Title: Why Its Important to Choose the Right Dog Breed
Author: Lamar Deane
You've finally decided you want to get a dog, but how do you go
about choosing a dog breed that will fit your personality and
lifestyle. There are over 400 different dog breeds to choose
from. Don't just consider the outward appearance when picking a
dog breed.
Do you want a male or female?
Do you want a puppy or an adult?
Do you want a lap dog or guard dog?
First, consult with a professional dog handler or a
professional dog trainer to learn about certain dog
personalities of different breeds, and try to match what you
want with what a particular dog has to offer. Also, talk to a
veterinarian about your choice of a purebred or mixed breed dog.
The professional trainers and vets' opinions are invaluable, as
they handle many different dogs every day and have first hand
knowledge of the characteristics, and qualities of different
types of dogs and breeds.
You can choose between a purebred dog or a mixed breed dog. The
advantages of purebred dogs are consistency of appearance, size,
coat type, and color. If you decide on a German Shepherd breed,
you can be certain it will grow to a certain size...It will be
similar to other German Shepherds in appearance..
temperament, coat, etc will be similar to other German
Shepherds. Purebred dogs generally have more genetic faults and
deformities than do mixed breeds.
Mixed breed puppies may mature to look like their dam, their
sire (if known) or neither. Their coats may be rough, smooth, or
wiry. Adult mixed breeds are difficult to ascertain, as are
their expressions. These variations are multiplied when either
or both parents are from mixed backgrounds. Mixed breeds usually
have a certain amount of heterosis ( increased vigor or other
superior qualities that come from crossbreeding)
some circumstances, result in stronger and more
disease-resistant dogs. A mixed breed puppy is likely to have a
very individual personality, seemingly unrelated to either of
its parents.
The temperament of mixed breeds are often quieter and more
stable than those of purebreds, although this characteristic is
not consistent. Temperament is partially genetic and partly the
result of experience and training. Many purebreds have a notably
quiet temperament, and an occasional mixed breed is
unpredictable.
Before you select a purebred or a mixed breed, decide what you
expect of the dog. If you have a desire to exhibit it in
conformation shows, obedience trials, field trials, herding
tests, or other American Kennel Club sponsored events, you must
start out with a purebred.
If you want a companion, a family pet, or a child's dog and
have no aspirations of winning blue ribbons, a mixed breed
should fill your need nicely. Mixed breed puppies and adult dogs
are plentiful, both from shelters and private homes. They cost
less to buy, and may be easier to handle. Mixed breed dogs can
compete in Frisbee contests, 4-H obedience, and non-AKC agility
trials, and are included in the AKC-sponsored Canine Good
Citizen program.
About The Author: Lamar Deane provides information on why its
important to choose the right dog breed for your lifestyle and
personality. Visit: http://bestdogbreed
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Why Its Important to Choose the Right Dog Breed
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Instincts and Traits in Dogs
Title: Instincts and Traits in Dogs
Author: Janine Carter
Domestication of canines was accomplished by humans thousands
of years ago. Many think that the world's first dogs were tamed
wolves, as dogs share many biological traits with wolves. First
of all they look very much alike and their actions are similar.
They both have highly developed sense of smell and hearing.
Dogs are extremely loyal and dependent on their masters. They
have a place in human society to which few other species can
hold a candle. The only reward for dogs in many cases is a kind
word and a pat on the head. Still, the study of wolves and dogs
teaches us that many of their traits haven't changed from before
they were domesticated.
* Body Language is a postural display by canines that show you
their intentions. When meeting a strange person, canines display
their fear by raising their hackles, meaning, the hair stands up
on their backs and necks. This display comes from lack of
socialization with others. Of course this behavior would look
more frightening with short-haired dogs, making them look larger
and making the other dog or person fear him more. Many times a
dog will also pull back his lips to show his teeth to make the
display even more "large".
* A dogs ears and tail positions can tell you what a dog is
thinking. For example, if your dog's ears go back flat and his
tail goes between his legs, it means he is being submissive to
humans or other dogs. The old saying "ran off with his tail
between his legs" came from this postural display of dogs.
Another submissive behavior is rolling over on the back.
* If a dog kneels or puts his front legs on the ground lowering
his front quarters, it generally means he wants to play. This is
always accompanied by a friendly wagging tail.
* Standing tall on stiff legs and circling another dog is a
posture of superiority and domination. It often includes
strutting around with frequent growling and snarling.
* An instinctive ritual in canines is circling before lying
down. Some specialists say that this came from a habit long ago
of circling to pack down the grass to give a soft bed to sleep
in. Others think the dog is smelling the area for enemies before
lying down, as they put their noses to the ground while they are
performing this task.
* Attacking small animals is an innate hunting instinct in dogs
from the time when they had to hunt for their food.
* Digging is a trait that is thought to come from the dog's
instinct to dig a den when there is nothing else appropriate to
make a den with. Terriers were known to pursue their quarry
through underground tunnels if necessary.
Other things to consider is the dogs sense of smell developed
so they can sniff the air to find game and also to sniff out
enemies that may be approaching. They have a wonderful sense of
hearing for the same reasons and their sight is highly
developed.
Although canines' instincts and actions are influenced by their
heredity, they are highly intelligent mammals, and are the
products of a combination of training, experience and genetics.
This article was written by Posh Pampered Pets, please call
936-520-2903 for any questions. Our home office is located in
Waller, Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United
States such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, Denver CO,
Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City MO, Miami FL,
Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville
AR,Philadelphia PA, Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX (Texas.
About The Author: This article was written by Janine Carter,
owner of Posh Pampered Pets. If you have any questions regarding
http://www.poshpamp
Dog Supplies or http://www.poshpamp
Pets, please feel free to call 979-221-7251 or email
mailto:info@poshpamperedpe
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Secrets to Caring For a Mastif
Title: Secrets to Caring For a Mastif
Author: Janine Carter
If you are reading this article, then Mastiffs at least get
your curiosity going. As you are doing your research, you may be
asking yourself if you are really ready for a Mastiff.
Mastiff's, while loving and loyal, pose some unique challenges
for the first time owners. Any dog, regardless of the breed,
takes time, patience, love and training. Because of the Mastiffs
massive size, they require extra time and patience when trying
to train. They can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds. That's
the weight of an adult human if you think about it. Without
proper training, socialization, limitations and rules, you might
find yourself with a 200 pound animal bounding through your
home. Before you take home that wonderful puppy of your dreams
that will grow in to a loving Mastiff, here are some things to
know about them.
* Mastiffs love to jump and play and require lots of excessive.
* Mastiffs do not like strangers and often show real aggression
towards them.
* Mastiffs are extremely social animals and absolutely love
attention.
If you appreciate these traits of the Mastiff, then he is the
perfect dog for you and your family. Mastiffs require vigorous
daily exercise and in fact taking walks or jogging with him will
greatly increase the bond between you and your canine friend.
Another thing to know is that walking with your Mastiff awakens
a primal migratory instinct within your dog and walking with him
in a heal position will enforce your roll as "pack leader" in
his world. If you can't give your Mastiff regular vigorous
excersise then he may get obese, causing joint pain and other
health problems. Mastiffs thrive on human interaction and
attention which is why it's not good to leave your pet confined
to the basement or backyard. Problems with digging, chewing and
excessive barking can occur if this is the case. As with most
canines, Mastiffs love to please their masters and the people in
their lives, and make excellent pets, despite their huge size.
They have a meek and gentle disposition which allows them to
interact with children very well, even if the children get a
little rough at times.
One must remember that even though Mastiffs have a gentle
dispositon, they do have fighting and/or guard dog roots. Your
Mastiff will require an introduction of all strangers, as they
will not welcome them with open arms without letting them know
its ok to accept a new person. With no introduction Mastiffs
could become aggressive. This wonderful breed makes a loving,
protective pet and with the proper information, all owners will
reap the rewards of this large breed of dog.
If you have any questions on Dog Supplies or Posh Pampered
Pets, please call 979-221-7251 or email us at
info@poshpamperedpe
Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United States such
as Detroit Michigan (MI), Indianapolis Indiana (IN),
Jacksonville Florida (FL), San Francisco California (CA), ,
Kansas City MO, Miami, Florida (FL), Raleigh-Durham, North
Carolina (NC), Washington DC, Los Angeles, California (CA),
Fayetteville, Arkansas ( AR), San Francisco California (CA),
Columbus Ohio (OH).
About The Author: This article was written by Janine Carter,
owner of Posh Pampered Pets. If you have any questions regarding
http://www.poshpamp
Dog Supplies or http://www.poshpamp
Pets, please feel free to call 979-221-7251 or email
mailto:info@poshpamperedpe
