History of the YORKSHIRE TERRIER

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.

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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.

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All About POMERANIAN DOG Breed Characteristics And Highlights

A Pomeranian. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Pomeranians are the smallest member of the Spitz family of dogs. Poms are 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds. They got their name from the province of Pomerania, in Germany. They became popular when Queen Elizabeth presented her Pomeranians in a conformation show. And it was the very first time that these dogs are ever to be shown.

These dogs have a mind of their own but don't let their cuteness deceive you. They are curious about the world around them and are very alert. In their minds, they think that they are much larger than they really are, that is why sometimes they even attack much larger dogs. But, if they are properly socialized to other breeds, they generally get quite along with them.

Pomeranians have a wedge-shaped head with upright ears. Some people described them as "pansy, baby doll or fox-like". Their dark almond shaped eyes sparkle with inquisitiveness. And their noses can be the same color as their coats or can be dark. Their tails fan out over their back.

They come in a variety of colors: orange, red, white or black. Their double coat stands out from their body and has a luxurious ruff around their chest and neck. The coats look as though it is difficult to care for but the truth is it only needs regular brushing. Despite their small size, these dogs have a loud bark and they can be excellent watchdogs. They sometimes do not when to stop barking. It is best if you train them with a barking command.

Pomeranians make exceptional pets for older people and apartment dwellers. Because of their small size, they are not recommended to be around with families having small children in their homes. They are generally excellent in learning tricks but you must be firm and consistent in training them. They also have a lot of energy and enjoy going out for walks. They proudly hold their head up as they trot along. They love meeting with people and exploring new smells and sights.

Poms are trained in agility, obedience, and tracking. While some, are trained as hearing assistance dogs. They make great therapy pets and bring comfort to the sick and elderly in nursing homes and hospitals.

Some of their highlights are listed below:

• They are recommended to be crate-trained because they are very difficult to housetrain.

• High heat and humidity can cause them to be overheated and could possibly cause heat stroke.

• Although Pomeranians are small, they have a big dog attitude.

• They may develop bald spots in their beautiful coat as they get old.

Poms are generally very healthy dogs, but just like other breeds, they are also prone to other health conditions. Some of them can suffer from a variety of allergies. If you see them rubbing their face or licking their paws, suspect that they have an allergy and have them checked by vets. They are also prone to a variety of eye problems. These problems can appear in young adult dogs and could lead to blindness if not treated.

They are remarkably hearty and love to play. They are very active indoors and always love to learn new things. This pint-size companion is calm, quiet, friendly and easy to live with.

By Lindsay Allen - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Bobcats (Lynx rufus)

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=33776&picture=bobcat-or-lynx

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Photo: publicdomainpictures

Bobcats are small cats belonging to North America. They inhabit the wood areas and deciduous forests stretching from west to southeast America and Mexico. Some even occupy parts of southern Canada. They have a small body structure. Their fur is of color yellowish brown or reddish brown with black or dark brown stripes. They have noticeably long ears with black tips. Their weight ranges from twenty-four to thirty-five pounds.

Owners relate their pet bobcat to a tabby cat, but their requirements are far from those of a domestic cat. They demand special care and extra attention. Like Servals, they also have the habit of spraying. They also are very hyper and aggressive by nature. They need to be bought up in mostly in an outdoor location where they have lots of space to play like they do in the wild. If they don’t get an adequate place outside, they run around destroying things in the house. Some owners are very content with their pets, but it is recommended that potential owners should do their homework before making up their mind. 

Their diet shouldn’t be like any other domestic pet. Since they are exotic pets and come from the wild, they have different nutritional requirements to be healthy. At a time, they eat a whole chicken, which should be presented with feathers intact. They can also be given fresh killed squirrel, rabbit, and beef. They do not eat much during the summers but make up for it during the winters. They also require special medicine and vaccine doses. A normal dose of sedative given to other domestic pets while declawing can kill them. It would be good for their health if they have their claws, or if the owner has made the decision to declaw them, only the front claws should be removed. Their canines should never be removed. Otherwise, the owner has to cut the food into small bits in order to feed them, as they would not be able to eat a whole chicken without their canines. 

Other than their playtime they can be kept in a two-cage home which is fourteen feet tall and twenty-four feet wide and which is connected by a six-foot walkway. The cage in which they are kept should have ramps, platforms, toys so as to keep them occupied. Some are really affectionate and like to lick the face of their owner, but again be ready for their tongue, which feels more like sandpaper. The trained ones even sleep with their owners, but the owner should get habituated to their loud purring. They also get up early in the morning like five and start playing, which means that they will start playing on the bed itself. They play really hard putting in all their energy. 

Bobcats also have a liking towards the water and they like it especially when it rains. If there are puddles, there is a high chance of the entire house getting messed up. Other than keeping the toilet seat down, also no container filled with water should be left unattended. When they roam around in the house, it is a really bad idea to do the dishes or mop the floor. Bobcats are good with people whom they are familiar with, they get very anxious when a guest drop in. At such times, they are better kept in the cage. They become motionless; they hide and remain scared till the stranger leaves their territory. And when the guests leave they come out and sniff all around till they are content.  

Owners wouldn’t be able to go out on long vacations or even party out on weekends, by leaving the animals alone at home. If a babysitter is appointed, care must be taken that it shouldn’t be stranger, but a friend whom the pets are familiar with. When owners start to realize that they have got more responsibility than they had asked for, they start thinking of giving up the pet by either releasing them in the wild, which is extremely dangerous or give them to someone else. In the later situation, bobcats find it extremely difficult to trust and bond with its new owner. Some states in the United States and even other countries it is illegal to keep a bobcat as a pet.

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Stop Your ROTTWEILER 's Barking Now!

Rottweiler - Photo  by mister b 1138 

Do not forget he simply wishes to remember to you, and in instances exactly where he is not really getting it, then you genuinely need to have to review your latest teaching software or probably seek out a specialized coach.

The instant you discover about and actually enjoy your new Rottweiler you could very properly by no means look again. Supply for him and he definitely will, invariably, conclude up getting at your facet. Rottweiler training executed accurately will most probably supply an efficiently balanced and steady dog that would undoubtedly be there for you for many many years to come. Consider the time to get pleasure from this kind of puppy and you will, no doubt, question oneself the reasons why it took you so considerably time to encounter his friendship with yourself.

Rottweilers have received a poor rap more than a long time, to the extent that some metropolitan areas make it illegal to individual this breed of dog. The reality is that Rottweilers are typically not the dilemma at all. As an alternative, it is the owner who does not know how to physical exercise proper Rottweiler training and socialization. Although this breed can have an instinct towards aggression in some conditions, with proper training, a Rottweiler can make an excellent pet for many families right now, such as people with kids. In addition to turning out to be a pleasant and light pet, the Rottweiler can make a good watch puppy simply because he will normally only bark for a purpose, and his look can be intimidating to likely intruders.

If you have made the decision a Rottweiler is the right choice for your subsequent family members pet, you need to be prepared to get started Rottweiler teaching the second your pup sets foot on your property. This breed is intelligent and eager to remember too, but can also be willful if you do not establish your dominance and property policies correct from the beginning.

Avoiding Rottweiler troubles in terms of behavior is usually as easy as developing oneself as the leader of his new pack. Given that puppies are pack animals, they are accustomed to possessing a single canine as the pack leader. This animal decides in which the pack will go and when the pack will take in. The pack leader is respected and obeyed all the way through the pack without issue. See the advantage of developing by yourself as your dog's pack leader?

You can obtain this part by never permitting your canine to go via a doorway prior to you or allowing him to lead when you are out walking. Another very good method for building dominance more than your canine is to consume your personal meal very first before feeding your puppy. You can also devote some of your playtime rolling your puppy more than to his again, which is a submissive pose for dogs. Rub his belly and give him praise so that he learns to have confidence in you as his new leader.

If you are searching for a Rottweiler puppy, you might have heard plenty of horror tales about Rottweiler issues from proprietors who have not productively educated their dogs. A nicely-behaved Rottweiler begins with a responsible operator who will take the time to set up himself as the leader of the pack whilst committing to standard teaching sessions with his canine.

Author: Rex Short - Article Source: GoArticles

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The 5 Types of SCHNAUZERS

Schnauatzern - Photo: Pxhere

Schnauzers are a popular breed of dog that has been around for hundreds of years, dating back to the 15th century in Germany. The name schnauzer might seem odd for English speaking people, however, the word "schnauze" is the German word for the snout, so it makes perfect sense as the schnauzer has a very distinct snout with long hair.

Originally, Schnauzers were bred to catch rats and to act as guard dogs for the property. Now hundreds of years after their introduction, there are now 5 different sizes of schnauzers that have been bread with other types of dogs to create another unique breed.

The first of the 5 different types of Schnauzers is the standard schnauzer. The standard schnauzer is a medium-sized dog, standing about 1.5 feet tall and weighing approximately 25 - 35 pounds. 

Throughout history, standard Schnauzers have played an integral role in the times of war, acting as messenger dogs, or as guard dogs to important people or property.

Miniature Schnauzers are another type of schnauzer which is smaller than the standard schnauzer, standing approximately 12 inches and weighing in at 13-15 pounds. A miniature schnauzer is known for being active and full of energy, but yet are very smart. They are great with children and make a good family dog as they are rarely aggressive. These dogs were a combination of a standard schnauzer bred with a Poodle to make it smaller in size. The miniature schnauzer is actually part of the terrier group of dogs and out of all types of schnauzers, it is the most popular by far as they adapt very well to both rural and urban lifestyles. For those looking for a dog that is well suited to the house, a schnauzer is very popular because they shed very little and do not carry odors as much as other dogs.

Giant Schnauzers are just as the name would suggest; Very large versions of schnauzers. They have been bred by Great Danes or Bouviers and can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds. They too have been used as guard dogs and also by farmers to herd cattle. In some cases, they were even used to pull carts of goods, similar to a horse. They may be black and white in color or could also be solid black.

The last two Schnauzer types are toy schnauzers and teacup schnauzers. They are basically the same but differ slightly in size and this is how they are distinguished. A toy schnauzer ranges in size from 7.5 to 10 pounds, while the teacup schnauzer is any full-grown schnauzer that us under 7 pounds. For the smaller sizes that are considered teacup schnauzers, they tend to cost more money than the others as they are rarer.

Whether you're looking for a great family dog for your home in the city or a dog that will be an effective guard dog for your rural property, Schnauzers are flexible and prepared for either task.

By Barney MacPherson - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Is Your Smoking Habit Harmful To Your PIT BULL Terrier Dog?

Put Bull Puppy - Photo  by   MickiTakesPictures 

One little known but very real danger to Pit Bulls is second-hand smoke. We know that second-hand smoke has been proven to cause cancer and many other health problems among people, there is now research being done to see how it affects household pets. So far there have been some instances where animals exposed to second-hand smoke have higher risk factors for developing cancer and many other diseases.

These studies so far have shown links to second-hand smoke and nasal cancer and lung cancer in dogs. The longer you expose your Pit Bull to second-hand smoke, the more you are putting his health at risk. As a Pit Bull owner myself, I feel as though even a small risk is too much when it comes to his health. As loving and responsible Pit Bull owners, it is up to us to protect them from every possible danger we can, so why to take unnecessary risks.

It is important to have your Pit Bull regularly examined by his veterinarian, and if he has been exposed to second-hand smoke, you should advise your veterinarian of this as soon as possible. In many cases being diagnosed early can save your Pit Bull’s life, not just with cancer, but with all kinds of other diseases as well. You should ensure your Pit Bull has regular preventative care appointments with his veterinarian so you can catch any potential problems early and treat them before they compromise your Pit Bull’s health.

If the love if your Pitt Bull is not enough to stop you from exposing him to second-hand smoke, just think of the costs of treating him, if he were to develop cancer or sickness from exposure. Most cancers, not all, are treatable if diagnosed early, but the treatment for dogs that have cancer is much the same as that for humans. You would be looking at possible surgery, and tons of chemotherapy or radiation, which over time is sure to amount to large veterinary bills. Even with treatment, there is no guarantee of a cure. You may very well be exposing your Pit Bull to something that could very easily kill him. Scary thought, isn’t it?

So the next time you light up around your Pit Bull, ask yourself is it worth possibly losing his life? If you must smoke, go to an area away from him, and try not to let other people smoke in his vicinity either. You are responsible for your Pit Bull’s safety, so why take useless chances with him?

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The Different Colors of the BENGAL CAT

Photo by francisluong

Bengal Colors

Bengals come in many different colors. The three basic breed accepted colors are brown, snow, and silver. Fortunately, the Bengal's color genetics are not too complex, and a breeder who knows with certainty their cats' colors, both dominant and recessive, can predict the possible outcome of an upcoming litter. UC Davis has a simple process for genetic color testing, and if a breeder has any doubt regarding color, or wants to be aware of recessive genes, it is best to have a color test done.

Brown Bengals

While there are no official subcategories of the brown Bengal, the brown coat has the widest variety of shades. Think of the color brown on a spectrum with grey at the coolest end and orange at the hottest end. A Bengal's coat can fall anywhere within that spectrum, and as long as it has a black tail tip*, it is considered a brown. Even though we don't officially break down the Browns, Bengal breeders have many terms we use to discuss the different colors of brown.

At the coolest end of the color, the spectrum is the color charcoal. Charcoals have essentially a grey coat with jet black markings. This distinct contrast makes the charcoals attractive cats. Ultimately, Bengal breeders would like all of their cats to have black on their face like the charcoal cats. However, we haven't been able to get the black of a charcoal to directly transfer onto a brown at the warmer end of the brown color spectrum.

After charcoals, we have cool browns - cats that aren't exactly charcoal but are still very cool in coloring. I've worked a lot with these shades of cats because I often find their structure to be wilder than the hotter colored cats. While certainly, the skeletal genes and the color genes are not attached, it is interesting to observe how some traits frequently show up together.

Adding more and more warmth to the coat, we will get cats with tawny or yellowish tones. I really like this coloring on cats. It seems as if this color grouping could be influenced by the snow gene as many, but not all, of the cats with this middle brown shade - not too hot, not too cold - carry for the snow gene.

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What I deem to be the ideal brown is a step above tawny, but definitely not highly refused orange. This is the color of many ALCs. I love this color because it provides depth on the finished cat. The struggle is obtaining it with black and white on the coat as well. In my perfect world, that would happen overnight, but it doesn't.

The brown spectrum ends with highly refused, almost orange cats. These hot colored cats are ideal for many people. The struggle for the breeders is to keep the contrast on the hot cats. Often their pattern becomes less defined with age as the colors blend together. As a personal observation, I have found many of the highly refused cats to be more domestic in their skeletal structure than their cooler litter mates.

One would think you could take an orange cat, breed it to a charcoal, and end up with the perfect cat - a warm base coat with black spotting. Let me tell you, this has been done time and time again, and the result is not instant. Breeding takes time and patients. Starting at one end of the spectrum and gradually trying to bring together black, white, and a warm brown base coat is a painfully slow process.

* Read the Dilute section for an explanation as to why the Browns must have a black tail tip.

Snow Bengals

The snow colors were introduced through domestic cats Siamese and Burmese; however, they were accepted as a registered color, so that breeders could produce a duplicate of the snow leopard. While many breeders can guess a snow color, the most accurate way to determine the color is through genetic color testing.

Seal Lynx

The Seal Lynx color comes from an outcross to Siamese. Lynx kittens are usually born completely white and their pattern emerges with age. While the Lynx can often be thought of as the snow with the least amount of contrast, this is not always the case. The Seal Lynx is the only Bengal with blue eyes. The color on the points of the Bengal (like the Siamese pattern) is considered undesirable in the Bengal Standard.

Seal Mink

The Seal Mink coloring occurs when the kitten has one Seal Lynx gene and one Seal Sepia gene. Think of the mink as the pink petunia - with one red gene and one white gene. Minks are born with a visible pattern. While their eyes are usually an aqua green, they can be gold. Eye color should not be used to determine coat color. Since a Mink must have both the Lynx and the Sepia gene, a brown cat cannot carry for the Mink gene. If you are told that a brown carries for Mink, you are dealing with a person who does not have a clear understanding of snow genetics.

Seal Sepia

The Seal Sepia color comes from an outcross to Burmese. Seal Sepia kittens are born with a visible pattern, and their eyes can range from green to gold. While they were originally thought to have the best contrast, all of the snows, if bred well, can result in good contrast. I prefer Seal Sepias over Mink and Lynx; however, my preference isn't due to the color itself. The Burmese have a smaller, rounder ear which is more desirable in the Bengal standard; whereas, the Siamese, which gave us the Lynx, has a larger, triangular ear. Those structural influences still exist in the breed even though we haven't outcrossed to these cats for years.

Silver Bengals

The most recently accepted color in the Bengal Breed is Silver. Silver was introduced to the breed by outcrossing to the American Short Hair. Much controversy surrounded the inclusion of silver as an acceptable color as it does not occur in any wild cat species. However, the popularity among breeders and pet buyers ultimately resulted in the inclusion of the silver color. The Silver Bengal has a silver to almost white base coat with black markings. Silvers can have what breeders refer to as tarnish - brown tips on their silver coat. Tarnish is not desirable in the color.

Nonstandard colors

Bengals do come in a few more colors; however, they do not meet the breed standard. There is certainly nothing wrong with these cats; however, they cannot be shown as a standard Bengal.

Melanistic

Melanism occurs naturally in the wild - the South American Panther is simply a melanistic form of the Jaguar; therefore, it occurs in the Bengal breed as well. It is recessive, so both parents must carry the gene to get a melanistic kitten. The kittens are still patterned - hold them up to the light and you can see black on black spots. If bred, all offspring of a Melanistic cat will carry for melanism, but they will only produce melanistic cats when bred to another cat that either is melanistic or carries for melanism.

The Dilutes

Each color gene has a dilute form. One can tell a dilute Bengal as it will have an absence of black. All standard colored Bengals, Browns, Snows, and Silvers should have a black tail tip. If the tail tip is not black, the kitten is a dilute color. Dilute is a recessive gene; therefore, both parents must carry it in order to get a dilute kitten. If bred, all offspring of a dilute cat will carry for the dilute color, but they will only produce dilute cats when bred to another cat that either is dilute or carries for a dilute.

The dilute colors

Blue is dilute of black - the most commonly occurring dilute in Bengals.

Cinnamon and Chocolate are dilute of brown. While I have seen Cinnamon Bengals, I have not seen or heard of Chocolate Bengals.

Lilac and Fawn are also dilutions of color genes; however, they are much more involved than a simple recessive. I have not heard of Bengals appearing with these dilutions.

By Robyn Wanner Robyn Wanner has a small, select Bengal Cattery on a ranch in California. More information about these beautiful, unique cats can be found at http://www.solanaranchbengals.com. Come on by, take a look, and spot the difference at Solana Ranch. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Training Your GERMAN SHEPHERD Dog

German Shepherd Dog - Photo   by Bad Apple Photography 

The German Shepherd Dog truly is a wonderful animal and not only do they make good working dogs, they also make superb family pets. They are however very different from other pet breeds and need to be handled and trained with a different approach to say your average labrador or poodle for instance.

The GSD is a large, strong athletic dog, which needs a lot of mental stimulation and exercise but a well-trained shepherd can learn to do almost anything. These dogs positively thrive on challenging activities and they are so willing to serve their master and please. As a working dog used by most police forces, the very look of a GSD is usually enough to act as a deterrent but when called into action there are few dogs that can match the German Shepherd as an all-rounder.

If you are considering becoming an owner of a GSD then you need to consider the commitment to training in order that you have happy, well behaved German Shepherd dog that you can take out safely in public.

If you haven't previously owned one of these dogs then please do not take on a youngster lightly. Being involved in GSD rescue I have lost count of the number of young dogs I have had to re-home because owners bought them without doing a bit of research first.

As youngsters, they can be very boisterous and can easily knock over children or elderly relatives, especially if you do not discourage the dog from jumping up when excited. A bored GSD can be very destructive and if left alone will trash your house and contents with ease using their big teeth and claws. Unfortunately, these dogs don't really mature until they are about 3 years old so you are in for the long haul to get through the puppy and adolescent stage

The German Shepherd needs to be well socialized from an early age and needs plenty of exposure to people and other dogs so that they do not develop aggressive tendencies as they mature.

Joining a dog training class from an early age is a good idea and most clubs will accept dogs into the puppy classes from about 4 months onwards. This should be good fun for your puppy and allows him to play and to socialize but it also serves the purpose of teaching him or her what is acceptable and what is not. This will prove invaluable grounding for your German Shepherd training.  

When choosing a dog training class do check out a few first as not all classes make German Shepherds welcome and if any club asks that you muzzle your dog, please give it a miss and move on and find another club. No reputable dog training class would require a dog to be muzzled. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs there are better ways of controlling the dog safely such as by using a Canny Collar which is a simple effective head collar similar to those used on horses.

The earlier you start training and socialization the better as GSD's often develop a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs and also towards strangers and they can become very protective towards their owners and property.  

Another important part of training your German shepherd is to get him used to be groomed because they shed copious amounts of hair and although they only molt once a year, it lasts for 365 days. So be prepared for dog hair all over your house, your clothes, in your food and buy yourself a very good vacuum cleaner.

Training your German Shepherd should be very much part of everyday life and it should be fun to stick with it because it really will be worth it in the end.

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Fact Sheet: GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG

(Original title: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Greater Swiss Mountain Dog)

Photo by Randy Son Of Robert

 

Breed Description

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, muscular and sturdy breed. Also known as Grosser Schweitzer Sennenhund, this breed is the largest of the long-established Swiss Sennenhunds, which are dogs that involve four regional breeds. This breed weighs typically between 110-140 pounds for males, and 90-120 pounds for females, and stands around 26.3-29.3 inches for males, and 24.6-27.8 inches tall for females, both at the withers.

Coat

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a distinctive tri-color pattern. They have solid black legs, head, ears, and body, with tan or rust-colored calves and cheeks, white chest, toes, muzzle, and tail tip. Their outer coat is very dense, and their undercoats should never be seen.

Activity

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog loves being involved in various sports. They are a very diligent breed, and desires long walks and herding, with pack hikes, particularly pulling. This breed prefers cold climates and has a great desire to play and run off leash whenever possible. Avoid vigorously exercising them as puppies as they will need all their energy to build strong joints and bones.

Temperament

Sociable, active, yet dignified and calm, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a breed that loves to belong to a family. These dogs are loyal and fiercely protective, making them great watchdogs. This breed is appropriate to a simple family life but does require a great deal of space to exercise in. Determined yet stubborn, these dogs do best with owners that have some experience with handling dogs. Generally an intelligent and quick learner, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog makes a loving and loyal family pet that offers a lifetime devotion to those whom he loves.

Overview

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a powerful, keen, and handsome breed that was originally developed to be a watchdog, pull carts, and herd cattle. They love having jobs to do and are competent in conformation, obedience, and agility competitions.

Care

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires brushing weekly, with extra care should be given during shedding season. Bathing should only be done when necessary for this breed. But due to their large size, owners may find this a difficult task. They can be taken to a professional groomer.

Training

Training the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires a very consistent and firm yet gentle method at a very young age. Due to their dominance, these dogs should be shown that the handlers are higher in the order than them. Training can be quite a challenge due to the delayed maturity of this breed and may remain as puppies for 2-3 years.

Socialization should be done and is imperative for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Their natural instinct to protect and guard makes them suspicious toward strangers and new situations if not socialized properly.

Character

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is friendly, intelligent, eager to work, protective, and reliable. They are composed and watchful, with highly recognized obedience and sociability. They thrive on human companionship.

By Ricardo Lumbardo To learn more about American Bulldog and to find other high-quality breeds, please visit http://www.11-peaks.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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ROTTWEILER - Dogs of the World

ROTTWEILER - Dogs of the World - Photo: Pixabay

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DOG TRAINING Secrets

Galomy Oak's Aurora del Mango - service dog in training (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every dog and every dog owner has his or her own unique dog training challenges.  Each breed of dog has a different temperament as does each individual dog.  And dog owners are no different.  Despite the differences, there are some basic things in common for training all dogs.

No matter why you have a dog, he should at least have some very elementary dog training.  No one wants a dog who isn't housebroken, who runs away or into the street, who won't sit, come or stay when you want him to.  Both you and your dog will be happier with a little common ground on obedience training.

One of the first things to take into account when dog training is that dogs are programmed for a world of leaders and followers.  You have to be the leader in your relationship.  Signs of a leader are absolute consistency.  Know what you want your dog to do and keep that constant from day to day and training session to training session.   Don't shout.  That is a sign that you have lost control.  And keep your dogs' attention focused on you during the entire training session.

Attention is the second important thing to keep in mind for dog training and one of the hardest to maintain.  It has been said that ninety percent of dog training is getting and keeping his attention. Dogs are very much like small children and have short attention spans.  Keep training sessions short - 20 minutes is fine, or even a couple of 10-minute sessions.  Work with your dog in a quiet environment that is free of distractions.  Talk to your dog in a quiet voice.  Use his name and explain what you want him to do.  He may understand no more than, "Blah blah blah, Toby", but your voice will keep him focused in your direction.

Experts have found that positive dog training is more effective than a system of rewards and punishment.  A dog who looks forward to training sessions as fun and full of rewards is a dog who will learn faster and better.  Reward accomplishments with treats or words of praise or pats.  As your dog learns new skills, you can reward him for each step along the way.  If he doesn't respond the way you want, rethink what you are asking him to do and how you are asking him to do it.  What worked as a dog training method for one dog may not work as well for the next.  Your dog may need to review some more basic dog training lessons before going on to new lessons. Rather than punishment, a stern NO, blocking a movement with your hands, or withholding rewards when he doesn't perform, and remaining consistent are the best ways to encourage your dog to exhibit the behavior you want.  Remember that it is in his nature (as well as yours) to want to test limits and see how much he can get away with.  Consistency in dog training and rewards are what get positive results, not punishments.

Dogs are very much like us.  They want to follow a leader they respect.  And dog training is just like school.  They like to do things that are fun and make them feel good, where they get rewards for accomplishing what is asked of them.  And they want the same thing their owners want, a happy and safe relationship with the ones they are love.  A little dog obedience training will go a long way in making this happen.

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Health Concerns in SIBERIAN HUSKY

Siberian Husky - Photo   by    Jeffrey Beall 

Siberian huskies are basically healthy dogs who usually live from twelve to fifteen years, but, like all breeds, they do have some health problems. Some dogs carry genes for eye or hip problems.

The most common kinds of health problems in Siberian Huskies have to do with their eyes. Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which can diminish the amount of light entering the eye. Juvenile cataracts can be seen by the age of two. Fortunately, most cases are not severe enough to cause blindness, but that is a possibility.

Research shows that the DNA that causes cataracts might reside in a recessive gene. That is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is good that the gene is recessive so that dogs who carry it do not get cataracts. On the other hand, it makes breeding Siberian huskies riskier because it is not always clear which dogs are carriers. More research needs to be done to develop a test that would recognize the gene for cataracts in carriers.

Progressive retinal atrophy is another genetically transmitted disease of the eye. It affects the rear part of the eye where light forms a picture after going through the lens and center of the eye. It affects mainly male dogs, being inherited in a sex chromosome, the X. Females have two X chromosomes and can be carriers without the disorder if only one X chromosome is defective. When a mother dog with one defective X has puppies half her male puppies will have the defect, which can lead to blindness by the age of 5 months.

Corneal dystrophy is a mild disorder of the eye, which does not affect vision. It affects the transparent covering of the outer part of the eye. Fat deposits in the cornea can cause a slight cloudiness, sometimes forming a circle, which is not harmful. It can be seen with any eye color.

Hip dysplasia is another genetic disorder that can affect Siberian huskies, but it is fortunately rare, believed to be present in only about 2 percent of the dogs. It is caused by a combination of genes, making it difficult to breed out of the population, since normal healthy breeding pairs can produce a certain number of puppies with hip dysplasia. The disorder affects the acetabulum, or top, of the femur, or thighbone, where it fits into the hipbone. When there is a poor fit arthritis, or inflammation of the joint, can take place, and the joint can be worn away. It can make walking, running or climbing stairs painful and can result in constipation.

A concentrated effort is being made to evaluate Siberian Huskies for defects and to keep them from breeding. The Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registration (SHOR) keeps track of dogs who have had veterinary examinations each year to make sure that they have no eye defects. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) performs the same function for hip dysplasia.

Before buying a Siberian Husky it is a good idea to check and see whether both parents have OFA and SHOR registrations and clean bills of health Before buying a Siberian husky ask to see the OFA and SHOR registrations of both parents. That will not guarantee to get a healthy dog, but it will decrease your risk of getting a puppy with eye or hip problems. Enjoy your new best friend.

Camille Goldin, talks about different health concerns in a Siberian Husky dog. She writes for TrainPetDog.com, a website that gives information on Dogs . Articles Source: GoArticles

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LABRADOR RETRIEVER History: Labs' Name and Color Origin

Photo  by   Lomyx 

The breed of Labrador retriever distinctively stood up from almost 300 different canine varieties with its multi-tasking ability. Labs are considered to be one of the most useful dog breeds that can be assigned to different tasks, including hunting, herding and retrieve. Added to these, Labrador retrievers are also good home dogs. Wherein, opposite to their dynamic abilities used in hunting and retrieving, Labrador Retrievers found to be very affectionate and loving pets to their masters.

The versatility of Labrador retrievers made them very popular all over the United States, but originally, these dog breed came from the province of Labrador, on the Northeastern coast of Canada. By the name Labrador, we can assume that Labs are called after the province where they came from, but according to some theory, Labrador is a Spanish term for "farm worker", well this may also be sensible since Labs are commonly used as farm helpers during the early centuries. 

In addition, Labrador during the early days was also called as cani di castro laboreiro, or dogs of the Portuguese fisherman. Labs were referred with this name because aside from being farm helpers, they were also used as water dogs by fishermen. Labradors during those years were tasked to pull nets out of the water, swim messages from one boat to another, retrieve people who fell overboard and signal the fishermen and other boats with their barks. Furthermore, Labrador Retrievers during the eighteenth century were also believed to be descendants of the Pyrenean mountain dogs from the Labrador-Newfoundland area, specifically, Labs were believed to descend from the breed of St. John's Dogs or the Lesser Newfoundland dogs.

How did the name of this dog breed become popular as "Labrador"? The name Labrador was first coined by the Earl of Malmesbury in 1887. After that, Richard Wolters wrote a book entitled "Labrador Retriever", telling about how the Brits grouped together the territory of Labrador in the Northwest of Newfoundland, then from this, it was speculated that the dogs referred to as Labradors were the breed coming from the Newfoundland area.

Even though it was not exactly determined where the name Labrador came from, many writings about these pliant and hardworking dogs were found. Some of them contained information about the dog's distinctive characteristics, including its color varieties. Labrador Retrievers were originally noted to have yellow and chocolate colored coats. These coats were described to have great water resistance, explaining why Labs were then used as water dogs. Their coats can repel water and it can stand to water's cold temperature for longer hours.

You might be wondering where the black colored Labrador came from? In 1807, the ship Canton was wrecked during its travel going to Poole, England. The ship carried two St. John dogs for the Earl of Malmesbury's Labrador Kennel; one was black and the other was chocolate in color. These dogs were believed to be the breed where the black Labrador came from, but because of the recessive genes, yellow and chocolate Labradors often came out from the dog's offspring.

Not all information about Labs was noted to be spectacular and positive. It was also noted that Labrador Retrievers almost became extinct like the St. John dogs, which is now no longer in existence in Newfoundland because of the sheep raising program of the Newfoundland governor in 1780. St. John dogs were banned from the land to avoid any threat for the sheep. Fortunately for the Labs, some dog lovers like the 6th Duke of Buccleuch took the effort to save their kind. The duke was able to import new breeds of St. John dogs during 1933 and then started to raise the breed again.

Looking through the history of Labrador Retrievers, we can assume that generally, the dog's name came from the breed in the Newfoundland area and within all of its color varieties, chocolate is the color that mainly appears from the Labrador breed. Today chocolate and black Labradors are the most sought after color for this breed. Of course, it still depends on your preference whether to opt for a black, chocolate or yellow Labrador retriever.

Author: Ana Mae Teodosio - Article Source: GoArticles

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