Archive for the ‘Types’ Category

posted by admin on May 29

Have you ever seen a beagle? Sure you have. What about a basset hound? Of course! How about a Polish Owczarek Nizinny? Didn’t 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 you’re 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 don’t 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 won’t be left alone for long periods of time since they are known to cause trouble when unsupervised for too long.

posted by admin on Apr 9

Bearded Collie – Great For The Family

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361

Summary:
The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog that weighs between 40-58 pounds. They are 20″ to 22″ in height. Their abundant hair gives the impression that they are larger than they actually are. They have a happy, friendly nature and are not watch dogs in any way as they are friendly with all that they meet.

Recognized by the AKC, the acceptable coat colors for the Bearded Collie are black, grey, tan, brown or fawn with some white markings. When they are puppies, they may or …

Keywords:
Bearded Collie,dog,dogs

Article Body:
The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog that weighs between 40-58 pounds. They are 20″ to 22″ in height. Their abundant hair gives the impression that they are larger than they actually are. They have a happy, friendly nature and are not watch dogs in any way as they are friendly with all that they meet.

Recognized by the AKC, the acceptable coat colors for the Bearded Collie are black, grey, tan, brown or fawn with some white markings. When they are puppies, they may or may not have white markings. As they mature, their coat color either fades or changes. The most common colors are black with white or gray with white. Their long, harsh, straight and shaggy outer coat and short, soft, thick undercoat requires a daily brushing to prevent tangles. Their nickname is “beardie” because of the long, shaggy hair under their chin.

This energetic, loving, happy-go-lucky breed makes an excellent family pet. They are people dogs and love to be with their family. They are wonderful for homes with children and other dogs and can do well with other non-canine pets provided they have early socialization. They are enthusiastic, outgoing, and lively and require plenty of exercise and play time. They need a yard to run and roam. Having toys on hand is a good idea if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time. Early training is recommended because they have a stubborn tendency at times. They are easy to train.

Dating back over 500 years, the Bearded Collie originated in Scotland. They are considered to be descendents of the Polish sheepdog. They were bred to heard sheep and cattle, thus explaining their collie name which means herding dog in Scotland. They have also been used for tracking. They are still used as sheep herding dogs in some areas.

Friendly to family and strangers alike, the Bearded Collie will greet all he meets with enthusiasm. Because they require regular outdoor exercise and play, they are best with active families who will give them the activity that they need. Homes with other dogs and children can feel confident in adding a Bearded Collie to their family.

posted by admin on Apr 4

The Pomeranian is a favorite among the toy groups. Its endearing fox-like face and comically poofy coat are almost irresistible. However, the Pomeranian is not for the traditional quiet, clinging lap dog. The most independent of the toy breeds, the Pomeranian does not cling to its owners. This little (3 to 7lbs) guy’s claim to fame is his giant personality. These active toys are notoriously animated, inquisitive and busy. So, if you are looking for a big clown in a little body then the Pomeranian is the dog for you. His antics will keep you entertained as well as attract attention. And although independent, their fierce loyalty makes them great companion dogs.

Ideal for those living in small spaces, Pomeranians make great apartment dogs. They don’t need much exercise and spend most of their day taking naps. However, be prepared to keep them entertained while they are awake. Pomeranians are chock full of energy and they need to be entertained or they can develop behavioral problems and destructive habits. They are notorious chewers although with proper stimulation this behavior can be taken care of with a few chew toys left lying around.

Worried about how this tiny little dog will fare with your other household pets? No need. As long as they are properly socialized they get along with other dogs as well as cats. However, please consider your neighbors’ sanity before committing to more than one Pom. They are vocal dogs (females less so than males) and when in groups the chorus of yapping can become a bit much.

Although they are cuddly and loveable, Pomeranians require a lot of attention. Along with their entertainment needs, the soft, thick undercoat and coarser outer coat need to be groomed daily or else they develop painful mats and tangles. They also shed constantly so be prepared to become well acquainted with lint rollers and a pet hair specific vacuum. The undercoat also makes Pomeranians unsuitable for warmer climates if they will be spending extended periods of time out of doors. Their voluminous coats count for about 50% of their apparent size and they are prone to overheating.

Surprisingly, these tiny dogs make great watch dogs. They have a classic case of big dog trapped in tiny body. They are cocky and commanding and rarely back down from anything. Their resounding warning bark can be heard far and wide although its tiny size does not manage to come off as much of a threat. They tend to be reserved with strangers and can bark excessively at new people. It is a good idea to start obedience training early and teach your Pomeranian to bark a few times as an alert but then to ‘be quiet for heaven’s sake’.

A note of caution: this little dog is all personality and your baby’s cute little personality quirks can easily become inappropriate behaviors if they are not loved with a firm hand. These little tricksters need to know that there owner is the boss or they will not listen. They can become demanding, pushy, and snappy if they are allowed free behavioral reign. And while these dogs make good companions for elderly people, they should be closely monitored around very young children. However, they are fine around older, well behaved children.

Pomeranians are also prone to certain physical ailments. Early tooth loss can be a problem so while it is tempting to spoil them with canned food and table treats, the main part of a Pomeranians diet should be comprised of dry dog food to keep the teeth and gums in good condition. You should also make sure that your vet gives your dog regular teeth cleanings. Skin problems and eye infections can also be problematic especially as your Pomeranian ages.

But don’t let these potential problems deter you. When making your breed decision, keep in mind that every breed of dog comes with its own caveats, and with the right mix of discipline and love their delightful natures can flourish.

posted by admin on Mar 15

The Shih Tzu Breed: A Widely Loved Companion

Word Count:
416

Summary:
If you are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu puppy – congratulations! This adorable and loyal dog will most likely become an important and treasured part of your family.

Keywords:
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Article Body:
If you are thinking about buying a Shih Tzu puppy – congratulations! This adorable and loyal dog will most likely become an important and treasured part of your family.

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; characterized by its proud, sturdy and miniature stature – this dog breed is one of the most popular of the miniature breeds. But did you know it was originally bred to look like a lion?

The Shih Tzu’s regal attitude is as a result of its long and distinguished history. Recent DNA testing has confirmed what researchers already suspected – the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dog. The name comes from that of Xi Shi who is regarded as one of the most beautiful women in ancient China.

The earliest history of the Shih Tzu dates back many centuries. The Buddhist monks bred what is now believed was a cross between the Pekingese and a Tibetan dog breed called Llasa Apso.

The Buddhist monks were known for breeding special temple dogs. These monks bred special “palace dogs” for various emperors. As was their custom they sent some of what they then called the Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou or Tibetan Lion Dogs to the Tzu Hsi – the Empress of the Manchu Dynasty. She fell in love with her little dogs and they became common around the palace from then on.

From the middle of the 19th Century the Shih Tzu was bred as a watchdog for the emperors of the Manchu Dynasty. Typical of a Shih Tzu; these little dogs were expected to do little else that sit on laps and be pampered. You can now see where the “pampered princess” aspect of the breed originated from! The Shih Tzu was kept along some other toy dog breeds and while originally they were strictly bred in separate quarters but it is believed that after the empress died they were crossbred with the other dogs.

The Shih Tzu’s were not kept separate from the other palace dogs and today’s Shih Tzu’s have traces of Pekingese and Pugs thanks to the sloppy breeding practices at the palace.

At this time it was somewhat of a competition in China between various palaces to produce the best looking dogs with the most beautiful colorings and coats. Breeding practices became guarded secrets and sadly the records of the Shi Tzu’s rich and unique heritage will never be known.

Today’s Shih Tzu’s are a popular breed which is widely loved and make a great royal companion.

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