Shih Tzu (pronounced Shidzoo)

Saturday, May 16th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

shih_tzu Known as the Chinese Lion dog, Shih Tzu were originally developed by Tibetan Monks and sent to China as a gift for the Emperors of the Manchu Dynasty in the 19th Century.

FACTS ABOUT THE SHIH TZU

Size	Up to 11 in (28 cm)
Weight	10-18 lb (5-8 Kgs)
Temperament	The Shih Tzu is friendly, playful, loyal and independent. They can be obstinate but will respond well to patient training.
Grooming	Requires daily brushing and combing with a bristle brush. The top knot should be tied back, out of the dogs eyes. Bathe at least monthly and dry shampoo as necessary. Shih Tzu shed little or no hair.
Exercise	Naturally active but will lie around if not encouraged to exercise. Regular walks will keep the dog healthy and trim.
Living Area	Ideal breed for apartments and units. Not suited to outdoor living.
Health	Some have a tendency to get dry eyes and suffer from ear infections. Is prone to weight gain so do not overfeed. Have your veterinarian check the teeth regularly as Shih Tzu tend to lose their teeth early
Life Expectancy	Around 15 years.

Dog Memorials – a Lasting Memory of a Beloved Pet

Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 1:57 am

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The pain of losing a pet can be as intense as losing a family member and yet many of us do not consider pet memorials as a fitting way to remember our dog’s lives. Pet memorials are a lasting memory of a beloved pet. If you have lost a pet then you might be considering a pet memorial but deciding on the most appropriate method can be daunting.

Plant a Memorial Tree

One type of pet memorial is a tree planting. Many do not consider this method but it is a touching and memorable way of remembering your pet. A tree planting pet memorial will generally also include a certificate, framed or unframed, to hold on to as a keepsake.

Memorial Stones

Pet memorial stones are a wonderful way of remembering your pet. They can be purchased for backyard use and come in granite, metal, or wood.

Cremation Urns

If you are considering having your pet cremated then you have a large range of urns to choose from. Photo urns are available and as the name suggests allows you to display a photo of your pet. Rock urns are an option for owners who do not like to keep their pet’s ashes indoors. These urns are made to look like real rocks and will sit in your garden with a nameplate for engraving. Other more traditional urns are available including vase urns and wooden box urns.

Caskets

Caskets are available for pets in the traditional wood style. Other more economical versions are available including a durable polystyrene variety. These can be fitted with satin lining and a pillow.

Dog Breeds: Siberian Husky

Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 5:52 am

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Male: 45-60 lb (20-27 kg)
Female: 35-50 lb (58-66 kg)
siberian-husky Originating from the Kolyma river region in Siberia, the Siberian Husky was imported into Alaska in 1909.

This breed thrives in the cold and was bred by the nomadic Chukchi tribes of north-east Asia as a hardy dog which could be a companion and hunter as well as a speedy sled dog.

A medium-sized dog that interacts well with man and is good with children.

The Siberian Husky is often used in search and rescue operations and because of its speed it is used in sled racing.

FACTS ABOUT THE SIBERIAN HUSKY

Size	Male: 21-23 in (53-58 cm) Female: 20-22 in (51-56 cm)
Weight	Male: 45-60 lb (20-27 kg) Female: 35-50 lb (58-66 kg)
Temperament	The Siberian Husky is independent, intelligent, full of energy with a tendency to roam. These dogs are friendly with everyone and tend to bark little therefore, they are not suitable as watchdogs. Siberian Huskies do not like to be alone so it is often preferable to have two dogs.
Grooming	Siberian huskies require brushing twice weekly. Take extra care during the moulting season. Dry shampoo occasionally. Not generally necessary to shampoo as the coat readily sheds dirt.
Exercise	The Siberian Husky requires considerable, regular daily exercise. Although ease off a little in warmer weather.
Living Area	Siberian Huskies require a large area to exercise in if they are not to become bored and destructive. They have a tendency to wander off if not socialised with. Ensure fences have a solid foundation into the ground as your Siberian Husky is quite capable of digging his way out of the yard.
Health	Not suited to hot climates. The breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems. They tend to be small eaters but will eat whatever is put in front of them so keep the portions small otherwise you will end up with an obese dog.
Life Expectancy	12-15 years

How to Spoil Your Dog in 10 Ways or Less – Dog Toys and Gifts

Thursday, May 7th, 2009 at 10:55 am

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Your dog can provide you with so much pleasure so they deserve a treat now and then. These days you can choose from a wide variety of dog toys and dog gifts and you can do it all from the comfort of your home. If you are looking for a dog gift, but aren’t too sure what to get, take a look at the ten suggestions below. These dog gifts are just a few of hundreds of different products now available online.

1. Dog-Opoly - More a gift for you than you dog, but then you deserve something special too.

2. Doggy Travel Bowl – Metal or plastic bowls are clunky and hard to carry, but when traveling with your dog, whether to the High Sierras or just an afternoon at a little league game, it’s only humane to bring along a bowl and a water supply for your trusty companion. Two sizes make it easy to offer your dog a drink on the road. This packable bowl made of pack cloth, cordura, and rip-stop nylon, folds down into it’s own pocket, about the size of a pocket-pack of facial tissues! Clip it on your belt loop, or on your dog’s leash as you and your dog travel, hike, or just hang out in the great outdoors. It’s waterproof and holds a quart of water. Machine-washable too.

3. Tug n Talk Dog Toys – The Original Tuggin?, Talkin? Dog Toy! Unique Tug-O-Meter measures pull strength and sound box features six fun, catchy phrases such as: You the dog!? and C?mon, get tough!?. Comfort grip and flexible rubberized dog grip. Includes 2 AA batteries.

4. ‘Stand-Up’ Flying Disc Toy – Easy for Dogs to Pick Up! – a flying disc with a unique center dome that allows the dog to retrieve the disc more easily. Tough enough for even large dogs.

5. Modern Dog Magazine 4 issues – Modern Dog is the glossy, high-end lifestyle magazine for urban dogs and their companions featuring expert advice, dog-friendly travel destinations, full fashion spreads, the latest accessories for your pooch and whats new in the doggie world.

7.Nylabone Double Action Sports Chew Toy for Dogs - Bacon flavored chew toys. Specifically designed for strong chewers.

8. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball – a treat dispensing toy combination that dogs can’t resist! This interactive toy can be filled with your pet’s favorite dry food or bite sized treats. Mentally stimulating and will keep your pet amused for hours.

9. Dog World (1-year) 12 issues – Everything you need to know for the recreational and high-performance canine athlete and working dog.

10. The Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs, Revised Edition Now you can learn the massage therapy techniques that can enhance the quality of your pet’s life with the Healing Touch for Dogs book. Find out how you can begin to make a deeper and more lasting bond with your pet. Learn how massage can help your dog, how to create the best massage routine, how to diagnose illnesses, and even how to keep your dog in shape.

Dog Breeds: Lhasa Apso

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 4:08 am

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lhasa-apso The Lhasa Apso was bred in Tibet in monasteries as a temple and palace sentinel. It was named after the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

The Lhasa Apso was considered to be sacred in ancient times as Tibetans believed that when its master died his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso.

The breed was introduced outside Tibet when the Dalai Lama presented it to foreign diplomats as a gift.

Lhasa Apso’s look like a smaller version of the Old English Sheepdog.

FACTS ABOUT THE LHASA APSO

Size	Male: 10-11 in (25-28 cm) Female : 9-10 in (23-25 cm)
Weight	Male: 14-18 lb (6-8 kg) Female: 12-16 lb (5-7 kg)
Temperament	The Lhasa Apso is a friendly, affectionate dog with an assertive manner. An intelligent and loyal dog, the Lhasa Apso loves human companionship, it is however, suspicious of strangers and can be snappy if they are surprised. The Lhasa Apso will be snappy if handled roughly or teased and may be nervous around children or strangers. They have very acute hearing and their loud; persistent bark will alert you to when strangers are approaching. Lhasa Apso’s can be willful and stubborn so they need to know who is in control and therefore require a dominant owner.
Grooming	Lhasa Apso require extensive grooming on a daily basis. If not groomed regularly, the undercoat becomes matted. Some owners prefer to have the dog clipped to make it easier to care for. The feet need regular checking for matting and foreign matter. Lhasa Apso’s are average shedders. Clean any residue of food from the beard when the dog has finished eating.This will help to stop matting and staining.
Exercise	Regular exercise is required. Your Lhasa Apso enjoys going for walks but they love to run free and play.
Living Area	Suited to living in an apartment. Because they are so active inside they do not require a back yard to run in.
Health	The Lhasa Apso is a relatively healthy dog with few health problems. These dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia and kidney problems. If the coat is not groomed regularly and kept parasite free, the Lhasa Apso can suffer from skin problems. The eyes can be subject to tears and the eyes may get infections so pay particular attention to these areas when grooming.
Life Expectancy	Although the average life span is around 15 years they can live up to 18 years or more.

Dog Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 am

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rhodesian-ridgeback Originating in South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in Zimbabwe to hunt lion and other large game.

Also known as the African Lion dog it is believed that the ridge originated from the now extinct Hottentot hunting dog.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks make good watchdogs and devoted family pets.

FACTS ABOUT THE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK

Size	Male: 25-27 in (63-69 cm) Female: 24-16 in (61-66 cm)
Weight	Male: 75-85 lb (34 -38 Kg) Female: 70-80 lb (32-36 kg
Temperament	The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an intelligent, gentle and friendly breed that is a tenacious fighter if aroused. Although loyal to its family it can be wilful and have a mind of its own. They are brave and have lots of stamina. Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to be wary towards strangers. They are easy to train and you should start gentle training while the dog is young enough to manage. The trainer requires confidence and must show authority however, be careful not to break its spirit or make it aggressive. Easily bored by repetitive work and will become bored and possibly irritable if a command or training sequence is repeated often. Introduce your pup to cats or any other family pets while it is young. They mix well with children providing they are not teased and pestered by the child. Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally tend to mix with other dogs.
Grooming	An easy care breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback requires daily brushing and shampoo only when necessary.
Exercise	This breed has plenty of stamina and requires a lot of exercise. They need long walks and plenty of space to run. Rhodesian Ridgebacks also love to swim.
Living Area	Needs plenty of space to run so a large back yard is a must.
Health	The breed is hardy but can be susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Life Expectancy	Approximately 11 years