Dog Breed - Spanish Water Dog

Dog Breed: Sporting
Weight: 14 to 18 kg (31 to 40 lb) Females and 18 to 22 kg (40 to 49lb) Males
Height: Females 40 t0 45 cm (16 to 18 in); Males 44 to 50 cm (17 to 20 in)
Colors: Black, brown, beige, white or discolored where the second color is white (i.e black and white, brown and white etc)

SPANISH WATER DOG BREED INFORMATION:
The Spanish Water Dog also known as Perro de Agua Espanol was developed by the shepherds in Spain to be used as herders as well as gun dog breed and to assist the fishermen.  They are medium sized lively strong dogs.  They have strong elegant head with flat skull and top parallel with the top of the muzzle. They have expressive eyes which are normally hazel, chestnut or dark brown in color depending upon their coat color and they have triangular ears set at medium height on the skull.

It has curly coat which has a wooly texture and can form cords when it becomes long. The coat must not be clipped or groomed but should be sheared down once a year and thus should look entirely natural.  It comes in a variety of colors as already mentioned above. Tri-colored dogs are strictly prohibited and so is the black and tan or brown and tan combinations.

It’s an intelligent, loving, dutiful and devoted breed with natural herding and guarding instincts. They need a lot of exercise owning to their love for work and athleticism. They love work and thus can be trained to perform many different tasks. They are alert around strangers and thus good and early socialization will help them to adjust well with small children and other animals.

They should never be brushed but the cords should be checked for matting and if matting occurs then it must be pulled gently. Moreover, they should be bathed only in lukewarm water and that too when necessarily and must be air dried. Ears and eyes should be regularly checked and cleaned to avoid problems and nails should be trimmed.

SPANISH WATER DOG HEALTH AND DISEASES:
They have a life expectancy of 14 years and are likely to suffer from the following health related problems and dog diseases:
•    Addison's Disease
•    Allergies
•    Cataracts
•    Ear Infections
•    Endocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
•    Hip dysplasia
•    Hypothyroidism
•    Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Breed: Herding
Weight: Male 16-20 lbs
              Female 16-20 lbs
Height:     Male 13-16 inches
             Female 13-16 inches
Colors:  sable, mahogany sable, shaded sable, tri-colored, bi-black, bi-blue, blue merle, bi-blue merle, sable merle, color headed white, double merl

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG BREED INFORMATION:
The Shetland Sheepdog, small to medium dogs also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dogs. They come in a variety of colors as already mentioned above. They are hard working dogs who are always willing to please their owners. Their early history is not well known but it is thought that they were derived from dogs that were used for herding and protecting sheeps in Shetland Isles. The original Shetland sheepdog was 8-10 inches in height and was crossed with collie-type sheepdogs from mainland Britain.

It resembles a miniature Rough Collie. It is a small double coated, working dog, agile and strong. All the Shetland Sheepdogs have dark colored eyes except for the Blue merle and white Shelties which have blue eyes. They are alert and carry a loving expression along with reserved nature. They are devoted dogs, showing devotion and affection to their owners but are wary of strangers. Hence for this very reason they must be socialized. They get along with children provided they are brought up with them from an early age; however supervision is necessary because the child may incidentally injure these small dogs.
Shelties love to chase and herd things including small animals such as the squirrels, ducks and children and sometimes even cars. They love running in open areas and hence require a sensitive observant owner. Shelties need to be exercised and if its exercise is neglected then it may lead to excessive barking, phobias and nervousness.

The herding instinct is strong in many Shelties. They love to chase and herd things, including squirrels, ducks, children, and if an owner is not watchful, cars. Shelties love to run in wide-open areas. They do well with a sensitive, attentive owner. Neglecting a Sheltie's need for exercise and intellectual stimulation can result in undesirable behaviors, including excessive barking, phobias, and nervousness. Fortunately, the reverse is also true; annoying behaviors can be lessened greatly by an hour of exercise that engages the dog with its owner. This dog breed’s intelligence level is extremely high and they rank number 6th out of the 132 dog breeds tested so far.

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG HEALTH AND DISEASES:
They are a very athletic and lively healthy dog breed with an average life span of 10-15 years. However, they may suffer from the following health problems and dog diseases:
•    Eye problems
•    Epilepsy
•    Hip dysplasia
•    Hypothyroidism
•    Skin problems
•    Obesity
•    Von Willebrand disease

Sealyham Terrier

Sealyham terrier Breed Information:
The Sealyham terrier belongs to the terrier type and was originally developed in Wales. Their measurements may vary according to their country of origin. In general it measures 10.5 to 12 inches in height and weigh 23-25 pounds. The males are generally heavier than their female counterparts. The color of the coat is white and it can come with or without markings in a variety of colors which include lemon, black, brown, blue, and badger (mix of brown and black).

When a puppy Sealyham is very active, however, as it grows, it becomes lazy and is often referred to as “the couch potato of the terrier world.” They love to lie here and there and take naps. It displays a good sense of humor along with the characteristics of a terrier i.e determination, sensitivity, alertness, inquisitiveness and good spirit. He adores his family and remains devoted. He does not like to be kept aloof and would love to snuggle up close to you. Moreover, he gets along well with children. Training it is not a piece of cake but once trained is quite obedient. Normally a quiet dog, it is wary of strangers and will bark to announce their presence. He gets along well with other dogs and moreover it is adaptable and may live anywhere whether an apartment or a farm. Grooming of this dog is even easier if you cut his coat short every few months and hence would only need to be brushed. However, if you groom his coat to the breed standard then it requires daily brushing.

Sealyham Terrier Health and Diseases:
It is generally a very healthy dog breed living up to 15 years. However, since they are not active dogs, one needs to manage their weight through calorie management and exercises sometimes.

Schnauzer Miniature

Schnauzer Miniature Breed Information:
The Miniature Schnauzer as the name suggests is a breed of small dogs of the Schnauzer type and it originated in Germany in the 19th century. It developed as a result of crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller dog breeds like the Poodle and Affenpinscher. It enjoys worldwide popularity sue to its temperament and small size. It comes in four colors i.e black, salt-and-pepper, black-and-silver, and white.

They measure 12 to 14 inches in height and weigh up to 11 to 15 pounds in case of females and 14 to 18 pounds in case of males. This breed has a double coat with the exterior being wiry and the inner one being soft. Moreover, the coat is short on the body, but the hair on ears, legs and belly are preserved as it is. Even though they are described as non-shedding dogs, they do shed little but it is normally unnoticeable. They have a rectangular head with hairy beard, mustache and eyebrows, dark oval eyes and forward-folding ears and thin short tails which may be docked if permitted.

They are considered to be a friendly brainy dog breed that is always alert and obeys commands and have a tendency to please their owners. They are easy to train and can make for excellent watchdogs. They are wary of strangers but once their owner welcomes the guests, they become immediately friendly to them. They love expressing themselves vocally and may bark to greet their owner or when they wish to express joy, excitement, or displeasure. This breed is generally good with children. Miniature Schnauzers can take part in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, fly ball and tracking. Moreover, this breed possess a “high prey drive” and hence can attack other small pets such as birds, snakes and rodents.

Schnauzer Miniature Health and Diseases:
They are normally a healthy dog breed living for about 15 years. However, they may suffer from the following dog diseases and health problems:

• Bladder stones
• Comdone syndrome
• Diabetes
• Ear infections
• Eye problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Hyperlipidemia
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Skin problems
• Von Willebrand disease

Dog Breeds - Azawakh

Breed : Not Akc Recognized
Weight Range:Male: 44-55; Female: 33-44 lbs
Height Range:Male: 25-29; Female: 23-27 inches
Color(s):Fawn; black mask. White bib on chest, tip of tail, white stockings on feet.

The dog breed Azawakh originated from Africa, it is a sight hound and was first bred by ancient nomadic tribes to guard them, this breed has also been used for hunting purposes and as a companion breed of dogs. The Azawakh is a fast dog and known for its speed, they can run up to speeds of 40 miles and hour. The Azawakh  dog breed is famous for hunting hare, rabbits and gazelle. It is an extremely rare breed of dogs and is not very common in the United States and Canada.

Azawakh Health and Diseases
Azawakhs are good coursing hounds, they rarely suffer from any serious coursing injuries. They are a tough breed who heal very quickly if they are injured. This breed of dogs have no known problems of hip dysplasia. In the adult Azawakh there is a minor occurrence of idiopathic epilepsy. There is also a rare chance of Wobbler Dog Disease and cervical vertebral instability this is attributed to a fast growth due to a high protein diet by most breeders.

Dog Breeds - Australian Terrier

Breed :Terrier
Weight Range:12-14 lbs
Height Range :10-11 inches
Color(s):Blue and tan, solid sandy, and solid red

The Australian Terrier is one of the smallest sized dog in the terrier category, and also one of the smallest working terriers in the world. This breed was bred in Australia for many uses, it works as a good watchdog, shepherd, a companion dog and a vermin hunter. Australian terriers were initially bred in Australia but their ancestors are believed to be from Great Brighton. The Australian Terrier is known and unique to be the first Australian bred dog to participate in shows and is the first Australian breed to be recognized and registered internationally.

Australian Terrier Health and Diseases
The average mortality age for the Australian terrier is about 12.1 years. Major causes of death among this breed is cancer, old age and diabetes. Major health problems and diseases this breed faces are Endocrine (Primary Diabetes), Allergic dermatitis, and musculoskeletal. Some other not so common health problems include, adult cataract, and ear infections in about 4% of the breed.

Dog Breeds - Australian Shepherd

Breed Group:Herding
Weight:Male: 50-65; Female: 40-55 lbs
Height:Male: 20-23; Female: 18-21 inches
Color(s):Blue merle, black, red merle, or red, all with or without white markings and/or tan points

Australian Shepherd's exact origins are unknown. This is a breed very much loved by people all around the world and was exclusively bred in the United States of America. This is a very versatile dog breed and is used around the world as farm dogs for ranches and farms where they assist in herding, this breed is also used as a watchdog as well as a retriever. This breed is generally referred to and is well known as the "Aussie".


This Dog breed was actually developed as a herding dog on farms and ranches in the western United States. Although the breed is commonly known as the Aussie it did not originate in Australia. The breed got its name because they were bred and used by Basque shepherds who had migrated to the United States from Australia.


Australian Shepherd Health and Diseases
The Australian Shepherd has some inherent hereditary health problems, these include back problems and diseases, hip problems, and vision problems. Epilepsy is also one of the dog diseases that can affect Australian  Shepherds. It is also an established fact that if there is a merle on merle breeding, the offsprings have a 1 in 4 chance of being blind and or deaf.

Dog Breeds - Australian Kelpie

Breed Group:Not Akc Recognized
Weight:25-45 lbs
Height:Males: 17-20; Females: 17-20 inches
Color(s):Red, red and chestnut, black, black and chestnut, tan, blue-gray, dark chestnut

The Australian Kelpie developed in Australia in 1870, is a wonderful breed known for its natural herding and guarding instincts. This dog breed is known to be very effective with poultry, goats, sheep, cattle as well as with reindeer. The Australian Kelpie is the most favored breed in Australia and is loved in several other countries around the world. This is a medium sized breed and comes in a variety of colors.

Australian Kelpie Health and Diseases
The Australian Kelpie is a tough breed with very few medical problems and dog diseases. Like all other breeds of dogs they are also susceptible to some common disorders for example, cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy and luxating patella.

Dog Breeds - Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler

Breed Group:Herding
Weight:35-45 lbs
Height:Male: 18-20; Female: 17-19 inches
Color(s):Blue or blue-mottled with or without other markings; red speckled. Puppies are born white but get their color within a few weeks.

The Australian Cattle Dog today is a versatile breed, it is known for being a courageous and tireless worker, a friendly and intelligent companion and a loving family pet, but it was originally bred in Australia for droving cattle in difficult terrain for long distances. This breed should be treated with love and care, if harshly treated they are known to bite at times and are also aggressive with other dogs. Despite of this they are a loyal breed and they respond quite well to training. The Australian Cattle dog is also known as Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, and Queensland Heeler, it originated during the 19th century and has today become one of the three most popular dog breeds in Australia.

Australian Cattle Dog Health and Diseases
The australian cattle dog has an average lifespan of 11.7 years. The most common dog diseases affecting the Australian Cattle Dog are musculoskeletal in nature (spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis), reproductive (pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancy) and blindness. Fractures, lameness and cruciate ligament tears are also a health problem with the Australian Cattle Dog.

Dog Breeds - Aussie doodle

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized
Weight: 25-70 lbs
Height: 14-23 inches
Color(s): Blue merle, red, tan and white, black.

Any dog breed that is a cross between a pure bred poodle and another breed is known as a Poodle Hybrid. The Aussie Doodle is a Poodle Hybrid between a Purebred Poodle and an Australian Shepherd. This breed of dog falls in a category of dogs known as "designer dogs". The Aussie Doodle is a popular companion dog, it is also known to be used for herding purposes as a farm dog. This breed has the temperament of both a poodle and and Australian Shepherd since it has both their qualities. Aussie Doodle are a lovable breed and get along with dogs and other pets around the house. They are also known to be friendly and patient with small children. This breed is not considered good as a watch dog because they are quite friendly in nature and get along with anyone.  

Aussie Doodle Health and Diseases
The Aussie Doodle are prone to some common health issues, these include PRA and hip, elbow or patella dysplasia. Another major problem with this breed is that they react severely to a commonly used medication for heart worm disease, Ivermectin.

Dog Breeds - Argentine Dogo

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized
Weight: Male: 90-100; Female: 80-90 lbs
Height: Male: 24.5-27.5 ;Female: 23.5-26 inches
Color(s): White

Argentine Dogo also known as the Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed. It is white in color and quite a muscular dog. This breed was developed in the Argentina with big game hunting in mind, the Argentine Dogo is used for hunting cougars and wild boar. This dog breed was developed in the 1920's & 1930's by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez from a breed called Cordoban Fighting Dog. Although primarily developed for big game hunting this breed has been used for police and military work, it has also been used as a guard dog and a guide dog. The breed became famous for blood sport and thus gained negativity because of that. This breed was banned in the United Kingdom in 1991 and also is banned in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Ice Land, Romania, Ukrain and Singapore, it is also banned in several cities in the United States, because of its link to blood sports and it being considered a dangerous dog.

Argentine Dogo Health and Diseases
Although a tough dog, free of most dog diseases, this breed is known to be prone to pigment related deafness, Hip Displasia is also a possibility in this breed.

Dog Breeds - Appenzell Mountain Dog

Breed Group: Not Akc Recognized
Weight: Male: 60-70; Female: 50-60 lbs
Height: Male: 22-23 Female: 18-20 inches
Color(s): Tri-Color; Black, tan, and white.

Also known as the Appenzeller Sennenhund is a dog breed from the Swiss Alps region. This dog breed is medium in size and is one of the four Sennenhund Breeds that hail from this region. The name sennenhund is derived from the people of this region, because herders in the Swiss Alps are known as Senn. Appenzell is an area in the northwest part of Switzerland. The Appenzell Mountain Dog breed is the most rare and the least known of the four types of Alpine breeds in the region. This breed was developed in Switzerland as a work dog helping with cattle moving and guarding herds, it is also used as a rescue dog and a cart puller. This is a hard working breed wanted by many but difficult to find and close to impossible to acquire because of its rarity.

Appenzell Mountain Dog Health and Diseases
The Appenzell Mountain Dogs are bred to be a strong and very hardy breed, they have always surpassed their breeders expectation in being a hardy breed and are quite a healthy breed despite being inbred and despite of them being purebred. They are small and muscular in their physique, with a high endurance level so they don't fall sick often as other purebreds might. Appenzell are however susceptible to the common dog disease known as hip dysplasia.

Dog Breeds - Anatolian Shepherd

Breed Group:    Working
Weight:              Male: 110-150; Female: 80-120 lbs
Height:               Male: 29; Female 27 inches
Color(s):            Any, most common is fawn with black mask

Originating over 6,000 years ago in Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd were bred to be used as a guardian of both property and livestock. This breed was noted for being able to make independent decisions as well as for their ability to withstand harsh climates, which was necessary for their nomadic way of life. This ancient breed is regarded as the national emblem of Turkey.

Dog Breeds - American Water Spaniel

Breed Group:    Sporting
Weight:             Male: 30-45; Female: 25-40 lbs
Height:              15-18 inches
Color(s):           Solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate

The American Water Spaniel is a gundog little known outside North America. This breed is known for its superior sense of smell and friendly disposition. The American Water Spaniel is most commonly referred to as AWS. Since the 18th century this breed has been used on the farm and for hunting, particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are one of only a few breeds developed in America, and are considered a rare breed. The American Water Spaniel is virtually unknown outside of the United States. They were designated as Wisconsin's official state dog in 1986.

Dog Breeds - American Staffordshire Terrier

Breed Group:    Terrier
Weight:             57-67 lbs
Height:              Male: 18-19; Female 17-18 inches
Color(s):           Any solid or partial color, but more than 80 percent white, black and tan, or liver are less preferred.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has triggered much debate about his origins. It is said that the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are one and the same breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier is indeed the name of the show strain, while the fighting dog strain is labeled the American Pit Bull Terrier. These two dogs are recognized by different registries as different breeds, although they are considered the same breed. They are bred to have the same qualities and the same build.

Dog Breeds - American Pit Bull Terrier

Breed Group:    N/A
Weight:             22-110 lbs
Height:              18-22 inches
Color(s):            multicolored, black and white

This dog breed originated during the 19th century, the American Pit Bull Terrier was noted for having the gameness of a Terrier and the athletic abilities and strength of a Bulldog. This dog breed's versatile talents made it a favorite of farmers and ranchers for such uses as protection, livestock driving, family companions, and as catch dogs for hogs and semi-wild cattle.This is a popular breed among dog enthusiasts.

American Hairless Terrier

Breed Group:    Not Akc Recognized
Weight:             5-16 lbs
Height:              7-16 inches
Color(s):           Parti-color over underlying skin color; white, black, tan, fawn; bi or tri-color, sable, brindle.

Developed during the 1970s by breeder Edwin Scott, the American Hairless Terrier descended by chance from purebred, coated Rat Terriers. With the awareness of allergy sufferers to this unique breed they become popular in the United States and such countries as England, Finland, and Canada. American Hairless Terrier's are the first Hairless breed to have originated in the United States.

Dog Breeds - American Foxhound

Breed Group:    Hound
Weight:             Male: 70-75; Female: 65-70 lbs
Height:              Male: 22-25 Female: 21-24 inches
Color(s):           Black, white, tan in either a bi-color or tri-color pattern

A direct descendant of English and French hounds, this breed was used during the 17th century to seek out Indians. However, in later years the American Foxhound was prized for its talent in hunting wild animals. This breed was never intended to be solely a pet. They were a popular breed with the wealthy who enjoyed fox hunting.

Dog Breeds - American Eskimo Dog

Breed Group:    Non-Sporting
Weight:             6-40 lbs
Height:              9-19 inches
Color(s):          White, or white with biscuit cream

The exact origin of the American Eskimo Dog is unknown, although it is widely believed this companion dog originated in the United States by German immigrants in the 20th century. A Member of the Spitz family, the American Eskimo Dog comes in three different varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. They became extremely popular in the 1930's and 1940's as a circus performer.

Dog Breeds - American English Coonhound

Breed Group:    Not Akc Recognized
Weight:             40-65 lbs
Height:             Male: 24-26; Female: 23-25 inches
Color(s):          Blue and white, red and white, black and white with ticking; tri-color with ticking, brindle, or solid

The American English Coonhound breed descends from Irish and French breeds brought to America. They were utilized to hunt fox by day and raccoon by night. The original Coonhounds were inadequate when hunting by American standards due to their inability to track quarry in trees. Therefore, the original breed was crossed with the Bloodhound to enhance their scent tracking ability. Today American English Coonhound's are used to track and hunt raccoon, oppossum, cougar, deer, boar, and bear.

Dog Breeds - American Bulldog

Breed Group:    Not AKC Recognized
Weight:        Male: 70-120; Female: 60-100 lbs
Height:        Male: 22-28; Female: 20-26 inches
Color(s):    White, brindle, brown, red, or tan

Nearly extinct after WWII, the American Bulldog was saved by the efforts of one man named John D. Johnson. Originally used for the blood sport of bull baiting, this breed became prized by farmers for their intelligence, working abilities, stamina, and protective nature. American Bulldogs were also used to hunt wild boar, bear, raccoon, and squirrel. Considered to be a rare breed, the American Bulldog is ranked number one for their versatile capabilities.

Dog Breeds - Alaskan Malamute

Breed Group:    Working
Weight:             Male: 85; Female: 75 lbs
Height:              Male: 25; Female: 23 inches
Color(s):           Light gray through to black, with white shading and a white mask or cap; also shades of sable or red with shading, or all white

Alaskan Malamutes are large working dogs. They have been used through the years as sled dogs, but aren't naturally as fast in the long run as there blue-eyed competition (huskies). Originally bred as a sled dog they were taught to think independently which sometimes results in them being a bit stubborn. Absolutely magnificent coloration and such a beautiful and strong overall build. Highly intelligent and loyal they are certain to make a nice family pet.

Dog Breeds - Alaskan Klee Kai

Breed Group:    Not Akc Recognized
Weight:             Toy: 10; Miniature: 15; Standard: 23 lbs
Height:              Toy: 13; Miniature: 13-15; Standard: 15-17.5 inches
Color(s):           All colors; Markings must be symmetrical. The facial mask is distinctly defined.

Developed during the 1970's in Alaska by Linda Spurlin, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. Bred as companions, this breed is relatively new, having been recognized by the UKC in 1997. They come in 3 sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Dog Breeds - Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Breed Group:    Working
Weight:             Male: 100; Female: 78 lbs
Height:              Male: 23-26; Female: 20-23 inches
Color(s):           Blue merle, brown merle, red merle brindle, tan, red, brown, black, white

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a very rare breed. They fall under the Mastiff breed. It is nearly extinct. There are about 150-200 worldwide. This breed results from three generations of an old breeding program of the Lane Family in Georgia, USA. The program started back in the 1800's and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of Southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends form Buck Lane's dog, named Otto.

Dog Breeds - Akita

Breed Group:    Working
Weight:             Male: 85-130; Female: 65-110 lbs
Height:              Male: 25-28; Female: 23-26 inches
Color(s):           Any color, including white, pinto, or brindle

The Akita originated in Japan. Unchanged for centuries, this breed is considered the national dog of Japan and a natural monument. They were highly prized, revered, and only owned by nobility and aristocracy. They were used in various capacities such as Imperial guards, hunter of bear and boar, and waterfowl retrieving. They are the largest of the Spitz-type breeds. Today, the Akita is a faithful companion, therapy dog, and guard dog.

Dog Breeds - Akbash

Breed Group:    Livestock Guardian Dog
Weight:             Male: 120; Female: 90 lbs
Height:              Male: 28-31; Female: 27-29 inches
Color(s):           Solid White

A rare and elegant breed, the Akbash breed originated 3000 years ago in Western Turkey. Developed by shepherds as a livestock guardian, the Akbash was bred selectively for the white coloring so as to be discernible from predators. This breed was introduced into the United States during the 1970's and recognized by the UKC in 1998.

Dog Breeds - Airedale Terrier

Breed Group:    Terrier
Weight:             45 lbs
Height:              23 inches
Color(s):           Tan with black or grizzle saddle

Quite a pleasant breed, the Airedale Terrier is protective, brave, and affectionate. It demands love and attention. Sometimes a rowdy breed, the Airedale Terrier should start obedience training at a young age to avoid dominance issues and to ensure the dog will be well mannered.

Dog Breeds - Afghan Hound

Breed Group:                   Hounds
Weight:                            Male: 60; Female: 50 lbs
Height:                             Male: 27; Female: 25 inches
Common Color(s):           all colors permissible except spotted

The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest sight hound dog breeds known to exist today. Known for its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the Afghan Hound acquired its unique features in the cold weather of Afghanistan. This dog breed has grown in popularity and makes a wonderful companion. Care free, classy and loyal, the Afghan Hound is also very loyal but can be reserved around strangers. Socialization is a must for this breed.

Dog Breeds - Affenpinscher

Breed Group:                  Toy Dog
Weight:                            7-9 Pounds
Height:                             9-11.5 Inches
Common Color(s):           Black, gray, silver, or black and tan

Affenpinscher dog breed falls in the "Toy Group" of dog breed classification. The Affenpinscher dog breed was bred in Germany in the 16th century. Affenpinscher are commonly referred to as the "monkey dog" due to their appearance which is similar to a monkey and their jovial attitude. Their strong character and sporting instinct makes the Affenpinscher useful in killing rats and mice. The Affenpinscher in todays world is kept as a companion dog.

Dog Disease - About Dirofilaria Immitis Parasite

Dirofilaria immitis also known as heartworm was originally known as a regional disease common in southern climates, but now it has spread in all 50 states of America and all over the world, except Antarctica. It is most common in dogs but it can affect a large variety of animals and even humans.

The problem with heartworm infection is that it shows very little symptoms and most of them appear only in the final stages of the disease. Areas with high mosquito population are the most affected with this parasite. Left untreated, this disease will eventually kill the host. However, testing, treatment and prevention of heartworm is very easy. Heartworms can be discovered by doing a simple blood test and can be seen as adults in x-rays.

Dirofilaria immitis parasite goes through different stages and through different hosts until reaching the adult form. The first stage is the larvae or microfilariae which is usually carried by mosquitoes. After the mosquito bites a dog the larvae is transmitted to the new host and in six to seven months reaches the adult stage and moves to the heart of the dog. This is the time when the symptoms start to appear. Here the worms multiply and block the right chamber of the heart and blood flow to other organs.

Treatment of the infection with dirofilaria immitis parasite is successful if the stage of the disease is not to evolved. The adult heartworm can be removed using arsenic compound. In about one month the adult worm is killed, however another month or so of treatment is needed to remove the microfilariae as well. During this treatment the dog is put under a lot of stress and side effects may occur. In case of final stages of the disease surgical removal of the heartworm may be needed.

There are a lot of heartworm prevention treatments on the market. Most of them are available on prescription only and should be given once a month. The best one in my opinion is interceptor for dogs, which can be orally administered monthly. Prevention treatments can be used either year round either in the mosquito seasons only.

Prague Ratter Dog Breed

Prague Ratter Breed Information:
Belonging to Czech Republic, the Prague Ratter is a tiny breed of dog. It is seldom seen outside its country of origin. By breed standard, it is the smallest breed in the world. This is with reference to the height of the dogs, i.e it is the smallest dog height wise. It is a very old breed and hence tracing its early beginnings is not only difficult but is in fact impossible. However, Polish chronicler Gala Anonym claims that Polish Boleslav II The Brace (1058-1080_ was a proud owner of two Prague Ratters that came from Bohemia. It used to grace royal banquets and was also a symbol of independence of Czech lands and sovereignty of the Czech nation. The Prague Ratter beautified the courts of Czech princes and kings and was presented to other European rulers as gifts. From the royal palaces, they were passed on to the other affluent members of the society and eventually to the ordinary citizens who used them as rat catchers. In the 19th century it started to lose appreciation and Miniature Pinscher took over. However in 1980s Czechs and Solvaks started breeding them again.

The natural color and most common color of this breed is black and tan but lately other colors have also been approved which include Brown and tan, Red and Merle, Blue and tan, Lila and tan, and Yellow. The coat of the dog consists of short, glossy hair. The best weight of the dog is 2.6 kg but it is usually between 1.5 kg to 3.5 kg and the ideal height of an adult Prague Ratter is 20-23cm. They are a lively gentle and brainy breed who are suspicious of strangers but are very devoted to their family. Despite its small size, it is very useful for agility, freestyle, obedience, tracking etc. Due to their highly developed sense of smell, the prague ratter is a great rat hunter and will also go after squirrels, mice and raccoons.

Prague Ratter health and diseases:
It is generally a very healthy dog breed living up to 12 to 14 years but sometimes is subjected to bone injuries because of their size. Moreover they can have retained baby teeth which need to be pulled in order to prevent problems. Moreover, it also suffers from patellar luxation just like other small breeds.

PUGAPOO Dog Breed

Pugapoo Breed Information
Pugapoo, also known as the Pugoodle, is a cross between a Pug and a Miniature Poodle. It is a none-shedding hypoallergenic small dog, which normally weighs 10-15 ponds. They may appear like the Pug or the Poodle and sometimes both in temperament as well as physical appearance. It is very sporty and is ever ready for running or games. Along with moderately long legs, they have a broad chest and well-sprung rib cage with a straight back and a curled up tail. The neck is short while the ears are bigger than that of the Pug but the eyes on the other hand even though less prominent are darkened, observant and expressive.

Muzzles may be with or without a beard and varies in size from very short to moderately long. The coat may either be like that of a Poodle, i.e long and curly, or like that of a Pug i.e very short and straight. In certain cases of Pugapoo one may experience a combination coat that is straight and short on the body and long and curled on the legs, ruff and tail. This breed is available is a variety of colors which range from tan with black marking through to white, creams, yellows, grays, apricots, blacks, chocolates or even part-colors with or without white markings.

This breed, just like all other poodle hybrid breeds, gets along well with kids, people, dogs and other animals. They are very amiable and caring but are wary of strangers. These small dogs can account for an excellent traveling companions if given proper socialization and training and can also prove to be excellent pets for families or senior citizens. They are fun loving affectionate breed which prefers to be surrounded by their family. Because of the above reason they do not enjoy sitting outside or in kennels. They are not known for destruction if properly trained. Moreover, due to the ease of training, they are a good choice for novice or first time dog owners.

Due to different coat types, Pugapoo require different grooming. Pugoodles with the Poodle coat i.e a long and curly coat will require regular, every other day grooming if not clipped. Whereas on the other hand, those having Pug-like coats would need grooming once a week only in order to remove dead hair. The pugapoo have poodle type coat will shed very little while the ones with pug-like coat may shed moderately and both types have fine silky hair which makes them suitable for people with allergies to hair dander.

PUGAPOO HEALTH AND DISEASES
The Pugapoo is prone to eye infections. And hence the hair around the eyes must be carefully clipped and the eyes should be washed with a damp cloth at every grooming. Incase of tearing, the dog must be examined by a vet at the earliest. Moreover, ear must be regularly checked for wax. The pugapoos having short muzzles are also at a risk of heat stroke and hence should be monitored when exercising in the heat. Moreover, their teeth must be regularly cleaned and examined.

Dog Disease - SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

 Breed:  Herding
Weight: Male 16-20 lbs
            Female 16-20 lbs
Height: Male 13-16 inches
            Female 13-16 inches
Colors:  sable, mahogany sable, shaded sable, tri-colored, bi-black, bi-blue, blue merle, bi-blue merle, sable merle, color headed white, double merle

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG BREED INFORMATION      
The Shetland Sheepdog, small to medium dogs also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dogs. They come in a variety of colors as already mentioned above. They are hard working dogs who are always willing to please their owners. Their early history is not well known but it is thought that they were derived from dogs that were used for herding and protecting sheeps in Shetland Isles. The original Shetland sheepdog was 8-10 inches in height and was crossed with collie-type sheepdogs from mainland Britain.
         
It resembles a miniature Rough Collie. It is a small double coated, working dog, agile and strong. All the Shetland Sheepdogs have dark colored eyes except for the Blue merle and white Shelties which have blue eyes. They are alert and carry a loving expression along with reserved nature. They are devoted dogs, showing devotion and affection to their owners but are wary of strangers. Hence for this very reason they must be socialized. They get along with children provided they are brought up with them from an early age; however supervision is necessary because the child may incidentally injure these small dogs.

Shelties love to chase and herd things including small animals such as the squirrels, ducks and children and sometimes even cars. They love running in open areas and hence require a sensitive observant owner. Shelties need to be exercised and if its exercise is neglected then it may lead to excessive barking, phobias and nervousness.

The herding instinct is strong in many Shelties. They love to chase and herd things, including squirrels, ducks, children, and if an owner is not watchful, cars. Shelties love to run in wide-open areas. They do well with a sensitive, attentive owner. Neglecting a Sheltie's need for exercise and intellectual stimulation can result in undesirable behaviors, including excessive barking, phobias, and nervousness. Fortunately, the reverse is also true; annoying behaviors can be lessened greatly by an hour of exercise that engages the dog with its owner. Their intelligence level is extremely high and they rank number 6th out of the 132 breeds tested so far.

SHETLAND SHEEPDOG HEALTH AND DISEASES
They are very athletic and lively healthy breeds with an average life span of 10-15 years. However, they may suffer from the following:

• Eye problems
• Epilepsy
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Skin problems
• Obesity
• Von Willebrand disease

Dog Disease - Fleas and Other Parasites in Dogs

Fleas and other external and internal parasites are a major health risk for dogs, not only do they directly affect your pet but they can also cause related heath problems and dog diseases. Extra care should be given to your pet to keep it safe from internal and external parasites. Parasite problem is quite common in dogs and causes a lot of heart ache for pet owners. Bites caused by fleas, lice and ticks can cause your dog to have allergic reactions on the skin and cause your dog to get lesions and hair loss when the dog starts to scratch.

The presence of fleas in dogs is known to cause a severe skin condition known as skin dermatitis. This condition is caused due to the allergic reactions your dog gets from flea bites. A pet infected with parasites whether internal or external can go through severe discomfort due to the allergic reactions and affects of the parasite. Due to the common presence of external parasites medicated collars are now available in most pet stores to treat and prevent the presence of external parasites in your dog. These collars are quite affective and help your pet remain healthy.

Other parasites that affect your pets’ health and can cause you severe distress are ticks and lice, internal parasites like hook worm, round worm, whip worm and heart worm are also very dangerous can cause different dog diseases. For example if your dog is affected by hook worms the dog will be suffering from severe anemia. The signs and symptoms of anemia become more prominent over time depending on the scope of the hookworm infestation.

Hookworm larvae can pass directly through the dog's skin and can cause severe medical problems in the affected dog. Dogs suffering from hook worms can reveal lesions due to the skin dermatitis in the skin near the feet region of your dog. Skin rashes are a common symptom in these cases. Another symptom of the dog suffering from hook worm is loose stool which shows a presence of blood.

Round worms are also known to cause dog disease in your pet and the presence of round worm like all other parasites affecting your dog can be detrimental to the pet's health. If there is a large presence of round worm in your puppy or dog the pet will reveal a potbelly condition as a symptom of the presence of round worms. This condition is easily visible and dog owners should know what the potbelly is for and get their pets examined by a professional veterinarian. A common treatment for the presence of round worm in dogs is the oral administration of piperazine salts. Broad spectrum anthelimintics like pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole are also known to be used to treat the condition.

Due to the common nature of the problem and its wide geographic reach many drugs are now available in the market to prevent and treat dog diseases caused by internal and external parasites. Ivermecitin is one of the most common drugs used to treat fleas and other internal and external parasites in dogs. This drug is available both in oral and injection form, Ivermecitin is also available in powder, soap and shampoo form for external application to get rid of parasites and protect the dog against them. This will keep your dog safe from numerous dog diseases.

Dog Disease - Heart worm, fleas, ticks and other parasites in Dogs

Heart worm, fleas, lice, ticks and other parasites are usually common in dogs in most parts of the world. These parasites spread due to various reason the main ones being insect bites particularly mosquito bites and unhygienic conditions. These parasites not only directly affect the dog's health but also cause several other dog diseases in your pets. Due to the common nature and presence of these parasites all over the world several commercial products are available in the market to help you keep your pet parasite free. These products are available in the form of oral medicine, injections, sprays and powders, they help you get rid of all types of parasites including heart worm, hook worm, whip worm, lice and ticks.

All these parasites have different symptoms and cause different reactions in a dog's body. Fleas are known to produce hyper sensitive reactions in affected dogs. A pet infected with fleas will be suffering and will start to scratch itself uncontrollably. This scratching can be so severe that the skin becomes sore and the affected area of the dogs body can have lesions and dermatitis occurs in the dog.

Animals affected by parasites are usually very uncomfortable and will not lie down or be able to sleep comfortably. Animals will show signs of severe skin disease if the parasites have be hosted on the dog for a long time. If your dog is neglected and not treated for the presence of parasites secondary bacterial invasions can take place making the dog's condition worse. This can also cause a bad smell to to be present in the dog irritating it further.

To prevent the presence of fleas, lice, ticks and other parasites in your dog regular examination is important, a healthy and clean environment should be provided to your pet and a regular close examination of the skin, ears and hair is necessary. Parasites can be caught early and the dog can be treated to get rid of these unwanted parasites with ease in early stages.

In many cases, if your dog is suffering from anemia, blood protozoa need to be ruled out in addition to the hookworm problems.  The medical problems and symptoms like anemia, loose motion, pot belly etc. might be recognized by the dog owners themselves and however, the dog needs to undergo the routine health related examination involving fecal examination, hematological examination and blood smear examination, these tests will detect parasite problems early and pet owners can then work to remedy the situation and make their dog comfortable and healthy.

Parasites in pets can cause many problems and health issues with your dog, regular exam and prevention methods will help reduce the risk of parasites in your pet. The presence of parasites can lead to many other dog disease in your dog so you should be very careful and take every step possible to prevent the presence of parasites in your pet.

Dog Disease - Heart Worm prevention

Heart worm disease is one of the numerous diseases affecting dogs, it is a dangerous disease if left untreated and care and prevention can help your dog stay safe from this disease. Here we are listing some of the ways and methods that can be used to prevent your dog from getting heart worm disease.

1.You can readily find beef flavored chunks in addition to the beef flavored tablets or solutions available in the market to prevent your dog from getting heart worm. These can be administered to your dog orally and they help in preventing the presence of heart worm disease.

2.The biggest reason for heart worm to spread is mosquito bites. Make sure that the shelter or area you provide your dog is clean and free of mosquitoes.

3.In some areas mosquitoes are only seasonal problems and cold weather keeps them away while in other areas mosquitoes are a year round problem. Know mosquito patterns in your region and use preventive measures to keep your dog safe from bites and heart worm disease.

4. Preventive medicines are available to be given orally to your dog, these medicines will protect your dog against heart worms as well as hookworms etc. These medicines should be taken as advised by a vet and caution should be taken to monitor that the medicine does not adversely affect your dog's health. In such a case consult your dogs vet immediately and they will address the situation.

5.If you miss a dose or treatment for heart worm disease, your dog should be examined by veterinarian and tested for the presence of heart worm.

6. Some common drugs use widely around the world to prevent heart worm disease are, heart-guard, sentinel, interceptor, revolution etc. Consult your veterinarian to see what might be best for your dog.

7.Water stagnation, and bushes encourage the growth of mosquitoes in an area, make sure the area where your dog is being housed is not a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

It is important that you keep you pet safe from any disease and monitor its health regularly. A healthy dog is a happy companion. Have your dog checked regularly at the veterinarians to prevent dog diseases that might affect dogs. Regular checkups and test will ensure that your dog is free of heart worm disease.

Related Articles
Heart worm disease in dogs
FAQs about Heart Worm Disease in Dogs

FAQs about Heart Worm Disease in Dogs

Heart worm is a common problem with dogs, and it is a dangerous dog disease. There are many questions one might have about heart worm disease in dogs, and its effects on different breeds. One must also know that the heart worm disease does not only affect dogs, it affects other animals as well, these include cats, horses, foxes etc. This dog disease is curable and preventable you can find more details about heart worm disease in another article linked here. In this article we will try to answer some of the common questions related to heart worm disease.

What are the common Symptoms of Heart Worm Disease?
Common Symptoms of heart worm disease in dogs include, constant coughing, heavy breathing, panting and laziness in dogs.

What is an effective drug to prevent heart worm disease?
Ivermectin (also available in injection form) and milbemycin oxime are one of the most common drugs used to prevent heart worm disease in dogs. Prophylaxis can prevent heart worm disease in dogs as well as hook worms, whip worms, and round worms.Additionally, the forms for external application are also
available. The cost factor needs to be worked out for all these treatments.

What is the frequency of drug used for prophylaxis?
One month before the mosquito season and up to two months after the mosquito season, ivermectin or milbemycin oxime may be given once monthly for the prophylaxis. Diethylcarbamazine may be used for therapy purpose.

Is there a particular size for heart worm disease worms?
Although the size varies but in females the size is about twenty seven centimeters, and in males the worm can be seventeen centimeters in length.

What spreads the heart worm disease in dogs?
The main cause for the spread of heart worm disease in dogs in mosquitoes and mosquito bites. Larvae in the third stage is transmitted to host dogs through mosquito bites.

Where does heart worm disease occur?
Heart worm disease is common all over the world and is not limited to certain areas like some other dog diseases. In some areas however the presence of heart worm disease in less because of lower temperatures that prevent the mosquitoes from being present. Usually a dirtier environment with a large presence of mosquitoes can be bad for the spread of the heart worm disease.

Related Articles
Heart worm disease in dogs
Heart Worm Disease Prevention

Dog Breed Standards

This article is derived from the official standards of kennel club (KC) in great Britain, the American Kennel club (AKC) the federation Cynologiue international (FCI) in Europe, and the Australian National kennel Council (ANKC) the Kennel Club is now recognized over 180 dog breeds and the most popular are described here along with a number of recent arrivals from Europe and a few breeds that are more familiar in other parts of the world.

The grouping given in this section are those used by the kennel club of great Britain: Hounds, Gundogs, Terriers, Utility, Working pastoral group came in being on 1 January 1999 and contains a number of breeds previously classified as either a Utility breed or working dog breed, the American Kennel Club categories are roughly similar except that what the kennel club class as utility and pastoral are called non-sporting breeds and Herding breeds. The federation Cynologiue international operates in a very different and more complex system where there is no direct comparison between the FCI and other classification the appropriate breed group is given for each entry.

When new dog breeds are introduce to the UK and abroad they are normally placed into the imported breed register and given an interim standard usually based on the standard of the country of origin but agreed between the individual Breed Club (Formed by owners, breeders, and other enthusiastic of the breed) and the kneel Club this interim standard monitored by the period of the year to check that is produces satisfactory dogs. It may be proved acceptable or it may have to be modified before the breed is to be transferred to a list of rare breeds and finally to the full breed register. Rare breed and those of imported breeds register have their own classes at championship and open show and are allowed to win kneel Club challenges certificate only once they reach the breed register.

The AKC operates the broadly similar system listing new comers in a Miscellaneous Group until they are deemed to have attained full breed status. Again miscellaneous breeds are limited o miscellaneous classes at shows and are eligible for championship points. Country of origin date of introduction and the indefinable qualities which decree whether or not a breed will become popular have led a few difference between the breed registers of the KC and AKC at the time of writing among those breeds to have interim standards from the KC are the Shar Pei, which has Full AKC recognition and the Neapolitan Mastiff which is not recognized by the AKC at all. The AKC Miscellaneous class includes the Italian Spinone breed and the Lowchen breed both of which have been recognized by the Kennel Club in recent years.

Perhaps the most controversial of all is the Jack Russell Terrier which has an interim standard in the UK and as in the AKC Miscellaneous class. Part of its difficulty lies in the fact in the UK at least it is not an import but a familiar if ill defined a home grown product. Pressure from a large number of jack Russell enthusiastic seems to have overcome this hurdle and it may not be long before this popular and busy little terrier makes its appearance in its shows rings.

The official groupings in its every Kneel club are based on the dog’s original purpose most of which are self explanatory. Gun-dogs were bred to assist in shouting. Hounds give chase to other form of hunting and coursing. Terriers (from the Latin terra earth) dug down into the ground in pursuit of prey that burrowed underground. These three are grouped together as the sporting breeds. Of the non sporting groups toys are small dogs breed purely are champions pastoral breed looks after sheep cattle or other livestock. And working dog help human in variety of ways including pulling sledges and guarding property. The final non-sporting group utility (called simply non-sporting by AKC and ANKC) contains a number of breeds whose original function is now obsolete such as Dalmatian (breed as a carriage dog) the bulldog (A fighting dog) and the schipperke (a barge guarding dog from Holland).

Interestingly the grouping f the three sporting groups vary very little from one Kennel club to another throughout the world but there are many variations in the NON_Sporting groups. the Boston terrier for example developed as a pit-fighting in the USA is a NON_Sporting breed in its country of origin and n Australia and a utility in UK whereas its small size make it a champion in the FCI the Kennel club and the ANKC classify the Japanese Akita as Utility because again originally it was a fighting dog whereas the AKC calls it working perhaps because it now makes a useful guard the FCI gas a separate classification for Nordic sledge dogs. Into which this fall because it is a spitz type. the Kennel club usually expresses the desired size f breed in term of height and the withers or shoulders through some times weight rather than height is the criterion Occasionally both height and weight are specified and on rare occasions no size at all. Sometimes but no means always the standard differ for dogs and bitches. The figures given below follow these conventions with the standard for other countries specified only where it differs substantially from that of the KC.

Dog as a Friend and Companion

The relationship of owners with their dogs is as complex, individual and fascinating as human partnerships, with some key points to which most or all owners can relate. The dog is first a companion and friend, at the same time similar to and different from a human being. A dog is reliable, affectionate and gives a sense of constancy and routine to life, all roles less easily fulfilled by humans. At the same time the dog is something to care for, putting the owner in the role of parent to child in some respects, and as an equal in others. A dog is a stimulus for laughter and for play, the latter behavior being one that adults perform more easily with a dog than with another person.

The physical characteristics of dogs are pleasant, they are usually soft to touch, warm, and never answer back. They are a stimulus for exercise and keep their owners active. They give protection and impart a feeling of security. They can improve self-esteem, and may have the ability to reduce stress. All these features can be provided at rimes by another person, by a dog constantly.

Humans are able to form a strong emotional bond with a dog, and the dog with the human. That perhaps is the key to the whole relationship and why it is so successful. Rudyard Kipling said it in another way in The Power of the Dog: 'Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear'.

The Dog in Society

The importance of pets has begun to be realized by politicians; in the USA, bills protecting the right to own a pet have been passed in some States, and a Senate now prohibits bans on pets for the elderly and handicapped in federally assisted housing. In France and Sweden the right to own a dog is part of the constitution.

Part of the stimulus for protecting some rights of dog owners has come from a realization of the potential of pets in the therapy of old people in health care institutions, for certain types of mentally ill people, and for criminals in prisons. The introduction of a pet, either as a visitor or as a permanent resident, has produced dramatic changes in the social behavior of some people in all three groups. One well-documented  study was conducted  in Australia, where a former guide dog, a Labrador called Honey, was introduced on to a geriatric ward of a Melbourne hospital. Interviews with staff and patients before and three months after Honey's arrival showed several beneficial effects in the areas of emotional well-being and physical activity; for the staff none of the prior misgivings about a dog had materialized.

Resident pets and pet-visiting schemes have become widespread in America, and some have started in Britain and other countries. An American psychiatrist has evaluated their effects, and highlighted the increase in play and laughter among patients. It is suggested that laughter can reduce stress and pain and instil a feeling of elation as a genuine  physiological effect,  which via neuroendocrine pathways affects the chemistry of the brain itself.

Pet therapy with the mentally handicapped and with prisoners is still in its pioneering stage. The number of pets allowed on to wards in mental hospitals is increasing, and the trend seems likely to continue. In many ways this is a return to former therapy in the nineteenth century and even earlier, most hospitals for the mentally ill had many types of animals, as shown for example in records of the York Retreat in England in 1792, and at Gheel in Belgium as long ago as the ninth century.

So far the USA is the only country where prisons have used pets in a constructive  manner  for the rehabilitation of selected criminals.  In one women's penitentiary, maximum-security prisoners train dogs for use as therapy or assistance for physically disabled people. Reportedly the involve¬ ment has a highly favourable impact on the prisoners' behaviour.

Loss of a Dog

The grief at the loss of a dog is experienced by all owners, and for the elderly particularly it can be a devastating blow. In some circumstances, elderly and single people may develop an obsessive relationship with their dog which to them seems their only genuine friend; in certain cases large amounts of money are left in the owners' wills for the dogs' upkeep. Such behavior ma y seem bizarre to non-owners, but understandable to other lonely dog lovers.

When a loved dog dies, grief can be intense, and cases of pathological extended mourning have been reported by psychiatrists. Some owners may grieve over their dog for a year or longer, a time span comparable to that following the death of a close relative. However, there are several differences between the two mourning processes. Various ceremonies and routines attend a human death and these ma y in themselves help the bereaved to cope with the grief, aided by emotional support from friends. No graveside rituals pertain to the death  of a dog, but  often  the most  upsetting aspect  is the lack of understanding by other people. Dog owners are often so embarrassed at their own strong feelings over the loss of their pet that they have difficulty in talking about it.

The Dog as Protector

Feeling secure induces a sense not only of emotional but also of physical well being. Protection is the second commonest reason owners give for keeping a dog. A barking dog defending a house is obviously a deterrent to burglars, and the size of dog is relatively unimportant; a prospective burglar will be scared off by the noise. It has even been suggested that a pack of dog food placed strategically at a front window or a tape of a barking dog can be effective in themselves. Surprisingly, no documented studies exist of the effectiveness of dogs at preventing burglaries; nonetheless it is accepted that they do, and dogs are recommended by police authorities as effective aids to protection.

For personal as opposed to property protection, the elderly may have the most to gain, being more vulnerable and frequently living alone. In man y ways the elderly form a special group regarding dog ownership since their numbers are increasing, and they are more likely to feel lonely and suffer emotional isolation. The traditional extended family has declined and been replaced by the nuclear family where different generations usually live apart. Despite the obvious benefits, pet ownership is lower among older than younger age groups, possibly because older people worry over the well-being of their dogs if their own health  declines, and  because  they see more disadvantages from  dog ownership than do younger people. Perhaps most importantly, they fear the loss of their dog and their own resulting grief.

Related Articles:
Top 10 Guard Dog Breeds

The Dog as Health Therapist

It is the health benefits a dog may give to the ordinary owner which has attracted the greatest interest recently. This was stimulated by a study in the United States of ninety-two patients recovering from coronary artery disease. Researchers found that of all the possible factors which might be associated with remaining alive one year later, pet ownership was the most significant, excluding the severity of the heart attack itself. It could be argued that this effect is due to people taking more exercise with a dog in the home, but people with other pets, which did not need to be exercised, were also more likely to be alive after one year. One likely explanation is related to mental stress. Most people prefer ordered lives, and disruption to routine, such as retirement or hospitalization, are thought to be stressful, at least in part because of the difficulties in establishing new routines. The presence of a dog or other pet offers opportunities for developing a new life style. Animals have even more regular habits than humans and expect their owners to get up at the same time in the mornings and feed them at clearly established intervals.

An additional explanation for the health benefits derived from dogs has been studied experimentally. This theory holds that pets, including dogs, have a direct physiological effect on humans. In a pilot experiment, the blood pressure of adults stroking and talking to pet dogs was measured and proved to be no different from when they were resting quietly alone, and it might even fall in the presence of the dog. This contrasts strongly with what happens when people engage in l1uman conversations, when blood pressure almost always rises in separate study, the mere presence of a pet dog in a room was found to cause a lowering in blood pressure of children aged between nine and sixteen years.

The mechanism by which the stress reduction might work is still unclear and may have several components: the soft coat of a dog is pleasant to stroke, and warmth, people often stroke their dogs almost without  being aware of it, something which has been termed the 'idle touch', very different from people The only child often treats the dog as the longed-for sister or brother, developing in this way a protective instinct towards smaller and helpless beings For the older person on his Own, the trusting companion often constitutes the most compelling reason for a continued, orderly existence consciously touching each other. The effect appears to be reciprocal since the blood pressure of the dog is known to fall when it is being stroked.lt has further been suggested that the presence of calm animals, unconcerned with a n y dangers from their environment, has been a sign for relaxation and safety to man for most if not all of his evolutionary history. Set in a modern-home context, the sight of a contented dog may fulfill the same role and explain why a dog can reduce stress and make people feel secure.

Children and Dogs

Dog ownership is higher in households with children than in those without, and the dog would seem to play an important role. In his early writings, Dr Levinson suggested several benefits of dogs, believing firstly that they acted as friends to children or even sibling substitutes for the only child, and secondly that they were a source of play and learning which could help the child's development. The  dog would also be a common  focus of interest  and conversation between parents and children, and it could make the child aware of responsibility to animals, and the facts of life such as body functions and sex. Finally, since dogs have short lives, grief over the death of the dog could help a child to cope with subsequent grief at the loss of a close relative.

Surprisingly few studies have been conducted on pets and children, but those completed largely support Levinson's views. The French researcher, Professor Hubert montagner, has studied young children aged two to six years, using video observation techniques. He found much touching of the dog by the children, and nine times out of ten the child and not the dog initiated any lengthy periods of body contacts, with only children touching more. Studies at Vienna University of older children, aged eleven to sixteen, revealed significant differences between those owning pets and those without. The former group was likely to be more popular at school and to have more friends visiting them at home; ownership of a pet probably helped to teach children the skills of non¬ verbal communication, and this was one factor in their popularity.

Ownership of pets as a child can substantially affect adult attitudes, and differences are apparent even with very young children. A survey of attitudes to dogs and cats amongst school children aged five to seventeen years in Glasgow revealed that eighty-seven per cent liked dogs, as against sixty per cent who liked cats. Younger children tended to have slightly more positive attitudes, but ownership was the determining factor, with ninety-seven per cent of children who formerly or currently owned a dog liking them as against seventy-three per cent for those who had never had a pet.

The cultural impact of past pet ownership on present and future ownership had already been shown by Dr Serpell. For example, only a small minority of owners had had no pet during their childhood, and almost half with experience of childhood pets had one as an adult. Perhaps more striking was the loyalty shown to their childhood pets with nearly all having the same type of pet with which they had grown up.

Growing up with a pet of some kind is much more common than growing up without one. The idea of a dog completing the family seems to be a prevalent concept given that dog ownership is higher for families with children than for couples or single people of comparable age without children. An American
Study of the behaviour of dog-owning families found that the dog could be an important 'go-between' within the family, as well as performing particular roles for different members. For the men, it was noticeable that some would touch their dog repeatedly, something they would never do in public with another person. The children played with the dog, and some used it as a confidant in times of trouble. Frequently adults would engage in playful wrestling bouts, tugs or fetch games with the dog, but generally there was more variation in the behavior of the parents;some were close to their dog and would often touch it, talk to it, or start a game, while others were almost indifferent. The latter behavior is apparent with several dog owners and almost always occurs when the dog is primarily the partner's pet and not their own.

In Britain, a questionnaire survey was conducted among dog-owning foster families on the assumption that such families, previously vetted and found well-functioning by the social services, would prove especially knowledgeable on the human-dog relationship. On analysis, it appeared that all members of the family, adults, natural and foster children, derived benefit from the companionship of the dog, but that the extent and the nature of the benefit varied. Foster children  were reported  to gain most; accepting and being accepted by the dog as a companion helped their relationships with other members of the family. While this probably reflected the sociological problems many foster children experience, the parents were at the same time aware of the help they could derive from the social therapy of the dog.

Related Article:
Best Dog Breeds for Children and Families

Dog and Human Bond

The general view of dogs is as intimate human companions, and the bond between owner and dog is very strong indeed. The importance of this can usefully be considered on a biological basis: people treat dogs for most of the time as humans, and dogs reciprocate by accepting humans as their masters and companions. This attitude can be attributed to their wolf ancestry as highly social pack animals; the social nature has been reinforced during domestication so that dogs integrate into a human family as if it were their own pack.

People interpret much canine communication in human rather than dog terms and believe they understand them, even if this is not always true. Dogs are indeed highly expressive, and their social language is correctly interpreted by their owners on sufficient occasions to reinforce the bond. In turn, dogs are able to understand people well enough to obey simple commands and behave in an adaptable manner which suits the particular owner. Therefore, even if the languages are different, there is sufficient common ground for communication to function. Being social species, both man and dog are highly responsive to language cues, and these form the basis for the strong bond between the two.

While companionship is the main reason people give for owning a dog, another reason admitted or inferred is the benefit to self-esteem. The common saying that an owner looks like his dog may seem a little far fetched and not readily provable or disprovable. What is more certain is that some owners use their dog as a projection of their own personalities, whether consciously or unconsciously. Undoubtedly some owners will buy an elegant dog, such as an Afghan Hound or a Shih Tzu, to reflect elegance in themselves, and others will purchase a Bulldog or Dobermann to portray resolution or pugnacity. For others, the self-esteem factor is much less obvious or important, but exists nevertheless and can be regarded as a source of strength from owning a dog. This is most evident with blind owners of guide dogs. Studies have found that blind owners claim an increase in social contacts and a heightening of their status with the normal sighted through dog ownership, and that they derive as much benefit from this as from the practical guiding by the dog.

The manner in which a dog can facilitate a conversation between the owner and a stranger  has been called the 'social lubricant' effect and has been investigated in the ordinary dog owner. Dr Peter Messent studied owners who walked the same route through a London park, once with and once without their dog, scoring the reactions of passers-by. Without the dog, the subjects were ignored, but accompanied by their dog people often looked at dog and owner, sometimes patting the dog and, on a few occasions, even speaking to the owner. Such friendly behavior would never occur without the dog.

The ability of the dog to act as an ice breaker with others can be very important for single people, especially the elderly. A Swedish survey found that seventy-nine per cent of owners in the case of city dwellers believed that their dogs had been instrumental in establishing friendships, the figure dropping to fifty-two per cent for country dwellers. In a study in Britain on the personality of dog owners versus non-owners, Dr James Serpell's most significant finding was that female dog owners considered themselves more attractive than did female non-owners. The fact that other people responded to them when they, interacted with them.

A close relationship with the dog is today perpetuated in pictures as faithfully as in ancient sculptures and frescoes Trusted and trusting, the dog has become part of the human family and often takes the place of a child As a go-between, the dog can break down any social barriers and initiate new and lasting friendships were accompanied by their dogs was probably interpreted as a greater attractiveness in themselves, an interpretation which in itself constitutes one component of self-esteem. It is interesting that the same effect was not noted in male dog-owners, a reflection perhaps of the present male-dominated society.

Society can influence people's attitude to dogs. This becomes evident when comparing dog owners in cities with those in urban areas. While the level of dog ownership is higher in the country, it is the city dwellers who generally demonstrate a closer relationship with their dogs. Country dwellers may adopt a more utilitarian viewpoint, with the dog being one of several types of animals with which they co-exist. For the city dweller, the dog may represent almost the only near-human link with the animal world.