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.



Smooth Fox Terrier Puppy And Dog Information

February 8, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Toy Dogs


The Smooth Fox Terrier is a energetic, playful always on the go barking dog. They can be quarrelsome and actually pick fights with other dogs, even larger ones. They should not be trusted with other pets. They may take to older children, especially if extensively socialized when young. 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 Smooth Fox Terrier is 14 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 15 to 20 pounds. The female ranges from 13 to 15 inches to the withers and 13 to 18 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Smooth Fox Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for deafness, congenital heart disease, glaucoma, skin allergies and shoulder dislocation. 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 Smooth Fox Terrier has a smooth, hard, flat and dense coat that is easy to care for. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, 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.

*Life Span. The Smooth Fox Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Smooth Fox Terrier comes from England where they were used to hunt vermin. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries:

*American Fox Terrier Club

*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: 3 to 6 Smooth Fox Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Active, lively, playful, energetic, quarrelsome, scrappy,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Easy to care for coat.

Generally very healthy.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Poor guard dog.

This dog is a barker.

May be a digger.

Will leave on adventures.

Can be a biter.

May be possessive with their toys.

*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.



Questions About Dog Health and the Critical Answers – Revealed!

January 31, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Dog Health


Dog owners have always been baffled by some of the biggest questions about dog health. Getting the right answers is on top of their priority list and will definitely help them take better care of their pets. Here are a few frequently asked questions about dog health.

Question #1: How can I tell if my dog is sick?

As with humans, it’s usually fairly easy to tell if your pet is sick. But of course, you have to be certain before you take action. However, unlike humans, who are able to inform you right away when they’re not feeling well, animals will require your most careful observation and attention.

Take note of any changes in his daily routine, no matter how small it might be. Observe his appetite level, his liquid consumption, urinary frequency, general appearance, sudden weight loss, and drops in energy level. Does he refuse his food completely? Is he vomiting? Does he limp or have difficulty getting around? If your dog shows an alarming change in behavior, then it’s time you took him to the vet.

Question #2: How often should I have my dog checked at the vet?

Annual physical checkups are advisable for dogs. It should be more frequent than that if your dog is still very young, or has a medical condition that needs constant monitoring. Around age six, you should start taking him twice yearly so that any health problems that may come with age may be detected and prevented from worsening, and that the right course of action may be taken to ensure good and continued health as he matures.

Question #3: Should I have my dog neutered/spayed?

Unless you’re planning on putting up a breeding facility, it is highly recommended that your dog be neutered (if it is a male) or spayed (if female) once it has reached six months of age.

This makes them less aggressive. It also boosts their health. A male’s chances of getting prostate and testicular cancer falls to almost zero, while the same rate holds true for females getting mammary cancer.

Spaying significantly cuts down their risk of contracting a form of diabetes, as well as womb infections or pyometra. On a more practical and humane note, it prevents overpopulation or the swelling in numbers of poor, unwanted puppies in rescue shelters.

Moreover, it saves you the trouble of having to deal with the horde of male dogs trooping to your house each time your female dog is in heat.

Question #4: What do I do if my dog drools excessively?

It’s perfectly normal for dogs to drool; it’s in their nature. But relative to his size, a good tip would be to take note of whether or not there is a sudden increase in his salivary output as this might be a sign of periodontal disease, tongue injuries, or even cysts, in which case you must take him to see the vet immediately.

Question #5: How do I deal with ear mites?

Before using your vet’s prescribed ear mite medication, first clean off the deposit of hardened debris in your dog’s ear by applying some drops of baby oil in the ear canal and letting it stand for a few hours.

Once the coating has softened, you can flush it away with vinegar and distilled water (avoid tap water) in equal parts using a rubber ear-cleaning syringe. Do this with extra care as too much pressure will cause pain.

Once clean, apply a few drops of the medication; after which, gently massage the ear’s base for a few minutes so that the medicine can be properly absorbed into the affected area.

Don’t forget to read the medicine’s instructions first before applying. When in doubt about the procedure, your vet could always do the cleaning and medicating for you, though it would be advantageous for both you and your pet if you knew how to do it yourself.

Observing your vet during this process can give you a good idea how to handle this situation. Remember that it is easy for your dog to catch ear mites from other dogs. If you happen to have two or more dogs in your household, it’s definitely wise to observe them and see if they could possibly be infected by ear mites, too.

To get more answers to your other problems and questions about dog health, pay a visit to your veterinarian and he/she will be able to assist you with your concerns.



Raising a Yorkie Puppy

October 22, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Dog Health


The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie” breed, originated for hunting and ratting purposes. They were perfect for the job because they are small enough to work themselves into fox holes and badger burrows. Later on, the Yorkie puppy became extremely popular as a companion animal and pet due to its small size, attractive features, and easy going demeanor. Despite their small size, the Yorkie is an excellent as a guardian for a home and family. Yorkie puppies are so much fun to own, many families keep tend to keep getting more of them.

Once you have decided to bring home your own Yorkie puppy there are some considerations and preparations that need to be made to ensure that your home is ready to care for this new puppy. First of all, you need to plan ahead to have a veterinarian for your Yorkie puppy and this should be someone that you can trust and feel completely comfortable with. It may be a good idea for you to consult other local Yorkie owners in your area to find out which veterinarians have experience treating the breed.

The next consideration that you need to make involves preparing for the Yorkie puppy’s homecoming. Your home needs to be puppy proofed, which means that anything your Yorkie puppy can get into needs to be put away or removed from the home. The consequences can be detrimental if your puppy should happen to get into something bad for it. There are numerous things in your home that are deadly to your Yorkie puppy including household plants, Tylenol, mothballs, chocolate, mouthwash, and bleach.

Once you are sure that your home is safe for your puppy, you need to work on educating yourself about Yorkie puppy health problems and other issues that can affect your Yorkshire Terrier. When you are properly informed about health problems and other ailments, you can catch them more quickly should they arise. The sooner you properly diagnose and treat such a health problem, the sooner your Yorkie will be able to recover.

As soon as you bring your Yorkie puppy home you should contact your veterinarian to set up a basic checkup appointment. Within the first week that you have your Yorkie puppy is the most ideal time to visit a veterinarian for a basic exam. This will give your puppy a few days to acclimate to his or her new surroundings. Yorkie puppies can be affected by stress easily, so it is vital that you work to keep the stress level in your home to a minimum to keep any health problems from cropping up unexpectedly.

Your Yorkie puppy should acclimate to its new surroundings within a couple of days. If your puppy seems disinterested in eating or drinking water, is listless or seems nervous and unfriendly after a few days, it would be wise to schedule a veterinary appointment to make sure that nothing is wrong. Continue to feed your Yorkie puppy the same food that was fed by previous owners for at least two weeks before beginning to mix in your own food if you are keen on changing the brand.

Your Yorkie puppy will probably like to eat between three and four times a day, so make sure that food is always provided for him or her. It would also be wise to create a regular grooming schedule because Yorkie puppies do best when they are properly groomed and have clipped nails and cleaned ears. Keeping your Yorkie puppy healthy and happy will not be difficult with the right information, and your Yorkie will grow up to give you many happy, healthy years of love and devotion.



Dorgi Puppy & Dog Information

July 29, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Dog Health


The Dorgi is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Welsh Corgi and a Dachshund, classified as an F1. Since the Dorgi is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. The ears will resemble those of the Corgi parent. And, like the Dachshund and Corgi, the Dorgi has a low maintenance coat.

Both the Welsh Corgi and the Dachshund are fun-loving, good natured and love the company of humans. Affectionate and intelligent, both breeds and take well to training, though the Dachshund can be somewhat stubborn.

Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can dramatically alter the temperament and appearance from the original F1. Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict at this time which characteristics will dominate.

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 Dorgi is 10 to 15 inches at the withers. The withers are measured at the highest point of the shoulder. Adult dogs can weigh between 18 and 25 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Dachshunds are prone to weight-related problems such as diabetes so be mindful of the Dorgis diet. Welsh Corgis have a lower incidence of health problems than most breeds. 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 Dorgi 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.

Grooming

If the Dachshund is the short hair variety, the coat of Dorgi will be generally smooth and short with little shedding. If the Dachshund is a long hair, regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The Welsh Corgi does shed but regular brushing will take care of that. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and the presence of insects like fleas and ticks. Regular grooming 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 resulting from uncontrolled infections.

The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.

Dorgi Life Span

With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Dorgi 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 at this time.

Dorgi Registries

American Canine Hybrid Club

As a hybrid breed, the Dorgi is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.

Dorgi Litter Size

Litter size is said to average between 6 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.



Great Advice On The English Toy Spaniel Dog Breed

May 1, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Toy Dogs


The English Toy Spaniel is a happy, lap companion dog that needs little in the way of exercise and care. She is well behaved, friendly with other pets and good with older, calm children. As a reminder, never leave children unsupervised with any puppy or dog as dogs can often be unpredictable even when you think they are trusted.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the English Toy Spaniel is about 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 9 to 12 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the English Toy Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for cataracts, heart murmurs, patella luxation, eye problems (prominent eyes are prone to physical damage) and ear infections. 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 English Toy Spaniel has a long wavy and thick coat. 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 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 English Toy Spaniel can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.

Conclusion

In conclusion this breed has many great qualities, if the above has not put you off then this is obviously a strong choice of breed for you.