Ceskies!

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

#1. "Pronunciation: CHES-key."

#2. "The Cesky Terrier, also called the Bohemian Terrier, is a short-legged, moderately long dog. It looks similar to a Sealyham Terrier."

#3. "The wedge-shaped head is about 7-8 inches (17-20 cm.) long and 3-4 inches (7-10 cm.) wide, with a bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows."

#4. "The bridge of the nasal is straight with a small stop. The nose is black in gray dogs and liver-colored in brown dogs."

#5. "The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite."

#6. "The tail is 7-8 inches (17-20 cm.) long."

#7. "The medium- sized almond shaped eyes are dark brown in gray colored dogs, and a lighter brown in brown dogs."

#8. "The high-set ears are triangular, folding forward close to the head."

#9. "The long, silky coat is slightly wavy. Puppies are born black, black and tan or brown. When the dog reaches about 2-3 years old the adult coat color will be set and is shades of gray to a dark charcoal to platinum gray. Sometimes black appears on the head, ears, feet and tail. The head, beard, cheeks, neck, chest, limbs and around the vent may have white, coffee, brown or yellow markings. The light coffee color is quite rare. The tail may have a white tip or collar."

#10. "The Cesky Terrier is patient, playful, sporty yet calm."

#11. "A sweet and joyful dog that is good with children."

#12. "They are brave, loyal, obedient, courageous dogs."

#13. "Intelligent, very trainable and easy to handle."

#14. "It is important to socialize them while they are a puppy, letting them meet with various people and different animals in positive circumstances to experience a variety of situations. This will help them be well adjusted so they can grow up to be a happy adult."

#15. "They love people, especially children and are fairly friendly with strangers, but like most terriers, if you are not 100% pack leader, it can be feisty, stubborn and fearless."

#16. "This sociable dog gets along well with other dogs and with other household animals."

#17. "The Cesky travels well."

#18. "It is an excellent companion dog that is capable of playing with children, yet at the same time being an attentive and threatening house guard."

#19. "Be sure to meet their natural instinct as animals."

#20. "Height: 10-13 inches (25-32 cm.)"

#21. "Weight: 13-23 pounds (6-10 kg.)"

#22. "Generally healthy. Some are prone to Scottie Cramp Syndrome, sometimes called Wobbly Scottie, which causes the dog to walk in an awkward movement."

#23. "The Cesky Terrier is a good dog for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard."

#24. "The Cesky Terrier enjoys running and playing through a wooded area or open countryside. They also need a long daily walk on or off the lead, but always in a safe area. They are small, but will make a fairly good jogging companion. Ceskys have an average demand for exercise."

#25. "Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years."

#26. "The Cesky should be trimmed regularly, leaving the hair long on the stomach and legs and around the face to form the moustache, beard, and eyebrows. For pet dogs it will need to be trimmed at least four times a year. Show dogs require more frequent grooming. Unlike most other terriers the Cesky is generally clipped with electric clippers, instead of being stripped. The longer hair needs to be brushed and combed at least twice a week, depending on the condition of the coat, to prevent tangles. Clip the excess hair between the pads of the feet and remove loose hair in the ear passages. This breed sheds little to no hair."

#27. "A relatively new breed the Cesky Terrier was developed from crosses among the Sealyham, Scottish Terrier and possibly with the Dandie Dinmont. The dogs original developer was a Czechoslovakian breeder named Frantisek Horak who was successful at getting them recognized by the FCI in 1963. Mr. Horak's goal was to breed a dog whom was narrow enough to successfully get down into the dens and burrows to hunt rats, and fox. By the 1980s breeders felt the Cesky Terrier no longer looked like the dogs Mr. Horak bred, so they crossed them yet again with Sealyham Terriers. The breed was first imported to the USA in 1987 and to this day are quite rare. By 1993 there were said to be only about 150 Cesky Terriers in the USA. The breed may be shown at the National Cesky Terrier Club, rare breed shows, state kennel club and at some FCI and UKC shows. The Cesky Terrier is a good hunter, tracker, watch and guard dog."

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

Pic from: http://martindoginfo.com/cesky%20terrier.html

Borders!

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

#1. "The Border Terrier is a small, medium boned sturdy dog."

#2. "The shoulders and body are narrow."

#3. "The space between the eyes is relatively wide."

#4. "The nose is black."

#5. "The teeth are strong with a scissors bite."

#6. "The small ears are V-shaped, set on the side of the head, dropping forward close to the cheeks and are usually dark in color."

#7. "The medium sized eyes are dark hazel in color."

#8. "The front legs are straight and not too heavy."

#9. "The medium sized tail is thicker at the base and tapers."

#10. "Border Terriers have a short, dense, wiry, double coat that comes in red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten. There may be a small amount of white on the chest. A dark muzzle is desired in the show ring."

#11. "The Border Terrier is an alert, bold little hunter."

#12. "Very agile they are willing to squeeze through a narrow space to capture any quarry that may be on the other side."

#13. "Lively, they enjoy playing with children."

#14. "Affectionate, mild-mannered aiming to please their owners making them easy to train."

#15. "This sturdy, scruffy, little terrier is a good watchdog, and may bark, but is not aggressive."

#16. "Be sure to socialize them well."

#17. "Puppies should be made accustomed to loud noises while they are still young to avoid excessive timidity."

#18. "Puppies and adolescent Border Terriers are very active, but will mellow as an adult provided they get plenty of exercise."

#19. "Border Terriers like to dig."

#20. "Additional reinforcements along the bottom of fences is a good idea."

#21. "Good with family cats if socialized with them, however this hunting terrier has strong instincts and should not be trusted with non-canine pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds."

#22. "Height: Dogs 13-16 inches (33-41cm)

Bitches 11-14 inches (28-36cm.)"

#23. "Weight: Dogs 13-16 pounds (6-7kg)

Bitches 11-14 pounds (5-6kg.)"

#24. "Prone to Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - CECS also known as "Spike's Disease" is a recently recognized canine health problem and hereditary canine disease in Border Terriers. It can sometimes get confused with canine epilepsy. It is also being considered to be a metabolic, neurological or muscle disorder."

#25. "The Border Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient."

#26. "Border Terriers were bred to hunt and have great vitality and stamina. They need plenty of exercise, which includes a long daily walk."

#27. "Life Expectancy: About 15 or more years."

#28. "Litter Size: 2 - 8 puppies - Average 4 - 5."

#29. "The durable, wiry coat needs to be brushed weekly and professionally groomed twice a year. The object is a completely natural look. The Border Terrier sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers. Bathe only when necessary."

#30. "It was in the Cheviot Hills near the border of England and Scotland that the Border Terrier was first bred. The breed is possibly one of the oldest types of terriers in Great Britain. The farmers had problems with foxes killing their stock and the Border Terrier worked alongside them to drive the fox out of their dens and kill them. They were small enough to follow a fox into the ground but big enough to keep up with the horses. The dogs were often not fed by the farmers in hopes it would make their prey drive even higher and they had to hunt to survive. Along with fox they hunted otters, marten, the fierce badger, mice and rats. Today while the Border Terrier is mostly a companion dog, he can still serve as a fine farm dog, helping to control vermin. The Border Terrier was recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Kennel Club in 1930. Some of the Border Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks."

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

Border puppy pic from: http://animal-wallpaper-free.blogspot.com/2010/04/border-terrier-wallpaper.html

Border face pic from: http://www.dogldog.com/b/border-terrier/

Salukis!

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

#1. "Pronunciation: Sa-LOO-key."

#2. "The Saluki is a slim, greyhound-like dog."

#3. "The head is long and narrow, moderately wide between the ears, tapering gradually toward the nose with a slight stop."

#4. "The nose is black or liver in color."

#5. "The teeth meet in a level bite."

#6. "The large oval eyes are dark to hazel in color."

#7. "The long, mobile ears are hanging down close to the head."

#8. "The neck is long and the chest is deep and narrow."

#9. "The front legs are straight."

#10. "The feet are thickly haired between the toes for protection from rough terrain."

#11. "The long tail is carried low, well feathered with hair."

#12. "The coat is short with long silky feathering on the ears and tail. A rarer, coarser, smooth variety with no feathering also occurs. Coat colors include white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, black and tan tricolor of white, black and tan. They have an unusual gait when they are at top speed: all four of their legs are in the air at the same time."

#13. "The Saluki are gentle, friendly, even-tempered and extremely devoted."

#14. "Can be somewhat aloof, even with their family."

#15. "This loyal dog may become attached to one person."

#16. "Good with children who do not try and roughhouse with them."

#17. "Sensitive, this breed does not take kindly to harsh discipline. They must be trained with calm, gentle, but firm, consistency."

#18. "They are fairly submissive by nature to people and dogs and are easily distracted."

#19. "Dogs want nothing more than to know what is expected of them and the Saluki is no exception."

#20. "The Saluki do well with other Salukis."

#21. "They are a pleasant and calm companion and make a good watchdog."

#22. "Though not aggressive with people, the Saluki's natural instinct is to chase and kill non-canine animals. They may need obedience training to keep their deep-rooted hunting instincts under control, but you can never train the instinct out of the dog. Take great caution around pets such as birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. They can get along with family cats if the cat is allowed to assert its dominance over the dog, but may chase strange cats."

#23. "Height: 23-28 inches (58-71cm.)"

#24. "Weight: 29-66 pounds (13-30kg.)"

#25. "The Saluki is prone to some genetic eye diseases and cancer. They can get sunburn especially on the nose."

#26. "The Saluki is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with acreage. This breed should sleep indoors. They prefer warm temperatures over cold ones."

#27. "The Saluki is a natural athlete that needs a lot of exercise, including a daily, long, brisk walk or run. They are happiest when running, however many are lost or killed when they are allowed to get free and they spot a small animal to chase. This very independent dog can never be off its lead except in an isolated, scouted area. These dogs hunt on sight. They will pay no attention to their handler's calls if they are chasing something. In some countries they are not permitted to be left off of their lead at all. Saluki run at top speeds of 40 mph (55km./h) or more with their feet barely touching the ground. These top speeds are reached in short spurts, but they also have exceptional endurance. An excellent way to exercise them is to trot them alongside your bike."

#28. "Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years."

#29. "This odor-free dog's coat is easy to groom. Just occasionally brush and comb, especially on the longer-haired parts of the dog. The ears should be checked regularly to make sure they are clean. The Saluki is an average shedder."

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

Pics from: http://dogbreedswiki.com/Saluki.htm

Goldendoodles!

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

"The Goldendoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

There are a few different ways breeders are producing Goldendoodles.

F1 = 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle - This is Golden to poodle cross, this is first generation, resulting in healthier offspring. Hair type can be smooth like a Golden, or wavy/shaggy or occasionally a wirey look like a Irish wolfhound (but with a softer feel), they can shed or not shed, pups in the same litter can vary.

F1-B = 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle (F1 Goldendoodle and Poodle cross) - This is Goldendoodle bred back to Poodle.

F2 = F1 Goldendoodle and F1 Goldendoodle cross - this combination you get the same percentage of Golden Poodle mix as you would an F1 Goldendoodle.

F3 = F2 Goldendoodle and F2 Goldendoodle cross

Multi-generation = F3 or higher generation Goldendoodle and F3 or higher generation Goldendoodle cross."

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

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

Labradoodles!

Hi Everyone! I know a lot of you have been waiting for me to post about Labradoodles. There's not a lot of information on them in the source I usually use for dog info, but I'll still make sure to put in as much info as I can. Thank you for understanding!

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

"The American Labradoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Note: there are two totally different types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog.

There are a few different ways breeders are producing American Labradoodles.

F1 = 50% Labrador and 50% Poodle - This is Lab to poodle cross, this is first generation, resulting in healthier offspring! Hair type can be smooth like a Lab, wirey look like a Irish wolfhound or Wavy/shaggy, they can shed or not shed, pups in the same litter can vary. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies.

F1-B = 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Poodle (F1 Labradoodle and Poodle cross) - This is Labradoodle bred back to Poodle, Wavy Curly shaggy look doodle very consistent in coat types. F1B is the MOST likely of any to be non shedding and Allergy friendly then ANY doodles and is the easiest coat to take care of.

F2 = F1 Labradoodle and F1 Labradoodle cross - this combination you get the same percentage of Lab Poodle mix as you would an F1 Labradoodle so they are more likely to shed.

F3 = F2 Labradoodle and F2 Labradoodle cross

Multi-generation = F3 or higher generation Labradoodle and F3 or higher generation Labradoodle cross - This is what the Australian Labradoodles usually are."

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

Labradoodle with bone from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labradoodle.htm

Labradoodle sitting from: http://www.mid-nightchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/black-labradoodle.jpg

Ask Annabel ~ Bernards!

Saint Bernards are so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "The Saint Bernard is a giant, strong, muscular dog."

#2. "As long as the weight stays in proportion with the height, the taller the dog the more prized."

#3. "The massive head is powerful."

#4. "The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite."

#5. "The nose is broad, with wide open nostrils and like the lips are black in color."

#6. "The medium sized eyes are set somewhat to the sides and are dark in color."

#7. "The medium sized ears are set high, dropping and standing slightly away from the head."

#8. "The legs are muscular."

#9. "The feet are large with strong well-arched toes."

#10. "The long tail is broad and powerful at the base held low when the dog is relaxed."

#11. "There are two types of coat: rough, and smooth, but both are very dense and come in white with markings in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black, in various combinations. The face and ears are usually black. In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer and there is feathering on the thighs and legs."

#12. "Saint Bernards are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children."

#13. "Slow moving, patient, and obedient."

#14. "Extremely loyal, eager and willing to please."

#15. "Be sure to socialize this breed very well at a young age with people and other animals."

#16. "It is highly intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early, while the dog is still a manageable size."

#17. "Teach this dog not to jump on humans starting at puppyhood."

#18. "Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult if it is to be exercised in public areas on a leash, so take control right from the start, teaching the dog to heel."

#19. "The Saint Bernard is a good watchdog."

#20. "Even its size is a good deterrent."

#21. "They drool after they drink or eat."

#22. "Be sure you remain the dog's pack leader. Dogs want nothing more than to know what is expected of them and the St Bernard is no exception. Allowing a dog of this size and magnitude to be unruly can be dangerous, and shows poor ownership skills."

#23. "Saint Bernards have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches."

#24. "Height: 25.5-27.5 inches ( 61-70 cm.)"

#25. "Weight: 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg.)"

#26. "Prone to "wobbler" syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, hip dysplasia, tumors and extropion - a folding outward of the eyelid rim, usually on the lower lid. Twisted stomachs should be watched for. As these dogs are prone to bloat, it is best to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal."

#27. "The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars. Can wheeze and snore."

#28. "A long walk each day is needed to keep the Saint Bernard in good mental and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old."

#29. "Life Expectancy: About 8-10 years."

#30. "Both types of coats are easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Shampoo may strip the coat of its oily, water-resistant properties, so use a mild soap. The eyes, which may be inclined to water, need special attention to keep them clean and free of irritants. This breed sheds twice a year."

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

Pic from: http://dog-greatdog.blogspot.com/2009/06/saint-bernard-characteristics-care-and.html

Extreme K9s 101!

Today's amazing K9 is Brandy the chihuahua!

"Toss this dog a bone! Just make sure it's a really little one. Brandy the Chihuahua is the smallest dog on record by length, measuring six inches from her nose to the tip of her tail. She eats only bits of dry dog food and mashed - up scrambled eggs. Brandy's best friend is Tyson the boxer, who is about 30 times her weight. But that doesn't stop them from hanging out--- they even share a doggie bed."

Article from: Guinness World Records page National Geographic Kids Nov. 2009 issue

Brandy with bone pic from: http://www.bestweekever.tv/tag/brandy/

Brandy standing up pic from: http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/12/Tampabay/Her_bark_s_bigger_tha.shtml

Bark out the Facts!

Today's awesome fact is...

"There are only 350 Cesky Terriers in the world – perhaps the rarest breed."

That's the amazing fact for today and if you want more of these come back next time on Bark out the Facts!

Pic from: http://martindoginfo.com/cesky%20terrier.html

Dogstumes!

Today's Dogstume is the Snow White Princess Dog Costume brought to you by Stuck Up Doggy Costumes!

"The Snow Princess Dog Costume is a two piece costume which includes a layered blue and yellow ruffle dress with white and gold trim and a bow head piece. The dog costume also includes a red bow on the back of the dog dress as well as one that comfortably clips to your dog's head. Snow White look out! Machine Washable.

Color: Blue, Gold, and Red."

Pic, info, and product from: http://stuckupdoggie.com/p2301/Snow-Princess-Dog-Costume/product_info.html?osCsid=90a0397e675a1218816018b9d38a7a17

Crazy Dawgs!

"What kind of shampoo is this?"

Pic from: http://www.cutepuppiesforsale.net/puli-dog-breed/

Rotties!

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

#1. "Pronunciation: ROTT-why-ler."

#2. "The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, powerful body."

#3. "The head is broad with a rounded forehead."

#4. "The teeth meet in a scissors bite."

#5. "The wide nose is black."

#6. "The lips are black and inside the mouth dark."

#7. "The medium sized eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Some Rottweilers have been known to have blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye. This trait is not recognized in the show world and does not meet the breeds written standard."

#8. "The ears are triangular, carried forward."

#9. "The tail is customarily docked."

#10. "The chest is broad and deep."

#11. "The coat is short, hard and thick. It is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks and muzzle, paws and legs. A red color with brown markings also exists. There is a deficiency in the hair gene making the coloring a lighter red."

#12. "German Rottweiler vs. American Rottweiler - some claim there are variations of Rotties, the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler. German Rotties are said to be shorter, stockier and have a bigger blockier head, and American Rotties are said to be taller and leggier without as blocky a head. Others claim a Rottweiler is a Rottweiler and there is no such thing as a German Rottie. Some who have stated this argument have said, "a German Rottweiler is one born in Germany and an American Rottweiler is born in America." In any case, there are breeders breeding for the German Rottweiler look, which goes outside the AKC standard, while others are breeding for the American Rottweiler look, sticking to, or closer to, the AKC standard."

#13. "The Rottie is powerful, calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted to their owner and family."

#14. "Loyal and protective, they will defend their family fiercely if needed, seemingly immune to pain."

#15. "Serious, even-tempered, brave, confident and courageous, this breed needs an owner who is strong minded, calm, but firm and able to handle their massive size."

#16. "A docile, natural guard dog with a laid-back, reliable temperament."

#17. "They are highly intelligent and have proven their worth beyond question in police, military, and customs work over many centuries and can be trained for competitive obedience."

#18. "Because of their size, training should begin when the dog is a small puppy."

#19. "This breed needs a lot of leadership and socialization."

#20. "They will not be happy confined to a kennel or backyard."

#21. "The objective in training 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 and rules are set. 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."

#22. "When the Rottweiler receives consistent leadership and is trained, it will be a good playmate for the children. It will accept cats, other dogs, and other household pets, as long as the dog has been socialized well and have owners who assert their authority over the dog. Friends and relatives of the family are normally enthusiastically welcomed. Strangers to whom the dog senses bad intentions from can get no further than the sidewalk."

#23. "Height: Dogs 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.)

Bitches 22-25 inches (56-63 cm.)"

#24. "Weight: Dogs 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg.)

Bitches 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg.)"

#25. "The Rottie will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient."

#26. "Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years."

#27. "Litter Size: Large litters, often can have 10 - 12 puppies."

#28. "The smooth, glossy coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder."

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

Rottie with tongue out from: http://www.puppyparadise.com/rottweiler_breed_info.html

Rottie lying down from: http://rottweilerdogs.blogspot.com/

Ridgebacks!

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are so cool so why don't you have a look at some facts about them!

#1. "The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular hound."

#2. "The broad head is flat between the ears."

#3. "The nose is either black, brown or liver, depending on the coat of the dog."

#4. "The eyes are round and are usually brown depending on the shade of the dog."

#5. "The medium sized ears are set high, dropping down, wide at the base and tapering to a point."

#6. "The chest is deep."

#7. "The front legs should be very straight and strong."

#8. "The tail is fairly long, thicker at the base, tapering to a point curving upward slightly."

#9. "The coat is short and dense with a clearly defined symmetrical ridge of hairs growing in the opposite direction down the middle of the back. Coat colors include light wheaten to shades of red sometimes with a little white on the chest and toes."

#10. "A fine hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is ferocious in the hunt, but in the home it is a calm, gentle, obedient, good dog."

#11. "Good-natured, but some do not do well with small children because they may play too roughly and knock them down."

#12. "They are intelligent, skillful and straight-forward dogs that are loyal to the family."

#13. "They are brave and vigilant."

#14. "Can be reserved toward strangers, socialize well."

#15. "They possess considerable stamina and without enough mental and physical exercise they can become high strung and unmanageable. This breed needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader who can provide rules the dog must follow and limits to what it can and cannot do. Meek and/or passive owners, or owners who treat the dog like a human rather than a canine will have a hard time controlling this breed and may also cause them to become combative with other dogs."

#16. "When given what they need as the canine animal they will be excellent companion dogs, but are not recommended for most people, as most do not have the time nor energy to put into them."

#17. "Ridgeback's react best to an extremely consistent and firm but calm approach to training. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but will be stubborn and willful if they are stronger-minded than the humans. Training should be gentle, but firm and should start young while the dog is still small enough to manage."

#18. "They are also very good watch dogs, but not suggested for guard dogs. They are very protective of owners. This has to be addressed during their early training."

#19. "This breed can be more destructive than a Lab if not given enough exercise and is not convinced the humans are his authority figure."

#20. "Do not overfeed this breed."

#21. "Provided this dog meets cats and other pets when it is young, any potential problem will be prevented."

#22. "Ridgebacks make excellent jogging companions."

#23. "Height: Dogs 25-27 inches (63-69cm)

Bitches 24-26 inches (61-66cm)."

#24. "Weight: Dogs 80-90 pounds (36-41kg)

Bitches 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)."

#25. "Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a hardy breed, able to withstand dramatic changes of temperature, however they are susceptible to hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, and cysts."

#26. "Rhodesian Ridgebacks will dog okay in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a large yard."

#27. "These dogs have great stamina and you will tire long before they do. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems."

#28. "Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years."

#29. "The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder."

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

Pic from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rhodesianridgeback.htm

Ask Annabel - Pulis!

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

#1. "Pronunciation: POO-lee."

#2. "The Puli (Pulik plural) is a medium-sized, compact, square looking dog with a unique, corded coat."

#3. "The body is fine-boned but fairly muscular."

#4. "The domed head is in proportion to the body. The head from the side should be egg-shaped while from the front it will give a rounded appearance."

#5. "The tail should curl fairly tightly over the back."

#6. "Eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color."

#7. "The ears are medium-sized, pigment should be black."

#8. "A full adult coat can reach to the ground. Some colors are not permitted in some countries but, in the U.K., black, any shade of gray, apricot (with or without a black mask) and the rarer white are all permissible."

#9. "The Puli is a lively, cheerful little dog who is very loyal."

#10. "They are excellent family pets and will adapt to most surroundings and circumstances."

#11. "Their innate intelligence makes them easy to train."

#12. "If the Puli senses their owners are not as strong minded as themselves they will become willful with a mind of their own, as they will believe they need to make up their own rules of the home."

#13. "They do very well in obedience and agility as well as in the show ring."

#14. "Though wary of strangers, they are never aggressive, but may well give a vocal warning if they feel their owner is being threatened."

#15. "Puli are not recommended for small children who may tease or be rough with them. Children need to be taught how to be pack leaders. It is important that you learn how to properly communicate with the dog."

#16. "Height: Dogs 16 to 17½ inches (41-46 cm.)

Bitches 14½ to 16 inches (36-41 cm)

(U.K. standard, slightly larger in the U.S.A.)"

#17. "Weight: Dogs 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg.)

Bitches 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg.)"

#18. "The Puli is a very hardy breed. All reputable breeders will test their stock for hip dysplasia and will eye test, though there are no major health problems known within this breed."

#19. "The Puli will adapt to almost any circumstance be it an apartment or a farm. They are suited to all climates. In the heat of Australia and Florida they do extremely well and, conversely in the extreme cold of areas like Denver in winter they also do likewise. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard."

#20. "Puli need a daily walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. These dogs are energetic and lively and are in their glory when allowed to romp and play, especially if their owner or a companion dog joins in the fun. Some of them are fond of water and can swim very well, but not all have this tendency and this should never be permitted unsupervised."

#21. "Life Expectancy: About 12 or more years."

#22. "The corded coat begins to form around the age of 6 months when the soft woolly undercoat intermingles with the harsher outer-coat. The mats thus formed should be separated by hand very regularly at this stage. The clumps should be torn apart by hand from the tip to the skin. Each coat is individual but as a rough guide, these sections should not be made thinner than the width of a pencil. It is a relaxing and enjoyable process for dog and owner and if done regularly, takes little time. Keeping a fully corded Puli is very easy since they take little care apart from regular coat separation and, of course, bathing. Bathing is as easy as washing a sweater but drying does take some time. With a dryer a fully corded Puli coat will take several hours and without a drier can take around 2 days to be fully dry. Eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly; nails kept clipped. The breed does not shed its coat. If you are allergic to dogs in general, you might try to see how you'd get along with a Puli since their coat is so different. A good breeder will let you visit several times by prior arrangement to see how their dogs affect you before you consider going ahead with a puppy."

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

Pic of dog jumping over bar from: http://www.cutepuppiesforsale.net/puli-dog-breed/

Pic of dog lying down from: http://puppydogweb.com/caninebreeds/pulik.htm

Extreme K9s 101!

Today's awesome dog story on Extreme K9s 101 is Charlie the Rottweiler who was adopted by an unlikely animal---

"Things didn’t look good when Charlie the rottweiler was born at Meriden Humane Society. Charlie’s mother was too sick to nurse him, and workers struggled to keep the puppy healthy by bottle-feeding him every two hours. Luckily, Satin the cat came to the rescue.

Satin was nursing her own kittens, and exhausted workers hoped she might be willing to add one more to her family. “She loved it when we put them together,” says director Marlena DiBianco. Satin fed Charlie for three and a half weeks. Her kittens welcomed the puppy like a brother, wrestling and sleeping with them.

In 17 years at the shelter, DiBianco has never witnessed anything like a cat nursing a puppy. That didn’t matter to Satin. Even as Charlie grew, the cat still mothered him. “He was twice her size and she would still groom him,” DiBianco says."

Article from: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/animalsnature/cat-adopts-dog/

Pic from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17168222/ns/health-pet_health/

Bark out the Facts!

Today's awesome fact is...

"70% of people sign their pet’s name on greeting and holiday cards

58% put pets in family and holiday portraits."

That's the fact for today and come back next time to see another cool fact on Bark out the Facts!

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