G and M Kennels

So you've finally made the big decision to purchase a cute puppy. Dog ownership will bring years of happiness due to that special bond which grows between dogs and their humans. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you will want to be prepared for some important responsibilities. Prior to the purchase of that cute little puppy should come the knowledge of just what that pup needs to grow and flourish. The more you know before buying a dog, the better prepared you will be.

Perhaps there's a special dog breed you've had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select your perfect dog? In either case, we recommend that you spend some time investigating before buying. You'll want to make sure that you select the dog that is right for you and your family.

Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is a key in selecting the best dog breed for you. By selecting a purebred dog you will be better able to predict the size it probably will be when grown, the general nature of the dog and its grooming and health care requirements. Do some research on the internet, ask questions. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer your questions. And you should be ready to answer a few questions from the person you buy your dog from. It is important for each puppy to have the best home possible.

Remember, dogs are for life. Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Talk to responsible breeders. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid questions. A responsible breeder like Gary will eagerly answer your questions and share his experience and knowledge with you.

Have you heard that old saying: "You get what you pay for"? The purchase of your puppy is an investment. A responsible breeder will see that you get the dog you are paying for. This type of business is dependant on reputation. A reminder here - there are going to be additional costs for you to consider. The pup will need health care, annual shots, dental check-ups, food. A collar with an ID tag, leash, food and water bowls. If you are not intending to use your dog as a breeder, then you should be a responsible pet owner and have your dog neutered when it is of the right age. Your dog will need daily care: food, fresh water, exercise, brushing and/or cleaning. We recommend you have some authoritative reference source available. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! Your dog should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases.

You'll also want to make sure your dog is a good neighbor. Obedience Training for you and your dog is a good way to do this. How well your dog behaves will be the result of your willingness to work diligently with it.

One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well-trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.

Your dog is naturally a den animal. When dogs lived in the wild, they chose to sleep in caves. This was their safe haven from intruders. Just like its ancestors your dog needs his own "cave" for a feeling of security. A safe place he can go to where he won't be bothered by other animals or humans. What better way to provide this safe place than to use a crate. They come in all sizes so you might have a smaller one for safety while traveling and a roomier one for life at home. Make a nice comfortable place in the crate with a bit of bedding and a couple of toys.

Until your puppy is well trained, he should always be where you can see him. If you are going to be occupied, the crate makes a safe place for the pup. Start his crate training when you can be at home. This is so he won't associate the crate with being left alone. When your puppy makes a big mess or is misbehaving, don't scold. Stand near the crate with a few treats and command him into the crate. He will have forgotten by now what he did wrong and think he is being rewarded for going into the crate.

Most dogs are pack animals. Your pet dog will be happiest if you are his "alpha" leader. It is too stressful on the dog to feel he must be in charge. Train will firmness and be consistent so he will always know you are in charge. Various bad behaviors will crop up if he is allowed to be willful.

15 Questions for you to ask about the puppy you are considering:

1. Describe the breed's characteristics?
2. What is this breed's temperament like?
3. How big will the dog get?
4. How protective will the dog be?
5. How often will the dog need to be groomed?
6. Does this breed shed?
7. How does he get along with other animals?
8. How long can he be left alone at home?How much exercise does the dog need?
9. Does this breed bark a lot?
10. How old will he be before he acts like an adult dog?
11. Does this breed do well with children?
12. What possible health problems might this dog develop?
13. What are the best training methods for this dog?
14. What is the average life expectancy for this breed?

5 Questions you may want to ask the breeder concerning his business:

1. Do you do health screenings prior to breeding a litter?
2. How long have you been breeding?
3. Are you a member of any dog-related club?
4. Have you entered any of your dogs in any competitions?
5. Has the puppy had it's first shots?

10 Questions you should be ready to answer:

1. Where do you live: urban, suburban, or rural?
2. How many humans in the house?
3. Are there children in the house?
4. If there are children, what is the age group: baby, toddler, pre-school, etc.
5. Who will be responsible for feeding and watering the dog?
6. Who will be responsible for grooming the dog?
7. Who will be responsible for exercising (playing) the dog?
8. Who will be responsible for taking the dog to the veterinarian for routine health care?
9. Who will be responsible for training the dog?
10. Has that person trained a dog before?

Popular as pets because of their size, intelligence and even-temperedness.
1. Characteristics: Merry, intelligent, single-minded, obedient but difficult to recall when on scent
2. Temperament: Even-tempered and gentle
3. Size: Height: 13 to 16 inches; weight: 18 to 35 pounds
4. Protective: The loud bark and unique howl is extremely handy for warning owners of possible intruders. Good as watch dogs, not as guard dogs
5. Grooming: Brush with firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary
6. Shedding: Beagles do shed, this can be kept under control by brushing weekly
7. Behavior with other animals: Generally gets along well with other dogs
8. Left Alone: Prone to separation anxiety
9. Exercise: Not demanding in regards to exercise, but they are prone to weight gain so regular exercise is needed. Do not let him off the lease when walking or he may disappear in search of wild game.
10. Barking: Most will bark when confronted with strange situations, some bay when they catch scent of quarry
11. Mature behavior: About 2 years of age is when the Beagle settles down a bit
12. Behavior with children: Excellent with children
13. Possible health problems: The Beagle is a hardy breed that is not prone to many ailments. Some can be prone to epilepsy which is easily controlled with medication; hyperthyroidism; prone to some disk diseases; inner ears do not receive enough air flow - be sure to dry them after the dog gets wet and check occasionally for infections; eyes - glaucoma, dry eye.
14. Training methods: Responds well to food reward training, eager to please and easily bored or distracted
15. Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years

Informational resources:
Wiki/Beagle
National Beagle Club of America, Inc.
Beagles Unlimited - Beagle

The Bull Terrier is a beautiful dog with lots of energy. Loves to run and play. They're called "bullies" because of being so strong-willed. Loyal, polite and obedient with firm, consistent leadership
1. Characteristics: Active, strong-willed, full of fun, devoted
2. Temperament: Loyal, polite and obedient with firm, consistent leadership
3. Size: Average - height: 22 to 24 inches; weight: 45 to 80+ pounds
4. Protective: Not a guard dog but will defend owner in critical situation
5. Grooming: Needs occasional combing and brushing
6. Shedding: Average shedder
7. Behavior with other animals: Not recommended to be with non-canine pets
8. Left Alone: With proper crate training, he can be left while you're at work
9. Exercise: Requires daily exercise and interaction
10. Barking: Does not bark a lot
11. Mature behavior: Puppies more active up to about 3 years
12. Behavior with children: May be too active for small children
13. Possible health problems: A generally healthy breed
14. Training methods: Positive reinforcement; be consistent, patient and firm
15. Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Informational resources:
Bull Terrier Club of America
American Kennel Club / Bull Terrier
Wiki - Bull Terrier





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1. Characteristics: Becomes very attached and happy to be with their humans
2. Temperament: Full of personality, spunk and courage
3. Size: Height: 6 to 9 inches; Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
4. Protective:  If socialized properly, the dog will be friendly
5. Grooming: Brush long-coated Chi's daily with soft bristle brush. Bathe both types about once a month. Don't get water in the ears. Keep the nails trimmed.
6. Shedding: Average shedding
7. Behavior with other animals: Chihuahuas can get along with other dogs if properly socialized
8. Left Alone: Chi's can be alone at home about 8 hours
9. Exercise: A walk is good exercise and good for mental stimulation
10. Barking: Does not bark excessively if well trained, they bark to tell you something
11. Mature behavior: Adult behavior at about 2 years
12. Behavior with children: Generally not recommended for younger children
13. Possible health problems: Prone to head injury when young, tendency to wheeze and snore
14. Training methods: Socialization as a puppy and obedience training, don't baby the dog or there will be problems
15. Life expectancy: about 15 years

Informational resources:
Dogs In Depth / Chihuahua
Chihuahua Fanatics
Pet Chi Dog

1. Characteristics: Curious, clever, lively, loving, brave and amusing
2. Temperament: Can be slightly difficult to train but not impossible
3. Size: Three varieties and sizes: Standard: height 8 to 11 inches; weight over 11 pounds. Miniature: height 5 to 7 inches; weight 11 pounds or less. Toy: height up to 12 inches; weight 8 pounds 
4. Protective: Without proper leadership, moderate to severe protectiveness
5. Grooming: Rub down with damp cloth for smooth-haired; professional trim every six months for wire-haired; daily combing and brushing for long-haired
6. Shedding: Average shedding
7. Behavior with other animals: Generally okay with other animals
8. Left Alone: Don't like to be left alone too long or too often
9. Exercise: Exercise with daily walks, enjoys playing in open areas where they won't get stepped on
10. Barking: No excessive barking with proper training
11. Mature behavior:
12. Behavior with children: Recommended for older children who will provide proper leadership 
13. Possible health problems: Prone to spinal disc and urinary tract problems, heart disease and diabetes
14. Training methods: Patience and consistency is needed
15. Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Informational resources:
3 Doxies / Dachshund
Wiki, Dachshund
The Dachshund Network

1. Characteristics: Loyal, patient and devoted to family
2. Temperament: Calm and good temperament
3. Size: Height: 23 to 30 inches; weight: 120 to 145 pounds
4. Protective: Very good watch and guard dog
5. Grooming: very little is necessary
6. Shedding: average
7. Behavior with other animals: Start socializing at early age to avoid aggressiveness
8. Left Alone:
9. Exercise: Needs lots of exercise, daily walks
10. Barking: Does not bark a lot, you should check when he does bark
11. Mature behavior: About one to two years
12. Behavior with children: Gentle with children, but not good for inexperienced dog owner
13. Possible health problems: Prone to hip dysplacia, epilepsy, heart problems
14. Training methods: Needs calm and firm training, human must be pack leader, reward desirable behavior
15. Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Informational resources:
Dog Breed Info / Dogue de Bordeaux
Davis Dog - Dogue de Bordeaux
Wiki, Dogue de Bordeaux

1. Characteristics: Affectionate, dependable, gentle, courageous
2. Temperament: Bullheaded, persistent, likes a lot of attention
3. Size: Height: 12 to 16 inches; Weight: 49 to 55 pounds
4. Protective: Protective instinct, should be well socialized at early age
5. Grooming: Brush thoroughly at least 3 times a week; more often when shedding; clean face wrinkles daily with damp cloth
6. Shedding: Spring and Fall are the shedding seasons
7. Behavior with other animals: Good with family pets
8. Left Alone: Can be alone while you're at work if properly crate trained
9. Exercise: Needs daily walks, should be taught to heel
10. Barking: Bulldogs don't bark much, but snore rather loudly
11. Mature behavior: Starts showing maturity at around 3 years
12. Behavior with children: Gentle with children
13. Possible health problems: Doesn't take heat well, prone to breathing problems, skin infection, hip and knee problems.
14. Training methods: Be consistant
15. Life expectancy: about 8 years

Informational resources:
Bulldog Breed Info
Bulldog Club of America
English Bulldog

1. Characteristics: Loyal, loving to family,
2. Temperament: Intelligent
3. Size: Height: 22 to 26 inches; weight: 77 to 85 pounds
4. Protective: Strong protective instinct
5. Grooming: Do not over bathe, only when necessary, brush daily
6. Shedding: Sheds a little constantly, more heavily during spring and fall
7. Behavior with other animals: Early socializing will help him get along better with other animals
8. Left Alone: Does not like to be left alone continuously for long periods of time, need their humans
9. Exercise: Daily exercise and mental stimulation is important
10. Barking: Barks only when necessary
11. Mature behavior: Matures at about 3 years
12. Behavior with children: Good pet for families with children
13. Possible health problems: Hip and elbow dysphasia, blood and digestive disorders, epilepsy, flea allergies
14. Training methods: Owners should be naturally authoritative, harsh criticism is not good
15. Life expectancy: Life expectancy about 13 years

Informational resources:
Davis Dog / German Shepherd
Dog Breed Info - German Shepherd
American Kennel Club, German Shepherd

On April 29, 2007, a Jack Russell named George saved five children at a carnival in New Zealand from an attack by two pit bulls. He was reported to have charged at them and held them at bay long enough for the children to get away. Killed by the pit bulls, he was posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal in 2009, the animal equivalent of the George Cross. A statue has been erected in Manaia, New Zealand in his memory. A former US Marine also donated to George's owner a Purple Heart award he had received for service in Vietnam.

1. Characteristics: Energetic, hard worker, bold and determined, intelligent
2. Temperament: Care-free and friendly, enjoys games and toys
3. Size:  Height: 12 to 14 inches; weight: 14 to 18 pounds
4. Protective: Good as a watchdog
5. Grooming: Easily groomed at least twice a week regularly with comb and brush, bathe only when necessary
6. Shedding: Fairly large amount of shedding
7. Behavior with other animals: If you have 2 Jack Russells, keep them separated when you leave or they may fight to the death over a squeaky toy. Small pets are not safe around them.
8. Left Alone:
9. Exercise: Vigorous daily play sessions, ball chasing is a favorite, can easily jump 5 ft.
10. Barking: Early socializing and vigorous play will keep the dog happy and calm
11. Mature behavior:
12. Behavior with children: Very good with children who don't tease or hit the dog
13. Possible health problems: Kneecap dislocation, eye diseases, deafness, hip-joint problems
14. Training methods: Obedience training, using food, must be convinced that he has to do what he learns even when he doesn't really want to
15. Life expectancy: about 15 years

Informational resources:
Dog Breed Info / Parson Russell Terrier
American Kennel Club - Parson Russell Terrier
Just Dog Breeds, Parson Russell Terrier





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1. Characteristics: Very loving and loyal, highly intelligent
2. Temperament: Loves to play and loves to please
3. Size: Height: 22 to 24 inches; weight: 55 to 75 pounds
4. Protective: Watchdogs, though some do guard
5. Grooming: Bathe only when necessary; comb and brush regularly
6. Shedding: Weekly brushing keeps any shedding to a very minimal bit
7. Behavior with other animals: Okay with other animals if trained early
8. Left Alone: Well trained and socialized Labs can be left alone at home while you are at work
9. Exercise: Exercise daily with walks and places to run around and play, they love to swim and play in the water
10. Barking: This dog does not bark unless something is wrong
11. Mature behavior: American Labs take longer to mature than English Labs, about 2 to 3 years
12. Behavior with children: Great dog for families
13. Possible health problems: Dysplasia at hip and elbow; some eye disorders
14. Training methods: Easily trained due to high intelligence. Adult Labs are strong and should be trained early to heel
15. Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Informational resources:
Dog Breed Info / Labrador
American Kennel Club - Labrador Retriever
Wiki, Labrador Retriever

Black Lab/Labrador Retriever Solar Garden Light with Lantern

Yellow Lab/Labrador Retriever Solar Garden Light with Lantern

1. Good family dog, devoted, loyal, slow moving
2. Good humored and sociable, sweet tempered, courageous
3. Height: 26 to 28 inches; weight: 110 to 154 pounds
4. Protective and brave when they need to be
5. Needs a lot of grooming, comb and brush thoroughly, remove excess hair between foot pads and inside ears. Coats don't need trimming. Bathe only when needed
6. Sheds in fall and extra heavy shedding in spring
7. Generally friendly with other dogs
8. Don't leave them alone while young. Older dogs can be left for longer periods.
9. Swimming is a good exercise especially on hot days. Needs to be with family but likes outdoors too
10. Rarely bark
11. Matures at around 3 years
12. Loving and patient with children, or anyone who has no bad intentions
13. Hip dysplasia and heart disease, do not over-feed
14. Sensitive to tone of voice, punishment is not necessary, they learn quickly but don't like long training periods
15. Life expectancy 9 to 15 years

Dog Breed Info / Newfoundland
Davis Dog - Newfoundland
Wiki, Newfoundland Dog

1. Characteristics: Independent nature, loving and loyal with their human
2. Temperament:  Alert, bold, trainable, brave and kind
3. Size: Height: 13 to 16 ½ inches; weight: 17 to 23 pounds
4. Protective:
5. Grooming: Brush on regular schedule, bathe only when needed
6. Shedding: Heavy shedder in spring and fall
7. Behavior with other animals: Should not be trusted with small animals, good with other dogs and cats
8. Left Alone: Destructive if left alone too long
9. Exercise: Must be exercised regularly with daily walks, can walk for hours, will need a covered run if kept in yard to keep him from escaping, very active and need mental stimulation as well as lots of physical exercise
10. Barking: Barks very little
11. Mature behavior:
12. Behavior with children: Not recommended for small children who will grab, hug or hold tightly
13. Possible health problems: Hip dysplasia, kneecap problems
14. Training methods: Early obedience training is important
15. Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Informational resources:
Dog Breed Info / Shiba Inu
American Kennel Club - Shiba Inu
Your Pure Bred Puppy, Shiba Inu

1. Characteristics: Gentle and playful, loving everyone, happy and carefree
2. Temperament: Smart, sociable, and casual
3. Size: Height: 21 to 23 ½ inches; weight: 35 to 60 pounds
4. Protective: Not watchdogs
5. Grooming: Brush and comb daily during shedding seasons
6. Shedding: Sheds twice a year
7. Behavior with other animals: Should be closely supervised around small animals because of his predatory instincts. Does good with other pets if raised with them from a puppy
8. Left Alone: Needs a lot of exercise before leaving him alone. Gets bored easily and will howl
9. Exercise: Fenced yard, cool climates or plenty of shade/air conditioning
10. Barking: Barks very little
11. Mature behavior: Need strong leadership and much mental and physical stimulation to mature properly
12. Behavior with children: Good with children and friendly to strangers
13. Possible health problems: Hip dysplasia, urethra displacement, eye problems, may need zinc supplement for skin
14. Training methods: Must have an understanding of the Husky, be patient and consistent, firm
15. Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Informational resources:
American Kennel Club / Siberian Husky
Wiki - Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky
Dog Breed Info, Siberian Husky

1. Characteristics: Brave, loyal, intelligent and clever
2. Temperament: Very energetic and affectionate, sensitive to cold
3. Size: Height: 6 to 7 inches; weight: 7 pounds
4. Protective: Without proper training can become neurotic and over-protective
5. Grooming: Comb and brush daily to weekly, regularly scheduled teeth cleaning to avoid tooth loss and infection; bathing - puppy cut: every two weeks; full coat: weekly
6. Shedding: Very little or no shedding
7. Behavior with other animals: Can become aggressive if not socialized early
8. Left Alone: Can be alone up to 8 to 9 hours
9. Exercise: Love adventure, daily walks and play time
10. Barking: Can become yappy trying to tell you what to do, be a good alpha to control this behavior
11. Mature behavior: About 3 years to a more mature demeanor
12. Behavior with children: Recommended for older children who will make good leaders for the dog
13. Possible health problems: some prone to bronchitis, early tooth decay and delicate digestion, eye infections, spinal problems, fragile bones are easily fractured by falls or knocks
14. Training methods: Can be difficult to housebreak. Consistency is important. They need gentle leadership.
15. Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Informational resources:
American Kennel Club / Yorkshire Terrier
Dog Breed Info - Yorkshire Terrier
Wiki, Yorkshire Terrier

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