Best Dog Breeds the Blog

The History of the Collie By Nikki Carroll

2008-08-11T17:06:00.005-04:00

There are few who do not know about the breathtaking Collies and their extreme intelligence, which makes them one of the most popular breeds in American. Everyone knows and loves Lassie and still reads the Collie books written in the 1920s and '30s by Albert Payson Terhune.

The origin of the Collie is not fully known, but their appearance signifies a relation to the wild dog. Although, they were produced from the old working dogs, the Collie is nearly a distinct breed of their own. They are considered to be the superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and are actually born perfectly trained for service. The Collie dog makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever. They are extremely clever with excellent noses perfect for hunting, guarding, yet they are great companion dogs.

The Collie is one of the finest show dogs. By most, they are considered to be the most respectful and courteous dogs and are actually said to be a joy to train. They are a graceful and physically beautiful dog breed that surpasses most breeds at this time. They are large enough to demand the authority of a heard of sheep yet make ideal pets.

The Collie is a lively dog poised with stamina, intelligence and freedom. Their gentleness makes them perfect therapy dogs. They are the perfect addition to any family whether for service or companionship.

Nikki Carroll is the co-owner http://www.littlepamperedpets.com and proud mother of four dogs. Visit Little Pampered Pets for with Dog Coats
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Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Choosing The Right Breed Dog by Jim Hodges

2008-07-17T20:02:00.003-04:00

Choosing The Right Breed DogBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hodges]Jim Hodges
As a dog trainer, I have always wanted to put together a dog breed list for those wanting to choose a dog breed for their particular situation.

I believe that there are certain characteristics in choosing a dog breed that would make a particular dog breed right or wrong for a given family. So many times a family will pick a dog based on its looks only. Nothing could be worse for the dog or the family.

It is important to research the dog breed. Research the breeder. And only take a dog when you are sure it is the right one for you. Doing this will ensure you will have a great life together.

Some of the characteristics you should consider when choosing a dog breed include:

Dog personality and temperament.Ability to train.Typical behavior challenges. Grooming and health care.Proper living conditions.

Ability to naturally interact with children.Working characteristics of the breed.Need for exercise and play.Adaptability to the electronic dog fence.

Over the coming months, I will address each breed and briefly discuss these characteristics. Please realize that these characteristics are provided as general information and to be used as a guide only.

Each dog has its own distinct personality and temperament. This personality and temperament does not always reflect the breed standards. I am sure you or someone you know has experienced owning dogs of the same breed yet their personalities were as different as night and day. That is because each dog is unique and special in its own way.
Here is hoping you choose the right breed of dog for you.

Did you find this article interesting? Jim is a true professional dog trainer that gets results! To learn more about the various dog breeds, visit his two other sites at http://www.jimhodgesdogtraining.com Jim Hodges Dog Training and his training and behavior blog at http://www.containapet.com Dog Fence by Contain-A-Pet.

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Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Dog Breed Selection - A Guide to Your Perfect Companion by Robin Silfies

2008-06-19T11:23:00.003-04:00

Adding any new pet, especially a dog, to your family is always exciting. But the smart thing to do before making this purchase (or adoption) is to do some research about the diverse breeds of dogs that there are. Here we will discuss some fundamentals about how to choose the correct dog breed for your family, and what to think about your lifestyle before choosing a dog.

Research is essential in order to pick the right breed. This is not a decision that can be made hastily.As you do your research, think about the breed temperament that would fit best in your family. Think about things like how time you are at home..A dog that requires a lot of exercise would not fit into a home where you are not there a lot. . but if you are an outdoors type person, it would be good to choose a breed that thrives on activity.

There are some more things to think about:

What type of home do you have? Do you have a large yard? Do you rent, and if so, does your landlord allow dogs? Bigger dogs require more room to run than smaller dogs. Will your dog live in the house or out side? There are dogs that don't do well living outside. If your plan is to keep your dog outside, be certain you select a breed that is accustomed to living outside.

Think also about the members of your family. If there are children in the house, pick a breed that is tolerant of kids. Also, be aware that little children may unintentionally injure toy dog breeds.

Do you have other animals in your home? Some dogs get along well with other pets. However, some dog breeds don't like being with other animals.

These are things to consider before choosing a certain breed.. It takes a little effort to find out about dog breeds, but when you do discover your perfect dog, you'll be happy you took the time to do the research.

For more helpful information on [http://yourdogsupply.com/Dog_Breeds.html]dog breed selection, try visiting http://yourdogsupply.com - a website that specializes in providing dog information, tips and resources including dog health insurance coverage dog supplies, and much more.

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Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

The Shih Tzu Cross - Why Choose One? by Al Bullington

2008-06-18T11:36:00.002-04:00

A Shih Tzu cross is a combination of another breed of dog with a Shih Tzu. This refers to an intentional cross to produce a dog with different characteristics. Many people want a pet that's different and intentional crossbreeding is a way to accomplish that. Most often the cross is with another dog about the same size as the Shih Tzu.

These crosses or hybrids are an attempt to combine the traits of two breeds to get a more desirable pet. But crosses are unpredictable. Sometimes you get the best of two breeds, but you can get the worst of two breeds too. Fortunately some of the crosses have been done often enough that the results are quite predictable.

One advantage of the crosses is to improve health of the dogs. Sometimes health challenges of one dog are reduced by combining with another breed. Sometimes this is done while still maintaining many of the positive breed characteristic of one of the breeds.

There are registries that will keep records of the lineage of these animals to document what they are. A popular recording organization is The American Canine Hybrid Club. The dogs aren't purebred of course, but it's sometimes useful to document exactly what the breeding of the dog is.

Popular crosses with the Shih Tzu include the Bicho Frise, Toy Fox Terrier, Maltese and of course the Poodle. There are many other crosses of course. Some breeders specialize in these crosses.

If you desire a different small dog as a pet, one of the Shih Tzu crosses may be just right for you.
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Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Pure Breed, Mixed Breed Or Designer Breed by Enrico Q Pallatzo

2008-06-12T16:47:00.004-04:00

With hundreds of pure breed dogs, an almost infinite number of mixed breeds and a growing number of designer breed dogs, it is hard to decide which one is a good fit for your family. Some dogs might be good with children and thrive on the noise and commotion of the family home. These same dogs might be badly behaved and horribly sad if they spend most of their days alone without human interaction. Other dogs are just the opposite and are happy with a quiet environment and become over stimulated and badly behaved around children.

Pure Breed Dogs

One of the biggest advantages of a pure breed dog is that, to some degree, there is predictability when you select your dog as a puppy. Of course, not all adult dogs of a breed act the same way. However, you can make an educated guess as to the dog’s future looks, health problems and behavioral characteristics. If you are looking for a good jogging partner, you can find one. If you are looking for a dog that is likely to be good with kids, you can find that too. In order to have the best chance of getting a dog that is characteristic of the breed, it is important that you get your puppy from a reputable breeder. While most breeders operate for a profit, a reputable breeder also has the dogs’ welfare at heart and treats them well. A breeder that is primarily concerned with profit may feed the dogs less nutritious food and keep the dogs in less than pristine living conditions. The best way to find a reputable breeder is to do a little research and to visit the breeder, if at all possible.

Mixed Breed Dogs

Many family pets that have been adopted from the pound or obtained when a dog in the neighborhood had puppies are mixed breed dogs. Mixed breed dogs are also known as mutts. Mutts can be wonderful pets. However, it is important that you know as much about their parentage as you can. If you know what breeds the dog descends from, then you will know as much as possible about its potential temperament and health problems.

Designer Dogs

Designer dogs are gaining in popularity. Unlike mixed breed “mutts” that happen by chance, designer dogs are a purposeful breeding of two specific breeds. Careful research and thought has gone into the combinations of dogs that are being bred. The breeding is meant to result in a dog that has the best characteristics of both its parents. The thought is, for example, to produce a wonderful family dog that does not shed. Sometimes this is successful and sometimes it is not.

Designer dogs are expensive and very popular right now and can be wonderful pets if they have the right parents. However, some people who are not in favor of this purposeful cross breeding believe that these dogs are simply expensive mutts.

So, before you welcome your new dog into your home be sure to consider to pros and cons of pure breeds, mutts and designer dogs. They all can make a wonderful family pet.

Jason Fuss has been writing since the days of the high school newspaper. He is currently a journalist for a Wisconsin regional magazine, but enjoys writing about dogs as a hobby.Get more information regarding [http://www.bettahomeblog.com/pet-medications/food-feeding-tips-for-your-dog.html]how to feed your dog properly.

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Secrets to Dog Training - Dog Training To Stop Your Dog Behavioral Problems!

Dogs And Children That Go Together by Steph Burkhart

2008-05-20T11:35:00.000-04:00

Are you considering getting a dog, but have concerns because you have children? There are several breeds of dogs that make better pets than other breeds. Some breeds to consider include Retrievers, Schnauzers/Beagles, Collies, Spaniels, and Poodles.

The most popular breed is the Labrador Retriever. If you have young children or toddlers, you might consider getting a puppy of this breed. Raising them together develops positive interaction between your children and your pets early.

Retrievers are a good size for kids, not too small or too big. They're affectionate, patient, and intelligent. They're known to take a toddler's rough play with a wag and a smile. They like to play as well and they're a breed that is easy to train. You can always count on a Retriever, but it's important to make them feel as if they're a member of your family. Other retrievers who have a good reputation around children include Golden Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Schnauzers and Beagles fall into the hound family. These dogs are usually a little smaller in stature compared to Retrievers. They have good, positive temperaments, but can be a little stubborn. The Basset Hound also falls into this family of dogs. They may have a false reputation for being lazy because they've been known to play with children all day long.
One of the most famous Collies is "Lassie." They are known for being friendly and patient. Because of this, they're very docile with children. Collies are also known to have a lot engery, which is good for being around young children.

There's a lot of dogs that fall into the Spaniel family, including the American Cocker Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel. These dogs are known to be kind, trusting, cheerful, and smart. They are very even-tempered. Their ears are very sensitive to pulling though, so it's important to watch your toddler to ensure they aren't too rough on the dog's ears. It's very important to buy your Spaniel from a reputable breeder since there were problems with inbreeding Spaniels in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Poodles are known to be naturally kind, mild mannered, and sensitive. Poodles are smart and this is another breed that's easy to train. They're usually smaller in stature compared to retrievers. Poodles are fearless, faithful, and ready to play, however Toy Poodles, a sub-breed of Poodles, don't have the temperament for children and aren't recommended if you have kids.
Dogs are wonderful family pets. If you match the right breed to your family, you'll have a friend for life.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

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English Bulldog Puppies For Sale - Some Tips by Bobby Callahan

2008-05-11T14:31:00.002-04:00

The English Bulldog has many of the normal traits found in molosser breeds though it also has some characteristics that are specific to it and which help in distinguishing the Bulldog from other dog breeds. Typically, Bulldog puppies will show a sweet temper and are ideal family pet dogs as well as excellent show dogs The Bulldog gets its name from the fact that they were originally meant to guard bait bulls. Though the Bulldog is a descendant of the Mastiff-type dog also known as Bandog, Mollusus and Alaunt, Bulldog puppies will be gentler as well as more placid than their forefathers who were basically fighting dog.

For those who are looking for English Bulldog puppies for sale, they must first of all be ready to make a commitment for life and also choose this breed if they are sure that they are capable of providing for the upkeep and welfare of Bulldog puppies. And then choosing a reputable breeder from whom to obtain the Bulldog puppies is next, followed by selecting the appropriate puppy.
Without a doubt, Bulldog puppies can easily win over your heart and mind, and so you need to take care that you in turn can provide proper Bulldog puppy care after you have brought home your newly acquired puppy. In addition, you need to be very careful about where you source the puppies from because despite the fact that you will come across many different sources offering English Bulldog puppies for sale, not all of them will be able to provide you with the proper kind of Bulldog puppies.

Whoever is selling Bulldog puppies must be able to provide satisfactory answers as to breed ethics and they should also provide references of previous customers as this will help ensure that you know for sure that the Bulldog puppies on offer will be of acceptable quality. In addition, you need to check and be sure that the kennel in which they were being raised was clean and that the puppies appear to be healthy and also in good spirits.

After taking everything into account, you will find that those who are offering English Bulldog puppies for sale have their own methods of breeding these dogs and so, to be on the safe side, you should try only reputable breeders because they will be the ones that follow best breeding standards and who also will enforce the proper ethics while also ensuring that the Bulldog puppies are given proper veterinary care, whenever required. Obviously, there would be nothing worse than having to abandon or give away your newly acquired Bulldog puppies because they fell short on account of health and other desirable characteristics.

You can also be sure that since breeding Bulldogs is a costly affair and profit margins are low, not many people will go in for Bulldog breeding just for the kick of it, though at the same time you need to be wary of puppy mills and pet stores as well as backyard breeders who may breed these excellent animals just to make a profit out of their breeding efforts. A breeder or source that can document the puppy's vaccinations and who can show that the Bulldog puppies possess good temperament and health should be given preference over the others.

Bobby Callahan is passionate about dog breeds and has devoted his life to rearing, breeding and caring for various dogs.

Buying English
http://www.officialbulldogguide.com/Bulldog_Puppies/index.php Bulldog puppies is not very simple though this article tries to show best practices in buying Bulldog puppies. To ensure that the puppy is the right one for you, you need to deal with a breeder in whom you feel a sense of trust and who has proven to you their ability to provide proper http://www.officialbulldogguide.com/Bulldog_Puppies/Bulldog_Puppy_Care.php Bulldog puppy care for the Bulldog puppies in their care.

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West Highland Terriers Make Great Pets by David Bryan

2008-05-02T18:24:00.002-04:00

The little white wonders known as West Highland Terriers are just that, little white wonders. Westies as they are more commonly known as are part of the terrier family. If you are looking for a fun, loving and loyal dog, a Westie is the perfect choice for you. Westies are full of exciting energy and love to play. They do tend to be a barker of sorts, but proper training from the outset can help curb this little trait. Westies are fast learners and can quickly master a number of tricks once out of the puppy stage. My little Toby was fully housebroken and very comfortable with the rules of the house at around 24 weeks old. West Highland Terries can do well around children if raised along with them. They are playful little nippers, but are not vicious in any way.

As with most dogs, Westies love regular routines and also enjoy being on a schedule. They love the normal dog things such as chewing on rawhides or playing ball. They love to run and explore and do quite well outdoors.

Westies can go long periods of time between baths if they are mainly an inside dog and do not carry any fowl odors. Their white coats will shed a little bit, but overall it is not a nuisance. Westies really enjoy being brushed and groomed. They are good at alerting you when strangers arrive or a strange noise outside occurs. Westies are very loyal and affectionate and are most at home curled up at your feet or laying beside you. They are not a full fledged lap dog, but they do not mind affection. Overall I would say Westies are good for a small, slower paced family.

Westies want, and at times, demand attention. They have great personalities and strike the sweetest poses and know how to ask for things. Westies tend to live long lives and should make an exceptional best friend for many years to come. I highly suggest you consider getting a Westie as your next companion and join the Westy owner club. You will be glad you did.

David Bryan is a owner of a 3 year old Westie named Toby. He enjoys writing at his http://buildanichestoreblog.blogspot.com/ niche blog and collecting http://www.kisskache.com/ Kiss rock memorabilia and http://www.matchboxcarsforsale.com/matchbox/vintage-rare-matchbox-cars rare Matchbox cars.

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Golden Retriever History by Glenn Downer

2008-05-01T15:51:00.003-04:00

The golden retriever history is a long one, dating all the way back to the eighteen hundreds in Scotland. The breed was first developed by a gentleman named Lord Tweedmouth, who was looking to make a hunting dog that would work well in the field, and have great appearance as well.

Lord Tweedmouth purchased a yellow colored puppy, from a Brighton cobbler in 1865. It was the only yellow pup in a litter of black wavy coated retrievers. This puppy was named Nous. This pup was later bred to a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle in 1868 and again in 1871. This was the beginning of the line of yellow retrievers.

Descendants of Nous and Belle, were breed with wavy and flat coated retrievers, another Tweed water spaniel, and a red setter. Lord Tweedmouth would keep mostly the yellow pups, and a few black ones, to continue his breed.

Some of these dogs were given to friends and relatives, and were primarily used by gamekeepers, as a gentlemen's gun dog.

Lord Tweedmouth's sons brought the golden retriever to America in 1900, where they became popular very quickly. They were first considered to be a variety of the flat coated retrievers, but were later recognized as a separate breed in 1912, and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925.

The golden retriever is now the second most popular dog in America, and the second most registered with the American Kennel Club. The Labrador retriever in number one.
Golden retriever history is truly interesting, and still continues to be today. Even though it was bred primarily as a hunting dog, and is still one of the best at that sport, it has many other skills today.

Some interesting golden retriever facts show that golden retrievers are now very popular with law enforcement. Because of their keen sense of smell, they are used for detecting items such as drugs and explosives. They are also used for search and rescue.
The golden retriever has become very popular as a therapy dog for visiting people at nursing homes, or children's hospitals. They are also being used as seeing eye dogs.

But the most popular use of the golden retriever, will always be as a family pet. The are wonderful dogs, who love to be around people, and don't like to be left out of anything. They are beautiful to look at, and will give you many years of happiness.

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7 Tips on How to Have a Healthy Connection with Your Golden Retriever by Jenny Stinson

2008-04-29T12:29:00.001-04:00

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. And, it is no wonder. They are friendly, reliable, and loyal pets. Goldens are often therapy dogs, service dogs for the physically, visually, and hearing impaired, and even Search and Rescue dogs.
And, though known for their "pleasing" personalities, goldens are still dogs - not people with fur.
You can enjoy an even greater connection with your golden when you follow these 7 suggestions:

Establish yourself as the pack leader. Dogs are pack animals. Even as a part of a human family, dogs operate according to the rules of the pack. The leader is always the most respected member of the pack.

Recognize the various stages of your dog's life. Specific behaviors are associated with the age of your dog. Golden retrievers are generally considered "adults" around age three. However, they go many stages on their way to adulthood, and understanding the behavior associated with those stages is critical to having a healthy connection with your dog.

Choose the best diet for your golden. Dog food is not one-size-fits-all. Dog breeds have different needs according to their type of coat, their level of activity, their size, and more. Goldens tend to overindulge, so it is best to feed your golden on a regular schedule rather than self-feeding.

Groom your golden regularly. Though brushing your golden keeps him beautiful, regular grooming can also prevent health problems. Grooming is not just bathing and brushing - it is also keeping his nails, teeth, eyes, and ears healthy.

Teach your dog to behave. A well-behaved dog is a happy dog, and it makes for a happier family life also. Dogs like structure and routine. You should establish household rules and stick to them. Your dog will be much more relaxed and well-behaved, and he will show more respect to you, the pack leader.

Provide adequate exercise. Goldens are athletic, often energetic dogs, and they require lots of exercise, not only to keep them at a healthy weight, but also to help them relieve stress and clear their minds.

Play with your dog. Playing with your dog can also be a great stress reliever for both you and your golden. And, it can help to forge the bond between you and your golden.
And now I invite you to learn more about building a healthy connection with your Golden

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Common Beagle Characteristics by Jake Kennedy

2008-04-27T12:14:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of characters such as Snoopy from the Peanut comic strips, Underdog from the cartoon series, or Shiloh from Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's book? All of these are examples of the Beagle, a dog that has been in the top 10 list of most popular dog breeds in the United States for 30 years. If you have not read or seen any of these examples and are unsure what this breed of dog looks like you can read below to find the common Beagle characteristics.

You may not know what a Beagle looks like but a Foxhound looks extremely similar. Beagles are miniature versions of the Foxhounds but have broader heads, shorter muzzles, and the legs are shorter in proportion to their body. They are typically between 13 to 16 inches in length and weight between 18 to 35 pounds.

The common Beagle characteristic of the skull is that it is domed, with medium-length, square-cut muzzle and a black nose. Their eyes are large and either hazel or brown. The have long, large ears that turn toward the cheeks and round at the tips. Their upper teeth fit perfectly over their lower teeth with both set aligned square into their strong jaw.

These dogs have a medium length neck, just long enough for them to pick up a scent from the ground, and there is sometimes a dewlap in their skin. The Beagle has a broad chest that narrows to a smaller abdomen and waist. At the end of its body is a short tail that curves to a white tip. The white tip has been selectively bred as it allows for the dog to be easily seen when its head is down sniffing.

One of the biggest characteristics of the Beagle is their sense of smell. These dogs have the best developed senses of smell of any dog, next to the Bloodhound. Starting in the 1950s John Fuller and John Paul Scott began a 13 year study into the behavior of canines.

Part of the research they did was testing the scenting abilities of a variety of breeds by putting a mouse in an acre of field and they timed how long it took for the dogs to locate the mouse. A Scottish Terrier was unable to find it, a Fox Terrier found it in 15 minutes, and the Beagle found it in less than one minute.

The problem with this breed is that they are extremely good at ground-scenting, but they are not very good at air-scenting. For this reason they are not used for mountain rescue teams and rather collies are used because they are able to use their sight in addition to their air-scenting, making them the best choice.

These are just some of the Beagle characteristics that should help you identify this breed without doubt.

Jake Kennedy is an avid http://www.iluvbeagles.com Beagle Dog lover providing valuable advice at I Luv Beagles for fellow Beagle lovers, where he shares Beagle dog info and training tips with Beagle lovers worldwide. Visit our Beagle Photo Gallery too: http://www.iluvbeagles.com/gallery/main/ Beagle Dog Pics

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What the Heck is a Labradoodle? by CS Swarens

2008-04-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

If you are like most people hearing the term “labradoodle”, you are most likely confused. A labradoodle is a designer-dog resulting from the cross breeding of a labrador retriever and a standard poodle (crossbred dogs are often referred to as designer-dogs.) The labradoodle originated in Australia several years ago where they quickly discovered the potential to use labradoodles as service dogs.

Labradoodles have a loving and affectionate temperment. They appreciate affection and bond well with their families. They are very intelligent and tend to be quite active as well. They can become bored with repetition and enjoy alternating activities.

Labradoodles typically have curly coats but can have the straight coat of a labrador. Since labradoodles have minimal shedding they are extremely attractive to those who suffer from pet allergies. There have been claims that labradoodles do not have the typical doggie body odor.

Australian labradoodles are a multi generational cross that are typically 25% labrador retriever and 75% standard poodle. This proportion seems to guarantee non-shedding. American labradoodle breeders vary the percentages; a 50% mix puppy may shed and as such they are not the best choice for people with severe allergies.

Labradoodle puppies are selling from anywhere between $100 and $1500 depending on the standards of the breeder. Multi-generational cross puppies with health guarantees seem to sell for more than a 50% first generation litter.

Labradoodles can have the same genetic medical problems of the standard poodle and Labrador retriever, such as eye and hip problems. People shopping for a labradoodle puppy need to be careful, as with any breed, check references, view the parents of the litter, and ask for a written health guarantee.

CS Swarens is the president of Find Classifieds Online Inc. and Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065
For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internets pet resource http://www.findapetonline.com

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3 Important Steps to Avoid Disaster in Selecting Your Dog by greg marlett

2008-04-19T14:06:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately the consequences of poor dog selection can be a complete disaster. The evidence of this problem is very apparent in our society. The animal shelters are filled to capacity with abandoned and unwanted canines and more are brought in every day. Surprisingly these unwanted dogs include expensive purebreds, as well as, mixed-bred strays. Many of these dogs share emotional and behavioral problems resulting from their history of abuse and neglect. These dogs represent dysfunctional relationships with prior owners, very often as a result of a mismatch.,

Fortunately, there are three important steps you can take, to avoid a disastrous dog – owner relationship.. These are easy and straightforward, but take some degree of time and effort to implement,, like most worthwhile things in life. There are no easy shortcuts to making a sound decision, in this regard. The quick decision is often times an emotional one, which is absolutely the worst way to go about the dog selection process.

1). First and foremost, do a thorough job of researching the breed characteristics and background of the particular dog you are interested in. This means spending whatever time is necessary reading-up on the breed or breeds you are considering. There are many online sources of breed information including many of the popular, so-called designer dog crosses, such as the "labradoodle" (Labrador/ Poodle cross) etc. There are also many excellent reference books and guides available. This step is even more important with a puppy, since the adult size, temperament etc, may not be readily apparent.

You want to determine the general fit and appropriateness of a particular dog to your family,living situation and lifestyle. For instance, specific characteristics such as size of the adult dog, it’s feeding and grooming requirements, potential medical issues and general protectiveness and sociability with people and other pets are very relevant and crucial to a good match. Some small breeds, for example, are not good matches for a family with small children. This is the information you need to determine through your research, prior to selection. Finally, do not dismiss this information even when confronted with that adorable little puppy.

2). Next step here, is talking to other dog owners about their dogs, as well as, soliciting their opinion and experiences with various dogs in general. You can also talk to reputable breeders (avoid puppy-mills!), veterinarians and animal shelter staff to obtain useful information and advice. If you are thinking about an older dog, or shelter adoption, try to spend some time with the dog prior to making a decision and ask questions about behavioral and medical issues. Most responsible dog owners and shelter staff are more than happy to discuss these dogs and provide useful information about them. A successful placement benefits everyone. Most animal shelters are in need of volunteers to help take care of their dogs, which includes walking them.

In this step you are effectively building a support network of knowledgeable people who can also help you later on if you should encounter problems or issues with your dog. This is even more important if you have little or no background or experience working with dogs yourself.

3).Last, but certainly not least, you need to realistically evaluate your reasons for wanting to be a dog owner and then match this up with you personal and family characteristics. This is to include your particular variables such as time available, small children, other pets, household and available exercise space, allergies, daily schedule and routines, recreational interests and activities. Obviously, there is a huge difference between a retired couple looking for a companion dog and a young active family looking for an all around family dog.

The most important variable here, is to match your available time and energy to the needs required for optimum dog care. If time is already an issue for you, then perhaps it would be a wise decision for everyone to defer getting a dog. A needy dog will only add additional stress, which is unhealthy for owner and dog. Such a scenario often leads to mistreatment and abuse.

If you spend the necessary time and effort following these 3 steps; researching breed characteristics, building a personal network with supportive experienced dog owners/experts and doing a personal and family evaluation, you will end up with confidence of a much better match and a vastly decreased chance of dog disaster. In addition, you will have developed many helpful resources to assist with training and other dog care issues that may arise.

The ultimate goal is to achieve a long and happy relationship where everyone thrives. This requires some degree of pre-planning and effort on the part of the dog owner. Most problems arise when decisions of pet ownership are made based on spontaneous/emotional reasons. This can lead to complete disaster and may prove fatal for the dog.

About the author: g. marlett manages several blogs with a wealth of further information on dog breeds and dogs. Please visit at http://bravodb.blogspot.com and http://bravodn.blogspot.com
Copyright 2008, All rights reserved. No duplication or use of this material without the expressed consent of the author.

Puggle - The Historical Puzzle by Christy Taylor

2008-04-16T11:06:00.001-04:00

Puggle stands as a wonderful example of today's trend in creating dog hybrids. Dog hybrid is often known as crossbreds. These are usually designer dogs born from parents of two different breeds. This planned mixing of different breeds are intended to obtain certain characteristics in the new puppy. Puggle is a crossbred between pug and beagle. A puggle is bred in different ways. It can be born by crossbreeding a pug and beagle, a puggle and beagle, and a pug and puggle. Since this new breed is an independent one, breeding two puggles as well can produce a puggle.

Puggle has a very short history. The first puggle was bred back in the year 2000. American Canine Hybrid Club has recognized this new breed. However like most of the designer dogs, puggles are not recognized by American Kennel Club or in other major organizations, but are accepted in some dog shows.

Puggle is found to be better breed than its pure breed parents they are derived from. It is a stronger dog with increased health and vigor than its parents, since many health weaknesses are not observed in them. But it is worth mentioning that puggles are susceptible to overeating and catching cold like pug. Usually puggles are intelligent and their playful disposition makes it difficult to train them up. However at heart this dog is a clown and easily catches tricks and behaviors that ring out their true character.

Puggles are on an average 13-15 inches at the shoulder and they weigh around 15-30 pounds. There is a special type of puggle, named Pocket Puggle, and they differ from the regular variety and they weigh around 10 pounds. As far as the health of this dog is concerned, they can develop snoring and other breathing problems such as wheezing, although their muzzle is slightly longer than a pug. Obesity is often noticed in these dogs because of their habit of overeating. Often breathing problems are noticed in them due to vigorous exercise. They have a generous life span of 12-15 years.

Puggles are generally low maintenance dogs, hence their grooming is quite easier. Occasionally they need bath and can be cleaned often by rubbing with wet towels. Brushing them regularly helps keep their coat glossy and clean. Although puggles don't bear as many wrinkles as pugs do, still their wrinkles need to be wiped daily. During spring puggles shed a lot leaving hairs wherever they roam about.

Puggles are renowned for their friendly and loving nature. They prefer to stay in their master's laps and fellow family members. They are equally comfortable in outdoor, running and playing in the fresh air. The social and affectionate nature of the puggle has earned them the popularity of being an excellent family pet.

Christy Taylor, author, is the proud owner of her own Puggle. She is also an in-house breeder for Puggles. To learn more about the Puggle breed, visit her website at http://www.pugglehugs.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christy_Taylor http://EzineArticles.com/?Puggle---The-Historical-Puzzle&id=1113061

Labradoodle-Sheepadoodle: are designer dog breeders going too far?

2008-04-15T18:39:00.001-04:00

Ok, so it’s not cool to own just a plain purebred Labrador retriever or a standard poodle anymore! Oh no, designer dog breeds are in vogue and now you must seek out the local "labradoodle" and "puggle" breeder. For those of you not in the loop, a "labradoodle" is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle (supposedly to breed a superior service-dog – yeah right). A "puggle" is a pug – beagle cross, with the benefit of being able to bay at the moon, without the same nasal throaty quality, thus rendering it a little more socially acceptable in suburbia..

And, this is just the beginning of the sinister backward slide into dog breed decadence. Designer dog breeds indeed. Not only are the designs becoming more unique (bizarrre?), but a google search now even reveals the existence of designer dog jewelry sites! The perfect set of pearls for your "puggle"? Nice.

And what do most designer dog breeds have in common, I ask? Well, they’re almost all crossbred with that most pampered and spoiled rotten canine of all, the infamous poodle. Alleged to be one of the smartest dogs of all, the poodle is prized for it’s intelligence (no kidding) and sophistication (it must have something going for it besides the hair-cut). Anyway, now we’re bombarded with such clever breeds as: "Chi-poos, Doxiepoos, Golden Doodles (indeed!), Irish Doodles, Jacka-poos, Papi-poos and Peka-poos," just for starters. Believe me, the list is virtually endless, as is the fertile imagination of the breeders. The more unusual, the higher the price.

Well if you can’t beat them, join them! I’ve developed a few designer breeds myself. My first contemplation is the cocker spaniel- pit bull cross, I’ve named it the "crocka-bull," to be followed by the cocker-shih-zu cross, which I call the "crocka-shihz." Of course, these are nowhere near as cool, cultured, and classy as the "Schnoodle," "Sheep-adoodle" or "Rottle" developed by the competition. Nonetheless, I figure the pups will be worth at least a grand.

I was just thinking, with all the attention on designer breeds, what about the lowly mixed-breed mutt? What we need here is a new spin. Perhaps the animal shelters should reconsider their marketing efforts and try the snob appeal route. Now, the last time I visited the local shelter was in January and I saw that many, if not most of the abandoned canine residents there seemed to be pit bull, as opposed to poodle crosses. The other common observable parentage seemed to be that of the ever-popular Labrador. So what we have here is not a pit bull-lab mix, oh no, what we have here, is the new designer dog of the American streets, the
"Pull-Tab."

About the author: Greg Marlett is a dog and animal lover, who is the proud owner of a "M-ound" (mixed breed hound) puppy and a "snippy" little Pomeranian. See his blogs at http://bravodb.blogspot.com and http://bravodn.blogspot.com for further authoritative dog information.

Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. No publication or use of this article, without the expressed and written permission of the author.

American Water Spaniel - Dog Breeds by John M Williams

2008-04-15T15:46:00.002-04:00

The American Water Spaniel, also known as Skiff dogs, is an eager, happy and energetic creature of medium size. This breed has lots of energy, especially at younger ages, and is loyal, dedicated, and overall fun to be around. It is suitable for both newcomers to the art of dog owning as well as veterans, and is both intelligent and easy to teach.

The American Water Spaniels true origin is a mystery, it is however known to have originated somewhere in the mid 1800s. Most experts have come to the conclusion that it was most likely created in the Fox River and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. Doc Pfeifer, a man known for recognizing the breed during the 1920s, believed that the American Water Spaniel was developed by crossing extinct English Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. Others disagree and that the breeds involved in the making of the American Water Spaniel were the English Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Tweed Water Spaniel, and possibly the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. There is however no evidence of any kind, and that's all that is known about its history. The American Water Spaniel was not officially recognized as a purebred dog until the United Kennel Club did so in 1920, then by the Field Dog Stud Book in 1938, and at least by the American Kennel Club in 1940.

It was first used for hunting, and it is still today used in the retrieval of smaller prey such as birds, vermin's and even fish. It fits easily in smaller forms of transportation such as canoes, and can travel even in unwelcome grounds such as marshes or deeper woods. It also shares the same enthusiasm in the sport as the hunter, and since it doesn't weigh much or make much noise if trained well it fits perfectly as a companion for this hobby. The American Water Spaniel is very alert and protective, and is great as a watchdog. He is alert and reserved when strangers are around you, but does not growl much or bark loudly at the arrival of unknown visitors when you are present. The American Water Spaniel does not like to be teased, and doesn't fit well with children if he hasn't grown up in such an environment. In average the American Water Spaniel lives around 10-15 years. Possible health care issues include cataracts, thyroid problems, epilepsy, retinal detachment, luxating patella, PRA, HD, and seizures. The American Water Spaniels are however typically a healthy breed.

For more info on http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/american_water_spaniel.html American Water Spaniel or a full list of http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/dog_breeds.html Dog Breeds visit this http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/ Dog Training resource website.

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Important Chihuahua Info That You Should Know by Clarence Clark

2008-04-14T23:30:00.001-04:00

Everyone knows the Chihuahua, thanks to the 'Chihuahua Song', Tinkerbell Hilton and many other movies like 'Legally Blond'. The Chihuahua has always been on most dog lovers "favourite list." The Chihuahua is so adorable that no one can resists it. But do not buy your Chihuahua on haste. There is some important Chihuahua info that you should know. Chihuahuas are considered as the smallest dog breed. Because of its unique size, there are many precautions and safety measures that you must adhere to if you want to keep you Chihuahua living strong and healthy.

As you know, the Chihuahua is only 6-9 inches tall, and weighs a mere 6lbs. These small figures can tell us very well that Chihuahuas are extremely small creatures! So, it is important that you look after these fragile creatures very carefully.

Try not to let your Chihuahua have access to areas where there are high surfaces. Chihuahuas are very adventurous creatures. They love to explore in and out of the house and this causes them to climb on any surface if you do not stop them. If your Chihuahua falls from a height, it might be severely injured. Chihuahuas deserve your attention 24/7 so try to keep them under your nose at all times.

Some Chihuahuas love high surfaces. So, if you are not reluctant, you can set up a ramp instead to allow your Chihuahua have access to its high rise nesting place and such.
You might have seen Chihuahuas that go barking unnecessarily whenever it sees a stranger passing by. Well, not all Chihuahuas are like that. It is actually up to the owner to discipline the Chihuahua and this should start from young.

All sorts of training, which includes house training and potty training, should start almost immediately. Just like kids, pups learn best when they are taught and molded from young. When it comes to training, you got to be mentally prepared. You got to learn to stay patient throughout.

Remember, do not scream or yell at your Chihuahua while you are training it. By doing so, you are making it more timid and hence it would be too scared to obey you. If you have kids at home, remind them not to hurt the pup. If they do, the pup will learn to be very aggressive when people approach it, and eventually it will bite you in its defense.

So, for best results, try to be patient and give praises and gifts when the Chihuahua does something good. You can try to use food as little praises. Using food is usually the best method.

Chihuahuas are very loving creatures. They can also get easily jealous when they sense the presence of other dogs. In order to prevent it from attacking other dogs, try to discipline him as much as possible. Disciplining him will make him learn how to socialize with people and other dogs. Hence, you are spared from the unnecessary barking.

Chihuahuas are loving creatures. If you are prepared to give your 100% attention to a dog, then Chihuahua should be the right breed for you. They even fit nicely in your handbag so now, you have a new shopping partner.

Clarence Clark is an avid Chihuahua dog lover providing valuable advice at http://www.chihuahuatime.com for fellow chihuahua dog lovers. Where he shares [http://ez-work-at-home.net/]chihuahua info and training tips with Chihuahua lovers worldwide. Click Here to gain FREE access to this Chihuahua networking website.

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A Primer On Siberian Husky Puppies by Andrew A Preston

2008-04-13T15:35:00.001-04:00

So you are considering Siberian Husky puppies but you are not too sure what to expect if you were to get one. This the least mysterious of the dog breeds and many of the issues you may come across with a Husky are common dog problems that can easily be fixed with the proper training and care. You should always take the advice given to you by qualified people and seek out advice when you run into problems. You are not alone in your raising of a Siberian Husky puppy so use the resources around you.

Before we get into a discussion of what Siberian Husky puppies are like you should first realize that you have two excellent resources for advice and help in your breeder and your vet. The information and assistance you will get from these two is invaluable and you will be in contact with both for almost all of the life of your dog. Use these two resources when you need to and never guess on a health issue with your dog.

You will notice right away that Siberian Husky puppies are active and aggressive little guys that literally do not know when to stop when it comes to play and that play can get very rough at times. This rough play is why many breeders suggest you do not get these animals if you have small children. Young puppies sometimes just do not know when to stop and small children can get hurt. So you may want to consider that if you have small children and you want a Husky puppy.

Siberian Husky puppies were bred to survive the winters of Siberia so their coat is very thick and they shed a great deal. You do not need to cut their coat or trim it at all but you do need to comb and brush their coat frequently. They enjoy the occasional bath as well but make sure you use dog shampoo and not human shampoo as there is a huge difference especially to Siberian Husky fur and skin.

As soon as you get them home you will notice right away that Siberian Husky puppies love to eat but at their age it is extremely important to set good eating habits and that includes feeding them once a day and making sure there are no leftovers sitting around for them to eat. Over eating is a huge problem for these dogs and if they develop bad habits when they are young then they can carry them into adulthood so be careful.

The Siberian Husky is a loyal pet but they are a handful and if you have no experience in owning dogs then you may not want to make this canine your first jump into dog ownership. They require a lot of the right kind of care and attention and in many ways are dogs that should only be owned by experienced owners that know exactly what they need to do to raise healthy dogs.

Andrew Preston knows much about the history of the Siberian Husky breed. The http://www.siberianhuskyguide.com/Siberian Husky has a long and distinguished history. http://www.siberianhuskyguide.com/Siberian_Husky.php Siberian Husky information can help you to learn about the specific appearance and ability of the breed.

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Poodles - An Introduction by Hans Lynch

2008-04-12T11:38:00.002-04:00

France is recognized as the official origin of Poodles. Poodles came from a nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and most likely the Hungarian Water Hound. It is believed that the name "Poodle" comes from the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water. At first, Poodles were used in Germany and France as gun dogs. In France, Poodles are called "Caniche," or duck dogs. Poodles have been used to sniff out truffles in the woods. The French noted the Poodle's intelligence and trainability and used them as circus performers. Toy Poodles became favorites amongst royalty particularly in the 18th century. Full sized poodles, while graceful and beautiful are very powerful and capable hunting dogs and can be used to take down medium to large game. Although Poodles are smart enough to do anything, they are now usually just companions and show dogs.
Poodles are known to be elegant and standard ones are medium or large in size. Generally, they have well-groomed curly coats. Both their heads and their muzzles are long. Their teeth are aligned and they form a strong scissor bite. Their ears are floppy and hang close to their heads. Their tails are normally cropped to half of its original length. Poodles can range in color but they're usually solid colored. Oftentimes, Poodles look differently depending upon their haircuts. Male Standard Poodles can weigh anywhere from 45-70 pounds while female Standard Poodles weigh 45-60 pounds. Toy Poodles are much smaller and usually are in the 10-15 lb range.

Poodles are elegant, dignified, and good-natured dogs. They are highly intelligent and trainable which is why they're popular as show dogs. Standard Poodles are happy and sensitive and calmer then smaller Poodles. They hate being alone, they have to be with people most of the time. They are great with children and very friendly to everyone else. They are also good with other dogs. They can serve as great guard dogs and can be trained as hunters if desired.
Poodles actually have a long average life span but they are prone to some genetic diseases. Cataracts and retinal Atrophy can cause blindness, allergies and skin conditions are also common. However, these can be partially prevented with good grooming. Hip dysplasia, runny eyes, and ear infections are also common amongst Poodles. They are prone to Von Wellebrand's Disease as well. Poodles are prone to bloat so it is wise to feed your Poodle 2-3 small meals per day opposed to one large one. After meals is not a good time for playing or other serious activity. A little bit of rest after a meal is a good thing.

Poodles enjoy exercising so at least a small yard is ideal. They are not very active indoors so it is necessary to take daily walks with Poodles. A short walk in the morning and a longer one in the afternoon are ideal. It is good for them and good for you too. Poodles even like to swim so you can substitute one of those walks with a good swim. They will stay healthier and be happier if they are given the opportunity to run and play in a safely enclosed area. Standard Poodles are athletic with great stamina and require more exercise than small Poodles. Generally, extensive grooming can be necessary. Poodles are great for people with allergies because they are not shedders!

Hans Lynch is a life long dog lover and the owner of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net Lucy's Dog House has a great selection of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net/dogtoys-dogplpato.htmlplush dog toys, and a wide variety of great products for you and your dog.

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Dog Training - Chihuahua Training Tips And Facts by Eric Letendre

2008-04-11T12:35:00.001-04:00

Chihuahuas are great little dogs with a lot of smarts and a lot of personality. Here are some interesting facts about Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are the world's smallest dogs, weighing in at four to six pounds at maturity. They have the largest brain when compared to body size of any other breed. The first Chihuahua registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904 was named "Midget."

Chihuahuas make great family pets and live well into their teens. It's important to remember that they do like warmth, and if you live in a northern climate you may have to dress them on cold days.

Anyway, here are some training tips. Due to their size, there are some steps that you can take to make it easier.

Chihuahuas are delicate dogs and this should be taken into consideration when training. It is not a good idea to use choke collars on Chihuahuas. A flat buckle collar or harness would be a better option. A Chihuahua's trachea and neck can be easily inured.

Put the flat collar and leash on your Chihuahua. Get your treats ready, and make sure that you are ready to train. Never train when you are upset, tired or angry.

Use a table to train your Chihuahua. It can be hard on your back bending all the way down to train. Place your Chihuahua on the table.

Once your dog is on the table you can start to train sit, down, stand, and stay commands. You can also teach your Chihuahua tricks like roll over, give paw, and high five.

Never leave your Chihuahua unattended on a table when you're finished training. Make sure your training sessions are short and fun. Always reward your Chihuahua for doing the right behaviors.

By following these steps you can develop a great relationship with your Chihuahua.

Eric Letendre the author of The Amazing Dog Training Man invites you to visit http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com for leading edge dog training tips, instructional video clips and articles that will help you train and understand your dog. You can also get free dog training updates with a free Smart Dog Newsletter subscription, available at http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com

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Pomeranian Cuts Are Really Cute by Rosie Allan

2008-04-10T15:51:00.001-04:00

A Pomeranian is a toy dog. Pomeranians are designer dogs, as many celebrities own these little dogs. They carry them wherever they go, whether it is to a highbrow party or to their hair salon. They are always groomed and dressed very fashionably. The Pomeranian cuts on these dogs are becoming more recognized worldwide because of these celebrities. There are only three basic Pomeranian cuts that are normally seen on these dogs. The teddy bear cut is the most popular, the lion cut is the second in line for popularity and the shave comes in last. The shave is least popular because it can harm the dog if the whether turns cold. Since these dogs are small they need their coats to keep them warm. They can catch cold from sitting too long in front of an air conditioner. Pomeranians are happiest when they are groomed. They love the attention and when a Pomeranian goes in for a specialty cut, the salons dote on the dogs.

Because Pomeranians get groomed so often they must get used to the water, clippers, trimmers and brushes at an early age. Pomeranian puppies must be groomed at a young age to get them used to the process. These dogs will eventually love their trips to the salon to receive their Pomeranian cuts. They love the attention they receive during the washing, trimming and brushing sessions. These dogs seem to know instinctively that they are to show off their gorgeous longhaired coats in a glamorous fashion.

So it is only natural that so many people dress their dogs in a fashionable manner and carry them wherever they go. Pomeranians are fun but arrogant dogs and know they are beautiful animals and this is probably why the teddy bear Pomeranian cut is the most popular cut. This Pomeranian cut will show off the luxurious long haired coat to the utmost degree. This is, by far, the most popular Pomeranian cut in the American Kennel Club competitions.

Pomeranians can instinctively display glamour. They are aware when they are groomed beautifully and want to display themselves to the world. The best of the Pomeranian cuts is a teddy bear cut. This Pomeranian cut can be maintained with weekly brushings and monthly trimmings. There is no shaving involved in a teddy bear Pomeranian cut. As long as the dog's coat is free of knots and matting, the cut is easy to maintain.

And a well maintained Pomeranian cut means a happy dog. There is no shaving involved in the teddy bear Pomeranian cut, only short trimming sessions to keep the Pomeranian cut in a uniform shape. It is common for a matted, knotty Pomeranian to be a very unhappy and unfriendly dog. They want to be beautiful and they want to show the world how beautiful they are. The teddy bear Pomeranian cut is the best for this display of beautiful. The beautiful coat of a Pomeranian is beautiful to behold and it would be sad to not let the dog display its most beautiful asset.

Rosie Allan is an expert on British royal dogs and lives in the countryside of London with two Pomeranians. The http://www.officialpomeranianguide.com/ Pomeranian, a favorite of royalty, is a descendant of the Spitz sled dogs. Queen Victoria of England, who once had 35 Pomeranians, made the dog popular in England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Helpful http://www.officialpomeranianguide.com/Pomeranian.php Pomeranian information such as that found here is also available at libraries and through the American Kennel Club.

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All About the Neopolitan Mastiff by Sam Daniels

2008-04-09T11:34:00.002-04:00

The Neopolitan or Neapolitan Mastiff is a large and power breed. It is not a breed for everyone, The Neopolitan Mastiff requires an owner that can control and train well their pet. Despite their beastly appearance they are actually peaceful animal unless provoked. They are usually calm, serious, and affectionate with their family. They are also good with children, although children should be taught to respect the Neo Mastiff.

The Neopolitan Mastiff is a direct descendent of the Roman Molossus. This breed became extinct throughout most of Europe. However, it survived in Campania despite the war and the weather. Though it has been around for over 2000 years in Campania, it was not officially recognized until 1946. Originally the Neo's were bred for war and entertainment such as "dog fights" but today they have been used by Italian police, farmers, business owners and others as protectors of property and people. This breed is still quite rare in the United States.

The temperament of this breed of Mastiff is calm and steady. They are not apt to bite unless they have a reason. Bred into this dog is the responsibility to protect its owners and property. They are always watchful and are wary of strangers. Obedience training is highly recommended, preferably while young before they get too large to be able to control. Females make better family pets because they are not quite as aggressive as males, however, both are loyal and affectionate with their owners.

They do well in apartments or small yards as long as they are exercised properly. They tend to lounge around and often must be coaxed into exercise as they grow older. They should go for long walks twice a day.

This breed is prone to pano-ostiosis, which is growing pains in puppies 4-18 months, This will generally go away on its own as they mature. Hip dysplasia is another health problem found in Mastiffs. They are alos prone to "cherry eye" where the eye tissue becomes red and inflamed an also protrudes more than normal. This usually requires minor surgery.

The Neopolitan Mastiff is powerful and majestic animal that is also loving and loyal.
Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast and, for a limited time, is offering his extensive Mastiff Care Secrets course free of charge. It is jam-packed full of must-have information for

Mastiff owners! To learn more about Mastiff care just go here http://www.YourMastiffAndYou.com .

Sam Daniels is a dog trainer and enthusiast and, for a limited time, is offering his extensive [http://www.yourmastiffandyou.com ]Mastiff Care Secrets course free of charge. It is jam-packed full of must-have information for Mastiff owners! Learn more about [http://www.YourMastiffAndYou.com ]Mastiff Care Now!

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The Pomeranian Species by Trevor Albinez

2008-04-08T11:13:00.002-04:00

The Pomeranian is a huge dog packed into a little tiny package of fluff that tend to be very yappy and bossy. Some have wondered how such a big dog can walk around in a little dog’s body but the Pomeranian sure does it well. It is a small watchdog in the way that they are very alert and bark at strangers excessively. It is said that the Pomeranian is temperamental and needs to be put in his place by way of a firm hand. If you let the little thing do as it wishes, it won’t ever listen. This is in part due to the fact that they are incredibly intelligent and loves to learn new things. The Pomeranian gets along well with other household pets and animals but can sometimes be aggressive to any animal, large or small. The Pomeranian dogs have a great disposition and are very good at learning new tricks so get your new dog some treats and you both will be pleasantly pleased.

Features of The Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is as noted earlier quite small and is known to be in the group of ‘toy’ dogs because of it’s size. You may have seen the Pomeranian dogs at a dog show or at the park that have the mask in the face and look slightly like a fox or those that look like a baby doll face. They differ in facial features just like humans do but all of them have one distinctive feature in common and that is of the triangle shaped ears that they adorn. The Pomeranian ears are pointy and stand straight up. However, the feature that best sets these dogs apart from other small dogs is the tail that they carry around, feathered and pointed towards the back of the dogs head and they usually have a matching collar and fluff on the chest. They are very fashionable dogs and have a smart smile that shows the intelligence in the Pomeranian’s expression.
The Pomeranian Roots

If you can believe this, the Pomeranian were once used and bred mainly for sheep herding and were brought to Europe from the far northern country of Prussia for just this reason, for selling to the sheep farmers. The Pomeranian descended from the Spitz breeds that and weighed anywhere up to thirty pounds.

An entertaining endnote on the Pomeranian, many old celebrities have owned them like Mozart and Marie Antoinette and even Emile Zola was known to own the Pomeranian.
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Leisure Living with the Shih Tzu by Connie Limon

2008-04-06T13:00:00.002-04:00

The Shih Tzu, enigmatic and regal, and a glorious long, thick coat is a glamorous and beautiful canine.

They often comes across as haughty and disdainful in appearance, however, their true character is a fun-loving clown who loves to provide its audience lots of happiness, smiles and laughter.
Be not mistaken by their sweet faces.....they are not actually an easy going lap dog. They can be strong-willed and assertive. They also are quite "nosey." They just love to know everything that is going on in a household, and they will do anything it seems to find out. They sometimes think the house actually belongs to them instead of humans and they are in control of all things therein. Owners should have a no nonsense attitude when it comes to training these guys, or else they may end up training you. One thing they generally are not is "aggressive."

Owners of Shih Tzu also need to become strong leaders of the pack, or else one of them or the only one you have will take this position. They do not realize humans have many other things to do other than just sit with them and pretend like a dog as they are. If this could be the case, I promise you, they would be in absolute heaven, and would never misbehave in any way whatsoever. They love their people and nothing is more enjoyable to a them than being in total oneness with their people.

However, we need to rise and take out the garbage now and then. Don't worry, he or she will have its nose in the garbage can, and then on your heels while you take the garbage out. When you come back in, there he or she will be at the cabinet where you are getting a garbage bag out. Now, walk over to the can and place the bag in. Watch it! If you step too quickly, you will step on their feet, he or she is now gazing up at you, standing by your side, as you slide the new garbage bag into the can. After a few times of stepping on their toes accidentally, most of them learn to watch your feet and get out of the way.

I have a puppy now that is only five weeks old. She knows somehow the sounds of when I am coming down the hall toward her area with food. I go down that same hall many times in a 24 hour period. This particular puppy never makes a sound. When I am coming down the hall with her food (maybe she smells the food) she starts to "quarrel." I can just hear what her actual words would be if she could speak words. She is probably saying: "yes, yes, I want my food, I want my food, right now, and I just can't wait to get my food, hurry, hurry." She turns around and around and around when I get to her and is just so in love with her food. She is a character already. I will have her on the web site for sale soon. She is the very tiny type, probably will be Teacup Shih Tzu size.

Grooming is another essential commitment. This is especially true if you want the long, flowing coats. I want them, but my gosh, what a chore this is to keep them in long coat. I go through periods with them, sometimes long, and then sometimes the puppy cut, and other times, especially hot summertime, shave them to the skin. It all grows back out and more it seems in no time at all. It takes a good 4 hours to groom a dog in full coat, if you do everything that needs to be done in one sitting. I should say it takes me that long.

For those who lead hectic lives, you can still enjoy their comical antics and keep their coat in a puppy trim or some other short hairstyle. This does not stop their wonderful personalities. To me, this breed of dog is just like no other animal in this world. It is my favorite. And did I say animal? I often refer more to them as people. They are so very intelligent, and compassionate. If you have a bad day, you can be sure your Shih Tzu will be right there by your side and eventually he or she will do something that suddenly makes you forget the world outside, and you enter back into their world of nothing but good and happy times. In my opinion, there are very good choices for people who need mood elevation or mood enhancement.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Written by: Connie Limon. Visit us at Stain Glass Shih Tzu; add your name to our list for a future puppy and sign up for a FREE informative newsletter at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

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Havanese Dogs Are Great Companions by Sandra Oberreuter

2008-04-05T10:11:00.001-04:00

Havanese dogs are in the toy group and a member of the Bichon family. Their friendly temperament makes them a natural companion dog. These dogs have large and dark appealing eyes that go right to your heart.

They are the national dog of Cuba, the only true Cuban breed. It is thought that their ancestors traveled to Cuba when the Spanish were exploring the Caribbean's.

They come in many colors from: white, shade of cream, champagne, gold, black, blue, silver, chocolate or any combination. There are three coat types: smooth, curly, and wavy. The wavy is the preferred coat and the most uniquely Havanese. Their hair is long, soft and abundant. The coat slight designed for a cooling agent for hot days. Therefore, on cold days they need protection. They are a non-shedding dog and do not have that "doggie odor".

Havanese's are 81/2" to 111/2" tall, weigh between 7 to 13 pounds and live 14 to 15 years.
Some characteristics of these dogs include intelligent, loving, happy nature, affectionate, and devoted.

They are cheerful and get along with everyone. They need a great deal of companionship and they do not like to be left alone for more than a few hours at a time. This breed is excellent with children and extremely playful. They are also good with other animals. They are polite with other people and animals. A Havanese loves to sit up high on furniture and observe what is going on around him.

This breed is not a yappy dog but alert you to approaching people. If they do bark, a lot early training should take care of it.

They are difficult to housebreak because they have a smaller bladder than other small dog breeds. They need consistent crate training to housebreak them. They are sensitive to the tone of your voice so beware that harsh words upset him when training him.

Havanese puppies are in high demand because their breed is being "discovered". They are, however, an expensive dog that cost between $1800.00 to $2500.00 from breeders and it is possible to wait 6 months to 2 years to get one.

Since they are in high demand, you really need to be sure whom you are buying from. Do not buy from a puppy mill or a low quality breeder. Ask the breeder questions related to this breed and get the proper certificates.

Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on different breeds including pages on dogs good with children and the elderly, choosing a dog and breeder, vet, dog clothes, dog houses and much more. http://www.small-dogbreeds.com

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