Samoyeds

The Samoyed breed originally lived and worked with the nomadic Siberian people, who relied on these dogs to help sustain their daily lives and civilization. Day in and day out, these pure white animals pulled their sleds, guarded their reindeer and kept the huts warm at night. Eventually, Samoyeds accompanied many of the arctic explorers on their long, dangerous expeditions. They endured indescribable hardships, withstood blood-freezing temperatures and pulled heavy sleds across miles of frozen wilderness. Samoyeds were part of Roald Amundsen’s successful expedition to the South Pole in 1911.

 In my song “White on White,” I describe the Samoyed’s huge contribution to mankind.

 Even today, these dogs cheerfully give of themselves and are always full of smiles. One of the most popular characteristics of this breed is the “Samoyed smile.” When happy, these intelligent, self-less animals literally look as though they are smiling or laughing at you.

Basset Blues

At first glance, Basset hounds look like sad dogs. Their eyes droop. Their skin sags. Their legs are short & bowed. They look depressed. A lot of people make fun of Bassets, as I describe in my song Blues for a Basset: “Well they call me droopy eyes, say my legs are undersized; When they laugh at my behind that’s where I draw the line.”

 Despite their comical appearance, Bassets are loyal dogs who become deeply attached to their owners. And if you’re one of those people who’s attracted to the Basset’s amusing build, you might just have “Blues for a Basset.”

Here are a few interesting tidbits on this unique breed:

• Because Bassets have short legs and carry 2/3rds of their weight upfront, they are poor swimmers and can easily drown. Don’t leave your Basset unattended while swimming!!!
• During the 1700’s Bassets were very popular hunting dogs. Why? Because they moved so slowly, it was easier to keep up with them when tracking game on foot.
• Don’t get confused by thinking just because Bassets are short, they are lightweight—most weigh between 50-65 pounds!

Yorkies: Popular and Easy to Pamper

Tiny. Pamper-able. Cute and adorable. In my song, “Ribbons & Bows,” I describe the Yorkie as “more than petite, more than sweet.” And in fact they are! If you are a Yorkie fan no doubt you love dressing up your pet in the latest fashions and putting ribbons in their hair. These dogs are simply irresistible. Despite their tiny size, Yorkies are terriers, and they like to act like one. They are energetic, stubborn and noisy. But they are hard not to love.

Princes, presidents and celebrities across the world have owned Yorkie Terriers. This includes people like Queen Victoria of England, President Richard Nixon, Princess Masako of Japan and actress Elizabeth Taylor.

The Cowboy’s Dog!

Want a piece of the old west? The Australian Shepherd is the very embodiment of these great legends! Riding with the Cowboys. Sleeping under the stars. Herding cattle along the prairie. The Australian Shepherd has done it all. These dogs are extremely intelligent and workaholics. Their energy is boundless as they were bred to herd cattle.

One of the most striking characteristics of this breed is their intense loyalty to their master. In my song entitled, “The Aussie Cowboy’s Song,” I describe this fierce loyalty by saying, “That cowboy, he goes on, how I’ve got the eye. How I’ll ride with him ‘til the day that I die.” Almost makes you want to cry when you think about how “true” these dog’s hearts are. You can hear the whole song by visiting www.itunes.com

Another fun part of this song is when I describe how the Aussie prompts the cattle to start moving:  “I nip at their noses and turn them around…I bite at their heels as they fly o’er the ground.”

The Aussie’s instinct to nip at heels is so strong that they will actually do this to their owners!!

The Borzoi’s Back in Town!

When you see one of these dogs walking down the street…or trotting in the show ring EVERYONE takes notice. The Borzoi is a gorgeous dog. Standing up to 36 inches in height, these dogs hold their heads high and walk proud. They are swift runners and were originally bred to hunt wolves. Their flowing coats look like a royal cape gracing their tall, slender bodies.

In my song, “The Borzoi’s back in Town,” I paint a lively picture of just how self-confident, gorgeous and stunning the Borzoi really is, especially in the show ring. You can download the song at www.itunes.com.

Throughout the United States & Canada, Borzois are highly-esteemed show dogs, being among the most dignified and relaxed in the overly-stimulating show ring.

Tweed Breed

Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland wanted an exceptional hunting dog that could fetch ducks out of the icy waters. He wanted a dog with stamina, courage and intelligence. And since no such dog existed to suit his satisfaction, Lord Tweedmouth began an ambitious breeding program of his own.

He developed a line of yellow hunting dogs that became prized for their strength, courage and temperament. Before long, Tweedmouth’s dogs, the Golden Retriever, became highly popular among the wealthy sportsman of England.

The breed was introduced to the United States in the early 1900’s. It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925.  To this day, the Golden Retriever is a favorite among dog enthusiasts. And if you want to feel an even greater affinity for your bundle of sunshine, get an earful of this purebred dog song, “King of Cool”—dedicated to the magnificent Golden Retriever race. It’s available from iTunes.com.

History of the Whippet

The Whippet is an endearing creature that is docile and affectionate. This breed has been around for centuries. Sculptures and paintings depicting small, hound-like dogs are dated as far back as the 6^th century BC.  It is believed that the Whippet originated from Greyhounds or other sight hounds.

 During the nineteenth century Whippet racing was a popular sport. The competition originated in England and spread to the United States. The dogs raced over a 200 yard track in packs of 6-7. In the early days, a lot of fanfare and money was involved in Whippet racing. The working class in England, who could not afford to indulge in horse-racing, took exceptional pleasure in racing their beloved Whippets. Whippet racing became so popular among the lower, working class that these dogs became known as “the poor man’s race horse” and “the poor man’s race dog.”

Today, Whippets are primarily house pets, although some enthusiasts still engages in racing simply for the fun of it. These dogs are skilled athletes who can run fast and “straight as an arrow.” To get a feel for a Whippet’s personality, check out this pure breed dog song entitled, “Whippet To Me.” You can download the music from iTunes.com.

The Ancient Poodle

The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds known to man. Engravings of Poodles have been dated as far back as 30AD. During the 15^th century, the Poodle was popular in France and a favorite of King Louis XIV.

Eventually Poodles became an important part of the entertainment industry in Europe. They traveled in circuses and performed various acts like tightrope walking and racing with monkeys on their backs. By the nineteenth century Poodles became extremely popular in Britain and in 1876 the Poodle Club was formed. 

Today, the standard Poodle is a stately, well-loved breed. And for all you Poodle lovers out there, what could be better than a cheery song describing your favorite pet? Check out “God Bless the French Poodle” on iTunes.com. This song will help you pick up some great historical tidbits on this ancient dog.

They’re Twisters!!!

German Shorthaired Pointers are exceptionally athletic dogs. They can jump, swim and run with incredible ease and skill. These dogs have been known to leap tall fences, spring over obstacles and chase other animals like there is no tomorrow.

The breed was originally developed as a sturdy, reliable hunting dog in Germany. Its wiry coat was an important characteristic, enabling the dog to endure all types of harsh weather conditions.  

I always think of these acrobatic dogs as little “twisters.” They come blowing in from the field or yard all wound up and bursting with energy. In the purebred dog song, “German Shorthaired Pointer Sisters,” I paint several amusing pictures of two Pointer dogs. The whole song rings with the courage, energy and stamina of this notable breed. Check it out on iTunes.com.

Has your German Shorthaired Pointer ever behaved like a “Twister?” We’d love to hear your story!

A “Pug Attack”

Have you ever fallen crazily in love with a dog? Their mannerisms, facial expressions and personality just make your heart swell with emotion. For many pug lovers that’s exactly how they feel about their pets. And in my song, “There’s Something So Smug About a Pug…” I explain this feeling.

Some things that give us dog lovers a “pug attack” include:

–That adorable tail. Who can suppress a smile when you see that curled tail wagging so elegantly?

–A vocal, wet kiss. Every time you stoop down to give your pug a pet, they’ll return the favor by snorting happily and giving you several exuberant kisses.

–Watching her strut. This little dog is quite refined in the way she grooms herself and trots politely around the house.

There’s so much to love about a pug!

What gives you a pug attack? Share your thoughts below…and be sure to download “There’s Something so Smug about a Pug” from iTunes.com.