Choosing the right dog for you!

Are you looking for a companion, a hunter or one that will be your protector as well? Most dogs once they know their master for a short period of time will become both a companion and a protector.

Dogs are divided into 7 groups:
Sporting

Sporting dogs were developed to assist hunters of bird game. The dog would locate and point out the game then chase it out so the hunter could take aim at it. Some would then retrieve the fallen game and return it to their master. These breeds enjoy being active. Some common breeds in this group are; Setters, Spaniels and Retrievers. If this is the dog for you, then remember that they need to be active. Throw a Frisbee or a ball and let them bring it back to you.

The above mentioned dogs are shedding breeds and require minimum to moderate grooming with the exception of the cocker spaniel which requires extensive grooming. Proper brushing to remove excess undercoat and matting is paramount. The FURminator deShedding solution is ideal at gently loosening up the undercoat thus making your dog feel more comfortable especially during the hot summer months. The FURminator deShedding tool is a great tool to purchase for removing excessive undercoat at home thus reducing the shedding by up to 90%. These tools and products are available for purchase in our salon.

Hounds

Hounds are of two types, scent hounds that rely on their sense of smell and sight hounds which rely on their eyes. Both of these types of hounds are excellent hunters. The scent hounds are closer to the ground so they can use their nose. The sight hounds are developed higher from the ground and are swift on their feet. All hounds need moderate to extensive exercise. Common hounds in this group are; Dachshunds, Beagles, Bassets, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, Greyhounds and Harrier hounds.

The above mentioned breeds are also shedding breeds and require minimal to moderate grooming.

Working

Working dogs are exactly what the name says. These dogs are used for police dogs, guard dogs, search and rescue dogs and as guide dogs for the blind. These dogs are larger breeds that again need moderate to extensive exercise. Common breeds in this group are; Great Danes, Boxers, Mastiffs, St Bernards, Huskys, Schnauzers, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.

The above mentioned breeds require minimal to moderate grooming with the exception of the Schnauzers which require frequent grooming every 6-8 weeks. Please contact our salon for grooming requirements, pricing and availability.

Terrier

Terrier dogs are known for their bold confidence and bred to go after vermin that threatened the farmer’s crops or livestock. Although they are not intimidating in appearance they still make excellent watch dogs. Common breeds in this group are; West Highland Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Irish Terriers and Australian Terriers. Most terriers are in need of minimal to moderate exercise.

The above mentioned breeds require minimum to extensive grooming. Please contact our salon for grooming requirements, pricing and availability.

Toy

Toy dogs are smaller and are also called ‘lap dogs’. These dogs will make a good pet for someone who doesn’t have the time or space to have a dog with greater exercise needs. Common breeds in this group are; Malteses, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Toy Poodles, and Pomeranians.

Most of the above mentioned breeds require frequent, extensive grooming. Please contact our salon for grooming requirements, pricing and availability.

Non-Sporting

Non-sporting dogs are breeds that don’t fit into another group. All of these dogs make excellent pets. Most dogs in this group need moderate exercise. Common breeds in this group are; Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Bulldogs, Dalmations, Bichon Frises, and Poodles.

The Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise and Poodles mentioned above require frequent grooming every 6-8 weeks. Please contact our salon to set up your grooming appointment.

Herding

Herding dogs were used to efficiently move large numbers of cattle and sheep. Today they have become wonderful pets. These dogs are in need of moderate to extensive exercise and enjoy competitive canine activities. Common breeds in this group are; Border Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Bearded Collies, and Australian Cattle Dogs.

Most of the above mentioned breeds are shedding breeds and require moderate to extensive grooming with the FURminator deShedding solution and the FURminator deShedding tool as well as other tools. These tools and products are available for purchase in our salon. Please contact our salon to set up your dogs next grooming appointment or to set up a time to purchase the tools you need to help reduce the shedding by up to 90%.

Whatever dog you decide on make sure that you have the proper time and space to give him/her the proper exercise that he/she needs. Remember that some dogs are bred to provide a purpose or service for their master and they will feel so much happier if they can do that. Praise your dog for a job well done! A happy dog makes for a happy owner too!