YORKSHIRE Terrier - Dogs of the World

Yorkshire Terrier

---

---

The WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

Westie  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So you have decided you are going to buy a West Highland white terrier, otherwise known as a Westie. Westies are great little light-hearted dogs. They are quick to learn, and as a rule, they are very self-sufficient and have wonderful, unique personalities. Most Westie owners will tell you that their dog possesses a "big personality." They are lovable, but will never be mistaken for a lap dog.

If you are looking for a cuddly lap dog, a Westie may not be the right breed for you. They are notoriously independent, and won't tolerate being held for very long periods. They like to be in close proximity to their owner/families, but they need their space. As a rule, when a Westie chooses a sleeping area they will find a private space. Away from the family, this sleeping area will most likely be somewhat protected on three sides; they also like to "cover their backs" when they sleep. Naturally, there are exceptions to the rule. If the dog is taught to be a bit of a lap dog, they will most likely be a lap dog. But the Westie is not a natural lap dog. They like to call the shots, so to speak.

The Westie likes to be taken along with the family whenever possible. They are friendly, and love people in general, especially children. They are very loyal to their families and prefer being with their owners/families whenever possible.

When purchasing a dog most people prefer to buy a young puppy, and train the dog themselves. This can be rewarding. If buying a puppy, make sure you are home regularly enough to train the puppy properly. Westies are easy to train, but someone has to be in the home to do the training. Remember, it can be a frustrating and time-consuming task to train a puppy. The other option is to purchase a dog that is a bit older and has already been trained by the breeder. This is a good option, and many breeders can accommodate with a dog that is a little older and trained.

Male or female? In regard to temperament, there is little or no difference between the two in the Westie breed. It is said that Westie males are more affectionate than female Westies. The female is smaller and lighter, so easier to control on a walk or carry when necessary.

Westie puppies
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This pure white, sturdy small-framed dog is always full of energy and always on the alert and looking for fun. They love to get out and walk and run in a wooded area, looking for a game.

Westies’ ears stand up naturally at each side of their fluffy, happy face. At the opposite end, a perky short tail, which - by nature’s design - comes to a gradual point. As adults, it is desirable for the male Westie to be 11 inches in height; the female 10 inches in height. A Westies coat should be pure white. They have a double coat; the under coat is soft and fluffy, the top coat a bit coarse and wiry. This dual coat is natural to the Westie. The breed was developed and bread for a hard and dangerous job - that of hunting out and killing vermin. So the dual coat provides the Westie a good natural form of protection, not only from the elements but the claws and teeth of its prey. The dry texture of the Westies coat also works to cut down on doggy odor. Due to this dryer coat, they require fewer baths. They can be kept clean with frequent brushing and dry cleaning (this is done by adding a bit of corn starch to the dogs' coat, brushing it out after a few minutes.)

Choosing a reputable breeder is very important. It is impossible to know when picking out your particular puppy just how that dog will turn out emotionally and physically. This is the best reason to find a good reputable breeder. A good breeder strives to breed healthy dogs that will exhibit traits that are natural to the dog they chose to breed. There are three choices when it comes to breeders; pet shop breeders, back yard breeders, and serious hobby breeders.

The pet shop breeder is the worst possible choice you can make when buying a dog. The puppies are poorly bred and are thought of as merchandise to be sold for at a high profit. This form of breeding, as a rule, puts out sickly, unstable dogs, and I highly recommend you stay clear of pet shop breeders.

The backyard breeder can also be a poor choice. This type of breeder may be a Westie owner that thought it would be “fun” to have puppies. They know little about puppies and the training of puppies. As a rule, they are not well acquainted with the stud dogs and can offer little information on his background. They are unaware of the history of the breed, and any special needs of a given breed. To sum it up, they are ill-equipped to breed dogs and lack the knowledge one needs to be a good breeder.

Your best choice when buying a dog is to find a serious hobby breeder. They have done their homework on the breed they are selling. As a rule, they are dog fanciers and do not look at breeding as a profit-only venture. They are breeding for show dogs. They strive to breed the best of their chosen breed. They will take responsibility for any and all pups produced, and stand behind their dogs. You can be assured the dogs are healthy and have been given all the veterinary care they need as puppies along with proper training. A good breeder of Westies will belong to the “West Highland White Terrier Club of America”, and/or other well known Westie Clubs. They will most likely be involved in showing their dogs. A good breeder will ask you questions and be very discriminating on the homes their puppies go to. They will guarantee their puppies, with an agreement to take the puppy back if for some reason you find you are not compatible with your new puppy. They will give you time to have the puppy looked at by a veterinarian of your choice, just to ensure there are no health problems looming, and that the puppy is in a good healthy condition.

A good breeder will have numerous references. They will be able to provide you with such references, in the way of other persons that have purchased dogs from them, along with their own veterinarians' references. The breeder should be able to answer questions on the breed and show a good knowledge of the breed's history. The breeder should also provide written instructions in regard to the puppies needs. Diet, exercise, and health care need as a puppy and adult dog. The kennels should be clean, providing the dogs with a healthy environment. The dogs should be comfortable with the breeder and show a good rapport with them. The dogs in the kennels should be of good temperament, and healthy in appearance. The good breeder will never sell a puppy that is too young to leave its mother.

And finally, the breeder should provide you with a record of the dates and types of vaccinations and be worming that has been done on your puppy, along with any and all records on visits to the vet the puppy may have required while in the breeder’s care. It is also desirable to ask questions on the health of the parent dogs. The breeder must provide you with A 3- to 5-generation pedigree, and a "blue slip" to apply for registration of the Westie into the AKA.

Once you have found a trustworthy breeder here are a few tips on choosing the right puppy: Age is important; a puppy is usually ready to be taken to its new home at the age of eight to twelve weeks. You may find that all Westie pups look alike; they pretty much do all look alike. Look for a puppy with a sturdy build. The dog should feel firm, with good muscle tone. Their legs should be straight. The pup should be active when picked up, squirmy after a short time relaxing and willing to be petted and cuddled a bit. Their coats should be thick and clean. There should be no discharge from eyes, nose or ears, and no odor at the ears. The eyes should be bright, with an alert look. The gums should be moist and pink. The dog should be active with the other pups. It's a good idea to ask the breeder about the puppies personality. They can help you pick a dog that will be suited to your needs and your personality.

It is always smart to observe the dam for her traits. Does she appear overly shy, aggressive, stand-offish? Is she patient and watchful of the puppies, and not overly aggressive of the litter? Do the parent dogs look in good health? Are their coats healthy and do they appear active with good stamina? It is well-known puppies can and do inherit traits from the parent dogs.

If you do your homework, you are more likely to pick just the right dog. The Westie is a wonderful breed. They are bright, happy spirited dogs, and will bring with them their own special outgoing personality. They will fast become your best friend.

---

---

Tips For Housebreaking Your PIT BULL TERRIER Puppy Dog

Housebreaking your Pit Bull puppy requires a lot of time, effort, and patience on the part of the owner. There is no set time-frame on when your puppy will be able to do this, or how long it will take, you just have to start a routine and stick with it until it is finished. Many owners lose patience with their dogs due to problems that often arise during the house breaking process. It is important to just work through them as they come and to remember not to punish your puppy, but work through this process together.

Pit Bull Puppies - Photo   by       Beverly & Pack

Many things can be done along the way that will help make housebreaking faster and easier for you and your puppy. As with any type of training, you have to be consistent with the routine. Take your dog out at the same time every day, or if you aren’t able to, make sure that someone else can. The puppy will soon learn when it is time to go, and eventually will know what is expected of him. You should have everyone else in the household alerted to the routine, and willing to help when needed. Sometimes it is helpful to keep a journal of your dog’s habits so that if they turn into a problem later, it will be easier to correct them.

You should also try to go outside with your puppy so that you can be sure he is going to the bathroom while he is outside, which will help avoid accidents while inside. If you are unable to go out with your puppy, he should be confined to one area such as a crate or fenced in backyard, so that he can learn this is his space to go.

One thing that can interrupt the housebreaking process is irregular feedings. It is important that you feed your puppy the same amount at the same time every day, and try to avoid giving him extra snacks and treats until he is successfully housebroken.

The most important thing when housebreaking your puppy is to be patient and understanding. He is going to learn overnight, and there will be messes along the way. You have to understand that this takes time and try to maintain reasonable expectations of your puppy. It is important not to punish your puppy when that happens, rather just clean it up and accept it for what it is, part of the process. You will have a much better relationship with your puppy if you are patient with him as he grows.

---

---

Fact Sheet: BORDER TERRIER

(Original title: The Scruffy Little Hunter Dog: Border Terrier )

Border Terrier - Photo   by   torbakhopper (cc)

The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, which is actually near the border of England and Scotland. This is where these dogs were made to attack and terminate predatory foxes. 

They have wiry coat that is why they normally appear as scruffy. However, this scruffiness is an attention-grabber that is why owners do not forget to hug their little ball of energy.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Borders:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: wiry and short; double coated

Colors: tan, red, grizzle and tan, and/or blue and tan

Height: between 11 and 16 inches

Weight: between 11 and 16 pounds

Temperament: 

Naturally, 

• they are scruffy, hard and bold hunters

• they are active as puppies but mellow down as they mature

• they are not friendly with rabbits, rats, hamsters, and even birds

• they are economical to feed

• their activity die down when left alone all day as they really love to please people especially their owners

When properly trained,

• they can get along with the household cats but not with cats in the neighborhood

• they may even catch a burglar

• they may lose timidity when accustomed to active environments

Breeders should note of the following health issues: 

•   Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome or CES, also called as "Spike's disease", which is a hereditary, neurological, metabolic and muscle disorder that is sometimes confused with canine epilepsy

•   Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes 

•   Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

•   Deafness

•   Skin problems and a few skin allergies

Care and Exercise: 

• Their coat needs weekly brushing.

• They should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.

• They should bathe only when necessary since they shed little to no hair. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.

• They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts. 

Origin/History:

The exact origins of Border terriers are obscure but many breeders accepted the story that the variety was developed in the Cheviot Hills area, which is near the border of Scotland and England. The Borders have been used as hunters of rabbits and hares. They can even keep up with running horses with their short yet sturdy legs. They were also used by farmers to lure predatory foxes into their dens before killing them.

They were also trained to hunt otters, marten, and even fierce badgers. Like most terriers that were once molded as hunters, they also evolved as pets and became lovely, friendly, and loyal companion dogs. They also take part in dog shows and they can easily grab their audience attention with their agility, appearance, and bright disposition.

The breed was registered by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Club ten years after.

At present, Borders are highly favored as companion dogs and pets due to their adaptability, friendliness, and winning personality. Nonetheless, they can be reliable when it comes to tracking down vermin. In fact, some of their esteemed talents include hunting, guarding the family, and performing tricks and sports that require competitive obedience.

Like most terriers, you can be rest assured to have a loyal and bright companion dogs if you give your attention and affection to a Border. You can be sure that they can definitely drive away your bore! 

---

---

Fact Sheet: BEDLINGTON TERRIER

Original Title: Bedlington Terrier

Français : Boutchie, un Bedlington Terrier en janvier 2003. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Breed group: Terrier

Weight: 17-23 lbs

Height: male 16.5 inches, female: 15.5 inches

Overview

This breed has its origin in England where they have been developed during the 18th century. Bedlington Terriers was originally known as Rothbury Terriers and they were named after the Rothbury district on the English border. These dogs were highly valued as hunters of a variety of game including foxes, hares and badgers. A Rothbury dog was mated with a Bedlington bitch in about 1825, which resulted in the Bedlington terrier. Bedlington terriers were used as vermin hunters by miners of Bedlington. They also used these dogs as fighting dogs in the pits.

Temperament

The Bedlington terrier of today is a more affectionate and friendly dog, and this is due to more careful breeding. Bedlington terriers are very cheerful and playful dogs, and they also love children. These dogs are devoted and energetic dogs, but they do have a stubborn streak. This breed has to be socialised with other animals from an early age onwards to prevent problems later on. The Bedlington terrier has lots of power, and they are full of courage and energy. They can run very fast, and they are keen diggers. These dogs love to bark, and they can be a bit tense. This breed should be fenced in, otherwise they will take off as they love to chase.

Care

The Bedlington terrier is a high maintenance breed and they will require a professional clipping once in every six weeks. These dogs needs to be brushed and combed every day. They should however only be bathed when it is necessary, as their coats will become lank if bathed too often. The coats of these dogs shed almost no hair, and this makes them suitable for allergy sufferers. The pluck inside their ears should also be cleaned. This breed is also considered fine for allergy sufferers.

Training

The Bedlington terrier is an independent and playful dog that is fairly difficult to train. They will benefit if they are socialised from an early age onwards, especially with cats. This breed should also receive thorough obedience training as they have a tendency to bark excessively and be destructive. The Bedlington terrier will also not do well if the training is harsh or heavy-handed. The Bedlington terrier loves human companionship, and should be trained in a firm, loving and consistent manner. They do extremely well in agility, obedience and fly ball.

Health problems

Some Bedlington terriers may have a serious inborn liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease. This breed is also prone to a genetic kidney disease, PRA, thyroid problems and eye trouble such as cataracts and retinal disease.

By John M Williams Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Fact Sheet: YORKSHIRE TERRIER - Yorkie

(Original Title: The Popular Pet and Lap Dog: Yorkshire Terrier)

Cocoa, the mini Yorkie - Photo by Tnkntx

The Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated from Scotland but bred in England. They were molded to hunt rats, but nowadays they are popular as pets. In fact, their variety was one of the Top Dog Breeds of 2005.

They usually grow being small and light varieties. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Moreover, this usual bonding activity usually transforms this lap dog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Yorkies:

Category: Toy (Terrier)

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: silky, glossy, long and fine; no undercoat

Colors: black when young but they attain the colors tan and blue as they mature .

Height: between 8 and 9 inches

Weight: between 3 and 7 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they are territorial and like their privacy to be respected

• they are intelligent and fearless

• they are assertive and independent

When properly trained,

• they develop close affinity with older children

• they become really playful and lively

• they become extremely affectionate

• they do not mind having other pets at home

• they focus much of their attention and affection toward their owner

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Alopecia, or losing hair

• Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes

• Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

• Dwarfism

• Entropion, a disorder with the eyelid; lashes on the eyelid that irritate the eyeballs could lead to other complications

• Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye

• Hydrocephalus

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the reduction of tear production

• Low blood sugar

• Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

• Portosystemic shunt, or the accumulation of blood toxins in the liver

• Urolithiasis, an infection of the urinary tract leading to the formation of bladder stones.

Care and Exercise:

• They require daily grooming.

• Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly.

• Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained.

• They are fit only for short strides.

• They should have a regular play time while lying under the sunbeams, chasing shadows, and joining tug-of-war.

Origin/History:

In the 19th century, a number of weavers from Scotland migrated to England and brought with them different terriers that were bred to hunt rats. Through time, these terriers were crossed and terriers with “broken hairs” were produced.

In 1870, a “broken-haired Scotch terrier” was named as a Yorkshire terrier by a reporter. He argued that the breed should be called as such because his types were bred in a town called Yorkshire.

Though the Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs, they became fashionable pets is England in the latter part of the Victorian era. In 1972, Yorkies were brought to the United States and became the country’s favorite pet.

You can say that the Yorkies developed into tough breeds because of their ancestors’ reputation as rat-hunters. However, their size, and playful and bright character have actually captured the attention and affection of most pet owners. Most proud owners would boast that they have the great giants inside the bodies of these little dogs. If you want a small but terrible breed of dog, grab a Yorkie now! Just a friendly reminder, they would really need your attention and companionship than any other terriers.

---

---

Fact Sheet: NORFOLK TERRIER

Original Title: Norfolk Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting A Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terrier "Virginia von den Wichtelsteinen" (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Breed Description

A small and compact breed, the Norfolk Terrier has a charming and sometimes bewildered appearance. This small breed weighs around 11-15 pounds, and reaches between 8-10 inches tall.

Coat

The Norfolk Terrier is straight, messy, and coarse texture that is around 2 inches long. It is structured to keep these terriers insulated. This double-coated breed has a coarse and waterproof topcoat and thick and dense inner coat. Their coat color comes in wheat, grizzle, red, and black and tan.

Activity

The Norfolk Terrier is quite energetic, and loves playing ball or going on walks with their family. They are known to tolerate all kinds of weather. These terriers enjoy digging holes in the backyard, so owners should always be on guard with this trait. They will do great in apartment dwellings, and will be happy to travel in a car.

Temperament

Norfolk Terriers are fearless, but never aggressive despite being able to defend themselves when the situation calls for it. They get along well with Border Terriers, and Norwich Terriers, having the softest of temperaments among the Terrier Group. These dogs work in pack, and should get along well with other dogs. As companions, they love being around people and will make excellent pets. Their energy level is reflective depending on the pace of their environment. They should never be kept outdoors due to the fact that they thrive on human interaction. These terriers are known barkers, making them excellent alarm dogs.

These terriers can generally live with other household pets when raised alongside them. This self-confident little dog is very confident, and will carry themselves with importance, having their head up high with tails erect. These Norfolk Terriers are generally happy, spirited, and lively.

Overview

Small, alert, and hardy little dog, the Norfolk Terrier has been originally bred to catch a fox and go after vermin. This evenly tempered fearless dog has sporting instinct.

Care

The Norfolk Terrier should be combed and brushed once or twice weekly, paying extra attention to the mustache and beard, which more often get dirty. Their coats shed little, and will require hand plucking twice in a year. The hair between the pads of their feet should be trimmed. This low-shedding breed is considered hypoallergenic, and will be suitable for people with allergies.

Training

Norfolk Terriers are intelligent and will often quickly acquire bad habits, just as they would in learning positive habits. Consistent and varying training routines are crucial for this breed to avoid boredom and non-compliance. This breed will do best with positive rewards and a lot of praise. Ignoring the bad behavior of this breed is a great way to eliminate the bad ones.

Character

The brave little Norfolk Terrier is known to be very defensive of its family and territory. They generally get along well with other dogs, and make excellent family pet. This breed is easy going and enjoys being the center of attention. These affectionate breed is at their happiest when they are with their owners. They should never be left alone for extended periods of time as this will cause depression.

By Ricardo Lumbardo To find American bulldog puppies for sale and other high quality breeds, please visit http://www.11-peaks.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Diamond In The Ruff -- Meet The CAIRN TERRIER

The Cairn terrier hails from Scotland, as do its close and outstanding relatives, the Scottish terrier and the West Highland terrier. Much like another cousin, the Welsh terrier, the Cairn is probably an underappreciated breed in the United States, while it remains wildly popular in the old country. But its relative dark horse status is likely just fine with serious Cairn fans.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Unlike several fancier strains of terrier, the Cairn has never been subjected to uptown clips and beauteous barbering, like the Kerry or the Wire terrier. As a result, the Cairn can look pretty shaggy in comparison, and resembles the working dog he was born and bred to be. Cairns, after all, were named after the cairns or piled stones in the Scottish Highlands they so often set themselves to digging through, looking for rats. The Cairn was a fearless hunter of vermin and rouster of foxes, with strong claws, teeth, and an absolutely nonnegotiable hunting instinct. He is not the type of dog you can set loose in the park.

The Cairn terrier is a convenient size for most modern families, weighing only about 13 or 14 pounds. He is tough and resilient, and has a genuine liking for children, although you'll still need to make sure that they treat him gently, like any other dog. The Cairn is a cheerfully independent type with an incredibly sharp brain. You'll want to give him some interesting jobs around the house and make sure he stays as challenged as possible (otherwise, he’s likely to challenge your flower beds). Even though many modern small dogs essentially end up as lapdogs, the Cairn has the smarts and the perseverance to be much more.

Despite his shaggy locks, some terrier lovers find a unique and rustic beauty in this breed. If you want an active, enthusiastic, tough little terrier companion, the Cairn deserves your serious consideration.

Cairns come in almost all colors -- anything but white conforms to type. Anyone wanting to add a small, sharp and very affectionate dog to their family unit would do well to consider the long-lived Cairn.

---

---

Fact Sheet: SCOTTISH TERRIER

(Original title: The Stylish and Reserved Dog: Scottish Terrier) 

Photo by jacilluch

The Scottish terriers, also known as Scotties, are short-legged British terriers.  They are one among other go-to-ground and wire-coated terriers developed in the highlands of Scotland. The Scotties are said to have jaunty attitude so they are often used to represent advertisements of the country to where they originated.

However, Scotties' nature is not in coherence with their public image or trademark.  In fact, Scotties are like the citizens of his native land who are independent, stoic, and fiercely loyal to their masters.  They also adhere much to their own privacy.

Scotties, Westies, and Cairns are very similar regarding their appearance. The Westies and the Cairns are, in fact, closely-related. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Scotties:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor (mostly preferred by breeders)

Coat: wiry, short (about 2 inches) and thick

Colors: iron gray or steel, black, wheaten, or sandy; the coat may also be brindled or grizzled

Height: about 10 inches

Weight: between 18 and 20 pounds

Temperament: they need to be praised frequently and they adapt with the moods of the household

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

•   Von Willibrand's disease (VWD), an inherited disorder
•   Flea allergies and other skin problems
•   Epilepsy
•   Jawbone disorders
•   Scottie cramp, a minor condition that causes walking difficulties
•   Cerebellar abiotrophy, a slow-to-progress and rare neurological disease that causes loss of coordination

Care and Exercise: 
• Their coats need special care to maintain its appearance and texture. It is suggested that they should be subjected to professional grooming once or twice each year for their coats to stay wiry and firm.
• The fur needs to be combed a couple of times in each week and even needs occasional trimming.
• Scotties' dead hairs should be plucked out through stripping. Using electric clippers will only make their coats dull and soft.
• Play with them. Hunting and squeaky balls and toys are their favorites.
• They should be on leash while walking in public places.

Origin/History:

The origins of the breed are obscure. It was noted that forerunners of Scotties were sent to France's Royal Highness by King James I of England during the 16th century. Later on, three different terriers were revealed as Scotch Terriers, which included the Westies, the Cairns, and the Scotties. The Dandie Dinmont variety had also been noted as closely-related to the abovementioned terriers but its apparent physical differences categorized itself as a separate breed.

Terrier dogs that were bred in Britain were developed to hunt vermin that ate grains, and pestered eggs and poultry farms. Most breeds grew as scrappy and courageous dogs and were trained to follow badgers or foxes into their dens. Their wiry coats and soft undercoats protected them against rugged terrains and harsh climates.

f you want to have a Scottie in your life, you should not be impulsive about the matter for animosity nd lack of proper training will only harm and traumatize the dog. If properly taken cared of, this breed can even appoint itself as a guardian of the family. It can also be fiercely loyal, that is it can protect you even if it means endangering its own life.

To this effect, I guess you must agree that a Scottie is a dog that is second to none.

---

---

---

Some Information Regarding the KERRY BLUE TERRIER

The Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is one of the most mysterious breeds of terriers. This is because of the fact that even though the breed has been known by the Irish for at leas 150 years, nobody really knows where they came from or how they were first bred.

Kerry Blue Terrier. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Various legends are told in order to explain the appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them for hunting purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds while peasants poached with their Kerries.

Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish shores and there, mated with the local terrier population. This, of course, started the genetic pool of blue Kerry terriers.

Whatever the case, the blue Kerry terrier sure has a colorful history. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring in prey. It would also be trained as a police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to be one of the best breeds of dogs that one can own. This is in part of its excellent abilities as a watchdog.

One thing that is so cool about owning a Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is the fact that this breed is adaptable to every situation. It can be a hardworking hunter’s dog. It can become the vigilant watchdog. If you want companionship, it can also provide that. People who are fortunate to have a Blue Kerry terrier pet dog even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are forever a Kerry lover.

There are some terrier characteristics which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog can get into fights with other dogs. In order to prevent this, you need to make sure that the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is properly socialized. Usually this is done by the breeder. 

Most people, when they are getting a pet often ask the question of whether or not a pet can be housebroken easily. Thankfully enough, the Blue Kerry terrier pet dog has a disposition that is easily house trained. The Blue Kerry terrier pet dog is actually quite eager to learn. This means that you will be able to train it very quickly.

Although a Blue Kerry terrier can become an excellent playmate for children, it must be taken that the children do not show any cruelty to the dog. 

The Blue Kerry terrier is also one of the more hardy types of terriers. This is because the Blue Kerry terrier has very few genetic problems. Before buying one, however, you need to ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the Blue Kerry terrier.

A Blue Kerry terrier is not really for everyone. Some people may find it a bit too playful. Some people may not really get used to the Blue Kerry terrier’s curiosity. People may not really understand its habit of following everyone around. Today, the fate of the Blue Kerry terrier dog lies in the hands of the breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure that they have great homes to stay in.

---

---

Related articles

• Celtic Canines - Top ten Irish dog breeds (PHOTOS) (IrishCentral)(irishcentral.com)

  ---

The Popular Pet and Lap Dog: YORKSHIRE TERRIER

The Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated from Scotland but bred in England. They were molded to hunt rats, but nowadays they are popular as pets. In fact, their variety was one of the Top Dog Breeds of 2005. 

4 year old Yorkie, Leo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They usually grow being small and light varieties. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Moreover, this usual bonding activity usually transforms this lap dog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Yorkies:

Category: Toy (Terrier)

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: silky, glossy, long and fine; no undercoat

Colors: black when young but they attain the colors tan and blue as they mature . Height: between 8 and 9 inches

Weight: between 3 and 7 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they are territorial and like their privacy to be respected

• they are intelligent and fearless

• they are assertive and independent

When properly trained,

• they develop close affinity with older children

• they become really playful and lively

• they become extremely affectionate

• they do not mind having other pets at home

• they focus much of their attention and affection toward their owner

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Alopecia, or losing hair

• Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes

• Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

• Dwarfism

• Entropion, a disorder with the eyelid; lashes on the eyelid that irritate the eyeballs could lead to other complications

• Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye

• Hydrocephalus

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the reduction of tear production

• Low blood sugar

• Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

• Portosystemic shunt, or the accumulation of blood toxins in the liver

• Urolithiasis, an infection of the urinary tract leading to the formation of bladder stones.

 Care and Exercise:

• They require daily grooming.

• Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly.

• Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained.

• They are fit only for short strides.

• They should have a regular play time while lying under the sunbeams, chasing shadows, and joining tug-of-war.

Origin/History:

In the 19th century, a number of weavers from Scotland migrated to England and brought with them different terriers that were bred to hunt rats. Through time, these terriers were crossed and terriers with "broken hairs" were produced.

In 1870, a "broken-haired Scotch terrier" was named as a Yorkshire terrier by a reporter. He argued that the breed should be called as such because his types were bred in a town called Yorkshire.

Though the Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs, they became fashionable pets is England in the latter part of the Victorian era. In 1972, Yorkies were brought to the United States and became the country's favorite pet.

---

---

You can say that the Yorkies developed into tough breeds because of their ancestors' reputation as rat-hunters. However, their size, and playful and bright character have actually captured the attention and affection of most pet owners. Most proud owners would boast that they have the great giants inside the bodies of these little dogs. If you want a small but terrible breed of dog, grab a Yorkie now! Just a friendly reminder, they would really need your attention and companionship than any other terriers.

---

YORKIEPOO Breed Information

The Yorkiepoo is a designer dog that was bred by crossing the Yorkshire terrier with the miniature or a toy poodle. There are well known for being one of the few varieties of hypoallergenic dogs and are not recognized by most kennel clubs. The Yorkiepoo was originally trained to be a trainable lap dog.

It takes on both the characteristics of their parent breeds.

Photo by kaylaheineman

History
The Yorkiepoo was developed by crossing the Yorkshire terrier with the toy poodle. Many breeders are also now crossing the Yorkshire terrier with the miniature poodle as well. This creates a wide variation in sizes and weights of the Yorkiepoo. Those breeders that are truly dedicated to creating a new breed of dog will only breed toy poodles with Yorkshire terriers. This practice will eventually result in a more reliable size in addition to weight limit for this cross breed dog.

Diet
Yorkiepoos should be fed a diet of high quality Kibble. Unfortunately they can be rather picky eaters. A tiny amount of canned food can be mixed in with their dog food in an effort to get them to eat. Without eating dry dog food the Yorkiepoo can suffer from gum disease, tooth loss and bad breath.

Training
This is a very easily trainable dog as they are incredibly eager to please their owners. Positive training methods should be used with this dog as rewards like food will be highly effective in training this breed. You need to be careful though to not get to use to feeding them treats when you're trying to train them as you do not want your dog to become obese. This breed can quickly learn basic commands and can even learn fun tricks like crawl or play dead. They are incredibly enthusiastic to entertain so they will be very willing to learn what you want to teach them. This hybrid dog has been used in dog sports like agility and is also a therapy dog.

Weight
Yorkiepoos should range and weights from between 5 to 12 pounds and need to stand between 7 to 10 inches tall.

Temperament
The Yorkiepoo is a very lively dog that attaches quickly to their family. This hybrid dog is extremely affectionate and loves to be with their people. This is not a breed that does well being left alone in a crate or by themselves for long periods of time. If they are left alone for long periods of time they will tend to bark excessively and other behavioral issues. They would do best to be with the family that can spend a lot of time with them. They are very friendly so they will not make good watchdogs as they will happily great everyone that comes into their house.

By F. Szczepanski Breeders Association of America Inc - http://njpup.com/financing    Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

Caring for Your Soft Coated WHEATEN TERRIER Pet Dog

The soft coated wheaten terrier would be considered by most people to be “high maintenance”. This means that a lot of care should be given to it in order to maintain its stature. This statement also means that a lot of steps should be taken in order to care for the dog properly. So how do you care for your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog?

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let us first talk about the coat. This is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. In fact, when you take a look at the name, you will realize that the coat gives the dog its identity. Taking care of this essential part of the soft coated wheaten terrier dog can be quite a daunting task. This is especially true if you have just found out about the various standards that people use to judge the beauty of a soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog.

Frequent grooming is required to keep the coat shiny and to prevent matting. It also helps get rid of any accumulated dirt. You should comb or brush your soft coated wheaten terrier dog everyday to make sure that his coat remains silky and tangle-free. The coat also needs to be trimmed once in a while to preserve the “terrier look” and to allow a new coat to grow.

Besides the coat, you should also take care of the nails and teeth of your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. In case that you do not know what to do by yourself, you might want to hire some professional dog grooming services to do the job for you.

Another aspect you should concentrate on is the training. Remember to train your soft coated wheaten terrier dog as early as possible in order to ingrain in him the basics of proper behavior. There are several keywords that should come to your mind when training your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog:

1) Consistency – be consistent with your teaching. Do not use different commands in order to get the same response as this will only serve to confuse your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. You should also be consistent in terms of reward and punishment. This will help your dog understand what you want to happen.

2) Tone – a soft coated wheaten terrier dog is actually pretty sensitive to the tones in the human voice. This means that the dog will be able to tell if you are feeling upset or if you are feeling impatient. You need to learn how to moderate your tone in order to avoid confusion with your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog.

3) Timing –learn the proper timing of when to correct your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. The element you need during correction is surprise. You need to correct the soft coated wheaten terrier for a mistake right after or even before it performs the act. This way, you will be able to instill a sense of consequence into your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog.

Caring and training for your soft coated wheaten terrier can be quite a bit of work. You will also have to contend with the energy inherent in every terrier breed. However, with patience, your efforts will be rewarded.