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Dog Petz
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The Pug
- By Stephanie Moore
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Pugs are small dogs.
Weighing no more than 14-20
lbs (6.3-9.07 kg), they are
intelligent and
affectionate. They tend to
be 9-11 inches high
(22.8-27.94 cm). They come
in fawn or apricot and black
with distinctive squashed
faces and big eyes. Most
fawn |
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colored pugs
have black ‘masks’. Pugs
have expressive little
faces; in fact, they almost
look like they are fretting
about something History
The pug comes from China,
where squashed-faced dogs
were bred for their
resemblance to little
Chinese dragons. They were
kept to entertain the
Chinese court, acting as
canine court jesters. One of
eight breeds bred in Ancient
China, the heritage of the
pug goes back to the Han and
Tang dynasty. How it made it to Europe is
not precisely known, but the
pug was a beloved companion
of Queen Victoria, Marie
Antoinette, and Princess
Grace of Monaco. In modern
times, famous Americans like
Andy Warhol, Sammy Davis Jr,
and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
They have been popular for
centuries. Temperament
Pugs are loving and loyal
but have a short attention
span and tend to be
strong-willed. So, they may
not train to easily. They
also get jealous easily. Bad
behavior in any dog,
however, can be corrected
with attention. Pugs so well
with children and make
fantastic apartment
dwellers, since they need
minimal space and a short
walk. They make ideal family
dogs. They tend to snore and
wheeze. Pugs also bark a
lot. |
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Grooming and
Health
Pugs shed a lot. They shed
gobs of short hairs all over
the place. Like other breeds
with short muzzles, they are
prone to respiratory
problems. The breed is also
susceptible to allergies. Keeping a well-groomed pug
is very easy. They do not
benefit from too much
bathing, since their
sensitive skin might react
badly to shampoo. A good,
firm brush is best for their
coat and cuts down on
shedding. A wipe down with a
damp cloth every now and
then is also helpful. Pay
special attention to the
little folds of skin on
their faces, since bacteria
can hide there and cause
irritation. Pugs are adorable. They love
families, and because of
their small size and easy
temperament, children love
them. They may have begun
their history as clowns in
the Imperial Courts of
China, but for its long
heritage of loyalty and
service to the crown, pugs
deserve to be taken
seriously. |
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The Sturdy Irish
Wolfhound
| Dog Breeds – The Sturdy
Irish Wolfhound As the
name implies, the Irish
Wolfhound originated in
Ireland, where these large
and sturdy dogs were used to
hunt wolves, deer and other
large game. The Irish
Wolfhound remains one of the
largest dogs in the dog
fancy, and one of the most
faithful as well. The sheer
size of this large dog makes
it an excellent watchdog and
deterrent to burglars, and
despite its sweet
temperament this breed makes
an excellent family
protector.
The Irish Wolfhound is
one of the tallest of all
dog breeds, standing between
28 and 35 inches high at the
shoulder and weighing in at
between 90 and 150 pounds.
The female Irish Wolfhound
tends to be a bit smaller
than the male in this breed.
As with other large
breeds of dog, hip dysplasia
can be a problem in Irish
Wolfhounds, and puppy buyers
should use care when
selecting a breeder. Good
breeders are trying to
eliminate these undesirable
traits from their breeding
stock. This breed can also
be prone to heart disease,
bone cancer and other
problems, so it is important
for puppy owners to
establish a good
relationship with their vet
and to take the dog in for
regular physical exams.
The coat of the Irish
Wolfhound is quite unique,
with a rough, hard and wiry
texture. These dogs will
need regular grooming and
brushing to look their best,
and this regular grooming
will help to keep their
coats healthy and shiny.
Those dog lovers with plenty
of space in their homes and
their hearts may want to
consider this large and
beautiful breed. |
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The Jack Russell
Terrier
| The Jack
Russell Terrier is very
popular and spirited breed
of dog that has won the
hearts of canine owners
nationwide. This rather
small breed of dog has a
rather disproportionate
amount of spunk and vitality
which makes them both a joy
and a handful to handle at
times. The Jack Russell
Terrier was originally bred
as a hunting dog which means
this breed has a tendency to
be energetic and to enjoy
outdoor activities. If
you’re considering adopting
a Jack Russell Terrier,
there are certain
characteristics you should
know about this dog breed.
Here are some of the
advantages and disadvantages
of adopting a Jack Russell
Terrier: |
Advantages of adopting a
Jack Russell Terrier:The
Jack Russell Terrier is
intelligent.
The Jack Russell Terrier
is considered to be one of
the more intelligent dog
breeds which means they are
quite responsive to
training. If you want a dog
that has limitless potential
to learn clever tricks, this
dog may be for you.
Unfortunately, their
intelligence can be a double
edged sword. If you don’t
stimulate their mind and
keep them occupied, they can
become bored and
destructive.
The Jack Russell Terrier
is good with children.
The Jack Russell Terrier
has a reputation of getting
along well with children.
Despite their boundless
energy and rather high
strung personalities, they
also have a kind |
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side especially when they’re
exposed early to children.
Although this dog breed, in
general, responds well to
children, children should be
taught to respect a Jack
Russell since they will
defend themselves if they
are given abusive treatment
by a child. The Jack
Russell Terrier has a long
life span.
The Jack Russell is one
of the longer living breeds
of dog. It’s not uncommon
for a Jack Russell to live
more than fifteen years.
They also tend to have fewer
of the genetic diseases that
are seen in extensively
inbred purebred dogs.
The Jack Russell Terrier
is an affectionate breed.
The Jack Russell Terrier
tends to be affectionate
with both adults and
children and are tolerant of
strangers. Their loving
nature makes them a very
popular dog breed.
The Jack Russell Terrier
doesn’t require special
grooming.
You can generally get by
with a daily brushing and a
bath carried out at home
whenever his coat takes on a
yellowish cast. There’s no
need for professional
grooming or fancy cuts.
Disadvantages of adopting
a Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier
is high energy.
This dog breed was bred
to be a working dog which
means the Jack Russell needs
to stay active. If you don’t
have the time or energy to
devote to daily walks and
exercise sessions, this may
not be the breed for you.
The Jack Russell is not
good with other pets.
The Jack Russell has a
tendency to be aggressive
with other dogs and can be
particularly unfriendly
towards cats. If you have
other dogs in your
household, you may want to
reconsider adopting a Jack
Russell.
The Jack Russell Terrier
is not a good apartment dog.
Due to this dog breed’s
high energy level, apartment
living doesn’t suit the
energetic, high strung Jack
Russell.
A Jack Russell Terrier
can be an excellent choice
in dog breed if you’re
looking for a loving family
pet and have the time to
devote to exercise and
training. Caution is in
order if you have other pets
in your household. A Jack
Russell Terrier adoption may
be ideal for a household
that only wants one pet. |
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A Look
at the Mastiff
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| The Mastiff is
known both for its large size
and its gentle nature, but this
dog is also one of the best
watch dogs in the canine world.
The Mastiff was in fact first
bred as a dog of war, and the
breed was an accomplished
companion to soldiers of many
armies. |
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Given the
history and breeding of this
dog, as well as its massive
size, it is essential for
Mastiff owners to carefully
socialize their animals when
they are still young puppies.
Mastiffs can be quite gentle and
trustworthy among smaller dogs,
cats and other animals, but only
if they are well socialized. The Mastiff is of course one of
the largest and heaviest of all
breeds of dogs, with males
standing between 27 and 31
inches at the shoulder and
weighing in at 150 to 190
pounds. Since they are such
massive dogs, owners should be
on the lookout for hip dysplasia
and other problems associated
with large dogs. It is also
important for Mastiff owners to
feed their dogs a healthy diet
and to not overfeed them. These
dogs lack the high energy of
many other breeds, and they can
be prone to obesity if not fed
properly. |
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A Short
Tale from our Friends "Across the Pond"
(United Kingdom)
*Dog names online pet store!!! *
*The story of 3 men and a dog called
Chunky.*
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Deciding on the name of an
online pet store, let alone any
new business, can be a tricky
task. Chuck into the mix 3 names
you just can't choose between,
along with 3 opinionated friends
each with their favourite and
you get a stand off! And that is
exactly what happened to us when
we couldn’t decide between
*Short & Furry*, *Chewed
Slippers* and *Prrr Grrr!*
Traditional branding protocol
would call for focus groups,
market research and positioning
diagrams. But surely there must
be a more suitable solution?
Step forward Chunky the dog, a
cheeky staffy/labrador/boxer
cross. He’s bang on the target
audience; 4 legs, a wet nose and
a taste for all things canine,
and therefore perfectly
qualified to cast the deciding
vote!So, armed with 3 hastily
cobbled together t-shirts (and a
packet of his beloved digestive
biscuits) Chunky walked us down
to Primrose Hill, his local
‘fetch the stick’ haunt, to help
us decide. The rest was a
ruthlessly scientific exercise
of how to present a dog with
three equally enticing choices.
The T-shirts were black and
white to avoid the influence of
colour, and were positioned
equidistant from Chunky's
starting point creating the
triangle of choice. There was
also a camera on hand to capture
the moment for prosperity.
With everything in place and the
mild drizzle starting to turn to
a light shower, decision time
was upon us. A couple of false
starts later (including Chunky
running off in completely the
wrong direction), and an energy
injection courtesy of 3 of his
biscuits, the choice was made.
The nail biting excitement is
better conveyed by Chunky’s
actions rather than our words.
See footage of Chunky’s choice
here.
So, thanks to Chunky we can now
proudly present (drum roll
please...) *Chewed Slippers*; a
poochie paradise packed full of
goodies to keep your best friend
naturally fed, innovatively
entertained, and comfortably
relaxed. Not to mention the
first shop in history to be
named by a dog (as far as we
know!).
In fact, Chunky did such a great
job of choosing our name that we
just had to keep him involved!
All the lovingly selected
products are quality checked by
our Chief Buyer (Chunky) -
including everything from brain
training toys by Nina Ottosson
to 100% natural food from the
Natural Dog Food Co. There’s
also a blog packed with regular
posts from a team of “Petsperts”
including a vet, a canine
psychologist, a pet nutritionist
and (you guessed it) Chunky who
will be barking about his life,
and reviewing our products!
- -
More information: <http://www.nonsenselondon.com/chewed_slippers/press_pack.zip>
Download photos and videos of
Chunky’s choice.
Get us on the “Dog ‘n’ Bone”;
+44 020 7494 4129
Email us on
hello@chewedslippers.co.uk
or
ali@chewedslippers.co.uk
Read the *Petsperts* blog at:
www.chewedslippers.com or
www.chewedslippers.co.uk |
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Great
Gifts for Dog Lovers!
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As the holiday season rolls
around, you may be thinking
about what to give the dog
lovers on your list. Here are a
few great ideas for gifts that
any dog owner is sure to enjoy:
1. DNA Breed Identification Kit.
Many people with adopted dogs
never know exactly what breed or
mix of breeds their dog is. This
kit, available at many pet
supply websites for around sixty
dollars, allows a dog owner to
take a swab from their dog’s
cheek and send it into a lab to
find out for sure. Now when
people ask what exactly little
Fido is, your friend will be
able to proudly announce with
complete confidence: “He’s a
peki-pomi-malti-poo!”
2. The Dog Owner’s Home
Veterinary Handbook by James M
Griffin, MD & Lisa D. Carlson,
DVM. This book explains various
health problems in dogs, how to
treat them, and when to call the
vet. Any dog lover will be happy
to have this reference at home
to help them handle anything
from a little cough to a true
veterinary emergency. Many
similar books are available—just
make sure you pick one that was
written by a licensed
veterinarian.3. College Team
Pet Bandana. If your friend is
as big a sports fan as he is a
dog fan, consider getting a
college team pet bandana, which
is easily found online for five
or ten dollars. Collars and pet
jerseys are also available with
different college football team
logos, which can be found online
or at university bookstores. |
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4. Pet Carrier. For people with small
dogs or puppies, consider buying a
stylish shoulder bag or backpack for
them to carry their dog with them when
they travel or just run errands around
town. Hundreds of different styles are
available from a basic nylon shoulder
bag to a high-end fashionable dog purse.
You can find dog carriers at any pet
store chain or online in a wide range of
prices.
5. Pet Portraits. If you really want to
go all out, send in a photo of the
beloved pet to an artist who will then
paint or sketch a portrait of the pet.
Portraits are available in a variety of
styles from lifelike sketches to
paintings in the style of pop art
phenomenon Andy Warhol. Prices generally
start around $200 and can be more than
double that depending on the artist and
size portrait you choose. Browse around
online and you will find the sites of
many artists that include their pricing
and samples of their work. Keep in mind
that the artist may have a waiting list
of several months, so make sure to put
in your order ahead of time if you need
the portrait ready for a special
occasion.
6. Professional Pet Photos. If you’d
rather not spring for a pet portrait,
why not give a gift certificate so your
friend can have their dog photographed
professionally? Many pet stores, from
national chains to local boutiques, now
offer this service.
With the proliferation of pet products
in recent years, it’s easy to find a
gift for the dog lover in your life that
is a perfect match both for their taste
and your budget. |
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The
Great Dane: "Gentle Giant"
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Official State
Dogs: Pennsylvania
By Erika Pitera © 2007Only
nine states have the distinct
honor of naming a certain breed
as the official state dog. The
Great Dane became Pennsylvania’s
official state dog in 1965.
The Great Dane, otherwise known
as the “Gentle Giant,” is a
large breed hound. Historically
speaking, there are reports of
dogs similar in appearance to
Great Danes in Ancient Egypt,
Ancient Greece, and the Roman
Empire. Some estimate that the
current breed, a descendent of
the Mastiff and Irish wolfhound,
is approximately 400 years old.
When the breed originated, its
purpose was to take down wild
boar. The Great Dane has
appeared in numerous works of
literature, folklore, and
artwork, including “The Hound of
the Baskervilles.” |
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The Great Dane’s appearance betrays his
true nature; at heart, he is friendly
and interacts well with children, fellow
dogs, and a number of other animals.
Some Great Danes have issues with
dominance and aggression toward dogs of
the same gender.
The average Great Dane weighs between
100 and 120 pounds and stands between 28
and 32 inches tall at the withers. The
world’s tallest dog, according to the
Guinness Book of Records, was a Great
Dane from California, measuring an
astounding 42” at the withers. The six
most common coat colors are fawn,
mantle, harlequin, black, blue, and
brindle. Many Great Danes in the U.S.
have cropped ears. This breed is prone
to a slow metabolism and is known to
suffer from bloat, hip dysplasia,
dilated cardiomyopathy, and yeast
infections. Great Danes carry some
genetic problems in their bloodlines.
For example, many purebred, pure white
Great Danes are born deaf.
As a centuries-old breed, it is no
wonder the Great Dane has been named
Pennsylvania’s state “Gentle Giant.” |
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Chihuahuas: A Big Dog in a Tiny Body
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Chihuahuas are
the smallest breed of dog in the
world. Their weight ranges from
a mere two pounds up to six
pounds. They stand between six
and nine inches tall. There are
two coat varieties, the
preferred smooth coat and the
beautiful long coat. They come
in many colors, solid, marked
and splashed. Colors range from
solid white, crème, fawn, red,
brown, chocolate, black, and the
sought after rare blue.
Chihuahuas tend to be a very
playful, energetic breed. They
like to take to one person in a
family setting and are very
protective of that person. They
should not be left alone with
any small child. Not only is the
child a hazard to such a tiny
dog, but the dog could be a
hazard to a small child also.
It’s not worth the chance taken.
Chihuahuas have very erect ears
and big full eyes. Eye color can
range from dark brown to hazel,
depending on the color of the
nose. The nose can be black or
light chocolate. It’s usually
the light chocolate nosed
Chihuahuas that end up with the
hazel eyes.
Chihuahuas tend to be somewhat
yappy. They love to bark just to
let the world know that they may
be small but, they’re no
chicken. They also are very
protective of their home. They
do their job well at letting
their owner know when someone or
something is around. |
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Chihuahuas have
litters as small as one puppy
and as big as eight, but the
more they have the smaller the
puppy is and the frailer it
becomes as a newborn. They are
very protective of their young
and sometimes even bite their
owner. They are not to be messed
with by just anyone, even if
they have never bit anyone else
before.
Chihuahuas have to be watched
very carefully. They have
erratic drops in their blood
sugar levels and can die if not
treated. This can be treated
with pure sugar and water, if
you know the signs to look for.
They will seem tired and less
energetic if their sugar level
starts to drop.Chihuahuas can
have trouble having puppies and
many do require help in this
field, even those who have had
no trouble in previous birthing.
If you plan to breed, please do
your research. Too many good
Chihuahuas die from uneducated
breeders. |
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Chihuahuas are considered to be a part
of the toy group. Let me tell you, they
are no toy. They are very demanding on
your time. Having a Chihuahua is like
having a baby. You have to watch the
floors for all choking hazards. They
whimper and whine wanting you just like
a child would. Lots of people buy them
because they are so little and cute, but
those people need to realize that just
like a baby, they have to be fed,
bathed, immunized and kept inside during
extreme weather conditions. They can
also get hurt if allowed to jump off of
high places or if someone steps or sits
on them by accident. A Chihuahua is a
dog for a very aware owner. If you don’t
pay good attention to things around you
then you should pick another breed.
The best place to find a Chihuahua is
through the American Kennel Club. They
are a very reliable source for the
purebred Chihuahua. If you decide to buy
a Chihuahua from a pet store, which I do
not recommend because you don’t know
what conditions that Chihuahua came from
and you never get to see the parents,
then you had better get that puppy
checked by your vet within three days.
Pet store puppies have been linked to
many defects. Most pet stores give you
three days to have it checked and if
your vet finds anything wrong you can
take it back and get your money back.
You had better have a paper from your
vet stating what was wrong with the
puppy or they won’t guarantee it. There
are also many breeders out there selling
mixed breed dogs with papers that can be
got with only signatures. AKC is the
only papers I would trust in producing
that purebred Chihuahua you’re looking
for.
Chihuahuas have to have a worming and
shot series up to 16 weeks of age then
they should be wormed regularly and
given a shot once a year. Rabies shots
should be given at 16 weeks then one
year after that, then again in three
years. Talk to your vet about these and
starting your Chihuahua on a heartworm
preventative as soon as possible. Also
start your puppy on a flea preventative
as soon as you can. No one needs those
little critters in their house and once
they move in, they are hard to get out.
Not to mention all the irritation they
can cause your new family member. If you
are not prepared to spend the money it
takes to keep your Chihuahua healthy and
happy, then please don’t go out and buy
him. He deserves the best home he can
get even if it’s not yours.
Chihuahuas are very tiny dogs with great
big hearts. They will love you
unconditionally just like a child would
love their parents, so please consider
their well being in everything that you
do, if you do decide to become the proud
owner of one of these little dogs. |
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Choosing an English Bulldog as a Pet
- by Susie A. Keenan
©2008
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An English
Bulldog can be more than just an
adorable dog. However to ensure
that you can take care of a dog,
you should research the
particular breed. There are
different breeds of bulldogs,
but this article is about the
English Bulldog.
The English Bulldog is a great
family pet. Not only is it
loyal, but it is also
affectionate. It will get along
with humans of all ages,
especially children. This dog
tends to be a tad bit stubborn
at times, but it is never
aggressive to his owners.
Therefore, its gentleness and
fondness of children and other
animals is a winning point for
selecting this breed as your new
pet.
Like any new dog, introductions
with people and other pets might
take time. However, the bulldog
is a very easy-going pet, so
there shouldn’t be any major
problems with making new
friends.A bulldog is not a
very good watch dog or guard
dog. With its friendly
temperament, the most it would
do is bark at the intruder if it
felt danger is upon it or its
owner. It will not attack or
scare off anyone. |
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If you are looking for a very active and
sporting type of dog, look at another
breed. Although as a puppy, the bulldog
might be playful, the adult becomes
docile as he ages. Since this dog is
susceptible to being short of breath,
heavy exercise is not encouraged.
However short walks are good for its
health.
The bulldog is also prone to certain
health issues. This pup has a short
breathing passage which causes it to
sometimes snore. Although in most cases
there is nothing to worry about with
this dog’s breathing, problems
occasionally occur with some pets. Just
keep an eye on your pet, to ensure any
problems can be caught in a timely
fashion.
The bulldog can get very short of breath
during excessive exercise. Even though
this dog is of the non-sporting
category, it still requires a small
amount of exercise to regulate its
weight as well as good health. A fenced
in yard is a safe place for your dog to
play and exercise.
The English Bulldog is sensitive to
temperature. It can overheat very
easily. Heat and humidity are among this
animal’s worst enemies. During hot
weather make sure shade, water, and on
the hottest days even air conditioning
is available for your pooch.
A lot of care is essential for keeping
this breed healthy. It is recommended
that the wrinkles on the face should be
cleaned daily to prevent any health
problems. A soft damp cloth should be
sufficient to keep your pet safe and
clean. Only a few moments of your day
are needed to keep your pooch healthy
and happy!
Bulldogs also have several possible eye
problems that could occur. These eye
conditions can generally be corrected
with a small amount of surgery. An
unfortunate, yet necessary thing to know
is the average life span of your new
pet. This breed of dog only lives for
about eight to ten human years, whereas
many other breeds can live well into its
teens.
If you want to spoil your pooch, make
sure you get it the right toys. Make
sure the toy is large enough so that it
does not get trapped in your dog’s
throat. The typical squeaky toy is not a
good choice since your pup can
potentially swallow pieces and cause
great harm to his health. Find a toy
that is durable for canines who like to
chew and have strong teeth.
Bulldogs and rawhide toys do not mix.
The rawhide toy will become softer as
your doggie chews on it. This makes it
very easy for your dog to choke on it!
Find an alternate treat at your local
pet store or supermarket that is not a
hazard to your pet‘s health.
Anytime your dog has something in his
mouth, keep watch of its safety. Your
pet can have its fun with a treat or a
toy, but there is a potential for
choking if your dog is left unattended.
Keep your pet’s toys in a designated
area out of reach. This will let your
pet know where to find toys and know
that you are in charge of it.
Your pet will want to have his own
special place. A nice wire crate with
pillows or blankets will make a good
home for your pup. Giving your canine
its own area will help deter the
infringement of other places in the
house such as your bed or a good sofa.
Even with a spot of its own, you can
still invite your pet to other areas if
you wish to do so.
The openness of a wire crate will allow
a proper air flow for your dog. This
will be beneficial for the English
Bulldog because of its breathing issues.
This crate will also serve as a place
for your pet while you are out of the
house, keeping both your belonging and
your canine safe!
Now that you are well informed about the
English Bulldog, you can decide whether
or not this is the dog for you. A member
of this canine family is ready to form a
strong bond with you and your family and
be a loyal friend. Look online for your
local breeder, make a visit, and
discover in person if this is the dog
for you! |
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The
Weiner Dog! a.k.a Dachshund
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A Look at the Wonderful
Dachshund
The dachshund has got to be one
of the most unique, and most
recognizable, of all breeds, and
for many dog lovers this breed
is a real favorite. The
dachshund is known for being a
happy, faithful, affectionate
and intelligent dog, and these
wonderful dogs make great
household companions.
Like most breeds of dog, the
dachshund was originally bred
with a particular purpose in
mind. In the case of the
so-called “wiener dog” that
purpose was hunting badgers.
Through many years of selective
breeding and careful selection
of breeding stock, a dog with
the long, low and elongated body
needed for fitting down badger
holes was developed. These dogs
were known to combine the
hunting ability of hounds with
the temperament of terriers,
making the dachshund a wonderful
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Most modern day dachshunds, of course,
never get near a badger, and are instead
content to lounge about in their owner’s
homes, or to strut around the show ring.
This wonderful dog retains its charm,
personality and unique look, however,
much to the delight of dog lovers
everywhere.
Even though the dachshund is generally a
very healthy and hardy breed, their
unique conformation does make them prone
to issues with their back and spinal
column, and dog owners should be on the
lookout for signs of discomfort when
their animals run, jump and play.
Responsible breeders are trying to
reduce the prevalence of back problems
in the puppies they produce, but those
looking for a puppy should be aware of
these potential issues. |
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Is My
Dog Fat? - by Keesa Renee DuPre
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Is your dog fat? Would you know
if he was? As our lifestyles
become more and more sedentary,
our pets’ lifestyles often
follow suit. Just like you, your
dog may be eating too much and
exercising too little. Here’s
how to tell, and what to do
about it.
Just as with people, extra
weight on dogs can cause huge
health problems. It’s important
that your dog maintain a healthy
weight, neither too skinny nor
too fat. But your dog won’t be
able to do that for himself.
You’ll have to help him.
You should be able to count your
dog’s ribs when you run your
hands along his side. You should
not be able to count them by
sight. If you can see your dog’s
ribs, he’s too skinny. If you
can feel them, but not see them,
he’s a good, healthy weight. But
if you can’t count individual
ribs when you run your hands
along them, your dog is
overweight.
Just as with people, there are
two separate facets of weight
loss for dogs; eating less, and
exercising more. (Sounds
familiar, doesn’t it?) Let’s
look at the food factor first.
Whatever you do, you should not
give your dog “diet” food to
promote weight loss. Diet food
does not contain essential
nutrients, and your dog’s health
will suffer. Instead, feed him
less. Instead, severely cut back
his treats. If you keep his bowl
filled and let him eat from it
whenever he wants, switch over
to feeding him small amounts
twice a day. Your dog probably
won’t understand the changes.
But be strong; a live, healthy
dog who pouts because he isn’t
getting treats anymore is better
than a fat and eventually dead
one who gets all the treats he
wants.
It will probably take a few
weeks for your dog to adjust to
these changes. These few weeks
will be the hardest for you.
Take heart; eventually, your dog
will accept these changes as his
new routine.
Exercising more will be the
hardest thing for you. We all
know how much we humans hate
exercising. But it’s essential
if you want your dog to be
healthy.
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Because dogs
love to spend time with their
people, going on long walks with
your dog is the best way to get
him into shape. Start out with a
brisk 15 minute walk every day
for the first week, and increase
it by 15 minutes every week
until after the first month,
you’re walking together for an
hour each day.
No one likes to exercise. And
the idea of taking an hour a day
to walk your dog may at first
seem abhorrent, or even
impossible. But make the time.
Do for your best friend what you
won’t do for yourself, and
exercise. Both of you will be
happier and healthier for it. |
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Beagles: An American Favorite
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Beagles are, perhaps, one of
America’s favorite medium dog
breeds. They make great pets,
when given the right care. But
this is a breed with a rich,
colorful history, and breeding
that gives this dog special care
requirements. Beagles are
known for their face shape and
coloring. Their long ears sit on
the front of the head, and are
often pricked in the classic
beagle look. They have brown
eyes, which should look bright
and curious. The beagle is
typically tri-colored, a
combination of white, black, and
tan. The tip of the beagle’s
tail is white. They are a
shorthaired dog, and come in two
sizes: thirteen inches and
fifteen inches at the shoulder.
The history of the beagle
dates back so far that
historians have lost the exact
origins of the loveable breed.
Records exist of dogs from Roman
times that appear to resemble
the beagle in form and function.
The breed increased in
popularity during the reign of
England’s King Henry VII. Later,
Elizabeth I made hunting the
popular mode of entertainment
among England’s upper class. |
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Beagles made the ideal
pack of hunting dogs. Their
white tipped tails made it
easy to spot them when on
the hunt. They have a keen
sense of smell as well as
excellent eyesight that make
them ideal for hunting.
If you’d like to investigate
bringing a beagle into your
home, check out
www.AtlantaBeagleRescue.org. |
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Labrador
Retrievers: Great Family Dogs
- by Michelle Dasher
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In 1991 Labrador
Retrievers rose in popularity to
become one of the most popular
dogs in America. They were
originally known as Lesser
Newfoundland dogs or St. John’s
Dogs. Labrador retrievers are
affectionately known as Labs by
fans of the breed. Labs come in
three colors: Yellow, Black and
Chocolate. They are known for
their block head, otter tail and
sturdy build. Their coat is
usually short and dense to repel
water. Today Labs are broken
into two groups: American and
English. English Labs are
usually stockier and tend to be
mellower, while American Labs
were bred to work and for that
reason are leaner, more agile
and tend to have a lot more
energy. Each Lab group has its
own perfect way to match with a
family’s life style.
Labs are family dogs; they
truly enjoy being with their
family from going on walks to
“vegging out” in front of the
TV. When you ask owners why they
are so passionate about the
breed they will tell you about
many aspects of Labs. The most
common reasons are: good family
dog, gentle disposition, loyal,
smart and athletic.
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dock diving, hunting or
agility training you will
find labs in the forefront
eager to please their owner,
especially when treats are
involved. Labs’ disposition
and intelligence are also
evident in their frequent
usage as canine assistants
and rescue dogs.
Michelle Dasher is with
Labrador Friends of the
South. Check them out online
at
www.labradorfriends.com. |
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My Petz
Magazine - 1735 Buford Highway, Suite 215 - Cumming,
GA 30041
Phone:
678-341-6868 Fax:
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