Happy Easter

Happy Easter from Brandykegs!

Dogs In The Working Group

The Newfoundland is a true water dog; known for long distance swimming and their natural life-saving instincts in the water.   In the past they helped the fishermen in Newfoundland pull in the heavy fish nets.  They have a wonderful temperament making them a great choice for families.  The Newfoundland was recognized by AKC in 1886.

Newfoundland

Dogs In The Working Group

The Neapolitan Mastiff  is easily recognized by its commanding size and an abundance of loose skin folds resembling wrinkles.  You may expect their coat to be rough since it resembles wrinkles; however their coats are very soft.  Their short coat colors range from gray, blue, black, mahogany, and tawny.  White and brindle markings are also seen on this breed.  The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by AKC in 2004.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Dogs In The Working Group

The Mastiff has been around for a very long time; they have been depicted on Egyptian monuments dating back 3000 B.C.  The Mastiff is known for its good nature as well as its courage and docility.  Their  short coat colors range from fawn, apricot, or brindle. The Mastiff was recognized by AKC in 1885. 

Mastiff

Dogs In The Working Group

The Leonberger is calm, gentle, and sweet; their most important job is being a reliable family companion.  The Leonberger is most closely related to the Saint Bernard.  Their beautiful coats can be red, reddish brown, sandy, or yellow brown; they always have a black mask.  Leonbergers should have tight flews and they should not drool.  I am very fond of this breed that was bred to look like a lion.  The Leonberger was recognized by AKC in 2010.

Leonberger

Dogs In The Working Group

The Kuvasz is described as bold, courageous, and fearless.  The breed guards livestock without direction from its owner.  The Kuvasz's coat is white in color; their hair can be straight or curvy.  Their name means, "armed guard of the nobility."  In the past only royalty were allowed to own the Kuvasz.  The Kuvasz was recognized by AKC in 1931.

Kuvasz

Dogs In The Working Group

The Komondor is easily recognized by its distinctive white corded coat.  The Komondor has been a working dog in Hungary for ten centuries.  This breed was developed to guard large herds of sheep and cattle.  The Komondor is known for their dignity, strength, and courage.  This breed takes on the role of protector with their sheep or cattle herds; very little direction from their owners is necessary.  The Komondor was recognized by AKC in 1937.

Komondor

Dogs In The Working Group

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is best described as large, sturdy, and confident.  The breed is adept at performing farm work in very mountainous regions.  They have a short dense coat; black in color with markings in rust and white.  This breed needs regular exercise but don't overdue it; they can become over-heated since they were bred for cooler environments.  The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was recognized by AKC in 1995.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Program Flea Control

I thought those of you who have used, or are using the Program Flea Control for your dogs may be interested in an update.  The plant closure in Nebraska has stopped the availability of this product for purchasing by consumers.  The voluntary plant closure occurred in December 2011; and since then the product has been very difficult to find.  At this point there are only a couple of places left to purchase online; and who knows how long their supply will last.  There are some countries still selling the product; but from what I have seen they are not shipping to the United States. 

There is one site in Canada that I caution people about using.  My experience with them was they took my money but didn't have the product.  They have their own little game going on saying, "we shipped your order, it must has got lost."  They are more than willing to say they will re-ship your order but then you find yourself in the same boat; the product does not arrive.  The basic reason they are saying what they are is to hang on to your money as long as they possibly can.  Once you tell them that you have not received the product, and that you do not want to wait for them to re-ship, you are put in a 45 day holding mode (and that is business days Monday through Friday).  I did finally get my money refunded but it sure was a hassle; that is why I caution about ordering from them.

Back to the update on Program; the plant has been in the process of re-starting their plant for several months.  It appears this re-start has taken much longer than anyone anticipated; they have not even determined when this product will again be available.  Here is a link that does appear to be posting updates as information becomes available.

I have used Program for flea control on my Saint Bernards since 1996 and I have been very impressed with it's effectiveness.  I use the product monthly and year round; that is what is recommended.  It is so easy to treat your dogs with this; simply include the correct dose in their food once month.  Unlike topical flea treatments; you don't have to worry about exposure to your children or yourself by simply petting your dog. 

I am still hoping to see this product available sometime this year; but it is really a wait and see situation. 

(provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Working Group

The Great Pyrenees are intelligent, possess excellent sight, keen scenting ability, and will guard a flock no matter what the weather.  Their coats are thick and weather resistant; white in color with markings of badger, gray, or various shades of brown. Remains of Pyrenees have been found in fossils dating back to the Bronze Age (1800 to 1000 BC); this is an old breed. The Great Pyrenees was recognized by AKC in 1933.

Great Pyrenees