The Drahthaar is a very versatile hunting dog who can hunt any game on any type of terrain and even retrieve items from land or water. With his excellent nose and stamina, this dog is a perfect companion to hunters and active families.

Fast Facts:

Drahthaars are sporting dogs due to how fast and strong they are. They are a medium-sized dog, growing from one foot, ten inches to two feet, two inches at the shoulder. They usually weigh sixty to seventy pounds, making them a pretty solid dog. Like most dogs, Drahthaars can live a long life of twelve to fourteen years if they are properly taken care of.

History:

In the late 1800s, German hunters were in need of a strong dog who could hunt any type of game on any type of terrain. With this, they created the German Wirehaired Pointer, or the Drahthaar. To make this dog, the Germans blended the best qualities of the Pointer, Poodle, and Foxhound breeds to develop a dog that could retrieve items on land and in water, no matter what the environment or the weather. After his creation, the Drahthaar was admitted into the German Kartell for dogs in 1928 and was then brought to the United States in the 1920s. In 1953, the German Drahthaar Club of America was formed, making the Drahthaar a true staple in the American household.

Characteristics:

The Drahthaar is very loyal and affectionate to his family and people he knows, but can be tough with strangers. It is common for a Drahthaar to have a favorite person in his family. The Drahthaar is all about family because of how much he loves human companionship which makes him a great household dog as well as a good guard dog. With this, it is important to realize that a Drahthaar can be possessive and possibly act aggressive towards things that he might find strange or threatening; he will do anything to guard his family. Drahthaars can become bored rather easily so it is very important to exercise your Drahthaar and make sure that they are getting enough time outside play time. Drahthaars have a strong desire to please so it is not very difficult to train them using a reward system but it is important to make sure that the Drahthaar knows that humans are in charge or they might try to dominate the household and other animals. As always, it is essential to socialize a Drahthaar as early as possible to make them less aggressive as they age.

Puppy for Christmas!

Because it is the Christmas season, here is a video of a child getting the best gift in the world: a puppy!

Remember that there are always so many dogs that need happy families to get adopted into. If you are interested in a Drahthaar for your family or friends, then check out all of these amazing dogs up for adoption! Even if you just want to help these dogs, check out the National German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue anyway!

 

The royal and loyal Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an active and very smart dog that is ready to learn and eager to be trained. With their short legs, Pembrokes are wonderful with children and other animals. You can find Pembrokes in all different colors and fur markings as well.

Fast Facts:
Corgis, especially Pembrokes, are herding dogs who love to herd anything and everything. They are very short due to their stumpy legs so they are usually ten inches to one foot tall at the shoulder. They are a pretty solid dog, weighing up to thirty pounds. With the proper care and love, a Pembroke can live from twelve to fourteen years.

Welsh Corgis can come in two varieties: the Pembroke and the Cardigan. Before 1934, these two breeds were registered under one until many breeders publicized that the two breeds developed separately and differently. While they both have the same level of intelligence and herding abilities, the Cardigan is slightly larger and heavier than the Pembroke. However, the biggest difference between the two breeds is that the Pembroke have a little stub of a tail while the Cardigan has a long tail.

History:

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Unlike other dogs, the Pembroke’s origin comes from folklores. It is said that the Pembrokes sprang from fairies and elves. One day, two children were wandering in the forest and found these Corgis and brought them back home where the children’s parents told them the the Corgis were used by the fairies to ride into battle. It is said that as the dogs grew up with the family, they learned how to help take care of the children and the cattle.  The historical origin of the Corgis was that Vallhunds who were Swedish cattle dogs that were brought to Wales by the Vikings. Pembrokes were very popular in Europe and were finally brought into the United States in 1936. Today, they are among the Top 50 dogs breeds in the United States.

Characteristics:

While Pembrokes are still used as working dogs today, they are still very good family dogs as well. They are known to be very loving, loyal, and smart but can have a stubborn streaks at points. Pembrokes are relatively easy to train because of how much they want to please their owner and make them happy. However, if they are feeling particularly stubborn one day, food is always a perfect way to get a Pembrokes to do what you want. With this, they love to eat and can easily become obese is not given food in moderation. While they may be on the smaller end, Pembrokes are great guard dogs and their strong bark can ward over any stranger. Like every other dog, it is important to socialize your Pembroke as early as possible to make them as well-rounded as possible.

Corgis and the Queen:
It is likely that you have seen Corgis because of the Queen. Corgis are all over Buckingham Palace gift shops: key chains, stuffed animals, magnets, Christmas-tree ornaments and basically anything you could think of. The long line of royal Corgis started in 1933 with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth got their first Corgi: Dookie. Then, on Queen Elizabeth’s 18th birthday in 1944, she got her own Corgi and named her Susan. Susan gave birth to her own litter in 1949 and this started the program of royal breeding. While Queen Elizabeth’s children, may have not found the same love for Corgis, they are still a big part of the royal family today.

And do not forget, there are always dogs that need adopting. Try to go to shelters instead of “puppy boutiques” or breeders be cause those dogs need homes more than ever. If you want a Corgi, go no further than this link!