Which canine was companion to martial artist Bruce Lee? Which little pooch loves to watch TV? Which breed's tongue was said to ward off evil spirits?
Which canine was companion to martial artist Bruce Lee? Which little pooch loves to watch TV? Which breed's tongue was said to ward off evil spirits? Find out the answers on this episode of Dogs 101 where we'll meet the Olde English Sheepdog, the Chow Chow, the Toy Fox Terrier, the Brittany, and the Miniature Schnauzer.
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Find episode transcript here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/english-sheepdog-chow-chow-toy-fox-terrier-brittany-miniature-schnauzer
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Did this dog’s mustache capture the heart of karate king Bruce Lee? Can this breed smell 25 times better than a human? Is this the best dog to watch TV with? Is this the breed favored by Elvis and Martha Stewart? Dogs 101 celebrates man’s best friend. Today the Brittany, the Miniature Schnauzer, the Toy Fox Terrier, the Chow Chow. And we start with a breed that inspired Paul McCartney, the Olde English Sheepdog. Who can resist this fun loving creature looks a whole lot like a giant stuffed animal come to life.
ZAK GEORGE VO/OC
Olde English Sheepdogs are huge, puffy. The first thing anybody wants to do is give it a huge hug.
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HOST VO
Huge they may be…
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…but President Franklin Delano Roosevelt humorously named his Old English Sheepdog Tiny. And Paul McCartney’s fluffy, friend Martha, inspired at least three Beatle songs, including Fool On The Hill. Featured in movies like The Shaggy Dog, the Old English
Sheepdog’s bear like appearance gives them star appeal.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
Old English Sheepdogs are perfect for people
who want a lot of attention when they walk down the street because this is probably the hairiest dog out there.
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Like all purebreds they have a history. These charismatic canines can trace their origins back to the early 19th century when they were used to herd sheep and cattle in western England. History has it that shepherds looked to avoid taxes levied on pet owners and docked their tails to show they were working dogs.
ANDREA ARDEN VO
And that’s how they got the nickname of Bobtail.
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For many years the dogs were shunned as pets. Their coats were called profuse, conjuring up images of extreme grooming. To this day they’re still not the most common pooch in the park.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM VO/OC
You don’t see too many of them and I think that’s probably because of the perception of how much work it takes to maintain one.
HOST VO
A marked characteristic of this buoyant breed is its bark, which some describe as dark and gravelly.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
It’s kind of a raspy, Demi Moore type bark. It’s really unique.
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Although tail docking is sometimes considered controversial, the Olde English Sheepdog’s bobbed tail is a common feature of the breed.
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This Olde English Sheepdog is such a feature at this place of work that customers and townspeople are rallying around his special cause.
FEMALE WEARING PINK HAT OC
How are you doing? Hi.
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At Batts Body and Paint in Greensboro, North
Carolina…
MALE WEARING NAVY SHIRT OC
Over here and get this stuff.
HOST VO
…five year old Caden is the shop mascot…
MALE WEARING WHITE SHIRT OC
Huh? Yeah.
JANET BATTS OC
Hi. Can I help you?
HOST VO
….brightening the day for employees and customers whose cars are in bad shape.
JANET BATTS VO/OC
When customers come here they’ve had an accident. So some of them, of course, are upset.
So Caden’s there and he seems to bring them…
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… peace when they come in.
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FEMALE WEARING BLUE & WHITE SHIRT VO
You’ve got your toy, Caden. Thank you, girl.
HOST VO
And, he keeps them laughing when his herding instincts kick in. Running around customers’ cars to keep them from leaving is one of his favorite pastimes.
FEMALE WEARING STRIPED SWEATER OC
Aren’t you nice?
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JANET BATTS VO
Hey buddy.
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Caden is lovingly cared for by the Batts Family.
Janet…
JANET BATTS OC
Good boy.
HOST VO
Ken, and their son John who’s has Caden since he was a puppy.
JOHN BATTS VO/OC
I love Caden to death. He’s my first pet. My first dog that I’ve actually owned myself. To me he’s more than just a dog. He’s like my best friend, my buddy.
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So, naturally, John became concerned when he noticed something unusual while petting him one day.
JOHN BATTS VO/OC
And he had these big lumps around his neck. And I took him into the vet. And when I took him there, they did some tests, biopsies on his neck, and found out that he had cancer.
HOST VO
Caden’s diagnosis was lymphatic cancer, common in dogs. His prognosis was uncertain.
JOHN BATTS VO/OC
They said he could live a year, two years, three years, or it could be just months.
HOST VO
His only hope for survival, 16 rounds of aggressive and expensive chemotherapy that John could not afford. His parents offered to help. It wouldn’t be easy, but putting the dog down was not an option.
KEN BATTS VO/OC
He’s part of the family and you just can’t, we couldn’t do that. There’s no way…
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…we could put him down like yet or you know you’ve got to give him a chance.
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When chemo finally started, Caden suffered what most human chemo patients experience, weight loss, fatigue, hair loss. The Batts’ worried about their gentle giant, and their customers did, too.
JANET BATTS VO/OC
Several people had called about him and they had asked if they could help.
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That’s when the Batts’ got an idea, turn the donation box for their local animal shelter into a donation box for Caden’s treatments. The response was incredible.
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But the Batts’ still didn’t know if Caden’s treatments were doing more harm than good. And their concerns about the dog’s chemotherapy cost mounted until a colleague reached out.
BILL FARRINGTONVO
How are you feeling today? You feel okay?
HOST VO
Parts deliveryman, Bill Farrington, felt a special sympathy for Caden because he’d lost his mother to cancer two years before. He notified the local paper about Caden’s problem and soon this Sheepdog was big news.
BILL FARRINGTON VO/OC
I wanted the public to know what Caden was
going through and what I just went through with my mother. And, believe it or not, it may sound strange between a dog and a human being, but they are very much alike with cancer.
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JANET BATTS VO
I would like to make a small contribution because…
HOST VO
In no time, cards and letters began pouring in.
JANET BATTS VO/OC
Dearest Caden. Enclosed is a small check to help with your chemotherapy. I was very touched by the story in the paper.
HOST VO
The support from the community helped keep the treatments going for Caden. And it was worth it. Within a few weeks they received some good news. The tumors were shrinking.
JANET BATTS VO/OC
I was so surprised. It’s been wonderful and I’m really appreciative.
HOST VO
Four months into treatment, Caden still has good and bad days.
JOHN BATTS OC
Well, he was doing real good.
KEN BATTS VO
HOST VO
The Batts’ realize Caden’s cancer could return, but they enjoy what he brings to their lives today.
Next to his health, what they feel most thankful for is the community’s support.
JOHN BATTS VO/OC
Every little penny helps a lot. And it just shows how many people really care about him.
FEMALE WEARING DRESS OC
Sit.
HOST VO
As long as this shop hound…
FEMALE WEARING DRESS OC
Sit. Sit.
HOST VO
…is around, you can be sure to find him doing what he does best, bringing sunshine to everyone else.
FEMALE WEARING BLUE SHIRT OC
Want me to do it?
YOUNG FEMALE WEARING PINK PANTS OC
Yea.
FEMALE WEARING BLUE SHIRT VO
Yea.
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Sick or well, the Olde English Sheepdog is not a low maintenance pet. Their size and exuberance demand lots of exercise, about an hour every day. You’re better off with a good size yard where they can romp and release all that childlike energy. They can suffer from health problems like hip dysplasia and cataracts. The bigger concern, though, is whether or not you want to
care for all that hair.
ANDREA ARDEN OC
I can’t think of a dog that’s more difficult to groom than an Old English Sheepdog.
HOST VO
They need a thorough brushing three to four hours a week. Removing matted hair prevents skin problems. And their bangs need attention, too.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
You can choose to either put their hair up in a knot, or just make sure it’s groomed in front of their eyes.
HOST VO
Training these people loving pets should be a rewarding activity.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM OC
They’re really easy to train. They’re really intelligent.
HOST VO
As a family dog, Olde English Sheepdogs fit right in. These highly social animals are protective of children. But make sure to monitor young ones.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
Well, you need to make sure that kids understand that they are not to be climbed all over.
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The gist of it is that the Olde English Sheepdog is not for everyone. These animals need lots of exercise and prefer room to roam. They can suffer from health problems like hip dysplasia, cataracts, and like many breeds, cancer. And
unless clipped short, their coat demands hours of weekly grooming. On the other hand, training them is a pleasure. And as long as small children are monitored, they make wonderful family pets. If you’ve got the time, energy, and love to spare, the Olde English Sheepdog is sure to reward you with laughter and loyalty for many years.
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MALE WEARING RED SHIRT VO
I’m letting him tug on this.
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More ahead on Dogs 101. We’ll meet the breed that got kicked out of the Spaniel Club. What dog has conquered more winter peaks than a mountain goat? Well, almost. This little guy got his owners a starring role on television. And meet the hero dog that stared down a bear.
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Did you know Sigmund Freud’s Chow Chow,
Jofi, attended all his therapy sessions? He said it helped him assess the mental state of his patients. Other famous Chow Chow owners include 30th president Calvin Coolidge, Elvis Presley, and Martha Stewart.
HOST VO
Arguably one of the most beautiful and admired dog breeds, the Chow Chow is a bona fide head turner.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO
A Chow Chow looks kind of like a cross between a lion and a bear.
HOST VO
In fact, like the bear, the Chow Chow was the only dog born with 44 teeth, compared to other dogs that have 42 teeth. And while they have a cute and cuddly exterior, many Chows have a reputation for aggression.
TYSON KILMER VO/OC
This is a dog that definitely has you know been known to be a little bit aggressive in the past and a little bit standoffish with kids and with strangers.
HOST VO
The Chow Chow is ranked one of America’s most dangerous dog breeds. And many insurance companies refuse homeowners policies for people who own Chow Chows. Despite its reputation, almost all properly trained and socialized Chows make wonderful, loyal companions.
TYSON KILMER VO/OC
Once you get through the outer layers of this dog’s personality, they’re amazing, warm loving spirits.
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The Chow Chow is one of the most ancient dog breeds. It originated in northern China more than 2,000 years ago.
XAVIER SANTIAGO VO/OC
The Chow Chow was seen in China’s pottery as early as the Han Dynasty.
HOST VO
Many believe the Chow came from crossing Tibetan Mastiffs and Samoyeds. While others argue it’s the original ancestor of the Samoyed,
Pomeranian, Norwegian Elkhound, and
Keeshond. The Chow as bred to be an all around working dog. Chinese emperors and merchants use them for hunting, pulling sleds, and most notably, guarding.
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Once thought to ward off evil spirits by the
Chinese, the Chow Chow’s most well known characteristic is his blue-black tongue.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
Which is a little disarming if, you’re not prepared for it. But is, of course, one of the things that people find most charming ultimately about the breed.
HOST VO
Chow puppies are born with pink tongues that darken as they age. Chows also have their distinctive straight hind legs, which swing back and forth like a pendulum giving them a stilted gait.
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And the most immediately recognizable of any characteristic is their dense, double coat, that is either smooth or rough.
ZAK GEORGE VO
Very profuse with that rough that gives it a very lionesque appearance.
HOST VO
The lion like Chow Chow comes in five colors, red, black, cream, blue, and cinnamon. Red is the
most popular.
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These fluffy coats are ripe for hugging. And Daniel and Iva Kelly can’t give enough affection to their beloved Chow Chows, Liberty and
Justice.
IVA KELLY VO/OC
I love Liberty and Justice as if they were my own children. They come with my husband and I everywhere we go.
DANIEL J. KELLY OC/VO
That’s a good boy, buddy. Their loyalty is second to none. They will make sure at all times that you are safe.
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And Dan’s not kidding.
HOST VO
The Kelly’s live in the Catskill Mountains of New York, an area where civilization and the wild collide.
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IVA KELLY VO/OC
Living in Saugerties, New York there’s over population of black bear. Unfortunately, as their world is becoming smaller, they are coming more and more on the properties really causing problems, at times with people.
HOST VO
Dan and Iva always knew their Chows were the quintessential guard dogs. But, they never
imagined they would step up and be heroes in the fight of their lives.
DANIEL J. KELLY VO/OC
One night, loud noises erupted from my front porch. I open the door. I saw this big mitt coming at me like this. I realized how close this bear actually was. I stuck out my hand and it was probably about a foot to a foot and a half beyond that.
HOST VO
The bear had Dan cornered and was ready for an attack.
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DANIEL J. KELLY OC/VO
All of a sudden, my male Chow Chow…
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…darts out in front of me and grabs a hold of the bear. And then Justice ran out in front of it to try to coax it away. She was leaping in the air and she was taking pecks of the bear’s stomach. It wasn’t quick enough to quite get her.
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Unable to run…
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…back inside, Dan was trapped on his porch with the bear.
DANIEL J. KELLY VO/OC
Every time I moved towards the door, the bear would make three steps towards me.
HOST VO
Inside the house, Dan’s wife made a frantic call
to 9-1-1.
IVA KELLY VO/OC
All I could feel was fear, fear of, of losing my whole family in one night. I didn’t think there was any way they would survive.
DANIEL J. KELLY VO/OC
For as long as they were brawling I was figuring out how I could stay safe.
HOST VO
Suddenly, the bear bolted with the dogs in hot pursuit. Then, an eerie silence.
IVA KELLY VO/OC
He feared for the worst at that point because there was, there wasn’t any barking.
HOST VO
Then he saw some movement.
DANIEL J. KELLY VO/OC
The bear was right where I am standing right now in between the tree and the fence. And the dogs were on each side of him.
HOST VO
Suddenly, the bear scaled the tree and jumped over the fence out of sight.
DANIEL J. KELLY OC/VO
That’s my girl. Justice had no internal injuries, no visible injuries. Liberty had one visible tooth mark around his neck and one paw that was swollen.
HOST VO
Since the attack, these heroic Chow Chows are local celebrities in the town.
DANIEL J. KELLY VO
Wherever we go it’s the talk of the town.
MALE WEARING BERT VO/OC
They’re our heroes. They’re heroes to the canine world and to, to the owner as well.
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FEMALE WEARING GRAY JACKET VO/OC
And they went after the bear even though they could have died doing it.
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IVA KELLY VO/OC
I truly believe that our Chows saved my husband’s life. And I know in my heart that a Chow, once it is your Chow, will give its life in a second.
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Fiercely loyal and protective over their owners, Chows can make great pets, but don’t always appreciate being fussed over by children or strangers.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
Chow Chows can make amazing companions for
adults. I think that they are probably not the right companions for young children.
HOST VO
Chows are not an active breed, so apartment living is okay as long as they receive daily, scheduled exercise.
JOEY VILLANI OC/VO
When a Chow Chow is not exercised usually they
become a little bit more lethargic, a little overweight, and also a little bit cranky at times.
We don’t like cranky Chow Chows.
HOST VO
They thrive in cold weather and are prone to heat stroke. So Chows need to be in a cool place on hot days. Chows are seasonal heavy shedders and regular grooming is important.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO
They have a very, very dense, thick coat that needs constant brushing.
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Chows can be very territorial and take their home and family very seriously. So training and socialization need to start early.
JOEY VILLANI VO/OC
Let them meet people. Let them meet other pets. If it’s not socialized it’ll bond with the family and you could have problems with people just coming into your home.
HOST VO
When it comes to health, Chows are not always the sturdiest breed.
ANDREA ARDEN OC
Chow Chows actually do have a lot of health issues.
HOST VO
The most common being elbow and hip dysplasia.
HOST VO
So, in general, Chow Chows thrive in cold climates. They are prone to several health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, and entropion. They should be brushed daily. Training and socialization should start from puppyhood. And these dogs do best with an experienced adult
family.
FEMALE VOICE VO
Peter, come. Good boy.
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When Dogs 101 continues, meet the little dog that was tough enough for Bruce Lee. We’ll meet the breed that can out smell a human 25 to one. And one of this dog’s main traits is its ability to watch TV.
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The Toy Fox Terrier may be small enough to fit in your pocket, but his spirit is as large as a house.
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But, did you know that a fondness for watching television is considered a breed trait? And that a three-legged Toy Fox Terrier ran for mayor of Jacksonville, Oregon. His campaign slogan was
“Kindness & Kibbles For Everyone.”
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
They’re just cute as can be and they actually will entertain you. They just find a way to make you laugh.
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Toy Fox Terriers are one of the few breeds to originate in the United States. It’s called the Amertoy because it’s the American Toy breed. As terriers, these ratters are natural hunters of vermin and small game.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO
The Toy Fox Terrier was bred to be so small so that they could be carried in the saddle bags of people on horseback. And then when they would put them on the ground, they would chase small game.
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They are descended from the smooth Fox Terrier, the Italian Greyhound, the Manchester Terrier, and the Chihuahua. Some even think Miniature Pinschers contributed to the breed. Their hunting dog ancestry explains their intelligence and their natural ability at agility sports.
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FEMALE WEARING PINK SHIRT OC
Pupson, up.
HOST VO
Clowns capitalized on this proclivity under the big top. Toy Fox Terriers can walk a tightrope and jump four feet straight up into the air. As part of the Toy Class, these smooth coated tricolored dogs…
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…are small in stature ranging from three and a half to seven pounds. They measure eight to 11 inches at the shoulders.
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In addition to their size, the Toy Fox Terrier has three standout traits. They have large bat like ears. These miniature radar dishes follow all the action and make this pup an excellent guard dog. Next to the ears, the short tail is this dog’s second most expressive feature. This is one of the few breeds born with a naturally bobbed tail. Finally, you can recognize this breed by their long, spindly legs. Although it accentuates their prancing, this is the Toy Fox Terrier’s biggest vulnerability.
ANDREA ARDEN OC
While this is a sturdy dog, they are very small and they do have frail legs. And I would hate to see a child drop…
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… a Toy Fox Terrie on the ground.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
The AKC standard says they have a propensity to watching TV. You know just keep the remote control away from them, right?
HOST VO
And this Toy Fox Terrier, Guido, is no exception.
He loves to watch TV with his owners, Joe and
Bill. This little family lives in sunny Laguna Niguel, California where Bill is a real estate agent and Joe works from home and is Guido’s constant companion.
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JOE BALDASSARE OC/VO
All he wants to do is he just wants to be with you all day long, which is the wonderful part about having such a small dog because he really can be with you all day long. We take him to
restaurants. Guido loves riding in the car. Guido loves walking in the park, definitely going to the beach.
BILL BARTEK OC
Squirrels.
JOE BALDASSARE OC/VO
He loves chasing squirrels. He’s pretty cool about flying in an airplane. He watches television.
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One night they were watching their favorite reality show, Survivor…
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…when a new program was announced. It was seeking contestants for The Amazing Race.
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Bill and Joe wanted to be a part of it. But, how could they make themselves stand out from the thousands of other teams applying?
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They decided to take advantage of their little dog’s big personality. They put Guido on camera as part of their audition tape.
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BILL BARTEK VO/OC
Fax to CBS. Fax from Guido. I’m a Toy Fox Terrier and I want you to select my two fathers for your TV program, please.
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Bill and Joe thought it would be funny to have their dog talking in the audition tape. They gave Guido a sarcastic, funny voice having him poke fun at their personalities.
BILL BARTEK VO
They can ski really well. But, they can’t really do everything else anything so special. They go to the gym a lot, but mainly it’s just to stay pumped up and look pretty.
HOST VO
Using Guido definitely caught the attention of Casting Director, Lynne Spillman.
LYLNNE SPILLMAN OC
We get thousands of tapes and it’s not often you get a tape from a dog. So it was very shocking. And everyone started gathering around the TV. Look at this. Look at this. We got a tape from a dog. And you start watching the tape and, not
only was Guido adorable, but…
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…we loved the team. We loved Joe and Bill.
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Out of the thousands of applications, Bill and Joe were one of 11 pairs selected to compete in the first season of The Amazing Race. They decided to call their team, Team Guido in honor of their
special Toy Fox Terrier who had helped them earn a place on the show. While Guido enjoyed his vacation in San Diego with Bill’s sister, Team Guido was having the adventure of a lifetime. Over the 39 days of filming, Bill and Joe struggled to take the lead as they traveled the world. Third across the finish line, they never forgot the four legged friend they left behind. And, although Bill and Joe became reality TV stars, it may be Guido who is the biggest star of all.
LYNNE SPILLMAN VO/OC
Guido has the it factor. We call it the it factor.
He is spunky. He’s got charisma. Guido’s a star.
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Like Guido, Toy Fox Terriers love attention.
ZAK GEORGE OC
Probably more often than not a Toy Fox Terrier is going to like to play a lot. And when you have a dog that likes to play you can teach them just about anything.
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While they can prosper in apartments as well as on farms, they do not like to get wet and are very susceptible to the cold.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
It definitely is a dog that is comfortable in most climates except for when it’s very, very cold, in which case it probably needs a little sweater or a coat.
HOST VO
Although they sometimes might need a sweater, don’t mistake these dogs for dolls.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM VO/OC
I do not recommend these dogs for families with children. They are a nippy little breed of dog.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
This dog likes to be cuddled. So they would work with someone that’s elderly or even the disabled.
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With their diverse background, they are generally healthy and live an average of 15 years. But, there are a few genetic ailments to watch out for.
ANDREA ARDEN OC
A Toy Fox Terrier can suffer from luxating patella, which is where they have a floating kneecap. They also are prone to skin allergies and to mange.
HOST VO
Due to their small size and smooth coat, grooming is a breeze.
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So, in general, this tiny terrier needs special attention in cold weather and has low exercise requirements. Watch out for several genetic conditions when selecting and caring for your Toy Fox Terrier. It’s an easy breed that requires minimum grooming. Easy to train and eager to
please, they are great trick dogs. While they are not recommended for families with small children, the elderly and disabled would be able to enjoy their low maintenance, playful companionship.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
I would have to say that a Toy Fox Terrier is a dog that you are going to get very attached to.
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Still more to come on Dogs 101. Every mountain this dog climbs helps save another dog’s life. And the breed that can no longer call itself a Spaniel.
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Now it’s time to play Pick The Pooch. Which Terrier is built more like a Greyhound and is said to resemble a lamb on a leash? Can you guess which breed it is? The answer when we come back.
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HOST VO
Which pup looks more like a lamb than a dog? It’s the Bedlington Terrier. With his floppy ears and thick, curly coat this dog could double as a lamb.
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The Brittany. It’s striking, it’s regal, and it’s one of the most happy-go-lucky hunting dogs.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
The Brittany became a very popular hunting dog because they have just this winning personality.
HOST VO
And, if you love to be the boss, get a Brittany.
FEMALE VOICE #2 VO
They love you.
HOST VO
This dog is basically hardwired to obey you.
FEMALE VOICE # 3 VO
Roll over. That’s a girl.
JOEY VILLANI VO/OC
This dog wants to please. It’s not what you would consider to be a watch dog. It’s probably a dog that, if somebody broke into your house, it would hold the flashlight.
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So, where do they come from? Well, it’s unclear. These four legged friends first show up in 17th century artwork.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM VO/OC
The Brittany Spaniel is thought to be named for
their origins in the Brittany Province of France.
HOST VO
And, it’s believed that the French crossbred their Spaniels with English Settlers. And the English crossed them with English Pointers. Whatever the case, a great dog developed.
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And the Brittany is still evolving, or at least its name is. In 1982, the American Kennel Club dropped the Spaniel in its name saying the dog’s behavior was more like a hunting Pointer than a Spaniel Retriever. So today, it’s just called a Brittany.
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The aristocratic look of the Brittany is one of the most appealing features of the dog. The coat is soft, feathered, and fairly short. Coat colors most often found are orange and white, liver and white, or roan patterned.
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But, it’s the Brittany’s special nose which makes this dog…
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…a hunting machine. Large, wide, and well opened to allow deep breathing for intense stamina and sensing. Imagine having 25 times more smelling ability than you do now. Well, that’s how sharp the Brittany scent receptors are.
And a Brittany, depending on the terrain, can smell a group of birds as far away as 75 yards.
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And the medium size of its strong, sturdy body is another plus.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO
The Brittany is a really nice sized dog. It’s great for the person who wants a dog who is not too big, not too small.
HOST VO
And it’s one of the few dogs born with an already docked tail.
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The Brittany, one of the most popular Pointers is, no doubt, a first rate hunter. In fact, this breed has won more dual championship awards than any other breed. That means the same dogs have won ribbons competing in the field and also in the show ring.
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Lisa Pollock’s dog Deuce is a dual champion.
LISA POLLOCK VO/OC
He’s caught up to 72 in one lick, you know, without taking a breath. My very first Brittany I got from the pound. I couldn’t believe they could get such a nice…
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…dog from the pound.
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HOST VO
Lisa and her husband Paul have had lots of Brittanies. Some house pets, a few show dogs, but most have been Brittany bird dogs that love running field trials. And the Pollocks are serious about winning. That’s why most of their dogs, including Sway, have trained under one of the country’s leading professional field handlers…
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…Tom Tracy, Jr.
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TOM TRACY, JR. VO/OC
Sway is a five year old, all age dog. We had her when she was young. We started and boy, she showed all the potential in the world. Most Brittanies don’t become champions until they’re usually four or five years old.
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Well, Sway was doing it before she was two.
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TOM TRACY, JR. VO
That worked.
HOST VO
It’s here on Tommy’s 450 acre farm in Chase,
Virginia that he and his family train dozens of Brittanies using positive reinforcement to do what they do best, point birds. Tommy taps into what Brittanies love to do...
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…and that’s run. But, first they must get conditioned.
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TOM TRACY, JR. VO/OC
We go through competitions that could be a hundred degrees. It could be 30 degrees. And they have to be conditions for that mentally and physically. Hey, girl.
HOST VO
Another drill, barrel work, where the dog hones his pointing skills. .
TOM TRACY, JR. VO
The tail is an expression of their feelings. If it’s high and tight they’re excited.
HOST VO
And finally, the dogs are trained to find birds, enjoy their scent, point, and they never pounce.
TOM TRACY, JR. OC
Well, basically, pointing is the moment before the pounce.
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HOST VO
Today is the Southern Open Brittany
Championship in South Hill, Virginia where 20 Brittanies will show their stuff.
TOM TRACY, JR. OC
We just hope the dogs perform well today.
LISA POLLOCK OC/VO
Tommy speaks dog? Yeah, I think he does. He thinks like a dog and that’s what you need to do to be a good trainer.
BILL FOWLE OC
Welcome to the Southern Open Brittany Championship 2009.
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HOST VO
Here’s how the event works. Two dogs will run at a time, covering 800 acres of field terrain within one hour. The dog handler and judges follow along on horseback.
BILL FOWLE VO/OC
When it gets on its game, I like for it to be very tight, head up, tail up. Give me that and a strong finish and I’ll place your dog.
HOST VO
Of course, Brittanies are trained to never harm a bird and none are during the event.
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BILL FOWLE OC
Suspense is killing us, boys. Let’s roll.
HOST VO
And she’s off. Sway has birds on her brain. In and out of the brush running and sniffing it all in, will she be able to take the title?
LISA POLLOCK VO/OC
I’m hoping she gets around clean with at least one find. It’s a tough course here. It’s really tight. So far I’m liking what I’m seeing. I’d like her to find a bird. It would be real nice.
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HOST VO
60 minutes later Sway is finished.
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All the dogs are wet and muddy, but feel good about what they’ve done.
LISA POLLOCK VO/OC
The dogs do know when they do well. Hey, did I do good, you know? Yeah, they know.
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HOST VO
And so it’s now up to the judges.
ROY RINKER VO/OC
She hunted with purpose. She hunted the right areas, and she just ran with plenty of style.
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HOST VO
Once again, it was Sway’s day. The judges award her the Blue Ribbon.
TOM TRACY, JR. OC/VO
It’s been great day. We were very pleased. We had a couple great performances. So, you can’t ask for anything better.
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HOST VO
The Brittany is happiest out running in the field.
So apartment living might not be the best choice.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
They probably need about an hour of exercise a day. They really would do best if you had a
house with a yard.
HOST VO
And because these dogs are super smart and love to please, training is no sweat.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
Brittanies are very easy to train. That’s why they’re used in the trials because they’re so obedient.
FEMALE VOICE #3 VO
Down, down. Roll, roll.
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HOST VO
The Brittany is a healthy dog usually living about 12 years. But, watch their ears. They’re long and need to stay clean.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
They have the beautiful, long, floppy ears, which means that they do tend to be prone to ear infections.
HOST VO
Grooming is not too tough.
JOEY VILLANI VO/OC
They’re not hard to groom at all actually. In the household, just a light combing and brushing even once a week will, will get by.
HOST VO
Yep. The Brittany makes a great family pet.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM VO/OC
They are just very devoted and loyal family dogs.
They are…
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…fabulous with children.
FEMALE WEARING BLUE JEANS OC
Hey.
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HOST VO
In general, Brittanies love to run, so a lot of space would be ideal. They’re pretty healthy dogs that require little grooming. They love to obey, so training is a piece of cake. And they do very well as family pets.
TOM TRACY, JR. OC/VO
Oh yeah. They’re great friends.
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It’s like having a best friend every day.
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HOST VO
Dogs 101 continues in a minute with the story of the breed with a Fu Manchu mustache.
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HOST VO
It’s the mustachioed Miniature Schnauzer. Back in the day, the Miniature Schnauzer’s mustache was matted into battle armor to protect against their scratching rodent prey. Maybe that tough Fu Manchu style drew Kung Fu master Bruce Lee to own a Mini Schnauzer.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM OC
Some people are intimidated with by that.
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To me they look like little, old men. And so I just kind of laugh at them when I see them.
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HOST VO
The breed’s more gentlemanly qualities endeared owners like Bill Cosby, Bob Dole, and Mary
Tyler Moore. Though when Miniature Schnauzers get together they’re hardly gentlemen. Mini Schnauzers in a group are known to throw their heads back and howl like wolves.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC
The Miniature Schnauzer is bouncy and bold.
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HOST VO
While all other terriers were developed on the British Isles, the Miniature Schnauzer is German. The terra in terrier means earth. These dogs were bred to go down into the earth to hunt vermin.
ANDREA ARDEN OC
It’s clear that we did a very…
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…good job in creating dogs that are very, very courageous.
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HOST VO
Cross the standard Schnauzer with a Poodle and the Affenpinscher and you get cute, also known as the Miniature Schnauzer.
ZAK GEORGE OC
Among the most lovable, enthusiastic of all of the dog breeds.
HOST VO
Americans seem to have a soft spot for this dog.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM VO/OC
Historically, one of the most popular breeds in the United States and steadily gaining popularity.
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HOST VO
A handsome rectangular muzzle distinguishes the Miniature Schnauzer.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC
The word schnauzer comes from the German for muzzle.
HOST VO
A thick, wiry, double coat, which shed dirt when the dog went to ground for the rodents.
JOEY VILLANI OC
It’s a fiery dog with a wire coat. And when you hear Wire Hair Terrier, this one really fits the bill.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
One of the things they excel at is barking. Miniature Schnauzers tend to be very easily alert and stimulated.
HOST VO
This breed has exceptional hearing. They can hear sound frequencies twice as high as humans and 50 percent higher than sheep. Miniature
Schnauzers are sometimes teamed up with
German Shepherds to guard flocks and property. The sharp hearing Schnauzers will start barking to alert the German Shepherds if there is an
intruder.
ZAK GEORGE VO/OC
They seem to be predisposed to really accomplishing something together and they just really, really…
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…enjoy teamwork.
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HOST VO
One Miniature Schnauzer and his owner are bringing teamwork to new heights, literally. Tom
Ryan and his dog Atticus hike up New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This is a foreboding mountain range with some of the most rugged peaks east of the Rockies.
TOM RYAN OC
Here we go. Let’s go to the top. Go ahead.
HOST VO
But, this is more than a personal passion. Tom and Atticus use their love of the mountains to help others. They embarked on an astounding challenge, raise money to cure cancer. They dedicated their efforts to a friend who had recently died of the disease.
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TOM RYAN VO/OC
We decided we were going to raise money by trying to hike all the 48, 4,000-footers...
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…twice in one winter.
HOST VO
No dog and man team had ever accomplished
such a feat. Outfitted with warm booties, the super Schnauzer proved more than up to the challenge of climbing. Tom began posting to a blog about their hikes. Word soon got around. People began pledging donations to cancer research for each peak Atticus and Tom conquered. The journey was arduous. At many points, they nearly gave up. The duo would be tested by Mt. Washington, a mountain that has taken 135 lives.
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TOM RYAN OC
It’s a scary mountain and it’s a scary idea of climbing it. The world’s worst weather, world record for wind speed. And so I was really scared.
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HOST VO
But, the pair made it to the top of Mt.
Washington. Then they pushed on, knocking out peak after peak. Amazingly, with just eight days of winter left, they had completed 81 mountains. Their goal of 96 winter hikes was in reach. But, a massive snowstorm shut down the mountains and dimmed their hopes.
TOM RYAN VO/OC
One of the things in hiking with a dog in the White Mountains is you have to be accommodating to the dog and protect him.
HOST VO
Tom didn’t want to risk exposing Atticus to the extreme weather. So the two fell just short. While they didn’t reach their lofty goal, Tom and
Atticus had hiked 81 peaks and raised more than $5,000 for cancer care and research. But, after returning from the mountains Tom makes a devastating discovery. Find out if Tom and
Atticus can keep climbing, next on Dogs 101.
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HOST VO
Atticus, the Miniature Schnauzer and his owner, Tom, have just made doggy history by hiking 81 peaks in New Hampshire’s looming White Mountains. The dangerous winter hikes raised over $5,000 to fight cancer. But, after returning home, Tom notices a change in Atticus.
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TOM RYAN OC
I, I noticed it first. I threw him a cookie on the floor.
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He couldn’t see the cookie.
HOST VO
Atticus had cataracts and was going blind. Even though the condition is congenital, Tom thought the sunlight reflecting off the snow during the hikes had led to Atticus’ blindness.
TOM RYAN VO/OC
I felt I left, as if I’d let my friend down…
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…who hadn’t let me down. He had…Sorry. It was so important to him that we finish that even though he was going blind for so long, he saw to it that he got me as far as he could through the winter getting 81 peaks while he was going blind.
And that to me was the definition of loyalty.
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HOST VO
The cataracts were removed, restoring Atticus’ vision. Then blood tests revealed something even worse. Atticus showed possible signs of thyroid cancer. The little dog who had raised so much money to fight cancer now was going through a cancer scare himself. Tom turned to Dr.
Maureen…
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DR. MAUREEN CARROLL VO/OC
Hi. How are you, Tom? Pleased to meet you.
HOST
…Carroll of the renowned Angell Animal Hospital.
TOM RYAN OC
How are you?
DR. MAUREEN CARROLL OC/VO
How’s Atticus today? We ran one expansive thyroid profile on him that was normal. We repeated it and it was normal.
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TOM RYAN VO/OC
The blood tests came back and there was nothing wrong with Atticus. All I know is my prayers and the prayers of many people in the community were answered that night.
DR. MAUREEN CARROLL OC
How are you, Atty? Huh? Are you ready to hike today, buddy?
HOST VO
It wasn’t long before Tom and Atticus were back in the mountains. Inspired by Atticus’ cancer scare, the duo are now hiking for a new charity, Angell Animal Hospital.
TOM RYAN VO/OC
I thought we’d like to pay back what was paid to us. I’d like to give money back to people in need who may not be able to afford the treatments for their animals they love the most.
HOST VO
To date, Atticus and Tom have raised over $8,000 for Angell.
DR. MAUREEN CARROLL VO/OC
Atticus is like an extreme athlete who constantly has his game face on.
HOST VO
The staff at Angell are grateful for their new star fundraiser. But, Atticus and Tom can only stop so long to take in the adoration. They still have mountains to climb.
TOM RYAN OC/VO
Good boy. Isn’t it great?
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HOST VO
Not every Miniature Schnauzer is going to be able to hike mountains. But, in general, they’re very adaptable.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
Miniature Schnauzers are a perfect example of a dog that does well in almost any environment.
HOST VO
They do have some health concerns. So, look out. Heart and eye problems are common in this breed.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC
There’s also a funny condition of like blackheads that can develop along the back of their spines.
HOST VO
That wiry, double coat will become matted if not attended to.
DR. CHERISE CLEMENT, DVM VO/OC
And if you are going to leave it long, then they’re probably going to need daily grooming.
HOST VO
Miniature Schnauzers love to snuggle and fit in well among the family.
JOEY VILLANI VO/OC
It’s a wonderful dog. It’s a great family type dog.
Loves people.
HOST VO
The Miniature Schnauzer is a favorite of trainers.
ZAK GEORGE VO/OC
Miniature Schnauzers are probably among the smartest breeds that I have ever worked with. I love Miniature Schnauzers.
HOST VO
Every Miniature Schnauzer is different, but generally this is a highly adaptable breed with a smattering of heart, eye, and other health issues. That coat demands regular grooming and they’re a cinch to train. And this is a great all around family dog.
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HOST VO
So to recap, the Old English Sheepdog may have a goofy look, but it’s an intelligent breed that bonds with its people. They are a winner if you love grooming a dog.
HOST VO
The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese breed, one of the few dogs with a black tongue. They can be a fierce breed that gives insurance companies pause.
HOST VO
The Toy Fox Terrier makes an energetic companion. In fact, the American Kennel Club said, if it’s a Toy Fox Terrier it should love to watch TV.
HOST VO
The Brittany is a born hunting dog with the nose, temperament and stamina to excel in the field, in the show ring, and in your family room.
HOST VO
The Miniature…
HOST VO
… Schnauzer is one of the few breed that sports a mustache. Their winning personalities are one reason the Miniature Schnauzer is gaining in popularity. Remember, every breed of dog is different and an individual may not adhere strictly to breed standards. If you’re bringing a dog into your family, do your homework. Check out Petfinder.com to search for specific breeds near you and choose your next best friend wisely.
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