Saturday, January 20, 2007

Siberian Husky



Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 45-60, female: 35-50 lbs
Height: male: 21-23.5, female: 20-22 inches
Color(s): All colors from black to pure white
Coat: The Siberian Husky has a medium length double coat. The under coat is dense and soft in texture. The outer coat is longer and coarse with straight guard hairs. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors are black and white, gray and white, copper red and white, and pure white. The facial markings include masks and spectacles. The Siberian Husky is a constant shedder that totally sheds the undercoat twice a year.
Overview: The Siberian Husky originated in northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. In 1909 large numbers of this breed arrived in Alaska to participate in sled racing. The Siberian Husky's endurance, stamina, and strength quickly made them a popular breed in the Arctic region.
Character: The Siberian Husky is a compact and strong working dog. They are able to withstand temperatures as low as 75 degrees below zero, so are best suited for cooler to cold climates. They display a measure of dignity and reserve. The Siberian Husky is an amiable companion and willing worker.
Temperament: The Siberian Husky has an affectionate, gentle, and friendly disposition. They are alert and eager to please. They are highly intelligent and have an independent spirit, which can sometimes be a challenge to their owner. This versatile breed gets along very well with children and other medium sized dogs. However, their strong predatory instinct makes them dangerous to cats and other small pets. The Siberian Husky thrives in a family environment but does not become overly attached to one specific person. They will exhibit no fear or suspicion of strangers. They are not well suited for a two career family and require attention and companionship. They prefer to live in packs.
Care: The Siberian Husky is by nature clean and free from body odor. They require daily brushing to minimize excess loose hair, tangles, and mats. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo. The Siberian Husky is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It is extremely vital that they do not become overheated.
Training: The Siberian Husky is highly intelligent but has a mind of its own. They will only obey a command if they see the point of it. They respond best to patience, consistency, and fairness. They will quickly take advantage of an owner that doesn't let them know who the boss is. They may be difficult to housebreak. The crate training method is recommended. They will do well with early obedience training.
Activity: The Siberian Husky has an innate and deep desire to run. They do best with a large securely fenced yard. If they are left alone for extended periods of time they will become bored which leads to digging and destruction. They make excellent walking and jogging companions provided they are very securely leashed and the climate is not too hot. The Husky is not recommended for apartment dwelling unless they are exceedingly well trained and sufficiently exercised.

The Poodle (Standard) Dog Breed



Description: The Standard Poodle is a squarely built and well proportioned dog breed. With proud carriage and elegant appearance, it moves with a springy, effortless gait. The Standard Poodle, being an extremely intelligent dog breed, is very easy to train and makes a great family pet.
Country of Origin: The Standard Poodle originated in Europe.
Height: Standard Poodles range from 22 inches to 27 inches.
Weight: Standard Poodles range from 45 to 70 pounds.
Colors: Standard Poodles can be any solid color.
Coat: Standard Poodles have frizzy or curly coats, which are dense and harsh. Regular grooming is required.
Temperament: Standard Poodles are one of the most intelligent and obedient dog breeds. The energetic Standard Poodle loves to play, run and swim. This breed gets along well with people and children, but may be reserved with strangers.
Health Concerns: The Standard Poodle is susceptible to epilepsy and gastric torsion.
Life Expectancy: The expected life span of the Standard Poodle is 10-13 years.
Living Environment: Standard Poodles do well in homes with fenced yards because they are active dogs who enjoy exercise.
AKC Group: The Standard Poodle is in the Non-Sporting group

Toy Poodle


Description: Proud and dignified, with elegant carriage, the Toy Poodle dog breed is intelligent and full of liveliness and perkiness. The Toy Poodle has an athletic history in its genes, having been bred from working retriever stock, and it moves with a springy, effortless gait. The Toy Poodle is eager to please and easy to train.
Country of Origin: The Toy Poodle originated in Europe.
Height: Toy Poodles are 10 inches or smaller
Weight: Toy Poodles range from 4 to 8 pounds.
Colors: Toy Poodles can be any solid color.
Coat: Toy Poodles have harsh, dense coats. Their coat requires brushing twice a week and clipping every two months.
Temperament: Toy Poodles are a good tempered breed and are devoted to their families. Affectionate with their owners, Toy Poodles can be timid around strangers.
Health Concerns: The Toy Poodle is susceptible to patellar luxation, epilepsy, ear infections, eye disease and diabetes.
Life Expectancy: The expected life span of the 12-14 years.
Living Environment: Toy Poodles do well in apartments and are good dogs for less active people. One walk a day is fine for this breed.

Whippet



Description: The Whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound. He is a medium size sight hound giving the appearance of elegance and fitness, denoting great speed, power and balance without coarseness. He is the fastest breed in the world been timed at 36.5 mph for a short distance. He is a gentle, affectionate and adaptable, a splendid watch dog, a delightful companion or a great jogging partner. He is one of the friendliest of the sight hounds, but can be initially nervous or reserved around strangers.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Chihuahua.





Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy
Weight: 6 lbs
Height: 6-9 inches
Color(s): any
Coat:
The Chihuahua coat comes in two varieties: The Smooth and Long coat. The Smooth coat has a glossy, soft, and close coat which is full textured over the entire body, but quite scanty on the head and ears. The Long coat has a soft, longer coat that can be slightly curly or flat. This variety does have an under-coat. Either coat type comes in a variety of colors such as fawn, brown, black, and white. The coat may be solid in color, marked with splashes of color, or tri-color. They are an average shedder.
Overview:
The Chihuahua is the smallest of all breeds and has the distinction of being the oldest breed in America. They were named after the Chihuahua region in Mexico. It is believed that this breed descended from ancient breed that was larger in size and highly prized by Aztec royalty. The Chihuahua of today has a very fine bone structure, but are actually quite muscular.
Character:
The Chihuahua is a very individualistic breed. They each have their own unique personality, so only a few generalizations can be made. They are commonly referred to as a "Chi". They are energetic, graceful, and display a human-like expression. Their life span is the longest of any size dog.
Temperament:
The Chihuahua is deeply devoted and fiercely loyal. They typically become extremely attached to one or two people. They are bold, fearless, and highly protective of their masters. They thrive on inordinate amounts of attention. The Chihuahua is by nature gentle, loving, and sweet-tempered. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. This breed is not well suited for children or other pets. However, they are sociable with their own kind. Chihuahuas are excellent companions in the right circumstances.
Care:
The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. The Smooth coat variety requires only occasional brushing. The Long coat variety should be brushed several times a week with a soft bristle brush. Both varieties only need bathing once a month using a mild shampoo. Special care must be given to not get water into their ears as they are prone to ear infections. Dental hygiene is a must to prevent tooth loss. The health issues that affect this breed include slipped stifles, open font or soft spot, eye problems, and heart disease. The Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when taken outside.
Training:
The Chihuahua is can be difficult to train, but with patience, love, and consistency do well. They respond best to positive reinforcement. Chihuahuas can be housetrained by either the crate method or the paper training method. Early, extensive, and intensive socialization is an absolute must for this breed.
Activity:
The Chihuahua is an excellent apartment or condominium dweller. The majority of their exercise needs can be met indoors with toys or play sessions. However, they greatly enjoy going with their owners and benefit from daily walks. Using a harness is recommended instead of a leash is best given their delicate neck and bone structure.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Siberian Husky



Weight: male: 45-60, female: 35-50 lbs
Height: male: 21-23.5, female: 20-22 inches
Color(s): All colors from black to pure white
Coat: The Siberian Husky has a medium length double coat. The under coat is dense and soft in texture. The outer coat is longer and coarse with straight guard hairs. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors are black and white, gray and white, copper red and white, and pure white. The facial markings include masks and spectacles. The Siberian Husky is a constant shedder that totally sheds the undercoat twice a year.
Overview: The Siberian Husky originated in northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. In 1909 large numbers of this breed arrived in Alaska to participate in sled racing. The Siberian Husky's endurance, stamina, and strength quickly made them a popular breed in the Arctic region.
Character: The Siberian Husky is a compact and strong working dog. They are able to withstand temperatures as low as 75 degrees below zero, so are best suited for cooler to cold climates. They display a measure of dignity and reserve. The Siberian Husky is an amiable companion and willing worker.
Temperament: The Siberian Husky has an affectionate, gentle, and friendly disposition. They are alert and eager to please. They are highly intelligent and have an independent spirit, which can sometimes be a challenge to their owner. This versatile breed gets along very well with children and other medium sized dogs. However, their strong predatory instinct makes them dangerous to cats and other small pets. The Siberian Husky thrives in a family environment but does not become overly attached to one specific person. They will exhibit no fear or suspicion of strangers. They are not well suited for a two career family and require attention and companionship. They prefer to live in packs.
Care: The Siberian Husky is by nature clean and free from body odor. They require daily brushing to minimize excess loose hair, tangles, and mats. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo. The Siberian Husky is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It is extremely vital that they do not become overheated.
Training: The Siberian Husky is highly intelligent but has a mind of its own. They will only obey a command if they see the point of it. They respond best to patience, consistency, and fairness. They will quickly take advantage of an owner that doesn't let them know who the boss is. They may be difficult to housebreak. The crate training method is recommended. They will do well with early obedience training.
Activity: The Siberian Husky has an innate and deep desire to run. They do best with a large securely fenced yard. If they are left alone for extended periods of time they will become bored which leads to digging and destruction. They make excellent walking and jogging companions provided they are very securely leashed and the climate is not too hot. The Husky is not recommended for apartment dwelling unless they are exceedingly well trained and sufficiently exercised

Jack Russell Terrier






Breed Group: Terrier
Weight: 13-17 lbs
Height: 12-14 inches
Color(s): predominantly white with tan, black, or brown markings
Coat: The Jack Russell Terrier has a dense double-coat that comes in three varieties: smooth, rough, and broken. The smooth coat has an outer-coat that is short and stiff. In the rough coat the outer-coat is longer. The broken variety is used to describe both dogs with outer-coats of different lengths or dogs that have longer hair on specific parts of the body. The Jack Russell Terrier is primarily white with black, tan, or tri-color markings. They shed constantly.
Overview: The Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Jack Russell Terrier originated in England in the 19th century. Their name derived from the Reverend John Russell, a hunting enthusiast, who was the first person to breed them for fox hunting. The Jack Russell Terrier is exceedingly adept at digging and burrowing into foxholes and dens.
Character: The Jack Russell Terrier is sturdy, hardy, and robust in appearance. They are outgoing with a keen expression. They have an inquisitive nature. This compact breed is very vocal but is never "yappy". They are fearless and are completely unaware of their small stature.
Temperament: The Jack Russell Terrier is a loving and devoted breed. They are spirited, lively, amusing, and energetic. They get along with older, well-behaved, considerate children. They are not recommended for children under eight years of age. They do not get along with other pets. Their natural hunting instinct brings out their aggressive nature. They are highly intelligent and bold. Their courage often leads them into dangerous situations that may lead to fatal results. The Jack Russell Terrier requires an extraordinary amount of human attention. They are not well suited for a two career family.
Care: The Jack Russell Terrier requires minimal grooming. They need regular brushing with a firm bristle brush. Bathing should only be done when necessary. It is important to keep their nails trimmed regularly to prevent problems. They are easily over-fed and have a tendency to become overweight. The health issues that affect this breed include deafness, glaucoma, epilepsy, allergies, and skin problems.
Training: The Jack Russell Terrier can be difficult, determined, and willful. They require firm and consistent guidance, as they are easily distracted. It is important for them to know whom their master is or they will take charge. Early socialization may moderately temper their aggressiveness. Obedience training is highly recommended. The Jack Russell displays talents in such areas as hunting, tracking, and agility.
Activity: The Jack Russell Terrier thrives on exercise. They are very active indoors and require constant stimulation. They have the ability to adapt to apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, but do best with an average size yard that is securely fenced. They will become destructive if they become bored. They enjoy long walks and vigorous play sessions.

Labrador Retriever.



Breed Group: Sporting
Weight: male: 65-80, female: 55-70 lbs
Height: male: 22.5-24.5, female: 21.5-23.5 inches
Color(s): solid black, yellow, or chocolate
Coat: The Labrador Retriever is a double coat breed. The outer coat is straight, short, very dense, and hard in texture. The under coat is soft, weather-resistant, and protects this breed from cold, all types of ground cover, and water. The color of the coat comes in chocolate, black, and yellow. This breed is an average shedder.
Overview: Originating in Newfoundland during the 1700s, the Labrador Retriever was imported to England in the early 1800s. This breed is among the oldest of the modern recognized breeds. Their versatility and endless positive attributes have made the Labrador Retriever a popular family pet.
Character: The Labrador Retriever is medium in size, strong, athletic, and well balanced. They are friendly, outgoing, and possess an extremely sweet personality. There are two types of Labrador: The American, which is tall and lanky, and the English, which is more thick and heavy. This sporting breed is adept at hunting and retrieving. Labrador Retrievers are revered as companions and highly respected for their loving nature.
Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent, loyal, and deeply devoted. The Labrador Retriever is reliable, affectionate, and thrive on human companionship and attention. They are absolutely wonderful with children and get along exceedingly well with other dogs. They may be reserved with strangers and make good watchdogs. If this breed is left alone for extended periods of time without attention or stimulation they will become lonely, bored, and destructive.
Care: The Labrador Retriever requires regular grooming with a firm bristle brush. Special care should be given to the under coat to prevent mats and tangles. Bathing or dry shampooing should only be done when absolutely necessary. Labrador Retrievers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and PRA.
Training: This breed is easily trained. Early socialization and basic obedience are recommended. The Labrador Retriever is very strong and must be taught not to pull on their leash. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Labrador Retriever needs fairness, firmness, consistency, reward, and respect. They excel in tracking, police work, search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience, guide for the blind, and as service dogs for the disabled.
Activity: Delightful, high-spirited, and energetic, the Labrador Retriever requires a great deal of exercise. They enjoy family play sessions, securely leashed walks, swimming, and a safely fenced yard to run and romp freely. This breed will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation

Yorkshire Terrier.



Breed Information
Breed Group: Toy
Weight: 7 lbs
Height: 8-9 inches
Color(s): blue and tan. Yorkshire Terriers are born black, gradually attaining their blue and tan coloration as they mature.
Coat: The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is not coarse, but is fine and silky to the touch. Unlike other breeds, which have fur, the Yorkshire has hair that is growing constantly. They have no undercoat and do not shed.
Overview: The Yorkshire Terrier is a lovely lap dog that much prefers to be held on their owner's lap all day. They have a dose of attitude combined with a bright and playful nature. The Yorkshire Terrier is a true and loyal companion.
Character: This dog is intelligent, lively, and fearless. They focus entirely on their owner and are extremely affectionate. It has been said that a Yorkshire Terrier requires more human companionship and attention than any other breed.
Temperament: The Yorkshire Terrier can be territorial and likes to have their space respected. They are tolerant of older children if treated with care. The Yorkshire Terrier can also be somewhat independent and assertive. They get along well with other pets.
Care: The Yorkshire Terrier's coat requires daily grooming. The hair on top of the head, if grown long, is usually secured with a band or bow. However, if the Yorkshire Terrier is not being used for show, then the coat may be clipped short. Ears and eyes must be cleaned daily. Dental hygiene is also important.
Training: This breed is quick to learn. However, they may become willful in which case training of any kind can become difficult. Training must have consistency and firmness. They do not like to be ignored, so lots of praise will bring out the best in their training.
Activity: The Yorkshire Terrier requires minimal exercise. They are suited for short walks and ideal for apartment living or homes with small yards. They love to chase shadows, lay in sunbeams, and tug of war. The more attention this breed receives the better.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog - Sheltie Breed Information



Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 20 lbs
Height: 13-16 inches
Color(s): Black, blue merle, and sable, marked with varying amounts of white and/or tan
Coat: The Shetland Sheepdog, better known as the Sheltie has a long double coat, sporting a frill around the neck area. The coat of the Sheltie needs extensive grooming on a regular basis.
Overview: Resembling a Miniature Collie, this breed is an absolute delight to own. Intelligent, sweet, gentle, making this dog a great companion animal. Throughout the years, this breed has become very popular and is said to have almost a human like intelligence. Sometimes wary of strangers, the Sheltie also loves to bark persistently.
Character: A sweet disposition, this loveable breed does have a very strong herding instinct often nipping at ankles and chasing cars. This is a home breed and should not be kept in a kennel like environment. The Shetland Sheepdog is very affectionate and lovely, yet can be protective of his owner and/or territory. This dog loves being an in-home companion and would gladly lie down on the couch next to his family.
Temperament: High energy, active, very trainable, this breed has a well-rounded and even temperament giving him the idealistics for a household pet. The Shetland Sheepdog does well with children, but children should be properly trained to handle a dog of any breed. Used as a watch dog, this gentle breed will not attack without being repeatedly provoked so does not do well for guarding. Great for herding, this dog is still commonly used for herding purposes in a country environment and does exceptionally well.
Care: Regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat smooth and free of tangles. The long coat of the Sheltie does tend to trap dirt so supervision is necessary unless regular bathing is not a problem. Heavily shedding during certain seasons, the hair can become a mess so grooming is particularly important during this stage.
Training: The Sheltie is very easy to train and does very well in obedience and herding given the right methods and trainer. Having a human like intelligence, Shetland Sheepdogs are willing to obey, and very eager to do so. Does very well in working environments being that the herding instinct is still very strong.
Activity: This high-energy breed should have regular exercise. Most prefer to allow their Shelties to run free but must be in a fenced in yard, as this breed loves to chase things and will surely bolt if given the opportunity and visual stimulation. An average sized yard would be ideal for this small yet lively breed.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

The Beagle Breed



Breed Group: Hounds
Weight: 18-30 lbs
Height: 13 inches
Color(s): any true hound color (tricolor)
Coat: The Beagle has a hound type coat of medium length making grooming relatively easy for this breed. The hair should lie close to the body of the dog and should be hard, never soft or silky. The Beagle looks like a small English Foxhound. Beagles have a very sleek and shorthaired coat.
Overview: The Beagle was originally bred for hunting purposes and does remarkably well. Being a scent hound, this breed has the tendency to follow his nose and ignore anything and everything so obedience training at an early age is a must. The Beagle originated as a cross between the Harrier and many other hounds in England. This breed does best when hunting hare, pheasant, or quail.
Character: The Beagle is full of energy and does great in a family environment. They are very lively, active, and high energy making a wonderful childs companion given the proper socialization. This breed is alert and of even temperament and should never show signs of aggression or timidity. The Beagle can be very mischievous and very bold at times so proper precautions must be taken when training and/or socializing this fun loving breed.
Temperament: The Beagle is an all around happy dog that makes a wonderful companion for many different families. This breed adapts to many different environments and lifestyles, if not all. The Beagle is very eager to please, and is very intelligent however training must be consistent as this breed tends to lose interest and focus on something that catches his attention. This breed does extremely well with children, and can do exceptionally well with other pets if socialized properly.
Care: Beagles should require daily brushing to remove any dead or loose hair. A wipe down with a damp towel should suffice for the bathing aspect, however a rubber, wire, or hard bristled brush would work best for the brushing aspect. The ears of this breed should be cleaned on a regular basis, as this breed is prone to painful ears or ear infections. The nails of the Beagle should also be trimmed. This breed is an average shedder, which can be controlled with regular combing.
Training: The Beagle is very intelligent and very eager to please making him a wonderful student to work with. However, they do tend to lose interest fairly quickly as they are bound to pick up a scent and follow it. This is when obedience training definitely comes in handy. If properly trained, the Beagle should listen however, if not trained properly, ignoring is a big problem. Consistency and firm yet gentle handling is a must if this breed is to excel as they so desperately want to.
Activity: The Beagle is fairly active and loves long and vigorous walks, as they are the outdoorsy type. Considering they have a very strong hunting instinct, this breed should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced in yard as he is bound to run off if something catches his interest. Two long daily walks are recommended, as this breed seems to have great stamina and be somewhat tireless. The Beagle responds best in a home with a large yard.
Ownership: If you are looking for Beagle puppies for sale from reputable Beagle breeders or to adopt a Beagle from a Beagle rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Beagle puppy above.