Dog Breeds: The Australian Terrier

Also known as the “Aussie,” the Australian Terrier was created from several Terrier breeds about 1820. It was first shown in Australia in 1899.

This sturdy little dog is fairly long in body in proportion to its height which is approximately 10 to 11 inches (25-27.5 cm) at the shoulder. It weighs 12 to 14 pounds (5-6 Kg).

The Australian Terrier has a fairly short, shaggy, untrimmed coat over a fine, soft undercoat. It has a definite ruff around the neck and the fur is shorter on the lower legs, feet and around the muzzle. They also have a fine, soft topknot at the top of the skull. Coat colours consist of Blue, Steel Blue, or Dark Grey-Blue with tan, or solid Sandy or solid Red. The dog's coat does not need clipping, but it should be brushed several times a week. With frequent brushing, this dog will shed very little. If necessary, trim around the eyes and ears, and clip the nails regularly. The Australian Terrier should not be bathed more than once a month or its coat could become lank. Be careful when brushing the soft undercoat. When the coat is washed, it should be brushed as it dries to prevent matting and tangling of the hair.

Keen, Dark Brown eyes and small, erect, pointed ears give this friendly, extrovert breed an anxious to please demeanour. As well as being an excellent rodent killer, the Australian Terrier is also an excellent companion dog and an above average guard dog because of its keen eyesight and hearing.

The Australian Terrier is very adaptable and enjoys both city and country living, as long as it gets a daily walk on a leash or lead. Never let the dog run loose because its genetic makeup will cause it to chase anything that moves. This dog is above average in intelligence and it is quite easy to obedience train. It is not an aggressive dog, but will defend itself if attacked. It tends to be bossy in a multiple pet family and is apt to chase and possibly kill smaller pets like cats and rabbits. Because of its rodent killing genetics, this breed of dog should not be kept in a home where rodents are kept as pets.

The Australian Terrier has a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Health concerns: generally a healthy breed, although it is susceptible to cancer, diabetes, cataracts and ear infections. Some of this breed also suffers from allergic dermatitis.

The Australian Terrier is an alert, amusing, self-assured dog that is usually even tempered, so is good around children. However, all children in the family must be taught how to be kind to the dog and also how to be its leader. If this is done, a deep bond will develop between the dog and the children. The dog should be taught that all humans are pack leaders. If the dog believes that it is the pack leader, then it could snap at the children if it sees them do something that it doesn't approve of. The pack leader always keeps all members of its pack in line.

If you would like to have a smart, alert, active little dog that is easy to obedience train, then an Australian Terrier should be high on your list of dogs to consider.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: Bichon Frise

The name, in French, means curly white lap dog. Other names for this hypoallergenic dog are Bichon a poil frise and Bichon Tenerife.

The Bichon Frise is a descendent of the Barbet or Water Spaniel and was originally called a Barbichon. This name was later shortened to Bichon. There are four categories of Bichon: the Bichon Tenerife, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Malteise and the Bichon Bolognaise. All originated in the Mediterranean area.

These happy, lively little dogs, which are friendly and outgoing, love being the centre of attention and becoming a member of their human family.

The dark, alert eyes are full of expression. The nose is black, soft and shiny. The white, soft, corkscrew hair, over a silky undercoat, needs daily grooming to remain in tip-top condition. A small amount of the coat around the ears, snout, paws and parts of the body (not more than 10 percent of the body in total area) may have a buff, apricot or cream hue.

Height is 9 to 12 inches (23-30 cm) and weight 7 to 20 pounds (3-10 Kg). Puppy's noses are pink, but gradually turn black as they grow older. They also have cream or pink markings under their white coat, but these markings should be dark by the time the dog reaches 18 months of age. The legs and head are in proportion to the size of the body. The tail and ears are not docked or cropped. These dogs are of medium to high intelligence.

Because they require a lot of brushing, clipping and bathing, dead hair and dander is constantly being removed. As a result, these dogs make good pets for people who usually have allergic reactions to other dogs. It must be remembered, however, that individual dogs may have more or less allergens than the breed average.

The Bichon Frise is sensitive, gentle mannered, affectionate and playful. It usually gets along well with children and other pets.

The average lifespan of the Bichon is 12 to 13 years, although individual dogs may live for a longer or shorter period. These dogs are prone to cancer, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) and liver shunts.

My Mom and Dad had a Bichon Frise named “Brandy” when they lived in Regina. She was a sweet little puppy, happy and active. However, as she got a little older, she began to limp and often walked on three legs, refusing to put any weight on her left hind leg. A trip to the veterinarian revealed that she had hip dysplasia. As a courtesy to the breeder, Mom phoned her and let her know that one of the parents was passing a hip dysplasia problem on to some, or all, of the pups. The breeder said, “You bought her, so it's your problem now,” and slammed down the phone. Obviously this breeder was not a good one and was only in it to make money, not to ensure that her stock was of good quality.

“Brandy” was operated on and had the ball removed from the top of her left rear femur. It changed her whole personality. Even after she was completely healed and had undergone rehabilitation so she could use her leg again, she became quiet, sad, slow moving and sullen. When she was about 8 ½ years old, she showed signs of chewing problems, so Mom and Dad took her to the Veterinarian. She examined “Brandy” and advised that she had cancer of the mouth and jaw. When Mom asked how long she had, the veterinarian replied, “she will let you know.” Several months later, she stopped eating. A few days after that, she came up to Mom and laid her head in Mom's lap and whined and closed her eyes. It was time! Mom and Dad took her to the veterinarian where she was put to sleep.

Friends of the family have a Bichon, “Charlie,” who is very outgoing and friendly and much loved by his “Mom and Dad.” So, if you would like to have a friendly white dog that loves attention, you may want to consider a Bichon Frise as your next dog. Just remember, they need a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: Alaskan Malamute

One of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, this breed originated in the Eskimo settlement of Malamute. Affectionate, friendly, loyal and a devoted companion this breed likes people. The broad head and obliquely set eyes add to its dignified appearance. According to the American Kennel Club, the Alaskan Malamute has a well furred tail carried over the back like a “waving plume.” Apparently in stormy conditions it will curl this tail around its eyes, protecting them from damage caused by blowing snow.

Puppy litters for this breed range from 4 to 10 puppies. Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, although a British study involving 14 dogs found the median lifespan to be 10.7 years. The discrepancy may be due to the size of the study, or the fact that it took place in Britain which is a warmer climate than Alaska where the breed originated from.

To survive Alaskan temperatures and pull a heavy sled at a steady speed this breed needs to be powerful and heavily boned. An Alaskan Malamute's weight is 85 to 125 pounds (38-56 Kg) and its height 23 to 28 inches (58-71 cm).

The Alaskan Malamute is a good family dog because it is great around children and it is very protective of them. As a result, it is not a good idea to discipline children around the dog.

Unfortunately, it has a tendency to show aggression toward other dogs. Its size and strength require that it be handled firmly and carefully.

Its thick double coat ranges from light grey to black or from gold through shades of red to liver, always with white on its face, chest, under body, legs, feet and underside of tail. The only solid colour permissible for this breed is white.

Apparently the Alaskan Malamute is difficult to train, so training sessions should be kept short and fun for the dog, or it will lose interest.

They make good house dogs as they are nimble around furniture and small objects, but they require plenty of time outdoors getting large amounts of exercise. If kept as an outdoor dog, they must have plenty of shade in the summer and should be provided with a paddling pool of cold water so they can lay in it to cool off. They love snow.

The Alaskan Malamute has a tendency to run off, so they should either be on a leash or within a fenced in area. They are a fairly quiet dog as they do not bark very much, although they do “talk” using a “woo woo” sound and they also have a tendency to howl like a wolf on occasion.

Known health problems include cancer, hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.

My Dad's mom had an Alaskan Malamute whose father was a beautiful gold colour. "Rocky" took after his mother and ended up black with some white on him. He looked like a black bear and was nearly as big weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. He liked other dogs and even cats, but he was a great watch dog. He loved children and adored my Grandma. Whenever anyone came to the door, he would stand between the open door and Grandma. If Grandma invited them in, he would lay beside her chair. Once when dad was visiting, he came in the door quickly and "Rocky" came to meet him. Grandma yelled, "It's OK, it's Bert, and "Rocky" skidded to a stop and laid his head on Dad's foot and whined quietly, almost like he was apologizing to dad. Unfortunately he got cancer and had to be put down.

If you are looking for a loyal dog with plenty of stamina that enjoys activity and exercise of all kinds, then the Alaskan Malamute is the dog for you.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The German Shepherd

Originating in Germany in the 1800's, this dog was originally used for herding sheep, but now it is used for police and security work, as guide dogs, sniffer dogs, tracking dogs, guard dogs and companion dogs. It is the world's most numerous dog breed. Litters are usually large in number. Also called the Deutscher Schaferhund and by its original name Alsation.

This dog is 23 to 25 inches at the shoulders (57.5-62.5 cm), weighs 75 to 95 pounds (34 – 43 Kg) and has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years.

Indiscriminate breeding has created many problems, both physically and behaviourally. Arthritis of the joints, eye disease, gastrointestinal disease, hip dysplasia and other problems are quite common.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police experienced so many problems with their German Shepherd police dogs that they discontinued using German Shepherds and switched to the smaller more agile Belgian Shepherds. Because of the extensive training given to their dogs, they could not afford to have them develop serious medical or behavioural problems requiring euthanasia after only a few years of duty.

German Shepherds come in black and tan, black and grey, solid black, yellow, cream and white. Dogs of the last three colours are not allowed to enter dog shows.

A German Shepherd's coat is short, straight and firm with a thick undercoat. When standing, a Shepherd's hocks are angled rather than perpendicular and the front legs are straight. Thighs are strong and muscular and the chest is deep. Erect high-set ears give the impression of alertness. Arched, round well-formed feet have large pads. The large black nose is extended to a flat tip.

Well-bred specimens of the breed are attentive, alert, resilient, steady of nerve, loyal, calm, obedient, responsive, self-assured, courageous and tractable. Lesser animals are nervous, fearful, timid or aggressive. So, as you can see, the quality of individual dogs varies considerably.

Mom and Dad had a German Shepherd – Keeshond cross that developed hip dysplasia, paranoia, arthritis and aggression. He had to be euthanized when he was 8 ½ years old. His brother, who had no behavioural or medical problems of any kind, is still alive at 15 ¾ years of age. So, even dogs from the same litter vary greatly in health and behaviour. This makes choosing a German Shepherd a difficult decision as you can never be certain of just what you will get.

However, if you get a good one, you will have a fabulous dog that will show you loyalty and devotion for many years.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Airedale Terrier

The largest of all Terriers, the Airedale Terrier hails from Yorkshire, England and the first recorded breed classes took place at the Airedale Agricultural Society show in 1864. Also called the Waterside Terrier, this dog is a powerful swimmer. It is also referred to as the “King of Terriers” because it is 22 to 24 inches ( 55-61 cm) tall at the shoulders and weighs 44 to 50 pounds (20-23 Kg). The Airedale Terrier is a muscular, active dog, readily joining in children's games. It is outgoing and friendly and is a wonderful family dog, a companion for the country or the city. Its life expectancy is 13 years, although individual dogs have lived for shorter or longer periods.

The Airedale has small dark eyes and a keen expression. Combined with its quickness of movement, the Airedale always appears to be expecting something to happen. It is alert and fearless, but not aggressive. The Airedale tail is set high on the body and it is carried proudly erect when it has been docked (cut short shortly after birth). Because of current laws in some countries, the custom of docking dog's tails in now almost a thing of the past.

The Airedale Terrier has a hard, dense, wiry double coat which is waterproof. It sheds twice yearly and in between shedding periods, its coat needs occasional stripping to alleviate tangles and mattes. The body saddle, top of the neck and surface of the tail are black and the rest of the dog is tan. No other colour combinations are acceptable.

The Airedale Terrier, like all Terrier breeds, is a great vermin hunter, but today, it is mainly used as a great family dog, although it is occasionally used as a guard dog or police dog.

Its ears are “V” shaped, the forelegs are straight and thickly boned. It has small, round, compact feet with well cushioned pads and arched toes. Thighs are muscular and powerful and the stifles are well bent. Its beard covers very powerful jaws which operate in a scissor like manner.

The Airedale Terrier is believed to have originated from the crossing of an Old English Rough-Coated Black and Tan Terrier with an Otterhound. This dog has a tendency to be stubborn and also to get involved in street brawls with other dogs. It likes activity and daily walks should be provided.

If you are interested in an active, outgoing friendly dog, then you may want to consider and Airedale Terrier as a pet for your family.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Affenpinscher

The exact origin of this dog is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Germany about 1600 AD. It is suspected that it was created as the result of crossing local Pinschers with Pug-like dogs from Asia. There is also speculation that the Affenpinscher may be the parent of Belgian Griffons and a relative of miniature Schnauzers.

The German word “Affe” means monkey, so this dog is also called Monkey Dog. If you examine its features and watch its actions and mischievous nature, it will remind you of a monkey. The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest toy breeds in existence.

The Affenpinscher has a height of 9.5 to 12 inches (24 – 30 cm) and a weight of 7 to 9 pounds (3 – 4 Kg). It has a life expectancy of 14-15 years, although a recent study in Britain involving a significant number of Affenpinscher owners and breeders revealed that the mean lifespan there appears to be about 11.4 years. No explanation has yet been revealed regarding this lifespan discrepancy.

This dog was originally used as a vermin hunter and even today, if it is given a chance, an Affenpinscher will prove it is a formidable rat catcher. However, its current role is that of companion dog. It is fiercely loyal to its human family and very protective of its members. It is watchful of strangers and fearless toward aggressors.

The Affenpinscher is very lively and self confident. It is often described as a “Big Dog” in a little dog body.

This dog has a rough, harsh coat which is short and dense in some areas and shaggy in others. It comes in black, grey, silver, red and tan and belge (mixture of red, black and white hairs). Some may have Badger pied markings on the head and ears. The hair on the head stands away from the skull. It has well feathered feet, which are short and round. Its eyes are large, dark and sparkling, surrounded by bushy eyebrows, an abundant moustache and a bushy beard. The Affenpinscher has medium length legs, straight and well boned. Its tail, which is covered in short hair, is carried high which is another sign of its self confidence.

Some owners advise that the Affenpinscher is difficult to house break and train, while others say it is a very intelligent dog which takes very well to all sorts of training. The discrepancy here may be attributed to either differences in individual dogs, or the competency of the trainers.

The Affenpinscher is very territorial about its toys and food and displays a tendency to snap at interlopers. In view of this, it is suggested that this breed should be kept away from small children and other small pets.

Like all toy dogs, the Affenpinscher is prone to hip dysplasia and a collapsing trachea. Try to keep the dog from jumping and climbing up and down stairs during its first year of life. When taking it for a walk, use a harness instead of a collar to attach the leash to the dog.

The Affenpinscher needs to be groomed two to three times a week. This will remove loose hair, so shedding will be very minimal. (Some claim that this dog is a non shedding dog, but that is not true because it has hair in follicles. Over time all this type of hair dies, is shed and regrows.) Grooming will also reduce tangles and matting of the dense fur.

It you are looking for a self confident, active, fiercely loyal companion dog, then an Affenpinscher may be the dog for you.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/affenpinscher.htm can provide more information

Dog Breeds: The Greyhound

The first documentation mentioning this speedy canine occurred in 1016 when they were included in the Forest Laws made by King Canute. Interestingly, dogs with a similar appearance were carved into Egyptian tombs, dating back 4000 years, which leads one to believe that their origin may have been the middle east, and that they were brought to Great Britain by the Celts who picked them up during their wide ranging travels.

Greyhounds, which can run at speeds up to 37 miles per hour (60 Kilometres per hour), were originally used for large game coursing. In more modern times, this gentle, affectionate, kindly canine has been used in coursing, racing and as companion dogs. They enjoy interacting with children, so can be considered as family pets. Because of their coursing background, it is advisable to keep greyhounds away from rabbits, cats and small dogs.

Greyhounds weigh from 60 to 70 pounds (27-32 Kg) and stand 27 to 30 inches (68 – 76 cm) in height. Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

Greyhounds that have been rescued or retired from racing establishments make great companion dogs, but they chase anything that moves. Because they seldom bark and are used to spending long periods of time in relatively small spaces (being carted from race track to race track in small dog crates or vehicle mounted kennels) they make excellent dogs for apartment dwellers.

Greyhounds have a long relatively wide face and a flat skull. They have a capacious chest which provides ample space for their heart and lungs. Their forelegs are long, straight and well boned. They have fine close hair coloured white, fawn, red, red-brindle, black-brindle and black, plus combinations of the aforementioned colours. Their neck is long, arched and muscular. Their ears are small, fine textured and rose shaped at the base.

Greyhounds enjoy going for walks and if turned loose in a field they will run about. If you want an affectionate companion dog, then you may want to consider getting a greyhound.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Aidi

Originating in Morocco more than 3000 years ago, the Aidi was first introduced to North America during the Twentieth Century. It is still relatively rare here.

Other names that it has been called are “Chien de l'Atlas,” “Atlas Shepherd Dog,” “Berber” and “Kabyle Dog.”

The Aidi has a very keen sense of smell and, as a result, it is used to guard livestock by the Berber nomads. It is sometimes used to track game which is then brought down by a Sloughi, a very revered dog in that region of Africa. Because of its superior tracking capabilities, police in some locales use it as a tracking dog and to find missing and lost persons. It is also being used as a watch dog because it is easily trained to do this and many other tasks.

Because it is quite high strung and has a great deal of energy, the Aidi needs a lot of things to keep it occupied. Although it is sometimes used as a companion dog, it is only now being considered as a household pet, but only if it is given enough exercise, tasks to complete and stimulating diversions to keep it happy.

The Aidi stands 21 to 24 inches tall (53-61 cm) and weighs 50 to 55 pounds (23-24 kg). It is relatively lean and well muscled, with a deep chest. It has a strong 2 inch (5 cm) long coat of varying colours which is well suited for the harsh climate of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Libya and Algeria, which is hot during the day and extremely cold at night.

If you need a good guard dog, or a tracking dog that can live in harsh climates, then an Aidi would be a good choice. Just remember that it needs plenty of exercise and stimulating tasks to keep it satisfied.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Afghan Hound

Sometimes called the Tazi or the Baluchi Hound, the Afghan Hound is one of the more glamourous of the large breed of dogs. It stands about 25 to 29 inches tall (63-74 cm), weighs 50 to 60 lbs (23-27 Kg) and has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

It has a beautiful long coat and comes in just about any colour. This long coat has one drawback as the dog tends to develop hairballs from grooming itself. There have been incidents where some of these dogs have choked to death on a large hairball, so owners are encouraged to groom Afghans daily to remove any loose hair.

The dogs originated in Afghanistan, hence the name, but they can now be found nearly everywhere. As well as being used as pets, show dogs and herd dogs, because of their strength and speed, Afghans are frequently used in dog races in many countries. They are also highly regarded as excellent competitors in agility trials.

Afghans have an Oriental expression and their eyes appear to look right through you, presenting a very aloof and dignified temperament. Some owners find this breed's Oriental or Eastern personality hard to handle. As well, with their strength and speed, they require extensive obedience training which can be difficult as they have a reputation of being difficult to train. In spite of this, many people hold these dogs in very high regard. One way to ease the difficulty in training is to utilize this breed's strong pack allegiance. Since a daily walk is required to prevent the dog from developing behaviour problems, the Afghan should be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the leash. This will reinforce the dog's natural instinct that the “pack leader” always goes first. In this way the dog will learn that the human is always first and must be obeyed because they are the “pack leader”. With this in mind, the owner should also teach their Afghan to enter and exit doorways after the human.

Afghans have four very distinctive features. Many have a ring (tight curl) at the end of their tail and a saddle of short course hair from the front shoulders to just in front of the hind quarters. Most also have a long topknot and all have high hip bones.

Afghan owners should be aware that this breed has a very high prey drive and as a result they usually do not get along with other small animals, so they should be tightly controlled when around small pets.

So, if you would like a large regal looking dog, you should consider the Afghan Hound as one of the top contenders.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Obesity and Overfeeding

Medical Update – The vet phoned dad and said that there was no indication of deep infection and to start the steroid prescription. Since then my groin has healed and the lumps on my chin and beside my nose have started to shrink in size. Unfortunately I'm still losing weight. Dad will be taking me back to see the vet tomorrow, so hopefully he can come up with a solution to the weight loss. (This is the exact opposite of today's blog topic, which as the title says is obesity.)

An alarmingly high proportion of dogs, these days, suffer from obesity. The primary cause of this is due to over eating and lack of exercise.

Most dog owners, now-a-days, have very busy lives with many work related and social responsibilities. As a result, their dogs don't get taken for as many walks as the should. Many days their food is either left down all day, like mine, or care is not taken in measuring out the proportions recommended for the size or breed of their dog.

Some breeds are more prone to becoming obese than others. Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers are two breeds which are very susceptible to obesity. On the other hand, Terrier breeds are the least susceptible breeds to becoming obese.

If your dog shows a tendency to having a weight problem, ensure that she only eats what you give her. Do not allow other family members or well meaning neighbours to give her treats or special tidbits. Please have your dog examined by a veterinarian (vet) before considering putting her on a diet as there may be an underlying medical problem that is responsible for your pet's weight gain. As mentioned last time, in multiple dog families, you have to be vigilant that food guarding or food gorging is not taking place. This is a jealousy or psychological type problem that needs to be discussed with your vet so that you can find a safe and satisfactory solution.

The one downside to having your female dog spayed, or your male dog castrated, is that hormonal changes take place which alter their weight regulating mechanism. This means that the same amount of food after the operation may result in weight gain. If this occurs, discuss it with your vet to arrive at a sensible solution. It may be necessary to reduce the number of calories in the food provided. This may involve switching to calorie reduced food, or adding more bulk to your dog's current food to make it seem more substantial.

One method that has proved fairly successful with a number of dogs is providing them with uncooked carrots as treats instead of dog biscuits. Uncooked carrots can also be chopped up and added to your dog's regular food to provide extra bulk when the amount of food is reduced to lessen the calories consumed. As well as reducing calorie intake, these vegetables are good for aiding the teeth cleaning process. Some dogs are satisfied with the carrots just being washed and the tops and tips being removed, while others prefer to have their carrots with the tops, tips and skin removed.

Since cold winter weather increases a dog's appetite, adding bulk without increasing calories is necessary at this time of year. Where I live in northern Canada, winter is long and cold – temperatures in the minus 30 to minus 50 degree Centigrade* range, often accompanied by a wind, makes outdoor exercise impractical much of the time. As a result, reduction of calories is essential or weight gain at this time of year is inevitable.

Until next time,

Teia

* Centigrade or Celsius temperatures are scales where water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees – in the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. At minus 40 degrees, all three scales are in synchronization.

Dog Breeds: The Bull Mastiff

The Bull Mastiff was originally a cross between an English Mastiff and an Old English Bulldog which was bred to protect the game and the gamekeepers on English estates. Because of its speed and strength, not only did it provide protection for the game and gamekeepers, but it was also used to find and capture poachers without mauling or killing them.

The optimum cross, which originated in the mid to late 1800's is 60 percent English Mastiff and 40 percent Old English Bulldog (this is not the English Bulldog of today, as the Old English Bulldog was taller, heavier and much sturdier than today's breed). In 1924, the English Kennel Club (EKC) recognized the Bull Mastiff as a separate breed. In 1933, the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed and then set the first breed standard for the Bull Mastiff in 1935. The current standard is available on the AKC website (http://www.akc.org/).

Bull Mastiffs are bred to be confident, yet docile. They are courageous and extremely protective of their human family. They have proven to be a popular family pet because they are loving and calm. However, they can become aggressive if a member of their human family is threatened or harmed. Bull Mastiffs that have been properly trained and socialized get along with children extremely well, but parental supervision should be maintained because, like any large dog, they may accidentally knock a small child down when they turn or move quickly.

Bull Mastiffs are fawn, red or brindle in colour. A little bit of white on the chest is acceptable, but white should not appear elsewhere. Their muzzle should be black. These dogs should be 24 to 27 inches tall at the withers and weigh 90 to 130 pounds. Their lifespan is eight to 12 years.

Bull Mastiffs are prone to the following hereditary diseases:

Hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, lymphoma cancer, progressive retinal atrophy, arthritis and bloat.

If you would like a large, calm, loving dog, then you should check to see if a Bull Mastiff fits into your lifestyle.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Papillon

If you have ever had experience with the toy dog breed called the Papillon (French for butterfly), you know that it has a high level of energy, an engaging personality and a sweet nature. This breed, possibly the oldest toy breed in existence, is immediately recognizable by its butterfly-shaped ears. However, even if you can recognize the breed on sight, you might not know some of the most interesting aspects of this dog. I’d like to share some of them with you.

Appearance

Papillons are considered to be white with markings of any other colour, or parti-coloured. As a result, an all white dog or one with no white is disqualified from the show ring. However, the following colours can be registered, even if some of them cannot be shown.

White with black, white with lemon, white with red, white with sable, white with black and tan, white with black and brown, white with red and black, white with brown, white with fawn, red, white with red and sable, sable, white, white with liver and white with silver.

The Papillon’s large ears should be fringed with coloured, not white, silky fur. The coloured hair should also cover both eyes and the front and back of the ears to produce the distinctive butterfly effect. A solid coloured head is acceptable, but a white blaze and a noseband are preferred. The nose, lips and eye rims should be black. Paw pads should be pink or black, but slight variations are acceptable.

Breed History

Like other ancient breeds, the Papillon can be seen in various artworks throughout the pre-modern world. Toy spaniels that greatly resemble the Papillon in size and profile can be found as early as 1500 in Italian art. However, a drop eared breed known as the Epagneul Nain Continental (Continental Dwarf/Toy Spaniel) which looked somewhat like the Papillon, appeared in church frescos and paintings as early as the thirteenth century. In fact, in non English speaking countries, the Papillon is still called the Epagneul Nain Continental (ENC). There are actually two versions of the breed, the Papillon with the erect butterfly shaped ears and the Phalene with the drooping ears. Both versions are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

When they first became popular, Papillons were also known as Belgian Spaniels and Dwarf Spaniels. There was even a time when they were known as Squirrel Spaniels, because their tail, like a squirrel’s, curves over their backs.

Papillons were very popular with aristocrats as King Henry II, King Henry III, King Louis XIV, Madame Pompadour and Marie Antoinette apparently owned these playful dogs.

Characteristics and Temperament

Despite their dainty and aristocratic appearance, Papillons are known for being small dogs with a big attitude, or as some refer to them, big dogs in a little dog suit. They are quite energetic and can often trot for miles before getting tired. With the advent of dog agility competitions, these athletic dogs have come into their own. Their natural agility and speed, combined with their small stature gives them considerable advantage over larger breeds.

Although these small dogs are well suited to agility competitions and running around large yards, they also adapt to apartment life, provided that they get to go for frequent walks or romps in off leash dog parks. They are quite social and love fluttering from person to person. However, some of them can be a little temperamental when it comes to children. Papillons are quite intelligent and they learn very quickly. The Papillon is also noted for its psychological abilities. It is able to perceive the emotional needs of its owner and adapts its personality and behaviour to meet that need.

Health Concerns

Papillons are generally healthy unless they come from a “Puppy Mill” environment. However, like many small dogs, Papillons can develop kneecap and hind leg problems, especially as they get older. You may find that they are no longer as capable as they were when they were younger when it comes to jumping. You may even find, with severe cases, that you might need to install dog ramps at certain points throughout your home.

Some of these dogs may suffer from a small opening in their skull at the crown, but this will usually correct itself over time. Like other small animals, this breed should be watched closely when it is under anaesthesia.

Grooming Requirements

When it comes to grooming, Papillons are quite easy to maintain. They are clean and odourless animals. As long as they are given a quick brushing each day, they will remain quite handsome and neat. They have a fine-haired, single-length coat, which is shed twice a year.

You must remember to keep the nails on this breed well clipped, as failure to do so could lead to injury or infection.

Suitability

Overall, you will find that Papillons are an excellent breed of dog. If you think that this breed of dog may be nice to have as a pet, you should do a little more research and also talk to someone who owns one. I am quite certain that you will find that a Papillon will make an excellent addition to your family.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds: The Old English Sheepdog

If you've ever previously owned or had a chance to play with an Old English sheepdog, then you know that they have a sweet demeanour and that they are very intelligent. Their soft fur matches their personality. These dogs are very hard workers, but if given loving attention and plenty of exercise, they have adjust well to being family pets. As well as being friendly, sheepdogs provide great companionship to their human families. Go to the library, or do some online research and you will understand why they are so popular in both the country and the city.

Although very few records were kept of the origins of Old English sheepdogs, they were first shown in England in 1873 as the “Shepherds Dog.” During the 1880’s they were exported to the United States where they became very popular, particularly with the wealthier families. During this time they also came into prominence in western England where they were used and bred for herding and protecting sheep. Obviously the breeders succeeded, as they created a dog that is intelligent, hardy and protective of its charges.

Since they came from hardy stock and they were bred for working with sheep where they do a lot of running and herding, these dogs need plenty of exercise, both physical and mental. They need to run around outside for physical exercise and they need mental challenges to keep them from getting bored.

When they get these physical and mental stimulations on a regular basis, they are extremely playful and sweet. They make excellent companions for active children and other dogs. Because they are quite intelligent, you may also find that they will sometimes be headstrong and stubborn.

Since they were originally bred to herd and protect sheep, these dogs require something to take care of, which is why they are such great companions for children. They are also excellent stock dogs for farms that have animals that need protection. Since these dogs need activities, exercise and purpose in their life, they will suffer if they are neglected. Old English sheepdogs do their best when they are surrounded by loving attention. So, make sure that you are ready to give this breed the care, attention and activity it needs.

Looking at their long, fluffy fur, you would expect that it would be difficult to take care of their coat, however, it is only marginally more difficult than taking care of a dog with a shorter coat.

Puppies should be brushed regularly to help them get used to being groomed. This will insure that when they grow up, they will be used to having a thorough weekly brushing. Because a thorough brushing can take close to an hour, many people simply clip their sheepdog's fur short during warmer weather and let it grow back for winter. This will cut down the time for the weekly brushing, but it does change the appearance of the dog. You won’t recognize it as a sheepdog. A neighbour a few doors down the street does this with his old sheepdog. The first time he did it, I didn’t recognize the dog and wondered what it was. The old dog felt good though, as he was prancing about the neighbourhood which contrasted with his usual slow gait.

In conclusion, the Old English sheepdog is a great family dog, especially if you have a large yard for it to run in or have time to take it for daily walks or runs. You should also try to have a family member at home as much as possible so the dog isn’t alone all day. As previously mentioned, they do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Old English sheepdogs need social interaction to keep them happy and healthy.

Until next time,

Teia

Caring for Your Chihuahua

Well, you have just returned from the pet store with your Chihuahua puppy. You sit down and start looking around for the owner's manual . . . What no owner's manual?

Unfortunately your cute little puppy, like a human baby, doesn't come with an owner's manual. So, it is up to YOU to learn how to care for this charming creature. However, until you get up to speed with your learning program, this article will help you on your way.

Chihuahuas, are a good breed for small homes, apartments or city dwellers, because they are very small dogs and are mainly house pets. You should NEVER let them outdoors by themselves. They do not know they are tiny and will challenge the biggest dog on the block because they are very protective and extremely self confident. If you take your pet outside, make sure he is on a harness and leash and do not leave him unattended. There have been unconfirmed reports of these little dogs being carried off by large birds of prey and coyotes.

Care and feeding.

You should consult your veterinarian about the nutritional needs of your puppy but after weaning (up to six weeks), puppies should be fed four small meals a day until three months old; from three months to six months they should be fed three meals a day and from six months to a year they should be fed twice a day. After one year, once a day is fine, however, Chihuahuas prefer several small meals as opposed to one big meal per day with regular adult dog food. Sometimes, canned food is difficult for this breed to digest, resulting in diarrhea, so you may want to avoid the use of canned food.

Bathing your puppy should be done about once a month. Bathing too often may remove the natural oils from the coat and result in dandruff. Shampooing on a monthly basis can actually enhance the sheen of the coat. Be careful not to get water into your dog`s ears, as an infection could develop.

Technically speaking, Chihuahuas remain puppies for about two years. This is the training period and you should begin training as soon as you get him settled in your home (about two days). To assist you in raising your puppy please refer to the following entries:
April 3, 2009, "When Should You Start Training a Puppy"
April 28, 2009,"An Overview of Dog Training"
May 10, 2009, "How to Stop Your Puppy From Jumping Up"
May 15, 2009, "How to Potty Train Your New Puppy"
May 27, 2009, "Teach Your Child to be Safe With a Puppy"
May 28, 2009, "10 Foods You Should NEVER Feed Your Dog"
May 30, 2009, "A Guide to House Training Your Puppy"
June 1, 2009, "Dog Ownership Resonsibilities"
June 2, 2009, "The Rewards of Training Your Dog"
June 9, 2009, "Training Your Dog to Sit."

Puppies and adults should have access to fresh clean water at all times. His bowls should be scrubbed, at least once every couple of days, with very hot water, but avoid using dish soap as the odor and residue may cause him to shy away.

Trimming your puppy's nails should be a monthly event. You can use a cat claw trimmer and it is best to start this nail-trimming routine early-on so that your dog becomes accustomed to the clipping of the nails and to the use of the trimmer. If you feel that you are unable to trim your dog`s nails, you can get your dog`s groomer to do it, or you can have it done by your veterinarian.

Consult your veterinarian on the periodic cleaning of your Chihuahua's ears and teeth and regular vaccinations.

It is best to visit a local veterinarian when your puppy is eight or nine weeks of age. Your puppy will probably need additional vaccinations. You should bring the puppy's vaccination record that you received when you purchased him. If you did not get a vaccination record, return to the location where you purchased your puppy and see if they have the record. If they do not, find out the name of the veterinarian who administered the first vaccinations to your puppy and request a vaccination record from that vet.

At your first visit to the veterinarian with your puppy, he should either be de-wormed or given a fecal test for worms or other parasites. The de-worming is less hassle and expense than the test and will not harm your pup.

The veterinarian may suggest that you brush your pet’s teeth. The small breeds like the Chihuahua have more dental problems than the standard and larger breeds. Obviously the anatomies of the smaller breeds have left the teeth more crowded in the jaw and, with little space between the teeth, enable more harmful bacteria to remain in the mouth, hence the need for brushing.

Also, you should be aware of the fact Chihuahuas are prone to weak knees. This problem may occur as your pet gets older. If your Chihuahua has trouble walking, take him to the vet immediately.

Try to stay with the same veterinarian or treatment facility and keep good records. It is important for your pet's health.

You must remember that this is just an introductory part of your "owner's manual" to start you off on the right path to giving quality care to your puppy. You should learn more from books and other Chihuahua owners.

More importantly, your Chihuahua needs much tender loving care with human contact, touching, petting and general attention.

Chihuahuas are by nature gentle, loyal and sweet-tempered and they will give a lot of love and affection to you in return for your care. You will never be alone with a Chihuahua in your household.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. Refer to an entry made March 24, 2009, titled “Dog Breeds – The Chihuahua” for more information on these marvelous little dogs. Also learn about "Frank," my hero.

To Breed or Not to Breed Your Dog?

It is very tempting to think about having a litter of small cuddly puppies from your beautiful bitch, but before even thinking about it, there are important factors to consider.

First of all, you may think your dog is the best in the world, but is it really? Look at her dispassionately. Is she of sound construction and reliable temperament? Is she free from any genetic defects? If she is a pedigree dog, is she a good example of the breed, coming from a good lineage?

Do not be tempted to breed a dog that has serious defects and do not contemplate breeding as a means of trying to compensate for any signs of nervousness or distress in your bitch. Your dog should be mature enough to physically cope with a litter (in a large breed this will be when the bitch is at least two years old.)

If you are happy so far that breeding is the right thing to do, then you should turn your attention to the pups. Have you the room for a whelping box and then perhaps 12 pups running around? Have you the time to sit with your bitch while she is birthing, perhaps more than 12 hours? Then there is the cleaning, weaning, feeding routine for the next eight to 12 weeks. What about money? The cost of the feed can be expensive and you must remember to budget for any veterinary costs that are caused by complications in the birth. Finally, what will you do with the pups? You must be in a position to look after them all. If it is a pedigree dog then you will be looking at registering the pups before they are sold. If your bitch is not a dog with a pedigree, you will be either giving the pups away or selling them for the going rate, in your area, for that type of dog. Either way, you should be checking very carefully where your pups are going, possibly including a home visit; this again takes time and money. Remember that the breeder is usually responsible for ensuring that the puppies have their first set of vaccinations before they are sold or given away. Remember also, that you are responsible for the birth of the pups and you should always be prepared to take them back, for whatever reason, as they are ultimately your responsibility for life.

If you still think breeding is for you, then your final consideration will be the stud dog. If attempting to breed a pedigree dog, then your ultimate aim will be to produce sound, quality dogs of both structure and temperament, that are ideally as near the Breed Standard as possible. Therefore, you should look at your bitch against the Breed Standard, identifying strengths and weaknesses and then look for a stud dog that will complement your bitch, building on her strengths and compensating for her weaknesses. If your bitch has poor pigmentation then do not use a dog that also has poor pigmentation. Study the dog’s pedigree and antecedents. Do whatever research you can to try to ensure you breed healthy well-developed dogs.

Remember you are breeding living animals. Their quality of life should come first and not your own interests, especially money.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds - Golden Retrievers

The above picture is one of "Emma" wearing her Winter boots.

The fourth most favorite dog in the United States, the Golden Retriever has won the hearts of tens of thousands of families. If you have ever dealt with a Golden Retriever, it's really no surprise.

They have a sweet and obedient nature, high intelligence and extremely good looks. They are eager to please and have a friendly disposition. A Golden Retriever is a great addition to any family. Before you get one, however, you may want to consider the following.

Owning any dog requires some basic commitments and owning a Golden Retriever is no different. First, are you ready for a dog? Will you let the dog be a part of the family, or are you planning to just leave it outside alone all the time?

Golden Retrievers want and need to be with people. They want to be a part of the family. They are very unhappy if left outside away from family members and could get into trouble by chewing on patio furniture or your $100 sapling, or digging holes. So be sure you will have the dog inside with you.

Second, having any dog can be trying at times, especially a larger dog. Their bark is louder, they eat more and they take up more space. If you have a tiny apartment, you might want to consider a smaller dog.

Third, Golden Retrievers require more attention and care than many of the other breeds. Their beautiful coat needs to be brushed at least twice a week.

Being an athletic dog bred for hunting, they need daily exercise and lots of it. Be sure you have the time to devote to playing with your dog and taking him or her for daily walks. A neigbour has a Golden Retriever called "Emma". He walks her at least twice a day and at least once a week he takes her out into the country for a really long walk. Walks are taken in all kinds of weather. If it is very cold, "Emma" wears lined leather booties to protect her feet from freezing.

Their high intelligence requires daily mental exercise. If not provided with enough physical or mental exercise, they can exhibit behavior problems.

Fourth, Goldens are prone to several health problems such as hip dysplasia and skin problems. Be prepared to deal with skin allergies that can develop into "hot spots." Itching, due to fleabites and allergic reactions, causes these hot spots.

There are dog foods you can get that minimize itching and allergic reactions. When shopping for a suitable dog food be sure it does not contain either wheat or corn, two ingredients which many Golden Retrievers are sensitive to. A diet high in meat protein is best, although you will find that these foods are often the most expensive.

Fifth, poorly bred Golden Retrievers could be overly exuberant and boisterous. Look for a good breeder that is not breeding just for money, or find a local Golden Retriever rescue group. They will be able to provide you with a Golden that is easy to please and enjoys learning, characteristics you expect from this breed.

These considerations are a small price to pay for the love and companionship that a Golden Retriever will give you and your family.

Until next time,

Teia

Dog Breeds - Boston Terriers

My mom's mother bred Boston Terriers for many years. When dad''s parents came to Saskatchewan for mom and dad's wedding they returned home with one of these great little dogs. When she passed on, they got another one to replace her. In their opinion, Bostons are one of the nicest dogs to own. (Actually, I think that the Shih Tzu is the best dog to own, but then I guess I'm a little prejudiced since I'm seven-eighths Shih Tzu) However, since grandma and grandpa thought they were such nice dogs, I thought you might like to learn a bit about them.

Boston Terriers are a top dog breed in many different respects. Bostons are considered on-top for a variety of reasons:

** They're tops in playfulness.

** They're tops in eating.

** They're tops in snoring.

** They're tops in passing gas and producing solid waste (sorry, but it's true).

** They're tops in sleeping peacefully for hours on end.

** They're tops in chewing and gnawing on anything they can get into their mouth.

** They're tops in cuteness. (After Shih Tzus of course!)

** They're tops in loving.

Most dog owners believe their preferred dog breed to be the best, but Boston Terriers are definitely one of the greatest dogs around. So, let's take a little closer look at Boston Terriers.

A puppy trainer once said that, "Boston Terriers are a big dog in a little dog's body . . . ", and nothing could be truer. Boston Terriers are not afraid of much. They'll rumble with much bigger Golden Retrievers and Labradors. In fact, many Boston Terriers seem to prefer playing with big dogs.

Boston's have a wonderful muscular physique. Compact and strong, they usually top out at 20 or 25 pounds, although it's common to find more petite Boston Terriers as well. The Boston Terrier was the first American dog breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. Some people refer to this breed as the Boston Bulldog, but that name is not officially recognized.

Boston Terriers love to play and they're speedy and athletic, so be sure to have lots of fetch toys available. They may even be good candidates for agility training, a sort of obstacle course for dogs. But they also love to chew and have strong jaws, so you'll want to keep strong rawhide bones on hand, plus well-made chew ropes or hard rubber tug toys. Forget the little plastic squeaky toys. They’ll be mincemeat in minutes . . . honestly. One thing I do not recommend for any dog, but Bostons in particular, is real bones. A number of Boston owners have lost their Boston Terrier from either getting a large piece of bone caught in its throat or having a sharp piece of bone pierce the stomach or intestine. This is also a problem for most small dogs as owners of Poodles, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels and others have reported similar incidents. Grandma and grandpa lost their first Boston when she got a large piece of bone caught in her throat. They tried everything to dislodge the bone, but nothing worked. Living in the country, they were too far from a veterinarian to get the dog to one in time. It was a heart-wrenching tragedy having the little one die in their arms.

Boston Terriers play hard, but when they stop, they sleep hard too. Few dog breeds can crash into total oblivion as fast as a Boston. And, if they can curl up on the bed or couch with you, so much the better. They absolutely love to nestle into the curve between your butt and knees if you lay on your side. Be prepared to share your bed with your Boston Terrier. They’re almost impossible to resist! They are also very insistent that they are close to you whenever you are home.

Boston's eat well too. Not picky, for the most part, they'll wolf down meals with abandon. And be sure to keep some tasty--but healthy--snacks on hand to reward good behavior, or just to spoil your little cutie.

And talking about cute, what could be cuter than your little "tuxedo man" (or woman) with the black and white markings, big brown eyes, huge ears, smushy face, and that little pout? One inquisitive look from a Boston Terrier with his cocked head, and you melt.

Of course, Boston Terriers are also "good" at some less desirable things. With their short snouts, breathing is more of a challenge and they'll snore better than some humans when sleeping. So, if you're not a sound sleeper, it could create some problems. Some Boston owners consider their pet to be a "solid waste factory". It's not uncommon during a 10-block walk for him to "go" at least twice. So, bring lots of bags! They are also one of the most gaseous dogs around. They can clear a room in record time when they have a bout of gas.

If you like to exercise, walk, or hike with your Boston, it's also important to know that their short snouts make it difficult for them to cool their bodies effectively during hot weather. Their dark coats don't help either. So, you may need to leave your Boston Terriers home on hot days, or to provide some kind of cooling, through a vest with cold packs in it or some similar solution. Cold weather can be hard for a Boston too, with their short hair and lack of extra fat. It may look silly, but your Boston needs to wear a warm coat when outside on cold days and on days when there are ten degrees or more of frost, consider booties too as their foot pads freeze in minutes.

But what most Boston Terriers are absolutely the best at is . . . loving their owners. They love their human companions with their total being, following them around the house and always wanting to be close. Most dogs provide unconditional love to their people. It's one of the biggest reasons to own a dog. But most Boston Terriers are absolutely devoted to people.

Boston Terriers are one of the nicest dog breeds you could ever own. Next time you consider getting a dog, won't you consider getting a Boston Terrier? (That is, only if you can't get a Shih Tzu like me.)

Until next time,

Teia