bichon.MOV

Sweet little Bichon Frise at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show

Looking to Adopt a Pet? Why Not a Beagle? Here's the 411

Always gentle and sweet, just about everyone loves beagles. This dog breed is highly social, appears to have a battery-operated wagging tail and are welcome working companions for serious hunters. Beagles have been a popular breed for a long time, but especially since a champion won the Westminster Dog Show in 2008. Ever since, it's been beagle-mania! But before adopting one, here's what you need to know about beagle dogs.

Physical description- The shape of a beagle is described in squares: squarely built with a square muzzle. Their eyes are usually brown or hazel and set well apart. Average heights range from 14 to 16 inches for males with females in the 13-to-15-inch range. Males also weigh more at 22 to 25 pounds, with females around 20 to 23 pounds.

The beagle coat is medium in length, sleek and very easy to care for. Breed experts compare the appearance of a beagle to a miniature foxhound. Their coloring is varied and can show in tricolored shades of black and tan, orange and white, red and white, lemon and white, and blue tick and red tick.

Another important fact that you need to know about beagle dogs is that they have a very distinctive howling voice, especially when they are on the trail of an animal during a hunt. Indoor dogs are not shy about showing off their voices either, and the sound can be described as a short howl rather than a traditional bark.

Temperament In addition to its sweet temperament, the beagle breed is also very intelligent and brave. Generally, they socialize well with children, and most will get along with other dogs. Because they are very intelligent dogs, beagles can be strong-willed and determined when seeking a goal. Because of this tendency, they should be well-trained using patient training methods. New owners must teach their beagle to respect them as "leader of the pack." However, if a beagle is allowed to be the pack leader over its owner, behavior problems may arise including guarding, obsessive barking, biting and snapping, which can lead to destructive behaviors.

Even if bad habits and poor training practices cause early behavior problems, keep in mind that problems can be easily corrected when you understand the beagle's natural instincts and then meet its needs.

Beagles require a lot of exercise. Keeping them on a regular workout schedule will avoid stress and keep them calm. Remember, beagle dogs are instinctive trackers. Try to incorporate tracking games by buying animal scents that you can spray around the yard. Playing these games will keep your dog challenged and interested.

Their natural scenting instincts can also get them into trouble when they are determined to follow their curiosity. While in hot pursuit of an interesting scent, they will most likely ignore your calls to return home. Keep this caution in mind when walking your beagle on a leash. If you decide to unleash your dog, do so only in a safe area and away from busy streets.

Health issues What you need to know about beagle dogs includes these common health issues: epilepsy, heart disease, back and even eye problems. Chondroplasia, also called dwarfism (front legs that appear warped), is not unusual in this breed. When well cared for, beagles can live an average life span of 12 to 15 years.

Beagles really are the best. So if you want to adopt a pet, why not opt for a beagle today?

Robert Clarke

Hershey watching TV

Hershey enjoying the 2011 Westminster Dog Show

opie and anthony Dov Davidoff part 1

What to Do With 48 Hours in London

London is huge with literally thousands of things to see and places to go. If you have only 48 hours you will not see everything, so, the first tip is 'don't even try.' If you try to cram in too many sights you will be disappointed, so be selective. Here is my best suggestion for a two-day London stopover.

Start by heading to Trafalgar square, the official centre of London. You are actually in the 'West End' or to be more correct, "The city of Westminster".  The City of London is about a mile east of you. Don't worry we will be visiting the old City a little later. But, after a stroll round Trafalgar square lets start with a bus tour. The tourist route is an excellent way to see lots of London and 'get your bearings'.  The busses that rin from the north of the square, near the imposing National Gallery go on a circular route and you can jump on and off whenever you like.  I suggest you get off at Westminster Abbey and take a couple of hours to wander round this ancient church. A little later you might want to get a snack, then hop back on board and go all the way through the 'City' to The Tower of London. This world heritage site requires at least 3 hours to explore fully. The day will be pretty much over after that so head back to the west end for dinner in one of many thousands of good hotels. For cheap Chinese food, head to Soho and ask for 'Chinatown', or for something more traditional, we love Bentleys restaurant in Swallow Street close to Picadilly Circus. Bentley's first opened its doors in 1916 so has lots of history, but in recent years owner and Chef Richard Corrigan has built its reputation to that of London's premier seafood restaurant.

In the evening, there are bars, clubs, comedy, music and above all the classic London pubs.

For day two I suggest you start with a walk around Westminster Abbey. Then head down to the Embankment and take a boat trip downstream to Greenwhich. The boats have audio commentary and you get to see a completely different view of the city from the water. It takes about an hour to get to Greenwhich, another world heritage site. Here you will find the royal observatory with the prime meridian, the naval museum, amazing shopping including funky markets and the Curry Sark tea clipper plus a few other famous boats. Cross beneath the river by the victorian pedestrian tunnel and you are now at the O2 arena site, London's top concert venue.

Take in a show and you will find that two wonderful days have just flown by leaving you with heaps of amazing memories of your short stay in this amazing city.

Chris Brown is the Managing Director of http://www.BreaksOnBudgets.com a website dedicated to finding great hotels at great prices. Chris is passionate about holidays and getting the most out of them. Having traveled allover the world he brings together the best hotels for you to enjoy.

Tibetan Terrier Show Puppies (3 Weeks Old)

New show puppies born Feb. 10 2011 - For Sale Sire - Grand Champion - Cedar C. Barnstorm Ltd. Edition (DJ). Most winning Tibetan Terrier 2008, 2009 and 2010. Two time winner Best of Breed at Westminster Dog Show and 12 time winner "Best in Show" 70 group 1 wins Dam - Champion - Barnstorm's Rising Star of the Orient (Karma).

Kina at Novi Dog Show 2010 #1

Kina, Illusion's Whats B'Hind T'Curtain, self stacking at the Oakland County Kennel Club shows in January, 2010. Video taken by John Bauman.