Which breed inspires the art of photographer William Wegman? Can a dog really partake in religious ceremonies? Which dog is the most revered in Japan?
Which breed inspires the art of photographer William Wegman? Can a dog really partake in religious ceremonies? Which dog is the most revered in Japan? And which canine befriended both Queen Victoria and B.B. King? On this episode of DOGS 101, we'll meet the Pug, Weimaraner, Maltese, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Akita.
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Find episode transcript here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/the-pug-weimaraner-maltese-soft-coated-wheaten-terrier-and-akita
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HOST VO Did this dog inspire an entire nation? Is a member of this breed the richest dog on earth? Is this the world’s best apartment dog? Can this breed skydive? Dogs 101 celebrates man’s best friend. Today, the Akita, the Maltese, the Pug, the Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier. And we start with the dog that artist William Wegman made famous, the Weimaraner. |
HOST VO Grace Kelley and Dick Clark had a Weimaraner. And “Purdy” belongs to Brad Pitt. And this dog “Manray” became “Man of the Year” in 1982. Elegant, regal, snobbishly aristocratic…
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC The Weimaraner probably one of the most striking breeds you'll ever lay eyes on. |
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HOST VO Weimaraners - were born to run…
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ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC A Weimaraner is not a dog that you're just gonna sort of bring into your home and he's just gonna sit there on the couch looking at you serenely. |
HOST VO The Weimaraner is a head turning graceful… muscular, medium sized, silvery gray dog with a tail that is often docked. |
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HOST VO Back in the 1800’s was for the Grand Duke Karl August and his German noblemen in the Weimar republic of Germany.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC Weimaraners were bred to hunt huge game, like bear, boars, deer.
HOST VO But getting these energetic pups into the U.S. wasn’t easy. In fact the Germans played a dirty trick on the Americans. The first two puppies sent by them to the U.S. had been radiated which meant we could not reproduce the dogs and start our own line. Sorry guys you’re plan didn’t work. Nine years later a Rhode Island breeder brought three Weimaraner’s home from Germany and the breed flourished. |
HOST VO So what makes these dogs special? First, their brains. Called “the dog with the human brain”. He is wickedly smart and is always looking for something to do. Even if the activity is a little naughty.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC These dogs see where you hide the treats, you go out of the room, they're going to go get those treats. |
HOST VO Next up, their eye’s. As puppies they’ll have blue eyes but as they mature the eyes turn yellow which can look sort of spooky.
SOPHIA YIN VO/OC It can actually make them look a little bit like an Alien. It makes them look more intense. |
HOST VO And speaking of intense, the third trait Weimaraners are known for is their keen sense of smell. In fact, over half of this dog’s brain is devoted to his sniffing ability. That fantastic nose got them a job sniffing for missile parts during the Cold War at the White Sands Missile Range. |
HOST VO But perhaps the most appealing characteristic is their coat. The Weimaraner has a short, sleek, silvery gray coat. At times the muted color can create a disappearing effect on the dog hence the nickname “The Gray Ghost”. The accepted coat colors for the Weimaraner range from a light silver gray to a tan taupe to a dark grey. |
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HOST VO In the 70’s it was that ‘neutral color’ and regal elegance that caught the eye of California artist William Wegman.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC Well I always thought of them as being kind of a blackboard that I could write my own stories on. |
HOST VO Wegman, a struggling painter at the time, was dabbling in video and photography. When all of a sudden his life changed one day on the set. His Weimaraner named “Manray” which Wegman bought for 35 dollars stumbled into the frame of his camera.
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WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC I remember trying to keep him out of the sets and out of the shots, and it was really difficult, so it was much easier to incorporate him.
HOST VO He also liked what he saw. Manray became his principal model. People began buying his work. No longer was he unknown and starving, everyone knew him and his dog.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC As soon as I had Manray, he attracted attention beyond the art world. I mean, people would be transfixed by this dog.
HOST VO Wegman and Manray then stared in this black and white videos.
WILLIAM WEGMAN OC You spelled O-U-T right but when it came to beach you spelt it B-E-E-C-H. it should have been like the ocean B-E-A-C-H.
JONATHAN DAVID OC/VO He puts them into all these different sort of situations where they, they're almost dog imitating human life.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC To them I’m a dog, or the big dog.
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HOST VO But 11 years later, his best friend died and William was devastated.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC He lived to be exactly 11.8. I didn’t realize how |
attached I was to this dog especially not so much in my artwork but just coming home, you know. The kind of greeting that you get. |
HOST VO Wegman vowed never to get another dog. However five years later he was drawn back to the Weimaraner. Her name was Fayray and although she seems skittish on the streets of New York in front of the camera she lit up.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC She had a way of posing that, that really excited me photographically. When I was about to take the picture she would just go like that like she instinctively knew that this was, this was the space that was created for us.
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HOST VO Wegman began doing books, videos, TV appearances and more. Like this video Wegman created for Sesame Street.
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Male Voice #1 VO |
HOST VO All of a sudden the breed that sort of went out of favor in the ‘60s was back in style and boom the Weimaraner was the “it” dog. |
| JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC |
| They're in all these really unique, strange poses, wearing clothes, laying down, sitting up, and that's probably how they became most popular and wellknown in the United States. |
HOST VO But Wegman insists his shots and dogs always be respectful and artistic.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC I didn’t want them to become ridiculous or ridiculed, I wanted them to be noble. And so when I made Fay tall, she really looked like she was a mythological character. |
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HOST VO So then how does Wegman get his dogs to do this?
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WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC Well “sit” and “stay” is, is dog training number one.
FEMALE WITH WHITE SHIRT VO Stay.
WILLIAM WEGMAN OC Stay.
FEMALE WITH WHITE SHIRT OC Astro be a good boy and stay.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC And as long as you keep a focus on them which I do behind the camera. Make her more centered. She’s listing to one side there. They’ll keep their |
eyes on “There’s Bill. There’s Bill.” It’s very, very easy and that’s really all I ask them to do.
HOST VO And he says his Weimaraners enjoy every minute of it.
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC If the dog doesn’t want to do it and it shows, I don’t want that picture. I don’t want the ears back, big smiley thing. I want kind of a calmness or an eagerness. They like that. |
HOST VO Today you can find Billy the Artist, as he was called as a kid, hanging out with Fayray’s descendents. Either on the streets of New York City or casually relaxing before their cameo on the set. Or occasionally posing like people in the park. And Wegman’s three dogs, who by the way all sleep in bed with him and his wife, live happily in their New York apartment.
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HOST VO But city living is not usually…
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HOST VO …the ideal environment for these highly energetic pooches.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC In a perfect world a Weimaraner would live on an estate in the country. |
HOST VO As far as training you must do it early.
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JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC If you don’t take the time to train the dog and give him the attention that they need they’re going to find ways of entertaining themselves and it’s not always the way you want them to.
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HOST VO Grooming a Weimaraner is a piece of cake.
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ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC Every few weeks or so give them a bath and they’re ready to go. |
HOST VO Weimaraner’s are pretty healthy. Once in a while they can be prone to bloat which happens if they eat too much and too quickly so it’s best to feed them two small meals a day. |
HOST VO Does a Weimaraner make a good family pet? You bet.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC Weimaraner’s make a great family dog. These dogs are highly sociable animals. They want to be with people. |
HOST VO Not all dogs adhere to breed standards but in general the Weimaraner can live anywhere but is happiest with lots of running room. They don’t have too many health issues. Grooming is practically nonexistent. They are easy to train but do it early on. And they make good family pets. |
WILLIAM WEGMAN VO/OC Get two dogs, maybe three, quit your day job and your night job and spend all of your hours with them. And don’t overfeed them. They look terrible when they’re fat.
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HOST VO When Dogs 101 continues the breed that shows bruises on its fur. The dog Helen Keller brought back to the U.S. from Japan.
FEMALE WITH PONYTAIL OC Good boy.
HOST VO The fearless pooch who can skydive? And the dog worth millions.
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HOST VO Did you know the Pug is one of the oldest dog breeds? It has flourished since before 400 B.C. Josephine Bonaparte and Marie Antoinette both owned and loved Pugs before marrying their famous husbands. Yes the Pug has been the companion de jour for centuries.
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HOST VO |
| From Buddhist monks and Chinese emperors to French revolutionaries and English royalty. |
HOST VO And surprisingly this pup often has to have cesarean section to give birth. Considering how long this pup has been around that’s a lot of Csections. |
HOST VO But no wonder people adore these little tanks. These dogs can hang.
SOPHIA YIN VO/OC One thing that’s really nice about Pugs is that they’re energetic, happy, they like attention and they’re pretty laid back. |
HOST VO The Pug is a perfect companion for just about anyone.
FEMALE CHILD WITH STRIPPED SHIRT OC Come here you. |
HOST VO Originally dating back to the early Chinese dynasties, Pugs were bred to be little companions for the emperors.
JONATHAN DAVID OC/VO These dogs were actually originally bred to be temple guards and they were much larger in size when they started out.
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HOST VO And as the trade winds blew through the orient and back to Europe, the Dutch couldn’t resist the funny looking pup and the Pug was introduced to Europe. |
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HOST VO And funny looking they are.
JONATHAN DAVID OC/VO They’ve got this really short flat face and these great big bulgy eyes and all these wrinkles around they face.
SOPHIA YIN OC They’re very humorous.
ANDREA ARDEN OC They look like little cartoons. |
HOST VO With their comical look and neck brace for a body…
FEMALE CHILD WITH GREEN SHIRT VO/OC Say hi.
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HOST VO Pugs have waddled their way into one of the most popular dogs in the United States. These fourlegged little weight lifters usually come in black, fawn, apricot fawn and silver fawn. |
HOST VO While their trademark smooshed in face is awfully cute…
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HOST VO …it too comes at a cost. Pugs are brachycephalic dogs meaning dogs with short noses. Because of |
this flat face they often have elongated palates which means they have some breathing problems.
JONATHAN DAVID OC They tend to have trouble breathing in warmer weather and they can actually require a surgery.
HOST VO However the upside to this smooshed in flat face is adorable face wrinkles. |
HOST VO Yes, Pugs were bred to have all this extra skin on the face folding into wrinkle upon wrinkle. What some may call ugly others call irresistibly cute. Centuries ago in China these wrinkles were bred to create a pattern on their forehead. A pattern that looks like the Chinese character for prince. |
HOST VO The tail on the Pugs gives away its toy dog classification. It whimsically curls up towards the back like a little corkscrew. The perfect tail is said to have two full curls |
HOST VO Unavoidable, the eyes will pop right out at you. Pugs have these bulgy big round eyes that you can’t ignore.
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HOST VO One of the reasons Pugs are loved by so many different types of people is because they are just so easy to hang with.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC If you’re the kind of person that’s gonna sit at home and watch TV and eat chips your dog’s |
gonna be the same way. If you’re outgoing and athletic and you love to be outdoors, take your dog with you. They’ll learn to love that kind of lifestyle.
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HOST VO And in one very cool circumstance the bond between owner and dog has carried one very gutsy Pug all the way to Hawaii.
DAVID OC/VO Quite simply put he’s man’s best friend. Actually, he’s my best friend.
HOST VO Best friend for sure. And like all best friends they’re attached at the hip.
DAVID YOW OC Good boy.
HOST VO David adopted Bugsy when he lived in New York. He knew he wanted a Pug and couldn’t resist Bugsy cute little face. Unfortunately shortly after David brought Bugsy home the dog became critically ill with kennel cough and pneumonia. But luckily for Bugsy, David was a med student and he knew his way around an ICU.
DAVID YOW VO/OC Got a couple of interns…
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…and we built and intensive care unit in my apartment and for the next two weeks we brought him back to life.
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HOST VO And now David strives to give Bugsy a life of paradise and adventure in Hawaii.
DAVID YOW OC/VO I think it was an experience between life and death bringing him back. It developed that unconditional trust that no matter what I do in my life this dog will trust me…
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…knowing that I’m looking out for him.
HOST VO And he better trust him because David, with Bugsy in toe, pushes the limits. |
DAVID YOW OC/VO We’re gonna kick some booty. These are your kicking shoes. Ready to go skydiving?
HOST VO What? Yup, you heard it…
DAVID YOW OC Ready to go skydiving?
HOST VO …skydiving.
DAVID YOW OC Long time no see. All right.
MALE WITH SUNGLASSES OC/VO Yeah. What’s up yo? Aloha. Hey what’s up Bugsy? So how many jumps is it for Bugsy now?
DAVID YOW OC This is his third.
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HOST VO A skydiving dog? That’s right. Bugsy is an old hand at jumping out of planes. And he loves it.
DAVID YOW OC As usual safety is the most important thing.
HOST VO David holds Bugsy tight to his chest as he’s wrapped inside of David’s jumpsuit.
DAVID YOW OC Keep my hands around him at all times.
HOST VO As soon as they’re bundled in there is no stopping this force of energy.
DAVID YOW OC You ready? Let’s go. Let’s go fly. |
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DAVID YOW OC Yeah. Let’s do it.
DAVID YOW OC Rub Bugsy’s head for good luck.
MALE WITH BEARD OC Yeah.
FEMALE WITH LONG HAIR OC
DAVID YOW OC Go ahead give me a kiss.
DAVID YOW OC Yeah. Whoo.
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HOST VO Back safe on the ground and Bugsy loves it.
DAVID YOW VO/OC I think I know what a dog feels like now when they put their head out of a moving car at 60 miles an hour.
HOST VO And while everyday is not a skydiving day it’s always an adventure. One that David and Bugsy experience together.
DAVID YOW OC Bugsy you’re the best. |
HOST VO While Pugs are easy companions…
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HOST VO …you have to be careful of the weather. It doesn’t have to be melting heat out to make this little guy uncomfortable.
ANDREA ARDEN VO You have to be extra cautious about making sure that this dog doesn’t overheat. |
HOST VO Grooming the Pug is fairly minimal however they do shed. Also airtight wrinkles lead to airtight infections.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC Lots of moisture gets in there. Bacteria grows. So part of the regular grooming procedure is keeping the Pug’s face very, very clean. |
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HOST VO While Pugs are pretty healthy pooches if you keep them bathed and clean…
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HOST VO …the big thing to watch out for…
SOPHIA YIN VO Sometimes their eyes can pop out.
HOST VO Yep, you heard that right.
SOPHIA YIN OC/VO It’s called a proptosis. It needs to be put in right away.
HOST VO Proptosis occurs when there is forward displacement of the eye. This can be caused by accidentally holding the neck too tight or by tugging on a choke collar too hard. So be careful with your little Pug. |
HOST VO Training with Pugs is a true walk in the park. Almost a perfect family dog.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Pugs are one of those rare dogs that I think do well with almost any family unit. |
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HOST VO So Pugs are durable little dogs. Keep them cool and be sure to not squeeze too hard when petting. They need careful cleaning of their face wrinkles. Train them early to follow commands and kids and adults will all find the Pug a great friend.
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HOST VO More to come on Dogs 101. In Japan they don’t say it with flowers, they say it with a statue of this breed. This dog may be the best apartment pooch. And this was the favorite dog of the richest women in the world. |
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HOST VO Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier’s were not introduced to the States until the 1960’s. And never before has a dog been on such a fast track to popularity. Within only a few years they were named best apartment dog in New York Magazine. And to this day they haven’t lost their acclaim.
ANDREA ARDEN OC It’s probably one of the top five most popular dogs in New York City. |
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HOST VO Maybe this is why they’re known as the most lovable of all terriers and all terrier owners know the Wheaton greeting.
MALE WITH BLACK LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT OC Hi. |
HOST VO Interestingly when the adults sustain a skin injury the fur grows back brown like a bruise before returning to that Wheaton glow.
JONATHAN DAVID OC The Wheaton Terriers are really outgoing, bouncy, playful dogs. |
HOST VO Known for their spunk and lightheartedness, their fluffy coat and terrier build say it all.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO Let’s say it’s a guy and a girl whose getting the dog, the girl can feel like she’s gotten herself the fluffy cute dog but the guy can feel like he’s gotten a dog that’s manly enough.
HOST VO While certainly the neighborhood jester, they do have energy and it needs to be released.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC It’s a dog that is extremely high energy. Very, very bouncy. |
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HOST VO Originally the beloved dog of Ireland, Wheaton’s were the working dog of the working class. |
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HOST VO Forbidden to own hounds the common people put the terriers to work.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC They’re originally bred to be farm dogs. Used for herding, hunting small vermin.
HOST VO The Wheaton joins the Kerry Blue, the Irish and the Glen of Imaal as the fourth terrier of Irish descent.
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HOST VO The modern Wheaton is medium-sized with long terrier legs.
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HOST VO Of course if you get a Wheaton as a pup the name can be deceiving. This is because Wheaton’s are born a rusty brown. It’s only as they outgrow their puppy stage that their hair turns that gorgeous Wheaton blonde. And as this happens they develop this soft luscious coat.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC Most Terriers have this harsh, kind of rough broken coat, but not the Wheaton. The Wheaton’s have a very soft silky kind of coat. |
HOST VO Wheaton’s have a single soft coat that feels more like silk than dog hair. Imagine your favorite |
teddy bear in the world come alive. It’s that soft. And they’re that snuggly too.
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HOST VO Atop this soft teddy bear of a pup is a long blonde tuft of hair.
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JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC They have this thing called a “fau”. And it’s this big piece of hair that hangs down over their eyes. |
HOST VO They also have a long beard under their chin. Giving these terriers a unique look. and hidden under their bangs and beard is the telltale terrier trait, the teeth. Yes as soft and as sweet as this pooch is it has those terrier fangs.
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HOST VO Turns out you can breed the aggression out faster than you can the fangs.
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HOST VO And boy is that ever true. These pups are more leprechaun than fighting Irish. |
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HOST VO Or in some cases more magical moisha.
SHARON SPITZ OC/VO |
Tobila is Toby’s Jewish name actually. He eats herring kibble.
HOST VO Meet Toby, the kosher dog. And just to reinforce the kosher…
SHARON SPITZ VO/OC He loves his toys like Yenta and Moyel and Tuchis. Yes you’re just a lump of love.
HOST VO Toby is the Spitz’s first son.
SHARON SPITZ VO/OC Toby is our family. He is Leah’s baby brother.
LEAH SPITZ OC Life is really great with Toby. He always makes me smile.
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HOST VO This pup is Jewish through and through.
SHARON SPITZ VO/OC He loves Jewish music when my husband plays on the piano. And he just enjoys being a part of all the traditions that we have and that makes him very special.
ALL OC
HOST VO And Toby is not the only one.
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HOST VO |
| Dogs are prominent in several religions. |
HOST VO They’re mentioned several times in the Christian Bible and were notoriously silent the night Moses led his people out of Egypt. Even Buddha had a little pooch. Toby’s faith calls upon him to perform Mitzvah’s.
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SHARON SPITZ VO/OC When you cheer people up and you make people feel better that’s performing a Mitzvah.
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FEMALE TEACHER VO Hello Toby
CHILDREN VO Hello Toby.
HOST VO In Toby’s case his good deeds are performed upon the many. Toby often goes to Leah’s school to help in the classroom.
CHILDREN VO
HOST VO Or in teaching Hebrew language study.
ALL OC
HOST VO And after school he’s one patient pup as the kids smoother him with love.
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FEMALE CHILD #1 OC He’s cute and soft.
FEMALE CHILD #2 OC Bye Toby.
FEMALE CHILD #3 VO We love him.
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HOST VO And although it seems like there could never be a more devote little mensch than Toby check out Boomie. He has Toby beat by one thing. |
MARK NADLER OC The preparation for the Bark Mitzvah was months of planning.
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HOST VO You heard that right, Bark Mitzvah. Mark Nadler is a successful New York playwright who loves to put on a good party. So this massive right of passage for his pooch was totally reasonable.
MARK NADLER OC
HOST VO At 13 Jewish boys become adults and go through a right of passage known as a bar mitzvah. And this was going to be no different for Boomie.
MARK NADLER VO/OC People came to the Bark Mitzvah wearing dog paraphernalia. |
HOST VO While not the only pup on earth to have a Bark Mitzvah maybe the only one covered by the New York Times.
MARK NADLER OC/VO It was sort of this magical event. It was probably the most important Jewish thing in my life.
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HOST VO So whether all fun and games or for the purely pious these pups have a soft spot for the spiritual.
LEAH SPITZ VO Yes.
SHARON SPITZ VO He wants to give kisses. |
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HOST VO And with Wheaton’s there will never be a dull moment. As for climbing, good news.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC Wheaton’s can do pretty well in pretty much any temperature, hot or cold. |
HOST VO However this gorgeous, silky, soft coat comes at a price.
JONATHAN DAVID OC Wheaton’s require a tremendous amount of grooming.
HOST VO |
| Wheaton’s shed very little so you have to brush the hair out daily. |
HOST VO While Wheaton’s have such a merry disposition they are really allergic to fleas. One bite can cause a reaction throughout the whole body. Another potential problem is protein wasting.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC They can’t digest the protein properly…
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…and they actually start to lose weight. |
HOST VO But when it comes to training Wheaton’s shine.
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ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO They really like to play, interact with people. So if you’re using play training and word based training then they’re pretty easy to train. |
HOST VO Now while you should never leave a dog alone with small children…
JONATHAN DAVID VO If you have kids and you want the kids to occupy their time for a while put them in the backyard with the Wheaton. They’ll play for hours. |
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HOST VO So the Wheaton as long as you keep the Wheaton |
well walked they’ll be good in any climate. Their flea allergy can be tedious. They need daily brushing. Put in the training time early. But they’re really good with families. These soft, cuddly, animated furballs are as fun as they are adorable. Play with them everyday and they never lose their magnetic puppy spirit.
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HOST VO Still ahead on Dogs 101. This breed could be called one of the most loyal dogs in the world and this could be the richest breed of all.
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HOST VO Now it’s time to play…
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HOST VO ...Pick the Pooch. As far as canine companions go the eyes have it. This pooch holds the record for the world’s longest canine lashes. Which breed is it? The answer when we come back. |
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HOST VO Which breed holds the record for the world’s longest doggie lashes? Buddy, a cocker spaniel. His doggie lashes measure an incredible 4.7 inches.
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HOST VO You’re looking at what may be the oldest breed of lapdog. In fact the Maltese is one of the oldest breeds period. A Maltese also happens to be the richest dog in the world. Meet Trouble who inherited a 12 million dollar fortune from hotel mogul Leona Helmsley. From Marie Antoinette to Elizabeth Taylor, this has been the dog of choice for centuries of glitterati.
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JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC One of the oldest of the European toy breeds. The Maltese has been revered by the ancient Greeks. They’ve been depicted in paintings, in literature, in pottery.
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HOST VO Aristotle called this dog a cloud floating in the sky. And there’s evidence that Ancient Egyptians worshipped the Maltese. It’s believed that the breed originated on the island that it’s named for, Malta.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They were bred down from dogs that were working dogs. I think most of that sort of working and hunting ability was bred out of them.
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HOST VO So what is it that makes us want to pamper this dog with luxury? |
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ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC The Maltese is probably one of the most perfect companion dogs.
JONATHAN DAVID OC/VO They look really soft and supple and you just want to touch them and play with them. |
HOST VO Dark round eyes and a cute black button nose amp up the cute factor in this dog.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They are obviously all white. Which is one of the things I think people find most charming. |
HOST VO Roman Emperors supposedly bred out all colors but white in the Maltese. White was sacred to the Romans. Like poodles the coat is hair not fur. Hair sheds less than fur and is better for people with allergies.
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JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC And they’re actually great pets to carry with you. A lot of people like to carry them in bags and take them on trips with them.
FEMALE WITH WHILTE JACKET OC Why don’t we put a pillow under her?
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HOST VO The hallmark of the Maltese is it’s small size. But that small package provides a lot of love and |
affection.
JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC I have a special soft spot for them in my heart because I had a Maltese for 17 years. She was my best friend, my buddy, my companion, and there is no dog that will ever live up to the memory of a Maltese for me.
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HOST VO The Maltese forms a close connection with humans.
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HOST VO And today one very special Maltese is relying upon that bond to overcome adversity. This is the story of Hope, a Maltese born with no front legs.
DEBRA HUEBNER VO/OC She does have this handicap but she doesn’t seem to notice. I think she just draws people to her as a result of that.
HOST VO Hope was rescued in Tennessee from certain death. Dogs born with severe physical deformities are often euthanized. Deb Huebner found out about Hope and set out to adopt her and bring her home to Arizona.
DEBRA HUEBNER VO/OC Had it not been for the individuals that decided to put her into this rescue group Hope probably would not be with us today.
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HOST VO As a puppy Hope developed a novel way to move around by hopping and sliding. Vets warned that this would do damage to Hope’s belly and spine.
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HOST VO In Tennessee Hope was fitted with wheels to support her body but she quickly outgrew the first device.
DEBRA HUEBNER VO/OC I knew that we needed to get something to help her with her mobility. I was fortunate enough that I met up with Randy and Lisa.
LISA OC Hi Deb.
DEBRA HUEBNER VO Hey Lisa. Who have been two awesome people that really care about Hope as much as I care about her. |
HOST VO Randy and Lisa make prosthetic devices for humans. But when they heard Hope’s story they jumped at the chance to help. They developed a new more robust prosthesis for Hope.
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RANDY WOST OC/VO On a human we’d actually make an artificial limb but with Hope it’s a little hard to do that, we made more of a cradle, and then we attached wheels below that and tried to make it biomechanically sound to kind of match her anatomy.
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HOST VO Today’s challenge: make some tweaks to the height of the device and give Hope even more mobility.
DEBRA HUEBNER VO You’re doing so good. Look at you.
HOST VO After some adjustments, Hope’s ready to roll.
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HOST VO She moves over wood and carpet with ease.
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DEBRA HUEBNER VO/OC Right now she’s in the house most of the time.
HOST VO Deb’s goal is for Hope to be able to go outside with the other dogs.
DEBRA HUEBNER VO/OC With the rock and the cement that we have here in Arizona it’s pretty difficult for her to get around. Look at you move.
HOST VO The new wheels make a world of difference for Hope. On flat surfaces she has no problem. But how will she do her first time on the grass?
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DEBRA HUEBNER OC/VO |
This is a big step for her to come out here into the grass and be able to move around.
HOST VO Hope loves her new wheels. It may seem like a small step for Hope, but this is a giant leap for disabled animals everywhere.
RANDY WOST VO/OC They gave Hope a chance and I’m glad they did because her spirit, her little personality is awesome.
DEBRA HUEBNER OC/VO You want it? You got to come just a little further. Come on. Come on. What we can learn from Hope as people is not to judge others. It’s not about appearances; it’s all about the fact that she’s still a loving, caring, viable member of our family.
HOST VO Hope’s triumph over adversity is a credit to Maltese everywhere.
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HOST VO She also exemplifies the adaptability of the Maltese. |
HOST VO The breed does well in many environments.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC If you’re somebody who wants a dog who’s going to go hiking with you or on long walks while Maltese can be very athletic keep in mind that for every step you take they’re probably taking five to ten steps. |
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This breed is smart, but beware of pampering it too much as a puppy. These dogs tend to become overly dependent on their owners.
SOPHIA YIN VO/OC It’s very important to train them that it’s okay to be alone. If you want to be able to leave the house without them causing a problem with your neighbors.
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HOST VO When it comes to grooming the long-haired Maltese is not a cheap date.
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JONATHAN DAVID VO/OC The long coat requires a tremendous amount of grooming. If you want to keep a Maltese in the show coat with the hair all the way grown to the ground it requires daily brushing and weekly bathing. |
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HOST VO Maltese are generally healthy dogs…
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SOPHIA YIN OC/VO So Maltese are pretty hearty. They don’t have a lot of diseases that they can get. One condition that a lot of them get though is dental disease. You want to make sure that you can brush their teeth regularly about three times to seven times a week. |
HOST VO Maltese have great temperaments but families with |
small children should be wary of getting a Maltese.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC They are psychically more frail than a lot of other dogs. If you have children and you carefully supervise them then it might be appropriate.
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MALE CHILD OC Good boy. Good boy.
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HOST VO So in general Maltese are very adaptable dogs. They’re considered healthy but are prone to dental problems and need their teeth brushed several times a week. They require a lot of grooming especially if you want to keep them in show coat. These dogs are usually easy to train but start early and don’t pamper them too much when they’re young. The Maltese is not recommended for families with small children. But for pure companionship the Maltese is second to none. |
DEBRA HUEBNER VO She says I don’t know what all this hype is about. Look at you move, Hope. Look at you go.
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HOST VO When Dogs 101 comes back. The dog that inspires an entire nation. |
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HOST VO Akita’s are newcomers to American soil. Helen Keller brought the very first from Japan in 1937.
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HOST VO Sick? Having a baby? In Japan you wouldn’t get these, you’d get this. A tiny Akita statue symbolizing health and well being. In ancient Japan Akita’s were so highly regarded that only the ruling class was allowed to own them. They got fancy collars and the finest cuisines the royals had to offer.
ANDREA ARDEN OC They are incredibly beautiful. They really are.
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ANDREA ARDEN OC Akita’s are amazing.
KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO They’re tough dogs. They’re athletic and they’re determined. And…
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…they would take a bullet for you. |
HOST VO But these days in the U.S. owning an Akita is more likely to raise your insurance rates than your |
status. Yep, just like the Pit-bull and the Rottweiler, the Akita is listed as high risk for biting and aggression by insurance companies.
TYSON KILMER VO/OC This is a dog that’s very territorial, very protective and is not going to be interested in sharing its space and sharing it’s time with two many other animals.
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HOST VO That’s because Akita’s are one of the most primitive dogs on the planet. Still very closely linked to the wolf. |
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HOST VO But it’s tough to find evidence of wolves here.
FEMALE WITH PONYTAIL OC Good. Good boy.
HOST VO This is annual Akita Fun Day and Picnic funded by the Akita rescue of western New York.
FEMALE VOICE #1 VO He lost 15 pounds since last year so we have him dressed up like he went to the gym.
HOST VO Today, they celebrate the breed and the people who take them in when there’s no place to go.
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FEMALE VOICE #2 VO Yea. |
HOST VO Nearly half of the Akita’s in this country end up in shelters where most are euthanized. Rescue organizations blame owners who don’t understand the breed. |
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FEMALE WITH BLONDE HAIR OC Come on.
HOST VO These are the owners who do understand.
KATHY DEWEES VO/OC Seeing these dogs so happy. Dogs that shelters said were too aggressive to be placed in homes doing tricks in the ring and wearing costumes and playing with children and being around other dogs. Not one of these dogs would have been alive today had there not been a rescue.
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HOST VO The Akita originated centuries ago in Japan in the harsh, cold snow country of the Akita Prefecture. This is a dog built for rugged trekking in polar environments. Its long legs and buff musculature allow it to climb steep mountains in deep snow. |
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HOST VO Akita’s are members of the Spitz or Nordic dog family. Known for fluffy tightly curled tails, alert fully-pricked ears and their plush fur. Those double coats consist of a coarse weather proof |
| outer layer and a dense soft and woolly undercoat. |
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HOST VO In fact the breed faced extinction in World War II when they were killed for their coats which lined the coats of Japanese soldiers. |
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HOST VO In America, Akita’s come in virtually any color and in three coat pattern: solid, a tiger-stripe pattern called brindle and pinto which is mostly white with sharply defined patches. |
HOST VO These are not small dogs.
ANDREA ARDEN VO The Akita’s are very, very strong dogs. Stay. But for the right person it’s an amazing dog. It’s just a companion for life. |
HOST VO In fact the breed’s extreme sense of loyalty is legendary and the reason this handsome devil Forrest is asked to be today’s guest of honor. Forrest was plucked from obscurity to play the lead in a soon to be released feature film. The film chronicles the life of Hachiko, a Japanese dog whose devotion to his master knew no bounds.
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HOST VO When Dogs 101 comes back the story that made Forrest a star and to this day inspires an entire nation. |
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HOST VO Four-year old Forrest is the Akita of honor at this event for rescued Akita’s. Once an average house pet Forrest is soon to be a worldwide celebrity.
FEMALE WITH JEANS VO Thank you handsome.
HOST VO Having just finished filming Hachiko a Dog Story, Forrest shares the lead with Richard Gere. |
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HOST VO The story takes place in Japan in the early 1920’s.
KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC There was an Akita named Hachiko, it’s a true story, and he was purchased by a professor.
HOST VO Everyday the professor took Hachiko with him to the train station.
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HOST VO Every evening Hachiko met his return train and |
walked his master home. This was their ritual for a year and a half.
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HOST VO But tragically in 1924 Hachiko’s owner died at work.
KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC And Hachiko actually waited at the train station for days. And for the next ten years that dog went to the train station day after day after day.
HOST VO The public was so taken with the story a bronze sculpture was erected while the real dog still lived at home with the professor’s family. Then in 1935 Hachiko too passed away.
KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC He died at the train station which was the last place he actually saw his owner.
HOST VO 73 years after his death Hachiko remains an important figure in Japanese culture.
FEMALE COMMUTER VO/OC It just symbolizes how moving it is when you learn about someone, even if it’s a dog, is true and faithful to the one that he loves.
HOST VO Today the Akita breed is protected by national treasure status.
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| JOE CAPALDI VO Out of… |
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JOE CAPALDI VO/OC …thousands and thousands of dogs that they probably looked at picked our dog as the poster boy so to speak of the Akita breed it really hasn’t set in how big of an honor that, that is.
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HOST VO To those in the Akita Rescue community the movie is a double edged sword. They love the attention on Akita’s but worry about hoards of new unprepared owners.
KATHY DEWEES VO/OC They are not big, cuddly, loveable dogs by nature. They’re nurtured to become like that. And if you meet a nice Akita it’s only because somebody’s put a lot of work into that dog. |
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FEMALE VOICE #1 VO This way guys.
HOST VO The Akita’s need for early training may be the most important consideration for anyone thinking of adopting this breed.
TYSON KILMER OC/VO These dogs are very big and strong and have the ability to hurt you so you want to establish the relationship that you’re going to have very early on with these guys so that once they do get to their full size they understand to follow you and not try |
and lead.
FEMALE WITH LIGHT BLUE SHIRT VO/OC That’s a good girl. |
HOST VO When it comes to their living space unless you’ve put in the time and effort to socialize your Akita they should not live in apartments or condos.
MALE CHILD WITH BROWN HAIR OC Speak. |
HOST VO Like all large breeds Akita’s con suffer from joint dysplasia and bloat, a life threatening swelling and twisting of the stomach. |
HOST VO And grooming and Akita can be an issue for some folks.
TYSON KILMER OC/VO This is a dog with a lot of hair and that hair gets everywhere. |
HOST VO And think long and hard before you bring and Akita into your home.
KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO If you acclimated them in the beginning they would be a great family dog. |
HOST VO Akita’s then stack up like this. It’s probably best not to have them in an apartment building, too many people and animals. They get fair marks for health. Suffer the usual large breed problems such as bloat and dysplasia. Akita’s shed heavily, twice |
| a year so grooming can be intense. They’re trainable if you start them young. And be careful before you bring them into a family. |
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HOST VO So to recap, the Weimaraner breed exploded when the artist William Wegman captured these unusual shots of his dogs. |
HOST VO The Pug is loved for that smooshed in face and those bulging eyes. If you’re not careful those eyes can actually pop out. It’s a fearless little dog. Some even surf. And skydive. |
HOST VO Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier’s have been called the best apartment breed. Their unique coat is soft and hypoallergenic. It even changes color like a bruise when the skin is hurt. |
HOST VO The Maltese is a loveable little dog. It has adorned the laps of famous women for centuries. Elizabeth Taylor, Marie Antoinette, Leona Helmsley even left 12 million dollars to her eight year old Maltese, Trouble. |
HOST VO The Akita is a Japanese breed that is worshipped for their loyalty. Hachiko, the most famous Akita, inspires people almost 75 years after his death. |
HOST VO Remember every dog is an individual and can vary from the general characteristics for temperament, |
| health and adaptability. If you are adopting a dog do your homework and check out petfinder.com to search for specific breeds near you. Choose your next best friend wisely. |