Aug
10
2009
0

Brazilian Mastiff

Male Brazilian mastiffs come in at well over 100 pounds and will stand upwards of thirty inches at the shoulder when they are full grown. Females are similarly large, though they tend to average around 90 pounds and are a few inches shorter as well. Both males and females will have short, soft fur, an extremely thick neck and resemble a bloodhound in the face. You might find this breed sporting coats of brindle, black, yellow and reddish tan, making it a very handsome dog.

The Brazilian mastiff was bred to run fast and to have a bone structure that could support an attack if need be. Their courage is known to be intense, and they are also known to be an alert dog. While they can be quite savage and hostile to strangers, they are considered to be very loving with children.

When you are looking at a Brazilian mastiff, there are a few features that you will notice right away. They have the hunting instinct of the bloodhound as well as the guarding instinct of the mastiff. They have been used to watch over cattle, and they are a wonderfully rounded animal. They are trained to attack and hold as well as to hunt and in years past and in more dangerous times, they were even trained and taught to hold wild jaguars at bay from the cattle that they were protecting.

The Brazilian mastiff also has a history as a slave tracking dog, and interestingly enough, the word Fila means to hold in Portuguese. Not only do these dogs excel at hunting and holding, they can also run fast and hold an impressive gallop.

Remember that when you are dealing with this dog that it is never so keen on strangers. They are suspicious of people that they do not know, and though this might be a good thing if they are guard dogs, it might be as good if you have visitors. In many cases, they will undergo character testing to see whether they can be trusted to only attack when they are instructed to. It is important to keep this mind when you are thinking about purchasing a Brazilian mastiff. During dog shows, they maintain this aloof and wary quality and judges are often instructed not to touch the dog.

While they can be absolutely savage with strangers, remember that the Brazilian mastiff is still a gentle and loving animal to his own pack. He can be very loyal to his master and is very protective of his own property. He will attack strangers and it is his natural instinct to attack when he is with someone he doesn’t feel comfortable with.

If you are thinking about adopting a Brazilian mastiff puppy, look for a good breeder. Consider going to the shows and going to the homes of private breeders. Do not stop at looking at just one breeder. Ask every question that you think of and see whether the breeder is someone who really feels for their dogs. Remember that they should be able to answer any questions that you throw out at them. Remember that you can always check out pictures of the breed online as well.

The Brazilian mastiff is quite adorable, with its blocky shape, its droopy long ears and its soft floppy lips. Always be careful when approaching an animal that you do not know well, and remember that the breed’s reputation as a guard animal is well earned. Despite this, you’ll soon see that with the right training, he can be amazingly sweet with the family in his care.

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Aug
07
2009
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The One And Only American Bandogge

American pit bull terrier with a huge Neapolitan Mastiff female. The breeder who started this evolution of mastiffs is John Swinford and then another one also assisted in getting this breed going, and his name is Joe Lucero.Of course, there are several different varieties in the breed, such as cross breeding an English mastiff with the American pit bull. The closer to the original initial breeds are the most stable. This particular breed is well known for its muscular and athletic look. Naturally, he inherits that from his pit bull bloodline. There is also a variety of color patterns that you may notice within this brilliant breed. Some of the colors may consist of tawny, blue, black and red. However, for the most part this dog is black brindle.

There are a few variations on this breed, with one of the more common being a cross of the American pit bull and the English mastiff. Those dogs whose parents are certified purebreds are the most attractive and healthy of the American Bandogge Mastiffs – known as a very attractive breed in their own right. They are muscular animals as you’d expect from their pit bull heritage. They also display the brindled patterns in their fur typical of the pit bull. Black brindle is the most common, but red, blue and tawny colors are also sometimes seen.

Exceptionally obedient, Bandogges take naturally to training and are renowned for their calm, even tempers. Given their size, an inheritance from the mastiff side of the family, these dogs also have confidence to spare. They are naturals at guard duty, but they’re also calm, gentle and highly intelligent however, they rarely bark, even at an intruder. However, it’s hard to imagine any burglar wanting to try their luck again if they’re surprised in the act by a dog which can reach weights of nearly 150 pounds!

Bandogges are very friendly and sociable, meaning that they tend to get lonely easily when their human family isn’t around and are known to need some coaxing to get over their separation anxiety. These imposing but loving and loveable animals may not do a lot of barking, but they might howl when they miss you. Like any other dog, they can get along with other dogs, cats or any animals if they’re introduced while young.

The American Bandog is also very easy to groom and maintain. They tend to have a little bit of dry skin. However, they are easy to take care of as far as brushing, for the most part. They have a short coat that is easy to maintain.

There you have it, an all American, well rounded dog. A family friendly, one hundred forty pound, pound gentle giant. He will ease up on an intruder without a sound, yet go hysterical when his loving family is away. Wonderful with kids that will most definitely defend his own. Not to mention he is easy to groom with the short hair. However, he may also have dry skin. This is a brand new breed that has only been around for about forty years and continues to thrive, today. If you can live with a huge dog and a little bit of slobbery kisses and love, then the American Bandogge may just be the right dog for you!

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May
21
2009
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Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie): The Diminutive Herder of Shetland Island, Scotland

Perhaps, one of the most mysterious dog breeds around the world is the Shetland Sheepdog or simply known as the Sheltie, because of its undistinguished origin and reasons behind its intriguing temperament. This breed is a tiny creature that formerly strived on the rocky terrains of Shetland Island in Scotland. Its appearance resembles that of a Collie only it was never intentionally bred to look as such.

It is concluded that the main contributors for the development of the Sheltie are the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, Greenland Yakki (now extinct), and the King Charles Spaniel. During it’s prominence in Shetland Island, this little breed was believed to do herding tasks just like any other Collies. It was discovered though that while its larger look-alike herded stocks, this breed did the chasing and herding of smaller creatures such as ducks, squirrels and vermin.

Today, the Sheltie is a well-known family pet and companion and it excels in this field outstandingly. Moreover, additional likeable disposition of the Sheltie is its eagerness to please the master, obedience and extreme loyalty. With proper and correct training, the Sheltie is a potential skillful dog and reliable household companion.

It is natural for the Sheltie to shy away from strangers but through proper exposure during its pupppyhood, this aloof temperament can be altered to become sociable and accepting. Moreover, the Sheltie can become a potential buddy to children and so constant exposure and guidance on both sides are essential, for them to be able to treat each other safely and properly. This breed makes an excellent watchdog for it warns the household of an incoming person in the doorway or a car in the driveway.

Even though the Sheltie has never been bred to become herders, it still possesses a natural herding instinct and this brings puzzlement to a lot of breeders. This herding energy should be released through various activities such as running and chasing in a wide area. Doing this will also help the Sheltie become healthy and fit mentally and physically.

Generally, the Sheltie stands 13 to 16 inches in height and weighs 14 to 27 pounds. Its long and thick coat consists of an upper coat that serves as a guard hair and an undercoat that serves as comfort against hot or cold temperatures. The outer coat is thick, long and coarse and is water-repellant while the undercoat is soft and shorter.

The general colors of the Sheltie are sable, tri-colour and blue merle. The sable is either golden or mahogany and the tri-colour is white, black and tan. The blue merle is composed of grey, white, black and tan.

In 1909, the English Kennel Club first registered the Sheltie. In 1911, the first Sheltie was registered in the American Kennel Club named Lord Scott. The Sheltie is an adorable and fascinating little breed and because of these and its many positive features, it became a favorite of many families around the world.

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Mar
28
2009
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Boston Terrier: The American Spirit Epitome

The wars and the unending peace ordeals us humans go through today is the product of our own doing. And today most of us dream to end it and have peace instead but that dream seems impossible. However, if we have thought like the Boston Terrier our world will not be as chaotic today but at peace and happy instead.

Boston Terriers are energetic, trusting, and peaceful dogs and they can be friends with everybody and can even go with a complete stranger without thinking twice. They are well-known as very smart, easily-trained, and very eager to please pets. Because of these, now and then, they are considered as America’s most favored pets.

And as evidence to that, official kennel authorities in the US tagged them as the American Gentlemen of dogs. When it comes to spirit, disposition, and character, Boston Terrier is believed to be a real American. And so when people think Boston Terriers, they think of red, white, and blue.

Tracing back its origins, this gentle breed surprisingly came from the vicious and fatal Bull Terrier. With this we can expect the Boston Terriers to be fierce and vicious too but gladly they are not. Boston Terriers are completely far from their fighter ancestors for today, this breed only likes to make friends and not fights.

Boston Terriers are superbly sociable and they have this natural need to belong in a family. If you want to own one, be equipped with an extraordinary dedication and affection. This breed can not live well in lonesome environments so try to surround them with a happy family.

This pet shouldn’t be left unguarded and alone outdoors for they trust everyone too much. It won’t fight with other animals and would obligingly go with strangers regardless if they can be trusted. This temperament is dangerous for them so always be on your guard.

The Boston Terrier holds a lot of potential as a loving companion, sociable pet, and as a fashionable family member. This is why, even way back when, the Boston Terrier had been a favorite pick of countless American families. To this day, this companion never lost its appeal and it is still a choice of parents for their children.

As a pet paralleled to the real American spirit, Boston Terriers have proven its worth to be timeless. Breed fanciers say, everything else may lose their shine but not the Boston Terrier. With a temperament that only wants peace and love, we can clearly assume that the world may fall apart from wars but the spirit of the Boston Terrier will remain unbroken.

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Feb
17
2009
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What You Need to Ask Your Dog Breeder

You need to ask many questions when you are considering adopting a dog. After all, a dog is a lifetime commitment that you need to prepare for.

A. How old is the puppy?

B. How long will it be before you can take your dog home? Your dog needs to be at least eight weeks old before they can be taken to their new home.

C. Is there a waiting list? Most good breeders have some type waiting list for their animals.

D. What kind of Vet Care, if any, has the puppies received? All puppies should receive basic medical care before they are taken away from their birth place.

E. Are you required to neuter your dog? if your dog is of pet quality a good breeder will require the dog to be altered.

F. Did previous litters suffer any genetic diseases? If so, what type of genetic diseases were present?

G. Do they have a return policy? A good breeder will allow you to bring the puppies back to the kennel.

H. How long have you been breeding “X” dog? Optimally, a breeder should have few years experience in dog breeding. At all costs avoid puppy mills and back yard breeder that are out to make a quick buck.

I. How many breeds? Legitimate breeders generally do not breed more that two different types of dogs. Avoid puppy mills!!

J. How many times a year does the dog breed? A good breeder only breeds their dog once a year

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Feb
10
2009
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The History Of Toy Poodles

The Toy Poodle is very similar to the Standard, the Miniature and the Teacup poodle. The Toy Poodle ranks third in size with these varieties of poodles. The Toy Poodle will weigh in at ten pounds at full maturity. Toy Poodles get their names because the human likes to play with these dogs as if they were toys. These dogs are intelligent, obedient and elegant dogs. They are non-shedding and this makes them very popular. They are very perceptive dogs and love companionship.

Toy Poodles are usually very good, but are very spoiled dogs. They tolerate being dressed up and having bows put into their fur because it pleases their owner. Celebrities love Toy Poodles and carry them everywhere. These dogs are easy to train and are always willing to please their owners. These dogs are very loyal and fun loving dogs. They make great companions to families with only one child.

A Toy poodle does not shed. Most dog lovers will tell you that a non-shedding dog is a very pleasant dog to have around. However, all Poodles need a lot of grooming in order to keep them free of tangles. The Toy Poodle will make a great family pet because it is great with children.

If you wanted to purchase a Toy Poodle it would cost you between eight hundred and one thousand dollars. These dogs are considered designer dogs. Their country of origin is France and they come in many colors. Centuries ago they began working in circuses entertaining people and, therefore, their personalities as performers have evolved into what they are today.

Their origins go back centuries when poodles were used in traveling circuses in Europe. They were used as performers for entertainment purposes. The early years of royalty caught on to the craze of the performing poodles and most had poodles with them courtside.

They soon became very pampered pets, a trait which has carried on today. Considering a Toy Poodle for a family pet is an excellent idea. They are fun dogs and make great companions for kids. They are non-threatening and are very loyal to their owners. They are also very protective of children in their home.

oy Poodle is a small, but very healthy dog. They will remain healthy as long as they get the proper nutrition in their diets. Sometimes they can get a low sugar hit and a little karo syrup on your finger will take care of this problem. But if food is left out for your Toy Poodle during the day there should not be any problem of low sugar.

There are many breeders of Toy Poodles and, therefore, it is not difficult to find a Toy Poodle to purchase. It is a wise idea to read as much as you can on Poodles and Toy Poodles, in particular, before you purchase one. It is good to speak the same language as your breeder or he may not sell you a dog if he does not thinks you are ignorant about Toy Poodles. Toy Poodles are small dogs and, therefore, they will need small meals all day long to keep up their energy.

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Written by Lisa A Collins in: Dog Breeds | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb
09
2009
0

The Adorable Teacup Pomeranian

With all of the celebrities wanting that cute and adorable dog by their side being carried in a purse, it is no wonder that many people are looking to bring smaller and more of a compact type of dog into their homes and hearts. There is no doubt that the teacup Pomeranian is one of the cutest dogs available but what is it exactly that makes them so darn adorable?

Knowing what to expect your teacup Pomeranian to look like once full-grown is needed so that you are not let down in the future. As it is, Pomeranians are already small breeds to begin with so you at least don’t have to worry about the teacup Pomeranian to grow too big for you or your house to handle. And don’t let looks deceive you, as the teacup Pomeranian is one little dog that needs a lot of love, attention, and personal hygiene care.

The teacup Pomeranian comes in brown, black or white colors and even sometimes a mix of colors. You can expect the puppies to grow to no more then eleven inches in height and their weight probably will not exceed seven pounds. And those would be the measurements of the biggest of the breed, as not all teacups will grow to that size. This dog is much more intelligent then a lot of people tend to think and they are a very active dog considering their size.

Their tail is something that can not be mistaken as anything other then adorable as its fluffy fur curls back and rests every so softly of the short back of the teacup. Their under coat is dense yet soft while the outer coat is more of a rough texture. It is essential that a monthly bath is given in order to keep them looking their best and you really do need to brush the teacup Pomeranian on a regular basis.

This type of dog is perfect for the elderly or someone who has a lot of time that they can offer them. They thrive on a lot of attention and do well in busy homes but not so well around small children. Being around small children tends to make the teacup Pomeranian very nervous and this can lead to small bites or attacks if they feel too scared or threatened.

This breed does not need to have a lot of room so it is okay to be in a house or in an apartment. They thrive on attention and need that love often in order to maintain total happiness.

They also can live well in apartments and houses or in the city or country. These animals are pretty easy going and can get along with almost anyone anywhere. Since these puppies are so small, they are prone to loosing teeth if they are not well cared for and prone to cesarean sections in giving birth.

These little dogs are never mistaken for anything else so you will know a teacup Pomeranian when you see one.

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Written by Rosie Allan in: Dog Breeds | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb
09
2009
0

Yorkshire Terrier Care, Yorkie Care

Consider the many aspects of breeding before you choose to do Yorkshire Terrier breeding for yourself. Before you choose this option you want to carefully consider what can happen since there are many things that can and do go wrong with breeding dogs. The most important step is to carefully consider your Yorkshire Terrier. Do you know what the specific breed standards are, do you know if your dog has any specific faults and do you know exactly how these faults can be transmitted through genes to the offspring?

Before breeding you need to make sure both the male and female have bacteria cultures and brucellosis tests done in order to reduce infections transferred during breeding. Before breeding the female dog should be thoroughly checked by a veterinarian for luxating patellas, cardiomyopathy or hypothyroidism, which are all conditions that can be passed on to the litter.

Even if both the female and male are healthy and good options for breeding you still want to educate yourself about all possible hereditary faults that can result in the line you’re breeding. Take the time to research the family lineage on both sides and know what you can do to reduce hereditary conditions.

Next is it important that you carefully consider everything that can go wrong during the gestation period. There is always the chance that the mother dog can die before, during and after whelping. Some of the most common complications include uterine inertia, prolapsed uterus, eclampsia, metritis or mastitis. Also consider whether or not you have the time and ability to take on Yorkshire Terrier breeding.

Make sure you have the time and ability in advance to take on Yorkshire Terrier breeding. As whelping draws near the female Yorkie should never be left alone and often assistance is necessary during whelping. You may need to stay home for several days before and after the whelping. The cost of breeding should also be taken into account. Make sure you have enough money saved up just in case a C-section is required, as it may be necessary for smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers. Make sure you thoroughly know what the signs of trouble are and what steps you can do in order to resolve the problem.

For several days before and after the whelping it may be necessary for you to stay home. You also need to take into account the cost of breeding. For small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, C-sections may need to be done and you should make sure you have enough money saved up for this just in case. You should also make sure you have researched all the signs of trouble that can occur during breeding and what steps you can take in order to resolve the problem.

Raising the Yorkie puppies is the final aspect of Yorkshire Terrier breeding that you should consider. Fading puppies, toxic milk, septicemia, primary atelectasis, herpes virus, cleft palates and hypoglycemia are just a few of the conditions that you need to educate yourself about before raising puppies.

When a puppy is born there is always the chance that a birth defect may be present and if it is serious enough the puppy may have to be put down. If necessary would you be able to do this? While you may be able to do this you should also be prepared for the complications it will cause the mother. Can you take several days off work on short notice in case your are required to raise the litter for a while should something happen to the mother? If necessary would you be comfortable with tube feeding or bottle-feeding? Again you need to carefully consider all the costs involved. Just a few of the things you may have to pay for include vaccinations, looking for a home for the puppies, paying vet bills and raising the puppies for several years or their entire life if you are unable to find a home for them.

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Feb
09
2009
0

Shih Tzu: Man’s Best Friend

The Shih Tzu dog breed survived a tragic history to become one of the most popular toy breeds around today. Shih Tzu historical information reveals that the breed has roots in royalty.

The Empress bred her dogs for traits like loyalty, good disposition, and perfect facial features. She gave Shih Tzu puppies as gifts to Chinese nobility and foreign diplomats. Tragically, when the Empress died, her successor resented the dogs and the era they represented, and many dogs were killed.

Information about the Shih Tzu breed is scarce until the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Shih Tzus were imported to England and Scandinavia, with later generations reaching the United States and Canada. During World War II, Shih Tzus were popular with American soldiers, many of whom refused to leave their pets in Europe and instead brought them back to the States.

Perhaps because of careful breeding to make them suitable as royal pampered pets, the Shih Tzu has a happy disposition and a strong desire to be the center of attention. The Shih Tzu is a lap dog who is content to spend hour after hour relaxing in the company of humans. Because of their small size-nine to sixteen pounds-and easygoing personality, these sturdy dogs are especially popular with apartment dwellers.

Sometimes called “Tibetan lion dog,” Shih Tzus were bred to resemble lions, with a flat face, prominent eyes, bowed front legs, and a fearsome facial expression. The breed is also known as the “chrysanthemum dog,” because their wrinkled fa?ade looks a bit like the chrysanthemum flower.

The Shih Tzu coat ranges in colors from solid black or gold to several multi-color combinations. The breed’s elegant appearance comes from its long, slightly wavy coat, which requires daily attention.

Although the history of the breed is ancient, the Shih Tzu breed is a relative newcomer to the world of dog shows, particularly in North America. The British Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1935, but the American Kennel Club waited until 1969 to officially acknowledge the dogs, placing them in the toy group with other diminutive long-haired dogs like the Maltese, the Pomeranian, and the Pekinese.

The Shih Tzu breed makes an excellent pet for singles, couples, and families alike. However, because being the center of attention is so important to this dog, families with infants may want to wait until the children are a little older before purchasing a Shih Tzu to avoid any problems with jealousy that may develop. In general, the dog was bred to be a good-natured, friendly companion, and will gladly befriend the children in any family that offers it a home. The breed is extremely popular, placing ninth on the American Kennel Club’s 2006 rankings of breed popularity. With its regal history, its pleasant disposition and its convenient small size, the popularity of the Shih Tzu is certain to increase in the twenty-first century.

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Written by Rebecca Simpson in: Dog Breeds | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb
04
2009
0

Say Hello To The Shih Tzu

You will know the Shih Tzu dog by many names ? the Pekinese, The Lion Dog, The Chrysanthemum dog and so on.

This is why the training of this dog when done with positive reinforcement method, works like magic. At the same time you would find that this dog can be unimaginably stubborn if pushed into doing anything. If you ever want to get anything done from a Shih Tzu, never use anything else other than love and positive rewards.

The Shih Tzu ? owing to its temperament and looks ? has been a lot of other names. For example, for a long time in the Chinese Imperial Palaces these dogs were known as the Lion dog. This could be for two reasons. First, it looked like a miniatures lion with all the fluffy hair framing its face and second, it had the demeanor of a king.

The Shih Tzu needs very little from you other than love. To keep your Shih Tzu happy, allow it to sleep on your lap, pamper it as often as you can and talk to it all the time. Grooming this dog needs special attention because of its long coat. You need to have it brushed with a hard brush to prevent matting of hair and remove the dust that accumulates on it. You need two separate types of combs ? one long toothed for the overall coat on the body and another shorter and denser for the hair around the face and feet.

Watch out for separation anxiety signs in this dog if you leave it for too long alone. These dogs need your presence and love constantly. Other then this aspect, they are not pretentious about anything.

People who live with Shih Tzus find these dogs completely adorable. They have a lot of spunk for their size and they carry themselves with great dignity and aplomb. This is one reason why many people call them royal dogs.

They indeed look like royalty when they move around. Temperamentally, the Shih Tzu is very warm and happy type of dog. They hanker for attention and hate it when it is stolen from them. This is one reason why these dogs do not live too well with small children, as they tend to consider them competition for the owner’s love and can become aggressive.

They are very playful when they are young and seem to have a mind of their own. You will need to train your Shih Tzu very early in life or you could have major problems in handling it later on when it becomes an adult. The key to making a Shih Tzu the perfect pet is to have them trained very early in their life. Once they are trained, you could possibly have the best pet on this earth.

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Written by Rebecca Simpson in: Dog Breeds | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Wireless Dog Fence