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Dog Breeds:Bull Terrier & Miniature Bull Terrier

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

bull-terrier

Bull Terriers were bred as fighting dogs and were used in bull baiting. The fighting instinct is still strong and they will never turn away from a scrap with other dogs. They are known for their courage, tenacity, agility and speed.

Considered by many to be a not particularly attractive dog, some people find the bull terriers determined and fearless nature to be extremely appealing. The Bull Terrier is available in a range of colors including white, brindle, black, red, fawn and tri color.

The miniature Bull Terrier has the same qualities as the standard Bull terrier but is a more manageable size.

FACTS ABOUT THE BULL TERRIER & MINIATURE BULL TERRIER:

Size	Standard : 15-19 in (38-48 cm) Miniature : 10-14 in (25-33cm)
Weight	Standard: 46-60 lb (20-27 kgs) Miniature: 24-33 lb (11-15 kgs)
Temperament	Bull Terriers need to be given obedience training at an early age. An adult Bull Terrier is extremely strong for its size and training an adult dog is difficult to say the least. The Bull Terrier is intelligent and learns quickly but it can be stubborn. Owning a Bull Terrier takes patience and your training and handling of the dog must be consistent and undertaken with understanding and affection. They thrive on companionship but do not tolerate teasing. Bull Terriers are lively, boisterous, playful and gentle. If they are provided with social training early on, they will fit in with other household animals. Do not purchase a Bull Terrier as a second pet if you already have a dog, as depending on the nature of your Bull Terrier and its social training, there will eventually be a confrontation between them. Do not leave your Bull Terrier alone for long periods of time as they will become bored and destructive.
Grooming	The Bull Terrier is easy to groom and regular brushing or rubbing down will keep the coat in good condition and remove loose hairs. Bathe or dry shampoo as required. It is a good idea to clean the eyes daily and check between the toes regularly. Generally Bull Terriers are average shedders and shed twice a year.
Exercise	The Bull Terrier requires regular, vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Keep your Bull Terrier on a leash when at all times when taking them out in public. Cycling for short periods, once your Bull Terrier is fully grown, is an excellent form of exercise.
Living Area	Bull Terriers adapt well to city living but they are an active breed that need plenty of space to exercise and play. They do best in warmer climates.
Health	Generally, Bull Terriers are healthy; however the breed is prone to suffer from a zinc deficiency, which can be fatal. Some pups are born deaf. Bull Terriers can suffer from obsessive compulsive behaviors, such as tail chasing. There are some bloodlines that are prone to slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps). Male Bull Terriers can become very territorial and having the dog neutered generally solves the problem. Take care with your Bull Terriers hygiene as they can be sensitive to fleas or other parasites. They have no special feeding requirements but are prone to gaining weight. White Bull Terriers are prone to deafness.
Life Expectancy	10 -12 years

Categories: Dog Breeds - Tags: bull terrier, Dog Breeds, miniature bull terrier

Dog Breeds: BullMastiff

Written by Wanda on April 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

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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 Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff has become a quieter, calmer dog that is loyal and protective of its family.

FACTS ABOUT THE BULLMASTIFF:

Size	Male: 25-27 in (63-69 cm) Female: 24-26 in (61-66 cm)
Weight	Male: 110-133 lb (50-60 kg) Female: 90-110 lb (41-50 kg)
Temperament	The Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff 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. Bullmastiffs 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	>Bullmastiffs require space to exercise. They are not really suited to apartment living.
Health	Bullmastiffs are prone to bloat so feed two – three small meals a day rather than one large meal. Subject to hip dysplasia and can suffer with eye problems. The Mastiff does not like extreme temperatures.
Life Expectancy	8-12 years

Categories: Dog Breeds - Tags: Bullmastiff, Dog Breeds

Your Dogs Health

Written by Wanda on April 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Dog health is important to anyone who owns a dog. Ensuring that your dog’s health is maintained is vital but what exactly does this involve? Dogs aren’t that much different to humans – they require regular exercise, a good diet, and attention – but often we neglect one or more of these essential elements. These can all affect your pet resulting in diseases and ailments that can cost you money.

Dog health issues have become something of a hot topic and as with humans it is felt that natural cures and remedies should replace many of the more mainstream treatments. Combining the best of both worlds by finding a veterinarian who understands and uses natural remedies is a godsend. These vets are becoming more and more common as demand rises.

Greater advances in dog health has meant that our dogs are living longer but this brings with it diseases of aging, the most common being arthritis. This causes many a problem for the owner who will try anything to ease their dog’s pain.

Fortunately there are many treatments available that can do wonders from the more mainstream of pet medicines to natural remedies and treatments which have been known to do wonders. It is vital that if your dog is experiencing pain that you first check with your vet to confirm that arthritis is the cause and not some other disease that may require other treatments.

Some tips and hints for dogs with arthritis include:

1. If you have an overweight dog, try and reduce its weight.

2. Take your dog out for regular walks. Don’t overdo it! Some dogs just don’t know when they have had enough and over walking a dog with arthritis will only cause more pain for your pet.

3. Buy a dog bed that allows the dog to stretch out and move easily.

4. Try some of the natural therapies currently available.

5. Keep your pet warm in winter. If you have an outside dog at the very least bring it in at night to keep it out of the cold. This will make a big difference.

If you have a dog health issue then it is most likely that it is costing you money but for the love and companionship that they provide it is worth the money, the time and the effort.

Categories: Dog Health - Tags: Dog Health

Dog Breeds: Basenji

Written by Wanda on April 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

basenji

The Basenji originated in Africa where it is used for pack-hunting of small game.

The first traces of a dog bearing a strong resemblance to the Basenji are depicted in carvings and wall drawings in the tombs of the pharaohs of ancient Egyptian.

The breed had almost disappeared when it was discovered by explorers in Southern Sudan and the Congo.

The Basenji does not bark, although it is not silent and gives a kind of ‘yodel’.

Other particular characteristics are the fact that it washes itself like a cat and when alert, has a forehead creased with wrinkles that give the dog a worried look.

FACTS ABOUT THE BASENJI:

Size	Males: 16-17 in (41-43 cm) Females:15-16 in (38-41 cm)
Weight	Males: 25-35 lb (11-16 kg) Females: 20-30 lb (9-14 kg)
Temperament	The Basenji is an alert, affectionate, energetic, curious and extremely active dog that loves to play. Basenji make good pets, providing they are regularly handled from an early age. Although the Basenji is very intelligent with a strong desire to please and responds well to training, it also has a stubborn streak. A patient dog that interacts better with older children. It is not a good idea to trust the Basenji with non-canine pets. Basenjis love to chew so make sure they have lots of chew toys, and you also need to be aware that they like to climb and can easily climb over a chain wire fence. Because the dog is very active this can create a problem if the owner interprets getting a ‘quiet’ dog, as a relatively inactive dog when in fact it relates to the fact that the dog is relatively silent, not inactive.
Grooming	Basenjis are not only odorless and clean but they are fastidious in their own grooming habits, cleaning themselves in a cat-like manner. A good dog for people with allergies as it sheds very little.
Exercise	The Basenji requires vigorous daily exercise to keep trim and fit. The breed has a tendency to become fat and lazy if not exercised regularly.
Living Area	Basenjis are very active when kept indoors. They can be kept in an apartment with a small yard providing they are regularly exercised. They are an inside dog and dislike wet weather. Keeping two or three Basenjis together is a good idea and they generally get on well without fighting amongst themselves.
Health	Prone to kidney problems which must be treated as soon as symptoms appear. Susceptible to eye and intestinal problems. Include some green vegetables in the diet. The bitch only comes into season once a year.
Life Expectancy	10-12 years

Categories: Dog Breeds - Tags: Basenji, Dog Breeds

How to Choose the Best Dog Kennel for Your Dog

Written by Wanda on April 6, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Dog kennels are available to purchase online but how do you decide which is the best kennel for your dog? If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside then for the dogs own comfort and safety you need to invest in a dog kennel. There are a variety of styles, sizes, colors and comfort levels and this guide will assist you in choosing the right dog house for your dog.

Dog kennels are considered an absolute necessity for an outside dog. It provides them with protection from the elements as well as a place to sleep that is warm and dry.

The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a dog kennel is the size of your dog. Dog kennels come in all sizes for even the largest of dogs but don’t make the mistake of purchasing a kennel that is too big for your pooch. If the kennel is too big your dog will feel the cold more. Too small and your pet won’t be able to stretch out.

Most dog kennels are made with raised floors. This keeps the floor of the kennel dry and also reduces the number of insects entering the kennel. Dog houses should always be kept as dry as possible to prevent mold building up inside.

If you are buying a kennel with a run attached, ensure that the kennel you purchase is waterproof. A kennel that isn’t waterproof will leak, resulting in an uncomfortable experience for your dog and you will need to change the bedding regularly.

Choose a dog kennel with a removable roof. You will appreciate this feature later when trying to clean out the kennel. Dog kennels with removable roofs also make it easier for owners of dogs that have a habit of hiding at the back of the kennel during bath times.

Categories: Dog Supplies, How To - Tags: choosing a dog kennel, dog kennel, how to choose a dog kennel

Dog Breeds: Australian Shepherd

Written by Wanda on April 4, 2009 · Leave a Comment

In spite of its name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian, it was bred entirely in the U.S. to work on ranches as a herding dog.

Although it isn’t certain how the Australian Shepherd received its name, it is considered that the name may have been derived from one of the dog’s many ancestors, and in particular from the Spanish dogs who accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of Merino sheep that were exported to both America and Australia in early colonial times.

FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD:

Size	Male: 19-23 in (48-58 cm) Female:18-22 in (46-56 cm)
Weight	Male: 40-70 lb (18-32 kgs) Female: 35-65 lb (16-29 kgs)
Temperament	Australian Shepherds are easy going, courageous, loyal and affectionate dogs who love to play. They make an excellent children’s companion and family pet, as they are devoted and naturally protective. Australian Shepherds are eager to please their owner and they are lively, agile and attentive. The Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and easy to train but, they can be destructive if they are left alone too often without any means of amusement or exercise. Make sure they are well socialized as puppies. They are suspicious of strangers. The Australian Shepherd works quietly when working with stock, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. Australian shepherds are often used for retrieving, herding, as a watchdog, for guard work, police work, narcotics detection and search and rescue work. The Australian Shepherd is generally not an aggressive dog.
Grooming	The Australian Shepherd requires minimal care and only needs a regular brush with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary. The Australian Shepherd is an average shedder.
Exercise	The Australian Shepherd requires regular vigorous exercise.
Living Area	Adapts to urban living but requires a large area for exercise. Not recommended for apartment living. The Australian Shepherd is moderately active indoors.
Health	Australian Shepherd are a hardy breed that is generally healthy. Can suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems, with cataracts being a major concern. These dogs can be sensitive to some heartworm preventatives. Can suffer from epilepsy.
ife Expectancy	12 – 15 years