When you think of herding, you think of enormous cows or horses and a vicious herding dog that chase them towards the fences. What would you think, however, if you learn of a breed that’s tiny and long and is just plain physically inaccurate to herd and steer these larger breeds? Amazing is probably one of the adjectives for it and thats exactly how many define the small dog herder, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recognized as the smallest dog within the herding group yet it is the 11th smartest dog in the world. Because of its intelligence and natural abilities, not only does it excel in herding but in other competitive areas as well such as conformation, obedience and agility competitions. It was reported that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II adored this breed so much that she took in five of them.

This dog possesses shorter legs, and low to the ground and longer body. In herding cows, horses and other enormous flocks, its unique physical features allows it to miss the staggering kicks and bumps of the larger animals. Through its high level of intelligence, it was able to outsmart and lock in the raging herd of bulls and stallions.

Generally, the Corgi is an energetic and athletic type of dog that works harder and learns quicker than most breeds. Towards the family that owns it, it is loyal, protective and loving. It is also a superb watchdog as it is alert and is keen on barking at any suspicious activities and it is neither too timid nor too sociable towards unfamiliar faces.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi should never be mistaken for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, another breed of the type, as they have been officially separated as a breed for the last 70 years. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 10 to 12 inches in height and is 12 to 15 inches in length. The coat varies with each dog as there are utterly short-coated ones and long-coated ones.

It has a double coat that is water-resistant and that the inner coat is fine and smooth while the outer coat is rough and short. The breed commonly comes in colors of red, sable, fawn and a combination of black and tan. This breed is unfortunately an excessive shedder and sheds all year round; however, this can be decreased by giving the dog proper foods and regular coat brushing.

The history of this breed is undistinguished till now but there are theories that surround the nature of its origin. Some believe that the Corgi varieties have developed from the Swedish Vallhunds, brought over to Wales by Vikings in 800th century. It could also be that the Celtics brought the type to Wales in 1200 BC and further proof to this is the word Corgi which means dog in Celtic language.

One theory states that it was the Flemish weavers who introduced the breed to Wales during the 1100s. These theories give great possibilities but there are none that comes close to approval of the experts. However, whether we know the origin of this breed or not, the fact still remains that the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one fantastic little dog that can compete and win against larger breeds.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal health, animals, breeds, Dogs, family, home, pembroke welsh corgi articles, pembroke welsh corgi grooming, pembroke welsh corgi information, pembroke welsh corgi training, pets, science

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.

Popularity: 39% [?]

Technorati Tags: animals, breed history, breed information, breeds, dog breed, Dog Breeds, dog grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, sheltie articles, sheltie breeding, sheltie grooming, sheltie history, sheltie information, sheltie training

A lion, once angered and provoked, unleashes a frightening and inescapable anger that only those experienced and well-versed hunters can escape. Humans and animals alike don’t dare to cross the path of this angry creature, however, one animal, and a dog at that, fearlessly faces and challenges a lion’s havoc. This breed is no less than the world-famous Rhodesian Ridgeback or also known as the African Lion Hound or the Lion Dog.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, majestic, and strongly-built type of hound that is native to the safari lands of South Africa. For centuries, the native tribes kept with them a ridgebacked dog breed that had been used as hunting companions and watchdogs. The modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback is said to be the result of the Boer natives’ cross- breeding of the said indigenous ridgebacked dog, Khoikhoi dog, Mastiff and Deerhound.

In 1877, a Reverend Helm brought two of these new breed to Bulawayo, Rhodesia- today’s Zimbabwe, and it was there that more people discovered this dog’s ferocity towards lions and excellent hunting skills. In 1922, the first standard of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was created and the breed was remarked as a game hunting breed. There had been a debated conundrum regarding this dog’s classification in terms of hunting as it is both excellent in hunting big games as the ferocious and large as a lion and hunting small games as tiny as a squirrel.

This breed is called Ridgeback because of the distinct symmetrical ridge formation along its back. This ridge is a hair growth growing towards the opposite direction of its natural coat growth. This breed’s coat looks sleek and glossy with colors of either red or light wheat.

This breed is inarguably fierce in hunting but inside the home it is steadfast, soft-hearted and obedient. It is naturally good-natured, playful with children and protective of its master. In fact, this breed is a superb watchdog as it would intently and vigilantly look after its household and properties against suspicious people.

Its excellent and natural hunting ability is paired with good intelligence, independence and sharpness and the result may be some difficult training sessions at some point. Handling this situation effectively needs the owner to be firm, consistent and patient as this breed tends to be stubborn also. At first this breed may seem indifferent towards strangers but proper socialization will cure this dilemma.

An apartment dwelling is fine with the Ridgeback as long as it gets its daily exercise of long brisk walking and jogging. Inside the house they are inactive but once outside, they pour out all their energies thats why you must bring them to a wide space outdoors to jaunt and run around in. Bring them to open- spaced yards or parks for example.

Because this dog originally came from the south of Africa, it is adept in living with harsh conditions such as flaring temperatures and scarce food and water resources. Left outside during hot or cold weather conditions, this dog will undoubtedly survive. It can withstand insect bites and in fact is unfeeling to them and can go on for over 24 hours without food and water.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Technorati Tags: animals, breed history, breed information, breeds, dog grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, rhodesian ridgeback breed, rhodesian ridgeback grooming, rhodesian ridgeback history, rhodesian ridgeback information, rhodesian ridgeback training

Who wouldn’t recognize this fluffy and adorable little breed when all its magnificence is shown in countless movies and TV repeatedly? This celebrity breed is the Pomeranian and it is on the American Kennel Club’s top 15 most famous breeds of America for 10 consecutive years. Today, the Pomeranian or Pom Pom is being adopted as a companion dog but it is also competitive in terms of agility, competitive obedience and ticks performance.

Evidence of this breed’s ancestors was found in Egypt as shown in various Egyptian paintings, sculptures and pottery inside the tomb of prominent people. Overtime, this breed was brought to the region of the now non-existent Pomerania, a place now occupied by Germany and Poland dividedly. It is in this place that the then 20 pounds Pomeranian-like breed was further refined to possess a luscious coat and a disposition befitting a city life.

The current Pomeranian size is due to the efforts of the English people to further downsize it to 3 to 7 pounds and make it more colorful. As the breed became a passably toy dog, it gained popularity all over Europe mostly among the royals such as Queen Charlotte and her grandchild Victoria. Other famous people who were known to own a Pomeranian were Mozart, Emile Zola and Marie Antoinette.

Today, the Pomeranian is grouped in to the toy dog category and belongs to the spitz type of breed. In many counties all throughout Europe, this dog is known as the Zwergspitz, a German word for dwarf spitz. Additionally, the Pomeranian name came from the Slavic root word Pomorze or Pomern meaning “along the sea”.

Describing the look of this tiny breed, many attest that it looks like a fox, a baby doll, or a pansy-faced creature. This may be attributed to the fact that the Pomeranian owns a bright, almond-shaped, and intelligent- looking stare. It also possesses a dense, long and soft hair that is often seen in colors white, black, brown, orange, sable, wolf, or white with colored markings.

The ancestors of the Pomeranian weighed 20 to 30 pounds but through an articulate breeding technique called the Mendelean theory, breeders have been able to turn this breed in to a light weight 3 to 7 pounds toy dog. This dog’s life expectancy, if properly taken care of and healthy, is 12 to 19 years. To help keep this breed at its prime, indulge it with daily walks or playtimes in order to keep its mind and physical state healthy.

The Pomeranian is innately friendly, playful and energetic; eager to learn and please its master and very loyal. These qualities make it a superb competitor in dog sport competitions and tricks performance. Unlike other toy dogs who constantly crave for attention and companionship, the Pomeranian is quite independent and can keep itself busy through curiosity, alertness and intelligence.

To keep its appearance at its best, frequent brushing and combing, regular dental check up and daily ear and nose cleaning are needed. On the downside, the Pomeranian is an excessive shedder therefore allergic individuals are not suited to own this breed. This dog also strives well in a small apartment dwelling because it doesn’t really need a wide space to exercise.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: breed articles, breed information, breeds, dog breed, dog grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, pets, pomeranian articles, pomeranian breed, pomeranian grooming, pomeranian information, pomeranian training

Every group in the world has its pack leader and the little toy dogs group is not exempted from this as they too have the Miniature Pinscher for a “Queen”. The Miniature Pinscher, also known as Zwergpinscher in Germany which means dwarf terrier, is recognized as the “Queen of Toy Dogs”. This breed looks exactly like the enormous Dobermans only smaller and cuter and is actually the predecessor of this large breed.

When Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman intended to breed the very first Doberman, he had in mind the qualities and appearance of the Zwergpinscher only 15 times larger. Supposedly, he crossed with it a Deutscher Pinscher or German Pinscher and the result was the very first Doberman. The Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin is believed to be a cross of smooth coated Daschund and Italian Greyhound.

The Min Pin is a hyper active, cheerful and affable little dog; and is extremely loyal and protective that it will defend its master and its territory ferociously against any possible threats, big or small. Originally, the Min Pins were used as vermin hunters in the stables and were recognized as working dogs. Presently, this breed is mostly taken in as household companions and is recognized as superb watchdogs and competitive sports dogs.

Comparing the original Min Pins to today’s rendition of the breed, the former are stout in appearance and have coarse coats. The Min Pins of today look rather refined, sleek and have smoother coats. They often appear in colors of red, stag-red, black and chocolate with markings of tan, rust, blue or fawn.

This little creature possesses a well-chiseled, muscular and compact little body and a natural refined and calm bearing. In grooming, this dog only requires combing and brushing using a firm bristle comb and a once in a while shampooing. It is not prone to shedding as well and in fact, a damp and warm washcloth can easily remove loose hair from its body.

The Min Pin, although does not shy away from new people, is naturally inclined to a one or two person interaction only. However, this temperament can be adjusted by means of early exposure to people and other forms of animals. During its puppy days, make sure to socialize this breed in to different kinds of groups of people and animals so that it doesnt develop an exclusivity attitude when it grows in to an adult.

The Miniature Pinscher is a well-known “little” creature, however, it does not see itself that way because it fearlessly challenges anyone and anything even the larger breeds. This disposition makes it an outstanding watchdog at the same time one of the worst creatures for apartment dwelling. Its natural protecting ability is often manifested through excessive barking and therefore would result in neighbors complaints.

Moreover, a constricted space is not as suitable for this dog’s excessive energy because without a huge dose of exercise, it tends to be destructive inside the home. Daily walks are not sufficient for it to vent out all its excess energy and therefore will require an additional of at least 45 minutes of workout and play everyday. During exercise, it is necessary to place this creature in an ample-sized yet fenced space in order for it to run and frolic freely without escaping in to neighborhood which proves to be an unsuitable place for their ferocity and fearlessness.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Technorati Tags: animals, breed information, breeds, dog articles, dog breeding, dog grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, miniature pinscher articles, miniature pinscher breeding, miniature pinscher grooming, miniature pinscher information, miniature pinscher training

As ants have Queens and as humans have leaders, so does the adorable, playful and tiny little group of toy dogs has a “Queen” in the form of the Miniature Pinscher. “Queen of Toy Dogs” is what the world knows this dog for and ZwergPinscher meaning Dwarf Terrier in its country of origin, Germany. This dog looks exactly like a tiny Doberman only it came to the world first before its enormous counterpart.

The Doberman Pinscher was first bred by Karl Freidrich Louis Doberman in 1880, Germany in his need for a companion that resembles that of a Zwergpinscher, only 15 times larger. It was believed that he used the Deutscher Pinscher (German Pinscher) with the Zwergpinscher in order to come up with his new breed Doberman. The Zwergpinscher or Min Pin was developed by crossing a smooth coated Daschund with an Italian Greyhound.

The Min Pin is a hyper active, cheerful and affable little dog; and is extremely loyal and protective that it will defend its master and its territory ferociously against any possible threats, big or small. Originally, the Min Pins were used as vermin hunters in the stables and were recognized as working dogs. Presently, this breed is mostly taken in as household companions and is recognized as superb watchdogs and competitive sports dogs.

Comparing the original Min Pins to today’s rendition of the breed, the former are stout in appearance and have coarse coats. The Min Pins of today look rather refined, sleek and have smoother coats. They often appear in colors of red, stag-red, black and chocolate with markings of tan, rust, blue or fawn.

This little creature possesses a well-chiseled, muscular and compact little body and a natural refined and calm bearing. In grooming, this dog only requires combing and brushing using a firm bristle comb and a once in a while shampooing. It is not prone to shedding as well and in fact, a damp and warm washcloth can easily remove loose hair from its body.

Generally, the Min Pin tends to be exclusive as it only wants to be surrounded by one or two people. This does not mean that this creature is not sociable, however, and will adjust fairly fine to crowds if exposed at a young age intentionally. To ensure that they interact with humans and other animals as an adult, socialize them at their puppy stage. This breed is naturally outgoing, responsive and smart therefore you should try to integrate them in to different groups of people and animals in order for them to be open when they grow up.

Never minding its size, this tiny little dog stands up against even the larger breeds because it is not easily swayed or intimidated. This attitude makes the Min Pin an excellent watchdog but as a companion in small apartments, not so. Excessive barking are usually the complaints of neighbors and so it is best to house them in to a more appropriate home.

A limited space will not satisfy the infinite bursting energy of the Min Pin and without proper activities, it tends to be a problem dog. More than daily walks, this dog needs at least 45 minutes of jaunting and running around just so it could release all its unused energy. Moreover, it is important to let lose them in a wide yet fenced space in order to avoid from escaping.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: animals, breed information, breeds, dog articles, dog breeding, dog grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, miniature pinscher articles, miniature pinscher breeding, miniature pinscher grooming, miniature pinscher information, miniature pinscher training

Filled with spunk and a mighty determination- this is what the tiny West Highland White terrier is popularly known for and more. With a compact little body and a magnificently bright white fur, this dog is an undeniable charmer and a surprisingly energetic and agile little gamer. Also widely known as “Westie”, this little hairy creature has a wide following and is still counting.

A lot of breeders favor the West Highland White terrier today but going back in time, it is but a pity and a shock to know that they weren’t so favored as they are today. In Scotland, where this breed first appeared, they were merely treated as worthless, least productive and scruffy dogs of peasant and poor workers. These ruthless and unjust assessments then widely prompted the people of that time to abandon, allow perishing, and ultimately killing these poor terriers.

Thanks to the influence of a soft- hearted man of rank, however, that this creature was saved from cruelty and was started to be recognized as one having unique abilities and useful strengths as a watchdog and vermin hunter. Col. Edward Donald Malcolm of Poltalloch, Scotland was the first man to give importance to this breed and so it was called the Poltalloch terrier then. Col. Malcolm developed several colored terriers but it is the white colored one that gained the most concentration for this typical color is the most useful in bushes and woods setting.

It is believed that the Westie of today descended from other Scottish terriers such as the Skye, Cairn, and Dandie Dinmont. And with the efforts of Col. Malcolm, this breed came to be and a club was organized in 1905, Col. Malcolm being its first chairman. In 1906, the club gained recognition from The Kennel Club and was given the name The West Highland White Terrier club; by 1908, the breed was recognized as a part of the American Kennel Club in the US.

Being a typical terrier, the Westie is fearlessly game, hardy, fairly amiable to new people, playful to children; energetic, self-assured, and feigns companionship. It’s common for this breed as well to be inclined in running, playing, and chasingaround small animals such as cats; it is never to hurt other animals but that this terrier loves chasing them around but merely as a form of entertainment. If surrounded by other dogs, this breed will interact just fine for it is never touchy and antagonistic, but rather affable and possesses a high self-esteem.

Outwardly, this dog is covered with 2 inches length of hair that’s thick, soft, and pearly white in brilliance. It solidly and robustly boasts its 10-12 inches of height and its hair that has a softer and thicker undercoat and courser and tougher overcoat. Maintenance for the hair minimally requires daily brushing and regular trimmings and clippings.

In addition to its already beautiful appearance, this dog is quite the showman, too, for it is docile in training and obedience which makes him a winner at every dog show competition. In terms of health, this dog requires an amount of regular walks so as to avoid the development of problem behaviors. Aside from that, this dog also needs a regular chance at playing, running around, and frolicking in order to keep his physical and mental health in check.

The Westie of today and the Westie of yesterday is by far distance apart in terms of social acceptance and treatment. As a proof, West Highland White Terrier clubs are founded and are being founded still all over the world in honor of this excellent and charming little dog. If it wasn’t for the conviction of one person then, who knows but this breed would’ve stopped existing long ago and for that we must be thankful for we have the brilliant little Westie to be enjoyed today.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Technorati Tags: breed information, breeds, dog breed, dog grooming, Dog Training, Dogs, west highland white terrier breed, west highland white terrier grooming, west highland white terrier history, west highland white terrier information, west highland white terrier training

The Boxer is a no-fuss, ready-to-roll-anytime kind of dog so if you’re wanting a companion that’s just like this then you two are a perfect match. This big and strong dog is extraordinarily energetic, loyal, intelligent, eager to learn, and agile. With its boisterous disposition, you’ll be surprised to know they are very low maintenance.

This breed is like a true military man that has a dignified stance and always-on-the-go disposition. If you’re wondering why, maybe their history will give us some answer. Looking back at history, since its conception, this breed has always been at the side of soldiers during battles and noblemen during hunting games.

This breed, being huge and strong themselves, are descendants of the massive guarding, fighting, and herding dog of ancient Greece- the Molossian Hound. This breed spread across Rome, Europe, and Britain all along accompanying men in hunt and at wars. In the 1800s Germany, the breed branched out in to two different breeds; Brabanters being the smallest conceived of the modern Boxers.

During the times of ancient battles and hunting games, Brabanters lived in castles and manors. However, the disappearance of these feats is the displacement of their breed in to butcher shops and theatres. The once military and police dog now ventured in to cattle herding and acting.

According to some, the name Boxer came from the breeds boxing-like hand gesture or its box-like head. But whats certain, however, is the fact that it is the Germans who established and improved this breed. In 1895, the Germans founded the very first Boxer club in Munich, Germany and in 1903, the breed came to the US and became popular in the 1940s.

Tagged as the Ultimate People dog, the Boxer is definitely lovable. They are very friendly and sociable but are wary with strangers, fearless when they fight, playful and highly energetic. At times they are boisterous and stubborn and so obedience training must be implemented.

The Boxers huge, sturdy, and confident stance shouldnt intimidate you. Even with its fighting and hunting game history, it is important to remember that this breed has a strong affection and patience towards humans especially children. Its stoic disposition is so surprisingly tolerant it can even stand poking, persistence, and unending playing and chasing of children.

So if you want to experience a low maintenance animal, the Boxer is perfect for you. Unlike other creatures that requires too much pampering; Boxers can come clean with wiping and occasional bathing. Boxers are truly sociable, easy learners, easily pleased, and low maintenance- thanks to their military background.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Technorati Tags: animals, boxer breed, boxer puppies, boxer sale, boxer training, boxers, breed training, breeds, Dog Breeds, dog sale, Dogs, dogs training, puppies