Archive for the ‘Dog Breed Info’ Category

Bichons Video

The Bichon Frise dog typically makes an excellent addition to any household. He is friendly and sweet and provides few major challenges.

General Appearance and Description

If you like puffy, fuzzy dogs, the Bichon Frise is for you. This cute little fur ball is identified mostly by color and fur characteristics. His color is usually all white, but some dogs have other colors mixed in, usually grey, apricot, and cream.

His coat is long and curly. The Bichon Frise Dogs is virtually hypoallergenic, so this makes him a desirable pet to many people with animal allergies or sensitivities.

Basic Temperament

Bichon Frise dogs are extremely social. They love people and being around many humans. They are affectionate, intelligent, independent and spirited. Though they are small, they’re not yippy dogs that will annoy you and the neighbors.

Most Bichon Frise dogs are happy and confident, and cause no problems to their household. They enjoy meeting new people and are good with children and older people. They thrive on making sure that others are happy, so their happiness in a household enviroment is directly tied to that of their owner. If you’re happy, they’re happy.

The Bichon Frise do enjoy being companion dogs, so they love to be taken along when you go somewhere.

Care Required

Bichon breeders will tell you that the care of a Bichon is simple and they are partly right. Most Bichon Frise dogs should be bathed every month, and groomed professionally every four weeks. Because the fur is curly and full, it can get out of hand if not kept trimmed.

The eye and ear areas should also be trimmed with blunt scissors on a regular basis and the eyes should also be cleaned periodically to prevent staining since the eyes tend to run.

Best of all, however, is that Bichon puppies and dogs do not really shed, which is what makes this breed particularly good for those who suffer allergies.

Exercise Requirements

Bichon exercise needs are quite similar to the breed’s needs when he’s full grown. They are extensive. While you might not think that such a small dog would have high activity needs, the opposite is true. He is a very active dog that needs a daily walk and plenty of time for play.

While the Bichon is not a troublesome dog, if he’s not exercised enough, he might challenge your patience with some behavior problems. A walk a day is all they ask, but if you can also find your way to a dog park now and then, these dogs will appreciate it. They will enjoy the social element as well as the ability to run free for a while.

Training

It’s important that you set yourself up as the boss of the house (or the “alpha dog”). The Bichon needs limits and rules. He needs to know that someone is in charge.

If this leadership is not established early, the dog can develop “small dog syndrome” where the small dog feels that he is the leader of the humans. This can lead to problems like biting, separation anxiety and snapping. It’s brought on when the humans in the dog’s life don’t respond appropriately to him. If you establish yourselves as the leader, you should have no trouble with this.

Some Bichon Frise dogs can be harder to housebreak.

Height and Weight

Male dogs are usually about 9 to 12 inches tall, while females are between 9 and 11 inches tall. They weigh between 7 and 12 pounds.

Health and Longevity

These dogs don’t suffer too many health problems, aside from watery eyes, some skin and ear ailments, and cataracts. All of these are common canine health problems. Some Bichon Frise dogs can suffer from epilepsy and problems with their knees. In general, the Bichon lives for about 15 years or more.

Suitability

These dogs are ideal for just about any household environment. They are ideal for households with children and older people. They enjoy having other dogs and even cats around, but will do fine if they are the only pet in the household as well. They enjoy seeing themselves as watch dogs, but their actual ability to impact the household that way is debatable.

Did you know that the story of the border collie dog starts as an Industrial Revolution predicament? As demand for raw materials rose during those years, the Victorian masters had to find a way to manage the sheep that would soon populate vast acres of unfenced land in the countryside. The unexpected but welcome solution came in the form of border collies dogs.

Now what possible breeding secret could have led to border collie dogs being nearly peerless in terms of canine IQ? Some innovative breeders in the nineteenth century must have felt that the farm collie would be in top condition with the addition of other noteworthy traits, such as the “eye” of a setter, or the lightning speed of a racing hound. A border collie trial champion is thus truly blessed, since its qualities are very hard to maintain in breeding. Breeding in general risks bringing upon breeders the dimmest of uncertainties, and the danger of losing all carefully-preserved qualities.

Since their early history revolved on recovering sheep from the hills, border collies dogs have always been known as gatherers, rather than drovers or tenders. But they are also capable of learning to send stock away from the shepherd, and even to hold their charges up to a certain extent. They are also literally in tune when it comes to subtle variations in the whistles they are accustomed to, responding accordingly.

But when considering them as pets, the degrees of satisfaction in owning a border collie dog are as varied and numerous as the degree of collie mastery or ignorance among home owners. Indeed, there is a whole world of frustrations that can be avoided if the would-be owner would only appraise his or her ability to meet the dog’s needs based on his or her own needs, lifestyle, and skills, or at least know how border collie training can help the dog.

Some people find it all in a day’s work steering the dog’s herding instinct, high energy, and quick minds,and these find their dogs maturing into fulfilled, disciplined workers. Others discover that they are raising a liability, and the owner undergoes crisis after crisis, and relentless worrying as to what way he or she could have failed in raising the dog. The worst ending for an impulse buy, or irresponsibility in raising the dog is that the animal finds no home is willing to take it in, leaving no other option but the dog’s destruction. The conclusion? Each every border collie fan needs to check how well they can meet mental and physical needs.

Cocker Spaniel Dogs Video

The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful, sweet dog that loves people. He makes an excellent pet, but presents a few challenges to the owner.

General Appearance and Description

The American Cocker Spaniel was originally developed through breeding of the English Cocker Spaniel. The American Cocker is smaller than the English version, and the English Cocker often has a finer and shorter coat of hair.

The Cocker Spaniel has long ears, and a medium-length coat that’s shiny and feathered looking.

On black Cocker Spaniels, the nose will always be black, but on other colored Spaniels, the nose can be brown. You might get a Cocker Spaniel that’s buff-colored, or black. The coat is usually one color, but some can be a primary color with another color accent (such as white with black and tan accents).

Most Cocker Spaniel breeders will suggest that you get your Cocker Spaniel’s tail docked, but if you aren’t showing him, you might not need to do that.

Basic Temperament

The Cocker Spaniel enjoys work, but it’s just as happy being a pet in your house. This is an easy-going dog that will happily go with the flow and complain little.

In general the American Cocker Spaniel is cheerful, sensitive, respectful and pleasant to be around. They are a gentle breed and can be prone to shyness, and will eschew new relationships with people and other dogs if not socialized properly. It’s best to socialize Cocker Spaniel puppies early and often so they don’t develop that shy side.

Unlike some dogs that will challenge your authority and attempt to establish themselves as the “top dog,” Cocker Spaniel dogs are happy to accept you as the leader, and they seem to inherently understand that you are the boss and they are inferior to you.

Care Required

If you keep your Cocker Spaniel dog’s coat long, be prepared to brush it daily and shampoo it frequently. To keep it shiny and beautiful looking, it does require some care. Even if you keep his coat shorter, you’ll still have to brush him regularly and get it trimmed regularly. You can be a bit more lax, however.

Cocker Spaniel dogs don’t shed too terribly, although they can leave a trail behind them if their coat is left long. The hairs can come out easily, so be careful when brushing that you don’t pull out the long hairs.

Exercise Requirements
You might not think just by looking at this sweet-faced, regal dog that he’s a bit of a wild man, but he is. That is, the Cocker Spaniel dog needs a good amount of activity on a regular basis. If he doesn’t get it, he might challenge your home environment.

Be sure to give your Cocker Spaniel regular walks that are long and sometimes challenging. When walking him, avoid going through areas that contain thickets or anything that could damage your Cocker’s coat.

While the American Cocker Spaniel does best in a home environment with a large yard, he can live in an apartment if he’s regularly exercised and well. He’s active indoors, so plenty of area to play and plenty of toys to play with are both essential.

When looking at learning more about English cocker spaniels, read and learn as much as you can because the English cocker because is an incredible dog breed.
Training

Because the Cocker Spaniel innately knows who is boss (you), he’s relatively easy to train. Some Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housebreak, however, so some patience is required during that process.

Height and Weight

The male Cocker Spaniel will grow to be about 15 ½ inches high, while the female will be approximately 14 ½ inches high. Both male and female will weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Health and Longevity

Cocker Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of health problems. If you do add one to your home, it’s important that you consider the many challenges that Cocker Spaniels can face with regard to their health.

Some of the most common health problems that your Cocker Spaniel might need to deal with include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions. They also suffer knee problems and hip dysplasia, along with liver disease and cardiomyopathy. Some have allergies, ear infections, and a very serious condition called immune mediated hemolytic anemia.

If your Cocker Spaniel stays healthy, or is lucky enough to deal well with whatever health conditions he might suffer, he can live to be about 12 to 15 years old.

Suitability

The Cocker Spaniel loves children and will do well in a house with children and/or pets. They also make good watchdogs, enjoy agility and will work to do well in trials, and they make excellent hunting dogs.

More Information

Further information about the Cocker Spaniel can be found here.

25 of the most popular dog breeds

Fast Tube by Casper
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10 smartest dogs

Fast Tube by Casper

Lhasa Apso Puppies Video

The Lhasa Apso, bred and honored by the Dalai Lama, is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dogs from Tibet.

Please join us on a short journey as we unravel the fascinating history of the incredible Lhasa Apso.

There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed in art and literature going back at least two thousand years. They were given to monks and nobility in China to guard and protect.

For many generations it was not possible to get a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift by the Dalai Lama!

They were valued both as a good luck symbol and as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion.

Many holy men believed that the spirits of monks who did not reach Nirvana were reincarnated into the bodies of Lhasa Apso dogs.

The strong watchful and protective nature of the Lhasa Apso, combined with their beautiful coats and loyal nature, make them a true companion dog and loving pet.

THE TIBET CONNECTION

The Lhasa Apso breed originated over two thousand years ago in the high, mountainous country of Tibet.

These small sized dogs were bred and kept in the Potala, the palace and monastery of the Dalai Lama, as well as surrounding monasteries.The dogs were kept exclusively for holy men and nobility. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament, beautiful coats, and their loyal and loving disposition.

The Lhasa Apso was not only prized as a companion dog but also as a watchdog.

The nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence and regarded them not just as pets but more importantly as protectors and watchers for their castles and homes. They were also valued as a good luck talisman to keep evil away from the home. When the nobleman or holy man died, it was believed that his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso if it was not destined for Nirvana.

The Dalai Lama and other holy men carefully managed the Lhasa Apso breed, and it was not possible to buy a Lhasa Apso dog in Tibet, rather they had to be received as a gift from the Dalai Lama.

This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian Dynasty and was honored up to the early 1900’s.  The dogs were sent as a blessing from the Dalai Lama to the Emperors of China and other nobility.

Lhasa Apso dogs were never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented pairs of dogs to visiting foreign diplomats and leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world where their popularity grew.

Lhasa Apsos are seen as a sacred blessing and are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the owner.

The first Lhasa Apso pair was seen in Britain in the 1920’s and the first pair in the United States was in 1935. Australia records the first Lhasa Apsos arriving in the 1960’s.

THE NAME

The majority of historians agree that the first part of the name, Lhasa, comes from the area of the Potala, near the sacred city of Lhasa.

Apso, The second part of the name, is a bit less clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word “raspo” that means goat-like. The coat of the Apso, if not groomed, begins to look like the hair found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes from the term “Abso Seng kye” that translates into “Barking Lion Sentinel Dog”.

Since the long hair of the breed does closely resemble the mane of the lion, and the strong protective instinct is there, it may be that the Apso is simply a mispronunciation of “Abso”.

Lhasa Apso dogs also have the distinctly lionish habit of pawing the ground with their front feet and taking a square stance when feeling threatened. They truly do resemble little lions and are excellent watchdogs and guardians.

The Manjuri Buddha, the God of Learning, is often presented in art and literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso, which changes into a lion when danger threatens the Manjuri Buddha.

Take the time to find out more about Lhasa Breeders.  The investment in time you make will be extremely worthwhile.

That’s all on the amazing history of the Lhasa Apso.

If you’re the owner of a Bedlington terrier and you’re concerned about its behavior you may want to consider Bedlington Terrier training. Of course, it need not be difficult to train your dog, though it is a process that will require patience and so it is worthwhile understanding the steps involved in training a Bedlington Terrier.

Realize That Your Bedlington Terrier Has Needs

When your puppy or dog participates in training, the dog will fulfill some of its basic needs including exercising, socializing with other dogs and feeling secure in the knowledge of what is expected of it. After your Bedlington terrier has taken part in a dog obedience course, he will learn to respond in an appropriate manner to your commands while avoiding separation anxiety.

The main aim of starting out to train a Bedlington terrier is to teach it to behave in the desired manner around people and other dogs, and it should also train the dog to become a well-behaved companion. In addition, your Bedlington terrier will have learnt how to perform specific tasks, though of course he should not be punished when he fails to obey commands.

There are those who believe that Training A Bedlington terrier involves punishing the dog when it disobeys commands or doesn’t respond in an appropriate manner. However, rewarding the dog with a treat when he obeys your commands is a more appropriate and better option for training.

Basically, you should realize that your Bedlington terrier is a social animal that will respond well to obedience training, and that if he remains untrained the dog may behave erratically rather than in a manner appropriate for a housebroken dog. Training and caring for a Bedlington terrier is an ongoing process that may continue for some time and it requires the active participation of the owner as well as the trainer, and it is more than giving your dog commands and expecting it to work hard. Training your Bedlington terrier will improve its quality of life and it should help in making it a happy, content and obedient companion that will enjoy its time with you and other members of the family.

The Wonderful Basset Hound is a dog that weighs on average 60 pounds and around 13″ in height and fits in to the category of a medium to large dog. The Basset Hound is long and low and their height/weight ratio makes their already short legs look even shorter. In fact, their name comes from the French word “bas” which means low.

They are without doubt one of the most loving, patient and gentle dogs you could hope for which is one of the reasons they fit so well into family life. Coupled with their keen sense of smell and hunting instints you will also find them great hunting companions.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, the usual colors for the Basset Hound are a variety of hound colors, but they are typically white with chestnut or sand colored markings. The fairly dense coat is short, straight, hard and smooth. Basset Hound grooming is easy and only requires brushing and shampooing every now and then.

This loving, gentle dog is perfect for family life. They are excellent and patient with small children, even if normal day to day life does not include children. They are affectionate with their family and love to be around them. Other dogs are never a problem for Bassets and neither are pets, although it is usually a good idea to introduce them to other pets in the home because they might chase them due to their hunting instincts.

Basset Hounds love nothing more than lazing around the house just relaxing, which makes them an ideal dog if you live in an apartment. Having said that they do enjoy playing and require regular, exercise and time to run. If you don’t have a garden, you should plan to at least take them on a daily walk. It’s usually a simple task to train them, but if they are on the trail of a scent, they will not pay any attention to you. That’s why it is important to have your yard fenced in. Keep an eye on how much they eat as they can put on the extra pounds quite easily so giving them ample exercise is important.

The Basset Hound originated in France and dates back hundreds of years. Their ancestry can be traced back to the Bloodhound. Originally used as hunting dogs, the Basset Hound uses its excellent sense of smell to track animals. Even though they can still be used for hunting, they are seen more as companion dogs today.

You would be hard pushed to find many dog breeds to match a Basset Hound for it’s gentleness and laid back attitude. They are perfect for active families and for those that just enjoy an occasional walk provided their Basset Hound can have daily outside time.

Whether you have small children or other pets or dogs, the Basset Hound can fit into just about any type of family dynamic with little to no adjustment problems.

Extra small dog bed and your small dog should go hand-in-paw. It only makes sense to ensure that your pet enjoys the right size bed, after all. And since dogs have come to be such treasured parts of our lives nowadays, we want to go to a good pet supply store to get them their beds. It’s a fact that dog supplies and accessories are also a lucrative business.

If you’re in the market for a bed for your small dog, you have a large selection available to you at most any decent sized pet store. And you can find a bed in just about any material you can dream of. As always, the traditional wicker basket-type is still the most popular model. The padding they come with reflects our modern age, with hypo-allergenic varieties available. They’re pretty easy to clean, too. Considering how smart dogs are, don’t you think they’d like a bit of comfort in their lives?

There are a couple things to remember when it comes to picking the right bed for your dog. If he or she likes to chew, perhaps you want to go with a sturdier basket than just wicker. A dog usually won’t chew on what it sleeps in or on, but try to account for that, nonetheless. And keep in mind the kind of padding or blanket you’d like the dog to sleep on. What you like could be different from what it eventually settles on. And different breeds could prefer different bed materials than others.

Today, there’s a pet dog bed out there for most every breed or type of dog. And the styles they come in can be quite diverse, such as Danish Modern or Dutch Colonial. Both of those can be had, along with dozens of others. And why shouldn’t your beloved pet get a fine-looking bed to take his or her ease on after a long day of chasing its’ tail?

There are also beds that are fully enclosed, too. Many are disguised to resemble some other piece of furniture, and they provide comfort and a private space just for your little pooch. Dogs, like everybody else, want to be alone sometimes.

Extra small dog bed accessories abound in the marketplace. Pet supply stores can have a wide variety of such items available for purchase, and blankets or pads can be customized, also. A bed frame or basket can be decorated and made to look as fancy or as splashy as the dog’s human companion may desire. Be sure to use non-toxic materials, though.

For the dog with special needs or who is older, there are even ortho-type beds to help ease the dog’s little aches and pains. They help support the musculo-skeletal system of Fido, when he needs a bit more help in his later years. Check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog’s special medical requirements.

It’s a truly amazing thing when it comes to realizing how many wonderful dog accessories there are for your pet these days. Small dog beds for the dog in your life don’t have to be cheap or ugly, and they shouldn’t be so, anyway. When you consider all the years of companionship and loyalty your pet will be providing to you, you’ll want to provide luxurious dog bedding for them.

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their compact and athletic builds. Yorkies have a flat head with a dark nose and short muzzle. Their average weight is about 7-8 pounds and their height between 6 and 8 inches. They are an intelligent dog breed, but they can also be a little stubborn. A Yorkshire Terriers lifespan is usually in the range of 13-17 years! Although they may be a small dog they more than make up for it with a big heart.

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most loveable dogs you could ever wish to own. Known for their small size, these dogs make excellent companions, especially if you can handle their hyperactive and upbeat nature. Yorkshire Terriers soon become part of the family, being  a small, cute and adorable dogbreed probably has a lot to do with it.

Even though a Yorkshire Terrier can be quite stubborn they are easy to train if you go about it the right way. Yorkies love to play so its a good idea to incorporate this into their training and keep it fun. Terriers in general have a streak of independence that is best countered using treats, toys, and a sense of fun and play during training. They are highly intelligent dogs and easily learn to recognize many different commands.

A family life is second nature to a Yorkshire Terrier, they are sociable and just love being the centre of attention. Terriers are extremely fun, energetic dogs that also love to lounge on your lap and they make excellent companions. Yorkies are a natural watchdog and they also seek and require a lot of attention. They typically mix well with other household animals including cats and other dogs, especially if they are raised with them.

Being very picky eaters, Yorkshire terriers won’t accept a lot of foods if they don’t like them or if they’re mixed with other foods. They tend to be picky eaters with small appetites so keep your eye on them and try to stick to two hearty meals a day. Yorkie puppies should eat 3-4 times per day, but because of their small appetites they are susceptible to hypoglycaemia, which usually doesn’t last into adulthood.

Yorkshire Terriers are sometimes prone to tooth problems, even early tooth decay. Grooming instructions for the Yorkie often include details on brushing the teeth and other tooth care. Don’t let the size of a Yorkie fool you, grooming them can be a bigger job than first appears. Yorkshire Terriers are also popular pets for people who have suffered from pet allergies, as their coat is virtually non-shedding.

All in all the Yorkshire Terrier is an absolute little bundle of joy that is quick to give and receive love, making them excellent companions and a fantastic addition to most families.

If you love dogs and have an article about dogs you want to publish then visit this Free dog breeds directory

Airedale, Bedlington, Cairns, Cesky, Fox, Jack Russel, Irish, Yorkshire (Yorkie), American Pit Bull, and bull terrier are just some of the terrier breeds. These dogs are very popular throughout the world. As you read this article, you are going to learn about to of the best terrier breeds. Terriers as pets (type of terriers including Yorkshire Terrier) is what you will be reading about.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most popular types of terrier. Unfortunately, this breed has gained a somewhat notorious reputation as being vicious when they became a popular choice for dog fights. This poor breed would be intentionally bred for quantity, rather than quality, and some owners would even abuse them as pups to raise them to be ferocious in dog fights in which they would bet on the dog. This is a very unfair and limited portion of the pit bull’s history. What about Sergeant Stubby—the pit bull who took part in World War II? He began as a morale boost for the 102nd infantry, yet soon became a valued soldier when he began warning his unit of poisonous gas, found wounded men in “no man’s land,” and could warn of the incoming artillery shells.

Next, we are going to tell you about the Yorkshire Terrier. This is a pretty little creature that has a silky coat that is very long and parts down the spine. They have a head that is rather flat with V shaped ears. These pets, just like any of the other terriers are eager to go on an adventure.

Additional information about terriers can be found online, in books, or through a veterinarian. Although some of them require quite a lot of grooming, such as regular brushing and bathing, others are much less maintenance. Overall, they are loyal to the core and brave to boot. They also have tons of energy, so if you’re looking for a jogging partner or even a “partner in crime,” this mischievous breed could be perfect for you!

When looking for something special for the dog lovers in your life, check out dog breed gifts. We all know someone who is crazy about their particular breed of dog, so when it is time to shop for a gift for them we are lucky to find a large selection of dog breed gifts available. Gifts for the holidays: from St. Patrick’s Day to Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as gifts for “just because,” are available for the many breeds of dogs.

For children, there are dog breed puzzles, fun toys like bobble heads, and cuddly plush dogs for them to snuggle with. Gift baskets are a good idea if you are not sure what your friend would like. Some baskets come with treats for both the owners and their canine pals.

Jewelry, as well as greeting cards, totes and picture frames showing off their particular dog breed, are always a hit. The kitchen gourmet may like doggie place mats, salt and pepper shakers, soup bowls or dishes to let people know they love their dog.

For the office, mouse pads and coffee mugs can bring a smile to your friend’s face when work stresses them out. Figurines for their desktop and dog breed wall art are nice, too.

Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy dog statues, or wind chimes portraying their favorite breed for on their porch or in their garden.

T-shirts, jackets, caps and even socks showing off their breed of dog are very popular with dog lovers everywhere, especially when they take their pets to the park.

Finally, when they wind down at the end of the day, there are many different styles of blankets to keep both your friends and their dog cozy and warm.  So whatever breed of dog your friend loves and adores, you are sure to find that perfect gift just for them!

You’ll never have to worry about dog breed gifts again! Visit us on the web at luvurdog.com to learn more.

Terriers are a very loving and energetic breed that demand a great deal of attention from their family members. They love to make noise and most enjoy being a typical “lap dog.” Terrier training can be a bit difficult if you aren’t persistent, therefore you’ll need to be prepared to be firm and corrective with your terrier pup. If your interest is in breeding terriers, you should do plenty of research and speak to a vet to ensure that you are prepared for the responsibility. This article lists a few of the responsibilities you can expect when raising a terrier.

In order to be a great dog owner, you need to carefully pay attention to your relationship. Caring for the dog won’t be hard as long as you know your responsibilities of caring for them. That means bathing, taking them to the vet and feeding them. Some have different coat styles, and require more grooming than others. Training may be more difficult with some. For instance, Boston terrier training may be a bit more difficult than other terriers as they can tend to be hard to housebreak. The feeding for your dogs can vary depending on what type of breed you have. With the terrier breeds, you have both small and large dogs that need different amounts of servings of foods.

The food needs to be the best nutrients in order for your friend to get the right growth they require. To find the right type of foods you should check out many different food brands. You shouldn’t change the dogs food, because it can mess up their stomach.

One of the very first things you should do if you get your terrier as a puppy, is to get his vaccinations administered as soon as he is old enough. This is ideally done between 9 – 18 weeks of age. The older the puppy becomes, the more likely his body is to develop an immunity. After your puppy has had the initial injections and booster, you should generally follow up with a yearly booster shot and check up.

Caring for a terrier will be like any other dog, but they will be a bit more energetic and need play time. Playing with them everyday will help them grow on you and listen a lot better, resulting in a calm pet you need. There are many places in which you can obtain your terrier, including pet shops, breeders, and even the classified ads section of your newspaper. You can also do an Internet search, such as “Westie puppies for sale” which will display the sites of many breeders or rescue organizations in which you can contact.

Caring for a mastiff can be the same as caring for any other dog; they need to be trained from young, have a good exercise routine, a good diet and must be groomed and cleaned regularly. Mastiffs can be by nature a very lazy breed and are very comfortable lying by the couch all day, every day. Because of this it is important that you teach your mastiff from a pup and give your mastiff a good routine. Their tendency of laziness is why Mastiff training should be very firm.

It is recommended to walk your mastiff on a daily basis and approximately twice a day to maintain your mastiff healthy and happy. If you have a back yard then it is ok to walk your mastiff once a day as they can walk around the yard. But if you live in an apartment it is recommended to walk your dog at least twice a day so that they can get a regular exercise.

Mastiffs are big dogs and require a regular diet of quality dog food to maintain good health. Mastiff puppies should be fed roughly four times a day after they’ve been weaned onto puppy food. As your mastiff grows, you can gradually reduce the amount of times you feed him to once or twice a day. There is usually a guideline somewhere on the dog food package that estimates how much you should feed your dog based off of a weight scale.

Grooming a mastiff is generally a very easy process, so you won’t have to spend hours a week combing through fur. They are natural shedders (watch out in the spring time!), so you don’t have to work so hard when you brush them. They do have natural oils in their coat to help protect their skin, to take extra care not to over-wash your mastiff; about once a month should work nicely.

Although they are very large, mastiffs are a gentle breed and can be very wonderful pets if taken care of properly. They have a wonderful attitude towards children, but naturally their size may not make great pets if your child is very young and can easily get knocked over by a grown mastiff. There are many different types of mastiffs, some of the most popular being bull mastiffs, English mastiffs, and American mastiffs. If you decide to introduce a mastiff into your home, you won’t be sorry!

When you are looking at Bichon dog training, you should know that the most important factor to keep in mind is what you are feeding the dog. The Bichon puppy care relies heavily on the foods that the dog eats, for several reasons. So, you should always keep in mind that everything you put in your dog has a reflection on what they become as adult dogs.

Why Is It Important?

With a small dog like the Bichon, what you feed them is very important. The Bichon has a tendency to have problems digesting food, and when a dog can’t properly digest their food you will find that they are moody and irritable, and have problems with going to the bathroom in the house. Part of Bichon dog training is insuring that they have a good diet, because otherwise they are going to be very hard to train and you are going to have problems with your puppy. So, when you first begin Bichon puppy care you should take a look at the different foods in the supermarket to find a good one.

How To Find Foods

First of all, you should know that the list of ingredients on the back of puppy food is listed in the order of what most makes up the food to the least. This means that if something like “corn” is listed first, it means the majority of the food is corn. You want to choose a food that lists real meats as the number one ingredient, meaning that real meat is what the food is mostly made up of. Also stay away from things that list “meal” because this means it isn’t really meat, it is different parts of the animal.

The ingredients in the food are the most important part of Bichon puppy training. A Bichon needs to be fed foods that will agree with it, so if the first one you try doesn’t work, try again. However, part of good Bichon puppy care is that you recognize you need to be very careful if you are switching foods. A dog needs several days to adjust to food, so keep a dog on a food for at least a week before you see whether or not the food is good for the dog.

Along with good food, part of Bichon puppy care is giving good love. Also be sure that you are always treating your puppy with respect and love, and you can expect him to give you the same during his lifetime.

Top 10 Dog Breeds in the UK

1           Labrador Retriever

2           English Cocker Spaniel

3           English Springer Spaniel

4           German Shepherd Dog(Alsatian)

5           Staffordshire Bull Terrier

6           Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

7           Golden Retriever

8           West Highland White Terrier

9           Boxer

10       Border Terrier

Top 10 Dog Breeds in the USA

1          Labrador Retriever

2          Golden Retriever

3          German Shepherd Dog

4          Beagle

5          Yorkshire Terrier

6          Dachshund

7          Boxer

8          Poodle

9          Shih Tzu

10      Chihuahua

Top Ten Favorite Dogs

Every year the American Kennel Club releases the number of dogs registered for each dog breed, and that information is used to discover the favorite dog breeds in the United States for that year.

1     Labrador Retriever (137,867)
2     Golden Retriever (48,509)
3     Yorkshire Terrier (47,238)
4     German Shepherd Dog (45,014)
5     Beagle (42,592)
6     Dachshund (38,566)
7     Boxer (37,268)
8     Poodle (31,638)
9     Shih Tzu (28,087)
10   Miniature Schnauzer (24,144)

Compare this list with the top ten dogs from the United Kingdom’s list:

1     Labrador Retriever
2     English Cocker Spaniel
3     English Springer Spaniel
4     German Shepherd Dog
5     Staffordshire Bull Terrier
6     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
7     Golden Retriever
8     West Highland Terrier
9     Boxer
10    Border Terrier

It is interesting that there are several dog breeds in the U.K. top ten list that are not near the top ten in the United States.

In the United States the Labrador retriever has been in the number one position for 16 years in a row. Meanwhile the Chihuahua slipped from 10th place to number 11, replaced by the Miniature Schnauzer.

It’s not surprising that the two most popular dog breeds in the United States and Canada are the Labrador retriever and the Golden Retriever. Both are such wonderful dogs to own with their easy-going nature and high intelligence. These two dog breeds, along with the German Shepherd Dog, made the top ten dog list in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

The Labrador retriever and Golden Retriever make great dogs for families and are listed in a top ten list of dogs for children. In the same list of child-friendly dogs are the Beagle, Poodle, French bulldog, Pug, Cairn terrier, Old English sheepdog, King Charles spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, several of which made the AKC top ten dog list.

Looking at the United States AKC top ten dog list the Yorkshire Terrier has moved up to third place, its highest point since it became recognized by the AKC in 1885. With their spirited, loving yet willful personality, they deserve to be among the top ten popular dog breeds. Their only drawback is the daily grooming required, but that is a little inconvenience compared to the love they give.

While the Labrador retriever has been number one since 1991, the breed that held the number one position the longest is the Cocker Spaniel, from 1936 to 1952 and again from 1983 to 1990 for a total of 23 years. Watch for the Labrador retriever to beat that record.

The Poodle comes in a very close second for the number of years as Americas favorite breed; 1960 to 1982, a total of 22 years.

It was in 1972 that the large breeds took over as Americas favorites when the Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers and Chow Chows rose in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s. By comparison, small dogs held anywhere from one to four slots in the top ten at that time.

However, as we entered into the new millennium small dogs have increased in popularity among Americans, perhaps due to their portability or perhaps because celebrities are making these smaller breeds more visible.

Notice all the small dogs that are in the list of the 11-20 most popular:

1    Chihuahua (23,575)
2    Pug (22,064)
3    Bulldog (20,556)
4    Pomeranian (19,511)
5    Cocker Spaniel (16,343)
6    Rottweiler (15,916)
7    Boston Terrier (15,852)
8    Shetland Sheepdog (14,278)
9    Maltese (13,676)
10 German Shorthaired Pointer (13,273)
Four of these dogs are from the AKCs Toy group and another, the Boston terrier, is a small dog from the Terrier group. Add the five small dogs from the top ten list and that’s why the new millennium seems to belong to the small dog.

Whatever your favorite breed, we can all agree that dogs continue to hold a very special place in the hearts of millions of Americans, and this is a bond that needs no special breed at all. After all, dog enthusiasts around the world believe their dog is number one.