Special to The Star-Herald
Please don’t forget to join us for “Story Time with the Animals” on Saturday, April 21. We offer FREE to anyone who wants to join us: a story about animals, a bit of education, a snack and a visit with the animals. Our shelter has many wonderful animals and the relationship between children and animals is magical. Please join us at 10 a.m. on April 21.
I thought maybe we could enjoy some interesting doggy facts:
• Do you know how many breeds of dogs there are? There are more than 400 dog breeds, but the American Kennel Club officially recognizes only about 150. The American Rare Breed Association recognizes about 178 and the United Kennel Club about 308.
• Do you know what the largest and smallest breeds are? The Mastiff (28-30 inches, 175-190 lbs.), and Saint Bernard (24-28 inches and 110-200 lbs.) are the heaviest breeds. The Chihuahua (I always have a hard time spelling that one!) is the smallest at 6-9 inches and up to 6 lbs. The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed from 28-35 inches tall at the shoulders.
• What are the most popular breeds in the U.S.? According to the AKC, the following are the most popular breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Beagle, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Boxer, Poodle, Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please educate yourself first. Just because you see a dog on TV or in a movie, such as the Irish Terrier in “Fire House Dog,” that does not mean the dog is the right breed for you. These dogs have been specifically trained to “do their job.” I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in a specific breed to research the breed, speak to owners of the breed, your local Kennel Club and anyone else with information. A good, responsible breeder will talk to you about the pros and cons of the breed. Purchasing a purebred dog is a big investment, but more importantly is giving a pet a forever home. Something to think about before making the plunge.
If you are looking for a friend for life, we have many wonderful pets available for adoption at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Please visit us Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
