Medical Problems Of GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Photo  by Jamie McCaffrey 

Epilepsy

Also known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally occur from viral infections, and environmental factors as well.  Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures should never be bred.  Vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t always effective.  Although epilepsy doesn’t affect the health of a Golden Retriever, it does have an effect on breeding.  You can never tell if it is indeed heredity, therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question - to avoid passing it on to the litter.

Skin allergies

Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with Golden Retrievers. Skin allergy is normally the result of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold.  Symptoms will vary, although they can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections.  Diet is extremely important here, as it can help to prevent a lot of these problems.  If you consult with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the risks your pet has of getting a skin allergy.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to malfunction.  Golden Retrievers that are affected by this disease will normally show such symptoms as coat problems or obesity.  This medical problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well.  A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders, as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden Retriever to breed.

The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis.  Once it has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear to be normal and the dog will have a normal, healthy lifespan, providing there are no other medical problems.  This condition is somewhat common with Golden Retrievers and can be diagnosed by your vet.

Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will have seizures, although this will stop once they go on the oral treatment medicine.  Even though the hypothyroid condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should monitor your dog to be on the safe side.  You don’t want to take any chances with your dog coming down with epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet do routine checks.

Even though medical problems are somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them from making sure your dog is healthy.  If you do your part and make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.  Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from time to time.  If you take your dog to the vet and get him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better and back to his normal self in no time at all.

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How to HOUSEBREAK a Dog

Zaguate puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is housebreaking? Basically housebreaking a dog is training the dog whether it is a puppy or an older dog not to go to the bathroom inside or training it to go in the proper place. A simple concept in theory but it does take some patience.

Housebreaking a dog is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a dog, especially if you're a first-time dog owner. It is best accomplished when he is a puppy, but even if you adopt an older dog that is not trained you can still housebreak him.

Housebreaking an older dog is not complicated and, in some cases, will even take less time than housebreaking a young puppy. Housebreaking a dog is a lot of work, but not as hard as you may think, and if you get a faithful friend out of the deal, it's worth it, don't you think.

Dogs can not only be taught to go outdoors, but they can be taught to go in a specific area. Dogs are actually quite reliable when it comes to timing their bowel movements and urinating. It is very interesting that like humans, dogs appreciate a spot where they can relax and feel safe and protected. Dogs are extremely eager to please especially their owner which is why when done correctly, housebreaking almost always has successful results.While some dogs are housebroken much faster than others, how you treat accidents will affect your dogs overall learning curve.

The key to housebreaking a dog is to remember that a dog is eager to please you.Remember also that positive reinforcement promotes faster and more consistent housebreaking training.

There are slightly different methods when starting a housebreaking method.One being crate training which is a great approach to housebreaking a dog.This approach to housebreaking a dog is based on the fact that the dog crate simulates a dog's den which he should naturally want to keep clean.

Another method I have used with great success is paper training, whereby the dog is trained to go on the paper.And then take the dog directly outside... The one piece of advice I would give anyone trying to housebreak a dog is when they're ready to start going outside, designate a certain spot and take him out there every time.

Potty training or housebreaking a dog is perhaps one of the most important training pet owners should give his/her pet dog. You must begin housebreaking your dog as soon as you bring your new pet home and the key to successfully housebreaking a dog is to never let it make a mistake in the house without being corrected.

For everyone who believes that dogs truly are mans best friend, proper housebreaking is a key to a happy well-adjusted dog and owner.

Any kind of training including housebreaking should be a solution to destructive, aggressive and unwanted behavior, housebreaking issues, socialization problems, issues with kids, other dogs etc.

It just so happens that housebreaking is a good start!

By David Cormier - Article Source: EzineArticles

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An Overview about How a PET ADOPTION Center Works

Photo  by spotreporting 

What do you do if you want to adopt pets? There are actually many options for you these days if you are pondering about such thing. Your main consideration must be to look for the right pet adoption center where you will get the animal that can change your life forever.

Big Responsibility

Owning a pet is indeed a big responsibility. As much as these pets bring laughter and fun to your household, it cannot be helped that they may also cause distractions and destruction. And why is that? They are animals. And as much as you train them, their instincts are not the same from yours. So you must not expect them to follow everything that you say about compliance and retention that you can get from a child.

So think hard about your decision before you settle for anything that may affect your life as well as that of the animals. You must choose the pet that will suit your lifestyle the best. If you have acquired an animal, you must do everything in your capacity to prove that you are its rightful owner.

Emotionally, you must be attached to your pets. This will help in instances wherein you don’t like what they have done or have caused you. You will not instantly get mad at them enough to throw them out because of the connection that you are sharing with your pet. Physically, you must only choose the kind of pets that you can keep up with. If you don’t have enough time to spare for a pet, you can settle for the tamer types and those that will not require you to get involved in activities with them. And of course, financially, you must be ready to pay for any medical conditions that your pet may need in instances that they get sick or get entangled in accidents.

Adoption Center

The centers for the adoption of pets are being built by organizations that are concerned about the welfare of animals. They aim to help the animals, give them temporary shelter while providing them their basic necessities like food and warmth. Their goal is to give these animals the rightful owners who will take care of them.

These shelters bring in different animals that have varied backgrounds. Some were abused, many are neglected and there are those that are lost. There are also some animals that are handicapped and were left at the shelters by their owners who couldn’t care for them given the situation.

Photo  by http://www.petsadviser.com 

The shelter, as much as possible, will go out of their way to find sponsors for their organizations. They give the animals on their care the proper medication, vaccination and treatment for these pets to remain healthy while in their care. Some of the shelters will require you some fees when you adopt an animal. But this is still less expensive than buying a pet from a commercial store. In most cases, you will be assisted by the people at such centers to find the perfect pet that will fit the kind of life that you are leading. They will lead you to the animal that they are sure that you can handle given your situation.

You can browse the Internet to find a pet adoption center near you. You can also ask for help at your local vets. You can also ask suggestions from the pet stores or some people who may have already used the service of such centers.

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The MINATURE PINSCHER, King Of The Toy Breeds

2 Miniature Pinschers  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Miniature Pinscher, the "King of Toy Breeds", also known as the Min Pin, is a breed of small dog in the Toy category. In its native Germany, the dog is known as the Zwergpinscher. Pinscher refers to a classification of dogs bred as guardians or to hunt vermin. Min Pins were first bred to hunt vermin, especially rats. Zwerg, in German, means Dwarf or Midget.Pinscher, in German, means Terrier. Though the Miniature Pinscher is considered a toy breed because of their small size, their temperament resembles the terrier more.

Although the Miniature Pinscher looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher it is not a "Miniature Doberman". The Min Pins origins are much older than the Doberman. The Miniature Pinscher appeared in paintings and sculptures several centuries ago. The Miniature Pinscher was introduced to the AKC show ring in 1919. At that time not knowing that it was referred to officially in Germany as the Zwergpinscher the AKC referred to the breed as simply, Pinscher. In 1929 the breed was officially introduced into the AKC. Not knowing it was a true Terrier breed, decided to officially place it in the toy breed classification. For conformation purposes the description that the AKC noted: "must appear as a Doberman Pinscher in miniature" led to the misunderstanding still known today that this breed is a "Miniature Doberman Pinscher" when in fact it is not even related.

The Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher share no common ancestry. In 1836, Dr. Reichenbach after years of study of the breed determined that the Miniature Pinscher was derived from crossing a smooth coated Dachshund with an Italian Greyhound. The goal was to make a faster ratter. This breed was primarily used on farms where open fields left for a faster dog to chase down rats and mice. The Min Pin was also used to hunt vermin in stables and farm kitchens.

Typically, the Min Pin stands between 10 and 12.5 inches at the shoulders, weighing between 10 and 12 1/2 inches. The coat is short and smooth, with colors of red, stag red, black or chocolate with tan markings. Min Pins also come in a blue and a fawn coat. Bluecoats can be registered in the AKC but cannot compete in a show. The Miniature Pinscher should have a docked tail and cropped ears, though the AKC no longer requires ear cropping for shows. The AKC standard specifies a high-stepping, reaching, free and easy gait in which the front leg moves straight forward and in front of the body and the foot bends at the wrist. The dog drives smoothly and strongly from the rear. The head and tail are carried high.

The Miniature Pinscher is a very energetic breed that requires a great deal of exercise. These dogs enjoy agility training and attending competitions gives them a chance to shine. They are also prone to overeating and should have their diets monitored to prevent them from becoming overweight. Due to their instinct to hunt vermin, special care must be taken to prevent a Min Pin from attacking small objects, such as coins or small toys like legos, as they could pose a choking hazard. The Min Pin has a single coat, no undercoat which makes them primarily an indoor breed. Care must be taken in colder weather as the coat provides virtually no insulation from the cold. Min Pins do not tolerate cold or wet weather well. The Min Pin lives in a state of two years old until well into their senior years which makes them very entertaining, but they can also be very frustrating. Your puppy should attend obedience classes and you should be careful to follow up on every command. 

They can, in most cases, be very difficult to house train requiring much patience. Being an independent breed by nature, they prefer to initiate contact and generally do not do well being overly handled. This is where much of the misconception of the breed being a biter comes from. Making them not always the best breed for small children. Although the Min Pin is not necessarily bad with children, care must be taken in educating the child about proper handling and play. Although sturdy, they can be easily injured by rough play with a child. They are quite fearless and can be overprotective. This breed does not see itself as a small dog but rather a big dog and therefore can get into trouble easily. The Min Pin has a very strong protective attitude and guard instinct. 

They can be a one-person owner or adapt greatly to families. The Min Pin is very loyal and will alert their owner to any changes within the home environment. Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone, as they are very curious, strong-willed, and frolicsome. Their owners must have a great sense of humor and a lot of patience. Keeping in mind that this breed is, in fact, a working breed, spoiling could result in the dog becoming somewhat of a tyrant. The Min Pin by nature can be stubborn so anything to induce this generally will result in a more difficult dog to handle.

Grooming is easy, as the smooth, short-haired coat requires little attention. They should be brushed with a firm bristle brush. Loose hair can be removed by wiping with a damp warm cloth. Min Pin's are an average shedder. They do have problems with overgrown nails. Be sure to check your Min Pin's nails frequently.

The Miniature Pinscher has a refined elegance, regal look, style, grace, mighty fearlessness, and impish character has earned the title "King Of Toy Breeds". If the Miniature Pinscher suits your fancy you might find it hard to stop at just one.

By Penny Taylor - Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Decorative DEERHOUND

Scottish Deerhound - Photo: Wikimedia

The Deerhound is one of the most decorative of dogs, impressively stately and picturesque wherever he is seen, whether it be amid the surroundings of the baronial hall, reclining at luxurious length before the open hearth in the fitful light of the log fire that flickers on polished armour and tarnished tapestry; out in the open, straining at the leash as he scents the dewy air, or gracefully bounding over the purple of his native hills. Grace and majesty are in his every movement and attitude, and even to the most prosaic mind, there is about him the inseparable glamour of feudal romance and poetry.  

From remote days the Scottish nobles cherished their strains of Deerhound, seeking glorious sport in the Highland forests. The red deer belonged by inexorable law to the kings of Scotland, and great drives, which often lasted for several days, were made to round up the herds into given neighborhoods for the pleasure of the court, as in the reign of Queen Mary. But the organized coursing of deer by courtiers ceased during the Stuart troubles and was left in the hands of retainers, who thus replenished their chief's larder. 

Head:-

The head should be broadest at the ears, tapering slightly to the eyes, with the muzzle tapering more decidedly to the nose. The muzzle should be pointed, but the teeth and lips level. The head should be long, the skull flat rather than round, with a very slight rise over the eyes, but with nothing approaching a stop. The skull should be coated with moderately long hair which is softer than the rest of the coat. The nose should be black (though in some blue-fawns the color is blue) and slightly aquiline. In the lighter-colored dogs, a black muzzle is preferred. There should be a good mustache of rather silky hair, and a fair beard.  

Ears:-

The ears should be set on high, and, in repose, folded back like the Greyhound's, though raised above the head in excitement without losing the fold, and even, in some cases, semi-erect.The ear should be soft, glossy, and like a mouse's coat to the touch, and the smaller it is the better. It should have no long coat or long fringe, but there is often a silky, silvery coat on the body of the ear and the tip.  Whatever the general color, the ears should be black or dark-colored.  

Neck and shoulders:-

The neck should be long that is, of the length that befits the Greyhound character of the dog.  The nape of the neck should be very prominent where the head is set on, and the throat should be clean-cut at the angle and prominent. The shoulders should be well sloped, the blades well back, with not too much width between them. 

Stern:-

Stern should be tolerably long, tapering, and reaching to within 1-1/2 inches of the ground, and about 1-1/2 inches below the hocks. When the dog is still, dropped perfectly straight down, or curved. When in motion it should be curved when excited, in no case to be lifted out of the line of the back. It should be well covered with hair, on the inside thick and wiry, underside longer. 

Eyes:-

The eyes should be dark: generally, they are dark brown or hazel.  The eye is moderately full with a soft look in repose, but a keen, far-away gaze when the dog is roused. The rims of the eyelids should be black.  

Body: The body and general formation are that of a Greyhound of larger size and bone. Chest deep rather than broad, but not too narrow and flat-sided. The loin well arched and dropping to the tail.  

Legs and feet:-

The legs should be broad and flat, a good broad forearm and elbow being desirable. Fore-legs, of course, as straight as possible. Feet close and compact, with well-arched toes. The hind-quarters drooping, and as broad and powerful as possible, the hips being set wide apart. The hind-legs should be well bent at the stifle, with great length from the hip to the hock, which should be broad and flat.  

Coat:-

The hair on the body, neck, and quarters should be harsh and wiry, and about 3 inches or 4 inches long; that on the head, breast, and belly is much softer. There should be a slight hairy fringe on the inside of the fore and hind-legs, but nothing approaching the feathering of a Collie. The Deerhound should be a shaggy dog, but not overcoated.  

Color:-

Colour is much a matter of fancy. But there is no manner of doubt that the dark blue-grey is the most preferred. Next, come the darker and lighter greys or brindles, the darkest being generally preferred.  Yellow and sandy-red or red-fawn, especially with black points i.e.,  ears and muzzle are also in equal estimation. 

Height:-

From 28 inches to 30 inches, or even more if there be symmetry without coarseness, which, however, is rare. The height of bitches: From 26 inches upwards. There can be no objection to a bitch being large, unless she is too coarse, as even at her greatest height she does not approach that of the dog, and, therefore, could not well be too big for work, as over-big dogs are.

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Everything You Should Know About CARING For Animals

Photo   by Dawn Ashley 

Most of us have had pets of one kind or another. If you have a dog or you think that you may need one in the future, you have got to think about some things first. This article will supply you with superb advice on caring for your dog.

When you have a dog, make certain that you give him enough water. Water should be provided to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summer. Put his water bowl somewhere where nobody will trip over it, otherwise, you will be cleaning your floors all day!

If your puppy dog is teething and chewing at everything, buy him an exciting gnaw toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only will this provide him with a good substitute for your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel a bit better. Most younger dogs nibble out of necessity, not poor manners.

Pup

If you're brooding about adopting a dog, try taking one or two weeks off work so you can spend some time with your little dog and teach it one or two good habits. Coaching your little puppy and helping it become used to its new environment will be way easier if you're home.

When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your tiny dog to them prior to beginning cutting. You'll only be well placed to get a single nail done in a sitting. It might take a while for puppy dog to become ok with the concept of nail clipping, but shortly, you'll be able to get through it all at once.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for a once a year visit, be sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is typically minimally invasive and less pricey. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for many years to come.

When you train your dog, you'll always need to use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise make your pet learn quicker than threats and violence. Tolerant coaching is better for several years to come and it's better. be kind during training; you will get better and faster results.

Care

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by vehicle. Even with your air conditioning on, the dog may become overheated in his pet carrier. An easy and lower cost dog ringworm home-based treatment and freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he will curl up and chill.

If your dog is really rowdy or simply excitable, gurus recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and misunderstanding of a new area full of strangers are too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant events may occur. Find a great dog house to look after your pooch as an alternative.

These pointers may help you become a better owner for your dog. Use these different tips and do more research on the things you have got to know about to correctly take care of your dog. Read this draft over as many times as you need to.

Author: Lisa Thomas

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The 5 Different Kinds Of WORMS That Can Harm Your Dog

Ancylostoma caninum, a type of hookworm, attached to the intestinal mucosa.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are 5 different kinds of worms that can hurt your puppy or dog, and here is a list of them, and what they can do to your dog. There are many different types of medicines and antibiotics for your dog, and not all of them work on each symptom, so it is best to consult your vet for the proper treatment.

One of the easiest ways for puppies and dogs to pick up worms is by them playing or eating their feces matter. It is important to pick up your dogs' poop in the backyard all the time, on a regular basis, can keep it clean and safe.

Hookworms: Hookworms are not visible to the naked eye. Hookworms hide in the intestines and can be transferred to humans. Hookworms are small thin worms that hook onto the intestinal wall and they suck the blood from the puppy or dog, which can cause anemia and even death.

These worms actually have teeth, that cause bleeding in the intestines. Hookworms will grow to full maturity in the intestines. Hookworms can be spread from the mothers' mile right to the pups, to the whole family needs to be dewormed.

The worms like to live in feces matter, and contaminated soil, like the dirt you might have in your backyard your dog likes to play in maybe. If your dog has hookworms, some signs might include anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools and very low energy. Hookworms could be present, and you won't be able to see them so you would need to take your pet, or a stool sample to the vet for a diagnosis.

Roundworms: Roundworms are the most common type of worms in puppies. Just like hookworms, roundworms attack the intestines and can cause a pot-bellied look, on your puppy or dog.

Puppies can get roundworms from their mothers' milk, or even from the uterus, before birth. They can also pick up the eggs from the contaminated soil outside since roundworm eggs can live up to several years outside in dirt and soil.

Roundworms can be transmitted to humans, just like hookworms, so it is vital to eradicate them as soon as practical. Roundworms will live in the intestines, and will grow to adulthood, and lay eggs that will produce more roundworms.

Roundworms can be seen by the eye in your dogs' vomit or stools, and is up to 7 inches long, and will resemble spaghetti somewhat. When your puppy or dog starts to get to many of these roundworms, you will see the pot-bellied appearance on them, and you may notice vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Whipworms: Whipworms are one of the more harder worms to kill. Whipworms are long skinny shaped worms that live in the dog's colon, and you can not see them with your eyes.

Whipworms will also attach to the intestines, and cause intestinal bleeding inside your dog. Signs of whipworms could be weight loss, anemia, diarrhea with some blood or a gooey mucus type substance in it, and just a lack of energy.

Tapeworms: Tapeworms get their name because they look like flat Scotch tape. Tapeworms attack the intestines and can be seen by the naked eye. The tapeworms will look like a rice appearance in your dogs' stools.

Tapeworms can be broken into pieces, and sometimes you can see the worms on your dogs' anus and stools, still moving around, with your naked eyes.

Tapeworms are not transmitted directly to humans from dogs, but a human could still be infected. Some signs your dog might have tapeworms would be weight loss, uncontrollable itching around the anus area, lots of pain if your touch their abdominal area, and vomiting.

Heartworms: Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, when mosquitoes are active, and go from one dog to the next. Heartworm can kill your dog if left untreated, and it is easily preventable. There are no symptoms of heartworms until it is almost fully advanced.

The heartworms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart and can cause heart failure, and kill your dog. One of the best measures these days is to consult your vet for heartworm guard, and you can easily find medications online for your dog's heart since starting them on a medication is the best practice.

By Vince Stead Vince Stead is the author of over 20 books. He has been raising dogs for over 25 years. You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each. Article Source: EzineArticles

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DEVON REX Cats - Genetics

Brown and white Devon Rex (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Genes account for things like eye coloring, the color of the coat, physical characteristics and sex determination.

Rex is the name given to gene mutations which are responsible for the guard hairs on the coat to be missing. The Rex cat has only the curly undercoat hair present. This breed of cat first made an appearance in Cornwall, England. The name of this cat was Cornish Rex. Then, just a few years later, in Devon, a kitten was born, from a litter of foreign-type kittens. This gene mutation gave life to the Devon Rex.

Where the Cornish Rex is warm and soft to the touch and has a slightly woolly feeling coat, the Devon Rex has a closer coat which feels more crisp and short. In the beginning, the coat of the Devon Rex was sparse and not very nice looking, but gradually, over time, cat breeders have managed to eliminate this feature and now it has an adequate covering making it that little bit more attractive!

Cat breeders are now able to transfer the Rex coat to any color or type of cat, and so although there are two standard types of Rex, any other breed can be produced with the typical wavy coat with the guard hair missing. The standard for Russian Blue cats set out by the American Cat Fanciers Association, states that it is a dainty cat distinct from all other breeds with its soft, lustrous, bright blue double coat, and that handling it feels like running a silk scarf through your hands.

By Loretta Kay For more information on Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, please visit http://www.allthingskittycat.blogspot.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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The LEONBERGER DOG - A Detailed Description of the Breed

Photo by rebekamusprime

The Leonberger is first and foremost a family dog. As such, the Leonberger temperament is one of his most important and distinguishing characteristics. Well socialized and trained, the Leonberger is self-assured, insensitive to noise, submissive to family members, friendly toward children, well composed with passersby, and self-disciplined when obliging his family or property with protection. Robust, loyal, intelligent, playful, and kindly, he can thus be taken anywhere without difficulty and adjust easily to a variety of circumstances.

The Leonberger appears majestic in a generous double coat. He is a large, muscular, and elegant dog with balanced body type, medium temperament, and dramatic presence. The Leonberger's head is held proudly and adorned with a striking black mask which helps to protect the breed's distinct expression of intelligence, pride, and kindliness. Remaining true to his early roots as a capable family and working dog, the agile Leonberger is sound and coordinated, exhibiting strength in bearing and elegance in movement. The Leonberger possesses either a strongly masculine or elegantly feminine form, making gender immediately discernable. When properly trained and socialized, the Leonberger is vigilant, loyal, and confident in all situations. Robust, obedient, intelligent, playful, and kindly, the adaptable Leonberger is an appropriate family companion for modern living conditions.

The Leonberger is a very large dog. For a mature specimen, the height at the withers is ideally the median of the breed's range- 28 to 31.5 inches for dogs and 25.5 to 29.5 inches for bitches. The weight of his trim, well-muscled body is in direct proportion to his size. Elegantly assuming a rectangular build, the Leonberger is a well-balanced dog in form and function; the proportion of his height to his length is at about nine to ten. Necessary for efficient movement and providing for a harmonious silhouette, his front and rear angulation are moderate and balanced. Capable of demanding work, the Leonberger is a dog of ample substance. His frame is effortlessly supported with well-muscled, medium to the heavy bone in direct proportion to his size. A roomy chest is sufficiently broad and deep for the purpose of work. Seen in profile, the chest curves inward from the pro-sternum tangentially joins the elbow to his underline at fifty percent of the withers' height and then continues slightly upward toward the stifle.

Correct head and expression, in harmony with overall size and coat, are hallmarks of the Leonberger and are always appropriately masculine or feminine. The head is well balanced in proportion to the size of the dog and is deeper than broad with the length of muzzle and the length of skull approximately equal. The head is painted with a striking black mask that extends above the eyes; the Leonberger's good-natured expression is elegant, intelligent and confident. Likewise, the nose and lips are black and effortlessly blend with his mask. With close-fitting eyelids, the eyes are elegantly set into the skull upon a slight oblique; the eyes are medium sized, almond shaped, and colored a rich dark brown. Integral to the head's silhouette, the ears are fleshy, moderately sized, and pendant shaped, with sufficient substance to hang close to the skull and drop the tip of the ears level with the inside corners of the mouth. Vigilantly set slightly forward, when alerted, the Leonberger's ears rise from halfway between the eye and the top of his skull to level with the top of his skull. True to his refined nature, the upper lip fits tightly and seamlessly around the lips of a strong lower jaw, effortlessly preventing drooling under most circumstances. Though level bites and slight anomalies not affecting the robustness of the lower jaw are common, the ideal Leonberger capably possesses a strong scissor bite with full dentition.

Holding the head proudly aloft, the Leonberger's neck is well muscled and flows elegantly from the backskull into well laid back shoulders, blending smoothly into withers on the top line and flowing cleanly through the underline. The backline remains strong and levels through the rump. Coupled with a pronounced pro-sternum and conducive to strenuous work, a well sprung, oval-shaped rib cage supports a moderately broad and roomy chest, achieving a depth sufficient to meet properly placed elbows. Back and loin are broad and strongly coupled with a slight tuck-up. The croup smoothly slopes into his tail which is set just below the level of the back. The tail is comprised of tailbones sufficient to reach the hock of a properly angulated rear assembly; the tail is well furnished and blends harmoniously with rear feathering. Denoting their confidence when in repose, the Leonberger's tail hangs straight down. Though showy males may adopt a sickle tail in the ring and Leonbergers' tails commonly manifest excitement or rise toward the level of the back in movement, the ideal tail carriage is always relaxed.

The Leonberger has a generous, water resistant, double coat on his body that is complemented by the shorter, fine hair on his muzzle and limbs, making the coat both well suited for work and a defining attribute of the breed. The long, profuse, outer coat is durable, relatively straight, lies flat, and fits close, strengthening his silhouette. Mature, masculine Leonbergers exhibit a pronounced mane which proudly parades the entirety of his neck and chest, helping to define a lion-like outline. The Leonberger is harmoniously festooned with distinct, ample feathering on the back of his forelegs and breeches. Similarly, his tail is very well furnished from the tip to the base where it blends harmoniously with the breech's furnishings. Climate permitting, his undercoat is soft and dense. Apart from a neatening of the feet, the Leonberger is presented untrimmed. Accompanying his striking black mask, a variety of coat colors are acceptable, including all combinations of lion-yellow, red, red-brown, and sand. His coat may be highlighted with black tippings which add depth without ever dominating the overall color.

With an efficient, balanced, ground-covering gate, the Leonberger is effortless, powerful, free, and elastic in movement. A well-built Leonberger is always balanced and controlled at the trot, maintaining a level topline. Viewed from the front or from behind, forelegs and hind legs travel straight. Increasing reach and drive, his legs tend to converge toward the centerline of the body as his speed increases. Asleep on the couch, working on his legs, or trotting in the show ring, the Leonberger is an impressive, elegant, and dramatic dog!

By Matthew Townsend - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Are MINIATURE PINSCHERS and DOBERMAN PINSCHERS Related?

Photo  by jacilluch 

Doberman Pinschers are known for being energetic, determined, alert, fearless, and aggressive dogs. Also lauded for their speed, endurance, and intelligence, Doberman Pinschers are easily trainable which is why we see most of them being part of the police or army excursions. However, this is not all Doberman Pinschers are good for. Doberman Pinschers have their soft side too as these dogs have proven to be trusty companions and guardians as well.

Miniature Pinschers, also known as "Mini Pinschers" on the other hand, are known for being alert, spirited, and fearless dogs. Miniature Pinschers are relatively small in size, ranging from 10-12 inches tall. They have easily recognizable docked tails and cropped ears just like Doberman Pinschers.Truthfully, it may seem like the only difference between Miniature Pinschers and Doberman is their size. Miniature being the Doberman's seemingly smaller counterpart, have also earned themselves the title the "King of Toys" being that they are considered toy dogs but are larger than most and are physically quite similar in appearance to Doberman Pinschers.

However, contrary to popular belief, Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers are not actually related. While it is true that Miniature a lot of similarities to Doberman in terms of their disposition and appearance, Miniature Pinschers are not just smaller versions of Dob Pinschers. They have a lot of traits and qualities that are unique distinctly unique to their breed.

The Miniature is a dog breed that traces its roots to early Germany. Several hundred years ago, these dogs were specifically bred to be barnyard ratters. It was the primary goal of Miniature Pinschers to keep rats and other rodents away from horse stables. Miniature count Daschunds, Italian Greyhounds, and Terriers as their ancestors.

Doberman Pinschers, on the other hand, were bred in the late 1800s by a German tax collector named Louis Doberman. Basically, he wanted a dog to serve as both his protector and companion. Dogs of this breed count Short-haired Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Greyhounds as their ancestors.

So now we see that the uncanny similarities of Miniature Pinschers and Pinschers should not be that big of a mystery. Both Mini and Doberman share the same ancestors. And since both dog breeds originated in Germany, some may easily assume that Miniature Pinschers and Doberman are directly related. Perhaps it would be a good compromise to say that the two dog breeds are distant cousins. However, the bottom line is that Miniature and Pinschers are both unique in their own right. Perhaps their similarities stem from a lucky coincidence but it is still important for owners of both Miniature and Doberman to know what makes each of their loyal companions or each dog breed distinctly unique from the rest.

By Lea Mullins Lea Mullins discusses whether Miniature Pinschers and Doberman Pinschers are related. Visit TrainPetDog.com to learn about different dog breed. Article Source: EzineArticles

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WEIGHT PROBLEMS In Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?

Photo  by Mr. TGT 

People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest problems dogs are dealing with these days. Obesity, like humans, is also caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges. Mostly, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that when not controlled may just lead to more problems.

Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. These diseases will lead to more serious complications including death. So for people who wish to know the repercussions of obesity in dogs, here are some of the known consequences:

1. Arthritis

Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.

Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks in the joint ligaments.

2. Diabetes

Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans, this can also happen in dogs. This is because the more fat is stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.

3. Skin problems

Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.

4. Capacity to tolerate heat

With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.

5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases

Like humans, obese dogs have also the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time to expand, so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.

6.  Gastrointestinal problems

Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results in the inflamed pancreas, which, in reality, is very painful to the dogs and can also cause death among them.

7. Liver problems

Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a great problem to the dog’s liver. Hence, when the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dogs.

These health problems are indeed life-threatening. And so, it depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep their dogs healthy.

One of the greatest ways in solving weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. So, it is a must that owners should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by tagging them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.

The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double result with just one purpose.

Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.

Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things to your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarians first. In this way, only the proper methods of dieting for dogs shall be employed.

So, for healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can give plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy dog is a happy dog.

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TURKISH ANGORA - Kittens of the World

Turkish Angora - Kittens of the World

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Is A SHAR PEI The Right Breed Of Dog For You?

Photo by danja.

Shar-Pei is a large breed of dog that originally descended from China. Even though they nearly went extinct, they have enjoyed a comeback since the beginning of the 20th Century. They are now a favorite among families that want a quiet and reserved dog that is still a good guardian.

However, prior to considering investing in a Shar-Pei to be part of your family, here are seven facts that you need to consider this beautiful and wrinkly dog.

They Aren't Overly Affectionate

If you are the type of family that loves a demonstrative dog who gives lots of kisses, then this breed is not right for you. The dog is loyal and devoted to families but they are also independent, quiet, and sometimes even aloof.

They Don't Trust Strangers

These dogs do not trust strangers whether animal or human. While they are a bit more aggressive with strange dogs, they may also attack other animals including cats that may roam into their territory. Shar-Pei puppies should be totally socialized with different kinds of people before they are sold or adopted out.

Their Wrinkles Can Cause Skin Infections

Shar-Pei's wrinkles are a big part of their personality but they need to be kept clean. The wrinkles trap dirt as well as skin oils which may cause infections. You need to ensure that you clean the wrinkles by wiping them down at least a couple of times a month to prevent this from happening.

They are Naturally Clean Dogs

This breed can prove to be stubborn in most of the areas of training, but you can easily housebreak them. They take care of their own grooming and aren't as prone to rolling in the dirt as other breeds.

They can overheat

Shar-Pei flat faces make them more prone to overheating. Look out for any signs of dehydration or heat prostration such as panting, twitching, or unconsciousness. Ensure that you always have fresh water available for your dog.

They are Not Suited to Living Outdoors

In spite of their size, Shar-Pei isn't suited to life in the backyard all alone. If they are left completely alone, they can get moody and aggressive, even towards members of the family. Even though quite independent, they still love and enjoy human company.

They are Prone to Ear Infections

Shar-Pei has small ear canals that keeps them moist, which may lead to ear infections. You can often identify the infections due to their yeast-like odor.

In conclusion, those are the things you need to know about Shar-Pei. You should consider each and every factor before getting yourself one.

By Wayne Booth Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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