BEASTFORUM'S DOG ENCYCLOPEDIA

considering a K9? This will be one of the biggest steps -AND RESPONSIBILITIES -you will EVER make!@#!

this thread is created to help you make an informed decision -here's how it works:

the thread is reliant on experienced members contributing -each post on the thread will feature a different breed. The only requirements are that you add a full body photograph of the breed you are discussing and any known info and experience you have with the breed -here are some things you may want to include in your post:

*breed group (toy, working, etc.)

*known types and colors (english, chocolate, etc.)

*origin of breed

*size expectations of breed

*cost expectations (how much should one expect to pay to purchase)

*history of any known health concerns

*life expectancy

*grooming, care, diet, exercise and special requirements

*trainability

*temperment and known breed traits

*any insights to sexual experience that may seem particulary noteworthy

*sex of the animal in which you have had experience with

LadyR and Akitas4Me have graciously consented to make a post on Rottweilers and Akitas to get the thread rolling, there are hundreds of breeds to cover - PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR FAVORITE BREED WITH THE REST OF US!

-a VERY SPECIAL Thank You to all the mods and members who have made this thread possible -now get to work -I'm buying a puppy in the next 6-12 months :wub: -and I have no idea what I am going to choose yet :thinking:

South I personaly think this is a super idea and I think it will be well recieved.

Thank you for the time you spent in prepareing it.

deerhunter

bensdogtoy has also graciously consented to cover Golden Retrievers -thanX!

If you know a breed you would like to cover feel free to just jump in and reserve it while your preparing your material for a near future post.

Hey South ;)

Doesnt take a rocket scientist to know which race I've chosen;)



* Breed group.

Work dogs. they have been used as cattle dogs, guard dogs (Roman outposts) and guard dogs in modern times. The Rottweiler is a devoted family and protection dog, and excels in police work as well as obedience training


*known types and colors (english, chocolate, etc.)

They are USUALLY black with beautyful tan drawings, their "spots" above their eyes very distinctive, along with the chest drawing.
(I do know however that they can come in slightly different shades... Like not Black-black but more dark brown and more beige-tan drawings.

*origin of breed

Country of origin is Germany, Wurttemburg area.

*size expectations of breed

This actually varies from country to country...So I'll put whats usual here.

Size and weight

Height from the Shoulders.
Males:
(61 - 68 cm)
61 - 62 cm : Small
63 - 64 cm : Medium
65 - 66 cm : Large ("correct" size acc. to breeders)
66 - 68 cm : Very large.

Females:
(56 - 63 cm)
56 - 57 cm : Small
57 - 59 cm : Medium
60 - 61 cm : Large ("correct" size acc. to breeders)
62 - 63 cm : Very large

Weight:
Males: ca 50 kg
Females: ca 42 kg


*cost expectations (how much should one expect to pay to purchase)

Anywhere between NOK 4.000 and NOK 15.000. (about 650 USD and 2.300 USD) Depending on wether or not its a pup of a champion, how serious the breeder is and so on.

*history of any known health concerns

Any "large dog" problems; ranging from AD/HD to foreskin infections. But making an effort to not inbreed the race here, less problems occur now. And also excersize and not letting them become overweight helps tremendously.


*life expectancy

Well, large dogs has a tendency to have a shorter life span than smaller ones. So anywhere between 8 and 12 years. But I've heard of Rottweilers reaching 14 and 15 too.

*grooming, care, diet, exercise and special requirements

Regular, thorough brushing is needed to keep your Rottweiler's short coat glossy and free of dead hairs. Dont be "cheap" on the food for them. Give them well known, good dry food.

Rottweiler's are work dogs.. they need to get both their body and head stimulated. Give them "meaningful" work, and they will be happy content and friendly dogs. They.. as any other race needs lot of TLC, but that really goes with out saying.


*trainability

Despite their stubborness.. they are VERY EASY to train; very willing to learn new things. But advise; start at an early age.


*temperment and known breed traits

In recent years, the Rottweiler breed has received a lot of bad press. Unscrupulous breeders have produced dogs with highly aggressive tendencies and some owners have used the dogs to boost their macho images. A well-trained and responsive Rottweiler can provide the right owner with a great deal of exercise and loving companionship.

The Rottweiler is a fearless dog that maintains an air of self-assurance. He is basically calm and confident. Rottweilers possess an inherent desire to protect home and family.

All in all... A perfect family dog if trained correctly.


*any insights to sexual experience that may seem particulary noteworthy

Rottweilers differ very in "hung size".. And they are pretty dominant lovers. (That's all I am gonna say bout that ;) )

*sex of the animal in which you have had experience with

Males.


Addition. We dont crop tails here, we stopped that back in the late 80ies... And since then the Rottweiler has once again gotten the choice of Police; getting a lot more flexibility and "springiness" after the race was allowed to keep their tail. I for one prefer them with tails. They are a lot easier to "read". And they look so much cuter too ;)


LadyR

Lastly; a picture.

This post has been edited by LadyRottweiler on Apr 15 2005, 02:47 PM

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WOW! to have this thread now visualized -beyond my wildest dreams :beer:

I hope it will be useful to many... I have learned already -many many thanX LadyR for kicking it off -what an incrediable job :wub: and the Rottie? WOOF!@#!

The Akita

I’ve only been an Akita owner for a few months, but since I’ve been asked I will go ahead and share what I’ve learned before and after living with one. My personal taste in dogs is a little bit different than that of most people. I don’t really enjoy the sort of dogs that could be featured in a TV show saving small children or gazing at their owners in pure love. Not that I don’t like them; just that I wouldn’t want to live with one. I prefer dogs that make you earn their respect or love. The sort of dog that seems like most of the time it’s really saying “hey, where’s my food, dammit, and take me for a walk too”, and then they do something like jump into bed and curl up on top of you (pretty funny when a 90 lb dog does it), and you know you’re loved :inlove: . I also prefer dogs that still look and act somewhat natural. The sort of dog you could see hunting elk or whatever in some forest and they wouldn’t look out of place doing it. Akitas are almost the only breed that fits my tastes at the moment, for those reasons and others, and just that I like them. So while they are imho the sexiest breed out there, they are not for everyone. Size, in combination with a strong will and potential aggressiveness, can require a physically strong owner and some careful raising techniques to try and lessen those problems.

Breed Group: Working

Colors: All colors are acceptable, including white, brindle, sesame, blotchy, and whatever color you call my dog (which is my favorite Akita color)

Origin: The breed is from Japan, and was originally a hunting dog (specifically for bears, I believe). This still shows up in behavior, as I’ll mention below).

Size: Males about 90-130 lbs, females slightly less

Cost: Anywhere from $300 to $1000+ depending on genes

Health: Rather like Rottweilers, no major problems apart from the typical large dog problems. They can get intestinal torsions, occasional joint problems, and a few other things, but no major problems widespread in the breed except hypothyroidism (look it up if you’re curious, but it’s a hormonal imbalance).

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Care, etc: Mine’s just finishing up his spring shedding right now, so I’m inclined to think they’re hairy dogs that are a lot of work. That’s not really true for most of the year though. As far as exercise, I take mine for a good run every day. I live in a place with a small front and back yard, so he is able to run around a bit at home, and that all seems to work out alright.

Trainability and Breed Personality: This is kind of where my breed choices run into some disadvantages. My dog knows a few basic commands such as sit and down, and would probably learn any more simple commands I would care to teach him. However, he is not a dog that would ever come on command if there was something else he wanted to do, such as chase after a cat or rabbit. The breed has a very strong hunting instinct (part of the whole suite of natural behaviors that seem to go together), and you have to be able to handle a big dog that really really wants to go somewhere you don’t want to go. There have been times at night when we were doing a short sprint at (my) top speed, and suddenly came across a cat. It is really hard to slow down a large fast dog when you’re suddenly going faster than you can normally go under your own power.

The one other major issue that comes up as far as interactions with other animals is aggression. I don’t know if mine is any more aggressive than others, but he will fight with dogs unprovoked. This has happened on a couple of occasions, and the breed is known for it. It may be possible to have them in a multiple dog house (especially if you have 1 of each sex), but be really careful around strange dogs. My dog is great with kids, although again extreme care is in order. I don’t know how he is with strangers when I’m not there, but he’s great with other people if I introduce them.

My dog, and I think the whole breed, is really quiet. He’s only actually barked in warning 1 or 2 times since I’ve had him. However, he does “talk”, making those cute yawning noises when he wants food or attention or he’s just happy. :)

In Bed: I wish I was able to comment on females (or even intact males), but sadly not at the moment. My dog was neutered as an adult by his previous owners. So his equipment is full-sized, and he enjoys sex, but not as much as intact dogs I’ve known. I would say that I wouldn’t be interested in sex with a male dog that was any larger than mine, and really I wouldn’t mind if he was just a little bit smaller down there. He’s not so big that I’m worried about injury, but when he’s all the way enlarged it can be a little bit uncomfortable :blink: . But then, I’m not a very big person to begin with. I wish I could have a girl too. :( :inlove: Since they're a large breed though, a female should be able to accomodate almost guy. Although I'm talking about real people here, not the internet penis average of 10-12 inches. :lol:

Hopefully some of this will be helpful. Definitely do not get one just because they look cool but you really want a dog that acts like a lab or German Shepherd, because chances are neither one of you will end up happy.

And here's a picture of mine.


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handsome boy A4M - I know you are proud! Your post is exactly why I felt like the thread would be useful -although Akitas are a GEORGEOUS and desirable dog -they are not for everyone as you explained -and it may save a lot of heartache -and even a life -by knowing up front the challenges -and it will most certainly also serve the opposite -where someone will read your thread and know "Akitas Are For Me!" ThanX Buddy!

First of all this is a great idea for a thread,

The Labrador Retriever*breed group: Working dogs, in my experience and by genral consent they make excellent gun dogs. They also make very good hearing and guide dogs.

*known types and colors: Yellow, Black (like my Girl :wub: oh i wish i got to see her more often :( ) and Chocolate there is also said to be gray, but that is currently being debated.......

*origin of breed: Newfoundland, and used fro retieving just about everything.....

*size expectations of breed: An average male will be around 60cm and weigh around 31kg though they can get much larger 42-45kgs
and the average bitch 55cm in height and a weight of around 28kg

*cost expectations: the cost varies greatly as Lady R says, deepending on all kinds of factors i wouldn't like to set a bench mark really. but i would recomend buying from a reputable breeder if you intent to use the dog in a working role

*history of any known health concerns: Labs are notorious for their hip problems the may also suffer problems with their elbows and eye problems. PRA is also a concern. I suggest going for ones with larger feet. A tip suggested by a friend that has had many many labs......

*life expectancy 10-12 years (though i have known labs of 14 years)

*grooming, care, diet, exercise and special requirements: Groom regularly with a stiff brush, I would suggest being careful about letting the dog get over weight, as this obviously agrivates any hip or elbow problems and give your dog LOTS of exercise to reduce this tendancy to get over weight.

*trainability: VERY VERY trainable i recommend starting young.

*temperment and known breed traits: Very loyal, and affectionate and loving breed. They are also good with childern and tolerant of other dogs.

*any insights to sexual experience that may seem particulary noteworthy:
all the general rules apply, respect your animal and its feelings and what it wants.

*sex of the animal in which you have had experience with
Female, i have also had very very limited experience with a male.

Hope this helps people :D

(sorry for the lack of picture it seems my compute hates me.... :mad: :crying:

(edit; added pic of Pete's pooch :) )

This post has been edited by LadyRottweiler on Apr 16 2005, 08:27 PM

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found one of a chocolate lab. Ive also seen some labs that are almost white. By the way this is an awesome thread. Wouldnt mind seeing more on what to expect via the size of the knots though. Wish I had more to contribute. Ive only had a llhasa mix.

Attached Image ( Click on thumbnail to view full size image )

Not my pooch sadly, a pic of a very old and much missed friend ......
Thanks for the Attempt Alpha, doesn't matter, any insight is always helpful.
post away :D

how appropriate! I met a lab today -and they are also high on my list of prospects! I'm not sure what gives with the colors -but the one I saw today was gray-ish and it also had white flecks in it's coat -I asked the daddy -err owner :) and he said it was "Liver" I don't know if that constitutes a know or officially recognized color... he was quite handsome -and gave my face a tongue bath :wub:

thanX Pete -and Alpha -excellent!

would also like to announce that TX WOLF has graciously consented to cover Huskies -and BitchFool will give us a run down on Malmutes !@#!

again -all members please feel to jump right in -and if your not ready -just post a reservation...

What a superb idea for a thread,southflorida. Thank you. and a big thank you to LadyRottweiler, Akitas4me, k9Pete for the information. AlphaDhole (nice pic).
this is going to be great and informative.

omb

You cant give an idea on the size of the knot as all dogs are different... all one breed doesnt have all the same size cock or knot ... that is like saying all white men have the same size cock ... lol when I KNOW that isnt a fact :0)


South ... I will be adding mine soon... but you do know that I have a minpin right?? that is the only thing I am even partially qualified to talk about

:wub:

This post has been edited by wyldfyre67 on Apr 17 2005, 07:39 AM

Well, wyld honey... She is a dog right? ;)

thank you LadyR for your insights into this situation both on and off the board :wub:

ANNOUNCEMENT

in the short time that this thread has exsisted the issue of non -purebreds has risen several times -admitedly I didn't know what to think -let alone how to respond -so I put it in the hands of those more experienced and knowledable... PLEASE feel free to add a post to the thread covering your experience - your love (lover) is just as valid reguardless if there is a purple ribbon or what not associated with it's breed - I think it's safe to say that we all interested in knowing about anyones experience who is kind enough to share with us!