What You Should Know About the Breed

Bulldogs and different terriers were bred together to create a breed that exhibits speed and agility along with strength and athleticism. American Pit Bull Terriers (or APBT) were the result. Originally bred for fighting purposes, Pit Bulls were literally “pitted” to fight other dogs to the death, giving them this part of their name. They are popular in the world of dog-fighting strictly because of their sheer strength. Thanks to this money-making hobby (which is totally inhumane and illegal) it is now illegal in many places to own or breed Pit Bulls and a lot of landlords will not allow their tenants to keep a Pit Bull as a pet on the property. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a terribly misunderstood breed of dog.

Temperament

American Pitbull Terrier (commons.wikimedia.org)

American Pit Bull Terriers are a very strong and sturdy breed. While aggression toward other animals is a common trait, aggression toward humans is not. Aggression toward humans is a learned behavior, usually the result of cruel treatment or abandonment. Pit Bulls are confident dogs by nature, and they aim to please. While they can be quite stubborn at times, they are quick learners and are a highly intelligent breed of dog. Training and exposure to other animals from a very young age can be helpful in the prevention of aggression towards other animals. American Pit Bull Terriers are very active dogs and excel in agility training. They thrive on attention and human companionship and are extremely loyal and affectionate. Pit Bulls are known to be good with children and have even been trained as medical alert dogs for people with special needs. They are friendly with strangers but are also quick to decide if someone has ill intentions toward them or their human family. It is for this reason that American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent guard dogs. While Pit Bulls are very strong and active dogs, with the proper training and exercise, they can be very tranquil and easy for the owner to handle.

Appearance

Healthy male Pit Bulls weigh no more than 65 pounds on average, and stand not more than two feet high at the shoulders. They have a smooth, shiny coat and can be a wide variety of colors. Colors of the American Pit Bull Terrier are chocolate, red, white, black, brindle, fawn, blue, or any combination of these colors. They are sometimes referred to by the color of their noses, i.e. “blue-nosed Pit Bull” or “red-nosed Pit Bull.” Merle is not a recognized color and Pit Bulls with blue eyes are also not recognized by most kennel clubs. These colors are considered a fault of the breed. Their ears are often cropped for appearances, although it is not necessary. They have long tails that taper off at the end and do not require docking, although some prefer to do so for appearances. American Pit Bull Terriers are often stocky, but their muscles should not be bulging (a sign of inhumane bulking for fighting). Their eyes are almond shaped or round and may be any color, set low in the skull. The jaw and neck of a Pit Bull is strong and wide. They should also have a scissor’s bite. Pit Bulls have an athletic build and are a very attractive breed.

Grooming

American Pit Bull Terriers require very little grooming. A nutritious diet helps maintain the dog’s shiny coat, along with regular brushing and washing. This breed’s short hair allows you to keep grooming to a minimum.

Health

Pit Bulls need plenty of exercise. They will only thrive in apartments and small homes if exercised properly. They are a relatively healthy breed but occasionally have issues with allergies, cataracts and sensitive skin. Hip Dysplasia is a common concern in American Pit Bull Terriers and due to improper breeding as a means to make quick cash, some Pit Bulls suffer from joint pain because of poor bone alignment. They live 10-12 years on average.

American Pitbull Terrier Breed (commons.wikimedia.org)

Breeding

Breeding Pit Bulls can be tricky. Do your research before breeding to be clear of predispositions to health problems. Both dogs should have a complete medical history and family lineage and ideally should be registered with a kennel club. Both dogs should have a calm, attentive disposition and should not show aggressive tendencies toward people. When you introduce the dogs for the first time, be sure to have a plan in case a fight does break out. Pit Bulls have a tendency to hold on once they have bitten down on something (be it in a fight or on a chew toy) and they are not easily broken up. This breed’s agility and intelligence will require a quick reaction if a fight breaks out. They need to be separated immediately after mating to prevent fighting. It is normal for a Pit Bull to show aggression toward another dog if it has not been properly socialized, but never breed a dog that shows aggression toward people. On average, a litter consists of 5-10 puppies. While many people are under the impression that breeding Pit Bulls is a quick way to make cash, this is not so. There are many shelters specifically for Pit Bulls, simply because not everyone can handle such a strong, energetic dog. Those who can may be in a living situation that does not allow Pit Bulls. Some landlords have banned ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers on their property simply because their insurance premiums will skyrocket. Others ban the ownership of a Pit Bull simply because of the media and a lack of credible information concerning the breed. Be sure it is legal for you to own and breed Pit Bulls where you live.

American Staffordshire Bull Terrie

There are so many Pit Bulls waiting for a happy home that spaying and neutering should be considered. Neutering males tends to make them less territorial and may help with aggression towards other animals also.

Hopefully this information helps some current and/or potential American Pit Bull Terrier owners. People need to be informed of the true nature of the Pit Bull. They are a terribly misunderstood breed and many are euthanized because of the misinformation being passed out daily. Give them a chance and you may have found your new best friend!

American Staffordshire Terrier Portrait Championship

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Swifto dog walking operates only in New York City at the moment and it offers dog owners a half an hour or an hour walks with a professional dog walker that uses a tracking app so the dog owner can follow his walk.

Swifto Dog Walking

Qualified dog walkers

Swifto team interviews all of its dog walkers to make sure they are all qualified for the job. In addition all the dog walkers are insured and they need to go through a background check before they start working. But the process doesn’t end with that, the final OK is given by you, the dog owner: Before the dog walker starts walking your dog, you get a free meeting with him or her, where you can interview the dog walker yourself and check if your dog approves him too.

Dog Walking Tracking Mobile App

Dog walking tracking app

Swifto dog walkers are using a unique tracking app during their walk. The dog owner can follow the walk from his computer and see exactly where the dog is, how long did the walk last and if the dog did his business properly.

Now you can send your dogs on her walks with no worries.

For more information – visit swifto site.

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The people at James Wellbeloved make pet foods for your dog, your cat, and even your ferret, and always make sure that their high standards in quality get passed on to your pet. After all, you wouldn’t want to eat cheap, processed food, so why would your pet?

Their dog food, for example, is hypoallergenic, meaning that their food can be given to all types of dogs; be they lactose intolerant, wheat intolerant, or even just fussy eaters. They achieve these goals by simply replacing those nasty ingredients with simple, canine friendly foods, such as turkey, ocean white fish, and oats. These ensure that all allergies are avoided, but can also help with itchy coats and digestive problems.

Dog food standards

As well as the multitude of different flavours – from lamb to fish – James Wellbeloved provides dry and wet food for your dog, to make sure that every dog, and every owner, is catered for. Not only that, but their food comes under specific categories; they have food for large breeds and small breeds, they have James Wellbeloved puppy food and food for mature dogs.

Royal Canin also caters for all types of dog breeds, with their products ranging from X-Small (dogs between 0-4kg), and Giant (for dogs over 45kg), and everything in between. Not only are all types of dogs provided for, their site has a handy table for learning how many cups of feed to give to your dog, based on their level of activity. This means that you won’t be overfeeding your lazy dog, or underfeeding your athletic one!

These sorts of standards are what pet owners are expecting these days, and long-gone are the days when you could just slap a tin of any old processed meats in front of your dog. These sorts of companies are there to provide high quality meals for any type of pet.

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Thankfully there are many things that you can do to help prevent your pet’s illness. Over the past couple of decades the quality of pet food has dramatically improved. The introduction of premium pet food brands has provided numerous health and lifestyle benefits for dogs. There are a huge number of premium brands available to us, which makes matters complicated when knowing which one to go for.

Good brands offer best dog food

A popular brand in the premium market is James Wellbeloved, a company whose values and ethics revolve heavily around the use of natural ingredients. They provide a wide range of premium options for both cats and dogs; providing the finest, natural ingredients. Each of their products has differing flavours, whilst also catering for specific age groups and/or sizes to suite your pet.

Another strong option is Eukanuba, a company who also pride themselves on using naturally nutritious ingredients. Their wide ranges of products are breed and condition specific. This allows you to cherry pick an option that you feel will benefit your pet best.

A particularly good option especially for dogs is Royal Canin dog food, which puts together a precise nutritional formula to perfectly meet our pet’s needs. This brand includes a range of products that offer specific benefits that help treat an illness or condition your dog may have, varying from urinary problems to mobility issues. The vast options made available by this brand make it easier to choose products that can effectively cater for your dog’s situation.

By choosing to give your pets a premium option, you are improving their overall health and therefore reducing the chances of them becoming ill. Prevention is better than cure. Are there any particular brands you have used or would recommend?

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Dogs with mange have red, inflamed skin which can also become pussy and infected. It causes severe dog scratching and skin inflammation and is spread very quickly across the skin. The areas with little hair are usually the first affected such as the ears and face.

The good news is that mange is treatable with prescribed topical medication. However as with all skin problems in dogs, the quicker the condition is treated the better, therefore seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. It is also highly infectious therefore it is important that it is treated immediately before it can spread to other animals. It can even be passed on to humans however the problem is much less severe as the mites cannot reproduce in human skin.

Dog mange

The most commonly prescribed treatment, Aludex cannot be used on certain breeds such as Chihuahuas or on pregnant or lactating bitches and is also highly toxic to other species such as cats and horses therefore it is also important that veterinary advice is sought before this product is used.

Yumega plus is a balm designed to soothe and calm irritated skin, therefore you may wish to apply this lotion to your dog’s skin to provide more comfort, however seek veterinary advice before using any product whilst using a prescribed veterinary medication in case of any severe reactions that could occur.

Mange can be prevented by using an appropriate treatment such as Advocate, which is a liquid applied once a month to the back of the neck, this can also prevent worm and flea infestations too.

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There are six breed groups in which all pedigree dogs are divided into:

Pedigree Terrier Puppy

• Hounds (including Dachshunds).
• Terriers (including West Highland Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers).
• Working (including Boxers and German Shepherds).
• Gundog (including Golden and Labrador Retrievers).
• Utility (including Bulldogs and Dalmatians).
• Toy (including Chihuahuas and Pugs).

As each breed has different requirements and vary in size, choosing what pet food to buy can be frustrating and requires much thought and decision, especially as there are so many different types of food available. However Royal Canin has a Breed Health Nutrition range of dog food that has been developed and tailored to suit each breeds’ individual needs and sensitivities. These foods have been formulated based on research conducted on the specific needs and feeding behaviours of the breeds’ individual characteristics. They are of various shapes and sizes depending on the feeding habits of the breed and to suit the jaws and teeth of the breed, as some will pick up their food with their teeth and others with their lips or tongue.

Your dog’s first impressions of a food are always important and food must always be presented in a manner which is appropriate to the size of the animal. Many of the foods are also available for the different life stages including junior, as it is very important you feed your dog a diet suited to their life stage as puppies have different requirements to adult and older dogs. Viovet offer all of these foods where they can also be viewed and compared.

Royan Canin’s foods are also designed for the breed’s general energy requirements as caution must be taken as certain dog breeds are more prone to obesity, including; English Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, Dalmatians and Cocker Spaniels. Obesity is one of the most common health disorders and is frequently ignored. However it can cause other health problems such as diabetes, breathing problems, arthritis, heart disease (and in extreme cases heart failure).

As an end note, when switching your dog’s food it is important to do it gradually to ensure you do not upset their stomach while also allowing your dog to become accustomed to the new taste and texture. Feed a little of the new food each day mixed with their current food, gradually increasing the amount.

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Puppy Premium Dog Food

Burns Dog Food have created a formula for working dogs that realises a flaw in the recipe of common working dog foods. Where traditional foods for working dogs focus on high protein and fat in order to provide enough energy for high physical activity, Burns Alert Canine is designed to provide working dogs with high mental energy levels. Working dogs – guide, police and therapy dogs for example – can be physically inactive for prolonged periods. They will need limited protein and fat levels instead otherwise they will struggle to digest the food and it may result in weight problems.

Royal Canin Dog Food provides a very extensive range of foods that cover a variety of dog types. They produce breed-specific foods that take into account nutritional requirements and the particular way each breed uses it mouth to pick up its food. For example, Royal Canin Pug 25 dog food is designed to be easily gripped by the mouth as Pugs have a very short, broad skull structure, and also contains vitamins and minerals to prevent muscle strain – a common problem in Pugs.

Arden Grange dog food has developed its Prestige dog food as a rich in chicken recipe that is high in protein for working dogs and show dogs. It is also very palatable for fussy eaters. Many brands also provide foods for mothers (whether pregnant, lactating or weaning) and puppies of varying sizes.

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Obesity is one of the most widespread problems in dogs and has long-term consequences on its health. Obese pets suffer from serious ailments like arthritis, liver problems, heart problems and might also become diabetic. Sadly enough, obesity tends to lead to further overweight problems because once a pet is overweight, his physical activity drops dramatically making it almost impossible to lose weight. Given below are 4 ways in which you can prevent dog obesity.

1. Keep A Watch For Signs Of Obesity

Regular health check-ups and weighing should be enough to spot any weight gain and its associated problems. Obesity is spotted by assessing a dog’s health and its body build conditions. Dogs in a good condition will possess an obviously identifiable waist before its hind limbs when stroked or viewed along the sides. In dogs with a thin-coat it will be possible to feel but unable to see the ribs’ outline. If there is any doubt your vet should be consulted for advice.

2. Portion Control

Obesity sets in when overeating, usually caused by frequent treats and unnecessary foods overshooting the energy that the dog would need normally, thus, leading to accumulation of fat.

3. Consult A Vet

Your vet is best placed to advice you on the diet and exercise regime that needs to be followed in order to help your pet lose weight. Additionally, vet clinics all over the country organize ‘Weight Management Clinics’ in order to help pet owners. On a more do-it-yourself level you can reduce your dog’s daily intake of calories by going for a different dog food product, one that has a specialized calorie control diet with high protein and fibre content.

4. Keep Your Dog Active

The two most effective ways in which you can prevent your dog from getting obese in the first place is by ensuring that:

• The dog gets ample amounts of exercise. If your dog is lazy or unenthusiastic to physical working, then try to entice it with interesting forms of toys. You can easily buy these toys at a cheap dog supplies store. You can try taking him to parks where other dogs play and ensure the fact that you are actively involved in its playtime.
• Try to cut down on the frequency of treating or rewarding the dog with treats and dog candy. Treats, apart from being nutritionally lacking, also might turn your dog into a hog.

A healthy and non-obese dog is a gift to any household in the form of a better playmate, better mannered when it comes to eating habits and who doesn’t want a healthy family member!

Carrie Lyttle is a work-at-home mom and a freelance writer. She loves dogs and currently has a small, adorable poodle. Lyttle is the owner of http://www.costumewigsource.com/, the popular costume and halloween wigs store online.

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Obesity is one of the most common health disorders as it frequently goes unacknowledged, whilst owners are also reluctant to reduce their dog’s calorie intake as they believe it means dramatically reducing their food intake. However providing an ‘obesity diet’ supplies your pet with low calorie food, meaning they can eat the same amount as usual, so you don’t have to worry about them going hungry.

Obesity in dogs

Preventing obesity is key as once your dog becomes obese it is much harder for them to exercise and consequently lose weight.  It is important in obesity prevention that the recommended allowance of food (as prescribed on food packaging) is followed and treats are given on occasion. Dog treats that are low in calories are ideal. James Wellbeloved offer a variety of food flavours and tasty treats that are ideal for pets requiring weight management. They are packed with fibre to satisfy hunger and protein which encourages the loss of fat rather than muscle during weight loss.

Caution must also be taken as certain dog breeds are more prone to obesity, including; English Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, Dalmatians and Cocker Spaniels. Royal Canin dog food has food specifically designed for these breeds. These foods have been formulated based on research conducted on the specific needs and feeding behaviours of the breeds’ individual characteristics.

It is important that you feed your dog a food suited to their life stage and life style, as puppies have different requirements to adult and older dogs. Working dogs will also have a much higher energy requirement than a dog which gets walked once a day, for which a diet low in fat and energy is better, suited to prevent obesity; Royal Canin has a variety of pet food suited to your pet’s lifestyle.

Royal canin puppy food also offers food specially designed for different breeds of puppy. These contain a higher energy requirement as puppies require more energy for growth and their higher activity levels. These foods are of various shapes and sizes depending on the feeding habits of the breed and to suit the jaws and teeth of the breed, as some pick up their food with their teeth and others with their lips or tongue.

Remember, you are being far kinder to your dog feeding them the correct foods than to give them your junk food!

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Dog obesity

Certain breeds are prone to obesity – Labradors, spaniels and Golden Retrievers can often become overweight in later years. These active breeds need plenty of exercise as well as a healthy, balanced diet if they are to avoid piling on the pounds. Unfortunately, obesity can lead to some far more serious conditions such as heart disease, joint and respiratory problems (again, just as in humans), so it is important to tackle the signs of obesity as early as possible to ensure your dog has a long, active and happy life.

Choosing the right diet

Whereas cats tend to regulate their food intake quite naturally, dogs are happy to accept titbits and treats all day long. So cutting out the table scraps and resisting that ‘puppy dog eyes’ pleading look every time your dog wants a treat is important. Specialist dog food suppliers such as Pro Plan, Arden Grange and James Wellbeloved all produce healthy products that can help kick-start your dog’s diet. Their blends of essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids are carefully regulated to keep the appeal and taste factors high, but calorie counts low.

Increasing the levels of activity is also essential to burn off excess fat, but ensure that very overweight dogs, as with overweight humans, begin any exercise programme slowly and at a rate that is not going to put undue pressure on their joints. It is always advisable to talk to your vet to plan a diet and exercise routine that will help reduce your dog’s weight without impacting on their wellbeing.

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