The Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Cute, Cuddly and Full of Action

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One of the most unique looking members of the dog family, Corgis have often been compared to foxes. This is due to their stocky frames, pointy ears and long snouts. In reality, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a member of the herding family having originated from Pembrokeshire, Wales. This highly intelligent dog is a favorite among Britons, especially the British Royal Family. Very distinctive looking, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is rather low to the ground and has pointy ears. Their short, stocky bodies are an asset when working which makes them perfect for herding sheep, cattle and goats.

Looking longer than taller, Pembrokes stand 10 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 15 inches long. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs approximately 22 to 27 pounds, with males weighing larger than females. Due to their body composition, this breed needs daily exercise and cannot be overfed, as it tends to easily gain weight. To exercise, when not herding animals, Pembrokes make great play companions and are drawn to their human counterparts. They make excellent watchdogs and if kept indoors, are easily trainable.

While Pembrokes have a very distinctive look, they can vary in coat color. Some of the most common colors available are red, sable, fawn and tri-color. Officially, tri-colors are classified by the AKC (American Kennel Club) as being black and tan in color with white markings. Regardless of coat color, all prospective owners of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi should set aside time for daily grooming, as they shed their undercoat year round and their top coats bi-annually. Females tend to shed more than males due to hormonal changes. While not qualified to be show dogs, some Corgis grow a fluffier coat. In fact, these are referred to by breeders and Corgi enthusiasts as "fluffies", due to their external appearance.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi needs to be monitored frequently, especially with respect to its weight. Overweight Corgis are more prone to developing arthritis and spinal problems. Receiving a proper diet and frequent exercise, owners should expect their Corgi to live approximately 12 to 14 years. With respect to exercise, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi should engage in at least 25 minutes a day of playful exercise, at least 5 days a week. This means going beyond a basic dog walk to include exercise where the Corgi is running. If working in typical farm-like conditions, Pembrokes would be active for longer periods of time, and the frequency of their exercise would consist of morning and evening herding sessions. Since working on a farm is not feasible for most Corgi owners, exercising them as much as possible and restricting dog treats will help keep your Corgi's weight down. If, by chance, their weight does increase, consult your veterinarian for recommendations regarding lower calorie food.

Other types of health conditions and diseases your Pembroke Welsh Corgi could be at risk for include: hip dysplasia, eye disorders, degenerative myelopathy, and Von Williebrand disease. If ever looking to breed your Pembroke, be sure a qualified veterinarian performs genetic screenings, hip x-rays and an eye examination with a passing CERF rating. This will help improve the quality of the breed and lessen the chance that diseases or other debilitating conditions will be passed down the line.

Due to their past work requirements, Corgis tended to nip at animals' feet. In a family with small children, one may want to wait until his or her children are older before purchasing a Corgi to avoid any nipping. Once older, your children will find the Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes a great playtime companion. By keeping your Pembroke well groomed, properly exercised and within normal weight guidelines, he or she can serve as a loyal companion for many years.

Andy West is a writer on a variety of topics, including dog care and training. If a Great Dane is a bit too big for your lifestyle, you should look down to a Pembroke Welsh Corgi for companionship.

What You Need to Know About Rottweiler Mixes

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Rottweilers like to mix it up in many kinds of ways, which is one reason why there are so many Rottweiler mixed breed dogs in the world today. The cross most on it's way to becoming its own breed is the Rotterman (Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher). Rottweilers also seem to cross often with German Shepherds, although there isn't a cute name for that cross yet. Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds, but they still will need to go to the vet annually.

One cross that does have a cute name and a loyal following is the St. Weiler (that's right - a Rottweiler and Saint Bernard). Since these are massive dogs, they need a lot of room, a lot of food and a lot of care. Big dogs are prone to a lot of structural problems that is due to their size and not due to their breed. Although not giants like Irish Wolfhounds, they are usually over one hundred pounds and rarely live beyond ten years of age (giant size dogs live only six years, on average.) The average length of a purebred Rottweiler's life is 1twelve.

And the Rottweiler mixed breeds recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club keep on coming. A cross between an Afghan Hound and a Rottweiler is a Rottaf. A cross between a Rottweiler and an English Bulldog is an English Bullweiler. And a cross between a Brussells Griffon and a Rottweiler is (are you ready) a Brotweiler. Less comically and more practically, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Rottweiler is called a Labrottie and is hoped to calm the Rottweiler down, while still retaining both breed's love of their families.

You can't show these dogs in a big show like Westminster, but Rottweiler mixed breeds can make excellent companions and friends. You do need to know the traits of both breeds involved in the mix before you go adopt or purchase one. You need to learn as much Rottweiler information as you can as well as much information on the other breed. The odds are, any Rottweiler mix will be a high-energy dog that is protective and wary of strangers.

The future looks good for a Rottweiler mix, as the breeding of them seems to be more concerned with making a healthy, happy family companion. The good traits of being a guard dog and gentle with kids seems to be crossing (for the most part) to the designer dog offspring. Any big dog needs a lot of space and a lot of food. Be ready to clean up a lot of messes as well.

Large, active dogs often do not know their own strength and may accidentally hurt you. Rottweiler mixes seem to be more exuberant and high on life than mean or vicious. Any large dog needs a healthy diet and regular exercise to help curb the energy. They also really should be neutered, as this will not only make them healthier, but more eager to pay attention to your wishes. Rottweiler mixes are often incredibly beautiful dogs with big feet.

Sharon Davies loves everything having to do with dogs, including Rottweiler mixes. Rottweiler mixed breeds deserve all of the same attention as Rottweiler purebreds. Really good Rottweiler information can be found at the library or on the Internet.

The Sweet And Loveable Basset Hound Dog Breed

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The name, Basset Hound, derives from the word "bas", which means low in French. Many believe this dog is a genetic dwarf and were actually born from other litters of French hounds. It is a direct descendant of the bloodhound. This breed has been a round for a very long time. At a Paris dog show in 1863 is the first showing of this breed. It very quickly became popular in England. There was a debate that arose about which class it should remain in. The split revolved around whether keep it as a hunting dog or change it to a companion dog. American breeders were already developing a breed that would maintain the hunting dog characteristics but be a companion dog. Because of their slow pace basset hounds are very good for those who hunt while on foot. They are social and can either hunt alone or in a pack. The first time that the Westminster Kennel Club showed a basset was in 1884, The Basset Hound Club of America was created in 1935.

The AKC formerly recognized the basset hound in 1885 and classified it in the hound class. These dogs are to be between 12-15 inches in height for the male, the female is a little smaller at 11-14 inches. The females weigh a little less also. Their ideal weight is between 45-60 pounds and the male is 50-60 pounds. They have a life span that ranges from 10 to 12 years.

The body of the basset is well proportioned to be able to go over difficult terrain while following a trail. The bone is heavier in their short legs than any other dog breed. A lot of people think of these dogs as a little clumsy. The truth is their movements are very deliberate. The chest should be full and deep and the head is large yet very proportioned.

The elbows and shoulders in this breed will be close to the sides of the chest. The back is well extended and should be smooth and long. A full and round hindquarter is a must.

In normal hound fashion the tail should have a slight curve and be a continuation of the spine, no docking of the tail is necessary. There are no real specifics in color. Any generally accepted hound color is adequate. When being shown the distributions of colorings and markings hold no bearing.

The temperament of this breed is tranquil. They are well behaved, and have a gentle, devoted disposition. With this type of personality traits they are ideal for family life. The may be laid back but do not confuse it for being timid. They are a bit stubborn but are very loving with their owners and gentle with children. They can be trained to be quite obedient but if they find and interesting smell to track, getting their attention may prove to be difficult. The basset has a deep melodious bark.

Because of their low spine and short legs it is important to not allow them to get overweight. That will put to much pressure on their spines. This heavy long body may cause paralysis or lameness. Feeding them in small portions a few times a day is the best way to help alleviate bloating which is common in the breed.

They will do very well in a variety of living styles. The ideal situation is a house with a small yard so it can run and play. It will also do well in an apartment, as their indoor behavior is not rambunctious. Just make sure you are able to included regular exercise in its routine.

They are shorthaired and require regular brushing. They do shed constantly and may not be good for allergy suffers. Only shampoo them when really necessary. Make sure their nails remain trimmed. Their long ears prevent air from getting in so it is important that you clean them weekly.

Lee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123 where you can learn more about dog care and dog breeds like the Basset Hound.

Westminster 2009 Hudson Valley contestants: Krista and "Surfer"

More videos: tinyurl.com "Surfer" , a two and a half year old Schipperke, is just starting out on the dog show circuit. Judging by his accomplished relatives, professional handler/breeder Krista J. Nuovo expects big things from this little guy in the future.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Breed Profile

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The Nova Scotia Duck tolling retriever was first introduced to the UK in 1988, from Canada, but has been in the USA for a substantially longer time. They are a medium sized, compact and powerful looking dog, with a feathered tail that is in motion most of the time. Their head is broad, rounded with a wedge shaped appearance, with medium sized triangular shaped ears, that are also feathered. They have strong jaws with a scissor action tooth arrangement. They have a deep chest with muscular upper legs. Average height ranges from 17-21 inches and weight is 37-51 pounds. Their coloration is, various shades of orange or red with white splashes on the tip of the tail and/or feet, it is also common to have white chest or blaze; however black is possible in the chest blaze region, but is unusual.

History: Nova Scotia Duck tolling retrievers (known, in Canada nowadays, as Tollers) were originally bred as decoys and retrievers for duck hunting. The Toller is naturally playful and this allows them to be used to cause interest. The dogs used to run and play, bounding about, on the waters edge. The aim being that ducks would see this playful thing having fun and come closer to see what was happening, which would bring them into the range of guns, on the foreshore. After the ducks or geese had been shot the dogs would retrieve the prize. They are natural retrievers and work just as efficiently on land as they do in water.

Temperament. They are a naturally playful dog and quite easy to train. They are a handsome and excellent family pet, that gets on well with children, and due to their natural retrieving instinct play well, and provides great entertainment at fetch the ball. They do require quite a lot of exercise but a lot of this is happily done during playtime, if you are too busy for lengthy walks twice a day. It is also a point to remember, as an intelligent dog they can get bored, which may lead to problems, you should stimulate them and encourage play to stop this.

Health issues: The Toller has breed issues of thyroid problems, heart defects (which can be checked for by a vet). Also check the parents have OFA and CERF certificates. They live for about 12-14 years. One minor thing that can cause problems is that they can suffer from abnormal eyelash growth. This is almost insignificant, but the lashes can curl and cause eye problems. However, this is a fairly simple thing for your vet to remedy.

Grooming: General grooming of the Toller is relatively easy with a requirement to brush a couple of times a week, although you should trim hair around the dogs' bottom, for hygiene reasons. It is also a good idea to keep ears clean and regularly checked for any signs of infections. Always be particularly careful with the ears and do not distress the dog, whilst doing it. They tend to shed all year round, so brushing will reduce the amount of hair vacuuming you need to do.

Living conditions: The Tollers can adapt to most living conditions, but as with all dogs, they will enjoy a dry airy environment and a warm bed. Just remember they like exercise.

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

Puppies For Sale

Teacup Yorkie

Hound Dog Breeds:The Top Ten Dogs In This Group

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The Hound Group includes dog breeds with a wonderful sense of smell and/or great athleticism. These breeds were developed to follow game either by sight or by smell. Sighthounds include the fast and streamlined Afghans, Greyhounds and Salukis. Sighthounds need lots of exercise but some breeds like the Borzoi, the Greyhound, the Irish Wolfhound and the Saluki can adapt to being left alone during the day if they get lots of exercise before and after work. Scent hounds include the slower Bloodhounds, Bassets and Beagles. The dogs in this group have a great size variation and range from the tiny Miniature Dachshund to the extremely tall Irish Wolfhound. The top ten most popular hound dogs in the US are the following. The number in brackets is the rank of the breed out of 154 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 2005.

1. Beagle

The very popular (#5) Beagle is one of the oldest hound dog breeds. The small-sized Beagle is calm, loyal and excellent with children and other dogs. The breed is cheerful and happy and they make good family pets except for the nose. Once a Beagle picks up a scent it will follow it to the exclusion of everything else. Beagles are fairly difficult to obedience train because of their independent or stubborn streak.

2. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small dog breeds with a long body, short crooked legs and large floppy ears. The very popular (#6) Dachshund comes in two sizes - Miniature and Standard and three varieties of coat - Shorthaired, Longhaired and Wirehaired. Dachshunds or Doxies are playful, fun-loving and inquisitive. Doxies are fine with older children but do not like the rough handling they may receive from a toddler. Dachshunds can be independent and stubborn and are difficult to housebreak and train.

3. Basset Hound

The medium- to large-sized Basset Hound is a short legged, loose skinned and powerfully built dog with a great sense of smell. Bassets are one of the easiest-going and best-natured of all dog breeds. The popular (#27) Basset is very gentle, friendly and trustworthy. These hounds adore their masters and children and get along well with other animals and strangers. Bassets can be stubborn, especially when they are investigating an intriguing smell.

4. Bloodhound

The very large and powerful Bloodhound is known for its keen sense of smell which is the most acute of all dog breeds. The Bloodhound is a kind, gentle and loveable dog. The breed is fairly popular (#50) and is gentle and affectionate with his family and children. The Bloody should be supervised around small children and pets as he can be possessive of his food and toys. Bloodhounds are prodigious droolers.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a lean, well muscled and magnificent, large dog breed. The Ridgeback gets its name from a characteristic ridge running down it's back, where the stiff hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The Ridgeback is fairly popular (#54) and is dignified, trustworthy, loyal, intelligent and makes a great family pet. It is extremely protective of its immediate family and wary of strangers and other animals. Ridgebacks are good with children if raised with them but young Ridgebacks can be too rambunctious for small children and toddlers

6. Whippet

The Whippet (#61) is a medium-sized sight hound that looks very much like a small Greyhound. The Whippet gets along well with children and makes a good family dog. This breed is good natured, gentle and very playful. As well this dog can be easily trained, sheds very little and is a great size for an apartment. Although it is important to know that Whippets do like and even expect to sit on furniture - so that should not be a concern if you are considering this breed.

7. Basenji

The Basenji (#81) is an unusual small, elegant and athletic dog that trots like a horse and keeps itself clean by fastidious licking like a cat. Basenjis don't bark but make other unusual sounds like a yodel, howl or chortle - depending on its mood. The Basenji is high spirited, affectionate, demanding and almost cat-like in its cleanliness, lack of bark, grace of movement and inexhaustible curiosity. This breed needs an experienced owner and lots of walks and playtime to prevent it from getting into trouble.

8. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound (#87) is the largest sighthound and one of the biggest and strongest of all giant dog breeds. This breed makes a wonderful family dog as it is reliable, patient, sweet-tempered, intelligent and good with older children. The Wolfhound adores its family and is not aggressive towards strangers or family pets. Toddlers must be supervised carefully around young Wolfhounds as they are in danger of being accidentally knocked over. Fully-grown Wolfhounds can be left alone during the day as long as they get some moderate exercise before and after work.

9. Borzoi

The Borzoi (#94) or Russian Wolfhound is a tall, lean and aristocratic looking large- to very large-sized dog that belongs to the group of sight hound dog breeds. Borzois are kind, gentle and well-behaved indoors. This breed likes lots of attention and loves to recline on a soft bed, a lap or even a couch. Borzois enjoy the company of other sighthounds but the breed is not good with small pets and young children unless raised with them. Borzois don't need an excessive amount of exercise and should not be let off leash because they still retain a high prey drive.

10. Afghan Hound

The large Afghan Hound (#95) has a dignified and somewhat aloof disposition but is also very loyal and affectionate dog. Afghan puppies and adolescents require a lot of knowledge and patience to train and need firm and gentle handling. This breed can be difficult to housebreak and train - so professional training may be advisable. The Afghan needs a lot of exercise but still retains a high prey drive and will run off if you let it off leash. The Afghan is suspicious of strangers but can adapt to older children if raised with the family. However the Afghan should be watched around small children as this dog can have a bad temper in adolescence.

About the Author - Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: http://www.dog-breed-facts.com He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health , dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training.

Westminster 2006 Dalmation 2

Later in show,

5 Of the Best Dog Breeds For Seniors - Part 2

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In the first article I wrote on this topic I listed 5 dog breeds that are recommended for seniors to own. They are: Boston terrier, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Maltese, and Pekingese. I also listed some of the benefits of dog ownership that included: companionship, a sense of safety and security, reducing stress, and getting more exercise while playing with or walking your dog.

Following is a list of 5 more of the best dog breeds for seniors:

1. Pembroke Welsh corgi - This breed is intelligent, loyal, and loving. It does not require a large living space and responds well to training. This dog needs daily exercise and routine brushing.

Height: 10 to 12 inches / Weight: 25 to 30 pounds

2. Pug - The Pug makes a good indoor pet. It is loving, affectionate, and gets along well with other pets and people. It requires little grooming.

Height: 10 to 14 inches / Weight: 14 to 18 pounds

3. Schnauzer - Standard or miniature make good pets. They are affectionate, protective and crave human companionship. The Schnauzer can adapt easily to small city apartments. It needs daily exercise and regular grooming.

Height: 12 to 14 inches / Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

4. Toy poodle - This breed loves the company of people enjoys being pampered. It is very intelligent and is easily trained. The Toy poodle is cheerful and is usually good with other pets. It needs daily mental and physical exercise.

Height: Up to 10 inches / Weight: 6 to 9 pounds

5. Yorkshire terrier - The Yorkshire terrier travels well due to its small size and temperament. It needs daily interaction with people. This breed requires limited exercise but does need regular grooming.

Height: 6 to 7 inches / Weight: around 7 pounds

To learn more about different dog breeds and how to train, groom, and exercise your dog go to: petsonly.biz

Inside Out

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Horowitz, Alexandra. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. New York: Scribner. 2009. 368 pages.

Psychologist and self-proclaimed dog lover, Alexandra Horowitz turned the research world inside out when she suggested to her PhD adviser a study of the ordinary dog. In academia the baboon was a worthier research subject. Determined Horowitz pursued an eight year study of man's best friend. Although a plethora of breed and training books are marketed yearly, there is little serious research on our canine companion. This book fills in some of the gaps. The author challenges the reader to view the world from the canine's point of view or umwelt. The result is an enjoyable and informative read for a general audience.

The book blends anecdotal and scientific material as it meanders to closure. Editing some of the research material on other animals may pick up the pace. Objective points in each chapter are illustrated by linkage to memories of her beloved dog, Pump. Horowitz validates her well documented research by making it personally relevant.

Some of the following points are particularly interesting. Although Horowitz acknowledges a DNA link, less than one percent, between dog and wolf in the distant past(145,000 years ago), she does not subscribe to current view of dogs as pack animals. She devotes a significant part of the book exploring physical, developmental and social differences between the dog and its progenitor the wolf. Her conclusion is no canids are as fully domesticated as the dog.

This year's Westminster show recognized 2,500 breeds. According to the author, classifications of AKC breeds are genetically inaccurate. Cairin terriers share much of their genomes with hounds, shepherds and mastiffs.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not color blind although their vision is somewhat muted. They see objects at a distance better than close-up, but sight is not a dog's primary sense. Humans have six million olfactory receptors. Depending on the breed, dogs can have over three hundred million. Two other misconceptions are clarified. Dogs do not urinate to mark territory but to pass on important information. Posture rather than size determines dominance.

Alexandra Horowitz has written a solid book that demands readers to view the world through the dog's senses. Greater understanding strengthens the bond between man and his best friend.

By Rosemary Biggio

Dr. Rosemary Biggio
1817 Forest Drive
Williamstown, N.J. 08094
856-740-4889
856-740-0329(fax)
Biggio1@comcast.net

Born in NY, Retired teacher, Writer of fiction and nonfiction

Winter @ Westminster 2008: WIcked Sick Kennel Club Dog Show

Winter @ Westminster 2008: WIcked Sick Kennel Club Dog Show

STUMP THE COMEBACK POOCH - WINS BEST IN SHOW 2009

mynameisroxie.com Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Best In Show 2009 Thank you All, I Love You All Tonight the Sussex said Judge Sari Brewster Tietjen. Judge Sari Brewster Tietjen said choosing 10 year old Stump was a last minute decision. 10 year old Sussex Spaniel STUMP wins Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2009. It's a first for this breed. Stumpy almost died in 2004 and spent several weeks in the hospital. Stump will be traveling around the country over the coming year, representing the club and serving as a "spokesdog" for "Angel on a Leash." Angel On A Leash is Westminster Kennel Club's Charity. Their goal is to create the best therapy dog programs in health care facilities and other settings across the country. At the end of 2008 Angel teams were visiting nine prestigious health care facilities across the United States. Angel On A Leash also participates in the READ(Reading Education Assistance Dogs). mynameisroxie.com READ(Reading Education Assistance Dogs) was launched by Intermountain Therapy Animals, a nonprofit organization. In 1999 READ. was the first comprehensive literacy program built around the idea of reading to dogs. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, children who don't read for fun have much lower scores than children who do. Reading to dogs provides a fun, non-judgmental environment where children can improve their reading skills. READ teams are sent to camps, schools, libraries and has spread to Canada ...

Westminster contestants: Lilian and "Newton"

Lilian Ostermiller will watch her daughter Michelle Scott handle her dog "Newton", a Bernese Mountain Dog at this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. "Newton's" father was called "Einstein", his grandfather: "Albert".

Da Butcher

Butch's impression of Rufus, the Westminster Dog Show winner.

WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW NYC 2010 #-4

Westminster dog show.Madison Square Garden,NYC,NY.

Dog Breeds and How To Pick The Right One

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Dog Breeds:

A lot of factors come into play when it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you or your family. Some dogs require a lot of attention and exercise while some do not. Your lifestyle plays a major role in how the dog will interact with you so it is vital to choose a breed that compliments you and your family.

Spaniels

If your lifestyle consists of hunting, taking walks and outdoor activities then you have quite a few dog breeds to choose from. Brittany spaniels have many qualities that will compliment this type of lifestyle. They love to hunt and play fetch on a regular basis. They do require daily brushing as their hair may become matted if their coats are not brushed. This breed loves to be with people and is typically good with children if they are introduced to them at an early age. This is a large breed weighing an average of 30-40 pounds.

Golden Retriever and Labs

Another breed that is good for an outdoor lifestyle are the golden retriever and Labs. They too are family dogs and require your attention as they are people pleasers by nature. Their coat is long and requires brushing on a regular basis as well. Not only do they love to hunt but they like to bring you the prize as well. Golden retrievers and labs are also a large breed weighing an average of 55 - 75 pounds. Tragically, many black labs, even 100% purebred, are euthanized each year. It is because they are dark and big and even though one of the friendliest dogs, many people are afraid of them.

Terriers

Yorkshire terriers are a small breed weighing an average of 7 pounds. They are loyal lap dogs who love to be with their owners. This breed requires little exercise as they are more suited for short walks and apartment living. They do require daily brushing, cleansing of the eyes and ears, and dental care in order to remain healthy.

Doberman Pinschers

If you are looking for a dog that is protective, loyal, are the only owner, and do not live in a cold climate then the Doberman Pinscher is the dog for you. This breed requires minimal brushing and bathing. Oral hygiene on the other hand is of the utmost importance. If there is more than one family member in a household the Doberman may bond with one family member more so than every one else.

Do Research

There are a lot of dog breeds to choose from so it is vital that you do your research to find one that compliments your lifestyle. Some dogs do not do well in environments where they are left alone while others manage just fine. Do your research before becoming a dog owner and you will be happy with the result.

Dan is offering free reports on dog training. To get first report, go to:
http://www.dogtrainingeasy.com

Ronald McDonald House, Kids, Parents, Veterans Benefit From 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Animals Used for Therapy

Pedigree Dentastix Denture Your Dog Contest for oral health

For more info visit www.newsinfusion.com ASHVILLE (February 16, 2010) Petowners often worry about the physical health of their animals. Are they eating right, are they getting enough exercise, is their coat shiny enough? But what about a pets oral health? With February marking Dental Health Month, PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX® is kicking off an effort to raise awareness about the importance of good pet oral care. The effort challenges pet owners to make their dogs oral health a priority, which means taking the necessary steps to properly care for their dogs teeth. The physical health of a pet is more closely tied to their oral health than you may think. Poor oral health can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and has been linked to more serious issues like heart, lung and kidney problems. Yet a recent survey conducted by PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX® found that only 32 percent of people take their dog to the vet for an annual dental cleaning*. This stat is concerning given that four out of five dogs over the age of three already have some level of gum disease. Since doggie dentures arent an option, taking a preventative approach to oral care for your dog is key. That starts with an annual teeth cleaning for your pet at the vet along , with brushing and feeding of oral care treats like PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX®, clinically-proven to reduce tarter buildup by up to 80%. Dog owners who want a fun way to show their commitment to care for their canines canines can log onto www.dogsrule.com/oralcare and ...

Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed Description and History

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Description: This is a medium-sized dog which is sturdy to look at. With the visual Spitz look, the Norwegian Elkhound is short and square to look at, which enhances their sturdy look. With his wedge shaped head, that is broad, and the thick muzzle. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. It has oval shaped eyes and these are dark brown. The ears are definite but mobile. The chest is deep and is somewhat wide. From the front view, their legs appear straight, with small and tight, oval paws with thick pads. The tail is curled tightly and is set high over the back of the dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound breed has a weather resistant double coat, that is bulky and solid. The colour of this dog is grey with black tips and a lighter tummy and undercoat, with their black muzzle, ears and tip of the tail. The height of this breed is 19 to 21 inches for the dog and 18 to 20 inches for the bitch. Their weight for dogs is 50 to 60 pounds and the bitch is 40 to 55 pounds. This breed has a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.

History: The Norwegian Elkhound came from Scandinavia and is a very ancient breed, being thousands of years old. This dog would have worked as a hunting and guard dog for the Vikings, where they would have been utilized for tracking big and small game, working as a team with hunters. This dog works better at night, and is also adept as a sledge dog. If Norway were to go into war, then the Minister of defence can mobilise and use all privately owned Elkhounds. This breed was first shown at the Norwegian hunters Association in 1877. The AKC first recognized this breed in 1913. Due to this breed's friendly and reliability, it is now a more enchanting family pet living in our homes.

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

Teacup Puppies For Sale

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The Difference Between The American And Japanese Akita

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The difference Between the American Akita and the Japanese Akita.

Looks.

There is a difference between how the American and Japanese Akita's are built and the way they look. The most noticeable difference between the American and Japanese Akitas of today is in the shapes of their heads. The American Akita is larger-boned with a large triangular head and small eyes resembling the look of a bear.

The Japanese Akita's head on the other hand, has almond eyes with ears that are set lower and more forward and this Akita resembles the head of an over-sized fox.

Color.

The Japanese Akita's colors are limited to brindle, white, and red with white markings.

The American Akita can be many different colors; often the undercoat has a different
color than the upper coat. However, they have mostly black masks.

Your Choice

If your preference is for a smaller boned dog with a face that looks similar to that of a fox, and you prefer to have a pure bred Japanese type of dog, then the Japanese Akita-Inu is one you will want to buy for yourself and your family.

Should you prefer the larger American Akita with its historical cross breeding, and its uncanny resemblance to a bear, you should make sure you select a reputable a breeder who specializes in this type of Akita.

Breed

The Japanese Akita-Inu was bred to be a companion dog whereas the American Akita was bred to be a guard dog. Even so, the two Akitas have similar temperaments.

Each individual dog will of course have its own personality. It is more important to look at the personality traits of the parents of the puppy that you may want to buy. The puppy will most probably inherit a similar temperament and personality to that of the parent dogs.

Always ensure that you are prepared to make a commitment to love and care for your Akita before you actually buy that adorable puppy!

Georg Stroebel is a caring and loving dog owner. He also maintains Love Your Akita
http://www.akitashibadogs.com

Playful pup pleases Parker!

Black lab puppy loves Parker,the neighbor dog.

WKC DOG SHOW: FAN CAM (2/12)

MSG.com's Alex Iglesias talks with the fans at the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. For more Dog Show, visit thegarden.com For more video from MSG, visit www.msg.com

Uno the Dog

what a coincidence

Westminster Kennel Club Oh Yeah baby

Tucker (a German Short haired Pointer) is enthralled by the telecast of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in March 2008,

Tobi at Westminster, Part III

Tobi at the show!

iNPLACENEWS LiTE - Feb.13th, 2008

Nar Williams delivers the top headlines to you in less than ten minutes from iNPLACENEWS.com! Obama and McCain sweep primaries, Roger Clemens testifies, a beagle wins Westminster... SUBSCRIBE TO OUR VIDEOS NOW and get the news on demand every day at www.youtube.com/inplacenews. OR for better quality video and sound, watch us on our free destop player at inplacenews.com! Want more real-time news??!! For our FULL BROADCAST, we are streaming live everyday at www.inplacenews.com!

Becoming a Successful Dog Breeder

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Here we discuss what is needed to become a successful dog breeder and establish your own breeding kennel.

Before you even start thinking about breeding dogs, you need to ask yourself: "Do I have everything that is required to start a breeding kennel?"

What do you need to have to start a breeding kennel?

The most important thing that every dog breeder needs to have is knowledge about the breed. By knowledge about the breed, we do not mean you read a book on the particular breed. We mean that you and your family grew up with that breed and have years of first-hand experience with the breed in question, as well as, its specific needs. Also, you need to have plenty of space to exercise the dogs and a rural setting or a farm with a large property is usually preferred. Breeding dogs in the city is not recommended, especially considering that there are restrictions in some places on how many dogs you can have in your household and you do not know how your neighbors will react to your dogs.

To start breeding, you need to own a quality bitch, in most cases more than one. She will be the foundation of your kennel. You need to have enough funds to pay for your veterinarian bills and general care for your dogs and puppies. If you think that taking care of one dog is expensive, then you should not start a breeding kennel. The bitch and the puppies need to be registered with a kennel club such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) to prove that they are up to the standards of the breed. You also need to register your kennel which will involve paying for the membership and abiding by the rules of the club. Being a member of a club gives you advantages since you will be able to connect easier to a network of other breeders and be notified of special news and events available to members only. In most cases, breeders will take their dogs to shows and other types of competitions such as agility and obedience. This is where they can prove the quality of their dogs and their temperaments and preserve the true essence of the breed. Each time your dog wins a show or competition, he or she will win points and titles. These points show the quality of your dogs and your dedication to the breed.

Taking a dog to a dog show costs money, especially if you need to hire professional handlers or try to reach some of the more prestigious shows such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Some breeders/owners pay in the $80,000-$150,000 range to reach the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with their dogs. Not only do their dogs have to be of the highest quality, but it also takes time and money to get there. This is why you will see that some dogs have more than one owner because they split the costs. Not being a member of any clubs just shows that you are not really interested in the breed and only care about producing and selling puppies.

Once the puppies are born, you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time with the mother and the puppies. In addition, each puppy needs to be health screened by a veterinarian, DNA profiled, and vaccinated. All of this costs money, so be prepared. You then have to decide which puppy to keep and which puppy will carry your breeding tradition. If you are unsure, then you can make contracts with the owners where it says that you are allowed to take their dogs to shows or competition whenever you wish to do so and thus earn points and promote your own kennel. You can then use that dog or bitch for breeding when the time is right.

Why do you want to start a breeding kennel?

You have to understand that breeding dogs is a very expensive and time-consuming hobby. If you just want to breed dogs for profit and ignore the consequences, you will soon find yourself labeled as a puppy mill and lose your reputation. If you want to become a reputable breeder and produce litters with the goal of improving the breed and keeping a puppy or two from the litter with which you would continue your efforts, then you will make a lot of friends along the way. Reputable and responsible breeders make very little money. Usually, they lose money and this is why we call this a 'hobby' and not a business.

How to find top quality stud dogs or bitches?

First of all, you need to fully understand the breed standard to pick a champion stud for your bitch ot to pick a bitch that will be part of your kennel. The best way to do it is to go to dog shows or competitions yourself and make connections with other well-respected breeders in the field. See if you can meet with them privately and discuss your plans. You can also visit different official breed club websites for your country and ask them for breeder references or look through their directory of breeders.

Many reputable and experienced breeders are willing to help as long as they agree with your intentions and plans. They can even tutor you on how to become a better breeder. If you become successful, then they will also benefit from it since you bought your bitch from them or their stud was used to inseminate your female. Having a champion stud or a quality bitch ensures that the puppies will be healthy and true to the breed's standards. Not all puppies are going to be show dogs, but those that cannot be shown in the ring can make great companions if they are healthy and with good temperaments.

It is always advisable to buy your future bitch or dog when they are puppies so that they can properly adjust to the new environment, which means that you will have to wait for a little over 2 years before you can start breeding them. This is why dog breeding takes patience and cannot be forced. You can expect to have to invest a lot of time and money before you can start breeding your dogs and producing litters. Only at this point will you see any returns on your investments depending on how skilled of a breeder you are and how lucky you are that all of your puppies are healthy, as well as, that their mother does not have any complications.

How to find buyers for your puppies?

Before you start thinking about producing a litter, you need to have a waiting list of potential buyers for the puppies you are going to produce. These buyers need to be screened to make sure they will be able to take care of their dogs and not abandon them at some point in the future. Breeding dogs without any plans is irresponsible and can lead to overpopulation. Breeding without first finding buyers can leave you with puppies that you may not be able to sell or for which you cannot take proper care. Usually, such breeders either sell them to pet stores (always a bad idea since the buyers are not screened and you can be sure that the puppies will be mistreated) or to anyone that shows up at their front door for a low price.

Aside from you having to be a responsible breeder, you need to find responsible buyers who will not contribute to the overpopulation at the various shelters. You will want to stay in contact with those buyers well after they have taken their puppy/dog home to make sure everything is going well and assist them if they need some help or advice. Sometimes, you will need to be prepared to take a puppy/dog back if the buyer cannot take care of him/her anymore. You also need to have a well-written contract where all of your responsibilities and guarantees are outlined, as well as, the responsibilities of the future owners. Having a well-written contract can save you from having a lot of headaches in the future and protect your kennel's reputation. If you are unsure what goes into a contract, ask a reputable and experienced breeder to show you one that you can user as a template to construct your own.

Dog breeding is not for everyone and as you see now, requires a lot of patience and work. You need to be prepared to spend thousands of dollars to run a successful breeding kennel and to always set your goals when you breed. Dog breeding can be a very rewarding experience and will allow you to meet a lot of interesting people who share the same love for the breed as you do. It will allow you to make long-lasting relationships and many friends along the way.

If you would like to find a purebred dog breeder in your area, visit our Dog Breeders Community. Responsible breeders are welcomed to join us, and showcase their healthy, sound dogs that reflect their proper breed standard.

Priscilla at Wesminster

We are number 5 and I am wearing the light gray suit. Thank you Amber for taking this video!

Fox Terrier (Toy)

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Unlike the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers, the breed did not originate in England. This is, instead, a recently developed American breed. Smooth Fox Terriers were crossed with several toy breeds, including Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, and perhaps even Manchester Terriers. The resulting dogs are both true terriers (with strength, stamina, and gameness) and true toys (with a more livable disposition).

They stand 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall with weight proportionate to height. They are small yet well-balanced and strong. The eyes are dark and round, and the ears are upright and large, never dropped. The tail is docked. The coat is smooth, fine, and predominantly white with patches of color. Brush weekly with a soft bristle brush or rubber curry comb.

This is an active dog who is playful and animated, yet not as busy or intense as the smooth and Wire Fox Terriers. Fox Terriers enjoy daily walks and are also suited to many dog sports, including agility, fly ball, obedience, and terrier-go-to-ground competitions. They are active enough to get into trouble if left alone for too many hours.

Early socialization is important. Although normally outgoing and friendly, some Toy Fox Terriers can be reserved and wary of strangers, and early socialization can help build their confidence. Training should begin early, too, as this is an intelligent breed. Training should be fun and not too repetitive, yet firm and structured. The breed really enjoys mental challenges, so training should continue into adulthood. Teach the dog hand signals, scent discrimination, and trick training. As with some other toys, house training can sometimes become a challenge.

This breed can be a good family dog as long as the children are not too rough with them. The Fox Terrier can be a great companion for an active senior citizen. Health concerns include knee problems and allergies.

Registries: AKC, CKC,UKC
Occupation: Companion
Size: 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall; weight proportionate to height
Longevity: 13 to 14 years
Exercise: Active ad playful
Training: Moderate
Grooming: Easy

If you would like to learn more about the Fox Terrier and other dog breeds you can visit the all breed website and forum at http://www.PetPedigreeDatabase.com/

Patryk Janiszewski