Beagle,also known as: English Beagle

The Beagle is a small hound bred for hunting rabbit and hare.

The Beagle is a small hound bred for hunting rabbit and hare. The head is somewhat lengthy and is domed at the occiput. Eyes are hazel or deep brown in color, large and set apart with a soft, “pleading” expression that is common to most hounds. The finely textured ears are long, low set and gently rounded at the tips. The medium-length muzzle is square and straight with a somewhat defined stop. The shoulders and chest are broad and muscular, without being bulky. The well-muscled back is short and the loin is wide and gently arched. The gaily carried tail is high-set with a light curve, and is rather short when compared to the Beagle’s size. Coloring can be any true hound color. The length of the coat is medium/close and the texture is coarse.

The Beagle is extremely friendly and gentle—traits that make fit very well in a family environment. Beagles are perfect for families with children, as they are tolerant, loving and playful. They can be kept in homes with other animals but must be socialized early because of their hunting instincts. The Beagle can live indoors but requires a fenced yard in which to roam in addition to a daily walk. The Beagle does not like to be left alone, so owners would be well advised to keep a companion animal with their Beagle, especially when away. It is important that a Beagle is walked on a leash in order to prevent it from running off in pursuit of intriguing scents. This breed responds well to obedience training if worked with regularly. Potential owners should also keep in mind that the Beagle was bred to have a strong, melodious bark/howl for hunting purposes—a characteristic that may potentially disturb neighbors.

Because the Beagle has shorter hair, it’s easy to groom. Simply brush regularly with a firm bristled brush and bathe with mild dog shampoo when needed. The ears do require a bit of maintenance and should be kept clean. If the ears become infected or show signs of ear mites, your vet can provide you with special treatment options. Also, make sure to keep the nails trimmed. The Beagle requires daily exercise in the form of either a free roam in an enclose area or a long walk. Major health concerns for the Beagle are intervertebral disk disease and canine hip dysplasia; minor concerns include glaucoma, epilepsy, CPRA, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, chondrodysplasia, distichiasis and KCS.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a short-legged, strong boned dog bred to track and hunt.

The Basset Hound is a short-legged, strong boned dog bred to track and hunt. The head is of medium width with the length being longer than the width. The skin on the head is loose and floppy. The muzzle is deep, strong and not at all sniped. Eyes are sunken, with a prominent haw. Eye color ranges from light to dark brown. Ears are very long and set low with slightly inward curled ends. The teeth are even and strong, and there is a very prominent dewlap around the mouth. The body is markedly long and straight, the tail long and carried high. The coat texture is short-haired and smooth and can vary in color. Shades of white, black and brown are common for the Basset Hound. The dog is heavier in bone than any other breed of its size.
The Basset Hound is a gentle and devoted dog that is ideal for households with children. They are brave yet mild in temperament, friendly and obedient when trained properly. These dogs can be sensitive and require gentle but firm handling. They enjoy working for positive reinforcement. The dog is deliberate and inquisitive in its play, and enjoys exploring large areas at its own pace. Because they have a penchant for following scent, they should be kept either in a fenced yard or on a leash when being walked.

Because the Basset Hound coat is smooth, short and weatherproof, very little grooming is required. Use a brush with firm bristles and only wash the dog when it is dirty. Bassets do shed quite a bit, and a quick regular brushing can help alleviate the level of shedding. Because the ears are large and sensitive, it’s very important to keep them clean. The nails will need regular trimming also. Basset Hounds need regular exercise but nothing too strenuous. A nice daily stroll is plenty to keep your Basset happy and healthy. Recurring health problems in this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, von Willebrand’s disease, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, osteochondritis dissecans and thrombopathy. Patellar luxation can also occur in this breed.

Basenji,also known as: Congo Dog, Congo Terrier

The Basenji is a relatively small, short-haired hunting dog native to Africa.

The Basenji is a relatively small, short-haired hunting dog native to Africa. This dog sports a light build, short back and long legs. The head is finely wrinkled, especially when the ears are erect. The eyes are almond in shape and range in color from hazel to dark brown. The nose is almost always black, and the teeth are even and well aligned. The muzzle is well-rounded and shorter than the skull. The Basenji body type is balanced and smoothly muscled, sporting a high curled tail. The coat is fine and short in texture. Color and markings can vary and include chestnut, black, brindle or tri-color. One of the most interesting things about the Basenji is the fact that it does not, and cannot, bark. It can make sounds, but barking is not one of them.
As a whole, Basenjis are described as intelligent, watchful, and fairly easy to housebreak. They do require lots of exercise and should live in a home with a high fenced yard. Sometimes, they can be rather suspicious towards people and animals they don’t know; some would go so far as to say the Basenji has catlike mannerisms. This is why socialization from the puppy age is crucial for a well-adjusted Basenji. They need to be trained by a strong and firm, yet loving owner because they can tend towards stubbornness. The Basenji makes a great family pet, but because of their hunting instincts probably shouldn’t be kept around small pets like cats or rodents.

The Basenji requires very little maintenance as far as grooming is concerned. They are very light shedders and only need brushing every now and then. Because of their sensitive skin, they should only be bathed every few months or as necessary with a very mild shampoo. Ideally, the dog should live indoors and have ample access to a yard in which it can run and play. Health concerns of note include Fanconi syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy and Basenji enteropathy. Other problems sometimes seen in this breed include pyruvate kinase deficiency, persistent pupillary membrane, hypothyroidism and umbilical hernia.

Australian Terrier, a loving and affectionate companion

The Australian Terrier is a small, medium-boned dog that is significantly longer than it is tall.

The Australian Terrier is a small, medium-boned dog that is significantly longer than it is tall. The breed’s coat is tan, sandy, blue or red and has a very rough texture. The Australian Terrier has a long head with a muzzle of approximately the same length as the skull. A velvety topknot adorns the dog’s head and small, black or dark brown eyes carry an intelligent expression. The Australian Terrier has small, pointed ears that stand erect and are high-set. The dog’s nose is black and the jaws have a powerful appearance. The tail is set high and carried vertically like a mast; it may also be docked to just under half its natural length.

Although instinctively aggressive toward vermin and small rodents, the Australian Terrier is generally a loving and affectionate companion that is good with children. The breed is a courageous, natural watchdog that is also obedient when well trained. This dog loves to please its owner and will work relentlessly to do so. The Australian Terrier is among the more biddable terriers, and gets along better with dogs and other pets better than most of his kin.

The Australian Terrier needs a good bit of exercise every day, lest it become bored and destructive. The dog’s favorite kind of exercise involves playing a game in a field and exploring rodent holes. Long hairs growing between or in front of the eyes should be plucked to avoid potential irritation, as should any hairs extending past the outer edges of the ears. The dog should be washed occasionally at its owner’s discretion. As with most breeds, it is important to trim the nails fairly regularly to reduce the chance of injury. The Australian Terrier does not respond well to negative training techniques or severe reprimand and can easily grow tired of repetition, so shorter, more frequent training sessions with a positive, rewarding environment are preferred. Hereditary illness in the Australian Terrier is minimal, though occasionally one will see diabetes, patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes in the breed.

Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie.

a well-proportioned dog

The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is a well-proportioned dog that can come in a variety of colors including black, blue-merle, red and red-merle. The breed is slightly longer than it is tall, has a strong but not bulky body and a coat that is often ornamented with white markings. The Australian Shepherd’s muzzle tapers a bit from the base to the tip and ends with a rounded nose. The color of the nose is dependent on the coat; blue merles and black Aussies have black noses while red and red-merles have liver-colored noses. The ears are medium sized, triangular in shape, and high-set. The breed has as much variation in eye color as it does in its coat with amber, blue, brown, or any mix of the three all commonplace. The tail is naturally very short (usually less than four inches) and often docked.

The Australian Shepherd is an extremely intelligent breed that is also very active. The breed’s intelligence usually makes for a quick learner that is easy to train and eager to please. Australians are generally good with other pets, very friendly and affectionate towards children and family, but can occasionally be reserved in the presence of strangers. Without proper training, the Australian Shepherd may also instinctively nip at the heels of small children or unfamiliar people and it may bark or run excessively. The Australian Shepherd is not typically aggressive with other dogs, although it can be if not properly socialized at a young age. The breed can make a good watchdog and is also considered to provide a moderate to high level of protection.

The Australian Shepherd was bred as a herding animal and needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Walks will not be adequate – this breed really needs a free romp in a large yard or field. Without sufficient attention and exercise, the Australian Shepherd can become very hyperactive and bark endlessly. The breed is only a moderate shedder and needs to be brushed once or twice a week. The Australian Shepherd learns quickly but should still begin training at a young age to ensure the best results. The Australian Shepherd is physically capable of living outdoors but this is strongly discouraged, as it will stunt the dog’s mental development. Australian Shepherds are susceptible to cataracts and in very rare cases, Collie eye anomaly. The most common health problems in the breed (and even these are not frequent problems) are canine hip dysplasia, cataracts, epilepsy, iris coloboma, and autoimmune problems such as allergies and hypothyroidism. MDR1 (Multi Drug Reactivity) sensitivity is common in the breed and can result in death for some dogs, if certain drugs are given to them.

Australian Cattle Dog, also known as: Blue Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler

Group classification: Herding Country of origin: Australia

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog with a smooth, flat coat texture. Coloring is either blue or red speckle. If blue, the acceptable colors and markings are blue, black, white and tan that is distributed evenly. For red speckled Australian Cattle Dogs there should be red mottling with no cream or white. The head is proportionate to the rest of the body, strong and balanced. The muzzle is medium in length and neither pointed nor cheeky, with a pure black nose. The eyes are oval in shape and dark brown in color, and should convey alert intelligence. Ears are medium in size, wide set apart and moderately pointed. Teeth should be strong and scissor-like. The body is strong and muscular, while the tail is set moderately low with a mild curve.

Because these dogs were bred to herd, they are energetic and enthusiastic. They are loyal and loving protectors and need a lot of fresh air and exercise. Australian Cattle Dogs can be great with children, as long as they are introduced to youngsters at an early age. They will often need to be directed not to nip at the heels of little ones, because this is a herding instinct that is ingrained within them. The Australian Cattle Dog is wary of strangers and can become aggressive towards them if not socialized properly as puppies. These dogs can be exuberant and stubborn, especially when they are young. They need firm handling and an owner that is willing and able to provide them with the direction and exercise they need. The Australian Cattle Dog needs wide open spaces in which to run and is definitely not a dog for an apartment dweller. If you have additional dogs or other pets, care must be taken to manage the dog’s dominant tendencies.

One of the best things about the Australian Cattle Dog is how little grooming it requires. The short coat is highly weatherproof and only needs periodic brushing with a stiff brush. The coat may, however, need extra brushing during the shedding months. It is not necessary to bathe your Australian Cattle Dog very often, unless it gets very dirty. Known health issues include hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and elbow dysplasia.

Anatolian Shepherd: Also known as,Coban Kopegi, Kangal Dog, Kara bas, Karabash Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd is an observant, intelligent and calm breed

The Anatolian Shepherd’s appearance clearly reflects its vocation as a guardian; the breed is large (categorized as giant), strong and fast. The Anatolian Shepherd has an intelligent expression and wide-set, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes. The ears are approximately four to six inches in length, V-shaped, rounded at the tips and rest on the sides of head. The muzzle has a sturdy, strong appearance and the nose is either brown or entirely black. The Anatolian Shepherd’s body is powerful, with an arch in the back above the loin, sturdy legs, and a long, high set tail that is often carried in a “wheel” shape. The dog has a thick, soft undercoat and an outer coat that is either short and smooth or long and rough, with the hair being longer around the mane and neck. The coat can be of any color, but fawn with a black mask is most common

Anatolian puppy,proper obedience training from a young age is vital

The Anatolian Shepherd is an observant, intelligent and calm breed ready to protect what it perceives as its flock. Bred for livestock protection, the Anatolian Shepherd is naturally territorial and can serve as a courageous guardian. These dogs may act reserved in the presence of strangers or in unfamiliar places. Proper obedience training from a young age is vital, since this will determine whether your Anatolian will become a pleasant and docile companion or an intractable nightmare. The Anatolian Shepherd’s large size coupled with its independent and sometimes obstinate personality can sometimes make training a daunting task; this dog is therefore recommended for experienced dog owners only. Exposure to other pets and small animals from a young age will help you Anatolian Shepherd overcome his natural chasing instincts.

The Anatolian Shepherd’s nomadic roots have instilled a need for travel, and this breed needs at least a long walk everyday; a long run or free roam will also be appreciated whenever you can manage it. The breed sheds twice a year and during this time it should be brushed regularly, however when it is not shedding the dog requires only minimal grooming at its owners discretion. The Anatolian Shepherd is a serious working dog and is unlikely to do well in an apartment without a yard. The Anatolian Shepherd is susceptible to canine hip dysplasia and entropion.

American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a dog bred to hunt in any environment

The American Water Spaniel is a dog bred to hunt in any environment. Its medium size, muscular body and curly water-proof coat contribute to its abilities as an all-around hunting dog. The breed is dense in both muscle and bone, but does not have a stout or clumsy appearance. The body is well-proportioned with the length measuring slightly more than the height. The head is broad and full, with the face carrying an expression of alertness and intelligence. The eyes are rounded and set well apart and colored anywhere from yellowish-brown to dark brown. The ears are placed slightly above eye-level and are long and wide, and the muzzle is square with good depth and either a level or scissor bite. The coat is waterproof and can either be wavy or tightly curled with an undercoat. The body, ears, and neck are well-covered with hair. The forehead is covered with short, soft hair and the tail has some feathering. The coat is either of liver, brown, or dark chocolate with possible spots of white on the toes or chest.

The American Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed. It is highly sensitive, so obedience training should be done with a calm hand. If harshly disciplined, the American Water Spaniel could snap defensively; despite this, the breed is generally very good with children. Although it loves attention, the American Water Spaniel is not needy and can easily entertain itself. If not socialized well when young, the breed can become timid and potentially aggressive toward other dogs. Overall, the American Water Spaniel is a friendly, energetic and loving companion.

A classic spaniel, the American Water Spaniel needs plenty physical and mental exercise everyday. The American Water Spaniel does best indoors with access to a yard for play. This dog will do fine in an apartment as long as its gets plenty of exercise. This breed has an oily coat that needs brushing twice a week. Bathe the animal only when necessary, as shampoos tend to remove the coat’s natural oils and dry out the skin. Mitral valve disease is a major health concern in this breed; patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis and canine hip dysplasia are also sometimes seen.

American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as: American Pit Bull Terrier

recognized by the AKC as the American Staffordshire Terrier

Note: the breed recognized by the AKC as the American Staffordshire Terrier is very similar in appearance to the breed recognized by the UKC as the American Pit Bull Terrier, though the Am Staff is generally slightly larger.
Stocky and muscular, the American Staffordshire Terrier, one of the breeds commonly referred to as a Pit Bull, is a dog of unequaled courage and power for its size. The head is of medium length and broad, with distinct stop and highly developed check muscles. Small ears are set high on the head and are either cropped or uncropped. Dark, round eyes are set deep in the skull and far apart. The dog’s expression is alert and knowing. The body is thoroughly muscled with the back short and sloping slightly toward the rear, and front legs straight and set wide apart. The tail is short, straight and low, never docked. The Am Staff’s coat is short, glossy and stiff. Coloring can be any solid or partial color, but a dog that is more than eighty percent white, black and tan or liver is considered undesirable in the ring.

Perhaps no other breed in the world has a reputation as undeserved as does the American Staffordshire Terrier, or Pit Bull as it is often called colloquially. Almost everyone has heard stories of vicious Pit Bulls injuring or killing dogs, children and the occasional adult, and many states and counties have even placed restrictions on ownership of the breed. However, these acts are more often than not the product of intentionally brutal training by malicious owners. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s intelligence, bravery and great desire to please its master make it very easy for unscrupulous owners to instill aggression in the breed. However, the Am Staff’s natural disposition is actually very docile and friendly, even toward strangers. Many American Staffordshire Terriers are aggressive toward dogs and other pets, though this can be mitigated through obedience training and socialization. Above all else, however, the most defining characteristic of this breed is its undying devotion to its family and its utter need to be appreciated by its master.

The American Staffordshire Terrier needs a good deal of exercise, which can be accomplished with a daily walk or game in the park. Pit Bulls are easy to train, but take special care to discourage any aggressive tendencies in your dog during puppyhood. Since many people have negative opinions toward Pit Bulls, it might be a good idea to introduce your dog to the neighbors and show them how what they hear in the news does not tell the whole story. The American Staffordshire Terrier can live outside in temperate climates, but its proper mental development virtually demands that it be allowed to live with its family. Coat care is an afterthought, and involves a very occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Known health issues in the breed include canine hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cerebellar ataxia, hypothyroidism and heart disease.

Puppy found frozen to tree.

seven week old puppy found frozen to tree.

Reported by: Sabrina Agostini
Reported by: Denise Dory

A seven week old puppy is being nursed back to health after he was found frozen to the ground in Hagerstown. Now, an investigation is underway by the Washington County Humane Society to determine how the puppy got there.

The puppy, who has been named Duncan,  was found in the woods Friday behind the North Spring Apartment Complex.  Neighbors said they heard whimpers and went to see where the sounds were coming from.

Nick Schenck says the puppy was shivering from the cold and stuck to the frozen ground.  He lost a chunk of fur when he was pulled from the ice.  He says if someone left him there deliberately, they should face criminal charges.

Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Washington County Humane Society says other than the loss of hair,  and a skin disorder, Duncan is in good shape and should be ready for adoption in about two weeks.

Miller says they’re getting three times as many calls than normal from people concerned about animals they’re seeing out in the cold with no shelter.  He says whenever there are weather extremes, either cold or hot, it generates more concern from citizens.

He says Duncan isn’t even the worst case he’s seen.  And he says there are some stories that are hard to wipe from your memory.

All things considered, Duncan is a lucky dog.  The shepard mix is sure to find a home.  But the Humane Society is filled with dogs, cats and rabbits that need a family to love them.  It’s everyone’s hope that they all find loving forever homes too.