Pug Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Pug is a small Dog, considered by some to be a dwarf Mastiff. It is a solid, compact animal with the Dogs measuring 12 to 14 inches and weighing up to 20 pounds. The bitches are generally two inches shorter and have a weight of 13 to 18 pounds. The Pug is well known for its short, wrinkled face and curled tail that rests on its back. The baby Pugs are sometimes called Puglets. The Pug's coat color can be black, fawn (often with a darker facial mask), silver, or apricot. Other names for the Pug include Mops, Chinese Pug Dog, or Carlin. The Pug can live for up to 15 years.

History: Two schools of thought contend over the origin of the Pug. It is the most generally accepted that the Pug came into being in Asia and is a descendant of the Pekingese. It was mentioned in the writings of Confucius and was a favorite among the Chinese royalty and nobility. The Pug was also kept in Tibetan monasteries. It was the Dutch East India Company that brought the Pug to Europe in the 16th century. The Pug was almost instantly popular and is featured in a self portrait of the artist Hogarth.

Temperament: The Pug is an affectionate, outgoing Dog that loves to be around people. It is something of a clown and often amuses its family with its playful antics. The Pug is very good with children and enjoys playing with them. The Pug is a confident and alert dog that will keep and eye on the house, without excessive yappiness. It gets along fine with other dogs and family pets.

Health Issues: Due to its short muzzle, the Pug is susceptible to the usual problems that affect brachycephalic breeds. The Pug will snore and wheeze and can suffer from "snort attacks", which are alarming but not dangerous. The Pug can suffer from hip dysplasia, and this occurs in a majority of these dogs. Be careful that your Pug does not become overweight as this can make breathing and joint problems worse. A very serious ailment is Pug Dog Encephalitis, which causes brain inflammation in young dogs. A caesarean section is often necessary to deliver the pups.

Grooming: The lighter colored Pugs, fawn and apricot, can be fairly heavy shedders, especially seasonally, and should be brushed regularly. The black Pug sheds much less and does not need to be tended to as much. The wrinkly face of the Pug needs to be kept clean and dry as infections can develop in the moist wrinkle creases.

Living Conditions: The Pug is perfect for indoor living, being equally comfortable in a house or apartment. It should have a daily walk to keep it healthy, but these should be skipped in hot weather. Because of the short face of the Pug, it must be protected from both heat and cold. It can suffer heat stroke very easily and should be kept cool during the summer. The Pug will want to be with its human family as much as possible.

For more information on the Pug Dog Breed, Training and Puppies visit my sites below.
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Choosing a Dog Breed: Which Breed of Dog is Right for You?

If you are considering getting a Dog, it's wise to explore the characteristics of different breeds of Dogs to determine which one is right for you and your family. You'll want to find a dog that goes with your personality, lifestyle, and pocketbook.

The importance of choosing the right breed cannot be emphasized enough because a major cause of issues between dogs and owners revolves around unsuitability between the two. For example, an avid gardener probably would not be happy with a Fox Terrier, which is bred to dig vermin from their underground burrows. He's born to dig up the garden!

So how do you choose the right breed? Let's look at some key considerations:

What kind of experience is required? Some breeds like Border Collies are strong willed by nature and will challenge you for leadership. An experienced dog owner would likely do better with them. However, the Smooth Collie and Bearded Collie are easier to train and are suitable for new dog owners.

How is the Breed with Children? If you have kids or your dog will be around them, it's important to get a dog that does well with children. More importantly, you need to teach your children how to handle the dog properly. Even the most easygoing and tolerant breed of dog can bite if it is hurt or frightened.

Size - Size DOES matter, when it comes to choosing the right dog breed. Do you have a house with a large yard, or an apartment or condo? Do you want to take your dog with you when you travel? Are you willing to clean up after a large dog? Do you want a dog to cuddle on the couch with you?

Exercise Requirements - With the exception of a few, almost all breeds enjoy brisk exercise. Do you have time to walk your dog regularly? Does the breed need daily vigorous exercise to prevent it from being hyper? If you work long hours you may be happier with a dog with lower exercise requirements.

Grooming and Coat - As for grooming, dog breeds run the gamut. Some have no-fuss coats and need occasional brushing, some breeds require regular trips to the groomer, and others fall in between. Think about the time and money you are prepared to spend on brushing and combing your dog and groomer visits, if required to keep your dog stylish.

Shedding - Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-shedding dog. However, there are breeds that shed less than others. Some breeds shed profusely, particularly at certain times of the year. Consider possible allergies and the amount of vacuuming you are willing to do before you settle on a breed.

Ease of Training - Typically only really little dogs, like toy dogs, don't require much training other than potty training. Some breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, are strong-willed and harder to train. This is something else to consider when narrowing down your breed.

Sociability - How do you see your dog behaving around strangers? Do you want a happy-go-lucky dog that is friendly to all, or a more reserved dog that barks to alert you when strangers come to your door?

Now that you have answered some important questions, research the characteristics of the breeds you are considering to find the best fit for you. Check your library, bookstores and the American Kennel Club for profiles of breeds. Taking time to do your research will pay off tenfold, and you will have a great companion for years to come.

Valerie Goettsch is web master of http://www.my-favorite-dog.com featuring articles and information on dog breeds and where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and designer dog clothes.

Poodles - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

When choosing a Dog, it's important to choose the breed that's right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you're thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Poodle is just one breed among many from which to choose.

The Poodle is the oldest known breed of Dog and dates back to possibly as early as AD 30. Where it was developed is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in Germany as a retriever of water fowl. The stylish clip was designed by hunters to help this breed move more efficiently through the water, and patches of hair were left to protect the joints and vital organs from the cold. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German word "pudel," which means one who plays in water. This breed of Dog has been used as a circus performer in France. It achieved popularity after World War II and was considered extremely fashionable. It was the most popular breed in America by the 1960s. Today the Poodle is primarily a show dog and companion.

Poodles come in three size varieties - Standard, Miniature and Toy. The Standard is over 15 inches in height at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. The Miniature is over 10 inches but less than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Toy is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 6 to 9 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, apricot and gray but never parti-colored. Most have a dense, curly, low-shedding coat. They have no undercoat and could be considered hypoallergenic, though not completely allergen free. The coat is coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. The tails are usually docked in the US. The ears are dropped and never cropped.

Poodles are exceptionally smart, active and excel in obedience. They have an air of distinction and dignity and a keen sense for instinctual behavior. They are highly energetic and get bored fairly easily. These dogs are extremely people oriented, generally eager to please and affectionate. They are adaptable and easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. Standard Poodles, in particular, are good with children and are fairly agile and athletic. Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. This breed of dog is one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and learns more quickly than most dogs. Poodles may tend to bark a lot if not given rules. The standard variety is a bit calmer than the smaller varieties.

The most common health problems for Poodles include Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (twisted stomach), thyroid issues, tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis (inflamed sebaceous glands of the skin), juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia and cancer. A minor issue includes ear infections. The life expectancy for a Standard Poodle is 11.5 to 12 years and 14 to 14.5 years for Miniature and Toy, and some Toy Poodles may live to be 17 years or more.

Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, but Poodles need a daily walk or may display behavior problems. They enjoy a good romp in a safe open area such as a fenced-in yard. Standard Poodles require more exercise than the smaller varieties. Without the proper type and amount of exercise, they may be high strung and timid.

Grooming for this breed of dog consists of brushing on a regular basis and bathing every two to three weeks, more frequently if dirty. Clipping should begin at an early age, and they should be clipped every six weeks. The ears should be cleaned and checked frequently for wax or infection. Hairs growing inside the ear canal should be pulled out. The teeth need regular scaling.

Poodles are good dogs for apartment life and do okay without a yard. They are more sedate when indoors but love to play outdoors. They need lots of activity to stimulate their mentality.

This breed of dog comes in 3 size varieties, is one of the easiest to housebreak, is people oriented and is good for those with allergies because of the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat but requires frequent grooming and proper training to ensure good behavior. If you are willing to provide proper grooming and training, then perhaps a Poodle is the right breed of dog for you.

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

Sunni and Shi'a, Part II - Counterintelligence 101

According to scholars, the Prophet Mohammed was born in 570 A.D. and died in 632 A.D. The Sunnis believe that Mohammed died without choosing a successor. The Shi`a, estimated at about 15% of all Muslims, believe that Mohammad appointed "Ali" to be his direct successor, the first Imam, with a hereditary descendant chain of "Twelve Imams." This is one fundamental difference between Sunni and Shi`a Muslims over which they continue to vilify and slaughter each other. Myriad complexities and differences in Islam make my head spin; for those I defer to followers and scholars. The history of Islam is fascinating. The more I read the less I know. I figure, what difference does it make whether I understand it all or not. Aren't my tax dollars paying for the experts to know our enemies?

Jeff Stein is the national security editor at Congressional Quarterly (see his New York Times column online). Without my mentioning names, Mr. Stein writes about a series of interviews he did with formidable (he names them) Washington counterterrorism officials-CIA, FBI, NSA, et al and members of Congress who oversee our spy agencies. He asked these people the following question:

"Do you know the difference between a Sunni and a Shi`a Muslim?" No one knew! Stein asked whether Iran was Sunni or Shiite. Aside from vague answers, no one knew! This from the experts we depend on for that knowledge and much more. The quiz show ended with Stein having to explain that Iran and Hezbollah are Shi`a. The North African countries, most of Saudi Arabia, Bin Laden (Al Qaeda) are Sunni. Iraq's Sunni majority is no longer in power and mad as hell. What happened to counterterrorism 101, Know Your Enemy? No wonder we're the blunder of the intelligence community.

The North African Kingdom of Morocco has a history of religious tolerance that includes Christians and Jews. Living in this primarily Sunni Muslim country for five years, I witnessed various small sects and religious groups living and working in proximity and harmony, while respecting each other's differences. Besides Morocco's numerous other attributes, religious freedom added to the wonderful experience of living there.

What's interesting about family feuds, clan feuds and million man feuds is that usually they are a result of fear and limited vision. My way is right; therefore, your way must be wrong. Reluctance or inability to see beauty in differences and to respect the other guy's reality equals ignorance. Ignorance breeds contempt. Had America not continued to grow into a more enlightened state, it would not be where it is today. Where is that? Making mistakes, stumbling, getting up, learning and moving forward, always moving forward democratically. I've been to places where forward is not an option. Where the way of life is the same as it was in biblical times.

Just as the new U.S. Congress should scrutinize itself and the entire government, all Americans should do the same; be cognizant of what the government is doing with our money and how it is doing it. Looking back on our primitive past reminds us that we were guilty of some of the same horrors extant between today's bitterest foreign adversaries. But we've moved on. It is my humble opinion that America's destiny is to continue its evolution, to learn from its mistakes and to rise to higher consciousness and carry (drag) the planet and humanity along with it. If you spend a few minutes thinking about it, you will agree it is already happening on many levels. Even as we probe the fringes of outer space, the pulse of every aspect of American life on terra firma has speeded up.

You're from Missouri? Okay. Here's one way to have some fun when you're home for the holidays. Turn off all television sets, computers, iPods, video games and other assorted distracting electronic devices. Assemble a group of people all ages in your living room or great room. Let each participant write a list of all past and present humanitarian, scientific, medical, peacemaking, sports-related, technological, political, musical, literary and other artistic creations and life transforming achievements by Americans, that he or she can think of. We've come a long way since 1620.

"Simplicity-Courage-Humor-Soul"®

My website is under reconstruction until 2010. Meanwhile, you can find me at http://newagejournal.com/2007/spirituality/the-eternal-search-for-who-am-i

You can also read two chapters of my novel, The Sword and the Chrysanthemum, Journey of the Heart at http://www.samurai-archives.com/guestart.html

The Ideal Rabbit to Keep As a Pet

When you are sure that a rabbit is ideal for you and your family, there are 4 places to look for the best and ideal rabbit.

1. If you are looking for a young or distinct breed, it is best to visit local breeders or pet stores near your house or city area. To find the best source in your area, you can contact the local rabbit club for foreign countries or the local newspaper for a list of breeders and pet stores in your area or district. The rabbit clubs can be found on the internet or with the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

2. Another way to get more information about the different breeds and meet breeders is to go to agricultural fairs. These fairs will have display of different breeds for viewing or photography by the public. The people are also eager and helpful to answer your questions there.

3. You also can approach pet shelters or rescue group to en quire about the different breeds of rabbits living there. The shelters and rescue groups will have a few species of the rabbits among the other pets that are living there. You might even find the ideal choice of your rabbit there.

4. You can also look up the local newspaper for advertisements of owners who are putting up their rabbits pets for sale. The internet will be a great source where the sources online there can lead you to find the ideal one from homes and shelters worldwide.

What type of breed to find?

• It can be very difficult to narrow down your choices as there are many types of breeds around the world. If you attend a pet show, you will be able to see different breeds, ask the breeders about the care and maintenance of the pet. If this is your first pet, the breeders will not recommend the high-maintenance breed like the Angora. You can choose to rear the Nether land Dwarf and the lop-eared as they are easier to take care and maintain for.

Visiting the Rabbitry

• When it comes to buying, you should not commit too fast to buying with the environment and place you see at the rabbit try at first glimpse. You can call a local breeder and en quire about the different breeds in the world to receive more information before making an ideal decision. You can ask whether you can visit the breeder's place to see how they are kept and raised. This is the best way to be able to gauge whether the environment is ideal for it. They should be in a clean environment with fresh water and food. Good breeding and environment management will be the good to eliminate the risk of coccidian in the young rabbits.

Once you have considered all these ways. You are on a good start in getting your first rabbit.

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Choosing a Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Recently a friend sold her house and asked us to Dog sit her very energetic German Hunting Terrier for six months while she relocated. Regrettably we had to decline. Our small city apartment has no additional space for any living being, not even a Dog this compact in size (and I should add, very adorable). Our hesitation is more that she is a rescue dog and although she has come a long way since her initial adoption, she is still very skittish and tends to piddle in random places when nervous. But our biggest reason to believe it wouldn't work out, comes from the fact that her bark, either when she's nervous or spots potential game, can break glass. This type of behavior wouldn't fly in our quiet apartment building or neighborhood and this dog loves to bark.

My point here is that I recommend to anyone considering the addition of a canine to their family, especially if you've previously never had a dog, do some homework. We knew enough about the behavior of our friend's dog to know our small apartment isn't compatible and that this dog definitely needs a back yard. Check your local library for information on any breed you are considering. And, of course, a great resource is the Internet (some sites offer basic quizzes on the best dog breeds for you). Do some research on the breed of dog that you are considering to find out if it is compatible with your family or living space. Do you have the resources to care for the dog plus the time, determination and consistency it takes to train a puppy? And most importantly, how much exercise does the dog need daily? For example there are many dogs that need at least a good hour or two of running or walking every day which is the exact opposite to a friend's bull dog who wanted only to walk from the apartment door to the nearest tree to take care of her business and that was it.

Other Considerations

Does the breed of dog you are considering get along well with children? If you are planning to let the dog spend a lot of time in the back yard, is this a breed that loves digging? Are they easy to train? If you are choosing a puppy - how big will the dog grow (do you have the space)? Do you need a dog with hypoallergenic fur? If you still want to go the puppy route, it is advisable to get some training manuals or sign up with a local dog training class. Also is the breed you're considering prone to health problems? Regardless it's always advisable to sign up for pet insurance sooner than later because if you do run into medical issues, costs can be high.

Adopting a Rescue Dog

Although you may want a puppy because you want to be sure that you play a part in your new dog's socialization and training, don't discount the many dogs waiting to be adopted at the SPCA or other rescue organizations. Puppydom can be trying if you don't have the time and patience to train your new pet. Rescue organizations not only have animals that were strays, but also those who have lost their owners to illness, old age, divorce, etc. Adopting an adult dog from a shelter also means they've had a physical examination, their shots and have been either spayed or neutered. Plus there will no surprises in the dog's size or personality.

Read more about dog obedience classes and pet insurance by visiting: http://www.a1-dogs.com/index.htm

Chihuahua - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a Dog can change your life. If you get a Dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all Dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?


• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?


• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?


• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?


• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Chihuahua. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: The Chihuahua is said to be the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. It is native to Mexico but likely came from the ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec, crossed with hairless dogs of the Orient. It was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from where it was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed was used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have been sacred to the pre-Columbian Indian nations. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Physical Characteristics: The Chi, as it is sometimes called, is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has large, round, very dark eyes and large ears. Its body is stout, and it is longer than it is tall. The tail is curled over the back or to the side. There are two varieties -- a short-haired type and a long-haired type. The various coat colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, black and tan and parti-colored. A Chihuahua weighs from 2 to 6 pounds and is 6 to 9 inches tall.

Personality/Temperament: The Chihuahua is a good companion dog with terrier-like qualities. Because of its small size, it makes a good traveler and usually loves outings. It craves attention, affection and petting and is intensely loyal, becoming very attached to its owners. It is a courageous, lively, proud and cocky little dog with a saucy expression. It moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on.

This breed may be slightly difficult to train but is intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to proper positive reinforcement training. It may require patience to housebreak. If the owner does not display strong pack leadership, this little dog can become strong willed and will develop other behavior issues such as jealousy and becoming suspicious of people other than its owner. This breed is not recommended for children as it is easily provoked to attack and may snap at them. If not walked daily, it may become yappy, protective, snappish and untrustworthy with children and people it does not know. The Chi should be socialized as a puppy to avoid excessive aggressiveness towards other dogs and being reserved with strangers.

Possible Health Conditions: The Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore because of its short nose. Its prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. It is also prone to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness), eye infections, gum problems, colds, stress, rheumatism, epilepsy, seizure disorder and low blood sugar. It tends to gain weight if overfed. It is vulnerable to fractures and other accidents as a puppy. This breed of dog is born with an unclosed section of skull which usually closes but can remain open throughout life and make it prone to injury. Life expectancy is about 15 or more years.

Exercise/Grooming: Although playing takes care of a lot of its exercise needs, the Chi requires a daily walk and also enjoys a good romp in an open area off leash such as a fenced-in yard.

The short-haired type should be gently brushed occasionally or wiped with a damp cloth. The long-haired type should be brushed daily with soft-bristle brush. Bathe both types only about once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears because of possibility of ear infections. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails kept trimmed. The Chihuahua is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This little dog hates the cold and may shiver. It tolerates and even appreciates a warm sweater on cool days. It must be kept indoors and is a good dog for apartment life.

Summary: Chihuahuas make good companion dogs, travel well and require little grooming and exercise, but they may be a little difficult to housebreak and can become strong willed if not given proper pack leadership. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Chihuahua the right breed for you?

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

World Record For Largest Dog Breed

The holder of the world record for the largest Dog breed is a Harlequin Great Dane by the name of Gibson. He is a familiar face for most of us, as many have probably caught any of Gibson's previous appearances in such television shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, the Montel Williams Show, Animal Planet's Guinness World Record of Amazing Animals and Larry King Live; and in magazines like Parade Magazine, Ladies Home Journal, and Life Magazine.

Gibson may be truly busy with appearances left and right, but he sure has time to pursue another passion in his life: helping kids and adult cope with their medical conditions. Indeed, Gibson's heart is as big as he is tall. He makes the rounds of hospitals with his owner Sandy Hall, to put smile on sick children and grown-ups' faces and help them get through the healing process, by allowing himself to be petted and sometimes growling "I love you"-a hit among all the patients. When he is not out healing people's hearts or appearing on television, Gibson spends his days relaxing in their Grass Valley, California, ranch with a goat, a horse and a puppy.

As of the moment, Gibson holds the record for being the world's tallest Dog, the world's tallest therapy Dog, and the world's tallest Great Dane. He stands 42.6 inches tall at shoulder height, stretches up to seven feet and two inches on its hind legs, and weighs 180 pounds. When he was born on April 26, 2002, Gibson was the first to be born out of his mother's first litter of 12. He was named after his musician owner's favorite guitar. While he wasn't remarkably big in the first few months, Gibson began to fill out at four months. By the time, he had large paws and a lot of skin hanging on his body such that people mistook him for a shar-pei, according his owner. When he was one year old, Gibson had grown to be 40 inches high-a height that was not normal even by Great Dane standards.

Gibson has since learned many different tricks and earned different recognitions since. Aside from being a title holder in the Guinness Book of World Records, this Harlequin Great Dane is also a holder of the AKC Dutchman Meistersinger Pedigree, a premier line of Great Danes from as far back as the late 1800s in Germany.

Aside from his ability to growl "I love you," this certified therapy Dog can also bite a regulation basketball and dribble it with his mouth. He recently co-authored with his owner a book entitled "Gibson Speaks," which is about his life and experiences as the tallest dog in the world.

Early this year, unfortunately, Gibson's front leg had to be amputated to prevent bone cancer from spreading to the rest of his body. The cancer was detected on the paw, but the veterinarians thought it best to cut the entire leg for Gibson's safety. Despite this, Gibson has not lost his happy heart, or his title as the world's tallest dog.

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The Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Maryland's State Dog

In the frigid waters of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, an English trading ship faced imminent doom. The sailing vessel had crashed and was sinking fast. The fearful sailors on board were soon to meet with hypothermia from the icy bay waters below, but an America ship called the Canton arrived just in time to rescue the crew and two puppies. The English sailors from the sinking ship eventually made their way back home to England with no profits in their pocket and a bit of shame from their failure. However, shame would not be in the Dogs' bright futures. The two puppies were left to make their home in Maryland. They were given to two separate households. The new owners of the male pup named the Dog Sailor. The happy owners of the female pup gave her a name to honor the brave rescue ship, Canton. This event happened in 1807, and although the dogs were not called by the following breed name at the time, Sailor and Canton were each Maryland's first Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Chesapeake Bay offered a harsh, icy climate for the new canine inhabitants, but they were little bothered. Living in separate households, both dogs grew up with the same hard-working, courageous nature. As loyal companions, the dogs would hunt with their master and fearlessly face the frosty water proving to be excellent bird-dogs. Without a second thought, Sailor and Canton would easily break through ice and use their strong jaws to retrieve water fowl. Their wooly undercoat and their wavy, short-haired top coat both proved to provide an excellent balance for the water; it was almost as if the water slipped off of their backs the way a ducks feathers work to keep them dry. Furthermore, these Chesapeake Bay Retrievers seemed to have enough natural oils in their skin to keep them warm in the harsh weather. 

Nobles from other lands heard of the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and came from far and wide to take a turn to hunt with these intelligent creatures. Soon the Carroll Island Gun Club was formed as well as a serious breeding plan. The dogs were important work dogs and the breeding was approached with a serious hand.

In breeding the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, it was most important to have a great sporting dog. If a dog could not keep up with the work load or the harsh climate, it would die on the job. Eventually, only the strongest and smartest survived thereby naturally developing the breed into the strongest possible dog for its purpose. When the dog started being breed for fun rather than for working purposes, a variety of qualities and color changed. 

Today, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is still a fantastic sporting dog. Usually, the dog is brown (like the environment in which it hunts). His coat of thick, short hair is wavy on his neck and back and is water friendly. He is still known for his courageous, loveable, easy-to-train attitude. He is a fun, family dog as the breed is generally patient with children. He has good sense, is affectionate, and loyal. He has medium eyes, small floppy ears, a muscular neck, a straight or slightly curved tail, webbed feet, and a powerful yet effortless gait. They are beautiful dogs and great companions.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was eventually established as Maryland's state dog, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County even chose the dog as its mascot. The people of Maryland can be proud of the history of this courageous, loveable, and hardworking animal.

Andy West is a writer on a variety of topics, including dogs. Like the Boston Terrier, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever takes its name from an important region in its history.

Best Dogs For Children - 3 Best Dog Breeds For Children

Dogs can teach children so much about love, responsibility, and life in general. And growing up with a wonderful Dog can make for a relationship that your child will cherish for a lifetime. But the secret to a great relationship between child and dog lies first in choosing a suitable breed. Here are 3 dog breeds that will make a fabulous friend for life.

Golden Retriever - These dogs are gentle, kind, people-loving dogs who will greet even strangers with a beautifully feathered wagging tail. They are elegant in appearance with strands of golden hair throughout their coat that make them shimmer in the sunlight. Available in dark red (almost Irish Setter color), a medium brown, or blonde, you are sure to find a color that is appealing. They also come in a wide range of sizes with females being slightly smaller than males. The standard weight is 75 pounds, but you can find Goldens in all sizes. They are super intelligent, easily trained, and want to please their owners more than life.

They tend to be high maintenance in terms of skin issues and grooming, but these dogs are absolutely worth every moment of care you give as they will return your attention with love 10,000 fold. You'll need a strong ego to walk into a room with this dog, as all eyes will be on the Golden. If you decide to get a Golden Retriever for your child when they are both young, your child will find no greater friend.

American Cocker Spaniel - This is the breed that Walt Disney made famous overnight in Lady and the Tramp. Lady, of course, was the beautiful Cocker Spaniel with compassion, grace, and beautiful manners. This describes Cocker Spaniels in real life too. They are small dogs that can weigh 15-30 pounds, and are usually 15 to 16 inches tall. They have a luxuriously silky coat, long ears, a docked tail, and sweet facial expression. They come in solid brown or black, and many other color combinations too numerous to mention in this article. Research online or at your local library will give you a starting point for all the possible colors from which you can choose.

Their coat and ears need to be well tended, and they need daily exercise but a small yard will do. Training, formal or informal, is a good idea to establish the pack leader, and help your Cocker be a well mannered family member. Considered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to be the number 2 dog breed in America, a properly cared for Cocker can live up to 15 years and will make an elegant pet, companion, and friend for your child.

English-Style Labrador Retriever - Well built, intelligent dogs that are exceptionally good with children, Labs come in 3 solid colors-yellow, black, and chocolate. Most weigh in at 70 to 80 pounds with females being slightly smaller. Their coats are fairly easily maintained as they are short-haired without feathering. Obedience training is recommended while it is still a puppy to establish behaviors that will make it a great pet for your child. Bred as working dogs, they need plenty of exercise and a fairly large yard to keep them happy. They are extremely happy retrieving a stick or any other object for you both in and out of the water as they are terrific swimmers.

The English-Style Labrador tends to have a better health record because it is more selectively bred to avoid such conditions as hip dysplasia, elbow defects, and cataracts.

While the traits described above are generalizations about the breeds, each dog will display individual traits that may or may not confirm to the breed standard. Consulting a breeder about the dog you are considering will go a long way towards helping you choose a specific dog from the litter that is best suited for your lifestyle and your child.

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Oh Thank God, the Border Collie is Here

I came across a quip the other day; It said that Border Collies are expensive to keep because they don't reach their full potential unless allowed to graduate from an Ivy League school. Since these Dogs routinely score at the top of intelligence tests, I can almost believe it. A Dog named "Betsy" was featured on the cover of the March 2008 edition of National Geographic for being able to comprehend 340 words, while another Border Collie, "Rico," is being studied by scientists for his ability to identify more than 200 objects by name. I think the Brits have the right idea: In England, they occasionally offer performance competitions just for Border Collies - alone and separate from all other breeds. After all, why damage the self esteem of 200 other perfectly good breeds?

One of my favorite "Far Side" cartoons made me realize just how much cartoonist, Gary Larson, understood Border Collies. Underneath the drawing of a party attended by sheep, the caption read, "Henry! Our party's total chaos! No one knows when to eat, where to stand, what to.. Oh, thank God! Here comes a Border collie! (as the Dog arrives at the door).

I read that Border Collies can be traced to a single Dog, "Old Hemp" who was born in 1893. Evidently, Old Hemp distinguished himself at herding trials by calmly staring (or "giving eye") at the sheep and intimidating them into moving. The sheep (known as "headers') probably never knew what hit them and only later would ask each other in stunned bewilderment, "How'd we get here?"

I lived with a Border Collie for a day. I was in therapy for a month. To go from living with a breed only reputed to have eyes to spending time with one whose eyes never blinked was more than I could tolerate. It was like living with a portrait, its eyes following me everywhere. Only the Border Collie's eyes really DID follow me everywhere. They were on me as I prattled to the kitchen. They followed me to the bathroom, and then to the garage where I got into my car. Sixteen miles from home and I could STILL feel the dog's eyes on me. To those who affectionately say that their religion or heritage instills guilt, I sneer. Being stared at by a Border Collie, now THAT made me feel like I'd done something wrong, perhaps not moved fast enough from one room to another.

The dog was a sweetheart true to his breed and I had agreed to watch him for a friend. But towards the end of our stay together, I threw some detached Puli cords over his eyes just to survive the day. I felt marginally better as he 'blended" in with the other dogs, but something about him was still different from all other dogs. I always knew when he spotted something of interest from his posture: He didn't raise his head, nor did he lower it. Mostly, he bent his legs in five different places and crouched down like a cougar stalking its prey. The first time I saw him do this, I could swear I heard the theme to "Jaws" wafting through the air.

Our time together over, his owner collected him and off they went. Weeks later over lunch, she mentioned that her dog had developed a few behavioral quirks that seemed to date back to the time he'd spent with me and my dogs. When pressed for details, I was puzzled by why she thought the dog had a problem. He sounded like a Puli to me.

S.E.Szeremy, a writer by profession and a breeder/owner/handler of Pulik since 1978, is also the creater of KnobNots and BabyKnobNots. Follow her blog at http://knobnotes.blogspot.com/

Top Tips For Training A Labrador Puppy

You've made the decision to bring a Labrador puppy into your life - good for you! Your next step is to get some tips for training a Labrador puppy so you don't run into problems later.

A few things you need to bear in mind, particularly about this breed of Dog are:

1. Labradors love people! It's no good getting a Lab then spending all day at the office while your new Dog pines for you at home. If you are going to have a Labrador in your family, then you need to be prepared to spend plenty of time with her.

2. Labs are an active breed, originally bred to retrieve prey from the shoot.  If they do not spend enough time exercising, then you are highly likely to run into problems, both health wise (getting overweight, which will promote the common problem of hip dysplasia) and in terms of behavior as a result of separation anxiety.

If your Labrador is left without physical exercise, she will get overweight and have all the health problems associated with it.  If she is not mentally stimulated, she will have behavioral problems and be difficult to control.

So here are my top tips for successfully training a Labrador puppy:-

#1. Spend as much time as possible with your Labrador and use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) during training sessions.

#2. Exercise your Dog at least twice a day, and incorporate training into the exercise times

#3. If there are times when you will not be home for prolonged periods, make sure you have someone available who can take her for a run to feed her need for both companionship and exercise.

Labradors are a very devoted breed.  If you give your dog the attention she rightly deserves, then the rewards will be many fold. If you do not have the time needed to raise and nurture a Lab, then please think twice before making the decision to bring one into your family. If you do have the time spare, then follow these very simple tips for training a Labrador puppy and you will have a friendship with your dog that lasts for many years.

Darren has spent a lifetime as a dog lover and promotes positive dog training methods both as an Ezinearticles Expert Author and as a Squidoo lensemaster with lenses about Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Methods and House Training Dogs and Puppies

Choosing Your Next Dog Breed - What's Best For You?

Breed Decision: Best Choice For You?

It is time to decide what type of Dog you want. There is a breed or mixed breed to suit everyone! Make a list of the Dogs you've had experience with, and what you like about them. And what you don't like about them. Realize there is no such thing as the perfect pet, each breed has their positive characteristics and their not so likable traits. What breed is particularly attractive to you? Do you want a big or small Dog? Long hair or short? Lap Dog or a dog to run laps with?

Next research your choices of breeds to determine which is most compatible with your family and life style.

If you love Labradors, who need a lot of attention, exercise and training, but you live in an apartment and work long hours, you probably need to identify a smaller breed dog who will better fit your lifestyle. What you want, at first, may not be the best choice. So rather than choose completely based on what you want, examine your own needs. Determine what size dog fits your living situation. There is a dog for every situation. With careful selection you can find a breed or breed mix that will fit your needs perfectly.

Not all breeds are for all people. Different breeds have different characteristics that you either like, or dislike. Maybe you just don't like the look of a pug, but a spaniel makes you smile every time you see one. Maybe you have a relative who has a Yorkie and she loves him to death, but you can't stand to hear him bark, but every time you hear a beagle howl, you laugh out loud. If you've heard that Border Collies are the smartest dogs on the planet but you would rather have an Afghan, then consider going for the Afghan. If you live on a farm, then an Australian Shepherd is a good choice but if you're a city dweller you may want to consider a poodle.

Since all breeds aren't for all people, all people are not for all dogs. So pick a breed that fits your personality, activity levels and schedules.

After careful research of a particular breed, next you have to decide to purchase, or adopt.

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Best Dog Food For The Top Breeds

Man's best friend needs man's special attention. Taking care of your Dogs is like taking care of a child. Your Dog needs its regular doctor's visits, immunizations, and most importantly, a proper diet. So what do you feed your Dog? There is no one straight answer to that question. There are things to consider when it comes to feeding your dog, like its breed and what dog group it belongs to.

Lets start with the sporting dogs. The most common among the sporting dogs is the golden retriever. These dogs are already recommended to start adult food (25% or less protein) at 3 months. They need a good amount of protein in their diets, but the problem they face though is overeating. Dogs are never full, so dog owners need to realize that they may seem hungry, but it's a big no-no to feed them too much! Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia which is a result of them growing too fast from eating too much.

Next are the hounds, or the hunting dogs. So what do you feed these detective dogs? Nothing really special, according to some beagle owners. A good combination of protein and fat for energy, fiber for digestion, but watch out for diarrhea when giving the wrong kind or amount of fiber, specially if your hound is a show dog. Also give him carbohydrates for energy, though just enough because excess carbohydrates turns into flab.

The Siberian Husky and Great Dane are among the working dogs, and one of the more popular breeds include the Doberman pinscher. Avoid soy, wheat and corn altogether for these dogs. They can cause allergies that lead to skin eruption, shedding, dry skin and bad doggy odor, so it's best not to feed it commercial dog food. Cancer is the number 2 killer in this breed, and corn, soy, wheat, preservatives and additives promote that. It also causes problems for the coat, skin and health for a long time. Lean meat should be the main part of its diet, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are good for the diet too.

Terriers are small dogs, the most popular breed probably being the Boston terrier. A not so nice thing these dogs are known for is their flatulence, but there is a solution. Firstly, don't feed them people food, and secondly, don't feed them any grains. It's also advisable to add a tablespoon of plain organic yogurt in its food. This should help you out, and keep stress for this dog at a minimum, since that is what causes a lot of their health issues.

The Yorkshire Terrier is the second most popular terrier breed, according to the AKC registration. This toy dog doesn't eat much. When he's still a puppy, you can feed it 3 to 4 times a day. A good commercial dog food brand is ok, as long as its approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials and has passed the trial for the stages and growth of the puppies. When he's an adult, it's important to maintain the amount you feed him, making sure never to overfeed him. Some people feed "yorkies" only commercial food, while others home cook. Combining the two practices is also another way you can give your Yorkshire terrier a bit of variety.

Non-sporting dogs come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. The poodle can be a miniature, a toy or a standard. Its hairstyle makes it one of the most popular dog breeds around. A BARF diet is good for your poodle, which should include lamb shanks and even raw chicken necks. You can blend this up with vegetables too so they get all the nutrition they need. The dog chewing on the bones is also like brushing its teeth. It has minerals, proteins and vitamins in just the right amount. Poodles have strong stomachs, as the acids are stronger than people's stomach acids, and so digesting is the raw meat is not a problem for them.

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The Benefits Of Owning A Boxer Dog

The Boxer Dog has long been recognized as versatile breed. This breed have been used as messenger Dogs, pack carriers and attack and guard dogs in times of war. The great love and faithfulness to his master is notable and will definitely protect and attack to what he perceive as threat to his family. This is just one of the various benefits one can enjoy from owning a Boxer dog.

What some people failed to realize is the fact that, dogs are more than just guard or protector of the family. Do you know that one can live longer and better quality life through the help of dogs? Yes dogs are good companion and emotional therapist! Emotional stress and loneliness are few of the factors that trigger health problems. They increase the susceptibility of a person to major diseases that could even lead to death. But a simple gesture of affection such as a wag of the tail or a welcome bark can vanish almost all the stress accumulated from a busy day. In fact, experts believe that stroking and petting your dog lowers the heart rate and blood pressure almost immediately. Your dog needs exercise and so do you. By taking your dog for daily walks in the park, both of you benefit from this activity. Fresh air, tranquility and time away from clutter are all yours. And did I say walking is a great form of exercise?

Despite all these benefits, some parents still doubt the safety of children when Fido is around. The fear of children bitten or attacked by the family dog is one of the reasons why dogs end up in rescue shelters or left astray. But of course attacks and biting will never happen if you are responsible enough to train your dog as well as the children to prevent any unwanted situations to occur. Actually, studies show that a child who own a pet, more particularly a dog, have highly developed immune system. Playing and hugging a dog helps children slowly build and strengthen their disease fighting abilities. Not just that! A child that was given the task to take charge of a pet learn to become responsible realizing what his pet needs and what must he do to provide these needs. Naturally you cannot expect a child to give Rover a bath or brush Sweety's teeth. Start with letting your child help choose the toys, beds and other stuff. Then gradually increase the responsibility as he grows older.

Words are not always enough to tell others how wonderful these creatures are. Why not try to get one and experience the joys yourself?

Richard Cussons is a writer with knowledge on Boxer dog and other breeds of dog. Discover more Boxer dog training tips at boxersavvy.com.

Common Pomeranian Mixed Breeds

The term mixed breed does not mean what it used to. Mixed breeds in the past were just a nice way to say mutt. But today, mostly because of celebrity demand, super small Dogs with ideal qualities are more popular than ever. The idea is to pair two purebred Dogs and breed a Dog that possesses the best qualities of both. Pomeranians are ideal for this purpose because they are small and already very popular. These designer mixed breed dogs seem only to be done with the very small breeds such as toys or miniatures.

One good example of a designer dog is the Pomapoo. The Pomapoo is a toy Pomeranian bred with either a toy or miniature Poodle. The desired result is a well-mannered, kid loving tiny dog with incredible good looks. The Poodle brings the manners while the Pomeranian brings the beauty. A lot of work goes into this specialized type of breeding, sometimes with not so good results.

When you are looking for Pomeranian mixed breeds, you have to be sure that you are looking at several things when it comes to choosing which dogs you want to use. The first thing that you have to keep in mind is that you want to pick a dog that is roughly the same size as your Pomeranian. It can actually be dangerous to use a dog that is too much bigger. You want to be sure that your new mixed breed will have the right kind of temperament. The dog that often is used as a Pomeranian mixed breed is the pug. Remember that you want to be sure you are looking at all of these things before you look for your own mixed breed.

Other popular mixed breeds include the Shih Pom, the mix of Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian or a Pomchi, the mix of a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian. And then there is the Brusselranian, which is the breeding between a Brussels Griffon and a Pomeranian.

There are several things to think about when you are looking at a Pomeranian mix. The first thing is that most of the mixed breeds that use Pomeranians are going to resemble the Pomeranian. This is because the color and shape of the Pomeranian is most likely to be dominant in the new breed of dog. One of the physical characteristics in a Pomeranian mixed breed that usually comes through from the other dog is the shape of the face. For example, when a Pomeranian is mixed with a Pug the face and nose structure of these dogs is going to resemble the Pug.

Because these dogs are not purebreds they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and are not allowed to compete in club sanctioned dog shows. But these new mixed breeds, commonly known as hybrids, can be recognized by the American Canine Hybrid club if bred correctly.

Rosie Allan has been working with Pomeranian mixed breeds for many years and loves to be around them. Pomeranian mixed breeds are usually very loyal and sweet. They also look a lot like Pomeranians, which is part of the reason that they are so popular. People like to have a very unique type of dog. Pomeranian information is important because it will be the best way that you have of deciding which types of Pomeranian mixed breeds to create. You can pick and choose what is important to you.

Using DIY Dog House Plans to Make a Special Dog House

If you've ever watched "UnderDog To WonderDog" on Animal Planet then you know how elaborate Dog houses CAN be. But everyone knows that you don't really need anything like that for your Dog... but a little room for some customization and individuality is always welcome.

After all, no two dogs are the same, no two owners are the same. So the needs of both the dogs and the owners will be different and many commercially available doghouses will not always fit the bill exactly. Plus they can be really expensive, especially for large dogs.

That's why using dog house plans and building your own doghouse is an option that you might choose. But even that can often get a little overwhelming or confusing. So here are a few suggestions on how you can build a doghouse that is perfect for both you and your canine family member.

First, start with a good set of plans. You'll have choices to make here... one dog, two dogs, single house, duplex layout, etc.... so make sure what you want is an option in the plans you buy.

You also want to be sure there is room for some modifications during the actual construction phase. Aside from the aesthetic options, make sure you can control how much insulation is built into the house. Those living in the north will need more than those in the south and you'll want to adjust the insulation based on your location and needs.

Once the frame of the house is determined, then there are other ways you can spruce up or individualize your dog's new home. If you are really good with woodworking tools then you could fancy up the roof overhang by giving it a scalloped edge. Or make a little porch for your pooch.

If nothing else, give it a really special paint job... not just a boring paint job but one that shows you really care. There is no need to just have a boring wooden box home for your dog... unless you really want to. Just do a Wonder Dog home on a smaller more affordable scale.

And if you have kids or a spouse that are willing and interested in helping, then make it a family project and get everyone involved and having fun. Or maybe there is a neighborhood kid who would enjoy helping out.

Your dog will likely wonder what all the fuss is about during the building phase. But once he realizes that he will be the ultimate beneficiary of your weird activities, he'll forgive the intrusion into his normally quiet days and you can enjoy years of adoration from your canine buddy.

So to make your own doghouse for your family pet you need to first start out with a good set of plans to work from. Insulated dog house plans are the best since they allow for shelter from the elements and will give your dog adequate protection in both cold and hot weather. Visit http://Insulated-Dog-House-Plans.blogspot.com for more information about using plans to build a doghouse.

Pet Profiles and How to Choose a Pet Online

If you're looking to purchase a new pet or trying to research information on your animal's breed, it's important to go beyond basic pet profiles. To really seek out the characteristics of different breeds or information that goes beyond what the Kennel Club guidelines tell you, you need to find animal profiles that are anecdotal, include breed pictures and are connected to active and valuable pet forums.

Keep reading for great resource ideas on how to find fellow pet owners, link up with pet experts and breeders on forums, access pet profiles and choose a pet online.

1. Pet Forums and Online Breed Communities

Pet forums are a great way to make connections with fellow pet owners or breeders both in your area and abroad. Message boards let you ask questions, search for old questions and really bond with your fellow pet-lovers.

If you're looking for specific breed profile information, a number of pet forums and pet classifieds' sites also host web communities that are tailored specifically to say Terrier lover's or parrot discussion.

If you're still trying to decide on which pet to buy, try asking in pet forums for suggestions. For example, most pet enthusiasts would be able to tell you that if you live alone in a downtown apartment and like a quiet house, a Pekingese could be a great fit.

2. Great Breed and Pet Profiles

A good pet profile delves deeper than how long a Labrador Retriever's back legs should be or whether or not an Abyssinian cat's ears should be trimmed. A breed profile that's useful should also tell you how this animal behaves as a pet and companion.

The reader should get a clear concept of what a Boston Terrier is like with small children or whether or not a Beagle needs a good fence (it does). Seek out pet profiles online to help choose your pet, but seek out ones that give you an insight into what life will really be like with your new pet.

If you're a quiz-person, the Animal Planet website at animal.discovery.com has a few online quizzes to help you choose the right Dog or cat breed. Other sites, like FindaPetOnline.com or PuppyDogweb.com host extensive breed profiles alongside their pet classifieds and online forums.

3. Get Photographic

Try some Google Image searches or other image search engines to hunt down pictures and images of your prospective puppy, cat, horse, bird or exotic pet. Appearance can be important, so really get a feel for the breed that you may be choosing before you make a decision. Also, a good online breed profile should include a breed picture, so if you're doing your reading and research, you shouldn't have to look too far.

Finding and choosing a pet doesn't have to be a headache, especially not online. Just remember to use your resources; including thorough pet profiles, pet expert forums and online breed communities. Don't be afraid to ask questions and before deciding on a pet, always research the topic thoroughly and make your choice wisely.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pet classifieds

Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.

Choosing A Bichon Frise Hair Cut

It can be a difficult process to do a Bichon Frise hair cut, but even the novice groomer can do a few shorter styles. While overwhelming at first, Bichon Frise grooming can become easy after you follow the steps a few times and begin to do it more often.

First you should choose a Bichon Frise hair cut style. There are three choices when it comes to simple styles. The shaved down or lamb cut is first which is the closest cut you can do and is good for Dogs with a lot of mats that need to be removed. The modified puppy cut is second and resembles a panda. When you choose this option you only clip the body and the chest from the Adam's apple to the breastbone and then all other areas of the body are hand trimmed with scissors. The fuller cut or puppy cut is the last option and is the most difficult for those without grooming experience since the entire body is hand trimmed with scissors.

When you first start your Bichon Frise hair cut you should start with the genitals first while the blade is cool. Always be careful that you don't clip any tail hair. Next raise the Dog up by their front legs so that they are standing on their rear legs and clip their belly up to the first or second set of nipples. Just make sure you always know where you are clipping. If you can't see clearly where you are then move hair out of the way before clipping.

If you feel the teeth of the blade then you know they are separated and the skin can catch in the teeth. So always make sure you are clipping with the lay of the coat and never against the coat. Whenever your blade doesn't seem to be cutting properly you should check and make sure its not clogged with hair. A blade can be clogged quickly when trimming Bichon Frise hair.

Next you need to use scissors to hand trim and shape the Bichon head. When it comes to a Bichon Frise hair cut there isn't much that needs to be done on the head, just a little clipping to keep it in proportion to the length of the body coat. It can take a lot of practice or trial and error to shape the head. It is best to use a picture of a Bichon Frise head for reference while scissoring and don't be discouraged if it doesn't come out perfect the first time.

Trim away any hair that hangs into the eye so that the eye is exposed, but still keep a little visor to the fur in order to maintain the round appearance. Don't cut any hair that is beyond the outer corner of the eye. Comb the head hair up before scissoring. The length of your head hair should be similar to that of the chin hair to keep the round appearance to the face.

Mary Stevenson has owned and bred dogs and has also devoted a great deal of time to studying dogs and thus is considered by some to be an expert on all types and breeds of dogs. To learn more about the history behind the Bichon Frise requires sifting through every available bit of information that will help you understand how this toy breed has survived many ups and downs in his life. For those who want to learn about the history behind the breed, this article provides all the necessary Bichon Frise information on the subject.

Choosing the Right Puppy Breed

For all too many, the process of choosing a puppy or puppies is based purely on how cute the puppy is or how playful its personality seems at the pet store or kennel.

Granted, playful and cute puppies can really tug at your heart strings and urge you to make an impulsive and expensive decision regarding this very important addition to your family, but without proper thought and research into the type of breed you are purchasing, your family and your cute, adorable puppy could be in for a long road of pain and frustration ahead.

Purebred puppy breeds have inherent characteristics that are particular to their breed, and these characteristics usually get more pronounced with age. While different breed characteristics will be appropriate for different families, matching the wrong breed with the wrong family can have devastating consequences.

It has been estimated that the number one reason why competent pet owners relinquish ownership of their puppy or puppies to one of the many county humane services to be found all across the country is because they have become frustrated with certain characteristics of the Dog.

No matter whether the problem is big, such as aggression to children or other pets, or small, such as a tendency to chew everything in sight, as the puppy grows and its cuteness wears off, the frustration experienced from having a poorly matched puppy will increase. And the consequences can be heart wrenching for the both the family and the Dog.

But by simply taking a little time to research the breed you are considering purchasing, you can guarantee that your new puppy will be a well-loved addition to your family unit. While I'm not saying that you should discount a breed entirely based on one troublesome characteristic, I'm saying that you should be prepared and able to deal with any problems, behavioral or health related, that is associated with the breed.

In order to obtain accurate information when choosing the right breed of puppy for your family, stay away from sources that have an interest in selling the puppy. I learned this one the hard way. After my children and family fell in love with a puppy at a local, reputable pet store, I had many questions for the sales clerk about how easily the puppy could be house broken. A puppy making messes all over the house is just not something that I can deal with a few times let alone for months of house breaking.
I was assured by the clerk that the breed was very intelligent and able to be crate trained in a matter of three days. To make a long story short, $1,500 and 9 months later the puppy still requires constant supervision and cannot be a complete part of the family due to our inability to house break him. Research conducted after the purchase revealed that the breed was inherently stubborn and in some cases unable to be house broken despite all attempts.

So, instead of relying on biased sources, turn to the library and people who own that particular breed of puppy or have owned one in the past. If you know someone who has relinquished a purebred puppy of the breed that you are considering for a fraction of the cost that they paid for it or for free, you need to ask them some serious and pointed questions before deciding to invest in that particular breed of puppy.

Here are the most important questions that you need answered before purchasing a puppy or puppies:

1. What is the temperament like?

2. What is the mature size and weight?

3. Are they good with children?

4. What are their indigenous health problems?

5. How long do they live?

6. How much do they shed?

7. How much do they eat?

8. How trainable are they?

9. Can they be easily house broken?

10. Do they require a lot of grooming?

11. How noisy are they?

12. How protective are they?

13. Do they require any special care or management?

14. Are they good with other Dogs and animals?

Now all you need to do is match the answers of these questions with your family's needs. Choose wisely, and you will have chosen a best friend of a lifetime, a Dog that will truly be a joy to have and a treasured member of the family.

By Randy Myers
Find more puppy articles, tips and tricks at my website:
Wise Puppy
http://www.WisePuppy.com

Small Dog Breeds

Small Dogs are cute and adorable! They make wonderful and devoted companions and they make good watchDogs. People love small Dog breeds because they are great lap Dogs and are so lovable. They are popular for people who live in apartments, RV's or small homes since they don't require a lot of room. They are also easier to travel with.

There are many different breeds and they all have different and unique temperaments and character tics. If you are thinking about getting a small dog breed, choose one that fits your lifestyle, living space, time you have to devote to him, how old your children are and grooming needs of the dog which you have to deal with.

These breeds are prone to health problems as most dogs and it's important that you get a dog from a reputable breeder.

The number of people having small dog breeds has risen according to the AKC. Their latest (2006) most popular dog list says that Yorkshire Terriers outranks the Golden Retriever in the number two spot this year. The small breed's registry was 18% in the 1940's but now they are 29% of the registry. The toy group has risen steadily since the 1970's when they only had 12% of the registry versus 23% today.

Here is the list showing the small dog breeds spots:

#2 - Yorkshire Terrier

#5 - Beagle

#6 - Daschund

#8 - Poodles

#9 - Shih Tzu

#10 - Miniature Schnauzer

#11 Chihuahuas

#13 Pugs

#14 Pomeranians

#18 Maltese

#23 Miniature Pinschers

#27 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

#29 Bichon Frise

In case you wondered what the number one dog is it's the Labrador Retriever.

Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on different breeds including pages on dogs good with children and the elderly, choosing a dog and breeder, vet, dog clothes, dog houses and much more.

Dogs: Different Breeds

Although there are approximately 400 breeds of Dogs recognized in the world, the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes 146 breeds. These breeds are subdivided into seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Herding, Non-Sporting, Terrier and Toy. The Dogs in each group share similar characteristics but can be quite diverse and therefore each group has distinctive subgroups.

The Sporting Group were bred to assist man in hunting, especially in retrieving birds from water or fields. These are very active dogs that are loyal and intelligent. They need lots of exercise and do not like to be left alone. Excellent family dogs who love interaction, these dogs can play fetch for hours and absolutely love it. Subgroups in this category include retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels.

The Hound Group are also favoured for hunting because of their instinct to follow fast-moving game like rabbits and foxes. They are renowned for their keen sense of smell and sharp eyesight and tend to be great pets due to their gentle, easy to get along with nature. Subgroups include sight hounds such as greyhounds, whippets and Irish wolfhounds; scent hounds like basset hounds, beagles and dachshunds; and large game hounds such as the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Dogs that make up the Working Group were historically bred to perform specific tasks for people. This group includes sled dogs that love cold weather, living outside and need plenty of exercise. Guard dogs such as mastiffs, rottweilers and Great Danes were bred for protection and are thus alert, courageous, intelligent and independent. These dogs can be territorial and require strong leadership and structured training.

Other breeds that make up the Working Group include personal protection dogs like boxers and Dobermans that are very loyal and strong-willed and rescue dogs such as the friendly Saint Bernard. Rescue dogs can be terrific with children if they are raised with them and tend to be quiet and unassuming.

The dogs of the Herding Group do just that, herd livestock. This group can be broken down into sheep herders like shepherds and collies and cattle herders such as bouviers and corgis. They love to work, exercise and play. Extremely agile and easy to train, these dogs also tend to be fabulous family pets.

The Terrier Group consists of breeds that are determined and very competitive. Two types of terriers are fighting breeds and vermin hunters. Fighters such as pit bulls and bull terriers are courageous yet perhaps somewhat cocky but fortunately most of their aggression has been bred down. They can make excellent pets but need early socialization to ensure that they can be comfortable around other people and animals.

Vermin hunters were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and hence are very alert, lively, agile and independent. These dogs include just about every breed of terrier that you can think of and make great pets if you like spirited dogs that require patience, training and attention.

The majority of the dogs that comprise the Non-Sporting Group were bred to perform specific jobs that now have become obsolete so the animals have become companions. The personalities of the dogs that make up this breed group have very wide variations so it makes sense to consult breed-specific information sources before selecting one of these dogs as a pet. Some of the breeds in this group include the Dalmatian, Bichon Frise, Lhasa apso and the poodle.

The final breed group is the Toy Group. They are mainly miniature versions of hunting or working dogs and tend to be adorable, affectionate pets that are ideal for the elderly or apartment dwellers. These dogs need attention and exercise and will benefit tremendously from training to prevent them from constant barking and nipping.

Many people prefer mixed breeds but the advantage of choosing a purebred is predictability of behaviour. For example, if you want a dog that will retrieve, you know you will get that with a retriever. The main point is that all dogs should make excellent pets if given proper attention including exercise, discipline and affection.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

Take Care of Your Dog: Feed Him or Her Dog Food

Many Dog owners treat their pets as though they are their own children. They play with them, let them live inside and sit on the furniture, and even sometimes sleep in their beds. There is no denying the love most Dog owners have for their pets, but sometimes they unwittingly cause health problems by feeding their canine pals table scraps rather than dog food.

While the occasion table scraps as treats probably won't hurt one's furry friends, what a pet dog really needs for proper nutrition is dog food. It's true that the ancestors of today's dogs hunted and ate meat. And feeding a dog the occasional meat hunk or carcass probably won't hurt. But today's dogs are thoroughly domesticated and are different creatures. Constant table food can cause obesity and even a form of diabetes in dogs.

Dog food is designed with the necessary proteins and other vitamins and minerals dogs need to be healthy. Just like humans, dogs can experience clogged arteries and heart attacks. It's important to include dog food in the diet in order to keep man's best friend in prime health.

There are many types of dog food. There are many scientifically designed varieties meant to address different aspects of canine health. Some dog food targets the coat, some target joints. There is a type of dog food for nearly any dog. There are even breed-specific foods, as well as foods designed for the different ages of dogs.

Proper care of one's dog can result in years of pleasant companionship and beautiful memories. The therapeutic effects owning a pet are well documented. Pets can help teach children responsibility. However, not taking care of this fellow creature can result in heartbreak and regret. Dogs need regular exercise, lots of love, and minimal access to table scraps. What the healthy dog really needs to eat is dog food.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at [http://www.dog-food-central.info]

Which Puppies Are Good With Kids?

Ready for a puppy? Great! If you are looking for a Dog that will work best with your family, consider the fact that Dogs between the ages of 1 and 5 are best with children. This is because Dogs in this age range aren't as excitable and wanting to play rough as puppies do. Small Dogs at this age aren't old enough to suffer health problems that make older dogs cranky.

The best way to find a puppy good with kids is to adopt one from an rescue center. And there you can ask them what kind of temperament the puppy has. Many shelters test puppies to see how they react to a child environment. Puppies from shelters normally live with volunteers who train them to get used the experiences they'll find in their permanent home. Ask for a pet that has lived with children.

When at the shelter, test for yourself how the small dog reacts to a gentle touch to his ears. Touch the paws and try putting your finger in his mouth to see what he does. On the floor, try running around and make some noise. Watch the reaction. You are looking for a puppy that accepts the same behavior you will have around your house.

Did you know you can adopt dogs from guide-dog training programs? These are pups that didn't make the cut as a seeing-eye dog, but make wonderful pets.

If your heart is set on a purebred dog, my advice is to look at the mother and father of the puppy you're interest in. Their temperament will tell all. If they are sweet, the puppy will be as well. It would surprise you to find many dogs considered good with kids are mean spirited because of the parents.

That said, there really are some breeds better than others for homes with children. For example, the sporting breeds of retrievers and spaniels are known to be gentle. They enjoy to be touched and their bite is generally soft. They are high energy, however, and as puppies can have sharp teeth that can hurt when they nip.

As the world now longs for toy breeds, believe it or not, these aren't the best with children. The are more self-preserving and can get hurt much easier than a large breed. Dogs that were bred to herd, like border collies, can chase children and bite them.

If you are serious about finding if the dog will be best with your family, you can employ the services of a professional dog trainer in your area and have them run a temperament assessment. They charge around $75 an hour - but it may be worth it. If you use the trainer later with your dog, they will probably do the assessment for free.

In a 2006 study on dog bites by Pediatrics, they recommend that parents wait until children are of school age before getting a dog. Babies were the most likely to be bitten by dogs they knew. Always supervise interaction between dogs and kids.

Did you enjoy these tips? There are many more at my site about the Three Best Dogs on the planet. As always, do your due diligence and find the puppy that is right for your lifestyle. Please visit Dave Jackson's look at the best dog for you.

Small Dogs - Different Breeds, Different Personalities

Small Dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities are all different, it's a good idea to look at their individual characteristics to see if they fit with your lifestyle.

Pomeranians:

Pomeranians developed from a much larger Dog breed and seem to have retained the mellow character. They are good with children if they have been raised with them from puppyhood. They are playful and active. They tend to bark and require daily grooming.

Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are an interesting small breed. I have raised several herds - and that is a good word for a group of chihuahuas - and their temperment is a bit different from other small dogs. They can be very aggressive towards other dog breeds. I adopted one chihuahua who kept attacking a German Shepherd who finally bit her. After she got out of the hospital she went after him again. I ended up with her because she wasn't going to quit attacking bigger dogs. Some chihuahuas will growl and nip at small children. Good points - chihuahuas are very loyal and affectionate. They don't require as much exercise as other small breeds so they make ideal pets for apartment dwellers or older people. They are good with cats.

Boston Terrier:

Good with children and other animals, the Boston terrier is a good small dog for families. They are suitable for any lifestyle. They can be aggressive chewers. Their short coat is easy to keep clean.

Jack Russell Terrier:

This dog breed is only for the most active owners. They love to chase balls, can hop onto a table with ease and can be aggressive if not trained properly. Very intelligent and lively, they require a lot of attention and discipline.

Maltese:

This small dog breed can be very protective of its owner. It is not suitable for families with children because they are very fragile.

Shitzu or Shih tzu:

Good natured and non-aggressive, these friendly little dogs make great family pets. They require daily brushing but their hair is non-shedding. Good with other animals.

Bichon Frise:

These little dogs make good family pets. They are good with children as well as other animals. Very intelligent, easy to train and lively. Their coat doesn't shred.

Dachshund:

Not a hound but a terrier bred to go after vermin, the breed is lively and affectionate. Good with family members but will become aggressive to children outside the family. They make good watchdogs and will bark frequently to alert their owners.

Pekinese:

Very fierce and loyal, these little dogs are not good around children or other animals. These are good dogs for the elderly. Their coats require a good deal of grooming.

Skye Terrier:

Great with children, okay with other dogs but not tolerant of cats. This unique breed makes a fine pet. Distrustful of strangers.

The next step after selecting a breed is to find a reputable breeder. To get more information, visit us at http://www.dog-match.com/small-dog-breeds

Pat Schraier has not only owned chihuahuas but a cocker spaniel, a dachshund, a black lab, a boxer, and a terrier mix. Visit the website http://www.dog-match.com for breed information, health care and other resources.

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer - Pros and Cons

Cesar Millan is the host of the popular show the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel. Cesar Millan is a charismatic and very entertaining host, and he has made The Dog Whisperer into a big favorite amongst Dog owners. As a result, he has many fans that implement his techniques on their house pets. However, there are some who feel that Cesar Millan's techniques are overly harsh and inappropriate for novice trainers (most pet owners). In this article, I examine Cesar Millan's approach and discuss its pros and cons.

Pros of Cesar Millan's Dog Training Philosophy:

1. Educates people on being a good pack leader. To be a good pack leader Cesar Millan talks about setting rules and boundaries for your dog and emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm and assertive energy.


2. Educates people to fulfill their dogs' needs not just their own. Most dog owners are very aware of how dogs help us live happier, and fuller lives. What is often forgotten is that dogs have needs of their own. Cesar Millan talks about understanding a dog's needs and helping him be a happy dog through exercise and discipline.


3. Shows people how to improve their dogs' behavior regardless of breed and background. Some dog breeds have developed a really bad reputation, especially the Pit Bull Terrier. Cesar Millan does a really good job in showing people that all dogs can be rehabilitated regardless of breed and background.


4. Uses his pack of dogs to teach other dogs and improve their behavior. Cesar Millan shows people that the best teacher for a dog is another dog. While we may try and learn canine body language, we will never be as adept at using it as a canine.

Cons of Cesar Millan's Dog Training Philosophy:

1. Limits exploration of other dog training techniques. Cesar Millan has an extremely confident, charismatic, and alpha personality that makes him very successful. Unfortunately, a side-effect is that people may just follow his techniques and not explore other alternatives (in particular reward based dog training techniques) that may be more appropriate for their dogs.


2. Even though Cesar Millan may sometimes say that changing a dog's behavior takes time, his Dog Whisperer program shows the opposite. The format of The Dog Whisperer show is such that Cesar has to show results quickly to make the program interesting and engaging. Often times there is a timer which shows how Cesar solves a problem in minutes (5-15 minutes) that the owners have tried for months to solve. This encourages a fix it now or give up mentality among dog owners that may lead to more dogs being surrendered or destroyed.


3. Very little discussion on the proper equipment to use and the proper use of that equipment. Cesar Millan does advise his clients to put a dog's collar high up on the neck, close to the head and ears. He also sometimes uses his Illusion collar to keep the collar from sliding down the neck. Sometimes, he just goes with what the owner is already using, thereby implicitly agreeing with the owner's choice. Given that he is the expert, it would be helpful to have more of a discussion on the pros and cons of training equipment. Also, training collars, e.g. prong collar, choke chains, should not be left on a dog for long periods of time; they should be put on for a walk or a training session and removed otherwise. Studies have shown that extended use of choke chains may be harmful to your dog.


4. Little or no exploration on what type of leader we should be. It is important for us humans to become leaders of our dog pack but an important corollary question is what leader we should be. Cesar seems to support something more akin to a dictatorship, where everything the leader says goes, and not following a rule, brings about some kind of punishment whether it be a leash jerk, a finger poke, or an alpha roll. Between a dictatorship and no leadership is a wide range of other possibilities. Take into account your own temperament and the temperament of your dog to determine the best type of relationship.


5. Downplays the dangers and effects of aversive techniques. Cesar Millan uses a variety of aversive dog training techniques, including alpha rolls, leash jerks, and finger pokes. He often tells owners that these techniques do not cause the dogs any pain or stress, it is just meant to get the dogs' attention. There is also an implication that these techniques are appropriate and humane because wolves do that to other wolves, or dogs do that to other dogs. Both of these statements are not very accurate.

For more on Cesar Millan and dog obedience training, visit the Shiba Shake Home