Monday, July 27th, 2009 at
10:48 am
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)
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| 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.
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| Health |
Prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. |
| Life Expectancy |
10 – 12 years |
| Books |
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Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 at
9:20 am
The English Cocker Spaniel originated in Spain.
The English Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in the late 1800′s. The Cocker was named for its ability to hunt out woodcocks.
Cocker Spaniels have a soft mouth which makes them excellent retrievers.
The smaller American Cocker Spaniel were bred from the English Cocker Spaniel and recognized as a separate breed in the 1930′s.
FACTS ABOUT THE ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
| Size |
Male: 15-17in (33 – 41cm)
Female: 12-15in (30-38cm) |
| Weight |
Male: 28-32lb (13-1kg)
Female: 26-3lb (12-14kg) |
| Temperament |
The Cocker spaniel is an energetic, playful and affectionate dog. Eager to learn and eager to please. Sweet and loveable but some can be snappy towards strangers unless kept in check. Many make good watchdogs. Cockers behave well with children but will not tolerate teasing. Train your cocker gently but with firmness. They do have an independent streak |
| Grooming |
Daily grooming is required and professional grooming may also be needed. Unless you are showing your dog it is best to keep your cocker clipped. Trim the hair around the pads but not between the toes. The Cocker Spaniel is a moderate shedder |
| Exercise |
Moderate to vigorous exercise required although some Cocker Spaniels are more energetic than others. |
| Living Area |
Medium space requirements. Not really suitable for apartment living although it is not totally out of the question. These dogs love to sniff about in undergrowth so a yard is the preferred option. |
| Health |
Cocker Spaniels can suffer from ear infections, eye infections, skin and spinal problems.
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| Life Expectancy |
12-15 years |
| Books |
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at
8:26 am
KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE WHEN OUT BOATING
BUY NOW
Designer Pet Saver Life Jacket, Small (Colors Vary)
We love our dogs and want to include them in as many parts of our lives as we can from curling up on the bed on a rainy Saturday to riding along in the car.
Since pets are family members we want to keep them safe just like we would our children. That’s why we’re so thrilled with the Designer Pet Saver Life Jacket. The small size is perfect for smaller pooches that want to hang out with us.
If you live near the water or like to take your pet out boating then there’s no reason not to give your faithful companion the same kind of protection that you would your children.
The Pet Saver life jacket works just like one you would wear yourself. It will keep your pet safe if it falls out of the boat or can’t get out of the pool.
The eye popping colors mean that if your pet falls into the water you’ll be able to quickly locate and rescue them.
This pet life jacket is specifically designed for smaller breed dogs from 15-25 pounds.
The unit is designed to support your pet with floatation and buoyancy in the event it falls into the water. The life jacket supports the animal letting it keep its head above water.
What We Like:
- One of the greatest features of this pet life jacket is the rescue handle built into the back. The handle runs along the back of the jacket making it easy to grab and lift your pet out of the water without having to jump in to retrieve it.
- The quick adjust Velcro straps make putting the unit on a breeze. Just slip it on and adjust the straps until they’re snug. You won’t have to worry about fighting hard to secure buckles.
Finally, we loved the price. This is a great affordable way to help keep your precious pets safe.
Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at
11:58 am
Poodles come in three sizes – Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and, Standard Poodle.
The Poodle is recognised as the National dog of France, and is generally referred to as the French Poodle. In France the Poodle is known as the ‘Caniche’ or duck dog. Poodles have been around for about 400 years and the French Poodle is believed to have been bred from the French water dog the Barbet.
In Germany Poodles were known as ‘Pudel’ which means water dog. Poodles used to retrieve water fowl. The Poodle has a thick coat that was clipped so as not to weigh them down in the water, although the hair on the leg joints was left on as protection when swimming.
Poodles have also been bred to sniff out Truffles, a fungus delicacy that grows underground.
FACTS ABOUT POODLES
| Size |
Miniature Male: 11-15 in (28-38 cm)
Miniature Female: 11-15 in (28- 38 cm)
Standard Male: 15-24 in (38 – 61 cm)
Standard Female: 15-22 in (38 – 56 cm) |
| Weight |
Miniature Male: 15-17 lb (7-8 kg)
Miniature Female: 15-17 lb (7-8 kg)
Standard Male: 45-70 lb (20-32 kg)
Standard Female: 45-60 lb (20-27 kg) |
| Temperament |
Poodles are a happy, highly intelligent, easily trained breed. Poodles can be easily trained to do tricks and they are often seen as circus performers.
Some poodles tend to be very highly strung, sensitive and nervous around children, others are quite happy to be around children.
Poodles should be trained and socialised at an early age. They can have a tendency to bark a lot. Poodles adapt well to other dogs and other animals within the family group.
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| Grooming |
Poodles require extensive grooming and should be combed and brushed daily. Shampoo regularly and have clipped approximately every 6 weeks. Poodles have fine coarse hair that does not shed readily so they are ideal dogs for people who suffer from allergies. The ears should be checked often for mites.
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| Exercise |
All Poodles benefit from being taken for a walk to keep them fit. They have no special feeding requirements |
| Living Area |
The Standard Poodle is well adapted to apartment living providing they are given plenty of exercise and there is a small yard to run in.
Miniature Poodles are ideally suited to apartment living and are not suited to being kept outdoors |
| Health |
Although Poodles have a long-life they can be subject to a number of genetic diseases. Poodles can suffer from Cataracts, allergies, skin conditions, hip dysplasia, dislocation of knee joints and ear infections. Have your Vet check your Poodles teeth on a regular basis.
Standard Poodles are best fed 2-3 small meals a day, rather than one large one.
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| Life Expectancy |
12 – 15 years
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Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at
12:00 am
Golden Retrievers have similar characteristics to bloodhounds and water spaniels. It is believed that they were bred by Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland around 150 years ago.
Golden Retrievers are noble dogs with coats that come in shades of gold or cream.
Their intelligence and great temperaments make this an ideal family dog.
FACTS ABOUT THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER
| Size |
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) |
| Weight |
Male: 60-80 lb (27-36 kg)
Female: 55-70lb (25-32 kg) |
| Temperament |
These intelligent dogs are easily trained and are gentle with children. Golden Retrievers make good watchdogs, and while they are unlikely to attack they will loudly signal when strangers approach. Golden Retrievers are affectionate, well mannered and have great charm making them ideal family pet |
| Grooming |
Golden Retrievers shed a fair amount. They require daily brushing with a firm bristle brush. Pay attention to the dense undercoat. Only bathe when necessary and dry shampoo regularly.
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| Exercise |
They require regular, vigorous exercise. A long daily walk with the opportunity to run freely. Golden Retrievers should be allowed to swim whenever possible. |
| Living Area |
Requires plenty of space and exercise. Not suitable for apartment living. |
| Health |
Prone to hip dysplasia and eye diseases. Can suffer from skin allergies which need immediate treatment. |
| Life Expectancy |
10-12 years |
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Friday, June 12th, 2009 at
8:43 am
The Doberman was bred as a guard dog by a 19th century tax agent named Louis Dobermann of Apolda in Thuringia, Germany.
He needed an animal that could accompany him on his rounds and protect him against thieves.
Louis Dobermann was the keeper of the local dog pound and therefore had access to a number of strays with which he could continue to breed until he developed a dog that displayed the qualities he required such as courage, alertness and stamina.
Dobermans exhibits all these qualities as well as being suitable as a family pet, providing it receives the correct training.
FACTS ABOUT THE DOBERMAN (DOBERMAN PINSCHER)
| Size |
Males: 25-27 in (63-69 cm)
Females: 23-26 in (58-66 cm) |
| Weight |
Males: 55-75 lb (25-34 kg)
Females: 50-70 lb (23-32kg) |
| Temperament |
The Doberman not only makes an excellent guard dog, being obedient and courageous it also makes a devoted and loyal pet. An intelligent breed, the Doberman may be aggressive if not properly trained. Dobermans have been bred to interact with man and are not a breed to be left outside in a kennel. They need to be included in family activities for their mental stability and stimulation. They are a very gentle breed of dog if trained correctly |
| Grooming |
Dobermans need little grooming although a daily brushing to remove loose surplus hairs is a good idea and shampoo only when necessary. Wipe the coat over with a damp cloth to make it gleam. The breed is an average shedder |
| Exercise |
The Doberman does well in an environment where it can run free. They require regular, vigorous exercise. |
| Living Area |
Dobermans are not suitable for apartments or small yards unless they are exercised regularly and vigorously. They need to be able to run freely. Very sensitive to cold which is why they should not be left outside in cold conditions. Do not exercise directly after they have eaten |
| Health |
The Doberman is prone to bloat so it is important to feed them two or three small meals daily rather than one large meal.
Also prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems and heart disease. If you are considering the purchase of an albino Doberman, be aware that they tend to have a number of serious genetic problems such as extreme photosensitivity, poor vision, high risk of melanoma, heightened aggression and a shortened life span. |
| Life Expectancy |
Approximately 13 years
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