Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Schnauzer


Schnauzers are dogs that are obviously extreme. How? Well, we all know that each dog is different and unique, but the schnauzer in some people's opinions is a dog that varies a lot. It comes in 3 sizes, many versions of salt and pepper, black, other colors, and incredible personalities.
So where did these dogs come from? Well, Germany has bred a lot of dogs, and the Schnauzer is one of them. Miniature Schnauzers were bred to attack all vermin of all types. From foxes to raccoons to deer, their small size was anything but underestimated. The Standard or medium schnauzer protected his owners and their livestock. He would scare off any vermin like foxes and coyotes that may hurt his owners or their livestock. Giant Schnauzers, despite their name, are a stronger, and slightly larger version of the standard schnauzer. This dog was most well-known as dogs that were excellent at driving and herding dogs. Occasionally, the Giant Schnauzer could be spotted guarding his master's homes.
Today, each size has a special trait. The miniature is the most popular size. The standard size is the oldest size. And obviously, Giant is the largest size. Schnauzers are robust dogs that have long fur growing downwards on the bottom of their muzzle. That is the beard, one of the most obvious traits in the breed. Another trait is the wiry coat. It needs to be hand stripped, especially if you show the dog.
Start training the schnauzer early or else they may try to get smart on you. Taking care of schnauzers may seem time-consuming, but that time opens the window of opportunity to form a bond as robust as the schnauzer's body is!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Shih Tzu


Shih Tzus are the aristocrat of the small dogs. Most pictures of them on the Internet like this one show them with bows or hair clips. Typically armed with a long coat, Shih Tzus were bred in China. They remained a popular companion there. Later on, only 14 of the breed remained. But today, it's hard not to see a Shih Tzu. They are certainly a popular lap dog.
Shih Tzu means "Lion Dog." That's because some of the fur on the Shih Tzu forms something that looks like a lion mane. Shih Tzus don't shed, but the coat keeps growing because of that. It requires lots of care.
The eyes are dark, black, and set far apart. The coat is long, and double. If the dog isn't used for show, you can cut the coat a little shorter or shave it completely. This is known as the puppy cut. However, if you do show the dog, it is extremely high maintenance. It may take hours to groom the coat.
If you live in Antarctica, the Shih Tzu won't care. If you live in the desert, the Shih Tzu won't care. A friendly, loyal, loving pooch, the Shih Tzu is anything but stupid.

English Bulldog


Meet the English Bulldog, a dog that, in cartoons, are fierce, assertive guard dogs. Well, if you go back 2000 years ago in England, they would be like that. The Bulldog was bred to be a dog that could bring down bulls. The sport was called Bull Baiting. These dogs were illegal in some towns back then. But today, these dogs are some of the nicest dogs around. Bulldogs are the national dog of England. They are one of the most loving dogs around.
Bulldogs are so top-heavy, that they will drown in water. Bulldogs typicaly have large toungues. An undershot jaw was bred in the Bulldog to grasp bulls when Bull baiting. Loose skin was also bred in the Bulldog so it was less likely for the Bulldog to get severely hurt.
Bulldogs are brakesephalec, meaning they have flat faces. This makes them suseptible to respiratory issues and skin irritations. Clean the wrinkles daily or else one of those health problems can occur. English Buldogs can overheat easily, and are prone to many heart problems, and other life-threatening health problems. This dog has a life span of 4-6 years, one of the shortest of any breeds.
Despite all of the health issues, your bond with a Bulldog can't possibly be destroyed!

Cocker Spaniel


Cocker Spaniels are a favorite among many. They are just so irresistible. People have loved them for quite a while. These dogs were bred to scare off small vermin, mostly birds. As a spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel is in the sporting group in AKC. The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of all the spaniels. It is also the smallest dog in the sporting group.

Cocker Spaniels have large, floppy, tear-shaped ears, and an athletic personality. There are 2 different Cocker Spaniels. There's the American variety and the English variety. Cocker Spaniels also have a feathered coat. That coat needs normal grooming, but extra grooming is advised if your Cocker Spaniel is used for show.

These are athletic breeds. Despite the small size, this dog needs daily exercise, so if you're a couch potato don't even bother purchasing a Cocker Spaniel. Hip displasia is a problem health issue in the breed.

This dog may be a lot of responsibility and work for you, but in return, you'll get love, affection, and attention from your pooch!

Chihuahua


Chihuahuas are the world's smallest dogs. Dancer the Chihuahua currently holds the record as world's smallest dog. Dancer is only 4 inches- now that's one minuscule dog. According to AKC, a good Chihuahua weighs less than 6 pounds. Chihuahuas might be a close relative of the Fennic Fox, the smallest, most social fox in the world.
We know very little about this breed's history. We do know that this is an old breed though. Most say that the breed originated in Mexico. The tail can be either curled up, or set down, and the coat can either be long or short. This is the only dog with a malaria. A malaria is a soft area on the forehead. If you own a Chihuahua, you may notice that he's fearless. That's normal, as these dogs like to think of themselves as dominant. But the breed is weaker than he thinks. So if your Chihuahua mistakens a car for a predator, he'll try to hurt it, but the car will hurt the dog instead. So keep your Chihuahua on a leash at all times, and watch them carefully at all times.
Remember that this dog is very fragile, and small-boned. Because of that, this breed is best with single or adult families. Speaking of anatomy, did you know that this dog's heart beats faster than many other breeds? That's because smaller animals have a faster heart rate.
Known to live 15 or more years, this is one of the healthiest dogs out there. The only bad thing about this dog is that he needs to be kept in hot climates. That's bad because this gives way to low adaptability scores. But at least this dog is sweet and loving. So if you get one, keep your bond with it strong!

Poodle


Poodles are certainly a dog-lover's dream-dog. They are hypoallergenic! In cartoons, these dogs are occasionally pink. But unless they are dyed pink, Poodles are pink in reality. Poodles are also girly in most cartoons, but in reality, Poodles are a great dog for anyone!
This is a popular dog breed. It came from Germany, and there, Poodles were bred as water retrievers. Today, it's more likely to find a Poodle as a companion than a retriever. This dog is extremely smart. Poodles are one of the most intelligent dogs, second only to the Border Collie. Poodles have a weather-resistant coat that protected them in frigid or scorching water.
The breed comes in 3 different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and toy. The standard is the biggest of all the sizes. It may be the most popular too. Miniature is not the biggest, but not the smallest of the sizes. Toys are the smallest size, and make great watchdogs.
Poodles love to please you. Some can "read." If you see a Poodle read a word, they aren't really reading. No one really knows for sure about what they really are doing to "read."
Poodles love their families, and do well with kids, or other pets. The coat is high maintenance and therefore may result in high grooming bills. Poodles do need some exercise and space, especially the standard poodles.
If you think the Poodle is right for you, take care. Remember-A healthy Poodle is a happy Poodle.

French Bulldog


The French Bulldog, often called "The Frenchie," is certainly the king of companions. Cute, funny, and loving, this dog is no underdog. It's so amazing to see how far this dog has come ever since his history began.
In England, lace makers wanted a companion dog to comfort them during their jobs. By crossing the terrier, bulldog, and maybe the pug together, the lace makers created the first Frenchies. All of that breeding was worth it. As lace makers immigrated to France, the French Bulldog went with. He soon flourished in Paris. France was very obsessed with the breed. In fact, France was the place where the first French Bulldog breed standard was written.
Today, these dogs are wildly popular. The Frenchies come in many colors, like brindle, fawn, black, white, apricot, and more. A cute trait in the breed is the flat face. Although it is cute, the flat face is responsible for respiratory issues, one of the most common health problems in the breed. Unless the wrinkles on the face are cleaned daily, moisture forms in the wrinkles, and skin irritations may occur. This dog has a short coat, so bathe him every so often.
If you want a Frenchie, expect to spend a lot of money for it. Breeding this dog is very hard. This is because the canal to bring the puppies out of the body is too small, and help from a vet is required.
This dog needs very little space, and requires minimal exercise. In heat, this will need to be cooled off after being outside. Overheating is another common health issue in the breed, so hot climates are a Frenchie drawback. Anyone can have fun with this dog, for they love their owners.
Overall, this dog will certainly become your best friend for life!