So you've decided to get a puppy: a sweet, cuddly, smelly-breathed puppy. You've thought a lot about what type of pup you'd like. You know the breed, the look, that is just right for your
personality and
lifestyle. But what now? Where do you go next?
Choosing a dog breeder is an extremely important step. Your dog's health, happiness, temperament and even life-span all depends on this choice. Many people do not realize, but choosing the wrong breeder might mean that your dog is slow to become potty trained, or worse, is plagued by a breed-specific disease.
A great breeder does not breed for profit. They do it for the love of the breed. This means that they know everything there is to know about that particular breed, they are…
Continue reading How to Choose a Dog Breeder
Every dog breed is different, and you should have a basic understanding of their varying personalities before you decide to bring a pup home. Of course, this means you must first consider your own personality; what kind of individual are you? Choosing a dog is not quite as complicated as choosing a human partner, but it sure is close! In both cases, you must consider chemistry and commitment. But with a dog, there’s the added benefit of a wagging tail every time you walk in the door.
Just as important as identifying your own personality is a proper understanding of your lifestyle. How much time do you have for a dog?
Do you have kids? How would a pooch fit into your daily schedule? When will you be able to…
Continue reading The Best Dog Breed for Your Personality
By Admin | January 20, 2009
The American Kennel Club just released its list of the 10 most popular purebred dog breeds in the United States, as measured by registrations. And for the 18th straight year, the Labrador Retriever barks atop the list. In fact, the standards organization reported twice as many Labs registered as compared to the Yorkshire Terrier, which is listed as the second-most popular breed for 2008. Oh, and in case you’re scoring at home, here’s the entire top 10 list:
- Labrador retriever
- Yorkshire terrier
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Beagle
- Boxer
- Dachshund
- Bulldog
- Poodle
- Shih tzu
Do you see any surprises on the list? Tell us
what you think!
By Admin | January 17, 2009
If you are considering a Portuguese Water Dog, then prepare yourself for constant companionship. This breed needs to be walked, played with, and entertained during their every waking moment. If you work away from home for more than a few hours per day, then this dog is not for you. If you’re unable to get outside with your pup and run her ragged, then this dog is not for you.
Consider your lifestyle, and then decide if a Portuguese Water Dog will complement it. Otherwise, look at the more docile breeds.
A Brief History of the Portuguese Water Dog
As its name suggests, the area of origin of this breed is Portugal. A diligent and alert water dog, its ancestry probably includes the Poodle, which is apparent from its curly-haired appearance…
Continue reading Breed Spotlight: Portuguese Water Dog
By Admin | January 10, 2009
If your allergies have kept you from adopting a loving pup, you're not alone. Millions of people have some form of allergic reaction to dogs, which can range from minor skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. But if you're willing to do a bit of homework, then you've still got a shot at dog ownership. Despite your reaction to most canine breeds, you may be able to bring a hypoallergenic dog into your home.
Note: The concept of a "hypoallergenic dog" has been debated for years. Many believe the low-allergy breeds reduce allergic reactions as promised, while others are skeptical and think the concept of a "low-allergy" dog is a silly marketing ploy. As objective observers, we encourage you to speak to your dermatologist in addition to a local veterinarian for…
Continue reading Hypoallergenic Dogs
If you have kids and are thinking about adding a puppy to the mix, think carefully about the most suitable dog breed for the household. Dogs and kids can work great together; dogs can help children learn responsibility,respect for all creatures, and even exhaust some of your child's endless energy.
As you search for the perfect family dog, focus on breeds with gentle personalities. As you know, aggressive dogs and children don’t mix. For example, a Blue Heeler, although incredibly smart, is bred to control livestock by nipping at their heels. So if you have a kids, a Blue Heeler may attempt to herd your kids by nipping at their feet--not good (even though your dog is simply dog what’s programmed into her DNA).
Size and energy level should also…
Continue reading The Best Dogs for Kids
Are you searching for a four-legged friend? Before you select a dog breed, you first need to know where in your life the dog will fit. Do you have time to walk the dog every morning for an hour? Do you need a dog that is good with kids? These are important points to consider before rushing off to buy a puppy only to find out that the dog you selected yaps all the time--and you've got cranky neighbors.
To help you sort through all the info, here's a five-step guide for finding the perfect pup:
1. Think About Your Children
Whatever breed you choose, keep in mind that caring for a dog involves the same amount of commitment as taking care of a young child. Both
kids and dogs require constant…
Continue reading Find the Best Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle
By Admin | December 18, 2008
Do you run 5 miles a day? Is rollerblading your life’s passion? Or maybe you love to hang-ten on your surfboard a few times per week? Is the ski slope your home away from home? Perhaps you’re thinking of buying a bicycle…and need a four-legged training partner to join you on the trail?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’ll need a dog with the physical ability to keep up. Certain low-energy dog breeds are ideal couch potatoes and can happily lounge around the house all day; this is probably not what you want. Because of your sporty lifestyle, your pooch is gonna run 5 miles and then swim in the lake for a few hours without breaking a sweat. She’ll gladly trot along beside you on…
Continue reading Best Dog Breeds for an Active Lifestyle
Everyone asks, "What breed is Riley?" The answer: Riley is a rescue dog. There's no way for us to know for sure what she is! But judging from her appearance and temperament we’ve concluded that she is a Catahoula Leopard Dog mixed with some sort of hound. And for those of you saying "Cata-What?" here’s some information on my favorite dog breed...Yes, I am very biased!
A Brief History
In the Southeastern U.S., Native Americans used the Red Wolf to hunt. Among the various tribes that lived in the Mississippi Valley in the 18th-century were Creek, Avoyelle, Tunica, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Caddoes.
When the Spanish first attempted to colonize the Americas and search for gold, they brought with them "war dogs" to help in their looting. Those dogs included
Continue reading Breed Spotlight: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
