Mastiffs are a large dog that many people think are just lazy and want to lay around the whole time. Now at times it can seem like that your dog is going to be just that, but if they’re you know that very like us we’ve got to exercise them from time to time to make sure that they don’t develop some of the health issues that we have . Here is how I manage to look after my dogs laziness.

the 1st thing that I do is each morning I will take him for a walk in the backyard for approximately 10 to 15 mins per day. Now my opinion is that many times it’ll seem like that I do this because he needs to go out first thing in the morning, but it is also exercise for him as well and makes him walk which helps keep him in shape while at the same time working with some of the inherit Mastiff laziness.
I know that for my Mastiff I found a toy stuffed animal that he actually likes to play with and I keep that toy out for him in the day. However , if he has latterly eaten or drank I do put the toy up so that he cannot get to the toy till his food and water have digested some.
These dogs have healthy well spaced teeth. When a Mastiff dog isn’t feeling well they have a tendency to make every effort to keep up a standard appearance. An owner would need to pay very close attention to and extremely observant to pick up the signs that their Mastiff is sick.

Since these dogs are big they are subject to certain health Problems that may be quite serious and even potentially fatal. A few of these health issues are genetic. Other health issues are related to environmental components such as the amount of food the dog eats to the kind of exercise he gets.
Since dogs are regular creatures, pay attention to any bizarre changes in your dog. Some of the signs that your Mastiff dog won’t be healthy are lack of appetite, not wanting to go out for its regular walk, and low energy level. These are some signs that you should take your pet to see a veterinarian. Another suggestions of health Problems include excessive consumption of water, weight gain or loss, bad breath, bleeding gums, excessive pissing, or his coat is dull and dry. Start to know what’s ordinary for your mastiff. You’ll wish to keep a journal of habits and inspect him weekly for changes.
To have a healthy Mastiff dog avoid obesity. Not only does obesity put stress on the bones and joints, it also puts stress on the dog’s heart, kidneys, liver, as well as other organs. A balanced diet and lots of exercise can make sure that your Mastiff is not obese.
Like other enormous breeds of dog, Mastiffs have a higher likelihood of having cardiomyopathy. Have your dog checked yearly and be certain a vet takes a cardiac ultrasound exam to be certain of a healthy heart.

Another common inherited problem Mastiff dogs have include orthopedic issues. They have been known to have hip dysplasia which is an affliction of the hip. Infrequently hip dysplasia in puppies can be affected by diet and activity. In harsh cases, surgery is required.
Breast cancer is the commonest, however , the risk can be substantially reduced by spaying a female before she is going into heat the 1st time. Usually, most forms of cancer is found older dogs. If you find a lump or bump on your Mastiff dog, take it seriously.

Mastiffs can be prone to ear infections because they have floppy ears.

These are only some of the common issues found in Mastiff dogs. A healthy Mastiff dog is a sight to behold! As an owner you can make a contribution to his good health through fantastic nutrition, daily exercise, and regular veterinary exams.
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Pug health requires that you brush their coat at least once a week and a bath whenever they require it. The Pug dog will shed a lot, so by brushing often you can help reduce the amount of fur that coats your furniture, car and clothes. There isn’t much that goes into the daily care of a Pug, but you need to pay special attention to the wrinkles on a Pugs face.

Pugs are naturally curious and as a result stick their nose into a lot of things. This means the wrinkles easily become full of dirt and require regular cleaning. There is also the chance of moisture building up in the wrinkles, which can cause itching, irritation and occasionally a bad infection. But cleaning the wrinkles isn’t that difficult, you just need a soft tissue and make sure you clean the wrinkles on a regular basis to keep the buildup down.

As with all dog breeds you want to make sure you regularly trim your Pugs nails. Pug health depends on the trimming since nails that are too long can become caught in blankets or other things. Longer nails also cause pain for your Pug when walking. Even if you don’t want to trim your dog’s nails there are plenty of vet and grooming places that could do it for you. Keep an eye on the nails and don’t let them get too long since they will grow very fast.

Pugs are different from other breeds in the sense that they do like water. So when bathing the only real difficult part is to avoid getting water in the ears, which can lead to ear infections and don’t get shampoo in the sensitive eyes. If your Pug really enjoys water and wants to play then take the time to play with them while they are in the bath to make bathing an enjoyable event for both you and your Pug.

Keeping the ears dry and clean is another important part of caring for Pug health. Pugs are prone to ear infections due to their narrow ear canal. When you clean the ears regularly you should always use soft tissues or a cotton ball and never a cotton swab. If your Pug is shaking it’s head a lot or scratching their ears then you should take them to the vet to have their ears checked. If there is a weird smell in the ears then you will also want to seek medical attention since this can be a sign of a fungus or ear infection.

Owners will often have a bottle or two of old ear drops around the house since Pugs get ear infections so often. Although you don’t want to use these since it can make the infection worse. It is best to use them only under the approval of a licensed veterinarian and only if you have cleaned the bottle very well and stored it in the refrigerator.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a lovable dog with a big attitude and incredible personality. If you love dogs that think they are the biggest animal on the block – but are actually small, cuddly fluffballs.

A member of the Toy Group, the Yorkie loves to cuddle and looks like it is gliding across the showroom floor when in a competition. The reason for this is due to their long, elegant hair that goes all the way down to their feet. Some Yorkshire Terriers can weigh as little as 1 pound, but breeders do not often recommend buying puppies this small. Plainly put, when a dog is that tiny, their health is definitely at risk.

The AKC recommends keeping your Yorkie under seven pounds, but these dogs do not operate under a minimum weight requirement. The Yorkie’s coat can be silver, blue or black and they have tan on the heads and legs. All of the puppies are both with black and tan color and change as they mature.

Characteristics – The Yorkshire Terrier has long been the top choice as an apartment dog. They love to roam around in a yard, but they don’t have to have one. Some dogs never go outside at all, actually, as their owners teach them to use a litter box. You can always play an indoor game of fetch with your Yorkie to keep them healthier. Finally, if you do leave your Yorkshire Terrier outside, be sure it is a secure area as Yorkies love to scramble and dig to explore.

Yorkshire Terriers love to have all of the attention on themselves and are quite sociable. Yorkies can become irritated around toddlers, however, but only because they are worried that the toddler is going to hurt them in some way. Yorkies can injure easily due to their small size. A Yorkshire Terrier with an exceptional personality will allow a toddler to squeeze, poke and play with them, but it can be quite unfair to the dog to be treated like a toy.

Yorkies can become stubborn as they mature and develop quite the diva attitude. For this reason, it pays to take your puppy trained early on to give them the right guidelines.

Health Problems and Grooming – Yorkshire Terriers have few health problems, although they can have problems with their teeth. They have also been known to develop hernias and have hypoglycemia.

These little dogs do not eat a lot of food, but you will be careful not to spoil them with soft food, unless he can’t eat dry food. Dry food is much better for their teeth and since the Yorkie has issues with dental problems anyways, you should definitely push them towards the dry version.

Yorkies need to be groomed at least three times a week in order to prevent tangles. The dogs with silkier coats will only need a weekly brushing. Of course, you will need to watch their teeth and keep them very clean to prevent any dental problems in the future.

If you want a dog with a lot of personality and character, this gorgeous lap dog with a big bark could be just right for you.

German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent and versatile dog breeds in the world. But you need to know basic German Shepherd information to discoverwhat to expect from them before you bring one home. German Shepherd dogs are not satisfied until they are the center of attention. They are not vicious, but don’t know their own strength at times. German Shepherds are smarter than most people, which may get them into mischief in order to get your attention. They also can get more health problems than other breeds, especially hip and elbow dysplasia.

When anyone says the word dog, the image that pops up in most people’s mind is that of the German Shepherd. Also known as Alsatians (from the province in France where the breed was developed), the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the world. With their distinctive look, incredible intelligence and remarkable personalities, you would think the German Shepherd would be the perfect dog.

But a German Shepherd is not the dog for everyone. Their large size, their exuberant nature, their coats and sometimes health problems leave many thousands of German Shepherd Dogs to be abandoned every year. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that a quarter of all strays are purebreds, including purebred German Shepherds. Knowing basic German Shepherd information can help teach you what to expect from them as pets will help you decide if a German Shepherd is right for you and your family.

The incredible popularity of the German Shepherd has led to it being over bred. To keep up with the market for German Shepherd puppies, some breeders and puppy mills breed to death any German Shepherd they can find, no matter what it’s health. Responsible breeders and caring dog lovers are trying to stop this indiscriminate breeding and only breed healthy dogs. But German Shepherd can often seem to develop more health problems than other breeds.

The most common problem is hip dysplasia, which makes the hind legs crippled. This is a treatable condition that often involves X-rays and surgery. Many German Shepherds are abandoned just because the owners were not willing to pay the vet bills. You must be committed to caring for the dog’s health over luxuries for yourself. Many older German Shepherds also become blind, but dogs deal with blindness a lot better than people. The companionship of a German Shepherd should not have a price tag placed upon it.

German Shepherd dogs need to feel they have a job in order to be well-adjusted. They love company and to be part of the family. They hate being left out of anything. They use their intelligence to find ways of doing things they think you will like and praise them for. Whether you will like these actions is another matter. German Shepherds need supervision and training.

Because of their popularity, German Shepherd Dogs have been over bred, which has lead to health problems. Although responsible breeders would not breed an animal with health problems, which can be inherited by their puppies, many still do. The most common health problems with German Shepherds are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cancers. Even though many of these health problems can be easily treated, the previous owners do not want to or cannot pay the vet bills and instead abandon the dog. When you get a German Shepherd keep in mind that they may need frequent visits to the vet.

You may have seen many articles on the best and healthiest diet for your dog, but what foods should your dog not eat and what will help your dog’s health in the short and long term.

There are many different cases to look at when defining bad foods for dogs but there are guidelines that can be followed to prevent dog pests, dog diarrhea, and many other illnesses that can affect your dog. Routing through trash is another bad idea for your dog and if you discover this is a problem then it should be strictly disciplined.

So what should you avoid to maintain your dog’s immune system and keep their digestive system intact? Here are some bad ideas and health effecting foods that may harm your dogs health if you’re not careful. Please note that some dog food quality standards may have changed since the writing of this article.

Processed foods

These canned processed foods are nothing but bad news for your dog, after all the processing they are left with not much nutrients for your dog, the quality of meat is poor and other chemicals used in this food make for a bad dog diet and although some rare cases may exist it is generally best avoided.

Chicken Bones

Chicken bones, although you may suspect that it is ok to feed you dog on these leftover bits of meat can be harmful to your dog and when your dog chews the bone it can break and cause a choking hazard and mouth damage.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine which is considered bad for your dog’s nervous system and heart. And also contains sugar and sweetness that is not good for your dog.

Other Bad Foods

Citrus oil extracts, grapes and raisins, rotten foods and mushrooms amongst others.

Be sure to check labels and research anything you are thinking of feeding your dog before hand.

Mastiff dogs, surprisingly, don’t need much more than the average dog but just like any other breed of dog, they want and need lots of love and patience. Mastiffs, whether they are the English, the Magnificent American Bandogge or even the Brazilian are loving and trustworthy companions. They are “inside the home” dogs, not backyard dogs. They need social companionship, and want to be treated as members of the house. Without this social interaction with family members, they can be prone to social problems.

A big household is best, but they can be happy and healthy in a smaller home as long as they can get out for enough exercise. They tend to be very well behaved in the home, but you need to lookout for the wagging tail that seems to be at just the perfect height to bash over the can of soda that just happens to be on the nightstand or table. Generally, fully-grown Mastiffs are not prone to stealing food off the table or other such indiscretions; although you may need to pay attention while they are motionless .

Overall, Mastiffs do not bark a lot. They frequently seem totally unaware of what is going on around them, however they are in fact paying close attention to what is typical and what is not. When they notice something not quite well, they will sit up at attention to check stuff out. They may bark if they hear an something strange from outside, or if someone comes to the door.

Once you acknowledge the person as being friendly, your Mastiff will as well. If your Mastiff is apprehensive around someone, there may be a good cause for it that your dog can sense. Mastiffs are not purely guard dogs, but they do pay attention to their environment. When let outside, they will frequently make their rounds around the yard to make sure everything is OK.

They become somewhat protective, and defensive of their people and home. Mastiffs are excellent dogs around kids, and seem to have an exceptional feeling of the fragility of young children. They are very tolerant of the abuse that young ones can inflict upon them, including ears, riding on them, tugging at the tails, etc. They will become protective of kids in the home; regularly wanting to put themselves between offspring and strangers that may come to visit. They will never deliberately hurt a child, but because of size you do need to be cautious with little ones that may get bumped by a Mastiff walking by, or swatted by a mastiff’s wagging tail.

Mastiffs are expensive to raise and maintain. While they don’t eat as much as you may believe for such a great dog, they do eat a lot of food, usually because they are gaining up to five of mass per week. A Mastiff may go through 40 to 80 lbs of dog food in a month. Mastiffs are also more expensive when it comes to and health costs.

Most treatment and dosages are based on the mass of the dog, and Mastiff’s are the heaviest type of dog. Also, not everyone is equipped to treat a Mastiff. You need to take into account the size of medical gear, understanding of giant breeds expressly in regards to anesthesia, and even the requirements for sufficient personnel to move a wounded 200 lb Mastiff onto a surgical or x-ray table.

A Mastiff is not for just anyone, due both to its size and its need to be an active member of your household. Owning a Mastiff is a big responsibility, but it will reward you a million times over with its love and affection.

There are an estimated 74.8 million pet dogs in the United States and many more around the world. Dog ownership is at an all-time high today. At no time in history have so many people shared their lives with dogs as companions.

People today also have many choices when it comes to what kind of dog they will choose as a pet. There are over 400 recognized breeds of dog in the world. They range from the tiny Chihuahua which originated in Mexico to the wide range of ancient breeds that came from southeast Asia, such as the Akita, the Chow Chow, the Pug, the Pekingese and the Tibetan breeds. They include the old spitz-type breeds such as the Malamute, the Siberian Husky and others; and the very old breeds of the middle east, such as the Saluki, the Afghan Hound, the Pharoah Hound, and the Greyhound.

In addition to all of the breeds of dogs in the world there are numerous Designer dogs being bred these dogs. Designer Dogs are intentional crosses of two purebred dogs. They may be bred for a special reason, such as to try to produce a low-shedding coat or more intelligence or trainability, or some other aspect of one of the parents. Or, in some cases, they are bred simply because they may produce cute puppies. Designer dogs have been in high demand in the last several years and can command enormous prices.

Besides these intentionally-bred dogs there are several million dogs in animal shelters each year looking for homes. Some of these dogs are strays, some are puppies from unplanned litters, and some are stray puppies and dogs imported from countries outside the United States for adoption here. Some of the dogs are young dogs that have been adopted once and returned because their owners didn’t know how to handle adolescent dog behavior.

All of this means that you have a huge range of choices when it comes to trying to decide what kind of dog you want. How do you even begin to narrow your choices?

The best thing to do when you consider what kind of dog to get is to consider your essential needs. Do you have allergies? Do you hate dog hair in the house? Do you want a dog that can go jogging with you? Do you live a quiet lifestyle? Do you live in an apartment or do you have land in the country? Do you have kids? Do you have time to spend on grooming a dog or will the dog go to a groomer? Do you want a low maintenance dog or do you enjoy fussing over a coat and grooming? Do you intend to train your dog to learn more than housetraining?

When you consider these questions and others like them you should try to be completely honest with yourself. You want to get a dog that will be a good fit for you personally. It’s a bad idea to get a dog because it’s the popular thing to do. Don’t adopt a shelter dog if you have allergies. Chances are that you will be allergic to the poor dog and have to return him. Instead you will need to identify the breeds of dogs that are usually better for allergy-sufferers. Even then you will need to meet some dogs on a one-on-one basis to see how you react to them.

Don’t let yourself be pressured into getting a dog that you don’t want. If you have always wanted a Greyhound don’t let somebody talk you into taking a Beagle-mix because the dog needs a home. There will always be dogs that need homes and you cannot save all of them. Chances are that you won’t be happy with a dog that you didn’t truly want. If you feel that you want to rescue a dog there may not be purebred dogs of certain breeds in animal shelters but there are often purebreds with purebred rescue groups. Greyhounds, for instance, have a very active rescue network. You could get the Greyhound that you always wanted and rescue a dog at the same time. You can find information about purebred breed rescue organizations online.

If you choose to get a purebred puppy or dog from a breeder make sure that you choose a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders do health screening on their dogs to make sure that they are good candidates for breeding. For many breeds this means that their hips are x-rayed for hip dysplasia. For some breeds their eyes may be checked and they receive a CERF certificate. Other breeds may have their hearing checked by BAER testing. The list goes on. Breeders in each breed take different precautions to make sure their dogs are healthy. You should do some homework about the breed so you know the potential health problems. That way you will know what to ask the breeder and what health testing should have been done.

Good breeders are willing to stand by the puppies and dogs they place. They should be willing to guarantee a puppy or dog’s genetic health. No dog will remain healthy forever. Dogs, like people, must all eventually die. But good breeders will make guarantees about the possible genetic problems in their breed and what they will do in the event that a dog of their breeding develops a problem. Will they replace a puppy? Will they refund money? Will they help pay costs to correct the problem? All of these things should be spelled out in the contract you have with a good breeder. Buying from a good breeder is, however, a two-way street. The breeder will also expect many things of you regarding the proper care of “their” puppy. Don’t be surprised when they put you through a gamut of questions about your fitness to own one of their dogs.

Adopting a dog from an animal shelter is often not as easy as it once was. Whereas you could once walk into a shelter, point to a dog and take it home, in many shelters things are a little more complicated nowadays. Some shelters require a lot more information about people adopting dogs now. Dogs (and cats) are often evaluated for temperament. Shelters try to match people with dogs that have temperaments that will suit people interested in adopting them. They hope that this will cut down on the number of dogs that are returned to the shelter. Fees for adopting dogs are also higher than they once were since shelters try to cover the cost of shots and spaying/neutering. The costs of adopting dogs through rescue groups are usually even higher. Rescue groups justify these costs by saying that they may not spend a lot of money on one particular dog but they may have a case where a dog has heartworms and they have to spend a lot of money on that one dog. So, they spread the costs to everyone who adopts.

There are countless wonderful dogs available, whichever route you decide to take. You can get a great dog at your local animal shelter or you may find your dream dog by searching for a reputable breeder. The important thing to remember is to identify the key points about your own lifestyle that you will be sharing with your dog. Focus on finding a dog that fits the way you live. Do what’s best for you and you will find the right canine companion.

Now that you’re convinced that you’re ready to welcome an Akita Inu to your home, you have to be properly educated also on the health problems of this dog. It is sad see a dog with so many ailments even if they are 100% health and energetic. Sometimes you can not prevent this from happening — it is part of their DNA.

Akita puppies should be given vaccines once they reach 11 to 16 months old. They’re prone to health conditions that may be brought about their gene pool especially if the dogs are of pure breed. There are health problems specific to Akitas and the first, being common to large dogs, is Hip dysplasia.

It’s wise to have your Akitas undergo an x-ray to make sure that he is free from this problem. It’s advised to have him checked when he reached 12 months. Research showed that animals like the Akita puppies undergo drastic changes within their joints after they reached 12 months. Although hip problems depend a lot on genes meaning it is indeed hereditary. Also, the environment, diet and well-being of the Akita can also determine if such a condition could be present.

Since not all dogs are born with a kink in their genes, you can never be sure that that puppy you are holding in your arms will turn out to be free from these health conditions. Another condition found among the Akita Inu is called Entropion. This is a condition that allows the lids of the eyes to roll inward thus making the lashes scrub the eyeball. It causes severe irritation and can definitely cause an eye infection if left untreated.

Due to the massiveness of the Akitas, it is normal to see them pudgy looking but if they appear irritable and they pace a lot and drool, they may be suffering from bloat. The poor dog cannot even lie down peacefully and may also appear stressed out. Do not let a day pass without visiting the Vet since bloat is another of the health conditions of Akita puppy owners.

If you are really interested in adopting one or buying one, better plump up your savings account since you will be charging a lot to your credit card once he arrives. Well, there is one mental condition that is prevailing among the Akitas. It is Epilepsy. This is also hereditary since the bloodline of the Akitas is crossed with those of the German Shepherds, Poodles, German Shorthair Pointers and St. Bernards to name a few. These epileptic dogs are not to be bred anymore since Epilepsy is incurable but controlled only through proper medications. These dogs should not be placed under a stressful environment. Like humans, they should be properly taken cared of especially during seizures. Their medications are a little steep since they are downers and often are regulated by Law. Do not begin to panic once they start acting funny. Go straight to the Vet and find out what is really wrong.

There is a long list of health conditions that these Akita Inu breed has. They are difficult to train due to their strong-willed personality and they are also difficult to be quite hospitable and behaved among visitors. Well, they can be kept still in one place if they are either sick.

No one of his right mind would want to see a dog waste his life so it would be a great advice that before you really take the plunge in purchasing or adopting the cute furry Akita Inu, you have to be ready to give him some proper nutrition at all times. Food mostly high in protein content like fish is recommended.

Since they are originally from Japan, the staple food there is all about rice, fish and vegetables so this would be also best for the Akita puppy even if he is millions of miles away from the Land of the Rising Sun. These dogs do not get food frantic and eat a lot of branded dog food or little chewable food like the German Shepherds. They are happy to be fed two meals a day. If you find it difficult to find fresh fish, dry food is acceptable as long as you let it soak in water and allow it to expand before you feed it to the dog.

Super Man has x-ray visions and his eyes are really so powerful it could even penetrate through skin. Unfortunately, the Akita Inu, considered as popular as Super Man, has some health conditions that affect its eyesight. It is called Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA. This abnormality is found in some Akita puppies and sad to say, this condition is not reversible. There are quite high chances that your puppy or when he matures, can go blind.

There is another condition that affects almost 70% of the Akita breed. You can bring your puppy to the Vet and have him take a blood sample to determine if such a condition exists in your puppy. This is an ailment known as Hypothyroidism. This condition makes the dog suddenly aggressive if it is a female. Usually they are mild-mannered at times. They itch a lot but you have to make sure it not just fleas and they excrete a very musky odor.

The last condition that you have to look out for is when your puppy’s fur begins to fall out in big clumps. Now don’t think he ate something bad. They are having a health condition known as Sebaceous Adenitis. You really have to consider a trustworthy Vet to help you conquer these conditions that are quite present in the Akita breed. It is a sad situation though that all these conditions are present in your puppy after you have the Vet check him.

It would be painful, traumatic and costly to see a tiny energetic bundle of fur has a death wish. It’s not too late since you haven’t decided yet. All these things are given for your review.

Throughout the entire period of Shih Tzu development in the United States no other topic about the Shih Tzu has been more hotly contested than Shih Tzu size. When the standard was established it was hoped all Shih Tzu fanciers would settle down and breed exactly to that standard. It has never been the case. Controversy over Shih Tzu size still rages. These differences of opinion cannot be dismissed as being “the smaller sizes are only rejects or Shih Tzu puppies born with excessive health problems.” This is just not true at all to account for the smaller size Shih Tzu puppies that have always been in existence. The statements of breeders who have these small sizes obtained them through “faulty and irresponsible breeding, or instances of in-breeding and line-breeding of relatives is also “false.” The truth to any breeding can be traced on the pedigrees to prove the smaller Shih Tzu was not the result of in-breeding and line-breeding with close relatives. These smaller size Shih Tzu have been in existence since the Chinese Imperial Palace days. There are several documented Shih Tzu history facts to prove that this is the most probable reason for the smaller Shih Tzu, so many people commonly “nickname” the Imperial Shih Tzu or the Teacup Shih Tzu. The size of a Shih Tzu does not dictate the health of that Shih Tzu. Health problems exist in all sizes of the Shih Tzu, and not the direct result of producing a smaller size Shih Tzu.

One fact that remains is that the breed is in the Toy Group. The Shih Tzu should therefore be “Toy” in size.

In the Shih Tzu breed’s early days in the United States, there were several reasons for the controversy over size in addition to personal preferences. None of these reasons have been documented as being “a small size Shih Tzu has more health problems,” or….a small size Shih Tzu is produced by excessive irresponsible in-breeding and line-breeding of close relatives.

During the years between 1967 and 1972 when the Shih Tzu was striving for recognition there was many arguments and much material of correspondence produced regarding their size, and exactly what size should the Shih Tzu be. There had been strong evidence of cross-breeding of Shih Tzu to Lhasa Apso to achieve a desired size once the standard was established. There was also a substantial amount of correspondence and documents revealing that cross-breeding to reduce the size of the British imports had been practiced. Many confused people bred small Lhasa Apso to undersized or small Shih Tzu to try to get what they wanted. This did not become a trend and was not considered the ideal way to create the correct size Shih Tzu according to the set standard now in place.

There are also times in history of the Shih Tzu when using other breeds was necessary. Establishing the Shih Tzu is of a very long history, of which many different people were involved, with many different ideas of what the Shih Tzu should look like. On the question of size, there are definite historical facts to account for the smaller sizes in which none are stated to be: “If a small size Shih Tzu is produced, it is ONLY the runt of that litter, and will be full of health problems, or a sickly Shih Tzu.” Neither do the historical facts about size of the Shih Tzu document the smaller Shih Tzu were a result of irresponsible in-breeding and line-breeding of close relatives.

According to a well known Shih Tzu fancier of our Shih Tzu history, Colonel Burkhardt, the imperial Shih Tzu (meaning those Shih Tzu bred in the Chinese Imperial Palace by the Empress Dowager) were occasionally interbred with the Pekingese “to reduce the size.” This particular Shih Tzu fancier, Colonel Burkhardt, wrote from first hand experience of Peking Palace life not long after the 1912 revolution. (please see Part II of Shih Tzu – The Hotly Contested Question Of Size).

Dog Care Software

Health is a matter of concern for everyone, and dogs are certainly not an exception. Their health is very important to them and their owners. Dogs get sick from different types of viruses, protozoa, bacteria, parasites, and fungus. These diseases and infections are sometimes fatal unless discovered and treated early.

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There are several other viral diseases that can attack our dogs. To prevent your dog from getting sick, it is important that you put a premium on their health by taking your dog to the veterinarian for vaccinations.

You should find out about the vaccination programs and feeding regimes that are suitable for the breed and age of your dog.

The care of puppies can be greatly different than that of mature dogs; vaccination programs could be vastly different as well. Vaccinations work by stimulating the dogs immune system to produce antibodies to fight against subsequent attack.

As a dog owner, it is important to be knowledgeable about the health of your pet. Without being armed with the proper information you can certainly worsen your dogs health condition.

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Most people are familiar about health insurance. But nowadays, there is such a term as pet insurance. What is it? Is it something that would be advantageous to people? Why is there a need to insure a companion animal? Is this form of an investment worth it? Where do you buy it? How to choose the best? It seems that there are just too many questions that need to be answered.

To begin with, a pet insurance is an insurance product that is bought to cover for a pet’s overall health in case accidents or illnesses happen in the future. The product is provided so that the pet owner could be able to pay for all the veterinary expenses in case of possible sickness or accident. It is a fact that veterinary costs are very high, often much more expensive than actual health costs of pet owners. This is especially true when pets are of rare or expensive breeds.

If you are a pet owner and you are not yet familiar with this type of insurance, it would help if you would be aware of the basic coverage and advantages of such products. Veterinary medicine is further employing costly medical techniques. Expenses could be incurred from costly drugs, veterinary fees, and surgical procedures. Rather than spending for such, why not save a little each month for insurance so that when health and medical occurrences take place, you surely would not have any problem paying for your pet’s veterinary costs?

There are many factors to consider before buying any pet insurance for your animal companion. First, take note of the animal type. Dogs and cats are the most frequently insured pets. Some other animals might be rarely insured and to their insurance policies would cost more expensive premiums and the coverage more limited and restricted. The age is also one factor to underscore. Policies are cheaper if the animal is younger. The older the pet gets, the more expensive its insurance premium gets, especially when the policy started later. The breed is also something to take care of. Pedigrees are costlier to insure than cross breeds.

Do not overlook your capacity to pay premium as well. Would it be convenient and just tolerable if you would shoulder a few tens or a few hundreds of dollars for your pet insurance premium every month? Always remember that the costlier the premium gets the more extensive and beneficial the overall coverage of the product is. Cheaper insurance policies could be misleading because they might not cover enough.

Is the pet valuable? Consider expensive pets as investments. Thus, when they get lost, the insurance policy would provide you an amount so you could buy another to replace the lost one. In this way, such programs are most loved by pet owners who are fond of buying costly animals as pets.

Lastly, find the best pet insurance company. There are many insurers these days that offer pet insurance policies. Stick with the most trusted and proven among them all. It would take you nowhere to patronize an insurer that has always been complained about by its policy holders for not being able to pet claims. Why would join a sinking ship? Consider and assess your love and affection towards the pet and for sure you would not have a hard time.

A poor dog is found outside your house. Take care of it and bring it back to health

In this pet health care video, Dr. April Miles reviews at what age your pet is considered senior and discusses why regular vet visits are important for your senior dog or cat, what your vet will look for, and what to expect as your pet ages.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian dog breeds ironically have ancestors that were larger, tough sledding dogs. Then at some point these dogs were purposely bred down in size and even reached a point of miniaturization. Dog historians are not exactly sure what time period this breeding practice took place. However, we do know that the area was probably located in Pomerania, hence the name “Pomeranian”.

The original Pomeranian dog breed weighed as much as 30 pounds and typically came in the color of white, as opposed to the standard brownish color of today. To get an idea of what the earlier Pomeranian dogs looked like, you can easily compare them to the Japanese Spitz. This is the closest resemblance to their ancestors.

The Pomeranian dog breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in the year 1870. As its popularity grew, the American Kennel Club took notice and officially recognized Pomeranian dogs as a standard breed. From that point on, these dogs were continually bred to be smaller and smaller, as well as have darker shades of color come through, resulting into the light brown Pomeranian dogs that are mostly seen today.

Upkeep And Maintenance

These bold and dashing members of the toy group are extremely self-confident and always up for adventure. Pomeranian dogs need daily exercise but can get their requirements indoors due to their small size. However, like all dogs, Pomeranian dogs love to take a nice stroll with their owners or play games in a grassy field.

In terms of qualities, these dogs make excellent house pets and are extremely playful with high energy levels. Pomeranian dogs are not suited for outdoor living due to their need for human companionship and also their lack of withstanding hot or cold temperatures. Besides, these cute dogs make excellent watchdogs so it is always a benefit to have them around the family inside the house as often as possible.

Health Information

These dogs are probably the luckiest breeds in terms of potential health problems, or rather the lack thereof. The only major health concern connected with Pomeranian dogs is patellar luxation. Minor issues include shoulder shoulder luxation, open fontanel, PRA, hypoglycemia, and entropion.

Pomeranian dogs have a lifespan of up to 16 years when in good health. Veterinarians suggest that all Pomeranian dog owners have their pets specifically tested for eye problems, knee dysplasia, and possible cardiac issues.

History

This breed originated in an area called Pomerania that nowadays is Poland and Germany. At first, these dogs weighed almost thirty pounds. They were used as sheep dogs. They became more prominent in  1870. At this time, Britain’s kennel club accepted the breed. When Queen Victorian traveled to Italy and saw a Pomeranian, she took a distinct liking to it and returned with one, this stimulated their popularity in her country.

General Looks

It is a small, solid dog. The Pomeranian is an energetic toy dog. Its undercoat is thick and smooth.  The outer coat is coarse and abundant. The tail is plumed.

Is This Your Breed?

It is a smart dog, which likes to be pleasing. It is an extrovert. If trained properly, they make good family pets. They require a lot of attention. They need minimal exercise. Their coat needs consistent brushing.

Coat

They have a double coat.

Color

The colors are orange, cream, sable, red, blue, black, brown, brindle and parti-color. 

Locomotion

The gait flows and it is unhindered and has vitality. The fore reach is excellent and the hind legs have stalwart drive.

Personality

The Pomeranian is outgoing and smart. He is vibrant. He is a wonderful friend and an outstanding show dog.

Pomeranian video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuayz8ueDHE

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a member of the toy dog group which got its name from the Chinese, meaning “Lion Dog”. However, even though this dog breed is typically associated with China, research shows that the Shih Tzu’s original origins actually date back to the 17th century in the land of Tibet.

Most dog breeds become listed as official members of the American kennel club as far back as the 1800s and into the early 1900s. However, the Shih Tzu was not officially recognized by the AKC until the late 1960’s. That decade dawned an explosion of Shih Tzus as household pets and as its popularity grew, the AKC took notice and registered the breed.

Shih Tzu dogs are known to be a bit on the spunky side, yet extremely friendly and sweet.  They are very lovable lapdogs who enjoy playing and running around with their owner.  These animals are wonderful house pets and are great with children. In fact, the Shih Tzu scores high on the “friendliness scale”  when it comes to other dogs, other pets, and even strangers .

Upkeep And Maintenance

Even though the Shih Tzu is a fairly small dog, it still needs a good dose of daily exercise.  A 15 to 20 minute brisk walk on a leash is ideal, yet because it is so small, a good romp around the house from room to room is also an excellent way for the  Shih Tzu to get his daily physical requirements.

Like most toy breeds, Shih Tzus are not meant to live outside.  These animals are house dogs who cannot stand hot, humid weather. And because of its long, luxurious coat, grooming the Shih Tzu should be done on a daily basis.

Health Information

Shih Tzu dogs that are in good health have a lifespan of up to 14 or more years. The only major health concern that seem to be common with this dog breed is CHD. Minor concerns include PRA, renal dysplasia, otitis externa, patellar luxation, KCS, entropion, portacaval shunt, and inguinal hernia.

Veterinarians recommend that all Shih Tzu dogs be specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, and DNA for renal dysplasia. Occasionally, the following health problems  may occur: dental problems and cataracts.

History

The Shih Tzu was a treasured pet of Chinese royalty for more than a 1000 years. Its name signifies lion and it is reported as the eldest of the Tibetan holy dogs. The Chinese royalty enjoyed breeding them.

General Looks

It is a toy dog that is energetic and a solid animal. Its double coat streams. The Shih Tzu has a proud carriage.

Is This Your Breed?

He needs little exercise. His fur needs grooming each day.

Coat

His lavish coat is dense and long.

Color

The colors are black, white, red, silver, brindle, liver, and blue and combinations of these hues.

Locomotion

The Shih Tzu walks in a straight pattern; its gait flows easily and it has strength in the hind legs, while the front legs reach well.

Personality

It is loving and cheery. It gets on well with animals and people and is better with older kids. It has confidence and is sociable. It needs people and gets upset,  if left alone for long periods. They are playful, though quiet.

Shih Tzu video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=erZOOhG99yI

Dachshund

The Dachshund was officially recognized by the AKC in the early 1900s, and according the the current AKC registration list, this dog has become one of the top five registered breeds of today. This small sized member of the hound group has an unforgettable appearance, with a short, long body, small legs, and a handsome pointed face.

The origin of the Dachshund goes back to the 1500’s in which their main function was to flush out badgers.  Today, however, the Dachshund has become an everyday family house pet as well as retained the sharp edge to compete in Earthdog trials and Dachshund field trials.

If you enjoy smaller sized dogs who show off a bold and adventurous attitude, then the Dachshund is the right one for you.  It loves to hunt, and dig.  If you are fortunate enough to live near a wooded area with trails, you’ll enjoy watching your Dachshund catch a scent and go out hunting for game. He is independent but always appreciates the love and attention of his family.

The Dachshund is known to be a wonderful house pet and great around children, but can also get a bit snappy if introduced to small kids he does not know. Some of them are more prone to barking than others, but all Dachshunds are considered to be excellent watchdogs with high energy levels.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Even though these dogs are extremely active and need to expend energy on a daily basis, they are small enough to get plenty of exercise indoors by running around.  However, nothing replaces a nice long walk on a leash through the great outdoors. The Dachshund also enjoys playing games and mental training challenges.  Training this dog breed may be a little tough at times, as he is known to be stubborn, but with patience and time, a Dachshund can become excellent at obedience commands.

The smooth coat of the Dachshund does not require much grooming.  If you own a long-haired Dachshund than a thorough brushing once or twice per week is all that is needed. The short-haired version may only need a quick brushing once weekly in order to remove stray hairs.

Health Information

The Dachshund dog breed is known to have a lifespan of between 12 and 14 years.  The only major health concern that is typical of this dog is intervertebral disk disease. Minor concerns are KCS with the occasional health problems springing up of diabetes, gastric torsion, Cushing’s disease, deafness, patellar luxation, and seizures. It is suggested that the only specific health test that should be requested is for eye problems.  Obesity can also become a problem with the Dachshund dog when overfed.

History

This miniature dog is a member of the hound group. The latter-day Dachshunds are from Germany and are bred from terriers and hounds of French, German, and English stock. But there was a similar dog in ancient Egypt. The present incarnation was bred to dig out badgers and battle and kill them. This breed  shipped to the U.S. during the 20th century and was highly favored, lost some of its popularity and then re-emerged as a wanted breed.

General Looks

They are low riders with bellies close to the earth and longish torsos. They are able-bodied, with good muscles, and short legs. Their skin  is pliant, but not very wrinkled. Dachshunds are graceful and balanced, and move well. This is a brave and self-confident dog that holds its head with self-assurance.

He has a hunter’s spirit, powerful bark, and he is definitely equipped for underground hunting and searching through foliage.

Is This Your Breed?

These are affectionate and fun dogs. They make great friends, even with kids, when superintended correctly.

Coat

There are three kinds of  Dachshund coats: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. The smooth coat is even and close to the body and glossy. It isn’t exceptionally long or thick. The wirehaired’s main body has dense, short, coarse fur. The long-haired’s fur is silky and may be a little wavy.

Color

Dachshunds are either one-colored, two-colored or dappled. The single colors are cream and red. The double colors include fawn, gray, chocolate, and black. This bred can also be sable or brindle.

Locomotion

The gait is seamless and flowing. The back legs propel and the front legs move in accord with them, barely coming off of the ground.

Personality

He is intelligent and alert. This dog is brave and has perseverance. His senses are keen.

Dachshund videos:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoTkYKD6CHc

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpt6wmYf6Ig

Bulldog

The Bulldog is one of those breeds that carries a mean looking facial expression, but is actually a delight to have as a pet. This dog was originally bred to attack bulls, literally. History has it that these ferocious little guys used to attack and bite the nose of large bulls in the ring for entertainment purposes. Luckily today, the Bulldog is just an everyday house pet. 

Despite its angry looking face, these dogs are extremely amiable and mellow. The Bulldog is well behaved around children and tends to thrive on pleasing its owners. Although he can be protective of its owner and a little aggressive towards strange dogs, this breed makes a great family companion and will get along just fine with other pets in the home. 

Upkeep And Maintenance 

When it comes to upkeep and maintenance of the Bulldog, moderate exercise should be given on a daily basis, such as a brisk walk through the park at least once or twice daily. This is definitely not the type of dog that is made for running. The Bulldog is quite docile and tends to prefer a slower pace. 

Although the Bulldog can live both indoors and outdoors, it is recommended that he remain inside with the family as much as possible. These dogs cannot stand hot weather and are not good with water. In fact, Bulldogs do not know how to swim. 

Grooming the Bulldog takes a little extra care, but only around the face wrinkles and other folds located around the tail. These areas should be cleaned moderately on a daily basis. Other than that, a light brushing over the rest of the coat, once or twice weekly, is all that is needed. 

Health Information 

There are some major health concerns that you need to be aware of when owning a Bulldog. They include stenotic nares, shoulder luxation, ventricular septal defects, CHD, internalized tail, and elongated soft palate. Occasionally you might come across urethral prolapse and vaginal hyperplasia. 

The lifespan of the Bulldog can reach up to 12 years, sometimes longer. Specific health tests that are recommended by veterinarians include testing for elbow problems, hip dysplasia, need dysplasia, and potential eye problems. Also, wheezing, snoring, and lots of drool is typical with every Bulldog. 

History

Bulldogs are thought to have their origins in Britain. They were used for bull baiting, which is a sport, wherein, the Bulldog grabs a bull by the nose and doesn’t let go. Hence, the name of this breed is derived from this sporting use. The initial Bulldog was a fierce animal with a high pain tolerance. Parliament made bull baiting illegal in 1835.

The breeders of Bulldogs, thus, started breeding the ferocious characteristics out of  the breed. After several generations, Bulldogs were a robust lot with a pleasant personality.

General Looks

The flawless example of a Bulldog is a sleek coated animal and medium build. It has a hefty, deep chest, and the body is slung low. Its head is huge with a small face. The shoulders are wide and the legs durable.

Is This Your Breed?

These are excellent family dogs because they have enduring attachments to kids. They are tender and protective. They need a little exercise and a bit of grooming. They get overheated easily in hot weather and need shade. Their brief noses are the cause of getting hot so easily.

Weight,  Ratio, Essence

The male weighs around 50 pounds and the female 40. The perimeter of the head from the ear’s front should be at least the dog’s height upon his shoulders. The dog’s points should have a fine proportion and nothing should appear in bad form. The features shouldn’t be excessive, thus attaining a misshapen-ed look. The female will not appear as robust and should be given this thoughtfulness.

Coat Plus Skin

The Bulldog’s coat is shiny, sparing, close knit, fine textured, and straight. It should not be feather-like, fringe-like or curly. The appropriate skin is supple and moveable. This is particularly true of the neck, shoulders, and head. The dog’s head and face are creased bountifully and he has a dewlap. That means, overhanging fleshy folds are positioned from the jaw to the chest.

Color

The coat is undeviating, dazzling, and unadulterated. The desired colors in the favored order are:

- red brindle
- additional brindles
- unbroken white
- unbroken red, fawn, fallow
- piebald
- substandard colors of the previous

A piebald that is seamless is favored over a damaged solid or a mucky brindle. Solid black isn’t wanted, though solid black spots mixed with piebald areas isn’t as unfavorable. Flawless brindles are mixed well in the contained colors. A tiny white spot on the chest is okay for brindles. For piebalds, the white has to be clearly delineated, symmetrical, and untainted color.

Locomotion

The gait is robust, with a rolling action that is a specific feature of the Bulldog. But the walk is sideways, scuffled, and loose.

Personality

He is placid, affectionate, and brave. He has a dignified attitude.

Bulldog video: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWv8jPRP5dg

All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine’s health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.

Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.

Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.

The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.

The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog’s head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.

Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.

Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.

There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.

If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.