Dog attacks each year cause serious injury and even death to many victims. An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten each year. Children and older people are the most common target of attacks. Over half of dog attacks involve children under 12, and those 70 and older make up 10% of the bites and 20% of those are fatally injured. Fatalities from dog attacks have risen over the years. Is the dogs owners to blame or can it be blamed on certain breeds of dogs? There is much argument over this.
Which dogs bite? Is it a certain breed and/or breeds that are the most dangerous? Is it the lack of training or poor training by the dogs owner? Aggressive dogs are often owned by irresponsible owners who provide inadequate training or, worse, teach the dog to be aggressive. Owners should not encourage aggressive behaviors such as playing tug-of-war. This encourages dominance aggression. Dogs not spayed or neutered tend to display more dominance behavior. Male dogs are more aggressive than female dogs.
(more…)
DESCRIPTION
The Lhasa Apso is identifiable by its long coat that reaches all the way to the floor. The coat is heavy and double-coated, draping over the whole body and coming in the following colors: Gold, cream and honey (the most popular colors), however they also come in smoke, dark-grizzle, slate and a multi-color assortment of brown, white and black. The color of the Lhasa Apso can change as it grows and matures. Some have likened their appearance to a miniature version of the Old English sheepdog. The coat itself, has a hard. heavy texture and feel, without silkiness. The hair cascades over the body as well as the apple shaped head, finishing over its eyes. Lhasa Apsos have dark a dark beard and moustache, with a medium length muzzle, without squaring. The ears are feathered heavily and pendant in shape, whilst the eyes are deep set, dark brown in color and large (but not overly so). They have a longer body than they are tall, with strong loins and well developed thighs. Forequarters are straight and both forelegs and hind legs are covered with hair. They have cat-like feet with thick pads and a tail that is well feathered and carried in a screw like fashion over the back.
TEMPERAMENT
Their slightly ostentatious look, hides a hardy dog, full of character. The Lhasa Apso is an assertive and intelligent breed, with a friendly and lively disposition, displaying a lot of affection for its masters. They can be trained to a high obedience level, however unfortunately, due to their size, many owners neglect obedience training and do not reinforce their position as pack leaders, as a result this breed is susceptible to ´small dog syndrome.´ This can lead to a variety of unwanted and negative behaviors. Having said this, if this dog is made aware of its place in the ´family pack´ and owners display alpha dog traits, they should make wonderful little pets. When training a Lhasa Apso, motivational and positive reinforcement methods achieve the best results The Lhasa Apso is a vocal dog, with a keen sense of hearing and so can make a good watchdog.
(more…)
They are small in stature but big in heart. Developed to work on farms the Pembroke Welsh Corgi retains their herding instincts but can do more than herd. “Cruiser” completed the requirements for Tracking dog, Tracking Dog Excellent” and “Variable Surface Tracking” title after having won his show championship for conformation. Proving a pretty dog can work Cruiser was the first conformation champion of any breed to earn a champion tracking title.
“Ceri” was the first Pembroke to win a master agility champion title. Corgis with proper training can be hearing dogs and work in other service capabilities.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi historically has a history that speaks of legislation and adaptation. The Romans classified dogs according to use. In the 10th century the only dogs allowed to peasants were small dogs for pest control. Shepherds were allowed to keep their dogs but they had to be mutilated but the shepherds dogs were allowed a docked tail which allowed them to work. Later taxes were charged on dogs except for those with docked tails - the Pembroke had a natural bob-tail that was an early selection trait.
(more…)
The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed as a hunting dog and today he still excels in that capacity. This is a breed that is more than just a hunter, but those wanting “just a pet” would do well to remember their hunting heritage.
This is an adaptable breed with keen scent senses and intelligence for any job you want to teach them. He loves an active family and requires minimal grooming to keep his short coat in condition.
This is a dog that is as eager to hunt pheasant and waterfowl as he is raccoons. He’s an easy going dog with a heritage of German bird dogs bred to English pointers to refine and lend elegance without sacrificing the athletic abilities of the breed. Some claims of blood from an old Spanish pointer, English foxhounds and German tracking hounds added to genetic “installation” of desired characteristics.
They are versatile all purpose gun dogs that were selectively bred for trainability and then style and scenting abilities to produce a dog that is outstanding all around in the field as well as in the home.
This is a powerful dog that should cover some ground but without coarseness. They are by the standard 55-70 pounds and 23-25 inches in size. Proper bone is important - too heavy alters the picture while too light alters function.
Liver and white is the key color here. It may be liver and white ticked, patched, white ticked or liver roan but must be liver and white. Dogs with black, lemon, tan, solid white or orange are disqualified as that is more pointer qualities and coloring than the distinct German shorthair.
(more…)
The Maltese is seen as a ball of hair. Glamorous, difficult and dainty. The Greeks put up tombs for their dogs and a model was found in Egypt as well. They’ve been an aristocrat for 28 centuries, with documentations of the breed as early as 40 A.D.
These have long been household pets for people with means. They were healthy and although small in size large in temperament. They have a long beautiful coat that is hard to overlook when groomed right.
By the standard the Maltese is less than 7 pounds with a preference of 4-6 pounds if the quality is there. They’ll possess a smooth gait with an impression of fast movement. He projects fearlessness with affection. Lively, playful, vigorous describe this breed. This is a companion breed that takes regular grooming to keep tangle free especially after playing in puddles!
His coat should be straight, not curly or wavy and his body is slightly longer than he is tall. This is a hardy companion that is fine boned but not exactly dainty. They do need regular maintenance and grooming to keep the coat beautiful. Even among pet dogs, which can be trimmed to have a shorter coat than show dogs, daily brushing helps keep the coat in good condition.
(more…)
Dog dental care should be provided to your pet as dental diseases are prone to happen to your beloved animals if their teeth are left unattended. Likewise, if you are already providing such care to your pet but is still suspecting that it is already suffering from a particular teeth problem, then better go immediately to the veterinarian for dental check up.
One way of implementing dog dental care is by providing “safe” bones, those without sharp part to your dog. He will certainly love to chew on them and swallow them. Make them do this from time to time. It helps them develop much stronger set of teeth in a natural way.
(more…)
