{{B}}Labrador Retriever{{/B}}
A retriever is a sporting dog that is specially trained for going after game that has been shot and bringing it back. The dog sees the game fall, or scents its location, and run swiftly to pick it up. Labrador Retriever's hometown is Newfoundland, Canada, and was developed in England. Standard height for the males is 22.5 to 24.5 inches (57 - 62 cm); for the females, 21.5 to 23.5 inches (56 - 60 cm). Standard weight is 6O to 75 pounds (27 - 34 kg) for males and 55 to 70 pounds (25 - 32 kg) for females. The breed has a short, straight coat that may be black, yellow, or chocolate. The dog' s special skills are flushing and retrieving and guiding the blind. It is subject to hip dysplasia.
The "Lab" is deservedly one of the most esteemed family dogs. Obedient and quick to learn, alert as a watchdog, fine with children, gentle with everyone, fairly hardy, and, when it comes to coat care, even less bothersome than its rival, the golden retriever, the breed might well be the first choice of anyone who wants a largish dog that is not a guard dog. The Lab is apt to be somewhat rambunctious as a puppy, but it soon settles down to being a sweet-tempered paragon. However, it ought to have a lot of exercise even though, all too cheerfully for its own good, it will manage without it. Both Labs and golden retrievers are hurt badly by bullying.
Looks-conscious prospective owners should be sure to find a Lab pup whose head has the correct appearance. Too many Labs have a narrow skull and muzzle that is properly associated with the breed.
{{B}}German Shepherd{{/B}}
German Shepherd is a large, strong, well-muscled dog developed in Germany from old breeds of herding dogs. Formal sponsorship of the breed began with the founding of the German dog club VDS in 1899. It was used for many years in Germany to guard flocks of sheep and cattle, and for police work. Though originally developed from herding dogs, the German shepherd dog is now widely used as a companion dog, guard dog, guide dog for the blind, and military and police dog. It is not correct to call the dog a German police dog although many people do so.
The desired heights for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches (56 - 66 cm) and for females, 22 to 24 inches (56 - 61 cm). Males average between 75 and 95 pounds (27 - 34 kg).
The German shepherd dog has a cleanly chiseled, strong head, moderately pointed ears, almond-shaped dark eyes, and strong teeth. Its double coat is medium length. The outer coat is dense, straight, harsh, and lies close to the body. The undercoat varies in thickness with the season. The tail is low-set and bushy and hangs in a slight curve at rest.
Although you can see German shepherds in colors that vary from dark brown or blackish to a light shade of tan, the most common color is wolf-gray and tan, with black markings. In the United States strong, rich colors are preferred, and pale, washed-out colors or blues or livers are considered serious faults.
{{B}}Poodle{{/B}}
Poodle is a highly intelligent breed of dog that is very popular as a pet and house dog. The poodle originated as a water retriever in Germany, which gave it its name, pudle, referring to water. It is often known as a "French" poodle because of its great popularity in France. It is an active and good-natured dog.
There are now three varieties, which differ only in size. The standard, the oldest and largest variety, stands at least 15 inches (38 cm) at the highest point of the shoulders. The miniature stands 10 to 15 inches (25 - 38 cm) tall, and the toy is 10 inches (25 cm) or less in height. All poodles have dense, wiry coats of thick, close curls. They may be any solid color, but most are black, brown, or white.
Portions of its coat originally were Shaved to facilitate swimming when it was used as a retriever. There are now several traditional poodle clips. A poodle under a year old may be shown in a "Puppy" clip, with its coat long except for its shaved face, throat, feet, and tail, which has a pompon on the end. Those with unclipped hair are called corded poodles. Puppies' tails are clipped medium-short when they are a few days old.
Adult show dogs must have their hairs cut short with different styles, which differ in the different clips of the different parts of the dogs. For instance, in the Continental clip the hindquarters are shaved, while in the English Saddle clip the hindquarters are covered with a short blanket of hair. Whatever the style, the coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.