Friday 26 March 2010

The Labrador Retriever: What Makes Them a Special Dog Breed


If you are looking for a dog that is going to neatly fit into your family, a Labrador Retriever just might be the perfect pet for you. This is a dog breed that seems to love everyone and everything. This dog breed is perfect for families that are active, as they enjoy walking, running and playing.

When you begin to research the various breeds of dogs, you will find in the dog breed profile for the Labrador Retriever that this dog breed is loyal. The overall temperament of a Labrador Retriever is loving, devoted, faithful, energetic and often referred to as a puppy throughout their lives. This dog breed is exceptional at swimming and most outdoor activities.

As you will find in the dog breed profile, Labrador Retrievers are excellent at agility and many enjoy hunting with their owners. This dog breed is one that is alert and aware of its surroundings at all times. However, they do not make good watch dogs as they are too friendly and desire attention, unfortunately, this affection can come from a stranger.

If you are seeking to bring a new dog into your home, and a Labrador Retriever is the dog breed you are leaning towards, you need to keep in mind the demands of having an energetic dog. You will need to make sure your Lab gets plenty of daily exercise, as they can and will become lazy and overweight without exercise.

As with any dog breed it is important that the Labrador Retriever is socialized early on with other animals, people and situations. Begin your training as soon as you bring your Labrador Retriever home. It is imperative that you teach this dog breed the rules in your home. They can be chewers and love to carry items in their mouth. Provide acceptable items for your Labrador Retriever to chew on and play with. If you don’t you might find that your loving puppy has decided to hide one of your favorite sneakers out in the yard somewhere.

There are some health issues that are common in older Labrador Retrievers. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common concerns in elderly Labs. However, this is not a health related issue that is only common with this dog breed. Many of the larger dog breeds are predisposed to joint related issues as they age.

The overall grooming needs of a Labrador Retriever are not overwhelming. You will need to brush a Labrador Retriever on a weekly basis to promote a healthy and shiny coat. Nails will need to be clipped as needed. The nails will need to be clipped more frequently on a dog that is not well exercised as they are unable to wear their nails down naturally. Bathing will vary depending on the typical activities of the dog. If your Labrador Retriever swims often and plays in the mud you will need to bathe him more often than a dog that does not partake in those activities.

The American Pit Bull Terrier: A Bad Reputation For a Great Dog Breed


The American Pit Bull Terrier has one of the worse reputations among all of the dog breeds in America. Sadly, these dogs do not deserve the reputation of being an aggressive dog that attacks when unprovoked. This is one of the few larger dog breeds that are completely devoted to their owners regardless of circumstances.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is strong, powerful and agile dog breed. With proper training a Pit Bull can be a great family pet, guard dog and lifelong companion. Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a bad dog, there are simply bad owners. The Pit Bull is a dog that loves to please its owner and will do everything that is expected of him or her. Unfortunately, that includes harming another animal if that is what the dog believes the owner wants it to do.

The American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed is an extremely muscular breed that also has the power to stand behind. They have a short coat that does require minimal grooming. Pit Bulls have been known for their inability to act like a dog of their size. Many American Pit Bull Terriers prefer to be considered a lap dog. They are very friendly and tolerable of situations, as long as they know what is expected of them.

The American Pit Bull dog breed is a breed of stamina that requires supervision, structure and consistency with rules. If you leave a Pit Bull unattended too much you might come home to a home that has been chewed out of mere boredom. Stimulation and guidance is key to keeping a Pit Bull happy. Otherwise, they will do what they can to find the stimulation they desire.

You will also find that the Pit Bull is a dog breed that is eager to please its master. They are very obedient and fast learners. However, they can be stubborn at times if allowed to be. It is important that you exercise a Pit Bull often and consistently. Otherwise this breed can become overweight and less active. They need to keep working their muscles to maintain their muscular stance. This can be going for a run with you in the park or catching the ball in your back yard.

This dog breed is one of the few that make great family pets as well. Not all dogs of this size are good with children, but the Pit Bull has proven time and again to be quite fond of children of all ages. It is important that both the child and the dog understand what is expected of each other while with the other. Teach your child to be nice to the dog and the dog to be nice to the child. In most cases, when a dog bites a child it is only doing it in defense of itself. After all, the dog can’t run to the owner and tattle tale like the child can.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

The Boxer: An In Depth Look Into a Perfect Dog Breed


In recent years, many people are becoming more familiar with the Boxer dog breed. More and more families are choosing to bring this unique dog breed into their homes and make them a part of the family. There are many reasons such a wide variety of families are choosing the Boxer dog breed, from the look or the dog to the personality. Here is a deeper look into a dog breed that is sweeping the nation with its affection and popularity.

Boxers are generally a very happy dog breed, which is why many families decide to bring them into their homes. On average, when a Boxer is well socialized they can do great in homes with children and other animals. A Boxer is on the top of the charts with the ability to learn quickly and their desire to please.

They do require a substantial amount of exercise as they are extremely energetic dogs. You will learn quickly if your Boxer is not getting enough mental stimulation. He or she will begin to find things to keep it entertained, this can be chewing on your favorite shoes to eating a leg off of your chair. Stimulation is key to keeping this dog breed happy.

One of the most notable aspects noted in the Boxer dog breed profile is their playful attitude and their ability to be great protectors. The Boxer can be the perfect dog for all scenarios. From being in the yard frolicking with the children to protecting the home from an intruder. However, it is vital that a Boxer is taught from the beginning his boundaries.

Make sure you are clear with your expectations for this dog breed. They can be set in their ways if you do not continue to maintain your status as “top dog” with them. A Boxer must be given rules to follow and have those rules reinforced, otherwise you will have a large dog breed taking over your home.

According to the Boxer dog breed profile, a Boxer is a large dog that weighs between 63-70 pounds depending on the sex of the dog. The are agile and attentive, and they stand between 22-25 inches tall. As they age, this dog breed is prone to some health related issues. Some of the most common aliments in the Boxer breed are thyroid issues, tumors, epilepsy, flatulence and hip dysplasia.

If you plan on bringing a Boxer into your family, you can expect to have a faithful companion for the next 11-14 years. Boxers are loyal companions that enjoy spending quality time with their pack leader. Running in the yard, going for walks and even fetching a ball. They require minimal groom, a brushing with a hard bristle brush a few times a week. They do not require a lot of bathing, only when they need it. Over bathing can cause skin conditions in Boxers. This is a dog breed that does not shed excessively, but they do shed.