Sunday, December 30, 2007

How to Choose a Dog Breed?



There are so many different dog breeds, how are you supposed to choose what is best for you and your family.

You need to decide what you are looking for:
  • Grooming and maintence level
  • Size
  • Temperament
  • Trainability

    Some dogs require more maintenance than others. For example, the golden retriever will need more grooming concerns than a dalmatian. Due to the longer hair, golden retrievers will need daily brushings, and longer baths, whereas the short coated dalmatian, will require less.



    When regards to size, you need to consider whether you want a small, medium, or large breed dog. You may be thinking that a small breed will be best in your home when compared to a larger dog, but most small breed dogs are iffy when it comes to children and families. Most small breed dogs are more hyperactive and nippy, whereas many large breed dogs are more docile and calm. You may think that a cute little chihuahua may work well with your five year old, but in reality, a great dane, is more of a family pet. Both breeds are best kept indoors, so it's really up to you as to the size of the dog.



    The temperament of a dog may be the key factor when determining which dog breed is best for you. But, don't believe all that you hear from friends and family about every breed. You may hear that the baby-killer American Pit Bull Terrier would attack and harm your child, but in reality they make the best pets for children, as long as you, the adult, properly trains and socializes the dog when it is a puppy. So, when it comes to temperament, consider all your options; even consider adopting a mix breed from the shelter, as in many cases they will have the best temperament.



    Trainability is usually very important to most people when choosing a dog. Is the dog easily trained, or will I have to fight with it? Well, a lot of a dog's trainability starts with its breed. Now, breed does not always a factor, but many breeds are known to be more easily trained than others. The yorkshire terrier, surprisingly is a dog that is very trainable; although, as a terrier, they do get bored quickly with repitition. Other breeds, such as the Giant Schnauzer is receptive towards training, but training MUST be kept up, as the breed is very high strung.

    When choosing a dog breed, you must consider all your options. You must even consider whether you can afford a dog, of any breed, at all. You have to pay for dog food and vet care. You may even want to purchase a leash, collar, food/water bowls. And, to spoil the dog, treats, toys, and a bed. So consider your financial options as well.

    Before bringing home a dog, you must decide who will be taking care of the dog, as by bringing home that cute puppy, you cannot rely on your five year old to feed and walk it.

  • Sunday, December 23, 2007

    Schnauzers

    Learn about the schnauzer before you decide to bring one home. You may think the Miniature Schnauzer is the best for your family, but with research you may find out that the Standard Schnauzers is better or may the Giant Schnauzer.

    Tuesday, December 11, 2007

    Dog Breeds



    There are so many different dog breeds that no matter what you're looking for you're bound to find it. I mean, if you're looking for small breeds, there's tons of them, medium, large, giant, mixes.

    Dogs have been a part of human life for thousands of years. They were initially domesticated to aid in hunting, gaurding, and protection. Dogs are wonderful at the jobs they are given, which has increased their popularity amongst the peoples.

    Plus, they're cute and pleasers... Most of the time.

    You always want to consider the breed's background, temperament, appearance (for grooming purposes), and their overall disposition as pets. Not every dog is right for every person.

    For instance, I love Yorkshire Terriers. I love their quirky, exciting attitudes. But, on the downside, the breed can be nippy, yappy, jealous, possessive, and slightly dominant despite their size. Yorkies just aren't the pet for everyone, and their' not necessarily the best family pet around small children.

    Chihuahuas, too, share this "Little Man Syndrome." Although, yes cute, they are, honestly, worse family pets than most other small dog breeds. They are the nippiest, and most likely to bite.

    Daschunds on the other hand, are great pets. They may have their share of health concerns, but they are friendly cute, and loving.

    But, you must remember that no matter what breed of dog that you bring home, you MUST keep up training and socialization.

    If you want a more laid back dog breed, then English Bulldogs may be the dog for you. Although, as puppies they can be rather destructive, once they have matured they are calm and very docile.

    You may even be interested in a mix breed dog. This may be one of the better ways to go about bringing a dog home. You can rescue a dog from the shelter, save two lifes (the pup you bring home and the one that can take it's place in the kennel), and you get a friend for life. Today, there is a growing number of designer dogs, but in reality, they are nothing more than high priced mix breed dogs. The Goldendoodle is one of the more popular of these dogs. They are the creation of breeding a purbred poodle with a purebred golden retriever.

    In any case, a dog is a true responsibility, and must be agreed upon with everyone in the house before bringing one into the family.

    Thursday, December 6, 2007

    Hamsters



    Hamsters are fairly simple to care for. They are one of the most common small animal pets for children, but are they truly one of the better pets for children? Well, that's for you to decide. I'm here to give you information about them in hopes to help in any way that I can.

    Hamsters are fairly simple to care for, as I've already mentioned. Because they are one of the smaller furry pets, they require smaller cages. A 10 gallon cage will suffice for one Syrian hamster or 2 dwarf hamsters.

    The one good thing about hamsters is that for the most part, they are pretty robust and healthy critters. They can succumb to illness, but the most common will include wet tail, abscesses, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses.
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