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.

Photo source:gorya-loveanimal.blogspot.com

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1. Freedom of Choice – Which Food for Your Dog
2. Obesity in dogs and its prevention
3. How to choose the best dog breeds for families

Making the decision of getting a dog to include in your family is always a good one. Indeed, choosing the right dog can bring many years of love and loyal companionship, especially for the children in a family. However, choosing just the right breed of dog is an important part of getting the puppy you can have this long lasting relationship with. Check out these tips for choosing the best dog breeds for families.

Parents should never leave smaller children alone with a dog or any other type of pet. This is a recipe for disaster and has led to great injury for both animals and children. Make sure you always supervise smaller children while they are around a new dog and take advantage of this time to teach them how to best treat a pet. Take your time and do a little every day in teaching your children and your pet to be good to one another. Do a pet insurance comparison up front to see how much vet bills are likely to run for the breed you’re thinking of. There are many pet insurance plans to choose from.

Dog breeds chart comparing breeds

Your family may do well with a large breed dog as opposed to a smaller breed. However, make certain you have enough space for a larger breed. The Golden Retriever is a perfect choice for those families with children. They are smart and are easily trained. Many families have made this dog the most popular breed for the family pet because of these reasons.

Another great dog for the family with kids is a Labrador. These dogs love to play and have plenty of energy for doing so which is the greatest reason to choose this breed for kids. Labs are loyal and loving companions and love to cuddle as much as they love to run and play fetch. They are easily maintained as far as grooming goes and are always ready to please.

The family that lives in an area that provides plenty of room might consider the Great Pyreneesas their breed of dog. These are gentle giants and are known for their protective personalities. This is in addition to being loving and smart dogs as well. If you are thinking about adopting this breed, remember they do require daily grooming and maintain a large diet.

If a larger breed is not a good choice for your family and the lifestyle you lead, you might consider the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These are medium animals with a possessive personality, so choose this breed if your children are at least ten years old. They make excellent playmates, however, for the kid that understands how to treat dogs.

Boston Terriers and Basset Hounds also make great family pets. Both of these dogs make great playmates and are fiercely loyal to their family. Making the choice for either of these breeds is a great one. You might also consider a beagle for a wonderful family dog as well.

How you care for your canine will decide how your canine cares for you. The dogs that are treated fairly and loved are the dogs that give back the greatest companionship and loyalty. This is one thing parents need to instill in their children when they are thinking about getting one of the best dog breeds for families.

Boston Terrier Puppy

Basset Hounds Puppy

Photo source:

• ogpicturesonline.blogspot.com
• cuttiecutecute88.blogspot.com
• ilmagicomondodeilibri.blogspot.com
• punnypuppy.blogspot.com
• ourpets7.blogspot.com

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2. The decision to buy a puppy
3. The puppy will become your family guard
4. Choosing a Dog Name
5. Preparing to buy a puppy

In spite of the fact that dogs all have similar traits and characteristics, there are things that separate one dog from another. There are different breeds of dogs and with these breeds of dogs come different behaviors and skills. Some dogs are more trainable than others and there is a need for you to understand the kinds of dogs available so that you select the one that best suits your needs. Dog vary in skill and in function as well as looks. There are several kinds of dogs that are trained to exhibit inherent skills. The following are sets of dogs that are trained according to what they are naturally good at:

- Detection dogs: Detection dogs are especially trained to detect things or folks. Detection dogs are used by the police force to obtain or recover missing or lost things.

- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs refer to dogs that are trained to assist folks. These dogs are born with a natural gift for taking care of people. Assistance dogs include those that are trained to lead blind individuals or look after disabled folks. They are naturally sensitive to the needs of their owners and tend to anticipate their needs.

- Herding dogs: Herding dogs are dogs that are used to protect and guide cattle or sheep and goats. Herding dogs herd. That is what they are good at. They are trained to check that not a single cow, sheep or goat is lost on the way and are also trained to keep a sharp eye on predators.

- Guard dogs: Guard dogs are trained to offer security and protection to people and property. Guard dogs are naturally territorial and are trained to exhibit that territorial trait when it is necessary. Guard dogs are trained to either be in attack mode when their owners are away or at ease mode when the owner is back.

Dog breeds chart comparing breeds

The kind of dog you want will depend to a large extent on your purpose for it so, choose with care.

Even if you send your dog away to training school, you will eventually have to be present at a point during the training to learn all about the commands your dog is responding to. Contrary to what some people think, a dog cannot be trained in your absence because you need to be the one to issue out the commands. Your dog needs to get used to your tone of voice before it responds to any command that you issue.

Photo source:mydogs4you.blogspot.com

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Goldendoodle dog

A Goldendoodle dog is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden retriever and the result is a friendly, easily trained dog that is great for families (some say)– especially those families whose members have allergies.  Mini Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden retriever and a Miniature Poodle. They are smaller than the average Goldendoodle, hence the “mini” attached to their name. The breed was established in the 1990’s, soon after Labradoodles became popular. Goldendoodles are considered a mixed breed.

Goldendoodle dogs are gaining popularity, especially with many celebrities now owning goldendoodles.

Goldendoodle Breed Specific

First generation Goldendoodles are considered to have “hybrid vigor” because they come directly from full-bred dogs with a reputation for desirable qualities. This hybrid vigor makes them suitable as pets.

Classifications

The first generation or those that are directly descended from a full bred Golden retriever and a full-bred Poodle, are classified as F1. The F1B is a backcross between a Goldendoodle and a poodle and an F2 is a cross between one Goldendoodle and another Goldendoodle.

Appearance

Depending on which genes dominate, their fur may be curly, wavy or straight and between 4 and 8 inches long when not clipped. The combination also makes their fur particularly suitable for those who have allergies because they shed little or not at all.

They may be closer to the size of a Retriever (though not quite so large) or to the size of a poodle. Most of them hit an average between the two breeds. A standard Goldendoodle weighs 45 pounds or more at adulthood. Medium-sized doodles range between 30 and 45 pounds. Miniatures weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Grooming

Goldendoodles should have their fur trimmed every few weeks to keep it from getting long and tangled. Comb their regularly.

Personality

Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. This makes Goldendoodles particularly smart and easily handled, though how well they learn depends on the amount of time you spend with them. When left alone the majority of the time, their behavioral skills will suffer.

Health Issues

There are no major health concerns involved with Goldendoodles but the few that may come up are:

• VonWillebrand’s – a blood clotting disorder found in some Golden Retrievers and Poodles
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) – more common in Golden Retrievers than Poodles
• Elbow and patella disorders

A vet should be consulted concerning genetic testing for these disorders though the mix of a golden retriever and a poodle in the first generation most often produces a very healthy dog.

Life Expectancy

Goldendoodles can live for up to 15 years.

Registry of Goldendoodles

The Goldendoodle Association of North America or “GANA” was established to keep a record of Goldendoodle breeds and follow the breed lines for the purpose of ensuring good health and development down through the lines.

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There is a wide range of miniature dog breeds for you to choose from, if you like very small dogs. Miniature or small dog breeds include the Miniature Pinscher, Pug, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua and Spaniel. There are many other small dog breeds available as well.

The term Miniature generally refers to what many dog breeders call “toy dog breeds“. Miniature dogs are very small dogs. There are pros and cons of owning these toy dog breeds that you should consider before adopting a toy dog breed.

Pug Chihuahua Mix

Advantages of owning miniature dog breeds

The main reason people prefer miniature dog breeds over larger breeds is for its cuteness. Don’t think that its size makes these dogs less hardy for once they pass their puppy hood, they have energy that is similar to any other breed of dog. They make excellent watch dogs for their hue and cry is sufficient to make any intruder think twice before making a break-in.

The easier handling of a miniature dog breed is another reason people take to these dogs. If you live in an apartment, a miniature dog is the best option you have as a pet and partner for you. This is because these dogs don’t need much dwelling space, or as much exercise space as a large dog may require.

You don’t have much cleaning to do with a miniature dog as it does not shed as much hair as their larger counterparts do. This is not because their coat characteristics are different, but just because they are smaller in size and thus have less fur. All aspects of dog care are smaller in miniature dogs ranging from its cleaning, to its clean-up and from the amount of food it consumes and the amount of food it expels.

Miniature dogs have always been considered to be companion dogs and are friendly and alert and are always waiting to be held and petted. As they are comforting and bring peace to its owner, nursing homes and adult care facilities use them for soothing their patients. Of course, this does not imply that you have to stay in an eldercare facility to enjoy the company of miniature dog breeds. They are great companions for any dog lover.

Disadvantages of owning miniature dog breeds

The main disadvantage is that most small breeds don’t actually interact well with young children and toddlers. This means that you have to be extra careful of these dogs if you have small children in your home as the kids may get injured by the dog. Because of their small size, many miniature dog breeds are very nippy.

There are some miniature dog breeds that are prone to tooth and gum disease, and tracheal collapse. Then there are small breeds that are difficult to house train while some of them may have trouble lifting their legs. There are even some dogs that have tenancies to bark constantly.

Before selecting a toy dog breed based solely on it’s cute appearance, make sure you do your research on the breeds health and temperament.

Photo source:topdogdirectory.blogspot.com

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Pitbull & baby napping

Have you seen a full-grown Pitbull? You probably will agree with me that this stocky, muscular, and big dog will make your spine chill. I will not blame you, you probably have seen stories in television, newspaper and probably have heard of banning of Pitbulls in the United States. However, if you want a friend, a very loyal friend who will protect you and your family, you need a Pitbull.

The picture to your left is my 3 month old son and my American Pitbull Terrier napping!

Believe it or not, pitbulls are amazing dogs. We have owned them for years and have been by far the best breed we have ever owned. This agile, playful, and caring dog will be your best friend for life. Pitbulls will protect you, your family and will be a best friend for life.

Knowledge in care and training of a pitbull is what is necessary. If you want a Pitbull but do not have experience in caring for it, seek help from a reputable Pitbull breeder. I would also highly recommend dealing with a knowledgeable pitbull breeder who has experience in ethical breeding standards.

Here are some common pitbull myths and the truths behind them.

Myth 1 – Pitbulls has a locking jaw mechanism. This is untrue. Experts examine the skeleton of a Pit Bull and state that skulls, mandibles, and teeth of a Pitbull are proportionate to its size. The jaw structure and functional morphology is not different from other any dog breed.

In reality, because of its size, Pit Bulls are bred for dog fighting, farm working, and protector of their owners. Thus, they have the tendency to ignore severe pain with the intension of finishing the job. If the training of your Pitbull is for dog fighting, he will stop at nothing just to finish his task. He will ignore pain and will do what he must do. If he feels that his family is at risk, he will ignore even poisonous snakebite just to ensure the life of his human family.

Myth 2 – Pitbulls are not affected by dog repellent sprays. Pitbulls may or may not be affected by capsaicin-based dog repellent sprays. It is just like in human where some people are not affected by OC gas spray. Another possible reason is that dogs tend to ignore minor pain. They do not seem to be affected but then minutes later, it could just do its job. It may also be true that indeed they are not affected because dog repellent sprays do not affect other breeds like Bull Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and many German Shepherds.

Myth 3, Pit Bulls continue attacking even after being shot. Aggression is common to animals especially if they are not trained to socialize. As mentioned above, a Pit Bull has the tendency to stop at nothing to finish his task. He will not stop attacking until he has served his purpose. This is true to any dog or animal on that matter not just the pitbull dog.

Myth 4- Pitbulls are not good with kids. This is one of the most appalling myth of all! Pitbulls have never been bred to be human aggressive! They were bred many years ago to be animal aggressive, which is completely different than human aggressive.

They are wonderful family dogs! I personally have 4 children and have raised all of my kids around pitbulls. They love kids and human companionship!

The key to owning a good pitbull, red nose pitbull or blue nose pitbull, is to deal only with reputable breeders who breed for quality!

Where do all these myths come from? The Media and the legislators that passed the ban of breeding and care of Pitbulls and other breeds that resembles a Pit Bull. These myths are also from rumors being spread by people who are not educated on the breed.

Pitbull Puppies

American Pitbull look-alikes attacks have also helped being on the bad name for the breed. Breeds like the Dogue De Bordeau, Alpha Blue Bulldogs, Vizsula, Dogos, and even Cane Corsos and Black Mouth Curs look allot like American Pitbull Terriers. When these dogs bite or attack, people generally immediately call them pitbulls!

You want to test your pitbull skills? Play the Can You Identify The Pitbull Game! Most people can not select the REAL pitbull!

Photo source:everythingtopdogs.blogspot.com

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I was looking over the 2007 AKC Registration Figures to see what the world thought about different dog breeds. Here are the statistics from 2007 according to dog registrations.

Dog breeds statistics in America

Here are a few of the top 10 dog breeds listed under the city.

Atlanta’s Top Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. German Shepherd
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
5. Boxer
6. Yorkshire Terrier
7. Shih Tzu
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. Doberman Pinscher
10. Dachshund

Baltimore’s Top Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Golden Retriever
3. Boxer
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. German Shepherd
6. Pug
7. Poodle
8. Dachshund
9. Rottweiler
10. Bulldog

Tampa’s Top Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier (tied with #1)
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Boxer
6. Dachshund
7. Poodle (tied with #6)
8. Bulldog
9. Rottweiler
10. Chihuahua

Washington Dc’s Top Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Poodle
4. Shih Tzu
5. Golden Retriever
6. Boxer
7. German Shepherd
8. Boston Terrier
9. Pug
10. Rottweiler

Chicago’s Top Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Boxer
5. Golden Retriever
6. Rottweiler
7. Doberman Pinscher
8. Bulldog
9. Pug
10. Vizsla

Dallas’ Top Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Miniature Schnauzer
9. Rottweiler (tied w/#8)
10. Pomeranian

As you can see the Lab was #1, the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Boxer appeared on every top 10 list. I had no clue that Golden Retrievers were so popular and was very shocked to see many of the top 10 dog breeds to be large dogs!

Photo source:.thepetscentral.com

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The Doberman is a breed of its own. The breed was created by Louis Doberman who was looking for a great watch dog to protect him in his rounds of the bad areas where he lived. The Doberman was noted in 1908 by the American Kennel Club and soon became the second most popular breed in the United States.

The average life expectancy of the Doberman is fourteen years. Though the dog is moody it is expected to be one of the loyalist and most protective breeds. The Doberman has short hair and is generally black and tan in color.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman common diseases

We all understand that you want to protect your pets from common diseases and illness so here are a few health issues related to Dobermans:

• Addison’s disease: This disease is a defect which lowers the production of the dog’s adrenal hormones.
• Thyroid Dysfunction: Can work too much or not enough depending on the hormones.
• Chronic Active Hepatitis: This disease is a biological dysfunction that causes the dog’s body to not take out the copper it consumes. The disease effects the liver and can be fatal.
• Hypoyhyroidism: Caused by the thyroid gland not producing enough hormone to adequately maintain the dog’s metabolism.
• Hip Dysplasia: Is an inherited disease of the hip joint. Any Doberman purchased from a breeder should be offspring of parents that are OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified with a excellent, good or fair rating.

Common conditions in the Doberman breeds:

• Mange
• Dandruff
• Allergies

The Doberman is a good pet for families if it is raised from a puppy around kids and adults. The Doberman however lives best around adults. It has a mildly moody temperament but is a great protector of your home.

Every Doberman I have ever met has been fairly laid back and not hyper. I know know homes to own them that had children as well as homes with adults only.

The Doberman is a truly enjoyable dog to have as a pet. There has been fewer reports of Doberman attacks then other small breeds.

Photo source:maniadedog.blogspot.com

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