Which tiny terrier has a face like a monkey? Which large breed does nearly every large dog owe its' heritage to? Which lapdog is the companion choice of Bill Cosby? On this episode of Dogs 101 we'll meet the Kooikerhondje, Leonberger, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff, and the Affenpinscher. 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.
Which tiny terrier has a face like a monkey? Which large breed does nearly every large dog owe its' heritage to? Which lapdog is the companion choice of Bill Cosby? On this episode of Dogs 101 we'll meet the Kooikerhondje, Leonberger, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff, and the Affenpinscher.
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 transcripts here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/kooikerhondje-tibetan-mastiff-and-more
MUSIC IN HOST VO Do you like dogs with massive jowls, giant paws and muscular bodies? MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN Or do you like dogs with dainty smiles, prancing feet and featherweight torsos? In other words, are you a big dog person or a little dog person? On this Dogs 101 special, we celebrate the big and the small. Which breed is the biggest, and which is the smallest? Why are some dogs giants and some tiny? What is small-dog syndrome, and why do some giant dogs think they’re lapdogs? Plus, some big and small breeds you may have never heard of, the diminutive Kooikerhondje, the ancestor of most giant breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff, the little Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the massive Leonberger, the tiny Affenpinscher, and for the first time ever, we’ll see what happens when you introduce the world’s biggest dog to the world’s smallest, and we start by looking at how and why dogs got so big and so little. |
HOST VO Dogs are one of the most diverse mammals on the planet. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC There are dogs who have very long backs and short legs and dogs that have very long legs and very long backs. MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO But at the end of the day, all domestic dogs fall into one of two categories. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC Big… |
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC …dogs and small… MUSIC OUT …dogs. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO There are the mountain breeds, like the Saint Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog, whose massive limbs help carry supplies and even rescue avalanche victims. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO There are the giant swimming behemoths, like Newfoundlands. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Then there are the little guys, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Westies, at first bred to keep varmints in check, some with legs so short they can crawl into rat holes. |
HOST VO Later, more genteel owners discovered the companionship value of these baby doll-sized pooches. |
HOST VO How do we get such different doggies? MUSIC OUT |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC Part of that is because of humans. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Domestic dogs can all be traced back to the gray wolf, which typically measures 32 to 34 inches from paw to shoulder and weighs around 120 pounds. |
HOST VO The gray wolf was first domesticated by humans some 15,000 years ago. Wolves fit into society so well that humans started breeding them for specific purposes, to hunt rabbits, stand guard or just to be a friend. MUSIC SEGUE The result, a different sized dog for just about everything. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO Kind of like everyone… |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC …wants the biggest house and the biggest car. People… |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO …want the tiniest dog or the biggest dog or the most… MUSIC OUT …unique dog. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO No matter how big or small, |
HOST VO …all… |
HOST VO …canine skeletons are similar. They consist of the same 318 bones, not including their tail. The basic breakdown of these bones, longer bones are in the limbs, shorter bones confined to the wrist and ankle regions. |
HOST VO But who are the largest and smallest living dogs? We tracked them down, and we’ll meet them later. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO But first, meet the tine breed that once sported the Hope Diamond. |
HOST VO You want spunk? Here’s your dog. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC The Affenpinscher is spunky times ten. MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO It’s also tiny times ten. Think about it. At just seven to ten pounds, the Affenpinscher weighs at least ten times less than the mighty Newfoundland. It’s like a perpetual baby in your arms. MUSIC SEGUE Renoir included this petite pooch in Luncheon Of The Boating Party, one of his most festive paintings. If he didn’t paint the Affenpinscher for its perkiness, he may have painted the breed for its quirkiness. DR. NICK SITINAS VO/OC They generally have a very scruffy sort of face, with a mustache and a little beard and look monkey-like. HOST VO Hence the name. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Affenpinscher actually translates to “monkey terrier” in German. MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN HOST VO This charismatic canine with a monkey face has another claim to fame. One of the first Affenpinscher breeders in America was mining heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC And actually, she was the last person who privately owned the Hope Diamond. HOST VO Rumor has it that the wealthy socialite would occasionally attach the magnificent jewel to the collars of her beloved dogs. MUSIC OUT DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO Lucky dog. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO One of the oldest toy breeds, the Affenpinscher got its start in 17th Century Germany where it most likely held a less than privileged position. DR. NICK SITINAS VO/OC They were used to get rid of the… |
DR. NICK SITINAS OC …rat… MUSIC OUT …populations in homes or mills. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Over time, breeds like the Pug, the Silky Pinscher and the Smooth-Haired German Pinscher are believed to have been mixed in, creating a rare little tyke with some funny characteristics. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO They… |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC …kind of have pushed-in, |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO …ape-like face. HOST VO That’s because the muzzle on the Affenpinscher is exceedingly short. And how about that monkey mouth? This toy breed is known for its protruding jaw and lower lip. ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Which makes them look like they have a perpetual pout… MUSIC OUT …kind of like a supermodel. MUSIC IN HOST VO No fancy hairdresser styled the Affenpinscher’s coat, though. It’s always rough and shaggy, usually black and sometimes. ANDREA ARDEN OC Salt and pepper, beige, black and tan, and a sort of reddish color. MUSIC OUT |
SUE DALEY VO You wanna go to school? You wanna see the kids? MUSIC IN HOST VO This Affenpinscher’s coat is black as coal, but there’s nothing dark about his attitude about his job. SUE DALEY VO/OC Hold still. I think what Ernie loves most about his job… MUSIC OUT …is people. Okay, here we go. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Most weekdays you can find two-year-old Ernie on this college campus at Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania. STACY LONDON VO Good boy, Ernie. HOST VO His mom, Sue, is the director of the Personal Counseling Office, and that’s where Ernie works his magic as part of the faculty. SUE DALEY VO/OC Counseling centers aren’t usually happy places. MUSIC OUT So, Ernie creates a fun factor. MUSIC IN HOST VO Ernie is a certified psychiatric service dog, but his work is not confined to the counseling office. SUE DALEY OC/VO You don’t have to have any deep, dark psychological problem to come visit Ernie. MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN HOST VO When Sue does classroom outreach, Ernie does too. SUE DALEY VO What we’d like to do is welcome you to your semester. HOST VO Today, he’s wearing his service dog vest, passing out stress balls and generally raising students’ spirits. SUE DALEY OC You look a little bit like Ernie. MUSIC OUT MALE STUDENT IN RED STRIPED SHIRT VO/OC Similar hair styles, all right. MUSIC IN HOST VO And in between classes, you just might find him visiting dorm rooms, making sure students know he’s there if they need comfort, support or some comic relief. MUSIC OUT SUE DALEY OC All right, happy semester. MALE STUDENT WEARING GLASSES VO Yeah, high five. STACY LONDON OC Yeah, give me five. MUSIC IN FEMALE STUDENT IN BLUE SHIRT OC Ernie, hey, buddy. I’m here to check in for my appointment. HOST VO Back in the counseling office, it’s Ernie’s tiny and vulnerable presence that helps reduce the stigma of seeking counseling. SUE DALEY VO There are a lot of students who gather in our waiting area, and when Ernie wanders in, they have a little common denominator. FEMALE STUDENT IN BLUE TEE SHIRT OC/VO It’s great to have him to come in, see his little smiling face and his cute little ears. FEMALE VOICE #1 VO Oh, he’s so cute. SUE DALEY VO You are dog lovers. STUDENTS VO Yeah. HOST VO On the faculty for just six months, Ernie is helping students forge bonds not just with the counseling office but with each other. SUE DALEY VO/OC There’s a, a camaraderie… MUSIC OUT …that I haven’t noted before. HOST VO After a full day of tending to everyone else’s emotional needs, this service dog needs some me time. |
HOST VO And there’s… |
HOST VO …no better place to decompress than at his favorite restaurant where he’s paid in unsalted pretzels and duly appreciated for his for his caring service. SUE DALEY OC/VO Ernie, you were a very good boy today. Thank you. You were a very… MUSIC OUT …good boy. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO If you’re betting this big-hearted little tot is the one for you, you could be right. |
HOST VO Standing between nine and 11 inches tall, the Affenpinscher can be exercised indoors and travels… MUSIC OUT …well. MUSIC IN But in the health department, watch out. Your vet bills could be high. The Affenpinscher is prone to eye, teeth, hip, joint, thyroid and heart issues. But when it comes to grooming, you’ll only need to give this low-shedding pet a good combing twice a week to prevent matting. Training these independently-minded dogs is another story. In France, they’re called “mustached little devils” for a reason DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC Affenpinschers can be very, very difficult… MUSIC OUT …to housebreak. MUSIC IN HOST VO But in a family, this playful and high energy pooch can be an entertaining choice. Affenpinschers are not recommended for very young children, though, because they’re small and injure easily. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO To sum up, Affenpinscher are content with indoor exercise, but they’re prone to a wide range of inherited health problems. They need to be groomed at least twice a week. Training them can be difficult, but in a family, they’re lively pets. They’re just not recommended for small children. |
| MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO When this special Big And Small edition of Dogs 101 continues, |
HOST VO …could this big dog really be worth more than a house? Is this little guy the top dog in America’s most dog-friendly town? Did this dog’s massive size help him save his owner? How does this small dog attract ducks with its tail, and we’ll meet the world’s largest and smallest dogs. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Dogs come in all sizes from the gargantuan mastiff to the teeny silky terrier. If you want big, |
HOST VO …we’ve got big. |
HOST VO Want a dog as big as a lion, as tall as a five-year-old child? Get a Leonberger. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The Leonberger, aren’t they gorgeous. They’re… MUSIC OUT …so gorgeous. MUSIC IN HOST VO The Leonberger, or Leo, is a giant breed of dog. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC Because of their massive size, all they have to do to protect you is just basically stand there and give somebody a look. HOST VO But these big giants are nothing more than big old warm and fuzzy mushes. DR. NICK SITINAS VO/OC Their strengths are more geared toward loving people. HOST VO And this dog is great at… MUSIC OUT …rescue, too. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO In fact, these dogs are part of water search and rescue teams in Italy and Germany. |
HOST VO In 2009, the Leonberger litter size record was broken when Ariel gave birth to 18 puppies, a truly amazing feat since the normal sized litter is only six. MUSIC OUT |
HOST VO The Leonberger is the oldest purebred German dog. MUSIC IN |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO The Leonberger is named after Leonburg, Germany. |
HOST VO That’s… |
HOST VO …right. Legend says that a local Leonburg townsman wanted to develop a new breed of dog that resembled a lion. |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC It does resemble a little bit of a lion. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO So, he crossed a Landseer Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard and then crossed that dog with a Pyrenees Mountain dog, and then bred the Saint Bernard back in. |
HOST VO Voila. The Leonberger was born. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN Obviously, the first thing you notice on this dog is his big body, which can weigh as much as 170 pounds. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC This is just a very large creature. HOST VO Second is the Leonberger’s coat, which is a medium to long water-resistant double coat. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO It has a very beautiful neck ruff, kind of a bold lion color and an adorable mask on his face. HOST VO And Leonbergers have webbed feet, which makes them super-strong swimmers. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Vic Neumann, a retired educator, loves Leonbergers so much he has two. VIC NEUMANN VO/OC I love Leonbergers because they’re everything you want in a dog. HOST VO Six-year-old Lincoln and his five-year-old little sidekick Cassie, are best buds and love running around their seven-acre property nestled here in lovely Avon, Connecticut. VIC NEUMANN VO Come on. Let’s go up to the rocks. HOST VO And while their life looks pretty happy now, MUSIC OUT …it wasn’t always this way. Both dogs were rescued from a puppy mill. MUSIC IN Now, every day is a great day for the dogs, which starts out with a hike, followed by a natural diet, which they just love crunching into. VIC NEUMANN VO/OC They eat turkey necks every morning. I can’t even imitate their sound. HOST VO The best part of their day is the road trip to the river where the dogs meet up… |
HOST VO …with their other friends and play fetch. VIC NEUMANN VO All right. Let’s go swimming. It’s about time. HOST VO However, romping in the river shouldn’t ever be taken lightly. MUSIC OUT Last summer, Vic and the dogs’ daily ritual almost turned into… MUSIC IN …a disaster. VIC NEUMANN VO It had… |
VIC NEUMANN VO …been… |
VIC NEUMANN OC/VO …raining almost every day. HOST VO The water level was super-high and the current raging. Cassie jumped in to get the stick. VIC NEUMANN VO/OC And I was watching her intently when I realized that she wasn’t making any progress. Oh, no. My first instinct was, “I’ve got to get in that river and save her. MUSIC OUT I’m not gonna watch and let my dog drown.” MUSIC IN HOST VO It wasn’t long before Vic was in serious trouble, too. Not only were Vic’s clothes weighing him down, he recently had surgery on his shoulder and couldn’t swim like he needed to. VIC NEUMANN VO/OC I started to think, “I’m not gonna make it.” One, one or two more strokes of my arm, and I felt myself going underwater. MUSIC SEGUE And I felt on this big ball of wet fur. I turn around, and I hear Lincoln, and he’s snorting water, and he’s like tugboat, and he’s blowing bubbles, and he, he comes right up under my right arm. I’ll never forget it. And he lifts me out of the water almost like a jet propulsion, and I grabbed him around his big, big old furry neck, and I said, “Swim, Lincoln, swim.” HOST VO Eventually, Lincoln and Vic made it safely back to shore. VIC NEUMANN OC I found out later that he was… MUSIC SEGUE …watching me the whole time, and as soon as I, I got in the water, he followed me. HOST VO As for Cassie. VIC NEUMANN VO/OC I’m thinking now, “Cassie’s dead.” I get to the bank, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Cassie’s staring at us, and she give us that quizzical look like, “Why did you guys go swimming without me?” |
VIC NEUMANN VO You show… |
VIC NEUMANN VO …any dog love, and they trust you, they will give it back tenfold. |
VIC NEUMANN OC Good… MUSIC OUT …girl. MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Vic has compiled and is selling picture books called Dogs and is giving the profits to help support Leonberger rescue. VIC NEUMANN VO I wouldn’t be here if… |
VIC NEUMANN VO …not… |
VIC NEUMANN VO …for Lincoln, and I jokingly said to my friends, “Thank God… |
VIC NEUMANN OC …I didn’t rescue a Chihuahua.” Nothing against Chihuahuas, but… |
VIC NEUMANN VO …I think we both would have gone under if it had been a smaller dog. MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN |
HOST VO While Leonbergers are fabulous dogs, owning a Leo shouldn’t be an impulse decision. Remember, this is a big dog. So, apartment living isn’t the best recommendation. Being a large dog, they have a short lifespan of about eight years, and they do have some health issues to watch out for, like hip dysplasia, certain cancers and nerve disorders. As for grooming, beware. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC Leonbergers probably would win the blue ribbon in a shedding competition. MUSIC OUT HOST VO And because Leonbergers are smart, they’re trainable. MUSIC IN DR. NICK SITINAS OC/VO Leos are also very, very sensitive, and they can be seen to get upset if there’s even a family squabble going on. HOST VO As for being a great pet, you couldn’t find a more loving dog, but remember, they’re big dogs, and they can be messy. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO In general, the Leonberger is a friendly dog that needs exercise. They have short lifespans and have health issues, like hip dysplasia. They are heavy shedders and need daily brushing. They are smart and trainable but sensitive and can make a good pet for the right family |
HOST VO …that wants a great big, big wonderful dog. |
| MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO More big and small dogs to come on this special Dogs 101. |
HOST VO How does this little fellow improve the lives of ducks? This giant may have been the world’s first big dog. This tiny guy is the dog mayor in the town Clint Eastwood made famous, and the largest living canine meets the smallest. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
| MUSIC SEGUE |
HOST VO As low to the ground as a water bottle and weighing about as much as an average one-year-old, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not the world’s smallest dog, but to size things up, it would take a stack of three Dandies to reach the height of your average Saint Bernard. |
HOST VO What Dandies lack in stature, they make up for in quiet confidence that has led them to be called “The Gentleman of the Terrier World.” MUSIC OUT DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC Softly spoken. Well mannered. “After you, Claude.” MUSIC IN HOST VO But they’re so rare, that only a few know their charm. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC The odds of anybody guessing correctly what your dog is are about one in a million, maybe two in a million. MUSIC OUT HOST VO They may have a low profile, but they’ve had fans in high places since the 1800s… |
MUSIC IN HOST VO …when King Louis Philippe of France owned a pair. MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN England’s Queen Victoria also loved a Dandie, MUSIC SEGUE …and today’s fans include Hollywood royalty, like Bill Cosby. |
| MUSIC SEGUE |
HOST VO And about that name, a novel concept. Dandie Dinmont was actually a fictional… |
HOST VO …character in an 1814 Sir Walter Scott novel, |
HOST VO …making them the only breed to have fictional namesake. MUSIC OUT |
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC Dandie Dinmont himself apparently was a jolly farmer. MUSIC IN |
HOST VO The Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s origins date back to the 1700s… |
HOST VO …bred on the English-Scottish border to hunt vermin. Their ancestry is thought to be a mix a mix of terrier, including Bedlington, Scot, MUSIC OUT …English and Otterhound. They came… |
HOST VO …to America… |
HOST VO …in the 1800s. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Identifying a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not hard. |
HOST VO They have a large head, broad tapered skull and deep muzzle. Their expressive eyes are round and wide set, with dark rims. And the Dandie Dinmont’s coat comes in two colors, mustard or pepper, with a mixture of soft and hard hairs, and a soft, silky topknot… MUSIC OUT …on the head. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO It’s Carmel-By-The-Sea that’s home to this Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Mayor Sue McCloud’s dog, five-year-old Robbie, is top dog in one of the top dog towns in America. MUSIC SEGUE Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, is a square-mile seaside village that draws both tourists and bold-faced names, but for many, the real stars here are the dogs. MUSIC OUT MALE IN BLUE SHIRT VO/OC It’s Dog Town, U.S.A. MUSIC IN HOST VO And dogs are welcome everywhere, on leash-free beaches, in doggy day spas, restaurants, MUSIC OUT …and luxury hotels. MALE DESK CLERK VO/OC Can he have little dog biscuits? FEMALE IN BROWN JACKET WITH DOG VO Oh, yeah, that’d be great. MUSIC IN Thank you. NANCY SLADE VO/OC The Cypress Inn became pet-friendly 23 years ago when Doris Day became part-owner of the inn. MUSIC OUT |
HOST VO This is a town that caters to its canines. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO But among all the dogs in town, one dog sticks out from the group. FEMALE IN PINK SHIRT OC Robbie. HOST VO As First Dog, Robbie takes full advantage of all the town has to offer and visits favorite places. SUE MCCLOUD VO/OC Robbie and other dogs define the town by where they know there are treats. HOST VO It’s a dog’s life, but at home, he is simply Sue’s Dandie. Sue met Robbie at four months old, and it was love at first sight. SUE MCCLOUD VO/OC He was an itty-bitty guy and… MUSIC OUT …he captivated everyone right away and has been part of life in Carmel ever since. MUSIC IN HOST VO His second home is City Hall. SUE MCCLOUD VO/OC This is a thank you note, yeah. Look it, you wanna go to this rehearsal dinner on the beach? He probably knows more secrets and more about what’s going on in town than anybody else but is very discrete about his knowledge. Okay, that means yes, okay. MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN HOST VO After office hours, it’s time to visit town venues and check in with constituents. FEMALE WITH BLUE SCARF OC I love how they have dogs around here. HOST VO Just another day on the campaign trail for the top dog in the dog-friendliest… MUSIC OUT …town. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Just like Robbie, these personable pooches are fairly… |
HOST VO …active. Their size is suitable for apartment living, but they need daily walks and can be vocal. MUSIC OUT MUSIC IN Generally a healthy breed, the Dandie can have a number of health issues, including eye problems, back problems, epilepsy and hypothyroidism in older dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed, but to maintain their coat, they’ll need regular brushing and professional grooming twice a year. When it comes to training, these independent, intelligent dogs need a firm hand. Without it, they’ve been known to develop small dog syndrome where they believe they’re king of the castle. Known for devotion to family, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes a good family pet. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO In summary, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a rare breed suited to apartment living. The Dandie is fairly healthy but prone to several issues, including hypothyroidism, eye or back problems and epilepsy. Grooming needs are moderate, and they require some professional care. Independent and intelligent, training requires a firm hand. As a family pet, this breed is a great choice. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO A Dandie Dinmont Terrier is proof that good things come in small packages. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Whether big or small, each dog is wonderful in its own way. |
HOST VO It’s time now for today’s Wonderdog. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO April in Alaska. There’s still snow on the ground outside Anchorage. This is where Ben Heinrichs lives his family and his dog, Buddy, a five-year-old German Shepherd. German… |
HOST VO …Shepherds were bred for intelligence and are revered for their loyalty and ability to pick up on our emotions. |
HOST VO So, when a gas fire erupted in his workshop, Ben yelled for his devoted dog, Buddy, to get help. What happened next is almost too incredible to believe. A nearby police trooper picked up a message about a raging fire. MALE DISPATCH OFFICER We’ve got a fire on Caswell Lakes property. HOST VO But his G-P-S navigation stopped functioning. He was lost. That’s when he spotted a shadow by the side of the road. It was Buddy the dog. It was clear to the trooper that Buddy had a message, “Follow me.” This amazing dash-cam footage shows Buddy in full rescue mode. The patrol car slows down. Buddy looks back as if to say, “Come on. Hurry up.” Buddy led the officer through several turns in the road and straight to the raging fire where his owner was trapped. The trooper was able to radio directions to firefighters, and everyone got out safe, thanks to Buddy. |
HOST VO The Alaskan State Troopers honored Buddy and his heroic actions with a silver-plated dog bowl, but it was owner, Ben, who will never forget the courage his canine showed. BEN HEINRICHS VO/OC I’m shocked. I was really shocked what he did. HOST VO Suffering only second degree burns to his hands, Ben knows that Buddy saved his life. MUSIC OUT BEN HEINRICHS OC His reward is gonna come here in the next couple of days. I’m gonna get him a nice big steak. MUSIC IN HOST VO That’s a buddy for life. MUSIC OUT |
HOST VO More big and small dogs to come on this special Dogs 101. |
HOST VO How does this dog’s tail help ducks? Is this giant breed worth half a million dollars in China? And the smallest dog is about to meet the largest dog in the world. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Now it’s time to play… |
HOST VO …Pick The Pooch. |
HOST VO There are tall dogs, long dogs and then just plain massive dogs. Which breed holds the record for the heaviest dog that ever lived? The answer… MUSIC OUT …when we come back. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Which colossal breed holds the world record for the heaviest dog that ever lived? It’s the English Mastiff. This larger-than-life breed from the working group can weigh up to 200 pounds, but in 1989, Zorba, an English Mastiff from the U.K. weighed in at 343 pounds. That’s the size of a small donkey. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Nearly every huge dog in the world owes their heritage to one very special breed that started it all. Weighing in at 25 Chihuahuas, the Tibetan Mastiff. DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC The Tibetan Mastiff is a massive, big, furry, bulky dog. HOST VO The Tibetan Mastiff’s look is not just for show. They possess the strength and smarts to protect their families and flocks from outside threats. DR. NICK SITINAS OC/VO When they were used as, as guard dogs, they would be entrusted with the care of the entire village. MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO A job that the Tibetan Mastiff has had since ancient times when their ancestors lived with nomads on the high plateaus and valleys of the Himalayas. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Some of these tough and intimidating dogs were brought as far west as Europe by the likes of Attila the Hun. Their progeny went on to become the modern Molosser breeds, including the Mastiffs, the Boxer and the Saint Bernard. |
HOST VO They are treasured for not only for their enormous size but also for their breathtaking bark. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO The source of this voluminous voice is found in the larynx, which houses the vocal cords. The vocal folds contract as the lungs push air through the larynx, causing the folds to vibrate at a high speed. This produces the barking sound. Larger dogs have longer vocal folds and larger lungs. That produces a deeper, louder bark. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO After you hear its weighty woof, the next… |
HOST VO …thing you’ll see is the Tibetan Mastiff’s heavy, muscular build. Those muscles give the Tibetan Mastiff the strength to back up its bark. They have a plumed tail that can curl over and rest on their back, and their long, thick double coat is especially heavy on the neck and shoulders. This creates the appearance of a lion-like mane. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Its large and striking appearance has captured the imagination of the most populous country in the world, China. It’s a surprising new trend in a country where dog ownership was actually banned 50 years ago, but now the Tibetan Mastiff is at the forefront of a Chinese dog fancy revolution. Over the past 20 years as the Chinese middle class grew from poverty to prosperity, so too have the legions of dog lovers. |
HOST VO They now flock to Tibetan Mastiff conventions to see the best of the breed. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Today in modern China, owning a Tibetan Mastiff is considered the ultimate status symbol. |
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO A large, sprawling villa and a big ferocious Tibetan Mastiff, that’s… |
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC …what it takes to be very… MUSIC OUT …rich and famous. |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC In fact, there was a dog that sold for almost 600,000 in China. |
| MUSIC IN |
DR. ANDREW WANG OC All right. Karma. HOST VO And one man has followed its meteoric rise from the beginning. DR. ANDREW WANG OC Yeah, this Karma, the first male that we imported. HOST VO Dr. Andrew Wang is a Chinese-born American who has been a Tibetan Mastiff aficionado for over 20 years, ever since he first laid eyes on one as a young man in China. DR. ANDREW WANG VO/OC They’re very intelligent creatures, and they are perfect guardians. HOST VO His mission is to help the Tibetan Mastiff transition from its history as a ferocious guard dog to a modern family companion breed by promoting proper health and breeding standards. |
| MUSIC SEGUE |
HOST VO So, he’s heading to China… |
HOST VO …where canine culture is still a work… |
HOST VO …in progress. |
DR. ANDREW WANG OC During this trip, I would like to visit my old Xian friends and some, to know some new friends. |
HOST VO Western innovations, like genetic health screenings and pedigree registries, remain in their infancy here, |
HOST VO …and that’s a problem for a suddenly sought after breed. So… |
HOST VO …Andrew is meeting with successful Chinese breeders to encourage them to adopt these new techniques. MUSIC OUT DR. ANDREW WANG VO Dog, he have the… |
MUSIC IN HOST VO At a Mastiff kennel outside Beijing, Andrew meets one of the few female breeders in the country, Ms. Zhang Jie. Andrew gets a look at some of Ms. Zhang’s finest Mastiffs. DR. ANDREW WANG VO/OC You’re nice, baby, yeah. You know you’re pretty. He has a very nice muzzle and a wider flap. Say ah. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO These face-to-face meetings are crucial when it comes to convincing his Chinese counterparts to participate in international registries. That would pave the way for future cooperation between American and Chinese breeders, and Andrew has made a great impression. |
MS. ZHANG JIE OC <Speaking in Chinese> FEMALE TRANSLATOR FOR MS. ZHANG JIE VO We wanna learn their culture, MUSIC OUT …their experience of breeding the dogs and other good things so that we can preserve them. MUSIC IN |
DR. ANDREW WANG OC She also told me, actually made me very excited, more and more people start… |
DR. ANDREW WANG VO …to realize the significance of the health care screening for Tibetan Mastiffs. |
HOST VO Because they’re highly prized as status symbols in China, it’s still uncommon to see these mighty mutts as family pets. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO But in the rural suburbs of Beijing, the Gao family’s Mastiffs are just that. MR. GAO VO/OC <Speaking in Chinese> MALE TRANSLATOR FOR MR. GAO VO The kids adopted the baby Tibetan Mastiffs they like. FEMALE GAO CHILD OC <Speaking in Chinese> MALE TRANSLATOR FOR MR. GAO VO They brought up the dogs. So, when they have time, they feed dogs, play with them, walk them. I feel happy, too, because kids are so innocent. They have their fun. I let them love animals. FEMALE GAO CHILD OC <Speaking in Chinese> HOST VO For Andrew, this is the end game, to help the Tibetan Mastiff survive its new-found fame and take its place in Chinese society as the family dog he knows it can be. |
| MUSIC SEGUE |
HOST VO The Tibetan Mastiff does best in a cool and dry climate. |
HOST VO Their territorial nature means their yard will need a big fence. The Tibetan Mastiff can experience a few specific health concerns. Hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, skin conditions and ear infections are just some of them. Their thick seasonal undercoats shed heavily in the spring and fall and will require frequent brushing. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC For about three weeks, your house is gonna be covered… MUSIC OUT …in hair. MUSIC IN As an independent and often stubborn breed, the Tibetan Mastiff is certainly not for the novice dog owner. Tibetan Mastiffs are loving and protective toward their families but wary of strangers. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO To keep a Tibetan Mastiff happy and healthy, you want to be sure you have a cool, dry environment. This long-lived breed experiences many of the common health problems of large dogs, and its thick coat will need your attention during the shedding seasons. It’s important to make sure your Tibetan Mastiff gets social experience from a young age, but if you can put in the time and care, you’ll be repaid with unflagging loyalty. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO When this special Dogs 101 comes back, |
HOST VO …meet the little dog with the magical tail, and later, the world’s largest and smallest dogs meet for the first time. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO What weighs 30 pounds and uses its tail as a duck decoy? ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC The Kooikerhondje. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Although you could fit five of them across a beach towel, this hunter’s friend controls a different shoreline. |
HOST VO This is the Kooikerhondje. Very rare in United States, this is a famous hunting dog in Holland. MUSIC SEGUE Hunters train these small dogs to lure ducks into an elaborate trap know as a De Kooi, derivative of the English word decoy. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO Kooi, which literally translated means cage and hondje is dog. MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Its ability to capture food made the Kooikerhondje a large part of Dutch life as early as the 16th Century. DR. NICK SITINAS VO It can… |
DR. NICK SITINAS OC …be seen in… |
DR. NICK SITINAS VO …paintings… |
DR. NICK SITINAS VO …by Rembrandt and Vermeer. MUSIC OUT |
ANDREA ARDEN VO The Kooikerhondje has not only an… |
ANDREA ARDEN OC …adorable name but an adorable appearance. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO They are equipped with a long silky coat that actually repels water and is complemented by a white stripe, or blaze, down the front of their face. ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They’ve got that white and red patterning, which is very bright and beautiful. HOST VO Part of that beautiful pattern is the dark-tipped hair on their ears, also known as earrings. This is a desirable trait when breeding Kooikerhondjes. MUSIC SEGUE The tail of the Kooikerhondje is heavily feathered and typically white in color. It flares side to side when they walk, creating a curious image for ducks who are lured in to investigate. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Kooikerhondjes can be trained to be friendly towards animals in the wild, an essential trait when performing the job they were bred for. MUSIC SEGUE Outside of Rotterdam, Holland, Geertje is one of the few Kooikerhondjes in the world trained in the old art of trapping ducks. She forms a team with her owner, Hans Zintange. HANS ZINTANGE VO/OC My doggie is, is special because she was born in my house. I saw her grew up, and I took care of her. HOST VO Geertje is a third generation Kooikerhondje for Hans. She comes from a lineage of trapping dogs. |
MUSIC SEGUE HOST VO Hans works for a Dutch company that helps preserve working de kooi ponds. Along this pond sit several traps. The original function of the de kooi trap was to collect food, but here they’re used for science. Ducks are caught, tagged and released to study their migratory patterns. From this, they can see where the different species of ducks travel for mating season. |
HANS ZINTANGE OC And in this way, we learn a lot about the… MUSIC OUT …life of ducks. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Here’s how it works. The traps are made from crescent-shaped channels that are dug out from the shoreline. On top of the channel is a structure made of wood and mesh that closely resembles an aviary. |
HOST VO When Hans signals, Geertje slowly trots around the wall where the ducks can see her. The curious ducks come in to investigate Geertje’s white tail. Because of her unthreatening size and behavior, they feel safe to explore. She doesn’t try to herd them. They would just fly away if she did. |
HOST VO Hans and Geertje work their way down the channel, luring the ducks in further. HANS ZINTANGE VO When they are… |
HANS ZINTANGE OC …in, I close it, and I… MUSIC OUT …have them. |
HOST VO It sounds like a good idea, but does it really work? |
MUSIC IN HOST VO Today, the pond is host to several ducks. Hans sends Geertje on her first pass from behind the wall, and the ducks immediately follow. Hans and Geertje keep moving inward, drawing the ducks in further. The first duck to spot Hans flees toward the back of the de kooi and right into the trap. MUSIC SEGUE |
HOST VO From here, they take the duck to a nearby shed. Hans records the type of duck and its gender, then places a loose-fitting I-D tag on its leg. When the duck is spotted at another pond, the location and time will be sent back to Hans. He can then… |
HOST VO …track the duck’s migratory pattern and travel routes. HANS ZINTANGE VO And… |
HANS ZINTANGE OC …we can use this to protect them. |
HOST VO Some of the ducks that Hans has tagged have been reported back to him… MUSIC OUT …from over 3,000 miles away. MUSIC IN |
HOST VO And who can Hans thank for this important information? His gentle partner, Geertje. HANS ZINTANGE VO/OC She’s always there. She’s my shadow, and she’s a part of my family. HOST VO It’s a special relationship built on teamwork, trust and a genuine love between a dog and her owner. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO Because of the Kooikerhondje’s high prey drive, they are a high flight risk. They need enclosed areas where they can’t run into the street chasing objects or animals. DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC But you can’t just park this dog. MUSIC OUT They need exercise. MUSIC IN HOST VO Compared to most dogs this size, the Kooikerhondje has a longer lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are, however, prone to a variety of health problems, like cataracts, epilepsy and some neuromuscular… MUSIC OUT …disorders. MUSIC IN A bright little dog who is eager to please, the Kooikerhondje will listen to its owner and follow commands well, provided they’re not chasing birds. Their water-resistant coat is also good at repelling dirt and won’t need much attention. Kooikerhondje are very bonded with their owners. However, they are very sensitive to vocal tone and touch, making them less ideal for families with small children. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO In review, the Kooikerhondje needs a place to exercise but in an enclosed space where they can be safe. They have a long lifespan but are susceptible to several health issues. The Kooikerhondje’s coat needs little brushing and will not be a burden as far as grooming. Training them should be a fun and rewarding experience, but because of their sensitivity to voice and touch, they are not recommended for families with small children. |
HOST VO The Kooikerhondje is ideal for those looking for a dog who won’t take up too much space and will be a loyal, loving friend. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN HOST VO More to come on this special Big and Small edition of Dogs 101. |
HOST VO What happens when the smallest dog meets the tallest? Stick around and find out. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO The diversity of size in the dog world is, well, mammoth. |
HOST VO That’s why we could not resist introducing you to the world’s smallest and largest dogs. |
| MUSIC SEGUE |
DAVID NASSER OC/VO Good boy, Georgie, good boy. HOST VO Meet Giant George. This Great Dane is the tallest dog on record… |
HOST VO …standing 43 inches tall from his paw to his shoulder. That means he has to bend down to drink out of the kitchen sink. |
DAVID NASSER VO/OC He is a gentle giant. He is so well-mannered and just so… MUSIC OUT …easy to be with. MUSIC IN HOST VO David Nasser and his wife brought George into their Tucson, Arizona, home about five years ago when he was a mere 17-pound pup. He’s grown quite a bit since then and now weighs almost 250 pounds, about 100 pounds more than the average Great Dane and the same weight as the average professional football player. MUSIC OUT DAVID NASSER VO/OC We had no idea he was gonna be that big. MUSIC IN HOST VO He may be built like a linebacker, but George wouldn’t hurt a fly, MUSIC OUT …unless, of course, it landed in his food bowl. George eats about 110 pounds of food a month, not too much for a dog his size but, nonetheless, a hefty portion, plus, he can make quite a mess. DAVID NASSER VO/OC His number twos can be excessively large. Probably some of them can be as much as four pounds. MUSIC IN HOST VO Save for the occasional walk, this hulking hound spends most of his time snoozing in his very own queen-sized bed, and like most giant breeds, George is devoted to his owners. DAVID NASSER OC/VO Get the ball. George is part of the family. I couldn’t imagine life without him. MUSIC OUT |
| MUSIC IN |
LANA ELSWICK VO Is it good? HOST VO And then there’s Boo Boo, the smallest living dog on record. This Chihuahua is about the size of one of George’s paws. |
HOST VO She’s four inches tall, about the size of a coffee mug. MUSIC OUT LANA ELSWICK VO Oh, |
LANA ELSWICK VO …yes, |
LANA ELSWICK OC …I do love Boo Boo. I sure do. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO At Lana… |
HOST VO …Elswick’s home in Ashland, Kentucky, everything revolves around little baby Boo Boo. LANA ELSWICK VO/OC Boo Boo’s a little diva. Everything… MUSIC OUT …really kind of has to be her way. MUSIC IN HOST VO Boo Boo was born about the size of Lana’s thumb. Lana fed her with an eyedropper until she was big enough to bottle feed. Since then, Boo Boo has grown to about four inches tall and weighs a little less than two pounds, smaller than the average guinea pig. MUSIC OUT LANA ELSWICK VO You wanna bite? MUSIC IN HOST VO Lana feeds Boo Boo a few morsels of food multiple times a day, and since she could swim in a regular dog bowl, Boo Boo drinks water from a plastic spoon. MUSIC OUT LANA ELSWICK OC You got to get in here, and we’re gonna go take a ride. MUSIC IN HOST VO The only time Boo Boo leaves the house is in Lana’s purse. She accompanies her owner all over town. LANA ELSWICK VO We can go into a restaurant anywhere. She’s been everywhere to eat. You are such a good girl. MUSIC OUT |
HOST VO Tiny Boo Boo and Giant George are two of the world’s most unique canines. |
HOST VO Ranging in size from less than half a foot… |
HOST VO …to a whopping three-and-a-half feet tall. |
HOST VO And for the first time ever, the two are going to meet. Where? |
HOST VO In New York City… |
HOST VO …where their record breaking sizes were made official in the… |
HOST VO …Guinness Book Of…. MUSIC OUT …World Records. |
| MUSIC IN |
HOST VO But Giant George lives in Arizona… |
HOST VO …and Boo Boo in Kentucky. |
HOST VO How will they get to New York? |
LANA ELSWICK VO Are you ready to go bye-bye? HOST VO Traveling for Boo Boo is business as usual, LANA ELSWICK VO Okay. HOST VO …even if the trip involves flying hundreds of miles. LANA ELSWICK VO/OC She’ll be in a carrier under my feet. |
LANA ELSWICK OC She’s a good traveler. |
HOST VO Giant George, on the other hand, doesn’t quite fit in the overhead bin. He needs an entire row on the plane, quite a sight for other passengers. DAVID NASSER VO One lady walked by, and she said, “Are you serious?” |
MUSIC OUT DAVID NASSER OC That’s the kind of reaction you get. |
MUSIC IN HOST VO It’s a media circus when the two arrive in Central Park. Reporters from far and wide have come to document the epic encounter. STUART CLAXTON VO/OC This is truly a historic moment, the world’s tallest dog meeting… MUSIC OUT …the world’s shortest dog. MUSIC IN HOST VO And at last, Boo Boo and Giant George are introduced. It goes pretty well, save for a bit of confusion. DAVID NASSER VO/OC He just sniffed Boo Boo a little bit. I think he was trying to figure what is Boo Boo. LANA ELSWICK OC I don’t think he knew what she was. HOST VO After all, it’s hard to believe that these two are the same species. Regardless of their size, both dogs elicit the same amount of love from their owners. |
| MUSIC SEGUE |
HOST VO So, to wrap up, the tiny Affenpinscher has the personality of a monkey. That’s what its name means in German. The Leonberger is a giant lovable dog who was bred to look like a lion. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier grew up as a ratter on the British Isles. It got its name from a character in the novel. The Tibetan Mastiff could be the most valuable… |
HOST VO …dog in the world. Many in China are sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Kooikerhondje is a small Dutch dog whose tail attracts ducks. Whether you’re thinking of a big dog or a little dog, remember, each individual dog is unique and may not conform to breed standards. If you’re adopting a dog, do your homework. See the top 100 breeds, the biggest and the smallest dogs all in one place. Go to animalplanet.com/dogs101. MUSIC OUT |
MUSIC IN MUSIC OUT |