Jack Russell Terrier - The Facts Every Owner Of This Dog Breed Should Know

Article Title: Jack Russell Terrier - The Facts Every Owner Of
This Dog Breed Should Know
Author: Robert Benjamin

Originally bred in the 19th century by Parson Jack Russell, an
avid hunter, selected traits that would assist him in hunting.
Working dogs, Jack Russell Terriers were bred to be fearless and
feisty to flush out prey from the forest, particular foxes. As a
working dog, Jack Russell Terriers tend to have an athletic
build and boundless energy. Jack Russell Terriers are very
intelligent, but also willful and stubborn, which can make them
extremely difficult to train without consistency.

As a hunting and working dog, Jack Russell Terriers do have the
hunting instinct in them and have been know to consider smaller
household pets prey. However, this does not mean that they
cannot be good family pets. Jack Russell Terriers are usually
very good with children and gentle with them if they understand
how to approach dogs. Jack Russell Terriers live 15 years or
more. They grow to an average 10 to 12 inches in height and 14
to 18 pounds in weight. Jack Russell Terriers have several
different types of coats of the shorthaired variety (some are
smooth, some are not) but all are easy to maintain with regular
brushing.

Jack Russell Terriers are suited for all kinds of living, but
do need to be exercised regularly, at least once a day, due to
their seemingly boundless energy. Without regular opportunities
to exercise and play, they will become bored and begin to bark
at everything and become destructive. If a Jack Russell Terrier
must be left alone for an extended period of time without the
opportunity to exercise, it is recommended that they be crated
until it is possible to let them exercise.

Jack Russell Terriers are fearless and will run off without
thinking. A fenced in area is a must for a Jack Russell Terrier,
but the fence needs to be deep enough as they are diggers, and
tall enough to not jump over. An average sized Jack Russell
Terrier can jump five feet quite easily. There are some health
concerns with the breed. Some Jack Russell Terriers are prone to
dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness,
Legg Perthes - a disease of the hip joints, and cataracts.
Currently, there is some dispute about the breed and breed
standards. The AKC does not officially recognize the Jack
Russell Terrier, considered a working dog. It only officially
recognizes the Parson Russell Terrier.

There is a website that has great information on Jack Russell
Terriers and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that
pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions,
best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat
Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on
your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and
without modification except for formatting needs or grammar
corrections.

About The Author: Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software
business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been
producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. Seasonal
Vacation Spots http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

.

__,_._,___

Dog Bed Basics

Article Title: Dog Bed Basics
Author: Renske Buursma

Domesticated dogs, much like humans, like to be pampered and
comfortable. A dog bed is just a dog bed before you get one.
Your dog will likely take to it like a fish to water. A 'cuddly'
cushion makes a good dog bed. It extends the sides to form a
protective ring and simulates the feeling of sleeping in a pack.
This gives your dog the added psychological comfort for a good
sleep.

It is a great idea to buy a dog bed. There are certain benefits
that a dog bed provides. It gives your dog a comfortable sleep
zone, in the same way a mattress does for a human. The ideal dog
bed raises the dog above the ground, provides warmth and
supports the joints of the dog. A whole range of dog beds is
available. From expensive sofas that heat and cool as required
to simple foam filled cushions, there is a dog bed for every dog
and every level of spending. Some dog beds are filled with chips
of cedar. These discourage the growth of fleas. Fabric that is
machine washable makes washing easier.

Plastic, rattan and wicker are used in the making of dog beds.
Rattan and wicker dog beds are constructed as low profile round
or oval baskets fitted with a custom-made cushion. Plastic is
often used in the same manner to make beds. Care should be taken
however to see that it is chew resistant and without sharp
edges. Stainless steel is used in beds that are more expensive.
This is easy to clean.

Beds should use fabric that is resistant to chewing and easily
washable. Some beds use foam or polyester fiber as filling.
Though these are comfortable, they do not stop the laying of
flea eggs. Dog beds that act against egg laying fleas have an
outer zippered covering of cedar chips. These are less
comfortable than other types of beds, but more functional.

Some dog beds offer the option of heating and cooling. They do
this through a heated or frozen gel pad fitted within the
cushion. This is not a good idea for canines that have the habit
of chewing furniture. Some dog beds heat in the manner of an
electric blanket that is placed on top of the bed and under the
dog. These warmers are necessary for some dogs, particularly
ones with joint issues.

A dogs sleeping environment should duplicate its natural
sleeping habitat. The bed's size should be proportionate to the
dog. It should be large enough but not overly large. It should
make the dog feel natural and unthreatened. For those who want
the perfect custom-made bed for their dog or want one cheaper
than would otherwise be available, the option of making a custom
dog bed is always available. Here is one way to make such a bed.

You will need a string, pillow cover or tee shirt and plastic
grocery bags. Choose designs that look best to your eye. Fill up
the pillow cover with the grocery bags and sew it up. You can do
this with the t-shirt as well. Optionally sew a zipper onto the
pillow cover or t-shirt and periodically fill it with plastic
bags, as you like.

A good dog bed can provide all the rest your dog needs to
remain healthy and happy. A healthy and happy dog means more
fun-filled hours for you with your dog. In short, a good dog bed
is a small price to pay for what you get in return.

About The Author: By Renske Buursma, pet store owner with lots
of helpful articles about pet care at
http://yourhealthypetsonline.com

.

__,_._,___