Thursday, April 30, 2015

American Water Spaniel

The state dog of Wisconsin is an enthusiastic water retriever and family friend.

American Water Spaniel Breed Photo
The American Water Spaniel was bred to be an all-around hunting dog. Specializing in waterfowl, he's a skilled swimmer who will retrieve from small boats and has a water-resistant double coat. The dog breed has the high energy of a dog born to chase and retrieve game, but given enough exercise, he can also make an great family companion.
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Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats

  • Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
  • Height: Generally 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Weight: Generally 25 to 45 pounds
  • Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Although he's not well known outside the Great Lakes area of the United States, the American Water Spaniel (AWS) has qualities that make him well worth your consideration, especially if you're outdoorsy and live near the water.
The AWS is a medium-size all-around hunting dog and retriever, so he's chock-full of energy and enthusiasm. Like other hunting dogs he needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and so long as he gets it — whether it's from retrieving game out in the field or playing fetch with the kids — he's a well-mannered family companion.
Although the AWS is used to hunt all sorts of small game, he specializes in waterfowl, and is a natural swimmer as well as a skilled retriever and hunter. His versatility serves him well in many dog sports and activities such as agility, obedience trials, hunt tests, rally, therapy work, tracking, and search and rescue, as well as conformation.
If you're looking for an active dog who loves to swim and retrieve and can be trained for different sports and activities, the American Water Spaniel could be an ideal fit for you.
The American Water Spaniel will be friendly toward people if they have been properly introduced. He makes an excellent watchdog however, and will alert you with a warning bark if he hears any strange noises.
This is a rare breed, and very few puppies are born each year. If you're interested in an AWS, find a reputable breeder who can help you decide if the breed's a good match for you. And then settle in for a good wait — you may spend several months or even a year or more on a waiting list before a puppy's available. People who breed these unique dogs want to make sure they go to just the right homes, and they're able to pick and choose the families who'll take great care of their puppies.
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American Foxhound

This breed is found primarily in large packs in the Southern and Eastern United States, where foxhunting is a favorite sport among the horsey set.

American Foxhound Breed Photo
Easygoing, sweet, kind, and loyal, the American Foxhound dog breed belongs to a way of life that has continued for more than two centuries, but he has the potential to be a modern-day companion as well. His stamina and love of running make him a great jogging partner for athletic owners, and his mild nature makes him an excellent family dog, so long as he gets the exercise he craves.
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Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats

  • Dog Breed Group: Hounds
  • Height: Generally 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the shoulder
  • Weight: Generally 40 to 60 pounds
  • Life Span: 12 to 13 years
When you see foxhunters in movies or on television — or out in the field if you live in hunt country — packs of American Foxhounds are leading the chase. Or perhaps you were introduced to the breed through Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy mystery series, set in Virginia hunt country with a number of American Foxhounds as key characters.
This rare breed still lives and works the way its ancestors did when they came to this country more than 200 years ago. Bred to hunt in large packs, American Foxhounds were developed from hounds brought by English settlers, who adapted them to suit the game and terrain of their new land.
American Foxhounds like the company of other dogs but can be a single companion dog if you're committed to giving them the exercise they'd normally get running around with their canine friends, and to spending the time to help them bond with their human family. Despite their size, they're mild-mannered unless they're in pursuit of their quarry. Then they become relentless in the hunt.
Like all hounds, the Foxhound is musical. Hounds are described as having bell-like voices, and their baying can carry for miles. It's best not to bring one home unless you're sure your neighbors will appreciate the concert or live far enough away that they won't be disturbed.
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American Eskimo Dog

With his fluffy white coat and bouncy personality, the American Eskimo Dog is truly "the dog beautiful."

American Eskimo Dog Breed Photo
Called "the dog beautiful" by his admirers, the American Eskimo Dog, or "Eskie," is a striking fellow with his white coat, sweet expression, and black eyes. He's a Nordic dog breed, a member of the Spitz family. Eskies are lively, active companion dogswho love to entertain and join in on all family activities. They are outgoing and friendly with family and friends, but reserved with strangers. Although the Eskie is a small dog — 10 to 30 pounds — he has a big-dog attitude.
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Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats

  • Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
  • Height: Generally 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Weight: Generally Starts at 30 pounds
  • Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Perhaps it's his white fluffy coat. Or jaunty personality. Or intelligence. Whatever "it" is, the American Eskimo Dog's got it in spades, and he uses it to captivate his owners.
The Eskie is primarily a companion dog, a devoted family member who thrives in the middle of family activities. He is cheerful, affectionate, sometimes rowdy, and very smart — so smart he's thought to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. He's an independent thinker, curious, with an uncanny ability to problem-solve. He excels in activities that require him to use his brain, such as obedience training, tricks, agility, conformation, and other dog sports.
Interestingly, Eskies were once favorite circus performers. With his adorable looks and ability to learn quickly, the Eskie traveled about the United States in the late 19th century, stunning audiences with his amazing tricks.
With intelligence comes independence, however. The Eskie is a freethinker, and those who know him recommend obedience training starting from puppyhood. Otherwise, this smart dog will outsmart his owner. Training teaches him proper canine manners and respect for his pack leader — you.
In spite of his diminutive size, the Eskie thinks big. He's an excellent watchdog and will announce the comings and goings of strangers with barking — in fact, he can become a problem barker if left alone too long. Although he'll warm up in time to those he doesn't know, his first instinct is to be suspicious. The Eskie takes his watchdog duties very seriously, though he isn't overly aggressive.
If you want a breed that has a lot to say, consider the American Eskimo Dog. This breed is very vocal, engaging in barks, yowls, and even mumbles. Many owners claim that their Eskies "talk" to them.
If the Eskie isn't talking, he might be chewing. Most are avid chewers and need a constant supply of chew toys to keep them from munching "illegal" household items (and to help keep their teeth clean and healthy).
The friendly Eskie is excellent with other dogs, cats, and children (though no dog of any breed should be left unsupervised with a young child).
When it comes to activity, the American Eskimo Dog tends to be busy. He likes to keep moving, especially when young. (Older Eskies often become more sedate, preferring being petted and cuddled to running around.) Many owners keep more than one Eskie so the dogs can keep each other entertained, though lone Eskies do very well in busy households. Eskies make excellent apartment dogs as long as they are walked regularly and given plenty of opportunities for exercise.
The American Eskimo Dog makes a beautiful, active companion for a household of one person or for a large family. A well-trained Eskie gives his family years of fun and joy.
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American English Coonhound

This graceful athlete is descended from English Foxhounds.

American English Coonhound Breed Photo
A descendent of the English Foxhound, this hunting dog breed is known for his speed, endurance, and loud voice in the field. The American English Coonhound will bark and bay at home, too, making him a poor choice if you've got nearby neighbors. He needs lots of exercise.
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Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats

  • Dog Breed Group: Hounds
  • Height: Generally 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Once known as the Virginia Hound and adapted to hunt the rough terrain and tricky raccoons of the American colonies, the American English Coonhound is famous for his speed and endurance.
He began as a dual-purpose dog who hunted fox by day and raccoon by night. He eagerly seeks his quarry, singing out as he hunts, a trait that carries over into home life. This hound will bark. On the plus side, he's pleasant toward people and other dogs. If you won't be hunting him, plan to give this swift and competitive dog plenty of daily exercise in other ways to prevent him from becoming frustrated and destructive. He'd make a good companion for a runner.
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