Picture if you will a young family. 2.4 young kids, a young, lush lawn and a newly furnished semi on the outskirts of town. For the lucky ones reading, this might be reality. Nothing is more rewarding than starting a family, but for those who got down to prolonging the existence of human kind a few years ago, you may notice that your children’s heads are disproportionately large in comparison with their meek, yet flexible bodies. If their heads do look a bit large it could mean that you have toddlers. Great, everyone loves toddlers. Especially this writer, but what he likes to see more than a happy, healthy young family is a happy, healthy young family talking the dog for a walk.

It is a scientific fact that the presence of a dog reduces the risk of heart disease, that is of course subject to not smoking sixty fags a day and existing on a diet of lard and fried mars bars. It is also a fact (maybe not scientific) that dogs are the best thing since sliced lard bars. So why not add a canine component to your near perfect home set up?

But I sense trepidation among some of you. What if he doesn’t like the kids? What will he do when we are at work and the kids are putting the nursery staff through hell? What if he trashes our new pad?

Buy a timber wolf and you would have good reason to ask these questions, but take heed of these recommendations for the most suitable breeds for a hip young working mom, and a dad who is comfortable enough to cry at Bambi after high powered business meetings with the boss, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the trendy wine bar, talking about your great new dog. But remember, your children’s bodies will catch up with their heads by the age of about three and a half. Unless your toddlers name is Ant (Dec’s mate), in which case Mrs Ant’s mom, I’m afraid he’s stuck like that forever. But seriously…here are the Dog Breeds.co.uk top ten dogs for a young family.

Just to be different, we are going to start at 1 (most suitable for the novice) and work our way to ten (more suitable for the cautious, yet confident dog owner with a nipper or two to worry about)

So the most suitable dog for a young family, based on temprament, adaptablity, suitability for house sitting while you’re out and ability to endure kids pulling on his ears is…

The Labrador Retriever

Universally regarded as a superb family dog, this chap is friendly, he’s easy to train, he is obsessive about his personal hygiene and more handsome than George Clooney and Brad Pitt put together. Labrador Retrievers are generally fairly laid back in a family environment, combining a playful streak with a propensity to sit in quiet contemplation while you lot tuck into dinner, owning one will enable you to maintain an active social life so long as you consider the practical needs of the dog, such as garden breaks and feeding.

The Labrador Retriever has the distinct advantage of not requiring a lot of grooming, and therefore not leaving wads of fur everywhere. Couple this with this with his intelligent, affable and obedient nature and you’re onto a sure winner. And let’s not forget that these guys, when they are young, are in fact Andrex puppies, so a ten out of ten for general cuteness as well.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

A respectable runner up rosette goes to a dog which surely is the pride of many a family. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Staffy has copped a fair bit of bad publicity recently and has done so in the past, but it has to be said that thousands of families nationwide are benefiting from his loyalty and friendliness as we speak.

A relatively small dog, who is particularly suited to the smaller house environment, the Staffy fits in to all family set ups well. A short, coarse coat means that the doggy brush will not need de-fleecing every two days and the Dyson will be able to get up the stairs without choking to death.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a bold, affectionate dog who loves children. He is also quite a strong little character, Phil Buckley, of the Kennel Club, says the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is “a good all round family pet, robust enough to suffer rough play from children and intelligent and obedient enough to be well behaved around the home and amongst strangers.”

Miniature Poodle

Third place goes to the Poodle (miniature). Elegance and a robust personality go hand in hand with the Poodle. But why the Miniature variety? Well, the bigger the Poodle, the less likely he is to be as playful as his smaller cousins, they just tend to be more laid back the bigger they get. The Poodle is a dog that can happily play with children without ever needing to grunt or growl, so laid back in fact that you should not be surprised to see your Poodle serving as an improvised pillow for a snoozing toddler.

This dog sounds great, so why is he not number one then? The reason is simple, fur. We all know Poodles have been known to sport some interesting hairstyles, you could say the Poodle is the David Bekham of the dog world, but in order to get that hair up into those adorable little pig tails, there has to be a fair amount of hair in the first place. Lots of hair means lots of cleaning and should your child be a sufferer of Asthma or any related respiratory condition, the Poodle really is not an option.

Just missing out on a medal is the Golden retriever. A hugely popular dog, with an adorable personality. The Golden Retriever is a dog that looks great, with his shiny thick coat but he also sounds great. He loves a good bark now and then, which can be inconvenient if you have a baby upstairs trying to get some kip.

On the plus side, this chap is always up for playing, and is strong enough to withstand a bit of rough and tumble when the kids get a bit older, secretly I think he loves a bit of a wrestle, and he is a gentleman about it too.

It is common opinion that this dog is so well behaved and easy to train, that the kids could in fact pick up a few pointers off him. Once again, his long fur has let him down in the perfect pet department, but if you are that mad about Golden Retrievers, you won’t mind a bit of extra vacuuming and will soon find that this lad really is a Super Fury Animal.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

WARNING: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels DO suffer with some very serious health problems. Proper research is even more crucial with this breed.

Nestling comfortably in mid table is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. One of Britain’s most popular Toy Dogs, this fella comes complete with floppy ears and droopy eyes, enough to make some people get the cheque book out straight away. Another bonus here, is that this dog does not require the same amount of grooming as some of the higher ranked dogs.

Well known for his friendly, non-aggressive demeanour, the Cavalier King Charles is a suitable dog for a young family, but be told, an unsocialised Cavalier King Charles can be a big problem if he is no used to kids, perhaps one for the slightly more experienced dog owners. Seriously cute little dogs though.

German Shepherd

Next up is the German Shepherd Dog. Perhaps not what one would immediately think of when talking about dogs for young families, but this dog really does take some beating.

Not a suitable breed for all young families, but in the right situation this dog is unbeatable. The biggest entrant so far, the GSD really is an ideal companion for a young family provided you have adequate space and sufficient time to get him trained. A boisterous dog is bad enough in any breed, but when they are this size they can be a real handful if they are not properly trained.

However, as I am sure fellow GSD lovers will agree, once part of the family, this dog will not be beaten on loyalty, friendliness, obedience and looks. But stuffed away in a small flat on his own, he is a different dog.

A true pack animal, who retains many of his pack instincts, the GSD will need a firm hand to guide him towards appropriate family life, but time spent on him in his formative years will reduce the risk of ending up with an aloof, over confident dog later on in life.

Yorkshire Terrier

In at seven is the Yorkshire Terrier. This is the third most popular dog in the UK, so he must be doing something right. However, his suitability as a dog for a young family may not match his popularity with more experienced owners. Dogs this small always run the risk of being trodden on or kicked by clumsy youngsters. Do the same to a GSD and he will hardly notice, but a Yorky could be seriously injured if in the wrong place at the wrong time, perhaps sleeping by a door.

Yorkies are easy to train though, which goes someway to explain their huge popularity, and they do love to play, when it suits them. Being a terrier, this little fella may get a bit protective of his owner when guests pop round for tea. But if your one desire is a dog that will curl up on your lap for an afternoon snooze, then look no further, this is the dog for you. But if you want a dog that loves a bit of hands on play then perhaps our next entrant is more up your street.

Greyhound

Eighth place goes to a dog that has a special place in everyone’s heart at Dog Breeds. The good old Greyhound is not far off being the perfect family dog. But misinformation has resulted in this dog getting a reputation as a bad pet due to his constant need to be exercised, what utter rubbish! The Greyhound needs as much exercise as any other dog his size, he just happens to be a fast runner.

But aside from his engine like legs, the Greyhound is a loyal and friendly dog who likes to play to with the kids on a regular basis. For the active family, the Greyhound will really benefit and fit in well. But for the average working family, the Greyhound will find his place just as happily.

Combine this with those beautiful big eyes, his short, manageable fur and his affectionate nature, this breed is an absolutely brilliant dog for a young family.

West Highland Terrier

Representing our cousins north of the border is the West Highland Terrier. A suitable dog for the less active family or for those with less space to spare. Got a fox problem, then your Westy will soon be on the case. Bred for his otter hunting and ability to dig out a fox, this rowdy little chap is small (just under 11 inches), but big on personality. A self confident little dog who thrives on human company, the Westy is one of those dogs that are always happy. A little bit of fur on the carpet is about the only drawback of having one of these dogs, again though he is not as durable as some of the bigger dogs and probably has no problem telling you his feelings should you step on his tail. But who wouldn’t.

The Brittany Spaniel is basically a bird dog. She can make a good family pet and watch dog. She likes children and does well with other pets. She prefers to have plenty of space to exercise. She may be a poor choice for an apartment. A properly fenced in enclosure for exercise would be ideal. She needs weekly brushing and monthly bathing. Her breed is considered to be generally healthy.

Good With Children?

Yes, good with children with proper training. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with any puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

Yes, good with other pets, especially with early socialization.

Temperament

Very nice family oriented dog. She is happy, alert and eager to please.

Trainability

Very trainable.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Brittany spaniel is 17 to 21 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 40 pounds. The female ranges from 18 to 20 inches to the withers and 30 to 40 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Brittany Spaniel is no exception, Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), allergy skin problems, glaucoma, lens luxation, epilepsy and nervousness. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Brittany Spaniel has a silky, feathered medium length coat that sheds lightly. She should be bathed once a month or so. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her nails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Brittany Spaniel can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Brittany Spaniel hails from the Brittany province of France as a cross between the Orange and White Setter and another French dog. They were officially shown in France in 1896. They were recognized by the American Kennel Association in 1934.

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to select a Chihuahua. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your Chihuahua in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a Chihuahua. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which Chihuahua to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

About Chihuahua Puppies

* Bringing up a Chihuahua puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your Chihuahua puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a Chihuahua puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Chihuahua puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both Chihuahua puppy and for the mother Chihuahua as well.

* A Chihuahua puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult Chihuahua. Although most Chihuahua puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a Chihuahua puppy would look like when it gets old. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how Chihuahua puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Chihuahua puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

About an adult Chihuahua

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult Chihuahua. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the adult Chihuahua more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult Chihuahua. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the Chihuahua. Some adult Chihuahuas may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult Chihuahua to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult Chihuahua to your children and other household members. This would help the Chihuahua be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult Chihuahuas may not need your full attention unlike Chihuahua puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown Chihuahua, physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most adult Chihuahuas are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older Chihuahua can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Selecting a Chihuahua is not an easy task. Everyone loves sweet looking Chihuahua puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.

Adult Chihuahuas need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

ramseyandpablo.com http All the audio in the background is from a local sports radio station I was listening to online.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

We begin this article with the basic facts about the breed, then follow up with an in-depth look at their personality.

Group: Sporting

Weight: male: 65-80, female: 55-70 lbs

Height: male: 23-26 female: 21-24 inches

Overview

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is originally from the United States, and often referred to as the “Chessie”. These dogs are enthusiastic hunters of fowls on both land and water. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the first retriever to be documented by the American Kennel Club. Even though they are not as well known today as the Golden or Labrador Retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are wonderful family and field companion dogs.

Temperament

This breed is extremely loyal and deeply devoted; the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a strong caring nature. This breed is gracious, warm, and loving. They will adapt best in a home with older caring children. In general, these dogs get along well with other dogs if they have been brought up with them. They do however have a tendency to be aggressive and hostile toward dogs they are not familiar with. This breed does not get along with cats and other, smaller household pets. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever loves to be involved with the family, and might become destructive when left alone for extended periods of time. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not ideal for the inexperienced dog owner.

Care

These dogs should be brushed about once during the week to remove the dead hair. It is vital for these dogs not to be groomed too much as this will harm the coat. This breed should only be bathed when it is really necessary in order to protect the integrity the coat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an average shedding dog.

Training

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is very clever dog an intelligent dog that is very precise and devoted to their family when socialised and trained correctly. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not quite as fast to learn as some of the other breeds, and will require a tolerant trainer that will offer plenty of repetition. This breed should only be taught by one person until they have learned the command, otherwise they might become confused.

Health problems

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a rather healthy breed. They are however prone to bloat, and it is therefore advised that they rather have a number of small meals rather than one large meal. These dogs should also not exercise directly after eating. Hip dysplasia is a minor concern with these dogs, and progressive retinal atrophy and entropion are eye conditions that are also seen with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppies
Video Rating: 4 / 5

The Great Pyrenees makes a good watch dog and guard dog. They are wary of strangers, both man and beast. They need plenty of exercise and are not suitable for an apartment. A properly fenced in yard or acreage would be ideal. They may tend to wander so they should be kept under control. They are generally good with other pets but may fight with other dogs. They like older children, especially if they have been socialized with them at an early age. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Great Pyrenees is 27 to 32 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 100 to 125 pounds. The female ranges from 25 to 29 inches to the withers and 80 to 90 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Great Pyrenees is no exception, although they are considered very healthy. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs), eyelid defects and skin hot spots. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Great Pyrenees has a double coat that is weather resistant. The outer coat is flat, long, and thick. The inner coat is dense and wooly. They intensively shed their inner coat in spring and summer. They should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Great Pyrenees can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Great Pyrenees came from France where they were an old natural breed. They were developed as herders and sled pullers. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1933.

Some Registries:

* Great Pyrenees Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Great Pyrenees puppies

Category: Working, Flock Guard

Terms To Describe: Beauty, elegance, majesty, regal, coordination, soundness, substance, intelligent, kindly, affectionate, territorial, quiet, tolerant, patient, fearless, loyal

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Good guard dog.

Generally a one family dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Shed heavily in spring and summer.

They can become aggressive.

They need an experienced handler.

Takes a lot of grooming.

Can be stubborn.

May tend to wander.

Slow maturing.

May be a barker.

May slobber and drool.

*Other Names Known By: Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees, Chien des Pyrenees, Pyrenean Mountain Dog

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

A movie about the characteristics of the Great Pyrenees / Pyrenean Mountain Dog, showing the essential elements of the standard and featuring some of the best male and female examples of the breed, filmed in the Pyrenees autumn 2005.

I read the phrase in the title somewhere, and even though it is a blatant rip off of a line from Forest Gump, I thought it was a pretty appropriate way to describe the world’s oldest water retriever, circus performer and truffle hunter.

Poodles are lively and active dogs, are very loyal and absolutely love (crave?) attention. The life span of the Poodle is about 12 to 15 years or more, with some that I’ve heard of living up to 18. They are a very smart dog – one of the smartest by any method you care to apply. I witnessed a doggy “IQ test” in which the dog’s head was covered by a blanket and the dog timed to see how long it would take to uncover itself. Not surprisingly, the winner was the border collie – with the poodle coming in a very close second place.

The Standard Poodle is the largest of the Poodle breed, standing at least 15 in. (38 cm) at the shoulder, and is more than just a pretty face. Experts agree that the Standard Poodle is one of the oldest breeds specializing in hunting after game in the water, and is still sometimes used as a gun dog. History shows that the Standard Poodles that we know and enjoy today probably developed around the 17th century in Germany. They are most likely descended from early German water retrievers, but may in addition be related to spaniels from the Iberian Peninsula. Although originally a hunting dog, the Standard Poodle today is primarily a companion and show dog. They are proud, elegant, dignified, gentle and good-natured.

The Toy, or French Poodle, is the smallest at 11 in. (29cm) or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Originating from the German “Pudel”, the French developed the “Poodle” into the miniaturized version we know today as the Toy Poodle. These small dogs are almost exclusively companion and show dogs, but can be occasionally seen performing tricks on a stage or in circuses. The Toy Poodle is sensitive and remarkably intelligent.

Dogs ranging in size larger than the Toy Poodle yet smaller than the Standard Poodle are classified as Miniature Poodles. The Miniature Poodle is considered a cheerful, super smart, sensitive and highly trainable companion dog.

The Poodle has a very attractive, sturdy appearance, and displays an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to the breed. Although they come in different sizes, the shape and appearance of the breed is consistent. The general appearance of the body of a poodle is of good proportions, the length of the body generally exceeding the height at the withers.

The coat of a Poodle is curly, harsh and dense. Poodles actually have a double coat that has the quality and appearance of lamb’s wool. It is fine, fluffy, light in texture and knots readily when not cared for. Because of variations in grooming, a Poodle can be the most elegant of dogs or nearly the most wretched. Most purebred puppies will have their tails docked, giving them a distinctive, powder-puff appearance.

The Poodle’s temperament is without a doubt one of the breeds best qualities – however it often depends on its size. There is generally a noticeable temperament difference between a toy, miniature and standard poodle.

Perhaps no other dog has been cross-bred as much as the Poodle to try to enhance two breeds’ qualities. “Poo” hybrid dogs crop up everywhere. Examples include the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever) and Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever), which were bred primarily as hypoallergenic companion dogs. The appearance of these dogs range from a shaggy looking Golden Retriever to a curl relaxed Poodle, but usually something in between. The Schnoodle (Schnauzer) presents the temperament features of the Schnauzer (liveliness of the Terrier) and the appearance/intelligence of the Poodle. The Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel) has a squarely built appearance with full but less kinky fur. Other variations include the Maltipoo (Maltese), Bich-poo (Bichon Frise), and Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier).

The poodle certainly is a pretty amazing breed. Intelligent and cheery, the Poodle can be counted as one of the most popular breeds of dogs in America, as well as worldwide. The Poodle is commonly acknowledged to be the most wisely intelligent of all members of the canine race. If you are looking for a dog to do just about anything, a Poodle might be right for you. But always keep in mind – “Poodle is as Poodle does”.

Local girl has 5 Saint Bernards – Adam Richins / Pocono Record Rachel Ertle, 11, of Effort, PA. has qualified her Saint Bernard “Kitty” in the Junior Showmanship and Breed Ring at The Westminster Kennel Club’s 132nd annual dog show, Feb. 11-12, 2008, at Madison Square Garden. Read the story at www.poconorecord.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Scottish terriers, commonly called Scotties, are British terriers with short legs. They originated in the Scottish highlands where they were bred with the other terriers related to them. They are such jaunty creatures that they are often used in advertisements to represent the nature of the country of their origin.

In reality, the nature of the Scottie perfectly matches its public image. Scottties are extremely loyal to their owners, in addition to being stoic and independant. They also value their privacy.

Scotties, Cairns, and Westies resemble one another a lot. The Cairns and Westies are closely related to each other. The Cairns are available in any color except white. The Westie, on the other hand, is actually a white Cairn, born when white dogs were crossed with the Cairns of west Scotland. Scotties are slightly different in the sense that they have dark coats, long heads and bodies, and usually stay aloof from the other two.

The History of the Scottie

The story of the Scottie’s origin is unclear. In the sixteenth century, the Scottie’s ancestors were sent to the king of France by the English king, James I. Later, three varieties of terriers were identified as Scotch terriers–the Cairns, the Scotties, and the Westies. The Dandie Dinmont, although related to these three breeds, has been placed in a class of its own because of the differences in its physical appearance.

Britain bred terriers to hunt animals that destroyed grain, poultry, and eggs. The terriers, therefore, evolved to be courageous dogs that could hunt foxes and badgers right upto their dens. Moreover, their soft undercoats and wiry outer coats protected them as they hunted in rough locations in harsh climatic conditions.

Interesting Facts about Your Scottie

You will be happy to know the following facts about your Scottie:

They are comfortable both indoors as well as outdoors.
They have a wiry coat about 2-inches thick.
Their color could be steel or iron gray, black, wheat, or sandy; sometimes, it is also grizzled or brindled.
They are about 10 inches tall.
They weight from 18 to 20 pounds.
They love to be praised and adapt well to the nature and habits of the family that owns them.

Caring for Your Scottie

Here are a few things that should be done regularly to keep your Scottie in a good condition:

Give your Scottie a professional grooming twice a year. Their wiry coats require professional care to maintain their texture and appearance. A good grooming will keep the coats wiry and firm.
Comb their fur twice a week and trim it occassionally.
Pluck out the dead hairs of a Scottie. Don’t use electric clippers because this will make their coats soft and dull.
They love hunting and playing with toys such as squeaky balls. Ensure that you spend some time playing with your Scottie.
Keep your Scottie on a leash when you take it for a walk in the public.

If you own or breed Scotties, you should be aware that the breed is susceptible to the following disorders:
An inherited disease called Von Willibrand’s Disease (VWD)
Allergies to fleas and other skin disorders
Epilepsy
Disorders of the jawbone
Cramps, a minor disorder that makes it difficult for your Scottie to walk.
Loss of coordination caused by a rare neurological disorder called Cerebellar abiotrophy that progress slowly.

Do you wish to buy a Scottie for yourself? Think over the matter carefully, and don’t make any hasty decision. Cruelty to the animal and lack of training can only cause distress to it. However, if you take good care of your Scottie, it will become your loyal guardian. In fact, it can become so protective that it will protect you even though it implies danger to its own life. A Scottie, in this regard, is the only dog of its kind.

Saint Bernard dogs began as Swiss herding dogs far back into their ancestry. The Saint Bernard has been created specifically to rescue stranded travelers. This was accomplished by adding Newfoundland blood into the bloodline. Today, the very popular Saint Bernard is the result of that. A Saint Bernard is very gentle and very good with children. This beloved work dog is a popular breed because of its gentility with children. However, this breed is a good watch dog and an even better guard dog. This breed’s proven temperament shows true and one could not ask for a better guard than this loyal protector from the Swiss mountains.

Saint Bernard dogs have such a keen sense of smell that they can smell out people burried deep in the snow. Barry, like other Saint Bernard dogs, was trained by the monks to rescue lost travelers in the Alps. The Bernard’s, on finding a man to be rescued, lie on top of the person and start licking his face to wake him up. Simultaneously they bark out aloud calling the monks for assistance, hearing which the monks would come with a stretcher and warm blankets to keep the person warm. The fellow is then taken to the monastery and is served warm tea and food.

Since its original purpose was to rescue travelers, it also is a very good rescue dog and not just in mountainous situations. This breed is very strong and can pull a full grown man up out of the snow. They can be trusted with infants and small children as well as adults. They tend to grow quite large, so a home with a large yard will be ideal for a Saint Bernard. Exercise is a must for this gentle giant. Walking and running are two types of exercise that they enjoy.

Keeping a Saint Bernard fit includes attention to the diet. They are big eaters and the right kind of food is ideal to balance them out. Care must be taken to brush out the coat, so that hair does not get matted or clumped in any way. The coat does shed, so regular brushing of the coat will keep the coat healthy and glossy, while removing all hair that is ready to fall out. This is essential for the comfort of a Saint Bernard. Having a big coat can be very uncomfortable in the summer months, so a haircut is recommended in hotter climates.

One should carefully think before adopting this giant dog. They make a wonderful family pet, are loving, loyal and get along well others and make excellent companions. They grow up eventually and become a large s stature dog.

As Saint Bernard is a gigantic breed one should consider it well because having a large dog can prove problematic. Its height is between 27-35 inches tall and will weigh between 150-200 pounds.

One should assess his or her accommodation properly as if you are planning to bring this lovable giant to your family Do you have enough room and floor space for a St. Bernard to stretch out without being underfoot? If he is going to sleep in your bedroom, if he lies in the middle of the floor will you likely trip over his body in the dark and get hurt?

If you have enough room to bring a St. Bernard into your home that is great. Now take a look around outside. What are you having outside? St. Bernard does not need a large amount of exercise, but does need access to an area where he can be active and play with the family.

If you live in an apartment that is adequate in size for a St. Bernard, this is also acceptable. However you need to make sure the dog gets a chance for exercise every day, as it helps the dog stay healthy.

You should also have a knowledge about his food .how much food does he eat? How many times in a day he needs his meal? St. Bernard puppies should not eat high protein puppy chow; they require a diet with a ratio of 22-26% protein, and a 12-15% fat ratio. This type of food may be hard to find and rather expensive, this is why it is wise to assess your finances prior to adopting or purchasing a St. Bernard pup.

Need more information about saint’s diet, health problems you can visit at http://www.varietykennel.com

To those of you who may not be familiar, there are many different breeds bulldogs – the English bulldog, the American bulldog, and the French bulldog. It is believed that the French bulldog descended from the English bulldog and later taken to France. Presumably because of this migration, French bulldogs suffer from a variety of peculiar diseases – uncommon in other breed of dogs. It is said that some of the diseases suffered by French bulldogs are hereditary. It therefore becomes necessary for owners of French bulldogs to have them medically test at regular intervals and more so, before using it for crossing. Otherwise, the chances are the French bulldog will probably beget unhealthy puppies and pose a threat to the breed as a whole.

French Bulldog Puppies are reluctant learners and you need to exercise a lot of patience while training them. You must evolve some signals and you them persistently for the puppies to grasp. One thing that needs to be said is they desperately need companionship and will feel psychologically let down without it.  The French bulldog interacts well with other dogs, but resent being around small children who may manhandle the puppies. Their soft skin, appealing looks, affectionate nature, pleasant behavior and overall agility make them ideal pets.

Bulldog puppies are not very much different from other puppies and they look small, cute and playful and sleep a lot. They crave for attention from their owners and they succeed in getting it as all owners love tiny little puppies. The real problem arises after your bulldog puppy grows up because a lot of people lose interest in providing company to adult bulldogs.

French bulldog puppy is a compact, physically well-built dog with a smooth coat, solid bone structure with a flat powerful muzzle and a pug nose. Lots of people buy cute puppies in the pet stores but feel disappointed when the dog grows up as sometimes they feel they did not buy the right breed. There are bulldog rescue shelters that collect abandoned and neglected bulldogs and find them new loving families. Bulldog rescue shelters are usually maintained by bulldog lovers who volunteer their time and money to find homes for needy bulldogs.

French bulldog puppies are found in a variety of pleasant colors. The puppies are in great demand and bought by people all over the world. French bulldog puppies that are black in color with brownish hue are usually called as Sea Brindles and these types are the costliest.

There are French bulldog puppies having a coat with regular fawn and black stripes pattern resembling Tiger’s skin. French bulldog puppy with a coat of pale cream color is called as Cream. There are various shades of cream from deep amber to butterscotch and palest gold. French bulldogs covered with black stripe and white areas are known as Brindle pied

The physical appearance of French bulldog puppies is characterized by large, wide and erect ears rounded at the top. The head is of square shape and the eyes are round and sharp and the tail is disproportionately short. French bulldog puppies prefer cooler climates as tropical climate may cause heat stroke and water should always be provided. They mature slowly and their life span ranges 12 and 14 years.

If you are in the market for a French bulldog puppy, you can search the Internet where there are plenty of ads offering French bulldog puppies for sale. However, it is to be noted that all the French bulldog breeders out there are not created equal. In fact even a family dog owner who owns a female French bulldog is a potential breeder when he decides to put his bitch out for mating. Find your perfect French bulldog puppy for sale from any reputable and reliable French bulldog breeder listings.

Tyson no ordinary dog
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