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Archive for the ‘Dog Breeds’ Category

All About the Bearded Collie Dog Breed

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

The Bearded Collie: A loving and protective dog perfect for the family

The Bearded Collie, also known as the Beardie, is a British bred dog that descends from both the Polski Owczarek Nizinny Dog and the Highland Collie. It is a working dog that was bred to work with livestock such as sheep and cattle. It is a mid-sized dog that grows to be between 20 and 22 inches tall and it can weigh up to about 60 pounds when fully grown. This breed is known for its long, silky, fluffy fur coat. Its coat colors come in slate, blue, gray, brown, white, black, and sand.

Temperament and characteristics of the Bearded Collie

This is a very sweet dog that makes a great family pet. They are happy-go-lucky and very affectionate. They also work great in multi-pet families and are very fond of children. They are very friendly, although they tend to be noisy barkers

Regular health care and grooming of the Bearded Collie

To groom and care for this breed you will need to brush their long coats daily to keep them free of matting fur and debris. They will also need a haircut every couple of months. This is an active breed that needs a lot of regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. In addition to proper grooming and exercise they also need to be trained. The best training methods for this breed are ones that are firm but not overly domineering. This is a relatively healthy dog breed, however, they are prone to hip dysplasia.

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Dog Breed Whippet

Saturday, March 8th, 2008

dog breed whippet
If you are looking for a dog that is affectionate, gentle, sporty, clean, and performs very well on the track and/or in the show ring at the same time, then the Whippet is the perfect dog to add to your family. He is an excellent watchdog, good with children, and looks extremely elegant, which also makes him a fine show dog. The ideal height for the male Whippet is 18 ½ in and the ideal height for the female Whippet is 17 ½ in.

The Whippet is said to have come from a combination of Greyhound dogs mixed with smaller dogs during the 18th century in the attempt to create an animal that could be used by peasants for poaching small game such as rabbits. Whippet racing is still somewhat popular at current times, but it never took off quite as commercially as Greyhoun racing did. As a result, it remains an amateur sport. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1888 and through further mixing with the Italian Greyhound, many beautiful and aesthetically appealing Whippets have been born and raised in many family households.

Whippets are extraordinarily gentle with kids and is on the overlysensitive side, both mentally and physically. They do not fare well when treated harshly or yelled at. The unpredictable nature of small children may be too much for the Whippet to handle.

Of all of the sight hound dogs, the Whippet is claimed by dog enthusiasts to be the most obedient and demonstrated. He displays a peaceful temperament, although he can be somewhat nervous when taken to strange places.

Although Whippets occasionally get too caught up in the chase to obey commands, they still should learn at least basic obedience. It will require patience and hard work to teach your dog, and you may want to consider getting some professional help by enrolling your Whippet in puppy obedience classes.

While the Whippet is a very social breed, he can tolerate some time alone. Rest assured, when you come home, he will greet you with open arms (or paws)!

The Whippet tends to be good with other dogs. Their strong prey drive makes living with other small pets a potential risk. Success with introducing your Whippet to other dogs depends on proper introduction exercises and training.

If you are looking for a quiet house dog that is a totally devoted and loyal companion, this dog will make the perfect pet.

This breed generally requires minimal grooming, but the tail usually needs to be tidied up when performing in the show ring. His teeth should be scaled regularly and his nails need regular clipping.

While many dogs can sleep and live in standard conditions, Whippets need a very warm and soft bed to be comfortable in. It absolutely hates cold weather and is not meant to live outdoors.

This breed is one of the fastest dogs that exist today. He is a racer, capable of running at 35-40 miles an hour. He can easily adapt to apartment living as long as he gets plenty of vigorous exercise. Recommended feeding for the Whippet is ½ -1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal part by volume or 1 ½ cupfuls of dry food.

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The Pug Report

Sunday, February 10th, 2008

pug
The distinctive appearance of this breed may be the first thing that attracts people to the Pug, it is the Pug’s personality that wins the lifelong devotion of dog fanciers.If you’ve seen Men In Black or Milo and Otis, you probably have fallen in love with the charming Pugs who acted in these movies.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Pug as a member of the Toy Group. Pugs weigh in at fourteen to eighteen pounds. Their distinctive squashed face and curly tails gives them a slightly pig like appearance. Pugs come in silver, black, or beige colors with a black mask. They have broad chests and are very muscular despite their small size.

Personality
Pugs are wonderful with children. However, Pugs are more likely to cause allergies than some other breeds. Pugs and children with allergy induced asthma are not a good combination.Pugs have a reputation for being so good natured that people can literally walk on them. However, don’t let this breed’s laid back attitude fool you. This dog will turn from a lover to a fighter in an instant if an intruder threatens his human.

While Pugs can learn obedience, these little guys aren’t the fastest learners. Your Pug may not learn to sit or heel as fast as other breeds. However, once he learns he will be extremely proud of himself. You may want to try attending puppy obedience classes with your Pug.The Pug is very dependent on people for regular interaction. He may not tolerate being left alone at home for extended periods of time.

Pugs are good with other dogs and pets. In fact, Pugs have been known to perform feats such as gently carrying an escaped parakeet to his owner without disturbing even a feather.Pugs are more quiet than other breeds. He does not feel the need to vocalize his opinions. On the other hand, if he feels someone may be a threat to his owner, he would be likely to make it known.

Grooming
If you want a dog breed that does not need much grooming, a Pug is ideal. Just brush through your dog’s coat once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. You also should keep an eye on his face wrinkles to be sure the creases do not begin to smell or develop bacteria.

Feeding & Exercise
Pugs are perfectly content to live in apartments or town homes. Although the Pug doesn’t require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. A daily walk around the block should be enough exercise, but he will be happy to walk much further, as well.

Just be sure that you use a harness on your Pug instead of a collar, as these dogs don’t need to develop problems with their windpipes, since they already have pushed in noses. Pugs love food. They are happy to eat whatever you give them and will learn undignified tricks if you reward them with treats. You should make every effort to limit your Pug’s food intake, since these dogs can suffer from knee problems, which grow worse if the dog is overweight.

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All About the Yorkie

Friday, February 1st, 2008

yorkie
If you like small dogs with big dog attitudes, you may want to consider a Yorkshire Terrier. However, the Yorkie can cuddle with the best of them. The Yorkshire Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Toy Group. In the show ring, a Yorkie seems to glide across the ground,since the dog’s long, flowing coat hides its tiny feet. If you want a pocket sized dog with plenty of spunk, then a Yorkie may be the perfect breed for you.

Although Yorkies can be as small as one pound, most breeders do not recommend trying to breed dogs this tiny, and for good reason. When dogs are bred to be this tiny, health is often sacrificed for size and weight. The AKC calls for the Yorkie to be under seven pounds, but does not have a minimum required weight. Yorkshire Terriers have long flowing coats of silver, blue or black hair, with tan on their heads and legs. Yorkie puppies are all born with black and tan coloring. This breed has dark, intelligent eyes.

Personality
Yorkies are not a good choice for families with toddlers. This is not because Yorkies are untrustworthy with children, but because they are delicate little dogs and can be easily injured. A Yorkie with a good temperament may allow children to squeeze and pull on him, but it is unfair to subject a little dog to that treatment.

Yorkshire Terriers are sociable little dogs and enjoy being in the midst of all the activity and bustle of family life. However, they are likely to remain reserved with people they don’t know. Despite the fact that a Yorkie is small, you should still take your puppy to obedience classes. These little guys have a tendency to become stubborn and set in their ways without proper training.Also, obedience training may save your Yorkshire Terrier’s life if you are able to call him back to you if he escapes out the front door.Yorkies are more dependent on their owners for attention and affection. They do not tolerate being left alone for even short periods of time.

Yorkies are so sure that they are just as big and bad as the other guy, that they will not hesitate to take on a Great Dane. Success with introducing your Yorkie to other dogs depends on proper introduction exercises and training.The Yorkie tends to bark a little more than average. Any time they see another dog passing by on the sidewalk, they are sure to let out a territorial growl or bark.

Grooming
Most Yorkies should be groomed at least three times a week to keep their hair from matting. Dogs with silkier coats may only need to be groomed once a week. Also, since Yorkies are prone to dental problems, you should brush your dog’s teeth several times a week.

Feeding & Exercise
The Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal apartment dog. Of course, your Yorkie would enjoy having a yard to romp in, but he can survive without it. If you do not take your Yorkie for daily walks, you should look for ways to help him get some exercise, such as playing an indoor game of fetch.

If you do have a yard, be sure that there are no gaps under the fence, as Yorkies love to explore. Since these dogs are so small and cute, a Yorkshire Terrier doesn’t always have a chance to get back home before a passerby takes the little dog home, thinking it is lost or abandoned. Food for your Yorkshire Terrier will probably be your smallest expense. These little dogs don’t eat much. However, you will have to be careful that you don’t spoil your puppy with soft food or he may refuse to eat dry food, which will help you keep his teeth in better shape.

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All About the Beagle

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

beagle
When you think of Beagles, you probably picture a pack of these little guys baying at the top of their lungs as they race after a fox or rabbit. While it is true that these dogs are popular hunting dogs and have been used to hunt for several centuries, they also make wonderful family pets. If you want a dog who is a happy, well mannered little companion, then a Beagle may be the right dog for you.

The Beagle has a keen sense of smell and a strong hunting instinct. This member of the American Kennel Club’s hound group actually comes in two sizes, under thirteen inches and thirteen to fifteen inches. Except for the difference in size, both Beagle varieties are identical. The beagle has dark eyes, droopy ears, and a long tail. Its coat is short and most commonly comes in a combination of tan, black and white colors. You can also find orange, black, or tan dogs with white markings.

Personality
The Beagle loves children. These dogs are very playful and affectionate, but they do tend to sulk if they don’t get their own way.The Beagle is a true people lover. On the other hand, they may be so sensitive that something as simple as someone laughing at them after a mishap can cause the Beagle to brood for days. You may need to pay close attention to being careful not to upset the Beagle’s delicate sensibilities.

Although Beagles occasionally get too caught up in the chase to obey commands, they still should learn at least basic obedience. It will require patience and hard work to teach your dog, and you may want to consider getting some professional help by enrolling your little guy in puppy obedience classes.
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