The Labrador Retriever

 

 

The Labrador Retriever originates in Canada. They are known best for their gentle, family friendly mannerisms. Labradors are best suitalbe for active families, and thrive in various "jobs" such as search and rescue and guide dogs.

 

 

General Appearance

The general appearance of the Labrador should be that of a strongly built, short-coupled, very active dog. He should be fairly wide over the loins, and strong and muscular in the hindquarters. The coat should be close, short, dense and free from feather.

Size
Approximate weights of dogs and bitches in working condition:
Dogs: 60-75 lb. (27-34 kg); Bitches: 55-70 lb. (25-32 kg)
Height at shoulders: Dogs: 22-1/2 - 24-1/2 inches (57-62 cm); Bitches: 21-1/2 - 23-1/2 inches (54-60 cm)

Coat and Colour
The coat is a very distinctive feature; it should be short, very dense and without wave, and should give a fairly hard feeling to the hand. The colours are black, yellow, or chocolate and are evaluated as follows:
(a) Blacks
All black, with a small white spot on chest permissible. Eyes to be of medium size, expressing intelligence and good temper, preferably brown or hazel, although black or yellow is permissible.
(b) Yellows
Yellow may vary in colour from fox-red to light cream with variations in the shading of the coat on ears, the underparts of the dog, or beneath the tail. A small white spot on chest is permissible. Eye colouring and expression should be the same as that of the blacks, with black or dark brown eye rims. The nose should also be black or dark brown, although ?fading? to pink in the winter weather is not serious.
(c) Chocolates
Shades ranging from light sedge to chocolate. A small white spot on chest is permissible. Eyes to be light brown to clear yellows. Nose and eye rim pigmentation dark brown or liver coloured. ?Fading? to pink in winter weather not serious.

Head
Skull should be wide, giving brain room; there should be a slight stop, i.e., the brow should be slightly pronounced, so that the skull is not absolutely in a straight line with the nose. Head should be clean-cut and free from fleshy cheeks. Jaws should be long and powerful and free from snipiness. The nose should be wide and the nostrils well developed. Teeth should be strong and regular, with a level mouth. Eyes should be of a medium size, expressing great intelligence and good temper, and can be brown, yellow or black, but brown or black is preferred. Ears should hang moderately close to the head rather far back, should be set somewhat low, and not be large and heavy.

Neck
The neck should be medium length, powerful and not throaty.

Forequarters
The shoulders should be long and sloping. The legs must be straight from the shoulder to ground, and the feet compact with toes well arched, and pads well developed.

Body
The chest must be of good width and depth, the ribs well sprung and the loins wide and strong.

Hindquarters
Stifles well turned, and the hindquarters well developed and of great power. The hocks should be well bent, and the dog must neither be cow-hocked nor be too wide behind; in fact, he must stand and move true all round on legs and feet. Legs should be of medium length, showing good bone and muscle, but not so short as to be out of balance with rest of body. In fact, a dog well balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects.

Tail
The tail is a distinctive feature of the breed; it should be very thick towards the base, gradually tapering towards the tip, of medium length, should be free from any feathering, and should be clothed thickly all round with the Labrador?s short, thick, dense coat, thus giving that peculiar ?rounded? appearance which has been described as the ?otter? tail. The tail may be carried gaily but should not curl over the back.

Gait
Movement should be free and effortless. The forelegs should be strong, straight and true, and correctly placed. Watching a dog move towards one, there should be no signs of elbows being out in front, but neatly held to the body with legs not too close together, but moving straight forward without pacing or weaving. Upon viewing the dog from the rear, one should get the impression that the hind legs, which should be well muscled and not cow-hocked, move as nearly parallel as possible, with hocks doing their full share of work and flexing well, thus giving the appearance of power and strength.

Faults
Dudley nose (pink without pigmentation).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Miniature Pinscher

Origin

 

Contrary to the belief of some, the Miniature Pinscher is not a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher.  In fact, the Min Pin is a much older breed than the Doberman Pinscher.  The Min Pin was developed in Germany from terrier breeds including the German Pinscher and possibly the Italian Greyhound.  They were bred to keep the rat population down in stables. Today, the Min Pin’s impishness and bright personality make him an incredibly charming companion.

 

Description

 

The Miniature Pinscher is a small, delicate looking dog, with a refined elegance, both standing still and moving.  They are compact and muscular, with well chiseled lines.  The topline is either level or slightly sloping towards the rear.  The front legs are straight, with the dewclaws removed.  They have small catlike feet.  The muzzle is strong and well proportioned with the rest of the dog.  The dark bright eyes are oval and the teeth should meet in a scissor bite.  The Miniature Pinscher short easy-care coat comes in red, black/rust and chocolate and rust.  They are also available in blues and fawns, but these colours are not recognized or accepted by the CKC.  They have an unusual high stepping gait usually referred to as a “hackney” gait. 

 

Temperament

 

Often referred to as the “King of Toys”, the Miniature Pinscher is dynamite in a small package!!!!  The Min Pin is curious by nature, very demanding, headstrong and overly courageous.  They are loyal, intelligent and brave….it is a big dog in a little dog’s body.  The Min Pin can be aggressive with other dogs, but are generally good with other animals and children….provided that the children do not pester.  They are suspicious towards strangers, but the way they react to strangers depends entirely on their socialization as a puppy.  Overly accommodating the Min Pin is never a good idea, as they will become difficult little tyrants (just like a spoiled child!!!!).

 

Height  

 

Height---Dogs 10-12.5 inches (Desired height is 11-11.5 inches)

 

 

Health Problems

 

This is a very healthy breed. 

 

 Living Conditions

 

The Miniature Pinscher is compatible with apartment life.  It is very active indoors and will do fine without a yard.  The Miniature Pinscher is not suitable for extended periods outside in cold weather.  They do not require a lot of exercise, but should be given opportunities to run and play.  The Min Pin is very curious, and can climb, jump and dig it’s way out of confined areas in order to escape and explore their surroundings.  Fencing needs to be high enough otherwise, they will be gone before you know it!!!!

 

Life Expectancy

 

About 15 years or more.

 

 

Grooming

 

The Miniature Pinscher’s short-haired coat is smooth and easy to groom.  Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary.  Loose hair can be removed by wiping with a warm washcloth.  The min pin is an average shedder.