Tag: Breed Spotlight

Last week, Best Bully Sticks had the chance to talk with Maria Dales, Director & Founder of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. This completely volunteer run breed rescue in Southern California has a lot of fire in their bellies and networking abilities to make a difference in many doggy lives. Read more about GSROC in the BBS Rescue Spotlight below. (We think you’ll especially enjoy Maria’s rescue success stories.)

When & Why did you start?
In 1998, we began as a small offshoot chapter of a larger LA-based German Shepherd Rescue group.  We began by transporting one dog at a time from LA to market that dog in Orange County because at that time there were no German Shepherd Rescue groups in OC.  Thanks to the dedication and compassion of our great volunteers, we quickly grew and realized that we needed to form our own organization.  We incorporated German Shepherd Rescue OC in 2005 and have consistently rescued and re-homed more dogs each year.

I personally feel that shepherds are misunderstood and largely underappreciated.  The thought of these incredibly intelligent, loving and loyal dogs languishing in animal shelters is overwhelming. I know that we can't stop or slow down when so many beautiful shepherds need our help.  Every single dog that comes to us was once a beautiful little puppy full of hope and promise--probably someone's pride and joy, at least for a while.  We owe it to these dogs to do everything we can to turn their lives around and put them back on the road to happiness.

What's different about your rescue?
Our volunteers embrace their rescue responsibilities as they would a "paying" job.  We try to set an example for other rescues to follow.  We have high standards for our adopters as well as for our volunteers.  I'm continually amazed by the level of commitment and dedication that our team members demonstrate.  Even as I write this at 9:30 PM, ten volunteers are out searching with flashlights for a missing dog.  A key differentiator for GSROC is that we focus on quality placements, not volume placements.  It is important to us that we choose solid, stable, loving homes for our dogs, and that we take the time and care to make prudent decisions to ensure the wellbeing of the dogs depending on us. Read more

Rottweilers—the protector of humans. Because ultimately, this dog saves lives through its work. And this dog does work; as a police dog, a guard dog, a rescue dog and even as a therapy dog. Read more about the origins of this dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Rottweiler.

History & Background: Rottweiler’s hail from Rottweil, Germany where they were used as herding dogs for sheep and for carrying carts full of goods to market.  In fact, Rottweiler’s are one of the oldest herding breeds. Rottweiler’s were selectively breed for their herding and guarding characteristics but as the need for these skills diminished over the years, breeding slowed down. At one point in the early 1900s there was only one living female Rottweiler in Rottweil, Germany. Not too long after this, Rottweiler clubs were started to preserve the breed and since, the breed hasn’t changed much at all.

During and since WWI & WWII the Rottweiler has been used a police dog, messenger, ambulance and guard dogs. The AKC recognized this breed in 1931

Height: 24"-27" for males; 22"-25" for females

Weight: 110-132 lbs for males; 77-105 lbs for females

Coat: Rottweiler’s coats are simply designed: a medium-length, dense and flat outer coat and an undercoat, which is mostly present on neck and thighs. The amount of undercoat will depend on the climate the dog is in, but should never show through the outer coat. This breed only sheds seasonally. Read more

The Komondor truly has a commanding presence. A unique looking, intelligent and fiercely loyal dog, Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight will take a look at what makes this strong-willed and strong-bodied dog tick. With origins in Asia and Eastern Europe, the Komondor is an interesting read!

History & Background: The name Komondor comes from phrase “Koman-dor” meaning “Dog of the Cumans” in the language of the Cumans, a migratory, light skinned and haired people. The Komondor has a common ancestry with Tibetan dogs. The Cuman people were pushed out of Asia around 900 during the Mongol conquest. The Cuman people finally found refuge and settled around 1200 in Hungary.

This large breed was used not as a livestock herder, but a livestock guard dog for large sheep and cattle. Their duty as guard dog to these animals came mostly without human prompting. Komondors were so revered in Cuman culture that their remains have been found in gravesites. These dogs are now a national Hungarian treasure and are being preserved so no sullying or modification happens to this breed. This breed began to spread around the world in the 1920s and started appearing in dog shows. This dog is still a favorite in the show ring and was recognized by the AKC in 1937. Today this dog is known as the “Hungarian Komondor” or “Hungarian Sheepdog.”

Height: Males: 27.5 inches minimum height, 31.5 inches average height; Females: 25.5 inches minimum height, 27.5 inches average height

Weight:  Males average 110–132 lbs, Females average 88–110 lbs Read more

Defining the perfect family dog is hard, but this week’s Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight might come close. A historical European breed, the Ibizan Hound has been a family hunting dog for ages. Find out more about this beautiful and affectionate breed below!

History & Background: The Ibizan Hound (pronounced I-bee-zan" or "I-beeth-an) originated from Eivissa, or Ibiza, approximately 80 miles off the coast of Spain. The first name for this unique looking dog was Podenco Ibicenco.  This hound was used for its speed in hunting rabbits for itself and the farming families of this small island. This hound is similar to the Pharaoh Hound, the Cirneco dell'Etna, the Portuguese Podengo, and the Podenco Canario, all of whom have ancient roots. Depictions of an Ibizan-type dog are seen on the walls of ancient tombs dating back to 3400 B.C. and it’s thought the Phoenicians brought these Egyptian dogs to Ibiza.

Height: 22-29 inches

Weight: 45-65 pounds

Coat: Ibizan’s have two coat variations: short and wire-haired. The short coat is more common and just that: short. This coat is shortest on the head and ears and then lengthens on the back of the thighs. A wire-haired Ibizan’s coat can range from 1 to 3 inches and can have a mustache as well. This coat variety finds more hair on the back, back of the thighs and tail. The texture of both varieties are hard in texture.  Read more

If there were one dog to mirror the spunk and energy of Cuba, it would be the Havanese. This breed is perfect for just about any family and is loyal to a fault. Read more about this small yet highly spirited dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Havanese.

History & Background: Just like the cognate for the name of this dog, the Havanese hail from Havana, Cuba where they were derived from the Blanquito de la Habana or the  “The Little White Dog From Havana.” The Havanese is actually the national dog of Cuba and is the only breed that originated from this country. It’s thought this breed was mixed with other Bichon types, including the poodle, to create what is now the Havanese. Even though this breed hails from Cuba, it’s ancestors can be traced back to Spain. This dog has been known by many names such as the Havana Silk Dog and the Spanish Silk Poodle.

Even though this dog is a part of the toy family, it’s not just a lap dog.  Havanese used to be guard dogs and herders for poultry flocks, watchdogs and playmates for children in Cuba. This dog has gained a lot of popularity in the show ring in past years and as of 1996 was recognized by the AKC.  

Height: 8½ to 11½ inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 7 to 13 pounds

Coat: The Havanese sports a double coat, however it is unlike most breeds with this trait. This dog’s outer coat, which on most is coarse and dense, is soft and light. Overall, a Havanese’s fur is abundant, long, wavy and should be silky to the touch. This dog’s coat is functional, too. The Havanese coat is built for the tropical climates in which it originated. The lightweight coat is used as a sunshade for hot days. Read more