Weimaraner

The blue eyes of newborn weimaraner begin to turn amber at about 3 months. The dogs are very active from a young age and are particularly avid about gnawing.

Once cherished in and around Weimar by German aristocrats who used dogs of this breed to hunt large game such as deer and wild boars, they long prohibited from leaving the country. They are also adept at hunting birds and smaller animals. Because of the subtle shift in coat color that occurs with changes in lighting conditions, and their swift, quiet movement, they have a mysterious air and were nicknamed “gray ghost.”

Weimaraners are sensitive to noise, and though they seldom bark, they have a loud, strong call. Also, this breed is not particularly friendly, and they should be socialized while they are still young and should receive thorough obedience training.

This breed is known for its strength and stamina, and weimaraners need a lot of exercise. However, they gain weight easily, so their food intake should be monitored, and they have a tendency to develop calluses, so avoid keeping them on hard floors.

Though weimaraners shed much, their short coats do not require much care, they droopy ears require occasional cleaning.

Origin : Germany
Size : (male) Height 24-28 inches ; weight 58-78 pounds
(female) Height 22-26 inches ; weight 56-71 pounds
Coat : Short and glossy. Color ranges from steel gray to silver gray; head and ears are slightly lighter.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Puppies coat grow a darker red with age. This breed’s name derives from the Canadian province and an unusual hunting technique used there. The hunter throws a “tolling stick” for his dog to go after and play with at the water’s edge, prompting ducks to respond to the commotion, at which point the hunter shoots them and the dog retrieves them.

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is one of the newest dog breed in the world; it was recognized by the KC in the 1980’s but the AKC did not acknowledge it until 2003, it is a bright, good-natured, capable dog that is becoming increasingly popular as a household pet. Although they have a relatively high-pitched bark, duck tolling retrievers are generally quiet.

They are also faithful and love to be pampered. An owner says, “If you own this dog along with other dogs or animal, it is difficult to love them equally. But if you want to keep only one dog, this breed may be the best.” Duck tolling retrievers, naturally love to frolic in water, and their need for plenty of exercise should be accommodated.

Occasional brushing is sufficient, though they lose a lot of hair when they shed each year.

Origin : Canada
Size : (male) Height about 20 inches ; weight about 51 pounds
(female) Height about 20 inches ; weight about 51 pounds
Coat : Straight and soft, undercoat is dense and softer. Colors include red and variations of orange, white markings on blaze, chest, tip of tail, and paws are permissible.

Labrador Retriever

Dogs of this breed settle into their mature characters much earlier than others, and they can be trained to do almost anything. Labrador retrievers love water from puppyhood; their aptitude is matched by their development of short, waterproof coats, otter like tails, and paddle-shaped paws.

The ancestor of the Labrador retriever were smaller dogs that assisted Newfoundland island fishermen in picking up their fish that had fallen out of nets and retrieving nets that had drifted away from the shore. Eventually, they were brought to England, where their retrieving talent was put to use in hunting waterfowl and the breed was further developed especially in its size.

Gentle, intelligent, and tenacious. Labrador retriever are loyal and diligent; they are widely used as police dogs, drug sniffing dogs, service dogs and seeing eye dogs. Though they’re active and need lots of exercise, they make good household pets; clip their nails often, though, to reduce wear and tear indoors.

Like golden retrievers, this breed a prone to genetic hip problems, so they should be kept off of slippery floors. Also, some Labrador retrievers are epileptic. In addition, they gain weight easily and their food intake should be monitored.

Dirt on their coats can be easily removed with a brush, and a cloth, and extra brushing will help keep their coat glossy.

Origin : United Kingdom
Size (male) Height 22-25 inches ; weight 60-76 pounds
(female) Height 21-24 inches ; weight 56-71 pounds
Coat : Short and dense. Colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.