Puggle Puppy & Dog Information
March 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
The Puggle is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Beagle and a Pug, classified as an F1. Since the Puggle is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. Beagles are loyal, energetic, are prone to mischief when left alone and can be hard to train. In contrast, Pugs are intelligent and good natured dogs who enjoy the company of people and take well to training.
Both breeds can be sociable but may be stubborn at times. Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict which characteristics will dominate.
Some Puggles may display a larger head relative to overall body size. Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can alter the appearance dramatically from the original F1.
Approximate Adult Size
As with many hybrid breeds, the size and weight of a Puggle will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old and older, of either the male or female Puggle will range from 8 to 15 inches at the withers. The withers are measured at the highest point of the shoulder. The weight of an adult Puggle may range between 10 and 25 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Beagles are prone to ear and eye infections, spinal problems and heart disease. Pugs have a lower incidence of health problems than most breeds. As with most hybrids, a full understanding of potential Puggle health issues is difficult.
This health information is provided only as an informative guideline and your Puggle may not experience these conditions. Always consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.
As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and a complete check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup including a dental exam and cleaning. Avoid feeding your dog sweets and certain adult foods. Questions about the proper diet for your Puggle should be directed to your veterinary professional.
Grooming
The coat of Puggle will be generally smooth and short with little shedding. Regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. Puggles may display the skin folds common to the pug and these folds must examined and cleaned on a regular basis. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and insects like fleas and ticks. Regular grooming will help to strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.
Dental health is important and the 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 and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious health conditions.
The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.
Life Span
With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Puggle should be able to live a long and healthy life. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible.
Registries
American Canine Hybrid Club
As a hybrid breed, the Puggle is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.
Litter Size
Litter size is said to average between 3 and 7 puppies.
Category Hybrid
Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog. This information is intended only as a good faith guideline.
Choosing the Right Dog for You
Owning a dog needs dedication, time and effort. As you all know, dogs are domesticated animals that need to be nurtured and loved. So before you consider owning one, it is very important that you assess and think about what type of dog you really want.
Choosing the right dog breed should match your needs, lifestyle or status in life. Are you an active person or a home buddy? Do you like a good running partner, a dog who can accompany you when you jog outside? Do you want a little toy dog to match your cute personality? Or do you want a large dog to guard your house against burglars? These are just a few questions you should answer in selecting the right dog for you.
Many people tend to choose a dog solely on the way it looks or on the way it is perceived by the public. But there’s more to the physical appearance of a dog. You should also consider other important factors such as breed, age and sex. Bear in mind that dog breeds and their behaviour vary. Some dogs might be a little more aggressive than the others. There are also dogs that need more training and require more attention.
In selecting the right dog breed for you, decide first what size of a dog you desire. Will it be big, medium-sized or small? Different dog sizes match different needs. If you are the sporty or active type, then opt for medium-sized or large dogs that would be great companions on outdoor exercise or running in the park.
For those who are the hippie ones and enjoy the grooming part of dog ownership, it is best to own a little toy dog that can be brought to events and parties, and whose fur can be transformed in various colors.
The age of a dog should also be among the considerations. It is more enjoyable to nurture a puppy as a pet, but this requires more supervision and time for potty training and other behavioral issues. If you don’t have the luxury of time, then go for adult dogs that don’t have behavioral problems anymore like excessive barking and chewing things.
You should also choose between male of female dogs. Well, it’s just matter a personal preference. There are some generalizations and articles which you can read over the internet and it’s worth the time to read over them. Some say female dogs can be trained easily than males and that they more docile. Male dogs, on the other hand, are more affectionate and tend to long more attention. They are also very outgoing and motivated by food, treats and toys.
Schnoodle Puppy & Dog Information
June 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
The Schnoodle is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer, classified as an F1. Since the Schnoodle is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. The Poodle is fun and energetic as is the Schnauzer. Both breeds are intelligent and good natured dogs that enjoy the company of people and take well to training. Both breeds can be sociable but stubborn. Color can vary from brown to wheaten. Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict which characteristics will dominate.
Some Schnoodle puggles may display a larger head relative to overall body size. Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can alter the appearance dramatically from the original F1 class.
Approximate Adult Size
As with many hybrid breeds, size and weight will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old or older, of either the male or female is 16 to 18 inches at the withers. The withers is the highest point of the shoulder. A Schnoodle can weigh between 14 and 18 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Poodles could be prone to Canine Hip Dysplasia that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness. Poodles can also be prone to epilepsy, which is common in many dogs, stifle problems and ear infections. The Schnoodle is said to be prone to cataracts and other eye-related problems.
This disease list is provided only as an informative guideline and your Schnoodle may not experience any of these conditions. Before choosing a Schnoodle, or any type of dog, always consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.
As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and a thorough check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup including a dental exam and cleaning. As with most pets, avoid feeding your dog sweets. Certain human foods should never be given to your pet. When in doubt, always consult your veterinary professional.
Grooming
The coat of Schnoodle can vary from course to soft and will be generally wavy with very little shedding. Regular brushing is very important for the Schnoodle and will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.
Dental health is important and the 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 and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious health conditions.
The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.
Life Span
With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Schnoodle should be able to live a long and healthy life, possibly as long as 15 years. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, and interbreeding, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible.
Registries
American Canine Hybrid Club
As a hybrid breed, the Schnoodle is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.
Litter Size
Litter size for the Schnoodle is said to average between 4 and 6 puppies, though accurate data on litter size has yet to be collected.
Category
Hybrid
Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog. This information is intended only as a good faith guideline.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Purebred Dog or Puppy
May 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
Finding a Dog 101 - Dogs are fantastic companions, and love you no matter what, but remember:
• Dogs DO take time! Remember, just like us, they are social animals who do not like being left alone. You can’t just stick them out in the yard or leave them in the house alone all the time and expect everything to be all right. Many types of behavioral problems occur just as a result of this one thing. Do you honestly have ample time every day to spend walking, feeding, cleaning up after, grooming, exercising and playing with your dog? And dogs often live for ten to fifteen years, so enter into this as a seriously long-term commitment.
• Dogs DO cost money. There are food requirements which vary from dog to dog. They will need regular health care as well including: shots, wormings, check ups, etc. Some dog breeds will additionally need regular grooming. Puppies will damage things in your house from time to time - it’s a fact. Finding a dog may lead to things being replaced more often. You will have to do more cleaning from time to time - shedding fur, etc.
• Dogs DO require ample space which can vary from breed to breed. Take the time to research ALL the requirements needed for all breeds you may be interested in. Do you live in an apartment? A duplex/townhouse or condo? A single family home? Do you have a securely fenced yard or access to a securely fenced in area for your dog to play in? If not, can you seriously make some other kind of suitable and realistic arrangements for your dog to get adequate DAILY exercise? Finding a dog requires a lot of forethought and planning.
1) Be Honest. Finding a dog can take some time. First of all, do you really want a dog? Is a purebred dog perfect for you? Or would you be just as happy adopting a dog from the local animal shelter or rescue organization in your area?
2) So you still really want a dog even will all the needs listed above in mind …
If you can honestly answer all these needs mentioned above with a positive response then you’re ready for step 2.
So now, you must now ask yourself:
Finding a Dog 101 - What breed of purebred dog do you want?
Research, research, research! Before selecting a purebred puppy breed you must first carefully consider many things about yourself and your family, such as: your exercise schedule, your own personality, your family and home situation, what you expect of your dog (watchdog, companion for your children, hunting, etc.), whether you live in a house with a fenced yard or in an apartment/duplex/condo, etc. You want to honestly match the dog’s needs to yours as closely as possible for the best match possible. Finding a dog takes plenty of forethought and research.
For example, if you’re athletically inclined, you don’t want a doggie couch potato - a dog that has low exercise needs. If you’re a couch potato yourself, you don’t want a purebred puppy that needs a lot of exercise.
• First, DO NOT decide on any dog breed based on looks alone. When finding a dog take your time and do lots of research BEFORE making any new kind of new doggie addition to your family. The eight major purebred dog groups found in the AKC in particular (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding and Miscellaneous) is a great place to start. Feel free to use the dog breed resources on our site as a good place to start as well. We offer many individual dog breed profiles including lots of in-depth information on many kinds of purebred dog…
Finding a Dog 101 - Next: Selecting Your Dog. Do you want an adult or puppy?
Almost everyone wants a puppy. Puppies are lots of fun and can be easy to train and socialize, but they require a lot of time and care. Adult dogs often require less care overall than puppies but may have developed some types of behavioral or socialization problems during their life. If you are more inclined to get an adult dog, one good choice to start with is a rescue dog, possibly from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are many shelters and breed rescue groups available which can be visited on the internet, via the phone or in person depending on your area and finding a dog in one of these places can potentially mean saving it’s life. Sometimes these organizations may have puppies for adoption as well.
Finding a Dog 101 - Where is the best place to find a dog or puppy?
• First, consider adopting a dog from a shelter or purebred dog rescue organization. Way too many dogs are euthanized each year, and you might just find a dog - the perfect companion for you, at the local pound or through a rescue group for your favorite breed. And you saved a life in the process!
• Second, find a “real” breeder. A real breeder of purebred dogs usually belongs to a breed club for their specific dog breed as well as belonging to several other dog related organizations. Additionally, many purebred dog breeders may be involved in showing their own dogs or participating in other dog related activities as agility, lure coursing or herding events. Finding purebred dogs or purebred puppies here means you have a much better chance at learning about the dogs ancestors, breed health problems, littermates, seeing the actual living conditions the puppy was raised in, and have a resource for future questions and a new friend for the life of your new dog.
Other very important things to look for in a purebred dog breeder - do they: provide references; have a clean kennel with healthy, well-socialized animals; provide a pedigree and registration application form; give you written instructions on feeding, training and care; provide a written contract with conditions of sale and warranty; give you a record of vaccinations and wormings?
Are the breeders: interested in your qualifications to be an owner of one of their precious puppies (your home and family situation, etc); insistent that you take the purebred puppy to a vet for a check-up immediately after purchase; insistent that you continue with vaccinations and wormings on a regular basis; encouraging the relationship between you and the breeder as a continuing one; there for you on an “on-call” basis with ANY future questions or problems that you may have about you new puppy or dog?
Places to avoid when finding a dog:
• Pet shop. These poor puppies are often poorly bred and raised in the most terrible living conditions. You’ll never get a chance to see the parents, littermates or the actual original home they were bred in and you will never know what kind of inherited health problems they have until way too late. Finding a dog here means a potential lifetime of health problems as well as the potential to carry on this awful practice of puppy milling by supporting the sellers of their animals.
• Backyard breeders. Typically these are people who own a dog but are not knowledgeable at all in the details about the breed, inherent health problems and risks, history of their dogs (other than their “papers”), etc. and think it will be “fun” or maybe even “profitable” to have a litter of puppies. Any dog breeders who lets you handle a very young puppy, shows signs of neglect (such as lack of water, and dirty conditions) in their kennel, are willing to sell a puppy under seven weeks of age are not looking out for the puppies best interest. Leave and find a reputable breeder asap! Finding a dog here also means many potential problems and no real support for your new puppy in the future.
We suggest you take your time when searching for your new canine companion. Call breeders, visit their websites if possible, contact parent clubs for references for reputable breeders in your area. The more research you do BEFORE you bring your new companion home, the better off everyone, including the new doggie, will be.
Cockapoo Puppy & Dog Information
May 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Health
The Cockapoo is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle, classified as an F1. Since the cockapoo is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. This hybrid is very popular since the best of both breeds seem to come through. The Cockapoo breeding is among the oldest of what are referred to as designer dogs.
Cocker spaniels and poodles are both intelligent and good natured dogs that enjoy the company of people and take well to training. Both breeds can be very sociable, occasionally stubborn and very loyal. Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict which characteristics will dominate in your Cockapoo.
Approximate Adult Size
As with many hybrid breeds, size and weight will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old or older, of either the male or female is 12 to 15 inches at the withers. The withers are measured at the highest point of the shoulder. The weight of an adult Cockpoo can range between 14 and 20 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Cocker spaniels are prone to some orthopedic problems in the legs and glaucoma in the eyes. Poodles are prone to ear infections, but generally have a lower incidence of health problems than most breeds. Cockapoos may develop hypothyroidism along with vision problems. As with most hybrids, a full understanding of potential health issues is difficult to ascertain at this time.
This disease list is provided only as an informative guideline and your puggle may not experience these conditions. Consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.
As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup that includes a dental exam and cleaning. Avoid feeding your dog sweets and other human foods. Always consult a veterinary professional about the dietary needs of your dog.
Grooming
The coat of cockapoo is generally soft and not prone to shedding. Regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and insects like fleas and ticks. Regular grooming also helps to strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.
Dental health is important and the 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 and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and serious health conditions brought on by infection.
The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.
Life Span
With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a cockapoo should be able to live a long and healthy life. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible but is estimated to be range between 12 and 15 years.
Registries
American Canine Hybrid Club
As a hybrid breed, the cockapoo is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.
Litter Size
Litter size is said to range between 4 and 6 puppies.
Category
Hybrid
Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog. This information is intended only as a good faith guideline..






