Archive for the ‘Dog Breeds’ Category

Top 5 Cutest Dog Breeds

July 14, 2011 4:02 pm - Posted by Susan in Dog Breeds

Dog Breed Information

1. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a small toy sized dog. The Pomeranian is a proud, energetic little dog. They are intelligent and very loyal to its owner. Pomeranians are good at learning tricks. They grow to be approximately 7-12 inches and weigh about 3-7 pounds. They need exercise daily. Taking them out for a walk is a great way to reduce their energy level. They tend to be good watchdogs. Feeding your Pomeranian pup can be difficult being that they are often picky eaters. It is recommended that they are fed dry dog food or crunchy milk bones daily to help keep the teeth and gums in good condition. They will live an average of 15 years. Take caution that they do not overheat in hot weather.

2. Yorkie

They are a toy breed, and a full-grown Yorkie will not weigh more than seven pounds. This makes them a great pet for those who want a dog, but don’t have space to take care of a larger breed. Don’t let the small size of a Yorkie mislead you; they are a great watchdog and have the attitude of a full sized dog. They are very protective of their territory.

3. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, hardy dog with silky hair. The dog has a silky, single layer coat that is white or light ivory. It hangs long over the sides of the body almost to the ground (about 8½ inches) and is not wavy, curly or kinky. The Maltese is lively and playful. They are gentle, loving, and devoted to their owner. They are very intelligent and good at learning tricks. The Maltese breed may be difficult to housebreak. They grow to be about 8-10 inches tall and weigh about 6½-9 pounds.

4. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is a very intelligent dog. They are one of the easiest breeds to train and are very responsive to their owner. Toy poodles are a sweet natured, cheerful, perky and lively breed of dog. They enjoy being with people. Toy poodles are small in size but are a good watchdog. They are good with children and adults. These dogs seem to have a lot of energy. It is a good idea to take them out for a daily walk or play indoor activities with them daily to prevent behavior problems. The life expectancy of a toy poodle is approximately 12- 15 years. Toy poodles should be bathed regularly. Check their ears and teeth regularly. Also, their hair should be clipped and claws trimmed every 6-8 weeks.

5. Pug

The pug is a very small breed of dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face, and curled tail. They have a fine, glossy coat which comes in a variety of colors, and a square body with good muscle tone. Their legs are very strong, straight. The lower teeth normally protrude further than the upper teeth, which causes an under-bite. Strong willed but rarely aggressive, the pug is suitable for families with children. Most Pugs are very good with children. They are good watchdogs. The average height of a pug is about 12-14 inches tall and weighs about 13-20 pounds. Pugs catch colds easily and do not tolerate extreme hot and cold weather. They need to be kept indoors regularly. A Pug can live about 12 to 15 years. This breed of dog needs to be groomed brushed and combed regularly, shampoo only when necessary.

Stacey L Duncan

What Are The Different Puppy Personalities?

June 7, 2011 3:03 pm - Posted by Susan in Dog Breeds

Dog Information

Even though it is untrue that certain dog breeds are bred to be ferocious, mean-spirited or overly protective, it’s true that different dog breeds naturally have varying personality traits, just as each human has a different personality than the next. When thinking about which breed of puppy to purchase or adopt, it’s important to think about their personality beforehand. Yes, it sounds silly that a pup’s personality might be so essential, but the truth is it can make a world of difference.

Questions to Ask
Asking a couple of questions of your self and also the puppy breed you’re considering may be effective in determining whether or not you are a match. Some of the more essential questions include:

Do you have children?
Do you live in an apartment?
Do you’ve the energy/time for a puppy who needs plenty of physical exercise?
Do you prefer a lap dog or play dog?
Can you deal with a high energy pet?

These questions and more may be massive elements in selecting a puppy you are able to live with his whole life. Keep in mind, puppies are a time and love investment, so choosing wisely is important. Think about whether or not a breed is naturally high energy, lap dogs, child-friendly or exercise-reliant before deciding. If you like a lap dog but purchase a high-energy terrier, you may end up feeling frustrated rather than close to your pup.

Considering Other Pets
Some puppy breeds are biologically adverse to getting along with other pets. A Pekinese puppy, for instance, may get along nicely with a house cat, whilst a Chihuahua is not likely to. If you have other pets, it may be a good idea to give them a test run together with your new puppy prior to deciding if that is the breed you want to buy. Some puppy breeds are better off as loners, whilst others need companionship with other dogs (think Labradors).

Maintenance
Aside from the general match between the owner and puppy personalities, some breed personalities naturally lend themselves to be more high maintenance in the long run when it comes to time and attention. Labs are great companions, but often require a lot of exercise and outdoor time with their owners to remain pleased and healthy. Dachshunds are naturally hyper when puppies and young adults, but need maintenance on their diet and physical exercise to avoid obesity and staying hyper. These along with other personality traits related to the breed can be deal-breakers for a long-term owner/pet relationship, and therefore are important to think about thoughtfully.

Wendon Lee

Pet Places offers resources on puppies personalities and the way to take care of puppies.

The Chinese Crested Powderpuff

May 13, 2011 3:51 pm - Posted by Susan in Dog Breeds

Dog Information

Appearance

This breed of dog is becoming more and more popular in the world of celebrity. This breed comes in two varieties including the very strange looking hairless variety and the Powderpuff. The hairless variety is the type that people tend to remember, mainly due the fact that they have hair on the head, tail, ears and feet but not on their body (although this is actually a misconception as they are actually covered with a thin downy hair that is difficult to see).

The Chinese Crested Powderpuff is covered with a thick long coat that is the same length all over the body. Both varieties are very small and graceful with a domed shaped head and with ears that are triangular and stick up on either side of the head. The tail should run parallel to the ground when the dog is on the move and curl up over the back when stationary.

Temperament

This breed are very intelligent which makes them easier to train. They are great with children and love to be part of a family. Due to their size and stature you do need to be careful when introducing them to small children and other dogs as they are easily injured. This breed tend to bond with one or two members of the family and will often pine for the family member when they have gone out. Due to the fact that they do need allot of attention and need to be around people all the time they can be difficult to re-home. If you are a career minded person and work long hours then we don’t recommend that you get a Chinese Crested Powderpuff as they may suffer from anxiety related problems when left for long periods on their own.

Health Problems

All dogs can suffer from health problems at some point in their life but some breeds are more susceptible to certain ailments. This breed are more prone to…

  • Skin problems – especially allergies to clothes and garments including wool and lanolin.
  • Teeth problems due to their teeth not developing properly
  • Legg Calve Perthes is another problem that this breed are more susceptible to. This is when the femur has started to degenerate causing mobility issues and pain.
  • The Chinese Crested Powderpuff can also suffer from Patellar Luxation which is when the kneecaps start to dislocate.
Tobias Charles writes on all aspects of dog obedience training, puppy training and health care information. For more information visit his website on dog obedience training for more information.

Meet the Bernie – The Bernese Mountain Dog

May 1, 2011 5:04 pm - Posted by Susan in Dog Breeds

Dog Information

The Bernese Mountain Dog is often affectionately called the “Bernie” by their owners. Although many working dogs are known to have an independent nature, this breed definitely does not fall in that category. They love and seemingly crave family interaction and companionship.

This large, social breed weighs between 80-105 pounds and measure between 23″ to 28″. Because of their size and energy, they do better in homes with yards rather than apartments. They don’t like to be kept inside all the time and need time to run and stretch their legs. Although they are relatively low key indoors, they can be a little rambunctious outside.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is recognized by the AKC. Their coat colors are tri-colored in black, rust and white and are symmetric in nature. Their moderately long, thick coat is straights or slightly wavy. It requires regular brushing. You will want to brush them extra when they are in their seasonal, heavy shedding period. Because of their thick coat, they are not meant for extremely hot climates. If you live in an area that is warm, be sure to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog cool and do not leave them outside in hot weather for long periods of time.

This friendly, gentle, breed makes an excellent family pet. They are great with children and are good with other dogs and other pets. They are high energy when they are puppies and remain that way until they mature. They require regular exercise even when they are older and more low-key and need plenty of exercise and play when they are young. They are social dogs and want to be with their family, so they work best in homes where they will not be left alone for long periods of time. Once they are used to a family, they will not easily transition to a new family. They are easy to train, but training is recommended when they are young. They are good watchdogs, but not good guard dogs as they tend to be friendly with strangers.

There is some speculation as to the country of origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog, but it is believed that they originated in the Swiss Mountains. Their name comes from the canton of Berne area in Switzerland. When other dogs began being imported into Switzerland, a strict breeding program was put into place to help ensure that the Bernese Mountain Dog kept all its original qualities and was not lost through breeding with other dogs. They were used mainly as farm dogs but were also used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding and herding. They were not introduced in the United States until 1926.

Although they are a working dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs to be with family rather than be independent. They are perfect for homes that will give them the exercise and companionship they need. Since they prefer colder climates, they are best in areas that do not have excessive heat. Homes with children, other dogs and pets can welcome a Bernese Mountain Dog into their home with little socialization.

Evan Richer

Learn more about the Bernese Mountain Dog or visit us online to talk about Dogs or to see Dog Pictures

Bichon Frise – Love And Care

April 27, 2011 4:17 pm - Posted by Susan in Dog Breeds

Dog Information

The Bichon Frise, a cute loving dog, usually lives sixteen years or even longer. Although these dogs have more or less good health, they are not absolutely free from turmoil. In this article, we will sort out some common Bichon Frise health problems, which you will find useful if you are living with a Bichon Frise at your home. Admitted that prevention is always better than cure, but some health problems cannot be simply avoided with preventive measures.

Major Bichon Frise health problems may include skin and allergy, dental, bladder infections and gallbladder stones, eye disorders, and ear infections. Additionally, the Bichon Frise may experience other common health problems such as hip problems, degenerative disorders, aging, cancer, heart complications and many others. Hence, if you assume that your Bichon Frise has health problems, you should not delay contacting a good veterinarian. The sooner you get medical attention the easier it can be to treat some disorders, while some others may rely on emergency medical care.

If you do not recognize the symptoms of common Bichon Frise health problems in your dog right away, you may probably end up with great financial loss and your dog, needless to say, with enormous pain and discomfort. The primary symptoms that you may encounter when your dog is not in good health are excessive chewing, licking or scratching for long periods of time. Similar to many other white dogs, Bichon Frise dogs are subject to skin allergy problems, which may occur due to a wide variety of reasons like chemical exposure, fleas or other allergens and irritants.

Dental care is another common health concern for the Bichon Frise. Health problems of Bichon Frise may arise significantly from this dental disease. Brushing the teeth of the Bichon Frise, on a regular basis, is highly recommended. It is not a good idea to use human toothbrush for cleaning the teeth of the Bichon Frise, you should buy dog toothbrush along with the special toothpaste from a pet shop. Many expert veterinarians suggest that brushing the teeth is the ideal way to keep the excess medical bills for the dog at bay.

You can’t even imagine how bad the dental problem of your Bichon Frise can be over time if you don’t take immediate action. It may even lead to serious bladder, kidney and liver infections. However not all Bichon Frise health problems can be contributed to dental disease alone, such as kidney stone disease, may happen for several reasons. There are essentially two types of stones, while altering the diet can cure one type, and the other type needs surgical intervention. Once the dog is diagnosed having stones, it needs thorough monitoring and care.

Ear and eye problems are other significant Bichon Frise health problems. Cataracts and tear staining are common eye problems. When ear problems occur, it typically involves a bad odor. Patella problems are another significant health problem for the Bichon Frise. Lack of exercise or physical activity or hereditary issues may lead to this type of health complication. Hence, you must not buy the dog unless you can be sure of the authenticity of the breeder, since it is really important to consider family history of the dog in order to avoid any undesirable health concerns.

Mary Stevenson loves different dog breeds and he has a specific affinity towards this breed including a professional profile for Bichon Frise care and breeding. Bichon Frise care involves a thorough understanding of different health issues pertaining to this cute and loving small dog breed. By reading this article, you will find out why it is necessary to seek emergency care for your Bichon Frise.