Dog Breeds

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Look what my son taught our dog, Rupert, to do! Now we can’t get him to stop. Funny, except for the mess it makes and the fact that I have to sanitize it now!!

Rottweiler Faqs

Rottweiler Faqs

Is the Rottweiler the right dog for me?

The Rottweiler is the current “fad” guard/macho dog of the moment. For four years running, it has been the second most-popular AKC registered breed. Don’t be swept up by the hype, or the fact that you neighbor, aunt, sister, or best friend has one. The Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog and along with ownership comes much responsibility. Rottweilers require extensive socialization from an early age. Are you willing to carry your puppy for several months, (he shouldn’t be walking in public places until he is fully immunized at around 16-20 weeks), exposing him to the sights, sounds and people he will encounter as an adult? Because of their size and strength, obedience training for your Rottweiler is a must. Weekly group classes for 6 to 12 months is generally considered a minimum. Rottweilers are “people” dogs.

They want to be with their masters. As a working breed, the Rottweiler requires daily exercise, a good romp twice a day at least. Left alone or with inadequate exercise for long periods they may become unruly and destructive.

How are they with children?

A properly bred Rottweiler who receives adequate socialization and training will generally get along fine with children, but tolerance will vary from dog to dog. He must be taught early on what is acceptable behavior and what is not, as should the child. Because of their large size and inherent desire to “herd”, Rottweilers should always be supervised around children. A minor “bump” can cause serious injury to a small child. Also, some Rottweilers have a high degree of “prey” drive (the instinct to chase moving objects), therefore should never be left alone with children, who naturally will want to run and play. Some breeders recommend waiting until the children are at least school age before introducing a Rottweiler into the home. The amount of space in your home, the age of your children and the amount of time the dog will be in contact with the children should be part of your decision.

Are they vicious?

A properly bred, socialized and trained Rottweiler is not inherently vicious. The rapid rise in popularity of the breed has attracted many irresponsible breeders who are only interested in making a profit, and don’t care what damage is done to the breed in the process.

Are they good with other pets?

Problems should be minimal when a Rottweiler is raised from puppyhood with other pets. Introducing a new pet when there is an adult Rottweiler in the household should be done slowly and with care. Dog to dog aggression is influenced by the early socialization of puppies, their bloodlines and sex; males are less tolerant of other males than they are of females. Bitches may also be intolerant of other dogs. The Rottweiler is highly intelligent and trainable, and with perserverence, should be able to learn to co-exist peacefully with any pet you wish to introduce.

What kind of training do they require?

The Rottweiler has been developed for its working ability and often blooms when given a chance to work with its master, although there are occasional exceptions. It is very necessary to establish your control of the animal and obedience training is often the easiest and most rewarding way to do so. Your breeder should be able to provide you with guidance in the selection of a training class, however, avoid the very rough trainer, no matter how highly recommended. Rottweilers can often be controlled using verbal reprimands alone, and while they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher on Rottweilers than is necessary. Women have been very successful with the dogs in obedience training. Physical mastery of the dog is generally less important than sensitive, patient and positive training methods. Patience is an important factor in training a Rottweiler.

What about discipline?

The Rottweiler is a sensitive, intelligent and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally, it can be quite stubborn though, and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline is consistent and firm without being overly rough. A harsh word will often suffice, although sharper corrections are sometimes necessary. Ownership isn’t for the timid or very busy person who cannot or is not inclined towards careful supervision of his/her pet.

Do they require much exercise?

The Rottweiler is a working breed. He is generally not happy sitting around doing nothing all day. A large yard with a six-foot high fence is ideal, but adult Rottweilers have been kept successfully in large apartments. The yard is essential if a puppy or young dog is being acquired; it will help to keep the dog exercised and reduce boredom which in turn may prevent destructive behavior. If you don’t have the space, consider a smaller or less active breed. Personal commitment on the part of the owner is the most important thing. People willing to walk their dog on a regular basis will find a more personal and bonding relationship developing than just letting them run by themselves in the yard. Your Rottweiler will require a minimum of two good walks each day (10 to 20 minutes each). Adequate exercise is necessary to maintain the good health of your Rottweiler, as they have a tendency to gain weight without proper exercise.

Do they shed?

The Rottweiler is a double-coated breed, with a medium length outer coat and a soft downy undercoat. They do shed, more than one would think by looking at their appearance. The amount of shedding will vary with climatic conditions. They generally tend to “blow out” their undercoats twice a year, in spring and fall.

Are they noisy?

Rottweilers will bark to announce the arrival of people on the property, and at animals and birds in the yard, but they generally don’t bark without reason.

Which sex makes the best pet?

Opinions vary on this topic. Most breeders would generally recommend a female, especially for first-time owners. Females are smaller and easier to control, somewhat less dominant and usually more affectionate. Males are stronger, more powerful and dominant, and therefore somewhat harder to train and control.

Where should I buy my Rottweiler puppy?

There are various places where you may acquire a Rottweiler puppy, but only ONE place where you should – from a responsible breeder. Pet shops acquire their puppies from puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders. Their puppies are separated from their dams and litters at too early and age, they are not properly socialized and may well develop serious health problems.

Puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders have only one priority – to make a profit. They are not interested in the welfare of the puppies they breed. Beware of petshops that advertise “we get our puppies from private breeders.” No responsible breeder would ever broker puppies to a pet shop. Don’t perpetuate the puppy mill problem – steer clear of pet shops.

What is a “Responsible” breeder?

This is a difficult category to define, but there are certain minimum standards that are accepted as “responsible” by most who are active in the dog fancy. Following are some of the things a responsible breeder will be doing:

1. All breeding stock will be certified free of Hip Dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Elbows may also be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia; this is a relatively new trend and some older dogs/bitches may not be certified. The breeder will be willing to supply you with copies of the OFA certificates. No bitch or dog will be bred before the age of two, (the minimum age for OFA certification). OFA does issue preliminary evaluations of hips and elbows, but actual certification will not be done before two years.

2. Breeding stock will be certified free of inherited eye disease annually by a Board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist; the certificate is issued by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

3. Bitches and dogs used for breeding will have achieved certain competitive titles such as AKC Champion or an advanced obedience title (CDX, UD). Responsible breeders will usually not breed dogs and bitches whose quality has not been proven in competition, although under certain circumstances (injuries which prevent competition) they may.

4. The Breeder will belong to one or more Rottweiler Clubs which require adherence to a “Code of Ethics” from all members (adherence to a certain level of responsibility in ownership and breeding). The largest of these clubs include the American Rottweiler Club, The Colonial Rottweiler Club, The Medallion Rottweiler Club and the Gold Coast Rottweiler Club. There are numerous local Rottweiler clubs, some are “Code” clubs and some are not – ask. Code of Ethics clubs do not permit members to advertise puppy prices.

5. The Breeder will be active in the sport of dogs, competing in conformation, obedience, tracking or herding events.

6. A responsible breeder will not give you a “hard-sell” routine when you call to inquire about his/her dogs. Usually he/she will be trying everything they can to discourage you from buying a Rottweiler. A reputable breeder’s number one concern is that his/her puppies are placed in responsible homes where they will receive the same kind of care and training he/she gives his/her own dogs. Expect to be interviewed at length as to why you want to own a Rottweiler, and what your family and

A Little Bit About The Miniature Pinscher

A Little Bit About The Miniature Pinscher

In its native Germany the Miniature Pinscher is called the Zwergpinscher (dwarf pinscher) or the Reh Pinscher after the small roe deer of the same name. In the United States it is usually called the Minpin.

The Miniature Pinscher’s ancestors were bred in Scandinavia. It looks like a miniature Doberman Pinscher, but was actually bred in Scandinavia about a century before the Doberman. The two breeds are not related. Ancestors of the Miniature Pinscher were probably small German pinschers (terriers) and possibly Scandinavian Klein pinschers. Some writers think the gene pool included the Italian Greyhound. The breed was developed in Germany during the nineteenth century. By 1895 selective breeding produced what we recognize today as the Miniature Pinscher.

In 1895 the German Pinscher Club was formed. In the United States the American Miniature Pinscher club was formed in 1925. The AKC recognized the bred in 1929.

The Miniature Pinscher was bred from terriers for use as ratters and barking alarm dogs. The Miniature Pinscher’s current function is probably just taking care of its family. It is popular in apartments and condos of the big cities because of its size, personality and cleanliness.

Personality

The Miniature Pinscher is energetic, lively and serious. He is quite courageous and is extremely loyal. The Miniature Pinscher’s main desire is to please its handler, owner or friend. He will perform almost any feat to prove it.

The Miniature Pinscher gets along fairly well with other small house pets. He loves the family children providing they respect him and do not try to carry him around and lift him up. Its original breeding as an alarm dog causes the Miniature Pinscher to be quite a “barker,” which sometimes needs to be controlled before it becomes a vice. He is an independent little dog and normally suspicious of strangers, which is also a part of his original breeding purpose as a guard dog. Early exposure and training can help reduce this characteristic.

The Miniature Pinscher is intelligent and a good student during training times. He has the capacity to learn much more than is taught to the average toy breed. Despite the tiny stature of the Miniature Pinscher he acts much like his terrier ancestors and is usually quite at home supervising the family and watching out for them. The Miniature Pinscher is not a lapdog.

Appearance

The Miniature Pinscher stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weights about 8 to 10 pounds. He is muscular, smooth and clean-lined. His naturally erect ears may be cropped. The Miniature Pinscher usually has dark almond eyes with an intelligent expression. The coat is slick and glossy. The colors are black and tan, solid red and red intermingled with black hairs.

Grooming Requirements

The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming. The coat is close to the body. He is easy to maintain. Regular brushing using a sisal brush or a bristle brush and a hound glove will to keep the Miniature Pinscher in tiptop condition. Brushing several times a week will keep the coat and skin in good condition. The user of a velvet pad will make the coat more beautiful.

Miniature Schnauzer – Eye Problems

Miniature Schnauzer – Eye Problems

The Miniature Schnauzer is a feisty and playful dog. It tends to be overtly active at times and often gets hurt in the process. One should be extremely careful while playing with it.

The most common problem that a Miniature Schnauzer owner faces while playing with his dog is when the dog hurts himself in the face and even worse, in the eyes.

The dog should never be allowed to hang his head outside the window because flying debris and even insects can harm his vision.

If the dog gathers dirt in his eyes, a concoction of 2 cups of water and a teaspoon of salt should be the perfect solution. Without touching his eyes, a cotton swab should be dipped into the concoction and his eyes can be effectively cleaned with the same. Avoid eye drops unless prescribed by the vet.

Powders and soaps are to be completely avoided and trimming and clipping the hair around the eyes can go a long way in preventing irritation and eye infection.

Excess mucus or tearing, cataract and glaucoma are some of the eye ailments that are seen to affect a Miniature Schnauzer. But the most common among all ailments is the dry eye.

Just as it sounds like, the dry eye syndrome is when the dog’s eyes become dry and he suffers from irritation.

According to vets, the Miniature Schnauzer suffers from dry eyes because the dog’s immune system mistakes its tear glands for a foreign object that needs to be destroyed. When the tear glands are unable to produce adequate moisture to combat the immune system’s attack, the eyes become more and more dry.

Dry eye often leads to injured corneas, infections and even blindness. The most common symptoms are rubbing of eyes, reddened eyes, yellow discharge, and squinting and even cloudiness of vision.

This ailment is more rampant in middle-aged to senior dogs as compared to the younger ones.

When the first signs of dry eyes are noticed, one should immediately rush his Miniature Schnauzer to the veterinarian before conducting any kind of treatment of his own.

Newfoundland Dog Breed Info

Newfoundland Dog Breed Info

Some say the Newfoundland breed is said to be descended from a mix of the native Indian dogs of the Beothuk tribe living in Newfoundland many centuries ago, others say that the Newfoundland Dog is descended from the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Mastiff type dogs brought by the Vikings, who were believed to have been the earliest European visitors to the Eastern coast of the North American continent.

However the Newfoundland came to be, he is well known historically as a working dog of the country of Newfoundland, having been used for centuries as a fisherman’s helper, bringing in the nets full of fish from the sea and pulling the carts full of fish to the local villages.

The Newfoundland is considered to be one of the most highly instinctive life-saving breeds and water rescue breeds of all the dogs. The Newfoundland’s strong instinctive desire to swim into the water, coupled with his desire to keep humans from harm, have led to numerous accounts of the dog’s life saving abilities from bringing in floundering boats to carrying ropes out to floundering swimmers.

The Newfoundland is among the Giant breeds. He should stand 26-29 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 140 to 150 pounds, with females being of smaller stature for the most part. The coat is exceedingly thick and double and can be black, black and white (also termed Landseer, after the famous painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often painted the black and white Newfoundlands,) and brown, brown and white, gray and very rarely black and tan or cream. The coat requires regular brushing. The coat is weather resistant and should not be shaved as it provides insulation in both the summer and the winter.

The Newfoundland’s body should be heavy boned and massive and appear nearly square, being as long as he is tall. The ears are lop and , like the face, are covered with short hair, elsewhere all the fur is two inches or more in length. The feet are webbed between the toes. The dog should have great strength for pulling carts and power for swimming.

As a general rule Newfs are a messy dog, some drool and most puppies like to dig water out of the water bucket. Being large as puppies, they can be very destructive. Newfs are noted for their sweet disposition and gentleness towards humans and even towards other creatures. Most Newfoundlands do not exhibit aggression in any manner. The standard of the Newfoundland Club remarks: “sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the breed”. The Newfoundland does not make a good kennel dog. Without human companionship they can become quite unruly and they are a big enough dog to do a good deal of damage when they jump up enthusiastically on an unsuspecting visitor.

The Newfoundland is an “easy trainer” and is motivated to want to please his owner. They are generally not a “one person” dog but will extend affection to all whom they meet. They have made their mark as excellent therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs and draft dogs. Almost all those who have had the pleasure of living with a Newfoundland will tell you that they will never consider another breed.

This is a video of my son, Oscar, laughing hysterically at our 145 lb, 2 year old Newfoundland Landseer, Tatou.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

The Stylish and Reserved Dog: Scottish Terrier

The Stylish and Reserved Dog: Scottish Terrier

The Scottish terriers, also known as Scotties, are short-legged British terriers. They are one among other go-to-ground and wire-coated terriers developed in the highlands of Scotland. The Scotties are said to have jaunty attitude so they are often used to represent advertisements of the country to where they originated.

However, Scotties’ nature is not in coherence with their public image or trademark. In fact, Scotties are like the citizens of his native land who are independent, stoic, and fiercely loyal to their masters. They also adhere much to their own privacy.

Scotties, Westies, and Cairns are very similar regarding their appearance. The Westies and the Cairns are, in fact, closely-related. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Scotties:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor (mostly preferred by breeders)

Coat: wiry, short (about 2 inches) and thick Colors: iron gray or steel, black, wheaten, or sandy; the coat may also be brindled or grizzled

Height: about 10 inches

Weight: between 18 and 20 pounds

Temperament: they need to be praised frequently and they adapt with the moods of the household

Breeders should note of the following health issues: • Von Willibrand’s disease (VWD), an inherited disorder • Flea allergies and other skin problems • Epilepsy • Jawbone disorders • Scottie cramp, a minor condition that causes walking difficulties • Cerebellar abiotrophy, a slow-to-progress and rare neurological disease that causes loss of coordination

Care and Exercise: • Their coats need special care to maintain its appearance and texture. It is suggested that they should be subjected to professional grooming once or twice each year for their coats to stay wiry and firm. • The fur needs to be combed a couple of times in each week and even needs occasional trimming. • Scotties’ dead hairs should be plucked out through stripping. Using electric clippers will only make their coats dull and soft. • Play with them. Hunting and squeaky balls and toys are their favorites. • They should be on leash while walking in public places.

Origin/History:

The origins of the breed are obscure. It was noted that forerunners of Scotties were sent to France’s Royal Highness by King James I of England during the 16th century. Later on, three different terriers were revealed as Scotch Terriers, which included the Westies, the Cairns, and the Scotties. The Dandie Dinmont variety had also been noted as closely-related to the abovementioned terriers but its apparent physical differences categorized itself as a separate breed.

Terrier dogs that were bred in Britain were developed to hunt vermin that ate grains, and pestered eggs and poultry farms. Most breeds grew as scrappy and courageous dogs and were trained to follow badgers or foxes into their dens. Their wiry coats and soft undercoats protected them against rugged terrains and harsh climates.

If you want to have a Scottie in your life, you should not be impulsive about the matter for animosity and lack of proper training will only harm and traumatize the dog. If properly taken cared of, this breed can even appoint itself as a guardian of the family. It can also be fiercely loyal, that is it can protect you even if it means endangering its own life.

To this effect, I guess you must agree that a Scottie is a dog that is second to none.

Scottish terriers, or Scottie dogs, are sporty and independent, and tend to do better in quiet households with one or two people. Care for a Scottish terrier’s coat by getting it professionally groomed withadvice from a certified dog trainer in this free video on pet care and obedience. Expert: Nancy Frensley Contact: www.berkeleyhumane.org/ Bio: Nancy Frensley is a certified pet dog trainer. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

Alaskan Malamute Information

Alaskan Malamute Information

The Alaskan Malamute is a stunningly beautiful large breed of dog. The Alaskan Malamute is often used as a sled dog. They can grow up to weigh between seventy five and one hundred pounds, so be sure that you want a big dog before you commit to owning one as a pet.

The Alaskan Malamute, as its name suggests, is best suited for northern climates. This is mainly due to its very thick coat and undercoat. Their coats can be a variety of main colors, such as grey, black, red and sable. The main color is always paired with white in these dogs. If you are looking for a pure bred Alaskan Malamute, it should always have brown eyes. The tail should plume up over the back and have a lot of fur to keep the dog’s face warm in freezing weather while sleeping.
If you are considering an Alaskan Malamute as a house pet, there are a few things to be aware of. They can be great with children, but may not take well to a small child that hurts or teases. Older children in the home are preferred. Alaskan Malamutes are very active as puppies and need a lot of room to run and play. You will need a big yard with a good fence. Alaskan Malamutes can be destructive if ignored or not properly socialized. With some obedience training and proper handling, they usually grow into gentle mild-mannered dogs.

It is important to exercise your dog. Overheating is the main concern and you should be careful about exercising your dog in hot weather. Alaskan Malamutes can easily get too hot in warm climates. Their dense undercoat sheds for warmer weather. Make sure that your dog has plenty of shade and fresh water during warmer months.

Alaskan Malamutes are generally healthy dogs with little health issues to worry about. They eat as much as you give them and can get rather bloated and overweight. They only need a surprisingly small amount of food, so be careful about overfeeding.
Alaskan Malamutes have historically been prized sledding dogs. They were originally bred for sledding and are very powerful animals. They usually have a very sweet disposition as adults and may not make the best guard dogs. They are loyal companions and loved for their friendly mild manners by many owners. They do like to dig, so make sure that your fence is equipped to handle some deep digs and keep your dog in. They are territorial and may not get along well with other dogs. This is especially true with same sex or same breed dogs. They can be raised to accept other pets in the home, even small animals. You will need to properly introduce your dog to smaller pets so that your dog does not see them as prey.

Having an Alaskan Malamute in your life can be a real blessing and add a lot of love to your family. Choose wisely and avoid puppy mills when choosing your dog. Puppy mill dogs tend to have a lot more health and temperament problems. When looking for purebred dogs for sale, please visit www.mydreampuppy.com.

Maltese

Maltese

The Maltese is seen as a ball of hair. Glamorous, difficult and dainty. The Greeks put up tombs for their dogs and a model was found in Egypt as well. They’ve been an aristocrat for 28 centuries, with documentations of the breed as early as 40 A.D.

These have long been household pets for people with means. They were healthy and although small in size large in temperament. They have a long beautiful coat that is hard to overlook when groomed right.

By the standard the Maltese is less than 7 pounds with a preference of 4-6 pounds if the quality is there. They’ll possess a smooth gait with an impression of fast movement. He projects fearlessness with affection. Lively, playful, vigorous describe this breed. This is a companion breed that takes regular grooming to keep tangle free especially after playing in puddles!

His coat should be straight, not curly or wavy and his body is slightly longer than he is tall. This is a hardy companion that is fine boned but not exactly dainty. They do need regular maintenance and grooming to keep the coat beautiful. Even among pet dogs, which can be trimmed to have a shorter coat than show dogs, daily brushing helps keep the coat in good condition.

In a home environment the Maltese is typically active and playful with a devoted nature. They generally trust people and are very intelligent. Like most smart dogs they are good at learning things and indeed need to learn. A balanced attitude is needed to keep the Maltese eager to learn and yet disciplined to not learn the wrong things.

This is generally a healthy breed but not without issues. Good routine preventative care is essential but there are issues that can arise even with that. “Reverse sneezing” is apt to happen when excited, eating or drinking or during exercises. Although relatively common in the breed it is not something that gathers serious concern.

However one thing that appears the same can be a collapsed trachea. This is a condition that seems to affect certain breeds of dogs leading some to believe it is genetic in origin. The dog may cough or ‘honk’ and if very light pressure is placed on the throat causes a reaction it can be a collapsed trachea. X-rays can confirm the condition as well as an endoscope. While doing x-rays it is worth taking chest shots to check for heart disease at the same time. There are treatments available but they don’t always work. Use extreme caution in corrective jerks during training to prevent damaging the trachea or lunging at the leash.

Liver shunts also affect the Maltese and should be considered especially if under a year old. Typical signs can be a puppy that doesn’t thrive despite good nutrition. Poor weight gain, weakness, depression and an apathetic attitude are indications of the disease early on. Other signs are weakness, seizures, excess salivation, vomiting, poor appetite, bladder stones, blindness and balance problems. Lab work including x-rays, ultrasound and radioisotopes can verify this genetic disorder which requires surgery.

Skin allergies, separation anxiety, car anxiety and retinal atrophy can all affect the Maltese also.

This is a good apartment or house dog due to a sometimes low tolerance for damp weather. Inside they can be quite active and playful, but they are happy with some outside play and a regular walk for exercise.

The smaller size means watching to insure your Maltese does not get too overweight. Balance the food with exercise always! With small dogs just a couple pounds can be enough to affect their health and shorten their lifespan.

Dental care is also important either with teeth cleaning by a vet or with natural methods of chewing toys and bones. Keeping the plaque and bacteria down helps eliminate not only dental issues but can lead to heart and kidney disease.

A Maltese is a true companion. They want to be with you whether it’s sitting near you as you watch television or going for a walk. They like to be with their owners and can be playful for most of his life with good care, living well into their teens.

Although the Maltese do not shed seasonally like many breeds do they do shed, which is another reason for regular grooming. While sunshine and fresh air is good it’s important to remember, especially with dog thefts on the rise, that the Maltese is a friendly breed that loves people. This makes a huge target for a thief. Also worth watching – their bone structure makes them physically not a dog for roughhousing with children or larger dogs. They are apt to play full on and, as such, apt to sustain injuries that are serious.

A crate is highly recommended for any puppy but especially small dogs like a Maltese. This allows a safe place to be should you travel and it’s also a place that he can retreat too during holidays and other times when the household is “too busy” for his comfort. Additionally if there should ever be emergency evacuation orders, a Maltese comfortable in his crate is much less stressed and much safer than a loose dog.

A happy, outgoing Maltese is a product of a commitment by the breeder and owner. The breeder selects the healthiest, best animals to increase the chances of quality animals rather than just producing puppies. The breeder cannot control things for life – when you purchase a puppy you pay for a companion and assume the responsibility for his training.

Expose them to as many things as possible and be consistent. Maltese are small and fluffy – the “cute” factor is in full motion and it’s important to be attentive to having discipline in place. Teaching boundaries and manners insures that your dog won’t be a training problem that results in so many dogs being dumped at shelters. Many breeders have a standing offer to always take the dog back should you not be able to keep them and it’s important to honor this agreement if it is in place.

Like other dogs with white hair on the face, tear stains can be noticeable on Maltese. This might be from the water, allergies, infections or blocked tear ducts.

This is an ideal dog for adults who are committed to a pet that is just as committed to them. They are a fairly active breed but not so much so that it’s a marathon to exercise them! With a good balance of love and discipline this is a breed that takes up permanent residence in your heart. Choose an individual wisely and prepare for a wonderful pet in a Maltese.

Maltese puppies
Video Rating: 4 / 5

how do i teach my 2 and a half year old scottish terrier(scottie)not to chase my parakeets and rabbits?

Question by Somara: how do i teach my 2 and a half year old scottish terrier(scottie)not to chase my parakeets and rabbits?
well i have a 2 and a half year old scottie and she just met me and came home on nov.26.08 from being uplifted her 2nd time to my home and she just met my pet parakeets and rabbits.the scottie is known for hunting and i’m almost forced to get rid of my parakeets and rabbits!so how do i teach her not to chase them?

Best answer:

Answer by oddishkennels
good luck with that not only are scotties good vermon hunters they are very head strong I don’t think you will ever be able to teach it to stop they are very headstrong that is why you do not see many of them around not many people can handle their stubborness

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

The Doberman Pinscher And The Facts And Advice you Deserve

The Doberman Pinscher And The Facts And Advice you Deserve

The Doberman Pinscher is a relatively ‘young’ breed of dog. This mixed breed dog (Doberman Pinscher have Rottweilers, Thuringian Shepherds, Greyhound, Great Dane, Weimaraner and German Shorthaired Pointer in them) was created by German tax collector Louis Dobermann in the 1860s after his many travels to crime-infested towns. He wanted to breed a watchdog that could easily handle any situation that might arise. The resulting breeding produced a dog that has strength, stamina and boundless energy.

Average Doberman Pinscher males will stand 26 to 28 inches tall and females 24 to 26 inches. Their weight will average 66 to 68 pounds and Doberman Pinschers will live about 13 years. Most Doberman Pinscher coats are black with rust and markings of red. Some Doberman Pinschers are born all white (albino). There is some disagreement if this indicates future medical problems. The hair is short and smooth, needing minimal grooming other than the occasional brushing and bath.

Doberman Pinschers shed less than other breeds, thanks to this coat. Doberman Pinschers are intelligent and like to please their masters. They develop close relationships with their family, but can be stubborn. Firm and consistent training and correction is a must with this breed, and not just from the master.

All people who come in contact with a Doberman Pinscher regularly must not be afraid to assert their position as the alpha. Doberman Pinschers make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, and are often times used in law enforcement. Their desire to please their master and loyalty makes them a good family pet. However, they are not always the best choice with children. While Doberman Pinschers enjoy playing with and protecting children, some of the boisterous yelling and sudden movements children make can be interpreted as a threat by a Doberman Pinscher and it may attempt to defend itself.

Doberman Pinschers have a lot of energy and need to exercise at least once a day, but not in the cold, as they cannot tolerate it well. If given sufficient time to exercise, they may do all right in an apartment setting. Doberman Pinschers do have medical concerns. Some Doberman Pinschers can develop cervical spondylitis (wobbler syndrome) due to fusion of neck vertebrae and compression of spinal cord, Von Willebrands disease (an inherited blood disorder), obesity in middle age, bloat, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and congenital heart disorders.

In conclusion this is a great breed to own if the above information is not an issue, but as always if you are thinking of getting this breed please consider dog shelters and rescue dogs first.