Hungarian Puli - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 37 - 44 cm (14 - 17.5 inches)

Weight: 10 - 15 kg (22 - 33 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Very demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Lively but reserved with strangers

Country of Origin: Hungary

AKC Group: Herding

Other Names: Hungarian Water Dog, Puli

Temperament:

The Hungarian Puli is highly intelligent, independent and reliable. Hungarian Puli's make great watchdogs but tend to bark at the slightest sound and can become overprotective of their family. They are full of character and are very animated. Hungarian Puli's tend to adapt to whatever circumstances they are in and are always loyal to their family. They get on well with children and other animals and tend to form a close bond with one person in their family. The Hungarian Puli is keen to learn and when being trained it should be challenged rather than given repetitive drills.

Grooming:

The Hungarian Puli's coat does not fully develop until the third year. The undercoat does not fall out, but instead it turns into felt on the outer hairs. These felted strands can be teased to encourage the development of the cord-like coat, this helps to prevent the cords from becoming tangled. Once the cords are formed they do not need brushing. The coat doesn't moult but it does pick up dirt and debris which can be difficult to get out. Hungarian Puli's should be washed during summer or on a hot day as it can take up to several days for the coat to dry.

Exercise:

Hungarian Puli's are very energetic and love exercise. They are delightful to watch when they romp and play with their unusual coat. This breed usually does well in agility and fly-ball sports.

History:

The Hungarian Puli arrived in Hungary during the 9th century at the time of the Magyar invasions. For over 1000 years these dogs worked alongside the shepherds during the day and at night the more discernible white Komondor took over guarding the flocks from robbers and wolves. This breed was once called the Hungarian Water Dog as they loved working in the water so much. The name 'puli' means leader in Hungarian.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Shaggy, sturdy and active.

Color: Black and different variations of grey and white. Apricot is also accepted in certain countries.

Coat: Coarse, long outercoat and a dense, fluffy undercoat. The entangled coats create tightly, interwoven rope-like cords up to 8-18cm (3-7 in) in length. The hair is shorter on the head and feet and is around 4-6cm (1.5-2.5 in).

Tail: Medium length, tightly curled over the loin and difficult to distinguish beneath the coat.

Ears: Medium size, low set, wide, drooping and V-shaped.

Body: The chest is deep and broad and the belly is slightly tucked up. The back is of moderate length and the shoulders are oblique. The ribs are rounded and the loin is short and broad.

Additional Comments:

* The coat of the Hungarian Puli swings like a loose rug as it goes along in it's energetic way. Once the coat is fully developed it is fully weather resistant to the cold and wet.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/hungarian_puli/

Ibizan Hound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: 56 - 74 cm (22 - 29 inches)

Weight: 19 - 25 kg (42 - 55 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Essential

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Independent & reserved

Country of Origin: Balearic Islands

AKC Group: Hound

Temperament:

The Ibizan Hound is agile, calm and loyal. Ibizan Hounds have strong hunting instincts and once they are on the thrill of a chase they tend to be deaf to their owner's call. Ibizan Hounds make very loyal pets and they get on well with children. This breed are watchful of strangers and will get on with other pets so long as they are socialized at an early age. The Ibizan Hound is a fairly obedient breed and generally keen to learn.

Grooming:

Occasional brushing with a rubber brush is sufficient.

Exercise:

Ibizan Hounds are very adaptable to their living situation whether it be in a flat or the country, but exrcise is essential for them. They enjoy retrieving and can participate in dog sports if properly trained. The Ibizan Hound is extremely agile and almost cat-like. They need to be kept within high fences (at least 2m) to prevent them from getting out.

History:

The origins of the Ibizan Hound go back as far as 4000 years BC and they have the same ancestry as the Pharoah Hound. Archaeologists have unearthed artifacts depicting these hounds, including ancient tombs of the 14th century. Even Cleopatra once owned one of these Ibizan Hounds. It is presumed that these dogs found their way to Ibiza with the Phoenician traders.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Finely structured, narrow, tall and elegant.

Color: White, chestnut or lion, or any combination of these.

Coat: Either smooth or rough but is always dense and hard. The hair is longer on the lower part of the tail and at the back of the thighs. They can also have a moustache.

Tail: Set low, long, thin, carried high when in action and low when at rest (never carried over the back).

Ears: Thin, quite large, mobile and erect.

Body: The chest is narrow, deep and long with a level back. The breastbone ix very prominent and the waist is well tucked up. The loin is arched and of medium width and the ribs are flat.

Additional Comments:

* The name Ibizan Hound is pronounced as 'I bethan'.

* The Ibizan Hound is one of the few dog breeds that does not have any black on its coat or body. Even the nose is flesh colored.

* When anaesthetized, Ibizan Hounds tend remain unconscious for longer periods than expected. Therefore the owner should clarify with the vet that the dog will not be over anaesthetized if needing an operation.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/ibizan_hound/

Irish Red and White Setter - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 58 - 69 cm (23 - 27 inches)

Weight: 27 - 32 kg (60 - 70 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Cheerful & active

Country of Origin: Ireland

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Red and White Setter, Parti-colored Setter

Temperament:

The Irish Red and White Setter is good-natured, affectionate, highly intelligent, eager and happy. Irish Red and White Setters are excellent companions for children, but they will chase cats or other household pets if not socialized with them from puppyhood. These dogs thrive on companionship and being part of a family. Irish Red and White Setters are generally quick to learn and straightforward to train. They have tremendous stamina and are always eager to work and are therefore best suited for a working lifestyle, but Irish Red and White Setters will happily adapt to their environment, provided they are physically and mentally challenged.

Grooming:

The Irish Red and White Setter is reasonably low-maintenance with grooming. They should be brushed regularly and the nails need to be clipped short and the ears kept clean.

Exercise:

Irish Red and White Setters are exuberant outdoors, but are generally quiet family pets when indoors. Although these dogs are best suited for the country they can adapt to an urban family environmet, provided they receive adequate exercise and are stimulated mentally.

History:

Irish Setters were originally mostly red and white, and solid red setters were reasonably rare. Around 1850 breeders selected red as the preferred color which resulted in the Red and White Setters coming close to extinction. It wasn't until the early 1940s that an attempt to revive the breed was made. Irish Red and White Setters were bred as hunting dogs that would set on game (point) in the field. The Irish Red and White Club was formed in 1944 in Ireland and the Irish Red & White Setter Club of America, Inc. was formed in 1984.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Strong, powerful, athletic and racy.

Color: Clearly particolored, i.e. the base color is pearl white with solid red patches.

Coat: Finely textured with good feathering. A slight wave is accepted but not curly hair.

Tail: Tapering, well feathered and carried level with the back or below.

Ears: Set level with the eyes and lying close to head.

Body: The body is strong and muscular with a deep, narrow chest and well sprung ribs.

Additional Comments:

* Similar to the other Irish Setters, the Red and White Setters take more time to train than most other gundogs, but once these dogs are trained they make obedient companions.

* The Irish Red and White Setter is prone to injure itself more than calmer breeds, as their deep chests allow an intense and sudden twisting of the stomach (gastric torsion) to occur, which is a life or death emergency.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/irish_red_white_setter/

Italian Greyhound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 32 - 38 cm (13 - 15 inches)

Weight: Ideally 2.7 - 3.6 kg (6 - 8 lb), but up to 4.5 kg (10 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Intelligent & loving

Country of Origin: Italy/Egypt

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Piccolo Levrieri Italiani

Temperament:

The Italian Greyhound is lively, intelligent and affectionate. Italian Greyhounds have fine bones which are fairly easy to break, therefore they are not recommended for small children who may treat them as a toy. Italian Greyhounds get on well with other dogs and cats and are not difficult to train. They are ideal family dogs with their loving, devoted nature and lack of yappiness.

Grooming:

Italian Greyhounds need little grooming, it is usually sufficient to wipe the coat with a cloth for it to look shiny and healthy. The teeth need to be checked regularly as tartar is common in these dogs. Giving them bones helps reduce tartar build-up.

Exercise:

Italian Greyhounds love to run freely and are very active. They are adaptable and can be kept in a flat or apartment, so long as they are taken out regularly for walks.

History:

Archaeologists have found drawings of miniature greyhounds in areas around Turkey and Greece. The popularity of the Italian Greyhound was already established in Italy during the first century AD. The popularity of this breed peaked in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe due to its elegance, small size and sweet disposition. It has been claimed that Frederick the Great had over 50 of these Italian Greyhounds.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Graceful, fine-boned and agile.

Color: Black, blue, red, white, fawn or cream with or without white.

Coat: Fine, short and glossy. The skin is fine and supple.

Tail: Set low, tapering, delicate and carried low.

Ears: Rose-shaped, delicate, small and folded back.

Body: The length must be equal to or shorter than the height. The chest is deep and narrow and the ribs are slightly arched. The shoulders are long and sloping and the croup is tucked up. The loin is very round and blends with the topline and the croup.

Additional Comments:

* Italian Greyhounds tend to feel the cold, with their short coat and fine skin. They need to be kept in a warm environment, preferable with a blanket that they can curl up under.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/italian_greyhound/

Italian Spinone - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 60 - 80 cm (23.5 - 31.5)

Weight: 36 - 51 kg (80 - 135 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Friendly & alert

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Spinone Italiano, Spinone

Temperament:

The Italian Spinone is hardy, affectionate and gentle-natured. Italian Spinones are docile, patient and love children. They have a good reputation as all-purpose gundogs and as family companions. Italian Spinones can have a mind of their own which can cause difficulties for training, but they do want to please their owner so long as too much isn't asked of them. The Italian Spinone gets on well with strangers, other dogs and household pets.

Grooming:

Occasional grooming with a coarse comb is sufficient. Italian Spinones should not be trimmed as it is strictly against breed standards. The excess hair between the pads should be trimmed and the ears passages need to be kept clean.

Exercise:

This breed needs plenty of exercise and is not suitable for a flat or apartment, as they need lots of space to roam and play. Italian Spinones love swimming and are all-round field sports dogs. A good way for them to burn energy is running alongside a cycle once they are fully grown.

History:

Many centuries ago coarse-haired setters called Spinones arrived in Italy with Greek Traders. It is believed that this breed evolved in the area of Piedmont (north-west of Italy) and in countries around the Adriatic Sea. It has been suggested that the Italian Spinones evolved from crosses with the Griffon and lines originating from Russia. During the early 20th century this breed almost became extinct due to it's lack of popularity, however some enthusiastic breeders managed to revive this breed back to its former fame.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Rough, heavy-boned and hardy.

Color: White, white with orange markings, white flecked with flesh colored pigmentation with or without brown markings.

Coat: Rough, wiry, thick, slightly curled and 4-6cm (1.5-2.5 in) in length. The skin is thick and the eyebrows are bushy.

Tail: Commonly docked, tapering and carried horizontally or low.

Ears: Long, pendant, drooping with slightly rounded tips.

Body: The shoulders are muscular, strong and well laid back. The chest is open, wide and ample with well rounded ribs. The length of the body is equal to the height at the withers and the back is straight and slightly rising towards the loin. The belly is slightly raised and the croup is muscular, wide and sloping.

Additional Comments:

* Italian Spinone is pronounced as ""spin-o- ny"".

* In Italy the Italian Spinone is considered the most efficient gundog in the country.

* Italian Spinones have dew claws (fifth digit or toenail) on all four feet which give the appearance of the feet being even more massive.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/italian_spinone/

Japanese Spitz - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 40 cm (10 - 16 inches)

Weight: About 10 kg (22 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Affectionate & alert

Country of Origin: Japan

AKC Group: Not registered

Temperament:

The Japanese Spitz is intelligent, lively, bold and alert. Japanese Spitz make excellent family companions as they get on well with children and other household pets. They are watchful of strangers, but quickly accept new visitors once their owners do. Japanese Spitz are intelligent and fast learners which makes them obedient and easy to train.

Grooming:

Considering the thickness of the Japanese Spitz coat, they are not difficult to groom or keep clean. They should be groomed once per week with a pin brush that reaches to the undercoat to prevent knots forming.

Exercise:

Japanese Spitz need daily exercise and should have opportunities to run and play off the lead. This breed enjoys dog sports such as agility skills and fly-ball.

Feeding:

Japanese Spitz are undemanding when it comes to food and aren't picky eaters, despite their dainty appearance at first sight.

History:

The Japanese Spitz descended from the Arctic Spitz family. It is believed that a number of these Nordic Spitz made their way to Japan with the migrating Russians. Although they were bred in other countries, it was in Japan that this breed flourished and as a result acquired its name.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Brilliant white, fluffy and lively.

Color: Pure white.

Coat: The outercoat is straight and stands away from the body. The undercoat is soft and dense. The tail should be well covered and there should be a good mane on the neck and shoulders.

Tail: Bushy, moderate length, covered with long hair and carried over the back.

Ears: Small, triangular and erect.

Body: The chest is broad and deep with a straight, short back.

Additional Comments:

* The Japanese Spitz is an ideal size for flats or apartments and they have the added value of keeping barking to a minimum.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/japanese_spitz/

How To Prevent A Dog Bite

Author: Susie Aga Atlanta Dog Trainer

Most humans are not aware that some of their body postures when greeting an unfamiliar dog are perceived as a threat in the dog world.

For example: typical human behavior when greeting a dog is to say over and over again, ""it's ok, it's ok,"" as they extend their arm out to reach over the dog's head to give them a pet. This is a threatening posture in the dog world. Always let the dog approach you in their own time, especially if it does not want to meet you. When they are comfortable with you and are allowing you to touch them, then, rather than reaching to pet their head go for under their chin, and pet their chest or the shoulders. If a dog is running at you and you think it might be in attack mode, then stand sideways. If you pay attention next time you see two unfamiliar dogs approach each other, you'll notice they keep their body in a neutral position by standing side by side.

Does a wagging tail mean ""hey, I am friendly,"" or can it also mean ""Hey, come over here - I want bite you""? Yes, both. A dog can be wagging its tail to greet you or wagging its tail because it is weary of your presence. A dog with its tail way up in the air, stiff and moving rapidly back and forth, could be feeling a little dominant or feeling the need to defend itself. If you get mixed messages from a dog, to be on the safe side, do not approach it.

Dogs that are tethered or chained are more likely to be aggressive and are prone to more behavioral problems. The reason for this is usually lack of socialization with humans and other dogs. There is a frustration factor here that has been building up for some time. These dogs have a chase instinct that is constantly challenged by the boundaries of their restraint. The largest percentage of serious bites come from dogs that have broken free from a restraint, and children are usually their victims. I suggest never approaching a dog on a chain or one that is tied up unless you know the dog well.

There are more dog bites reported from family pets than from unfamiliar dogs. The reason more dogs are likely to bite a family member is that the family member more than likely has pulled their tail, stepped on their foot, or taken a bone or toy away and then ignored the warning growl. Children are the main culprits of this behavior. They sometimes unknowingly provoke a dog bite. Children are at eye level with dogs, and so can be perceived as posturing back at them, which the dog sees as a challenge or a threat. Some kids constantly jerk things away from dogs, and this causes the dog to want to have possession over something. This behavior is called resource guarding, and dogs have many warning signals when they are guarding their resource. You must be aware of what the signals are and take warning from them to avoid a dog bite.

Children should always be supervised when playing with a dog and need to be taught to be respectful of them and their territory. Just like we teach children how to greet another human we also need to teach them how to greet an unfamiliar dog.

About the author:

Susie Aga

Atlanta Dog Trainer

Susie is the featured Pet Expert for Turner Broadcasting and hosts The Animal Hour radio show on AM1650. She is a member in good standing with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She has four rescue dogs and donates much of her time and services to rescue organizations.

Dog Health Care - Caring for your Dog's teeth

Author: Justin Bryce

Caring for your dog's teeth

Numerous individuals do not realize the value of caring for their dog's teeth. As dogs age, the lack for dental distress increases. The best way to ensure proper dental condition for your dog is to start while they are very junior.

Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog holder to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always going to demand to examine your dog's mouth and you do not crave to maintain painfulness with this. The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup. Make sure to handle the jaws, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a peace and relaxing way for around five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way. Make this a accustomed part of your interaction alongside your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental distress.

Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog's teeth everyday. Many manufacturers build special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever desire to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may wish to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is most often quite tasty to them, so he shouldn't mind this. You can then try a finger brush, accessible at your veterinarian's office or pet supply store. Finally, specially for larger breeds, you liking want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will help prohibit the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog's teeth.

Supplemental way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog's teeth is by using rawhide chews expressly formulated for dental distress. Many companies make these chews. One of the best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental form products. C.E.T. chews are formulated near an enzyme that helps hold plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Also, the routine abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth sturdy. C.E.T. resources makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.

Sundry companies also put together special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.

Even with proper preventive preparations, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleanse from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental clean, it is important that you obey through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through below the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.

A dental clean performed by your veterinarian is greatly like a human dental scrub, but your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with late technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human prescription. A total exam liking be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians purpose do x-rays of the teeth to turn up any cracks or out of sorts teeth. In support of this, a trained associate of the veterinary staff desire effect a dental cleaning. First, they will scale the teeth to cast off the tartar above and lower down the gum line. This will be finished with both hand apparatus and ultrasonic scaling furnishings. After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent medallion from complying to them. Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride Often.

This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or pulverized, your veterinarian may drag them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental anguish will perform root canals and other intensified dental travail. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.

It is very important to seize admissible care of your dog's teeth to keep them sturdy and to prevent infections. Usually follow your veterinarian's admonition and if you have further questions, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.

About the author: For great dog health care tips or dog treat recipes visit Justin Bryce at http://www.dog-health-ca re.com.au and http://www.dogtreatrecip es.com.au

Japanese Chin - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Very small

Height: 18 cm (7 inches)

Weight: 1.8 - 3.2 kg (4 - 7 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Cheerful & good-natured

Country of Origin: Japan

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Japanese Spaniel, Chin

Temperament:

The Japanese Chin is playful, affectionate, cheerful and independent. Japanese Chins like to be the centre of attention and close to their owner or family. They make excellent pets for the elderly, but are too small and dainty for young children. Japanese Chins get on well with other dogs and do not bark often. Their independent nature and ability to use their own initiative can make training more difficult, but they are usually house-trained quickly.

Grooming:

Fortunately the silky coat doesn't tangle easily and so these small dogs only need brushing twice a week. Japanese Chins do need washing from time to time to keep the white of the coat clean. The ear canals should be kept clean and the facial creases should be wiped with an acid-free petroleum jelly to prevent dark stains.

Exercise:

Japanese Chins don't demand a great deal of exercise and are quite happy scurrying around the garden or going for a walk to the local park. They are not fans of long country hikes and are perfectly happy in a flat.

History:

These dogs are also referred to as the Japanese Spaniel. It is fairly certain that this breed has some cross-breeding from the Pekingese lines. There are three theories on the origins of the Japanese Chin. The first is that they arrived with a Korean mission in 732 AD, where they became an immediate success as a lap dog with the Japanese women. The second theory is that they arrived with teachers preaching Zen Buddhism around 520 AD. And the third is that the Emperor of China gave a pair to the Emperor of Japan. One thing is for sure - Japanese Chins were originally restricted to Royal households, where they were favoured by women who carried them in their sleeves or in their hands.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Dainty, elegant and with a high-stepping gait. Color: Black/white or red/white.

Coat: Long, silky, soft and straight. The neck, thighs and tail are feathered.

Tail: Set high, plumed and carried over the back.

Ears: Set high, small, V-shaped and carried slightly forward.

Body: The body is square and compact with the belly tucked up. The back is straight and short with a broad and slightly rounded loin. The chest is broad and deep.

Additional Comments:

* The large eyes of the Japanese Chin tend to show the white in the inner corners, which gives them a permanent look of surprise.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/japanese_chin/

Kerry Blue Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: 44 - 48 cm (17 - 19 inches)

Weight: 14 - 16.8 (30 - 37 lb)

Life Span: 17 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Game & spirited

Country of Origin: Ireland

AKC Group: Terrier

Other Names: Irish Blue Terrier

Temperament:

The Kerry Blue Terrier is bold, game, stubborn and good-natured. These high-spirited dogs need firm training during puppyhood to curb their stubborn nature and avoid them from becoming aggressive. A well-trained and socialized Kerry Blue Terrier makes an excellent family companion. They are protective of their family and form a close a bond with them. Kerry Blue Terriers are lovable with children but can be more aggressive towards other dogs. They need to be socialized with household pets while still young to avoid them pestering when older. The Kerry Blue Terrier has a good memory and is a lively, boisterous dog that is suited to energetic households.

Grooming:

If Kerry Blue Terriers are not being shown, then they should be trimmed about every two months to keep the coat looking tidy and presentable. They need to be clipped with scissors and a trimmer and should also be brushed occasionally. The Kerry Blue Terrier is normally kept trimmed to a strikingly neat outline that includes a neat beard.

Exercise:

Kerry Blue Terriers are sporty dogs and they love long walks with their owner. These terriers need regular exercise and will not be happy if a week goes by without having a good outing.

History:

Kerry Blue Terriers got their name from the County Kerry in southern Ireland where they originated from. It is thought that they are the result of poodles left behind from the beached ships of the Spanish Armada and that they were later crossed with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (which would explain the soft, silky coat), the Irish Terrier and possibly the Bedlington. One thing for sure is that Kerry Blue Terriers made themselves very useful to the farmers with their rodent hunting skills, herding abilities and their retrieval skills on land and water.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, powerful, well-proportioned with alert determination.

Color: Blue/grey with or without black hair. A small white marking is permitted on the chest.

Coat: Silky, soft, thick and wavy.

Tail: Set high, commonly docked and carried erect.

Ears: Set high, small to medium in size, V-shaped with the tips dropping forward.

Body: The body is sturdy and compact with a level topline. The shoulders are well laid back, the chest is deep and the ribs are well-sprung.

Additional Comments:

* The Kerry Blue Terrier is born with a black coat, which should then change to blue within 18 months. The coat is softer and silkier than the typical square-built terrier and does not shed or have a dog odour.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/kerry_blue_terrier/

Komondor - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Giant

Height: 59 - 70 cm (23 - 27.5)

Weight: 29 - 39 kg (62 - 82 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Very demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Wary & protective

Country of Origin: Hungary

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Hungarian Sheepdog

Temperament:

The Komondor is faithful, good-natured, independent, alert and devoted. Komondos are very loyal and protective of their family and handler. They are extremely brave and have the ability to sense when a person has harmful intentions and should always be treated with respect. Komondors don't tend to bark often, but make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. They get along fine with children and other animals so long as they are a part of the family or household.

Grooming:

The coat tends to start naturally forming into cords at about nine months. It is recommended that these cords are teased by hand to encourage the development of individual cords rather than matted platelets. Once the cord-like appearance is achieved, the grooming is limited to keeping the coat clean. The Komondor should be washed during summer or warm weather as the coat can take up to several days to dry.

Exercise:

Komondors prefer the country to the city, as they need a reasonable amount of space to roam in. They can also be extremely lazy and will sleep for hours on end.

History:

Komondors look similar to their smaller cousins the Hungarian Pulis. They originated from Asia from the Asian Mastiff family. The history is obscure for this breed, but it is believed that the Komondor evolved from the Russian Outcharka which arrived in Hungary in the 9th century.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Rugged, powerful and tall.

Color: White.

Coat: Long and falling in curly cords/tassels.

Tail: Set low, long, curved at the tip and may be raised when excited.

Ears: Set high, U-shaped, hanging and of medium size.

Body: The back is level and the chest is broad, deep and muscular. The shoulders are well-laid and the belly is arched up.

Additional Comments:

* Some theorists believe that the Komondor and the white Kuvasz are among the oldest European dog breeds.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/komondor/

Keeshond - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: Ideally 43.2 - 45.7 cm (17 - 18 inches)

Weight: 15 - 20 kg (33 - 44 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Friendly & obedient

Country of Origin: Germany/Holland

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Other Names: Wolfspitz, Dutch Barge Dog

Temperament:

The Keeshond is alert, intelligent, bold and mischievous. Keeshonds are fantastic characters and make ideal companions. They get on well with children and the elderly and their intelligence makes them highly obedient and trainable. Keeshonds make excellent watchdogs and are naturally good with other dogs. They do need to be introduced to cats while they are young to avoid difficulties later on. Keeshonds are loyal to their handler and their clownish, boisterous behavior makes them lovely pets for energetic families.

Grooming:

Keeshonds require regular brushing and combing to keep the coat knot-free and looking tidy. This is the sort of coat that well rewards the conscientious and dedicated owner.

Exercise:

Keeshonds need an average amount of exercise and they tend to adapt themselves to the family activities for most of their exercise needs.

Feeding:

Keeshonds can be greedy eaters and need rationing to avoid them becoming overweight.

History:

The Keeshond originates from the Arctic Spitz. They were originally known as the Dutch Barge dog and for five centuries they travelled up and down the River Rhine with their Dutch owners. This breed got their name from the Dutch patriot leader de Gyselaer, whose dog was called 'Kees'. This dog later became the symbol of his master's political movement. However the popularity of these dogs quickly decreased after the suppression of this party by the Prince or Orange in 1576. The Keeshond managed to avoid extinction by working for the river boat captains who valued their even-temperament, loyalty and the fact that they would bark at unwanted intruders.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, lion-like mane with an intelligent expression.

Color: Mixture of black and grey. The undercoat is a very pale grey or cream and the outcoat hairs are tipped with black.

Coat: The outercoat is harsh, long, straight and offstanding. The undercoat is dense and soft. The hairs on the legs are smooth and short except for some feathering and the head hair is also smooth and short.

Tail: Set high, tightly curled (a double curl at the end is desirable), moderately long, black tipped and carried over the back.

Ears: Set high, small, ivy-leaf shaped, carried erect and covered in thick, velvety short hair.

Body: The back is short, straight and sloping towards the hindquarters. The well-ribbed chest is deep and strong with the belly being moderately tucked up.

Additional Comments:

* Keeshonds are solidly-built and thick-coated, allowing them to withstand the toughest of weather conditions including snow and freezing temperatures.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/keeshond/

Kuvasz - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 66 - 75 cm (26 - 29 inches)

Weight: 30 - 52 kg (66 - 115 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Trainable & wary of strangers

Country of Origin: Hungary

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Hungarian Kuvasz

Temperament:

The Kuvasz is spirited, intelligent, determined, patient, devoted, courageous and curious. The Kuvasz is always ready to guard and protect it's family even to the point of self-sacrifice. They can be distrustful of strangers and have strong protective instincts towards children. Kuvasz can get along with other dogs and household pets, but should be socialized during puupyhood to avoid any difficulties once they are fully grown. These large dogs make loyal and protective guard dogs for any family.

Grooming:

The Kuvasz needs a regular brush (several times weekly) to keep the coat looking healthy. The coat sheds in warm weather and extra grooming is needed during this time to remove the dead hairs.

Exercise:

These large dogs need a considerable amount of space and exercise. The Kuvasz enjoys long walks and needs a large (fenced off) backyard in which to can roam freely.

History:

It is believed that these large, white dogs arrived in Hungary in the 1100s with the Kumans (nomadic Turkish shepherds). The Kuvasz is a guard dog and was originally used to protect livestock such as horses, sheep and cattle. This breed was first mentioned in the 1600s and the name comes from the Turkish words ""kavas"" or ""kawasz"", which means armed guard.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well-proportioned, solid and strong.

Color: White.

Coat: Short, straight or wavy, weather resistant and double-coated. The coat forms an abundant mane around the neck and chest.

Tail: Carried low and hanging down when at rest with the end slightly lifted. When active the tail may be elevated to the level of the loin with the tip slightly curved up. Ideally there should not be much difference in the carriage of the tail when the dog is active or at rest.

Ears: Rather small, V-shaped, set high and pendent.

Body: The back is straight, broad and of medium length with a deep chest. The ribs are well-sprung and almost reach to the elbows. When viewed side-on the forechest protrudes slightly in front of the shoulders and the croup is muscular and slightly sloping. The stomach is tucked up and the brisket is deep and well developed.

Additional Comments:

* Although the Kuvasz has a white coat, the skin is generally dark. The darker the pigmentation in the skin, the better.

* The Kuvasz is usually gentle and patient with it's own family's children, but may not be trustworthy with others. To prevent accidental injury, this dog should not be left unsupervised with small children and their friends.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/kuvasz/

Kooikerhondje - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 35 - 41 cm (14 - 16 inches)

Weight: 9 - 11 kg (20 - 24 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Simple

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Friendly & alert

Country of Origin: Netherlands

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Dutch Duck Hunter's Dog, Dutch Decoy Spaniel, Kooiker Dog, Small Dutch Waterfowl Dog

Temperament:

The Kooikerhondje is cheerful, friendly, brave, self-confident and intelligent. Kooikerhondjes are not friends with everybody and bond very closely with their owners or family. They are sensitive dogs and can be rather touchy and therefore are not ideal playmates for children. The Kooikerhondje is eager to learn and intelligent making them easy to train. They need a firm handler to prevent them from becoming dominant. Kooikerhondjes make good watchdogs as they are naturally cautious towards strangers. These dogs need to be socialized with other dogs and household pets at an early age in order for them to get along.

Grooming:

Kooikerhondjes need little grooming and their coats will remain tidy with a quick regular brush. This breed does shed hair and the coat needs extra grooming during these times to remove the dead hairs. Any excess hair between the pads of the feet should be trimmed and their ears need to be kept clean.

Exercise:

Kooikerhondjes have an average demand for exercise. They enjoy running about and playing and most of these dogs enjoy swimming or retrieving. Kooikerhondjes generally perform well in obedience and agility sports. These dogs are generally energetic outdoors but will be calm indoors if their exercise needs are met.

History:

Kooikerhondjes have existed in the Netherlands for a long time and it was one of these dogs that was credited for saving the life of Prince William of Orange, by ruining an assassination attempt by barking and waking them up in time. They were originally used as working dogs, especially for duck hunting. Kooikerhondjes were popular in the 17th and 18th century and appeared in the paintings of Rembrandt and Jan Steen. This breed almost became extinct, but it was revived by Baroness v. Hardenbroek van Ammerstool who worked with the breed after World War I.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well-balance and agile with a kindly expression.

Color: White with red patches. A white blaze and red colored cheeks are preferred for the head markings.

Coat: Medium length, fine, slightly wavy or straight (not curly) and close fitting.

Tail: Carried level with the back or slightly above and well feathered with a white plume.

Ears: Medium sized, hanging close to the cheeks with long feathering and black tips are preferred.

Body: The back is strong with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.

Additional Comments:

* Kooikerhondje is pronuonced as ""Koy-Ker-Hond"".

* A distinguishing feature of this breed is the long black tips on the ears. The length and amount of these ""earrings"" is determined by genetics. Kooikerhondjes usually have some black hairs on their body when they born, which fall out in the first shedding (3-4 months). If a puppy doesn't have any black hairs when it's born, it will not develop earrings. Black and white and tri-colored Kooikerhondjes are not permitted within the breed standard and these color restrictions makes breeding Kooikerhondjes quite difficult.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/kooikerhondje/

Lakeland Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: Not exceeding 37 cm (14.5 in)

Weight: 6.8 - 7.7 kg (15 - 17 lb)

Life Span: 16 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Self-confident & friendly

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

The Lakeland Terrier is hard-working, tough, courageous and friendly. Lakeland Terriers make energetic fun-loving pets for families. They get along with children and other dogs. Lakeland Terriers are somewhat wary of strangers and will chase household pets if they are not socialized at a young age. These sporty dogs learn quite easily and make good watch dogs.

Grooming:

The Lakeland Terrier should have its coat stripped (the old hairs plucked out) two to three times per year, for the rich color to be retained. Or the owner may choose to have the coat clipped periodically even though the color might fade. The excess hair between the pads of the feet should be trimmed and the loose hairs in the ear canal should be removed.

Exercise:

Lakeland Terriers can be kept in a flat, but they do need to receive regular exercise and opportunities to run and play off the lead. This breed is suitable for sports such as fly-ball or agility skills.

History:

Lakeland Terriers were originally known as the Fell or Patterdale Terriers. They are from the north of England Lake district and are one of the oldest terrier working breeds. It is believed that the Lakeland Terrier evolved from crosses with both the Border and Bedlington Terriers. These dogs were developed for destroying foxes that attacked flocks of sheep and for hunting otters.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Squarely-built, sturdy and graceful.

Color: Black, blue, red wheaten, red grizzle, liver, black/tan and blue/tan.

Coat: The outercoat is harsh, dense and weather resistant and the undercoat is thick and soft.

Tail: Set high, commonly docked and carried upright but not over the back.

Ears: Small, erect, V-shaped with the tips dropping forward.

Body: The body is approximately square in the overall length-to-height proportion. The shoulders are well laid back and sloping and the chest is relatively narrow but deep. The back is short and strong with well sprung ribs.

Additional Comments:

* Lakeland Terriers take delight in participating in any family activities and love freedom and exercise.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/lakeland_terrier/

Mastiff - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Giant

Height: About 75 cm (30 inches)

Weight: 80 - 91 kg (176 - 200 lb)

Life Span: 9 years

Grooming: Simple

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Steady

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Old English Mastiff, English Mastiff

Temperament:

The Mastiff is affectionate, friendly and calm. Despite the large size of the Mastiff they are caring and gentle companions. It is in this breeds nature to defend it's territory and family and these dogs can be terrifying if provoked to attack. Mastiffs rarely bark and are good-natured with children and household pets. They will refuse strangers access to the home unless they are accepted by their handler. These soft-natured, loyal dogs are lovely household pets and effective watch dogs.

Grooming:

Grooming is undemanding and simple with Mastiffs - use a rubber brush to remove the dead hairs during moulting.

Exercise:

Mastiffs need an average amount of exercise and generally are not fond of playing with a ball or similar activities. They need a reasonable amount of space to roam and explore freely. Young Mastiffs should not be over-exercised while growing, as it can have an adverse effect on the development of their bones, joints and muscles.

Feeding:

These giant dogs do eat a lot and can be expensive to rear.

History:

The Mastiff existed as early as 400 BC in Greece where they were valued as guard dogs against wolves and predators. They made their way to Italy from Greece and were used as fighting dogs and for bull and bear baiting in Roman circuses. It is presumed that they travelled with the Phoenician traders and became well established in Britain before the Roman invasion in the 1st century AD. They continued to be valued in Europe for many centuries for their guarding, hunting and fighting abilities. In England they were sometimes known as 'tiedogs' in that they were tied up by day and let loose at night.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Massive, courageous and powerful.

Color: Fawn and brindle/fawn. The ears, muzzle and nose are black.

Coat: Dense, short, close lying and thicker on the neck and shoulders.

Tail: Set high, tapering and carried out with an upward curve when in action.

Ears: Set high, widely spaced and small.

Body: The body is broad with a deep, wide chest. The shoulders are slightly oblique, heavy and muscular. The flanks are deep and the ribs are arched.

Additional Comments:

* Mastiffs are giant dogs and therefore grow extremely fast in a short period of time. They need careful nutrition and exercise to ensure a healthy development and optimum growth.

* Mastiffs tend to have a high pain threshold and illnesses or injuries can be overlooked for some time or until they become serious.

* Mastiffs need a soft bed or place to lie on, to prevent pressure marks from appearing, due to their heavy weight.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/mastiff/

Maremma Sheepdog - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 60 - 73 cm (23.5 - 28.5 inches)

Weight: 30 - 40 kg (66 - 99 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Lively & active

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Maremma, Pastore Abruzzese, Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese

Temperament:

The Maremma Sheepdog is intelligent, independent, courageous and protective. Maremma Sheepdogs are tough, brave and determined and make excellent guard dogs. They are truly loyal and protective of their families and are affectionate without being needy. Maremma Sheepdogs tend to be patient with children and get along with other pets and dogs. This breed is somewhat wary of strangers with their natural guarding instincts. Maremma Sheepdogs are not the type to follow their handlers every command, unless they decide it is necessary.

Grooming:

The Maremma Sheepdog needs a moderate amount of grooming to keep the coat looking healthy. Regular brushing with a comb and brush is necessary, especially when the coat is moulting.

Exercise:

This breed needs plenty of space for its physical and mental needs. When Maremma's have enough freedom and space they are quiet in the house. They enjoy long walks along different routes and will not be satisfied with repetitive walks around the block.

History:

The Maremma Sheepdog is similar to the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and it is presumed that they share the same heritage. It was in Italy where the breed evolved and it is believed that they descended from the early Asian guard dogs including the Abruzzese and the Maremmana.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Alert, majestic and strong.

Color: All white. Shadings of fawn or ivory are permitted.

Coat: The outercoat is harsh, wiry and long-haired. The undercoat is dense and close. The hair is shorter on the muzzle, skull, ears, feet and the front of the legs.

Tail: Set low, curved tip and may be carried above the level of the back when alert.

Ears: Set high, relatively small, V-shaped and hanging.

Body: The body is slightly longer than the shoulder height. The shoulders are sloping and the withers are set slightly higher than the back.

Additional Comments:

* The Maremma Sheepdog is steadily increasing in numbers and its temperament has gradually changed over time from the initial sharpness that used to be expected from them. They are now fairly trainable and intelligent dogs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/maremma_sheepdog/

Top 10 Reasons Why You Need To Train Your Dog

Author: Ruth Bird

1) When you take your dog with you in the car

Does your dog escape (or try to escape) when you get out of your vehicle? Do you have to get out of your vehicle by squeezing through a door that is open just wide enough for you to squeeze through? Are you afraid of shutting the door behind you in case your dog's little black nose is sticking out? Does your dog try to climb on your lap when driving? Do you have your car window open for your dog while driving? Does your dog try to escape out the window? My golden did exactly that once. She was in the back of my jeep, and she had NEVER given any clue that she could, or would jump out the window. Here I am pulling into my driveway and my golden is sitting at the gate waiting for me. I freaked...she must have jumped out the back window as I was turning into my driveway. I never even realized she had jumped out. 2) Does your dog think that your visitors are coming just to play with him? Can your visitors actually get into your home without being jumped on cornered or tackled? Can your visitors come up the stairs without being pounced on by your waiting dog? Is your dog ready to wash your visitors face as soon as they are eye level on the stairs? 3) Does your dog think that visiting children are just big stuffed toys for him to play with? Kids will often lie down on the floor to play with a dog. And this is just what the dog is waiting for. Surely this is just a wonderful wiggling and noisy stuffed toy. It's time to lick the face, paw the hands, and tackle the little body. Again, I have a personal experience with this. One of my puppies was playing with a child on the floor. A playing dog loves to ""paw"" it's playing partner. My puppy pawed the child, in the eye. Fortunately, no harm done, again, I learned from this.

4) Is feeding time battle time in your household? Has your dog already eaten his food before you have a chance to put his bowl down? Are you being jumped on or bumped and pushed when feeding your dog? Has your dog inhaled his food before you even let go of the bowl? 5) When walking your dog, do you find yourself saying the word ""heel"" at least a hundred times? The following is a very common scene. Someone is walking their dog, and you hear these strange sounds, over and over again, heel, heeeeeel, HEEL. Of course the dog thinks heel means pull harder, pull in the opposite direction. Or could it mean chase that squirrel? 6) When walking your dog and meeting a friend, does your dog let you stand and have a conversation? 7) When someone knocks on your door, does your dog instantly explode into barking and anxiously wait to embrace your visitor? 8) Are people allowed to walk up and down your street without your dog alerting you about this? I know some dogs believe it is their duty to notify their owners of any movement outside. After all, they are protectors of their property. Any movement could spell danger, right? 9) Can you walk with food in your hand or is this a sign for your dog to grab a snack? Does your dog think that if food is within his reach it belongs to him? Does your dog believe that fingers are part of the food, like doggie ""finger food""? If you accidentally drop food, like a chicken or steak or pork chop does your dog temporarily think he is a piranha? Are you afraid of losing your hand if you reach it before he does? 10) If for any reason your dog gets lose, will he come back when called; or is this a sign for him to go gallivanting? A trained dog is not only a pleasure, it is a necessity. Dogs are so much a part of our socializing these days. We take our dogs walking, shopping...to Tim Horton's drive through. Memories! I remember once I had a black lab in the back of my jeep on a hot summer's night. I had the back window rolled down half way. I drove through Tim Horton's drive through. One coffee for me, and a tim bit for my lab. The nice lady at the take out window reached out to give me the tim bit, and my lab lunges for it out the back window...good thing the nice lady loved dogs and understood the combination of labs and food.

Our dogs need to be trained. They need to behave. When you call your dog he must obey and come to you. This is imperative for safety reasons.

Your dog should never reach, grab or race anyone for food. A dog should only take food once you give him permission.

I remember many years ago, when I did not know what I know today. I took my puppy to visit an elderly lady. This gentle lady gave my puppy a cookie. Well, my puppy grabbed for it and I thought this lady's fingers were going to get eaten along with the cookie. Boy, did it teach me something. Train my dog!

A dog should sit, stay and walk nice. A well behaved dog is welcome by most people and places. A well behaved dog is a happy dog and a safe dog. Take the time to train your dog.

About the author: My name is Ruth Bird and I am the owner of 3 dogs, Dukie, Benny and Nikki. Come and see my dogs, or contact me here. People and Pet Health are my passions. My dog training site

Large Munsterlander - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 58 - 65 cm (23 - 25.5 inches)

Weight: 25 - 29.5 kg (55 - 65 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Reasonable

Exercise: Reasonable

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Affectionate & trustworthy

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund

Temperament:

The Large Munsterlander is keen, alert, intelligent and active. Munsterlanders are loyal and affectionate dogs towards their handler or family. They are easily trained and can happily live within a kennel or the home. The Large Munsterlander is eager to work and enjoys being active. They can be fairly dominant and need a handler that can take positive control. They have no difficulties getting on with other dogs, children or household pets. Munsterlanders tend to be friends with everyone.

Grooming:

The Munsterlanders coat does not require much work. Regular grooming with a brush or comb is sufficient and the ear canals should also be kept clean.

Exercise:

Large Munsterlanders are primarily field sport dogs, but they can easily adapt as a family pet so long as they receive adequate exercise. Most of these dogs love water and retrieving. They are not suitable for small urban homes as they need plenty of space to roam freely.

History:

Large Munsterlanders were once known as the Long Haired German Pointers and when they were first recognised by the German Kennel Club only the brown and white dogs were accepted. This resulted in the black and white puppies being given away and it turned out that these black and white dogs excelled so well in field trials that they had to be recognised. Small Munsterlanders (also called Moorland Spaniels) were recoginsed in the early 20th century after cross-breeding with Brittany Spaniels and Long Haired German Pointers.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Muscular, hardy and active.

Color: Black head with a white blaze. The body is black which is white ticked or flecked.

Coat: Dense, long, feathering on the legs and smooth hair on the head.

Tail: Tapering, well feathered, carried horizontally or curved slightly upwards and docking is optional.

Ears: Set high, hanging flat with hair extending beyond the tip.

Body: The shoulders are well laid back and the chest is deep and wide. The topline slopes from the shoulders towards the tail and the back is firm and strong.

Additional Comments:

* Large Munsterlanders have excellent scenting noses and work equally well in both water and on land.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/large_munsterlander/

Mexican Hairless - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Three sizes - toy, miniature & standard

Height: Toy: 28 - 31 cm (11 - 12 in)

Miniature: 30 - 38 cm (12 - 15 inches)

Standard: 41 - 57 cm (16 - 22.5 in)

Weight: Toy: 4 - 8 kg ( 9 - 18 lb)

Miniature: 6 - 10 kg (13 - 22 lb)

Standard: 9 - 14 kg (20 - 31 lb)

Life Span: Up to 15 years

Grooming: Minimal

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Calm & fearless

Country of Origin: Mexico

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Xoloitzcuintli, Tepeizeuintli, Xoloitzcuintle, Xolo

Temperament:

The Mexican Hairless is affectionate, peaceful, noble, intelligent, brave and adaptable. The Mexican Hairless generally gets along with other dogs, household pets and children. They are affectionate with their owner and family and are not difficult to train. Mexican Hairless dogs can be rather reserved with strangers and make good watchdogs, as they only bark when necessary and will always alert their owner of company or danger. The Mexican Hairless is adaptable to all styles of living as it comes in all sizes, but they should be kept as housepets regardless of whether they are living in town or the country.

Grooming:

The Mexican Hairless needs to have it's skin protected from the sun and should have sunscreen applied when being exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. It is also important that the skin is kept supple and smooth and prevented from becoming dry. This can be achieved with special exfoliating creams, lotions or oils (intended for human use) and these dogs should be bathed with a gentle soap. The advantage with Mexican Hairless dogs is that they don't shed hair and have no fleas or dog odour. They are an ideal breed for an allergy sufferer.

Exercise:

The Mexican Hairless does not need a great deal of exercise and these dogs are happy playing and romping in the garden. They enjoy being taken for walks or going with their family/owner on an outing.

History:

It is believed that this breed existed in Mexico during the time of the Spanish Conquest, in the early 1500s. It is presumed that these dogs were introduced to Central and South America by Spanish Traders. It is unclear whether the Miniature version arrived in Mexico at the same time as the Standard, or whether it was bred down in size after the arrival of the Standard variety. The Toy Mexican Hairless was the result of a breeding programme initiated by the Mexican Kennel Club in the 1950s.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Peculiar, hairless and alert.

Color: Dark charcoal, slate, reddish grey, liver, or bronze colors are preferred. Pink or coffee colored spots are permitted. The puppies are born with pink skin and change to a solid color by 1 year.

Coat: Two types: (1) coated and (2) hairless. The hairless type has a tuft of short, thin hair on the head and nape, feet and tail tip. The coated type (powderpuff) is covered with a fine downy coat.

Tail: Set low, long, thin, tapering and with some bristly hair. It is carried high when in action but never curled over the back. At rest it hangs down and ends in a slight hook.

Ears: Large, erect, long and reminiscent of ""bat"" ears.

Body: The body is symmetrical and the topline is level with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs.

Additional Comments:

* The Mexican Hairless comes in two types (coated or hairless) and in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard). Coated and hairless puppies can be born within the same litter, with about one in three puppies coated with fur. The puppies are born with pink skin and resemble piglets.

* The Mexican Hairless is an extremely rare and special breed, which could do with more enthusiasts to prevent this breed from dying out.

* Mexican Hairless Dogs are natural vegetarians, but convert to a meat diet quite easily.

* These hairless dogs have fragile skin which needs to be protected from the sun, lacerations and dryness. They feel the cold and should have a coat for warmth during winter or cold weather.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/mexican_hairless/

Lowchen - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 33 cm (10 - 13 inches)

Weight: 2 - 4 kg (4.5 - 9 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Intelligent & affectionate

Country of Origin: France

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Other Names: Little Lion Dog

Temperament:

The Lowchen is active, intelligent, playful and friendly. Lowchens make excellent family companions with their happy and affectionate nature. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly and easily when being trained. Lowchens happily socialize with children and household animals and get along with people of all ages.

Grooming:

The coat needs to be brushed regularly to keep it knot-free and to remove the dead hairs. Lowchens are usually clipped in the 'lion' style regardless of whether they are to be shown. The 'lion clip' involves closely clipping the hindquarters, the root of the tail and the middle part of the front legs. An advantage with Lowchens is that they don't shed dead hairs.

Exercise:

Lowchens tend to adapt to their family activities for their exercise needs. They love going for a run in the park or going on outings with their owner.

History:

The name 'lowchen' means little lion dog in German, which is the name they earned from their clipped appearance. The ancestry of the Lowchen is rather obscure, but it is believed that their origins are similar to those of the Bichon Frise, Bichon Bolognese and the Maltese.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Strongly-built, eager with a lion-like appearance.

Color: Any color or combination of colors is accepted.

Coat: Fine, long and wavy. The coat may be clipped in a traditional 'lion clip'.

Tail: Medium length and carried over the back.

Ears: Pendant, long and well-fringed.

Body: The body is short and strong and the well angulated fore and hindquarters finish with small round feet.

Additional Comments:

* The Lowchen is actually more popular in France than in Germany. It was originally known as the 'Petit Chien Lion' in France.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/lowchen/

Manchester Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: 38 - 41 cm (15 - 16 inches)

Weight: 6 - 9 kg (13 - 20 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Reasonably undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Companionable & relatively quiet

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Terrier

Other Names: Black and Tan Terrier

Temperament:

The Manchester Terrier is devoted, alert and friendly. Manchester Terriers bond closely with their handler or family. They make excellent watchdogs as they are always ready for action despite their small size. Manchester Terriers should be socialized with household pets at an early age and they may be rather dominant towards other dogs, but are always good with children. These terriers love to please their handler and are always eager to learn.

Grooming:

Minimal grooming is needed with Manchester Terriers. Simply brush the coat with a rubber brush during moulting to remove the dead hairs. The coat can polished up with a cloth to give it a smooth, glossy appearance. The claws also need to be clipped and the ears kept clean.

Exercise:

The Manchester Terrier demands lots of exercise with their naturally sporty and active nature. They are able to run at a fast speed and maintain it for a long time. Therefore an ideal energy-burner for these dogs is running alongside a cycle once they are fully grown. Manchester Terriers can excell in activities like fly-ball and agility skills.

Feeding:

Manchester Terriers do not eat a great deal and are undemanding with their food consumption.

History:

It is believed that this breed originated around the Manchester area in England, from cross-breeding with the rough coated Black and Tan Terrier and the smooth coated Whippet. Manchester Terriers were bred for rat hunting and rabbit coursing. This breed was exhibited in England as far back as 1862.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, sleek and agile.

Color: Jet black and tan in designated areas.

Coat: Glossy, dense, smooth, short with a firm texture.

Tail: Set low, tapering and never carried above the level of the back.

Ears: Set high, small, V-shaped with the tips falling forward.

Body: The body is short and slightly arched. The chest is narrow, the shoulders are clean-cut and very oblique and the ribs are well sprung.

Additional Comments:

* The Manchester Terrier can adapt to the country or city and is suited for an energetic family that can include it within their active lifestyle.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/manchester_terrier/

Laekenois - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 56 - 66 cm (22 - 26 inches)

Weight: About 28 kg (62 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Demanding

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Reserved

Country of Origin: Belgium

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: Laekense, Chien de Berger Belge, Laeken Belgian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Belgian Sheepdog

Temperament:

The Laekenois is intelligent, alert, attentive, watchful, serious and obedient. Female Laekenois tend to be more outgoing than the males. They appear wary, but are not timid or aggressive. The Laekenois responds best to gentle and calm training/handling. This breed generally gets along with children but are likely to be dominant towards other dogs. The Belgian Laekenois performs best as a sheepdog or watch/guard dog, but also makes a good family pet if well socialized from an early age.

Grooming:

The coat needs to be trimmed about twice a year, depending on it's condition. It is not recommended that the Laekenois is closely trimmed as this can ruin the coat for several years. A coarse-toothed combed is ideal for periodic grooming to remove the dead hairs.

Exercise:

The Laekenois does require plenty of exercise and most of these dogs love retrieving and playing with a ball. If they have adequate exercise then they will be calm when indoors. This breed makes excellent guard and defence dogs.

History:

Belgian Sheepdogs were already established as an important part of farm life in the 1700s, in Belgium. It wasn't until the 1800s that a group of breeders in conjunction with a veterinary school in the Brussels area, studied the variations found in these local sheepherders. This resulted in the division of the breed into four varieties - the classification being dependent on their color and coat. The four varieties are named after their area of origin: Groenendael, Tervuren, Laekenois and Malinois. The breed standards are identical except for coat color, texture and length.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well proportioned, elegant and hardy.

Color: Reddish fawn with black shading.

Coat: Harsh, wiry, dry and not curly. The length is about 6 cms (2.5 inches) all over the body.

Tail: Medium length, hanging when at rest with the tip curled slightly backwards. In action the tail is lifted.

Ears: Set high, triangular, rounded at base, stiff and straight.

Body: Long, oblique shoulders, deep and low chest but not too wide. Level, broad, muscular back and a curved stomach from the chest.

Additional Comments:

* The Laekenois is one of the four varieties of Belgium Sheepdogs that is recognized nationally. In many countries all these varieties are classified as a single breed (Belgian Shepherd). The varieties include the Groenendael, Laekenois, Malinois and the Tervuren. In the US the Groenendael is the Belgian Shepherd, with the Malinois and Tervuren recognized separately and the Laekenois is not recognized at all.

* Although the Laekenois is similar to it's three close relatives (Groenendael, Malinois, Tervuren), this breed is actually less inclined to snap. It is the rarest of the four Belgium Sheepdogs, despite it being just as fertile and capable as a working dog.

* The Belgian Groenendael and Tervuren are most often used as companion dogs while the Laekenois and Malinois are used as guard dogs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/laekenois/

Leonberger - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Very large

Height: About 76 cm (30 inches)

Weight: About 40 kg (88 lb)

Life Span: 11 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Peaceful & loving

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Not registered

Temperament:

The Leonberger is obedient, amiable, faithful and intelligent. Leonbergers are peaceful, self-confident dogs that never appear to be in a hurry. They make lovely household companions as they get on harmoniously with children, household pets and other dogs. Leonbergers alert their owners when visitors arrive but it makes little difference to them whether the strangers have evil intentions or not. The Leonberger responds well to training and quickly grasps what is expected of it.

Grooming:

Leonbergers need periodic brushing with a firm brush that reaches through to the thick undercoat, to prevent it from becoming tangled. The ear canals also need to be kept clean.

Exercise:

Loenbergers need substantial amounts of exercise and are best suited to country life. They enjoy long walks and are good swimmers.

Feeding:

Leonbergers grow rapidly and need a well-balanced diet during the growth period for a healthy development.

History:

The Leonberger was developed by Herr Essig, a resident in the town of Leonberger in Germany. Essig created the breed through crosses with the St. Bernard, the ancient Tibetan Mastiff and possibly with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and Newfoundland. The official breed standard wasn't published until 1949, due to the difficulty in establishing a distinctive breed type.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Muscular, large and with a kind expression.

Color: Light yellow to red-brown with a dark mask.

Coat: Medium length, thick mane, bushy tail and with a woolly undercoat.

Tail: Set low, long, strong and carried at half mast and must not be carried over the back.

Ears: Set high, rounded at the tips and hanging.

Body: The chest is deep and oval with a wide, straight, muscular back. The loin is short and slightly arched.

Additional Comments:

* Leonbergers should not be over-exercised while growing as it can effect the development of their bones, muscles and joints. They shouldn't be overly taxed with long walks or running up and down stairs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/leonberger/

Lhasa Apso - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 22.5 - 25.4 cm (9 - 10 inches)

Weight: 6 - 7 kg (13 - 15 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Demanding

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Independent & busy

Country of Origin: Tibet

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Other Names: Apso Seng Kyi

Temperament:

The Lhasa Apso is assertive, busy, devoted and independent. These small dogs are affectionate and loyal family companions. The Lhasa Apso enjoys human company but does not cling to their handler or family. They are usually good with children and other household pets but may be aggressive towards unknown dogs. Lhasa Apso's are good watchdogs with their cautious nature towards strangers. The Lhasa Apso can be difficult to train with their obstinate behavior and the owner shouldn't expect any tricks from them.

Grooming:

Lhasa Apso's need regular and thorough grooming with their long coats. Weekly brushing is needed to remove knots from both the topcoat and the undercoat. If the hair becomes too brittle a special lotion can be used to help prevent the hairs from breaking. Some owners choose to have their Lhasa Apso's clipped short if they are only household pets and are not being shown. The eyes should be checked regularly for any irritant hairs and the ear canals need to be kept clean. The excess hair between the pads of the feet should also be trimmed.

Exercise:

Lhasa Apso's don't need a great deal of exercise and are quite happy being indoors.

History:

The Lhasa Apso is also known as the Tibetan Temple Dog. They got their name from the capital Lhasa and the word 'apso' is derived from 'rapso' which means goat-like in Tibetan. In Tibet the duty of these small dogs was to sound the alarm when intruders approached, while the Tibetan Mastiff was chained outside the building acting as a guard dog. The Lhasa Apso evolved from Tibetan Spaniels and the Tibetan Terrier. This breed was not discovered by Westerners until the 20th century due to the remoteness of Tibet and the difficulty of purchasing them.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, long-coated and assertive.

Color: Sandy, honey, golden, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, particolor black, brown or white.

Coat: The outercoat is hard, straight, rough and long. The undercoat is dense.

Tail: Set high, well feathered, carried over the back and often ending in a kink.

Ears: Pendant, heavily feathered and hanging.

Body: The body is long for its height and is well-balanced and compact. The loin is strong and the ribs are well sprung.

Additional Comments:

* The Lhasa Apso has an acute sense of hearing and is sometimes used as a hearing dog for the deaf.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/lhasa_apso/

Miniature Australian Shepherd - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small - medium

Height: 33 - 46 cm (13 - 18 inches)

Weight: 7 - 13.5 kg (15 - 30 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Reasonable

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Active & easy-going

Country of Origin: United States

AKC Group: Not registered

Other Names: North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd

Temperament:

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is intelligent, astute, easy-going, courageous, affectionate, alert, tough and loyal. Miniature Australian Shepherds get along well with children and make active playmates. They bond closely to their family and are attentive and eager to please. Miniature Australian Shepherds can be a bit shy with strangers, but tend to tolerate other pets if they are socialized at a young age. If these dogs are left alone for long periods of time or under-exercised they can become destructive or nervous.

Grooming:

Occasional grooming is adequate to keep the coat looking tidy and healthy. Miniature Australian Shepherds are average shedders and when the coat is moulting the dead hairs need to be removed from the undercoat with firm brushing.

Exercise:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are energetic with high levels of stamina and they need a reasonable amount of exercise each day. These dogs can adapt to apartment living, provided they receive adequate exercise. Miniature Australian Shepherds are moderately active indoors and would ideally have a backyard to roam around in.

History:

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is the result of a specific breeding programme that aimed to produce small companions with the attractive temperament and characteristics of the Australian Shepherd. The programme began in 1968 involving two small Australian Shepherds and by 1980 conformation was achieved and the breeds name was established in 1993.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Muscular, athletic and friendly.

Color: Black, red, blue or red merle with or without white markings and/or tan points.

Coat: Medium to long hair that is either straight or wavy, with a dense undercoat.

Tail: Can be docked or remains naturally short.

Ears: Semi-pricked or rose-shaped.

Body: Strong, level back slightly sloping towards the tail. They are slightly longer than tall.

Additional Comments:

* Miniature Australian Shepherds are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually aggressive towards other dogs.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/miniature_australian-shepherd /

Miniature Bull Terrier - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 35 cm (10 - 14 inches)

Weight: 11 - 15 kg (24 - 33 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Boisterous & fearless

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Terrier

Temperament:

The Miniature Bull Terrier is stubborn, affectionate, fearless, active, boisterous and cheerful. Some Miniature Bull Terriers can be keen to fight other dogs with their history as canine fighters. However their relationship with humans is friendly, loving and co-operative. Miniature Bull Terriers enjoy having physical contact with their owner/family and make excellent watchdogs. These dogs can sometimes be too boisterous for small children and do not like to be pestered and therefore children need to learn to respect these dogs. Because the Miniature Bull Terrier thrives on companionship they are not fond of being left alone all day and can become destructive if unoccupied for long periods. Miniature Bull Terriers need firm training and don't tend to get along with other household pets. These dogs can make wonderful companions if properly trained and socialized from an early age.

Grooming:

The Miniature Bull Terrier only needs periodic brushing to keep it's coat in good condition.

Exercise:

The Miniature Bull Terrier is very active and enjoys daily exercise. Good exercise for this breed includes walks, running and playing off the lead. Miniature Bull Terriers will be calm indoors if they receive adequate exercise.

History:

Before the 1850s, after crosses between the Bulldog and a terrier type of dog, the breed was known as the Bull and Terrier. They were not attractive with their bowed forelegs and thick blunt heads and came in a variety of colors. Their uses varied from ratting, badger hunting, bull baiting and fighting. In the early 1850s James Hinks developed a white strain, from cross-breeding of the old Bull and Terrier, the old English White Terrier and the Dalmatian. By continuing to breed the whitest and gamest Terriers with each other, he eliminated all color from this particular line. However the parti-colored variety was not lost and today is accepted in the showring. Once breeders began to consistently produce Bull Terriers a number of individuals decided to develop smaller versions of this breed, so that the same qualities were in the dog but in a more manageable size, thus giving us the Miniature Bull Terrier.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Egg-shaped head, well proportioned, muscular, strongly built, spirited expression and alert.

Color: White with or without markings over the ear or eye. Parti-colored - preferably brindle/white but black, brindle, red fawn or tricolor are acceptable.

Coat: Short, harsh, flat with a fine gloss and tight skin. A soft textured undercoat may be present during winter.

Tail: Set low, short, carried horizontally and tapering.

Ears: Small, thin, close together, set high and carried erect.

Body: Muscular, short, level back that arches slightly at the loin. Flat and well muscled shoulders with a broad chest.

Additional Comments:

* The Miniature Bull Terrier comes from exactly the same lines as the Bull Terrier, except that it is not supposed to be taller than 35.5 cm (14 inches) in height.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/miniature_bull_terrier/

Miniature Pinscher - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 25 - 30 cm (10 - 12 inches)

Weight: About 4.5 kg (10 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Alert & courageous

Country of Origin: Germany

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Zwergpinscher

Temperament:

The Miniature Pinscher is intelligent, active, courageous and alert. Miniature Pinschers make affectionate companions and excellent watchdogs. They are quickly and easily trained. Miniature Pinschers get along with people of all ages and other household pets, so long as they are not pestered. Depending on how they are brought up when young, they may be suspicious towards strangers.

Grooming:

A rubber brush should be used during moulting to remove the dead and loose hairs. A wipe down with a damp cloth will bring out the shine in the coat. Miniature Pinschers are easy to keep well groomed and tidy.

Exercise:

Miniature Pinschers are happy living in a flat or apartment so long as they get a run and play at least three times a day. They are not content spending their lives as lap dogs.

History:

The Miniature Pinscher is also called the 'Rey Pinscher' due to their resemblance to a small variety of deer in Germany. Records show that the Pinscher existed back in 1836. They evolved from the Dachshund and Italian Greyhound and were bred for destroying vermin such as rats and mice throughout stables in Europe. In 1895 the Pinscher Klub of Germany was created and the official standard for this breed was written soon after.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, sturdy and athletic.

Color: Solid red, black, chocolate or blue with tan in designated areas.

Coat: Straight, smooth, hard and short.

Tail: Carried high and commonly docked.

Ears: Two types of ears are permitted. (1) V-shaped and carried erect and (2) the same but with the tips falling forward.

Body: The body is square with a sloping topline towards the rear. The belly is moderately tucked up with long and well angulated hindquarters.

Additional Comments:

* The Miniature Pinscher can be trained extremely well and is eager to learn. Many owners of small dogs feel that basic training is sufficient for them, which is a shame for the Miniature Pinscher. They greatly benefit from early socialization with other dogs and puppies and will quickly understand and obey with proper training.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/miniature_pinscher/

Dog Training and Your Relationship With Your Dog

Author: Melissa Buhmeyer

My best friend is incredible! She's one of those rare types who hangs on every word you say. She's content to be quiet when I need stillness, even though she's one of those high-drive types. All I have to do is call and she's there in an instant, no matter what she was doing before. She puts me ahead of all her other friends, never fails to make me feel special, and is a redhead just like me. But she's not a person, even though she's sure she is. She is a butterfly dog; a Papillon. 

When I brought this eight-week-old bundle of joy home, I didn't know what to call her. I'm not very good at naming anything, so I usually just observe for a couple of weeks and let the animal name itself by its personality. This puppy's name became evident in nothing flat: Tazzie. She whirled around the house, jumping up on furniture five times her size, zooming and zipping and totally charming me. She was, indeed, a Tasmanian devil pup. I quickly realized the athleticism of this dog and knew I'd have to find her a ""job"" when she got a little older. High-drive dogs, that don't have ""jobs,"" will certainly find other outlets for their energy and those outlets aren't usually things you would enjoy! 

You already have a burning love for your puppy, but what is your relationship like? Does it come when you call it? Does it sit or lay or stay? From your first class, at your dog training school, your relationship with your dog begins to change. I will warn you, however, that anything you want to teach your dog won't come just with a once-a-week class, even if you have the best dog training school in the world. You have to practice with them, just a little bit, every day. 

Tazzie was a very food-motivated dog, so the fact that she got food every time she did something right made training a blast for her, all by itself. And this happened every day! Bonus! She made fast friends at her new dog training school, so going to class was fun as well. She got to where she would whine, as soon as we pulled in the parking lot, until I finally got her out of that car.

So now you're taking your dog to classes in a place they love, and you're working with them every day. During that time, you're paying complete attention to them, teaching them to pay complete attention to you, and they get their favorite food as icing on the cake. This does incredible things for the bond between you and your dog. They learn to focus on you, no matter what, and good things will come. They get praised and fed, or praised and allowed to tug on a toy, whichever motivates the dog more, so your relationship can't help but blossom. 

Ever since Tazzie and I started training together, she has claimed me as her own. When my other two dogs want to sit on my lap, she'll push them out of the way to get the best spot because, I am her property, as far as she's concerned. I do give the other dogs personal time as well, but I have to put her in a sit/stay or a down/stay so she'll let them come get love. 

She is, by far, the one I can trust the most, not only because of her training, but from the bond we gained through the training. She never takes her eyes off of me, since we began at our dog training school, and it serves us well in the agility ring! 

If you want to forever alter and solidify the bond you share with your dog, find yourself a good dog training school, for whatever discipline you prefer, and go for it. With a little time, money, and patience, your relationship will become a forever relationship. If you do, your dog will turn out to be your best friend too!

About the author: Dog training has been a passion of Melissa Buhmeyer's for the past two years and she has been competing since last February. She is co-founder of http://www.dogtraining- school.com/ , a dog training school resource site for aspiring and professional dog trainers.

Neapolitan Mastiff - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Giant

Height: Up to 75 cm (30 inches)

Weight: Up to 70 kg (154 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Fairly demanding

Temperament: Devoted guard

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Mastino Napoletano

Temperament:

The Neapolitan Mastiff is devoted, affectionate and loyal. Neapolitan Mastiffs make loving pets and good guard dogs. They can be dominant towards other dogs but get along with children, provided they are not teased. If Neapolitan Mastiffs are socialized with other household pets early on, then there shouldn't be any problems. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not difficult to train, but it is not a dog for beginners either.

Grooming:

Neapolitan Mastiffs only need occasional grooming when the coat is moulting to remove the dead and loose hairs.

Exercise:

The Neapolitan Mastiff has an average demand for exercise and needs plenty of space. Their exercise should be limited when they are young and still growing, to allow their available energy to make healthy muscles and bones.

History:

The Neapolitan Mastiff is thought to have originated from the molossus family and in particular the Tibetan Mastiff. It is believed that they arrived in Greece and later Southern Italy during the Roman times. Records show that these Mastiffs were used by the Roman armies as fighting dogs in their circuses. Some think that their coloring made them ideal guard dogs at night as they were camouflaged from predators. After the second World War they were first exhibited in Italy at dog shows.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Massive, powerful and bulky.

Color: Black, brown, fawn, grey, brindle or blue. White patches may be on the chest or toes.

Coat: Fine, dense, short with a good sheen.

Tail: Set low, tapering and commonly docked.

Ears: Set forward, small and may be cropped in some countries.

Body: The chest is well developed with wide, muscular shoulders. The body is long and large.

Additional Comments:

* Neapolitan Mastiffs like a dry and draught-free place to sleep and it must be soft to prevent pressure marks.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/neapolitan_mastiff/