DOG GUIDE

Cavaliers King Charles

2012-01-30T17:25:00.001-08:00

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed of Spaniel-type dog, and is classed as a toy dog by most kennel clubs. It is one of the most popular breeds in the United Kingdom. Since 2000, it has been growing in popularity in the United States. It is a smaller breed of spaniel, and Cavalier adults are often the same size as adolescent dogs of other spaniel breeds. It has a silky coat and commonly an undocked tail. The breed standard recognizes four colours (Blenheim, Tricolour [black/white/tan], Black and Tan, and Ruby). The breed is generally friendly, affectionate and good with both children and other animals.

The King Charles changed drastically in the late 17th century, when it was interbred with flat-nosed breeds. Until the 1920s, the Cavalier shared the same history as the smaller King Charles Spaniel. Breeders attempted to recreate what they considered to be the original configuration of the breed, a dog resembling Charles II's King Charles Spaniel of the Restoration.Various health issues affect this particular breed, most notably mitral valve disease, which leads to heart failure. This will appear in most Cavaliers at some point in their lives and is the most common cause of death. The breed may also suffer from Syringomyelia, in which cavities are formed in the spinal cord, possibly associated with malformation of the skull that reduces the space available for the brain. Cavaliers are also affected by ear problems, a common health problem among spaniels of various types, and they can suffer from such other general maladies as hip dysplasia, which are common across many types of dog breeds.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the largest toy breeds. Historically it was a lap dog, and modern day adults can fill a lap easily. Nonetheless, it is small for a spaniel, with fully grown adults comparable in size to adolescents of other larger spaniel breeds. Breed standards state that height of a Cavalier should be between 12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm) with a proportionate weight between 10 to 18 pounds (4.5 to 8.2 kg). The tail is usually not docked,and the Cavalier should have a silky coat of moderate length. Standards state that it should be free from curl, although a slight wave is allowed. Feathering can grow on their ears, feet, legs and tail in adulthood. Standards require this be kept long, with the feathering on the feet a particularly important aspect of the breed's features.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel can be often confused with each other. In the United Kingdom, the English Toy Spaniel is called the King Charles Spaniel while in the United States, one of the colours of the Toy Spaniel is known as King Charles. The two breeds share similar history and only diverged from each other about 100 years ago. There are several major differences between the two breeds, with the primary difference being the size. While the Cavalier weighs on average between 10 to 18 pounds (4.5 to 8.2 kg), the King Charles is smaller at 9 to 12 pounds (4.1 to 5.4 kg). In addition their facial features while similar, are different; the Cavalier's ears are set higher and its skull is flat while the King Charles's is domed. Finally the muzzle length of the Cavalier tends to be longer than that of its King Charles cousin.

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Boston Terier

2012-01-29T21:49:00.000-08:00

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The Boston Terrier is a breed of dog originating in the United States of America. This "American Gentleman" was accepted in 1893 by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting breed.Color and markings are important when distinguishing this breed to the AKC standard. They should be either black, brindle or seal with white markings.Bostons are small and compact with a short tail and erect ears. Although they are only ranked the 54th smartest dog breed out of 79,they are friendly and can be stubborn at times. The average life span of a Boston is around 11 to 13 years, though some can live well into their.

Size

According to international breed standard, the dog should weigh no less than 10 pounds and no more than 25 pounds. Boston Terriers usually stand 15-17 inches at the withers.

Coat and color

The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal, or a combination of the three. Seal is a color specifically used to describe Boston Terriers and is defined as a black color with red highlights when viewed in the sun or bright light. Black, Brindle, and Seal (all on white) are the only colors recognized by the AKC. There are also liver, brown, cream or red and white Boston Terriers, however these markings are more rare than the others listed above, and are able to be AKC registered but not to be shown in dog shows as it is not the normal for bostong terriers. If all other qualities are identical, brindle is the preferred color according to most breed standards.Ideally, white should cover its chest, muzzle, band around the neck, half way up the forelegs, up to the hocks on the rear legs, and a white blaze between but not touching the eyes. For conformation showing, symmetrical markings are preferred.Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly referred to as the "American Gentleman."

Temperament

The Boston Terrier is a gentle breed that typically has a strong, happy-go-lucky and friendly personality. Bostons are generally eager to please their owner and can easily be trained given a patient owner.While originally bred for fighting, they were later down bred for companionship. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, expressive, creative, and well-mannered. It must be noted however, that they are not considered terriers by the American Kennel Club, but are part of the non-sporting group.So the terrier part of their name is something of a misnomer.Both females and males are generally quiet and bark only when necessary.Their usually sensible attitude towards barking makes them excellent choices for apartment dwellers. Having been bred as a companion dog, they enjoy being around people, and if properly socialized, get along well with children, the elderly, other canines, and non-canine pets.

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Miniature Schnauzer

2012-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

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The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature Schnauzers developed from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle and Affenpinscher.

The breed remains one of the most popular world wide, primarily for its temperament and relatively small size. Globally, the Miniature Schnauzer comes in four colors: black, salt-and-pepper, black-and-silver, and white. As of 2008 it is the 11th most popular breed in the U.S.Miniature Schnauzers have a squarely proportioned build, measuring 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm) tall and weighing 11 to 15 pounds (5.0 to 6.8 kg) for females and 14 to 18 pounds (6.4 to 8.2 kg) for males. They have a double coat. The exterior fur is wiry and the undercoat is soft. The coat is kept short on the body, but the hair on ears, legs, and belly are retained.

Miniature Schnauzers are often described as non-shedding dogs, and while this is not entirely true, their shedding is minimal and generally unnoticeable. They are characterized by a rectangular head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; teeth that meet in a "scissor bite"; oval and dark colored eyes; and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears. (When cropped, the ears point straight upward and come to a sharp point.) Their tails are naturally thin and short, and may be docked (where permitted). They will also have very straight, rigid front legs, and feet that are short and round (so-called "cat feet") with thick, black pads.

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Shih Tzu lover

2012-01-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

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One of the downsides of having a dog with a very short snout is the prevalence of gingivitis and gum disease this tooth formation encourages. In fact, the shih tzu is not unique in this problem, many other dogs with short noses (also called Brachycephalic) are at special risk for gum disease and possible tooth infection or loss.

This problem goes much farther than having a dog with a stinky face or even loosing teeth - tooth infections can actually kill or make your dog very sick, indeed. Even low-level infections from long-term tooth decay can lead to health problems such as decreased immunity and overall vigor.It is difficult to give your Shih Tzu enough material to chew on that won't cause jaw problems or even crack the teeth you're trying to save. The best course of action is to give your dog a regular tooth brushing and attend to their tartar buildup on a regular basis. Even dogs that are only two or three years old can have enough tartar built up to have the first stages of tooth decay.The amount of hard tartar that is allowed to build up on a shih tzu's teeth is a good indicator of how much attention you need to pay to the gums, as that's the major reason teeth fall out. If you can scale your dog's teeth yourself, that's good, but most people go to the vet and pay for a professional cleaning just as you might receive at the dentist yourself, except with a higher relative dose of sedatives.Once the teeth are cleaned off and ready to go, you can use a cloth and an abrasive mixture of baking soda and salt. Essential oils are used to make it palatable for humans, though there are several oils (such as tea tree) that actually do have anti-bacterial properties. You may also purchase an enzymatic toothpaste from your vet, often in exciting flavors for dogs such as poultry and beef.

This may be applied with a small brush, or perhaps least traumatic for your shih tzu, with a damp cloth used for that purpose only, since many dogs are distrustful of anyone with an object in their hand. There are also very handy brushes that fit over the tip of your finger. Whatever is most comfortable for your dog and you. A daily brushing after eating will do wonders for your dogs breath and outlook.Fleas are another problem that long haired dogs such as shih tzus can have a real problem with. There are still flea treatments on the market, as are collars, though most people are concerned about pesticides in the same environment as their pets and themselves, so many people have gone with sub-dermal flea killer and deterrent.This should always be given under the care of a vet, as some breeds with sensitive skin (as the shih tzu sometimes has) do not react well to the medications. Also, do not purchase much cheaper versions of these compounds that are sometimes sold at pet stores. They have been known to cause severe (sometimes fatal) reactions in some dogs.

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Poodle lover

2012-01-27T02:20:00.000-08:00

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Miniature poodles are extremely intelligent, cheerful, highly trainable dogs that are wonderful at learning tricks and advanced tricks. Because of their trainability, they have used this clever, amusing breed of dog in many circus acts over the centuries. Poodles love to learn and please you and although teaching your dog tricks and advanced tricks is a form of obedience exercise, it keeps the dog energetic, alert, keeps its mind active, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. It is a great way to have fun and play with your poodle.

Dogs that learn advanced tricks are also learning good behavior and obedience. When you start training your miniature poodle tricks, never use scolding or punishment if he makes a mistake. Positive reinforcement using treats and praise is the best method and makes it enjoyable for you and your little performer. Miniature poodles love to please their owners, so make a big fuss of the dog when it performs correctly, acting happy and excited. By doing this you will be amazed at how excited your poodle is to learn more advanced tricks.When training your miniature poodle tricks make sure you choose a quiet area with few distractions and enough room to perform or practice tricks that require space. Always be patient and be sure to keep the training session short enough to keep your poodle from losing interest and becoming bored but long enough to learn the trick properly. Three or four fifteen minute sessions daily is usually adequate for most poodles but remember that each dog is individual, so lengthen or shorten the trick training sessions if necessary. Once your pet has mastered a trick or advanced trick, keep repeating it so your dog does not forget it.Before jumping into training your miniature poodle advanced or difficult tricks, spend time working with your dog on easier tricks such as shake hands, speak, fetch, bed, shake a paw, quiet, play dead, and roll over. Training your poodle to shake a paw is easy because you give your dog the command, then lift, and shake his paw. Make a big fuss of him, reward him with a treat and then repeat the lesson. It will not take very many days before your dog will shake a paw without you reaching for it first. Repeat this trick until your poodle does it on command but be sure to reward your pet.

A four-time Guinness World Record holder for the most dog tricks is a champagne colored poodle from Ontario, Canada named Chanda-Leah. This little poodle knows four hundred and sixty-nine tricks including riding a skateboard, playing the piano, and spelling. It is possible to teach your poodle many advanced tricks such as jump rope, limp, jumping through a hoop, or answering the telephone. Teach your miniature poodle to jump through a hoop by using a toy hoola-hoop and dog treats. With your pet sitting, hold the hoop on the floor in front of him. Hold a treat on the other side, making your pet walk through the hoop to get it and saying 'jump hoop' as he goes through. Repeat this but slowly start raising the hoop off the floor an inch or so at a time. With practice, praise, patience, and treats, your miniature poodle will be jumping through a hoop in no time.

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Dachshund lover

2012-01-27T01:55:00.001-08:00

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Like many art forms, the dachshund represents over 500 years of fine German engineering, though other countries in north and central continental Europe contributed to the breed as we know it today. Ultimately, the dachshund is a representation of how a job can affect the morphology of the creatures people keep.

Though no one is certain, it seems that the dachshund is known and loved today as one of the ten most popular breeds in the US and Western Europe, was bred from a longer legged hound called the Teckel. From paintings and woodcuts dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the teckel dog, originally weighed between 16 and 20 kg (35-45 pounds).These dogs, first appearing in the areas around the Black Forest (in modern day Germany), are thought to heve been bred from dogs throughout northern Europe - England and France in particular.The Teckel dog was well known as a keen hunter that was not afraid of anything including wild boar and deer. Indeed, many of the unusual traits that dachshunds now posses were bred into this gifted scent and digging hound to search for particular types of game, most prominently the badger.Though badgers are normally solitary and placid creatures, they become fierce and dangerous with long claws and sharp teeth. That such a small dog (even at 18kg/40lb) could hold its own with a vicious, trapped creature twice its size, is truly impressive. Some dachshunds were even bred to attack larger animals from below.It is thought that several terrier breeds were bred into an existing hound breed to encourage some of the tenacious and apparently fearless behaviour into the breed that was so prized by hunters. Though many lamment the tenancy today when attempting to train a dachshund to obey commands, they are designed to make quick, independent decisions that they stick to. Your opinion is usually treated as more of a suggestion than command.

However, the distinctive characteristic of the breed, namely, their very short legs, were once referred to as crooked legged teckel. If you look at the bones in a modern dachshund's legs, you'll notice they hae all the same bones as other dogs - just crooked around and apparently twisted. This mutation was presumably discovered in the 18th century and gave the breed an advantage when going to Earth that was encouraged.Other traits that were selected for include floppy ears that kept out dirt and bugs when going down into a den. The front paws are good for digging while the rear legs help them move nearly as fast in reverse as forward. Their ribcages are abnormally large for their size to allow them to breathe easier underground. They can also see unusually well underground. These traits were all selected for and carefully inbred during the 19th century when dog clubs first became very popular.Dogs matching the description of a smooth hair dachshund is first mentioned in print as early as the 16th century, whereas the long-haired and wire-haired varieties didn't actually arise until a few centuries later. Indeed, it is now thought that those other sub-breeds arose from crossings with the pampillon and the schnauzer respectively.Today the dachshund is highly associated with the modern nation of Germany, for good or for ill. Nearly a century later, few people blame dachshunds for disagreeable domestic and foreign policy of the massive EU nation.

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Golden Retriever

2012-01-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

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The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized breed of dog. They were historically developed as gundogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties.As such, they were bred to have a soft mouth to retrieve game undamaged and have an instinctive love of water. The golden retriever has a dense inner coat that provides it with adequate warmth. The outer coat is sleek and water repellent, and lies flat against the body. The official colour of the breed is the varying shades of gold that are most often seen.These dogs are well suited to suburban or country environments. They need lots of outdoor exercise but should be kept fenced in because of their instincts as hunting dogs.

The breed's intelligence and versatility suit the dogs well for a variety of roles including guide dog for the blind, hearing dog for deaf people, hunting dog, illegal drug detector, and search and rescue participant. Because of their loyal and gentle temperament, golden retrievers are also popular family pets.[4]Golden Retrievers possess a friendly, eager-to-please demeanour, and are the fifth most popular family dog breed (by registration) in the United States,the fifth most popular in Australia,[6] and the eighth most popular in the United Kingdom.

British type

Some variations do exist between the British type Golden Retrievers prevalent throughout Europe and Australia,[14] and those of American lines and these differences are reflected in the breed standard. The muzzle of the British type of dog is wider and shorter, and its forehead is blockier. It has shorter legs, with a slightly deeper chest, and shorter tail. Its features make it generally heavier than the American type. Males should be between 56–61 cm (22–24 inches) at the withers and females slightly shorter at between 51–56 cm (20–22 inches). Their weight, however, is not specified in the UK standard. The KC standard calls for a level topline and straight hindquarters without the slight rear angulation found in American lines.The eyes of the European type are noted for their roundness and darkness as contrasted with the triangular or slanted composition of their American counterparts. A Golden Retriever of British breeding can have a coat colour of any shade of gold or cream; however, red or mahogany are not permissible colours. Originally cream was not an acceptable colour in the UK standard; however, by 1936 the standard was revised to include cream. It was felt this exclusion was a mistake as the original "yellow" retrievers of the 19th century were lighter in colour than the then current standard permitted. As with American lines, white is an unacceptable colour in the show ring.The British KC standard is used in all countries with the exceptions of the USA and Canada.Some breeders of this type in America may import their dogs to improve the temperament and health noted in those bloodlines . Golden Retrievers have a muscular body with great endurance built for hunting.

American type

American Golden RetrieverAn American Golden is lankier and less stocky than a British Type. A male should stand 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) in height at the shoulders, and females should be 20–22 inches (51–56 cm).[18] The coat is dense and water repellent, in various shades of lustrous gold, with moderate feathering. The gait should be free, smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated.

Canadian type

As with American Golden Retrievers, Canadians are often taller and leaner than their British counterparts. However, Canadian retrievers differ in the density and colour of their coats, which are commonly thinner and darker than those of Americans.

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German Shepherd Dog

2012-01-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

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The German Shepherd Dog (German: Deutscher Schäferhund), also known as an Alsatian or just the German Shepherd, is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany.The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, with its origin dating to 1899.

As part of the Herding Group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding and guarding sheep. Because of its strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training it is often employed in police and military roles around the world.German Shepherds currently account for 4.6% of all dogs registered with the American Kennel Club. Due to its loyal and protective nature, the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds.German Shepherds are a large sized dog which generally are between 55 and 65 centimetres (22 and 26 in) at the withers and weigh between 22 and 40 kilograms (49 and 88 lb).The ideal height is 63 centimetres (25 in), according to Kennel Club standards.They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle and a black nose. The jaws are strong, with a scissor-like bite. The eyes are medium-sized and brown with a lively, intelligent, and self-assured look. The ears are large and stand erect, open at the front and parallel, but they often are pulled back during movement. They have a long neck, which is raised when excited and lowered when moving at a fast pace. The tail is bushy and reaches to the hock.German Shepherds can be a variety of colors, the most common of which are tan/black and red/black. Most color varieties have black masks and black body markings which can range from a classic "saddle" to an over-all "blanket." Rarer colour variations include the sable, all-black, all-white, liver, and blue varieties.

The all-black and sable varieties are acceptable according to most standards; however, the blue and liver are considered to be serious faults and the all-white is grounds for instant disqualification in some standards.German Shepherds sport a double coat. The outer coat, which is shed all year round, is close and dense with a thick undercoat. The coat is accepted in two variants; medium and long. The long-hair gene is recessive, making the long-hair variety rarer. Treatment of the long-hair variation differs across standards; they are accepted under the German and UK Kennel Clubs but are considered a fault in the American Kennel Club.

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Pomeranian

2012-01-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

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The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom or Pom Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe (today part of eastern Germany and northern Poland). Classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size, the Pomeranian is descended from the larger Spitz type dogs, specifically the German Spitz. It has been determined by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale to be part of the German Spitz breed, and in many countries, they are known as the Zwergspitz.

The breed has been made popular by a number of royal owners since the 17th century. Queen Victoria owned a particularly small Pomeranian and consequently the smaller variety became universally popular. During Queen Victoria's lifetime alone, the size of the breed decreased by 50%. Overall, the Pomeranian is a sturdy, healthy dog. The most common health issue is Luxating patella. Tracheal collapse can also be an issue. More rarely, the breed can suffer from a skin condition colloquially known as "black skin disease", or alopecia ex. This is a genetic disease which causes the dog's skin to turn black and lose all or most of its hair.The breed is currently among the top 15 most popular in the USA, and the current fashion for small dogs has increased their popularity worldwide.Pomeranians are small dogs weighing 1.9–3.5 kilograms (4.2–7.7 lb) and standing 5.0–11 inches (13–28 cm) high at the withers.They are compact but sturdy dogs with an abundant textured coat with a highly plumed tail set high and flat.The top coat forms a ruff of hair on the neck and back, and they also have a fringe of feathery hair on the hindquarters.The earliest examples of the breed were white or occasionally black, Queen Victoria adopted a small red Pomeranian in 1888, which caused that color to become fashionable by the end of the 19th century.In modern times, the Pomeranian comes in the widest variety of colors of any dog breed, including white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle, plus combinations of those colors.The most common colors are orange, black or cream/white.

The merle Pomeranian is a recent color developed by breeders. It is a combination of a solid base color with lighter blue/grey patch which gives a mottled effect. The most common base colors for the effect are red/brown or black, although it can also appear with other colors. Combinations such as brindle merle or liver merle are not accepted in the breed standard. In addition, the eye, nose and paw pad colors are different in merles, changing parts of the eye to blue and the color on the nose and paw pads to become mottled pink and black.Pomeranians have a thick double coat, and while grooming is not difficult, breeders recommend that it is done daily because of the thickness of the coat and the constant shedding. The outer coat is long, straight, and harsh in texture while the undercoat is soft, thick and short. The coat knots and tangles easily, particularly when the undercoat is being shed, which happens twice a year.

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Bulldog

2012-01-24T21:48:00.001-08:00

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Bulldog is the name for a breed of dog commonly referred to as the English Bulldog. Other Bulldog breeds include the American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge and the French Bulldog. The Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose.

TheAmerican Kennel Club (AKC), The Kennel Club (UK) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) oversee breeding standards. The Bulldog is a breed with characteristically wide head and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibularprognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on a Bulldog's brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called "rope" above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth. The coat is short, flat and sleek, with colors of red, fawn, white, brindle (mixed colors, often in waves or irregular stripes), and piebald.In the US, a typical mature male weighs approximately 55-60 pounds. Mature females weigh in at approximately 45 pounds.

In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 pounds for a male and 50 pounds for a female.Bulldogs are one of the few breeds whose tail is naturally short and curled and thus is not cut ordocked as with some other breeds.The English Bulldog is popularly used to represent England or the United Kingdom. The English Bulldog breed is the official mascot of the United States Marine Corps and many bases have their own mascot on base. Thirty-nine American universities use a Bulldog as their mascot.

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Yorkshire Terrier

2010-01-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

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If you like small dogs with big dog attitudes, you may want to consider a Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are so sure that they are just as big and bad as the other guy, that they will not hesitate to take on a Great Dane. Of course, this doesn't mean that Yorkshire Terriers aren't lap dogs. The Yorkie can cuddle with the best of them.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club's Toy Group. In the show ring, a Yorkie seems to glide across the ground, since the dog's long, flowing coat hides its tiny feet. Although Yorkies can be as small as one pound, most breeders do not recommend trying to breed dogs this tiny, and for good reason. When dogs are bred to be this tiny, health is often sacrificed for size and weight. The AKC calls for the Yorkie to be under seven pounds, but does not have a minimum required weight.

Yorkshire Terriers have long flowing coats of silver, blue or black hair, with tan on their heads and legs. Yorkie puppies are all born with black and tan coloring. This breed has dark, intelligent eyes.

The Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal apartment dog. Of course, your Yorkie would enjoy having a yard to romp in, but he can survive without it. In fact, some Yorkshire Terriers do not go out at all. These dogs are litter trained, instead. If you do not take your Yorkie for daily walks, you should look for ways to help him get some exercise, such as playing an indoor game of fetch. If you do have a yard, be sure that there are no gaps under the fence, as Yorkies love to explore. Since these dogs are so small and cute, a Yorkshire Terrier doesn't always have a chance to get back home before a passerby takes the little dog home, thinking it is lost or abandoned.

Yorkshire Terriers are sociable little dogs and enjoy being in the midst of all the activity and bustle of family life. However, these dogs are not a good choice for families with toddlers. This is not because Yorkies are untrustworthy with children, but because they are delicate little dogs and can be easily injured. A Yorkshire Terrier with a good temperament will allow children to squeeze, poke and pull on him, but it is unfair to subject a little dog to that treatment.

Despite the fact that a Yorkie is small, you should still take your puppy to obedience classes. These little guys have a tendency to become stubborn and set in their ways without proper training. Also, obedience training may save your Yorkshire Terrier's life if you are able to call him back to you if he escapes out the front door.

Yorkshire Terriers have few serious health problems. They do often have dental problems, such as retained baby teeth. Other problems these little guys can have are hernias and hypoglycemia.

Food for your Yorkshire Terrier will probably be your smallest expense. These little dogs don't eat much. However, you will have to be careful that you don't spoil your puppy with soft food or he may refuse to eat dry food, which will help you keep his teeth in better shape.

Most Yorkies should be groomed at least three times a week to keep their hair from matting. Dogs with silkier coats may only need to be groomed once a week. Also, since Yorkies are prone to dental problems, you should brush your dog's teeth several times a week.

If you want a pocket sized dog with plenty of spunk, then a Yorkie may be the perfect breed for you.occasional stubbornness, then a Labrador Retriever may very well be the perfect breed for you.

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Rottweiler

2010-01-26T08:58:00.001-08:00

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Do you need a protective dog that is intelligent and devoted to its owners? If so, you may want to consider buying a Rottweiler. These big dogs were bred to be very versatile working dogs. They guard their homes and families, excel in agility training, and think that they are tiny lapdogs when they are with their owners.

The Rottweiler is fairly large and very muscular. These powerful dogs weigh between 85 to 130 pounds and stand 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. A Rottweiler has a sleek black and brown coat and deep, soulful brown eyes.

The Rottweiler is a part of the American Kennel Club's Working Group. These powerful dogs are often used as guard dogs. Unfortunately, some Rottweiler owners have mistreated their dogs in an attempt to make them more aggressive. These abused Rottweilers have given the breed an undeserved reputation as a dangerous breed. Rottweilers that are bred and raised properly are actually wonderful, loving family pets.

Rottweilers are not the best breed for an apartment. These dogs are big and powerful and they need room to run. Ideally, Rottweiler owners should own a home with a fenced yard. If you do not have a fenced yard, you should be prepared to take your dog for frequent runs in the park to burn off excess energy.

The Rottweiler is an extremely intelligent dog and this breed does best when it has something to do. Give your Rottweiler a job, such as keeping pests out of the garden, and you will have a happy dog. It is important to begin training a Rottweiler puppy at a young age, as these dogs quickly grow into large, powerful animals. Also, puppy obedience classes are a wonderful opportunity for you to provide your Rottweiler with plenty of socialization at a young age. Luckily, this breed enjoys learning, as long as the trainer uses love and patience. These dogs respond eagerly to new challenges, which is why the Rottweiler does well in agility trials.

Because of their size and strength, Rottweilers may not be the best choice for a family with a toddler. A six month old puppy may not realize his own strength and could accidentally injure small children while he is romping around. If your heart is set on a Rottweiler puppy, you may want to wait until your children are old enough to walk well.

Of course, a dog with the size and energy of a Rottweiler can burn up quite a few calories. You should be prepared to buy quite a lot of food for your puppy. Also, it is important to make sure that your puppy's nutritional needs are being met, since Rottweilers can develop joint problems when they are older.

Since a Rottweiler has such a short coat, grooming one of these dogs is not very time consuming. Brush your dog once a week with a slicker brush to keep his coat looking shiny and glossy. Also, be sure you take the time to check his nails to be sure they become not too long. When your dog is a puppy, you may also want to accustom him to having his teeth brushed.

If the thought of having a hundred pound dog attempt to crawl into your lap as though he weighs ten pounds horrifies you, then a Rottweiler may not be the breed for you. After all, not everyone wants a dog who has the appearance of a killer and the heart of a marshmallow.

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Pug

2010-01-26T08:44:00.001-08:00

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If you've seen Men In Black or Milo and Otis, you probably have fallen in love with the charming Pugs who acted in these movies. While the distinctive appearance of this breed may be the first thing that attracts people to the Pug, it is the Pug's personality that wins the lifelong devotion of dog fanciers.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Pug as a member of the Toy Group. Pugs weigh in at fourteen to eighteen pounds. Their distinctive squashed face and curly tails gives them a slightly pig like appearance. Pugs come in silver, black, or beige colors with a black mask. They have broad chests and are very muscular despite their small size.

Pugs have a reputation for being so good natured that people can literally walk on them. However, don't let this breed's laid back attitude fool you. This dog will turn from a lover to a fighter in an instant if an intruder threatens his human. Pugs are wonderful with children and other pets. In fact, Pugs have been known to perform feats such as gently carrying an escaped parakeet to his owner without disturbing even a feather. However, Pugs are more likely to cause allergies than some other breeds. Pugs and children with allergy induced asthma are not a good combination.

Pugs are perfectly content to live in apartments or town homes. Although the Pug doesn't require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. A daily walk around the block should be enough exercise, but he will be happy to walk much further, as well. Just be sure that you use a harness on your Pug instead of a collar, as these dogs don't need to develop problems with their windpipes, since they already have pushed in noses.

While Pugs can learn obedience, these little guys aren't the fastest learners. Your Pug may not learn to sit or heel as fast as other breeds. However, once he learns he will be extremely proud of himself. You may want to try attending puppy obedience classes with your Pug. If he just can't grasp the commands, try again when he is a few months older.

Pugs love food. They are happy to eat whatever you give them and will learn undignified tricks if you reward them with treats. You should make every effort to limit your Pug's food intake, since these dogs can suffer from knee problems, which grow worse if the dog is overweight. Pugs can also suffer from Demodectic mange and frequently receive eye injuries.

If you want a dog breed that does not need much grooming, a Pug is ideal. Just brush through your dog's coat once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. You also should keep an eye on his face wrinkles to be sure the creases do not begin to smell or develop bacteria.

If you want a dog breed that is all heart and you don't mind him snoring and snorting in your ear all night, then a Pug may be the perfect choice for you.

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Labrador Retriever

2010-01-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

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If you want a dog that has a bubbly personality and a strong desire to make you happy, you may want to consider buying a Labrador Retriever. Of course, these big, exuberant dogs aren't for everyone. Before you buy one of these roly-poly little puppies, you may want to consider some of the plusses and minuses of the breed.The Labrador Retriever is a powerful, dependable dog. This breed weighs from 55 to 80 pounds and stand 21 to 24 ? inches tall at the shoulder. These dogs have quite a lot of stamina and can work or play for hours on end. Labs are known for their soft chocolate brown eyes and thick, rounded tail. Their coats can be black, yellow or chocolate, with black Labs being most commonly available. The dense hair of the Labrador Retriever's coat is almost waterproof.

Labrador Retrievers are classified as part of the American Kennel Club's Sporting Group. These dogs were bred to spend hours retrieving game from areas that hunters had trouble getting in to. Labs usually enjoy the water, which makes them ideal boating or fishing companions.These dogs require plenty of exercise, especially when they are young and full of energy. They do not make good apartment dogs, as they require plenty of room to run and play. A home with a fenced yard is the ideal situation for a Lab. Even if he has space to play, he may need to go for a daily walk or romp in the park to burn off some energy.Since Labrador Retrievers are high energy dogs with plenty of muscle, they eat quite a bit of food. While your puppy is growing up, you may want to feed it food that is especially formulated to help large breed dogs develop healthy bones. If you are planning to use your Lab as a hunting dog, you will need to buy dog food that contains plenty of protein.Most Labrador Retrievers make excellent family dogs and love being around children. However, some Labs do not have good temperaments, so, if it is at all possible, be sure you meet both parents before buying a puppy. If your children are still small, you may want to wait until they are steady on their feet before buying a Lab puppy. These dogs can knock toddlers over just by wagging their powerful tails.Since Labs are such big dogs, it is important to start training your puppy at eight to twelve weeks of age. Be sure you work with your puppy to keep it from jumping up, as a full grown Lab can bowl people over with an enthusiastic greeting. You may want to take puppy obedience classes to socialize him and get some training help, as Labs can be a bit head strong at times.Labrador Retrievers need very little grooming. You should brush your dog once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Also, you will need to trim his nails when they grow too long. Finally, you will have to check for ticks after your dog has been playing outdoors.If you want a friendly dog who is eager to please and don't mind some occasional stubbornness, then a Labrador Retriever may very well be the perfect breed for you.

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Cocker Spaniel

2010-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

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The Cocker Spaniel is such a pretty, graceful dog in the show ring that it is hard to imagine that this breed was developed to be a working dog. However, before Cocker Spaniels were bred for their long, flowing coats, these bouncy little dogs were developed to be able to work tirelessly alongside hunters and sportsmen. Today, the spunky little Cocker has few of its former hunting instincts. Instead, this breed has become popular as a family pet.

Cocker Spaniels are small dogs and weigh in at twenty four to twenty nine pounds. They stand fifteen to sixteen inches tall. This breed is known for its feathery, long leg hair, its floppy ears, and its soulful dark eyes. The Cocker comes in a wide range of colors, including black, cream, roan, black and white, orange and white, tan tricolor, and black with tan points.

For several years, Cocker Spaniels were so popular that some breeders allowed dogs with bad temperaments to reproduce. The resulting puppies with bad traits were bred back to other dogs with bad traits. Suddenly, the Cocker Spaniel breed was filled with dogs who suffered from inexplicable episodes of rage or were extremely high strung. Luckily, breed enthusiasts stepped in to rescue the breed and have been breeding dogs with sound temperaments. Now, most Cockers are once again wonderful family pets and are good with children and other animals. To be sure you buy a Cocker Spaniel with a good temperament, only buy from a reputable breeder and make certain you meet both parents.Since Cocker Spaniels are not high energy dogs, they do well in apartments, town houses, or single homes. However, your dog will still need to be exercised daily. If you have a child who likes to throw balls or sticks, your Cocker will be blissfully happy, since these dogs love to play fetch.Although Cocker Spaniels are small enough to be easily controlled when they are full grown, it is still a good idea to train your dog. Puppy classes will help him learn to get along well with other dogs and people. These classes are also a good idea for new dog owners, since owners are actually learning alongside their dogs.The Cocker Spaniel's coat requires a fair amount of grooming, especially if you want your dog to have that beautiful feathery leg hair. If you do not keep your Cocker's coat clipped short, be prepared to brush his coat at least three times a week. Keep a close eye on your dog's ears, since those hairy floppy ears don't always get enough air circulating to keep them healthy.Cocker Spaniels have a bit of a reputation for being gluttonous. When feeding your dog, be sure you use proper portion sizes. You may also want to consider avoiding the use of treats as training rewards. The charming Cocker can suffer from other health problems besides obesity. They include hip dysplasia, bad knees, epilepsy, eye problems, heart disease and allergy problems.

If you want a small family dog with a playful spirit, then a Cocker Spaniel just may be the right breed for you

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Chihuahua

2010-01-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

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If you watch television, you've probably seen celebrities like Paris Hilton toting around tiny dogs with big poppy brown eyes. These dogs, called Chihuahuas, are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. The Chihuahua first appeared in Mexico and does well in warmer climates. Of course, a doggy sweater can make one of these small dogs feel warm and cozy during winter months.

The Chihuahua weighs in as a lightweight at one to six pounds and stands only about five inches high. These little dogs come in a wide range of colors, although tan or black and tan dogs are most common. They have prick ears, an alert expression, and big, slightly poppy eyes. This breed has both short haired and long haired varieties.

The American Kennel Club considers Chihuahuas to be part of the Toy Group. These dogs were bred to be companion dogs and they excel at this task. This breed hates to be alone and thrives when it is in the thick of things.

Chihuahuas are ideal apartment dogs, since they do not take up much room and do not need a ton of exercise. Some people even train these little guys to use a litter box. This doesn't mean that a Chihuahua won't enjoy living in a house with a yard, though. This breed enjoys exercising and playing outdoors on warm days.

The Chihuahua can sometimes be nippy with small children, especially if it is accidentally injured and has reason to fear being handled by them. This breed also tends to be bossy and easily spoiled, especially if the dog's owners allow it to get away with aggressive or angry behaviors. If you have other dogs, you will need to be sure that your Chihuahua does not bully them. These dogs will pick a fight with much larger dogs, since they sincerely believe that they have the size and strength of a Rottweiler. In fact, the Chihuahua is a wonderful guard dog and will also take on human intruders.

Because they have a tendency to be self centered and badly behaved, Chihuahuas should receive puppy obedience training. After all, even a tiny tyrant can be unpleasant to be around. Puppy classes will help your dog to learn basic obedience, but they also have another important purpose, socializing your puppy. He will learn at an early age to get along with people and other dogs. Despite their size, these dogs are quite intelligent and do well with obedience training. Some of them even go on to take agility classes.

Chihuahuas eat very little, but feeding costs can still be a bit high, since these dogs are often picky eaters. Also, this breed is so delicate that some dogs have trouble eating hard, dry food. Chihuahuas are prone to dislocated jaws, fractures, epilepsy and rheumatism.

Short haired Chihuahuas require very little care. Long haired Chihuahuas need a bit more grooming, but still do not need to be brushed more than once a week. With their tiny jaws, it is no surprise that some of these dogs have dental problems, so you may also want to brush your dog's teeth daily.

If you want a dog who is small enough to tuck into your pocket, but has the heart of a much bigger dog, then a Chihuahua may be the right dog for you.

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Boxer

2010-01-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

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If you want a dog that is a marshmallow with your children, but a strong deterrent to criminals, you may want to take a look at the Boxer. The Boxer gets its name from its habit of using its front legs to box when it is fighting. These powerful dogs were originally used as hunting dogs, although they quickly became popular as police and military dogs in Europe.

As people began to discover how devoted and loving the Boxer was to its family, this dog breed turned into a companion dog, as well. Interestingly enough, the versatile Boxer didn't become popular in the United States until men returning from fighting in World War II brought some of these dogs home with them.

Although Boxers are considered to be medium sized dogs, they have the strength of a big dog. A young, healthy Boxer is all muscle and energy and weighs in at fifty to eighty pounds. These dogs have a broad chest, a wide skull and a face similar to that of a Bulldog. Their big brown eyes are very expressive and these dogs are not above using a pitiful 'poor me' look to get their own way.

Boxers should be fawn or brindle with black mask like markings on their face. A dog with white markings is considered to be flashy. However, if a Boxer has more than one third of its body covered in white or is completely white, it will be unable to compete in the show ring. Also, white Boxers are prone to deafness, as well as other health problems.

If you live in an apartment, a Boxer may not be the right breed for you. These dogs are high energy animals and really need to be able to exercise frequently. A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal for a Boxer. You will need to be sure the fence is high enough and secure enough to prevent your dog from escaping, since a Boxer can easily jump over lower fences.

Although most Boxers get along well with other dogs, you may not want to buy a Boxer if you have a small dog or cat. If you do have other dogs, consider neutering your Boxer at six months to keep aggression toward other dogs in check. Small children and Boxers get along quite nicely, although your Boxer may be too energetic to play with toddlers until he matures. After all, a young, exuberant Boxer can easily knock an adult flat with an overly enthusiastic greeting.

Since Boxers are so high energy and so powerful, these dogs need to be enrolled in obedience training while they are still easy to control. Puppy classes can also help you socialize your Boxer and will teach him to play nicely with other dogs. These dogs are eager to please and should pick up basic obedience commands quickly. You may want to consider advanced obedience and agility training for your Boxer, as well.

Boxers require very little grooming. Simply brush through your dog's sleek coat once a week to remove loose hair so you don't have to vacuum it off of your floor. You should also clean your dog's teeth and check his nails to see if they need to be trimmed.

Boxers are hearty eaters. You should consider feeding your dog a food formulated for large dogs, since Boxers are prone to hip dysplasia. These dogs have relatively few other serious health problems. You may want to check for a history of heart or thyroid disease before buying a puppy.

So, if you want a dog who will be a devoted friend and companion, then a Boxer may be the perfect choice for you.

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Beagle

2010-01-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

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When you think of Beagles, you probably picture a pack of these little guys baying at the top of their lungs as they race after a fox or rabbit. While it is true that these dogs are popular hunting dogs and have been used to hunt for several centuries, they also make wonderful family pets.

The Beagle has a keen sense of smell and a strong hunting instinct. This member of the American Kennel Club's hound group actually comes in two sizes, under thirteen inches and thirteen to fifteen inches. Except for the difference in size, both Beagle varieties are identical. The beagle has dark eyes, droopy ears, and a long tail. Its coat is short and most commonly comes in a combination of tan, black and white colors. You can also find orange, black, or tan dogs with white markings.

The Beagle can adapt to apartment life, but may prove to be annoying to neighbors if he constantly warns you of strange noises. These dogs are tireless hunters and need a way to burn off some of that energy, so you will need to take your Beagle for long walks or go for a romp in the park. Think twice before letting him off the leash, however, since a Beagle who is hot on the trail of a rabbit will forget all of his obedience training while he tracks down his prey.

The Beagle loves children and other dogs, but will probably take every available opportunity to harass the family cat. These dogs are very playful and affectionate, but they do tend to sulk if they don't get their own way. In fact, these dogs are so sensitive that something as simple as someone laughing at one of them when he has gotten into some mishap can cause the Beagle to brood for days. You may need to warn your children to avoid upsetting your dog's delicate sensibilities.

Although Beagles occasionally get too caught up in the chase to obey commands, they still should learn at least basic obedience. It will require patience and hard work to teach your dog, and you may want to consider getting some professional help by enrolling your little guy in puppy obedience classes.

Beagles love to eat and they aren't picky. If you put your dog on a diet, he will happily eat garbage. In fact, even if he isn't on a diet, he may still hit the trashcans for an after dinner snack.

Your Beagle should be groomed once a week to alleviate shedding. Beagles usually get enough exercise to wear down their toenails on their own, but you may want to check your dog's nails to see if they need to be trimmed at least once a month.

Beagles are generally a healthy breed. However, some of these dogs can develop heart disease or epilepsy. Of course, with their propensity to overeat, Beagles can also develop weight related diseases.

If you want a dog who is a happy, well mannered little companion, then a Beagle may be the right dog for you.

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