Mar 31, 2009

Dog Breeds - Miniature Pinscher


Breed :     Toy
Weight:     8-10 lbs
Height:     10-12.5 inches
Colors:     Clear red, stag red, black and tan

Miniature Pincher Breed Information:
Commonly known as the “The King of the Toys” a second name for the Miniature Pinscher, this dog breed is full of energy, a very feisty and enthusiastic dog,  this breed  has a hunger to experience new places and surroundings. If this breed is allowed it can surprise you by its fast running and this small king of the toys can capture your heart. This dog breed is very faithful, attentive and enjoys playing.

This breed needs proper socialization in its early days as they don't do well with people they don’t know. The Miniature Pincher are a small dog breed that enjoys with children and other pets if they are trained well.They need appropriate exercise because they are very curious and energetic. This breed of dogs is suggested for the household but only with those children who can respect them and be nice with them. This dog need proper training and a good trainer to handle it otherwise they may turn out to ill mannered and ill trained. This dog has very feisty traits which require energy and tolerance.

They need proper attention towards them regarding their grooming. Regular cleaning down with a cloth on regular basis to remove loose and dead hair is required. This beautiful short Toy king does not need much protection for its coat. The color which is suggested for this breed are solid clear red, Black and Chocolate. This dog breed is most usually seen in Red, Black and Rust.Like other Toy breeds this dog is also very difficult to train for a house, regularity is important while training such kind of dog breeds, this little dog is a very good learner and can learn very quickly if proper training is provided. It is an energetic dog which requires regular exercise and it is good for apartment living but every day training and exercise can satisfy this breed's inquisitiveness a few steps of walk can be enough for this breed and it can make you feel very happy.

Miniature Pinscher Health and Diseases:
This dog breed is generally an energetic and healthy breed but there are some health problems and dog diseases which can make them sick and these are:
  • Hip Dysplacia
  • Hernia Glucoma
  • Entropion
  • Cornial Dystropy
  • Diabetes
  • Cataracts
  • Alopecia
Keeping a pet is not just a hobby that can be taken lightly, it is also a serious responsibility and one should always provide their pet with a healthy environment, love and care. Most dog breeds are prone to dog diseases and health related issues, most of these diseases can be treated early if diagnosed in time, as responsible pet owners it is your responsibility to keep an eye on your dog, if you notice any behavioral changes or physical problems that can indicate an underlying health problem with your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian at the earliest and get your pet checked out to rule out any medical conditions. A healthy pet is a happy pet and a wonderful companion.

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Mar 30, 2009

Dog Breeds - Miniature Bull Terrier


Breed : Terrier
Weight: 25_33 lbs
Height: 10_14 inches
Colors: Pure White or any color to predominate.

Miniature Bull Terrier Breed Information:
The Bull terrier is a dual blood line it is a cross of the Bull and an old dog breed the English Terrier with a bit of Spanish pointer. This Breed was Developed in 1830 its core work was to fight with a bull in a game known as combat. This breed was soon exchanged by White cavalier and after that is has been used for different causes.

These days the bull terrier is used as a guard dog, a protector and a watchdog and have very good record in all these activities. The Miniature type of the bull terrier is originated from the same origin as the typical, But it has been bred to be a more convenient size. The Bull Terrier has a very aggressive nature and can be dangerous at times, this dog breed can defend it's owner and territory because of it's courageous attitude.

It is very strongly suggested that this dog breed should has a very experienced handler. This breed should have a very governing owner as this dog can be dangerous and passionate in a negative way if it is not controlled at an earlier stage. Sometimes this breed of dogs can be difficult to handle. This breed is not very good with small children and this breed should not ever be left alone with children. The Miniature bull terrier breed needs earlier socialization, if it is provided it can be good with other pets but it should not be trained around smaller animals because it could be dangerous and aggressive towards smaller pets.

The Bull terrier has a very short and smooth coat. The coat need to be harsh to touch and glossy. The skin of this breed always remains tight. Regular grooming is not mandatory for this short haired breed it doesn’t need regularly brushing but it need brushing some times to clean off the dirt and lose hair. It is rally important to clean its ears regularly and its nails should be shortened once every week to keep them at a convenient length. This breed is a very energetic dog breed and even does well in a small apartment as long as it is given regular exercise and walks.

Miniature Bull Terrier Health and Diseases:
Generally these dogs a quit healthy but they can suffer from the following health problems and dog diseases:
  • Hearing
  • Eye
  • Skin
  • kidney
  • Heart
  • Knee
  • Pigment related deafness occurs in both white and colored Bull Terrier also.
As a responsible pet owner it is your responsibility to keep an eye on your dog, if you notice any physical or behavioral changes in your pet these changes could indicate a problem, look out for symptoms of dog diseases and if you notice sudden changes or symptoms be sure to consult your dog's vet at the earliest for an early diagnosis and treatment.

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Dog Breeds - Miniature Australian Shepherd


Breed type: Not AKC Recognized
Weight: 20_40 lbs
Height: 13_18 inches
Colors: Blue Merle, Black, Red Merle, and all re with and with out white marking and/or tan points.

Miniature Australian Shepherd Breed Information:
This breed originated from the Australian Shepherd and we can say it is a new breed compared to the other older breeds of dogs. The miniature Australian Shepherd breed is becoming popular because of their small size and strong ethic. They are very good at herding but are not registered by the American Kennel club.They are also commonly called Mini Aussie this breed of dogs is strong, hardy and medium in size. The Mini Aussie are well balanced, tough and can have a lot of stamina. This dog breed is useful in farming as a working dog, is highly talented and can be a good guardian dog.

The Miniature Australian shepherd is very faithful and protective by nature, they are good with older children. Their enthusiasm and herding capability make them difficult to live with young children they are very protector and don’t allow strangers to be in their surroundings they inform their owner by barking about danger. This dog breed is not aggressive towards other dogs. The Miniature Australian shepherd is double coated the first and the outer coat protect them from the climate and is straight and a bit curly where as the undercoat is short and thick they have hair on different places like hair on head on legs and on tail are silky and smooth, normally the coat's color is black and blue. The shepherd is an average shedder.

They are easy to control they don’t need every day brushing and bathing should only be done when necessary they need early attachment with family members and need early training this dog breed is a good learner and are easy to train they don’t react to harsh handling and training methods. This breed is good with fairness and giving rewards works during training.  The Miniature Australian Shepherd need a lot of exercise and inspiration . This breed of dogs flourishes in jobs assigned to it and is a very hard worker. This dog does not like loneliness  and will become hostile if they are left alone, they need proper exercise every day, they love human companionship and love to run around open spaces. They will do fine in apartments if they are provided enough exercise and entertainment.

Miniature Australian Shepherd Health and Diseases:
The Miniature Australian Shepherd dog breed is prone to the following health related issues and dog diseases.
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Eye Disorder
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Locating patella
Look out for any symptoms of these dog diseases and if you notice any problems consult the vet at the earliest.

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Dog Breeds - Mexican Hairless


Breed :  Miscellaneous Class
Weight: Toy 5_15   Miniature: 15_30 Standard:25_40 lbs
Height:  Toy 9_14 Miniature: 15_20 Standard: 20_30 inches
Colors:  Black, Slate, Gray, Brindle, Fawn, Bronze, spotted or slid.

Mexican Hairless Dog Breed Information:
The Mexican hairless is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world they fall in the unique category of breeds that had been developed around 3000 years. This world class breed is known for it's magical and unique strength. They are useful as bed warmers and are known to be blessed. They are also known as the respected champions. The thing which makes this breed  unique is their upright big and bat-like ears which enables this breed to be very eager at hearing. This breed is extremely good having tough legs and a graceful personality.

The Mexican hairless breed is intelligent and protective and very good for their family. This breed is not suggested for those who do not have any experience of handling a dog. The Mexican hairless dog breed usually does not bark they yowl to inform their family about dangers. They are good in homes and do well with children. The Mexican Hairless dog breed have a violent approach towards dogs or pets that they don’t know and are not familiar with. They need extra concentration from their owners towards them because of their demanding nature. They become critical if they are left alone for some time and will show a anxious behavior if they become harassed.

The Mexican hairless are a very sensitive breed and they don't like cold weather and need a blanket in cold weather because of their sensitive skin, so it is essential to protect the mexican hairless from such extreme climates. Because of its sensitive skin it is advisable to only bathe this breed when necessary,otherwise bathing can harm the skin of this dog breed. It is also very important to apply a lotion and sun protector on the hair less skin but remember too much lotion and sun protector can cause acne in this breed of dogs. This breed is also present in the coated variety which needs minimal brushing.The Mexican Breed is generally come in two different types one is which have coated and other one which is hairless. The hair less breed only has a little amount of hair on its tail and head. Their skin is very soft, clear and beautiful. Whereas the coated type has a full coat of hair on their skin which is soft silky and lustrous.

This breed needs very early socialization and training. They are good learners but they need a good trainer too it is very important that training should done with determination and on regular basis they show lots of respect to their owner and are a very obedient dog breed. The Mexican Hairless are recommended as a good city dog who do well in city and in apartments, they love to go on walks and take sunbath during the outdoor activity. It is very important to keep the Mexican hairless out of extreme cold as well as extreme sun because of its sensitive skin.

Mexican hairless Breed Health and Diseases:
The Mexican hairless dog breed is generally known to be a hardy breed of dogs free from many health problems and dog diseases, but it is known to be affected by early tooth loss, allergies to food and skin infection. 

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Dog Breeds - Mastiff


Breed Group: Working
Weight: 175_190 lbs
Height: Male 30 : Female 27.5 inches
Colors: Fawn, Apricot, or brindle All with dark muzzle ears and nose

Mastiff Dog Breed Information:
This type of dog breed is basically used as a protector dog. The mastiff is also known as a hunting dog and it owners rank in the number one position and people love it as a protector and a guard dog. They are a very strong dog breed and also used in different events in which they fight with bull, bears and different type of strong animals. This breed of dogs was nearly wiped out by the end of World War II but with the efforts of different dog lovers it was saved by the import from United States and Canada. This dog is very tough and harsh in nature and one of the heaviest breed in the world the males are competent of going beyond 200 pounds.

They have dominant, imposing and fearless type of nature, they are repeatedly referred to as the calm giant; they are a mixture of self-respect and magnificence. This dog breed is watchful and dependable they are very faithful and extremely dedicated to their families. The Mastiff dog breed does not like loneliness and do not do well if they have been left alone for long periods of time. This breed is good at home and does well with older children they are not good with other house hold pets that have not been raised around them, this breed is very protective of their family and owners. The mastiff is not suggested to be owned by inexperienced and inactive owners. This dog needs negligible grooming. They don’t need regular brushing but needs a occasional brushing, bath should be given with a dry shampoo when mandatory.The mastiff is a double coated dog breed the outer coat is not long, straight, and crude whereas the under coat is thick and is attached with the body. There are different colors of the coat present in this breed like apricot, fawn or brindle.

The Mastiff dog breed requires early socialization and training this breed does not respond to tough or harsh training methods they need a loving and sympathetic methods of training. This breed of dogs is difficult to train the Mastiff needs full attention, respect and regularity in exercise they are good in protecting, as well as guarding, and also can help in rescue. As this breed is generally lazy it is recommended to give it regular walks, they are even suitable for apartment living despite of being a big dog if they are given regular exercise.

The Mastiff Health and Diseases:

The mastiff dog breed is prone to
  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Ectropion. Pra
  • Cardiomyopahy
  • Gastric problems
They also have a propensity to drool and snore. Keeping an eye out for these health problems and dog diseases and keeping your dog safe is your responsibility so give your dog a healthy environment and look out for any signs of illness or dog disease.

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Dog Breeds - McNab


Breed Group: Not AKC Recognized
Weight: 25 to 50 lbs
Height: 15 to 25 inches
Colors: Red with White Markings , may be tri_colored.

McNab Dog Breed Information:
The McNab breed of dogs originated in California, United States of America, the man behind the creation of this breed was Scotsman Alexander McNab and the dog breed is named after him. This breed of dogs is well known for its force, resourcefulness guarding capabilities and come at top position in the category of hunting dogs.

The Mcnab have a different qualities which differentiate them with other breeds and these characteristics include that they are a unique kind of breed who have a cat like feat which make them tremendously nimble . this special dog breed is not very tall and are medium sized, they are sporty, hard working and strong. The came in the category of well organized, faithful  and friendly dog breeds. This breed has a quality to make good relation with a specific  person from the family and obey him. They are very protective for their family they don’t allow any strangers to be in the house or property  without the permission of the owner. the McNab are a good breed for house and do well with children and other household pets.

It is necessary to do regular brushing for this dog breed to get rid of loose and dead hair. Bathing should be done once a week or when it is mandatory. They have a single coat  which is very smooth and consists of little hair. The McNab dog breed should be socialized and give some training in their early ages as they become use to it. This dog breed is clever and love to play with family members and other pets. They will not react to tough training methods the training should be done with fairness, tolerance and on regular basis. The Mcnab need some good physical exercise and it is necessary to give them a job they are not good to live in city or in apartment because of their nature.  They do best in rural areas where they have work to do and open spaces to run about in.

Mcnabs Health and Diseases:
This dog breed is very tough so this breed has no well known health issues or known dog diseases.

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Dog Breeds - Maremma Sheepdog

Breed: Not AKC Recognized.
Weight: In Male 77 to 99: In female 66 to 88 lbs
Height: In Male 25,5_28.5: In female 25_27 inches
Colors: White, There may be shading of lemon, Pale Orange, or Ivory

Maremma Sheepdog Breed Information:
The dog named as maremma sheepdog is developed in Italy. This dog is an exceptional working dog and their basic work in the past has been and to date still is being a protector of properties and flocks. The Maremma sheepdog has an elegant look, they are strong and present themselves with respect and dignity. This breed of dogs is tall, strong, tough and has a unique expression. The Maremma Sheepdog breed is a strong and truly working dog, it does not possess the usual habits of a lazy pet. Because of there loyal nature the maremma sheepdog is usually used for protecting farm, house, and family by their owners. They are very intelligent and attractive and do well with other dogs and enjoy themselves with children. They are very watchful, attentive and dedicated with their work.

The Maremma sheepdog require regular brushing to remove their dead hair and dirt. They need extra care during heavy flaking periods. The ears and hair of this dog breed should be checked regularly. This breed is known for its double coat  an outer harsh, thick and slightly curly coat and the under coat is soft and silky. Their coat is protective in every kind of weather. The Maremma sheepdog sheds a lot of its hair twice a year.

This dog breed needs early socialization and compliance. This dog breed respects their master, is quite friendly and happy to play with it's owners. Training must be given regularly and sympathetically to this breed of dogs. The Maremma sheepdog is not for apartment or city living because they are not good in a crowded environment and are not suggested  to live in a small house. This dog needs a rural environment because they need a lot of physical exercise and mental inspiration.

The Maremma Sheepdog Heath and Diseases:
Because they are very tough and strong they are not known to have any major heath issues or dog diseases. But it should be kept in mind that warm climates are not good for the Maremma Sheepdog breed of dogs.

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Dog Breeds - Manchester Terrier(toy)


Breed : Toy
Weight: 7 to 12 lbs
Height: 8 to 13 inches
Colors: Black and tan

Manchester Terrier Toy Breed Information:
Manchester Terrier toy dog breed came into the picture during the 16th century in England’s city of Manchester. This breed of dogs is known for their skill to help manage and eliminate rodents and fox. They are also known as watch dogs and claim to be topers. The toy has a dazzling and attentive appearance. They are hard, tough,  graceful  and smooth this dog enjoys running on fields and have speedy legs.

This breed of dogs is also known for its mental alertness . Full of life and very brave the toy terrier dog breed is also a realistic and defensive dog breed . they do not like loneliness and do not give their best in that particular time they are very demanding in nature wanting full attention from their owners and if they became friendless then they have a nature to became  rowdy and will start barking on every one. They have another specialty they do not do good in homes with other dogs or with other household pets   because of their specific nature they are good with older kids and enjoy with children .

It is essential to clean the ears of this dog breed regularly. They should be given a bath at least once a week. The coat of the Toy Manchester Terrier is shiny, thick and soft. The Manchester Terrier toy needs a very leading and dominant owner. Strong and early socialization and compliance is a must for this dog breed. They are not good with harsh and unsympathetic methods. They are needy of attention during training and training must be given regularly. They will be happy and will do well in apartment style living and need timely exercise. They love to be with their family and enjoy if they are free to play in fenced yard.

The Manchester’s Terrier Health and Diseases:
This dog’s breed is mostly affected with Willebrands and Glaucoma dog diseases.

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Mar 29, 2009

Dog Breeds - Manchester Terrier


BREED : Terrier
WEIGHT: 12-22 lbs
HEIGHT: 15-16 inches
COLOR(S): black and tan, with a black

Manchester Terrier Breed Information:
Manchester Terrier is a popular terrier breed and it has two varieties: Standard and Toy. This breed of dogs was developed in the United Kingdom during the 19th century to hunt rodents. The popularity of this breed of dogs has gone down although this particular dog breed makes a great companion and has good working capabilities. The Manchester terrier dog breed is a fast and compact dog with alertness and athletic abilities. This dog breed is a very active and intelligent pet. This graceful breed of dogs is very well mannered and responsive compared to others dogs in the terrier category.

Manchester Terrier dog breed is a very faithful and a devoted friend to its owners. This dog breed is independent, and loyal.The Manchester Terrier works well will older children and are not good with other household pets. Manchester Terrier like other companion dog breeds love human companionship and seek attention from their owners. This dog breed will not work well alone and should not be left without company. Itis know to be become bored and destructive if left alone and unattended for a long period of time.

The Manchester terrier has a short, tight-fitting coat, it's color is jet black with mahogany markings. This breed does not shed much hair and requires minimal grooming, some brushing will take care of what little lose hair there is on the coat. For the betterment of your dog whatever breed it might be it is essential to check and clean the ears and teeth of your pet on a regular basis.

Infant obedience training is very important for the Manchester Terrier. this dog breed is always ready to please and fast at learning. This breed of dogs does not work with strict training methods or corrective discipline. They do best with thorough firmness, fairness, consistency, persistence, respect, and patience. The Manchester Terrier does well in agility and obedience trials.

This enthusiastic breed of dogs needs an obscene amount of hard exercise. The Manchester Terrier enjoys regular walks as well as safely fenced off lead play sessions where they are able to romp and run freely. It is imperative that this breed be looked after at all times as they are expert escape artists. The Manchester Terrier will do okay in an apartment style living as long as their excessive barking can be controlled and they are given sufficient exercise, and attention.

Manchester Terrier Health and Diseases:
The Manchester Terrier is prone to the following health related issues and dog diseases:
  • Cataracts
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Patella luxation
  • Von Willebrands disease
This dog breed likes warm weather but should not be left in the sun for any length of time.

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Mar 23, 2009

Establishing household rules for your Dog



There are some rules and guidelines that you teach your dog to live with you in your house, once you have made the rules then you want your dog to behave like you wish for that you need to teach the rules to your dog. For that you need to think that how you want you dog to live with you to three to four years you will agree to put up some things now while she’s a child she seems to be very innocent and cute. But are these things are ok for the future or will they irritate you later on? In your mind what is the future of your dog when she is old enough what do you want her to do or not to do while living with you.

  • The first rule which you want to set for your dog is house training  of course you  want your dog to relive her self at the area where you want her to go either you want her to go to a specified area or  on leash and she should never relive her self with in the house.
  • You want your dog that she should never dash out the doors with out your permission either to front or garage. As you know dashing out from front could make several problems that she could make her self injured by running into the street or if she is breed by nature she could injured some one else teach the dog how to stay in the house.
  • Some people irritate while there dogs are climbing on the furniture and some of them are don’t mind for that you need to tell your dog to come down while she tries to sit on the furniture you have to do this in early days because once she got an habit it will really be difficult to make her understand.
  • Many people don’t allow there dogs to come in the kitchen but some dog owners use the kitchen as an exercise  pen and want that dog spend some time in the kitchen because it is easy to clean and some who don’t want them to be in kitchen at the time of cooking so it is difficult for her to understand the scenario or raid if she is not allow in the kitchen at all you have to make a decision earlier.
  • Which room you want your lady to not be in do you want her not to come in dinning room or living room or in the room of kids it is fine to restrict her to not go in all room just close the doors or put baby gates to stop her.

Some dog owners don’t allow there dogs to sleep in there room the dogs have there own sleeping room where they should make them self comfortable and should sleep there some dogs are very attached with there owner but don’t allow them to sleep on your bed because some other important person sleep there so it is not good to make the habit to sleep on your bed.


Is there any ting that you want to add or you want your dog to do or not to do for that just look at your house and think what else you or your family want the dog to do and what you want to add in household rules that every one in your family agrees on because it is important that your family should participate when making the household rules it will be easy to implement them once you have decide the rules call the family meeting and tell them the rules and enforcing them. Motivate the family members to work together and teach the lady.

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Dog Disease - Allergies in Dogs



Like Human being dogs also have different types of Allergies which can cause other dog diseases. Most of the time the reaction occurred due to these Allergies is not Life Threatening these Allergies make the dog sick. Some time these Allergies come in a shape of Urticaria also called Hives or in a shape of Angioedema.

In Urticaria some small bumps been shown in the skin of dog and it is a primarily Sensitive or allergic reactions it is rear that the bumps are itchy and the same condition  is Angioedema, in which the face of dog become swelling specially around the eyes and muzzle. Theses type of reaction is basically express within 20 minutes of exposure to the allergen. They are not always life threatening but because of severe swelling around the face and eyes and throat can create many difficulties in breathing and also some breeds can not watch due swelling like Bulldog, for Instance.

The basic treatment for this type of Allergies which is used is Antihistamines, but at the same time if the breathing is affected, epinephrine is administered.

Anaphylaxis:
One  of the most extensive allergic reactions is anaphylaxis it is life threatening disease that may include shock, like respiratory and cardiac failure, and also death or any such thing which is caused by an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, including stings, antibiotics, vaccines and other type of medical treatment it is not really common but it is deadly reaction. Its common signs are a suddenly diarrhea, vomiting, pale gums, fast heart beats, shock, seizure, coma, and deat.like many other reaction and diseases there is no swelling in this sought of reaction. Anaphylaxis is a dangerous and should be treated in emergency, where you dog need treatment right away. Intravenous fluids. Oxygen and other important medications must be given. Although it is not known that what exactly caused the breeds to react so badly, those dogs who previously suffered with the allergic reaction like (hives) are on risk.

If a dog is suffering with breathing problem or any kind of allergic reaction so you must get the dog to be vaccinated at vet or give the dog an epi_pin it is a syringe and needle which contain a single dose of epinerphrine for upcoming emergencies.

Dog Allergies Treatment:
There are no specific vaccines for allergies, but there is some treatment options are available, starting to avoid the allergies which is not easy but by administering particular shampoos and oil, to diagnosing drugs. Consult with you vet to have a best options available for you and your dog.

There are several researches on allergies of dogs and how to prevent them some of them suggest that about more than a half of allergies caused by the food. If you thought that your animal is suffering from the food allergies use the following diet to prevent it.

Some of foods which can make an animal sick are beef, wheat, milk, eggs, fruits, some vegetables and various types of spices. If the problem had been solved by diet, then slowly re_introduce foods in one time to find out cause of the problem. To give a chance to diet keep your animal on it at least for two months. If the condition is not improved the cause may not be a food allergy or there is still some substance present in the food which make the problem continue. 

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Dog Breeds - Lowchen


Breed :     Non-Sporting
Weight:     8-18 lbs
Height:     12-14 inches
Color(s):     any colors or combinations

Lowchen Dog Breed Information:
Lowchen is a German word which means “THE LITTLE LION” it is a dog’s breed which once had the dubious distinction like the water dogs of Portuguese and the havanese, of being a unique dog in the world even today this breed is very unique and just a few hundred new registration each year world wide take place for this dog breed. This breed basically is of a European descent and originated in France during the 14th century and is known as the name of little lion this breed is specifically loved by the British aristocracy. Lowchen Dog breed almost became extinct during the first half of 20th century. But there a women named as Madam Belgium stared doing efforts to save this breed of dogs. There are several record of this breed of dog and it has been named twice in the guiness book of world record as the one of the most expensive dog and also a very unique dog present in the world.

This dog’s breed is a mixture of calm soul mate and play full sprit the lowchen is very strong active and well balanced breed in the world. In nature they are loving and happy and are excellent champions this breed of dogs has a positive and outgoing attitude. What sets it apart is its unique style and royal looks.

The lowchen is very intelligent loving and social by nature and very loyal with their owners they have no fear, eager and bold they become close and attached with their family and children in contrast with other dogs and household pets. This breed of dogs looks innocent and sweet by face but is actually a very tough and hardy breed. They may show some arrogance or a very strong attitude they really protect there family and stand in front in dangerous situations and will bark on unknown persons. They are cheerful and playful but they are not hyperactive or high strung in nature.

This dog’s breed requires professional grooming every four to six weeks. The big hair must be cleaned on regular basis to prevent different type of allergies. Bathing should be done once a week it is important to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. This breed is generally healthy although they struggle with different types of allergies like eye irritations caused by hair and skin irritation on shaved areas. They have a soft and silky coat texture which is typically trimmed to resemble a lion. There back end is sheared to the skin and they have some hair on their tail the ears are long and fringed.

The lowchen coat changes its color as the life of dog goes. While at a small age this breed has no hair. It is really easy to make them trained because they are really good in nature and have high intelligence and willingness they live in agility and obedience. This breed needs to be socialized in early stages they respond well if they are trained with fun and consistent guidance. Good training can make them more excessively and curtail their affinity to dig. This type of dog breed loves long walks and is happy to go on daily jogging. They really enjoy the time when they are allowed to run freely they are best to live in apartments because of their nice and sweet nature they are given particular exercise and a play session.

Lowchen Health and Diseases:
As they are very unique that’s why there is not much information regarding their diseases and health of this dogs breed, the average life of this breed of dogs is 12 to 14 years.

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Mar 20, 2009

Dog Breeds - English Shepherd


Breed :        Not Akc Recognized
Weight:       Male: 45-70; Female: 40-50 lbs
Height:        Male: 19-24; Female: 18-21 inches
Color(s):     Black, black and white, black and tan, sable and white. May be tri-colored or solid.                         

The English Shepherd Breed Information:
The English shepherd, a rare and uncommon breed, finding its origins in UK, a highly skilled  and intelligent, all rounder, able to eradicate rodents and insects with precision. Relocated by Scottish and English people, to the Americas, it was then bred locally, from farm dogs in the US. Recognized for its durability, it deals with different kinds of livestock: poultry, pig, sheep and cattle. It is also appreciated for its multi-tasking nature and skills such as: being fearless and alert so able to be a good guard dog, its also strong and well built so able to perform duties of a herding dog, this breed is also known for its swiftness and stamina thus, serves well as a hunting dog and lastly but not least its well balanced, loving and trustworthy nature allows it, to be the perfect companion for children and adults.

First time owners, should be made aware that, the English Shepherd is a devoted, family oriented dog that bonds, itself well to its family and marks its own territory, and understands how to protect its family and property against unknown people. They do well with other domestic pets, that they have grown up with. They gained popularity during the 19th century until the "designer dogs" came up.

The English Sheperd Health and Disease:
Since this breed  has not been overbred and has a medium sized body, it generally tends to be a healty dog. However, hip dysplasia is rare in this breed and its advisable to look up some health issues such as OFA  and PennHIP, before aquiring ownership of this dog.

Daily brushing is required for this dog and bathing when neccessary.

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Mar 18, 2009

Dog Disease - Common Poisonous Plants to protect your dog from


Bringing a new puppy or dog into your house and making them a part of the family entails lots of new adventures for you and the pet. Some dogs will eat anything in site when they arrive at a new place, at times like these it becomes the pet owners responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for the new family member in the house.

Many poisonous plants grow in our gardens and yards, either naturally or used in landscaping. We have composed a list of the most common plants which are poisonous and could be harmful to a dog, causing your dog or other pets to become sick or suffer from dog diseases. If you’re concerned about a specific plant that is not on our list, take a piece of it to your local garden center and speak to a horticulturist about it. Consult the following list of poisonous plants for your reference.

Trees and bushes
  • Avocado (leaves)
  • Bottlebrush
  • Boxwood
  • Cherry (seeds)
  • Common privet
  • Croton
  • Dogwood
  • English ivy
  • Hemlock
  • Holly
  • Horse chestnut
  • Mistletoe
  • Oleander
  • Peach (seeds)
  • Poison ivy
  • Poison oak
  • Poison sumac
  • Privet
  • Rhododendron
  • Wisteria
  • Yew
Flowering plants
  • Amaryllis
  • Anemone
  • Azalea
  • Bird of paradise
  • Buttercup
  • Christmas cactus
  • Crocus
  • Cyclamen
  • Foxglove
  • Impatiens
  • Jasmine
  • Morning glory
  • Larkspur
  • Lily of the valley
  • Poinsettia
  • Snapdragon
  • Sweet pea
  • Verbena
Bulbs, tubers, and fungi
  • Calla lily
  • Daffodil
  • Dieffenbachia
  • Hyacinth
  • Iris
  • Many mushrooms
  • Tulip
  • Weeds and herbs
  • Jimson weed
  • Locoweed
  • Milkweed
  • Pennyroyal
  • Pokeweed
  • Sage
All of the above plants can possibly be harmful for your pets, if a pet ingests any of these plants and shows signs of sickness or any dog disease consult your veterinary at the earliest.

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Mar 17, 2009

Dog breeds that need extra affection


Dog ownership is not just a hobby or something you can decide to do without thinking things through. Owning a dog brings with it great responsibility, pet ownership requires us to do a lot of things, with dogs that you bring into your home and make part of your family there are a lot of requirements too, grooming, feeding, exercise, health care are all parts of your job when you bring a dog home.

Each dog breed has individual needs and although almost every dog breed likes to be loved and paid attention to, there are certain breeds of dogs that are more demanding and require extra attention and affection by their owners. These dog breeds if isolated too much will suffer and eventually develop behavior problems. We have developed this list of breeds so that you know if you choose to get one of these breeds for your home you will need to pay special attention to them because these breeds are what are known as "affectionate shadows" and they love to be close to their owners.

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The AKC’s 10 Most Popular Dogs

There are numerous Kennel Clubs around the world that set standards for dog breeds as well as keep statistics on the different dog breeds in their region. The American kennel club is the major kennel club in the united states of America and among other information and statistics they every year they issue a list of the most popular breeds of dogs in America. In the list announced by the American Kennel Club in 2010 there were some changes but one constant was the Labrador Retriever.

This adorable dog breed has ruled the list of AKC for the past 20 years and no other dog breed has been able to unseat it from its top dog position on the American Kennel Club List of most popular dog breeds.

Other popular dog breeds that have climbed the ranking ladder are Beagle Dog Breed which overtook the golden retriever to gain the No 4 spot on the Top 10 list. Another upset in this list of popular dog breeds by the american kennell club was the Bulldog rising to the No 6 spot and overtaking the Boxer another popular dog breed in America. Following is the list of the The AKC's Most Popular Dogs in 2010

  1. Labrador retriever
  2. German shepherd
  3. Yorkshire terrier
  4. Beagle
  5. Golden retriever
  6. Bulldog
  7. Boxer
  8. Dachshund
  9. Poodle
  10. Shih Tzu

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Mar 15, 2009

Dog Breeds That Need Regular Grooming and Trims

Each dog breed has its own habits, behavior patterns and individual grooming needs. Some breeds require extra attention and grooming, while others can last for weeks without any trims or brushing of coats. Some breeds need regular exercise and outings while others are lazy and love to relax. Coats that require daily attention, as well as professional grooming, take dedication, effort and hard work. If these coats are not cared for correctly, mats and tangles can result, causing uncomfortable conditions to the dog. These problems can require grooming and medical attention which is always added expenses.

Following we have made a list of dog breeds that require extra grooming and trims on a regular basis, when choosing to make any of these dog breeds a part of your family keep in mind that you will have to spend time and money keeping these breeds of dogs well groomed and their coats trimmed.

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Mar 12, 2009

Dog Breeds - Lhasapoo

Breed :         Not Akc Recognized
Weight:        12-20 lbs
Height:         9-13 inches
Color(s):      Variance of colors that include black, cream, white, apricot, and brown; may be solid or patterned.

Lhasapoo Dog Breed Information:
The Lhasapoo is a cross-bred of two dog breeds the Lhasa Apso and Poodle. They are also referred to as “designer dogs” and have become favorite companions. Lhasapoo, a medium size breed, well-proportioned and rigid, show a strong appearance and huge significant eyes. They are attentive and audacious along with being loving and devoted. They are a family pet and do not do well if left alone for a long period of time. This results to boredom which is followed by extensive damaging behavior and loud barking. The lhasapoo dog breed are best for a house having mature children and also easily get along with dogs and other pets that they have been grown up with.

This breed of dogs is of strangers and thus will warn their family to friends or sounds other than the ordinary ones. The Lhasapoo need brushing very often in order to get rid of loose and dead hair. Professional clipping is also recommended. They are prone to ear infection and thus they must be checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Their coat is a variation from straight and fury to one with curls, but can also be a mixture of both.

It is important for this dog breed to be trained and socialized at an early age. Training must be firm, just, patient and with devotion along with occasional praises and rewards. It is important to note that they will not tolerate any strict measures and would not respond to any such means of training. Lhasapoo can survive in apartments if given inordinate amount of exercise and mental stimulation. They love play sessions, walks and play time in a fenced yard.

Lhasapoo Health and Diseases:
Although a very healthy breed, living for 14 to 16 years, Lhasapoo may suffer from minor diseases like:
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Flea bites
  • Kidney problems
  • Progressive retinal Atropy
  • Anaemia

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Mar 10, 2009

Best Dog Breeds for Kids


When you decide to buy a dog for yourself the most difficult decision is which dog breed to buy. Since there are so many dog breeds out there this is a difficult decision and there are a lot of factors that you have to study to choose the right dog breed for yourself and your family. In this dog breed article we have listed the dog breeds which are considered the best when there are kids around, these 10 breeds of dogs make the best family pets and are good to keep in your house. We hope that this article will help make your decision to choose a dog breed easier. Once you get your pet we have numerous resources on our website to guide you through puppy care, into adulthood, dog diseases, and dog training, we also have a great data base of dog breeds if you are interested.

1.Golden Retriever:
Out of all the dog breeds out there the most popular dog breed to be around kids is the Golden Retriever.This breed is smaller than the Labrador, and is also a smart, kind, loyal and patient dog breed which makes them great companions to be around children. They are full of energy making them good play pets for kids.

2.Labrador Retriever:
The reason this dog breed is one of the most popular to be around kids is that it is a very intelligent breed and has a sweet personality. It is patient, protecting, loving and a very playful breed of dogs, and because of these reasons this dog breed is a good match to be around children.

3. Poodle:
The poodles are a dog breed that is very intellegent and gentle at the same time. And although this is a breed which needs some amount of grooming, it is a great dog to be around kids and people with allergies because it sheds very little. The poodle also is very good around children because they are playful pets and are loyal, loving and patient with their owners.

4. Irish Setter:
The Irish Setter dog breed is a very playful dog that enjoys playing with people and other animals. It would make a good companion for children as the Irish Setter has a lot of energy. They are also a very smart breed that can easily be trained. They are best suited for families and like a large area to play in.

5. Vizsla:
The vizsla is quite an unknown breed and you have probably not heard of it but this is the perfect breed of dogs to be around kids. It's gentle and affectionate nature and loyalty to its owners makes it an amazing pet to have. This breed is also known to be quite smart and easy to train and forms a bond with the family members.

6. Newfoundland:
Known as the "nature's babysitter", the Newfoundland dog breed loves children and will take care of them and protect them with kindness, gentleness and patience. As a family pet what more could you ask for, because of these reasons this dog breed is perfect as a family pet. Due to their large size it is ideal to keep this breed of dogs in large families with large homes because this dog breed prefers to be indoors with the family.

7. Collie:
The Collie's claim to fame comes from the famous TV show and Movie titled "Lassie" why would it not make an amazing family pet. This breed of dogs is very intelligent and Gentle at the same time. They can be trained easily because of their intelligence and get along really well with children of all ages. Their loyalty to their family is known and they will always protect their owners. They have only one slight drawback and that is their long, silky hair which also makes it a beautiful dog breed, they need to be groomed regularly.

8. Bull Terrier:
The Bull Terriers are bred to be companion dogs, making them great family pets. They are very friendly and lovable animals with a high pain threshold - making them perfect for small kids that may like to tug or pull at them. This breed of dogs is great for larger families as they are full of energy and require a lot of exercise.

9. Beagle:
Remember Charlie Brown's dog, it was a beagle. The reason for this dog breed's popularity is its ruggedness and its energy which make it a perfect pet to be around kids. This dog breed gets along very well with other animals as well and people and thus makes it a very good house pet. One important thing to know about the Beagle is that they shed a lot and thus will require regular grooming, other than that this is also one of the most popular breeds to be around kids.

10. Bull Dog:
Bull dogs are definitely built strong and tough, which is perfect for rough-playing children. This breed of dogs are friendly and loyal animals but they aren't exactly the most energetic and are considered lazy, which is good for busy families that don't always have the time to walk the dog. They get along great with children and other animals and thus make for good house pets.

Related Article:
Children and Dogs

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Mar 7, 2009

Dog Breeds - Lhasa Apso


Breed :        Non-Sporting
Weight:       13-15 lbs
Height:        10-11 inches
Color(s):     Black, white, brown, gray, cream or particolor

Lhasa Apso Breed Information:
The Lhasa Apso dog breed originated in Tibet and the name of the breed means “long-hair Tibetian dog”, with Lhasa being the capital city of Tibet and apso being a word of the Tibetan language which means “bearded”.  Earlier they were bred only by holy people and nobles and were thought to be holy. They were considered lucky and warned the monks about any intruder entering the monastery. For this reason and because of their smartness, sharp hearing and delicate instincts, they have been used as watchdogs in Buddhist monasteries for over 2000 years.

Lhasa Apso is a strong and lively breed who are cautious around strangers. They show dignity as well as comedy and are thought to be one of the most loving breeds and an adorable companion.  This breed of dogs is hard to understand, i.e they show double nature. At one side they give a lot of affection and devotion, but on the other they are stubborn and want things done their way. They are energetic and spirited and thus not recommended for families with small children or ill-mannered children. They are an excellent guard dogs because of their strong instincts and sharp hearing abilities. They love to be the only pet so that they can have all the attention to themselves and tend to get bored if left alone for a long time. Because of this, they are not recommended for a two career family.

Brushing needs to be done on a daily basis in order to keep the coat tangle free.  Moreover, bathing or dry shampooing on a regular basis. Care should be taken regarding the coat because if it becomes long then it needs extraordinary high maintenance. It is a double coated breed and an average shedder. They tend to show an adamant and haughty behavior.

Lhasa Apso are tough to housetrain and thus the crate method has to be adopted. It is recommended that they go through early socialization and obedience with strong, fierce and constant training and must be praised or rewarded. They need to be told clearly who the master is because if not trained like wise then they will take charge.

Lhasa Apso enjoy playing indoor games and tend to be rowdy, thus covering their daily exercise requirements. Outdoor activities like daily walk and jogging are an added advantage for the breed, Lhasa Apso are apt for apartments and condominiums because they are suited outdoor life.

Lhasa Apso Health and Disease:
They are generally healthy living for 15 years or more and in certain cases even 18 years. However, they may suffer from ear and eye problems and in order to prevent these regular cleaning and check-ups are recommended. Moreover they may suffer from sebaceous adenitis (skin disease) and the most serious problem found in Lhasa Apso in Kidney disease.

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Dog Breeds - Leonberger


Breed :         Not Akc Recognized
Weight:        Male: 130-170; Female: 100-130 lbs
Height:         Male: 29-31; Female: 27-29 inches
Color(s):      Sandy, yellow, red, reddish brown; black mask

Leonberger Breed Information:
The Leonberger, a large breed of dogs, originated in Leonberg in Germany in 1846 and that is where it gets its name from. According to stories it was bred as a ‘symbolic dog’ which would imitate the lion in the town crest. Being an all-rounder, it was a favorite among the royalties. At the end of World War it almost came to an end but was revived by German breeders who were loyal to the breed. Leonberg is regarded as the oldest of all German breeds. It is used as a working breed and friend in Germany, France and Scandinavia whereas in the other countries it is difficult to obtain.

The Leonberger breed is huge, strong and majestic with impressive and royal looks. It is strong, well-built and very dependable. It is referred to as a ‘gentle giant’ and is very loving, dedicated, devoted and reliable. It gets along with children and pets including dogs and if left alone for a long period of time then they start barking and may even become destructive. A devoted owner is necessary for this breed. It is important to note that even though the breed is quite gentle and self-assured, its maintenance is heavy.

It needs brushing on a daily basis in order to remove dead hair and reduce shedding and bathing should only be done when needed. Regular cleaning o ears and dental hygiene is necessary. They are a double coated breed with the outer coat being lengthy, lavish and straight and the under coat being thick and compact. This breed sheds heavily with seasonal blowing of coat.

Leonberger need daily exercise, family play sessions and stimulation and thus are not advisable for apartments. This breed is best for a rural environment or in a huge fenced ground. The Leonberger loves to swim, hike, run and play with family.

Leonberger Health and Disease:
Leonberger have a sort lifespan and live for a period of only 8 to 9 years. They are at a risk of hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, eye problems, bloating and hypothyroidism.

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Dog Breeds - Lancashire Heeler


Breed :       Not Akc Recognized
Weight:       Male: 20; Female: 18 lbs
Height:        Male: 12; Female: 10 inches
Color(s):     Black and Tan

Lancashire Heeler Breed Information:
The Lancashire Heeler was developed during the 1960s in order to herd and drive the cattle and sheep.  They also had the ability to hunt and catch rabbits and cats. Presently it is used as a working dog as well as a companion and is rare in North America. It has also been listed in the list of endangered breed by the Kennel Club (UK).

They are very loving and devoted and are best in a home with mature children. They also get along with other animals including dogs. Moreover, they are cautious around strangers and will warn their family about any coming visitors and threat.

They need to be brushed once a week using a wire brush and bathing should only be done when needed. It is a double coated breed and sheds every spring and fall. They must be socialized and trained for obedience at a young age with the training methods being just, firm and constant and not harsh. The handler must be dominant because they can are headstrong and troublesome at times.

They enjoy walks, running and romping in a fenced yard, herding and family plays but can even survive in an apartment if they are given enough activity and mental stimulation.

Lancashire Heeler Health and Disease:
The Lancashire Heeler has a life span of about 12 to 15 years or more and the health diseases common in them include:
  • Collie eye anomaly
  • Primary Lense luxation
  • Persistent papillary membranes
  • Patella Luxation

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Dog Breeds - Lakeland Terrier


Breed :        Terrier
Weight:        17 lbs
Height:        Male: 14.5; Female: 13.5 inches
Color(s):    Solid (blue, black, liver, red, or wheaten); or wheaten or golden tan with a saddle of blue, black, liver or grizzle

Lakeland Terrier Breed Information:
The Lakeland Terrier is one of the many Terrier dog breeds that has originated in Northwestern England in the Lake District of Cumberland in the 19th century. They have descended from old English Black and Tan and Fell terriers. The Lakeland terrier have over the years been used for getting rid of the foxes and even despite being bold and courageous, it remains a soft and affectionate companion. It is most suitable to be kept as a family pet because of his jolly and loving nature.

This dog tends to develop behavioral problems if not given the proper training and thus despite being cautious, brave and independent, it is not advisable for new or average owners. The Lakeland terrier is reserved around strangers; but gets along well with dogs and may also get along with cats if given socialization at a young age. It is important to note that it loves to quarry moving objects and thus should not be unleashed if not in a fenced area. Energetic, high-spirited and fun loving, the breed gets along with children but need forceful training because of being very lively and somewhat aggressive. They love digging and guarding their belongings.

Even though they do not shed much hair, they do need grooming frequently. A professional is needed for hand plucking the hair thrice a year. Moreover, the beard of the breed should also be cleaned on a regular basis. They are a double coated breed which makes grooming difficult. This robust breed gets bored with repetition and thus a variety of firm training techniques are required in order to make him well mannered.

This breed is very active and thus is most suited to a house with a small to medium yard; however, it will survive without one as well. This breed does extraordinary in agility and enjoys jogging and running.

Lakeland Terrier Health and Disease:
Lakeland Terrier is a healthy breed and lives on an average for 10 to 12 years. Some of them may even live up to 16 years of age.

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