not only in food and you must be committed to caring for them. Big dogs are also hard to find new homes for once they are older, so if you change your mind, then it will be the poor animal that suffers down the road.

Understand The Size of The Adult Dog

So you want to have a dog in your life, have done all the research you can on the breed, understand its size potential as well as its needs for living and care. You have also been honest with yourself and determined why you want a big dog and that you have the proper environment set up. You are well funded enough to do so and you just don’t want a compact mini model dog – you must have a big one!

Now all you have to do is decide want length fur you want and what breed is most suitable for you and your family. When you bring the new pup home make certain you train and socialize the big guy well and above all, enjoy your big dog!

The Saint Bernard has always been a favorite breed, but never more so than it is today. Over the centuries, this great big “teddy bear” dog’s main claim to fame has been the miraculous rescuing of victims lost in the European Alps. Ever since Barry, the world’s most famous Saint Bernard, set a record for having saved over forty lives, this dog has been revered by all who appreciate the remarkable ability of these faithful working dogs. The stories of their heroism brings hundreds upon hundreds of tourists annually to the Hospice in Switzerland, the land of their origin.

Their heritage dates back to the days before Hannibal crossed the Alps with his herds of elephants and warriors. The dogs at that time were more like Mastiffs than the Saint Bernard as we know today. These Molossian dogs, which were used in the ancient wars, were often left behind in the mountains by the Carthagians and the Romans when they moved on after their battles. When they bred with the local mountain dogs a new breed appeared which eventually evolved and became a Saint Bernard.

Their rescue work is depicted in oil paintings dating back to the beginning of the 17th century and one, dated 1695, is hanging at the Hospice. The Hospice and the dogs are just as famous today as they were when the Hospice first opened its doors to the weary mountain travelers. This breath-taking spot, on top of the world, is separated from the Italian Alps by a small lake and the monastery originally built by Saint Bernard is maintained under the guidance of the Saint Bernard monks.

Destroyed by fire in 1967, the Hospice has been rebuilt and today visitors driving up the perilous narrow mountain roads arrive at a new Hospice consisting of two guest hotels, shops and most important of all, the famous kennel facilities of the legendary Saint Bernard rescue dogs.

At one time, these Chapel Kennels were the largest in Europe and while rescue work today is not so much a major part of the dogs’ lives, the monks in residence there are more than happy to tell the stories of the impressive work they have done during snow storms, blizzards and avalanches over the past hundred years. They are especially eager to tell the story of Barry, the Saint Bernard who provided the most colorful and dramatic story of all.

After dying a natural death in Berne, Switzerland, where he had been sent to live out his old age, Barry was mounted and now stands in a glass case in the Berne Museum of Natural History, so that all may view this great legendary animal. He is not as impressive as some of our Saints today, but he is unmistakably a Saint Bernard and one that fits within the standard for the breed.

Many other Saints have served well as rescue dogs, but it is the famous Barry who captured the hearts and imaginations of all who have ever heard of the Hospice of Saint Bernard and the remarkable life-saving dogs.

During one period of their development, Saints were called Barryhundes in honor of their heroic predecessor. It wasn’t until 1823 that the name Saint Bernard was heard and has applied to the breed ever since. Since then, they have also been known as, or referred to as, Holy Dogs, Alpine Mastiffs, Cloister Dogs, Mountain Dogs, Hospice Dogs, Saint Bernard-Mastiffs and Butcher Dogs. This last name was a result of the enormous amounts of meat they ate and it was said that only butchers could afford to feed them. Since the breed served the Monastery of Saint Bernard so well and because of Barry, the name Saint Bernard became the most appropriate.

A most selective breeding program was upheld to ensure that only the most hardy, rugged dogs are kept to follow in Barry’s footsteps and to maintain the quality of the rescue teams. These are the dogs which can best withstand the strenuous climbing, the extreme weather conditions and the high altitude. At 8,000 feet, even the monks are able to serve only about eight years. But while they are in residence, monks on skis, training and working with the dogs are a familiar sight to those who visit the Hospice. Tradition is being maintained.

Today, many German Shepherd dogs are also being trained to rescue and do patrol work along with the Saint Bernards, even though there is little need for rescue dogs in the Alps today. Rescue teams are now composed of helicopters, ski patrols and snow mobiles which course over or along the alpine highways and tunnels. Rescue dogs are used now only to locate missing skiers or residents who wander off too far into the mountains. Sadly, the instinct for rescue work is lost in our American Saint Bernards. Since there is little need for mountain rescue work, the instinct fades with each passing generation.

Dogs from the Saint Bernard Hospice were frequently bred to those owned by people in the valleys, from about 1670 until late in the 1800′s. To some extent this is still practiced today. It was in 1884 when a Henry Schumacher printed a first edition of a Swiss Kennel Club manual which outlined correct breeding practices. It advocated the shorthaired Saint for rescue work; as the snow often would stick to the coats of the rough or long-coated Saint Bernards and freeze, weighing them down and hampering their speed. Today both long and short-coated Saints are well received and both are used in breeding programs. Length of coat is strictly a matter of preference.

The first Saint Bernard was exported to England in 1810. His name was Lion and Lion was further immortalized by being painted by the famous artist, Sir Edwin Landseer. England imported more extensively in the early 1900′s where, until that time, the Mastiffs had reigned supreme. These two gigantic breeds were crossbred with the idea of developing a bigger and better Mastiff.

The breed prospered and gained in popularity to the point where a Saint Bernard named Sir Bedivere was exported to the United States for an amazing sum of money – $7,000. It was almost inevitable that the breed would soon deteriorate when almost exclusive emphasis was put on size rather than conformation. The breed suffered enormously and even today, Saints are not one of the most popular breeds in the British Isles.

Saints were bred and registered in the United States beginning in the late 1800′s and by 1890 entries at one major show listed over 150 dogs. One of the first great Saints in this country was named Hector and he was imported by the Hospice Kennels in New Jersey. There were many other pioneer kennels which spared no expense in importing good stock to establish the breed, though most of them are no longer in operation today.

The first and original Saint Bernard Club in the United States was organized on February 22, 1888. The club adopted the European, or International Standard for the breed. This original club was dissolved in 1897 and the presently active Saint Bernard Club of America was organized at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in December of that same year, making this parent club one of the oldest member clubs in the American Kennel Club. Colonel Jacob Ruppert, Jr. was its first president, a position he held intermittently for over 30 years. Today the club has many regional clubs all across the country.

The first German Saint Bernard Club was founded in 1891 in Munich, but the quality of the German dogs was poor. The first stud book published in 1894 contained over 300 entries, which indicated considerable interest, but during the two World Wars the breed suffered tremendous setbacks when many of the dogs starved to death or were destroyed by their owners. A few astute breeders managed to hold on to some of their choice stock, so that a few of the best bloodlines did manage to survive and were not lost forever.

Even though the majority of the photographs we see of Saint Bernards feature the dogs with the brandy casks around their necks, there is no actual record of any Saint Bernard ever having to carry a whiskey keg to a lost traveler. It’s a marvelous story – but purely conjecture. The first evidence of the brandy keg appeared in an Edwin Landseer painting and merely “caught on” as a part of the legend of the breed.

Saint owners know the stories are not true, but go along with it since it seems so logical. Even at the Hospice some of the Saints wear them, but it is simply to delight the tourists who wish to take photographs. Actually it presents the opportunity for the monks to tell the truth about the whiskey kegs and set the record straight. They are quick to explain that the monks themselves have been known to carry stimulants for the frozen victims in the snow, but never do the dogs take it around their necks. In spite of this fact, the making of casks for Saint Bernards has become quite a profitable business.

While we have revealed the myth of the Saint Bernard cask and have explained that they are not used for rescue work in the mountains, we must also recognize their ever-increasing number in the dog show rings, in the obedience trials and their service in the fields as working dogs, pulling carts and hauling children around in wagons. They continue to gain in popularity to the point that they are now in the top 50 favorite dogs in the United States.

To completely understand the true nature of the Labrador Retriever, dog owners must have a firm grasp on the 3 most important aspects that make up this animal’s temperament and personality.

1. Labs Are Natural Born Hunters

Unlike most other hunting dog breeds, Labs do not just wait for its human hunting companion to command them to retrieve fallen birds. These dogs have to be so attentive that they can mark the fallen foul themselves.

It is believed that Labrador Retrievers are more aware of their surroundings than other hunting dogs because of their heritage. When hunting, Labs await for the right signal from their hunter in order to seek out and find the prey. Similarly, at home, they constantly wait by their owner’s side for the next task or command, regardless of what it is. It could be to walk, eat, anything really. This is what makes Labrador Retriever dogs a bit too needy for some dog owners.

2. Labs Must Have Proper Training

As hunters, Labs must be able to follow specific directions in order to find birds. And even if they do not have a direction to move in, they will keep hunting without giving up. In other words, a good Lab literally takes matters into its own hands to get the job done.

These characteristics are great for people to enjoy having a service dog that can take on its own in certain situations. On the other hand, it’s bad for dog owners who are incapable of providing absolutely no direction whatsoever. This is where most problems lie with new Labrador owners.

Many people see perfectly trained Labs at the park or walking with their owners and think to themselves “I want one of those dogs. They are so well trained!” Little do they realize that these animals are never born trained. It takes continuous progressive dedication to specific training protocols, all based on a Labrador’s genetic make up. This can prove too much work for some people to handle and end up with nothing but problems and frustration with their dog.

3. Labradors Are Individualistic

The last and most important thing to understand with Labrador Retrievers is that they are individualistic and not every Lab is the same.

Most Labs demonstrate the same interests, hunting, running, retrieving, and swimming, but oftentimes you may get a Labrador puppy that may absolutely hate water. If you are fortunate enough, your Lab may not have an oral fixation, which causes many of these dogs to eat anything they can get a hold of.

The one thing you can definitely count on is that every Labrador Retriever is special and through proper training, attention, and love, you will have a wonderful dog that will display the utmost in loyalty and affection until its last day on earth with you.

The Afghan Hound has its origins from Middle Eastern Sighthounds, with roots that date back to the Egyptian Pharaohs. Nomadic tribes used most of these dogs in order to hunt the ground for gazelles, hare and other small animals to bring back for food. For centuries, the Afghan Hound breed remained isolated in the Afghanistan Mountains. These mountains were practically impenetrable.

Afghan Hounds often hunted with the partnership of falcons, which were trained to swoop at the quarry. These dogs spent generation after generation, hunting through rough conditions in harsh mountains.

They developed great stamina, strength and speed from such hard labor. The Afghan Hound’s most striking physical capabilities were its leaping distance and nimbleness. These great hunting dogs were able to work with great success in the frigid mountain climate by the aid of their thick, long coat.

It wasn’t until sometime during the early 1900s that the very first Afghan Hound made its way to England. At that time these dogs were referred to as “Barukhzy Hounds”. Others called them “Persian Greyhounds”.

The Afghan Hound was quite a diverse breed, so in order to draw up a breed standard that was based on perfection, a model dog was used that best illustrated the elegant look of today’s Afghan Hound. That dog was named Zardin.

The breed’s popularity grew at a snail’s pace, but eventually made a name in the show ring. In fact, the Afghan Hound quickly made a name for itself as one of the most glamorous, yet competitive dogs in the rings. The 1970s proved to be a booming time for the breed amongst the public, but since then their status as a common household pet has dwindled.

Personality

By viewing the glamorous, striking look of the Afghan Hound, people unfamiliar with its history would never guess at how skillful its hunting abilities are. This dog is a hunter at heart, capable of finding its prey through rough terrain, yet is peaceful and gentle, especially with children. It needs exercise on a daily basis and can be somewhat shy and reserved around strangers.

Taking Care Of Your Afghan Hound

Daily stimulation, both mentally and physically, will keep the Afghan Hound in a happy state of mind. This dog loves the opportunity to run at full speed if you can do so in a safe area. They should live indoors with the rest of the family, but have access to an enclosed, outside area during the day. Grooming does take a little extra work with the Afghan Hound. Its coat is long and may need to be brushed thoroughly every other day.

Health Information

The average lifespan of a healthy Afghan Hound is between 12 and 15 years. These dogs are considered to be very healthy with absolutely no major health issues, and the only minor concerns that may spring up are cataracts. Occasionally seen are CHD and necrotic myelopathy, but these health problems are extremely rare.

Although the Italian Greyhound has been in existence for centuries, the exact origin of this beautiful breed of dog is completely unknown. There is evidence of artwork that dates back more than 2000 years ago, it depicts these dogs in areas such as the Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey.

Italian Greyhounds were known as “Miniature Greyhounds” and were found in abundance throughout areas of southern Europe. Italian courtiers adored them.

Sometime during the 17th century, this dog breed arrived in England and rose in popularity with the nobility. They became just as popular in England as they had been in their homeland of Italy.

In the year of 1820 there were only two specific dog breeds that were mentioned in a book about dogs. The Italian Greyhound was one of them. This breed continued to attract more and more popularity, mostly with the wealthy, but reached its peak sometime during the leadership reign of Queen Victoria.

After this time period, the numbers of Italian Greyhounds started to decline rapidly. In fact, after the end of World War II, these dogs had all but disappeared. The reason for this is unknown but it is theorized that the decline was the result of poor breeding quality over many generations. Even though their numbers had declined on the verge of extinction, quite a few Italian Greyhounds made their way to America sometime during the late 1800s and the breed was revived.

Personality

The Italian Greyhound is a moderately small dog that loves to run at fast speeds and chase anything that will run from it. These dogs are extremely gentle and a bit on the sensitive side. Italian Greyhounds are reserved, timid and make a lovable family pet, especially around children.

Taking Care Of Your Italian Greyhound

This is one breed of dog that is best suited to live with an active family. In other words, if you prefer sitting on your couch all day to spending time with your dog, the Italian Greyhound would not be the ideal choice. They need an active lifestyle, with plenty of running outside.

Italian Greyhounds absolutely hate cold weather, but can stand higher-than-normal temperatures, due to its short coat. Grooming is minimal, with only the occasional brushing needed in order to remove dead hair.

Health Information

The average lifespan of the Italian Greyhound can be up to 17 years when healthy, with 13 to 14 years being the average. The only major health concern that they have is periodontal disease. Minor issues include PRA, leg fractures (from running), patellar luxation and epilepsy.

The Bulldog is one of those breeds that carries a mean looking facial expression, but is actually a delight to have as a pet. This dog was originally bred to attack bulls, literally. History has it that these ferocious little guys used to attack and bite the nose of large bulls in the ring for entertainment purposes. Luckily today, the Bulldog is just an everyday house pet.

Despite its angry looking face, these dogs are extremely amiable and mellow. The Bulldog is well behaved around children and tends to thrive on pleasing its owners. Although it can be protective of its owner and a little aggressive towards strange dogs, this breed makes a great family companion and will get along just fine with other pets in the home.

Upkeep And Maintenance

When it comes to upkeep and maintenance of the Bulldog, moderate exercise should be given on a daily basis, such as a brisk walk through the park at least once or twice daily. This is definitely not the type of dog that is made for running. The Bulldog is quite docile and tends to prefer a slower pace.

Although the Bulldog can live both indoors and outdoors, it is recommended that it remain inside with the family as much as possible. These dogs cannot stand hot weather and are not good with water. In fact, Bulldogs do not know how to swim.

Grooming the Bulldog takes a little extra care, but only around the face wrinkles and other folds located around the tail. These areas should be cleaned moderately on a daily basis. Other than that, a light brushing over the rest of the coat, once or twice weekly, is all that is needed.

Health Information

There are some major health concerns that you need to be aware of when owning a Bulldog. They include stenotic nares, shoulder luxation, ventricular septal defects, CHD, internalized tail and elongated soft palate. Occasionally you might come across urethral prolapse and vaginal hyperplasia.

The lifespan of the Bulldog can reach up to 12 years, sometimes longer. Specific health tests that are recommended by veterinarians include testing for elbow problems, hip dysplasia, need dysplasia and potential eye problems. Also, wheezing, snoring and lots of drool is typical with every Bulldog.

Many years ago, during the 1800s, a man named Louis Doberman from Thuringen in Germany, had a career of collecting taxes. Every day he would set out on foot and literally walk door-to-door asking people to pay their overdue taxes.

Needless to say, this job was obviously quite rough and Mr. Doberman needed an excellent guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. He then set out with the goal of creating such a breed. The most likely mix came from the old German Shepherd and the German Pinscher, with later crosses using the Greyhound, Weimaraner and the Black & Tan Manchester Terrier.

Soon enough Mr. Doberman gathered the perfect prototype of the breed which today bears his own name. The original Doberman dogs looked a little different than today’s Doberman Pinschers, with rounder heads and a thicker bone structure, which in time was bred to have a narrower race-like look. By the year 1900, the Doberman Pinscher became so popular that it had its own breed club.

The first Doberman Pinscher found its way to the United States in the early 1900s. Both the US and European nation took to this breed for a perfect police and guard dog. In time, it was also used as a war dog. These valuable functions became the desire of many household families, in addition to the sleek, defined appearance of the animal. By the year 1977, the Doberman Pinscher was the second most popular dog breed in the United States.

Personality

The Doberman Pinscher is a highly intelligent animal that is one of the most capable guard and watchdogs a family could own. Not only is it a highly dependable family protector, but also Doberman Pinscher dogs are one of the easiest breeds to train. They are alert and always ready to serve. These dogs are quite sensitive, obedient, reserved with strangers and are committed to loyalty.

Taking Care Of Your Doberman Pinscher

Upkeep of the Doberman Pinscher takes more than average daily exercise. Bundled with enormous pockets of energy, this dog can become very frustrated and even destructive when kept indoors too long without physical and mental stimulation. Families considering owning a Doberman Pinscher should be prepared for a lifelong commitment of daily brisk walks and plenty of vigorous dog games to play outside. Dobermans can live outside in both hot and cold temperatures, but is more comfortable when inside with its family.

Health Information

The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of up to 12 years, with 11 being the average. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, cardiac issues and DNA for vWD. Major health concerns that may arise are gastric torsion, demodicosis, vWD and osteosarcoma. Occasionally, minor health problems sometimes include PRA, albinism, narcolepsy and hypothyroidism.

Dog enthusiasts consider the American Staffordshire Terrier, otherwise known as the Pit Bull, to have come from the exact same lines as the Staffordshire Terrier. The original crossing of breeds sprung from the mix of an older type of Bulldog with some other older types of Terrier. The result was a dog, which is currently known as the Bull Terrier.

These dogs became popular for individuals who enjoyed the practice of dog fighting. Dog fighting was an extremely popular sport, despite the fact that it was declared illegal. The United States started to see many Staffordshire Terriers around the late 1800s when they were brought over for dog fighting entertainment. It was at this time that they became known as the American Bull Terrier.

Americans then wanted to create a larger, more aggressive version of this dog, so the mix of the English version and the American version were combined, creating a new breed of dog that was recognized by the AKC in 1936. The official breed name was American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull).

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very aggressive temperament when feeling defensive, especially in response to protecting its family. Needless to say, these pets make an excellent watchdog and will protect its owners and property at all costs.

Pit Bull dogs are generally very friendly towards strangers so long as the owners are present. However, they can be a bit tenacious and stubborn when mixed with other dogs.

Taking Care Of Your Pit Bull

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs will need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and vigorous running games are perfect examples. Although this dog can live outdoors if necessary, it is much more comfortable when staying inside the house with its family. Taking care of the coat is fairly easy for upkeep; just a few quick strokes of the brush on a weekly basis are all that is necessary.

Health Information

The American Staffordshire Terrier has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Major health concerns include CHD, PRA and cerebellar ataxia. Minor issues are elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and heart disease.

You might occasionally see allergies and cruciate ligament rupture. Veterinarians suggest that you have your American Staffordshire Terrier checked for hip and elbow problems, eye issues, thyroid and cardiac.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is probably the most skilled hunter of all dog breeds. It is versatile and has the ability to trail, retrieve, point and even kill game if necessary. These attributes are the result of specific blending of breeds during the 17th century.

The first mixes produced a large hound-like dog from combining the Spanish Pointer with the Hannover Hound. The dogs that came from this mixture had the natural ability to trail and point at the same time. They also showed a heavy interest in birds and various mammals. When trailing, the dogs would bay and dispatch wounded prey (and fox).

Early breeders all had one thing in common: they wanted to create a Pointer that could be an “all purpose hunter”. However, not everyone agreed on the best way to do it. Many crosses were made with the English Pointer, although controversial and it bestowed very stylish physical characteristics into the breed, which also hunted nose-up.

One of the downsides to this mix was that the dogs had a dislike of water and avoided attacking quarry. In time, however, further breeding of the dogs help eliminate these unwanted characteristics in the Pointer.

Sometime during the early 1800′s, at the German Derby, there were two specific Deutsch Kurzhaars (the name that the Pointer was originally called) that had distinguished themselves from all of the other pointing breeds. Their names were Treff and Nero. These two Pointers are said to be the parents of today’s German Shorthaired Pointer. Their descendants helped get the breed recognized in Germany in the late 1800s.

The first German Shorthaired Pointers started to show up in the United States sometime in the 1920s. The breed gained recognition by the AKC in 1930. Soon enough, the dog’s reputation as being the ideal hunting dog grew in popularity. Due to its hunting skills, combined with its aesthetic look, this dog has become quite popular.

Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one dog that could live its entire life, day in and day out, simply running around hunting in the field. The temperament of this animal makes an excellent watchdog, but it has an abundance of energy and requires heavy exercise. It is a devoted and loyal family pet that may prove to be a little too boisterous for small children. Because of its genetic design for hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer may get a bit aggressive with other household pets, especially those that are smaller in size.

Taking Care Of Your German Shorthaired Pointer

Upkeep and maintenance of the German Shorthaired Pointer requires lots of exercise on a daily basis. This dog thrives on mental stimulation as much as it does physical exertion. You can achieve these things by taking your Pointer hunting, running, hiking; anything that gets the animal to play outdoors with its owner. This is one dog that is not suited for small apartment living. The ideal situation would be access to a fenced-in yard at all times.

Health Information

German Shorthaired Pointers have an average lifespan of 13 years, with some living as high as 15 to 16 years. Major health concerns to lookout for with the Pointer is lymphedema. Minor issues include pannus, vWD, CHD, gastric torsion, OCD, entropion and hypothyroidism. Very rare health problems that are occasionally seen include thyroid issues, cardiac problems and hip dysplasia.