Which canine breed is an internationally certified lifeguard? What pooch was worn around royalty's neck, like jewelry? Which breed came first the 'hot dog' or the dog that 'looks' like a sausage?
Which canine breed is an internationally certified lifeguard? What pooch was worn around royalty's neck, like jewelry? Which breed came first the 'hot dog' or the dog that 'looks' like a sausage? Which canine has a fourteen-inch tongue? These questions and more will be answered on this episode of Dogs 101, where you’ll take a walk in the paws of the Newfoundland, the Bichon Frise, the Dachshund, the Boxer, and the Beagle.
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Find episode transcript here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/the-boxer-bichon-frise-newfoundland-beagle-and-dachshund
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HOST VO Is this breed really certified to be an international lifeguard? What came first, the hot dog or the dachshund? How did the boxer really get its name? Was this dog really carried in a basket around the neck like jewelry? Dogs 101 celebrates man's best friend. Today, the boxer, the Newfoundland, the dachshund, the bichon frise, and we start with the dog with three distant howls...
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HOST VO ...the beagle.
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HOST VO Those barks are special. They allow a beagle to send specific messages to its owner and other beagles. But the beagle's first mission in life is not barking. It’s sniffing. There are drug sniffing dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, avalanche sniffing dogs, even truffle sniffing dogs, but bedbug...
MUSIC OUT HOST VO ... sniffing dogs?
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HOST VO One of the most popular dogs in America, the beagle is one of the most beloved hounds.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC Everybody loves beagles and boy that dog's got a big voice.
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HOST VO Charming and upbeat, they're pretty much everything you want in a dog and they adore their owners and make new friends with a turn of the head. |
HOST VO You may recognize them by their typical hound colors, the tri-umberate of white, black, and brown or by their famous ambassador.
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HOST VO Snoopy.
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HOST VO Yep, Snoopy is a beagle. No wonder beagles are so popular. It's hard to say who we fell in love with first, the beagle or Snoopy. Either way we remain smitten with these little hounds.
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HOST VO And the beagle is a true hound, a hound's hound.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC It's bred for, you know, running across the fields and chasing rabbits.
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HOST VO Centuries, even millennia of breeding have crafted this pup into an almost perfect hound. The beagle we know today was popular in the middle ages, the renaissance: even as far back as Roman times but the breed is so old the specifics of their ancestry |
have been lost to the wind.
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HOST VO But as to the bloodline of the beagle, only the beagles know.
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HOST VO The name, however, generally is assumed to come from the French word, begueule, meaning gaped throat, and that is an assumption...
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HOST VO ... nobody disagrees with.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They bark horrendously. They're one of the loudest, not only barking but howling. They're most vocal dogs. |
HOST VO In fact, the gaped throat is an understatement. They have amazing vocal cords which vibrate when air passes through them allowing the dog to make different sounds and beagles can vocalize three different ways. When it's alerted, or wants something the beagle has a regular old standard bark. When out on the trail, the beagle bays or ball barks. This three pitched yodel like sound alerts the rest of the pack as well as the hunter that pouch has the sent and is on the track. And lastly the beagle howls. For better or worse this hound knows how to howl. It howls when it's sad, when it's bored, and sometimes in camaraderie.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC |
So it's a lot of fun but...
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AMY SHOJAI OC ... probably not the best apartment dog if you're neighbors like peace and quiet.
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HOST VO Being so low to the ground, they don't have to stop to catch a scent. Short legs keep their nose efficiently on the trail without stopping. And no doubt it's their nose that leads them all over kingdom come. They have around 220 million scent receptors. The wet nose attracts and helps hold scent molecules so they can travel up the nose.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC They are scent motivated.
FEMALE WITH BLOND HAIR VO/OC They have an amazing sense of smell.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC They're driven by their nose. |
HOST VO And on top of this incredible sniffer, these dogs are smart too. They can differentiate smells and remember them for the future. However, they have a helper in seeking out these sneaky smells. Their ears. That's right. Hanging an average of seven inches, the ears help to trap scents and keep them close to the nose. Their ears are the Robin to that Batman of the nose. Without their assistance beagles wouldn't be the super hounds everyone knows them to be. And speaking of super hounds, there is one smart owner who figured out his pouch had a nose for the nasty. Meet Mike, an affable dog |
loving guy.
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HOST VO Mike had a buddy who had bedbugs and couldn't get rid of them.
MIKE TACHE VO/OC After having their home treated three times the bedbugs were still present.
HOST VO After doing a bit of research Mike realized that beagles, if trained properly, could detect bedbugs.
MIKE TACHE VO Come here babe. Come here.
HOST VO That's when the little family dog went to work.
MIKE TACHE VO/OC Beagles are the best breed to use as far as bedbugs are concerned. They have fantastic noses. |
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HOST VO Mike taught Tracer how to detect bedbugs and as it turns out he's pretty darn good at it.
MIKE TACHE VO Tracer's scenting abilities are amazing.
HOST VO Mike now spends a part of everyday hiding actual bugs in his basement...
MIKE TACHE VO Look at these things. Aren't they nasty? Seek, |
seek.
HOST VO ...and training Tracer to find them.
MIKE TACHE VO Here. Yes. You found the bugs.
HOST VO He also uses this lazy susan like contraption outside where Tracer has a number of other distractions to fortify his focus.
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MIKE TACHE VO/OC Yeah, baby. When we go into a residence...
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MIKE TACHE OC ... or a hotel, she will start scenting immediately.
HOST VO Yep. That's right. Tracer and Mike have put those skills to work. They now spend their days sleuthing out the little critters in homes and hotels.
MIKE TACHE VO/OC Seek. We can find the signs that a pest control professional can't.
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HOST VO And this is why Tracer is so...
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HOST VO ...helpful. Even if they know the house has bedbugs |
like this one...
MIKE TACHE VO Ready to go to work?
HOST VO ...Mike and Tracer can detect exactly where the bedbugs live.
DEBBIE FARNELL VO/OC We first noticed we had bedbugs my boyfriend had developed welts on his arm.
MIKE TACHE VO/OC I just did a quick walk through. This house definitely has an infestation.
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MIKE TACHE VO Let's go find the bugs.
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MIKE TACHE VO Seek.
HOST VO Now even though the house is known to be infested, the exterminator needs to know exactly where to spray. And near the bed is not enough. They can hide other places too.
MIKE TACHE VO/OC Seek. Seek. Bedbugs are wafer thin. They can fit into a crevice that a business card could. Seek. Seek. Seek.
HOST VO And since they can travel up to 150 feet to feed, they can pretty much live anywhere. So, does it |
work? Is it worth it? Debbie thinks so.
DEBBIE FARNELL VO/OC Mike came with the beagle and it was amazing. He stopped immediately if there was any kind of bedbugs. He'd lie down, pointed, scratched. It was wonderful.
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DEBBIE FARNELL VO Now, we know where to focus the attention on the extermination.
MIKE TACHE VO She's scenting something in here.
DEBBIE FARNELL VO I'm just so grateful that...
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DEBBIE FARNELL VO ...Tracer came down and we know where they are and we'll be able to get rid of them. |
MIKE TACHE VO/OC Right there? Is that where it is? Oh, I love my job. Everyday it's a different story. It's a different place. I'm doing a great thing with a great dog.
HOST VO There's no doubt that Mike and Tracer are happy doing this work.
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HOST VO Beagles are focused on one thing: smells. So if |
that smell is across the street, nothing is stopping him.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC If they catch a scent, goodbye.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC He absolutely must be in a fenced yard in that he can not get out of because he'll follow a rabbit to you know, heck and gone.
HOST VO Whether an actual fence, an invisible fence, or a leash...
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HOST VO ...beagles need to be kept.
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HOST VO There's no training them not to follow their nose. |
HOST VO Also, since they bark and howl so much they're not the best apartment dog. Grooming these hounds is basic but you need to bathe them more than the average pup
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC They're gonna find stuff that smells good and they may roll in it and wear that doggie cologne home.
HOST VO A good de-skunking recipe will probably come in handy, often. Costly medical bills are rare with beagles. Disease has essentially been bred out of them over so many centuries. Beagles need training and may not be a walk in the park. |
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC They're trainable as long as what you're using out powers the scent of what's on the ground.
HOST VO Start early and never stop. These dogs are food motivated and will never grow tired of getting a treat. And they're great with kids so welcome them into your family.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC They're not known for being aggressive towards children so they are really good with kids.
HOST VO For families that like to play fetch, it's a great match. Just be prepared for action with a beagle. |
HOST VO So beagles. Keep them on a leash or behind a fence. Not in an apartment. But they're one of the healthiest dogs. And while they need more baths than the average dog if you bribe them with food they'll do anything. And they love kids and families. |
HOST VO Whether playing fetch, running through the woods, or saddled in your lap, beagles are affectionate, fun, happy dogs.
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HOST VO You can't help but smile when hanging out with them. |
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HOST VO When Dogs 101 continues the breed that's as big as a baby elephant. This boxer has the world's longest dog tongue. Which came first? This or this? And the breed that smiles. |
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HOST VO A boxer holds the record for the dog with the longest tongue. Just what you'd expect from this fun loving breed.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Okay. A boxer is like a three year old child. That's it. They never grow up past three and there's a saying, how many boxers does it take to change a light bulb? It doesn't matter because they're gonna chase their toys in the dark.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC Boxers are aptly named. They get up on their hind legs and they'll punch you. You know that's, it's, it's the truth. They do box you.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC When they grin and they're happy you really know it. You will often see the boxer with no tail so when he wags he wags his whole rear end and it's really kind of a fun thing to see.
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KAREN VO |
Buddy.
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HOST VO Powerfully built and exploding with energy, the boxer is a true athlete. So named for his distinctive ability to throw punches he reigns as middleweight champ in the world of working dogs. |
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HOST VO The boxer's roots trace back to the now extinct German Bullenbeisser , a mastiff type dog that was originally used to seize large fierce game like bear and wild boar. Then bred with the English Bulldog, the resulting boxer boasts one of the most distinctive skulls among dog breeds. With a short muzzle and big under bite...
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HOST VO ... he was prized for holding his prey until his master arrived. |
HOST VO The boxer as we know it was unveiled at the turn of the century...
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HOST VO ...starring in some of the first motion pictures ever created.
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HOST VO Today's boxer still loves to entertain. |
KAREN LUCAINI VO Who do you love? I love you too. Yes I do.
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KAREN LUCAINI VO/OC The last thing the breeder told us as we were leaving, she said, boxers are like potato chips you can't have just one. |
HOST VO Boxer puppies can be born with three different coat colors: fawn, brindle, or white. In fact, 18 percent of white boxers are deaf. Whatever their color, boxers do require a lot of attention which boxer owners Emily and Jamie Danis willingly give to their four year old named Ty.
MALE VOICE VO Hey Ty look.
EMILY DANIS VO Ty's definitely a part of the family. I mean ever since we had him as a puppy he goes everywhere with us.
JAMIE DANIS VO/OC There's a sign in our house right when you walk in, no home is complete without a boxer.
EMILY DANIS VO/OC We would definitely do anything for him. |
HOST VO So when Ty started limping one day the Danises were concerned.
EMILY DANIS VO Slowly it started to progress and got worse and we got really nervous saying, you know, something's |
up.
HOST VO It turns out Ty had badly torn one of the major stabilizing ligaments in his knee: the cranial cruciate ligament. Without it the two bones were destabilized and Ty became lame. CCL tears represent about 90 percent of knee injuries in dogs and generally can not heal without surgery.
EMILY DANIS VO/OC They brought him out of surgery. I lost it. I, I was crying like a baby. He didn't know if he was going to be able to walk, if he wasn't going to be able to walk.
HOST VO Ty's new and improved knee contains a bone plate and some screws for reinforcement but he'll need several months of physical therapy to get back to normal.
JAMIE DANIS VO Massage time bud.
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JAMIE DANIS VO The best time.
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HOST VO Ty will spend his sessions doing exercises that restore maximum mobility and function to his injured knee all with the help of Canine Rehab Professional Karen Lucaini
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KARN LUCAINI VO/OC |
| Basically anything that a human gets physical therapy for is similar to what we do for dogs. |
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HOST VO Karen only recently started working with dogs. In fact, it was her own boxers that motivated her to change careers.
KARN LUCAINI VO/OC They really inspired me to, to wanna help other dogs and just to, to be around dogs.
HOST VO So she left behind her job as a physical therapist for humans to work with canines instead.
KARN LUCAINI VO The big difference...
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KARN LUCAINI VO ...with dogs versus people is dogs don't a, complain as much, and usually if a dog is lame there's always a really good reason for it. Come on bud. |
KARN LUCAINI VO Here we go.
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HOST VO Today Ty is here for his 12 week check-up and to do what he loves most: underwater therapy.
EMILY DANIS VO/OC Ty's favorite thing in the world to do is swim and fish so bar none, definitely, the underwater treadmill is his favorite. |
HOST VO Here he can work out in a more buoyant state placing less pressure on his left knee.
JAMIE DANIS VO The toughest part was around the third or fourth week when he started to feel better because then you've got to hold him back.
KARN LUCAINI VO/OC With Ty it was great. I mean he went from not putting his leg down at all to a dog that's able to climb stairs and walk up and down hills and it's a great feeling knowing that you did a good job. |
KARN LUCAINI VO/OC Oh you're such a champ. You're a...
HOST VO With Karen's help the road to recovery has been shorter and a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
EMILY DANIS VO Every week you can see how much better that he's gotten. Once you have a boxer you're never gonna get a different dog. I mean, we're boxers for life.
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HOST VO Boxers are the sixth most registered breed with the AKC. Cherished for their expressiveness and even their tongues. Meet John and his dog, Brandi, a boxer with a 17 inch tongue, the longest of any dog. As a puppy her tongue was already the size of an adult boxer and as she grew so did her tongue. With some one on one attention boxers can be trained to do just about anything. |
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC You need to train them for agility, you need to do obedience, you can't just stick them in the yard because they think they need to be doing something. |
HOST VO Because boxers have short coats they need protection from the cold but on the bright side they're very easy to groom.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC You do have to make sure that those wrinkles are cleaned out because they could get an infection.
HOST VO Boxers make loyal guards and funny friends.
DR KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Boxers are great with families although I must say it wouldn't be unlike them to topple over a toddler.
HOST VO Of all the breeds they have the highest incidence of cancer. Their shorter muzzles may present some health problems like overheating on a hot day. Choose your boxer wisely because each dog is different. |
HOST VO On the whole boxers do better in moderate climates, not too cold, not too hot. They need regular trips to the vet. The boxer's short coat makes grooming a snap. While boxers are easy to train they need lots of exercise and attention. With the right supervision a boxer makes a great addition to most families. All in all the boxer is a breed that'll knock you out, keep you on your toes, and constantly smiling.
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HOST VO Still ahead on Dogs 101. The king of France wore this dog in a basket around his neck. That's right. Like jewelry. This breed can earn his keep as a lifeguard and the most celebrated dog of all.
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HOST VO Bichon Frise, a fancy way to say small curly haired dog. Henry III loved his Bichon so much he wore them around his neck in a basket, sort of like Bichon bling.
JONATHAN DAVID OC They were used in the past as a circus dog and they really, really love to just show off.
FEMALE VOICE VO Look at you. Yes.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC Bichon Frise. Those are wonderful little dogs. I mean they're so cute.
FEMALE IN ORANCE SHIRT VO Wanna dance?
JONATHAN DAVID OC |
These are the stars of the animal world. They love attention.
FEMALE IN WHITE TANK TOP OC What a good baby.
HOST VO It's a rare breed of human that can resist the personality of the bichon frise. Lively, consummate entertainer, unconditional companion.
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HOST VO The dog we call the bichon frise appeared in the Mediterranean in the 14th century when this water spaniel, the barbet was crossed with a poodle.
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AMY SHOJAI VO/OC The bichon originated as hunting dogs. It's a little difficult to comprehend now when you see that little white powder puff floating along the ground |
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FEMALE IN ORANGE SHIRT VO Good dancing buddy.
HOST VO A host of special traits quickly saw the new breed come into its own. First, build. The bichon's short legs and sturdy structure made him a great traveling companion and lap dog, twice as beefy as another popular lap dog Chihuahua, allowing for aggressive snuggling, leaping, dancing, and dropping… |
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FEMALE IN ORANGE SHIRT OC He's like I got things to do ma.
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HOST VO …without the fear of smishing or breaking.
FEMALE IN ORANGE SHIRT VO Good girl Lacey. |
HOST VO The bichon is also known for its cheery personality. Lots of owners swear their bichons smile.
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HOST VO But it was the bichon's lush double coat that secured its status as one of the most popular lap dogs.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC A lot of people that have allergies to dogs may be able to tolerate the bichon a little bit more easily than some of the more shedding breeds |
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HOST VO In case you couldn't tell these dogs are white, although the American kennel club does allow a touch of gray or apricot in the ears.
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HOST VO Whether creamy or ice white, humans have bonded |
with bichons for more than 600 years.
FEMALE IN SUNGLASSES VO/OC Yeah. No kiss? My husband gets jealous.
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HOST VO Binty, a five month old puppy is one of those bichons that has bonded with humans.
ROBIN PRESSNALL VO/OC She was born with a hole in her heart, a pda heart murmur, and the breeder loved her enough to contact Small Paws to ask them to help save her life. |
HOST VO Robin Pressnall is the founder and director of Small Paws Rescue, an organization that saves bichons. Her mission was critical. To find not only a home for Binty but a family that could afford hefty pet bills. The clock was ticking when Robin heard from the Hoffman family. Al and Dawn Hoffman and their daughters Sophie and Ava were grieving the loss of one of their bichons, Bijou, who died unexpectedly.
DAWN HOFFMAN VO/OC It was very traumatic so it's been a, it's been a process to get over that and I think the children are aware of that and we've taken our time to, to heal from that.
SOPHIE HOFFMAN VO/OC I was left feeling really sad because Bijou would always play with us. She'd bark a lot which I liked because it was funny.
AVA HOFFMAN OC Yeah, me too. |
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HOST VO For the Hoffmans finding a new dog was an opportunity to teach their girls about the adoption process and the responsibility involved in taking in a pet.
AVA HOFFMAN VO What a good girl.
DAWN HOFFMAN VO/OC They understand that there's lot of dogs in pet stores. You can always go out and buy the perfect dog. But it wasn't the right thing to do. That maybe the right thing to do would be to save a dog.
HOST VO Dawn and al connected with Robin who sent this picture of Binty, the bichon puppy with the heart problem. When the Hoffman family saw the picture, it was love at first sight.
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HOST VO But that's not the end of the story because Binty needed help. She needed to grow another eight weeks and then undergo tricky open heart surgery. Two months later at the Hoffman's expense, Binty has made the trip to the Medvet Medical Clinic in Worthington, Ohio and preps for her lifesaving operation. Her condition is urgent but she couldn't be in better hands.
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HOST VO The nearly two hour surgery is a resounding success. |
FEMALE VOICE VO Good morning Binty.
FEMALE VOICE VO Good morning.
FEMALE VOICE VO She's licking.
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MALE WITH BLACK HAIR OC Say oh, she has... |
HOST VO Five days later on the shores of Biscay Bay in Maine Binty accompanied by Robin is poised to make a final leg of her journey, a short boat ride to her new life.
DAWN OC Binty.
HOST VO Out on the island the girls can hardly contain themselves.
AVA VO/OC I'm so excited.
ROBIN PRESSNALL VO/OC She's going to have such a wonderful life from here on out with people who are very committed to her care and already love her even though they've never met her. |
AL VO/OC Ah, there she is.
SOPHIE OC |
Binty. Hello.
HOST VO Although they could never replace their original dog this puppy has brought new smiles.
ROBIN PRESSNALL VO This dog will give them some many years of love and it will touch so many people. We've been telling her all day that the fairy tale is beginning today.
HOST VO Now healthy, Binty runs and plays like a normal puppy.
SOPHIE VO You scored. You scored. |
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HOST VO Yep, the bichon has a lot going for it. for instance, they're non-shedding and have a relatively odor free coat. but this is not a low maintenance dog. A bichon's hair, just like a human never stops growing.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC What a lot of people don't realize is they need a lot of grooming. They must be groomed every six to eight weeks.
HOST VO Which can get pricey. As a result, bichons don't get the best marks for grooming.
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HOST VO And what about health? |
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HOST VO Experts say bichons are one of the healthiest breeds around. It's normal for them to live 15 to 20 years. Bichons get a ...
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HOST VO ...thumbs up adapting to their environment too.
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AMY SHOJAI VO/OC They're not particularly bothered by really cold temperatures or really hot temperatures.
Like wise when it comes to trainability.
FEMALE VOICE VO Sit.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC They are very intelligent and they do like to please and they pick up tricks very easily but they can be a little hard to housebreak.
HOST VO And finally family.
JONATHAN DAVID VO This dog is a great companion. This is such an unbelievable family dog. I recommend this for anybody with children. |
HOST VO Bichons are happy in any type of environment. They're one of the healthiest breeds. They require a tremendous amount of grooming. They're easy to |
train and they're gently, playful, and excellent with children
FEMALE WITH GLASSES VO Wave. Bye. Bye. Wave bye-bye.
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HOST VO More to come on Dogs 101. Meet the little family dog that's a demon digger.
MALE VOICE VO Kevin...
HOST VO and the breed that played nursemaid to Peter Pan. |
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HOST VO Now it's time to play pick the pooch. Famed songwriter Paul McCartney found an unlikely muse in this canine. Can you guess what breed it is? The answer when we come back.
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HOST VO Paul McCartney's old English Sheepdog, Martha, inspired at least three Beatle hit songs including, Fool on the Hill. |
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HOST VO The Newfoundland is the most extreme water dog on the planet. A Newfie saved Napoleon Bonaparte when he fell overboard on his way back to France from exile on Elba.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC They retrieve anything from the water that sort of fell in when the rest of...
HOST VO Some Newfoundlands are lifeguards. This kind can save two people at once, maybe more.
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DR KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They would drown trying to save somebody in the water because that's what they were bred at. That's what they're good for. |
HOST VO Newfies are natural nurse maids too.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC They are probably one of the best, if not the best, dog for children that you could find.
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HOST VO Nana, the children's loving caretaker in Peter Pan was a Newfie. |
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HOST VO The American Kennel Club recognizes four Newfoundland coat colors. Black, the most common, brown, gray, and white and black, also |
called the landseer. But where...
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HOST VO ...dogs come from is a mystery.
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HOST VO Some think the newfie comes from the Great Pyrenees dogs bought to Newfoundland by bass fishermen in the 15th century. Later crossed with the Mastiff or French Hound. But all agree that while his ancestors come from Europe, the newfie proper originated in Newfoundland.
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HOST VO All of the newfie's jobs require a dog of heroic proportions and skill. First, to haul to shore nets full of cod or a drowning man, the newfoundland has to be big. In fact the only sizes these behenas come in
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HOST VO ...are big, bigger, and jumbo. the largest newfoundland was nearly 6 feet long from nose to tail weighing in at 260 pounds, the size of a baby elephant. |
HOST VO While the newfie isn't known for record breaking leaps ...
|
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HOST VO ...his extremely large bones give him mass and buoyancy while his mammoth musculature provides the power and strength for taking on a rough ocean waves and powerful tides.
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HOST VO He has an enormous lung capacity for swimming long distances. And a thick oily double coat tjhat protects him from the chill of icy ocean waters. The newfie's droopy lips and jowls are a key design innovation. The combination creates convenient passageways that allow him to breathe even when his mouth is full and swamped by waves.
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HOST VO In he water his massive webbed paws give the newfie maximum propulsion...
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HOST VO ... with every stroke. A stroke that is no ordinary doggie paddle. Unlike other dogs the newfie moves his legs in a down and out motion. Sort of a modified breast stroke. This gives him additional power with every stroke.
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BETHANY KARGER VO Come on...
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HOST OC Bethany Karger fell in love with newfies 12 years ago. Since then their family of four has grown to a family of 11: two children and 11 newfies.
BETANY KARGER VO/OC I thought well if you can find a dog that is the best with children what more could you ask for. |
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HOST VO It was the beginning of a deep and abiding love affair between the Kargers and this gentle devoted breed. Young Jane was just ten when Admiral, the first newfie arrived.
JANE KARGER VO/OC I mean I do only have one older brother but I have seven, eight siblings that are four legged. They have activities of their own. They take up my parent's attention.
HOST VO and it was Jane early on who saw the potential to use the lovable lugs for community outreach. |
HOST VO These days the Karger newdies are celebrities form Pittsburgh to Buffalo.
BETHANY KARGER VO Can you say Newfoundlands?
CHLDREN VO Newfoundlands.
HOST VO Because of their gently reliable nature. Several times a week these teddy bears are put to work at activities, like this dog safety class for pre-schoolers |
HOST VO But the activity the Kargers enjoy the most is just what the newfies were bred for in the first place: water rescue. Every summer on the shores of Lake Pineatoonie, Pennsylvania you’ll find them training their dogs in this vital skill. Perhaps the most impressive drill performed by these dogs is the retrieval of an unconscious victim. In this drill the dog has no motion or other sight cues to help him find the victim. Success or failure depends on the dog's innate problem solving ability. Once he reaches the victim he has to figure out the best place to take hold and do so with a soft mouth. Finally, he gently turns the body and with single minded purpose and tremendous strength and endurance heads for land.
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BETHANY KARGER VO They bring me so much love...
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BETHANY KARGER VO ...and have enriched my life. I have met people and done things with my dogs that I never would have done without them.
HOST VO Quite likely a more tolerant, protective, loving dog does not exist on this planet. |
HOST VO But their sheer size means they're probably not for everyone. For one thing, its massive size can work against its health.
VICTORIA WELLS VO You should really try to watch their weight because |
orthopedic issues can occur.
HOST VO Grooming is a major concern.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC They have such thick and long fur so you're going to have to maintain that pretty well on a, probably a twice weekly basis.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Every newfoundland I've ever met drools so you just have to be careful of that.
HOST VO When it comes to the environment their heavy coat can affect them in the heat but surprisingly newfies can be fairly good city dogs.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They'd be okay in an apartment. They don't need a lot of exercise. I mean they do need some but they definitely are kind of like a couch potato.
HOST VO When it comes to training few dogs take to it better than a newfie.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They're very loyal. They're intelligent dogs. And they just wanna please you.
HOST VO Newfies flat out win the family category paws down. |
HOST VO On paper, the newfie looks like this. He can handle apartment living but doesn't do well in heat. His size makes him prone to joint problems. Grooming the newfie will keep you busy. One of the most |
trainable dogs in the animal kingdom. And the very best dog you can have in a family with small children.
BETHANY KARGER VO Very Nice. Come on babies. |
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HOST VO When Dogs 101 comes back. The frankfurter dog that named a meat product.
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HOST VO Described by some as half a dog high and a dog and a half long, it's easy to see why so many people fall for the dachshund.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC I guess they kind of resemble a hot dog because they're long.
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HOST VO Actually, it's the deli product that resembles the pooch. Hot dogs were originally known as |
dachshund sausages. Through time that was shortened to Hot Dog.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC They are funny. They're, they're comical in the way they look and the way they act.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC it's something about their attitude. I mean, these dogs really kind of turn in to their people.
FEMALE IN GREEN HAT OC Oh my goodness gracious.
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HOST VO Which might explain why dachshunds seem to be the most celebrated dog on the planet. Each year from New York to Alaska thousands of dachshund owners hold dozens of rallies like this one simply for the joy of sharing their love of the breed with others.
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HOST VO Today's event, the 13th annual Wiener National Wiener dog races, a fund raiser for local animal shelters.
FEMALE IN BLACK SHIRT VO/OC You're gonna win. He's gonna win.
HOST VO Today more than 11,000 people have come to take in the spectacle. Stunning testimony to the popularity of this breed. |
HOST VO So what does a dog get out of all this? Besides a |
chance to stretch its legs? For starters between the scattered tortilla chips and low blind humans the food's pretty good at the track. People seem nice enough. Lots of new friends. But there are the paparazzi to worry about.
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HOST VO In 2002, this low slung companion was the fifth most popular dog in...
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HOST VO ... America. Maybe because with three coats to choose from: smooth, wire, and long hair, and two sizes: standard and miniature, there's a dachshund for everyone.
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HOST VO As far as anyone knows the dachshund appeared in Europe at least as early as the 15th century when German foresters likely crossed the pincher with the French Basset Hound and later with the spaniel and a wire haired snoozer. In fact the dachshund was never meant to be a mild mannered lap dog.
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AMY SHOJAI VO/OC Dach means badger. Hund means dogs. So these were badger dogs. |
HOST VO And this is what a badger dog does. Designed to track and catch quarry above and below ground the dachshund may be the most extreme case of form following function. |
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HOST VO The dachshund's most important feature is it's acutely sensitive nose
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HOST VO Like all scent hounds, a dachshund's keen nose makes it highly efficient at following a trail. Even after it's grown cold. Short stout legs keep the dachshund low to the ground, close to the scent of its quarry. And combined with his long narrow body help him fit into tight tunnels and burrows. Strong webbed spade-like paws allow the dachshund to move a lot of dirt fast. As much as a foot and a half deep in under a minute.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC Don't be surprised if your dachshund ends up digging the potted plants or the pillows out of the sofa, or heaven forbid, the carpeting.
HOST VO And the final characteristic that makes the dachshund a stand out in its field is courage. He's bred to take on the most vicious of varmits, under ground, in the dark, and never to back off.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC Don't let its small size fool you. This was a ferrous competitor |
HOST VO And that goes for staged competitions as well. It was here two years ago when ten year old Cory Kemp first saw wiener dogs compete and she vowed then and there the next time she would have her own dachshund to enter into the big race. |
CORRY KEMP VO/OC I was determined to get this dog so I started to save up my money for her.
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HOST VO After weeks of lemonade stands...
CORRY KEMP VO Here you go.
HOST VO ...and neighborhood dog washes, Corry had enough money for her own wiener race contender, Roxy.
CORRY KEMP VO/OC I just love her so much because she's like my own and only mine. |
HOST VO This afternoon, with one season under her collar, expectations for Roxy run high. Corry would like to see Roxy place better than last year's second to last. When Dogs 101 continues Roxy tries to redeem herself. Will she bring home the gold?
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Ten year old Corry Kemp is back at the annual Southern California Weiner Races. Her dachshund, Roxy came in next to last a year ago. Today, Corry is hoping for an improvement. It's the moment of truth. Just 50 yards of dirt track separate Roxy from the finish line.
MALE VOICE VO And go.
HOST VO The gate's up.
FEMALE VOICE VO Go.
HOST VO Where's Roxy?
CORRY KEMP OC She's stopping.
HOST VO She's back and charging to the finish line. Better late than never.
CORRY KEMP OC/VO Yeah, she was second to last again but at least she ran past the finish line. Last year she didn't really run without my dad chasing after her. |
HOST VO A well cared for dachshund can be quite an athlete to behold and because dachshunds live some 12 to 15 years the experts consider them to be one of the healthier breeds. But there are concerns.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC Because of the long body and short leg combination they can have issues with their spine, they can have slipped disks just like people do. |
HOST VO When it comes to training enthusiasm drops off slightly.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They are stubborn and they kind of wanna do it their way but with patience and persistence you can train them.
FEMALE IN WHITE HAT OC Bang. Thank you.
HOST VO Depending on the dachshund style you choose the breed gets good grooming reviews over all.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC A smooth dachshund absolutely care, a little chamois cloth once or twice a week will shine him up like satin. The longer hair dachshund, a comb because it's not a real thick luxurious coat. The wire hair, pretty easy keeper as far as grooming goes.
HOST VO Dachshunds adapt well to challenging pet environments but it's a mixed bag when it comes to family.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC Dachshunds can be difficult with children because they do have a tendency to snap and they're also difficult to housebreak.
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HOST VO Summing up the dachshund then. An awesome pet |
for city living but you might want to try wee-wee pad training. He lives a long time but is prone to back problems. He's middle of the class with grooming. Trainable with consistency but he gets low scores for family.
FEMALE VOICE VO Say bye-bye. Good girl |
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HOST VO So to recap. The beagle is a bundle of howls built around an incredible nose and he'll follow that nose anywhere including to the road. So be careful. Make sure your beagle is always on the leash.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC They're amazing dogs. They're great with children. Very loving but they are little busybodies.
HOST VO Not great in apartments unless they have thick walls, the beagle is a lovable family dog. |
HOST VO The boxer is another happy dog. Very athletic even named for their feudalistic stance.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC I love the look of them. I love the silky smooth and often they have a, a wonderful figure. They look very fit and muscular and athletic. A really cool dog and people who have them like them a lot.
HOST VO But boxers are also prone to serious illness. Of all purebreds boxers are the most susceptible to cancer. |
HOST VO Bichon Frise has been a lovable companion dog for |
| centuries. They require a lot of grooming but the bichon is a healthy breed that can live up to 20 years. |
HOST VO Newfoundlands are one of those breeds that capture the imagination. Newfies saved Napoleon Bonaparte when he fell overboard on his way back to France from exile. Newfies are also real lifeguards saving ...
MALE IN LIFE VEST VO Oh my boy.
HOST VO ...swimmers and helping boatmen. They can grow as big as a baby elephant and they can be a lovable baby sitter.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC They just have a wonderful disposition and they use a lot in therapy work and they make a lot of people in different facilities very happy with their visiting pet work. |
HOST VO Contrary to popular belief it was the dachshund that inspired the name for Amerca's favorite dog: the hot dog. |
HOST VO Bred to go in holes and battle the fierce badger they're |
HOST VO Remember all breeds are individuals they don't always follow the breed standards for temperament confirmation, and health. So if you're adopting one of these breeds, do your homework. Choose your next best friend wisely.
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