Top Dog Breeds
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All dogs can be potentially dangerous, however some dogs are more dangerous than others. Various types of breeds can be considerably stronger and larger than a person of average size. This is why most apartment properties with many families living close together use a list of restricted breeds to approve new tenants and their animals. From my experience, the following breeds are almost always on restricted breed lists of most apartment communities.

1. Pit Bulls

Weight: 55-65 lbs.

Origin: United States

A pit bull is a fearless dog that will take on any opponent. They will lock their jaws onto the prey until it's dead. Pit bulls have a reputation of mauling people to death and they are highly sought for dog fighting.

2. Rottweilers

Weight: 100-130 lbs.

Origin: Germany

Rottweilers are known to be very aggressive dogs because of their keen territorial instincts. That's why they make great guard dogs.

3. German Shepherds

Weight: 70-100 lbs.

Origin: Germany

These dogs are intelligent and very alert. They are highly used by local authorities such as the police K-9 unit. German shepherds are known to be fearless and confident dogs.

4. Huskies

Weight: 44-66 lbs.

Origin: Alaska

Very energetic and intelligent dogs. Not considered a good guard dog because of its personality characteristics and gentle temperament. A 2000 study of dog bites resulting in human fatalities in the U.S. found fifteen such fatalities (6% of the total) were caused by "husky-type" dogs between 1979 and 1997.

5. Alaskan Malamutes

Weight: 75-100 lbs.

Origin: Nordic

These dogs are very energetic and active. If they are bored, they can become destructive. That's why this dog needs lots of exercise to be happy.

6. Doberman Pinschers

Weight: 65-90 lbs.

Origin: Germany

Dobermans are great guard dogs for their alertness, intelligence and loyalty. They can be aggressive dogs when provoked. The typical pet Doberman attacks only if it believes that it, its property, or its family are in danger.

7. Chow Chow

Weight: 50-70 lbs.

Origin: China

These dogs can be aggressive if poorly bred. The Chow Chow may appear to be independent and aloof for much of the day but needs constant reinforcement.

8. Presa Canario

Weight: 80-115 lbs.

Origin: Canary Islands

Originally bred to guard and fight with cattle, an attack by this dog has been described as hopeless for the victim. They are a guardian breed with man-stopping ability, incredible power and a complete lack of fear.

9. Boxer

Weight: 50-70 lbs.

Origin: Germany

Unlike their name suggest, these dogs are not typically aggressive by nature. They are bright, energetic and playful breed. Boxers have been known to be "headstrong", which makes it a bit difficult to train them but with positive reinforcement techniques, Boxers often respond much better.

10. Dalmatian

Weight: 40-70 lbs.

Origin: Yugoslavia

Dalmatians are very protective dogs and can be aggressive towards humans. They are very active and need lots of exercise. They have very sensitive natures and an excellent memory. This bred is famed for their intelligence, independence, and survival instincts.

Dogs most often make wonderful pets, however in certain circumstances, any type of dog can be dangerous. Even friendly dogs, may cause harm in the wrong circumstance.

Not all apartment properties have breed restriction lists but this is not something that is commonly known. Your best bet is to contact an apartment locating company in your area to obtain a list these properties and their current availability.

Lyndsee Rothenburg works as a residential placement specialist at Texas Apartment Center, a free apartment locating service in Dallas, TX. She may be reached at Lyndsee@TexasApartmentCenter.com.

Top Dog Breeds

Dog Breeds List
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Group: Sporting

Weight: male: about 50, female: about 40 lbs

Height: male: 19-21, female 18-20 inches

Overview

The first spaniels started appearing during the early 1600s, and the Cocker and Springer Spaniels were seen as the same breed until the 1800s. The Cocker Spaniels were considered to be 25 lbs and used for woodcock, and the English Springers were measured at about 45 lbs and their purpose was to spring a game bird into the air so that a hawk could retrieve it. Today, Springer Spaniels flush and retrieve their game.

Temperament

The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, outgoing and kind dog. They are brave, highly intelligent and also earnest. The English Springer Spaniel loves people and get along well with children. The English Springer Spaniel flourishes on human attention and likes to be with their families as much as possible. These dogs might become destructive and bark excessively when left alone for too long. The Springer Spaniel likes other pets, but may not be tolerant of same sex dogs. They are not appropriate for homes with pet birds.

Care

The field-type Springer is quite easy to maintain, and if they are brushed often with a firm hair brush, their coats will stay in a good condition. The bench-type Springer requires some more attention. Both of these types will need to be bathed and dry shampooed, but not too often. Tit is also important to check their ears often for infections. Springer Spaniels with longer coats will mat if not brushed enough. The hair on their paws should also be trimmed to stop burrs from becoming fixed. The Spaniels with longer coats will pick up burrs and branches easily, and should be combed after they have been outside. This is an average shedding breed, but the do shed constantly.

Training

English Springer Spaniels will profit from early on thorough socialisation and obedience training. It is important that handlers treat these dogs with purpose and fairness, and that their training sessions have enough praise and consistency. This breed will also stand out in agility, fly-ball, tracking, retrieving and obedience. The Springer Spaniel is a very eager hunting dog that also has the capacity to be an excellent therapy dog.

Health problems

English Springer Spaniel is prone to a few hereditary defects and these include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, epilepsy and Phosphofructokinase deficiency which are a blood disorder. Springer Spaniels are also likely to have problems with ear infections because of their droopy ears. Although not very common, these dogs have a few allergies to food and environment from time to time.

Visit the following links for more info on the English Springer Spaniel or a full list of Dog Breeds.

Dog Breeds List