Which breed has the heaviest fur in all dogdom? Which pooch led a team on the first expedition to the South Pole? And which canine sports a unique hairdo given to him by St. Patrick?
Which breed has the heaviest fur in all dogdom? Which pooch led a team on the first expedition to the South Pole? And which canine sports a unique hairdo given to him by St. Patrick? On this episode of Dogs 101 we'll meet the Komondor, Irish Water Spaniel, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Greyhound, and Rat Terrier.
For even more dog content, stream full episodes of Dogs 101 on discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/dogs101 to start your free trial today. Terms apply.
Find episode transcript here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/komondor-irish-water-spaniel-samoyed-shiba-inu-greyhound-rat-terrier
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Is this dog known for its singing voice? Did a president name this breed? Is this the hardest dog to train? FEMALE VOICE #1 VO Roll over. Roll over. HOST VO Why is this dog's tail naked? Can this dog run faster than a race horse? |
| HOST VO Dogs 101 celebrates man's best friend. Today the Samoyed, the Rat Terrier, the Shiba Inu, the Irish Water Spaniel, the greyhound, and we start with a dog whose coat can weigh 15 pounds... MUSIC SEGUE ... the komondor. |
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| MUSIC IN HOST VO These amazing dreadlocks didn't evolve so the Komondor could grace the cover of Beck's album Odelay. Nope. This livestock guarding dog developed its unique coat for camouflage. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC So it was kind of a sneaky way of having the dog hidden within the flock. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC When the wolf or the bear comes to eat his sheep, whoo, comes out the komondor and attacks it. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO According to folklore the komondor's flock protection efforts almost eliminated the wolf from Hungary where this striking creature has been a working dog for hundreds of years. Over 3,000 years ago the ancient Babylonian King Hammurabi mentioned the komondor in the Code of Hammurabi, a series of laws that dictated almost all aspects of daily life. DR.DEBBYE TURNER BELL VO/OC This is the Bob Marley of the dog world |
| HOST VO The trademark of this muscular canine is its long corded white coat which develops over the first two years of life. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC It is the most unique coat in the whole dog world. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Komondorok, believe it or not, that's the plural of Komondor, have rectangular shaped bodies. And in the center of that white mop like face is a feature that's always black, the komondor's nose. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO 30 miles northeast of Denver this shaved komondor is enjoying a lifestyle ideally suited to her breed. PAT CRAIG VO/OC It's a kind of a unique situation to have dog that really wants to be more than just a dog and wants to help out with all the management of everybody here. MUSIC OUT Come on. Let's go. |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Three-year-old Nellie lives at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado. This 320 acre facility is a refuge for large carnivores rescued from illegal or abusive situations. Over 200 animals live out their lives peacefully here in species specific habitats. MUSIC SEGUE But among the lions, tigers, and bears, it's often Nellie, the komondor who keeps the visitors happy... PAT CRAIG VO You see all the tight curls that she has? HOST VO ...or just roams the grounds with Pat Craig, the sanctuary's founder. But her real job is to watch over her canine companions and the sanctuary's youngest additions. PAT CRAIG OC/VO Nellie and the dogs help... MUSIC OUT ... raise these cubs so definitely without them this would be a very difficult situation. |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO When young cubs, like these five-month-old African lions, arrive at the sanctuary they aren't physically mature enough to be introduced to a pride so Nellie and her furry friends offer a helping hand. PAT CRAIG VO Having the dogs to romp and play and wrestle and do all those kinds of things will help build their motor skills, which is really important. MALE IN ORANGE SHIRT VO There you go. HOST VO But Nellie and the other dogs don't just help the cubs develop muscles and coordination, they actually teach them about the family structure of a lion pride. It's not too different from the family structure of a dog pack. PAT CRAIG VO/OC So the cubs actually get to observe how the dogs in their pack structure can have... MUSIC OUT ... this hierarchy and so they can learn, okay, what's acceptable and what's not acceptable. |
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| HOST VO Whether she's off with her pals to visit the wolves or hanging out at the daily staff meeting, this 135 pound den mother knows how central she is to the wild animal sanctuary and just how much her boss values her work. PAT CRAIG VO/OC I really love Nellie. Having a dog that's just not a happy go lucky dog but somebody who really cares about the family has really endeared me to Nellie. She's a special dog. Good girl. |
| HOST VO Komondorak aren't for everyone. These dignified dogs require moderate daily exercise and are best suited to country settings without neighbors close by. FEMALE VOICE #2 VO There we go. HOST VO Their protective instincts can make them wary of strangers. They have few genetic health problems probably because they descended from centuries of hearty working stock. Ironically these large sturdy dogs boast excellent vision, even though their eyes are often covered. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL VO/OC How they see through all that hair only they could tell you. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Grooming these corded canines is another story. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC Komondors are one of the more difficult dogs to care for if you want them to have that traditional corded coat. HOST VO You're never have to brush those cords but you will have to separate them regularly to prevent matting. And while komondorok hardly shed, their dense coats are a magnet for insects and dirt. Because the komondor was bred to work independently as a flock guardian it can be willful and requires early training by an experienced owner. In a family, the komondor is loyal and protective of children but has little tolerance for teasing. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO To sum up, the komondor has moderate exercise requirements and thrives in a rural environment. Its health is generally good but grooming this heavy coated canine is time consuming. And early training is a must to control the dog's independent streak. The komondor is extremely protective but few families can provide the home, time, or lifestyle to keep this breed satisfied. MALE IN BLUE SHIRT OC Who's a good puppy? |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO More to come on Dogs 101. Meet the man who attacked the shark who attacked his dog. Which breed is known for its smile and its singing? Did this breed capture the internet when one litter of pups was raised live on webcam? Did this breed really live in the playboy mansion? And can this dog outrun a cheetah? |
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| HOST VO Tall, dark, with big hair. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO If you've never seen one of these dogs that's something to look at. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO They remind me of Lucy in I Love Lucy because of the way she wore her hair. HOST VO And it sort of looks like a poodle. MUSIC OUT ANDREA ARDEN OC They do kind of look like a poodle. |
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| HOST VO Legend says St. Patrick is the one who mystically decided to put the dog's tail fur on its head. The first you notice on the Irish Water Spaniel is his gorgeous brown slightly purple tinged coat. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO They've got this soft curly topknot. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL VO/OC Someone once said it's like a bad toupee. |
| HOST VO And this dog has super strong feet. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO Webbed feet just like the poodle who they are an ancestor of. HOST VO Interestingly, the Irish Water Spaniel’s tail is naked. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL VO That acts as a rudder in the water, makes them an even more efficient swimmer. |
| HOST VO Kim and her husband Jeremy live in Amesbury, Massachusetts where they have not one but two fun loving Irish Water Spaniels. KIM KEZER OC/VO Fiona is a queen bee. She's definitely a queen bee. It's totally about her. She loves to be the center of attention. Selchie, she's happy-go-lucky, wants to do whatever I wanna do. HOST VO And the dogs have a pretty nice life where they share space with Diesel, the cat. And as you can see Kim has her dogs pretty well trained. KIM KEZER VO Yeah. |
| HOST VO It's not really too surprising, after all, look what she does for a living. KIM KEZER VO Good. Hold it. HOST VO She's a resident animal training advisor at Zoo New England where she has Bubba the black bear eating out of her hand. KIM KEZER VO Nice job Bub. |
| HOST VO And at home Kim's dogs are like well trained children. KIM KEZER VO To keep those long beautiful ears nice and clean we put something called a snood on them. HOST VO Snoods are garments designed to keep long haired and long eared dogs clean around things like water bowls. KIM KEZER VO When they're all done eating what they have to do is they have to pick up their food bowls and bring it into the kitchen. Good girl. |
| HOST VO And Jeremy's taught the girls to put away their toys. JEREMY KEZER DOC/VO I’ve trained Selchie and Fiona to help me put away the toys. Okay, go get a toy. Go find a toy. Good girl. All right. See, that's it. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO While Kim and Jeremy seem to have the dogs on a tight leash, they swear it's really all just fun and games for the pack. KIM KEZER VO The more fun you have with them the more fun they'll have and they just keep bringing out the fun in you. HOST VO But being obedient at home wasn't enough for this clan. Today, they're in the field working on polishing their hunt test skills. It's a chance for them to exercise the instincts and natural skills they were born with. FEMALE IN WHITE TOP VO Dog to the line. MUSIC OUT HOST VO A hunt test tries all different types of retrievers on land and in the water. Here's how it works. FEMALE IN WHITE TOP VO Let me know when you're ready. MUSIC IN |
| HOST VO Duck calls are quacked and rubber bumpers are shot for the dogs to mark. Marking means seeing and remembering where the birds land. Their performance is assessed by a judge. Then the dogs must successfully retrieve the bird bumper and bring it back to the handler. KIM KEZER VO That a girl Fiona. Good girl. Today we're hoping that they pass their test. So we'll see what happens. HOST VO As the dog advances the tests get harder. KIM KEZER VO Good girl. FEMALE IN WHITE TOP VO Very nice. KIM KEZER VO Yay. I think it's fun for them. They don't really know it's a test. HOST VO Today not only did the dogs get a little closer to becoming hunt test champions... KIM KEZER OC Good job Fiona. Good job baby. HOST VO ...but this triumphant trio also got closer to each other. KIM KEZER VO It's what they're meant to do. They love doing it. FEMALE IN WHITE TOP VO/OC That was an excellent job. You get a ten on that one. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO So if you'd like a sporting dog like Fiona and Selchie, remember they're not quiet little loafing dogs. They need to run and be active. As for health issues these dogs can develop typical spaniel ear infections and big dog eye issues like entropion. Entropion is an eye disorder that affects the eyelids. Basically the lower eye lid rolls inward pressing all the eyelashes against the sensitive eye surface. Over time if not treated entropion can lead to scaring, nerve damage, even vision loss. MUSIC OUT |
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| HOST VO In general, the Irish Water Spaniel needs lots of exercise so apartment living might not be the best option. As far as health, watch out for ear infections and eye problems. Despite its fabulous fur the Irish Water Spaniel needs very little grooming and because they're so smart they are very trainable. As for being good with children they are as long as the kids respect the dog. FEMALE WITH BROWN HAIR OC He's got big hair. MUSIC OUT |
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| HOST VO Is this dog grinning? DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They're called the smiling sammies because their lips turn up and they actually look like they're smiling. HOST VO These people loving pooches are also called. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL OC Samoyeds or samieds. HOST VO Or Sammies, Sams, or just plain smiley dogs. ANDREA ARDEN OC These are wonderful dogs. |
| HOST VO Companions to celebrities like Karen Carpenter and Helen Hunt, these powder puffs are known for their tendency not only to bark but to sing. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They have kind of a high pitch awhoo-whoo-whoo. You think they're trying to talk to you. |
| HOST VO This fluffy breed also carries the distinction of being most closely related to the primitive dog. No wolf or fox DNA runs in the Samoyed strain. And when it comes to doggie smell you're in luck. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They tend to be a dog that has very little odor. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO One of the 14 most ancient breeds Samoyeds are members of the Spitz family of dogs and hail from Siberia where the Samoyed peopled use them for sledding, herding reindeer, and warmth but not just snuggling. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC When they shed there's all this massive pounds of fur. So rather than waste it the people took it and spun it into yarn... MUSIC OUT ...and make clothes out of it. |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO If you want to spot a Samoyed they are a few tale-tell signs. Look for black lips curved upwards into that sammy smile. Another curve to look for is on the Samoyed's heavily coated tail which curls over and actually touches the dog's back when alert. And don't forget the Samoyed's double coat which is often white but also comes in biscuit, white and biscuit, and cream. And their outer coat, it stands straight out. No wavy hair here. |
| VICTORIA PETTIGREW VO Is that gonna be... MUSIC OUT ... a blanket? Is that gonna be a blanket? MUSIC IN HOST VO Like all Samoyeds, seven-year-old Bon-Bon sports a dense covering of luxurious fur but unlike all Samoyeds her sheddings aren't vacuumed away. VICTORIA PETTIGREW OC/VO Samoyed hair makes absolutely beautiful yarn. I've been saving a lot of Bon-Bon's hair lately and have not been spinning it because my desire is to have a beautiful blanket for my living room. |
| HOST VO Visit Victoria Pettigrew's living room outside of Dallas and you won't just find her spinning her smiling sammy's fur into yarn, you'll find a whole business dedicated to turning pet hair into keepsakes. VICTORIA PETTIGREW VO/OC VIP Fibers spins memories for people not... MUSIC OUT ... just yarn. |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Her company creates yarn and custom made garments or tokens out of animal hair. Bon-Bon serves a Victoria's muse. Her fur is spun into items like shawls and mittens. MUSIC SEGUE The idea for the spinnery was born out of the loss of Karly, Victoria's beloved Lhasa Apso. VICTORIA PETTIGREW VO/OC When she passed away I missed her so much that after I had spun her hair it felt like she was back with me again. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Lisa Hawes is hoping the same will be true for her after the death of her dog Bernie. LISA HAWES VO/OC He means the world to me and always will and this gives me a little bit of him to have forever. |
| MUSIC SEGUE VICTORIA PETTIGREW OC Look at that. HOST VO To turn any animal's coat into yarn or anything else a thorough brushing is the first step. Victoria uses a flea comb to remove Bon-Bon's soft and loose undercoat. It's a lengthy process this ball of fluff absolutely adores. Just like any Sammy would. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Once the fur is gathered you can find Bon-Bon hanging out by the carding machine which lines all the fibers in the same direction. This docile dog is not one to disturb other's work. While Victoria spins the fiber, Bon-Bon takes in the action just like she does when it's later plied and turned into a skein. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO And what about doggie dander, can you really wash it out? Apparently yes. Victoria has patented her own system. VICTORIA PETTIGEW VO/OC We have developed the process of washing it that removes the enzymes that causes those odors and allergies. |
| HOST VO The fiber is then wrung out, hung in a closet to dry, and then re-skeined. Some customers might have their pet fur woven into a scarf like this one but the possibilities are endless. MUSIC SEGUE |
| FEMALE WITH BLOND HAIR OC She's still blowing her coat, look at that. VICTORIA PETTIGREW OC Yeah. HOST VO When he co-workers take a break, Bon-Bon is always right there soaking up the attention of her spinnery pals. VICTORIA PETTIGREW VO Yeah. HOST VO Her coat is definitely something special but all this powder puff cares about is that her mom loves her for who she is. VICTORIA PETTIGREW OC Do I get a kiss? FEMALE WITH BLOND HAIR VO Yeah, that was good. VICTORIA PETTIGREW OC Thank you. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Samoyeds are easy going pets that can live in apartments if they're given a good amount of daily exercise. Just be careful if live in a warmer climate, these dogs can overheat. These sociable canines usually live for 12 to 15 years but they are predisposed to certain health problems. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and kidney disease. |
| HOST VO In the grooming department take heed. Samoyeds are heavy shedders that require brushing. ANDREA ARDEN OC Every single day if you wanna keep the fur outside of your house. HOST VO Early obedience training is necessary to avoid behavior problems but this medium sized working dog responds nicely to a firm and patient hand. In a family the Samoyed is a good fit because this pretty pooch loves everyone. |
| HOST VO So in general Samoyeds are adaptable dogs that need a good amount of exercise and air conditioning in warm weather. Their health is about average but their grooming requirements are great. Early training is essential because they can be stubborn. But these smiling dogs are so people orientated that they fit into most any kind of family. If you're looking for a dog with looks, energy, personality, and lots of heart choose a Samoyed and you'll find yourself smiling as much as your dog. VICTORIA PETTIGREW VO You're a good girl, huh? |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO When Dogs 101 continues does this breed hold the record for getting rid of rats? How does this dog assist the Detroit Lions football team? And how does this dog help New Yorkers find romance? |
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| HOST VO Looking for a dog that's easy to train. Well, keep looking. The Shiba Inu is a very intelligent yet independent dog making it one of the most difficult breeds to train. FEMALE VOICE #3 VO Run, Siena. Come. DR. NICOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They're smart enough. They'll just blow you off if you don’t mean what you say. FEMALE IN T-SHIRT VO Come here. Fetch. MUSIC OUT Fetch. HOST VO But that doesn't mean they aren't loyal and loving. |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO During a 2004 earthquake in Japan one famous Shiba Inu sought out and guided rescue personnel to the damaged home where her owners, an elderly man and his granddaughter, were trapped. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC And that gives you a good idea of how tenacious and courageous these dogs are. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO The Shiba Inu which means "brushwood dog" in Japanese is one the oldest breeds. They were bred to hunt boar, birds, and even bears. FEMALE VOICE #4 VO I sit in here. Yes. HOST VO In 1936 Japan declared the breed a national treasure. Today, it remains the land of the rising sun's most popular companion dog. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO In 2008, however, many people took notice of a Shiba Inu named Kika and here litter of puppies. Their live puppy cam on UStream became an internet sensation attracting millions of viewers. |
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| HOST VO But appearance aside their personality is closely matched to another common domesticated animal. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BALL VO/OC They're a little bit cat like. They're fastidious with their appearance. FEMALE IN WHITE/TAN TOP OC That's a good boy. HOST VO That fastidious and independent nature can be sometimes interpreted as unfriendly. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They tend to be dogs that are not that warm and welcoming to strangers but are very closely bonded with their families. FEMALE IN WHITE/TAN TOP VO Princess. MUSIC OUT HOST VO And a close bond can mean must more than just companionship. |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Just ask Zack Follett and his Shiba Inu puppy Zakarian. ZACK FOLLETT OC It's the best little puppy right here, I'll tell you what. |
| HOST VO Zach is a linebacker for the Detroit Lions. Early on he found that life in the NFL was very different from his high school and college days. ZACH FOLLETT OC/VO First year in professional football it's a roller coaster ride. Being out there in a place where I don't have too many friends, the only people I know are teammates. MUSIC OUT |
| HOST VO Looking for some added friendship Zach did some research and found that a Shiba Inu sounded like a good fit for him. MUSIC IN That's when he got Zakarian who complemented Zach perfectly. ZACH FOLLETT VO/OC I have a split personality, you know? I got the football personality that's high strung but when I'm off the field I like to relax and this dog's kind of the same way. He'll have his hyper times but then he likes to relax, chill, sit on the couch, watch TV with me. Yeah, good boy. MUSIC OUT |
| HOST VO One thing Zach never would have imagined is how Zakarian could help him keep his focus on football. MUSIC IN In the off-season Zach has become a Detroit favorite due to the amount of time he spends corresponding with fans on the web. What he quickly found was that he spent more time on the computer and less on training. Enter Zakarian. ZACH FOLLETT VO/OC He definitely keeps me working hard, keeps me active, and the most important thing just gets me off the cyber world. You know, that thing sucks me in and it's good to have a friend take me away. All right. Let's go. Go get it. HOST VO As a result Zach has found a training partner who not only keeps him motivated but also makes working out fun for both of them. ZACH FOLLETT VO/OC He definitely brings out my play side. He likes to just grab on a rope and just tug. It makes me wanna go out and do more things. |
| MALE VOICE #1 VO Step higher. Get that groove. HOST VO And that effort is paying off. Zach was originally cut from the Lions in his rookie year but now has a great chance to start on defense. ZACH FOLLETT VO/OC I think God kind of blessed me with this dog. He was put in my life for a reason. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN ZACH FOLLETT VO Come on Z. Let's go. HOST VO But the time he and Zakarian spend together isn't just based on training. For Zach, it's a chance to spend more quality time with his new friend. ZACH FOLLETT VO/OC Well, it's funny to see he personality grow as he becomes more familiar with me. The bond between us is definitely growing stronger as he gets older. My dog is my best friend and I take him everywhere. Good boy. That's a good boy. |
| HOST VO The Shiba Inu can adapt to most spaces and is a good dog for apartments because of its medium size and relative quietness. It is a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years but can be susceptible to hip and eye problems. The Shiba Inu is very adept at grooming itself but its thick coat is still going to require the occasional brushing. The Shiba Inu has an independent nature making it a very difficult dog to train. Because of this the Shiba Inu is only recommended for families with plenty of dog experience. DR. KAREN HALLIGN VO/OC This is definitely not for a first time pet owner because that Shiba is going to run the household. MALE IN STRIPED SHIRT OC She's petting me. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO So the Shiba Inu's a dog that can fit into most environments including apartments. It's a healthy breed with only a few small issues. The breed requires some grooming, primarily in warmer months when it sheds. The Shiba Inu is not going to train easily so it's not likely a good fit for first time dog owners. However, the Shiba Inu bonds very closely with its owners and can become a loving family dog. FEMALE IN PINK TOP VO Come on up. HOST VO If you're looking for a beautiful dog that prefers more independence the Shiba Inu could be the perfect pet for you. FEMALE IN PINK TOP OC Your paws are so fuzzy. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Each breed is wonderful in its own way. But some dogs are way off the charts in the doggie smarts department. That's why we're honoring these pooches with a segment all their own. Now it's time to meet today's wonderdogs. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO To some Moscow can be a cold and crowded place, but others know exactly how to make the best of it and guess what? They're of the canine variety. There are over 30,000 stray dogs in Moscow and they've learned how to earn a pretty good living. These wandering wonderdogs cross the busy streets with ease. They know how to find a meal even sending the smaller, cuter dogs to approach humans. DR. NICK SITINAS VO/OC They will jump up and bark and have a person drop their hot dog or whatever it is they were eating and steal it and run away. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO But most incredibly, these cunning strays have figured out how to ride the subway. DR. NICK SITINAS OC Traveling from the suburbs into the city where food is more readily available. HOST VO Then after a nice nap on the train the strays remember the stops that lead to the best food sources. It's all in a days work for these canine Muscovites who take commuting to a whole new level. DR. NICK SITINAS VO They truly are man's best friend. When you watch these dogs commuting with the rest of the commuters every day they're just like hairy humans. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Still to come on Dogs 101. This breed is one of the best dogs at hunting rats. And this dog has a hard time sitting down. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Now it's time to play Pick the Pooch. Which blue eyed herding breed, named the state dog of Louisiana, has the ability to climb trees? Can you guess which breed it is? The answer when we come back. |
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| MUSIC IN HOST VO Which breed known for its gorgeous blue eyes is also the state dog of Louisiana and can climb trees? It's the Catahoula Leopard Dog. This agile working dog was once used to herd wild hogs. MUSIC OUT |
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| HOST VO Sleek, smooth, and built for speed the greyhound is one of man's best and fastest friends. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They're kind of like the... MUSIC OUT ... Ferrari of the dog world if a Ferrari is the fastest car out there now. MUSIC IN HOST VO On the racetrack they can reach 45 miles per hour at just 30 feet. MUSIC SEGUE But they're just as quick to adapt to life as companions. |
| HOST VO General Custer traveled with one as did George Washington. And today's fans include author JK Rowling, Simpson’s creator Matt Groening, an actress Bo Derek who owns several retired racers. Sweet and personable the greyhound is one lovable hunk of dog. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL OC They really are lap dogs. They really don't know that they're bigger than you. |
| HOST VO The greyhound, one of the oldest breeds, is the only dog to be mentioned by name in the Bible. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL VO There are carvings of them in old Egyptian tombs dating back to 2900 BC. HOST VO Greyhounds were used by the Romans for coursing, the sport of chasing hare. They made their way to America in the 1500s by way of Spain and became popular during colonial times among Midwestern farmers for chasing crop destroying jackrabbits. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO They're known to chase anything that moves quickly because that's what they were bred for. HOST VO What makes the greyhound so good at chasing prey? Their eyesight for one, which has to do with the skull. The greyhound has a dolichocephalic skull which means long headed. The long narrow head with a wide tapering muzzle is wide between the ears. The eye placement provides a 270 degree field of vision. More than twice that of a human. A greyhound can see behind its own head. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO And while they are tall dogs they are delicately framed weighing on average 60 to 70 pounds. And greyhounds are unable to sit like other dogs. They generally go into a sitting position without their rear end touching the ground. MUSIC SEGUE Their renowned speed is added by a flexible spine which enables them to run in double suspension gallop. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC All four feet are off the ground at two points when they're galloping. Both when their legs are stretched and extended forward and when they're tucked underneath their body. |
| HOST VO Today many greyhounds are used for racing which is controversial. It is outlawed in some states. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC There's been a welfare issue is the way they were kept at the track and the diseases they get. HOST VO Because of this a big rescue community has developed to assist retired racing dogs in finding homes as pets. After all, there's much more to the greyhound than life at the track. |
| HOST VO Meet Shiraz, a champion greyhound who's traded winning races for winning hearts. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC Three words that describe Shiraz. Loyal. Gentle Compassionate. MALE RACE ANNOUNCER VO Down the backstretch they go and Shiraz has a half a length. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC Shiraz was a race dog on the Plainfield, Connecticut race track and she won first place three times and she placed 33 percent of the time. HOST VO Shiraz was rescued from the racetrack by a Connecticut organization. That's when Sheryl who is not a race fan came into Shiraz's life. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC I met Shiraz when she was two and a half. It was love at first sight. It surprised me even how much I could love a dog. |
| HOST VO Perhaps the biggest surprise for Sheryl Matthys was how her new love would change her life. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC She's sweet. She's interested in people, interested in dogs. HOST VO With Shiraz by her side Sheryl found that meeting people was a little easier. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC We'd get stopped on the street all the time and I realized that there was this whole world out there of people who loved dogs and you had this instant connection. HOST VO Sheryl realized that dogs were the ice breaker between humans who shared a love of their furry friends and that's when Shiraz's winning qualities inspired the start of Leashes and Lovers. Sheryl, who is married, wasn't planning a traditional matchmaking site. Instead she saw the venture as an online community for dog lovers to meet. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC Leashes and Lovers definitely gets the connotation of being for singles and possibly even a matchmaking type of service... MUSIC OUT ...and that's fine but it is actually open to all dog lovers... MUSIC IN ...because the common bond really is your love of dogs. |
| MALE IN WHITE HAT OC We're going kayaking with our dogs. SHERYL MATTHYS OC/VO Yeah. Yeah. How you loving it Shiraz? HOST VO In its seven years on the web the community has grown and includes many types of events and many types of dogs. FEMALE IN BLUE LIFEVEST VO Yeah Andy, nice work. |
| HOST VO Tonight Shiraz and Sheryl will meet and mingle at a party on Manhattan's trendy lower east side. SHERYL MATTHYS OC/VO So good to see you. Hi Jane. You guys are matching. That's gonna be so perfect. Everyone seems friendlier. Everybody seems nicer. FEMALE WITH BLACK HAIR OC Having dogs really teaches you to be selfless. MALE IN YELLOW TOP OC It just brings out the best of the person. FEMALE VOICE #6 VO I mean I don't even know how, where you begin on your list but tell us. FEMALE IN BLACK TOP OC/VO We don't have any children yet and she's just like that kid. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Whether out on the town or relaxing at home this former race champion is clearly a winner. SHERYL MATTHYS VO/OC I had no idea what this one greyhound would do for my life. She wants to meet everyone. If we, as humans could be so open to meeting others, you know, what a changed world it we'd be. |
| HOST VO Shiraz's personality is in keeping with this breed's reputation. They are sweet even tempered dogs who are easy to train but because of their speed it's important to emphasize recall. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Because you don't wanna a dog who can move that quickly getting off leash and coming back when called. HOST VO Despite their size greyhounds do well in apartments. ANDREA ARDEN VO They're actually considered couch potatoes. HOST VO And grooming is a breeze. The only requirement to maintain their coat is a good bath. The greyhound is a pretty healthy dog and can live up to 12 years but they are prone to a few health issues including bloat and hyperthyroidism. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They're also prone to bone tumors of the long bones. HOST VO And a greyhound makes a good family pet. They are good with children and good companions. |
| HOST VO So in general the sweet even tempered greyhound will do well in small living quarters. They can have issues with bloat, tumors, and hyperthyroidism. They're easy to groom, easy to train, and these lovable dogs will do well with a family. |
| HOST VO When Dogs 101 comes back the love between a dog and his owner so strong a shark couldn't break it. |
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| HOST VO They're loyal, loving, and energetic. Rat terriers get their name from America's 26th president. DR. NICK SITINAS VO/OC Teddy Roosevelt had a rat terrier named Skip and he did such a good job clearing the White House of a rat problem that he named them the rat terrier. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO They hold the record for the most rats hunted. One rat terrier cleared a barn of 2500 rats in only seven hours. These terriers are more than just hunters though. They're a source of inspiration. Laurie Anderson recently completed an album by her rat terrier, Lola Bell. The album has electronic sounds imperceptible to human ears and was performed on the steps of the Sydney Opera House to 1500 dogs. |
| HOST VO But exactly how do you get a rat terrier? Take a smooth coated fox terrier, a now extinct English white terrier; blend in a little whippet, some beagle, and perhaps a little bull terrier. |
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DR. NICK SITINAS VO And their eyes actually look bigger than they are because they have skinny little faces. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO The bond between one rat terrier and his owner was tested in the most extreme way. Greg and Tess Lenior adore their rat terrier, Jake. GREG LENIORE VO/OC Jake is like my son. Come on son. Come on little man. He's tough. He's courageous. He's loyal. He's not perfect but he's perfect for me. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO But Jake wasn't always so adored. He was rescued from the streets and when Greg and Tess were asked to foster Jake, they instantly fell in love. TESS LENIOR OC/VO I said this is my dog. He won my heart. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO And what they didn't know was Jake had another love, the water. GREG LENIOR VO So one day during lunch I thought well, maybe we'll walk down by the seawall and see, you know, what Jake thinks of the water but he just dashed right in up to his neck and he swam like a fish. HOST VO So Jake began swimming with Greg daily until one Friday their lives changed forever. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO When we come back Greg and Jake go one on one with the ocean's most feared predator. |
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| HOST VO Greg and Tess rescued Jake, a rat terrier, from the streets and found his passion was swimming in the ocean. What they didn't know was that they'd have to rescue him one more time. GREG LENIOR VO So we're hanging around and about five o'clock I noticed that everywhere I went I noticed that Jake would park himself right in front of me and stare up at me. TESS LENIOR VO/OC I said to Greg, "you know what? While I prepare dinner maybe you can take Jake for a little walk and maybe a little swim?" He said, "okay, I'll be back in a few minutes." |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Instead of going to their usual swimming grounds they went across the street to a small marina to get in a quick swim. GREG LENIOR VO/OC And I let him jump in right here but as I watched Jake disappear under the dock here I wanted to watch him emerge from the other side. So then I came over to this side and I leaned over and I called to Jake. I wanted to encourage him and just like that giant fish just came out Jake swam out on this angle. And when he was about right here I noticed that a great big dark green shark was tailing him. He was right under Jake and I became very cold and afraid. HOST VO Greg's worst nightmare was about to come true. The seven foot lemon shark attacked. Greg had only seconds to react. GREG LENIOR OC In an instant the whole thing went wham and he squished the air out of Jake. |
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| GREG LENIOR OC And we probably broke the speed limit getting to the hospital. DR. SUZANNE SIGEL OC There were not one bite, two bites, there were many bites. He had many puncture wounds over his chest area. HOST VO Jake was lucky none of his organs had been punctured. He was going to survive. GREG LENIOR VO Jake's recovery, thank goodness, was rapid. |
| HOST VO It only took a few months before Jake was back in the water. TESS LENIOR VO/OC Jake is fearless. The first couple of months after that we would walk Jake by the water and he would not even hesitate. He wanted to go in. HOST VO Maybe Jake is fearless but for Tess, Greg was Superman. TESS LENIOR OC It made me feel like I was married to a hero. GREG LENIOR OC I love you my little buddy. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Rat terriers can be lovable pets for the right family. DR. NICK SITINAS VO/OC But this dog would probably not be a good dog with small little children. They have small dainty little legs that are fragile. HOST VO The product of robust breeding, the rat terrier is generally healthy. Unlike other terrier breeds training a rat terrier can be a real joy. DR. NICK SITINAS VO There are few dogs that are as much fun to train than a rat terrier. HOST VO These dogs can live just about anywhere but they need exercise. Their short smooth coat means they are easy to groom. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO When you put it all together you have a dog who in general is good in any environment but they need exercise. They are healthy and easy to groom. Training a rat terrier is easier than training other terrier breeds and can be a lot of fun. They bond well with families but because they are small you should take care around small children. |
| MUSIC SEGUE FEMALE VOICE #7 VO Come here puppy. HOST VO So to recap. The Komondor is a herding dog whose coat served as camouflage. The coat can weigh 15 pounds. The Irish Water Spaniel loves to retrieve. Legend says its tail was designed by St. Patrick. The Samoyed is a Siberian breed whose thick fur was coveted like wool. The Shiba Inu is the most popular dog in... |
| HOST VO ...in Japan. FEMALE VOICE #8 VO Come. HOST VO And may be the hardest to train. A greyhound is the fastest dog on the planet and can see behind his head. The rat terrier is great at, you guessed it, hunting rats. Remember each individual dog is unique and may not conform to breed standards. If you're adopting a dog do your homework and see the top 100 breeds, excessive droolers, and best family dogs all in one place. Go to animalplanet.com/dogs101. FEMALE IN PINK TOP OC Don't eat me. |
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HOST VO They have few genetic health problems probably because they descended from centuries of hearty working stock. Ironically these large sturdy dogs boast excellent vision, even though their eyes are often covered. |
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| MUSIC IN HOST VO To run and be active. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO This is a sporting dog. It is a spaniel. Like all sporting dogs they have a lot of energy. That's what they were bred to have. It's not their fault so they do need to be provided with lots of exercise but like a lot of the larger breeds of dogs the Irish Water Spaniel tends to be pretty quiet in the home once they've gotten through their adolescence. So it could be a good dog for apartment living as long as you set aside time every single day to make sure you take that dog to the park or on a nice long walk so that they can exercise their joints, their muscles, and have the stimulation of being exposed to the world at large. HOST VO As for health issues these dogs can develop typical spaniel ear infections and big dog eye issues like entropion. MUSIC SEGUE Entropion is an eye disorder that effects the eyelids. Basically the lower eye lid rolls inward pressing all the eyelashes against the sensitive eye surface. Over time if not treated entropion can lead to scaring, nerve damage, even vision loss. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN HOST VO Surprisingly, even with all that hair these curly mop tops don't need too much grooming. Just a routine bath and brush. And because the Irish Water Spaniel is super smart he's pretty easy to train. ANDREA ARDEN OC I think that this is a dog that is, is definitely trainable. My one concern with Irish water spaniels is that if you get one you need to realize that they do tend to be a little sensitive. so make sure that you use training that is in no way heavy handed whether it be verbal or physical and that you focus a lot on early socialization. Unlike a lot of the sporting breeds this is a dog that tends to be a bit more aloof with, with strangers. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC It's kind of looking for direction. |
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| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Samoyeds are easy going pets that can live in apartments if they're given a good amount of daily exercise. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC Samoyeds are really, you know, bred to be outdoor dogs and, you know, were adapted to drag sleds and stuff like that. So I believe they do need a lot of exercise. HOST VO Just be careful if live in a warmer climate, these dogs can overheat. DR. DEBBYE TURNER BELL OC It is important to have an air conditioned facility for these dogs. That thick heavy coat can really be a burden for them in hot weather. HOST VO These sociable canines usually live for 12 to 15 years but they are predisposed to certain health problems. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and kidney diseases. |
| HOST VO In the grooming department take heed. Samoyeds are heavy shedders that require brushing. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Every single day if you wanna keep the fur outside of your house. DR. NICOLAS DODMAN OC/VO Well, because of this double coat grooming could be a bit of a challenge but, you know, if you have the right tools and a little bit of patience there's no real problem. But it's certainly not as easy as a, you know, smooth coated dog. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC One thing to consider if you get one of these dogs is that the coat is not only beautiful but it has a very practical purpose which is it help to, to insulate and protect them not only in the cold but also in the warmer weather so before you shave down your Samoyed talk to you veterinarian so that they can really explain to you how shaving them down might make them more susceptible to sunburn and to heat stroke HOST VO Early obedience training is necessary to avoid behavior problems but this medium sized working dog responds nicely to a firm and patient hand. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO These are dogs that are really fun to work with, really fun to train. They can excel at agility and other dog sports but they do have some limitations because of their coat in regards to being able to compete with them in, in warmer weather. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The Samoyeds are smart, easy to train, but they can be stubborn so you have to be very persistent with your training. HOST VO In a family. |
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| MUSIC IN HOST VO The Shiba Inu can adapt to most spaces and is a good dog for apartments because of its medium size and relative quietness. ANDREA ARDEN OC They're kind of the perfect size dog especially if you live in an apartment in a city. HOST VO It is a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years but can be susceptible to hip and eye problems. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC The three health problems that plague the Shiba Inu are some hereditary eye conditions, in, in particular cataracts. They also have a tendency to luxating patella which is slipping kneecaps and surprisingly even though they're a little tiny dog they, they have an issue with hip dysplasia MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO The Shiba Inu is very adept at grooming itself but its thick coat is still going to require the occasional brushing. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The Shiba Inu has in general, it's a, a easy dog to have as far as grooming. It does have a heavy shedding period which is in the spring. Other than that it's pretty low shedding. HOST VO The Shiba Inu has an independent nature making it a very difficult dog to train. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO I wouldn't put Shibas on a list of dogs that are easy to train. It's not because they're not intelligent. It really comes down to the fact that they just tend to be dogs that, that usually have a pretty independent streak. So I think anybody who gets a Shiba and accomplishes what they want in regards to training should be given a special award for patience and for using a very gentle approach because that's really what it takes to train a Shiba. HOST VO Because of this the Shiba Inu is only recommended for families with plenty of dog experience. DR. KAREN HALLIGN VO/OC This is definitely not for a first time pet owner because that Shiba is going to run the household. This is a very just handful of a dog, a lot of dog with a Shiba Inu. They're intelligent. They're athletic. They have a lot of energy. So you definitely wanna get them in early obedience classes and you wanna work on consistent obedient training. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO These guys are feisty. You know, so quite a handful. You know, I'm sure that they will have affectionate relationships with some family members but this dog is no fool to be taken lightly. I mean he needs a firm hand and I don't mean that in a physical sense. I just mean, you know, he, he needs a good leader because they're little bundles of energy with a fiery, feisty temperament. MALE IN STRIPED SHIRT OC She's petting me. |
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| MUSIC IN HOST VO Now it's time to play Pick the Pooch. Which blue eyed herding breed named the state dog of Louisiana has the ability to climb trees. Can you guess which breed it is? The answer when we come back. |
| MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Which breed known for its gorgeous blue eyes is also the state dog of Louisiana and can climb trees? It's the Catahoula Leopard Dog. This agile working dog was once used to herd wild hogs. MUSIC OUT |
| ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They're actually considered couch potatoes. Greyhounds have a very low level of body fat kind of like super models and so you do need to be extra careful with them in extreme temperatures because they really do best when they're in an environment where the climate is well controlled. HOST VO And grooming is a breeze. The only requirement to maintain their coat is a good bath. The greyhound is a pretty healthy dog and can live up to 12 years but they are prone to a few health issues including bloat and hyperthyroidism. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They're also prone to bone tumors of the long bones. HOST VO And a greyhound makes a good family pet. They are good with children and good companions. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Greyhounds are wonderful family companions. Be careful though that this is not a dog that children should feel that they should be able to climb all over or ride like a pony because they're big. they do have a fairly delicate skeletal structure especially their back and so as always children should be supervised with a greyhounds but generally speaking they tend to be animals that are really wonderful with people but maybe not so great with small fast moving animals. HOST VO So in general the sweet even. |
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| GREG LENIOR VO But he had just dashed right in up to his neck and he swam like a fish. HOST VO So Jake began swimming with Greg daily until one Friday their lives changed forever. MUSIC SEGUE GREG VO So we're hanging around and about five o'clock I noticed that everywhere I went Jack would park. |
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