Nathan Sheets

Those of you who cared enough to remember will know that I am not generally a Terrier fan. I'm annoyed that they get their own group, in fact, and I always root against the terriers more than any other group, including the Toy group, which is just sad. However, there is one terrier that I love, and it is this wonderful Airedale Terrier. I don't really know why I personally love it, but I think it has to do with it's clean look and brown color (I love teh brown). It looks how a terrier should look. That and it's not a tiny dog; it's the largest terrier of the group. Please share your experiences with this dog!

Dog Name: Airedale Terrier
Official Classification: Terrier
Un-Official Classification: The Otter-Hunting, Most Acceptable Terrier

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): good-natured, fun-loving, alert, interested, energetic, feisty, lively, inquisitive, dignified, intelligent, loyal, active, reserved. some can be shy or spooked by strangers

History/Description: via Wikipedia:

Airedale, a valley (dale) in the West Riding of Yorkshire, between the Aire and the Wharfe Rivers, was the birthplace of the breed. In the mid-19th Century, working class people created the Airedale Terrier by crossing the old English rough-coated Black and Tan Terrier with the Otterhound.

Well-to-do hunters of the era were typically accompanied by a pack of hounds and several terriers, often running them both together. The hounds would scent and pursue the quarry and the terriers would "go to ground" or enter into the quarry's burrow and make the kill. Terriers were often the sporting dog of choice for the common man. Early sporting terriers needed to be big enough to tackle the quarry, but not so big as to prevent them from maneuvering through the quarry's underground lair. As a result, these terriers had to have a very high degree of courage and pluck to face the foe in a tight, dark underground den without the help of human handlers.

Before the adoption of the German Shepherd as the dog of choice for law enforcement and search and rescue work, the Airedale terrier often filled this role.

Poll #1205752
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

What do you think?

We've got some great pictures today. Enjoy!





And I found this one hilarious. The owner took it while she was getting brushed! I plan on brushing my malamute every day, so I hope that this isn't common among them!


Also, come Monday Dogs Nathan Likes will be back, thanks to the RESOUNDING response to my poll. *glares at online friends who didn't vote*

My old friend Tony just got a dog. I emailed him asking if it was a Bernese Mountain Dog, but apparently it's a Australian shepherd. Does anyone else think that they are pathetically alike (at least at this stage)? I can obviously tell the difference between two adults, but I was really surprised when he told me that I...I...I was wrong.


Cute Puppy of Tony's


Adult Bernese

And speaking of dogs...
Poll #1203515
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 5

Should I Continue with the Dog Posts?

This picture comes from ladylalitha. You can see the rest of her pictures here. Great page!

And others, found in various places:

Dog Name: Shiba Inu
Official Classification: Non-Sporting
Un-Official Classification: A Mini Akita...Kind Of

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): independent, good natured, alert, curious, reserved with strangers, loyal, spirited, bold, cheerful, affectionate, stubborn. some can be aggressive to humans, overly shy

History/Description: via Wikipedia:

A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting.^[1][2] It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature.
...
Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest and most "primitive" dog breeds,^[11] dating back to the third century B.C.
Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game. However, it is now primarily kept as a pet both in Japan and abroad.^[12]
In 1936, the Shiba Inu was declared a natural monument of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act.^[13] Despite efforts to preserve the breed, the Shiba nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of bombing raids and a post-war distemper epidemic.^[3] All subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines, known as the San'in, Mino, and Shinshu.^[14]
In 1954, an armed service family brought the first Shiba Inu to America.^[14] In 1979, the first recorded litter was born in the United States.^[14] The Shiba was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 and added to the AKC Non-Sporting Group in 1993.^[1]

Nathan's Comment: The Japanese dogs are known for their beauty, and this one is no exception. I love Akitas, and not only because Helen Keller brought them over: they are great dogs. Shiba inus, I imagine, are a bit more yippie, but if you're looking for the beauty at a smaller size, the shibu inu should be a consideration.







Poll #1181475
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

What do you think?

As always, I appreciate comments if you've had experiences with these dogs!

OK, so anyone with the slightest reading comprehension knows that the Alaskan Malamute is my favorite dog. I was wondering when I would feature it, and I decided today would be a good day because yesterday I saw one walking down the street. Sadly, I was driving at the time and they were too far away for me to get out, pull out my Glock, scream, "YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DOG, NOW LET ME PET IT!", pet it and speed away. Maybe next time.

Dog Name: Alaskan Malamute
Official Classification: Working
Un-Official Classification: The Best Dog

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): friendly, affectionate, needs attention, devoted, trustworthy, dignified, stubborn, gets bored easily, loyal, playful, hardy, sociable, prone to aggression toward other dogs

History/Description: via Wikipedia:

The Malamute is a descendant of dogs of the Mahlemuits tribe of upper western Alaska. These dogs had a prominent role with their human companions - working, hunting, and living alongside them. The interdependent relationship between the Mahlemut and their dogs fostered prosperity among both and enabled them to flourish in the inhospitable land above the Arctic Circle.

For a brief period during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896, the Malamute and other sled dogs became extremely valuable to recently landed prospectors and settlers, and were frequently crossbred with imported breeds. This was often an attempt to improve the type, or to make up for how few true Malamutes were up for sale. This seems to have had no long standing effect on the modern Malamute, and recent DNA analysis shows that Malamutes are one of the oldest breeds of dog, genetically distinct from other dog breeds.^[12]

The Malamute dog has had a distinguished history; aiding Admiral Richard Byrd to the South Pole, and the miners who came to Alaska during the Gold Rush of 1896. This dog was never destined to be a racing sled dog; instead, it was used for heavy freighting, pulling hundreds (maybe thousands) of pounds of supplies to villages and camps in groups of at least 4 dogs for heavy loads.

The Alaskan Malamute is a member of the Spitz group of dogs, traced back 2,000 to 3,000 years ago to the Mahlemuits tribe of Alaska.

Nathan's Comment: My favorite dog used to be the Old English Sheepdog, but then when I started watching the dog shows, I fell in love with the Malamute. They're big, beautiful, dignified and very affectionate. They resemble wolves fairly closely, yet there is a unique look to them. I have yet to really be able to interact with one, as they are generally hard to find.

They do need a lot of attention and discipline, however, so I am trying to psychologically get ready for that come the wonderful day when I pick mine up. I will be getting a puppy from a breeder because I want to see what it's like to train a puppy by yourself, as opposed to the family dog where everyone contributes to the screwing up of the animal...

TRIVIA!

"The majority of Malamutes are also fairly quiet dogs, seldom barking like most other dog breeds. When it does vocalize, more often than not they tend to "talk" by vocalizing a "woo woo" sound (the characteristic vocalizations of Chewbacca in the Star Wars films are based upon a Malamute named Indiana once owned by George Lucas).^[7] They may howl like wolves or coyotes, and for the same reasons. When they howl, the howl is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish from the wolf."






Poll #1180342
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 4

What do you think?

Dog Name: Afghan Hound
Official Classification: Hound
Un-Official Classification: Beautiful AND Intelligent!

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): gentle, playful, highly intelligent, easily trained, clownish, rarely barks, independent, spiteful, proud, aloof, sensitive, standoffish, gets bored easily, possessive of home. some can be shy, establish dominance hierarchy early

History/Description: via Wikipedia: (quoted at length 'cause it's very interesting!)

The breed was always thought to date back at least to the pre-Christian era, and recent discoveries by researchers studying ancient DNA have revealed that the Afghan Hound is in fact one of the most ancient dog breeds, dating back for many thousands of years. Legend states it was this breed that Noah took into the Ark.^[5] Its original native name, Tazi, betrays its connection to the very similar Tasy breed of Russia. The proximity of southern Russia and Afghanistan argues for a common origin for both breeds.

Initially, Afghan people refused to sell their national dog to outsiders; the breed was not seen in Europe and America until after the turn of the 20th century. The AKC and CKC did not recognize the Afghan Hound until the 1930s. Originally export of this dog was prohibited and the first to arrive in England and the United States was at the turn of the 20th century. Captain Banff imported "Zardin" from Afghanistan around this time and he was first shown at the Crystal Palace Kennel Club Show in 1907, making a tremendous impact.^[6]

In 1983, Chris Terrell was the last breeder-owner-handler to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with his Afghan Hound Ch. Kabik's The Challenger, also the last time a dog from the Hound group has been awarded Best in Show.^[7] An Afghan Hound has taken the top honor at just one other WKC Dog Show, in 1957.

On August 3, 2005, Korean scientist Hwang Woo-Suk announced that his team of researchers had become the first team to successfully clone a dog. The dog, an Afghan Hound, was named Snuppy. Later that year, a pattern of lies and fraud by Hwang Woo-Suk came to light, throwing in doubt all his claims. Snuppy, nonetheless, was a genuine clone, and thus the first cloned dog in history.

Nathan's Comment: This is one of my top favorite dogs, and don't ask me why. They looks like a girl-type dog, a general quality in dogs that I do not like, but this one is just so regal and intelligent, I can't help but like it. I have never seen one in person, however. Anyone have any experience with them?







Poll #1179741
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 4

What do you think?

Dog Name: Giant Schnauzer
Official Classification: Working Dog
Un-Official Classification: Classy Yet Deadly

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): alert, versatile, intelligent, vigorous, loyal, devoted, protective, willful, can be aggressive with strangers

History/Description: via Wikipedia:

The breed originated in the mid to late 19th century in the Bavarian and Württemberg regions of Germany. Cattlemen wanted a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer for herding and driving, creating it by selectively breeding the Standard Schnauzer with the Great Dane, the Bouvier des Flandres, and rough haired sheepdogs. It was a popular herding breed, but its need for more food than some breeds made it less popular for farmers on tight budgets or with limited resources. It was used as a guard dog in breweries and stockyards, a police dog, and during World War I as a military dog. It became scarce during World War II, but its popularity grew again after the war, when it was used as a drover and as a guard dog.

Nathan's Comment: This dog doesn't strike me as the usual friendly dog that many people have. Far from labs, they are very loyal to their owners, but don't seem to be friendly or trusting towards strangers. For some people, this is a good thing. They make excellent guard dogs and are quite intimidating in person, despite their sophisticated look. Does anyone have any experience with them? The dog comes as either a Giant, Standard or Mini.







Poll #1179110
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 2

What do you think?

Yes, yes, I know, I know. I am notorious for hating all things Toy category, but I have to say, the Pomeranian is a very handsome dog when it's acting...like a dog and not yipping at you. Imagine my horror every Friday night, when I watch the dog shows, and I smile when this guy walks down the floor!

Dog Name: Pomeranian
Official Classification: Toy Group
Un-Official Classification: The Only Toy Dog I Will Physically Touch

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): vivacious, extrovert, intelligent, cocky, alert, active, spirited, faithful, inquisitive, adapable, devoted, happy, clever, entertaining, obedient, loves to be pampered, barks a lot, sheds, will challenge larger dogs

History/Description: via Wikipedia:

The Pomeranian originated from the sled dogs of Greenland and Lapland, which were eventually brought into Europe in Pomerania. This region, bordered on the north by the Baltic Sea, has been under the control of Wendish Slavs, Poles, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and Germans, at various times, and most recently Poles again. This region extends from the west of the Rügen Island to the Vistula River. The name Pomorze or Pommern comes from Slavic "along the sea". Breeders in Pomerania improved the coat and bred the dogs down for city living, but they were still 20 pounds or more when they reached England.

English breeders, through trial and error and Mendelean theories, are credited for reducing the dog's size and developing the many colors. The Pomeranian of today is small due to selective breeding, but the breed still retains the hardy disposition and thick coat typical of dogs in cold climates.

Queen Charlotte first introduced the Pomeranian to English nobility; however, the Pom gained international popularity when her granddaughter Victoria returned from vacation in Florence, Italy with a Pomeranian named Marco.

The dogs owned by Queen Charlotte & Queen Victoria were much larger and were German Spitz and a Volpino Italiano. The same is true of any other historical Pom from before the 19th century.

The FCI classifies the German Spitz as one family consisting of the Dwarf (Pomeranian), Small and Standard (American Eskimo Dog), and Wolfsspitz (Keeshond). Additional close relatives of the Pomeranian are the Norwegian Elkhound, the Schipperke, and possibly the Samoyed.

Nathan's Comment: What DogsinDepth means by "vivacious" and "extrovert" is "really, really annoying." But a lot of people like really, really annoying dogs, and if I were forced to have one, it would have to be the Pomeranian. And even then only if it had a show coat. I think that's really what I like the most about them is how they look like they are trying to be lions:)






Poll #1177001
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 7

What do you think?

Dog Name: Chinese Shar Pei
Official Classification: Non-sporting
Un-Official Classification: The Dog Most Commonly Squeezed to Death

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): regal, dignified, intelligent, alert, dignified, independent, calm, confident, amiable, friendly, affectionate, playful, active, brave, dominant, standoffish and aloof with strangers, snobbish, sober, devoted to family, not slavishly obedient, can be aggressive toward other dogs

History/Description: According to the Wikipedia, the name "Shar Pei" translated to "sand skin", describing the short hair's feeling on this delightfully droopy dog. It is, believe it or not, from China. They are known to have many allergies and get sick easily, so an owner would have to be extra vigilant in watching and taking care of their dog. It is considered an ancient dog breed. "Originally, the intense loyalty of the Shar Pei defined its work -- guarding the Chinese royal family. The dogs are ideally suited for defense; the small ears and deep-set eyes are tough to grab and if grabbed on the skin, the wrinkles enable the dog to turn around and bite back. At one point they were close to extinction, and were listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as 'The rarest dog in the world'."

Nathan's Comment: I don't generally like "droopy" dogs (like bloodhounds) but I do like the Shar Pei. They remind me of bulldogs, only taller, and perhaps useful guard dogs.







Poll #1176427
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 7

What do you think?

Dog Name: French Brittany
Official Classification: Sporting
Un-Official Classification: The Dog that Likes its Cheese

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): friendly, love people, sensitive, energetic, alert, good temperament, happy, vigorous, reliable, loyal, trustworthy, obedient, affectionate, tireless

History/Description: Developed in France as a gun dog in the 1800s, there is somewhat of a debate over whether or not this dog is considered a spaniel. There is an American version of the dog, though information on the American Brittany is somewhat limited.

Nathan's Comment: Wow, that's two French dogs in one week...am I becoming a liberal? In all seriousness though, I first saw this dog at a dog show, and was surprised that I even liked it. I do not like spaniels in general, and though this dog apparently isn't one, I thought it was at first. I like the colors in this dog, and the personality shown in the face. Expressive dogs are the best.







Poll #1175843
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

What do you think?

Dog Name: Newfoundland
Official Classification: Working
Un-Official Classification: Loving Giant

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): very friendly, intelligent, benign, happy, brave, sweet, gentle, determined, docile, easy going, courageous, loyal, forms deep attachment to family, loves water and outdoors, obedient, easy to train, slow to attack unless provoked

History/Description: Another water dog, the Newfoundland originated in...Newfoundland! (Some pissant part of Canada.) They have webbed feet which make them very useful for working in the water. They are black. They are very loyal and affectionate toward people and do not make good guard dogs.

Nathan's Comment: I think what drew me to this dog was the striking black color, and the friendly look. The dogs just look friend and loyal.







Poll #1175374
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 5

What do you think?

Dog Name: Standard Poodle
Official Classification: Non-working
Un-Official Classification: Misunderstood/Stigmatized Dog

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): intelligent, alert, proud, dignified, takes direction well, quick learner, obedient, responsive, thoughtful, active, independent, sensitive, elegant, good sense of humor, easy to train, dependable, calm

History: Bred to help hunt/retrieve, Poodles are now used mostly as companion dogs. Their name derives from the German word which means to "splash water", meaning that they are water dogs. Note their curly hair which is common in water dogs. Poodles are often stigmatized because people think of stuffy celebrities owning them, but they are very smart and reliable. They are common in gypsy clans, because they are easily trained to do tricks.

Nathan's Comment: It really is good that DogsinDepth listed "intelligent" first on the temperament of the poodle: they are rated the second most intelligent dog breed in several rankings, generally after the Border Collie. I used to hate poodles because you generally only see pictures or film footage of them with their disgusting dog-show haircuts. It's interesting to note that those haircuts are actually functional, with the poofs being on their butt and ankles to keep them warm! But I prefer a fuller coat on the dog. They are very friendly. I first really got to interact with one when I started my job, because my boss has one named Frodo.

There are also miniature and toy poodles. Eww.








Poll #1174915
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 2

What do you think?

Dog Name: Samoyed
Official Classification: Working
Un-Official Classification: Beautiful!!!!

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): affectionate, good-natured, intelligent, friendly, alert, hearty, adaptable, active, devoted, obedient, independent, enjoys human companionship

History: Bred to herd reindeer and be guard dogs, the Samoyed is thought to be one of the most ancient of dog breeds, probably developed in Russia or Northern Europe. They are often used in very cold weather, as their endurance is extremely high and their strength is as well. They are sometimes used as sled dogs because of this combination.

Nathan's Comment: These dogs are strikingly beautiful! The ones I see on the dogs shows are, of course, perfectly kept. I would imagine that it would be hard to have one of these dogs grow their hair out long if you cannot devote time to grooming and cleaning. I think the dogs are beautiful because they are almost snow white, and do not have any other colors, so they look unique. It's always the solid color dogs, to me, that catch the eye. Imagine shedding season! *screams and faints*









Poll #1173294
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 8

What do you think?

Dog Name: Burmese Mountain Dog
Official Classification: Working
Un-Official Classification: Manly Dog!

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): friendly, affectionate, cheerful, eager, willing, faithful, placid, devoted, obedient, self confident, good natured, maybe aloof to strangers, good memory, energetic. some can be temperamental, unreliable, aggressive

History: "Bernese" refers to Bern, Switzerland. Whoop, whoop! These dogs were bread to do various work in the mountains of Switzerland, also known as the Alps. They are very, very strong, but do not, apparently, have good endurance.

Nathan's Comment: The puppies are especially cute--and this is coming from someone who is not a lubby-dubby puppy person. I usually like the dogs after they have passed the yippie stage, but I wouldn't mind these puppies! These dogs are just so beautiful! They have three colors, and they get to be quite large. Their coats need maintenance and they need to be walked, but other than that they are pretty independent, yet also sociable.








Poll #1172715
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

What do you think?

Dog Name: Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Official Classification: Herding
Un-Official Classification: Little Dog

Temperament (from DogsinDepth.com): intelligent, eager-to-learn, even-tempered, hardy, tireless, loyal, affectionate, adaptable, willing, happy, obedient, confident, friendly, alert, lively, tough, fearless. some may nip at heels

History: Originally from Wales (duh!) the Welsh Corgi is thought to be one of the oldest herding breeds, about 2,000 years-old! While mostly bred today as companionship dogs, they are still sometimes used to be guard dogs and herding dogs.

Nathan's Comment: These dogs are about as little as I'll go. I'm not generally a fan of small dogs (only Corgis and Dachshunds), but what I like about these dogs is that they LOOK LIKE DOGS, as opposed to the little dogs with no nose that look like cinnamon buns. *shivers* They are only slightly "yippie", which is a plus. They are trainable, and so you could teach them not to pee on the living room floor whenever there is a visitor and to keep quiet when there's a knock on the door. ;)







Poll #1172143
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

What is your impression of this dog?

OK, so some of you know that I am getting really interested in dogs and dog breeds, so I thought I'd share my thoughts on the recent Westminster Dog Show winners.

The Beagle won the hound group, and also the Best in Show. Ugh. I'm not a fan of the Beagles, though apparently Ann Coulter is.

The Sealyham terrier won the Terrier Group, and I have no thoughts on this as I am not a fan of terriers.



I am happy to say that the poodle won the Non-Sporting group. I like poodles, despite the fact that they are commonly associated with France, though I do not like the way they are presented in dog shows with their heinous haircuts. When their hair can grow out they are attractive, smart dogs, and very friendly.



The Austrailian Shepherd won the herding groups. These are beautiful dogs, though not my favorite in the group.



The sporting group produced a weimaraner, which I personally know nothing about yet. I'm not really into the sporting group too much.
I am, of course, very happy that the akita won the working group. I would have only been more pleased if my favorite dog breed, the Alaskan Malamute had won it. We can't win everything though.

 

I refuse to comment on the toy group because I find every dog in said category repulsive rats. Find the winner here.

The Komondor:





Just kidding! Seriously though, it's cool how the hair on this dog is naturally this way, like dread locks. Like the Pulik.

I'm sticking with the Malamute for now:)



!