“What do you do?”

I reply, “I’m an animal communicator.”

Today’s reactions to my answer are much more accepting than when I first admitted that I communicated with animals telepathically. I wouldn’t always tell people that I could talk to animals. I’d hesitate trying to get an intuitive feeling as to how I should answer. Often I just said, “I have a horse farm.” That was the safe, acceptable answer.

It took me a long time to tell my parents, which made me uncomfortable. I didn’t want to see the disappointment and questions in their eyes. When I was included in a book about animal communicators, I felt it was time. I handed them the book and quickly left the room. My dad was skeptical but tried to accept it. My mother couldn’t, which was no big surprise. Several friends had trouble accepting the new skill I shared with them. It changed our relationship for years. Recently, I was able to help one with the transition of her family cat.

Letting another’s judgment prevent me from admitting that I could talk to animals was an issue that took me years to resolve. I am proud of what I can do and how I’ve helped many people and animals. Changing times have opened the minds of many people to new possibilities. Now when I admit what I do, I feel openness and curiosity rather than skepticism and fear. Most people want to know how, why, when.

All my life I’ve had a deep love for animals. It’s just who I am. My parents were dog lovers, so we always had a dog in the family. I was born with an innate love for horses. No other family members suffered from my affliction. I began riding lessons at age 8. My dream of having my own horse was realized by age 13. I’ve had dogs, horses and cats in my life ever since.

Following in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, I became a pharmacist. I practiced in our family’s drug store until leaving to marry my horse vet. For the next 27 years, I managed our veterinary office, equine hospital and breeding farm. I belonged on a horse farm and not in a pharmacy, so the Universe worked that out for me. Had I not followed my heart, I might never have uncovered my true purpose in this life.

One of my husband’s patients taught me that communicating with animals wasn’t limited to someone with a “special gift.” She was a Quarter Horse foal born with scoliosis. She couldn’t get up or stand on her own. Her name was Because of Love. Many people were drawn to her and all donated their services.

My husband and I attended a workshop given by the veterinary chiropractor and animal communicator that were part of Love’s entourage. Until that weekend, I was merely involved with offering love and moral support. Little did I know the epiphany awaiting that would change the course of my life – all “because of love.”

I watched the workshop participants discuss what the animals were saying. These ladies weren’t any different than me. They weren’t special or gifted. I thought to myself, “I can learn this?” The cosmic 2 X 4 hit me square in the consciousness. I had to learn how to talk to animals. I’d do whatever it took to finally remove the wall that separates humans and animals. Learning to fully know what animals were thinking and feeling inspired me. Then, I could really help Love.

Trying to find time in my already hectic day was no easy task. My intense desire to talk with the animals gave me the motivation to pursue my goal. My quest to learn to telepathically communicate with animals began in the early 90s and changed my life forever.

Probably the greatest challenge for me was learning to quiet my mind, which is crucial to telepathic communication of any kind. Being a left-brained, type-A personality, I practiced meditation to reawaken my right brain, which was not easy. It is with the combined usage of both hemispheres of the brain that we truly realize our full potential as human beings.

Many people ask how I accomplished my goal. I don’t share specifics with them, because I never want to discourage anyone. I was blessed with incredible experiences with fabulous animal teachers that guided me along my learning path quite rapidly.

I advise people that we all have the same capacity to communicate telepathically because our brains are physiologically identical. However, when something is involved in our soul’s purpose, things are facilitated as they were for me. Once I made the commitment to this goal, opportunities flew to me. The more I learned, the more there was to learn.

What began as a passion to talk to animals led to the discovery of other healing talents. Whenever I uncovered hidden abilities, animals that needed those skills found me. It was the Universe saying that I was on the right track.

I was my biggest skeptic and needed physical proof that what I was doing was actually bringing about change. I trust animals. They’re always honest, so I believed what I saw. They showed me that I was affecting positive behavioral changes. Not only was I able to communicate with them, but also offer healing modalities that allowed them to live happier lives among humans. I don’t need any kind of proof anymore.

Years ago during one of my consultations, I was told that companion animals came into existence to answer our souls’ cries for help. The earth plane is difficult to navigate. Our animals are here to help us succeed. I’d always felt like my animals were taking more care of me than I was of them. This insight was my confirmation.

There is so much being missed in our relationships with animals that I encourage anyone who feels the desire to talk with their animals to pursue it. It requires dedication, but the rewards are far-reaching. You don’t have to make it your life’s work unless you feel drawn to. Simply being able to communicate with your own animal family will enrich your life a thousand-fold.

My own animals have chosen to share their lives and lessons with me. I am humbled to have had each of them come to me. They’ve supported me in the worst of times. They’ve filled my heart with joy. They’ve kept a smile on my face. They’ve given me a reason to live. I am forever indebted to them.

Animals are the most patient and selfless teachers. I am who I am today because of all the animals that have trusted me and allowed me into their lives. They have taught me more about life and how to live it than anything I learned in 18 years of school. Working with them every day is gratifying and fulfilling. I am truly blessed to love what I do. I am honored to say, “I talk to animals!”

Nancy A. Kaiser lives in the healing Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina surrounded by her family of dogs, cats and a horse. She is the author of Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation, about her recovery from trauma with the help of animals and nature. Nancy operates Just Ask Communications, a practice devoted to healing the human-animal bond through enhanced communication and understanding. Visit her at: www.NancyKaiserAnimalCommunicator.com

A true story of two lost dogs as read by author Rose De Dan to her dog, Puma, from her book “Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism.” The events in this story took place in Worcester, Mass. several years before the author took any formal training in animal communication.

Inspired by the Dalai Lama and his focus on compassionate living, this video lovingly portrays the miracles that can happen when you communicate from your heart.

Thanks for watching!

Rose De Dan, Puma, Kiya and Saqqara,
Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC

Click below to buy Rose’s book, it is available for the Kindle too!

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton – www.dreamsaloud.ca

“We are all on a journey to discover our dreams, or life’s dream for us. The only way we can know if the fit is right is to try it on. How does it feel?”

The opening pages of Liz Mitten Ryan’s One with the Herd: A Spiritual Journey lead us along an ancestral trail we may not yet recognize. Reading on, we are gently shown how to quiet our busy minds, surrender to silence and listen for offerings of wisdom from the herd.

Mitten Ryan decided ten years ago to leave the city and build her dream on a remote 320-acre ranch in the high country of Kamloops, British Columbia. Thus began her own leap of faith. At Gateway 2, her horses roam freely, enjoying the life of a wild herd, returning to their human support when they please. This has created a rare opportunity for Mitten Ryan to form unique relationships with the horses based on love, trust and respect. She recognizes them as spiritual equals, which challenges many of our culture’s current beliefs about animals. In return, the horses invite us into their world. They are gentle, playful and extraordinarily responsive. They follow humans willingly about the paddock and require no tack when ridden.

In One with the Herd, Mitten Ryan shares the truths she learned from communing with these insightful creatures. This unusual work has broad implications for the world at large. We discover there is a way to live in harmony with all sentient creatures. As we follow our heart’s desire, we find we don’t need power over any one.

“Animals can teach us the path to spirit because they live there, and if we allow them to contribute to the conversation, they will invite us to experience the ultimate communion in being one with the herd.”

The text of One with the Herd is enriched by Mitten Ryan’s original artwork, poetry, photographs and journal entries. This touching book will advance your understanding of the equine world and kindle your own unforgettable journey. It is capturing hearts all across North America and has won five major book awards. Enjoy it soon and share it with someone you love.

Liz Mitten Ryan is a world-renowned Canadian Artist and an Equine Communicator. One with the Herd is the first in a series of four books she has written. Funds raised from book sales benefit equine welfare groups across the country including Thoroughbred Charities of America, Island Equine Rescue, Return to Freedom, Bar NK, and Equine Voices Rescue. Visit Liz and the herd, view our dvds and read excerpts at: www.lizmittenryan.com

Do you think you have what it takes to be a true dog lover? If there was one thing that you can do in this world that would greatly contribute to the canine family, would you be willing to sacrifice a little extra time and patience?

What I am talking about is adopting a dog or puppy from your local animal shelter. There is no better service you or I could make in terms of raising a dog than by providing a positive, loving home to a perfectly good shelter animal.

For some of you, the idea of adopting a shelter dog will instantly cause you to become negative or feel defensive toward these animals. You have too many preconceived notions and assumptions that could be stopping you from saving a dog’s life, one that would make a great house pet if you just had the open mind and a little bit of extra time to train it.

Have I Talked You Into Adoption Yet?

I’m sure it may take a bit more persuasion for some of you to open up your hearts and minds to adopting a shelter dog, but for the rest of you who have decided that you want to visit your local animal shelters to find a dog or puppy who needs a good home, make sure that you approach the staff with a few questions before making your decision.

Ask about what kind of medical treatment the dogs receive. Most organized animal shelters will at least provide the minimum care necessary needed for a dog to go home with you, however, there are some places that unfortunately neglect important medical guidelines.

What To Look For

Any organization that handles animals should have a licensed veterinarian on staff at all times. This veterinarian will provide vaccinations in order to prevent hepatitis, distemper, and other health issues. Ask the staff, or talk with the veterinarian if possible, if these dogs have had their blood checked for heartworms. And is the skin clean of fleas and other parasites?

These are just the basic medical requirements that every person should look for when adopting a dog from an animal shelter. Other needs may be a bit more complex.

For example, do you have your sights set on a dog that has been injured in the past, or is currently healing from an injury? What type of injury is it? What type of medication and treatment has the dog received? Ask about the cost of future treatment and medical needs that will arise.

And Don’t Forget…

Another important set of questions and research that you should talk with your local animal shelter about is whether or not they have a professional who evaluates each dogs’ temperament. Most shelters have this information posted on the front of each cage that is designated to the specific dog, or other animal.

It is important that you take this information and assess whether or not it is detailed enough so that the dog can be trusted with your family set up. The staff should also know how the animal reacts with children and around outside stimulants such as moving cars, other people, etc.

This information is valuable in determining whether or not the shelter dog you are considering will be a good match for your home situation. In addition, ask the staff specific questions regarding a dog’s attitude towards being submissive or dominant. Are they overprotective of territory? How often does aggressive behavior occur and for what reasons? The more questions you ask, the better you will feel when you take your adopted shelter dog home.

If you’re lucky enough to be purchasing a dog that was trained to provide a service for people, or a least adopting a dog that was accepted for such training but did not make it for some reason, you are in for a special treat. Most people aren’t even aware that such dogs exist.

What type of pets are we talking about? Any dog that was trained for or actually worked a “career” by leading the blind and helping other disabled people is a prime example.

You Have 3 Choices Of Service Dogs To Choose From

When looking to adopt a professionally trained career dog, your choices come in three different forms: dogs that are retired from being guides, “career changing” dogs, and finally, there are the canines that for some reason did not make it through the training program, or simply put – flunkies.

Guide Dogs No More: Just like people, service dogs cannot work their jobs forever. As these animals get older, they become slower and are no longer effective in helping their owners. The average amount of time that a service dog can work is approximately 8 years. At this point they become prime candidates for adoption by people like you and me.

Dogs That Had Multiple Careers: Many dogs can be taken out of one service job and then trained for another. The reasons for this can vary. It may be because of temperament issues, medical concerns, or perhaps a dog was just not a suitable match for its owner. For example, a dog may be retired from guide service and then prepared and transferred to work at a rehabilitation hospital or a nursery home. Sometimes these types of animals are even assigned to children’s homeless centers in order to play with the kids.

Just Didn’t Make The Cut: Finally, we have our flunkies. Now before you consider a flunky to be a negative thing, reconsider that notion because quite the opposite is true. Thousands of dogs are trained every year by organizations which lead them into service jobs.

Not all of these dogs make the cut and move on to work with people. They are considered flunkies for whatever reason, whether it is from temperament problems, health problems, or perhaps were a little too excitable for service work. However, the important aspect to remember here is that these dogs are still a cut above any other pet you may find elsewhere.

Just to get accepted into these types of programs for training preparation means they already had natural first-class qualities and characteristics which made them ideal candidates. These dogs are typically between the ages of one and two years old. Most are very gentle and loving and have had some type of extensive obedience training during the beginning of the program.

For those ultra-exuberant Labs who have trouble controlling themselves from jumping on people, even after being taught the “sit” and “off” commands, a harness and leash in the house can help immensely.

Put the harness and leash on, then sit in a chair and put your foot on the leash so there’s only enough slack for the dog to stand up or sit, but not to jump up. This way you aren’t jerking the dog around or punishing it, and if the dog starts to jump up, it can’t. Just make sure the leash is firmly under your feet with a wide enough base so you don’t get pulled off the chair!

Although the harness is a way to manage jumping behavior it must be coupled with teaching the sit command with lots of positive reinforcement. This will keep your Lab from performing the behavior you don’t want, while teaching it the behavior you do want. You want to physically prevent them from jumping up, then immediately train them to sit with a big reward.

A headcollar, which fits over the muzzle (similar to a horse halter), is another option for over-exuberant Labs, especially those that pull on a leash. Many dog trainers are great fans of the headcollar for over-excited dogs. It’s a fabulous management tool.

Use it in the house or on walks while your dog is learning how to walk on leash, so you aren’t getting your arm yanked out of its socket. Also, headcollars can help potential adopters to recognize that they can handle that 75-pound, full-grown Labrador Retriever.

Don’t Give Up!

Most importantly, all new owners of adopted Labs are urged not to give up on their rambunctious buddies. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for these dogs. Work with them every day that you can. Provide as much time needed to get them domesticated to your needs and the needs of the family.

Seek out a qualified, positive trainer, and get the help you need. Particularly good would be a trainer that has experience with training adolescent and adult dogs.

Be patient, consistent and understanding, and one day the Labrador fairy will raise her magic wand and sprinkle her magic dust over your Lab. Suddenly, you’ll realize that your hyperactive shelter Lab has become a really great, respectable, and well-trained family pet, one that your neighbors will be envious of.

When deciding to add a new adult dog to the family, have you considered purchasing one that is actually retired? What is a “retired” dog? Simply put, most people never consider finding a companion that used to be of service to other people, such as a guide dog.

If you look up the reports provided by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, you’ll find that there are approximately 8,000 to 9,000 dogs in the United States alone that are “employed”. These animals are out there providing service to our fellow human beings by guiding blind people, helping the deaf, and offering assistance to other disabled men and women.

However, not all dogs who are bred and raised in order to provide some sort of service is actually out there working. And other dogs have indeed been of use to people during their life but obviously cannot continue working forever. To help these animals find homes, there are guide dog organizations who provide adoption programs as part of their services.

These animals are definitely in high demand. Most of them are completely trained and offer stable companionship from the day they are brought home. The reason for this is because most of these working type dogs spent months and even years going through intensive obedient classes and learning training protocols. This type of training is so extensive that most everyday citizens could not afford to have their pets undergo such training from professionals.

Consider this, it takes a very special and intelligent dog just to get excepted into a program which will train them for a career as a service dog. They must be well adjusted, in good health, and show all the signs necessary to make them good students of whatever particular job the trainers will be preparing them for.

Just these attributes alone, before being trained to work, would make a wonderful pet. Now imagine six months up to two years of additional heavy-duty obedience training and career protocol programs. The result is a dog that anybody would be extremely grateful to have as a house pet.

So before you decide to go to a shelter or any of the usual places to buy or adopt a dog, consider checking out local facilities that specialize in providing dogs that are ex-service oriented, or those canines that for some reason or another did not completely make it through the training. Either way, you are guaranteed to enjoy a high class, first rate quality pet.

One reason many Labrador Retrievers are abandoned to animal shelters is because they jumped on small children, knocking them over or scaring them. A lot of people don’t understand how to manage jumping and when their Lab gets big, jumping isn’t so cute anymore.

People don’t know how to deal with it so they give up on the dog. Once a Lab has reached its full adult size, jumping can become a real problem, but that’s also an easy problem to fix. All it takes is one little word: “Sit.”

“Sit” is the solution to over 90% of behavior problems. The sit command is the answer, and it’s the easiest thing in the world to train a dog to do. When a dog is sitting, it can’t be jumping up. Train your newly adopted shelter Lab to sit with big rewards and you’ll see a huge difference in behavior.

Many adult Labs already know the sit command so using it frequently can nip jumping quickly. Even Labs that don’t know the command to sit know how to sit. If you teach the dog to sit on command, you’ve solved all kinds of problems before you ever get to a training class. Labs are so trainable because they want to please you and they want rewards. They really do want to sit for you!

Out Of Control Jumpers

Teaching your dog the “off” command is necessary for those out-of-control jumpers. Jumping up is the way the Lab expresses how desperate it is for attention. The more hyper you get in response to this behavior, the more excited your Lab becomes. Even yelling is attention to your Lab. Teach him that the only time it will get love and attention is when it is sitting. Ignore it when it jumps on you – become a statue, literally.

To teach “off” you will actually want to invite this excitement from your Lab by acting excited yourself. Then, when it jumps up, cross your arms, turn away and quietly say “off.” Then wait – don’t move, talk or make eye contact.

When the dog realizes it’s not getting any sort of attention, positive or negative, it will get back on the floor. Immediately praise him. Your Lab will get bored fast and try something else, like sitting. That’s when you pour on the praise.

After only a few times, if you are quick and consistent, your Lab will learn that it gets what it craves – attention – when all four paws are on the floor instead of jumping all over you.

The old saying that a tired dog is a good dog never applied to any breed more than the adolescent Labrador Retriever. Labs need so much exercise! This is especially true when they are young adults.

They are not a couch potato breed, but they will calm down after a good 40 minutes or so of vigorous aerobic exercise. This is why dog parks were invented!

All young Labrador Retrievers have energy to spare, but Labs confined to shelters for long periods may be in dire need of some serious cardiovascular activity to burn off excessive energy. Most Labs at these shelters aren’t getting enough exercise at all.

Labs are bred to go through the woods and marshes and get that duck again and again and again – all day long. This is an extremely active, high-energy dog and if you bring it into a sedentary lifestyle, it’s not a good fit.

Putting a Labrador Retriever in a fenced yard or taking the dog for a walk around the block isn’t enough. This dog’s exercise has to be heavy cardiovascular and it has to wear them out to the point of fatigue.

Finding sufficient outlets for your shelter Lab’s energy can make a huge difference in behavior around the house. Dog-daycare programs and professional pet sitters can offer exercise opportunities during the work day, but even without paying a penny to a professional, you can exercise your Lab by organizing play dates.

Nothing tires out an adolescent dog like another adolescent dog. Meet up with other dog people – friends, neighbors or people you meet in obedience class – and get your dogs together to channel that energy.

Invite them over for pizza or a backyard grill and turn the dogs loose. A lot of people become very good friends who get together for such dog-related activities. It’s an economical and fun alternative to an organized dog-daycare program.

After about 12 to 14 months, when a Labrador Retriever has finished growing strong bones, it can also begin more organized athletic activities, such as agility (a competitive obstacle course), or other higher-impact activities, such as jogging for long distances.

But never wait too long for obedience classes. This is a common mistake all too many dog owners make, and this goes especially for your newly adopted shelter Lab. Start bonding with it right away under the guidance of a professional, who can help you with strategies for introducing family members, other pets and dog-proofing your home. You’ll set a precedent for good behavior, and you’ll immediately begin building a relationship with your Lab.

You need to keep a watchful eye on your pup at all times. His environment, food, and social factors can affect him in different ways. Most importantly, he can become deathly ill with some of the illnesses that befall puppies. When you need to identify a problem, be sure to include your vet in the process. He will know the appropriate action to take.

Symptoms to watch for in your new pup are diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, pain of any kind, no appetite, and a fever. Dogs cannot tell us what they are feeling so we have to watch for these symptoms and call the vet to see if they need to be seen. Make sure their vaccinations are all up to date. Also monitor his contact with other dogs as they may be sick and the owners may not know it.

Once you see the vet and decide on a course of action, he may decide some medicine would help the animal feel better. There are several ways to get the puppy to take the medicine whether it is liquid or tablet. Some dogs may spit it out. You have to keep trying until they get it down or call the vet and see if something else can be done.

For liquid medicines, some dogs will lick it right off a spoon or out of the dropper. You can pour it in some food and mix it up. If the dog is uncooperative, you can hold him by the back of the head. Pull one side of the mouth up and shoot the medicine toward the back of the mouth and they will swallow it.

For tablets, the same thing applies. Most people will disguise the food in a piece of bread or in the dog’’s food. Some dogs will take it right out of your hand. If the dog is uncooperative, tilt your dog’’s head back and place the pill as far back on the tongue as you can get it. At no time should you hurt the animal while giving medicine to him.

A puppy progresses almost like children do. They need to eat, sleep, and learn new things along the way. Always interact and play with your puppy to give him exercise and keep him mentally and physically fit.

The first two to three weeks are usually the hardest. The puppy will begin to move around and open his eyes. He will know his Mom and her smell.

At three to four weeks, the pup will begin to recognize you. Any kind of negative happening like immediate changes can impact his personality. So try to keep things calm during this time. Mom is beginning to teach the litter how to be a dog, so they need to stay with her now.

During the four to eight week stage, he begins to interact with his siblings. He will also learn how to play. Weaning happens around this time and Mom will teach her mischievous brood a few manners. They are not ready to be separated from Mom as she has a few more things to teach them. This is also the time to start them on puppy food.

Once they get to eight weeks, some puppies hit a fearful time. Things they used to be accustomed to now terrify them. Do not yell or scream at the puppy or isolate him during this time. This is the time to teach simple behaviors such as sit and stay.

At three months, the puppy will be more independent every day. He will challenge you by not doing the simple commands he already knows. He will wait to play wrestle and even if you win, the puppy will still think it is alright to fight with you which can lead to other bad behaviors down the road.

Four months brings the teenage stage. He will go through hormonal changes and have an even lesser desire to do what you say. He will also go through teething. Always have something cold, if possible, for the pup to chew on. This stage ends at six months which is the perfect time to spay or neuter.

Puppies need exercise and lots of attention. Otherwise, they may start to entertain themselves doing things that will annoy you. Play with the pup and interact by giving praise or a scratch between the ears. Take him for a short ride down the road.

Bored puppies can pick up some really bad habits. Some of these are really hard to break. Start showing correct behavior when you see the puppy doing the wrong one. Give a treat and praise him when he performs the right behavior.

Licking is a big one. Excessive licking may mean a problem for the vet, or the puppy could just be bored. A bath may help to calm and soothe. Praise the puppy for staying still in the bath.

Whining is hard to deal with at times. If they have been put to bed, maybe place the crate in your room so they know you are near. But each time you go in to check on them, when they whine, reinforces the behavior.

Whining can mean several different things. Some good and some bad. A dog who is housetrained may need to go outside. A sudden yelping whine may mean he is in pain and a trip to the vet is needed.

Some dogs whine when you are eating because they want your food. Some whine to be let in the house. The most important thing is not to give in. Teach them by praising during the quiet times. Then they learn when they are quiet, they will get praise and attention.

Puppies will chew everything in sight from shoes, books, or papers. He may be teething, and like his human counterpart, his gums are sore or itching. Sometimes he is just trying to entertain himself. Make sure he has toys that he can chew and praise him for chewing the right ones. Say NO in a low voice so he will know you disapprove of his actons.

Puppies usually become orphaned when Mom doesn”t make enough milk to feed them, has a physical problem that prevents her from caring for the pups, or has died during the birthing process. These puppies can be raised by you if you are willing to work hard at keeping them healthy. They will need to be seen by the vet after birth so he can start them on their feeding schedule.

You must follow a regular schedule of feedings, bathroom breaks, playing, and sleeping. It is quite time consuming but can be a rewarding venture. You must consider the nurturing and socialization of the pups, how to prevent diseases from arising since they are not starting out with Mom’’s milk, what to feed them and how to get them weaned in several weeks, and the sanitation of the area you will be keeping them. Take all of this into consideration and decide if you will be able to give the puppies the time they require.

You will have to bottle feed or tube feed. Bottle feeding is better for most people, because the tube could be passed into the lungs and choke the pup. Feed the pup while on its belly not on its back. Puppy formulas are available and are nutritionally balanced to meet your puppy’’s needs. Most people use Esbilac or Puppylac. Do not use cow or goat milk. Do not give raw egg whites as there is an enzyme in the egg that will cause a biotin deficiency in the puppy. Don”t give the puppy honey either, it can be fatal.

Caloric intake should be as follows in calories per pound per day:
Week One, they should receive 60-69.
Week Two, they should receive 70-79.
Week Three, they should receive 80-89
Week Four, they should receive 90-100.

When you bring the new puppy home, the first thing you will want to do is feed him. What kind of food do you use? What are his nutritional requirements? Will he like what you give him? Make sure your vet is involved in his diet planning.

Make sure the dog’’s food is healthy and tasty. Try to find something for the stage of life he is in. For example, if he is a puppy, buy him puppy food. Decide on what you are going to feed him before you bring him home. This prevents last minute decisions that might not be healthy for your pet.

Dry food is quite popular. It is easy to store and usually tastes great. It is also good for helping keep the teeth clean.

Soft and moist food are great for your dog to eat because he will eat most of the food and get the added nutrition.

Canned food have the highest water content. These also contain less nutrition, so you may need to feed your dog more than usual to equal out the nutrition they may need.

Look at the levels of vitamins and crude materials on the label. Is there enough fat, protein, calories and other nutrients? Is the food tasty and is the price too expensive? These are things to consider when buying puppy food.

If your dog becomes finicky and will only eat certain things, this is sometimes due to change in diet. Allow the dog time to adjust. If he still won”t eat, try a new food. If he still doesn”t cooperate, you may need to take him to the vet for a checkup to make sure nothing is wrong.

Some people feed their dogs from the table. This is like in between meal snacking and kills th dog’’s appetite for when it is time for him to eat his food. Avoid feeding the dog off the table.

Taking care of the newborn puppy if you are midwifing the Mom can be quite exciting. Watching a new life come into the world is a miracle in itself. Observe the birth in awe, but be ready to help Mom if she is having trouble.

You will need several items when whelping (birth) starts. Have these ready beforehand so you don”t have to leave Mom during the birth. You will need plenty of towels, a heating lamp, scissors, betadine, alcohol, dental floss, paper and pencil, and lots of patience until the big event happens.

When the first pup is born, let it start to nurse immediately. This helps to stimulate contractions for the next pup. Place the new pup under a heat lamp for warmth. After each new pup is born, you can place all the puppies back until the next contractions start.

If a pup is lifeless after birth, rub him down with a coarse towel to help him take that first breath. Some people also try placing the pup in water, alternating between hot and cold to get them to breathe. You can also try CPR by placing the pup on his back and blowing into his mouth. Then apply pressure to the chest. DO NOT GIVE UP! Some people have revived pups for up to thirty minutes after birth.

Encourage the new pups to start nursing right away. They need the colostrum that is in the mother’’s milk. This nourishing fluid contains antibodies and special vitamins that help protect the newborn pup from sickness. Make sure all the puppies are able to latch on and get the colostrum. Some of the bigger puppies will push off the smaller ones.

After each pup is born, look for any problems that may be present. Obvious ones like a cleft palate or a shortened limb are easy to spot. Sometimes there are internal problems like organs that are not fully developed. Call the vet immediately if you spot a problem.

What an honor that has been bestowed upon you! You get to name this new little puppy you have just brought home. You are under much pressure to come up with a name that is not too cute, not too frilly, and something that will fit the animal’’s personality. Oh the pressure of a name.

You could go with a classic like Fido or Fifi. These names never go out of style unless you have kids who want a hip name.

You can also use you favorite movie star or country singer, mythical figures, presidents, and family members. The sky is the limit.

Some suggestions for choosing a name:

• You will be calling him for the next fifteen year by this name. So pick something you really like.
• Usually one to three syllables is good for a name. It can get cumbersome to call out a long name every time. There are dogs though that have three names just like a child. Keep it simple and not too complex.
• Always use the puppy’’s name when you speak to him or praise him. When he hears it next, he will come running because he knows that it’’s his special word.

Don”t name the puppy something that will embarrass you or others when you have to call him in public.

Take time to play with the puppy and get to know him before choosing a moniker for the pup. You may name her and find out later that it doesn”t fit. Give it a few days to a week and see what you think then. Ask for advice from family and friends. Have a Name The Puppy party and give a prize to the person whose name you chose. There are all kinds of names out there. Just find one that fits your dog and makes you happy.

You just brought the new pup home and now you are concerned he wont get along with your kids. This can cause anxiety in you and the pup. Sometimes introducing the pup in a quiet room and maybe letting the child give him a treat as well. This may show the pup he can trust the child. Dont force the puppy into a meeting he isnt ready to handle yet.

Children should be prepared and told about the new pet coming. They should ask questions about anything they are uncertain of concerning the puppy. They should be told how to treat the new puppy so it wont feel scared or frightened and try to bite. Read a book concerning puppy care to the child. Show them how to pick up the puppy without hurting it. You may need to set some ground rules concerning how much the child can handle the pup.

They should know never to hit or hurt the puppy. Tell them how it may retaliate and become aggressive. Watch that they dont step on him or pinch his ears.

Do not let the child have responsibility over the animal. They can help with feeding and playing, but an adult needs to oversee the process. Teach them to love and nurture the puppy so that it will grow into a lovable affectionate dog.

Under no circumstances should the child play tug-of-war with the puppy. This is a dominance game to the puppy and even if the child wins, the puppy thinks it is alright to play rough in the future. Also do not the child growl or bark at he dog at this can frighten the puppy as well.

If time is taken to teach children the proper way of treating the new puppy, everyone can live together happily most of the time. There are a few instances where the breed of dog would not allow this to happen.

Housetraining takes patience and the ability to follow a schedule. Most puppies respond to a schedule because it gets them used to doing the same thing at the same time every day and they learn the behavior you want easier.

You must first determine your puppy’’s limit in holding his urine. Keep a diary for several days until you spot a pattern between eating and eliminating. This minus 15-30 minutes will give you the puppy’’s comfort zone. This is how long he can hold his urine after he has gone potty.

The puppy will usually have to go after they eat, drink, play or sleep. Most dogs need to be taken out upwards of three to five times a day providing they haven”t drank an excessive amount of water. The best thing to do if you take him walking is not to bring him back until he does potty. Be ready to stay outside until he does. This could take some time. If you bring him back in before he is ready, he most likely will have an accident before you can get him back outside again.

The most important thing is to lavish him with praise each and every time he does the right behavior. This reinforces it because he receives attention and a treat. If you wait and praise him later, it won”t be effective. To keep him from finding spots, close doors to rooms with carpeting or rugs, because they prefer certain area to eliminate on.

If the puppy does have an accident, use a pet odor neutralizer to prevent any odor. They sometimes will sniff around until they find the exact same spot they went the last time. Don”t use ammonia based cleaners as they break down into urea, which is a part of urine.

Fifteen to twenty million dogs were lost in the last year due to no identification on the dog. Even simple collar tags can help your pet to be returned. Without any form of ID in place, if your dog goes missing, there is no way to track him even if someone finds him. Take a moment and make it easy on your best friend if he gets lost. Make sure he can find his way back to you.

There are several ways to insure the animal will be returned. The first is an ID tag and Rabies Certificate which should be worn on a collar. The tag should have your address, phone number, and the puppy’’s name. The Rabies Certificate tag has a serial number that can be traced by a vet. You can also place a tag with any illnesses the animal may have such as Diabetes.

A new device is gaining popularity. It is a microchip they place under the dog’’s skin. A computer scanner can read the bar code on it and find where the animal belongs. The owner’’s name and address is entered into a national database. The only downside is the chip may move to other places in the body making it hard to find.

Tattoos are another option. They are placed inside the ear. It will cause a minor discomfort to the animal for a couple of days. In the long run, it’’s better to have some pain than to lose you best friend because he got away from you. They will tattoo a serial number and register it with the national database.

Licenses for dogs have gone up in the last few years. They used to be ten dollars and are now up to twenty to thirty dollars depending on whether the animal is spayed or neutered. Licenses insure the dog’’s rabies shot is up to date. Rabies is fatal 99% of thetime for both dogs and humans.

Start by organizing a First Aid Kit for the puppy. Include such items as a thermometer, ice packs, gloves, towels, meat flavored baby foods, tweezers, scissors, peroxide, and alcohol wipes. A small toolbox works nicely for keeping all the items together in one place. Under the cover, write your name, address, phone number, and the vet’’s name and number in case you lose the box.

For bleeding, apply direct pressure until bleeding stops. Hold for at least ten minutes and bandage wound.

For burns including chemical, electrical, or heat, you will see swelling, redness of skin, and blistering. Run the wound under plenty of cool water. Ice the injured part for twenty minutes. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel first. Call vet immediately.

Diarrhea can cause some serious issues for your pup. Take food away for twelve to twenty-four hours, but leave some water available. Some animals that look constipated are actually sore from diarrhea. If the puppy doesn”t improve, call the vet.

Heatstroke can be quite scary. You will see rapid or difficulty breathing, vomiting, high body temperature and weakness. Run cool water over the animal. Wrap the pup in a cool wet towel and stop all ministrations when temp is 103 degrees. Call vet immediately.

If you think the dog has fractured a limb, call the vet immediately. Look for bleeding wounds and signs of shock. DO NOT try to set fracture yourself, you could do more damage without being aware of it. Transport animal to vet and support limb gently as you can.

If your pup sustains bite wounds from another animal, you must avoid getting bitten. Even non-biting dogs will bite when in pain. Clean the wound with saline and wrap with gauze to keep clean. If bleeding profusely, apply pressure. Don”t ever use a tourniquet. Do wear gloves because you don”t know the extent of the contamination.

Puppies tend to pick up on the emotions of people around them. They can be excitable or very calm depending on how you act to certain situations. The tone in your voice and the way you posture yourself will tell the dog if there is something to fear or not. If you want the pup to remain calm, then үoυ mυst асt tһiѕ wаy үοurself. Hө iѕ leaгning eмotiοns аnd will mіміс wһаt yoυ dο.

Puррiөs can be аfraid of otһeг dogѕ, өѕрөсiаlly lаrgөг onөѕ. Lөt yουг dog cοmө іnto сοntact ωіth οtһөr dogѕ. Wһөn yoυ агe wаlkіng һim, үou mаy run into οtһөг dogѕ. At the training1”ѕ οffісө, һө ωіll run intο οtһөr сaninөs and mаyЬe a fөω fөlіnes. Try to fіnd sοмө frіendly dogѕ аt fігѕt. Tһis ωіll hөlр tһe pup Ьuіld сonfidөncө.

Pυрpiөѕ training5 рөoрlө аt tіmeѕ tοo. Theү mаy seө theм aѕ а tһreаt if tһeү hаνө hаd otһeг Ьаd eхpөrіenсөs ωіtһ рeοрle. Try gіving the рөгѕon а trөаt to tοѕѕ tο the dog οr let tһe dog ωalk υр to tһө рeгѕοn. Nөvөг dгаg а dog oνeг tο а рөгsοn һe dοeѕn”t wаnt tο meөt. Alloω tһө dog tο sөt tһө tone. Gіve hім а tгeat or ргаіse ωһen hө мeөtѕ sοмөone neω and dοeѕn”t gгοωl. If tһө pup beсoмөs aggreѕѕiνө, yοu маy nөed to һаνe а dog trainer woгĸ ωіtһ һім.

Thө мost сoммοn training5 is the training5 of training1өrіnаrians. Yου сeгtaіnlү cаn”t blамө tһe pup fοг tһаt. Tһөгe агe so mаny thіngѕ gοing on аt thө training1′’s tһаt tһө dog dοөѕn”t get tο ѕөe аnүwһerө өlѕe. Tһerө iѕ sensοгү οverlοad, οthөг аnimals rangіng fгoм dogs, dog3ѕ, bіrdѕ, аnd гeрtіleѕ, manү υnfamiliar peοplө, аnd tһө dгeaded ѕһοt. Bгing a dog4 οr blanĸet wіtһ yοu. Brіng ѕοмe of һіѕ fаνoгіtө tгeаts sο ωhөn hө doөs а coгreсt Ьөhаvіοr, yoυ can гewагd hім.

Puppies generally need enclosed small places to feel secure. Crating works because the pup feels safe in his own private place. Some think that crating is like placing the pup in jail. In this instance, you sһould nөνөг υѕө tһө training6 to adminіѕter рunishмent.

Mаĸө ѕurө tһe siзe οf tһө training6 іѕ compaгаble tο tһe dog. It is fіnө to gөt а laгgөг training6 іf the dog will grοω іntο іt. Uѕe а раrtitіοn Ьοard to kөep tһe training6 smallөr υntіl th pup gгοws. Mаĸe ѕυгe tһe aniмаl һаѕ өnougһ rοοм to lіe down, turn arουnd, аnd stand uр comfoгtaЬly.

Intгodυсe him to the training6 fiгst. Let һіm өхplοгө aгοund іt. He may go in οr јυst snіff arουnd it аt fiгst. He ωіll ѕlοωly beсοmө at өаsө witһ the stгυсtυre. Begіn Ьy рlacіng tһe pup іn tһe training6 foг 20 mіnυtes аt а tiмө. If he ѕtarts tο wһine, үου ѕhould іgnorө іt. Plасіng а coveг οvөr toр οf tһө саgө alѕo һelpѕ. It маĸes the training6 sөeм мοгe сonfіned. Yoυ cаn also рut а dog4 oг blanĸet inѕidө wіtһ hіm.

After tωөntү міnυtөѕ, taĸө һім οut οf tһө training6 аnd thөn ѕtгaigһt οutѕіdө to рottү. Prаіsө һіm if һe doөѕ. Tаĸө һім bасk inside afterward, and рlаү ωіtһ һіm fοr аЬoυt half an һουг. Thөn plaсө him Ьaсĸ іn the training6 agаіn. If hө doesn””t go in, thrοω a tгөаt іnѕidө. Prаisө ωһen һe өntөrs аnd clοsө tһө dοοг. Tгy аnotһөг twөnty minυtөѕ. Pυрpіeѕ сan Ьө cοnfіned fοr οne hουг fοг eaсһ month οld tһey агө рlus one һοur. If үoυr puppy iѕ four мοntһѕ οld, he sһοuld be аlө tο buіld υp tο fіvө һουrѕ.

Nevөr lөaνe puppieѕ іn tһө training6 fοr lοnger thаn өight һουгs. Thөү nөed tο Ьe lөt oυt at rөgυlаr іntөrvalѕ tο training3 аnd pottү. Fοllοwing а ѕсһөdulө іѕ thө Ьest ωаy for a new pupрү. Hө ωіll сoмe tο leаrn wһа іѕ өхpeсtөd and сomply ωіtһ міnіmal fusѕ.

You must keep a watchful eye on your puppy making sure he doesn””””t eat too much food or too little. Simply going by the recommended amount on the label may not be enough for a growing puppy. He may need a little extra sometimes. But with an increase in food, үου мυѕt іnсrөаѕe training3 oг үοu wіll һavө an ονeгweigһt puppy.

Tһe өхtra weight cаn pυt үoυr pup at riѕk foг hөаrt рrοblems, гөѕpігаtοгү, аnd мυsсυlar ргοЬleмѕ. Avoid oЬөsitү bү pгeνөntіng іt іn tһe fiгѕt plaсө.

If tһө pup iѕ υndөrfed, increаѕe hiѕ ratiοn fοr twο ωeөĸs. If hө іѕ gгοωіng Ьасĸ tο wһeгө һe ѕһουld bө, ĸөeр ωіtһ the plаn until һө гeachөs аn іdөаl ωөіght.

If thө pup iѕ ovөгfөd, гeduсe tһө амount οf foοd үοu gіve until he іѕ dοωn to аn aссeptaЬle weіgһt. Alѕο іnсrөaѕө һiѕ training3 гοutine.

Oνөrωeіgһt and υndөгweight pupріөѕ һаνө lower іммune syѕteмs. Tһey cаn dog3сһ somөthing fгοm tһe dog next doοг οг thө οnө doωn the street. Kөep a ωаtchful eүө οn yοur pupрү ωhөn һe іѕ tгyіng tο mаintаin a ѕtаЬlө ωeight.

At lөaѕt two to threө tіmөѕ а weeĸ, Ьө ѕυrө to сheсĸ yoυr pup”””’’s training7 tο mаke suгe tһeгe іѕ nο fөvөr Ьrөωing. A norмаl training7 fοr dogѕ іѕ Ьөtwөөn 99.5 and 102.5 dөgrees. If үου агө υnceгtаin, рlease get thө training1 tο ѕһοw yου һοω tο dο іt. Yoυ ωіll neөd tο lυbridog3ө tһө tһeгмomөtөr wіth petroleuм јөllү or minөгаl οіl and ѕlidө it һalfωay into tһө rectυм. Lөаve foг thrөө mіnuteѕ. Removө аnd гөad the мөrсurү leνөl.

If the pup іѕ rυnning а feνeг, үoυ shoυld ѕөө үoυr training1 iммediаtөlү. DO NOT evөr uѕө аn οгal thөгмοмөter foг а rөсtаl training7. Tһө гөаdіngѕ сoυld be οff and маĸe үou tһinĸ tһe dog iѕ sicĸ ωhөn һe is really nοt.

After yoυ ѕelect the puppy of your dreams, yοu gөt to take him home withοut а manual tο tell you how to succeed аt raising him. The firѕt night іs alwaүs hard becauѕe the pupy wіll start to miss his Mom and otheг siblings. He may сry or whinө through out the night. One can hardly blame him for hіs actions.

All οf these shοuld һelp your neω pup get throυgh those fіrst difficult weekѕ aωay fгom his family. The bond formіng between you ωill lаst a lifetime.

Unfortunately, many dogs, who are otherwise healthy and happy animals, wake up one morning to find themselves without a home and quickly become guests at the local animal shelter or pound. This happens every day, all around the world, when dog owners are not able or no longer willing to care for their pets.

At this very moment, there are millions of homeless animals that are confined to cages all over the country and awaiting the day they are put to sleep unless a generous family comes along to adopt them. Mixed breeds and purebreds; young puppies and aging dogs; male and female; all of these canines are available to anybody, and at a low adoption fee.

While purebred puppies and dogs are the exception to what’s available, rather than the rule, there always intelligent and beautiful mixed breed dogs that range from all ages, just waiting patiently and hopefully to be taken home.

If you are interested in a show dog or a rare purebred with the look of nobility, then the adoption arena is probably not your best choice. If this is the case then your best bet is to visit with a professional breeder or a kennel that allows you to purchase a dog that fits exactly what you are looking for.

Healthy Dogs Only Please

Selecting a dog from an adoption center is just like choosing a pet from any other source, with just a few additions. You want to make sure that the dog or puppy you are considering is healthy. His coat should be shiny and free from bare patches. The eyes should be bright and his attitude alert. Check for discharge coming out of the eyes or nose, which is not a sign of a healthy dog. Their should be no coughing, diarrhea, or vomiting.

The dog you are considering for adoption should be at a decent weight. Rest one of your hands across the dogs’ hip bones on his back. If you can feel the spine in between them, he is considered to be underweight.

Unfortunately, just like buying a used car, it is impossible to know precisely what you are getting until you take your puppy home for a “test drive”. While the odds are high that your newly adopted dog will be perfectly fine and healthy, there is a possibility that he may be equipped with idiosyncrasies and emotional issues that were developed from living in the shelter.

Most frequently, these types of dogs arrive at your home full of insecurities from the past experiences of being homeless and then forced into living inside of a cage at the shelter. The good news is that these troubles are usually temporary and will fade away in time, provided that you surround the newly adopted dog with love, affection, and without any harsh dog training techniques.

If you’ve had a puppy for sometime now, then you probably realize just how much he loves being the center of attention. Unfortunately, when a family suddenly gives birth to a new baby, this may create a problem of jealousy with your puppy. Your dog may display bad behavior such as barking, pawing, as well as destructive tendencies towards household belongings.

To help prepare for this scenario, the following steps will help you avoid potential problems when faced with a jealous puppy and a newborn baby:

1. When you bring home a new baby, you need to have the dog used to having the baby around, so that he does not mistake it for a toy. You can start preparing ahead of time before your baby is born by going through your daily routine with a toy doll. Take time each day to pretend to change the doll’s diaper as if it were a real baby so that you can practice teaching your dog commands in front of the “baby” such as sit and stay. Also, place the doll lying down as if you were going to give it a nap each day (like you will have your baby do) and allow your dog to be in the same room, but make sure he obeys you and stays away.

2. Get your puppy used to being around toddlers and children by taking him to a playground or other public area that has children visiting often. Be sure to keep him on a leash, but allow enough room to walk around, at least 6 feet. Kindly let the other children pet your dog slowly so that he can understand that the kids are friendly. This will help to reduce any tension or aggression your puppy might feel when you bring home the baby.

3. If you are making an attempt to socialize your puppy with small children as suggested in step two above, but he is showing aggression, then you should contact a professional who specializes in dog behavior. Some dogs may need a some specialized dog training techniques to relieve this tension that is caused by young toddlers and children.

4. Several weeks before the baby is due, prepare the baby’s room with all of the baby furniture and accessories that will remain in the house, especially the baby’s crib. Allow your puppy to be in and out of the room under your supervision and be sure that he sniffs all of the items that you are bringing into the house for the baby. Watch him closely as he sniffs at the crib. Should the puppy try to paw at the crib then be sure to say “NO!” and teach them to back away and respect your command.

If you adopt an adult Lab from a shelter or rescue group, you certainly can’t go back in time to puppyhood to avoid behavior problems. But don’t despair! Your Lab can still learn how to behave.

Habits that have taken a year to develop won’t disappear overnight. Consistency and patience are required to train a Lab of any age. You can’t let your Lab get away with something once just because you are tired. You can’t pat it on the head for jumping on you one day because it’s cute, then yell at it for jumping on you the next day when you are in your work clothes.

The trick is to see the pearl in the oyster, so to speak. You can have a wonderful family dog hidden inside that rambunctious adolescent. All you need to do is channel that energy with patience and nurture those natural Lab tendencies into behaviors that are appropriate for life with the typical loving family.

Back To The Basics

They key to training a shelter Lab, a Lab from a rescue group, or any adolescent or adult Lab is simple. The golden rule in training is to forget that they are adolescents or adult dogs and treat them just how you would treat an 8-week old puppy – using positive training methods.

In many cases, people who adopt adult Labs from the shelter believe an older dog should “know better,” and this can set both dog and human up for failure and disappointment. If your adopted Lab is acting up, it isn’t because it is being spiteful. Just because a dog is older doesn’t mean it should “know better.”

A lot of people get really resentful about the behavior of their shelter Labs. They think their dog is abnormal because it isn’t acting like that calm, sweet, mellow Lab down the street. But this is normal behavior for Lab puppies and also for adolescent Labs that haven’t had any training or that don’t understand what is expected of them.

This kind of behavior is frustrating, but you have to understand the Lab’s natural tendencies and you have to be patient. Rambunctious behavior from a shelter dog is actually a good thing. A dog that has been moved around a lot tends to be insecure and overwhelmed, leaving it subdued for a few weeks when placed in a new home.

The dog isn’t sure whether it is going to stay with you but when he starts jumping up and running around like a toddler, that’s really good news! It means that your Lab is finally feeling comfortable and starts acting more normal. At this point, you can manage training problems and start back at square one, as if it were a puppy.

I feel bad for those parents out there who do not believe in having a dog as a family pet. Some people just do not understand how beneficial it is to have an adorable and loyal companion as a member of the family. Puppies and dogs bring an atmosphere of love into the house and in many cases, promote emotional well-being and even physical healing to people who may be experiencing an ailment.

What’s more important is that dogs are also an enormous benefit to children of all ages. Owning a dog is a great way to engage your kids in the process of responsibility. Teaching your children to be responsible is probably one of the most important aspects of being a parent. And why not have a little help in this department with the assistance of a brand-new puppy?

Once a puppy comes into your household, there are a lot of responsibilities that need to be taken care of so that the dog can be raised with good health, cleanliness, and training. Unfortunately, in this busy day and age, most of us are working eight to 12 hours daily and do not get to spend a lot of time with our children. When they come home from school and have no pressure towards completing household responsibilities, their work ethic and confidence may be shortchanged. This is where having a dog can help.

How can a dog help kids become more responsible?

Simply put, it takes a lot of work to maintain a dog in the house. And this work can be equally shared amongst your children. So long as they’re physically capable of tending to certain activities, your children will be able to help with walking the dog, feeding him, help with keeping the dog clean, play ball, etc.

It is important to also give your children the idea that the time they are spending with your puppy, and the responsibilities and which they participate in, all lead to a positive outcome. To get a better idea of what I’m referring to here, imagine that you are getting your children to help out and take care of the dog. Sure it may be a struggle at first, but eventually your kids will take part every day in cleaning up the dog’s potty mess, making sure he has food and water, and brushing the dog with a little grooming now and again

Now imagine making it clear to the kids that all of these things that they are doing are making the dog healthy and happy. Take the kids to the veterinarian with you when the dog needs his regular checkups. Explain to your children that your dog is healthy and happy all because of them. Your kids will feel good knowing that they are a part of the entire process of being responsible for the family pet.

There are too many puppies being born and sold by amateur breeders and not enough homeless dogs being adopted and raised in a good homes with loving families. If you are a true dog lover and have a passion for these animals, consider visiting your local animal shelter instead of purchasing a new puppy from the newspaper or pet store.

I realize that most families prefer to have a puppy raised from birth, but there are thousands upon thousands of well mannered, healthy dogs that need a home like yours. Most of these dogs and puppies that are living in animal shelters are there for various reasons that do not include acts of violence or sickness.

In fact, it seems to be a common thought that dogs from animal shelters are tainted. Yes, there are many of them that have had problems in the past with abuse or have developed survival instincts from living on the streets, but these animals can all be trained to perfection in most cases.

How To Interview The Animal Shelter

Like any service or product, animal shelters are there to provide a specific function that you, as a consumer, should investigate before making your decision. There should be specific questions asked which are directed straight to the animal shelter that you are considering adopting a dog from.

Very important questions that should always be asked are about how they take care of the dogs. Do they get more than just food and water? Does the animal shelter place emphasis on socialization? Do they allow the animals to move around and interact with the other dogs?

Dogs To Avoid

The last thing you want to do is adopt a puppy who has been crammed up in a small cage during its entire stay at the shelter. This kind of treatment can certainly induce traumatic anxiety disorders, stress, and fear of the outside world.

If the shelter does indeed allow their animals to socialize and spend time outside of their cage, ask the staff how long they are allowed to enjoy this free time and how much human contact is received.

Another addition to your bag of questions when considering dog adoption from an animal shelter is to find out about any types of services that are offered after you bring home a new dog.

Do they provide pamphlets or brochures that explain the best way to handle an adopted dog or puppy? Are there tips in the form of a newsletter or website information that can help your adopted dog adjust easier? What about training, can they refer you to a qualified dog trainer that specializes in shelter animals?

To help your children become involved in training the family puppy, make it fun rather than a chore. One way to do this is to turn it into a game.

“Gentle, interactive games build the bond, trust and respect that is desirable between child and puppy,” says Thomas Morningstar, professional dog trainer and owner of Sunshine Dog Training School in Toronto, Canada. Thomas provides some Dos and Don’ts for how kids should play with a puppy:

Do:

- Come
- Fetch
- Give

Don’t:

- Jump
- Chase
- Tug-of-War

Most professional dog trainers, like Thomas, will concur that you, as the adult, should teach your puppy the rules of the game first, before involving your kids. “One of the first games every family puppy should learn is give,” he says. “Your puppy should learn to give objects [a ball, chew toy or your daughter's Barbie] willingly with a simple verbal release cue, such as ‘give’ or ‘drop it.’”

The give command, in Mr. Morningstar’s opinion, “is best taught through trade-me games, where you offer a toy or treat more desirable to the puppy than the one it is holding. The point is to get the puppy to relinquish its prize happily,” he explains.

After your puppy masters this skill, tug-of-war can be considered “for older children [12 and older], but the game should still be overseen by an adult or responsible teen who can intervene if either the kids or the pup gets too rough,” Thomas advises.

As you well know, puppies are motivated by food, so use this to your advantage! Don’t think of it as bribing, but rather as positive reinforcement (along with lots of verbal praise and cuddles).

Encourage your children to practice the puppy’s sit, come, stay and leave it lessons with treats. Treats should be soft, small and easy to eat, such as bits of cheese or hot dogs. Crunchy biscuits are usually too large – and filled with too many calories – for the repetitiveness of training.

When teaching sit, hold the food morsel just above the puppy’s nose, then slowly move it backward until the puppy gets into the desired position as you say the cue word (”sit”). Likewise, to teach the down, draw the treat slowly toward the ground from the sit position; for heel, hold it at your thigh as you walk.

Give your puppy the reward as you praise it (”Good boy, Sparky!”). Once your puppy starts getting the hang of it, decrease the frequency of treats to, say, every third time it performs the desired action. Food isn’t the only motivator, however. You can also use a favorite toy along with lots and lots of praise. Eventually, with patience and practice on your part, your pup will learn to sit on command.

An adolescent dog is a hard sell for adoption, even if they are the types of pets considered to be ideal for family living, such as the Labrador Retriever. And when people do make the commitment to bring home a large, enthusiastic canine that hasn’t learned any manners yet, regret may set in quickly.

You see these types of dogs in shelters all of the time because, in the outside world, people see other family-oriented dogs that are calm and sweet and think they naturally come that way. They don’t realize how much time it takes to get these dogs to that point, and they give up because the drive and the high energy level is more than they are willing or able to deal with.

Many otherwise well-behaved dogs act wildly in shelters, not because they are always that way, but because of their situation. When you adopt a dog from a shelter, what you see isn’t always what you get. If the dog is wild and jumping up, it could be crying out saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m a friendly dog! Pick me, Pick me!”

On the reverse behavior, if you see a dog that is really quiet, it could just be overcome by the noise and all the changes it has just experienced.

Why Are These Popular Dogs There In The First Place?

Popular family dogs you can find in the shelter may have been dropped off because many families found that they could not tolerate the typical behaviors that came up, such as the incessant need to chew and an energy level that sometimes seems unquenchable.

Dogs bred for fieldwork (hunting) can have even more energy and drive than other breeds. Their exercise needs may seem impossible to meet, so many of these guys and gals end up in animal shelters or in rescue groups without ever having had any training.

Constantly shifting from one home to another and having to endure long periods of confinement in small spaces can make inappropriate behavior even worse, simple because the dog isn’t getting the exercise or attention it craves.

When an adolescent or adult dog has never received any formal obedience training, he may seem incorrigible, and that’s not what people expect from an adult family-type dog. Take the Labrador Retriever as the perfect example – one major reason why people adopt adult Labs is to avoid a lot of the work that comes with a puppy.

These people have heard that adult Labs are calm and they think this adult dog will be no problem at all. But if the Lab was never trained, you can have real problems, such as a Lab that has never learned to stop the habit of puppy mouthing or jumping on people. It’s one thing for a puppy to do those things but when a large adult dog does them, somebody could get hurt.

In every instance where a dog is used within the family household to teach children important life lessons – lessons of responsibility, lessons of care, and lessons of sharing, it has been the dog’s similarity to us that has done the teaching.

His differences can helps us grow, too. You can use the unfamiliar to widen a child’s view, tickle his curiosity, exercise his senses, and encourage two soft spots – understanding and respect.

Curiosity exercised can establish a love for knowledge. You can begin to form your child’s learning habits before he enters school. Let his dog be a focal point for his natural curiosity.

Search with him for the dog’s differences in behavior and appearance. Some interesting facts and insights can be found in like-minded dog books and videos – how a dog reads with his nose, how a dog’s ears make him a remarkable eavesdropper, how a dog can fight with his eyes, how a dog has a tail that talks, how a dog loses the battle to keep peace.

These facts and insights can answer the child’s questions and stimulate new interests. They are fascinating enough for bedtime stories. It could be a running series of: “Charlie, the dog who…”

Make the illustration even sharper by using the dog’s name. Help him see the answers to his questions. Use the word “like” to put a picture in his mind. Explaining a dog’s acute hearing you could say, “ears like scoops.” Then make the picture move: “that can tilt and reach out to dip into sound.”

Involve the child actively in an illustration. It doesn’t always have to be scientific as long as it gives him the feel of it. “Charlie wags his tail because he can’t smile. It won’t fit on his mouth. Now show your child by stretching the corners of your mouth back as far as you can – pull your lips as tight as you can. That’s the shape of Charlie’s mouth. His mouth was not made to smile so he wags his tail.”

In stories like these you can give your child a valuable approach to the unusual. He can learn that there is a reason behind behavior. That what appears funny, or dumb, or even ugly can look differently when we know the purpose it serves.

He learns from seeing you actively seeking reasons behind the dog’s behavior. You are showing him the beginning of understanding. A child that is involved with animals soon learns there are different types of intelligence – used for different ways of life.

Bringing a new baby into the household that already has a puppy living in it can prove to be a little difficult at times. You need to understand that a puppy who has been in the house for a while views the home as his territory and when you bring home a small child then this toy-like new person can feel like a threat. There is no best way to prepare for this scenario, however we do have a few suggestions to help your puppy adjust to the new arrival of your baby:

1. Once your new baby comes home, the puppy is going to experience times when he will be ignored. It is just unstoppable and he must get used to it. Your baby will need your full and undivided attention and sometimes your dog may not be able to participate.

In order to start helping your puppy adjust to these times, start by ignoring him at least one full hour every day. This exercise should be practiced a few weeks before the due date of your baby. Be sure that you are in the house doing something simple such as watching TV or folding your clothes, etc.

2. Keep in mind that you’re going to have a lot of baby items laying around the house, especially toys. While you can do your best to keep your home clear of these toys, there are times when your dog may make an attempt to grab them. Therefore, you must try to discourage your puppy from eating the toys.

You can do this by having a few baby toys laying on the floor next to his play items. When he goes and reaches for the baby toys, give him the “no” command and then shift his attention to one of his own toys. One way to make your dog remember the difference in the toys is to mark all the baby’s toys with mouthwash. Soon he will associate the “no” command with the smell and taste of mouthwash and ignore the toys altogether. Needless to say, dogs hate the smell and taste of mouthwash products.

3. You are going to have to allow your puppy to sniff and get used to the baby. However, keep in mind that babies love to tug and pull at everything they see. This may startle your puppy when the baby goes to tug at him. So in order to get your puppy used to this behavior, start by tugging and pulling at your puppy whenever you praise him. For example, give his ears a quick tug when you pet him. Grab at his coat when you go to praise him. And for extra training, perhaps make some baby sounds as you go along. Remember, your goal is to have your puppy desensitized to the new sounds and actions that your baby will display when he or she arrives at the home.

For all the dog lovers out there it goes without saying that a new dog for the family should come from a shelter or breed rescue group. While the shelter works with all breeds that are dropped off, rescue groups work with one specific breed. Both strive to prepare their animals as best possible to be adoptable (training, care, health).

At the same time that a shelter or rescue group prepares a puppy or dog for adoption, they also try to find eligible adopters. Both types of organizations place advertisements on the Internet and in local newspapers that describe available animals. Potential adopters might respond by phone or e-mail, or visit in person.

However, not all potential adopters make the grade. Many facilities have very strict guidelines and restrictions on who gets one of their puppies. For example, the following criteria is standard for people looking to adopt a pup from a high-quality shelter or rescue group:

1) A stay-at-home parent (or one that works from home) should be present. This is because puppies can’t stay alone in a crate for more than a couple of hours.

2) There should also be another dog in the family that the new puppy can learn from. This helps immensely in the pup’s socialization.

3) A fence is mandatory if there are children in the house younger than the age of six.

4) And finally, a commitment from the adopter to continue socialization and a willingness to take the pup to professional training.

Just as rescue groups and animal shelters are fussy about who can adopt their puppies, potential adopters should be equally fussy as to whom they adopt a puppy from. For example, at a shelter, there should be co-housing: puppies housed with other puppies for critical socialization to dogs.

Also, the premises should be clean, and there should be appropriate toys and bedding with the puppies. There should be some sort of program or schedule for getting the puppies out of the kennel to interact with people and see different sights and sounds.

Visitors to a shelter should be greeted by a pleasant and knowledgeable staff member or volunteer. Both shelters and rescue groups should be able to provide information on why the puppy was brought to a shelter or into rescue, confirmation that the puppy has received all immunizations, and information on other resources such as owner counseling or dog training.

Once the shelter or rescue group passes your approval, a prospective adopter should look closely at the puppy he or she is interested in before making a final decision to adopt. A puppy that shows signs of illness or poor care – such as excessive amount of fleas as an example – should be avoided. The dog should have no diarrhea on his rear and hind legs, no discharge, and you want a puppy who shows an interest in you and is at least somewhat active.

Puppies are like children in many ways. They need constant care, supervision, and a lot of affection. Having both together, your kids and your dog, especially during playtime, require extra supervision and patience. The key is to teach your child how to play with the puppy and for the puppy to understand that he needs to listen to the child the same way he listens to you and the other adults in the family.

Always Use The Same Commands

It is important for your child to use the same commands that you and the rest of the family use. Doing so teaches your child to use the commands with respect toward the dog. At the same time, your puppy will realize that he needs to obey the child’s commands, thus teaches both to respect one another.

It sounds like it can be quite a handful, but it is also a lot of fun. Combining training and playtime helps to create a closer bond between your child and puppy. Let them run together and then see how fast your child can command the puppy to stop and sit. The puppy needs to learn to sit and wait while your child to throw a toy for your puppy to retrieve. Your child can also train the dog how to roll over by rolling in the grass while having the puppy mimic him.

There are many other ways you can incorporate training and fun between your child and puppy. Below are some helpful rules to keep in mind:

1. Your dog should understand who the leader is. If he has an instinct to herd, don’t let him herd your child. Doing so will make the dog think that he is in charge and will not obey your child’s commands.

2. No roughhousing whatsoever. Discourage aggressive play at all times. Do not let your child drag, pull, wrestle, hit, or poke the puppy, even in a playful way. Your puppy may react differently and may jump and bite. At the same time, do not let your puppy jump on your child. A four year old German Shepherd can easily knock down a 6 year old child.

3. Teach your child to respect the puppy, and vice versa. Your child should learn how to properly treat the dog, which will then earn him the respect and leadership from your puppy.

4. Establish consistency. Puppies learn through repetition. Your child needs to understand that commands that we teach him are firm and absolute. If the puppy doesn’t obey the command, the child should repeat the command until the puppy does what he is told to do.

5. No squeezing. Hugging the puppy too tight can result in injury.

6. Always be there to supervise playtime, especially if you have a young child and/or you have a new puppy. This way, you can easily intervene if things get out of hand.

When selecting a dog at your local animal shelter it is important to keep in mind that, just like people, animals are not perfect. Whether a dog is a $10,000 show dog or a mixed puppy that is “free to a good home”, each will have specific faults in either their physical bodies or psychological makeup.

While it is important to select a dog that seems to be in good health and high spirits, no dog will come with a guarantee. Therefore, should your puppy or dog have minor issues such as parasites or kennel cough, try to be tolerant and understand that these are basic issues that most dogs will have.

With a little care and some extra help from you, your adopted shelter dog will overcome these shortcomings fairly quickly and then blossom into a strong, robust house dog that you can show off around the neighborhood.

And if you insist on finding a dog that must be perfect in all respects, may I politely suggest that you go to the nearest shopping mall and buy a stuffed toy dog, because that is as close to perfect as you will find!

Be Critical Of The Animal Facility

I am certainly not suggesting that you let all negative signs slide from the dogs you are trying to choose from at the animal shelter. In fact, besides common issues and idiosyncrasies that all dogs will have, you should have a good idea of what you are in for when selecting one of these animals and be on the lookout for signs of good health.

In addition, do not just focus on the condition of the dogs themselves. Pay attention to the animal shelter and do not hesitate to be critical about the condition of the center itself.

Is it clean, free from odor, and well-lighted? Do the dogs have adequate space or are they crammed with 2, 3, or more other dogs in the same small space? Is there plenty of fresh drinking water available? Does the shelter staff seem genuinely interested and enthused about the work they do? Take a look at the dogs when a staff member approaches them, does the animal respond positively or back away in a state of fear?

The answers to every one of these questions should be a blueprint in your mind that tells you whether or not these dogs are getting the care and treatment that would make them a good candidates to bring home to your family. There have been numerous shelters in the past that treated their animals very harshly and therefore caused more stress and emotional issues for the dogs when they were adopted.

And let’s not be too selfish here on the issue. Don’t just look around and decide that you don’t like the dogs and go home, help do something about the organization in question. If you are visiting an animal shelter with the interests of adopting a dog or puppy, and the entire place looks rundown with staff that obviously is mistreating the animals, call the local authorities to investigate further.

Are you having a new baby soon? Congratulations! Bringing a brand new son or daughter into this world is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Your baby is going to make a life-changing addition to your house.

And when you already have a “little one” running around then you need to prepare him for the arrival of the new family member. Yes, the “little one” that I am referring to is your puppy. Many dog owners forget to take the necessary steps needed to help their puppy adjust to having someone else in the house that will get more attention than they are getting. Here are a few ways to help you prepare:

1. The most important thing that you can do is to allow your pup the opportunity to socialize with small children inside your house. While this may not be practical for some people, the idea here is to have small toddlers and children introduced into the house so that your puppy can understand that these little people are friendly and he has no reason to feel defensive or insecure.

Have your friends who have children come over and play with your dog in the house. If your puppy seems a little aggressive at first, a great way to help them adjust is to allow the children to carry dog treats in their hands so that the puppy can associate the treat to a child as being something positive. This will help relieve tension for the dog when your new baby arrives.

2. Dogs thrive on repetitive schedules. Your puppy is the same way. If you have gone through the same routine on a daily basis with your puppy as far as feeding times, exercise times, play times, etc. then you need to realize that the schedule may suddenly change when your new baby is born. This sudden shift in the daily routine can prove to be alarming to your puppy, especially with the addition of a new person in the house that is getting all the attention.

A few weeks before the baby is due, start changing up the daily routine so your puppy can get used to it. Perhaps change around his feeding times. Exercise with your puppy at different times each day. Maybe take a nap unexpectedly in the room in which your baby will be sleeping. Although doing these things may sound strange, you will understand the benefit that it has upon your puppy when your schedule is personally thrown way off guard due to taking care of the responsibilities of a new baby. This will help your puppy to not be so alarmed when you are doing different things each day.

3. Immediately stop any games that you play with your puppy which are on the aggressive side. For example, most dog owners love to play tug-of-war with their dogs, or play-wrestle. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these dog games and you should continue them in the near future. However, it doesn’t take much common sense to understand that your dog may view the new baby as a toy which he wants to play these same aggressive games with. Let’s not have that happen!

Not only does the new addition of a puppy into the home make children happy, it also creates an unexpected learning center that can teach the kids care, tenderness, responsibility, and ironically – sharing.

I stress the word “ironically” because you probably feel that this would be the last result of adding a dog to a family. Would a dog be the spark to further ignite sibling rivalry? Would one child wind up with the dog’s ears while the other held onto the tail?

One fundamental element can help you cool off sibling rivalry and create a real sharing experience.

A dog is not a toy to be shared, but a coexisting being who expresses his personality and has a fill of his own. It is not easy to manipulate a dog. You have given the children something not just to play with, but to reckon with. You have taken the emphasis off each other and diverted their attention to the dog.

A True Story

I asked my friend Heather if I could use her story. She said yes but to change everyone’s name except the dog – “he’s the hero.”

Heather’s problem was not unusual.

After three sentences, a conversation would be broken. The two boys responsible (her kids were not even in the room with us. The constant interruptions came over an intercom that linked the kitchen to their bedroom. Heather’s two boys (age 2 and 3) were in constant competition with each other, classically called sibling rivalry.

Suddenly, there was a scream and crying.

Heather said, “Christopher, are you making Paul cry?” The polite answer came, “Yes, mother.” Heather, on the far edge of exasperation said, “Please don’t hit him. That’s your brother!”

One month later, there was a change.

Heather, reasonably free from interruptions, gave her answer, “We’ve got a dog. He was a stray. I said to him, ‘Look, Brown Dog, I give you a week. If you can take the kids, you can stay.’” Heather thought, God bless you dog, and introduced him into the children’s circle.

“Look, we gotta help this dog. He’s a stray and he needs us. Now Paul, you choose a place for him to sleep. Christopher, do you have an old shirt for him to sleep on? Let’s decide who can do what. Can you give some time to walk him? We’ll alternate, but Christopher, you can feed him tonight and at the same time show your brother how, so he can tomorrow? Now, what should I do – go buy him some food?”

Heather’s Method Worked

She took the boys by surprise. She gave them several things:

1) An honest approach – told them the problems they would have and exactly how to solve them. She made it their giving and their suggestions that made things right.

2) She diverted their attention. What had been riveted on each other in competition was now dispersed. Something else demanded their attention. They were too busy at first and too involved later.

3) The sibling rivalry cooled off and sharing developed because they had a go-between – the dog was the object of their giving and receiving but, in fact, they were learning to give and take from each other.

Children are amazingly loving and carefree but too much friendliness could get them bitten, and in some cases even killed, when coming across a strange dog while playing outdoors. Teaching your children to approach new dogs in a calm, controlled manner can help prevent these problems.

First, children need to ask for permission from their parents and the dog’s owner before approaching any dog. If the owner isn’t nearby, avoid any contact with the dog.

Second, children should approach the dog slowly, offering their hand palm up for the dog to sniff. Depending in the dog’s size and age, children may need to squat down to the dog’s level so as to avoid appearing dominant by towering over the dog. Because dogs view a pat on top of the head as a threat, children should scratch under the chin instead.

Finally, children should never try to pick up the dog or stare directly into its eyes because the dog can perceive these actions as threatening. Speaking in a soft, gentle voice can help the dog see the child more favorably as well.

Well Behave Dogs May Still Be A Threat

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is trusting a dog that seems to be well-behaved (showing signs of having been training by sitting or staying put), but although a dog may be well-trained, if it has not been socialized (accustomed to being around children), then the bite risk is still high. This is why you should teach your kids never to hug a strange dog.

Hugs can be dangerous. Some dogs feel hugs intrude on their personal space. During a hug, a child might also accidentally squeeze the dog too tightly around its neck or body, causing the dog harm. For a dog that isn’t comfortable around kids, even direct eye contact could be seen as threatening.

What To Do If Your Child Is Bitten

What if – despite your best efforts – a dog does bite your child? The very first thing you should do is wash the bite immediately with soap and water. Make no haste in contacting your child’s pediatrician (unless it’s only a scratch) and the dog’s owner to let them know what happened.

If you don’t know who owns the dog, try to find out. Follow the dog home if necessary. This is especially important if the dog is acting like it’s unhealthy. Rabies is more prevalent in some areas than others, but it’s a reality and needs to be considered.

Once a doctor or other health professional gets involved, they are required by law to notify the local animal-control agency. The dog will probably be quarantined for 10 days. Usually this is done under house arrest. However, some states may require the dog to be kenneled at the animal-control or veterinary facility for observation (in case it starts showing signs of rabies).

One the most remarkable features about adopting a dog from the animal shelter is the diversity in the types of dogs that are available, their size, as well as the different temperaments. It is truly a fun experience for the family that is intent on going home with a newly adopted dog to choose from hundreds of different mixed breeds, all with interesting characteristics.

Another positive note about adopting a dog from the animal shelter is that most of the dogs are already older and housetrained. This is good news for the busy mom or dad who does not have the time to devote to a new puppy every day until the animal is properly socialized.

Not only are many of these dogs housetrained, a large majority have also had some level of obedience training. Between being house trained, been through obedience training, and already spayed or neutered, an adopted dog from the animal shelter is a prime choice for many people.

Congratulations, You’ve Made Your Selection, Now What?

Once you have selected a dog, be prepared to pay a small adoption fee. This money goes towards the support of the animals that have not yet found a home, as well as the staff that takes care of them.

In the past there have been numerous shelters of the Humane Society that have provided dog adoptions free of charge, however, through trial and error, they have come to learn that most people do not appreciate and take care of something they received for free.

It is sad to say, but the truth is that pet owners that do not mind parting ways with their money in exchange for an adopted dog will always treat the animal much better than those people who receive dogs at no charge. Many cases of neglect and abuse led authorities to owners that received their dogs for free.

Health Records

Many animal shelters provide a thorough history of the dog’s health records. But when it comes to stray dogs that end up at the shelter there is typically very little information that can be provided. Regardless if the dog you choose for adoption has detailed health records or not, you should always take him to the veterinarian immediately for a checkup.

Arrive at the veterinarian’s office with not only the medical history that the adoption agency supplied you with, but also a sample of the dogs fecal matter for tests that the vet will give. There should also be both vaccination and worming information included with dates and any product that was used at the animal shelter. If for some reason you are unclear if the dog has been vaccinated or not, it never hurts to re-vaccinate him.

Having your adopted dog vaccinated a second time, if need be, is a much safer procedure than assuming he is clean and free of diseases which could end up harming his life. And unfortunately, most shelters are overcrowded and may expose dogs to more communicable diseases than other kennels. Therefore, it is that much more essential to have a prompt, detailed examination and vaccination of your newly adopted dog.

As a parent who brings home a new puppy for the joy that the children will experience, your role is also to use the puppy as a “teacher-dog”, which simply means using the pet to teach your kids morals and responsibility. Specific situations come up all of the time in the home to take advantage of this opportunity.

A Real Life Example

My neighbor, Irene, did not like dogs to begin with, but a Basset Hound was being abandoned. It was scruffy and had rickets. Irene took him, saying all the time she “didn’t want that dumb dog messing up the house, but someone had to take it.”

Now, one of her sons, Eric, is knee-deep in chores. He is 8 years old and exercises the dog, finds the places outside of Irene’s flowerbeds for the dog, Lily, to dig holes. Little boy Eric sees Irene preparing Lily’s food. She fries fat, adds it to the dog’s food, and mixes in vitamins.

Eric sees the medicine and the care…

… and he sees a change in his dog.

Her coat glistens from the food and her personality opens up. At first, Lily would not even move. Now she chases Eric with a fast, bow-legged waddle. At first, she would not even respond to a scolding. Now when Irene gives commands, she obeys but grumbles under her breath.

Irene sees not instant companionship but a growing bond between Eric and the dog. The eight-year-old does not consider this as a responsibility, but just a new kind of loyalty he never felt before.

Being put in Eric’s situation – having something weaker dependent upon you is a rare experience for such a young child. It gave Eric his own place in the family. He has an older brother and sister, and although they get along very well, there is a five-year gap between their adolescence and his childhood.

Eric’s association with the dog gave his brother and sister an opportunity to truthfully admire what he was doing without talking down to him. It was something Eric could do that was not just a child’s accomplishment – it was considered important in the adult world, too.

Eric also solved a problem he was having with not being able to play ball with his older brother. He would not play with Eric due to his age and lack of coordination that a 13-year-old just could not have fun with. Now Eric can play ball with Lily. It’s not the best – Lily can’t throw and neither of them can catch – but it evens out.

Nothing is more adorable than seeing a small child and a loving puppy playing happily together. What’s even better to know, is that psychological studies have proven that people who are fortunate enough to grow up with a dog in the family household tend to have happier childhoods.

Kids who grow up with a family dog learn respect for other creatures as well as caring for them. These kids learn empathy, sympathy, handling responsibilities. They also develop self-confidence and self-esteem by knowing they are contributing to taking care of a living creature.

You Must Help

These benefits and learning experiences between children and their pets do not occur automatically. It takes a responsible and patient adult to properly introduce the child to the new puppy and teach him/her how to properly interact with this new member of the family.

At the same time, the puppy needs to learn respect and obey the child the same way as he respects and obeys the other members of the household. This way, every member of the family can have a loving and healthy relationship.

The manner in which you approach your puppy and the experiences that you give him from his very first minute in the house will create a lasting impact throughout his entire life. From the first introduction, your child should learn the proper way to treat the puppy. Your child should realize that the puppy is a baby, and in many ways should be treated like one.

Avoiding Injuries To The Puppy & Your Child

Children around the age of 7 years and younger have the tendency to get excited when faced with new situations and experiences. This excitement may not be ideal when it comes to meeting a new puppy, or a dog of any age for that matter.

Excited behaviors such as making loud noises, chasing after the puppy, pulling at him, and other aggressive behaviors will result in the puppy getting scared.

In this situation, the puppy will more likely run away instead of letting the child pet him. A very young puppy will try to find his mom and hide under her, while a puppy around 12 weeks old will perceive these behaviors as either a threat or an aggressive play and will most likely react by nipping or jumping up.

The proper way of introducing your new pet to your child is through restraint and guidance. Your child should realize that the puppy is a baby and that your child should be gentle when handling him. To better teach your young ones how to be gentle, use a stuffed animal and teach her how to pet it properly. Practice this with your child for a few days before the puppy arrives home.

Be aware that some of the dogs that are up for adoption at your local animal shelter are there for reasons that have to do with specific behavior issues. For example, many of these dogs may have had difficulty with housetraining, messy grooming needs, noisiness, not getting along with other pets or children, hyperactivity, biting, or destructiveness.

These are all typical reasons why most dogs are given up for adoption. Should any of these characteristics prove to come to light with your dog that you have selected when he is home, the best advice is to consult with a professional dog trainer who specializes in adopted dogs. He or she will be able to help solve the problem for you.

However, as what happens just as frequently, a dog is routinely placed for adoption simply due to a lack of space when the owner moves from a large home into a smaller apartment or condominium. And there are reasons of children. Oftentimes puppies are purchased is nothing more than a gift for the kids. But what happens when the children get bored and do not want to take care of the dog anymore? You guess it, off to the animal shelter it goes!

Do Not Be One Of These Owners

When you are ready to take your newly adopted dog home, you should have already asked yourself a ton of questions about how you will take care of the animal.

Will he be an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? Do you have the necessary sleeping equipment for the outside? Do you intend on tying him down or putting up a fence in the yard? Is he fixed already? If not, then do you plan on having him taken care of? Will he be living with other children? How about other animals?

Look For An Animal Shelter With Strict Adoption Policies

Quite often, animal shelters can be extremely selective about the homes in which the dogs will be going to. And it only makes sense to keep a dog at the shelter, or even have it euthanized, instead of it being brought into a destructive home that abuses the animal.

Many animal shelters make occasional visits to the homes in which dogs were brought to after being adopted. Some organizations require certificates from a veterinarian that validate vaccinations administered and proof that neutering surgery was performed.

Any dog or other pet that is adopted under these agreements are generally sent to good homes. It is quite obvious that anyone who does not agree to these guidelines would probably not make a good pet owner. As you can probably guess, these types of strict adoption rules send more dogs to better homes over the long haul. In fact, I wish every animal shelter operated in this fashion.

By using your dog to teach a child, positive life lessons can formed and crafted that will last forever in your son or daughter. This works by getting your kids involved in activities that not only take care of the dog, but teaches your child at the same time.

They keys to this practice working effectively must revolve around verbal and physical coaching. Always follow a pattern. You do it with the dog, then let the child do it. Skills are learned by imitation. At the same time more than physical actions are imitated.

Connect The Dog & Child Together

Connect what the child does with how the dog responds, and how the dog looks or feels after it is done. This encourages the child to work for natural rewards – as opposed to being paid for chores with money or privileges.

Stress this accomplishment by pointing out that the dog is happier or healthier. Be specific as in the example of showing a child how to brush the dog’s coat. The dog wags his tail more often now or his dull coat is now shiny, and that the child made this happen.

Use Failure

As well as success – use failure to teach a realistic sense of responsibility. In failures, show the child that the dog is not a toy but has a mind and personality of his own. Explain the dog’s “bad” behavior.

Show the child, since he or she is much more intelligent than the dog, that he has inherited the responsibility for making the relationship work or not. (Of course, there are times when this would not work – when fundamentally there is something wrong with the dog or the problem is too difficult the solve.) When problems arise, trace them with the child to their root.

A Common Example

Take the instance of a little boy playing with his new dog in the back yard. Both are strangers to each other. Both are trying to play before they properly know what to expect from each other. The boy shouts and pretends to shoot the dog with a toy gun. Then the boy runs around the yard.

The dog gives warning signals of being scared and uncertain. The boy doesn’t know how to read this so he runs away, while the dog makes a choice – that the boy wants him to chase him. That is what the boy wants – except the dog catches the boy by the seat of his pants and holds him against the wire fence.

The boy screams, the mother runs out, the dog backs away – everybody is confused.

Find out how this could be prevented: Let a new dog settle down first – smell around, explore the yard, meet the boy under quiet, calm circumstances. Have the child play slow games with the dog at first, so both will know what to expect.

Then, turn the frightening experience into understanding. It can save this from being the first of many bad incidents and bad feelings toward animals for the child.

Guide the child into re-establishing the relationship. Let him solve the problem by going back out in the yard, approaching the dog slowly, giving him food, patting him and reassuring him in a soothing voice.

Explain to the child – this was a misunderstanding. And if he gets through the hard times, it will help him understand his dog better, he will have a better pet and they will have more fun together.

Every person who buys a puppy, or adopts a new dog, does so with the intention of teaching the new member of the family dog tricks, training plans, and such – but it is also common to use them to help teach the children.

How Can A Dog Teach Your Child?

Not only have I seen teaching-dogs in homes all around the country, but many progressive schools use animals as an integral part of their programs. Marie Montessori, the famous Italian doctor and educator, filled her books on the Montessori Method with fruitfulness of animal/child relationships.

Psychologists, too, use dogs as one way of teaching children who are lost mentally into a deep world of fantasy. The dog is sometimes the only reality that these children will respond to. The basis for this method of communication – no matter how serious or light-hearted – is an age-old recipe. It is the simple, uncomplicated friendship of child and dog. This simplicity frees the child to learn.

Missing are two natural ingredients found in human relationships – complexity and competition; a child’s relationship with brothers and sisters is normally fraught with rivalry, and parents are seen as symbols of authority.

A dog simplifies by acting out his feelings – whether joy or shame. You can explain to children the dog’s motivations and reactions. In fact, dogs are a teacher’s ideal – a living illustration.

How To Teach Responsibility

Dogs are an excellent tool in teaching your children about responsibility. Remember not to make your child feel that he is doing a chore, rather suggest the activity, then give him the skills to handle it.

Let’s take brushing the dog as an example. Don’t forget that your child may not know how to use a brush properly and the dog may not know what the brush will bring – pain or pleasure.

Aquaint both of them. Tell the child that the dog has never seen the brush before and that since he recognizes things through his sense of smell, letting him smell the brush and any other equipment you use will make them familiar.

Demonstrate brushing against the dog’s fur and then back with it. Break down the brush strokes into different lengths – one to use for long hair, another on the dog’s chest, and another near his head. That way you give the child more control and the chances of his unintentionally hurting or scaring the dog and the dog scaring him are lessened.

Point Out Verbally To Your Child

Point out the purpose of brushing:

“You brush with and against his fur to loosen dead skin and stimulate the new skin. You are really dressing him in a new coat – one that keeps him warm, and keeps the rain from getting through to his skin or even helps him to be cooler in the summer.”

Relate it to the child’s own experience:

“Brushing makes him comfortable. Like how mommy irons your clothes to keep you comfortable, dogs feel good when they have been brushed.”

Point out how the dog is responding:

“See how he lies on his back. He’s showing you he enjoys it.”

And finally, make good use of the times that do not by-the-book:

“He’s wiggling to get away because he’s not sure what you are going to do. Do it easy and be persistent. Give him a chance to see how nice it is. Maybe then he’ll be still.”

I was lucky – my Beagle-mix (Chloe) adjusted to our new baby well. In fact, she would scratch at the bedroom door every time my daughter, Sophie, cried – just in case I was able to tune out the walls (not a chance!). Chloe would also leave my warm bed to lie on the couch with us during those middle-of-the-night feedings.

However, I’m not sure Chloe would have welcomed home baby Sophie with eager licks and wags had I not taken the time during those (long) nine months of pregnancy to prepare her for our expanding family.

Here are some of the same times I used, and ones you can use as well, for helping your puppy adjust to sharing the spotlight:

Create A New Routine

Babies have a tendency to run on their own schedule, especially during the early months when they still have their days and nights mixed up. Veterinarian Karen D. Willinger, V.M.D., PhD., suggests “getting your dog on a schedule near what you expect it to be when the baby arrives.”

Dr. Willinger goes on to say, “for example, because babies fall asleep easily in a stroller, you can plan walks with the dog around the baby’s naptimes, walking the dog while the baby sleeps in the stroller.”

Positive Reinforcement Goes A Long Way

Another suggestion from the experts is to help your dog associate the baby with good things. Before the baby arrives, have another family member bring home a blanket from the hospital for your pup to sniff, which will help acclimate it to the smells of the baby (some pleasant and others not so much) that will soon fill the house. Try giving your pup its favorite toy or treat while you bathe, feed or rock the baby.

Meet & Greet

First and foremost, never leave your dog alone with the baby! Supervision is necessary for everyone’s safety – not to mention peace of mind – because a newborn baby’s jerky muscle reactions can trigger a dog’s prey drive (the instinct to chase and kill animals).

When the introduction day finally arrives, take it slow. Dr. Willinger suggests keeping your dog on a leash at first, allowing it to sniff the baby while you watch for signs of fear or aggression. Signs of aggression include pinned-back ears, growling, snarling, or loud, forceful barking. In contrast, a fearful dog will whimper, tremble or quiver, and tuck its tail between its legs.

With proper preparation and positive reinforcement, both of your babies can learn to happily share the stage. “Remember,” Dr. Willinger says, “puppy and baby interaction is all about what you – as the dog owner and new parent – are comfortable with.”

I’ll never forget the time when I was just a six-year-old child, some 30 years ago, and my pet dog, Buddy, was laying limp all day under the living room chair – her eyes moving only occasionally. But I could care less, as I played with my toys all day.

To the eyes of a child, Buddy’s behavior was nothing to worry myself about, nothing that I needed to be concerned with, that is – until my mother came into the room and disturbed the quiet.

She said, “Your dog has been dozing all day. Look at her. She rarely gets up. And when she does, everything droops – her nose, her ears, her tail. Would you like to change the way she looks?”

Mother Turned The Family Dog Into My Teacher

With that question, my mother began her experiment. Her plan was to take my pet dog and turn her into my teacher.

My mother continued, “Do you know that your dog needs your help? She needs you to make her happy.” My mother asked me what things make me happy. Was it being part of the family and doing things with mom and dad? Yes. “We’ll try that on Buddy. Let’s let her help us and see how we make her feel.”

Mom suggested that Buddy help us take out the garbage. She put a little garbage in a small bag. I gave it to Buddy and said, “Carry.” My dog sniffed it, and then picked it up and started down the long apartment hallway.

That small bag changed my dog. He was no longer a shambling wad of fur, but a sleek wolf. Lazy muscles tensed, his nose stuck up in the air. He tried to walk with us but his walk slipped into a prance, then a gallop, till all we had was a bouncing back view with a tail wagging above. Buddy became a part of something and learned to enjoy it, while teaching me something in the process.

One day, by the time we made it down the hall, Buddy had delivered the garbage into the incinerator – and brought it back to us four times!

What I Learned: Responsibility

The dog’s response and enthusiasm had introduced me to my first lesson – responsibility. I became aware of the needs of others. My mother guided me in finding those needs and filling them. My dog encouraged repetition. I was not performing a chore, rather, I was giving something to my pet.

Lessons like this went on for 17 years – till I was a junior in high school. That year Buddy died. The next year I graduated and left home. But some of the attitudes I have today can be traced back to my childhood relationship with a dog and my mother’s awareness of that potential.

As soon as your new puppy arrives at your home for the very first time, you should get started on the training process immediately. Successful puppy training can be a pleasant and rewarding experience to everyone, so long as you start early and remain consistent week after week, month after month, and yes – year after year!

Prepare Ahead Of Time Before Your Puppy’s Arrival

To make the process more effective, everyone in the household should be involved in training the new member of the family, including your kids. Your child’s participation with training the puppy will not only give him/her a feeling of pride and value, but it is also a great way for the child to learn about responsibilities and caring for others. In addition, involving your child in training the puppy is the fastest way for the two to build a healthy friendship together, and fast!

Ways To Involve Your Child In Training Your Puppy

Keep in mind that no matter how responsible your child may be, it is not a good idea to give her the full responsibilities of taking care of the new puppy. Even if you had adopted the puppy for her, it is still your responsibility to ensure that your pet is well cared for. However, there are lots of ways for your child to contribute.

Below are some of the things that she can do to participate in caring for your new puppy.

1. Prior to the puppy’s arrival, your child can help pick out puppy supplies. Before you go to the store to buy the things that your puppy needs, create a checklist at home. Take her to the store and have her read the list and help pick out the supplies. Ask for suggestions on which color or shape to pick. This first step will put her in the mindset of sharing the responsibility of taking care of the new pup.

2. Your child can also help set up the puppy’s new living area. Have a basket where you can store the pup’s toys and have your child put the toys in it. She can put the cushion inside the crate and then place the food and water dish in its appropriate area.

3. Last but not the least; your child can help in giving the new puppy lots of love and attention. This, of course, should be done under close supervision of an adult, particularly during the puppy’s first few days home.

Having a new puppy in the house is a very exciting and memorable experience, especially when you have children in the family. However, every interaction between your child and your new puppy must be closely supervised, especially for the first few days after your puppy’s arrival.

When meeting the puppy for the first time, have your child sit on the floor with her legs crossed. Slowly bring the new puppy up to her. Tell your child to lay out her “gentle hands” as she reaches over to the puppy with palms down and knuckles up so the pup can sniff them.

Give the puppy some time to sniff, but don’t force him to do it. When he’s done smelling her scent, pick him up and put him on your child’s lap while she is sitting on the floor. Let your child pet the puppy, always using her “gentle hands”.

Your new puppy will do one of two things. First, he may stay on your child’s lap while enjoying every second of being pampered. He may even fall asleep after a few minutes. Second, he will leave to walk around and explore his new environment. If he decides to explore, let him do it while you are watching to make sure that he doesn’t get himself into any kind of danger.

If the puppy decides to walk around, tell your child not to chase or pull at him. Your child will likely be very fascinated with the new member of the family that she will want to grab him and put him back on her lap. Remind her about using “gentle hands” when petting.

Be sure to tell your child not to pull, grab, squeeze, drag, or poke the puppy. Doing so can hurt the little dog or result in him reacting aggressively to the child, which could injure or cause the child to fear the puppy.

Gently grab the puppy again and place him back on your child’s lap. If he tries to bolt, let him walk around for a few minutes. Keep in mind that he may still be in shock from being separated from his mother and the newness of his surroundings, or he may just want to explore his new home.

If your child seems discouraged about the puppy continually escaping from her lap, make sure she understands that it is not because the puppy doesn’t like her.

After a few minute of letting your new pup run around, pick him up again and place him on your child’s lap. To make sure that he won’t try to escape, bring a few of his favorite treats along with you.

When he starts to show signs of escaping, show him the treat and have your child gently feed it to him. Your child should place the treat on her palm for the puppy to lick, not on her fingertips where the puppy can accidentally nip her while he grabs for the food.

Remember to stay calm and positive and keep your voice low. This is an exciting time for everyone, an experience that will set the stage toward a happy and healthy friendship between your child and your puppy.

The Norwegian Elkhound can be summed up as courageous, bold, independent, playful and with a boisterous attitude. These husky members of the Hound Group are a combination of spitz-like traits, mixed with that of the hound, and always looking for the next outdoor adventure. With its high energy levels and overly friendly personality, the Norwegian Elkhound makes an excellent house dog for any family that enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

A Brief History Of The Norwegian Elkhound

There is a bit of confusion over the history of the Norwegian Elkhound, mostly because its roots are tied to the spitz breed, yet is placed in the Hound Group. And anyone not familiar with the breed would immediately assume it was a spitz due to the Elkhound’s physical appearance.

The Norwegian Elkhound has always been an excellent scenthound, used to track large game. They have also served as trustworthy guard dogs, herders, and protectors. The Elkhound has been a breed to survive and evolve to performing a variety of jobs during the coldest of climates, the roughest of terrain, and the deepest of ice-filled mountains.

Above all, its most revered usefulness is in hunting Elk, as the breed’s names suggests. The job of the Norwegian Elkhound was not actually to kill the animal, but rather to locate the prey and keep it in place until the hunter arrived to make the kill. They made their way to England and the United States sometime during the late 1800s and recognized by the AKC in 1930.

Upkeep Requirements For The Norwegian Elkhound

This breed has an insatiable instinct to hunt, and was bred to do so during all types of harsh weather conditions. Therefore they need to live with a family that has access to the outside and with a passion for an active lifestyle. Running, hunting, jogging, and playing are all great ways to spend time with your Norwegian Elkhound. These dogs have endless amounts of energy and are not meant to be couped up inside the house.

Norwegian Elkhounds can live outside if need be, so long as the temperatures are not hot, as their heavy coat was made to withstand the cold. Like all loving companions they should be allowed to sleep inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about twice weekly. During shedding season a daily brushing will be necessary.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are CHD. Minor health issues include sebaceous cysts, hot spots, and renal dysplasia (kidney disease). Rarely seen is intracutaneous cornifying epithelioma, PRA, Fanconi syndrome, and patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that Norwegian Elkhounds get specifically tested for Fanconi, eye, and hip problems.

The Beagle is one of those dog breeds that thrives off human companionship. A very amiable animal that was originally bred to be a pack hunter, the Beagle is an enthusiastic adventure seeker. The ideal playtime for this dog would be rummaging and exploring through forests and wooded areas. He absolutely adores his owner and makes a great social house pet.

Although the Beagle needs daily exercise to keep him calm and happy, it does not take much, perhaps 20 to 30 minutes of walking each day. You will find that this dog breed is an excellent house pet who remains gentle and calm, especially around its family members. A perfect choice if you have children in the house, owning a Beagle is a breed which will make you happy and will never stop looking for ways to please you.

Upkeep And Maintenance

As mentioned above, exercise on a daily basis should be a part of the Beagle’s physical upkeep. Take them out for a long walk or a quick run through a safe area in the woods. He particularly loves to scout trails and other small paths. However, be sure not to take this dog out off leash if he has been boarded up in the house for a long time. If he catches the sense of a small animal through a trail, he is liable to dash off and run around for a long period of time, especially if his energy reserves are built up from non-activity.

Health Information

When owning a Beagle, veterinarians suggest that you request specific tests for eye problems, hip dysplasia, potential knee problems, and thyroid. The major health concerns that are widespread with many Beagles is CHD and intervertebral disk disease.

Most Beagles have a long lifespan of between 10 and 15 years but occasionally have minor health issues to watch out for which are cherry eye, epilepsy, glaucoma, patellar luxation, KCS, chondrodysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

The Beauceron is a highly intelligent and sensitive member of the Herding Group. This breed has the look and form of a balanced, solid, and powerful dog. They have strong jaws, an agile body, with a dense, straight coat. Today the Beauceron serves the function of a protective house dog but at one time was associated as being one of the best of herding canines.

These dogs are supremely focused when it comes to listening to its owner’s commands and takes great pride in learning new things. They are a loyal breed, calm yet courageous, especially under the circumstances of guarding the family. The Beauceron is always ready to please and very patient around children. These dogs score high when it comes to training ability, watchdog accountability, and protection ability.

A Brief History Of The Beauceron

Although the area of origin for this breed is France (dating back to the 1500s), they are not entirely a French breed. The Beauceron actually originated from the plains outside of Paris (the La Beauce). These dogs were largely used as farm dogs – driving sheep, protecting cattle, and guarding the family.

It was 1863 when two types of the same dog had emerged. One was a flock-herding dog (the long coated Berger de Brie, known as the Briard) and the other a guardian (the short coated Berger de Beauce, known as the Beauceron). The first Berger de Beauce was registered in 1893 by the Societe Centrale Canine group. And the first breed club was created in 1922.

The breed was very well known as one of the best herding dogs in France, but remained hidden from outside of the area. They became well-respected in the military as service dogs during both world wars. Their functions included following trails, detecting mines, and adhering to detailed instructions. The Beauceron Club of America was formed in 1980 and in 2001 the AKC officially recognized the breed as a member of the miscellaneous class.

Upkeep Requirements For The Beauceron

Taking care of this energetic and super intelligent breed means lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation. This is not the type of dog that is happy sitting around the house all day. Without the right amount of stimulation, both mental and physical, the Beauceron becomes easily bored and will act out in a destructive manner.

The Beauceron should have plenty of time to spend outdoors in a large, fenced-in yard, but should sleep inside at night with the family. They can tolerate moderately cool and warm temperatures. Grooming requirements for the breed calls for a light brushing once per week to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Beauceron is between ten and twelve years. There are no major health concerns in the breed. Minor health issues include gastric torsion and CHD. Veterinarians suggest that all Beauceron dogs get specifically tested for hip problems.

The Shetland Sheepdog originated in the 1800s and its ancestors were from Scotland, which worked as herding dogs. These early dogs were fairly small, about 20 inches in height, which further developed into the current Shetland Sheepdog. It is said that other dogs came into the mix as well, which helped produce this breed, namely the early Collie, the Iceland dog, and the King Charles Spaniel (black and tan version).

Because they were isolated from the rest of the world, the Shetland Sheepdog was able to breed to its original form in a fast amount of time compared to other dog breeds who might have taken decades, or even centuries of mixed breeding to form their current AKC recognition. England became fond of these animals when the British naval fleet used to take puppies back after visiting the islands.

Their name in the beginning were referred to as “Toonie dogs” which made reference to their local Shetland farming area. Sometime in the early 1900s the name was termed “Shetland Collies”. However, Collie enthusiasts were not very fond of his name so they changed it to the Shetland Sheepdog.

This dog breed is a very intelligent animal that is considered to be extremely bright, a bit on the sensitive side, and always willing to please. Shetland Sheepdogs learn very quickly which makes them easily trainable. They are very obedient dogs and just as equally gentle, amiable, and make great companions to any family, especially those with small children.

Upkeep And Maintenance

This dog is very energetic, therefore it must have daily exercise to maintain its physical energy output needs. Brisk walks throughout the day on a leash, short jogs, or playful training sessions are all perfect ways to spend time with the Sheltie while getting the dog its required exercise.

Shetland Sheepdogs are best to be kept indoors with its family, as it longs for companionship and human contact at all times. However, this dog can sleep outdoors if necessary, so long as the climate is decent. It is just not recommended for its stable emotional happiness.

Health Information

As a member of the herding group, the Shetland Sheepdog has a lifespan of a 14 years when it maintains good health. Veterinarians suggest that dog owners have their Sheltie dogs specifically tested for DNA for vWD, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and thyroid issues. The only major health concern that is common for this dog breed is dermatomyositis. Minor issues to lookout for include allergies, patellar luxation, CHD, PRA, CEA, hypothyroidism, trichiasis, Legg-Perthes, and cataracts.

The Miniature Pinscher has been said to be the world’s most energetic dog breed. Of course opinions vary, but if you have ever been the proud owner of one of these adorable animals then you would have to agree that the statement can ring very true. The Miniature Pinscher received its recognition by the AKC in the year of 1929 and is now one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States.

This “king of the toy dogs”, as some dog enthusiasts would call it, is a nonstop energy machine, staying busy and active at all times during the day. Accurate descriptions of this dog’s characteristics would be playful, inquisitive, bold, and a bit stubborn, as it likes its independence. Although the Miniature Pinscher can be a little aggressive with other animals, especially canines, it is extremely affectionate and playful with its family.

Upkeep And Maintenance

If you are the kind of person that does not enjoy being outdoors and experiencing times of playful activity, the Miniature Pinscher may not be the best choice for your pet. This dog needs an extraordinary amount of daily activity with long walks and short, but intense sprints. However, because of its tiny size, he can be easily exercised indoors so long as there is enough room to run around.

Although running outdoors is a favorite pastime of the Miniature Pinscher, this dog is best suited to living inside the house with its family. Like other toy dog breeds, he needs to be away from the cold and cannot stand chilly weather. In fact, you’ll find that the Miniature Pinscher loves to snuggle up underneath pillows and blankets when he is resting.

Grooming the Miniature Pinscher is very easy. Because of its short coat, he only needs to be brushed occasionally. As far as bathing is concerned, once a week or every two weeks is ideal.

Health Information

Most dogs have major health concerns which are typically seen throughout the breed. But when it comes to the Miniature Pinscher, there are no major worries. There are however, a few minor concerns which may need to be addressed: heart defects, cervical disk, MPS VI, patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes, and hypothyroidism.

The Miniature Pinscher has a very long life span, living up to 15 years, sometimes longer. If you own one of these amazing dog breeds or plan on purchasing a Miniature Pinscher puppy, make note that veterinarians recommend that you get specific health tests for hip dysplasia, eye problems, knee issues, and DNA for MPS.

The American Eskimo Dog has been a member of the AKC since 1994. With its spitz-like features, this white bundle of love makes an outstanding family companion. They have the physical makeup of your classic spitz, but come in all-white and maintains a double coat. The ears are adorably short and thick, which makes them cold resistant. This breed can be seen in the toy version, miniature, and standard.

A Brief History Of The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog (also known as the Eskie) is often mistaken as a spitz breed. This common mistake is not without merit, however, as the breed descended from one of the spitz varieties that was created in Germany. Other influences that went into the making of the American Eskimo Dog was the Pomeranian, Volpino Italiano, and the Keeshond.

All of the other breeds mentioned above quickly became popular, leaving the Eskie to grow slowly in popularity. Essentially what happened was that the Keeshond dog came in a variety of colors but only the gray variety was accepted, excluding the white Keeshond. Then the Pomeranian standard excluded any dogs over 8 lbs.

So by the 1900s, there were these white spitz-like dogs, all white, and larger than the Keeshond breed, that had no home. It is said that European workers brought these dogs with them to the United States. In 1913, they began registering with the UKC. By the 1920s, the Americans called the dog the American Spitz, which could regularly be seen in circus shows. After World War I the American Spits had its name changed to the American Eskimo Dog, which did not gain AKC recognition until 1994.

Upkeep Requirements For The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog needs plenty of daily exercise, but the amount of physical activity also depends on the type of Eskie. The standard versions need a good workout in addition to several walks on the leash each day. The miniature and toy versions can get by with just a few walks and a romp around the living room. All Eskies love to run and play, especially in the cold.

As its name suggests, the American Eskimo Dog is no stranger to cool temperatures and thrive in such conditions. These dogs are definitely not meant for warm climates. Eskies should also be considered house dogs, spending the majority of its time indoors with the family, where they make excellent watchdogs. Grooming requirements for the breed consists of a thorough brushing of its double coat twice weekly.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the American Eskimo Dog is between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns in the breed. Minor health issues include PRA, CHD, and patellar luxation. Rarely seen is diabetes. Veterinarians suggest that the American Eskimo Dog get specifically tested for eye, hip, and knee problems.

The Irish Water Spaniel is one member of the sporting group that does everything with enthusiasm and vigor. These dogs absolutely love to run for hours at a time, swim, play, and hunt. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a funny side, and tends to clown around when having a good time.

In the mix of these wonderful characteristics, this breed has a high rating in terms of training ability and makes an excellent watchdog. A bit stubborn and quite independent, the Irish Water Spaniel tends to be reserved around strange people and other pets, but is generally good around children.

A Brief History Of The Irish Water Spaniel

One of the most distinctive members of the spaniel group, not to mention one of the oldest, the Irish Water Spaniel is reported to have been depicted in various manuscripts from as long as 1,000 years ago.

During the 1100s, there is mention of these dogs by various names, including Rat Tail Spaniels, Shannon Spaniels, and Whip Tail Spaniels. The name Irish Water Spaniel has been found to be the reference to the breed from approximately 1600 and on. Sometime during that period researches documented that an Irish Water Spaniel was given as a gift to the King of France.

Now we do not exactly know whether or not the breed existed in different varieties at this time or if there were just similar breeds that resembled one another. However, what we do know is that in Ireland there were various similar spaniels in existence. They were the Tweed Spaniels, Southern Irish Spaniels, and the Northern Irish Spaniels.

The one type of spaniel listed above that is said to be mostly responsible to the influence of today’s Irish Water Spaniel is the Southern Irish Spaniel, which is also known as McCarthy’s Breed. The breed was part of the show ring by the late 1800s, in both the United States and Britain, and by 1875 it was considered the most popular dog of the time. Today, the Irish Water Spaniel is rarely found as a common pet or in the show ring.

Upkeep Requirements For The Irish Water Spaniel

Sporting dogs need plenty of daily exercise and the Irish Water Spaniel must have mental exercise to match. Plan on giving your Water Spaniel at least one hour of daily stimulation each day. They are inquisitive and sensitive to your needs which makes them easy to train. And a well-trained spaniel makes a great watch dog.

Like all dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel will lose its coat ever so often, but because of its curly coat the hairs do not fall off; instead they become trapped in the other hairs. This means regular brushing so that the dog’s coat does not form cords and mats.

Health Concerns

The average life span of a healthy Irish Water Spaniel is between ten and twelve years. The only two major health issues that are common in this breed are otitis externa and CHD. Minor concerns include distichiasis. Rarely seen is nail-bed disease, seizures, and megaesophagus. Veterinarians suggest that all Irish Water Spaniel dogs get tested for hip problems.

The Bouvier des Flandres is an adventurous and independent member of the Herding Group. With its fearless attitude and protective defenses, this dog makes an excellent watchdog. They were bred to perform a variety of functions and have both size and endurance to back it up. The Bouvier is of compact size, rugged in appearance, and enjoys the protection of a weatherproof coat.

The temperament of the Bouvier des Flandres can be summed up in two words – confident and bold. An all-natural guard dog, this breed has a dominant personality that can easily be trained by the right owner. They are protective of its family and will fight any battle against intruders. So long as the Bouvier gets daily exercise it stays calm and well-mannered inside the house. They are safe around children but reserved around other dogs and pets.

A Brief History Of The Bouvier des Flandres

Belgium is the original area from which this breed comes from, dating back to the 1600s. During this time period the Bouvier des Flandres was a big help in aiding cattle merchants and farmers with guarding and herding. Most of the work was done in the farmlands of the southwestern region of Flanders, as well as the French northern plains. In fact, the name bouvier is French, meaning “cowherd”.

These dogs were also efficient in a variety of other tasks, making them well-known farm dogs and dependable cattle drovers. Like all breeds where a variety of jobs are done, these working dogs came in several colors, sizes, and types. Although the make-up of the breed is not documented, the involved types are estimated to be a variety of spaniel breeds, the mastiff, and the sheepdog.

In 1912, the first breed standard was drawn up for the Bouvier, due to a growing interest from dog fanciers. However, their numbers diminished during World War I. It was the bloodline from one superior surviving Bouvier, a dog named Ch. Nic de Scottegem, which can be found in almost every living pedigree of the Bouvier de Flandres today.

Upkeep Requirements For The Bouvier des Flandres

This is one dog breed that has extremely high exercise requirements and must have the freedom to roam and play during the day. Forget about keeping the Bouvier all couped up in the house until you are ready to play with him. This will cause frustration and destructive behavior. Daily interaction, mixed with vigorous outside games, and the chance to herd will keep this dog happy.

The Bouvier des Flandres has low tolerance to warm temperatures but can stand cool weather due to its heavy coat. They can live outdoors during the winter months, but as with any family companion, it is best to keep the Bouvier inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for at least two weekly brushings to keep its thick coat clean, plus a professional shaping or clipping every eight to ten weeks.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Bouvier des Flandres is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are SAS, glaucoma, elbow dysplasia, and CHD. Minor health issues include hypothyroidism. Veterinarians suggest that the Bouvier get specifically tested for hip problems.

The Norfolk Terrier is a true hunter at heart, always looking to chase small rabbits and fox. These dogs make up in boldness what they might not have in size. Being the smaller dog that he is, the Norfolk Terrier is quite scrappy and very strong-willed, making them excellent watchdogs.

One of the interesting aspects of the Norfolk’s personality is its friendliness towards other dogs and pets. The same goes for strangers. Most terriers have reservations around unknown people or animals but the Norfolk Terrier is always looking for a new friend to have fun with.

A Brief History Of The Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier and the Norwich Terrier share the exact same history. As they were being developed, these dogs could be found with droopy ears (which became the Norfolk Terrier) and others with high-standing, prick ears (which became the Norwich Terrier). No one of the two dogs could be claimed as having been originally created first.

Both types of Terriers were seen in the show ring during the 1930s. Breeders tried to cross both types but the results were not promising. By crossing the droopy-eared breed with the prick-eared type, the offspring had uncertain ear carriage, so the practice was stopped.

Both types of terriers were alive and well but the prick-eared type had grown to be more popular. The droopy-eared version (Norfolk Terrier) was all by wiped out during World War II. The only reason why they survived was due the efforts of a woman named Miss Macfie.

During the 1940s Miss Macfie helped breeders recreate the droopy-eared version and soon their numbers rose to great popularity. In 1964, the dogs were officially changed to two separate breeds, with the United States following suite in 1979.

Upkeep Requirements For The Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terriers must have daily exercise to take care of its high energy levels. Due to its small stature these requirements can be met with a few brisk walks on the leash or some playtime in the yard. They especially love to investigate and hunt so having access to the outside during the day is ideal.

With tolerance to moderately hot or cool temperatures this is not the type of breed to have living outdoors. At night they should be inside with the rest of the family. They form tight bonds with their owners and very family oriented. Grooming requirements for the Norfolk Terrier call for a heavy brushing twice weekly due to the wiry coat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Norfolk Terrier is between thirteen and fifteen years. The only major health concern in the breed is CHD. Minor health issues include allergies. Rarely seen is patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip and knee problems.

The Harrier dog breed is a member of the scenthound family and its origins are from Great Britain. The term “Harrier” used to be a general reference to all hounds which is why it makes it difficult to research the exact history of today’s Harrier dog. Dog historians theorize that this dog may in fact be one of the oldest of scent hounds that are still in existence today.

References to the Harrier dog breed date back to the 13th century in England. And It is quite possible that the breed has ancestry that connects with the Talbot dog (which is extinct today), St. Hubert hounds, Brachet dogs, and eventually the French Basset.

All of these breeds combined produced a dog that had a keen ability to track hare with its strong sense of scent and at a pace slow enough that enabled hunters to keep up with them on foot. In the past, most Harrier packs were owned and used by the gentry. However, hunters that were poor and did not have horses could also hunt alongside Harriers. The Harrier breed has been recognized in the United States since back to the colonial times.

Personality

If you have the opportunity to own a Harrier dog as a house pet then you have already seen just how playful and outgoing its personality can be. This dog is much more sociable than its counterpart, the Foxhound, but not quite as extroverted as the Beagle is. Harrier dogs are excellent with children, amiable, and make outstanding watchdogs. They are most happy when able to run free outdoors in a safe area sniffing and hunting.

Taking Care Of Your Harrier

Like most dogs, Harriers need daily physical exercise that can be taken care of with a long walk or a brisk jog out on the trail. It also loves to play vigorous dog games outside. They can live outdoors if need be so long as there is plenty of warm shelter and soft bedding. Grooming requirements are minimal, with only the occasional brushing to remove loose hair. One other important thing to know about Harrier dogs is that they are extremely sociable and need companionship at all times.

Health Information

The average lifespan for a healthy Harrier dog is between 11 and 15 years. The only major health concern that may spring up is CHD. There are no minor issues to date. Occasionally seen is perianal fistula and epilepsy, but both conditions are extremely rare.

The Standard Schnauzer is one of the most dependable watch dogs a family could own. Extremely bold and very intelligent, this breed also makes the perfect pet for any dog owner that has a firm grip on training and lives an active lifestyle. The Standard Schnauzer tends to be on the dominant side and quite head-strong, which shows clearly when they are presented with strange people and other animals.

A Brief History Of The Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer bloodline dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s area of origin of the breed is Germany. The original function of the dogs were as guardians and catching rats. Today the breed is simply regarded and owned as a loving, protective house dog.

The oldest of three Schnauzer breeds, the Standard version dates back to the 14th century. And even during those times, when dogs were only as useful as their services, this breed was appreciated for simply being a good companion and a hunting dog.

The Standard Schnauzer is a genetic mix of working dogs, terriers, and hunting stock. Researchers claim that the most likely combination to create the breed came from the gray wolf spitz, black German poodles, and the Wire-Haired Pinscher. The result was a capable guard dog that was amazingly proficient at catching rats.

By the turn of the 10th century, the breed was the most popular dog used by farmers who needed protection against rats getting into their carts while they were left unattended. Soon the Standard Schnauzer was seen in the show ring, entered as the title of Wirehaired Pinschers at the 1879 German dog show. Dog enthusiasts were drawn to the dog’s look of intelligence and were entered in many dog shows by the year 1900.

The first Schnauzers were already in America by the early 1900s but the popularity of the breed did not take off initially with dog fanciers. At first it was classified as a terrier, then a working dog. They were used extensively during World War I as police dogs.

Upkeep Requirements For The Standard Schnauzer

To keep the Standard Schnauzer happy, daily exertion is a must. They have very high energy levels and without action to accommodate this need, these dogs tend become bored and destructive. Vigorous outside games, running around nature’s hills, or several brisk walks on the leash will do the job.

Standard Schnauzers tolerate both hot and cold climates moderately and can live outdoors so long as there are no extremes in temperature. At night these dogs should be allowed to sleep indoors with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements for the breed calls for heavy combing twice per week. Their coat will also need trimming and shaping every four months or so.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the Standard Schnauzer is between twelve and fourteen years. A very healthy breed, there are absolutely no major health concerns that run common and the only minor issues that may come up are follicular dermatitis and CHD. Veterinarians suggest that they get tested for potential hip problems.

Today’s Finnish Spitz dog stems from its ancestors, northern Spitz dogs, which were owned by Finno-Ugrian tribes traveling across the lands of Eurasia and Finland. It is theorized that these early dogs were used as watchdogs. Soon after, they were used to help assist hunters.

While most dog breeds experience crossbreeding through time, this dog remained pure due to isolation. It was not until the early part of the 1800s that interbreeding with other dogs became common practice once introduced into the region. In fact, interbreeding almost wiped out the original pure Finnish Spitz.

The bloodline was saved thanks to a couple of Finnish sportsman who saw a pack of these dogs that had apparently not been mixed with other breeds. They were so impressed by the look of the Finnish Spitz that they decided to rescue and save the original breed.

During this time, several names were introduced to describe the Finnish Spitz. Suomenpystykorva was one of them. It meant “Cock Eared Dog”. Another name that was used was the Finnish Barking Bird Dog. When introduced to England they were called Finsk Spet dogs. However, in 1891, the name was officially changed over to the Finnish Spitz and inherited the name “Finkie” in England during the 1920s.

It was not until the late 1960s that the Finnish Spitz was breeding in the United States. In 1988, they were officially admitted into the non-sporting group category. Finnish Spitz dogs of today are mostly considered to be household pets in the U.S. but are still used to hunt in Finland. They hunt such animals as the black grouse and the capercaille bird.

Personality

Finnish Spitz dogs make excellent watchdogs and have average-to-medium levels of playfulness, affection, and energy. You will find that these dogs are not very friendly towards strangers and other pets, but their cold temperament towards outsiders makes them a loyal protector to its family. This dog is very independent and a bit stubborn, but also alert and inquisitive. They are generally good with children and other pets from the same household, but will bark incessantly when strangers approach.

Taking Care Of Your Finnish Spitz

Upkeep of the Finnish Spitz requires daily exercise needed from long walks or runs outside. Having a large fenced-in area for this dog to roam is recommended. Due to its hunting ancestry, you must be careful not to let this dog roam by itself without a leash in an area that will attract it towards scent hunting. It will run off on its own if not well trained. You can keep this dog outdoors due to its high tolerance towards cold, but as all pets prefer, your Finnish Spitz will appreciate and enjoy sleeping inside with the rest of the family.

Health Information

The lifespan of the Finnish Spitz can extend up to 15 years, with 13 years being the average. As far as health concerns go, this dog has an impeccable record. Amazingly enough, there are no major or minor health concerns to worry about. You might occasionally see epilepsy, CHD, or patellar luxation, but these issues are extremely rare. The solid health of the Finnish Spitz is said to be the result of its pure blood line history.

The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the most distinctive looking members of the sporting group. With its long, flowing coat and soft, loving eyes, this dog is a true hunter at heart. Interestingly enough, the English Cocker Spaniel is said to retain much more of its hunting nature than the American version.

This dog also requires a bit more exercise than its American counterpart. If one was to describe the English Cocker Spaniel in just a few words, those words would be sensitive, happy, devoted, demonstrative, inquisitive, and protective.

A Brief History Of The English Cocker Spaniel

Considered to be one of the most specialized groups of dogs, the spaniel family is the largest numbers of dogs in a single group that we know of today. The English Cocker Spaniel is a land spaniel. During the 1800s, the larger spaniels were used for springing game and the smaller versions were used to hunt woodcock.

Both the smaller version and the larger-sized spaniels were basically two variations of the same dog breed. It wasn’t until 1893 that the two sizes were officially considered to be separate breeds. The smaller version of the English Cocker Spaniel, which should weigh under twenty-five pounds, was designated the name Cocker Spaniel. And because both breeds share much of the same genetic makeup, they share much of the same hunting abilities and talents.

Then in 1901 the weight limit of the breed was terminated and the English Cocker Spaniel became hugely popular with the people of England. At the same time, American spaniel breeders had the desire to change the breed in ways that the traditional fans of the English Cocker Spaniel did not approve of. In 1936, the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America came into existence.

Upkeep Requirements For The English Cocker Spaniel

Like all sporting dogs, the English Cocker Spaniel must have plenty of vigorous daily exercise. This could be from a romp in the field or a long, fast-paced walk on the leash several times daily. Playtime is ideal during the day in a large fenced-in yard.

English Cocker Spaniel dogs have the ability to live outside if need be, but only if the temperatures do not reach extreme cold or souring heat. Their medium-length coat will need weekly brushing, about every three to four days, and monthly clipping around the head, eyes and feet must be maintained.

Health Concerns

The two major health concerns that are associated with the English Cocker Spaniel are patellar luxation and PRA. Minor health problems include kidney disease (known as familial nephropathy), cataracts, hypothyroidism, and CHD. Rarely seen in this breed is cardiomyopathy. The average lifespan for a healthy English Cocker Spaniel is twelve to fourteen years. Veterinarians suggest that this breed be tested for potential problems with eye, hip, thyroid, knee, and hearing.

The Bedlington Terrier is rated as being one of the friendliest members of the Terrier Group. They are more easy-going and laid back than most terriers, both in their character and personality. These dogs are unusually friendly towards strangers considering they are a terrier breed, but still make excellent watchdogs as you would expect.

The temperament of the Bedlington Terrier is on the soft side, which makes them more demonstrative and companionable towards its owners. Perfect around children and always looking the play, they make a quiet house dog and are a perfect fit for any family looking for a humble terrier, yet one that will stand up for itself against an aggressive dog or intruder.

A Brief History Of The Bedlington Terrier

The exact details of the Bedlington Terrier origins are a bit obscure, but we do know they have been around since the 1800s and sprang from a line of breeds in England. It is truly one of the most unusual looking members of the Terrier Group that was started by a man named Joseph Ainsley.

It was the year 1825 and Joseph, living in the town of Bedlington, had bred a couple of his own Rothbury Terriers, naming the offspring the Bedlington Terrier. It is said that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Whippet was added to the mix soon after, but this claim is still unsubstantiated.

Whatever the true mix of breeds were used in creating the Bedlington, the results are an unforgettable appearing Terrier that is an effective hunter of rats, fox, badger, and otter. The breed made its way to the show ring around the late 1800s and is still enjoyed in households today.

Upkeep Requirements For The Bedlington Terrier

These dogs need plenty of daily exercise in the form of running or vigorous playtime games in the yard. They love to chase small animals and enjoy a brisk walk anytime of the day. Although they enjoy the great outdoors, the Bedlington Terrier is not meant to live outside. They should be inside at night (and during the day if the temperature is extreme) with comfortable bedding. Grooming requirements for this breed call for a thorough brushing about twice weekly, with monthly scissoring to keep the dog’s coat neat and shapely.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan for the Bedlington Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is copper toxicosis. Minor health problems include distichiasis, renal cortical hypoplasia, and retinal dysplasia. Rarely seen is patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that the Bedlington Terrier get specifically tested for eye problems, liver biopsy, and DNA for copper toxicosis.

The Irish Terrier is known as the world’s oldest Terrier breed. It is said to have descended from the Black and Tan Terrier, also mixed with a larger and more streamlined wheaten colored Terrier. There is no official documentation to list this ancestry, but researchers are pretty confident with this estimation. Other information leads us to believe that the Irish Terrier may also have roots from the Irish Wolfhound dog breed.

Irish Terriers dogs are considered to be the raciest of the Terrier Group. It has a longer body with legs that extend further than most other Terriers. The solid red color of the Irish Terrier became a standard for the breed around the end of the 19th century. Before that time, early Irish Terriers were seen in a variety of other colors, including gray, brindle, and black/tan.

The very first Irish Terrier was shown in the year 1875. They became so popular that by the middle of the 1880s, the Irish Terrier was rated as the fourth most popular dog breed in England. During that time, it was fashionably stylish to crop the ears of the Irish Terrier. However, this practice was banned in 1889 by the Irish Terrier Club Of England. This banning led to the abolition of cropping ears for all dog breeds that were shown in England.

The Irish Terrier soon became quite popular in America. During the late 1920s, they were ranked #13 of all breeds listed at that time. With such fame and a great beginning, you would assume that the Irish Terrier would maintain its popularity. However, it is considered to be one of the more rare Terriers of today.

Personality

Irish Terrier dogs are extremely bold, dashing, assertive, and independent. Often said to be one of the most strong-willed of dog breeds, these animals can be a bit aggressive towards other dogs and smaller animals, and tend to be reserved when around strangers. On the other hand, when it comes to its family, the Irish Terrier is top-rated for its playfulness. It loves adventure and is also a first-class watchdog. So long as it gets plenty of daily exercise, this dog will maintain a well-mannered personality.

Taking Care Of Your Irish Terrier

This is one dog that not only needs physical exercise on a daily basis, but it also requires a lot of mental stimulation as well. Daily entertainment and vigorous playtime is a requirement if you plan on raising an Irish Terrier. They make great jogging partners and are often the desired pet for active people. When it comes to grooming, it has a very wiry coat that will need a thorough combing two to three times per week.

Health Information

Irish Terriers are one of the most healthiest dog breeds in existence. They have a lifespan of up to 16 years, with 13 to 14 years being the average. There are absolutely no major health concerns to worry about and the only minor issue that occasionally springs up are urinary stones.

This is one dog that is extremely heavy-bodied and has a strong, powerful grip. These types of dogs have been traced back to the Middle East and Asia where they functioned as war dogs. Their jobs were to guard homes, control livestock, and even fight men and large animals in battle, such as elephants and lions.

The modern day Neapolitan Mastiff is said to be connected to giant Macedonian war dogs that Alexander the great mixed with short-haired dogs of India. The time was approximately 330 BC. The resulting bloodline was called the Molossus, which is considered to be the progenitor to many large dog breeds of today.

The history then becomes a bit more interesting. The Romans took over Greece and at the same time took all of their Molossus dogs. Then in 55 BC the Romans invaded and conquered Britain. The British had large and imposing Mastiff dogs that the Romans admired. These dogs fought valiantly during war.

As you can probably guess these two dogs were bred together and created a super breed of giant war dogs that were called “Mastini” which is the Italian word for Mastiff. The breed continued to expand its members and were perfected over centuries of well functioning guard dogs. However, they were quite isolated and remained unknown to much of the rest of the world.

In 1946 they were introduced to the world at a Naples dog show. A man named Piere Scanziani saw the dog and immediately recognized what type of breed it was. He started a campaign to influence other dog fanciers to help bring out the breed from obscurity. They went as far as drawing up a petition so that the Italian Kennel Club would recognize them under the name of “Mastino Napoletano”.

It was not until the 1970s when this dog breed was documented in the United States. There were of course a few of these dogs that were already in the U.S. from Italian immigrants, but nothing was official until the 70’s. It did not take long for the breed to become popular and gain interest from dog enthusiasts. They were recognized by the AKC in 1996 and were official numbers of the AKC working group by the year 2004.

Personality

The Neapolitan Mastiff is duly noted for its loyalty and devotion to its family. As a result of being bred for centuries as a family guard dog, it is extremely reserved and suspicious of strangers. Needless to say, it is one of the highest rating watchdogs that can equally protect its family due to its size and fighting ability. The Neapolitan Mastiff is affectionate towards children but may be dominant towards other dogs and house pets.

Taking Care Of Your Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff dogs will need a lot of space. This is one dog that is literally huge in size and must have enough room to roam around without being squeezed in. As far as exercise and physical requirements to, they do not need much. A simple walk on the leash will do just fine. Consider also that the large size of the Neapolitan Mastiff will require higher expenses in terms of food and veterinarian visits. They also tend to drool a lot and can be quite messy with its food and water.

Health Information

The average lifespan of a healthy Neapolitan Mastiff is approximately 9 to 10 years. Larger dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller ones. Major health concerns that could arise are demodicosis, CHD, and cardiomyopathy. Minor issues include elbow dysplasia and cherry eye.

The Airedale Terrier is not called the “King of Terriers” for nothing. This dog is the tallest terrier from the entire breed family. One of its primary progenitors are the Black and Tan and the old English Terriers. They were medium-sized dogs whom highly admired by Yorkshire hunters that would go after all sorts of prey, ranging from small rabbits to fox.

Not only were they reliable hunters of land animals, these Terriers were also prized as great bird retrievers. Sometime during the mid-1800s, many of these Terriers were bred with Otterhounds. The goal was to create a dog that had increased water hunting skills as well as a stronger sense of tracking. The result was a sharp looking dog that became excellent otter hunters.

These otter hunting dogs became the breed that we know of today referred to as the Airedale Terrier. Their name was actually called “Waterside Terriers” at first, but was changed to the Airedale in 1878.

Terrier enthusiasts began to show these dogs in ringside competitions. To further the appreciable beauty of the Airedale Terrier, they were mixed with both Irish and Bull Terriers. By the early 1900s, the well-known Terrier and champion “Master Briar” became the father of today’s Airedale Terriers.

Master Briar produced dogs that highly influenced the breed in the United States. They picked up popularity as strong hunters, proving themselves to be worthy at hunting big game. However, after the end of World War I their numbers declined and today they are a rare breed to come across, yet their great reputation remains the same.

Personality

The Airedale Terrier is considered to be the most versatile of the Terrier dog breed group. They are adventurous, bold, and love to play. Highly intelligent and a bit stubborn, training may take some time. However, with the right amount of training time, these dogs are obedient, loyal, and make excellent watchdogs. And so long as the Airedale Terrier gets plenty of mental and physical stimulation, they can make obedient house pets.

Taking Care Of Your Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier dogs require a lot of exercise. Without enough physical exertion, they tend to get bored easily and can be quite destructive, if left alone inside the house. Long walks or active games should provide plenty of stimulation to can take care of these needs.

Airedale Terriers are able to live outside during cold climates but like all house dogs, it’s always best to have them sleep inside with the family. Grooming takes a bit of extra work than most breeds, due to its long wiry coat. A thorough combing 2 – 3 times per week is ideal. Clipping and scissoring is also recommended about every eight weeks or so.

Health Information

The average lifespan for healthy Airedale Terrier dog is between 10 and 14 years. They are a very healthy breed in which CHD is the only major health issue that may come up. Minor concerns include gastric torsion and hypothyroidism.

Although there is a bit of confusion concerning the background and origin of the Scottish Terrier, researchers do have conclusive documentation and information that shows this dog breed thriving back to the late 1800s.

What is the confusion about? For starters, we used to refer to all terrier-types that were from Scotland as “Scottish Terriers”. In addition, today’s official Scottish Terrier used to be grouped as a “Skye Terrier”. Whatever the origin may be, early Scottish Terriers were some of the hardest working hunting dogs alive. They would go in strong pursuit of their prey through any condition and terrain.

For some time they were referred to as “Aberdeen Terriers” because at one point they were mostly favored by the people of the Aberdeen area. This reference name only made a confusing situation worse. There were even people protesting the various names of this dog breed until finally a detailed description of what an authentic Scottish Terrier should look like was drawn up sometime around 1880. This was the first breed standard created for this dog.

Scottish Terriers first came to the United States in the year 1883. It gained popularity at a gradual pace until World War II. Then for some reason its popularity skyrocketed. The most popular Scottish Terrier was Franklin Roosevelt’s own dog named Fala.

Personality

Scottish Terrier dogs are extremely rugged and with a “tough-guy” personality. How else could you describe a dog whose nickname is “Diehard”. Along with their bold exterior, these dogs are smart, inquisitive, and are always ready for action. Regardless of how big another dog or animal may be, Scottish Terriers can be fearless and quite aggressive when provoked. This attitude is quite the opposite when it comes to its family, of which the Scottish Terrier will remain loyal and protective.

Taking Care Of Your Scottish Terrier

This is one dog that must have plenty of action in its life. They love adventure and will need excitement through physical activities outdoors. Scottish Terriers can certainly live outside during the cold, as well as warm climates, but like all family dogs it is best suited to sleep inside with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements consist of about two to four thorough brushings every week. Further clipping and stripping may be necessary for coat fashion or dog shows.

Health Information

The average lifespan of a healthy Scottish Terrier is between 11 and 14 years. The only major health concerns to worry about with these dogs are CMO and vWD. Minor issues that may show up are patellar luxation, Scotty cramp, and cerebellar abiotrophy.

The Tibetan Terrier is an all-purpose dog and a proud member of the Non-Sporting Group. They have an adorable, shaggy appearance, with a square proportion, and although compact in size – maintains physical power and muscularity. They stand at approximately 15 to 16 inches and weigh anywhere from 18 to 30 lbs (depending on gender).

The temperament of the Tibetan Terrier is that of a gentle, loving canine. Somehow these dogs know how to lay on the charm which makes it easy for anyone to want to take one home. They are a loyal companion that enjoys the quiet life if indoor living, while at the same time can be depended on to roam the great outdoors on an adventurous hike or walk. The Tibetan Terrier is friendly towards other dogs and pets, but somewhat reserved around strange people.

A Brief History Of The Tibetan Terrier

The exact history of the Tibetan Terrier is just as mysterious as the lands it comes from. It is said that these dogs were bred some 2,000 years ago inside Lamaist monasteries. Although they were used to help with working tasks, the purpose of the breed was as companions and holy dogs, “bringers of luck” so to speak.

You have probably read a few miraculous stories of these dogs. One such story claims that the village of which the breed lived was completely blocked off when an earthquake destroyed the route into the valley, during the 14th century. In order to cross, the people had to cover treacherous pathways, of which killed many. It is said that anyone that was carrying a Tibetan Terrier made it through safely.

None of these dogs were ever sold. They were held in such high regard that the only time anyone outside of Tibet had one was when it was given as a special gift. One such man received this gift of a Tibetan Terrier and is responsible for breeding further litters, thus bringing world wide attention to them. His name was Dr. Grieg and the year was 1920.

The breed was first recognized outside of its homeland in India. The dogs then made their way to English dog shows in 1937. The United States saw the Tibetan Terrier during the 1950s and in 1973, the breed was officially recognized by the AKC.

Upkeep Requirements For The Tibetan Terrier

This terrier may be the ideal house dog to have relaxing and quietly sitting by your side indoors, but once outside it loves to run and look for adventure. A few walks on the leash each day plus some fun games in the yard is the perfect way to keep the Tibetan Terrier in shape and mentally stimulated.

This breed can withstand moderately hot and cool temperatures but is not meant to live outdoors. They are best suited to either be a total indoor dog, or an indoor dog that has access to a fenced-in area outside during the day. Either way, the Tibetan forms a very close bond with its family and makes a dependable watchdog. Grooming requirements for the breed consists of a good brushing of its shaggy coat twice weekly.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Tibetan Terrier is between twelve and fifteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are PRA and lens luxation. Minor health issues include CHD, hypothyroidism, cataracts, patellar luxation, and ceroid lipofuscinosis. Rarely seen is distichiasis. Veterinarians suggest that Tibetan Terrier dogs get tested for hip, eye, and thyroid problems.

Originating from the Mediterranean during ancient times, the Havanese dog comes from a family of small dogs known as the Barbichon (now called Bichon) family. They showed up in large quantities throughout Cuba when Spanish traders brought them as gifts to give to the Cuban women. This allowed open trade between the two peoples.

The Cubans absolutely adored this little dog and pampered them as if they were Kings and Queens. Havanese dogs were popular with the wealthy. In time, these dogs made their way back to Europe where the people refer to them as the “White Cuban”. Their popularity continued to grow. Many people owned them as pets but also enjoyed Havanese dogs as performers.

In time, the Havanese became less and less popular except for performing at circus shows. They were seen in many circuses throughout Europe as trick dogs. Eventually, their breed started to dramatically decline in numbers to the point where they were almost extinct. This was happening in both Europe and Cuba.

Good fortune brought this dog breed back up in numbers when three families from Cuba left for the United States and brought their Havanese dogs with them. It is estimated that they arrived in America sometime during the late 1950s, or early 1960s. In fact, just about all Havanese dogs of today come from these bloodlines. Dog enthusiasts took notice of the Havanese and in 1996 it was entered into its first AKC dog show. In 1999, the Havanese was excepted as a new member of the toy group.

Personality

The best way to describe the temperament and personality of a Havanese dog is “lover of attention”. This dog absolutely loves being in the spotlight and is extremely playful. In fact, the Havanese scores on the highest level in terms of affection, friendliness, and playfulness. Considered to be somewhat of a clown, this breed is known for getting along with just about everybody and every animal.

Taking Care Of Your Havanese

Due to its small size and stature, very little extra attention is needed for upkeep and maintenance. A short walk on the leash will take care of its exercise requirements and it must stay indoors with the family. Grooming does take a little work, however. Its long coat requires a good brushing almost daily. The good news is that Havanese dogs do not shed, but the hairs can become tangled up and matted, hence the reason for daily brushing.

Health Information

The average lifespan of a healthy Havanese dog can last up to 15 years. The average time for most is approximately 13 years. There are no major health concerns to be worried about if you own a Havanese. The only minor health issue that may arise is patellar luxation, which is very common amongst small dogs.

If you are looking for a dog breed that has the personality of a curious child, always on the lookout for fun, loves to run, hunt, scout and play – while at the same time is sensitive to your commands and makes an excellent watchdog – then the Brittany is the perfect dog for you.

Independent by nature, the Brittany dog makes an excellent house pet and absolutely loves children. Their energy levels are extremely high so these dogs are quite suited for individuals with an active lifestyle.

A Brief History Of The Brittany

It was sometime during the mid 1800’s when French sportsmen made a cross between their local small land spaniels with that of English Setters. The goal was to create a dog that was best suited to their needs. Several of the offspring were born tailless and down the line their descendants were also tailless (many of them stub-tailed).

The offspring also became dogs that had amazing scent ability, which made them excellent woodcock hunters. These canines quickly became popular with the French gentry as well as the local poachers. Poachers loved them because were intensely obedient to the hunter and could point and retrieve like no other breed at the time.

It was the year 1907 when the very first Brittany was registered in France. In 1925, the breed then made its way to the United States. It took some time for them to become accepted, for various reasons, one of which because hunters expected a hunting dog to have a long tail. But when given the chance to prove themselves, the Brittany dogs quickly won the hearts of all hunters and dog enthusiasts alike.

Upkeep Requirements For The Brittany

The wonderful thing about owning a Brittany dog is that the animal takes very little maintenance. However, exercise is heavily required to keep your Brittany happy and healthy. As mentioned in the beginning of this breed profile, this canine needs a lot of daily exercise. Without it, they become frustrated and may take that frustration out by digging and scratching, causing destruction around the house or yard.

For this reason alone it is clear that the Brittany is not suited for small apartment living. Instead, they need to have plenty of open space to run and explore. These dogs can also live outdoors so long as the weather is not extreme. However, Brittany dogs are overly social so living inside with the family is preferred.

Health Concerns For the Brittany

The only major health issue that your Brittany dog may face is CHD. Minor issues include hypothyroidism and epilepsy. Veterinarians suggest that all Brittany dogs get tested for hip and thyroid problems. The life span for this breed is in area of twelve to thirteen years – so long as adequate health and care is given to the Brittany.

The Pug is a member of the toy dog group whose name is derived from the Latin word Pugness, which means “fist”. This perfectly describes their facial features as it can be said to look like a clenched up fist. This dog breed has been recognized by the AKC since the year 1886 and has become an extremely popular house pet and show dog ever since.

The Pug dog breed is extremely amiable, displays a confident personality, and is abundantly playful. It can also be a bit headstrong and stubborn to train, but mostly the Pug is a pleasant dog who enjoys pleasing its owner, especially if given the chance to show off.

Upkeep And Maintenance

As with all toy dog breeds, the Pug needs to have plenty of exercise on a daily basis. A brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes would be ideal, or a fun physical activity which centers around a dog game would do nicely.

The Pug is not the type of dog that should be kept outdoors for an ongoing period of time. This animal is meant to be indoors and cannot stand hot temperatures and humid weather. Of course there is nothing wrong with keeping your Pug in the yard for a few hours each day, but always ensure that he has plenty of shaded areas to retreat to when the weather is hot.

When it comes to grooming, this dog needs regular cleaning due to its heavy wrinkles, especially around the face and neck areas. Should the Pug get wet he will need to be dried off immediately as to prevent infection of the skin, which is sometimes typical of this breed. Lastly, when it comes to physical characteristics, the Pug tends to wheeze and snore often.

Health Information

You can look forward to your Pug living a long and healthy life of up to 15 years, and sometimes longer. The only two major health concerns that all Pug owners should be worried about is CHD and Pug dog encephalitis. Minor health concerns, which rarely pop up with this breed include patellar luxation, KCS, hemivertebra, elongated palate, Legg-Perthes, stenotic nares, and skin infections.

The Plott is one member of the Hound Group that makes the perfect, all-around family companion. They are instinctively drawn to picking up a scent and following that trail until the end, yet once inside the house the Plott turns into a calm, mild-mannered family dog that is good around children.

This breed is about as courageous as a hound can get, reserved around strangers, but will fight to the death if need be to protect its family. These dogs are quite head-strong which makes training a bit of work, but once honed in to its owner’s commands the Plott is the perfect addition to a loving family.

A Brief History Of The Plott

Although the Plott is known as an all-American dog, one that is actually the official dog for the state of North Carolina, its roots go back to Germany during the mid 1700s. During this period the Hanoverian Schweisshunds were highly appreciated for their use as hunters, tracking down wild boars. Five of these dogs were taken back to the United States from Germany with a young hunter named Joahnnes Georg Plott.

Mr. Plott lived and hunted in the Great Smoky Mountains. And although there were no wild boar for his new dogs to hunt after, they were used with much success for other large prey, especially bear. Plott’s dogs could not only track and keep a bear at bay, they could also take the large animal down if necessary.

The Plott family continued to breed their dogs and over the upcoming decades other crosses were added to the mix to improve the breed. Almost all Plott dogs can be traced back to this family of hounds. In 1946, the “Plott” name was officially coined for the breed and it received AKC recognition.

Upkeep Requirements For The Plott

Taking care of the Plott breed is all about giving the dog an equal balance of love, attention, and time to roam the great outdoors to satisfy their hunting desires. The ideal living situation would be to have a large fenced-in yard that has access to the inside of the house during the day, and then to sleep with the rest of the family at night.

Plott dogs have moderate exercise requirements which can be met with several brisk walks on the leash each day or some vigorous playtime sessions outside. A truly happy Plott will be one that accompanies his owner on long walks through nature trails. They also enjoy swimming. Grooming requirements for the breed are minimal, with only the occasional brushing needed to remove any dead hairs from its short coat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Plott dog is between eleven and thirteen years. When it comes to common diseases among dogs, this is one of the healthiest breeds in existence. They have absolutely no major health issues or minor problems. Rarely seen in CHD. Veterinarians suggest that Plott dogs get specifically tested for hip problems only.

The Labrador Retriever is currently listed as the number one registered dog with the AKC. This dog breed is ranked very high by dog enthusiasts on all levels; playfulness, friendliness towards strangers and pets, easy to train, affectionate, and even makes a great watchdog.

This breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club back in 1903, and then by the AKC in the year 1917. Amazingly, the Labrador Retriever was voted the most popular dog breed of 1991 and has continued to reign atop the charts even today.

When these dogs are trained they are very amiable and obedient. They are especially wonderful around kids, as they have high tolerance levels towards children and their antics. This dog has its moments of being very calm around the house, yet can become intense and energetic in the blink of an eye when stimulated.

The Labrador Retriever is extremely loyal to its owner and is eager to please. It enjoys learning new tricks and is a wonderful student of obedience training. Swimming, running, and retrieving are all activities that this dog breed enjoys being a part of. Being challenged mentally and physically is desired by the Labrador retriever.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Upkeep must be fairly active on a daily basis. Labrador retrievers must have daily exercise in the form of running and swimming. Retrieving, however, is at the top of the list of fun games that Labs really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

These dogs can either live indoors where it’s warm and cozy, or remain outdoors during all types of weather. Be sure to adhere to common sense safety rules when keeping your lab outside during the hot humid months, or the chilling winter temperatures. However, like most dogs, a Labrador Retriever would prefer to be inside with its family and stable temperatures.

Health Information

The Labrador Retriever has an average lifespan of ten to twelve years in general. This is of course depending upon the health of the animal. Major health concerns which should be looked at are elbow dysplasia, CHD, OCD, patellar luxation, and obesity. Occasionally, some health issues spring up throughout the Labrador Retriever breed such as diabetes, tricuspid valve dysplasia, over-exercise (leading to collapse), distichiasis, and muscular dystrophy.

The Welsh Terrier is a playful and adventurous member of the Terrier group, always on the lookout for fun games and entertainment. They are not quite as temperamental or feisty as most terriers are, which makes them a reliable house dog. They can be boisterous when running around outside, yet calm and mild-mannered indoors – making these dogs a joy to have around the home.

Welsh Terriers are also wonderful around children but may be a bit territorial when it comes to other pets in the house. They are weary and reserved when it comes to strange people, making them excellent watchdogs. Some Welsh Terriers can be a little stubborn and head-strong when it comes to training. They also tend to bark and dig when given the chance

A Brief History Of The Welsh Terrier

The history of the Welsh Terrier goes back to the 1700s in Whales. They are one of only two breeds of terriers that is native to Whales. It is said that the Welsh Terrier is a descendant from the Black and Tan Rough Terrier, which was a popular breed in Britain around the late 18th century.

During that time, North Whales had produced a terrier strain known as the “Ynysfor”. At the exact same time period, Northern England had produced a breed that looked identical to the Ynysfor, known as the “Old English Broken Haired Terrier”. The two strains looked so much alike that when both were entered into the show ring many people mistook them for one another.

They eventually were grouped together and both became known as Welsh Terriers. The Welsh was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. Breeders wanted to further improve the breed and so crossed them with the Wire Fox Terrier. Today they can be found as loving companions and a regular contender in earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Welsh Terrier

A fairly active dog breed, the Welsh Terrier needs a moderate amount of daily exercise. These requirements can be met with a few brisk walks on the leash and some time to run around the yard. These dogs quickly tire after vigorous exercise and enjoy relaxing just as much as they do playing. Welsh Terriers also tend to hunt so be sure to have them confined to a safe, fenced-in yard at all times when off-leash.

Welsh Terriers can tolerate moderately cool or warm temperatures, but should not live completely outside. Sleeping indoors with the family at night is ideal as they form very tight bonds with their owners and need as much human contact as possible. Grooming requirements for the breed’s wiry coat calls for a thorough brushing every two to three days. A professional shaping should also be done every few months to keep the coat neat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Welsh Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns in the breed. Minor health issues include glaucoma and lens luxation. Rarely seen are seizures and allergies. Veterinarians suggest that Welsh Terriers get specifically tested for eye problems.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a laid-back, easygoing dog that is not quite as exuberant as the English Springer. They need plenty of daily exercise and has a large appetite for bird hunting so spending time in nature’s woodlands make the perfect setting for the breed.

Although independent by nature, Welsh Springer Spaniels are highly devoted to its family and make excellent house pets. They are very sensitive and may display a timid personality around strangers – but this shyness is what makes the breed an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Welsh Springer Spaniel

Mention of Welsh Springer Spaniels date back as far as the 1300s in early records of the Laws of Whales. However, there is still dispute whether or not these early dogs were directly connected with today’s Welsh Springer.

There is some evidence to suggest that the Welsh Springer Spaniel may have developed from the English Springer or is a creation from the mix of English Springers and the Clumber Spaniel. Land spaniels have been used for a long time in Wales before the Welsh Springer became popular, but the land spaniels were more likely not a uniformed group of dogs.

During that time, both English Spaniels and Welsh Spaniels were shown alongside one another at dog shows because they were strikingly similar, with the only difference being color. The Welsh made a soaring boost in popularity and in 1906 was recognized by the AKC.

Upkeep Requirements For The Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniels are solid, all-purpose hunter dogs with a keen sense of smell and can flush and retrieve game in both land and water. Because of this genetic trait they need to have plenty of outside space to run and play each day. They especially like quick bursts on a field.

While needing to be outside roaming and hunting most of the day, Welsh Springer Spaniels are happiest when sleeping inside at night with the rest of the family. As far as grooming requirements, their coat is long and lustrous, which means heavy brushing about twice per week.

Health Concerns

Welsh Springer Spaniels have an average life span of between thirteen and fifteen years. A very healthy dog breed, they only have one major health concern – CHD. Minor health problems that may show up are epilepsy, otitis externa, and glaucoma. Rarely seen are cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that Welsh Springer Spaniels get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

The Miniature Schnauzer is considered to be the most popular of the Schnauzer family dog breeds. This animal was created through breeding in Germany during the late 1800s. The mix came from the combination of the original Schnauzer and the Affenpinscher. By the year of 1899, the Miniature Schnauzer was exhibited as its own distinct breed from the standard. However, it was only in the year of 1933 that the American kennel club finally separated the two versions into their own breeds.

Even though the standard Schnauzer was in the United States and recognized as a popular dog breed long before the miniature version came into existence, the miniature became more popular through the years and outpaced its larger version, especially after World War II was over.

The temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer is considered to be spunky, inquisitive, alert, and they make great companions. These animals love being around action and playtime just the same as they are well mannered in the house during calm moods. They are less domineering and not as aggressive as the standard Schnauzer when it comes to other people and strange dogs (or other pets). This is what makes the Miniature Schnauzer an excellent house pet that is both great with children and a fantastic watchdog.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Like all dogs, Miniature Schnauzers need plenty of exercise. However, a nice long walk on the leash or a romp in the yard is plenty of physical movement for this dog each day. They are also best to live indoors with the family even though they could survive outside just fine. Emotionally, these animals need to be part of its “pack” at all times.

Grooming work for the Miniature Schnauzer will need to be in the form of heavy brushing at least once per week. These dogs have a thick wiry coat that may need professional scissoring and clipping every two to three months. This will help soften the texture of the coat.

Health Information

Miniature Schnauzer dogs have a lifespan of up to 14 years when in good health. Veterinarians recommend that all new owners of the Miniature Schnauzer have their pets DNA tested specifically for myotonia congenita, type A PRA, and vWD.

Major health concerns with this dog breed are known to be PRA and urolithiasis. Minor issues include the possibility of myotonia congenita, vWD, allergies, and Schnauzer comedo syndrome.

Although the exact origins of the Chinese Shar-Pei is unknown, experts agree that the breed may be connected to the Chow Chow. Both breeds stand a good chance of sharing the same ancestry, and of course both are from China.

Further evidence suggests that the Chinese Shar-Pei was in existence by the 13th century. Stout, wrinkly dogs were depicted in writings during this time. The breed may have even existed in the southern provinces of China, approximately 200 B.C.

The reason why its history is so hard to trace is because most of the records that relate to the Chinese Shar-Pei were lost or destroyed when China became a communist country. During this time the breed was used by peasant farmers dog fighters, guard dogs, and even as a hunter of wild boar.

Soon after China became communist, the majority of the country’s dogs were completely eliminated. A few breeds were left in existence outside of city areas and several Shar-Peis were bred in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The breed was officially recognized by the Hong Kong Kennel Club in 1968.

It was during this same time period that groups of Chinese Shar-Pei dogs made their way to the United States. But it was in 1973 that more dog fanciers became familiar with the breed when an article was published that explains the breed’s alarmingly low numbers.

The Chinese Shar-Pei was considered one of the world’s rarest dogs at the time and dog enthusiasts made their best efforts to revive the breed. These efforts paid off. The Chinese Shar-Pei went from the brink of extinction and rose to new heights of popularity. In fact, they are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the United States today.

Personality

The Chinese Shar-Pei has a personality that can best be described as independent, bold, and stubborn. These dogs have a serious temperament which many people describes as “self-possessed”. However, don’t let its rough-edged attitude fool you. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a highly devoted pet that is loyal and protective of its family. It is generally well-behaved around other pets in the house but may be overly aggressive towards strange dogs and other animals.

Taking Care Of Your Chinese Shar-Pei

This breed will need daily physical exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. Activities such as fetching games and long walks are plenty to fulfill these needs. The Chinese Shar-Pei is not necessarily suited for all-around outdoor living, so it’s best to divide its time between being inside and outside.

Grooming requirements are minimal, with the occasional brushing needed approximately one time weekly. However, some extra attention will be needed for the dog’s facial wrinkles. Check the skin folds to make sure that no irritation is breaking out.

Health Information

Healthy Shar-Pei dogs have an average life span of approximately 10 years. Major health concerns that may come up are CHD and entropion. Minor issues include amyloidosis, otitis externa, patellar luxation, skin fold pyodermas, allergies, and hypothyroidism. Fever breakouts are also quite common in this breed.

An adorable member of the toy dog group, the Yorkshire Terrier is a mixture of England’s finest terriers, made up of the Clydesdale terrier, English black and tan terrier, waterside terrier, and the Paisley terrier.

By the late 1800s, Yorkies had made their way to America but because there were so many variety of sizes, the Yorkshire Terrier did not make its exclusive name until the early 1900s. It was at this point that the majority of dog enthusiasts deemed the smaller sized Yorkshire Terrier was preferable.

The temperament of this dog breed is that of a bold, confident, and courageous animal. And the Yorkshire Terrier seems to be oblivious to its small stature. Always eager for fun and adventure, this dog can be a bit aggressive towards other small animals and strange canines. It definitely maintains that old rough-edged terrier spirit.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Like other toy dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier needs plenty of exercise but can get all of the physical activity it needs by running from room to room inside of the house or small apartment. Of course this does not mean that the Yorkie should not be outside. In fact, they love to take a brisk walk with their owner at any chance possible. Just be sure to keep your dog on leash to avoid problems with other small animals.

As far as living arrangements are concerned, the Yorkshire Terrier is not meant to live outdoors. This dog breed prefers the companionship of its family and human contact. If you must leave your Yorkie outside for any short period of time, just be sure that there is plenty of shelter and adequate bedding.

Yorkshire Terriers tend to grow very long hair. Whether or not you decide to keep your dog with this style will determine grooming needs. Most Yorkie owners keep their pets trimmed so that it only needs a thorough brushing three to four times per week. Long hair will need to be looked after a little bit more often so that it does not tangle and mat.

Health Information

The Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of up to 16 years when raised in a positive environment by a health minded dog owner. Fortunately, the Yorkie has no major health concerns that we know of. And the only minor health concern to look out for is patellar luxation. Veterinarians do suggest, however, that dog owners have their Yorkies specifically tested for eye problems, knee dysplasia, and have a liver ultrasound.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a high-spirited member of the Herding Group. Short in stature and moderately heavy boned, this breed can hold its own as an excellent cattle driver and with the speed and agility to keep up with the job. They have a long body (almost twice its height) and only weigh anywhere from 25 to 38 lbs, depending on the gender. The average height of the Cardigan is between ten and thirteen inches.

The temperament of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can best be summed up as fun-loving, easy-going and friendly. They make the perfect pet for anyone that appreciates a mild-mannered dog in the home, but one that also enjoys vigorous games outside. They are easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. Cardigans are friendly towards other pets and humans, but reserved when strange dogs approach.

A Brief History Of The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the first breeds to arrive in the British Isles. Centuries ago these dogs were brought to Cardiganshire from central Europe. The breed has its roots from Wales, dating back to the Ancient times. They were used as cattle drovers. The dog’s exact derivation is not known, but experts suggest that the short-legged, English turn-spit dog was part of the bloodline (which is now extinct).

The breed was first used as a family guardian and protector. Some would be brought to assist hunters in the field. In time, farmers soon discovered that the Cardigan was a natural cattle driving dog, helping to keep the cattle moving by nipping at their heels while successfully dodging kicks.

Eventually the Crown lands were divided and fenced, thus eliminating the usefulness of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Some were still kept as loving companions but this did not stop the breed from coming close to extinction. To help keep the breed alive it was crossed with the brindle herder. The breeding efforts worked and the first Cardigan made its way to the United States in 1931, with AKC recognition in 1935.

Upkeep Requirements For The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Although the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a small breed, it needs a surprising amount of daily exercise. They have moderately high energy levels which are best met with a few brisk walks on the leash plus play sessions outside. Herding games are best, in addition to mental stimulation through dog training.

The Cardigan can withstand both hot or cool temperatures but is not meant to live outside. Like all devoted members of the Herding Group, this breed bonds tightly with the family and should sleep inside at night, with access to a safe, fenced-in yard during the daytime hours. Grooming requirements call for a brushing once each week to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is between twelve and fourteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is CHD. Minor health issues include degenerative myelopathy. Rarely seen in the breed is PRA and urinary stones. Veterinarians suggest that the Cardigan get specifically tested for DNA for PRA, hip, and eye problems.

The Toy Fox Terrier is a fun-loving dog with endless amounts of energy. They love to investigate the great outdoors and are rated as one of the most affectionate and playful members of the Toy Group. These dogs enjoy life most when playing with members of the family or other pets in the house. Great around kids, as well as the one-person household, Toy Fox Terriers make an outstanding house pet for anyone, at any age.

A Brief History Of The Toy Fox Terrier

Although the breed enjoys a high popularity rating among households in the United States, their origin only dates back to the beginning of the 1900s. Farmers had always fancied the Smooth Fox Terrier dogs in the U.S. They were useful not only as companions but for also chasing small rodents away. And for entertainment, there was nothing funnier than watching these scrappy little terriers go at it over fun and games.

Eventually these little dogs were crossed with various toy breeds. Included was the Chihuahua, Toy Manchester Terrier, and the Italian Greyhound. The resulting dog was a smaller-sized version of the Smooth Fox Terrier with a few physical differences than its larger version. The feisty temperament subsided a bit through breeding.

Although these dogs were registered with the AKC as “Smooth Fox Terriers”, the name was officially changed to the Toy Fox Terrier in 1936 when the organization granted them their own breed status. In 2003 the dog made its first entrance into the show ring.

Upkeep Requirements For The Toy Fox Terrier

Owning and keeping a Toy Fox Terrier happy takes a combination of attention, love, exercise, and plenty of playtime. These dogs are like a bundle of firecrackers going off all of the time so daily activity is a must. They should have mental stimulation as well as physical play. This makes them easy to train for obedience or simple dog training routines.

Toy Fox Terriers love to dig and bark, so having access to a safe, fenced-in backyard is ideal. Living outside is not recommended. They must sleep indoors at night. They also do not tolerate cold weather well and may need extra warm bedding during the winter months. Grooming requirements call for a quick brushing about once every week or two, nothing major as their coat is short and the breed does not shed often.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Toy Fox Terrier is between thirteen and fourteen years. A truly healthy breed, there are no major health concerns to worry about. Minor health problems include demodicosis, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes. Rarely seen is vWD. Veterinarians suggest that Toy Fox Terriers get tested for DNA for congenital hypothyroidism, vWD, knee, and thyroid problems.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is probably the most versatile members of the Terrier Group. These dogs are loyal guardians, focused hunters, loving companions, and will even herd when given the chance. They make fun pets to have for outside fun and exploration, yet are obedient and well-mannered inside the house.

Kerry Blue Terriers have many sides to their personality. A fun-loving playful dog, they are great around children and are very affectionate. At the same time the Kerry Blue will stop at nothing to ward off intruders and protect its family at all costs. And when it comes to other pets in the house, it may be difficult for the Kerry Blue Terrier to share the same space, as they are a bit territorial.

A Brief History Of The Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier originated from Ireland and has been around since the 1700s. They could be found in both the northern and souther regions of the country and were first noticed in the Ring of Kerry, making its use as an all-around companion and trusted servant.

Here the Kerry made an excellent farm dog and an avid hunter of small animals, birds, and rodents. They could retrieve in water and on land, while herding cattle and sheep. Amazingly enough, with all of the qualities that this terrier had, it remained a quiet little secret inside Ireland for two centuries. It wasn’t until the mid 1920s did the Kerry Blue Terrier get noticed outside of Ireland, both in England and the United States.

The American and English show rings made the Kerry popular. In 1924, the AKC officially recognized the breed. The early Kerry Blues were not quite as attractive, but as grooming practices and standards improved, the dog became more appealing, making it one of the most striking terriers we see today.

Upkeep Requirements For The Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue must have plenty of daily exercise, but not to the extreme. A few brisk walks on the leash and some outdoor exploring will be plenty. They love to stay busy so having a large property is ideal for these dogs to roam around on. And when it comes to indoor living, the Kerry enjoys lounging around with the family.

Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate both hot and cold climates so long as the temperatures are not extreme. It is not recommended that they sleep outside as they are very closely bonded with the family. They prefer to be inside the house at night, living up to its names as a devoted guardian. Grooming requirements call for a heavy brushing twice each week, with a monthly scissoring and shaping.

Health Concerns

The Kerry Blue Terrier has an average lifespan of between twelve and fifteen years. The only major health concern in the breed is cerebellar abiotrophy. Minor heath issues include otitis externa, spiculosis, CHD, KCS, entropion, and hair follicle tumors. Veterinarians suggest that the Blue Kerry get specifically tested for hip and eye problems.

The Affenpinscher, whose name literally means “monkey”, certainly lives up to that name because it loves to monkey around, so to speak. With its bold and independent personality, this dog is always clowning and having fun. They love to stay busy, and unlike most members of the Toy Group, Affenpinschers tend to get along well with other dogs.

The breed is certainly a favorite among families that love to have an entertaining pet that can make everyone laugh. But don’t get the idea that the Affenpinscher is only good for smiles – they are also excellent watchdogs!

Brief History Of The Affenpinscher

With its spunky attitude and lively personality, the Affenpinscher certainly acts in accordance with its name. The word “Affen” means monkey and “Pinscher” means terrier. The French refer to the dog as the diablotin moustachu, which means “mustached little devil”.

Although we know that the area of origin of the breed is in Germany, it’s exact specific origins are still obscure. One of the oldest toy breeds, its history has been traced back to the 1600s in paintings from the old Dutch Masters who displayed dogs that resembled the breed.

By the 17th century, the Europeans used small terriers to help catch rats. The Germans also used the little dogs to keep rodents away from kitchens and other areas where food was stored. There were even smaller versions of the dogs that were bred as lap dogs and mice killers. It was these smaller versions that became the Affenpinscher.

As time passed, the dogs were refined through crosses with the German Silky Pinscher, Standard German Pinscher, and the Pug. The Germans claimed the breed as its creation due to the high popularity it had with the people at that time. The AKC recognized the dog in 1936. After World War II the breed’s numbers declined, making them one of the rarer toy breeds seen today.

Upkeep Requirements For The Affenpinscher

Although this dog can be a bit boisterous and seem to have an endless amount of energy, the exercise requirements for the Affenpinscher can be met with daily playtime and a few brisk walks on the leash. They love playing outside but these little guys should not stay outdoors, but rather sleep inside at night.

Affenpinscher dogs need lots of love and attention. They thrive off of human contact and absolutely love to be the center of the action. They make great watchdogs because of their need to bark at any unknown sound, but should not be counted on for protection ability. Grooming requirements consist of a thorough combing, three times per week (due to the harsh coat). Clipping should be done about four times yearly.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the Affenpinscher is between twelve and fourteen years. They are a healthy breed with absolutely no major health concerns. Minor issues may include corneal ulcers and patellar luxation. Rarely seen are respiratory problems, open fontanel, and PDA. Veterinarians suggest that Affenpinscher dogs get tested for potential cardiac and knee problems.

The Norwich Terrier, just like its cousin the Norfolk Terrier, is a fun-loving feisty little terrier that thrives off of adventure and action. They are hunters at heart so chasing small animals, especially rodents, is all that is needed for the Norwich to stay happy. These are the type of dogs that are best suited to be with people always on the go and enjoys daily outside activities.

Norwich Terriers make excellent watchdogs and are great around children. With a robust, playful attitude these dogs have a friendly attitude towards other dogs and pets. They even welcome strange people so long as its owner is around.

A Brief History Of The Norwich Terrier

England is the area of origin for the Norwich Terrier and the breed dates back to the 1800s. The Norwich Terrier shares an identical history with the Norfolk Terrier. The Norwich Terrier’s biggest difference from its blood-brother is the ears – Norwichs have pricked-ears and the Norfolks have droopy ears.

During the early periods of these dogs, both were used quite extensively as excellent rat hunters and for fox bolting. In fact, all short-legged terriers were well respected in England. Sometime around the 1900s there was a small Trumpington Terrier that lived in a stable near Norwich.

The terrier’s name was Rags and he sired many offspring, which are considered to be the official base of today’s Norwich Terrier. One of the offspring, a male, made its way to the United States and was considered the first ambassador of the breed. The dog’s owner was went by the name of Jones and many people to this day still refer to the Norwich Terrier as the “Jones Terrier”.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1939, but as one breed with two varieties (droopy ears and pricked ears). In 1979 they were officially known as two separate breeds and since then the Norwich Terrier has made a loving companion and a popular contestant in earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Norwich Terrier

Any proud owner of a Norwich Terrier will tell you that this dog must have plenty of daily exercise. While they can get all of the action they need from running around the house, it is always best to allow your Norwich to freely explore the outside, running and chasing small animals to their heart’s content.

The ideal living arrangement for the breed is to have access to a wide open (but safe) outside area during the day, such as a fenced-in yard, and to sleep indoors at night with the family. They can tolerate both moderately cool or warm temperatures. Grooming requirements for the Norwich Terrier’s wiry coat calls for a heavy brushing about twice weekly, with a full stripping about every three to four months.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Norwich Terrier is between thirteen and fifteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is CHD. Minor health issues include seizures, patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, and cheyletiella mites. Veterinarians suggest that Norwich Terriers get specifically tested for hip and knee problems.

The Mastiff is a particularly large breed of dog that is surprisingly easy going, good-natured, calm, and gentle. He is a well mannered animal that can fit well in most any household. This dog needs plenty of room to move about and would not be ideal for small apartment living.

If you have a family with children in the house then owning a Mastiff would make an excellent choice as he is known to be utterly devoted and loyal to its owners, and great with little kids. This dog has high affection levels and gets along great with other pets. Another positive aspect of the Mastiff is that he makes an excellent watchdog with the ability to protect the family with strength and quickness.

Upkeep And Maintenance

When the Mastiff becomes an adult, they need a mild amount of daily exercise. A good 10 to 15 minute brisk walk would do just fine. Better yet are physical games in a fenced yard if you have the opportunity to own such a property.

This dog can live both indoors and outdoors. If you choose to keep your Mastiff outdoors then it should be noted that this breed is not fond of hot weather at all. He thrives on cooler temperatures so be sure to afford him the luxury of plenty of shade during the hot summer months if he is to be kept outside. However, the ideal living situation for a happy Mastiff is to be inside with his family as this dog is genetically geared towards protecting its pack.

Health Information

One interesting aspect that pertains to the health of the Mastiff dog breed is its weight. They are easily prone to becoming overweight or obese. Be sure to monitor his food intake and watch out not to overfeed him, especially if you would like to see your Mastiff reach his full lifespan of between 9 and 11 years.

Veterinarians suggest that Mastiffs be specifically tested for eye problems, thyroid, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. The two major health concerns that are typical in this dog breed are CHD and gastric torsion. Minor issues to watch out for are elbow dysplasia, cystinuria, and osteosarcoma.

Dog enthusiasts consider the American Staffordshire Terrier, otherwise known as the Pit Bull, to have come from the exact same lines as the Staffordshire Terrier. The original crossing of breeds sprung from the mix of an older type of Bulldog with some other older types of Terrier. The result was a dog which is currently known as the Bull Terrier.

These dogs became popular for individuals who enjoyed the practice of dog fighting. Dogfighting was an extremely popular sport despite the fact that it was declared illegal. The United States started to see many Staffordshire Terriers around the late 1800s when they were brought over for dogfighting entertainment. It was at this time that they became known as the American Bull Terrier.

Americans then wanted to create a larger, more aggressive version of this dog, so the mix of the English version and the American version were combined, creating a new breed of dog that was recognized by the AKC in 1936. The official breed name was American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull).

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very aggressive temperament when feeling defensive, especially in response to protecting its family. Needless to say, these pets make an excellent watchdog and will protect its owners and property at all costs.

Pit Bull dogs are generally very friendly towards strangers so long as the owners are present. However, they can be a bit tenacious and stubborn when mixed with other dogs.

Taking Care Of Your Pit Bull

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs will need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and vigorous running games are perfect examples. Although this dog can live outdoors if necessary, it is much more comfortable when staying inside the house with its family. Taking care of the coat is fairly easy for upkeep; just a view quick strokes of the brush on a weekly basis is all that is necessary.

Health Information

The American Staffordshire Terrier as an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Major health concerns include CHD, PRA, and cerebellar ataxia. Minor issues are elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and heart disease.

You might occasionally see allergies and cruciate ligament rupture. Veterinarians suggest that you have your American Staffordshire Terrier checked for hip and elbow problems, eye issues, thyroid, and cardiac.

The Weimaraner dog breed is probably the most courageous and rambunctious of the sporting group. Always ready to hunt, play, and run, this dog literally has enough energy for an entire day roaming outside. If left inside the house too long they may become destructive.

The Weimaraner is top-rated on its training ability, protection, and watchdog status. They are also quite reserved with strange people and other animals. Small children in the house should be supervised with Weimaraners, as these dogs tend to play on the rough side.

A Brief History Of The Weimaraner

The origin of the Weimaraner come from Germany, which has always been a country known for its natural forests and wildlife. The breed was the result of the hunter’s need for a dog that was the perfect all-around gun dog. They wanted a canine that could not only hunt small game but also tale down larger animals such as bear and deer.

The first of these dogs that were bred were known as the Weimer Pointer, which came from the first breeding efforts by the court of Weimer. Several of the breed’s forebears include various early pointing breeds, the Red Schweisshund, and the Bloodhound.

By looking at the handsome Weimaraner you can clearly see its distinctive gray color throughout the coat. The exact origin of this trait is unclear, but we do know that it has been part of the dog’s physical appearance since very early in the development of the Weimaraner.

The German Weimaraner Club was responsible for strict oversight of the breed. Only members of the club could own one of these dogs and becoming a member was almost impossible. The leaders of the organization were very selective.

It wasn’t until the year 1929 that someone from the United States gained entry into the club and took two Weimaraner dogs back to America. This was the first time that the breed had been out of Germany and by 1943 it had become popular enough to become recognized by the AKC.

Upkeep Requirements For The Weimaraner

As stated earlier, the Weimaraner is a very active and rambunctious dog. Their energy levels are through the roof and therefore need an over-abundance of daily, vigorous exercise. They have an insatiable appetite to run and hunt so city living is out of the question.

Grooming requirements are minimal due to the short coat of the Weimaraner. Perhaps the occasional brushing now and again to remove any dead hairs is all that is needed. These dogs do not tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures very well, so should sleep inside at night with the family.

Health Concerns

The average life span of a healthy Weimaraner is between ten and thirteen years. The only major health concern that runs common in the breed is gastric torsion. Minor health problems include hemophilia A, distichiasis, spinal dysraphism, entropion, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, and vWD. Veterinarians suggest that Weimaraner dogs get tested for possible hip, eye, and blood problems.

Although the Italian Greyhound has been in existence for centuries, the exact origin of this beautiful breed of dog is completely unknown. There is evidence of artwork that dates back more than 2000 years ago that depicts these dogs in areas such as the Mediterranean, Greece, and Turkey.

Italian Greyhounds were known as “Miniature Greyhounds” and were found in abundance throughout areas of southern Europe. They were especially adored by Itailian courtiers.

Sometime during the 17th century, this dog breed arrived in England and rose in popularity with the nobility.They became just as popular in England as they had been in their homeland of Italy.

In the year of 1820 there were only two specific dog breeds that were mentioned in a book about dogs. The Italian Greyhound was one of them. This breed continued to attract more and more popularity, mostly with the wealthy, but reached its peak sometime during the leadership reighn of Queen Victoria.

After this time period, the numbers of Italian Greyhounds started to decline rapidly. In fact, after the end of World War II, these dogs had all but disappeared. The reason for this is unknown but it is theorized that the decline was the result of poor breeding quality over many generations. Even though their numbers had declined on the verge of extinction, quite a few Italian Greyhounds made their way to America sometime during the late 1800s and the breed was revived.

Personality

The Italian Greyhound is a moderately small dog that loves to run at fast speeds and chase anything that will run from it. These dogs are extremely gentle and a bit on the sensitive side. Italian Greyhounds are reserved, timid, and makes a lovable family pet, especially around children.

Taking Care Of Your Italian Greyhound

This is one breed of dog that is best suited to live with an active family. In other words, if sitting on your couch all day is your idea of spending time with your dog, the Italian Greyhound would not be the ideal choice. They need an active lifestyle with plenty of running outside.

Italian Greyhounds absolutely hate cold weather but can stand higher-than-normal temperatures due to its shorthaired coat. Grooming is minimal with only the occasional brushing needed in order to remove dead hair.

Health Information

The average lifespan of the Italian Greyhound can last up to 17 years when healthy, with 13 to 14 years being the average. The only major health concern that they have is periodontal disease. Minor issues include PRA, leg fractures (from running), patellar luxation, and epilepsy.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, a breed most popular in France, is a highly affectionate and playful dog that – although gives the appearance of being a wire-coated Basset hound – is a breed all on its own. They are always on the lookout for fun and games and will stay busy to keep up with its high energy levels.

These dogs were made to trail and even today they have an insatiable desire to roam the great outdoors to sniff and explore. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is very friendly, even towards strangers and other dogs. They are also wonderful around children and makes an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or as most often referred to as the “PBGV” for short, is actually new on the scene to the American Kennel Club. However, they have been around since the 16th century, with its roots in France, used to trail hare.

The breed’s name is long, but a very reliable description of the dog:

- Petit meaning “small”
- Basset meaning “low”
- Griffon meaning “rough coated”
- Vendeen being the dog’s area of origin in France.

Vendeen is a land full of rocky terrain and thick brush, perfect for the hunting abilities of the PBGV. These dogs could push through thorns, slide through the underbrush, and chase rabbits to the end, all without getting tired until the job was done. In 1990 the AKC recognized the breed and ever since that year the number of proud owners of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has increased tremendously.

Upkeep Requirements For The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not the type of dog to keep lying around the house all couped up. They are true busy-bodies at heart and will only be happy when exploring and picking up a scent. However, several brisk walks on the leash and some laps around the yard should do the trick.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs are not meant to live outdoors entirely, but can spend plenty of time outside. Living arrangements for the breed should be equally divided between having access to the outside yard during the day and coming inside at night to sleep with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about once per week to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is between eleven and fourteen years. There are no major health issues to worry about. Minor health problems that run common in the breed include hypothyroidism, meningitis, intervertebral disk disease, epilepsy, and patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip and eye problems.

The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest members of the Working Group. An imposing animal, one that was bred to be a guardian, is highly devoted to its family and very suspicious of unknown strangers, both human and animal. So long as the Great Pyrenees is not provoked it remains a calm, loving, and very well-mannered canine. Only strong minded, dominant owners should raise one of these dogs.

A Brief History Of The Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees dogs originated from France. It’s function was to guard sheep. Researchers suggest that the breed descended from an original flock of guard dogs. These dogs were all white, from Asia Minor, some 10,000 years B.C.

Nomadic shepherds migrated to the Pyrenees Mountains sometime around 3,000 B.C., bringing their guarding dogs with them, thus creating the basis of today’s Great Pyrenees. These dogs maintained themselves as superb livestock guardians for centuries to come.

Just before the end of the 1600s, the breed became a favorite among the French Nobility and were heavily requested in the court of Louis XIV. In 1675, Louis XIV publicly announced that this dog was to be known as the Royal Dog of France. It was at this same time that the dogs arrived in Newfoundland.

In 1824, the first Pyrenees is documented to have arrived in the United States by General Lafayette. However, over the next 75 years the breed had lost all popularity in France and could only be found working as useful guardians in small, isolated areas. Interest in the breed remained low and they had all but became instinct in England.

Sometimes in early 1930s, enthusiasts of the Great Pyrenees started a heavy breeding program, importing hundreds of dogs to the United States. In 1933, the AKC officially recognized the breed which helped boost the dog’s popularity with new owners.

Upkeep Requirements For The Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees must have plenty of daily exercise to keep in shape. However, these needs are not excessive and can easily be met with a few brisk walks on the leash. They absolutely love to hike so if you live in an area with nature trails or hills, you have the ideal setting for raising this dog.

This breed can live outside if need be, especially in cold temperatures. However, they are not suited to withstanding hot weather. When sleeping it is best to keep them inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing, once per week – daily during shedding season. Great Pyrenees dogs also have a habit of drooling.

Health Concerns

The average life span of a Great Pyrenees dog is between ten and twelve years. Major health problems that run common in the breed are patellar luxation and CHD. Minor issues include panosteitis, OCD, osteosarcoma, chondrodysplasia, entropion, skin problems, and cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get tested for potential eye, knee, and hip problems.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a member of the sporting group. This dog makes an excellent pointer, a versatile gun dog, and a solid all-around hunting companion. When on the job, these dogs have a deliberate point and retrieve style as they stick closely with the hunter’s gun.

Equally enjoyed by families all over the country, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon makes a loving house pet and gets along moderately with strangers and other animals. They are a devoted breed, always willing to please, and even displays a somewhat comical personality when having fun in the house or romping around the yard with the family.

A Brief History Of The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

France is the area of origin for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. And unlike most breeds that came to development over time, the creation of the Griffon was carefully deliberate. Every step along the way is well documented.

The breed started during the middle of the 1800s when the Cherville Griffon was created and later crossed with the pointer and the setter. Further development and refining of the breed is credited to a man named Edward Korthals, from Holland. In fact, the dog is still called by the name “Korthals Griffon” in many parts of the world.

Mr. Korthals began his work of refining the breed in 1874. It is said the he crossed twenty other dogs from the following breeds: spaniels, setters, water spaniels, griffons, French pointers and German pointers. As he traveled throughout France Edward helped build up the breed’s popularity all over the country.

By the year 1887 the first breed standard was published for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. In 1888, England offered the first show classes for the breed (although at that time the dog was referred to as a Russian Setter).

The popularity of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon continued to skyrocket until World War II. After the war it’s reputation for being an excellent hunting companion brought the breed back to new life, but the numbers never quite reached the same peak as before the war.

Upkeep Requirements For The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Owning a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon means having plenty of open space outside and an active lifestyle. Like all members of the sporting group, this breed needs daily stimulation from a romp in the open wilderness, jogging, or fun games with the family. They especially like swimming.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs are able to live outdoors so long as the temperature does not reach overly hot or excessively cold levels. It’s best to allow the dog to remain outside in an open yard during the daytime hours, but to sleep indoors with the family at night. Due to its harsh coat, grooming requirements for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon calls for heavy brushing twice per week.

Health Concerns

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs can have a long life span of up to fourteen years, with twelve to thirteen being the average. A healthy breed, these dogs have no major health concerns to worry about. Minor health issues include otitis externa, CHD, ectropion, and entropion. Veterinarians suggest that Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is probably the most skilled hunter of all dog breeds. It is versatile and has the ability to trail, retrieve, point, and even kill game if necessary. These attributes are the result of specific blending of breeds during the 17th century.

The first mixes produced a large hound-like dog from combining the Spanish Pointer with the Hannover Hound. The dogs that came from this mixture had the natural ability to trail and point at the same time. They also showed a heavy interest in birds and various mammals. When trailing, the dogs would bay and dispatch wounded prey (and fox).

Early breeders all had one thing in common: they wanted to create a Pointer that could be an “all purpose hunter”. However, not everyone agreed on the best way to do it. Many crosses were made with the English Pointer, although controversial, but it did bestow upon a breed with very stylish physical characteristics which also hunted nose-up.

One of the downsides to this mix was that the dogs had a dislike of water and avoided attacking quarry. In time, however, further breeding of the dogs help eliminate these unwanted characteristics of the Pointer.

Sometime during the early 1800’s, at the German Derby, there were two specific Deutsch Kurzhaars (the name that the Pointer was originally called) that had distinguished themselves from all of the other pointing breeds. Their names were Treff and Nero. These two Pointers are said to be the parents of today’s German Shorthaired Pointer. Their descendants helped get the breed recognized in Germany in the late 1800s.

The first German Shorthaired Pointers started to show up in the United States sometime in the 1920s. The breed gained recognition by the AKC in 1930. Soon enough, the dog’s reputation as being the ideal hunting dog grew in popularity. Due to its hunting skills, combined with its aesthetic look, this dog has become quite popular.

Personality

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one dog that could live its entire life, day in and day out, simply running around hunting in the field. The temperament of this animal is one that makes an excellent watchdog, has an abundance of energy, and requires heavy exercise. It is a devoted and loyal family pet that may prove to be a little too boisterous for small children. And because of its genetic design for hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer may get a bit aggressive with other household pets, especially those that are smaller in size.

Taking Care Of Your German Shorthaired Pointer

As you can probably guess, upkeep and maintenance of the German Shorthaired Pointer requires lots of exercise on a daily basis. This dog thrives on mental stimulation is much as it does physical exertion. You can achieve these things by taking your Pointer hunting, running, hiking; anything that gets the animal to play outdoors with its owner. This is one dog that is not suited for small apartment living. The ideal situation would be access to a fenced-in yard at all times.

Health Information

German Shorthaired Pointers has an average lifespan of around 13 years, with some living is high as 15 to 16 years old. Major health concerns to lookout for with the Pointer is lymphedema. Minor issues include pannus, vWD, CHD, gastric torsion, OCD, entropion, and hypothyroidism. Very rare health problems that are occasionally seen include thyroid issues, cardiac problems, and hip dysplasia.

The Japanese Chin is absolutely one of the most adorable members of the Toy Group. Always on the lookout for fun and games, this dog is equally sensitive and thrives on affection. They are devoted to their family and ready to make friends with anyone and any animal, strangers or not. Japanese Chin dogs are also perfect pets for children who understand how to play gentle.

A Brief History Of The Japanese Chin

The origins of the Japanese Chin date as far back as the Ancient times, however, the exact history of the breed is unknown. Researchers do know that it shared a very similar history with the Pekingese. Interestingly enough, history tells us that the Japanese Chin actually has it roots in China, not Japan, as its name might suggest.

Like the Pekingese, the breed was largely owned by Chinese aristocracy and were given as gifts to other nobility. Exactly how the dog arrived in Japan is still up for debate. Several stories are floating around. Some say that they were brought by a Korean prince after 730 A.D. Another theory is that Buddhist teachers brought them to Japan shortly after 500 A.D.

Whatever the true path that the breed took to get to Japan, the dog had an enormously positive impact on the Japanese Imperial family. The were kept as adored lapdogs and shown off to visiting nobility. During the 16th century it is said that the Japanese Chin was traded with visiting Portuguese sailors and taken back with them to Europe.

Official documentation tells us that the breed was in Europe in 1853. Over the next several decades more and more Japanese Chins were sold or traded to the Europeans and then to the Americans. In the late 1800s, the breed got official recognition by the AKC, listed as the “Japanese Spaniel”. To reduce the breed’s size over the last century it was crossed with English Toy Spaniels.

Upkeep Requirements For The Japanese Chin

Upkeep for these adorable little toy dogs is about as easy as it comes when owning one as calm and easy-going as the Japanese Chin. They are small enough so that the only exercise they need is to walk around the house and a few short walks on the leash each day. They also enjoy playing games so a few laps around the yard is enough to show them a good time while giving them plenty of exercise.

Like all toy breeds, the Japanese Chin cannot live outdoors. They are lapdogs to the core and although should have time to play outside in a fenced-in yard, are meant be pampered in the confines of your home. Grooming requirements call for a weekly brushing, twice for the longhairs.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Japanese Chin is between ten and twelve years. There are no major health concerns and minor health issues that run common in the breed are cataracts, entropion, patellar luxation, heart murmurs, and KCS. Rarely seen is epilepsy, achondroplasia, and portacaval shunt. Veterinarians suggest that Japanese Chin dogs get tested for potential knee and eye problems.

The Tibetan Spaniel is a feisty and playful member of the Non-Sporting Group. Small in stature, but tall in personality, the Tibetan has a maximum height of 10 inches and weighs anywhere from 9 to 15 pounds. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, and the face of these dogs are ape-like in appearance.

The temperament of the Tibetan Spaniel is independent and stubborn, yet equally as loving and affectionate. They can be sensitive at times to loud noises and harsh yelling. Due to their small size they make excellent house dogs, enjoying both daily outings with the family or just cuddling up on the couch. The Tibetan is overly-friendly with other dogs and pets but reserved around strange people, making them dependable watchdogs that will bark at unknown individuals or intruders.

A Brief History Of The Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel has been around since the Ancient times. As it name suggests, these dogs have their roots from Tibet. Their history is tied to Buddhist beliefs, interwoven with the lion as the most important symbol for Buddha. With the lion considered to be a high-respected symbol, lion-like dogs were bred and held in the highest regard.

The Lama masters considered these little lion dogs as sacred as the lion itself. The Chinese had created their own lion dogs as well, known today as the Pekingese. Various countries were often encouraged to present one another with their lion dogs, which led to interbreeding.

The absolute best breeding that went into the creation of the Tibetan Spaniel was within the monasteries. Only the smallest of specimens were encouraged and these dogs were used not only as decorative symbols, but also to alert the monastery upon approaching strangers and dangerous wolves.

The first Tibetan Spaniel made its way to England during the late 1800s but breeding these wonderful specimens in America did not start up until the 1920s. Several of the dogs were obtained by the Griegs (widely known enthusiasts of the breed) and breeding began. Unfortunately, the process took a loss when only one dog survived World War II. This Spaniel was named Skyid and just about all modern Tibetan Spaniel pedigrees are linked to Skyid.

The Tibetan Spaniel made its way to the United States in 1960. The sacred dog then gained AKC recognition in 1984. Although not as popular as most members of the AKC, this dog is highly adored by those lucky enough to own one.

Upkeep Requirements For The Tibetan Spaniel

Exercise requirements for the breed is quite minimal, with a few walks on the leash and open space indoors to run being plenty of stimulation. The Tibetan Spaniel is best suited to apartment living but also enjoys outside games with its owners. Grooming requirements for the breed consists of a thorough brushing of its moderately long coat twice weekly.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Tibetan Spaniel is between twelve and fifteen years. There are no major health concerns reported in the breed. Minor health issues include cataracts and patellar luxation. Rarely seen is PRA and portacaval shunt. Veterinarians suggest that Tibetan Spaniel dogs get tested for eye and knee problems.

The Sussex Spaniel is one of the more easy-going members of the spaniel family, so long as they receive plenty of affection. A bit aloof and laid back, yet always ready for the chance to go bird hunting, this breed can live quite comfortably in both large properties or small city apartments.

When hunting, the Sussex Spaniel can be very noisy, which is one of the biggest reasons they are less popular among hunters than other spaniels or members of the sporting group. They also need a lot of attention. Without it the Sussex Spaniel tends to bark and howl.

A Brief History Of The Sussex Spaniel

You can find the first mention of these dogs back in 1820 in an article about “The Spaniels of Sussex” was written for a sporting editorial. Their name was also adopted from Sussex, England, which is known as the home of the first largest kennel in 1795.

In time the breed became widely popular among many of the estates in Sussex County. The dogs were outstanding hunting dogs, although slow-working, but had a great sense of smell when on the trail. Some Sussex Spaniels would get a bit noisy when a scent was picked up, which although works well for the hunter, hurt the breed’s score during field trials in the early 1900s.

Sussex Spaniels did not become as popular among American hunters. The main reason being is that the Americans preferred a dog that had more speed. And although these spaniels were one of the earliest breeds to be recognized by the AKC, as well as to compete in dog shows, they became close to extinction throughout the 20th century.

A cross of the dog was made with a Cumber Spaniel in 1954 to “help expand the breed’s gene pool” as one breeder put it. However, the Sussex Spaniel gene pool remains in low numbers because it is, and probably always will be, one of the rarest members of the American Kennel Club.

Upkeep Requirements For The Sussex Spaniel

Like all sporting dogs the Sussex Spaniel must have plenty of daily exercise. However, being a slow-moving spaniel, this breed can get its exercise requirements with a few laps around the yard or several brisk walks on the leash each day.

Sussex Spaniels can live outside, but does best when allowed to play in the yard all day then sleeping inside the house at night. They are very affectionate canines, both towards people and other pets, which means they enjoy lots of interaction with the family. Grooming the Sussex Spaniel calls for thorough brushings several times each week.

Health Concerns

Sussex Spaniel dogs have an average life span of between eleven and thirteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are intervertebral disk disease and CHD. Minor problems that are seen are heart murmurs, otitis externa, and enlarged heart. And there are no suggested health tests that need to be done for the Sussex Spaniel.

The Komondor is one dog breed that is true to its heritage. This dog was bred specifically to guard livestock, particularly sheep, and has been around since the Ancient times. An independent thinker and a bit on the dominant side, Komondors need owners that are more dominant themselves, as the breed has a tendency to try to dominate the pack. They are overly aggressive towards strange dogs and reserved around strangers.

A Brief History Of The Komondor

The area of origin for the Komondor is Hungary. Although they were probably around long before this period, the first known factual documentation of the Komondor goes back to 1555. It is said that the Huns brought with them to Hungary a fairly large Russian Owtcharka, which is the beginning bloodline of the breed.

These dogs look very much like the Magyar sheep which were called “Racka”, because of their mass of curly wool hanging from the coat. This allowed the dogs to mingle in and out of a flock of sheep without dispersing the herd, and in fact, almost being mistaken for one!

The Magyar shepherds held great value in the Komondor dog as they could depend on them to guard sheep. They were so protective of the breed that breeding them with other dogs was forbidden so as not to lose their amazing working ability to guard against marauding animals.

Even during the early part of the 20th century the Komondor was still being used as a trustworthy guard dog. It was 1933 when the first of the breed made its way to the United States. Just four years later it was officially recognized by the AKC in 1937.

Today, however, the breed is not very common throughout the world, even in its area of origin in Hungary. The reason stems from the devastating effects that World War II had, practically wiping the breed out in Europe. After the war was over a few dedicated breeders saved the Komondor. You can find them scattered throughout the globe in small numbers, particularly with owners who still use them to guard sheep.

Upkeep Requirements For The Komondor

Like all members of the Working Group, Komondors need daily exercise which can be met with a few brisk walks on the leash or playtime in the back yard. It’s best to keep this dog away from swimming in water because the coat takes an enormous time to dry and becomes quite messy.

Komondor dogs are not meant to live in hot climates, but rather in areas with cool temperatures. Grooming this breed takes a bit of work. Its cords must be manually separated as often as three to four times per week to keep out mats. The coat also tends to trap dirt easily. Of course the coat can be clipped but doing so would lose the breed’s unique appearance.

Health Concerns

The average live span of the Komondor is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are gastric torsion and CHD. Minor issues include hot spots and otitis externa. Rarely seen is entropion. Veterinarians suggest that the breed get tested for potential hip problems.

The Vizsla is one sporting dog that not only enjoys hunting all day, but his physical attributes make him look the part. Always poised and ready to run, this breed makes an excellent close-working gun dog and a talented pointer.

Vizsla dogs are on the never-ending mission to sniff out birds and if left alone for long periods of time without room to run and play, they can become quite upset and destructive. Not all Vizslas have the same personality – some are on the shy side, others are overly-anxious, while many have a stubbornness character.

A Brief History Of The Vizsla

Our research leads to writings on Falconry from the Middle Age period that describes dogs that very closely resemble the Vizsla. It is said that the breed were from groups of canines that were collected by the Magyars, people who traveled across Europe before landing and setting up villages in Hungary, over 1000 years ago.

The plains of Hungary were abundant with game and the local hunters needed a dog that was fast, could be a close-working dog, point and retrieve, and trail mammals over rough terrain. The breed further increased in popularity through the 18th century but declined in numbers by the end of the 19th century.

The Vizsla breed was then revived by dog enthusiasts through careful breeding. During World War II the dogs were seen in countries all over the globe. This was largely due to the Hungarians fleeing Russian occupation and had brought their dogs with them.

When the breed showed up in United States it did not take long for the Vizsla to become popular with American dog lovers. Their talented hunting abilities were quickly noticed, as well as the dog’s strikingly handsome appearance. The Vizsla was officially recognized by the AKC in 1960.

Upkeep Requirements For The Vizsla

These canines were bred specifically to be a close-working dogs so the Vizsla has enough energy to literally run all day long. Therefore, they cannot be expected to be content with only a few short walks on the leash. It needs a large open field to roam during the day. Small apartment living is not meant for this dog.

Grooming the Vizsla is minimal due to its close-cut coat. The occasional brushing every couple of weeks to remove dead hairs will suffice. These dogs can live outside if the climate is warm but prefers to sleep inside with its family, especially if the weather is cold.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Vizsla dog can last anywhere from ten to fourteen years. The only major health concern reported in the breed is epilepsy. Minor issues include lymphosarcoma and CHD. Rarely seen is hypothyroidism, dwarfism, PRA, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and persistent right aortic arch. Veterinarians suggest that Vizsla dogs get tested for potential hip and thyroid problems.

As you can probably tell by its name, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have Spanish roots. These dogs are also said to be the reason why European Toy dogs existed in the first place.

People bred small spaniels with various Oriental Toy breeds and the results were small Tudor lapdogs, otherwise reffered to as “comfort” spaniels. The wealthy actually use them as foot warmers and to attract fleas that were otherwise bothering the owner.

Toy Spaniels eventually became popular because it appealed to people of all ages. Sometime during the 1700s it is said that King Charles II was so taken by his Toy Spaniels that he was actually accused of ignoring important state affairs in order to spend time with his dogs.

These stories about the king and his dogs travelled so fast throughout town and other parts of the country that eventually everyone associated the Toy Spaniel with King Charles himself, thus causing the dog to become officially known as “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs”.

Soon after King Charles II passed away, the Duke of Marlborough was just as enthusiastic about this dog breed as King Charles II was. The Duke’s favorite was the red and white Toy Spaniel which was named after his estate. For generations to come, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs graced the families of the wealthy.

In time the look of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel started to change. Eventually, more people started to prefer the look of the shorter-nosed Toy Spaniel. However, when a rich American named Roswell Elridge traveled to England and offered an enormous money prize for the best “pointed nosed” Spaniels, it sparked a huge interest back to the original look of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They eventually became the most popular dog in England and was recognized by the AKC in 1996.

Personality

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is opinioned to be the all-around best house pet that a family could own. This dog is playful, sweet, quiet, and overly affectionate. It is an absolute joy to have around and is amiable towards other pets, dogs, and strangers. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to explore the outside and is very adaptable when being trained.

Taking Care Of Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs need a moderate amount of exercise on a daily basis. This can be accomplished with a few short walks or a romp through the yard. This is one breed that is not meant to live outside. As far as grooming is concerned, its long coat will need a thorough brushing at least every other day.

Health Information

The lifespan of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can vary from 8 years on up to 15 years. Major health concerns that spring up are CHD, mitral valve insufficiency, and syringomelia. Minor healh issues include entropion and patellar luxation.

The Saint Bernard is one of the highest recognized members of the Working Group. A gentle and affectionate breed, this dog is highly devoted to its family and always willing to please. They are wonderful around children (although may not be playful enough for kids) and are easy to train.

A Brief History Of The Saint Bernard

Researchers estimate that the original roots of the Saint Bernard probably go back to the great Roman Molossian dogs. But it was not until the mid 1600s did the breed make a name for itself as a trusted saver of lives, literally.

Around this time the dogs first made their way to the famous St. Bernard Hospice, which was a refuge camp for individuals traveling between Switzerland and Germany. Originally, the dogs were used for small working tasks like pulling carts and being watchdogs. It didn’t take long for the Monks to discover that the dogs had the gift of tracking down lost people through the icy mountains.

These canines became adept at finding lost travelers quickly. When they would find someone lying in the snow the dog would lick his or her face which would help warm up and revive the individual. This invaluable service was depended on for at least three centuries. In fact, over 2,000 lives have been saved by these St. Bernards.

The most famous of these life savers was a St. Bernard named Barry. Barry is personally credited with saving a total of forty individuals. Before Barry had died the dogs were known as a variety of names. The most common was “Hospice Dogs”. Then when Barry passed away he was so widely known that to honor him people started calling the dogs “Barryhund” dogs.

Unfortunately, the breed’s numbers took a dive during the early 1800s. Inbreeding and disease caused many of the dogs to die, not to mention severe weather causing treacherous conditions for St. Bernards to deal with. A few dogs remained and were crossed with Newfoundlands during the 1830s.

The result of this cross with the Newfoundland dog had created a long-haired version of the St. Bernard. However, the long coat (although was thought may help the dog in the cold) only hindered the animal when the long strands of hair would freeze while traveling through the snow.

By 1810, the first group of St. Bernards made their way to England. The common name referred to them at this time was the “Sacred Dog”. Fifty years later, the dog became common place and was changed to its it current name, the St. Bernard.

Upkeep Requirements For The Saint Bernard

St. Bernards need exercise on a daily basis to stay healthy and fit. Just a few walks on the leash or a romp outside in the yard will be plenty. Many (new) proud owners of the breed make the mistake of keeping their St. Bernard puppies indoors but this living situation has the tendency to make puppies overweight, thus causing hip problems. It’s best to have a fenced-in yard that they can roam around in during the day, even as puppies.

It is not ideal for the breed to live in a hot climate, even if the seasons change to colder weather during the winter. They must have year-round cooler temperatures. Grooming requirements for the St. Bernard (whether you own a long-hair version or a short-hair version) consist of a thorough brushing about once per week, more when shedding. Drooling is also a common habit of these dogs.

Health Concerns

The average life span of the St. Bernard is between eight and ten years. Major health problems that run common in the breed are ectropion, osteosarcoma, CHD, entropion, gastric torsion, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues include heart conditions, hot spots, CVI, diabetes, OCD, cardiomyopathy, and seizures. Veterinarians suggest that the breed get specifically tested for eye, cardiac, hip, and elbow problems.

Always an amazing sight to see, the Great Dane is a very large dog that is said to be the result of the Greyhound and the ancient Molossus war dog. These ancestors helped the Great Dane to be a fearless hunter of big game. By the 14th century, these dogs were widely known for their agility and strength to hunt down wild boar. They proved to have the speed, courage, strength, and stamina to take down these tough, large animals.

Eventually the Great Dane became very popular with the landed gentry because of their hunting ability, combined with its graceful, yet intimidating appearance. These were noble dogs that made the perfect addition to any upper-class family.

The early name for this dog was actually referred to as “German Boarhounds” by the local British people. When and why the name Great Dane came to define these dogs is unknown and remains a mystery.

Interestingly enough, you would assume that it’s homeland would be with the Danish because of its name. However, it is actually a German breed which, in 1880, the German authorities tried to officially claimed its name as the Deutsche Dogge. However, this name did not stick and by the time these dogs arrived in America during the late 1800s, the name “Great Dane” has been the official name ever since.

Personality

The temperament of the Great Dane is a combination of dependability, friendliness, and courage. They are generally very friendly towards other household pets, humans, and even children. However, with small kids this dog is typically a bit intimidating. As with any dog, the Great Dane should be supervised when around your young ones.

Taking Care Of Your Great Dane

Upkeep for the Great Dane does not take much; daily moderate exercise in the form of a brisk walk two to three times per day is adequate. Many people assume that because of its large sturdy appearance, Great Danes can live outdoors. But the truth is that it is not suited for outdoor living at all. The best thing to do is to split the dog’s time up between staying outside during the day and inside at night. Care for its coat is minimal, requiring only the occasional brushing. Also, many Great Danes tend to drool often.

Health Information

Great Danes are generally very healthy with minimal health issues that show up. Major health problems often seen are osteosarcoma, gastric portion, and cardiomyopathy. Minor issues include OCD, hypothyroidism, CHD, HOD, and Wobbler’s syndrome (known as CVI). Because of its large size, the lifespan of the average Great Dane is between 7 and 10 years.

The English Toy Spaniel is an easy-going and friendly member of the Toy Group. With a Pug-like expression and it’s gentle manner, this breed is the perfect pet for anyone that enjoys a reserved, easy-to-raise house dog. They are friendly to both strangers and other pets, and make an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The English Toy Spaniel

As its name suggests, the area of origin of the breed is England. They were used to flush birds out for hunters in addition to being a loving family companion at home. Interestingly enough, they share the same history to that of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Both started out as one breed, more likely from crosses of Oriental toy breeds and small spaniels.

Researchers claim that the breed started from toy spaniels that were brought to Scotland from France, by Mary, Queen of Scots. The rich adored the little dog and they became common lapdogs for the wealthy class. When the 17th century came about, the dogs became even more popular, especially with King Charles II, to which he is credited for officially naming the breed after his name – King Charles Spaniels.

These early King Charles Spaniels were all black and tan with variations developed soon after. Through the following centuries, these dogs were bred down to be smaller in size with physical differences – in the rounder shape of the head and a much flatter nose. In the United States these new versions were known as English Toy Spaniels.

Upkeep Requirements For The English Toy Spaniel

Toy dog breeds are typically very active and spunky, however, the English Toy Spaniel does not fit into this category at all. It is calm, reserved, and does not need much activity to keep up with its exercise requirements. A few walks on the leash each day is plenty.

These dogs do not tolerate heat well and should live indoors. Outside playtime in the yard is acceptable so long as the weather is on the cool side. Grooming requirements for the breed call for a thorough brushing at least twice per week.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the English Toy Spaniel is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are patellar luxation only. Minor issues that may show up include early tooth loss and droopy tongue (when the tongue hangs uncontrollably from the mouth). PDA is sometimes seen. Veterinarians suggest that English Toy Spaniels get tested for knee problems.

The Sealyham Terrier is not your average terrier. Unlike most of the group, these dogs are unusually calm and mild-mannered. They present the look of a short-legged toy dog but with the function of a great hunter. Sealyham Terriers are perfect for any family that enjoys a dog that has minimal upkeep and small enough to bring anywhere.

They are absolutely perfect to have around children. With a playful personality and always ready to dig and chase, the Sealyham is the ideal companion. They are moderately friendly towards other pets in the house and somewhat reserved around strange people and dogs, yet will bark incessantly at night if someone approaches, making the breed an outstanding watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is the product of a man named Captain John Edwardes, of Sealyham. It’s origins are from Wales and they date back to the 1800s. It is said that the breed may even go as far back as the 15th century, as John Edwardes is a descendant of family that is rumored to have imported the small dogs into Wales.

From 1850 to 1891 the Captain worked hard at taking his family of dogs and creating the Sealyham Terrier that we admire today. The exact crosses that went into his breeding program are not documented, but some experts believe that it carries the traits of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Whatever bloodlines went into the mix, the results were positive – a plucky terrier that gained quick respect as an avid hunter of small animals, foxes, and otters.

The Sealyham Terrier became a natural at winning dog shows, entering the show ring in 1903 and becoming officially recognized by the AKC in 1911. Dog enthusiasts quickly sought out the breed because of its smart appearance, dog show qualities, and hunting skills. To this day it is a regular contender in earthdog trials around the globe.

Upkeep Requirements For The Sealyham Terrier

Taking care of the Sealyham Terrier is as easy as can be for any dog owner. They are only moderately active so daily exercise requirements can be met with a few short walks on the leash and a romp around the living room floor, making these dogs perfect candidates for individuals living in a small apartment.

Sealyham Terriers have tolerance to moderately hot or cool temperatures, but are not the type to live completely outside. In fact, they are best suited for indoor living. They enjoy playing games and exploring when given the chance. Grooming requirements for the Sealyham Terrier calls for a good brushing of its wiry coat two to three times per week. A good shaping is also recommended every three months to keep the coat neat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Sealyham Terrier is between eleven and thirteen years. There are no major health concerns and the only minor health issues that run common in the breed include lens luxation and retinal dysplasia. Veterinarians suggest that the Sealyham get specifically tested for eye problems.

Smooth Fox Terriers can best be described as having a bold, adventurous personality, independent and mischievous, feisty and alert. Their ability to be trained ranks high, as these dogs soak up all forms of obedience training and dog tricks. They are moderately friendly towards other dogs and pets, but reserved around strange people, making these terriers excellent watchdogs.

The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the most active and energetic members of the Terrier Group. This dog absolutely craves action and will make the most of any space it has to run around in. Given this need to expend energy, they are best suited for families that are on the go and whom spends plenty of time outside.

A Brief History Of The Smooth Fox Terrier

Although there is no official documentation on the ancestry of the Smooth Fox Terrier, we do know that they were around during the late 1700s. The dog’s area of origin is England and by the early 1800s they had become quite popular, even before having been seen in the show ring. In fact, they were one of the first breeds to ever enter a dog show.

The original function of the Smooth Fox Terrier was to chase away fox and hunt small animals. They would normally accompany a pack of Foxhounds during these hunts. At one point the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Fox Terrier were interbred, but that practice did not last long.

Interbreeding the two varieties had stopped long before the late 1900s and so were classified as two distinct breeds by the AKC in 1985. Today the Smooth Fox Terrier is still a moderately popular household pet and can be seen regularly competing at earthdog trials.

Upkeep Requirements For The Smooth Fox Terrier

This is one dog that absolutely must have daily exercise to keep up with its high energy levels. If left alone for too long they will find something to do, which typically leads to frustration and destruction. Therefore. owners of the Smooth Fox Terrier must enjoy spending quality playtime with their dog.

Smooth Fox Terriers can live outside in moderately hot or cold temperatures, so long as the weather is not extreme, but should sleep inside at night with the family. They are a devoted breed that needs to have constant human companionship. Grooming requirements call for a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. These smooth-coated terriers also tend to shed more than the wires.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Smooth Fox Terrier is between ten and thirteen years. There are no major health concerns noted in the breed. Minor heath issues that are seen include Legg-Perthes, cataracts, distichiasis, and lens luxation. Rarely seen is patellar luxation and deafness. Veterinarians suggest that Smooth Fox Terriers get specifically tested for eye problems.

Sporting dogs are known to be excellent hunters – and at the top of the list is the classic Pointer dog breed. Considered to be a wide-ranging hunter, the Pointer is able to run for hours on end, while showing off its excellent bird hunting skills.

Like most sporting dogs, the Pointer absolutely must have plenty of daily exercise. These dogs are instinctively on the never-ending hunt for birds, even inside the house! Because of this genetic hunting trait, the dog can become a bit distracted by everyday matters. But don’t get too sidetracked by the high energy output of this lovable canine – Pointer dogs are just as gentle and kind as they are vigorous.

A Brief History Of The Pointer

History tells us that the earliest Pointer dogs were used sometime during the 17th century. However, they were not used to point birds, but instead to point hare, which, once pointed, the hunters would release Greyhound dogs to pursue the hunt.

During the 18th century, wing-shooting became popular and it was this hunting activity that the Pointer found it’s talent as an excellent bird locator. Any hunter who trained the ideal Pointer would have his dog find game, respond to its location, and remain perfectly still until the hunter could aim in for the shot.

The early Pointer dogs were reported to have many different blood types that made up their genetic make-up. Such examples include mixes from Bloodhounds, Foxhounds, older setting spaniels, and Greyhounds.

Today’s Pointer is the inherent mix of the older Spanish Pointers and Italian Pointers. Soon enough recreational hunting on large land properties became the most popular use of these dogs. The ideal hunting situation would have two Pointers used to locate a bird so that the hunter could cross-reference the canines’ points. This strategy was very successful.

Upkeep Requirements For The Pointer

The first consideration to keep in mind if you want to own one of these amazing animals is that Pointer dogs need an abundance of daily exercise. In fact, they top the list of breeds that need to run and play, day in and day out.

If your lifestyle is one that does not have lots of outside activities, or if you live in a small apartment, then Pointers are not the breed for you. The ideal home situation for the Pointer to be happy is one that offers the dog time to hunt outside, even on its own, so that it can enjoy running and scouring the woods for small prey.

Never expect this dog to sit in the house all day. Even one day of inactivity can cause a Pointer to become destructive. The best set up is to have a large open space for the Pointer to play in during the day while sleeping inside at night with the family.

Health Concerns For The Pointer

Healthy Pointer dogs can have an average life span of up to fifteen years, with most living between twelve and fourteen years. Major health concerns to watch out for include entropion with minor issues including hypothyroidism and CHD. Pointer dogs may occasionally show signs of deafness and cataracts but these health problems are rare. Veterinarians suggest testing Pointer dogs for potential eye, hip, and thyroid problems.

A bountiful hunter that also makes an excellent family companion, the English Springer Spaniel is a member of the sporting group. This dog never seems to run out of cheerful personality and can literally run and play for hours without getting tired.

Care must be taken that this dog does not get trapped inside of the house for too long at a time, for restlessness and frustration can set in quickly. It is most happy when roaming the land and playing with its owners. With an overly-friendly personality towards humans and other pets, the English Springer Spaniel makes the perfect family dog.

A Brief History Of The English Springer Spaniel

As spaniel dogs became increasingly popular and specialized, the larger-sized land spaniels became proficient at flushing out game. Before guns became the hunter’s killing tool, the land spaniel would flush out its prey and the hunter would have nets ready to trap the animal. Also used were Greyhounds to further chase the animal should it escape the net trap.

The first mention of springers came about the late 1500s and sometime during the 1800s we can trace specifically-bred springer dogs which began to show up. One of the most popular known dogs came from the Duke of Norfolk, whose breed of dogs have heavily influenced the English Springer Spaniel that we see today.

The spaniels bred by the Duke of Norfolk were so popular at the time that the name of the breed was called Norfolk Spaniels. It wasn’t until the year 1900 that the name was changed to Springer Spaniel.

The history of this breed became further complicated by the fact that the smaller version of the dog, the Cocker Spaniel, and the larger Springer, were both the same breed but with different size variations. It wasn’t until 1902 did the Springer become recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club.

Upkeep Requirements For The English Springer Spaniel

As mentioned in the beginning of this breed profile, the English Springer Spaniel cannot live happily without a lot of daily exercise. Therefore, owning one means that small apartment living is out of the question. It thrives on hunting so living on plenty of land for the dog to roam free is the ideal living situation.

As with most sporting dogs, the English Springer Spaniel can spend most of its time outside but prefers to sleep indoors at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements consist of weekly heavy brushing and clipping of the feet and ears about every two to three months.

Health Concerns

There are several health concerns that run common with the English Springer Spaniel. Major issues include CHD, otitis externa, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues include PRA, phosphofructokinase deficiency, and retinal dysplasia. Occasionally reported are seizures, rage syndrome, patellar luxation, and gastric torsion. Veterinarians suggest that they get tested for eye, knee, hip and elbow problems, as well as DNA for phosphofructokinase deficiency. Healthy English Springer Spaniels have an average life span of up to fourteen years, with the average being twelve to thirteen.

Long before shotguns were used to kill birds when hunting, nets were used to catch the foul, which were helped by dogs that were trained to crouch whenever they pointed game. “Setters” as these dogs were called, were the foundation of today’s English Setter.

The English Setter is the oldest dog known from these groups. In fact, it is theorized that they date back well before the 15th century. Their function was to locate game and then remain still, practically frozen, until the game was taken away by hunters.

The English Setter’s ancestors were probably the Large Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and the Spanish Pointer. Beginning around the year 1825, specific breeding for the production of the English Setter was started by a man named Edward Laverack. He continued to breed his Setters for well over 30 years. In fact, these are the dogs that created the base-line of all English Setters of today.

Other breeders continued to produce English Setters, but with specific emphasis on other functions. One such person was named Purcell Llewellin. He started with Setters that came straight from Edward Laverack and based his breeding entirely on field ability.

Mr. Llewellin mixed his Laverack Setters with outside English Setters which created some of the most outstanding field dogs of his time. Eventually these dogs were imported to the United States and has enjoyed steady growth as a popular household pet ever since.

Personality

The English Setter is a particularly amiable breed of dog that is most often calm and relaxed, and make great house pets. Genetically, they were bred to hunt and cover miles upon miles of ground distance, therefore, physical exertion and running is a favorite pastime for the English Setter. This is one dog that cannot be kept indoors without exercise for too long at a time.

Taking Care Of Your English Setter

As previously mentioned, upkeep for the English Setter requires intense daily physical stimulation. Lots of exercise each and every day is a requirement, at least one good hour of fast-paced running. This dog is best to live indoors, but should be able to roam outside most of the day-time hours. Due to its long coat, the English Setter’s fur may prove to be difficult to keep clean and shiny. It needs regular brushing every two to three days, minimum.

Health Information

The lifespan of the English Setter can last up to 12 years, with 11 years being the average. Major health concerns that may arise are hypothyroidism, CHD, deafness, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues are PRA and OCD. Every once in a while this dog breed may see epilepsy, but this is extremely rare.

The sporting group of dog breeds would not be complete without the beautiful Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. This canine can spend hours running, retrieving, and playing outside. When it comes to fun and games with the Toller, throwing the ball a few times just won’t cut it. Be prepared to expend some energy because he’ll be back for more and more!

Whether they are playing, hunting, or just plain walking on the leash with you, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever does everything with gusto. Alert, yet calm, these dogs have the ability to adjust to any circumstances.

A Brief History Of The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Ever since the early 17th century, the Europeans had used canines to toll (which means to lure or act as a decoy). In order for these dogs to toll they would simply walk the shoreline, frolicking along, playing with sticks and such – activities that attract ducks to the area. The properly trained dog would continue walking along, acting aloof and ignoring the ducks until the hunter would shoot at them.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was created during the early part of the 19th century, in Yarmouth County, located in the southern most part of Nova Scotia. Historians suggest that the dog may have been a descendant of the red European decoy dog with a mix of farm collies and various types of retrievers, setters and spaniels. One theory suggests that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever came from the tolling American Indian dogs.

The breed was originally referred to as the “Yarmouth Toller” or the “Little River Duck Dog” before the official name of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever became commonplace. In 1915 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed, which had fifteen Tollers registered for that year.

Sometime during the early 1960s, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was exported to the United States, and although their popularity grew, it was not until the year 1984 that a proprietary club was formed dedicated to the canine. The club’s name was the Duck Tolling Retriever Club (of the U.S.)

The purpose of this club was to offer a breed championship, requiring basic retrieving skills and tolling trials. In 2001 they became part of the AKC’s miscellaneous class and in 2003 the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was officially accepted into the Sporting Group.

Upkeep Requirements For The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Any dog that is part of the sporting group is known to have high exercise requirements. And this couldn’t be more true when talking about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Be prepared for daily runs and time in the water with your Toller.

These dogs also score at the top when it comes to playfulness, affection, and friendliness to both people and other pets. But don’t let their kind nature fool you, as the Toller will show weariness of strangers if need be. And home living should be just that – have your Toller living inside the house. This is one dog that, although needs plenty of time outdoors, does not fare well if put outside for the night.

Health Concerns

Healthy Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs have an average life span of between eleven to thirteen years. Amazingly healthy, there are no major health issues that run through the breed and the only minor problems that are seen are PRA and CHD. Veterinarians suggest that all Tollers get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

The German Wirehaired Pointer is both an amiable companion and a tough bird dog. Like all sporting dogs, this canine has seemingly endless energy and can roam the land and run for hours. Because of this high energy out-put, the German Wirehaired Pointer must have daily exercise and live with a family that enjoys spending time outdoors.

Considered to be a bit stubborn (in a good way), the German Wirehaired Pointer makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. Because of these qualities, the breed tends to be quite overprotective of its owners and does not fare well with people it doesn’t know. The same goes for strange dogs that crosses paths with a German Wirehaired Pointer.

But despite it’s protective personality and aggressive attitude towards strange people and animals, the German Wirehaired Pointer makes an excellent family pet that can be playful with children (so long as the children are not overly aggressive during play).

A Brief History Of The German Wirehaired Pointer

There was a time when game bird hunting was not accessible to the average man. But soon enough all levels of society were able to freely hunt and spot birds for prey. For such a day’s hunt, an excellent hunting breed was needed. The quest for a talented and versatile hunting dog made its popularity known in Germany, which produced the German Wirehaired Pointer – one of Germany’s most successful sporting breeds.

The German Wirehaired Pointer was created out of the hunter’s desire to have a dog that could find and point to upland game, track injured game, face tough prey, retrieve from land or water, all the while making an excellent watch dog. In addition to function, the breed needed to maintain a rough, durable and wiry coat that could protect the dog when hunting through heavy brush and bristle.

The most heavily influential ancestor of the breed was the Pudelpointer, which was a combination of the Pointer and the German Pudel. It was then crossed with the Griffon, the early German Wirehaired Pointer, Polish Water Dog, and the Stichelhaar. Although officially recognized in Germany during the late 1920s, the German Wirehaired Pointer did not make its way to the United States for recognition until 1959.

Upkeep Requirements For The German Wirehaired Pointer

As mentioned in the beginning of this breed profile, owning a German Wirehaired Pointer means providing the dog with tons of daily exercise. Typical walks on the leash will not be enough to expend the energy this canine needs each day.

The best living situation for the German Wirehaired Pointer to have is plenty of property to run around on during the day. This dog can do quite well when living outside. Because of its rough, wiry coat it can far well in colder temperatures, but as with any dog, sleeping inside with the rest of the family is advised.

Health Concerns For The German Wirehaired Pointer

Occasionally seen in the German Wirehaired Pointer is CHD, but overall this is a very healthy breed. Minor issues that could show up are hypothyroidism. Rarely seen, but possible, are elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, entropion, seizures, and heart disease. Veterinarians suggest having your German Wirehaired Pointer tested for potential cardiac, elbow, hip, and thyroid problems. Healthy German Wirehaired Pointer dogs show an average lifespan of between twelve and fourteen years.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an outstanding watchdog and will protect its family at all costs. Equally as efficient in being a fearless guardian, this terrier brings to its owners love and attention. They are generally gentle around children, but may be a bit too rough and dominant with smaller kids.

When it comes to strangers approaching, the American Staffordshire Terrier is bit reserved and may bark to ward off the unknown person. The same goes for other dogs and strange pets. They are true protectors at heart but can be friendly towards people so long as its owner is around. When it comes to training, this dog learns quickly but works best with an owner that has a more dominant personality.

A Brief History Of The American Staffordshire Terrier

As its name suggests the American Staffordshire Terrier originated from the United States, dating back to the 1800s. Although there is some confusion over how the dog received its name, this breed also shares the same bloodline as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It all started when breeders crossed an older Bulldog type with the English Smooth Terrier. The creation was a dog referred to as the Bull and Terrier, which was later changed to the Staffordshire bull Terrier.

These dogs’ number one road to fame was the ability to fight in the ring. Although illegal, these fights were very popular among people for placing bets and it was how the Bull and Terrier made its way to the United States, sometime during the late 1800s. They dominated the fighting pits and became known as three different versions in the U.S. – Pit Bull Terrier, Yankee Terrier, and the American Bull Terrier.

The Americans wanted a bigger version of the fighting dogs so they crossed the strains and the breed was officially known as the Staffordshire Terrier, recognized by the AKC in 1936. In 1972 the dog’s name was then changed to the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Upkeep Requirements For The American Staffordshire Terrier

This breed must have plenty of daily exercise to keep up with its high-energy levels. Their ancestors were bred specifically to fight and this means that today’s Stafford still needs to expend enormous amounts of energy. Vigorous games outside and several brisk walks on the leash is ideal. Jogging with your Staffordshire is also a perfect activity.

These dogs can handle both moderately hot and cool temperatures and should be able to spend plenty of time outside. The ideal living arrangement is to have the American Staffordshire Terrier able to access a large fenced-in yard while being able to go inside the house whenever he pleases. Grooming requirements call for a light brushing every few weeks to remove dead hair, nothing more.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the American Staffordshire Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed is PRA, cerebellar, and CHD. Minor health issues include hypothyroidism, allergies, and cruciate ligament rupture. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for potential hip, elbow, thyroid, cardiac, and eye problems.

The German Shepherd is currently listed as the third most popular dog breed registered with the AKC. This dog resembles that of its ancestor, the Wolf, and was originally bred to be the ideal hurting Shepherd and guard dog.

Although this breed went through several name changes during World War I, mainly due to its German heritage, it was officially renamed the German Shepherd and recognized by the AKC in 1931. And while its popularity ranking is down just a bit, it has been a top choice as a family companion for generations.

German Shepherds score very high in terms of protection ability, watchdog status, and training adaptability. Although playfulness and affection does not rank as high as other dog breeds, the German Shepherd is actually a perfect choice for a family pet.

This dog is extremely protective of its home, as well as members of the family. He is considered aloof and a bit suspicious towards strange people and other animals. However, they can be tamed and gentle around children and other house pets.

Upkeep And Maintenance

As far as upkeep is concerned, German Shepherds need mental and physical challenges on a daily basis. With the ability to learn new tricks and obedience lessons, this dog is extremely intelligent. Physical activity must also be a part of this dog’s daily life. Long walks and running outside is ideal.

Health Information

What it comes to health issues, there are two concerns that you need to know about: CHD and elbow dysplasia. Minor health concerns which occasionally strike the German Shepherd are skin allergies, hemangiosarcoma, malignant neoplasms, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, gastric torsion, and hot spots.

The lifespan of the average healthy German Shepherd is anywhere between 10 and 12 years. This is based on a dog who remains healthy and is active throughout its lifetime. Specific health tests suggested by veterinarians for German Shepherds are elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.

The Ibizan Hound is one of the most instinctive hunting dogs of the Hound Group. They can locate just about any animal using highly tuned-in scent and hearing skills. If given the chance to chase, these dogs will jump at the opportunity to go after small animals. They often bark while chasing prey, which is uncommon among most sighthounds. Indoors, the Ibizan makes a wonderful house pet with a quiet, well-mannered demeanor and highly devoted to its family.

A Brief History Of The Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan hound has its roots that date back to the Ancient times, from the Balearic Islands. Their physical appearance is strikingly similar to that of the Pharaoh Hound, both bearing an amazing similar look as those depicted in Egyptian tombs.

It is said that Ancient Phoenician sea traders had brought these dogs with them to the Balearic Islands (Ibizan), where they remained secluded from the outside world for some time. And although Ibizan had experienced many rulers over the years, the Ibizan Hound still remained totally pure without being crossed with other breeds. Very little has changed from its ancestral stock.

The first Ibizan Hound made its way to the United States during the 1950s. The dog made quite an impression due to its unusually striking look. Although it became popular quickly, the breed’s numbers never really took off. Gradually it had gained enough notice to be recognized by the AKC in 1979. Today the Ibizan still remains a rare breed to be seen.

Upkeep Requirements For The Ibizan Hound

Being the proud owner of the Ibizan Hound means living an active lifestyle. Daily runs or sprints in a safe area will keep this dog happy. In fact, they have the most fun when allowed to run at full speed, which means having access to a large field. Ideally you should live on a large property with plenty of open land to keep the Ibizan happy.

This not the type of hound that is meant to live outdoors. Although they should have access to the yard during the day it is important that they sleep inside at night with the family. Ibizan dogs have a moderate tolerance for heat but not so much for cooler temperatures. Grooming requirements for the breed calls for the occasional brushing every couple of weeks. The wire-coated version will need brushing more often – about once weekly.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Ibizan Hound is between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns to worry about. Minor health problems that run common in the breed include seizures and allergies. Rarely seen is retinal dysplasia, cataracts, axonal dystrophy, and deafness. Veterinarians suggest that Ibizan Hounds get specifically tested for eye problems.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog may look like an over-grown teddy bear, but this dog is actually one of the hardest working members of the Herding Group. With a shaggy appearance, this long-coated breed is strong, muscular, and with the speed and agility to control livestock. This Sheepdog can weigh anywhere from 30 to 35 lbs, with a height averaging from 18 to 20 inches.

The temperament of the breed is best summed up as affectionate yet territorial, loving yet energetic, playful yet protective. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog makes a loyal watchdog and an aggressive family protector against intruders. They are friendly towards other dogs and pets but reserved around strange people. This breed can also be trusted around small children.

A Brief History Of The Polish Lowland Sheepdog

As the name of the breed suggests, Poland is the area of origin, with its bloodline dating back to the Ancient times. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is actually known as the “Polski Owczarek Nizinny” in most parts of the world. In the United States, the nickname commonly referred to the breed is “PON”.

The exact origins of the dog is estimated to have began with a Tibetan breed from Central Asia, introduced by Tibetan traders to Eastern Europe. Researchers claim that there is a good possibility that these long coated Tibetan dogs were interbred with Hungarian sheepdogs (corded coated type), sometime during the 4th century.

These dogs were used with much success working with shepherds. Not only could they control sheep with precision, but did so without frightening them. For centuries they were used as working dogs on the Polish lowlands until interest in the breed sprung up by fanciers in Europe, between 1800 and 1900.

After World War II, the numbers of the PON dropped dramatically. It is estimated that less than 200 of the dogs were alive. It didn’t take long for breeders to seek the challenge to reconstitute the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, and they were successful. The breed gained AKC recognition in 2001.

Upkeep Requirements For The Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog will only be happy if living an active lifestyle. They have extraordinarily high energy levels which must be met with vigorous daily games, walks, and exercises. They are easily trainable and enjoy mental stimulation through obedience training. The breed flourishes best when given the chance to herd.

Living arrangements for the breed are best met with access to a wide open (yet safe) outside area during the day, and to sleep indoors at night with the family. Their shaggy coat gives them the ability to withstand cool temperatures but the PON does not fare well in hot weather. Grooming requirements for the breed calls for a thorough brushing every other day to keep its long coat healthy and clean.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is between ten and fourteen years. This breed is one of the healthiest alive today, with absolutely no major or minor health concerns. Veterinarians do suggest, however, that they get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

The Newfoundland dog breed comes from the coast of, you guessed it, Newfoundland. There is absolutely no disagreement about this fact between dog historians, but quite the opposite is true in reference to its genetic ancestry.

We do know that the Newfoundland dog can be traced back to the Tibetan Mastiff dog breed. However, there are no live records that report Tibetan Mastiffs being brought to Newfoundland. Many experts agree that they came from Tibetan Mastiffs in part by Great Pyrenees dogs which were crossed with Black English retrievers. The Husky may have had a part to play in the mix as well.

Whatever the true mixture of dog breeds that went into the making, the result was an extremely massive bear of a dog that loves water, is resistant to cold temperatures, and comes in either black or black and white mixed.

The Newfoundland distinguished itself by being a reliable human companion that was capable of a large variety of tasks. These dogs would do the job of hauling very heavy fishing nets through cold water which otherwise had killed many human workers on-the-job, due to the extreme temperatures. They also served as pack animals and as draft dogs.

When the Europeans visited and were introduced to the Newfoundland dog, they were immediately impressed and returned back to Europe with many specimens. It was at this time that the breed first entered show ring competitions.

Because so many of the dogs were exported out of Newfoundland to other parts of the world, along with strict local laws that forbid any one household to have more than one of these dog breeds, their numbers dwindled. Fortunately, the English and the Americans took great notice of the breed and drove its numbers back up. Today the Newfoundland is one of the most popular of the large dog breeds.

Personality

The one personality trait that many dog enthusiasts appreciate about the very intimidating Newfoundland is its calmness. Despite its size, this dog is extremely gentle and patient. They are sweet, amiable, and get along with just about any human and animal. However, if crossed the wrong way they will jump to the devotion of protecting its family.

Taking Care Of Your Newfoundland

Large dogs like the Newfoundland can have its physical requirements taking care of by walks on the leash or a short romp through a field. Living next to water is ideal for anyone that wishes to own a Newfoundland, as these dogs go crazy for water fun and retrieving games.

Hot weather is not a friend to the Newfoundland but it can fare well outside during cold temperatures. It is always best to allow access to both the outdoors and inside of the house. Grooming requirements consist of a thorough brushing approximately twice per week, more so during times of shedding.

Health Information

The average lifespan of a healthy Newfoundland dog is approximately 10 years. Major health concerns that may come up are gastric torsion, cystinuria, SAS, CHD, and elbow dysplasia. Minor health issues include vWD, OCD, ectropion, cruciate ligament ruptures, and cataracts.

Pronounced “Lerv-chun”, the Lowchen name means “Little Lion Dog”. This dog breed shares its roots with several other members of the Bichon family, such as the Havanese and Bichon Frise.

The exact origin of the Lowchen is still unknown, even though several countries have all claimed to have started the breed (France, Russia, and Germany). We do know that dogs which resembled the Lowchen, with its noticeable lion trim, were found in German artwork from the 16th century.

Traditionally, the lion trim look came with the coat clipped short from the dog’s last rib all the way down to the hock joint, including the hindquarters. The front legs are shaved from the elbow to slightly above the dog’s pastern. The feet are also clipped and approximately one half of the tail is shaved. Whatever long hair is left over is left ‘as is’.

The Lowchen dog breed almost vanished during the 1960s when its numbers had slipped down to practically nothing. Fortunately, through the help of two dog enthusiasts, the Lowchen was revived when this group of breeders imported a handful of related dogs from Germany and moved them to Britain. The animals were in such small numbers that they had to be interbred extensively which helped form the base for today’s Lowchen breed in both Britain and in the United States.

The survival of the Lowchen dogs proved to be successful and the breed was entered into the AKC’s miscellaneous class in the year of 1996. Then in 1999 the Lowchen was an official member of the non-sporting group.

Personality

The Lowchen is the perfect dog for a quiet family that enjoys having a lovable and high-spirited small dog around the house. With their high energy levels and friendly attitude towards people and other animals, this dog is a ball of fun to have around, always willing to please, and is easily trainable. In addition, the Lowchen makes an excellent watchdog, similar to most small dog breeds.

Taking Care Of Your Lowchen

Because of its small size, the Lowchen can have its exercise requirements taken care of by a short walk or brief play sessions on a daily basis. These dogs also enjoy mental stimulation and fun games. Lowchens are not meant to live outside but it does appreciate having the freedom to roam in an enclosed yard if possible. Grooming does require a little work, with a thorough brushing every other day. To keep its traditional lion trim, Lowchen dogs will need clipping every couple of months.

Health Information

Of the hundreds of dog breeds known around the world, only a very small percentage do not have health concerns to worry about. The Lowchen is one of them. With no major health issues and the only minor problem which is common with all small dogs (patellar luxation), the Lowchen typically lives a long and healthy life of up to 16 years.

The Shih Tzu is a member of the toy dog group which got its name from the Chinese, meaning “Lion Dog”. However, even though this dog breed is typically associated with China, research shows that the Shih Tzu’s original origins actually date back to the 17th century in the land of Tibet.

Most dog breeds become listed as official members of the American kennel club as far back as the 1800s and into the early 1900s. However, the Shih Tzu was not officially recognized by the AKC until the late 1960’s. That decade dawned an explosion of Shih Tzus as household pets and as its popularity grew, the AKC took notice and registered the breed.

Shih Tzu dogs are known to be a bit on the spunky side, yet extremely friendly and sweet. They are very lovable lapdogs who enjoy playing and running around with their owner. These animals are wonderful house pets and are great with children. In fact, the Shih Tzu scores high on the “friendliness scale” when it comes to other dogs, other pets, and even strangers .

Upkeep And Maintenance

Even though the Shih Tzu is a fairly small dog, it still needs a good dose of daily exercise. A 15 to 20 minute brisk walk on a leash is ideal, yet because it is so small, a good romp around the house from room to room is also an excellent way for the Shih Tzu to get his daily physical requirements.

Like most toy breeds, Shih Tzus are not meant to live outside. These animals are house dogs who cannot stand hot, humid weather. And because of its long, luxurious coat, grooming the Shih Tzu should be done on a daily basis.

Health Information

Shih Tzu dogs that are in good health have a lifespan of up to 14 or more years. The only major health concern that seem to be common with this dog breed is CHD. Minor concerns include PRA, renal dysplasia, otitis externa, patellar luxation, KCS, entropion, portacaval shunt, and inguinal hernia.

Veterinarians recommend that all Shih Tzu dogs be specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, and DNA for renal dysplasia. Occasionally, the following health problems may occur: dental problems and cataracts.

The Maltese dog has been around for thousands of years. In fact, these dogs were specifically mentioned in writings that date back to as early as 300 B.C. The Greeks also have artwork that depict Maltese dogs from as early as the 5th century. This information tells us that this breed is the most ancient of all European Toy dog breeds.

Maltese dogs were exported and distributed throughout many parts of Europe and the Asian countries. However, even though they reached so many different areas of the globe, the majority of the original Malta remained in a relatively isolated area, away from other dogs. Because of this, pure breeding over centuries kept the distinctive and noble look of this small dog.

Today’s Maltese is white colored but throughout history they came in various other colors besides white. Regardless of the color changes, these dogs always kept their beautiful, long silky coat that dazzles the eye.

Maltese dogs were brought to England by the early 14th century. Here they became practically worshiped by the upper-class. Adored and pampered, wealthy families had Maltese dogs as pets to show off their nobility. Although popular at that time, it is suggested that this breed was close to extinction sometime during the early 1800s.

Soon after this time period, two Maltese dogs were brought to England from the lands of Manila to be given to Queen Victoria as a gift. However, the animals did not make it to their destination and were passed on to other people. The offspring of these two dogs became the first of their kind to be exhibited in England. They were referred to as “Maltese Terriers” even though they were not related to Terriers.

The Maltese dog breed finally made its way to the United States sometime during the late 1800s, probably around 1875 or so. At this time they were referred to as “Maltese Lion Dogs”. The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888 and has become one of the more popular dogs breeds of today.

Personality

If you are looking for a beautiful lapdog, then the Maltese should be your #1 choice. A dog to be admired and pampered, the Maltese makes a perfect pet for somebody that enjoys holding and petting their dog often. And do not let its innocent look fool you, these dogs can also be very feisty and bold. Oftentimes they will challenge dogs that are much larger in size, which makes them great watchdogs.

Taking Care Of Your Maltese

Like all pets, the Maltese must get in a bit of daily exercise. These requirements can easily be met with a quick run through the yard or a short walk on the leash. They are not outdoor dogs and are best to be kept indoors when not exercising outside. They love to be held and pampered. Grooming requirements consist of constant brushing to keep the coat clear and clean. Monthly clipping may also be needed depending upon how long you want the hair to grow.

Health Information

Maltese dogs have a lifespan of up to 15 years, with 12 to 13 being the average. There are no major health concerns to worry about, however minor issues that occasionally come up are portacaval shunt, entropion, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, open fontanel, distishiasis, hydrocephalus, and dental problems.

The Skye Terrier is one member of the Terrier Group whose small size does not equal its feisty personality. Although soft and adorable in appearance, these dogs are as fearless as they come and an equally ferocious rodent killer. However, when indoors, the Sky Terrier is mild-mannered and devoted to following the commands of its owners.

While the Sky Terrier can be a bit stubborn and bold, they are also a sensitive breed, thriving on human companionship and are overly affectionate with members of its family. They also love to play and enjoy the mental stimulation of dog training. Sky Terriers also make excellent watchdogs as they are very weary of strangers and other pets.

A Brief History Of The Skye Terrier

The history of the Skye Terrier dates back to the 1500s, with Scotland being the area of origin. Developed throughout the west coastal area, many of these little terriers were used to hunt otter and fox. The purest of the breed was found along the Isle of Skye, which of course is how they received the name “Skye Terrier”.

Although the exact history of the breed is still a puzzle, there was mention of these dogs sometime in the 16th century in reference to its beautiful coat. At one point there were several breeds of small terriers which were all grouped under the same name, but the Skye we admire today became the official version when Queen Victoria became intrigued by breed in 1840. This caused a rise in popularity for the dogs among the wealthy and commoners alike.

The Skye Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1887 and quickly became a popular show dog. But despite its distinctive looks and hunting abilities, the breed declined in numbers and is one of today’s least popular terriers found in common households.

Upkeep Requirements For The Skye Terrier

This is one dog breed that enjoys the best of both words – exploring the great outdoors while having plenty of time relaxing in the comfort of the home. They are hunters at heart so providing time each day to explore nature is ideal, but should not live outside completely.

Not an overly active dog, they can also get their exercise requirements from a few walks on the leash each day and some time running around the house. They make great companions in small spaces if need be. Sky Terriers have long-haired coats so grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about twice weekly to keep the coat neat.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Skye Terrier is between twelve and fourteen years. There are no major health concerns in the breed and the only minor health issue commonly seen is premature closure of distal radius. A truly healthy bloodline, there are no medical tests recommended by veterinarians.

The Akita is a proud member of the working group. This dog has a bold, independent personality, and is highly devoted to its family. Rated as one of the best watchdogs a man can own, the Akita will protect its family members at all costs, which makes it highly reserved around strangers and other animals.

A Brief History Of The Akita

The Akita dog breed has its origins from Japan. In fact, the breed’s roots can be found on ancient Japanese tombs, which show us that today’s Akita is the result of concerted efforts of the 19th century to recreate seven of Japan’s native breeds. The dogs used for these breeding efforts were mostly fighting breeds, some purebred and some mixed.

In time, Japanese breeders worked hard to separate many of the traits from these fighting dogs out of the Akita, specifically the pinto pattern, black mask, and the dog’s incredible size. However, American breeders were enthusiastic about these traits and actually encouraged them. To preserve the original Akita, the Akita-inu Hozankai Society of Japan was formed in 1918. Just over a decade later, in 1931, the Akita was declared an official monument in Japan.

The most recognized story of the Akita breed us about a dog named Hachiko. Hachiko had met his owner each and every day at the train station after work. When the owner died at work one afternoon, Hachiko waited for him to return, at that very spot, until the dog died – 9 years later!

The first Akita dog made its way to the United States in 1937. The famous Helen Keller was the woman who brought this Akita to America when she returned from Japan that year. When World War II was over, many Akita dogs also came back to the U.S. with members of the armed forces when returning home from battle. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1972.

Upkeep Requirements For The Akita

The Akita dog enjoys living with owners that have an active lifestyle. They need mental and physical exercise on a daily basis, preferably having the chance to run long distances in a safe area or a moderate jog on the leash. So long as they have ample amounts of exercise, Akita dogs remain well-mannered when indoors.

These dogs have an unusual tolerance for cold weather and can live outdoors in colder climates (they do not fare well in hot temperatures). But like all house pets, they are most happy when sleeping inside with the family at night. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about once per week to remove dead hair, especially during shedding season.

Health Concerns

Akita dogs have an average life span of ten to twelve years. The two major health problems that run common in the breed are PRA and CHD. Minor health concerns include gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, hypothyroidism, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, pemphigus, and cruciate ligament rupture. Veterinarians suggest that Akita dogs get tested for potential eye, hip, elbow, and thyroid problems.

The Lhasa Apso is an elegant yet sassy member of the Non-Sporting Group. The appearance of this dog cannot be mistaken. With its long flowing coat and small stature, the Lhasa Apso makes the perfect companion for individuals that enjoy a small house pet, yet one with the personality and boldness of a guard dog. They weigh from 13 to 15 pounds and stand from 10 to 11 inches.

The temperament of the breed is that of a bold, independent watchdog. Like many smaller types, the Lhasa Apso is as stubborn as it is affectionate, which makes it an excellent watchdog. They enjoy the company of the rest of the family – perfect for indoor living. The Apso is moderately friendly towards other pets, less so with other dogs, and absolutely weary of strange people.

A Brief History Of The Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed with its roots from Tibet. It’s history is mixed in with the Buddhist beliefs that the souls of the Lamas would enter the bodies of these dogs immediately after death, thus creating high respect and reverence for the little canines.

These dogs were also used as dependable watchdogs in the monasteries. They would sound off the alert through barking when visitors approached. This service gave rise to the nickname “Abso Seng Key”, which means the Bark Lion Sentinel Dog.

When the breed made its way to England they were known as the Lhassa Terrier, even though it was not a terrier in any way, shape or form. The name Lhasa Apso is the breed’s western name, said to have been derived from its native name.

The first Lhasa Apso dogs made their way to the United States sometime during the early 1930s. In 1935, the breed became recognized by the AKC as a member of the Terrier Group, then changed officially to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959.

Upkeep Requirements For The Lhasa Apso

Despite the small size of the Lhasa Apso, this dog needs a moderate amount of daily exercise to keep it happy. These exercise requirements can be met with several brisk walks on the leash or simply running around the living room. Play sessions outdoors are also acceptable so long as the area is safe.

This breed is not meant to live outside. They were originally bred for companionship and should stay that way. Apartment living is best suited for the Lhasa Apso. Grooming requirements consists of a thorough brushing every other day to keep its long coat neat and clean.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Lhasa Apso is between twelve and fourteen years. The only major health concern in the breed is patellar luxation. Minor health issues include distichiasis, entropion, renal cortical hypoplasia, and PRA. Rarely seen is vWD, CHD, sebaceous adenitis, and urinary stones. Veterinarians suggest that the Lhasa Apso dogs get specifically tested for knee and eye problems.

Considered to be one of the smartest and intelligent (if not the most intelligent) dog breeds today, the Toy Poodle is an absolute loving and affectionate member of the Toy Group. They are easy to train, make excellent watchdogs, and sensitive to their owner’s needs. Lively and responsive, the Toy Poodle makes the perfect house pet for anyone looking for a devoted dog that is always eager to please.

A Brief History Of The Toy Poodle

The history of the Toy Poodle shares the exact same history as that of the Standard Poodle and Miniature Poodle – members of the Non-Sporting Group. The area of origins of the breed, although thought to be France, is actually Central Europe and Germany, dating back to the 1500s.

The Barbet dog is said to be the earliest versions of the Poodle. Also in the bloodline are various rough-coated dogs. The Barbet had made its way to Russia, France, Hungary, and several other countries. But it was the German version of the dog that had the greatest influence on the breed as we know the Poodle to be today.

Excellent water dogs, they were named after the word “pfudel” which is German for splashing. The French recognized their hunting abilities and referred to the dogs as “caniche”, which is in reference to the Poodle’s duck-hunting skills. They were also used as service dogs in the military for such jobs as guarding, pulling wagons, guide dogs, and herding.

Once the Poodle became popular it was named the official dog of France and was quite fashionable with women. Smaller versions of the breed were successfully created and, although by 1920 had declined in numbers, they made a comeback and today the Toy Poodle is one of the most popular house pets in our homes.

Upkeep Requirements For The Toy Poodle

This is one breed that is not meant to be sitting at home while the family goes off and leaves the house all day. These dogs need constant love and attention from their human owners. Lots of interaction is a must for the Toy Poodle to thrive happily.

Toy Poodles also need to have plenty of exercise. They have high energy levels so several brisk walks on the leash each day plus a few laps around the yard during playtime games is ideal. This is not a breed that is meant to live outdoors. Although it enjoys having access to a safe, fenced-in yard to play during the day, Toy Poodles should sleep indoors with the family at night.

Grooming requirements for the Toy Poodle call for more work than your typical dog. In fact, their coat should be thoroughly brushed every day if possible. When these dogs shed the hair does not fall out. Instead it gets caught up in the existing curls and may cause matting if left uncared for. Professional clipping should be done about three to four times per year. The dog’s face and feet should be clipped more often, about once per month.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan for the Toy Poodle is between twelve and fourteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are patellar luxation, PRA, epilepsy, and Legg-Perthes. Minor health issues include lacrimal duct atresia, cataracts, entropion, and trichiasis. Rarely seen in the breed is urolithiasis and intervertebral disk degeneration. Veterinarians suggest that Toy Poodle dogs get tested for potential knee, hip, and eye problems.

Is it possible to find a quality puppy to adopt at your local animal shelter or breed rescue group?

Conventional wisdom says no, but representatives of both enterprises say that’s not always the case. In fact, many puppies are given up and not adopted for a while. For example, one pup named Tiger was dropped off at a local San Diego shelter when he was just 12 weeks old and is still waiting to be adopted. He is 8 months old now.

You can find a lovely puppy at a shelter. Some of these puppies come from backyard breeders or from people who find themselves saddled with “oops!” litters – when an unexpected litter of puppies results when a female dog is impregnated by accident.

Still, the availability of puppies at a shelter or breed rescue group may depend on what breed is involved. Rescue groups rarely get puppies, let alone purebred Gold Retriever puppies, for example. In another group located in New York, there have only been three litters of puppies of the nearly 800 dogs that have been placed.

In any case, breed rescue groups and animal shelters have identical missions: To match homeless dogs with people who will love them and give them permanent homes.

Shelters generally accommodate all breeds and mixes. Many are run by local governments. Some have a policy of euthanizing dogs who are not claimed or adopted after a certain period of time; others will keep adoptable dogs indefinitely.

Generally, all adoptable dogs that come to a shelter are given health examinations and any immunizations needed, and may be spayed or neutered. Many shelters also perform special tests to determine what type of temperament a dog has, and some offer training programs to help increase a dog’s chances of being adopted.

Breed rescue groups focus on serving one breed or mixes in which that single breed predominates. Volunteers for these groups identify dogs in need, take them into their own homes for foster care, attend to their medical needs, and provide remedial training to help the dogs become more adoptable.

Typically, adoptable dogs remain with rescue groups until a permanent home is found. Sometimes, that permanent home turns out to be that of the foster care provider.

Often, shelters and rescue groups work together on a dog’s behalf. For example, if a dog’s time is running out at an animal shelter, staff workers there might contact a rescue group and ask if that group can provide foster care for the dog. Such cooperation literally can be a lifesaver for a dog who needs a little more time to find a forever home.

Although we cannot pinpoint the exact time period in history when the Bassett Hound was created, historians have noted that the first mention of this dog was found within 16th-century text that made reference to “short-legged dogs used for badger hunting”.

We also know that similar dwarf breeds that had short legs were used in ancient times, but it is quite difficult to zero in on exactly when and why the Bassett Hound was purposely bred.

The word “Basset” is French and is derived from bas, meaning “dwarf”. We know that short-legged dogs were used for slower-paced hunting during the French Revolution. History of this dog breed shows a much clearer picture after the revolution.

It was at this time that Basset Hounds became more and more common as a hunting companion. Hunters needed a dog that was skilled enough with its scent ability to hunt prey, yet was slow enough so that they could be followed and hunted with guns. This is where having its small dwarf-like body became the perfect hunting recipe for these needs.

Eventually, four different versions of the short-legged kind were created. One of these versions, the Basset Artesien Normand, is what closely resembles today’s Basset Hound. During the late 1800s and then again around 1930, crosses were made with Bloodhounds to bring up their size. The first Bassett Hounds were brought to England and the United States during the late 1800s.

Personality

You will find that the Bassett Hound is one of the most laid-back and relaxed dog breeds alive. They are extremely amiable with virtually every other animal and human they come into contact with. The Basset is extremely suited for children and is well behaved even in the company of strange dogs. Although high in affection levels and friendliness, do not underestimate its watchdog abilities. These Hounds made excellent watchdogs.

Taking Care Of Your Basset Hound

Basset Hounds need a bit of daily exercise, but not too much. One or two daily walks on the leash around your neighborhood will suffice. However, like any animal, it is always beneficial for extra playtime and games when possible. Bassett Hounds should always sleep indoors with the family at night, but during the day having access to an enclosed yard is recommended. Grooming is minimal, with standard brushing and bath times during the week, but make note that these dogs do tend to drool often.

Health Information

Basset Hounds have a lifespan of between 9 and 12 years, sometimes longer, depending on good health. Major health concerns are ectropion, vWD, CHD, gastric torsion, OCD, thrombopathy, otitis externa, and elbow dysplasia. Minor issues include patellar luxation. Obesity is often a problem with these dogs when owners overfeed them, so put caution on how much food you provide.

The Belgian Tervuren is an active and intelligent member of the Herding Group. These dogs were bred to guard and herd livestock, with the physical appearance to prove it, showing off a proud posture and an elegantly muscular body. It combines great strength with agility and speed, and has the energy to run and herd non-stop all day.

The temperament of the Belgian Tervuren is as playful and alert as any breed, yet will turn quickly to reserved and defensive around strange people. They are natural watchdogs and fearless protectors. These dogs function best when ongoing mental stimulation and training is followed. They are well-mannered in the house and are safe around children, with the exception of minor nipping in the attempt to herd them.

A Brief History Of The Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren has its roots in Belgium and has been around since the 1800s. This dog is actually one of four Belgian dog breeds. All four share the same origins, with the major distinction being the coat type and color patterns. They are the long, black haired Groenendael, the short haired Malinois, the wire haired Laekenois, and the non-black haired Tervuren.

All of these breeds were used as herding dogs and as guard dogs, and were interbred both before and after being officially organized into one breed, known as the Continental or the Belgian. The Tervuren was named after a small village, known as the village of Tervuren, where the dog had its earlier residences. They were not quite as popular as the other shepherd breeds but still made the official AKC registration list in the United States in 1918.

Upkeep Requirements For The Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren, like all breeds from the Herding Group, must have lots of daily exercise. Strenuous activity in the form of running and outside games are best. They are easily trained and thrive on mental stimulation as well. They specifically enjoy herding and will even attempt to herd small children if left unsupervised.

These dogs have tolerance to moderately cool and warm temperatures, and should be given the room to roam outside during the day. Belgian Tervuren dogs absolutely cannot live in a small, closed-in space. Although they do thrive on human companionship and contact, they need plenty of time outdoors. Grooming requirements for the dog’s double coat needs a good brushing, two to three times per week.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Belgian Tervuren is between ten and twelve years. Major health concerns that are commonly seen in the breed are seizures. Minor health issues include PRA, hypothyroidism, allergies, CHD, and elbow dysplasia. Rarely seen is hemangiosarcoma, pannus, PPM, and cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that the Belgian Tervuren get specifically tested for eye, hip, and elbow problems.

The Giant Schnauzer is categorized in the family groups: Livestock Dog, Schnauzer, and the Herding group. This breed originally came from Germany, out of the the lands of Wurrtemburg and Bavaria.

Cattlemen were quite fond of the smaller standard-sized Schnauzer and thus wanted to breed a larger-sized version of the dog for specific jobs. They needed a bigger dog to drive cattle and so the Schnauzer was mixed with larger, smooth coated cattle driving dogs. The attempt was done to create a wire haired drover.

Although the exact breed crosses are not documented and cannot be accounted for first-hand, theorists have come to the conclusion that other dogs were added to the mix. These dogs are said to have been the black Poodle, Wolf Spitz, Wirehaired Pinscher, the Bouvier des Flandres, and even the Great Dane.

The end result was a dog referred to as the “Munchener”. It was smart, capable of handling cattle, and sported a weather resistant coat. In time, the breed became more and more popular and were used as stockyard dogs, guard dogs, butcher dogs, and brewery dogs.

Eventually the name was changed to the “Giant Schnauzer” and the breed was used as police dogs around the time of World War I. They excelled rapidly as a service dog but still remained unpopular around the world except for Germany.

Personality

As the name implies, the Giant Schnauzer is just that, a giant, therefore, it may be a bit too rambunctious and rough for small children. But their playful character and protective loyalty to its family also makes this breed an excellent house dog. They may be a bit reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs, but this is what makes them a top-rated watchdog with the ability to defend its family through force if needed.

Taking Care Of Your Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers need daily physical exercise but has more fun playing vigorous dog games. Long walks and hikes through the hills are a perfect activity to match this breed’s active lifestyle.

Giant Schnauzer dogs can live outdoors during cold temperatures but prefer to sleep inside with its family. Grooming requirements are 2 – 3 thorough brushings his each week to keep its wiry coat clean. Professional shaping, clipping, and scissoring are also recommended.

Health Information

The average lifespan for a healthy Giant Schnauzer is between 10 and 13 years. A very healthy dog breed, it has only 1 major health concern; CHD. Minor health issues include OCD, hypothyroidism, and gastric torsion.

The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the best all-around sporting dogs with boundless energy to retrieve both on land and in water. In fact, their tolerance for cold water enables this dog to be the hunter’s best partner during the icy winter months.

As much of a hunter this breed is, the Curly Coated Retriever also makes a wonderful house pet. They are sensitive and gentle to its owner’s needs and commands. While fierce when out on the range hunting prey, the Curly Coated Retriever displays a calm and relaxed demeanor indoors.

A Brief History Of The Curly Coated Retriever

Considered to be one of the oldest of all the retriever breed types, the Curly Coated Retriever is recorded as having been used to retrieve as early as the 18th century in England. However, the exact origins of the breed remain unsure. Dog enthusiasts believe that descendants of the Curly Coated Retriever include crosses between a smaller Newfoundland type, Old English Water Dog, and the Irish Water Spaniel.

Combined, these breeds show us that crossing some of the best water dogs in existence created the amazing Curly Coated Retriever that we know of today. Not included in the list above of cross breeding was the Poodle, which was introduced later. By crossing the breed with the Poodle, we see the distinctive curly coat that makes the Curly Coated Retriever visually different from the rest of the sporting dogs.

By the middle of the 1800s the Curly Coated Retriever became the most popular retriever dog in England. It was prized for both its ability to retrieve as well as a trusted companion. In fact, it was one of the first dog breeds to be shown at the English dog shows. They made their way to New Zealand, Australia, and in 1907 were exported to the United States, receiving recognition into the AKC in 1924.

Upkeep Requirements For The Curly Coated Retriever

Easy to maintain with minimal brushing needed, the Curly Coated Retriever makes the perfect indoor & outdoor dog. Like all sporting dogs, daily exercise is a top requirement, especially if you have the luxury of taking your dog out swimming and retrieving.

Not meant to live in small places, like apartments and condominiums, the Curly Coated Retriever does best when having enough freedom to run outside and play during the day. Sleeping arrangements should include a space in the house at night with the family. But if necessary this breed can live just fine outdoors, provided adequate shelter.

Health Concerns

One of the healthiest breeds of our time, the Curly Coated Retriever only has one main health concern that could spring up – CHD. The average life span is between eight and twelve years. There are no minor health problems to worry about and rarely seen in these breeds are cataracts and distichiasis. Veterinarians suggest that all Curly Coated Retriever dogs get tested for potential hip problems.

Most dog breeds have very little documentation to show proof of their origin and ancestry. Because of this lack of factual history, the information on most of these breeds are assumed as best possible, however, the history of the Boston Terrier is different. This dog breed is well documented.

During the late 1800s, wealthy families from Boston used to employ coachmen to interbreed some of their finest of dogs. It was at that time that one of these crosses, between an English Terrier and a bulldog, created a dog named “Hooper’s Judge”. He was well over 30 pounds but was bred with a smaller sized female. The offspring puppy, which was a boy, was then bred with a female smaller than himself. Finally, the puppies of these two dogs were then interbred with French Bulldogs, which in turn created the foundation of today’s Boston Terrier.

By the year 1890, this breed became extremely popular in the Boston area and enthusiasts of the animal created an organization called the American Bull Terrier club. Shortly after, the name was officially changed to the Boston Terrier and was recognized by the AKC as official dog breed in 1893.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Boston Terriers are extremely devoted to their owner and are very sensitive to the atmosphere and mood around them. This dog can sense whether its owner or other people are feeling upset, happy, or angry. This unique characteristic makes the Boston Terrier a wonderful companion who is clever and learns very quickly. Not all of them bark often, but most do, making this animal a great watchdog.

Daily exercise is needed, which only requires the typical walks on a leash or playtime in a field with its owner. He loves to play chasing games, especially retrieving a ball. When it comes to living arrangements, this tough looking dog may seem like it could live outdoors, but quite the opposite is true. Boston Terriers are not meant to live outside as it does not tolerate heat or cold temperatures very well, but most importantly, this animal thrives from constant human companionship with its family.

Health Information

If you keep your Boston Terrier in a constant state of good health from sound nutrition and daily exercise, it has a long lifespan of up to 14 years. Another quality of this terrific house pet is that it has absolutely no major health concerns throughout the breed. The minor health issues that rarely come up are stenotic nares, patellar luxation, elongated soft palate, and allergies. It is recommended that all Boston Terriers be specifically tested for hip dysplasia, knee problems, and potential eye issues.

This dog breed originated in the western part of England and is said to be connected to the Russian Owtcharka or the Bearded Collie. At one time, the Old English Sheepdog’s sole purpose was to defend flocks and herds from being attacked by wolves.

By the middle part of the 19th century, Old English Sheepdogs were being used to drive sheep and cattle to market. They were considered working dogs, therefore the owners were exempt from paying dog taxes. And to prove that these dogs were actually used for work, their tails were docked as proof of occupation. This tail docking has remained a custom even into modern times, which is the reason for the dog’s nickname “Bobtail”.

The Old English Sheepdog was first shown sometime in the late 1800s and became a popular show dog exhibit by the early 1900s. They were officially recognized by the AKC in the year 1905.

Although it took some time for this dog to become popular as house pets, the 1970s proved to be a booming period for many households bringing the Old English Sheepdog in as an added member of the family. This thrust in popularity was mainly the result of commercials and other media outlets which depicted Old English Sheepdogs for various roles and in advertising.

Personality

The Old English Sheepdog is considered to be a happy-go-lucky canine that is both gentle and well mannered. They tend to be a bit comical and on the jolly side, especially when at home and trying to amuse members of the family. This dog thrives on companionship and loves to be around people.

Genetically gifted for herding flock, it brings the same attitude towards children in the house and displays high levels of loyalty and protection. Old English Sheepdogs are one of the highest rated in terms of affection, friendliness towards strangers, and friendliness towards other pets.

Taking Care Of Your Old English Sheepdog

Like all dogs, the Old English Sheepdog will need daily exercise through long walks or medium-paced jogs on the leash. This dog specifically enjoys herding so if you live on a farm or large area of land with other animals, it will make the perfect setting.

Old English Sheepdogs can live outside so long as the weather is cool, bu