Dogs & Puppies Blog

Archive for the ‘Dog Breeds’ Category

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You’ll get all the energy you want with breed and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer a wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog types brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they make up for these traits with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

Showing your dog can be a very rewarding experience, for both you and your pet. But there are some things you need to know first, and knowing them before you just start throwing yourself out there can attribute greatly to your future success in the ring. Everything from equipment to training must be assessed, and you will need a show budget just for starters.

1. Make sure your dog has what it takes to go the distance, this doesn’t mean a Westminster qualifier, but he should be a decent representation of a Cocker Spaniel, and cannot be neutered or spayed.
2. Your dog’s coat should be in show coat condition. If you are not able to give this sort of clip to your Spaniel, find a good local groomer with prior show experience to do one for you. They may even help you catch how to do it yourself.
3. Dogs in any sort of competition require high quality dog food to look and feel their best in the ring. Poor quality dog chow will result in a poor coat and body condition.
4. Parasites, should never ever exist in your home. There are no exceptions to this rule.
5. Find a local club or stock breeder of Spaniels to befriend, offer to be their helping hand and “go for” at some of the big shows, they will in most cases be happy to show you the ropes, give you the run down on whose who, and get you a start in the ring.
6. Brush your Cocker Spaniel daily, that beautiful coat require a ton of upkeep to keep it in top shape, and remember to pick apart, not tear out, the tangles or your beautiful show coat will be pretty short.
7. Add a little Show Sheen (a product used on the manes and tails of horses) to the dog’s coat. This will help keep it from tangling and collecting codswallop from around the house.
8. Keep the dog as indoors as much as possible, the more contact it has with the outside world, the more break off that goes on with that hair.

Don’t think you have to be wealthy or living a jet island lifestyle to be able to compete in this arena; you might be surprised at how little it takes to get you started. Follow these rules of thumb and you are sure to go far.

Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest breed of dog and one of the most popular too. They are named after the Mexican state where they were discovered, which explains why Spanish Chihuahua names are so popular for this breed…and why a Chihuahua is the Taco Bell mascot!

As you look for Chihuahua names, the most important thing to keep in mind is to select a name that you like and that also suits your dog. To help you do this, we’ve come up with a few helpful suggestions, specifically suited to Chihuahuas, that you may want to consider :

1) You can look for dog names that refer to your Chihuahua’s most obvious physical attribute – its small stature. In this instance, names like Atom, Gadget, Peanut, Tic Tac and Tinkerbell might sound good to you.

2) You can look for a name that appeals to to your dog’s Spanish heritage. Bonita (pretty), Chiquita (small girl), Carlos and Geraldo are all examples of Spanish names.

3) You can look for a name that has a touch of humor or hyperbole. For example, imagine a tiny Chihuahua called Moose, Hercules or Bruiser!

4) Since little dogs are noted for their larger than life personalities, you can look for a name that refers to this characteristic. Diva, Princess, Jock and Napoleon are all examples of names with attitude!

Of course, if none of these ideas work for you and your Chihuahua, there are countless other ways that you can go. Here are some more tips to help guide you:

1) Use your interests for inspiration. If you’re a golfer, how about the name Putter? Love to read? Choose the name of your favorite author!

2) Think of famous people – presidents, royalty, movie stars, scientists, inventors…the list goes on. If there’s someone you admire or whose name you think sounds cool, you may want to name your Chihuahua after them.

3) Look at your Chihuahua’s other physical attributes, such as its color and markings. How about Q-Tip for a white Chihuahua or Oreo for a black and white one?

4) Look for something unique. If you’re looking for a name that’s a little out of the ordinary, choose one from a foreign language, like Japanese dog names or any other language that appeals to you.

5) Find pet naming books and websites. You’ll find hundreds, if not thousands of pet names to choose from.

Remember to use your imagination to help make finding a Chihuahua name stress free and fun. The only names you should avoid are ones that sound like commands (they may confuse your dog) and names that are demeaning to your Chihuahua. Also, one or two-syllable names are usually considered preferable, as they are easiest to pronounce and easiest for your dog to respond to. Of course, don’t let this limit you! You can choose any name that appeals to you, just remember that you will be calling it out dozens of times each day, so an abbreviated nickname may be more convenient for daily use.

Finally, don’t forget to enlist the help of your Chihuahua! Call out some of the names on your short-list and wait to see his or her response. This may help you decide on the perfect name for your new Chihuahua. Good luck!