Dog Breeds & Our Dogs
The Cane Corso, also referred to as an Italian Mastiff, is a large dog breed that originated in Italy. It is a descendant of dogs the Romans used in warfare and was commonly used as a guard dog and to hunt big game. The AKC recognized the Cane Corso in 2010 as part of the working group.
Cane Corsos are quiet, loving, and very caring for their family. They are intelligent, very loyal, and protective, which makes them wary of strangers and excellent watchdogs. They are a “family-only” type of dog and are not interested in animals or people outside of their family unit. Early socialization can curb suspicious tendencies and overprotectiveness, but this dog will always be loyal and protective of its family.
The Cane Corso is more adaptable to temperature than they are to space. They do well in moderate climates and can handle cooler or warmer weather. As with all dogs, excessive heat or cold should be avoided. They are not well-suited to apartment living and are a better fit for a home with a large fenced in yard.
This is a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some breed-specific health issues to be aware of such as hip dysplasia, cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, and gastric torsion. Checking the genetic history of the parents and seeing health clearances can reduce several of these concerns.
Training is a must with this dog breed. If left untrained as puppies, Cane Corsos can become aggressive in their protectiveness. They are best-suited to experienced dog owners who are able to socialize, train, and confidently handle a large dog. They also have a stubborn streak and a tendency to test boundaries, so good leadership and persistent, consistent training are a must. Cane Corsos are sensitive to your tone of voice, so calm, self-assured verbal cues help them respond well to both praise and firm correction.
Their coat is short, shiny, and dense due to a light undercoat. Common coat colors include black, light and dark gray, light and dark fawn, and red with a brindle variation able to show up in any of the colors. They need minimal grooming to maintain a healthy coat. However, they will have seasonal heavy shedding twice a year, so be prepared to brush them more frequently.

You can get away with bathing your Cane Corso as needed, but if you plan on bathing them regularly, you’ll want to get them used to it early.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is important to remove tartar buildup and maintain proper dental hygiene. Daily brushing would be the best, but two or three times a week would be sufficient.

The Cane Corso is an active dog breed that requires regular exercise and also makes an excellent jogging partner. They are a working dog and need plenty of exercise to expend energy and maintain healthy muscle tone. In addition to long walks, you can also take your dog on a hike, a run, or even with you on bicycle rides.

They do get bored easily, so it’s important to keep this dog active and give them a job to do. Without a specified job or enough work, they will find their own, which can result in destructive or undesired behaviors. If you don’t have livestock your Cane Corso can help you with, dog sports like agility training, obedience, tracking, or dock diving are great options.

The Cane Corso typically stands between 22 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 80 to 120 pounds.
Cane Corsos generally live between 9 and 12 years.
Originating nearly 1,000 years ago in the Tibetan highlands, it is believed that the Cane Corso was originally used for guarding ancient monasteries. Historical research shows that the Romans were so impressed with the breed that they brought it back to Rome, where it is said that the Cane Corso was used to fight lions.

The Doberman Pinscher is known as one of the most effective guard dogs in the world. Once bred for the sole purpose of being a watch or protection breed, today’s Dobermans are being bred with more versatility in mind. Today, the Doberman Pinscher is used for search and rescue, police work, and is a loyal family companion. There was a time when Dobermans were bred with the intention of creating an aggressive breed, which led to a reputation that still precedes them.

The reputation of the Doberman would make you think they are all just nasty Junk-Yard dogs, but it is untrue. The breed is being bred with a less aggressive temperament in mind, making them a much more suitable pet. If you are looking for an alert, imposing, but great family pet, the Doberman Pinscher is a good pick for you. Keep in mind, that the Doberman Pinscher is still one of the most powerful and protective breeds in the world, so socializing them with kids, other people, and other family pets as a puppy is vital to avoid issues as the dog grows. What you can expect with a Doberman is a dog that will share a close bond with its family, and will never come up short on showing its affection.
The Doberman Pinscher is not an overly sensitive breed, but there are certain things to be aware of. Because it is such an affectionate breed with its family, the Doberman hates to be left alone often. If you are getting a dog that will be left at home all day without human contact, this is not the dog breed for you. This dog has a short coat, so will not do very well with cold temperatures. They are a large breed that will do better with a large living area as opposed to an apartment or condo setting.
The Doberman has been known to have some health issues, but with proper knowledge of a puppy’s heritage, many can be avoided. Some of the issues to watch for are Von Willebrand’s Disease, a blood disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Another issue to be aware of is Wobbler’s Syndrome, which is a genetic issue caused by the compression of the spinal cord. Again, making sure there is no history of these issues in a Doberman puppy’s bloodline is a good way to protect you from getting a dog with these issues.
The Doberman Pinscher is one of the smartest breeds in the world, so any motivated owner, even a novice one, should be able to effectively train this dog breed. But, here is the other side of the coin, it is also a dog breed with a strong will and is a very powerful dog, so it is vital that it is trained properly, which may make it a better fit for a more experienced owner. Either way, it is recommended that any owner attend some sort of obedience training with their Doberman Pinscher.
The Doberman is a relatively easy breed to groom, since they have a short coat with minimal shedding. It is recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth once a week, and trim your Doberman Pinscher’s nails once a month.
The Doberman Pinscher is a very energetic and playful dog breed. They are a larger breed, so will not have the stamina of say, a Blue Heeler, but they will be intense and give it their all until they get tired. Daily exercise of this dog breed is highly recommended.
A full size Doberman Pinscher will weigh between 60 and 90 pounds and will stand between 24 and 28 inches at the withers.
Doberman Pinschers generally live between 10-13 years.
A Doberman named Kurt was the first canine causality in the 1944 Battle of Guam during WWII. Kurt ran ahead of the troops to warm them of approaching enemy soldiers. The brave dog saved the soldiers but was killed by an enemy grenade. Kurt became the first dog buried in the United States Marine Corps War Dog Cemetery.

The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentine Mastiff, has been bred since 1928. They are an AKC-recognized dog breed and are known for their bravery, loyalty, and affectionate personality. The original breeder, Antonio Nores Martinez, bred this dog for big game hunting: specifically wild boar. Though it’s a purebred dog today, originally it began as a cross between Cordoba Fighting Dogs and an array of other dogs - including the Great Dane.

The Dogo Argentino is trained for search and rescue, assisting police, acting as a service dog, and military work. They have an aptitude for obedience training and have become well-known for being protective. They do well with other dogs, as well as children. However, they should be supervised for the first few times of meeting a new or unfamiliar pet or child. They are comfortable in group settings, and are remarkable social butterflies, but will need extensive socialization throughout their life. Because aggression was specifically bred out of the Dogo Argentino, attacks are extremely rare.
This pup thrives on being a part of a close, growing family and does best in rural areas where there is plenty of room to romp around. They can be perfectly happy in a smaller home, or even an apartment, but will need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep boredom at bay. This breed is always happy to be around their owner. Try not to leave them home alone for long periods of time, and bring them with you whenever able. This will help cut down on boredom and possible destructive behavior.
Dogos are generally a healthy breed as long as they are kept on a reliable, nourishing diet and given plenty of exercise. These dogs are incredibly strong and will need an owner that is not afraid of roughhousing or playing. You should also keep up-to-date with vet checks. Their most prevalent possible issue is pigment-related deafness. By having regular vet visits, you will be able to combat this well into your dog’s golden years.
This dog breed is not prone to barking at all because it has been trained to remain quiet while hunting. The Dogo Argentino responds well to training – but they tend not to be a good fit for first-time owners due to their size and strength. Even if you have experience training large dogs, we still suggest you work with a trainer.
Dogo Argentinos will only need to be brushed once a week, and bathed after a day on hiking trails or running around in the mud.
This dog breed ranges from somewhat to very active and will need plenty of exercise throughout its lifetime.
A Dogo Argentino usually stands between 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 80 to 100 pounds.
This dog breed generally lives 9 to 15 years.
When the Dogo Argentino was used as a big game hunting dog in Argentina, it was primarily used to hunt wild boar and mountain lions!
The Dutch Shepherd is a herding dog that originated in the Netherlands in the 1800s. It’s also known as the Dutch Herder or Hollandse Herder. The Dutch Shepherd was a versatile, intelligent, and independent working dog commonly used by farmers and shepherds to guard flocks of sheep, herd them, and keep them away from crops. They were also known to be a reliable farmhand that would herd the cows for milking and pull milk carts. The Dutch Shepherd would also alert farm owners when strangers came onto the property and even kept the chickens away from the garden kept for use in the kitchen. These dogs were bred to be sturdy in order to adapt to herding over harsh rural regions and so that they had few demands in a sparse environment. The first breed standard in the Netherlands was developed in 1898. The AKC currently recognizes the Dutch Shepherd a part of the Miscellaneous Class, which means the breed does not yet have full recognition. But, they have been given the Herding Group designation. Although they have maintained their herding and farm dog skills, the Dutch Shepherd is also a good fit for work as a police dog, search and rescue dog, tracking dog, and even a guide dog.
A Dutch Shepherd is a loyal, affectionate companion and a highly intelligent dog breed. They make a great addition to a family as they get along well with children and other animals. Their intuitive nature allows them to distinguish between when it’s time to work and time to play, which results in a focused, hardworking dog when on the job and a playful pooch when they’re not working.

These dogs are also active, alert, and watchful, which makes them a good watchdog. Because they were bred to be guard dogs and herding dogs, they may be suspicious or wary of strangers. As with any dog, socialization early and often results in a well-rounded dog that is confident in a variety of situations and with different people.

Because the Dutch Shepherd is a high energy working dog, they are generally not a good fit for apartments. Size-wise they can be a good fit as long as they are properly exercised, but it’s generally not recommended. These dogs thrive in larger homes with yards where they can run or on a farm or ranch where they can roam and work.

They tend to be a good fit for most climates. As with many dog breeds, they can be sensitive to extreme heat or cold. This dog breed also wants to be your partner, which means they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

The Dutch Shepherd is a generally healthy dog breed. As with any dog breed, there are some health conditions to be aware of including hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid issues, and goniodysplasia. Goniodysplasia is an eye defect that can result in small drainage openings, which can prevent eye fluid from outflowing normally. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of both of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns you may have.
High intelligence and an intuitive nature make the Dutch Sheperd highly trainable. This dog breed is able to work alongside their owners or deal independently with their tasks. But, obedience training is necessary to keep this dog mentally stimulated and to let them know what they are expected to do.

This dog breed has independence and a strong character that can be a challenge for first-time dog owners when it comes to training, which can result in an obstinate dog that makes its own decisions. Dutch Shepherds tend to be a better fit for active owners and families who have experience with dogs. First-time owners can do well with this dog, but enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or enrolling in training classes is recommended for effective obedience training.

The Dutch Shepherd’s coat is a bit unique as it comes in three different types – short-hair, long-hair, and rough-hair. Common coat colors are gold brindle or silver brindle, but the rough-haired coat type can sometimes be so curly that it loses its brindle look. Each coat type has its own grooming needs.

The short-haired coat type requires brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during the heavier shedding sessions twice a year. The long-haired coat type only requires brushing about once a week. Depending on this dog’s environment and what they get into, they may need to be brushed more often. The rough-haired coat type tends to be quite curly and only needs to be brushed once a month. During seasonal changes twice a year, their coat also needs to be hand-stripped to help keep them comfortable.

For all coat types, bathing is on an as-needed basis. Also, if their nails aren’t being worn down naturally by their work and overall activity, you should trim them or file them to make sure they aren’t getting too long or are cracking. Checking in on their nails monthly and trimming as needed is usually sufficient. It’s also a good idea to regularly check their ears and carefully clean as needed. You want to make sure their ears are dry, free of wax buildup, clean, and clear of debris. This can help prevent ear infections.

It’s also important to care for your dog’s teeth and gums. Dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, you can help prevent the tartar buildup that leads to dental disease and help protect your dog’s mouth! You can also use vet-approved dental hygiene chews or treats, or even a specially-formulated dental care diet, to help supplement your efforts.

Generally, it’s a good idea to get your dog used to grooming tasks as a puppy. By getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience, you can help make grooming a much easier process for both you and your dog throughout their life. It may even become a bonding time that your dog looks forward to!

This dog breed is a working dog with a lot of energy, so they need more than just a few walks every day. They will adjust their energy level depending on whether it’s time to work, play, or relax, but they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. The Dutch Shepherd is known for being a competent working dog, which means they need a job to do to be happy. That, paired with their trainability and high energy, make them a good fit for dog sports. Generally, Dutch Shepherds are a good fit for herding trials, tracking events, obedience, and more.
A fully-grown Dutch Shepherd usually stands between 21-25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 40-75 pounds.
This dog breed generally lives 11-14 years.
It's no coincidence that this dog breed has an independent streak. They were often tasked with herding the sheep to pasture in the morning and bringing them back to the barn in the evening and expected to do so on their own without prodding or guidance.
The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile and well-recognized dog breeds in the world. German Shepherds were originally used as herders and to guard flocks against predators, both being jobs they are well suited for. The German Shepherd, named by the Queen of Switzerland, was first recognized as a member of the AKC herding group in 1908, although Max von Stephanitz and his colleague Arthur Meyer wrote the standard for the breed 9 years before in 1899. Some of the many uses for the German Shepherds today are K9 police dogs, military service, service dogs, and, of course, they are still awesome herding dogs!

The White German Shepherd is known for it’s plush white coat, it’s athletic body and it’s high intelligence. This unique dog is bred from German Shepherds and carries many of the same characteristics, yet it also carries the recessive white furred coat gene.

The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a very playful spirit, which makes them a great family pet. German Shepherds can be a bit wary of strangers, so early socialization with people is vital to curbing their suspicious nature. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for its family, while its loving and lively personality will make it fit right in as your loving companion.
Being a dog that was bred to herd and work, the German Shepherd will not be fond of apartment living and it probably won’t work for this dog breed. They don’t like being alone, as they are happiest when they are with their family and being active. They can be very sensitive to their surroundings, so realize that they may be a little off during large gatherings, and people need to respect that. They have a longer coat, so hot temperatures will not be comfortable for the GSD. They prefer cooler climates if possible. Also, failure to show this breed the proper amount of attention in the family unit can lead to a misbehaved German Shepherd Dog.
The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some things to be aware of. As with many large breeds, proper screening for the health of this breed’s hips, elbows, and the dog’s general genetic history is important. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health of the parents to get a good understanding of the line’s history in regards to health.
While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and trains fairly easily, they are no picnic for novice owners. If you do not have experience working with dogs, enroll in obedience classes and training, not just for the dog, but for yourself as well. This will help you to grow in experience, and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy. Keep in mind, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment, so continued training with your German shepherd throughout its life will be necessary.
White German Shepherds will shed all year round. This is because their coat is so thick. One way to minimize shed is to ensure that you brush them at least two to three times a week. Bathing is not necessary often — only when they look dirty. Brushing their teeth is very important to prevent dental decay and gum disease, although you can give them dental chews every day to help keep their teeth clean. One way to ensure that grooming your German Shepherd is not a traumatic experience for them is to begin grooming them from a young age. This will show them that there is nothing to be afraid of.Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly will help control tooth decay. Also, get your German Shepherd used to having their nails trimmed while young, as holding on to an 80-pound dog that is squirming is no fun.
The activity level of the German Shepherd is a high one. They are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they will love having a job to do. If you are looking for a lazy 80-pound couch potato, this is not that dog breed. This is the dog breed that runs around the yard with your kids, insists on daily games of fetch, and needs to run to be happy and balanced.
An adult German Shepherd should weigh between 55 and 90 pounds and stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the withers.
The life span of the German Shepherd is between 9 and 12 years.
All white German shepherd dogs have white fur because of their recessive white gene. The recessive white gene is kind of an on and off switch. If white shepherd parents give birth to white shepherd pups, they would only give birth to white pups. The other colored pups would not be born from the parents.