English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is an agile dog that expresses its full energy on walks, when hunting and when doing dog sports. At home, however, he is a balanced, quiet fellow who loves and needs constant contact with his family. The English Springer Spaniel is absolutely unsuitable for kennel keeping, even more so than other dog breeds.
The nature of the English Springer Spaniel is particularly noteworthy
He is strong in character, intelligent, docile, and self-confident but loyal. These qualities make this breed an absolutely correct family dog with no falseness. He is very sensitive, sometimes almost mimosa-like, he needs contact with his family, and does not want to be excluded, but is not pushy or possessive, but patient in the background.
He is very receptive to moods, he recognizes hostile intentions immediately, and he cannot be outwitted. The Springer tends to be reserved towards strangers, he chooses his friends and completely ignores those with whom he does not want to have anything to do. Once you’ve conquered your dog’s heart, the friendship lasts forever. He is not moody and expresses his feelings unmistakably.
He treats injustice against him with contempt. He wants to please his people and reacts much more intensely to praise than to criticism. The upbringing must be carried out with great consistency but without harshness. He resents rough training methods and punishes them by refusing them. This refusal can, under certain circumstances, last for a long time and call the entire training into question.
The English Springer Spaniel is a really late developer
It takes 8 months for him to reach his final height. Females form definitively in 2 years and males up to 3 years.
In the early years of life, the Springer lacks any seriousness and exhibits quite childlike behavior. It is very important to be educative in this phase with sensitivity.
Building a relationship of trust is the first duty before any education, which you can and should teach the jumper in a playful way. Often the dogs are overwhelmed and you have to start all over again with Adam and Eve.
It takes a few tightropes walks in order not to touch the dog too hard, because then nothing works anymore, and to be consistent enough to exert the absolutely necessary pressure. The jumper often resents training methods that are too hard or even rude and are therefore not appropriate for this breed. You have to work with him consistently and lovingly, and not just when it comes to hunting matters; then you have a dog after successful training who does any work that is asked of him with pleasure.
By participating in puppy play groups and later in dog handler courses, we manage to teach our dog everything with a lot of love and patience and lead him successfully as a family companion or hunting dog.
Is the English Springer Spaniel a Hunting Dog?
The English Springer Spaniel is a hunting dog.
How old does a springer spaniel get?
12 – 14 years
How much does a Welsh Springer Spaniel cost?
The cost of a Welsh Springer Spaniel is around $1500.
German Shorthaired Pointer
The dog of the German pointer breed has an exceptional sense of smell, making it one of the furry ones that most often accompany hunters. He loves to run and doesn’t get tired easily. So if you are one of those people who love to play outdoor sports, this might be the friend you are looking for.
The appearance of the German pointer
This amazing dog is considered a large breed dog. The male weighs about 30 kg and is between 62 and 66 cm tall; The female weighs about 25 kg and measures between 58 and 63 cm. The body is slender and protected by a short or long layer of hair. The head is long and broad, with hanging ears and an elongated snout. The tail is short.
As a large dog, its development stops at around one year old. But their generally calm demeanor will surprise you from an early age.
How is it?
It’s the ideal friend for all those active families. Has a lot of energy and this is something that needs to be considered if it is to be a part of our lives. You need to exercise a lot, not only to stay in good shape but above all to be happy. But also, he is intelligent, attentive, jovial, loyal, and loves to play with children.
The German pointer she is obedient, although it can be a bit stubborn. He learns things quickly, so teaching him will not be difficult, and less if we give him a good reward in the form of cuddles, treats, or walks on the beach after each training session.
Adorable, right? If you finally think this breed of dog is ideal for you, just congratulations. Surely you will have many very good experiences together.
German shorthaired pointer puppies
The puppies of this wonderful breed, like those of any other breed or crossbreed, are very cheeky and playful as well as adorable. Actually, you really want to hold her in your arms and fill her with kisses, but… we need to know a few things beforehand:
They cannot be separated from their mother when they are less than two months old;; In fact, the recommended age to take her home should be two and a half months and even three months if we have the opportunity to visit her at the breeder’s very often. This is because the little ones need to be fed and cared for by their birth mother for the first few weeks.
As much as we feel, you need to avoid holding them all the time. Dogs need to run, jump, play, and more when they are that young. Therefore, if we have children who love animals, we have to let them understand, otherwise, the dogs will grow up too spoiled and don’t want to run as much.
The training begins on the first day of their arrival at home. We have to make them understand where their beds are, where they can and cannot go up, etc. Always with patience, with a lot of repetition, and above all with love and respect.
German Wirehaired Pointer
It’s an animal created by crossing local hunting dogs with breeds from other countries, likely the Brittany Epagneul, the Setter, and the English Pointer. Since its beginnings towards the end of the Middle Ages, it has accompanied hunters since It specialized in collecting dams on the water.
Price
The price of a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy depends on where it was purchased. So it can cost $300 in a shop, at a professional breeder they can ask you for $700.
History of the German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer appeared in Germany at the end of the 19th century with the aim of creating a working, wirehaired, full-service dog. As the development of modern weaponry rendered the original hounds obsolete, new hounds with different duties were needed. The new hunting dogs had to be able to indicate game and retrieve the prey they had shot. Versatile hunting dogs that can take on all the tasks before and after the shot were in demand. This is how breeds like the Small Munsterlander, the Weimaraner and the German Wirehaired Pointer came about.
The basic idea for the breed came from the hunting cynologist Sigismund von Zedlitz and Neukirch, who is known under the pseudonym “Hegewald”. He crossed existing wire-haired dog breeds, such as the Griffon Korthals with the German Stichelhaar, the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Pudelpointer. In May 1902, the breeders founded a unified breeding club, which then set the standard for the breed in 1924. Since 1954, the Wirehaired Pointer has belonged to FCI Group 7 “Pointers” in Section 1.1 Continental Pointers. A “pointing dog” is a hunting dog used to point out game to the hunter. He behaves calmly and points with his nose in the direction of the potential prey. For years, the breed has enjoyed great popularity worldwide as a hunting and family dog. In Germany alone, more than 3000 puppies are born every year.
Characteristics and character traits
Because the Wirehaired Pointer was specially bred for hunting, it combines all the characteristics of a versatile hunting dog. He has a balanced and reliable character and learns extremely quickly. In addition, the robust dog is persistent and has an excellent sense of smell. The loyal German Wirehaired Pointer forms a strong bond with its owner and loves being part of a family. It is important for him to build a good relationship with all family members. The dogs are reserved towards strangers and warn immediately if someone enters the property. They usually get along well with other dogs. With too little exercise and mental workload, active dogs quickly get bored. Since they sometimes show stubborn behavior, the dogs need consistent leadership.
The appearance of the German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large dog, up to 68 cm high at the withers and weighing 27 to 32 kg. A special feature of the breed is the expressive head with clear eyebrows and a striking beard. The striking, wiry coat consists of two to four centimeters long top hair and a short, dense and water-repellent undercoat. The fur can come in different variations in the colors brown roan, black roan and light roan. White markings are allowed or may be completely absent.
Consistent education of the puppy
Training a demanding dog like the German Wirehaired Pointer is not easy. Good socialization on the part of the breeder is the basic building block for a well-trained puppy. He needs consistent guidance from an experienced owner with whom he forms a close bond. Especially if you do not use the dog for hunting, it is important to get the hunting instinct under control at an early stage. With enough consistency and leadership, you can even “control” this hound off leash. However, he will never behave submissively, but will act as an equal partner. With patience and calm, you can quickly teach the willing dog what it is allowed to do and what not. Aggression and violence are out of place. It is best to take the puppy to a dog school, where it can get to know other dogs and play with them.
How much exercise does the German Wirehaired Pointer need?
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a real all-rounder and suitable for all hunting tasks, from fetching to welding work. If he is not in the hands of a hunter, he needs an appropriate alternative occupation. Daily, long walks or hikes make the breed fascinating companion dogs. With the appropriate training, the dog can easily accompany you while riding, jogging or cycling. Thanks to its weatherproof fur, it can also cope well with rain and snow. So he needs his outlet in any weather. The active hunting dog especially likes to splash and swim or fetch toys out of the water. An ideal way to keep the work-loving dog busy is to do dog sports such as agility.
Health and care
The dogs’ wiry and robust fur is extremely easy to care for. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to brush the fur regularly and remove dirt. You should check your dog for parasites, especially after a long walk in tall grass or in a dense forest. Most dogs enjoy the extra cuddles, which further strengthens the bond between dog and human. As an active dog breed, the German Wirehaired Pointer always has a big appetite. However, you should always adjust the amount of dog food to the individual needs of the dog and the daily stress.
Interesting and worth knowing
A close relative of the breed is the German Shorthaired Pointer, which is slightly lighter and smaller.
The popular hunting dog has been in third place in the VDH puppy statistics for years. This makes it the third most popular breed in Germany after the German shepherd and the dachshund.
German actor Fritz Wepper owns a representative of the breed named Aron, who accompanies him everywhere.
One of the most famous kennels on social media is Zwinger vom Bauckhof from Lower Saxony, who share their cute puppies with the whole world on Instagram.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer right for me?
The German Wirehaired Pointer is not only suitable for hunters these days. It is also a loyal partner for nature lovers who like to hike and spend a lot of time out in the fresh air. Of course, you should always keep in mind that he is a thoroughbred hunting dog. Accordingly, a lot of experience in dealing with hunting dogs is an advantage for the Wirehaired Pointer. Due to the strong urge to move, he will not be happy in a cramped city apartment. A house with a large, fenced yard that he can guard as his territory would be ideal.
If you are absolutely sure that the Wirehaired Pointer is right for you, you should consult a reputable breeder. The price for an untrained puppy with papers is around 900€. Also in the animal shelter, you will always find German hunting dogs or crossbreeds looking for a new home.
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter from the Scottish Highlands is the most powerful representative of the setters. It is characterized by its black and tan (black and chestnut) coat color and its friendly nature. The first Gordon Setter breeder, Duke Alexander Gordon of Banffshire, contributed to the naming and the English verb to set (to lie down), because the Gordon Setter sits or lies down when he has tracked the game. With a crouched posture and a slightly raised snout, he shows the hunter the direction of the scented game.
The Gordon Setter is a docile and passionate hunting and companion dog that loves contact with water. Its dignified composure makes the Gordon Setter a family dog that loves children. He also gets along well with fellow dogs and other pets.
History and Origin of the Gordon Setter
The emergence of the setter in the British Isles is closely linked to the beginning of courtly hunting. The rough terrain and often wet weather of the Scottish Highlands called for a somewhat more robust type than the elegant Irish Setter or English Setter.
In the 18th century, the nobleman Duke Alexander Gordon of Banffshire managed to create his own breed of setter that was more powerful and hardy, but still exuded the impressive dignity of the setter. Among the dog breeds that were crossed were the Bloodhound and the Collie.
The Gordon Setter is one of the so-called pointing dogs, whose characteristic is to sit down when they have spotted game (e.g. a pheasant). In this position they pause silently and point the hunter in the direction of the scented game with their heads held high and their noses up.
It is typical that the dog also lifts its front paw. If the hunter has now given the command to scare them away, he can kill the game with a well-aimed shot. The dog then reliably fetches the shot poultry.
In 19th-century Britain, few dogs could rival the Gordon Setter in terms of popularity. The beautiful dog breed quickly found more fans in France, the Scandinavian countries and the USA. The first Gordon Setters came to Germany in the middle of the 19th century. As a hunting and forest dog, but also increasingly as a family dog, the Gordon Setter is becoming increasingly popular in Austria and Germany.
The appearance of the Gordon Setter
The medium to large-sized Gordon Setter has FCI Standard No. 6 (Pointers) and belongs to Group 7, Pointers, and here to Section 2.2. British and Irish pointers, setters.
According to the FCI, the shoulder height of males may be 66 centimeters and that of bitches 62 centimetres. The set weight should be 29.5 kg for the male, while the bitch should be 25.5 kg. Minor deviations are tolerated if the dog otherwise has a consistent appearance.
The average life expectancy is 10-12 years. Its smooth black fur may have reddish markings and has a silky sheen. In the fall, it provides excellent camouflage.
Nature, character, and training of the Gordon Setter
Setters are generally independent working dogs. The dogs have a quick mind and are obedient companion dogs with consistent leadership. When tracking game, the Gordon Setter shows a special endurance and independence. With its heritage as a hunting dog, it requires regular exercise and activity in the fresh air.
Since he is also very sensitive, close family ties are particularly important to him. At home, the self-confident and courageous hunter transforms into a truly playful and particularly affectionate cuddler who is never averse to intensive caresses.
In comparison to other Setter breeds, his nature is less nervous and he has a high stimulus threshold towards children, which predestines him as a family dog. He tends to be aloof with strangers and doesn’t particularly like it when they approach the dog unprepared.
Puppies look forward to attending a dog school early on and learning social skills with other young dogs. With good training, the Gordon Setter can be used in many ways. The Gordon Setter usually gets along very well with conspecifics and other pets.
The true temperament of this bundle of energy unfolds when hunting, but the Gordon Setter also needs sufficient activity as a family dog in order to maintain a balanced character. The Gordon Setter is alert but not a guard dog. Keeping a sensitive dog in a kennel should not be done under any circumstances! Due to its docility and good nature, it can be trained particularly well to become a rescue dog.
Even if the Gordon Setter is usually very lovable and clever, the self-confident hunter is not really a beginner’s dog. His owner should give him clear leadership and training, then he will also be happy to submit. Loud words and rough treatment, however, will only lead to a loss of trust in his master or mistress.
The immensely strong hunting instinct in particular requires well-founded training in order to be able to reliably retrieve the dog, e.g. when spotting birds. Attending a dog school specifically designed for hunting dogs can be very helpful in learning reliable basic obedience.
Exercise, care, and husbandry of the Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter wants to move a lot and likes to go jogging and hiking with his family. It can happen that the innate hunting instinct makes the Gordon Setter run away from time to time. A lot of exercises and demanding tasks such as retrieval or dummy work are his lifeblood to be happy and to maintain a balanced nature. He is one of the robust and hardy dogs that have no problems walking on stony and stubble ground.
The Gordon Setter’s adaptability may tempt some owners to keep them indoors. The nature-loving dog does not necessarily need life on a farm, but at least a garden and proximity to woods and meadows.
In order for it to retain its agility, the Gordon Setter must not be overfed. It is best to check your ears and eyes more often. Occasional care of the ball of the foot with a special balm is also good for him. However, the beautiful, shiny coat of the noble dog needs a lot of care. It needs regular combing and brushing. If he comes back soaked from a trip, he should be rubbed dry immediately.
Diseases typical of the breed in Gordon Setters
Gordon Setters are generally a fairly healthy breed of dog. He is one of the most robust hunting dogs ever and tends only to few diseases typical of the breed.
He can also develop hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, but with a much lower probability than many other large breeds. Nevertheless, let the breeder you trust show you test results that prove that the parents of your dream puppy are free of HD and ED.
However, the occurrence of hip dysplasia does not always have to be genetically determined. Wrong food and excessive stress on the skeletal system while the young dog is growing can also promote HD or ED later on.
Sometimes eye diseases such as cataracts or genetically determined progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occur, which causes the photoreceptor cells in the retina to die off.
Gordon Setter in distress
Specimens of this wonderful breed are also in need: The Gordon Setter is basically easy to keep and does not place too high demands on its training. So the reasons often lie elsewhere: Due to changing living conditions, Gordon Setters get into trouble; a career change can mean a move for the dog owner and his family. Maybe he has to move into a city apartment and there is no longer a garden, which also means that he spends more time walking the dog.
If such changes are actually pending, a dog sitter is certainly a practicable solution to enable continued good coexistence with the dog. You will rarely find him in animal shelters due to the breed’s small distribution. If you don’t necessarily insist on a purebred Gordon Setter, you will, with a bit of luck, find a pretty mixed-breed puppy from the animal shelter.
Gordon Setter is born with an amiable and friendly character. He was born with a strong need for movement, hunting, and the inseparable associated with “leading” and “seconding”. This dog is considered intelligent and courageous; his way of working impresses with a high degree of perseverance.
“Pointing” is an innate behavior that represents a form of anti-predation and has been perfected over the centuries. If the dog gets the scent of game birds such as pheasant, partridge, quail, etc., it remains motionless like a statue.
The nose stretches far in the direction of the squeezing game, the entire body appears taut, every muscle is tense; occasionally a front paw is bent. Only when the game flees does the body tension release.
If the Gordon Setter hunts with another four-legged partner and stands in front of it, “seconding” occurs: Although the Gordon Setter himself has no game scent in his nose, he reflexively adopts a pointing posture.
The characteristics described are genetically fixed and cannot be trained. They are useful when hunting small game with one or two pointing dogs.
The Gordon Setter has the ability to stray far from his master and work independently. His hunting instincts lead his nose to the wind and let his eyes follow scent cues. This behavior is in his flesh and blood, which is why dreamy walks with this dog are not possible. The passion for hunting must be steered in the right direction.
The Gordon Setter has a great need for exercise, which needs to be satisfied every day. Whatever the weather, he needs a lot of exercise and large terrain where he can run and romp to his heart’s content. A large garden alone is not enough and is at best a supplementary addition.
The human-related nature of the Gordon Setter should be emphasized. Aggressiveness or even “sharpness” are fundamentally foreign to him. For this dog, human contact with his reference person or his family is very important. He attaches to them with great and sometimes impetuous affection and likes to be the center of attention.
The isolated and exclusive attitude in the kennel is not suitable for Gordon Setter.
The black and red fellow is clever, attentive, and intelligent. His “grip” wants to be challenged by a task, otherwise, he would mentally atrophy. The Gordon Setter is eager to learn and has a quick grasp. If he has a good teacher, he will make rapid progress in his education.
Prudent, empathetic but very consistent upbringing is required during training.
If Gordon Setter is treated roughly, he loses trust in his master and reacts disturbed as a sensitive dog. When treated roughly or even brutally, the Gordon Setter has a tendency to refuse.
This behavior is sometimes wrongly chalked up to him as being stubborn. But the other end of the line contributes significantly to the development of the Gordon Setter!
Greyhound
The Greyhound – When you hear the name greyhound, you automatically think of greyhounds. The greyhound became known through the famous sighthound races. The proud, long-legged dog reaches top speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
History and Origin of the Greyhound
Like the origin of the name, the greyhound’s ancestry is also based on guesswork. It is believed that the Celts brought the ancestors of this dog breed with them when they immigrated to the British Isles in the 4th century BC. What is certain is that the Spanish introduced the Spanish greyhound – the Galgo Español – to both England and Ireland from the 16th to the 18th century.
At first, the graceful and highly respected dogs were reserved exclusively for the nobility and royal families. King Canute of England instituted severe punishments for any “common man” who appeared in public with a greyhound. And if a citizen was found to have killed a greyhound, King Howel of Wales actually imposed the death penalty.
At that time, the English royal families invested a lot of time and money in breeding and developing this fascinating breed. When the English aristocracy changed decisively in the course of the 16th century, even wealthy citizens who did not have an aristocratic title were allowed to keep the valuable greyhounds and breed the dogs.
Thus, the use of the greyhound in dog racing became popular from the mid-16th century. Initially, the dogs were allowed to run in an open field, and only later were oval racetracks with grandstands specially designed for this purpose, so that as many spectators as possible could enjoy watching the races. A real racing industry soon developed, which turned over a lot of money in sometimes horrendous bets. Dog racing is still very popular today, especially in Australia, Ireland and the USA.
Later, through further breeding, the “English Greyhound” arose, which also reached the USA across the pond. As for the origin of the name, there are different theories. One assumption is that the term “grey” can be traced back to the Old English-Celtic term “grig”, which means “dog”.
It is undisputed, however, that the term “grey” cannot be traced back to a gray coloration of the dog, since the dog exists in many color variants in addition to gray. A dog that hunts independently, on the other hand, is referred to as a “hound” and the greyhound was once used especially for hunting small game rabbits. Today he is mainly used in dog races or as a family and companion dog.
The appearance of the Greyhound
The Greyhound is a dog breed recognized by the FCI with the standard number 158. It belongs there to Group 10 – sighthounds – and to Section 3 – short-haired sighthounds.
The FCI requires a height at the withers of 71 to 76 centimeters for males and 68 to 71 centimeters for females. Weight is not fixed and ranges from 27 to 40 kilograms depending on gender. The “Racing Greyhounds” specially bred for racing are slightly smaller. The dogs reach the age of 10 to 14 years.
The greyhound’s coat is short, fine, dense and smooth-lying. Different colors and shades of coat color are allowed. The dogs are approved by the FCI in the colors black, white, brindle, fawn and blue. The basic color white, piebald with any of these colors, is also permitted.
Typical of the greyhound are the pronounced musculature, its deep chest and the extremely long legs. What this elegant dog breed pleasantly lacks compared to its peers is the typical canine smell. Today the Greyhound is mainly used for dog racing or as a family and companion dog. In the past – and still occasionally today – this breed was used for hunting small game.
Nature, character, and training of the greyhound
By nature, the greyhound is an intelligent and very adaptable four-legged friend who loves close contact with his family. Not only his appearance, but also his whole being expresses pride. He is a very calm, cuddly and extremely loyal animal, which makes him very suitable as a family dog.
However, one must never forget that this breed of dog has a pronounced urge to move and has to live it out. As far as the training of the greyhound is concerned, it is not easy, because the sensitive dog does not tolerate harsh training with loud words, it must be gently influenced. Consistency is essential. Clicker training has proven to be ideal.
Exercise, care, and husbandry of the greyhound
Like all sighthounds, greyhounds are excellent short-distance sprinters. In order to do justice to the running instinct, he looks forward to regular use in greyhound races or coursing. When walking, it is best not to let him off the leash uncontrollably, as he has a pronounced hunting and hunting instinct.
Otherwise, the gentle dog is a problem-free companion who also likes to accompany his master or mistress to go shopping, to the office or to a restaurant visit.
At home, the greyhound presents itself as a cuddly four-legged friend and can sometimes sleep through half the day. There are even said to be dogs that sleep up to 16 hours a day. He loves to lie down softly in his basket or on the sofa, always close to his owner, because lying too hard quickly causes painful sores on his skin.
The coat of the nimble and sensitive pet needs little care. Regular brushing with a suitable dog glove is sufficient. What is particularly pleasant about the Greyhound, as with all sighthounds, is that it hardly has the “typical” dog smell.
Breed diseases in greyhounds
Normally, the Greyhound is a very robust dog that is rarely affected by diseases typical of the breed. The breeding of greyhounds used for racing is subject to strict regulations. To qualify for breeding, the parent dogs must undergo numerous tests to check the dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease (which is a blood clotting disorder), hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid that makes the dog tired and apathetic) and possible eye diseases are examined.
Excessive exertion in connection with heat and lack of water can cause greyhound lock (grey lock) which leads to over-acidification of the muscles and consequent cramps. This is also noticeable through dark, brownish urine. If these symptoms appear, it is better to consult a veterinarian immediately.
Greyhounds are particularly sensitive to some narcotics because their livers contain smaller amounts of oxidative enzymes. This leads to a particularly slow breakdown of barbiturate-based anesthetics in particular.
Greyhounds in need
If you want to get a greyhound, you should always take into account that dogs of this breed have an extremely strong need for rather short-term but very fast movement. Some dog owners quickly reach their limits, because in order to keep a greyhound really busy, you should cours it more often or let it take part in a dog race.
And so it happens that one or the other greyhound is in need because a dog owner cannot afford this time. In animal shelters, you will therefore always find greyhounds looking for a new home. Since the greyhound, like other sighthounds, is very sensitive, such a stay is particularly bad for him.
Unfortunately, even today, greyhounds who are unable to compete competitively due to age are often brutally eliminated in some countries. In fact, in Ireland, ‘disposal’ by killing remains legal. Luckily, in a number of countries, initiatives to rescue “retired” greyhounds have now been formed in order to give the dogs a home. Fortunately, commercial dog racing with stakes is forbidden in Germany and only allowed as a hobby.
Ideally, if you want to buy a puppy, you should first visit one of the animal shelters nearest you, you may also find a young adult greyhound there who would really appreciate some attention and a happy home.
