Which canine breed has night vision? Which pooch can outrun a grizzly bear? On this episode of Dogs 101, we'll learn all there is to know about these five beautiful breeds - the Doberman, Westie, Irish Setter, Miniature Pinscher and Whippet.
Which canine breed has night vision? Which pooch can outrun a grizzly bear? On this episode of Dogs 101, we'll learn all there is to know about these five beautiful breeds - the Doberman, Westie, Irish Setter, Miniature Pinscher and Whippet.
For even more dog content, stream full episodes of Dogs 101 on discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/dogs101 to start your free trial today. Terms apply.
Find episode transcript here: https://dogs-101.simplecast.com/episodes/the-westie-irish-setter-doberman-miniature-pinscher-and-whippet
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HOST VO
What breed did Richard Nixon make famous? Can this breed see behind its head? Is this dog’s bark loud enough to be heard when he’s underground? And, which came first, the Doberman or the Miniature Pinscher? Dogs 101 celebrates man’s best friend. Today, the Irish Setter, the West Highland White Terrier, the Whippet, the Miniature Pinscher. And we start with dogs bred for tax collectors…
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…the Doberman Pinscher.
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HOST VO
A relatively new breed, these dogs were first bred less than 150 years ago in Germany around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
Mr. Doberman was a tax collector and he had to go through some sketchy parts of town carrying money. So what he did was he designed the Doberman to help protect him so he would not be robbed of all his cash.
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HOST VO
A six year old Doberman is an internet superstar. Some say the smartest thing on four feet, the Doberman, is the fifth smartest dog in the world. And would you believe this big, bad dog is descended from
terriers? So why does this breed get such a bad rap?
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Maybe because the Doberman is listed as one of the most…
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…dangerous dogs in the world.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
Dobermans have the reputation of being vicious dogs. A lot of people are afraid of them and they’re not going to enter your yard if you have a Doberman in there.
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HOST VO
And this breed simply looks ferocious.
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If Hollywood needs a villain dog, it’s the Doberman Pinscher that gets the call.
BRYNN ARNOLD VO/OC
He’s always the dog in the movie that the rich man has like as his spy or guard dog that…
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… comes running after your favorite character.
HOST VO
It’s true. Dobermans were bred to be tough. It took quite the potpourri of dog breeds to create this manmade masterpiece,
the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Thuringian Shepherd dog, Black
Greyhound, Great Dane, Weimaraner, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Shepherd.
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VICTORIA WELLS OC
It’s a mish-mosh of, of different breeds to create what we now know is the Doberman.
HOST VO
With the perfect combination of strength, intelligence, ferocity, fearlessness, and loyalty, Mr. Doberman created a superior watchdog.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
What he was really looking for was a dog, who would have a very, very strong protective instinct. Be massive enough to intimidate people just visually, but also he wanted a dog who was sort of more refined and elegant.
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HOST VO
He bred the Doberman with four characteristics, which helped him become the second best guard dog in the world outranking the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd.
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Starting off the list like that of a champion athlete, Dobermans were built for speed and endurance. They have a powerful, muscular body with a deep, broad chest. They’re typically black with red or rust markings, but also come in steel blue or light fawn.
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HOST VO
The Doberman’s head is long, resembling a blunt wedge in both frontal and profile views.
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Having strongly developed white scissor teeth, the Doberman’s mighty bite is one of his most ferocious and famous attributes.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC
It has a particular type of bite which tends to be like a multiple sort of scissor type bite.
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HOST VO
The ears have traditionally been cropped and carried erect. And the tail is typically docked at the second joint.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
Dobermans actually are born with floppy ears and long tails. So when they do have the ears cropped, it gives them that kind of menacing look.
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HOST VO
The Doberman may look threatening, but today’s Doberman is being bred to have a less aggressive temperament.
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DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO
Over four generations, about ten years,
they bred away from aggression. So they’re much more gentle than they ever were.
HOST VO
Although the breed’s personality is changing, the Doberman still struggles with a tough reputation.
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But, Chad Dressen has been changing that reputation with a six year old Doberman named Ramsey and an unlikely canine chum, Pablo, a Chihuahua.
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CHAD DRESSEN VO/OC
They are an unlikely pair. It’s really something to see a 75 pound Doberman and a six pound Chihuahua interact the way they do and. And, it’s clear the whole time that the six pound Chihuahua kind of runs the show.
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HOST VO
Chad started documenting the chemistry between the two dogs and posting the videos on the web for friends and family. He never imagined what was to happen next.
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CHAD DRESSEN VO/OC
One day I, I sat down, I took a look and wow, I’ve got a few million views of these dogs and thousands of comments and subscribers. I was getting you know 30, 40, 50 emails a day.
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HOST VO
The results have been amazing. Chad expected a few dozen hits on his videos from those close to him. Instead, he got several million viewers from all around the world.
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CHAD DRESSEN VO/OC
Here’s a letter I received from Singapore. It’s from Ivan and he basically mentions that his mom’s a huge fan of my videos. That’s I guess when it hit me that these two are, are big time. I think this is my most popular video. It’s got you know threequarters of a million views.
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HOST VO
Not only have these dogs hit the big time, but with six million hits worldwide, these videos have been changing perspectives about the Doberman.
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CHAD DRESSEN VO
Come on. I get messages and comments from kids telling me how you know my, my videos changed their parents’ minds and allowed them to get a Doberman.
AMBER RICHARDSON VO/OC
After watching many of the videos and getting to know Ramsey, I have completely changed my mind about how Dobermans interact with children and people.
CHAD DRESSEN VO/OC
I get comments saying you know I never thought the Doberman was this nice. Is this just yours? Is this a fluke? Ramsey’s not a fluke. She’s actually more common for a Doberman than I think people realize.
HOST VO
Ramsey and Pablo are happy to oblige their growing fan base and plan to continue the promotion of the Doberman.
CHAD DRESSEN VO/OC
If only one thing comes out of this experience with you know this fame with these two, I would like it to be that people realize that Dobermans are not the stereotypical, vicious breed that people think they are.
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HOST VO
Today the Doberman is a versatile breed. They excel at police work, guarding, search and rescue. In addition, these dogs can be a lot of fun.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC
I remember dressing my Doberman up in clothes, painting my Doberman’s nails.
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HOST VO
Remember, every dog has his own unique temperament. But, in general, Dobermans can be a great family dog if they’re well trained and raised with children from early puppyhood.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO
If you don’t socialize them when they’re young, it’s a very, very big dog to have an aggression issue with. And certainly if you have a Dobie with an aggression issue, they, they would not be appropriate dogs to have around children.
MALE WEARING NAVY SHIRT OC
Sit. Lay down.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC
These dogs are very easy to train. I’ve had
a number of them in my…
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…obedience classes. And I’m telling you they’re always at the top of the class, always the star pupils.
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HOST VO
Dobermans are prone to several inherited health problems so it’s important to get one from a reputable breeder or shelter.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
They have a condition called Von Willebrand’s disease, which is known in the breed, where they’re missing a clotting factor. So if they get nicked they will actually hemorrhage to death.
HOST VO
They are also prone to a condition called
Wobblers Disease…
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC
…which is neurological spinal condition where their limbs shake and it’s hard for them to remain sturdy.
HOST VO
The Doberman requires…
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…very little grooming and shedding is minimal and tolerable because of their smooth, short coat. Although the
Doberman’s lack of body fat adds to their fierce appearance by emphasizing their muscles, it makes them very vulnerable to cold weather.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
You would want to make sure you even put possibly a jacket on them or a coat if you lived in a cold environment because they’re very sensitive.
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HOST VO
So, in general, the Doberman is highly sensitive to the cold. They have several inherited breed defects. Grooming is simple. They’re one of the most trainable canines out there. And with proper training they can do well with children and household pets.
CHAD DRESSEN VO/OC
Well, what do you want? Good girl. Good girl.
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HOST VO
More to come on Dogs 101. The breed that looks like a Doberman, but isn’t. The dog that chose its owner and its owner saved its life. If you’re a varmint in a hole you don’t want to see this guy coming. And this
breed can see like it has eyes in the back of its head.
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HOST VO
Despite the uncanny resemblance, Miniature Pinschers are not miniature versions of the Doberman Pinscher.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC
They look like Doberman Pinschers, but they’re not. They’re a breed of their own.
HOST VO
In fact, the Min Pin breed arrived on the scene about a hundred years before the Doberman ever existed.
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You’ll immediately recognize this lively breed by its high stepping, prancey gait…
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…often compared to a hackney pony’s.
VICTORIA WELLS OC/VO
I think they’re little athletes personally. You know they need lots of exercise, lots of running around. It would surprise you…Hi. ……how playful these dogs are. Here comes Osco. Here comes
Reflex.
HOST VO
Whether red, black and rust, or chocolate and rust, the Miniature Pinscher has poise, and what the breed standard calls fearless animation.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC
Personality wise, they’re pretty tough little dogs.
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HOST VO
Usually weighing between five and ten pounds, the Miniature Pinscher is classified as a toy dog. And because of his small yet regal bearing, he’s described as the king of toys. The ears are sometimes cropped or kept natural, but the tail has been traditionally docked. His compact cat-like feet allow the Min Pin to travel quickly and gracefully.
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FEMALE VOICE VO
Give me the ball.
HOST VO
Originally used for hunting small vermin, this tiny pinscher has some terrier in his blood.
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A descendant of the German Pinscher, the Min Pin got his start in Europe where he was called Zwergpinscher or Dwarf Biter. His dexterity and small size were inherited from the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund.
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HOST VO
But, it’s his terrier and Dachshund roots that drive him to burrow making for some endearing and amusing moments at home.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO/OC
Jack, you want treats?
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MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
There he comes.
HOST VO
Jack, a seven year old Miniature Pinscher, is a perfect example of the breed.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO/OC
He’s very intelligent and he learns quickly. But, he also needed boundaries. We never know what he’s quite going to do next.
HOST VO
Luckily, Marcia Fritzmeier has found a noble way to harness that Miniature Pinscher energy.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER OC
Want to go to work? Okay.
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There you go.
HOST VO
She got Jack a job at the world renowned Mayo Clinic.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO/OC
Jack has a wonderful temperament for service dog work. He’s a very social dog. He is extremely loving. And, also very intelligent. That’s better.
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HOST VO
Jack is the first service dog to walk the hallowed halls of the Mayo Clinic.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
Okay, this way Jack. We’ll go down here.
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HOST VO
He sees up to 25 patients a day, many of them children.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
Yeah, Jack can sit up there for a minute.
MALE WEARING GREEN SHIRT OC
Yes!
CYNTHIA WETMORE, M.D., PH.D
OC/VO
I routinely try to order dogs to the bedside for children that are in the hospital for months at a time. Therapy dogs are a soothing presence for the patients.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
Almost done?
HOST VO
Jack’s unassuming size gets him up onto laps pretty quickly.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
There you go.
CHILD WEARING HELMET OC
Hey, Jack.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
I think he’s happy to see you. He’s happy.
HOST VO
Where he can go beyond just lending emotional support, motivating patients to speak and move.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
Perfect. Do you want to? He seems to seek out the people who need him the most.
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MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
He could walk into a room.
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The whole atmosphere would change. Hi
Kari.
KARI VO
Hi, Jack.
HOST VO
Kari, a 27 year old double amputee has received weekly visits from Jack for 19 months.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
One of her goals since she has been in the ICU was that one day she wanted to be able to take Jack for a walk.
PAUL HOPPENORTH OC/VO
Jack’s made a very positive contribution for Kari getting better. It makes our work a little bit easier.
HOST VO
Today Kari takes some brave first steps with her new legs.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
I sometimes just stand in awe of what Jack has done for the patients that he serves.
Thank you, Kari.
HOST VO
With Jack at her side, Kari has achieved a landmark goal in her recovery.
PAUL HOPPENORTH OC
Well done, child.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER OC
That was awesome. That was awesome.
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HOST VO
Also on Jack’s rounds of the day…
WILL CANAN OC
Hi Jack.
HOST VO
…is ten year old Will Canan…
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…one of his favorite patients.
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LIZ CANAN VO/OC
Buddy. Hey, you. For the last four and a half years our son Will has been battling a cancerous brain tumor. But, through that journey, one of the wonderful…
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…opportunities we’ve had is to get to know Jack, a Min Pin who has come to visit Will in the hospital many times and has become part of our family.
WILL CANAN VO
Give me five, Jack.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO
There, that’s a good boy.
WILL CANAN VO
Good boy.
HOST VO
After Will’s brain surgery he had weakness on his left side and problems with his balance.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER VO/OC
Jack took his focus off his balance
problems
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…and that started a friendship that has lasted five years.
CYNTHIA WETMORE, MD, PH.D OC
Hey Will, you have a friend here.
WILL CANAN OC
Yeah.
CYNTHIA WETMORE, MD, PH.D
VO/OC
Jack has helped Will regain his strength and also help him feel more comfortable coming to the hospital.
WILL CANAN VO/OC
He helped me by getting me through all the times that were hard. He would just pretty much sit on my lap through the whole thing.
HOST VO
Today, Will has passed his checkup with flying colors.
CYNTHIA WETMORE, MD, PH.D
OC/VO
We’re very optimistic that he’s going to live a long and happy life. He’s free to do camp. He’s free to go to birthday parties, play. Do whatever he likes.
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WILL CANAN VO/OC
One of the people that I’m inviting to my birthday party is Jack the therapy dog.
LIZ CANAN VO
Happy birthday, Will.
HOST VO
At ten years old, Will has many more years to celebrate with his pal, Jack.
MARCIA FRITZMEIER OC
There you made them.
LIZ CANAN OC
Yeah. All right.
HOST VO
A marvelous Min Pin and a true testament to the versatility of his breed.
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HOST VO
Willing and able to take on any task, the Miniature Pinscher benefits from an understanding hand during training.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC
I think they need an, an owner who has patience.
FEMALE WEARING DENIM SHIRT VO
Stay.
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DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO
They are trainable.
FEMALE WEARING DENIM SHIRT VO
Stay.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO
But, they need a little bit of care and attention.
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HOST VO
Their small bones tend to be brittle, so special care must be taken to insure these little dogs don’t break their wrists jumping off the couch at home. While small and great for apartments, the Min Pin is a very active dog and needs ample exercise.
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC
Just remember, they’re not tiny lap dogs.
They are tenacious.
HOST VO
Their short coats and small size make grooming the easiest among all the Pinschers.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC
They’re small, require minimal expense and upkeep.
HOST VO
As a family dog, the Min Pin must be socialized early with children. But on the whole, they can get along with everyone.
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HOST VO
While all Miniature Pinschers have their own unique personalities, there are some universal truths to this dynamic breed.
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For environment keep this dog busy and he’ll love living in an apartment. Health wise, the Miniature Pinscher will live long, but he’s got brittle bones and likes to overeat. Grooming the Miniature Pinscher couldn’t be easier, but training can be tough unless you demonstrate your authority early on. And as a family dog,
the Min Pin gets along with just about
everyone…
FEMALE WEARING LIGHT PANTS OC
Jump, here, jump. Good job.
HOST VO
…making him a breed that’s tough, loyal, playful, and above all, cute.
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HOST VO
When Dogs 101 continues, the breed that has 250 degree vision. This little guy is a marvel underground. And the breed many call the most beautiful of all.
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HOST VO
President Truman’s Irish Setter, Mike, had
the run of the White House. But, when the Irish Setter King Timahoe moved in with the Nixon Family, the breed became the country’s third most popular, and Irish Setters are romantic, too.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC
They’re great kissers.
TYSON KILMER VO/OC
They’re really boisterous. They really love to have a good time and party.
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HOST VO
Irish Setters are happy go lucky, playful dogs that thrive on physical activity.
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The fields and woods of Sharp’s Farm in New Hampshire are pure heaven to an Irish
Setter.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
Irish Setters were bred in Ireland. They need a lot of exercise. They love to run.
They’re very, very fast.
HOST VO
No one knows for sure, but it’s believed that the Irish Setter developed in the 1700’s from a mix of Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, Setting Spaniels, Pointers, and a dash of Gordon Setters.
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But, its signature, silky, mahogany coat is not its original coloring.
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No. This is what they first looked like, mostly white with red patches.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
It was originally red and white. Now there is a separate breed called the Red and White Setter.
HOST VO
The deep red coloring appeared in the 19th century. It became a mark of quality and superior sporting ability. And to newcomers and veterans alike, the rich red coat caught in just the right light remains one of the most beguiling features.
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HOST VO
As bird dogs go, the Irish Setter was designed to do it all—find birds, point them out to the hunter, and to retrieve down quarry.
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They do this by quartering, running a unique zigzag pattern in front of the hunter. This helps them scan up and down the wind for bird scent.
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HOST VO
Finding birds over miles of territory takes what breeders call an excellent nose.
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Irish Setters scent their quarry in the air, not on the ground like scent hounds. Its narrow balanced frame and long legs make the Setter nimble enough to turn on a dime. Some say the Irish Setter can run faster and
has more endurance than other Setters. These dogs have the ability to travel over vast and varied terrain, characteristics that come only in a dog with a cavernous chest that houses a massive heart and gigantic lungs, which provides these energetic dogs with plenty of oxygen.
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HOST VO
But, this high spirited breed does have some health issues.
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Like most large canines, Irish Setters are prone to cancer.
ANDREA ARDEN VO/OC
I do think, unfortunately, Setters in general are prone to cancer and they do tend to suffer from bone cancer as well.
HOST VO
But, fortunately for these dogs, new advances in veterinary medicine are helping nurse them back to help.
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Jeff Philbert knows a lot about cancer in Irish Setters. It’s his life’s work. And that work led him to a special friend.
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DR. JEFF PHILBERT VO/OC
Hi Diane. This is Dr. Philbert. How you doing? How’s Felix feeling today?
HOST VO
Dr. Jeff Philbert is a Veterinary Oncologist who treats dogs and cats with cancer,
hundreds of them each week.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT OC/VO
I definitely think we see more cases on an annual basis and cancer on an increasing incidence in our….
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…older pet population.
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HOST VO
Two and a half years ago, however, tragedy struck and Dr. Jeff Philbert, the Oncologist, became Jeff Philbert, his own client. Within 30 days of each other he lost both of his beloved dogs, Clifford a Shepherd Husky mix, and Calvin, a Lab, Australian Shepherd mix, to a fast spreading malignant cancer of the blood vessels.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT OC/VO
That ripped my heart out. People talk about that idea of the one perfect dog. And you know I had two perfect dogs. I just really don’t think that emotionally I was ready to, to let another dog into my heart. And I think part of it may have been for the fear of loss.
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HOST VO
Two years ago, Penny, a year old Irish Setter puppy was brought to Dr. Philbert for a consultation.
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The dog’s breeder was having trouble finding a home for the dog due to a
recurring cancer.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT VO/OC
The second removal the tumor had not been completely removed. It yet grew back another time.
HOST VO
But, Dr. Philbert soon discovered that with the right treatment Penny could recover. But, the treatment would be expensive, a cost Penny’s owner feared she could not cover. The dog’s future remained uncertain and it looked like she might have to be put down.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT VO/OC
I could sense, was getting emotional you know because she had, obviously, had a bond with her and was really trying to look at you know, what is she going to do?
HOST VO
But, on that visit the insightful dog sensed a connection with the doctor and took matters into her own paws. As her owner and Dr. Philbert discussed the pup’s future, Penny climbed onto Philbert’s lap and into his heart.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT OC/VO
She literally chose me. I didn’t even think about it. And, I just said, I’ll take her.
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HOST VO
A week later Dr. Philbert adopted Penny, surprising his family when he brought the Irish Setter home with him.
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DR. JEFF PHILBERT VO/OC
A year later, Penny is happy, active, runs faster than any dog that I’ve seen.
HOST VO
Today, after successful surgery, Penny is a happy and healthy dog.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT VO/OC
Go on. Go find the bird. She has absolutely filled the hearts in, in the void that we had from losing Clifford and Calvin previously. Fate, you know, has its way of working things out. That she came here that day and you know she, you know, she needed me I guess as much as I needed her. And I do truly believe that that happened for a reason.
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HOST VO
Irish Setter owners will tell you that as a breed, Irish Setters seem eternally youthful and uniquely loving, devoted to their owners.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT OC
Have a good day today.
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HOST VO
But, don’t be seduced by this breed’s charm and beauty if you can’t provide the right environment for one.
TYSON KILMER VO/OC
If you’re a couch potato, don’t even bother getting this animal. This is a dog that needs to run. This is a dog that needs to jump. This is a dog that needs to bark and be vocal and get his point across.
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HOST VO
On average, Irish Setters live 11 to 16 years. But, they’re prone…
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…to cancer, epilepsy, eye disease, and other health problems. Chiefly bloat, the life threatening condition common to all deep chested dogs, but Setters especially.
Setters require regular grooming.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
They do need to be brushed because they have that long, silky coat.
HOST VO
When training, patience is a virtue.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC
They are easy to train because they really want to please you.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT OC
Sit, sit.
HOST VO
And they make a great family pet.
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TYSON KILMER OC/VO
I’ve never met a mean Irish Setter. And if your kids want to have a good time…
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…and they want to run and play, this is a great dog for you.
HOST VO
So, in general, these dogs need space to run on a regular basis. Among other things,
it’s prone to cancer and bloat. They’re easy to groom, but you have to do it often. Trainable with patience and a soft touch, and one of the best breeds for an active family.
DR. JEFF PHILBERT VO Come on.
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HOST VO
Still ahead on Dogs 101, the dog that can fly through the air. And the breed that makes rats sweat.
HOST VO
Now it’s time to play Pick The Pooch. Sometimes nicknamed the smiley dog for its seemingly permanent grin, this cold loving, fluffy white canine originated in arctic Siberia over 3,000 years ago. Can you guess what dog this is? The answer when we come back.
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HOST VO
Which ancient, cold-loving breed seems like it’s always smiling? That’s right, the
Samoyed. This smiley dog sheds so much fur it’s often used to make flies for fly fishing.
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HOST VO
When it comes to speed, the whippet is the Ferrari of the dog world. With speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, this breed can outpace a grizzly bear, a white tail deer, and even a kangaroo. Contributing to the whippet’s speed, a unique propulsion system that allows the breed to cover ground quickly.
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DR. SOPHIA YIN VO/OC
Whippets have a gait that’s perfect for speed.
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When they extend, they have a full extension and it looks like they’re flying like superman.
HOST VO
The whippet attributes its speed to the double suspension gallop, a stride found in sight hounds where all four paws are off the ground, not once, but twice. The first suspension occurs when all four legs are tucked up under the body. The other time is when they’re completely extended and almost parallel to the ground. This is a more efficient leaping gait utilizing their long, lean, muscular bodies to cover more ground in a shorter period of time.
DR. SOPHIA YIN VO
In terms of speed it means that they can get the maximal stretch and the maximal length per stride.
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HOST VO
The Whippet got its name because of its whip like speed. Just like its larger sight hound cousin, the Greyhound, the Whippet will amaze on a flat out sprint.
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HOST VO
While small Greyhounds…
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…can be found in art dating back to Roman times, the first mention of Whippet in the English language was in 1610. The modern Whippet was created by working class people in Northern England in the late 1800’s, crossing the Greyhound with the Terrier to gain advantage in hunting and delivering rabbits to the stewpot.
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HOST VO
With their eyes constantly on the prize, the Whippet is the most popular among the sight hounds. They can navigate in the dark like they have their own night vision goggles and have 250 degrees of sight, whereas humans only have 180 degrees.
DR. SOPHIA YIN VO/OC
Their head is actually pretty narrow. So it allows their eyes to be further on the side of their head, which allows them to see at a wider range.
HOST VO
Their hare-like feet give great strength for clawing into the ground, although they leave a very light trace. The short hair Whippet is the most common, although
you see long hairs occasionally. Their coat is smooth and not very thick. It’s easy to clean and comes in a wide variety of colors and shades.
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FEMALE WEARING BLACK TEE VO
Want some more?
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HOST VO
But, the really fascinating thing about
Whippets is they have two speeds, 35 miles per hour…
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…and zero.
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HOST VO
Super sprinter.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
When I think of a Whippet, I think of the Ferrari. They’re just a high class, beautiful, athletic dog.
HOST VO
And couch potato.
DR. SOPHIA YIN VO
Even though they run really fast, they are actually really, really laid back. So, in the house they’re a great house pet because they’re actually sleeping most of the time.
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JEAN MACKENZIE OC
Ansel, we’re going to get you
running. Are you ready?
HOST VO
Jean MacKenzie experiences…
JEAN MACKENZIE VO
Let’s go.
HOST VO
…this contrast daily.
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She’s been training Whippets for 25 years.
JEAN MACKENZIE OC/VO
Yes! There’s just something about the Whippet. I love the athleticism, I love the way they look, and I love the way they live in the house with you. The best thing about the Whippet is how they want to interact with me.
HOST VO
Among the sight hounds, the Whippet is the most biddable, meaning they enjoy being with their owners no matter what the activity...
JEAN MACKENZIE VO
Come up.
HOST VO
…even training.
JEAN MACKENZIE OC
Thank you. Click him right away when he’s in.
HOST VO
Jean uses positive reinforcement training using a clicker. The click tells the dog exactly when they’re doing the right thing. Good job. The click is followed
immediately with a treat. This clear form of communication combined with positive reinforcement is an effective, safe, and humane way to teach your dog any behavior that it’s physically and mentally…
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HOST VO
Okay, we’ve got a well-trained classic Velcro dog here. They’ll want to be with you all day long and sleep most of that time. But, when they’re ready to turn on their booster rockets again, it’s a joy to watch them go. And, what do they like to do with all that athletic prowess and speed? Flyball.
CINDY HENDERSON VO/OC
Fly ball is…
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… a relay race for dogs. It’s the only team sport that there is for dogs.
HOST VO
The two lane course is 51 feet long, has an electronic countdown, a referee, judges, and scorers. And, it’s mad loud in there.
CINDY HENDERSON VO/OC
Essentially there are four dogs on a team.
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They have to go over four jumps, hit a mechanical box with their paw, catch a tennis ball, turn over the four jumps, and then the next dog on a team goes.
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Fly ball’s like a sprint versus a marathon and a Whippet is great in a sprint race. And so they do great at this sport. The World’s Record team, as a matter of act, has a Whippet on their team and he is super fast, and exciting to watch race.
HOST VO
And the World Record is an amazing 15.2 seconds for all four dogs up and back.
MALE REFEREE OC
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HOST VO
Whippets will fit in anywhere. Being a medium size dog and very thin, they can coexist, snuggle up, and charm you wherever they are. Not a lot to groom, the short hair is odor free. Their coats do not provide proper insulation for colder weather. So a doggy jacket is recommended when exposed to sustained cold weather. Clip the nails regularly and use a soft rubber brush when bathing. Overall, this is a healthy dog. It’s not prone to hip dysphasia despite its athletic nature. And with proper diet and care, the Whippet will give you up to 15 years of loyal companionship. They’re not prone to snapping, so they’re good with children.
But, if you have cats…
VICTORIA WELLS VO/OC
You have to be aware that they have the, the potential to chase after small animals. So if you have a cat at home, you might not want a Whippet.
HOST VO
These are sensitive dogs, so positive training methods are essential.
JEAN MACKENZIE VO
Good boy. Good boy.
HOST VO
Although not ideal for everyone, Whippets are a breed that combines beauty and grace with love and loyalty. These dogs are adaptable, have no major health concerns, use that rubber brush and the clicker, then cuddle with the kids on the couch.
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HOST VO
When Dogs 101 comes back, meet the dog with an emergency bark.
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FEMALE WEARING PINK SHIRT VO Come!
HOST VO
The West highland White Terrier is one of the only dogs whose tail was bred to be strong enough to pull them out of tight holes.
VICTORIA WELLS OC/VO
They have the boldest personalities of all dogs. They’re tenacious.
HOST VO
Westies are also great at finding rats in a maze. But, can this Westie earn the title, Master Earth Dog?
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC
Think ‘Type A.’ That’s a Westie.
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FEMALE WEARING WHITE SHIRT OC
It’s awake.
HOST VO
Cute and cuddly, yes. But, this little character is definitely not a lap dog.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO
They’re feisty little dogs. They’re like little Napoleons.
HOST VO
This mug may be cute to us…
AMY SHOJAI VO
Go get it.
HOST VO
…but for a critter in a hole, this is the face of terror, terrier terror that is.
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AMY SHOJAI OC/VO
Dogs come from Scotland. They are one of the terrier group that was bred to go to ground and dig out varmints, all kinds of
things.
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HOST VO
Westies are close on the family tree to Cairns, Skyes, Dandies, and other terriers of Scotland. Originally bred to clear farms, mines, and large estates of vermin, it
wasn’t long before this working dog…
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…charmed its way into the home.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO/OC
They’ve really become family dogs. They are adorable.
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They’re as cute as a button.
HOST VO
That adorable white coat is the most obvious Westie feature. It’s double layered with a course outer coat, which sheds dirt and debris as it tunnels. A warm undercoat makes it a good cold weather dog.
VICTORIA WELLS OC/VO
They were developed from Cairn Terriers that happened to be white and bred over and over again until they achieved these white dogs.
NANCY GAUTHIER VO
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go! Go, go, go, go!
HOST VO
Legend has it the white coat was born out of a tragic hunting accident. A Scottish nobleman, Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm accidentally shot his red Cairn
Terrier thinking it was a fox.
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
So he said, Gosh darn it. I’m going to breed a white terrier so I won’t accidentally shoot them hunting.
VO
Good girl.
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HOST VO
Narrow shoulders, rounded ribs, and wide hips give the Westie’s body a bullet shape.
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This shape allows the dog to wriggle out of tight spaces. But, many a Westie still manage to get into trouble.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN OC/VO
They would often dig themselves deep underground. And the only way that they could get dug out was if they bark loud enough so that people knew where they were. And they’d take their shovels and dig them out.
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HOST VO
It turned out that so many dogs got stuck in holes that a third, unique trait was bred into the Westie, a super strong tail.
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NANCY GAUTHIER VO
If they’re in the hole and you’re trying to get them out, you can grab their tail and you can pull on them.
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It doesn’t hurt them.
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HOST VO
Generations of breeders developed a tail with a robust bone and muscle structure. The vertebrae at the base of the tail are almost equal in size to the rest of the spine. If necessary, the tail can be gripped to pull the dog out of the hole without hurting them.
HOST VO
For Nancy Gauthier, her daughter Mitsie, and granddaughter Kendall the spirit of the Westie is a family affair.
KENDALL BEAL OC
Training Westies for me is…
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…kind of like a family tradition.
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MITSIE BEAL OC/VO
Growing up in a Westie household, we could have 15 dogs in the house at a time.
It was kind of crazy. We were lit after that. I just kind of stuck with it.
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HOST VO
Kendall was next to catch the Westie fever.
KENDALL BEAL OC/VO
I just feel so proud for the dog when they get that real big goal.
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HOST VO
Kendall has been learning the ways of the Westie from grandma. She is now preparing to enter he dog, Chloe into a doggy event, which grandma helped to pioneer. It’s called Earth Dog.
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NANCY GAUTHIER OC
Nice job.
KENDALL BEAL OC/VO
Earth Dog is a reenactment of back in the day when farmers had trouble with the rodents that killed the crops. And the Westies were put down the hole to kill the nest and potentially everything in there.
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HOST VO
The whole idea here is to test the Westies’ natural instinct to hunt. How? Well, you dig a system of mazes. At one end you put a rat. Don’t worry. Nothing happens to the rat. It’s used to scent the quarry box and then removed.
KENDALL BEAL OC/VO
We don’t let him get too close to Chloe. Just look at that little face.
HOST VO
The Westie is then sent through a hole at the beginning of the maze. Now it’s up to the dog to get to the rat scent.
KENDALL BEAL OC
Chloe has the instincts of a killer.
HOST VO
But, does she have what it takes to be a Master
Earth Dog? To qualify as a Master Earth Dog, a pooch must get through the maze to the rat scent within 30 seconds and then remain at the scent without backing away for 30 more seconds.
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KENDALL BEAL VO/OC
I’m really nervous about next week’s event. I really want her to get it so we can move on to the next level.
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HOST VO
Kendall and Chloe go for the Earth Dog goal, next on Dogs 101.
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NANCY GAUTHIER OC
Now…
HOST VO
Kendall and her grandmother, Nancy are training
Kendall’s Westie, Chloe for the upcoming Earth Dog competition. Kendall hopes to impress grandma who happens to be a legendary Earth Dog Trainer.
NANCY GAUTHIER OC/VO
That’s number one. She wants to back away and work further back in the tunnel. She’s not working close.
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HOST VO
The day of the Earth Dog test rolls around.
KENDALL BEAL VO
I think the extra training we did will help Chloe get this next leg.
HOST VO
There’s not much Kendall can do. It’s all in Chloe’s paws.
FEMALE WEARING HAT OC
Okay.
KENDALL BEAL OC
Go get the mousies.
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HOST VO
Though she makes it through the maze, Chloe backs away from the rat scent.
FEMALE WEARING HAT VO
Yeah, sure.
HOST VO
Because of this fault, Chloe does not make the cut as an Earth Dog.
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But, winning is secondary. What’s important is how training Westies brings the family together.
NANCY GAUTHIER VO
There’s a lot of satisfaction in watching my granddaughter having the same amount of fun out of their dogs as I’ve always had.
KENDALL BEAL OC/VO
It’s really special to me because I feel like it’s
almost my duty to raise Westies.
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HOST VO
While no two Westies are the same, in general they do well in most environments.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
Westies can be in an apartment but…
NANCY GAUTHIER VO
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go!
DR. KAREN HALLIGAN VO
…remember, they’re not lap dogs.
HOST VO
The Westie is a hearty breed that can live up to 14 years.
NANCY GAUTHIER VO
Go!
HOST VO
Hip problems and some other health…
NANCY VO
Good boy!
HOST VO
…issues are a concern.
NANCY GAUTHIER VO
Good boy.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC
If you have a lot of sun, they can have problems with the ear tips with sunburn.
HOST VO
Training this breed is no picnic.
VICTORIA WELLS OC
You have to have a little bit of a dog experience before you get one of these Westies. They’re a lot to handle.
HOST VO
Keeping that double layered white coat clean can be a challenge.
AMY SHOJAI OC/VO
They’re going to take a little bit more coat care than some of the other breeds.
KENDALL BEAL OC
Yeah.
HOST VO
The Westie is small, so children should be monitored around the dog. But, in general, they are good in a family.
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DR. KAREN HALLIGAN OC/VO
They make amazing pets, wonderful dogs.
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FEMALE WITH PIGTAILS OC
Hi, puppy.
HOST VO
The Westie does not like extreme heat. Generally, healthy, but susceptible to sunburn on the ears. Keeping the breed’s coat in good condition can be a chore. And a strong will makes it a challenge to train. Generally, this is a great family pet.
KENDALL BEAL OC/VO
I love Westies. Westies are great.
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HOST VO
So to recap, the Doberman Pinscher is a newer breed bred for tax collectors.
ANDREA ARDEN OC/VO
Well, unfortunately, like a lot of dogs the
Doberman is not generally really used for what it was originally bred for. Although, I guess nowadays most tax collectors just harass people through the computer.
HOST VO
In Hollywood they earned the reputation as the breed of choice for villains. But, American breeders have tamed this breed and the Doberman today can be much more docile.
HOST VO
The Miniature Pinscher is not a small version of the Doberman. This little breed’s gait has been compared to a Hackney pony. It’s the result of an improbable mix of the Greyhound and the Dachshund, and its small size masks a bold persona.
DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN VO/OC
They tend to be pretty lively little sausages. You know run around the place and jump up on furniture. They’ve got such narrow bones that if they jump off a couch they could even do like a Colles fracture in their, in their wrist.
HOST VO
The Irish Setter rocketed in popularity when Presidents Truman and Nixon brought them into the White House. Its unique style of open field running was developed to help it flush game. Today the Irish Setter is a loyal, family pet.
MALE TYSON KILMER OC/VO
You having this, this dog in a small dwelling or in a city environment is not the ideal place, in my
opinion. I like to see these guys living free, running wild, and having a great time doing it.
HOST VO
West Highland White Terriers look like cute little lap dogs, and they’re anything but.
AMY SHOJAI VO/OC
They have this really high cute factor going with that little white face, a little beard.
HOST VO
Bred to dive into holes and chase varmints,
Westies were designed with tails to pull them form underground and a bark to be heard above ground.
HOST VO
The Whippets are sight hounds. They can see in…
HOST VO
… a 250 degree arc around their body. They also have night vision. They’re a delicate looking breed that is born to run. Remember, each individual dog is unique. All may not conform to
breed standards. If you’re adopting a dog do your homework and choose your next best friend wisely.
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