Housetraining

The Chihuahua is susceptible to cold even when you feel hot.  For this reason, some owners choose to litter or paper train their Chihuahua to use a litter box or paper for its needs because this way they can avoid exposing the dog to winter temperatures. 

Feeding

A Chihuahua is good at self-regulating its food intake and overweight Chihuahuas usually have somebody giving them too many rich treats.  A Chihuahua will burn up energy quickly and even though it may only need half a cup of food everyday, tiny sized kibble should be made available to the dog at all times to prevent the Chihuahua from getting low blood sugar.  Your dog should not have an all meat diet and should have vegetables available as a part of its diet. 

Some Chihuahuas may be prone to kidney stones so be sure that your Chihuahua drinks lots of water.  If you do not make your own dog food, make sure that when you buy dog food that it does not have by-products because some of the by-products used by unethical dog food manufacturers can include feathers, hooves, road kill, euthanized pets and other things that you do not want to feed your Chihuahua.

Exercising

Though it is tempting to carry your Chihuahua everywhere, your little dog does need exercise.  So, let the Chihuahua walk too.  Carrying a Chihuahua too much can make it fearful and aggressive because the dog expects you to be protecting them from anything and everything and may get aggressive if faced with something or somebody new when they are alone. 

You can put your Chihuahua on a harness when you want to walk it though you should make sure the Chihuahua is warm at all times.  It is not suitable to walk a Chihuahua in the winter because it is too cold.  When it is cool out, put a sweater or coat on your Chihuahua.  Chihuahuas should not be allowed to jump up to and from tall heights.  The reason is that the dog’s patella can be seriously injured from such a jump. 

Grooming
The longhaired Chihuahua should be brushed daily and the smooth coat Chihuahua can be simply smoothed with a cloth and brushed sometimes.  You can give your Chihuahua a monthly bath but be careful not to get its ears wet. 

Basic Manners
The Chihuahua is a very loving breed that can become very attached to only a few people.  It also may not like small children because it senses the danger of letting the child play with it.  As you learn to care for Chihuahua dogs, you will find this dog is happy to stay with its owner all day. 

The care for Chihuahua dogs is not much different that it is for other breeds.  A Chihuahua’s small size does create some special considerations that you will become familiar with as you care for Chihuahua dogs.

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Hunting has always been a very popular sport in the English countryside, and packs of dogs have been an integral part of the hunting team. Most of the bird dog breeds we see around anywhere in the world have probably originated from Great Britain or Europe. While it may not be a way of life for most of the bird dog breeds to go hunting regularly, their characteristics and instincts are very much unchanged.

Bird Dog Breeds That Make Good House Dogs

The most popular among the bird dog breeds seen today are the Pointers, Setters and Retrievers. Most of them live up to their names even if they have not been trained. Among the other bird dog breeds, Airedales are excellent working dogs. They have great hunting instincts, and tough weather resistant coats. They can go after water fowls in very harsh conditions. As pets, they are gentle affectionate, and excellent with children.

American bird dog breeds include the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. They are not playful or over friendly dogs like Labs and Golden Retrievers. They need to be trained, but are loyal and sensitive. They are protective towards their owners, and want nothing more than to be near them! The Weimeraners are wonderful gun dogs that can be trained to be very swift pointers, flushers, and retrievers. They are loyal, easy to train, and highly intelligent. Their good tempered nature makes them very good house dogs and watch dogs.

English Pointers are extremely gentle but excellent on the field. They love children, but are too friendly to make good watch dogs.  English Setters are intelligent, swift, and graceful animals. Their loyalty and gentleness makes them good house pets. They are companionable with children, and friendly towards other animals in the house. They are fun loving, and do not like to be left on their own. Golden Retrievers are beautiful animals with lustrous coats. Their temperaments match their looks, and they are friendly, trustworthy, and gentle with children. They work hard when in the field under adverse conditions too.
 
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The black Labrador retriever is a sporting and working dog breed that are familiar as a guide for the blind.  This dog’s intelligence and ability to assess and act in certain situations have led it to become a valued team member for many activities such as police work, hunting, rescue operations, carting, sledding and obedience competitions. 

The St. John’s Dog

The black Labrador retriever has historical origins in Newfoundland where it earlier versions were trained to retrieve fishing nets for the Canadian fisher people.  At this time, its early ancestor was known as St. John’s dog or the lesser Newfoundland.  The stock from which the early St. John’s dog is derived remains a mystery.  One of the versions of the early retriever types had the name of the lesser Newfoundland, which referred to another working dog that also descended from the early St. John’s dog.  England began to import the dog breed called St. John’s dog or water dog from Canada and bred the dog with other breeds to produce the retrievers. 

Retrievers Need Training

The black Labrador retriever is mostly known for its even temperament yet it may sometimes be high strung and care should be taken that Labradors are trained well and has tasks assigned to it so that it will feel useful and not entertain itself with digging and other bad habits.  The Labrador retriever’s history as a sporting, hunting and working dog has resulted in its strong instincts for an active life that must be addressed effectively by its owner.

The Dog Can Become Bored

The black Labrador retriever has a medium to large sized build the dog has an undercoat that helps it stay warm when it enters the water, which is why it is a great dog in water rescue efforts.  Care must be taken that this dog will receive enough exercise and is assigned tasks so that it will not have excess energy or become bored from a lack of mental stimulation.  This dog requires space and energy from its owners to train it well for best results.

The talented black Labrador retriever has made itself a valued worker in many homes and in the workplace.  The black Labrador retriever may have an uncertain past yet its future as a great worker and helpful companion is assured.
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Normally bull dog puppies can be weaned off and brought home by the time they are six weeks old.  Bull dog puppies, like all others need a lot of love and cuddling when they leave their mother. They also need a lot of rest and plenty to eat. Above all, they need to be loved. Imagine their trauma at being separated from their mother and siblings!
 
Breeders who deal in bull dog puppies will normally give the buyer all the pedigree and registration certificates of the pups. They also inoculate the puppies, and give the new owner a record of these shots. Another thing to find out about the bull dog puppies are their schedules. It is better to change it as little as possible when puppies are brought home.

Bull Dog Puppies in Their New Homes

At least for the first couple of weeks, the routine of the bull dog puppies should remain as it was in the breeder’s home, to make them feel secure.  They should be fed the same quantity and brand of puppy food, at the same time, and same number of times. They should have a fixed place to eat, and bed to rest. It is best not to over excite, or over tire the bull dog puppies when they are new in the house. They should get adequate rest. Any change in routine, particularly meals, should be introduced slowly.

The bull dog puppies need a few things in their new homes. Their meal and water bowls should be preferably of stainless steel, with flat bottoms and straight sides. A clean bed in a wire crate kept in a particular corner is something that has to be organized right on the first night they are home. A wire crate makes it easier to house train them. A light small link collar and lead is useful while going for a walk. The lead will have to get stronger as the bull dog puppies grow up.

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Size:  The ideal height for the male Basenji is 17in at the shoulder while the ideal height for the female Basenji is 16in.  The ideal weight is 24lb for the male and 21lb for the female.

History and origin:  This type of breed has been depicted in many carvings in the tombs of the Pharaohs.  It is said that these dogs were brought as valuable presents by travelers from the lower reaches of the Nile.  The breed almost disappeared from public sight during the ancient Egyptian times until the middle of 19^th century, when the Basenji was again discovered by explorers in the Congo and Southern Sudan. 

Feeding:  Recommended feeding for Basenji is about 11/2-2 cans of quality dog food (13.3oz size) with equivalent amount of biscuit or 3 cupfuls of dry food.  This breed will also enjoy an occasional serving of green vegetables.  In addition, the Basenji is a grass eater and should have plenty of access to fresh grass.

Exercise:  This breed is a terrific hunter and has a tendency to put on extra weight unless he gets plenty of exercise.  He is tireless, fleet-footed, and loves to take regular walks and runs.  He is an indoor dog that should not be put in an outside kennel.  He would love to just relax next to you and lie down in a corner.  He is a great apartment dog as long as he is given enough exercise.

Grooming:  A hound glove is recommended to keep his coat in great condition.

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Standards of the Labrador Retriever

A Labrador Retriever standard weight is approximately around 27 – 36 kilograms. They have a tendency to be overweight so owners must be careful of their diet. They have a naturally smooth and short coat that comes in several solid colors, namely black, yellow and chocolate. These are the only accepted colors in the American Kennel Club and others are technically disqualified as not belonging to the breed.

The Labrador Retriever has a typically broad head with a dominant stop and brow. Eye colors are usually hazel and brown and very expressive and kind-looking. The breed has droopy triangular ears that hang close to their heads. The dogs’ muzzle is powerful and of medium length. Labrador retrievers usually have muscular often stocky bodies with a topline that is level.

The tail of the Labrador Retriever is one of its most distinguishable features. It is supposedly thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. When it is down it should not be longer than the dog’s hocks. The overall appearance of the Labrador Retriever’s tail is rounded and plump.

Disqualifications of show dogs are as follows deviation from the height and too much weight. An overall pink nose or the lack of color or pigment in the nose also causes disqualification. The dog’s eye rims must have pigment or color and docking of the tail or clipping of the ears are considered grounds for disqualifications. The breed only comes in three solid colors, namely black, chocolate and yellow. Variations of the primary color may be accepted (light or dark).

Health and Temperament of the Breed

The disposition of a Labrador Retriever is the most highly appreciated of all its characteristics. It is kind and sweet tempered with an outgoing nature. It tries so hard to please its human family that it is sometimes in the brink of worship. The Labrador Retriever is also intelligent and very gentle towards other living things. It is hardly aggressive and seldom shy.

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Almost all Pit Bulls share similar traits.  They all carry with them a legacy of physical as well as mental characteristics that were once essential for their ancestors’ survival.  Pit Bulls are exceptional dogs who need exceptional owners.  Whether their traits are considered positive aspects of the dog’s personality or an obstacle to the owner in creating a lasting bond, depends entirely on the owner. 

Below are four reasons why a Pit Bull may not be suitable to your needs in a pet dog.

1. A Pit Bull is a strong and very muscular dog.  He is also very energetic.  He will make a great pet if you want a dog that does not break easily.   You will also make a great match if you are the type of person who is always up for an adventure and would not mind a canine companion.  However, if you are not the active type and would rather have your ten year old walk your dog by himself, or if you are always busy with work and have no time to take your dog out for a stroll, then a Pit Bull is not for you.

2. A Pit Bull is a very intelligent and confident dog.  This works great if you know how to properly train your dog and you have figured out how to apply his wonderful play drive and sense of humor to guide his intellect.  But if you think that you can push your dog into obedience or if you expect him to hang onto everything you say, then a Pit Bull is not for you.

3. A Pit Bull is loyal and bonds deeply with his family.  This is great if you are also loyal to him, consider him as a permanent member of your family, and do not mind taking him along on family trips.  But if you consider having a Pit Bull as a temporary pet and then abandon him after a period of time or if you always leave your Pit Bull home alone, then having a Pit Bull will not work out for you.

4. A Pit Bull is perceived as a tough “macho” dog.  This is great if you live alone and want a dog that makes you feel safe and secure.  On the other hand, if you want a dog that is easily approachable and is welcomed by everyone, than a Pit Bull is not for you.

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German Shepherd Facts About Behavior

When you bring a German Shepherd into your home, and you have children, most times you will have a natural protector living with you.  A German Shepherd fact that has most people wanting to own one, is that they are ideal family dogs and are wonderful around children.  Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but you can usually count on this breed of dog to seamlessly fit into family life.

German Shepherd facts that all owners need to be aware of, is that they are active dogs and will need to have some sort of job in order for them to feel fulfilled.  A job for a German shepherd can be basic obedience training.  When you train your German shepherd dog in basic obedience, you will have a wonderful companion that will be able to accompany you and your family anywhere.  A well behaved dog is always a welcome addition, and you can take the well behaved shepherd on vacation with you as long as they are permitted in your vacation getaway.

All owners should be educated about certain German Shepherd facts that can affect their living with you.  These dogs are extremely smart and if not properly handled, and taught their place in the family, they can exhibit aggressive behavior.  Socializing your dog when he is a puppy and introducing him/her to new people, places and situations can help alleviate many behavioral problems that may crop up later.

German Shepherd Facts About Medical Problems

A German Shepherd fact you should also be aware of is the problem of your dog’s hips.  German shepherds are prone to having hip displaysia, so before you purchase a puppy, ensure that the parents have been certified by the OFA, which is an organization that is dedicated to promoting proper hip health in animals.

A German Shepherd fact about feeding your puppy, is to keep them thin while they are growing.  The less stress you put on the skeletal system and the muscalture during growth can only benefit your dog in the long run.  You can speak to your veterinarian about adding a supplement especially for joint care.  You should also research the proper food you should feed your German Shepherd.  Many commercial blends of dog food do not have the proper types of protein and can do more harm than good.  Be sure you do your research on the facts about German Shepherd and food and talk to your veterinarian or a German Shepherd breeder about the best food to feed your pup.

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