Labrador Retriever

Photo courtesy of:
Tall Pines Labradors
Irwin, Pennsylvania

The Labrador Retriever is a large, powerful-looking dog with a blocky head, drop ears, a sleek, short coat, and a strong otter-like tail that can clear a coffee table in the blink of an eye. Weighing in at 60-80 pounds and standing 22.5-24.5 inches at the shoulder with a thick neck and strong quarters, he is a working dog in need of exercise to stay in shape. The short Lab coat is very dense and repels water, thus protecting the dog from chill as he goes about his work. The coat sheds rather more than one might expect, especially around the haunches. The coat comes in jet black, pale to deep chocolate, and yellow, which can range from cream to russet.

Labs are very social dogs, typically loving almost everyone and other dogs, too. They love to be with "their people" almost all the time, and will want to go with you everywhere. Although the Lab is the epitome of family dogs, he needs a household that is fairly active to satisfy his need for exercise and work. Daily walks, romps in a fenced yard, and games of fetch keep his mind and body in shape. Unless these needs are satisfied, the Lab may become a wanderer, a digger, or a chewer.

Lakeland Terrier

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The Lakeland Terrier originated in the Lake District of Cumberland, England near the Scottish border in the 1800's. He is related to several terrier breeds and is one of the oldest working terrier breeds still in use today. For generations, the Lakeland Terrier has been used in the Lake district to exterminatr the fell foxes which raid the farmers sheep fold during the lambing season. Whereas most terrier breeds have only to bolt their quarry, or to mark it by baying, the Lakeland must be able to kill the foxes in their lair. Despite his reputation for courage and tenacity, the Lakeland is a gentle and loving companion.

The Lakeland Terrier is a breed with a striking appearance and a distinctive personality. He is a small, compact athletic terrier, varying in height from 13 1/2 inches and weighing approximately 17 lbs. The Lakeland has a hard wiry body coat, soft undercoat and plenty of furnishings on muzzle, and legs. His color variations include red, red grizzle, wheaten, blue and tan, liver and tan, black and tan, solid liver and grizzle and tan. The most common colors are grizzle and tan, black and tan and red.

The Lakeland personality has a charm and companionability that are difficult to equal. His intelligence, sense of humor and zest for life make him an attractive choice for an active family, and he is wonderful with responsible children. Although devoted to his family, a Lakeland Terrier is more inclined to enjoy the role of "buddy" rather than that of subordinate. They are not usually one man dogs. The Lakeland Terrier is endowed with his fair share of terrier independence and inquisitiveness. He is exceptionally quick to learn, but he can be a true challenge to obedience train.

Lhasa Apso

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Originating in the lonely and isolated reaches of the Himalayan Mountains, the Lhasa Apso reflects his Tibetan heritage in many characteristic ways. Relatively unchanged for hundreds of years, these sturdy little mountain dogs are fastidious by nature and are guardians especially within their domain. Historically in Tibet, his primary function was that of a guardian inside the palace, where his intelligence, acute hearing and natural instinct for being able to identify friend from stranger made him well suited for his role.

The Lhasa Apso temperament is unique. His rather independent and stubborn nature requires patient understanding, and he resists harsh or strict discipline. He is rather calm and deliberate, although suspicious of strangers, a direct reflection of his long-standing heritage of seclusion in Tibet. Extremely devoted to family, the Lhasa Apso does not change loyalties easily and is less protective away from his home environment. Slow to mature, he does not reach his prime until well into his third or fourth year. He ages gracefully and keeps a youthful appearance and attitude well into his teens.

The standard's request for a Lhasa of 10 or 11 inches at shoulders dictates a dog whose bone is in proportion to his height and weight. Not only is height a factor in the breed, but consideration must also be given to weight, proportion and length of body, for these all contribute to the final overall balance. Weight should be approximately 13-15 lbs. The Lhasa Apso in proper weight and condition will be of good hard flesh, well muscled and neither too fat nor too thin, although a tendency to leanness is not uncommon in the young Lhasa Apso, slow to mature. Gold, cream, and honey are the most popular colors, but the coat also comes in smoke, dark-grizzle, slate and a multi-color assortment of brown, white & black. The coat is straight, hard and heavy, but not silky. The hair should cascade from the head over its eyes. When in full coat, they need to be brushed about once a day to keep their coats from matting.

Löwchen

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Lowchen means Little Lion Dog. The Lowchen is a small, bright, and lively dog that originated as a companion breed in Pre-Renaissance Europe where ladies of the court groomed it in the likeness of a little lion. Breed characteristics are a compact, balanced body; a relatively short, broad topskull and muzzle; and a proud, lively gait that accentuates the lion cut with a long flowing mane. These quintessential features, combined with an outgoing and positive attitude, result in a dog of great style.

Sprightly, affectionate, outgoing, playful and exuberant are all adjectives that describe the Lowchen. The breed takes well to training and makes an excellent candidate for obedience work.

The average Lowchen measures 10-13" at the shoulder and is 12-15 lbs. The non-shedding coat is soft, silky and may have a slight wave.