Dogspeak Lesson: Breeds

There are only THREE recognized colors of Labrador Retrievers. They're known as "Black," "Chocolate," and "Yellow."

There are three distinctly different Schnauzers recognized the the AKC: they are "Miniature Schnauzer" (most popular today), "Standard Schnauzer" (a medium-sized dog) and "Giant Schnauzer."

There is no such "breed" as a puggle, cockapoo, schnoodle, labradoodle, or any other combination of purebred dogs. These are mixed-breeds, created by the mating of two purebred dogs of different breeds. There are no breed standards defining them as a "breed of their own."

There are Miniature Dachshunds and Standard Dachshunds. The pronunciation is DOX-huhnt, although some people say DASH-hound. A "Doxie" is just a nickname for a Dachshund. You can just say "weiner dog" and most people will know what you're saying. Datsuns are cars.

Sheltie is the nickname for "Shetland Sheep Dog." Some people mistakenly refer to them as "miniature collies," which they certainly are not.

There are only three recognized sizes of poodles: standard, miniature, and toy. There is no such thing as teacup poodle.

Beagles come in two size groups: 13" and 15". The AKC standard allows from 10" to 16". There are no toy or miniature Beagles.

There are no "toy" or "teacup" Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies). They are small dogs, but should not weigh less than four pounds...and typically no more than seven pounds. If smaller than that, they are poorly bred, but they're still just "Yorkies."

The Miniature Pinscher is not related to the Doberman Pinscher.

"Jack Russell Terriers" are now known by the AKC as "Parson Russell Terriers."

Hey, this is fun. More next week!! Got any to contribute? Leave your comments!