On and Off

Hi Everyone!

Sorry, if I confuse you at all, but I've decided to actually start posting again over the summer! It will probably be once in a while but I'll try and do my best. Still check for updates of the Picture of the Month and The Paw, though for updated news and the updated photo of each month! Thanks for supporting me throughout the year and have a great summer!

Sniffing for readers,

Annabel

P.S. Regular segments will start up again in early September.

Lo-Szes!

American Lo-Sze Puggs are so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "The head of the American Lo-Sze Pugg (TM) should not look large for the size of the dog, but should show a broadness."

#2. "The skull is wide and flat between the ears and wide between the eyes."

#3. "The nose may be any color and is wide with open nostrils."

#4. "The eyes are large, round and may be any color."

#5. "The ears are set high and may be either drop or rose type ears. Drop ears fall to just below eye level."

#6. "Nose wrinkle is preferred."

#7. "The chin must be undershot with an upward sweep."

#8. "The incisors of the lower jaw protrude over the upper incisors, and the lower jaw is rather broad and strong."

#9. "The neck is rather short and moderately thick."

#10. "The body is rather long and stocky with a broad chest and a level topline."

#11. "The forelegs are curved, set moderately wide apart, and short with a good bone substance. The hind-legs are slightly lighter in bone substance than the forelegs, but are firm and well shaped."

#12. "The feet are large, flat, and not round. The forefeet are slightly turned out."

#13. "The tail is set high, carried over the back, and may rest on either side."

#14. "Two coat types are allowed. The preferred being short, soft, and smooth with or without an undercoat. The undesirable, but accepted coat, is long with feathering on the ears legs, tail, and toes. It may be any color or pattern."

#15. "As small as the American Lo-Sze Pugg (TM) is, it has all the love to give that a larger dog has, but it is more compact, as well as easier to lift and transport."

#16. "It tends to be very sociable and tolerant of other pets such as cats and birds."

#17. "It is a winsome little clown ready at all times to be your jester and it is a truly enchanting companion of ancient lineage."

#18. "It shows a relatively high level of intelligence and responds well to both obedience training and social tricks."

#19. "It is good with children, although some may be reserved around strangers or in unfamiliar situations."

#20. "Socialize well."

#21. "As with any other dog, interaction between them and small children should always be monitored."

#22. "It will usually bark as an alert that it finds something suspicious, however it does not bark randomly."

#23. "Because of its size and temperament it is not able to act as a watchdog."

#24. "Affectionate, lap-sized it is a hit as a therapy dog."

#25. "To avoid behavior issues, do not allow this breed to developed Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader over humans. Always be your dogs calm, but firm, consistent, confident leader with a determined, loving approach. Dogs thrive when the rules are made clear."

#26. "Height average of: 10 inches (21 cm.)"

#27. "Weight: 5-12 pounds (2.5 - 5.5 kg.)"

#28. "Some of the health problems found in the American Lo-Sze Pugg (TM) are lacrimal duct atresia, cleft palate, inadequate blinking, patellar luxation, umbilical hernia, and stenotic nares. The American Lo-Sze Pugg (TM) is a brachycephalic toy breed like the Pug and Pekingese, and as such might have other problems found in these breeds. These problems in included the ones already mentioned as well as cataracts, distichiasis, elongated soft palate, retinal atrophy, cleft lip, and hip dysplasia. Because of their short nose, this breed can overheat very quickly. If overheating occurs the best thing to do is pour rubbing alcohol over the dog's body (cool water will also work but not quite as well, never use wet towels) and blow air over it with a fan or even better an air conditioner vent. If the dog has a blue tongue, oxygen is needed. In this case continue cooling and take it to the vet as soon as possible. If the situation is under control keep the dog in a cool, quite place and check it temperature regularly for 24 hours. If the dogs temperature goes over 106 degrees damage to the brain may occur."

#29. "American Lo-Sze Puggs (TM) are suitable for apartment life. They also do well with a small yard but must be kept as indoor pets."

#30. "They can easily stay fit by just doing the normal things in life, however, they still need to be taken on a daily walk to fulfill their canine instincts. American Lo-Sze Pugg (TM) due enjoy playing fetch. Care should be taken when exercising them so they do not become overheated. (see Health Problems)"

#31. "Life Expectancy: About 12 to 15 years."

#32. "A weekly brushing and an occasional bath are all the grooming that is necessary."

#33. "Created in the US as a reconstruction of an extinct Chinese breed. The earliest evidence of short-nosed dogs in ancient China included mention of short-mouthed animals by Confucius in 551 B.C. Records from the first century A.D. refer to Pai, which appears to mean a short-legged and short-headed dog whose place was under the table. In the dictionary of Chinese characters commissioned by Emperor Kang Hsi around 950 A.D., references to dogs with short legs and dogs with a short head are included. These animals were exclusively kept by members of high royalty. Breeding of these dogs were permitted only within the Imperial palaces and any person found in unlawful possession of one met with execution. Illustrations of these dogs are found only in the stylized drawings and scrolls of ancient Chinese art. It appears that by the 1300s three types of small dog were favored. First was the Fu Lin, remarkably similar to the breed we know today as the Pekingese. Second was the Shoku-Ken, thought to be the ancestor of the Japanese Chin. Third was the Lo-Sze (low-tsu), progenitor of the modern pug, sharing many characteristics of the Pekingese, except that its coat was short and the tail was without feathering. The color of the Lo-Sze varied with most being parti-colored, while some were almost completely white. The Chinese had interbred these dogs, resulting in both short and long haired as well as variously colored pups in the same litter. During the latter part of the 1500s and early 1600s China began trading with European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Holland, and England. The three types of pug dogs returned from the Orient with these traders. By the beginning of the 1800s, the breeding of these small dogs outside their native home became more standardized as a breed, with favor toward the longer legged fawn and black pug we know today. This allowed the genetic traits of the Lo-Sze, among others, to be slowly lost. In 1989 Rebecca Manns began researching the history of today's Chinese Pugs. She learned how the colorful, short-legged ancestors were allowed to be lost in favor of the taller fawn and black animals. Finding it a pity that the original royal Lo-Sze was changed to suit another country's liking, she began to reconstruct the Lo-Sze dog of ancient China. Recognition was gained in 1998 under the present name by the International Rare Breed Dog Club Registry."

Info and pics from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanloszepugg.htm

Indian Dogs!

American Indian Dogs are so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "The American Indian dog is a working nurturing all around type, medium sized and lightly built breed with a natural looking muzzle, and longish pricked ears."

#2. "Their bushy tail is carried down with a slight curve."

#3. "The head is in proportion to the body."

#4. "The skull is slightly domed between the ears."

#5. "The eyes are medium sized and almond shaped. Eye color includes Pail Yellow or Pail Blue with the occasional silver/gray. The eyes have an intelligence, which looks into you, not past you."

#6. "The ears are moderately long and wide set. They tilt slightly forward on the head, and are firmly pricked and large. Triangular in shape and well furred. The ears are very mobile."

#7. "The nose is medium sized, black in color, with the liver color excepted on certain colors."

#8. "The lips are thin and black."

#9. "The teeth are a scissor bite only. Full and sound dentition required."

#10. "The neck is medium length and strong. A good-sized ruff is present, but should not detract from the clean, trim appearance."

#11. "The back is straight and slightly longer then tall."

#12. "Loins are strong with a good distance between last rib and hip."

#13. "Chest is deep, but not broad."

#14. "Forelegs slightly turned out and finely boned."

#15. "Good musculature with closely set withers and good lay back of shoulders."

#16. "Rear legs are long, & very angular, (not post legged), and well muscled."

#17. "Hocks well defined and parallel."

#18. "The feet are cat like and webbed. Rounded with thick pads. Toes are close and well arched."

#19. "The tail is medium length and reaching to the hock, carried down with slight curve. It may be held up when showing dominance or straight out when running, but never curled forward past the perpendicular."

#20. "The coat is medium length and shiny. It has a short thick plush undercoat with long guard hairs that stand off from body. Hair is longer on the chest, ruff, shoulders, back of legs, and tail. COLOR & MARKINGS: Black, blue, white, golden red, gray, red & tan, tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, and silver. All colors have sable shading with darker tipped guard hairs. All colors blend gently together (sable), with very little spotting or defined line between colors. The tail has a dark scent marking (spot) ¾ up from tip. Some white on the chest, feet, caller and tip of the tail is accepted."

#21. "A thinking breed, these dogs are very instinctual and territorially conscious."

#22. "This creates an intense bonding, shown in pack loyalty to their family."

#23. "They are never vicious, but always alert and tend to be cautious with strangers."

#24. "They are excellent home and family watchdogs, capable of adjusting to any environment."

#25. "Working versatility is one of the breed’s exceptional qualities."

#26. "This breed needs a calm, but firm, confident consistent pack leader who displays the proper authority over the dog to avoid any behavior issues."

#27. "Socialize well."

#28. "Height: Males 18- 20 inches (46-52 cm.)

Females 17- 19 inches (44-49 cm.)"

#29. "Weight: Males 35- 60 pounds (14-25 kg.)

Females 30- 45 pounds (11-18 kg.)"

#30. "No breed specific genetic problems – very healthy in the body and mind. Do not allow an AIDog to become over weight."

#31. "Prefers plenty of space, but can adjust to any lifestyle with proper socializing, exercise and training."

#32. "This breed needs to be taken on a long daily walk."

#33. "Life Expectancy: Average 14 to 18 years."

#34. "Keep themselves clean with minimal doggy odor – Hypoallergenic coat."

#35. "Note:

There are many folks who claim original native dogs are extinct and have been since before the invention of photography. They claim any dog sold as an Indian dog is a recreation. The Dog Breed Info Center® does not know which the case may be. Below is what we were told about the history of the breed from an Indian Dog breeder. If you would like to read more about this subject, type the words "Indian dog warning hoax" without the quotes and read up on the subject. From there you can make your own educated guess.

American Indian Dogs are said to be traced back to 30,000 years in North & South America. Mainly the many groups of Plains Indians in the United States developed these dogs by combining all the types they traded from all the Indian Nations around them. Not having any other domestic animals, the dogs were very important to their entire culture. For thousands of years, Native Americans used these dogs for hunting, tracking, guarding and herding. They were also used as pack animals, and would pull the family’s travois as they moved or migrated. They would keep their owners warm at night, and provide wool for weaving and trading. The most important objective in preserving this ancient breed is maintaining and improving its natural balance, primitive instincts, and versatile working abilities, for which it was originally developed. This truly beautiful, naturally balanced, all-American dog was close to extinction only a few years ago. Now, thanks to all the years of research and selective breeding, hopefully, they can regain their proper place in our society to teach man to stay in touch with his natural instincts and the beauty around him."

Info and pic from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanindiandog.htm

AHTS!

American Hairless Terriers are so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "In build, the American Hairless Terrier is identical to the medium-sized Rat Terriers, from whom it is directly descended."

#2. "The American Hairless is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck, and powerful legs."

#3. "The ears are carried erect when the dog is alert and are called bat, similar to the Rat Terrier's."

#4. "Tails must be full length. Bobs, either natural or docked are a disqualification."

#5. "The skin is pink with gray, black, golden or red spots. Hairless-to-hairless breeding always produces completely hairless puppies. Hairless-to-coated mating is producing variable results, depending on chances and whether the coated dog is a carrier of the hairless trait. Hairless pups are born with a bit of sparse fuzzy hair all over their body. The pup will shed this fuzz, starting with the head, proceeding backwards, becoming entirely and eternally hairless by the age of six weeks. They do not have tufts of hair on the head, feet and end of tail, as do the Chinese Crested. They do however, have normal eyebrows and whiskers."

#6. "American Hairless Terriers are intelligent, alert, playful and loving dogs."

#7. "Very inquisitive and lively."

#8. "This affectionate dog makes an excellent companion for anyone."

#9. "They are good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood."

#10. "The American Hairless Terrier, unlike other dog breeds, will break out in a sweat when hot or scared."

#11. "They are fairly territorial, and like all dogs, need a human who understands how to be his leader."

#12. "For the most part, friendly with strangers."

#13. "AHT's make good watchdogs."

#14. "They are not good swimmers and need to be closely monitored."

#15. "These dogs are quick and very playful."

#16. "The temperament of these dogs is pure terrier. They have the lively, feisty, fearless nature found in the best of terriers."

#17. "Ratting cannot be recommended, due to the increased vulnerability brought on by the lack of a protective coat."

#18. "This breed seems to train easily and are eager to please."

#19. "Small dogs have the tendency to lack in human leadership. Be sure you are this dogs true pack leader in order to curve any negative behaviors."

#20. "Height: 7-16 inches (18-41 cm.)"

#21. "Weight: 5-16 pounds (2.5-7 kg.)"

#22. "These dogs do not have absent premolars or any of the breeding complications associated with the hairless breeds. The AHT does not have the major skin problems commonly seen in hairless dogs. Sometimes they will get a rash on their skin. Because of their lack of hair, they do need protection from the sun. Sunscreen should be applied or a shirt should be worn, not only for the protection from the sun but from the cold as well. AHT's do have sweat glands and will get pimples! They go away on their own. Rashes due to grass allergies are not that uncommon. Other allergies do occur as well."

#23. "The AHT will do ok in an apartment so long as they get at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a small to medium sized yard. AHT's love to dig. Since they have sweat glands they do not drool at the mouth or pant in order to balance their body heat. They should wear a sweater in cold weather."

#24. "The breed enjoys challenging games and outdoor romps. They need to be taken on a long daily walk."

#25. "Life Expectancy: About 14-16 years."

#26. "The only special care required is preventing sunburn and keeping them warm in cold weather. They should be bathed one to three times a week, owners preference. Their nails should be trimmed weekly. If their skin becomes dry, lotion (without lanolin) can be applied. This breed obviously does not shed and they do not get fleas, but they do shed skin cells about every 20 days, therefore there is some dander but it is very minimal. AHT's forget they do not have any hair and romp around outside. Scratches and cuts do happen and they need to be attended to by hydrogen peroxide or any other antiseptic agent.

This breed is very good for allergy sufferers. Many AHT breeders have experiences , doing hands on and remote allergy tests with people who have allergic responses to dogs and more often than not, individuals who can not tolerate even those breeds who are known to be 'hypoallergenic'... can tolerate an AHT. Studies have found them to be the best breed of dog for people with dog allergies. Many breeders can recount stories of grown men crying at the prospect of owning a dog for the first time in their lives. For those individuals and families who have never owned a dog before either due to their own allergies or a family members , holding a dog for the first time without a reaction is a rather powerful feeling for them..!"

#27. "In 1972, a remarkable thing happened: in a litter of mid-sized Rat Terriers, a completely hairless female was born. It became the prized pet of Willie and Edwin Scott of Louisiana, U.S.A. They named their hairless dog Josephine. The Scotts bred Josephine and produced one hairless female in her first litter, but through the next several litters, the little terrier failed to whelp any more exhibiting the hairless trait. Finally, at the age of nine years, she crowned her attempts by having a litter with two hairless pups, one of each sex. These hairless pups where the foundation of a breeding program to produce and stabilize the breed. The Scotts worked under the guidance of their geneticist and veterinarian. They named their new breed American Hairless Terrier. These are not just freak dogs. They differ substantially from the hairless types of Asia and Africa in that no Powderpuff variety is needed to obtain hairless pups, as the hairlessness gene is not semi-lethal dominant but autosomal recessive. Furthermore, these dogs do not have absent premolars or any of the breeding complications associated with the hairless breeds. For these traits, the Scott's nude puppy and its progeny are truly remarkable and unique in the canine world. The Scotts are still working on establishing this breed. They are working toward keeping the temperament of the Rat Terrier while still maintaining the hairless trait."

Info and pics from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanhairlessterrier.htm

Summer!

Hi Everyone! Due to summer vacation on my behalf, I sadly cannot manage to do each of my segments each day. I'm somewhere else and couldn't bring all the stuff needed. Now on most days, instead of doing Crazy Dawgs, Extreme K9s 101, and all the other specials, I'll be posting just info on dogs. Basically, it's Ask Annabel every day. I hope you'll enjoy the summer and keep checking my blog out every day!

Thank you,

Annabel

Ask Annabel ~ Bullys!

The American Bully is so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about it!

#1. "American Bully has a short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy coat. All colors and patterns are acceptable."

#2. "The head of the American Bully is a medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, and high set ears."

#3. "The ears can be cropped or uncropped."

#4. "Eyes - All colors except albinism. Round to oval, low down in skull and set far apart."

#5. "Jaws well defined. Under jaw to be strong and display biting power. Lips close and even, some looseness accepted, but not preferred. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front or scissor bite accepted."

#6. "Nose all colors acceptable."

#7. "The neck is heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull."

#8. "No looseness of skin."

#9. "Medium length."

#10. "Shoulders are strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping."

#11. "The back is fairly short."

#12. "The body has well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together."

#13. "Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development."

#14. "Chest deep and broad."

#15. "The tail is short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled. Not docked."

#16. "Front legs should be straight. A slight turning outwards of the feet is accepted but not desired, large or round bones, pastern upright."

#17. "No resemblance of bend in front."

#18. "Hindquarters- well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out."

#19. "Feet- of moderate size, well-arched and compact."

#20. "The American Bully is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog."

#21. "Gentle and loving towards people."

#22. "Good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet."

#23. "Almost always obedient, this dog wants nothing more then to please its master."

#24. "It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of life."

#25. "This breed possesses the loyalty and stability of the American Pit Bull Terrier while retaining the sociable, amiable, and outgoing temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier."

#26. "This unique breed is noted for displaying extreme tolerance with children and an overwhelming eagerness to please its family."

#27. "Confident, yet not aggressive, this breed possesses a very pleasant temperament."

#28. "Physically, the American Bully has an impressive, athletic build, which is both muscular and defined, and displays strength and agility."

#29. "The breed is versatile and capable of accomplishing a wide variety of tasks."

#30. "All around, the American Bully is a well rounded, reliable, trustworthy, and ideal family companion."

#31. "The breed is very outgoing with an eagerness to please."

#32. "They are known for their courage."

#33. "Courageous and a persistent fighter if provoked."

#34. "Highly protective of its owners and the owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death if the enemy traps the dog in a corner and threatens its loved ones."

#35. "This breed has a very high tolerance for pain."

#36. "Socialize very thoroughly when young to curve any dog aggressive tendencies."

#37. "It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog."

#38. "This breed is not for the passive owner who does not understand that all dogs have an instinct to have a pack order. Read Top Dog. The American Bully needs an owner who is firm, but calm, confident and consistent. They need to know what is expected of them; rules to follow and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do. The objective in training and successfully keeping this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success."

#39. "Height: Males 18 - 21 inches (46-53 cm)

Females 17 - 20 inches (43-51 cm.)"

#40. "There is no particular weight for the breed."

#41. "American Bullys will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do alright without a yard provided they get enough exercise. Prefers warm climates."

#42. "American Bullys must have plenty of regular exercise including a long brisk daily pack walk to relieve mental and physical energy."

#43. "The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will make the coat gleam. This breed is an average shedder."

#44. "The American Bully breed was established in the mid 1990 s with the purpose of creating the ultimate family companion. The American Bully was created through years of selective breeding by combining the desired traits of the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier and the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier. The American Bully's origin's can be seen both on the East and West Coast of the United States, primarily in Virgina, and Los Angeles, California. Today the American Bully can also be seen, in Europe and Asia."

Info and pics from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a/americanbully.htm

Extreme K9s 101!

Today's Extreme K9s are Jodie and Specks the Dalmatians!

"Jodie and Specks, Dalmatian housemates, have their own beds--- fluffy cedar pillows covered in fake sheepskin. Apparently, Josie prefers a bed that Specks warms up and had figured out the perfect plan for grabbing it. The beds sit side by side opposite a wall of windows in Amelia Vetrone's living room in South Pasadena, California. Each evening, Specks chooses one of the beds. He tramps it down, turns in circles, and curls up to sleep. Then, Jodie appears. She stares at Specks. You can almost see and glint in her eye.

"Ruff! Ruff! Ruff!" barks Jodie, racing toward the window. Specks leaps to his feet and bounds after her.

"It's as if he's saying, 'Who is it? Who is it?'" says Vetrone.

It's nobody! But, by the time Specks realizes this and turns around, Jodie has taken his comfy spot.

"She does this almost every night," says Vetrone. "And he falls for it every time."

Article from: National Geographic Kids June/July 2010 issue, p. 22

Pic from: http://www.decodog.com/inven/dog-dal1.html

(Pic isn't of Jodie and Specks)

Bark out the Facts!

Today's cool fact is...

"A dog’s smell is more than 100,000 times stronger than that of a human’s

… which they need because their eyesight is not as keen as a human’s."

Fact from: http://www.animalsneedhelp.com/2008/04/20/102-interesting-facts-about-dogs/

Pic from: http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2009/03/05/the-new-pregnancy-test-your-dog.aspx

Dogstumes!

Today's Dogstume is the Alice in Wonderland Dog Costume!

"The Alice Dog Costume is a two piece costume for dogs which includes apron dress with attached lace petticoat and headpiece.

• Machine Washable

• Color: Blue."

Pics, info, and product from: http://stuckupdoggie.com/p3996/Alice-Dog-Costume/product_info.html

Crazy Dawgs!

"Does this costume give me character?"

Pic from: http://flavorwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/where-the-wild-things-are-pet-costume.jpg

Ask Annabel ~ Bullneses!

American Bullneses are so awesome so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "There are two types of American Bullnese being bred. Those bred by the American Bullnese Association which are purebred, and those breeders who are breeding a cross between the French Bulldog mixed with the Pekingese."

#2. "The American Bullnese should have an appearance of an active muscular dog of heavy bone and should imply courage and boldness."

#3. "It should be built low to the ground and long in the body."

#4. "The head should be large and square."

#5. "The muscles of the cheeks should be well developed."

#6. "The flews should be thick and broad, hanging over the lower jaw."

#7. "The eyes should be round in form and of moderately large size."

#8. "The neck should be thick with loose skin at the throat."

#9. "The ears should be soft like velvet with a soft fold. Erect ears are a fault."

#10. "The body should be heavy in front, chest is broad, deep, and full."

#11. "Well sprung rigs, broad at the shoulders and narrowing at the loin."

#12. "The forelegs should be short, stout and slightly bowed and muscular."

#13. "The hindlegs should be firm and well shaped. Legs which are too long are a fault."

#14. "The tail should be slightly curled, (sickle-like). Screw tails are disqualifying."

#15. "Any colors are acceptable. The coat should be thick soft, dense, and short. Long coats are disqualifying."

#16. "The American Bullnese was developed to combine certain features that were admired in a few different breeds of dogs."

#17. "The American Bullnese has stumpy legs and an elongated body which is responsible for the breed’s adorable hopping run."

#18. "The American Bullnese also possess a unique, happy and clownish temperament, which is accompanied by a large head and chest with a thick upper body."

#19. "The combination and refinement of these features created an outstanding dog that is regarded as one of the most adorable and revered house pets in the world."

#20. "Like all dogs, this breed needs a firm, confident consistent pack leader. Do not allow the dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes it is pack leader to humans."

#21. "Weight: Dogs 18-30 pounds (8.5-14 kg.)

Females 15-25 pounds (7-11 kg.)"

#22. "Height: Dogs 9.5-12 inches (23-31 cm.)

Females: 8.5-11 inches (21-28 cm.)"

#23. "The American Bullnese is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard."

#24. "American Bullneses are strong dogs with short straight legs. They enjoy energetic games and will keep in better health if given regular exercise. This breed should be taken on daily walks."

#25. "Life Expectancy: 10-15 years."

#26. "The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush and comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. The creases on the face must be cleaned regularly."

#27. "Being a fan of short nosed dogs and the bull breeds Robert E. Rice of Jacksonville, Florida found himself admiring a few characteristics of several different breeds. Unsatisfied with the current selection of any “one” of the existing breeds, Mr. Rice decided to establish a breed of dog that exhibited all the features he had admired in several of the other exiting breeds. The American Bullnese has proven to breed true for multiple genrations over the last 20 years. The American Bullnese is a combination of 5 different breeds and only two of which are the French Bulldog with the Pekingese.

Somewhere along the line hybrid breeders started crossing the French Bulldog with the Pekingese and the litters were registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club as American Bullnese starting in 2006, making the American Bullnese name officially recognized as that cross. Today there are several hybrid clubs still recognizing the American Bullnese name as a simple cross of two purebred dogs and other breeders have been breeding and registering them as such.

The following was submitted by the American Bullnese Association, which is an association started by Mr. Rice:

"The breeding program started by Robert Rice of Jacksonville, FL in 1989 depended heavily upon pedigree research as line breeding was a technique used to increase consistency in the litters. By selectively breeding dogs with outgoing , happy, and confident temperaments, combined with the desired physical features, Mr. Rice was successful in developing the American Bullnese. Mr. Rice is still extending his pedigrees along with many others whom have obtained dogs from this foundation stock and are continuing to develop the breed in its pure state. Many wild guesses have surfaced as to the real genetic make up of the American Bullnese. We just want to point out that the American Bulldog was not used in the development of the American Bullnese and it is not just a simple cross of two different breeds of dogs. The American Bullnese actually is a blend of five "5" differant breeds of dogs."

Info from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanbullnese.htm

Pics from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanbullnese.htm

Extreme K9s 101!

Today's Extreme K9 lives within Leeds Castle in Kent, England, but isn't the kind of pooch you would expect...

"Leeds Castle in Kent, England, in the United Kingdom, is known as the Ladies' Castle because so many queens lived there. But anyone who lived there would not want to spot one of the castle's ghosts: a phantom black dog. Legend has it that seeing this canine ghost is an omen of disaster. One woman claimed she saw the dog padding through a solid stone wall. As she rose from a window seat to investigate, the seat and nearby wall crashed into the moat below. The ghost dog is said to have brought bad luck to the castle, but good luck to this particular lady."

Article from: National Geographic Kids October 2008 issue, p. 21

Pic from: http://www.zurichmansion.org/castles/leeds.htm

Bark out the Facts!

Today's awesome fact is...

"The world’s smartest dogs are thought to be (1) the border collie, (2) the poodle, and (3) the golden retriever

… while the dumbest dog is believed to be the Afghan hound."

That's the fact for today and I'll see you next time on Bark out the Facts!

Fact from: http://www.animalsneedhelp.com/2008/04/20/102-interesting-facts-about-dogs/

Border collie pic from: http://dog.blog.abc101.com/dog-breeds/a-border-collie/

Poodle pic from: http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-breeds/Poodle.html

Golden pic from: http://www.discoveringgoldenretrievers.com/

Afghan pic from: http://animal-world-magazine.blogspot.com/2010/06/afghan-hound.html

Dogstumes!

Today's Dogstume is the Ballerina Dog Costume!

"The Ballerina Dress Dog Costume comes includes layered tutu skirt and matching head piece, soft satin polyester and lace trim.

• Machine Washable

• Color: Pink Hall."

Info, pic, and product from: http://stuckupdoggie.com/p2431/Ballerina-Dress-Dog-Costume---FINAL-SALE/product_info.html

Crazy Dawgs!

"Can't they understand that I'm a professional?!"

Pic from: http://flavorwire.com/118434/pop-culture-inspired-halloween-costumes-for-pets

Extreme K9s 101!

Today's Extreme K9s are some awesome pooches that help out smaller creatures not even half their size...

"Some lucky desert tortoises have specially trained dogs to thank for their survival. The reptiles are endangered mostly due to disease and habitat destruction. So when the military wanted to expand a training center in California's Mojave Desert--- where hundreds of the tortoises live--- the animals had to be moved to safety.

The trick was finding the creatures. Blending in perfectly with the desert and often hiding in burrows underground, the tortoises are masters of camouflage. So scientists turned to special working dogs for help.

With supersensitive noses and the ability to cover large areas on foot, the pooches--- German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and other breeds--- were perfect, desert detectives. Experts trained the pups to identify the tortoises' scent without harming the animals. "When the dog finds a tortoise, it sits and looks up at its human handler," says researcher Mary Cablk. The reward? Playtime!

The clever canines zeroed in on tortoises that were up to 170 feet away--- that's more than half the length of a football field! The dog teams also completed their work an average of two hours faster than human teams. With the pups' help, more than 800 tortoises were located and moved to new homes. Guess you'd call these dogs a tortoise's best friend."

Article from: National Geograhic Kids October 2008 issue, p.9

Turtle pic from: http://www.desertgold.com/park/parklife.html

Dog pic from: http://www.123rf.com/photo_3283453_portrait-of-the-young-german-shepherd-in-desert.html