What kind of coat on your potential new dog will work best for both you and your home?? It is important to remember, keeping up with a dog's grooming and hygiene is extremely important. Below is a little more information on dog coats to help you decide which one you are willing to take responsibility for, whether it be low-maintenance or higher maintenance. There are many to take into consideration so be sure to choose the one that is right for you.
Long-coated and double-coated dogs shed, shed, and shed some more. They can leave tufts of hair to float about the house and land everywhere you can think of. Meticulous housekeepers and folks with little or no time for grooming will be happier with dogs that don't leave a part of themselves behind. It is important to remember that double-coated dogs may also have longer, stiffer guard hairs that can penetrate bare feet like splinters. Keeping up with this type of coat is time consuming and tedious, but well worth the finished product if it is kept up and maintained.
For the terrier/poodle breeds, regular brushing is needed to remove the dead hair from the wire-coated terriers, poodles, and poodle relatives/mixes, and professional grooming is necessary to maintain texture and color in these breeds. These breeds are generally better than heavily shedding breeds for owners with allergies, and are easier to keep and maintain.
Just a quick note and reminder - dogs with a tendency to oily outer coats can develop a doggy odor that can be unpleasant, dogs with heavy coats may suffer in southern climates, and dogs with short coats may shiver in the north. Be sure whether keeping them inside or out, their coat is appropriate for where you will be keeping them and where you live.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...NEED FOR EXERCISE
How energetic are YOU?? Actually, this has a lot to do with what dog you choose to get. If you are very active, enjoy walking/jogging a lot or outdoor activity then having a dog that enjoys the same is a good choice for you. Active families would be happier with a pet that can jog, hike, and play ball. If you are more of a homebody or sedate, you would most likely prefer a quieter animal.
Believe it or not, cute as they are, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Corgis are not jogging companions, and Airedales, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are not typical couch potatoes. In retrospect, Poodles, Maltese, and Yorkies are content to just hop up and down in your lap for exercise and Great Danes are very low key and do well in small apartments and such because of their low requirement for exertion.
All dogs do need some exercise to stay healthy. Most adult dogs will not exercise themselves, so time for walks and other activities is important. A healthy exercise regimen for the particular breed of dog you decide is best for you will make for a healthier and happier pet, keeping obesity and some potential health problems at bay.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...POTENTIAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Are certain dogs more inclined to health problems than others???
Although purebred dogs are known more for their health problems much more so then mixed breed dogs thanks to genetics, the truth is that all dogs have the same range of health problems.
Some of these problems are genetic, some result from exposure to disease or parasites, and some are the result of non-genetic birth defects or injuries. Genetic problems such as joint problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, loose kneecaps, eye problems, cancers, skin diseases, heart disease and more affect dogs of every size, breed and background. Some dogs will even have additional problems caused by short muzzles, long backs, or even from being too big or small.
Bottom line when you start searching for a dog - always ask questions about the parents, and even grandparents and so on if the information is available. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Inbreeding, unfortunately is a lot more common in purebred dogs so be sure to ask for a pedigree and look it over to avoid as many potential heath problems as possible. Some breeders of purebred dogs will inbreed trying to perfect a certain 'trait' to perfect the 'breed standard'...sadly this is for human selfishness instead of caring for the the well being of the dog.
With any dog you run the risk of potential health risks - just be sure you are aware of as many potential problems you may face beforehand in choosing the right dog or puppy for you. If you plan on adopting from a shelter, there may not be a lot you can find out as far as background, but you can be assured that they will have had a complete check up including full vaccinations and spay/neuter and if there are any potential health problems they will be made known and made available to potential new owners.
Just remember - being imperfect is something we are ALL good at canine and human alike - and it is not the dog or puppy's fault if it turns out to have health problems, whether genetic or not. Many dogs and puppy's are 'thrown away', cast aside or given up to shelters because health wise they turned out to be less then perfect. That is why it is so important to get as much information as possible before deciding what type and where you want to get a new dog from.
Although purebred dogs are known more for their health problems much more so then mixed breed dogs thanks to genetics, the truth is that all dogs have the same range of health problems.
Some of these problems are genetic, some result from exposure to disease or parasites, and some are the result of non-genetic birth defects or injuries. Genetic problems such as joint problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, loose kneecaps, eye problems, cancers, skin diseases, heart disease and more affect dogs of every size, breed and background. Some dogs will even have additional problems caused by short muzzles, long backs, or even from being too big or small.
Bottom line when you start searching for a dog - always ask questions about the parents, and even grandparents and so on if the information is available. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Inbreeding, unfortunately is a lot more common in purebred dogs so be sure to ask for a pedigree and look it over to avoid as many potential heath problems as possible. Some breeders of purebred dogs will inbreed trying to perfect a certain 'trait' to perfect the 'breed standard'...sadly this is for human selfishness instead of caring for the the well being of the dog.
With any dog you run the risk of potential health risks - just be sure you are aware of as many potential problems you may face beforehand in choosing the right dog or puppy for you. If you plan on adopting from a shelter, there may not be a lot you can find out as far as background, but you can be assured that they will have had a complete check up including full vaccinations and spay/neuter and if there are any potential health problems they will be made known and made available to potential new owners.
Just remember - being imperfect is something we are ALL good at canine and human alike - and it is not the dog or puppy's fault if it turns out to have health problems, whether genetic or not. Many dogs and puppy's are 'thrown away', cast aside or given up to shelters because health wise they turned out to be less then perfect. That is why it is so important to get as much information as possible before deciding what type and where you want to get a new dog from.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...SIZE
So, what size dog do you think you want???
Generally, a large dog is not really made for an apartment, for elderly owners, or for mild-mannered people. However, keep in mind there are some large, agile dogs that adapt well to apartment or condo living as long as they get a daily walk, and some are gentle enough that anyone with a firm voice and manner can easily handle them.
Medium size dogs may seem adaptable to any situation and lifestyle because they are in the median size range ~ however, this is one of the most incorrect perceptions ever made when deciding what type of dog to bring home.
Small dogs may be unsuitable for families with active children or elderly or relatives that are sick who could trip over a small, bouncy critter. Many people think small dogs are ideal because of their size, but do not stop to think about how active they really are.
As we get further into this blog and really break down the different breeds, etc., we will cover this topic more thoroughly and discuss the size vs. breed issue to really determine which dog is best for you and your household.
Generally, a large dog is not really made for an apartment, for elderly owners, or for mild-mannered people. However, keep in mind there are some large, agile dogs that adapt well to apartment or condo living as long as they get a daily walk, and some are gentle enough that anyone with a firm voice and manner can easily handle them.
Medium size dogs may seem adaptable to any situation and lifestyle because they are in the median size range ~ however, this is one of the most incorrect perceptions ever made when deciding what type of dog to bring home.
Small dogs may be unsuitable for families with active children or elderly or relatives that are sick who could trip over a small, bouncy critter. Many people think small dogs are ideal because of their size, but do not stop to think about how active they really are.
As we get further into this blog and really break down the different breeds, etc., we will cover this topic more thoroughly and discuss the size vs. breed issue to really determine which dog is best for you and your household.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...
Here are some critical things to think about to help you in your decision of which dog you want to finally bring home...you need to make more then one decision however, before making your FINAL decision.
Decisions on size, potentional health problems, need for exercise, coat type, ease of training, temperament, behaviour and attitude that you make before seeing potential new pups or dogs will help you make a good decision in the dog that will eventually share your home.
The next few days I will be covering eight topics vital to making sure your home is ready for your new family member before you ever bring him or her home. Please feel free to comment or ask questions if you have any!
Decisions on size, potentional health problems, need for exercise, coat type, ease of training, temperament, behaviour and attitude that you make before seeing potential new pups or dogs will help you make a good decision in the dog that will eventually share your home.
The next few days I will be covering eight topics vital to making sure your home is ready for your new family member before you ever bring him or her home. Please feel free to comment or ask questions if you have any!
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