The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a member of the sporting group. This dog makes an excellent pointer, a versatile gun dog, and a solid all-around hunting companion. When on the job, these dogs have a deliberate point and retrieve style as they stick closely with the hunter's gun.

Equally enjoyed by families all over the country, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon makes a loving house pet and gets along moderately with strangers and other animals. They are a devoted breed, always willing to please, and even displays a somewhat comical personality when having fun in the house or romping around the yard with the family.

A Brief History Of The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

France is the area of origin for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. And unlike most breeds that came to development over time, the creation of the Griffon was carefully deliberate. Every step along the way is well documented.

The breed started during the middle of the 1800s when the Cherville Griffon was created and later crossed with the pointer and the setter. Further development and refining of the breed is credited to a man named Edward Korthals, from Holland. In fact, the dog is still called by the name "Korthals Griffon" in many parts of the world.

Mr. Korthals began his work of refining the breed in 1874. It is said the he crossed twenty other dogs from the following breeds: spaniels, setters, water spaniels, griffons, French pointers and German pointers. As he traveled throughout France Edward helped build up the breed's popularity all over the country.

By the year 1887 the first breed standard was published for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. In 1888, England offered the first show classes for the breed (although at that time the dog was referred to as a Russian Setter).

The popularity of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon continued to skyrocket until World War II. After the war it's reputation for being an excellent hunting companion brought the breed back to new life, but the numbers never quite reached the same peak as before the war.

Upkeep Requirements For The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Owning a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon means having plenty of open space outside and an active lifestyle. Like all members of the sporting group, this breed needs daily stimulation from a romp in the open wilderness, jogging, or fun games with the family. They especially like swimming.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs are able to live outdoors so long as the temperature does not reach overly hot or excessively cold levels. It's best to allow the dog to remain outside in an open yard during the daytime hours, but to sleep indoors with the family at night. Due to its harsh coat, grooming requirements for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon calls for heavy brushing twice per week.

Health Concerns

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs can have a long life span of up to fourteen years, with twelve to thirteen being the average. A healthy breed, these dogs have no major health concerns to worry about. Minor health issues include otitis externa, CHD, ectropion, and entropion. Veterinarians suggest that Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

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The Whippet is said to have come from a combination of Greyhound dogs mixed with smaller dogs during the Dzth century in the attempt to create an animal that could be used by peasants for poaching small game such as rabbits.

With its direct roots from the Greyhound dog, which are genetically designed to race as fast as possible, Whippet dogs entertained people in contests called "snap dog" games. People would place bets on the Whippet of their choice who would snap up as many rabbits as they possible could before escaping from the game circle.

It is also theorized that these dogs were probably crossed with ratting terriers in order to increase speed and quickness. When the Industrial Revolution started, this was the time that the true Whippet breed started to emerge. Huge numbers of rural workers had moved their entire livelihoods to industrialized areas. Along with them came their Whippet pet dogs that was a good source of entertainment.

Even when there were no rabbits around for the people to watch their Whippets play snap dog competitions, they found out that these dogs were just as excited to race towards other objects, particularly a waving flag. This was the dawn of flag racing, which became very popular amongst coal workers. Referred to as the "poor man's race horse", Whippets grew in large numbers.

Whippets were not only used for entertainment, but also to help the poor earn extra income and helped procure food for the family. These dogs were loved, valued, and shared everything with its human companions.

Whippet racing is still somewhat popular at current times, but it never took off quite as commercially as Greyhound racing did. As a result, it remains an amateur sport. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1888 and through further mixing with the Italian Greyhound, many beautiful and aesthetically appealing Whippets have been born and raised in many family households.

Personality

Of all of the sighthound dogs, the Whippet is claimed by dog enthusiasts to be the most obedient and demonstrated. If you are looking for a quiet house dog that is a totally devoted and loyal companion, this dog will make the perfect pet. Whippets are extraordinarily gentle with kids and is on the overly-sensitive side, both mentally and physically. They do not fare well when treated harshly or yelled at.

Taking Care Of Your Whippet

Whippet dogs love to run but can also do very well in a small-sized apartment, so long as daily walks are given. While many dogs can sleep and live in standard conditions, Whippets need a very warm and soft bed to be comfortable in. It absolutely hates cold weather and is not meant to live outdoors. Grooming does not take much work, if any at all. The hair on their coat is extremely short and it rarely gets that musty "doggy smell" most dogs get.

Health Information

Whippet dogs have a lifespan of up to 16 years, with the average being 13 toಎ years. They are very healthy with only one major health concern to watch out for, and that is potential eye problems. There are absolutely no minor issues to worry about and veterinarians suggest that you have your Whippet tested for eye problems throughout its life.

There is no other member of the Terrier Group that is more friendly and affectionate than the West Highland White Terrier, or "Westie" for short. These adorable bundles of joy are a happy breed, always curious, and thrives on being the center of attention. It makes the perfect house dog for all family types are are wonderful around children.

The fun-loving temperament of the Westie carries over to strange dogs and people, as they are always looking to make new friends. Somewhat reserved around other pets in the house, these dogs quickly bond, making them amiable with every member of the family. At night they make excellent watchdogs, and will bark at any approaching person, animal, or sound.

A Brief History Of The West Highland White Terrier

The roots of the West Highland White Terrier goes back to Scotland, during the 1800s. The breed actually shares its bloodline with various other terriers during that time, each with outstanding hunting abilities. Small animals such as badger, fox, and vermin were hunted by these efficient terriers.

At one point, various breeds were all considered to be one. The list included the Skye Terrier, the Westie, the Scottish Terrier, and the Cairn Terrier. Distinctive strains were produced through selective breeding, based on qualities such as color and coat type, which were easily maintained throughout Scotland and several islands to the west of the country.

The West Highland White Terrier first gained popularity in 1907. At the time it was named the "Poltalloch Terrier." Over the years the breed went through several more name changes, including: Little Skye, Roseneath, Cairn, and the White Scottish. In fact, the breed was registered with the AKC in 1908 as the Roseneath Terrier, but soon changed in 1909 to the West Highland White Terrier.

Upkeep Requirements For The West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier is not the kind of dog that should live outside. Although they do have tolerance to moderately hot or cool temperatures, they should be spend most of their time indoors. However, having access to a fenced-in yard during the day is ideal, with sleeping arrangements inside at night with the rest of the family.

Westies need daily exercise to take care of their high energy levels, but due to the small size of the breed, these requirements can be met with a few walks on the leash and some playtime in the yard or living room. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing of the dog's wiry coat, two to three times weekly. A professional clipping is also recommended every few months to keep the coat neat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the West Highland White Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed include CMO, Legg-Perthes, skin disease, and globoid cell leukodystrophy. Minor health issues reported are KCS, copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, and cataracts.

Over the years, the West Highland White Terrier has won almost every honor that can be conveyed from the show scene. These honors came despite the fact that most breeders ended the lives of these little white creatures at the bottom of a water bucket at birth. The only crime the Westie committed in those early days of his origin, was having been born with a white coat.

The West Highland White Terrier and the Cairn Terrier are really brothers under the skin. Cairn Terrier breeders considered the "whites" as skeletons in the closet and pretended that they didn't exist. Whenever a white pup showed up in a litter, it caused the breeder embarrassment; professional breeders therefore tried to obliterate all traces of the scrappy little terrier with the white coat.

Once in a while, though, a white puppy from a litter of Cairns managed to survive man's injustice and breeder fad, and together with a white puppy from another source, the strain of whites was preserved. In fairness, it should be pointed out that those who did save the whites from being destroyed were equally guilty of destroying any puppy born with a coat other than white.

Advocates of whites and advocates of colored continued their practice of breeding for distinct color, and in time, each side had developed a distinct variety of terrier. Though they did not originate the breed, one family in Poltalloch, Scotland, is credited with keeping the white breed pure for many generations. They were the Malcolm family.

To the Malcolm family - and those who lived nearby - the white terriers became known as the Poltalloch Terrior. While Cairn Terrier breeders were busy eliminating the occasional white puppy from their litters, the Malcolm family was busy deliberately working the other way; that is, eliminating all other colors - except for white.

By the turn of the century, the West Highland White Terrier had lived with the name Poltalloch Terrior, Roseneath Terrer, White Scottish Terrier, White Cairn Terrier, and finally, the West Highland White Terrier.

The West Highland White Terrier became more popular with the general public than did the Cairn, and therefore was introduced into England before his colored brother. By the time Cairn Terriers gained the necessary popularity to be introduced to English dog shows, they found their white upstart little brothers already firmly established on the show circuit.

The "Westie" gained official recognition from the Kennel Club of England in 1907 followed shortly thereafter by the Cairn. The breed held its own in popularity for 10 years before the Cairn finally gained ground and became more popular with dog fanciers.

The Dachshund was officially recognized by the AKC in the early 1900s, and according the the current AKC registration list, this dog has become one of the top five registered breeds of today. This small sized member of the hound group has an unforgettable appearance, with a short, long body, small legs, and a handsome pointed face.

The origin of the Dachshund goes back to the 1500's in which their main function was to flush out badgers. Today, however, the Dachshund has become an everyday family house pet as well as retained the sharp edge to compete in Earthdog trials and Dachshund field trials.

If you enjoy smaller sized dogs who show off a bold and adventurous attitude, then the Dachshund is the right one for you. It loves to hunt, and dig. If you are fortunate enough to live near a wooded area with trails, you'll enjoy watching your Dachshund catch a scent and go out hunting for game. He is independent but always appreciates the love and attention of his family.

The Dachshund is known to be a wonderful house pet and great around children, but can also get a bit snappy if introduced to small kids he does not know. Some of them are more prone to barking than others, but all Dachshunds are considered to be excellent watchdogs with high energy levels.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Even though these dogs are extremely active and need to expend energy on a daily basis, they are small enough to get plenty of exercise indoors by running around. However, nothing replaces a nice long walk on a leash through the great outdoors. The Dachshund also enjoys playing games and mental training challenges. Training this dog breed may be a little tough at times, as he is known to be stubborn, but with patience and time, a Dachshund can become excellent at obedience commands.

The smooth coat of the Dachshund does not require much grooming. If you own a long-haired Dachshund than a thorough brushing once or twice per week is all that is needed. The short-haired version may only need a quick brushing once weekly in order to remove stray hairs.

Health Information

The Dachshund dog breed is known to have a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years. The only major health concern that is typical of this dog is intervertebral disk disease. Minor concerns are KCS with the occasional health problems springing up of diabetes, gastric torsion, Cushing's disease, deafness, patellar luxation, and seizures. It is suggested that the only specific health test that should be requested is for eye problems. Obesity can also become a problem with the Dachshund dog when overfed.

The Welsh Terrier is a playful and adventurous member of the Terrier group, always on the lookout for fun games and entertainment. They are not quite as temperamental or feisty as most terriers are, which makes them a reliable house dog. They can be boisterous when running around outside, yet calm and mild-mannered indoors - making these dogs a joy to have around the home.

Welsh Terriers are also wonderful around children but may be a bit territorial when it comes to other pets in the house. They are weary and reserved when it comes to strange people, making them excellent watchdogs. Some Welsh Terriers can be a little stubborn and head-strong when it comes to training. They also tend to bark and dig when given the chance

A Brief History Of The Welsh Terrier

The history of the Welsh Terrier goes back to the 1700s in Whales. They are one of only two breeds of terriers that is native to Whales. It is said that the Welsh Terrier is a descendant from the Black and Tan Rough Terrier, which was a popular breed in Britain around the late 18th century.

During that time, North Whales had produced a terrier strain known as the "Ynysfor." At the exact same time period, Northern England had produced a breed that looked identical to the Ynysfor, known as the "Old English Broken Haired Terrier." The two strains looked so much alike that when both were entered into the show ring many people mistook them for one another.

They eventually were grouped together and both became known as Welsh Terriers. The Welsh was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. Breeders wanted to further improve the breed and so crossed them with the Wire Fox Terrier. Today they can be found as loving companions and a regular contender in earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Welsh Terrier

A fairly active dog breed, the Welsh Terrier needs a moderate amount of daily exercise. These requirements can be met with a few brisk walks on the leash and some time to run around the yard. These dogs quickly tire after vigorous exercise and enjoy relaxing just as much as they do playing. Welsh Terriers also tend to hunt so be sure to have them confined to a safe, fenced-in yard at all times when off-leash.

Welsh Terriers can tolerate moderately cool or warm temperatures, but should not live completely outside. Sleeping indoors with the family at night is ideal as they form very tight bonds with their owners and need as much human contact as possible. Grooming requirements for the breed's wiry coat calls for a thorough brushing every two to three days. A professional shaping should also be done every few months to keep the coat neat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Welsh Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns in the breed. Minor health issues include glaucoma and lens luxation. Rarely seen are seizures and allergies. Veterinarians suggest that Welsh Terriers get specifically tested for eye problems.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a laid-back, easygoing dog that is not quite as exuberant as the English Springer. They need plenty of daily exercise and has a large appetite for bird hunting so spending time in nature's woodlands make the perfect setting for the breed.

Although independent by nature, Welsh Springer Spaniels are highly devoted to its family and make excellent house pets. They are very sensitive and may display a timid personality around strangers - but this shyness is what makes the breed an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Welsh Springer Spaniel

Mention of Welsh Springer Spaniels date back as far as the 1300s in early records of the Laws of Whales. However, there is still dispute whether or not these early dogs were directly connected with today's Welsh Springer.

There is some evidence to suggest that the Welsh Springer Spaniel may have developed from the English Springer or is a creation from the mix of English Springers and the Clumber Spaniel. Land spaniels have been used for a long time in Wales before the Welsh Springer became popular, but the land spaniels were more likely not a uniformed group of dogs.

During that time, both English Spaniels and Welsh Spaniels were shown alongside one another at dog shows because they were strikingly similar, with the only difference being color. The Welsh made a soaring boost in popularity and in 1906 was recognized by the AKC.

Upkeep Requirements For The Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniels are solid, all-purpose hunter dogs with a keen sense of smell and can flush and retrieve game in both land and water. Because of this genetic trait they need to have plenty of outside space to run and play each day. They especially like quick bursts on a field.

While needing to be outside roaming and hunting most of the day, Welsh Springer Spaniels are happiest when sleeping inside at night with the rest of the family. As far as grooming requirements, their coat is long and lustrous, which means heavy brushing about twice per week.

Health Concerns

Welsh Springer Spaniels have an average life span of between thirteen and fifteen years. A very healthy dog breed, they only have one major health concern - CHD. Minor health problems that may show up are epilepsy, otitis externa, and glaucoma. Rarely seen are cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that Welsh Springer Spaniels get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

The Weimaraner dog breed is probably the most courageous and rambunctious of the sporting group. Always ready to hunt, play, and run, this dog literally has enough energy for an entire day roaming outside. If left inside the house too long they may become destructive.

The Weimaraner is top-rated on its training ability, protection, and watchdog status. They are also quite reserved with strange people and other animals. Small children in the house should be supervised with Weimaraners, as these dogs tend to play on the rough side.

A Brief History Of The Weimaraner

The origin of the Weimaraner come from Germany, which has always been a country known for its natural forests and wildlife. The breed was the result of the hunter's need for a dog that was the perfect all-around gun dog. They wanted a canine that could not only hunt small game but also tale down larger animals such as bear and deer.

The first of these dogs that were bred were known as the Weimer Pointer, which came from the first breeding efforts by the court of Weimer. Several of the breed's forebears include various early pointing breeds, the Red Schweisshund, and the Bloodhound.

By looking at the handsome Weimaraner you can clearly see its distinctive gray color throughout the coat. The exact origin of this trait is unclear, but we do know that it has been part of the dog's physical appearance since very early in the development of the Weimaraner.

The German Weimaraner Club was responsible for strict oversight of the breed. Only members of the club could own one of these dogs and becoming a member was almost impossible. The leaders of the organization were very selective.

It wasn't until the year 1929 that someone from the United States gained entry into the club and took two Weimaraner dogs back to America. This was the first time that the breed had been out of Germany and by 1943 it had become popular enough to become recognized by the AKC.

Upkeep Requirements For The Weimaraner

As stated earlier, the Weimaraner is a very active and rambunctious dog. Their energy levels are through the roof and therefore need an over-abundance of daily, vigorous exercise. They have an insatiable appetite to run and hunt so city living is out of the question.

Grooming requirements are minimal due to the short coat of the Weimaraner. Perhaps the occasional brushing now and again to remove any dead hairs is all that is needed. These dogs do not tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures very well, so should sleep inside at night with the family.

Health Concerns

The average life span of a healthy Weimaraner is between ten and thirteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is gastric torsion. Minor health problems include hemophilia A, distichiasis, spinal dysraphism, entropion, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, and vWD. Veterinarians suggest that Weimaraner dogs get tested for possible hip, eye, and blood problems.

Long before shotguns were used to kill birds when hunting, nets were used to catch the foul, which were helped by dogs that were trained to crouch whenever they pointed game. "Setters" as these dogs were called, were the foundation of today's English Setter.

The English Setter is the oldest dog known from these groups. In fact, it is theorized that they date back well before the 15th century. Their function was to locate game and then remain still, practically frozen, until the game was taken away by hunters.

The English Setter's ancestors were probably the Large Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and the Spanish Pointer. Beginning around the year 1825, specific breeding for the production of the English Setter was started by a man named Edward Laverack. He continued to breed his Setters for well over 30 years. In fact, these are the dogs that created the base-line of all English Setters of today.

Other breeders continued to produce English Setters, but with specific emphasis on other functions. One such person was named Purcell Llewellin. He started with Setters that came straight from Edward Laverack and based his breeding entirely on field ability.

Mr. Llewellin mixed his Laverack Setters with outside English Setters which created some of the most outstanding field dogs of his time. Eventually these dogs were imported to the United States and has enjoyed steady growth as a popular household pet ever since.

Personality

The English Setter is a particularly amiable breed of dog that is most often calm and relaxed, and make great house pets. Genetically, they were bred to hunt and cover miles upon miles of ground distance, therefore, physical exertion and running is a favorite pastime for the English Setter. This is one dog that cannot be kept indoors without exercise for too long at a time.

Taking Care Of Your English Setter

As previously mentioned, upkeep for the English Setter requires intense daily physical stimulation. Lots of exercise each and every day is a requirement, at least one good hour of fast-paced running. This dog is best to live indoors, but should be able to roam outside most of the day-time hours. Due to its long coat, the English Setter's fur may prove to be difficult to keep clean and shiny. It needs regular brushing every two to three days, minimum.

Health Information

The lifespan of the English Setter can last up to 12 years, with 11 years being the average. Major health concerns that may arise are hypothyroidism, CHD, deafness, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues are PRA and OCD. Every once in a while this dog breed may see epilepsy, but this is extremely rare.

The Vizsla is one sporting dog that not only enjoys hunting all day, but his physical attributes make him look the part. Always poised and ready to run, this breed makes an excellent close-working gun dog and a talented pointer.

Vizsla dogs are on the never-ending mission to sniff out birds and if left alone for long periods of time without room to run and play, they can become quite upset and destructive. Not all Vizslas have the same personality - some are on the shy side, others are overly-anxious, while many have a stubbornness character.

A Brief History Of The Vizsla

Our research leads to writings on Falconry from the Middle Age period that describes dogs that very closely resemble the Vizsla. It is said that the breed were from groups of canines that were collected by the Magyars, people who traveled across Europe before landing and setting up villages in Hungary, over 1000 years ago.

The plains of Hungary were abundant with game and the local hunters needed a dog that was fast, could be a close-working dog, point and retrieve, and trail mammals over rough terrain. The breed further increased in popularity through the 18th century but declined in numbers by the end of the 19th century.

The Vizsla breed was then revived by dog enthusiasts through careful breeding. During World War II the dogs were seen in countries all over the globe. This was largely due to the Hungarians fleeing Russian occupation and had brought their dogs with them.

When the breed showed up in United States it did not take long for the Vizsla to become popular with American dog lovers. Their talented hunting abilities were quickly noticed, as well as the dog's strikingly handsome appearance. The Vizsla was officially recognized by the AKC in 쌨.

Upkeep Requirements For The Vizsla

These canines were bred specifically to be a close-working dogs so the Vizsla has enough energy to literally run all day long. Therefore, they cannot be expected to be content with only a few short walks on the leash. It needs a large open field to roam during the day. Small apartment living is not meant for this dog.

Grooming the Vizsla is minimal due to its close-cut coat. The occasional brushing every couple of weeks to remove dead hairs will suffice. These dogs can live outside if the climate is warm but prefers to sleep inside with its family, especially if the weather is cold.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Vizsla dog can last anywhere from ten to fourteen years. The only major health concern reported in the breed is epilepsy. Minor issues include lymphosarcoma and CHD. Rarely seen is hypothyroidism, dwarfism, PRA, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and persistent right aortic arch. Veterinarians suggest that Vizsla dogs get tested for potential hip and thyroid problems.