A Shih Tzu dog is probably one of the proudest and most intelligent dogs that there is in any breed. As intelligent as the Shih Tzu is, even a Shih Tzu gets traumatized by having to be rescued from an abusive owner or being abandoned by someone who doesn’t care about them.

The problem is that a Shih Tzu never forgets and it can hold a grudge against humans for a long time and justifiably, but there is always a chance to show a Shih Tzu rescue dog that not all humans are bad and that the little dog does have a chance at being loved.

As able as they are to hold a grudge a Shih Tzu rescue dog is also capable of sensing when it is truly loved and can return that love once it feels comfortable. Unfortunately not all of the anguish the dog has been through will be forgotten and some may have physical scars for the rest of their lives, but if you give them a chance they may just reward you with love.

When you start out your new life with your Shih Tzu rescue dog you are going to need good advice from experienced and professional people on how to communicate and care for your recovering pet.

One great source of advice is your vet because your vet has seen all manner of abuse and they are trained on how to reach abused animals and gain their trust. Your vet can be a valuable resource here.

A Shih Tzu breeder can also be a great help. Breeders are not only concerned with their own dogs, but a good breeder is concerned with helping any dog. If you need advice on how to raise your Shih Tzu rescue dog then talk to a breeder because breeders not only deal with pups but they too deal with abused and abandoned dogs as well and can help in that area from the unfortunate benefit of experience.

You are going to need a tremendous amount of patience with your Shih Tzu rescue dog if you ever hope to get through to them and help them adapt to a life where they are loved. A Shih Tzu by nature takes a long time to train and a long time to adapt to what you want it to do. And the trauma of its previous existence is another hurdle you will have to jump in your quest to get your Shih Tzu rescue dog to be a loving pet.

Congratulations on your Shih Tzu rescue dog and you should be thanked by all animal lovers for what you are doing. Your Shih Tzu wants to thank you too but you have to remember that it is adjusting to something new from a life where all it knew was abuse so they will make mistakes. Never punish the Shih Tzu rescue dog, as they don’t understand punishment and punishment may push them even further from you. Be patient.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, shih tzu

Toy Pomeranians are easy to identify and hard to forget. They look like the world’s cutest, tiniest foxes with coats twice as big as their bodies. They have a high forehead, pointed ears, huge eyes and a button nose at the end of a slightly pointed snout. Some snouts will be blunter than others. The breeding trend seems to be for a profile like that of a Chihuahua rather than that of a miniature Spitz.

The average toy Pomeranian will be about six to seven ponds and look like a cross between a fox cub and a cheerleader’s pom-pom. They have naturally pointed ears, huge eyes and a pointed nose (although they can be blunted like a Chihuahua’s in some individuals). They are covered in long, puffy hair in the recognized colors of red, sable, orange, cream and sable, black, white, chocolate and a mixture of brown and blue tones. Their coats are double layered and need daily grooming.

Toy Pomeranians look like sturdy little sled dogs with a proud head, high curling tail, profuse coat to keep out the bad weather and a blockish body. However, they are far more fragile than their looks suggest. Cats and even Chihuahuas are far more robust than toy Pomeranians. Reliable Pomeranian information books and websites are filled with instances of Pomeranians dying from falling off of a couch or being rolled on by a sleeping owner.

Toy Pomeranians are vain, highly intelligent and protective of whatever they like. If they bark and snap at strangers coming up to your door, take this as a compliment (in a way), as you are liked enough by your Pomeranian to be worthy of protection.

Toy Pomeranians will give warnings first before they bite, but as they are so small, you might not be able to see these warnings. But, Pomeranians are trainable given enough time and patience.

Because of the tiny size of the toy Pomeranian, they are difficult to housebreak completely. Males will always lift their legs to mark territory unless you get them neutered. Many toy Pomeranians have been successfully litter trained, more so females than males. Pomeranians know very well to go outside, but their tiny bladders often cannot hold onto the urine long enough for you to let them out. Pomeranians are very intelligent and very trainable.

Toy Pomeranians have excellent senses of humor, although the level of this humor will vary from dog to dog. One Pomeranian has become a small Internet sensation on the YouTube show “Cute With Chris” by pooping her pile of poo in the shape of a smiley face.

Since most Pomeranians have health problems with their eyes, skin, heart and skeletons, only the healthiest should ever breed no matter how cute they look. They are better off with quiet adults rather than a family with young children.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, pomeranian

Most mastiff dog owners adore their animals but do not bother organizing dog insurance for them , though these same people would argue that they are part of the family. The average American will have health insurance , so it makes sense that we should consider insurance to protect our dogs.

This is an often overlooked area and thought to be superfluous by some , mastiff dog owners soon learn how costly it is when they require treatment. Like many other areas, the cost of vet fees has increased as well , for those people with dog insurance, they have witnessed this rise in the form of premium increases.

So other than rising costs, what are the main reasons you should consider cover for your mastiff dog. The problem is that domestic animals are often more liable to be involved in an accident or become sick; this can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

If you are in this unenviable position then a choice may have to be made , you know that treating your animal will place financial strain on you.

I had doubts about treating our dog some time ago when he was involved in an accident. I have to admit to asking myself at the time if we could justify the expense. Especially when you know that even with the surgery and treatments, your mastiff could still die. There are no guarantees as complications are not uncommon.

The average person does not always consider the costs involved with owning a dog , this is even more relevant if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Raising (sometimes) large sums of money can be prove to be financially embarrassing especially when you are have money problems , which could mean contacting a relative or friend for the money.

If you are experiencing a cash flow situation, you probably won’t spend as much on your mastiff dog’s treatment as you would like. Arranging a mastiff dog insurance policy saves this type of predicament from happening in the future. The choice is yours, large vet bills or pet healthcare insurance policy for around 40 dollars (or Less) per month , cost of medical care is assured.

Various dog healthcare insurance options are available possibly to meet certain financial requirements. Hopefully this article will make mastiff dog owners think again about their responsibility , perhaps the information supplied here has made things are a little clearer now and you won’t delay further.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dog Breeders, Dog Health, Dogs, family, home, Life, pedigree dogs, pet, pets

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.

Popularity: 31% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, poodle

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.

Popularity: 32% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, pomeranian

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.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, yorkie, yorkshire terrier

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.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, 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.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, shih tzu

In 2006, the American Kennel Club announced that the Yorkshire Terrier was the second most popular purebred dog in America. They are poised to become the nation’s most popular dog – even over the ubiquitous Labrador Retriever. Where did the Yorkshire Terrier come from? What breeds went into making it? And why did it get to be so popular?

Despite being named after a Northern county in England, the direct ancestor stock of today’s Yorkshire Terrier came from Scotland. When Scottish weavers lost work because of the rise of factory made clothing, they had to move south and brought their dogs with them. These dogs were Scottish Terriers, Paisley Terriers, Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terriers, the latter two breeds are now extinct. The Scottish dogs bred with the local terrier breeds, thought to have been Skye Terriers, Maltese and the now extinct breeds of Black and Tan English and Waterside. The eventual result was Huddersfield Ben, considered the fore sire of the entire Yorkshire Terrier breed.

The ancestors from Scotland were called, appropriately enough, the Scottish Terrier and the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier (which is now an extinct breed). It is thought the also extinct Scottish breed the Paisley Terrier made a significant genetic contribution to the origins of today’s Yorkshire Terrier. Scottish weavers became suddenly unemployed during the Industrial Revolution and moved south to the rough English county of Yorkshire in order to find work. They brought all of their families with them – including their dogs.

The Scottish dogs then inevitably wooed the blushing English roses of the local canine population. It is thought those breeds were the Black and Tan English Terrier (also now extinct), the Skye Terrier and the Waterside Terrier (which is – you guessed it – also extinct). According to the majority of Yorkshire Terrier information sources, the founding father of the breed, Huddersfield Ben, was born in Yorkshire in 1865. He became one of the most admired dogs of his day.

As time went on, the need for big working dogs decreased. People were living in smaller homes and needed smaller dogs they could physically control easily. The Yorkshire Terrier filled this niche admirably. They were a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Not only did they make great guard dogs, but were affectionate and did not need a lot of exercise. They were introduced to America in 1872.

Over the last century, Yorkshire Terriers have become ever smaller. The original Yorkies were about thirty pounds and came in several colors. Today’s show Yorkies are not to exceed seven pounds and must be steel blue and tan (and have those colors in specific proportions).

The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, family, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, yorkie, yorkshire terrier

The Teacup Poodle is very similar to the Toy and the Standard Poodle except for the size. Teacup Poodles weigh anywhere between two and four pounds where the next size Poodle, the Toy Poodle, is ten pounds at maturity. Teacup dogs get the name teacup because they can almost fit into a teacup. These dogs are intelligent, obedient and elegant dogs. They have a non-shedding fur, which makes them very popular. They are very perceptive dogs and love companionship.

They are usually carted around in a ladies purse or a designer carrier. They are always the center of attention and are quite popular in Hollywood. Celebrities love this dog because of its size and because they can take it anywhere they go. They need to be consistently groomed to keep their fur free from matting and messiness, but the time needed to groom such a tiny dog is very short.

Teacup Poodles are rather expensive dogs. They are so popular now that a Teacup puppy can run anywhere from eight hundred to one thousand dollars. They can be carried in a pocket or a purse and are extremely popular dogs. They are available in many colors and their country of origin is France.

They are pampered pooches and can be found at many dinner parties and luncheons sitting right next to their owners or sitting on the table. Their roots go back centuries when Poodles would entertain in circuses all over Europe. Then it was quite gauche to have a Poodle at Court sitting with the King or Queen. These royal families would pamper their Poodles in outlandish ways and was actually the beginning of the personality trait of the pampered Poodle.

A two to four pound dog is a very delicate dog and one must think twice before adopting one of these pets if there are young children or irresponsible children in the home.

Teacup Poodles can be easily trained but one must remember that this is a very tiny dog and cannot jump up on a sofa or bed by itself. If the Teacup Poodle were to fall off a bed or a sofa they could break a leg because they are very delicate and fragile dogs. Toy Poodles the next size up are more sturdy and agile, but the Teacup needs to be treated as a baby. Some people get the idea of fragile confused with sickly. These are not sickly dogs and they do not get sick more than any other dog. They have a hearty constitution even though they are just tiny dogs.

Even thought Teacup Poodles are tiny and fragile they are not sickly dogs. If a breeder tries to sell you a sick Teacup Poodle and tells you that this is the normal Teacup and that they are usually sick should be reported to the breeders associations. A Teacup Poodle should not be taller then eight inches and not weight more then four pounds. Anyone who tries to sell you anything bigger is selling you a Toy Poodle and not a Teacup Poodle.

Because these dogs are so small they will use up their energy quite quickly. They will need to small meals throughout the day in order to keep up their energy.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: animal, animals, breeding dogs, dog, Dogs, home, pedigree dogs, pet, pets, poodle