Maurie Don introduced a new member of the Burke’s Backyard team Maurie, the Pug puppy. He spent his first night in a box beside Don’s bed, so whenever he felt lonely Don was right there to comfort him. Like all puppies, Maurie is a bundle of mischief. He...
Problem Dog Roger the Red Setter is a fun-loving dog, who is also headstrong, easily excited and frantic around guests. Roger rampages through the garden, breaks plants, digs holes, barks incessantly at parrots that visit his backyard, and will not respond to normal...
Ralph Obituary If you thought that something was missing from this week’s program you were right: it was Ralph, the pug. Sadly, Ralph passed away on December 19, 2000. The cause of his death is not known, but it was possibly snakebite. Ralph was born with the...
Tennis Ball Dog Monica Wilson wrote to Burke’s Backyard to tell us about Georgia, her black Labrador Retriever. Monica claimed that the dog can hold three tennis balls in its mouth at once! Don visited the Wilson family to see this amazing dog in action. Sure...
Breed: White Shepherd Temperament: intelligent, loyal Maintenance: medium Lifespan:12 years. Recommended for: active people, families with older children History The White Shepherd is similar to the German Shepherd in most respects other than colour. In fact, white...
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) Temperament: intelligent, alert, easy going Lifespan: 12-16 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: elderly, dog sport enthusiasts, small yards History The Shetland Islands, for all their beauty, can be a cold and inhospitable...
Breed: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament: active, exuberant Lifespan: 10 – 14 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: families History The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an obscure breed whose history is steeped in Irish peasant heritage. Originally...
Breed: Spanador (Cocker Spaniel x Labrador) Temperament: intelligent, active Cost: from $600 Lifespan: 12-14 years Recommended for: active families Maintenance: low Massive mastiffs, tiny terriers and colourful collies. Dogs come in all manner of colours, shapes,...
Breed: Black German Shepherd Temperament: loyal, watchful and self assured Lifespan: 12 – 15 years Maintenance: low (short coat), medium (long coat) Recommended for: obedience enthusiasts, big dog lovers History The origins of the German Shepherd, be it black,...
Breed: Boxer Temperament: active and boisterous Cost: $600 up Lifespan: 8-9 years Maintenance: low Recommended for: families with older children History The Boxer is a striking and easily identified breed. First developed by German breeders, the Boxer is thought to be...