The Profile Of A Wannabe Dog Breed

Dog lovers everywhere devote so much time choosing the right dog breeds before they decide to purchase a dog. For them, the dogs breed is one contributing factor to its value. That is why most families who decide to get some dogs, they know that choosing the right breed is crucial.

Today, there are 70 million dogs in the United States but the American Kennel Club only recognizes 143 breeds of dogs. Still, with these numbers, choosing the right kind of dog breed for the family can be very tedious.

However, most pet shop owners contend that the reasons why the preference of the people in choosing their dogs may vary from one person to another is because each person has its own pre-conceived idea what he wants in a dog. It all depends on the physical attributes.

There are those who fancy the size, the shape of the face, the looks, or even the temper. But whatever preference an individual has regarding his choice for dogs, still, there are important factors that one must remember in choosing a particular dog breed.

Heres a list of the things that must be considered first:

1. The size of the house

Many people tend to forget this factor. The area of the house should be the primary factor to consider before buying the best dog breed available.

For example, if a future dog owner is living on an apartment, then, theres no use to buy a large dog. So, for limited space, its better to opt for those cute little canines that dont need too much space to raise them.

2. The children

If a future dog owner has children, its best to consider his children rather than his own preference. Delicate dogs like Chihuahua care not advisable because they are too frail to let the children take care of them. Big dogs like Saint Bernard could also pose some risk on the children.

So, the bottom line is to choose the breed of dog depending on the age of the children and how many are they in the house.

3. The nature of the job

For people who would love to buy dogs but they dont have time to devote so much on grooming, then, its best to buy those that doesnt need too much attention on hair grooming like the Terriers. This kind of breed of dogs has short hairs so they dont need a lot of fuss on their hair.

Boiled down, the best dog breed is the one that fits the kind of life the future owner has. Compatibility is the key in this kind of situation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Jul 26, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

The Importance Of Breeds Of Dogs

Dogs are considered as mans best friend. If one decides to get a dog for a pet, one can choose either a specific breed otherwise known as pure bred or choose one that is if a mixed breed or a mutt. There is a not that much difference between dogs that are pure or mixed. One simply came from parents of the same breed while the other came from a family of two different breeds.

Choosing a dog depends on many things. The size of ones home, how much exercise is needed, does it shed often or if one wants a gentle or playful companion.

Deciding to own one whether it is big or small involves a lot of responsibility. It is not just about feeding it but includes other chores such as grooming, watching its health and diet, cleaning up after it and most importantly, giving it some tender loving care. There are many places one can get a dog such as a kennel or the pet store but if one wants to get a pure bred animal, one must seek a reputable breeder to get the best results.

Breeding done in pure bred dogs is done carefully. The pair is tested for every possible disease which includes having all the information regarding the pairs ancestors and health records on file. Should there be no problem in the history of the pair, then the breeding can begin. If in testing, the pair is not compatible due to diseases that are common in a specific breed, another dog will be selected to match with the other dog.

Since the demand for the breeders pure bred dogs are well sought after due to the selective nature of the breeding practices, the newborn pups will still have to be raised with the breeder and will only be released when a number of pre-screened homes have been found. This is done for the welfare of the select few of owners and to control population growth.

Reputable breeders have certain requirements that one must have before qualifying as a potential dog owner. These are usually in the form of written contracts or guarantees with a spay or neuter requirement that limits the registration of the puppies. The person who wants a dog must also have a secured backyard and attend certain classes such a puppy kindergarten to be familiar with the challenges one will face come the time the dog has been given. This shows that pure bred dogs are well taken cared off from pregnancy till after birth.

Mixed breeds on the other hand or mutts as people call them could have been done out of experimentation to produce a breed which could be better and stronger than the two breeds. Most likely, these were the results of accidents. This is the reason why dogs of mixed breeds just like pure breds must be neutered since millions of dogs every year that are not wanted by people die in animal shelters.

Health wise, pure bred dogs that come from a line of strong parents wont have problems. This is because breeders screen the pair before the process happens. There have been instances that certain breeders especially those dealing with pure breds do not practice the strict guidelines of proper breeding which produces inferior dogs and do this because these people are more concerned about financial gain rather than the welfare of the animal.

Mixed bred dogs on the other hand will fall somewhere in the middle since proper screening was poorly done or never carried out. Certain dogs carry varied deficiencies common to the breed and mixing the two will just pass on to the mixed breed.

Some people prefer pure bred dogs than mixed bred ones. The primary reason is that it is easier to sell and carries a certain prestige with it. Mixed bred dogs are seen as inferior and since no one is interested, most of these are rounded up and die in an animal shelter.

Pure bred dogs are seen as a higher class which is why they are always featured at dog shows. Mixed dogs due to certain rules are not allowed to join. The reasoning given has not been that clear which is why it is still being contested by mixed breed owners.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Jul 19, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

The Boston Terrier: A Very Self Sufficient Dog and

The Boston Terrier: A Very Self Sufficient Dog and a Great Family Pet

The Boston Terrier has been nicknamed the American Gentleman because of its wonderful, gentle disposition and its tuxedo like coat. One of the few breeds that is truly “made in the USA”.

Boston Terriers are rated by the American Kennel club as one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs; making housetraining simple. Over time, they have evolved into a gentle breed that is content to sit on your lap and be petted.

Originally bred down in size from pit-fighting dogs the Boston Terrier was much larger than it is today, weighing up to 44 pounds.

It seems difficult to believe that these little dogs were once tough pit fighters. The Boston Terrier resembles the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with its strong fighting instinct. The Boston Terriers of today are a far cry from the proud fighting dog of the past.

The Boston Terrier resulted from a cross between the English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. Around 1870 an imported dog known as “Judge” was sold to Robert.C.Hooper. The dog became known as “Hooper’s Judge” and was a prize stud dog who was mated with many females. He was a heavy dog weighing in at 30 pounds. He was bred down in size. He is believed to be the ancestor of many of todays Boston Terriers.

These offspring were bred with some French Bulldogs and these matings provides the foundation for today’s Boston Terriers.

In 1889 the American Bull Terrier Club was started. In it’s infancy it only had 30 members and called the dogs Bull Terriers. In 1981 the Boston Terriers club was formed to showcase these dogs. The American Kennel Club only admitted them into their stud books because of the constant persistance of the breed fanciers.

In the early years, the color and markings were not as important as they are today. By the 1900’s the breeds markings and colors were an essential part of the breed feature. According to the breed standard, the characteristic markings should be marked white in proportion with a black, brindle, seal or combination of those three. ‘Seal’ is a word used to describe specifically a color found on Boston Terriers – a black color with red highlights. The white should cover the chest, muzzle and a band around the neck, halfway up the forelegs. In show dogs, symmetrical markings are preferred. A new breed of colors (red) Boston Terriers is not seal.

In comparison to other breeds this is a relatively new breed. Most of the progress in the breed has been made in the 20th Century.

In 1979 the Boston Terrier became recognized by state legislature as the state dog of Massachusetts.

The Boston Terrier of Today is not considered a fighting type dog but can hold its own. The Boston Terrier makes for a wonderful companion for everyone.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Jul 14, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Some Information Regarding the Kerry Blue Terrier Pet Dog

The Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is one of the most mysterious breeds of terriers. This is because of the fact that even though the breed has been known by the Irish for at leas 150 years, nobody really knows where they came from or how they were first bred.

Various legends are told in order to explain the appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them for hunting purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds while peasants poached with their Kerries.

Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish shores and there, mated with the local terrier population. This, of course, started the genetic pool of blue Kerry terriers.

Whatever the case, the blue Kerry terrier sure has a colorful history. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring in prey. It would also be trained as a police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to be one of the best breeds of dogs that one can own. This is in part of its excellent abilities as a watchdog.

One thing that is so cool about owning a Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is the fact that this breed is adaptable to every situation. It can be a hardworking hunter’s dog. It can become the vigilant watchdog. If you want companionship, it can also provide that. People who are fortunate to have a Blue Kerry terrier pet dog even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are forever a Kerry lover.

There are some terrier characteristics which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog can get into fights with other dogs. In order to prevent this, you need to make sure that the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is properly socialized. Usually this is done by the breeder.

Most people, when they are getting a pet often ask the question of whether or not a pet can be housebroken easily. Thankfully enough, the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog has a disposition that is easily house trained. The Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is actually quite eager to learn. This means that you will be able to train it very quickly.

Although a Blue Kerry terrier can become an excellent playmate for children, it must be taken that the children do not show any cruelty to the dog.

The Blue Kerry terrier is also one of the more hardy types of terriers. This is because the Blue Kerry terrier has very few genetic problems. Before buying one, however, you need to ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the Blue Kerry terrier.

A Blue Kerry terrier is not really for everyone. Some people may find it a bit too playful. Some people may not really get used to the Blue Kerry terrier’s curiosity. People may not really understand its habit of following everyone around. Today, the fate of the Blue Kerry terrier dog lies in the hands of the breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure that they have great homes to stay in.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Jul 01, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Overview Of Different Breeds Of Dogs

There are over a hundred registered breed of dogs. Recognizing the type of the dog is basically associated with its breed. A purebred animal belongs to a documented and acknowledged group of unmixed lineage. Before a breed of dog is recognized, it must be proved that mating two adult dogs of the same type would have passed on their exact characteristics, both appearance and behavior, to their offspring.

If thinking of adopting or buying a pet dog for yourself, it is important to know which type of dog you want. Here are a few popular dog breeds for your easy reference:

Labrador
Labradors are very outgoing dogs that have yellow, black or brown furs. Labrador are versatile dogs that has a wide rang of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are observed to water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They are excellent as family dog.

German Shepherds
Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they are intended to be aide for a farmer in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their built they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Most of them are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.

Boxer
Boxers have pointed ears that are tilted forward. They have a distinguishable white underbelly and white parts at the tip of each foot. These white regions are often called as flashiness which sometimes extend to other parts of the body. These usually appear on the shoulders and face. Boxers are playful and energetic breed. They are perfect as a pet for children because they have an extended puppy hood, meaning they are not considered as an adult dog until they reach the age of three. Training would not be a problem. Boxers are known to be obedient and possess a strong personality. It is advisable to train a boxer at an early age. They can sometimes be a substitute as guide dogs or police dogs.

Rotweiller
Rotweillers origin traced back on ancient times. Their existence has been associated with the Roman Empire as watchers for groups of cattle. Since then, their incredible strength and intelligence has been recognized. They are utilized as police dogs and military aides during wars. Rotweillers are black tan spots on its cheeks, legs, chest and face. You should definitely find one too underneath their tails. They are marked with upside down triangles can be found on the chest area. Their eyebrows have a unique spot on each one. Rotweillers are intelligent and fearless dogs. You can notice their foreheads getting a little wrinkly when they are alert. Rotties are very active and playful and are fast on learning tricks.

Poodle
Poodles can be a very good companion and are very loyal to their owners. They belong to a quiet breed of dogs that has a naturally curly fur. Their color ranges from black, grey, white, blue, apricot or brown. Training a poodle trend to require more effort compared to other breed. They are considered as a hypoallergenic breed. They are very famous for their very nice coats. Maintenance proved to be a tedious job. Owners have to keep their hair in a manageable length so that matting and tangling would be prevented.

Labrador
Labradors are very outgoing dogs that are yellow, black or brown in colors. Labrador are versatile dogs that has a wide rang of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are proved to be water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They tend to be mellow and are excellent as a family dog.

German Shepherds
Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they are intended to be aide for a farmer in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their built they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Most of them are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.

Dachshund
Dachshunds are also referred to as sausage dogs because of their elongated built. They have short legs and pointed facial framework. Chasing and hunting are their favorite past times. Most dachshunds have crooked legs and chest compared to a barrel. Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that loves to chase small animals like birds. Their senses are very keen and well-developed though they often exhibit shyness.

Beagle
Beagles have acquired a strong sense of smell. Because of such quality they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. They have big ears that are low- set giving them that gentle look. Their furs are commonly white, black, brown or a combination of both. Beagles are known to be very good tempered. Training might prove to be a trick task because these dogs are strong willed that made them quite stubborn. Beagles travel in pack, being a pet dog might cause them to have anxiety.

Above is a simple overview of popular breed of dogs. In choosing a dog for you better consider each breeds physical appearance, temperament and health issues. Of course, each dog should fit your lifestyle. Remember dogs should be given proper attention and care but in exchange you can have the best companion ever.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Jun 03, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Lesser-Known Dog Breeds

Have you ever seen a beagle? Sure you have. What about a basset hound? Of course! How about a Polish Owczarek Nizinny? Didnt think so. Its one of many unfamiliar breeds of dogs roaming the Earth and though it has a funny name (to Americans anyway), it is a beautiful creature. There are a great many dog breeds out there that, unless youre a dog expert, you may never have heard of. Here are a few.

Affenpinscher:

The smallest dog in the family that includes pinschers and schnauzers, the Affenpinscher is a toy dog with a good demeanor. These little guys are very intelligent and trainable and make wonderful family pets. They have a dark, wiry coat and are naturally affectionate towards humans.

Anatolian Shepherd:

The Anatolian Shepherd has a large frame and is considered to be quite courageous. These are strong and loyal dogs that see a good deal of use in the United States as military and hunting dogs.

Basenji:

The Basenji is a medium sized muscular dog that is also known as the African Barkless Dog. They never bark, but not because they are mute; apparently they just dont want to. Basenjis were originally bred in Africa as hunting dogs. They do not naturally make good pets, but overcome their aversion to humans if they are handled consistently from an early age.

Bouvier des Flandres:

These small but sturdy dogs have the appearance of a sort of terrier. They usually have a dark rough coat and a generally calm manner. They were originally bred as herders in France and today are used in both police work and as guide dogs or assistance animals for the blind.

Central Asian Ovtcharka:

The Central Asian Ovtcharka is a large and muscular dog. It is known as loyal and fearless and has protective instincts that make it an excellent herder and watchdog. Typically they have their ears and tail docked at an early age.

Polish Owczarek Nizinny:

This guy is a medium sized shaggy dog with a long coat that covers its eyes. Loyal and devoted dogs, they make great pets as long as they wont be left alone for long periods of time since they are known to cause trouble when unsupervised for too long.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

May 16, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Gifts For Dog Lovers, and Dogs

There is a plethora of dog gifts available in the marketplace, with each gift type celebrating a different breed of dogs – mans faithful companion. You would be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of gifts and the fact that you could easily find a gift pertinent to any dog breed on earth.

The simplest of such gifts can be a canine care guidebook strictly specific to a particular dog breed of your choice.

Another viable dog gift can be a set of canine feeding bowls or a comprehensive dinner set, with your choice of breed being hand-painted on the bowls. A similar gift may be a calendar with picturesque backgrounds, featuring your favorite dog breed. Another special gift item is a dog breed greeting card. Dog lovers would be happy to receive a greeting card with a beautiful image of their favorite dog breed, along with a nice thought to mark the occasion.

You will be glad to know that there is an enormous collection of figurines shaped after different breeds of dogs. Beautiful hand blown glass figurines, crystal figurines and Christmas tree ornaments also make fine breed gifts. Dog breed mugs and coffee cups, notepads, postcards, placemats, spoon rests, salt and pepper shakers, among others are also viable gift options.

Several household items can also be modeled after your favorite dog breed. You could have dog breed embroidered towels, welcome mats and other door mats, and window and car stickers as well. Tote bags, bearing a beautiful image of your favorite dog breed, not only suggest your love for the particular dog breed but are also a cool fashion statement. If your budget allows a bit of leeway, you may buy an expensive breed specific jewelry item. There is a huge selection of breed specific rings, earrings, and necklaces that would certainly bring a smile to a woman who happens to be a dog lover.

As far as dog breed gifts are concerned, there is no dearth of possibilities. The only restrictive aspect would be the amount of money you are willing to spend on a dog breed gift. Every item you imagine could either be modeled after your favorite dog breed, have a picture of the breed painted on it, engraved or embossed on it, or affixed onto it in one or the other manner.

Choices abound when it comes to dog breed gifts. The only aspect that you need to ensure is that the gift is to the receivers liking.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Mar 25, 2010 | 0 | Dogs

Characteristics Of The Golden Retriever

Almost all breeds of dogs are group oriented, as they need to interact with other species of their group to remain secure. Golden Retrievers, in particular, have been bred over the years to be geared more towards people. They make great guide dogs for the blind, friends for younger children, and even assistants for those who love to hunt. Due to the way they have been bred, they need to interact with people on a frequent basis.

They are merciful dogs at heart, and will tolerate several mistakes from you all the while wanting nothing more than you to acknowledge the fact that they are there and pat them on the head. Further proving that Golden Retrievers aim to please, is the fact that they were the first three dogs to obtain the Obedience Trial Championships – which is quite a statement indeed.

With Goldens being so people oriented, its very important that they live with their owners. When you do any type of family activity, you should make sure that your Golden is included. Even though they dont normally bark a lot, they will start barking if they get bored. Once a Golden Retriever is fully grown and becomes stout, he will enjoy many types of activities such as hiking, walking, hunting, jogging, and many other types of physical activity.

If you start your Golden Retriever puppy out early with exposure to kids, he will grow to become better than ever will kids. Although they can be very friendly around young kids, they can still knock them over or tend to want to lick them in the face. No matter how great your Golden Retriever may be around kids, youll never want to leave your dog and your kids alone. Even though Goldens have a great temperament, a child can accidentally poke him or pull his tail and cause him to retaliate via his natural instinct.

All Golden Retrievers love the water, and choose to get wet any chance they get. If you have a pond or other source of water on your land, you can expect your Golden Retriever to get into it whenever he gets the chance. They are also drawn to mud, and will get themselves dirty on a frequent basis. Once your Golden is full grown, you can count on bathing him every couple of days.

During the summer, youll need to make sure that your Golden Retriever has plenty of moving air, shade, and water. They like the heat, although it normally isnt good for them. As long as you take care of your Golden and dont let him over exert himself, he should be just fine even in the hottest days that summer can dish out.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Jan 21, 2010 | 0 | Golden Retriever

Caring for Your Senior Dog

Your senior dog has given you many wonderful years of companionship. Don’t you owe it to him to make sure his later years are easy and comfortable?

How do you know if your dog is approaching his golden years? Different breeds of dogs mature at different rates, but a good rule of thumb is the larger the dog, the faster they mature. Based on this if your dog is seven he is probably experiencing, or at least approaching, his senior years. When your dog hits this stage in his life it’s important that he receive the right amount of exercise, nutrition, and veterinary care.

Signs of an Aging Dog

How does your dog show the signs of age? A healthy senior dog will most likely have a decrease in energy level. He may nap more, or become tired more easily. Your senior dog may also be stiff after play or upon getting up after a rest. How do you know the difference between normal wear and tear and arthritis or an injury? If your dog loosens up after mild activity he’s probably just showing some signs of age. Dogs who seem to feel worse as the days go on should be seen by a vet to rule out other possibilities.

A senior dog can benefit from comfy sleeping quarters. There are several companies out there that make bedding for dogs designed to take the pressure off of aging and aching joints. These are often made of memory foam or eggshell foam, and have removable covers that can be machine washed in case your senior dog has an accident.

Exercise

A good exercise regimen can help your pet avoid problems common in the senior dog such as weight gain and arthritis. Exercise also improves digestion and circulation. Just make sure you don’t overdo it! A leisurely walk or two a day plus some low-key playing should do the trick. And always make sure that your dog stays well-hydrated.

Nutrition

As your dog ages, his dietary needs will change. Be sure to choose a food that is appropriate for you dog’s needs and conditions! As a general rule of thumb, a good senior dog food will have fewer calories, enough protein, and vitamins and minerals that help your dog’s coat and teeth stay strong and healthy.

Weight gain due to slowing metabolisms is a common problem with senior dogs. How do you know if your dog is overweight? Try this simple test. Put your hands on his backbone and feel for his ribcage. If you can’t feel it, chances are your dog needs to shed a few pounds. Since this is a common problem among older dogs there are a number of foods on the market with lower fat and calories.

Veterinary Care

Your dog will be experiencing lots of emotional and physical changes as he ages. Because of this, it is important to keep up on his health! In addition to his regular check-ups and shots, ask your vet about twice-annual geriatric screenings.

Give your senior dog the right care, and he’ll really enjoy his golden years!

For more advice on dogs and top-selling dog products visit Savvy Dog Lovers Dog Supplies – where the best bones are buried.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Dec 16, 2009 | 0 | Dogs

Before You Bring Your New Pit Bull Puppy Home: Dog

Before You Bring Your New Pit Bull Puppy Home: Dog Owner Advice

There are several things one should consider before adding a Pit Bull terrier to your household. As with any and all breeds of dogs, Pit Bulls have their own individual quirks and personalities that should be researched and considered thoroughly before adding a Pit Bull puppy to your family. You also will need to make sure that you have time for a puppy in your life, as they crave lots of love and attention, and dont do as well in busy families where they arent able to get that. You definitely do not want to add a new pet if it isnt going to fit in with your family or other pets you may already have. Pit Bull terriers usually do better in homes with older children, than those with babies or toddlers.

Once you have made the decision that a Pit Bull puppy would be a good addition to your household, you will need to ready your house for him before you bring the puppy home. Preparing your home beforehand will make your first few days at home with your new puppy much easier. Puppies are naturally curious about their surroundings, so you definitely should take precaution with household products, plants, poisons, etc. Puppies also tend to be destructive sometimes, so you will also need to consider that as well. They like to chew a lot, so you will want to purchase toys for them to have, and keep anything you dont want damaged out of the puppys area.

When you bring your new puppy home, you should ensure that there will be someone at home most of the time. The puppy should be taken outside often, at least until he is house-broken. It is also important that your puppy get a lot of exercise, which will help in getting rid of any pent up energy he may have, making the puppy easier to deal with.

It is very important to try to have a routine for your new puppy, as puppies tend to do better when things are kept consistent. Many puppies dont respond well to change, so it is important to establish a routine and keep it up.

Owning a Pit Bull terrier comes with a lot of responsibility, as with owning any pet. Pit Bulls thrive in homes with loving and attentive owners. They are very loving and devoted when cared for and treated well.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Dec 01, 2009 | 0 | Dogs