Showing posts with label Terrier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Terrier. Show all posts

Sunday, April 22, 2018

AUSTRALIAN TERRIER - Puppies of the World

Australien Terrier - Puppies of the World



Thursday, April 19, 2018

AUSTRALIAN TERRIERS Make Loyal Pets


The Australian Terrier is one of the smallest of the terrier dog group. It was originally bred in Australia around 1885 as a working dog to guard mines and to tend sheep. The Australian Terrier is a healthy and hardy breed. They are long-living to 15 years or more and free of any major hereditary defects.

They have a rough-textured straight coat 2in. to 3in. long with colorings ranging from silver- or blue-black through to tan with a distinctive soft-haired topknot on their head.

The Australian Terrier is tough and cheeky and stands 9in to 11in high. However, like many other terrier breeds, in its own mind, it is a much larger dog and is quite fearless. It is energetic and loyal and will display great affection to its family. It is confident and curious, has keen hearing and eyesight and therefore makes a useful watchdog. Because it likes to please its master is can be more easily trained than some other terriers.

Unlike many other terrier breeds, the Australian Terrier does not usually display aggression towards other dogs although they may chase small animals outside the home. They can occasionally display wariness towards strangers although they are not excessively suspicious. They travel well and can be somewhat easier to train than other terrier types although their training needs to be strict; their self-assured nature can make them want to follow their own ideas rather than yours!

Australian terriers make good apartment dogs. They are adaptable and will remain active indoors but will require outdoor exercise and, like all terriers, need to be walked on a leash due to their tendency to chase other animals.





The Australian Terrier sheds little or no hair and will not require clipping except perhaps around the eyes and ears when blunt-nosed scissors should be used. Regular brushing is recommended. This will stimulate natural oil secretion from the skin which will help to develop a high gloss to the coat. Clip the toenails regularly. Australian Terriers do not require washing more than once a month. More frequent washing will tend to make their tough coat go lank.

Your Australian Terrier will consider himself to be a part of your family and will be a loyal and loving companion.




Sunday, April 8, 2018

Fact Sheet: DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER

(Original Title: Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting
Dandie Dinmont Terrier)

Dandie Dinmont Terrier - GCH King's Mtn. Angelina Ballerina 02
Photo by Petful.com
Breed Description

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small breed with a distinctive top-knot hair on the head of this terrier dog. Primarily bred to go to the ground, this breed is a low-stationed working dog with an arched top line. They are between 8-11 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs from 18-24 pounds at the average.

Coat

The Dandie Dinmont has a coat mixed with rough top coat and silky undercoat, as demonstrated over their heads. The distinctive hairs on their heads are usually kept relatively long and may shroud the eyes if left without trimming for too long. Their coat color comes in silver and black coat, or reddish-yellow color that is commonly called "mustard".

Activity

These dogs need to be walked on a daily basis and will enjoy playing in the park, or any other securely fenced open areas.

Temperament

The breed is fun-loving and affectionate, making them an excellent companion dog. They are determined, lively, and willful, with intelligent and independent nature, bold, yet dignified. They are aloof with strangers, often protective of family and property. They are great with well-behaved kids, and babies, as long as they were reared with them. Dominance varies greatly, as some males may be aggressive with male dogs in their home, while females can be bad-tempered and snappy.

Overview

Also known as the Dandie or the Hindlee Terrier, this is a breed of dog that belongs to the Terrier group. This interesting little breed has a body similar to that of a Dachshund, but they have a wavy and long coat, with puffed white hair on top of their heads.

Care

These dogs require regular brushing. They need professional grooming, as dead hair should be plucked at about once or twice in a year.

Training

These dogs are tricky to train. They require firm, consistent, and fun training sessions to make these puppies interested. They are intelligent but intelligent enough to question the judgment of their trainers. It is therefore imperative to use positive reinforcement as your approach to asserting your stand as the leader of the pack.

Housebreaking is an important part of training for new owners of these puppies. The key is to be around all the time while they are small, and never allowing them access to the areas where they can muddle up around the house.



Crate training is known to be effective for your dog's training as this allows them the opportunity for quiet time in a space where he can make it his territory, as well as a chance for early housetraining owners can work on.

Character

These dogs are generally lively, independent, and affectionate. They are friendly but can be stubborn at times. They are bold, unafraid, but remains dignified, even when playing. They are extremely loyal and can make excellent guard dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is intelligent, playful, and fun especially when given enough attention.




Wednesday, April 4, 2018

AIREDALE TERRIER - Dogs of the World

Airedale Terrier - Dogs of the World



Wednesday, March 21, 2018

All About WHEATEN TERRIERS

A 3½ year old Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier name...
A 3½-year-old Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier named Clio.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Few things give us as much pleasure as owning a dog. Dogs make wonderful companions and it is no wonder they have become known as "man's best friend". A dog will always greet you with joy and happiness, unlike people who can be grumpy or unpleasant at times. Dog owners always speak about their pet's "unconditional love" and this is a fact because a dog will always be devoted to his owner, even if that owner is not the most pleasant of people!

Dogs have become so popular as pets that many people don't realize the time and energy it can take to properly take care of them, and some people buy a dog at the spur of a moment without giving much thought to whether they can care for him or not. This results in thousands of dog being abandoned. If you're considering buying or adopting a dog you should know that not all dogs are the same, some breeds are more high maintenance than others and you should choose a breed that suits your lifestyle. Wheaten terriers are high maintenance dogs for a few reasons that we shall go into in this article.
Wheaten terriers are a breed of dog that originated in Ireland. They were originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog whose duties varied from watching, guarding and herding livestock to hunting vermin. While most terriers can sometimes be aggressive, this is not so with the Wheaten terrier. They are mellower than other terriers.

Wheaten terriers are famous for their coat which is very soft and comprises of hair, not fur. The Wheaten Terrier is a popular dog with allergic dog owners due to the fact that they have a single coat of hair and shed very little making them relatively hypoallergenic. There are four coat types: American, English, Heavy Irish and Traditional Irish.

Wheaten Terriers are medium sized dogs that don't shed; their hair keeps growing and so requires regular grooming and trimming, making them a high maintenance dog to keep. Whether or not you keep your dog indoors or out, he will need to be brushed regularly if you are to avoid his coat from becoming matted or tangled. These dogs also require more frequent bathing than most other dogs because of their soft coat.
Like all terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is an active, playful breed that needs exercise if it is to thrive. They respond well to positive training and harsh or aggressive treatment may result in a dog that fears bites. They are highly intelligent dogs that require a substantial amount of attention. If you don't have the time to give to your dog, this may not be the breed for you.



Wheaten terriers make great family pets, often being very good with children and other pets. Early training ensures your dog is well adjusted to a home environment and they can be very protective of their human pack" without being overly aggressive.

Wheaten terriers are generally a hardy breed though they are prone to a condition known as protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). This condition results in protein loss from the kidneys and can be fatal. Inflammatory bowel disease, renal dysplasia, Addison's disease and cancer are other health issues Wheaten terriers may develop.



Sunday, March 4, 2018

The Mysterious KERRY BLUE TERRIER

Kerry Blue Terrier - Photo: Flickr
The Kerry Blue Terrier 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 least 150 years, nobody really knows where they came from or how they were first bred. They are also coined as the Irish Blue Terrier.

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 KBTs.

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 colourful history, and today is quite an uncommon terrier breed. 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 part of its excellent abilities as a watchdog.

One thing that is amazing about owning a Kerry Blue Terrier as a pet is that this breed is adaptable to every situation. It can be a hardworking hunting dog, a vigilant watchdog, or a champion in a dog show. People who are blessed to have a Kerry Blue Terrier even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are forever a Kerry lover. That's just how we all feel about our terriers!

There are some terrier characteristics which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier can get into fights with other dogs due to their protective personality. In order to prevent this, you need to ensure that your Kerry is properly socialized. Usually, this is taken care of by the breeder before you take your dog home.

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 Kerry Blue Terrier is easily trained and is, actually, quite eager to learn and please their owner, making it a fast learner.

Although a Kerry Blue Terrier can become an excellent playmate for children, they should be supervised to ensure proper behaviour, and so that you can nip any unacceptable behaviour in the bud. Children should be taught that they cannot be cruel or aggressive with your Kerry. In fact, they should never be cruel or aggressive with any dog.

The KBT is also one of the more hardy types of terriers because they have very few genetic problems. Before buying a Kerry, however, it is important and a good idea that you ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the KBT.



Kerry Blue Terriers are not for everyone. Some people may find it a bit too playful, or may not appreciate a Kerry Blue's curiosity. Don't forget, the word terrier comes from, In fact, the word terrier comes from the Middle French "terrier", and before that, the Latin terra, meaning earth.

They were originally bred to hunt rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares and dogfighting. They like to dig and discover. Since they were intended as companions, especially as hunting partners, they have a habit of following their owners around and are very loyal.

Today, the integrity of this terrier breed lies in the hands of the Kerry Blue Terrier breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure that they have great homes to stay in.

by Kimberly Edwards  - Article Source: EzineArticles



Tuesday, February 13, 2018

AIREDALE TERRIER - The King of the Terriers

140607_6900
Photo  by E Haug 
The Airedale Terrier is a medium 45 to 65-pound dog that usually reaches between 22" and 24". Known as the King of the Terriers, they are largest of the Terrier breeds recognized by the AKC. It is a compact little powerhouse that is all terrier when it comes to chasing little animals or appeasing its curiosity.

Airedale Terriers are typically tan on the ears, head, chest, undersides, legs, and sometimes on the shoulders.  They are black or grizzle on the sides and upper parts of the body.  Sometimes they have a red mixture on the black or white markings on the chest.  Certain strains of the breed also have a small white patch on the chest.  Their wiry, dense outer coat requires regular grooming.

If you are looking for a dog with plenty of stamina and energy, look no further.   The Airedale Terrier is full of energy and needs daily exercise and play.  Generally speaking, they do best with older well-behaved children and are not ideal for homes with smaller pets as terriers have the tendency to chase small animals and vermin.  They can do well with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from puppyhood.  They are loyal and protective of their family.  They love to learn and can be trained easily provided training is fun and not monotonous.

The breed dates itself back to 18th century England. The breed is a cross between an Otterhound and a Waterside Terrier.  They were bred for hunting small game and were later used in big game hunting, police work and as an army dog in WWII.  The Airedale Terrier is now considered more of a family pet than working dog.  However, they do love to work and have tasks to do and still make good hunting and tracking dogs

For a family that enjoys outdoors and exercise, the Airedale Terrier is an excellent choice.  Although they can work with other pets and dogs, a one pet household seems more ideal for their needs unless they grow up with other family pets.  The Airedale Terrier is a great pet for the family on the go.




Thursday, February 8, 2018

Fact Sheet: NORWICH TERRIER

(Original Title: Norwich Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting A Norwich Terrier)

Norwich Terrier
Photo by Just chaos
Breed Description

The sturdy, robust, and compact Norwich Terrier is an alert and enthusiastic breed that could sometimes look bewildered. This breed has erect ears, adding to a more alert appearance. This small dog weighs around 11-15 pounds and reaches between 8-10 inches tall.

Coat

The straight, hard, and wiry coat of the Norwich Terrier reach around 1-2 inches long. Their low-lying fur is longer on their neck and shoulders, along with short and smooth whiskers and eyebrows. The coat of this breed comes in red or brown colors. Some colors exist, too, including black and gray.

Activity

The Norwich Terrier is relatively energetic. They love going for walks or playing ball with their families. With their thick coat, they will be able to tolerate all kinds of weather. This breed enjoys digging holes, and owners should, therefore, be watchful of this trait. These dogs will generally do well in apartment dwelling for as long as they get to go outside for exercise.

Temperament

With small yet hardy personality, the Norwich Terrier is remarkably intelligent, courageous, and affectionate. They are assertive, but will not typically show aggressive behavior. These active terriers are energetic and thrive on an active lifestyle. They are known to be eager to please, yet will definitely have minds of their own. Aside from an active life, they also thrive on the companionship of their owners. So, these terriers should never be kept in a kennel. These small dogs are great with children, but will only get along with other animals provided that they were previously introduced.

Overview

As most terriers were primarily bred to hunt a particular animal, the Norwich Terrier is no different. In fact, they were created to hunt rodents, and small creatures as their size will be too small to go for anything larger.

Care

In terms of grooming, the Norwich Terrier should be combed and brushed daily. A great deal of clipping will not be required, though. They are very light shedders, and bathing should only be done when necessary with a dry shampoo.

The undercoat of this breed is of utmost important to care for, and should ideally be brushed with steel comb once every week to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Their coats must also be stripped twice a year, ideally in the autumn and spring.





Training

The Norwich Terrier is entertaining and comical but challenging to train. Socialization is crucial especially while they are puppies, and basic manners should be introduced as early as possible. Just like the Norfolk Terrier, this small terrier has been developed to independently hunt without the help or support of a man. Due to this, they will typically do things their own way, at their own speed.

Character

The Norwich Terrier is a little dog with a remarkable instinct of knowing what's going on. They particularly love to be the center of everything, and will generally get along with other pets once introduced, and even love playing with children.



Thursday, January 11, 2018

Some Tips for Keeping Your AIREDALE TERRIER Dog Well-Behaved

Hatti.
Photo by cazstar
Here are some tips you can use to keep your Airedale terrier pet dog well-behaved:

1) Can’t teach an old dog – You have to start training your Airedale terrier pet dog as early as possible. This is because of the fact that the earlier an Airedale terrier pet dog learns a trick, the faster they will be able to learn it. This doesn’t just apply to tricks. It also applies to general behavior. When your Airedale terrier pet dog is still just a puppy, you need to start training it. This way, the behavioral training that you give it will be ingrained into the Airedale terrier pet dog’s brain. This way, proper behavior becomes almost instinctive to the Airedale terrier pet dog.

2) Use, don’t abuse – Various training methods are made available to you by various experts. However, there’s one thing you should know: they only work with proper use. Some people make use of the leash or of the crate to abuse their animals. What you need to know is that each method of training can only be effective if used in a way that will not harm the animals. You need to be firm but gentle with your animal when you are trying to train it.


Use the various implements humanely in such a manner that will encourage your dog to behave well and not scare it from behaving badly.

3) Habit inside, habit outside – Before taking your Airedale terrier pet dog outside, try to observe its behavior inside. This will give you a clue as to how the Airedale terrier pet dog will act outside the house. Many people say that a dog’s behavior inside a house is very different from the way that the same dog will act in outside environments. This is not true. By observing the inside behavior of your Airedale terrier pet dog, you will realize how it will respond to you outside.

If your Airedale terrier pet dog does not listen to your commands inside the house, how can you expect it to listen to your commands outside the house where there are things a lot more interesting to a dog than your commands are?

4) Keep your temper – Training an Airedale terrier pet dog can understandably be very frustrating. However, you should not lose your temper. Negative actions such as hitting or shouting at your dog will not accomplish anything positive. Sometimes, we have a tendency to take out our frustrations on helpless pets. Do not blame your problems on the dog. If you know that you are having a bad day, do not even think about training your dog. All that you might get from the ordeal is a bad case of hyperacidity. Your dog will learn nothing and that would only increase your frustration.





5) Timing – Timing is always important. You need to make corrections regarding your Airedale terrier pet dog’s behavior while those corrections are still relevant. If you praise or correct the wrong timing, you would only end up confusing the dog. Actually, the best timing you can use is to correct the Airedale terrier pet dog before he or she even starts to misbehave.

These five tips can help you a lot in keeping your Airedale terrier pet dog’s behavior in check. By following these tips, you can make training your dog an easy task.




Tuesday, December 5, 2017

WEST HIGHLAND TERRIER Dogs - Are They Right For Your Lifestyle?

English: Westie puppies Česky: Štěňata westíka
English: Westie puppies Photo credit: Wikipedia)
West Highland Terrier Dogs - When setting out to find a Westie is right for your lifestyle and your family, you have to consider a few things first. Bear in mind that owning a Westie is a very special experience and the fact is that you are adding a member to your family. Therefore you are about to bring a major change to your life.

Moreover, a healthy Westie can live for 12-15 years or more, so it is important for you and your future Westie, that you give all this some serious thought. You must be prepared to invest considerable time, money and patience in training your Westie to be a good companion.

Make sure your Westie gets enough attention and exercise. Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including but certainly not limited to:
  • Annual vaccines
  • Heartworm testing
  • Monthly year-round preventive
  • Spaying/neutering.

Keep the breeder informed and updated on the Westies accomplishments and problems. Have the patience to accept responsibility for the Westie despite inevitable life changes such as new babies, kids going off to school, divorce, relocation, or returning to work.

All you need to do is just take your time and find a Westie that matches your lifestyle. Most of all, don't get a Westie on impulse or because it is trendy. Trends just come and go, but your Westie will stay with you for a longer time.

You'll probably see lots of adorable puppies. But try to think of your future Westie as an adult. Every puppy is a cute ball of fluff, but you need to know what it will grow up to be.

You can begin by studying the breed's history, as it is common knowledge that all breeds were developed to perform a specific function. If you know that purpose and the history of the breed, then you will have a good idea of its needs, its temperament, and personality and you will be best prepared for a long-lasting, successful relationship.

Bear also in mind that having a Westie creates responsibilities. Also, make sure you will have quality time to spend with your Westie. There are many resources to help you in your search. Start at surfing the Internet, searching for more information on Westies, as well as on clubs and kennels.

Here are some other suggestions. Take a look at some of the many books, magazines, websites and videos you have at hand. Consult with your local all-breed club, boarding kennel, or veterinarian. Go to a Westie show and talk to Westie breeders and owners, when they are not busy grooming or showing.You can also test to see what Westie you should choose to match your lifestyle.

Also called the Westie, this terrier has its origins, as the name already suggests, in the western Scottish Highlands.

In this sheer and rocky landscape, small robust terriers were used for the hunt on foxes, wildcats, otters, and badgers. The exhausting hunt, usually in the pack, required much courage and endurance as the hard climate required. Besides the hunt, the Westies were also put into the guarding of house and yard of their owner.

It is probable that the West Highland White Terrier and all the terriers of Scotland came from the same stock. The Scotties, Cairns, Dandie Dinmonts, and West Highland Whites are branches of the same tree and its roots.

The most important branch of the predecessors of the Westie was in the 18th Century from the Poltalloch terriers of the Colonel Malcolm from Argyllshire.

As the legend goes, a reddish Westie of his, emerging from cover, was mistakenly shot for a fox. Malcolm is said to have decided on the spot to breed only white Westies that could be readily identified in the field.



The breed was listed officially as the West Highland White Terrier in 1907 at the Crufts Westie show in England. The name was chosen for the rugged character of the Westies and the area of their development.

Westies were originally bred for controlling the population of rats, fox, otter and other vermin. Nowadays, this charming terrier is mostly bred as a companion or family Westie. The Westie belongs to the Terrier group and has full recognition of the most important Kennel Clubs worldwide.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)




Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Fact Sheet: CAIRN TERRIER

(Original title: The Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier)

The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland’s terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves.  During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, Cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy.  

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of “Toto” in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety’s talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.    

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

Category: Terrier

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

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat

Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds 

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above 

Breeders should note the following health issues: 

 Atopy, a type of allergy 
 Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes 
 Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
 Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increased pressure within the eye
 Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

Care and Exercise: 

Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.
Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.
Do not overfeed them as they gain weight easily.
Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.
They should be on a leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts. 

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. 

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns.



In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in Cairns.  However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club. 

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.




Saturday, November 18, 2017

Dog History: The PIT BULL Terrier

Pit Bull Hiking - Dakota - ID# A338181
Pit Bull - Photo  by maplegirlie 
Most modern Pit Bulls are believed to be descended from European bulldogs and different breeds of mastiffs that were once used in farm work. The mastiffs were known for their strength and power, so they were primarily used to help farmers with their bulls when it was time to bring them in from the fields.

The mastiff became known as the bulldog. The dog’s main purpose was to protect the farmer from being gored by an enraged bull. The dog usually accomplished this task by biting onto the bull and hanging on until the bull relented. Since these dogs were used for protection from angry bulls, they had to have tremendous strength in their jaws and bodies. They also had to be stubborn enough to hang onto a stampeding bull, no matter what the bull did to them, to protect the farmer they worked for.

As time passed, these dogs started being used in bull and bear baiting. During this time it is believed some Bulldogs were also bred with terriers to help make them better suited for these sports. By mixing with the terrier breed, the dogs were smaller and a great deal more agile than the regular bulldog. They also had more muscular bodies, which helped to enhance their damage producing ability. These sports were most popular in England around the early nineteenth century. In the year 1835, English Parliament banned the sports of bull and bear baiting, stating that it was much too cruel to the animals involved. The sport lost popularity and eventually died completely out after a few years.

Dog fighting soon took the place of the previously banned bull and bear baiting sports. Breeders began trying to produce dogs that were geared to be excellent fighters. They tried to enhance the dog’s agility, strength, and musculature to make them more formidable opponents. Breeders also tried to breed the most intelligent dogs so they would be less likely to make mistakes in fighting, and also so they would only be aggressive toward other dogs, not humans they may encounter. One of the rules of dogfighting was that the owner of the dog had to be able to enter the ring during a fight, pick his dog up, and take it completely out of the fighting ring without the dog biting him. If the dog bit the owner during this time, the dog was immediately killed.


Dog Files Ep.12: Pit Proud: The History Of The Pit Bull from GP Creative on Vimeo.

Also in the 1800’s Pit Bulls started becoming popular pets, not just for dog fighting and farming. The dog became a mascot during World War 1 and could be seen on many war posters, which helped to increase its popularity. They were popular because of their high intelligence and devotion to their masters. In the early 1900’s pit bulls began being used in movies as well.

The Pit Bull is a dog with a very detailed history and is still quite popular today. The breed does receive a lot of negative criticism, but with the right owners, still, make terrific pets.





Friday, November 3, 2017

SCOTTISH TERRIER

A white Scottish Terrier puppy
A white Scottish Terrier puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Scottish Terrier, most commonly known as the Scottie, although sometimes it is called the Aberdeen Terrier, is a short and sturdy dog. With a height of 9 to 11 inches and weighing between 18 and 23 pounds, they are obviously fairly muscular for their size. Because these dogs have naturally long hair, the grooming can make it look as though they have even shorter legs than they actually do. The hair on their face can grow quite long and when groomed looks almost as though they have a large moustache, somewhat typical of the stereotyped 'what ho Biffo' World War II pilot (so often seen in comedy sketches), and their long eyebrows only exaggerate this perception. They have a coarse and compact coat which is quite wiry and firm and can feel like hard bristles.

History. The Scottish Terrier was, as you may expect, first bred in Scotland, in the 1700s. Originally named Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish city, this is a particularly old breed, and parts of its history are steeped in myth and legend, as there is little to no supporting documentary evidence, although, a breed of dog whose description matched the Scottish Terrier was written about in 1436.


Temperament.
The Scottish Terrier breed is generally lovable, hardy, and brave. Being full of character and playful, they mature into dignified and charming adults. They make good watchdogs and will alert you to any problems they perceive. They train quite well, but can be stubborn and have been known to dig their heels in. They tend to be sensitive to criticism, and need to be handled in a gentle but firm fashion. As an intelligent dog they require to know who the master is, they must not be allowed to think they are in charge or this could lead to endless problems in later life. When training or handling this dog any command given must be in a manner that shows you mean it, and you must mean it or the dog will know, and may just ignore you. Whilst this is a very playful dog and loves nothing more than to dash about; care must be taken not to play particularly aggressive or combative games, such as challenging the dog to rope tugging. However such games can be played with members of the family who are not his master, this is because the dog may see the contest as a leadership challenge if conducted by the person he sees as the pack leader.

Health issues.
The Scottish Terrier can suffer from a fairly unique illness called Scottie Cramp (which is a problem in movements). Also are prone to Von Willebrand's disease, jaw problems, skin conditions, and flea allergies. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.



Grooming. 
The Scottish Terrier will require brushing regularly, of their wiry coat, during moulting more care should be taken and brushing to be more frequent. Bathing can be conducted as necessary or dry shampooing. Their hair will require being trimmed professionally twice a year. Apart from when they are moulting, they tend to shed little hair, if any at all.

Living conditions.
While the Scottish Terrier prefers cooler climates, it is very happy living in most homes. They are entertaining and get on very well with children, and as they are fairly small, they are unlikely to knock people over. As long as they are adequately exercised they will take well to living in an apartment.

    By Scott Allan Lipe
    For more information on different Dog Breeds, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Morkies please visit our websites below.

    Scottish Terrier - Puppies or Dogs

    Article Source: EzineArticles



Tuesday, October 31, 2017

History of the YORKSHIRE TERRIER

Doggy style
Yorkshire Terrier - Photo   by     jpockele 
Understanding today's Yorkshire Terrier means looking at this dog’s ancestry. There seems to be little disagreement about the way in which the modern Yorkshire Terrier came to be. Even though there are no records of the earliest relatives of the Yorkie it's widely believed that the breed is estimated to is just over 100 or so years old. The Yorkshire Terrier of the past was much larger than today's terriers. It's surprising but the early versions of today's Yorkies were working class dogs.

From the 11th Century, there was a rule that labourers were not allowed to hunt. In order to prevent hunting labourers were not allowed to own a dog big enough to be able to hunt. Dogs had to pass through a small hoop (7 inches in diameter) to prove that they were small enough.  It was originally bred to be a hunting dog, catching rats, rabbits and mice to supplement their poor owner’s diet.

Before the beginning of the Industrial Revolution people lived in small communities and grew up around factories and mines. With the Industrial Revolution came great changes to family life. People were drawn to the cities seeking work and a better life.
These people brought with them the Paisley Terrier; who were mainly working dogs who used to catch rats and other small animals.




The Paisley Terrier or Clydesdale Terrier was crossed with other types of Terriers. The English Black Terrier, the Tan Toy Terrier and the Skye Terrier. The Maltese were also crossed with these to produce long coats and a smaller stature. You can still see the similarity in shape between the Maltese and today's Yorkies. There aren't any records about the early pedigree to confirm these crosses. There were low levels of literacy and this led to poor record keeping. It is believed that this is the most likely of the crosses.

The father of the modern Yorkie is said to be a dog called Huddersfield "Ben". Bred by Mr. Eastwood and owned by Mr. Foster; this was a very popular stud dog who had a great influence in the modern breed. He won many competitions and is believed to have set many of the standards for his breed type.

The British Kennel Club registered the first Yorkies in the British Kennel Club Stud Book in 1874. The American Kennel Club started recognizing Yorkshire Terriers as a breed in 1885. The first Yorkshire in 1910 was the first specimen seen in a German-speaking area.  Known as "Halifax Terriers" these dogs shared the appearance of the Yorkshire Terrier which to this day has changed very little.  The breed standards for the Yorkshire Terrier have hardly changed. There are some small changes but these relate directly to the new knowledge in matters of canine health.



The Yorkshire Terriers of today are brave, loyal and energetic. A loyal guard dog who will be suspicious of strangers and defend their territory. Yorkies like to bark but with good training, they can be taught not to.  Some of the cross-breedings which results in tiny "teacup" varieties can cause health problems for today's Yorkshire terriers. Often their skulls are too small and this results in a range of respiratory problems.

It is widely agreed that the breeding of such "Teacup" varieties is cruel and causes all kinds of health and behavioural problems. Be responsible and buy one of the more accepted varieties. If you are intending on breeding your Yorkshire terrier keep this in mind when choosing a sire.

Today's Yorkies are energetic, fun and a delight to have around.  They will keep you entertained for hours and years to come.