Dogs --
  All dogs are members of the same species, Canis Familiaris, and are the most popular of animal types for pets. They all have the same basic genetic blueprint, anatomy and instincts. But the similarity stops there. Each has its own personalities and unique characteristics. There are 31 breeds of dogs, categorized in 7 Groups by the American Kennel Club.
Sporting Dogs | Hounds | Working Dogs |Terriers | Toys | Non-Sporting dogs | Herding Dogs
When choosing a dog for your pet, please consider the following issues in order to ensure a good match and, thus, a happy relationship with your new companion.
- Physical Characteristics - coat type - determines the grooming required;
- Size - affects the living space needed and cost of feeding;
- Temperament - its activity level, gentleness, impulsiveness, dominance, territoriality, emotional stability;
- Its ability to learn and whether it has watchdog or guard dog ability.
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Sporting Dogs -
| Brittany |
An American bird hunter; has a superb nose and is very friendly and desires to please. Medium in Size, 30 - 40 pounds and 17 1/2 to 20 1/2 inches. |
| Pointer |
A congenial companion, loyal and devoted, a true friend of man; has an even disposition, is alert and has good sense. |
| Pointer, German Shorthaired |
Highly intelligent, keen scenting powers, all-purpose dog, makes an excellent family watchdog and companion. 55 to 70 lbs,; 23" to 25" ht.. |
| Pointer, German Wirehaired |
All purpose dog, good retriever, keen-nose, courageous. 24" to 26" in ht. |
| Retriever, Chesapeake Bay |
Have wonderful qualities of retrieving. Males 65-80 lbs, Females 55 to 70.lbs. |
| Retriever, Curly-Coated |
Temperamentally easy to train. A strong, smart upstanding dog, show activity, endurance and intelligence. |
| Retriever, Flat-Coated |
He is unafraid of thick covert and cold water; has a delightful and inimitable character and temperament, and is a devoted family dog. He is highly intelligent, companionable and retains a youthful outlook on life. He is a handsome fellow. |
| Retriever, Golden |
A very mellow, friendly and trustworthy dog that delights in additional company to their home and/or space. It has a somewhat short life-span. |
| Retriever Labrador |
Has capabilities, fine temperament, and is very dependable. Good for guide dog for the blind, or for search and rescue work. Males - 60 to 75 lbs and 22-24" in ht. Females are a little smaller. |
| Setter, English |
Mild, sweet disposition of beauty, intelligence and aristocratic appearance. It is an ideal companion, however, it requires considerable exercise and so is better suited to the suburbs than the city. |
| Setter, Gordon |
Temperament is alert, interested and aggressive. He is also fearless and wiling, intelligent and capable. He should be loyal and affectionate, and strong-minded |
| Setter, Irish |
He is bold, gently, lovable and loyal. He is tough and sometimes requires more training than other breeds. He is typically "Irish" with a "devil may care attitude" that make him tremendously likeable. |
| Spaniel, American Water |
He is an all-around shooting dog with an excellent nose. His enthusiasm and thoroughness are an inspiration to the hunter, while his desire to please makes him easily taught, can be at time over-anxious. |
| Spaniel, Clumber |
He is a dignified, rather slow worker, but a sure finder and splendid retriever when trained. He is loyal and affectionate, but sometimes reserved with strangers, but never hostile or timid. |
| Spaniel, Cocker |
He is a great lover of home and family, ordinarily trustworthy and adaptable. He has an inherent desire to hunt and can be judiciously trained. |
| Spaniel, English Cocker |
The character of this dog is of extreme importance. His love and faithfulness to his master and household, his alertness and courage are characteristic. He is intelligent and has a merry dispositions, a willing worker both in the field and as a companion. |
| Spaniel, English Springer |
Friendly, eager to please, quick to learn, and willing to obey. At his best he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance, enthusiasm, and every inch a sporting dog of distinct spaniel character, combining beauty and utility. |
| Spaniel, Field |
He is level headed, intelligent, has great perseverance, endurance, moderate speed and agility. |
| Spaniel, Irish Water |
Is often called the clown of the spaniel family probable because of a characteristic topknot and a peak of curly hair between the eyes. He is the tallest of the spaniels. Usually very loyal to those he knows, but forbidding to strangers. He likes the water. |
| Spaniel, Sussex |
He lacks the speed of the Springer and the Cocker, but has an extremely good nose and is a determined hunter. He is a normal dog, not too difficult to train and when trained well becomes an excellent retriever. |
| Spaniel, Welsh Springer |
Always red and white, found principally in Wales and the west of England. An excellent water dog and can be used in any kind of game. He has a good nose, is easily trained. He makes a good guard dog but is gentle with children and other animals. |
| Vizsla |
These dogs were hunters and popular with the barons and warlords. He was swift of foot and cautious as to not alert the quarry. Robust hunters but friendly and gentle companions. |
| Weirmaraner |
This dog has good scenting ability, speed, courage, and intelligence. He does not like to be in a kennel. He is accustomed to being one of the family. |
| Wirehaired Pointing Griffon |
This breed was equally excellent in the woods or in the open. This dog is particularly adapted for swampy country, were its harsh coat is a great protection It is a strong swimmer and serves as an excellent water retriever, but it can be trained and entered to any game |
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 Birds can be wonderful pets just like dogs or cats. However, birds are a lifetime commitment for their owners.
Different species of birds have different life-spans. The smaller species, such as the Finch, has a life span of 2 years. The large species, such as the African Grey Parrot, can live up to 50 years.
Birds require more care from their owners than most pets. There are certain items and care that birds require:
- Adequate Living Space. You cannot have too big a cage for your bird. The rule of thumb is that the minimum cage space is the bird's wingspan plus a width in width. Be sure that the bars of the cage are spaced close enough that your bird cannot accidentally get its head or wings stuck between the bars.
- Proper Diet for their Species. Many manufactured diets are available in pet stores.
- Safe Conditions in the home. Whenever your pet bird is outside the cage, make sure it is safe. Ceiling fans, windows, and fireplaces are dangerous for birds. Also, make sure your cat leaves the bird alone. Another danger to birds is cooking on Teflon skillets.
- Yearly exams by Veterinarian. It is recommended that birds receive a complete physical exam and blood work every year. Your bird may need wing, beak and nail trims occasionally throughout the year.
 Birds are very good pets to have around. They are fun and lovable. Contact your local animal shelter to find a pet bird to adopt.
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