BarkSpot

Welcome to BarkSpot from Bark PDX, a blog dedicated to our pets and our lives and adventures with them. Here we will share ideas, information, news, links, fun stories, anecdotes and basically everything pet and animal related.

Big Dog, Bad Rap

While walking with one of my most favorite Rottweiler clients (you know who you are) the other day I got to thinking how obvious and unfair it is that some dogs get such a bad rap. This dog happens to be one of the sweetest and most gentle dogs I’ve ever met and she’s pretty well behaved too- but, does that get people to stop crossing to the other side of the street so as to avoid what must be a potentially dangerous situation? No! So, I was doing a little research on this topic and stumbled upon the American Temperament Test Society, Inc.’s website and found some very interesting information. They give dogs temperament tests on these areas:

• Unprovoked aggression
• Panic without recovery
• Strong avoidance”

In order to receive a passing score, the dog must not fail any one of these aforementioned categories. Just to give an example and break up the stereotype that some dogs have I will provide one comparison from the ATTS’ findings:

• Rottweiler with passing scores on this test:          83%
• Toy Poodle with passing scores on this test:          82.4%

Ironically, nobody seems to cross the street when I’m walking my Toy Poodle clients. While I think that one breed can arguably do more damage with a bite than the other, I think it’s worth mentioning that the probability of occurrence it almost identical.

Welcome to BarkSpot from Bark PDX, a blog dedicated to our pets and our lives and adventures with them. Here we will share ideas, information, news, links, fun stories, anecdotes and basically everything pet and animal related.

The First First Dog

Black & Tan Coonhound

Early this morning I heard someone in the park call their dog, “Bo”. Not to be confused with the Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog “Bo”, rather this was a mixed breed lab who was mighty cute. But, in thinking about the First Dog I wondered, who was the first First Dog? Did George Washington even have a dog? Well, the answer is no, George Washington didn’t have a dog. He had seven! He had 3 American Staghounds which are incredibly beautiful, especially if you like a little shag on your fast dog. George Washington also had 4 Black & Tan Coonhounds, another amazing breed that you don’t always see around (at least I don’t). If you’re interested in reading up a little more on the topic of these Coonhounds, check out the Wiki article by clicking the image.

Welcome to BarkSpot from Bark PDX, a blog dedicated to our pets and our lives and adventures with them. Here we will share ideas, information, news, links, fun stories, anecdotes and basically everything pet and animal related.

Hook Up a Weimaraner!

I remember the first time I ever saw a Weimaraner, it was a sunny day in Arizona (obviously) and he moved in across the street. I quickly befriended his owner so that I could get a closer look at what I thought was one of the most beautiful dogs I’d ever seen. He stood tall with a shiny, almost sivler coat and icy blue eyes. He was a sweet dog, he was sensitive and thoughtful too. He didn’t fit into any of the negative stereotypes associated with the breed and was nothing short of a great dog.

While looking through one of Bark PDX’s Facebook fan’s profiles I discovered this link for a Weimaraner Rescue. The need for a home doesn’t discriminate against even the most beautiful, thus the need to have these kinds of establishments looking out for our furry friends. Karl August, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach would be happy to know that there were organizations dedicated to preserving the well-being and integrity of his breed. Take a look, and of course help if and however you can.

Weimaraners Rescue