Dogs In The Toy Group

The Brussel Griffon has an uncanny almost human expression on its face.  Their coat colors range from red, belge, black and tan, or black.  The Brussel Griffon makes a great watchdog and companion; their coat can be rough or smooth.  AKC recognized the Brussel Griffon in 1910.

Brussel Griffon

Dogs In The Toy Group

The Affenpinscher has the adorable face of a monkey.  In fact, Affenspinscher is a German word and it means Monkey-Terrier.  Their wire-haired coat is commonly black but can be gray, silver, red, belge, or black and tan. Belge is red with black, brown, or white hairs mixed in. The Affenpinscher is an ancient breed that most likely originated in Central Europe.  The Affenpinscher was recognized by AKC in 1936. 

Affenpinscher

Toy Group

The Toy Group is very descriptive of the breeds that are part of it; small and a lot of fun.  The smaller breeds are a favorite with people with limited living space or for those that are city dwellers.  For the next several days we will take a individual look at the adorable breeds that are part of the Toy Group.

(presented by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Swedish Vallhund is a small powerful breed that has been used on farms for herding cattle and sheep.  They have a double coat with colors from red to grey in a sable pattern.  This breed dates back over 1000 years in Sweden.  The Swedish Vallhund can naturally have no tail also called bobtail.  The American Kennel Club recognized the Swedish Vallhund in 2007.

Swedish Vallhund

Cinco de Mayo

It's Cinco de Mayo!

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Shetland Sheepdog is often called a "Sheltie."  They are a rough-coated long-haired working dog; colors range from black, blue merle, sable, with markings of white or tan.  The Shetland Sheepdog is basically a miniature Collie.  The Sheltie is very successful in the obedience ring.  The Shetland Sheepdog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911.

Shetland Sheepdog

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Pyrenean Shepherd has been herding sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains in Southern France for many centuries.  There are two coat types rough-faced and smooth faced; coat colors range from fawn, tan, copper, charcoal, silver, and pearl grey.  The Pyrenean Shepherd is well known for it's work in World War I; they served as couriers, search and rescue for soldiers after battles, and also accompanied soldiers as guard dogs during their rounds.  The Pyrenean Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Recent Today Show Slam On AKC

AKC was slammed pretty hard on yesterday's Today Show.  As is often the case with stories presented to the public; a lot of editing goes on before the interview is aired.  Here are some points that AKC presented in the interview but were edited out.  I think the public is entitled to hear both sides equally and then form their own conclusions about a topic.

Here are some top facts that The Today Show didn't tell you:

1.     They didn't tell you that no other organization does more to protect dogs than the AKC and that "being the dog's champion" means, among other things, donating more than $24 million to canine health research, conducting kennel inspections, and offering more educational programs for responsible dog owners than any other organization.

2.     They didn't tell you that when an AKC inspector finds substandard kennel conditions they must immediately report it to the appropriate federal, state and local authorities to take action.

3.     They didn't tell you that, in many instances, the highly publicized raids for which animal rights groups take credit in the media have come about as a direct result of AKC's reporting to law enforcement.

4.     They didn't tell you that, as we explained to Jeff Rossen and his producers numerous times, there are no "AKC Registered Operations" or "AKC Registered Breeders" and that breeders use AKC services voluntarily.

5.     They didn’t tell you that less than 5% of AKC’s registration revenue comes from commercial breeders or that the AKC is a not-for-profit organization whose total revenues are less than the total marketing budget of the HSUS.

6.     They didn't tell you that AKC saw substandard breeders leave the registry in droves in the mid-1990's when we instituted an inspections program. We did it anyway, even though it affected our bottom line negatively, because it was the right thing to do for dogs. And, more breeders left when we began DNA testing.

7.     They didn't tell you that when AKC has concerns with legislation, it publicly puts legislative alerts on its website where anyone can learn about how a bill may potentially affect responsible breeders and dog owners' rights and not do anything to protect dogs.

8.     They didn't tell you that AKC works to ensure the enforcement of cruelty and neglect laws, as well as the provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act. As a result, AKC has a productive working relationship with local animal controls, state and local law enforcement, state departments of agriculture throughout the country, as well as the USDA.

9.     They didn't tell you that AKC is well respected by lawmakers who consider us credible experts on dog issues, and rely on our thoughtful and considered advice when it comes to legislation that will impact dogs and their breeders and owners.

10.   They didn’t tell you that the purebred rescue groups they referenced are actually AKC breed parent club groups and affiliates that make up the largest dog rescue group network in the country.

11.   They didn't tell you that The Today Show's Natalie Morales made a TV public service announcement in conjunction with the Ad Council and the HSUS.

 

This information was provided by the American Kennel Club.

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Puli is a tough herding dog; they are compact, vigorous, and alert.  Their coat is wavy or curly; it naturally clumps together forming cords. The Puli's coat colors range from black, gray, or white.  This breed is an ancient sheepdog of Hungary and have been around for over 1000 years.  The Puli was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.

Puli

Dogs In The Herding Group

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog are intelligent, spirited dogs; they fearlessly protect their flocks from predators.  They have a long shaggy coat that covers their eyes; colors range from white, black, gray, and sandy.  The Polish Lowland Sheepdog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2001.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog