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How to choose a dog

Written by Wanda on March 22, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Choosing a dog requires a lot of thought.

Unfortunately, many people purchase a dog without thinking about how the animal will fit into their household and how much it will actually cost to keep.

Choosing a dog involves a lot more than just wanting the latest breed because everyone else has one.

The following guide will give you some tips and things to think about before deciding on the right breed for you.

1. Lifestyle
Consider your current lifestyle before even considering choosing a dog. If you and your family are out all day and no one is at home to keep the dog company then you should seriously consider not getting a dog. Dogs are pack animals and they need to have their pack around them in order to stay happy. If no one is home for most of the day, the dog will become destructive and you will find yourself coming home to a garden or house with some major damage.

2. Environment
The environment that you live in is an important factor to consider when choosing a dog. If you live in an apartment it would be inappropriate to choose a large active breed for obvious reasons. A smaller breed that doesn’t require great amounts of exercise would be better suited. If you have a large back garden that is adequately fenced you can consider larger breeds but do not get a breed that is overly active if you aren’t prepared to exercise it regularly.

3. Budget
When choosing a dog most people don’t consider the costs involved. If you are purchasing a puppy the costs are even greater with veterinary costs being the biggest initial cost. Ongoing costs include food, dog toys, treats, leashes and collars, dog bowls, dog beds and kennels, dog obedience training and more. There are also the ongoing veterinary costs for yearly shots and the unexpected costs if your dog falls ill.

4. Time
Do you have the time to look after a dog? Many people don’t realise that a dog needs a lot of attention if it is to remain happy and healthy. There is no point in having a dog if it sits in the backyard watching the family through a window all day. Dogs like to be with people and this means spending time talking to your pet, walking it and playing with it. Before choosing a dog be honest with yourself and decide whether you will have the time to give it the attention it deserves. This is particularly so if you purchase a puppy. Puppies require a lot of work in the first six weeks particularly in terms of training.

Too many animals are turned into shelters and dog homes each year. So take the time to research carefully to find the best dog for your and your family.

Categories: How To - Tags: how to choose a dog

Dog Breeds: Maltese

Written by Wanda on September 5, 2009 · Leave a Comment

maltese A very old breed of dog.

The Maltese terrier has been a favourite with women throughout the ages.

It is believed to have been around in Roman times and possibly even in earlier times.

FACTS ABOUT THE MALTESE

Size	8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight	6-10 lb (3-5 kg)
Temperament	The Maltese is an even tempered, playful breed that is intelligent and easy to train. They are very affectionate and love to be handled. The Maltese will bark at strangers.
Grooming	This is a fairly high maintenance breed. The long soft coat requires daily combing and brushing. Liberally smear sun block on the hair parting to prevent sunburn. Requires regular bathing or dry shampoo and make sure it is dried thoroughly after a bath. The hair can stain so make sure you clean the beard after meals. Tie up the top hair to prevent eye irritation. Clean the ears regularly and have the hairs growing inside the ear canal removed by your dog groomer.
Exercise	Requires regular gentle exercise.
Living Area	Maltese are suited to living in units or apartments. They are not suited for outdoor living.
Health	These dogs often suffers from genetic eye disorders and the eyes should be cleaned daily.
Life Expectancy	Generally long lived.

Categories: Dog Breeds, Featured - Tags: Dog Breeds, maltese

Dog Breeds: Great Dane

Written by Wanda on August 21, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds.

Known as the Apollo of all dogs, Great Danes are very gentle although they are very large.

The Great Dane was used by German aristocracy to hunt wild boar and stags.

FACTS ABOUT THE GREAT DANE

Size	Male: 30-32 in (76-81 cm) Female:28-30 in (71-76 cm)
Weight	Male: 100-125 lb (45-57 kg) Female: 90-105 lb (41-48 kg)
Temperament	A social breed, the Great Dane is gentle, loyal and affectionate. A playful pet that is good with children. Great Danes are not aggressive and their size alone is often a deterrent to strangers. Because of its size, the Great Dane should be started on a training program while still a puppy. Train the puppy not to lean on people. It is disconcerting to be leaned on by a fully grown Great Dane. The breed can be aggressive to strange dogs but will interact well with dogs if it is raised with them
Grooming	Easy to groom using a comb and a firm bristle brush. Daily grooming is required so that bathing is not often required. Bathing is a major event with a dog this size. Dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the toenails trimmed. Great Danes are average shredders.
Exercise	Take your Great Dane for a daily walk. A dog this size requires a lot of exercise.
Living Area	Although the Great Dane does adapt to living in an apartment, it requires a large yard or space to run around in.
Health	Hip dysplasia, bone cancer, heart problems and tail injuries are common. Puppies should be given calcium. It is best to feed your Great Dane 2-3 times a day to help reduce the tendency to bloat
Life Expectancy	The average lifespan is around 10 years although some Great Danes do live 12-13 years

Categories: Dog Breeds, Featured - Tags: Dog Breeds, great dane

Dog Breeds: Papillon

Written by Wanda on August 15, 2009 · Leave a Comment

The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog and has a recorded history in Europe of nearly 700 years. The Papillon was originally known as the epagneul nain or dwarf spaniel.

In later years it became known as the Continental Toy Spaniel. Many Italian frescoes of the 13th-15th centuries featured the Papillon. It was highly valued in Italy during the Renaissance and later by French breeders.

Papillon is French for Butterfly. The dog has ‘butterfly’ ears that are heavily fringed and look like butterfly wings. Although its origins are uncertain, the breed had become highly valued by the sixteenth century European nobility.

It was known as the Squirrel Spaniel because of the manner in which its long, plumed tail curled over its back.

FACTS ABOUT THE PAPILLON

Size	8-11 in (20-28 cm)
Weight	3 ½ -10 lb (1-5 kg)
Temperament	The Papillon is gentle and affectionate with a lively, friendly alert nature, and although the Papillon is playful and amusing, it can also be calm, dignified and gentle. Some dogs are possessive of their owners and resent strangers. They will alert you to when strangers arrive. An obedient dog, the Papillon is generally not a noisy, yappy dog like some other small breeds. Although the Papillon is sometimes difficult to housebreak, they are generally easy to train, and are easily taught to do tricks. Some can be nervous, highly strung and timid. Papillons are better kept with older, considerate children. They can be aggressive towards other dogs but are generally good with cats if they are raised with them from puppyhood. 3 ½ -10 lb (1-5 kg)
Grooming	These dogs are usually clean and odorless. Papillons require daily combing and brushing of the long, silky, coat. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the nails clipped and have your vet clean the teeth regularly to disperse any build up of tartar. They are average shedders and the hair does not tend to matt or tangle.
Exercise	Papillons love to run and play however they are quite happy to be confined indoors for days on end. Remember that the Papillon is no different from other dogs in that it will benefit from regular exercise to remain trim and fit.
Living Area	The Papillon is well suited to apartment living because of its size. It is not suited to living outdoors. Because of their strong instinct to protect their property they sometimes bark excessively at any noise and this can be annoying for neighbours.
Health	Papillons have no special feeding requirements. They are generally a robust breed but are prone to problems with their kneecaps (patella) in the hind legs. Although this can be corrected by surgery Papillons sometimes have difficulties under anesthetic. Sometimes they suffer with eye problems
Life Expectancy	Papillons can live up to 16 years of age
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Categories: Dog Breeds, Featured - Tags: Dog Breeds, papillon

Dog Breeds: Mastiff

Written by Wanda on August 10, 2009 · Leave a Comment

mastiff The Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds. A large, powerful imposing looking dog.

Mastiff’s are use in police work, as guard dogs, military dogs and for search and rescue.

An ancient breed the Mastiff was around at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain.

The Romans used the Mastiff in the gladiatorial ring and pitted it against lions, bears and bulls. Throughout time the Mastiff has been used as a warrior dog.

In recent times the mastiff has become a quieter, calmer dog who is loyal and protective of its family.

FACTS ABOUT THE MASTIFF

Size	Male: From 30 in (76 cm) Female: From 27 in (69 cm)
Weight	Male: From 160 lb (72 kg) Female: From 150 lb (68 kg)
Temperament	The Mastiff requires firm handling. If treated well and kept under control Mastiff’s make a docile, loyal and good natured pet. Mastiff’s can become a problem if the owner is not the dominant partner in the relationship.
Grooming	The Mastiff requires daily brushing with a bristle brush. Use a chamois to polish the coat and keep it gleaming. Mastiffs do not shed much. Shampoo only when necessary. Keep the toenails trimmed and check the toenails regularly
Exercise	Regular exercise is required. Mastiffs are a lazy breed and they need exercise to keep them fit and trim. Ensure you keep your Mastiff on a leash when walking it in public.
Living Area	Mastiffs require space to exercise. They are not really suited to apartment living.
Health	Mastiffs are prone to bloat so feed two – three small meals a day rather than one large meal. These dogs are subject to hip dysplasia and can suffer with eye problems. The Mastiff does not like extreme temperatures.
Life Expectancy	8-12 years
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Categories: Dog Breeds, Featured - Tags: Dog Breeds, mastiff

Do Dogs Make the Best Pets?

Written by Wanda on August 3, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Anyone who owns a dog will tell you that dogs make the best pets. But ask any cat owner and they will say the same about cats and a bird lover will say that birds are the best. The number of pets available to choose from is enormous so what makes the choice of a dog such a good one?

Firstly, dogs can do tricks. There are not many pets that can bring you your slippers or roll over and play dead. Dogs love to do things for you, they love to please. What other pet has these characteristics?

Unlike most other pets you can walk your dog and if your dog is energetic enough you can even have him jog along side you. How many people have you seen walking down the street with their cat – it’s a rare sight indeed.

Dogs will give you unconditional love. Most cats on the other hand couldn’t care if you lived or died. Dogs will sit at your feet for ages just happy to be with you. As pets go, dogs will provide you with the most attention.

Dogs will come when called as they learn their name quite quickly even as a puppy. Can you think of another pet that can do this?

Dogs will play with you forever. Most other pets don’t even know how to play. Dogs can play Frisbee and catch a ball and play tug of war and they will run and jump with you until you are exhausted.

Last but not least, dogs are capable of guarding both you and your home to the death. They are loyal and will do their best to look after you. There are not many pets that have the ability to do this.

Most pets have their good points and their bad points but overall dogs have the greatest number of qualities to put them at the top of the list.

Categories: General - Tags: do dogs make the best pets, dogs make the best pets, why do dogs make the best pets

Dog Breeds: Labrador Retriever

Written by Wanda on July 27, 2009 · Leave a Comment

labrador-retrieverblk Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland where they were used to assist fishermen land the fishing nets.

Nowadays, they are employed as guide dogs for the blind, for sniffing out drugs and explosives, and as field sports dogs.

FACTS ABOUT THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Size	Male: 22-24 in (56-61 cm) Female: 21-23 in (53-58 cm)
Weight	Male: 50-60lb (23-27 kg) Female: 45-55lb (20-25 kg)
Temperament	The Labrador Retriever makes an ideal family pet as they are intelligent, good natured, loyal, obedient, affectionate and thoughtful. They are patient with children which makes them an ideal family pet. They do tend to mature late both physically and mentally.
Grooming	Requires regular brushing but the short haired coat is easy to groom. Bathe or dry shampoo as required
Exercise	Labrador Retrievers require regular vigorous exercise to keep them fit and trim. They are big eaters and have a tendency to become obese if they are not sufficiently exercised or are overfed. The Labrador Retriever loves water and retrieving.
Living Area	The Labrador Retriever needs plenty of space to run around in and it is moderately active when indoors.
Health	Prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts.
Life Expectancy	10 – 12 years
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