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SelectSmart.com
Before you decide

DOG OWNER TALK ABOUT THEIR DOGS:
The SelectSmart.com program used in helping you find the "right" dog breed is artificial intelligence, thus subject to fallibility. The data used is gleaned from reference books and other authoritative sources on dogs. It should be pointed out that there is not universal agreement from one source to the next. Therefore, we think it is helpful to hear from someone who owns the type of dog your are interested in. That's why this page exists. Your contributions are welcome.

Shetland Sheepdog
By Kathy Parsons
Parsons is the coordinator for the Sheltie Rescue in Southern California.
Shetland Sheepdogs (affectionately known as Shelties) ideally weigh from 20 to 25 pounds according to the AKC. One breeders' organization lists the recommended weight at 14 to 16 pounds The reality is a wider range of weight. Some even tip the scales at fifty pounds if you have an oversized dog. They are not a low maintenance dog as far as grooming is concerned. The require lots brushing for their coats and trimming of hair on their paws. They are double-coated and blow coat about twice a year, so if you do not want a fine fuzz all over your house, you must brush them at least three times a week and have them groomed about every three to four months by a groomer. Their coat colors include blue merle, sable, or black; markings include white and or tan.

Shelties are great family dogs, good with kids, cats and other dogs. As they are a true Herding breed, they will "herd" kids and sometimes we find that a few of them will nip occasionally…it's that old herding instinct coming back. They are rabid barkers if left outside by themselves, so for that reason we only place them to homes that will make housedogs of them.



Pembroke Welsh Corgi
by Miranda Prince
Pembrokes are smart, funny little dogs. They can be a real handful, and definitely need obedience training. It's also a good idea to keep them involved in some sort of activity (agility, obedience, flyball, etc.), or they will be bored -- this is a herding breed, and they want to work. At 22-30 pounds, they are suitable apartment dogs as long as they are given plenty of exercise. These charming little guys do tend to shed: they blow coat twice a year, but you should expect some shedding year-round. They make good watchdogs, but tend to take this sort of responsibility very seriously (a Corgi trained to bark at the doorbell will bark at ANY sound that even approximates a doorbell -- the telephone, the TV, the oven timer, etc.)

If you have the time and energy to train your dog and keep him busy, and you don't mind either a lot of dog hair or a lot of vacuuming, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an excellent choice. Do be careful to buy your pup from a reputable breeder, one whose breeding stock are registered with CERF (eyes), OFA (hips) and checked for Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder).


Affenpinscher
By Nancy Holmes
Ms. Holmes is a long time and internationally recognized Affenpinscher breeder. Photo courtesy Nancy Holmes (all rights reserved)

  • The Affenpinscher has a wiry coat not bristly or silky
  • It is not a long coated dog though it has longer and softer coat on the head and legs and down the shoulders as a mane - medium would be more accurate.
  • It requires quite regular grooming including hand stripping as well as cleaning of the eye, ear, anal and genital areas brushing etc not to mention the undershot bite may require regular dental care
  • They are quite active especially as pups and need regular exercise - while they can be exercised indoors this does not mean a single toss of a toy. If you have a quiet and lethargic Affenpinscher it most likely is elderly or has a serious skeletal or thyroid problem!
  • If trained not to bite they are not biters - however in German the word Pinscher means Biter! Like any ratting and mousing breed they are quick to react to motion and noise and strongly determined and opinionated and as the breed standard states fierce when aroused.
  • While they generally do not bark at the air they can be quite noisy and are natural alarm dogs vs being 'watchdogs'
  • As far as adult sizes go dogs can vary from 5lbs or less on up to 18lbs or more with the size you state being more on the order of show dog sizes- though most likely a 5lb dog would be way under the breed standard height
  • The Affenpinscher has a wiry coat not bristly or silky It is not a long coated dog though it has longer and softer coat on the head and legs and down the shoulders as a mane - medium would be more accurate.
  • It requires quite regular grooming including hand stripping as well as cleaning of the eye, ear, anal and genital areas brushing etc not to mention the undershot bite may require regular dental care
  • They are quite active especially as pups and need regular exercise - while they can be exercised indoors this does not mean a single toss of a toy. If you have a quiet and lethargic Affenpinscher it most likely is elderly or has a serious skeletal or thyroid problem!
  • If trained not to bite they are not biters - however in German the word Pinscher means Biter! Like any ratting and mousing breed they are quick to react to motion and noise and strongly determined and opinionated and as the breed standard states fierce when aroused.
  • While they generally do not bark at the air they can be quite noisy and are natural alarm dogs vs being 'watchdogs'
  • As far as adult sizes go dogs can vary from 5lbs or less on up to 18lbs or more with the size you state being more on the order of show dog sizes- though most likely a 5lb dog would be way under the breed standard height
  • While the breed is very bright, intelligence does not even come close to equating to trainability - indeed easily trained in dogs usually means slightly stupid as bright dogs can think of so many more challenges to authority or variations on response to a command.

    The following article, written many years ago, by Pam Green for the Bouvier des Flandres breed has become a notorious classic in Bouvier circles. It has been adapted with permission for use in the education of prospective Rottweiler owners by Liz Bauer. This piece has been shortened for publication in areas which limit text. The full text of this article can be found at Wisconsin Rottweiler Rescue. Photo courtesy Liz Bauer

    So You Want To Buy A Rottweiler
    Interested in buying a Rottweiler? You must be or you wouldn't be reading this. You've already heard how wonderful Rottweilers are. Well, I think you should also hear, before it's too late, that Rottweilers ARE NOT THE PERFECT BREED FOR EVERYONE. A Rottweiler may not be the right breed for you if:

  • You are attracted to the breed chiefly because of it's reputation as a protective dog. While a Rottweiler is a large, impressive breed, true protection is only obtained through a lifetime of training.
  • You are unwilling to share your house and your life with your dog. Rottweilers were bred to share in many aspects of a family's daily life, as protective guardians, willing workers, and happy playmates.
  • You don't intend to educate (train) your dog. Basic obedience and household rules training is NOT optional for the Rottweiler.
  • You lack leadership (self-assertive) personality. Dogs do not believe in social equality.
  • You don't value constant companionship and sometimes physical affection.
  • You are fastidious about the neatness of your home. The Rottweiler's short coarse coat and undercoat do shed.
  • You dislike daily physical exercise. Rottweilers need exercise to maintain the health of heart and lungs and to maintain muscle tone.
  • You believe that dogs should run "free". Whether you live in town or country, no dog can safely be left to run "free" outside your fenced property and without your direct supervision and control.
  • You can't afford to buy, feed, and provide healthcare for one. Rottweilers are not a cheap breed to buy, as running a careful breeding program with due regard for temperament, trainability, and physical soundness (hips especially) cannot be done cheaply.
  • You want the "latest, greatest ferocious killer attack dog". Although the Rottweiler's capability as a personal protection dog and as a police dog have been justifiably well publicized, and occasionally dramatically over-stated, the Rottweiler is not any more capable in these respects than are half a dozen other protection breeds.
  • You want a totally unaggressive and unprotective dog. Most Rottweilers have an assertive and confident personality. When confronted with a threat, a proper Rottweiler will be somewhat more ready to fight than to flee. Thus he may respond aggressively in situations where many other breeds back down.
  • You are not willing to commit yourself for the dog's entire lifetime. No dog deserves to be cast out because his owners want to move to a no-pet apartment or because he is no longer a cute puppy or didn't grow up to be a beauty contest winner or because his owners through lack of leadership and training have allowed him to become an unruly juvenile delinquent with a repertoire of undesirable behaviors.
    If all the preceding "bad news" about Rottweilers hasn't turned you away from the breed, then by all means do get a Rottweiler! They are every bit as wonderful as you have heard! If buying a puppy, be sure to shop carefully for a "responsible" and "knowledgeable" breeder who places high priority on breeding for sound temperament and trainability and good health in all matings. As an alternative to buying a Rottweiler puppy, you may want to give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued Rottweiler.