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The Staffordshire bulls are known for their great strength because of their sizes. Their variety is muscular and stocky but is also known for their agility. Surprisingly, this breed is one of the two breeds recognized by the UK Kennel Club as very suitable for children. Furthermore, their types ranked 5th when it comes to dog popularity in the UK, where the breed originated. Interestingly, Staffies are the only breed of dog that are "totally reliable" when it comes to standard of breed.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Staffies:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: either indoors or outdoors

Coat: smooth (or silky like most terriers), dense, and short

Colors: black, brindle, red, blue, fawn; or any of these colors mixed with white

Height: between 14 and 16 inches

Weight: between 24 and 38 pounds

Colors: brindle, blue, black, red, fawn, white; or any of these with white

Temperament: aggressive towards other animals but very friendly with children

Health Issues: heat stroke, cataracts, and breathing problems

Care and Exercise Tips:

•    Bathe when necessary.
•    Brush their coat only occasionally using a brush with firm bristles.
•    Rub down their coat with a chamois or towel to remove hairs that are loose.
•    Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.
•    They should be on leash while walking in public places.

Origin/History:

The Staffordshire bull terriers, also known as the Staffies, are known to have existed around the 17th century. Since dog fighting gained a surge of popularity over bull baiting, it became a must to develop a breed of dog that is agile, strong, and has a more punishing head than the Bulldog.

In this light, fighting Bulldogs of that time were crossed with some terrier blood. The hybrid was known as the Pit Dog or the Bull and Terrier. The new cross breed became well known for their tenacity and courage, and despite their reputation of being furious with other animals they were excellent companions especially with children.

The Staffie pit dog became a favorite of steelworkers and miners alike. The breed also provided chain makers of the "Black Country" with extra income when worked against ratters or badgers.

The enforcement of the Humane Act in 1835 completely prohibited sports like dog fighting and bull baiting. However, a group of men in the Staffordshire chose to maintain their breed of dogs by introducing them to the show business.

Through the years, the breeders themselves changed the name of the dog into Staffordshire bull terrier to differentiate its physique from the English bull terrier. However, the name of the dog was officially registered only in 1935 by the American Kennel Club.

In 1938, a couple of Staffies gained popularity as Champions at the Birmingham National. The popularity of Ch. Lady Eve and were Ch. Gentleman Jim reached many established countries including France, Australia, Germany, Spain, Holland and even the USA. Since then, Staffies became successful as show dogs and were very popular as compared to other terriers.

The Stafford bull terrier, yes, has become a popular pet while still retaining reputations gained through generations of fighting dogs bred for tenacity, courage, agility, and most importantly, its reliability and great affinity with people especially with children.

And today you can say that the bull is not so bully after all! In fact, the bull is totally reliable as children's pets.

Keywords: bull dog pit terrier

Image via WikipediaThere are three types of dog intelligence according to Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs". Adaptive intelligence has the learning and problem solving-ability, instructive intelligence is only specific to the individual animal and Working/Obedience Intelligence is dependent on the breed. I have listed the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world that are easy to train and help humans doing various works directed to them much more like giving them Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Tenth on the list is the Australian Cattle Dog, a herding breed. This breed is courageous and a tireless worker, they are very active and needs regular exercise both mentally and physically. They are very protective of their property as well as their masters. This was developed in Australia for herding cattle. They are easy to train, groom and maintain. Provide them with nutritional foods such as that Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food and it is on the go.

9. Rottweiler

Rottweilers have the reputation as a fearsome dog. This is a great family pet, they are intelligent and reliable, and they are also one of the best guard dogs. They are used in search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind and police dogs.

8. Papillion

Papillions will confuse you of a very cute dog but don't underestimate their cuteness, these are supposed to be scary and tough. A continental toy spaniel, one of the oldest of the toy spaniels, derived their name from its characteristic butterfly-like ears. They are cute, possessive, a little moody and aggressive because they are considered as the most affectionate dogs. They are very easy to train and one of the most intelligent dogs.

7. Labrador Retriever

This is the most popular breed in the world; they are also a popular as a family pet because of their loving, affectionate and patient characteristics. Labradors love to swim, play catch and retrieve games, and are very good with young children. They are commonly used to aid in hunting, tracking and detecting, assisting humans with disabilities, carting and therapy work.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

This dog as many dog owners would say, has the same level of intelligence as men. They breed to become a shepherd to hundreds of sheep, because of their herding dog temperament. They are very vocal and have a lot of energy to please their masters. They are hard worker. Just provide them enough Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food, they will definitely not let you down. "Shelties" as commonly called by owners, were one of the brightest dogs, they could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command give the first time 95% of the time or better.

5. Doberman Pinscher

This is most commonly used as a guard dog or a police dog, because of its characteristics being loyal, forceful and feared. They have excellent stamina and loved working. You can rely on the Doberman because of his protective tendencies to their master and its family. Doberman is one of the most trainable breeds of dogs.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are most commonly owned by millions of people because of its loyalty, gentleness and are very close to children. This dog's intelligence and versatility suit for a variety of roles including guide dog for the blind, hunting dog, illegal drug detection dog, search and rescue and hearing guide for deaf people. This breed is also used in water and life saving rescue and is in the top 4 of the most intelligent dogs in the world.

3. German Shepherd

One of the smartest dog, it is also brave and has a strong protective instinct. They are a breed of herding dogs and was originally used to protect flocks of sheep and now they are trained to be police dogs and search dogs. This breed if trained in obedience at an early age will become a great loving family dog and excellent with children.

2. Poodle

Poodle is ranked number to on the top ten because of their intelligence and they are one of the most easiest breed to train. They originated in Germany as a water retriever. They love to be around humans and hated to be left alone. Poodles can also be used as a hunting dog despite of their cute appearance.

1. Border Collie

This dog is a breed of herding dog in Great Britain. Collies are used on farms to assist with herding of livestock. They are energetic, athletic and often being competed in dog sports, also in sheep dog trials. They make an excellent search and rescue dogs because they have been train in air-scenting and as cadaver dogs.

Whatever dog breed it is, it is very important to provide them their daily needs such as shelter, love and Merrick dog food or Bil-Jac dog food for food.

Jerri Torres enjoys writing for Petflow which sells Merrick dog food and Bil-Jac dog food as well as a host of additional products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerri_Torres

The Squabble Between Cats Vs Dogs

This has to be one of the oldest squabbles in history. Pet owners have argued for thousands of years since each species first became domesticated, whether cats or dogs are better. Nowadays, people just ask simply whether you are a cat person or a dog person.

In the following article we will try to compare both in several different categories, whilst trying to remain unbiased. But ultimately only you know which you prefer, so are you a cat person or a dog person?

Can't decide whether you are a cat person or a dog person. Well let's look at them under certain categories.

History

Cats where first domesticated approximately 9,500 years ago. They were seen as sacred animals by the ancient Egyptians, and were brought to Europe by the Romans. Since that time cats can now be found almost everywhere on earth and have grown in popularity to become the most popular pet in the world.

Dogs where first domesticated approximately 15,000 years ago. They are descended from wolves, originally being used to help hunt for food. Humans have had a major impact on the species through selective breeding, which has led to the dog developing into hundreds of varieties of breeds. All these different breeds have varying behaviour and physical characteristics, making the dog the most varied land mammal on the planet.

Usefulness

Cats were probably first introduced into human society due to their skill at reducing vermin numbers, such as mice and rats. This has been particularly important during early human civilisation to reduce the spread of disease and illness. Nowadays we have better sanitation and medicine, so cats aren't seen as having a specific use, but because humans have been living with them for so long they are seen solely as lovable pets.

Dogs have been used by humans since they were first domesticated as wolves. They have many uses that were used by early humans to help them hunt and farm. But over the thousands of years that we have kept them, we have bread them for specific purposes. Nowadays dogs have so many uses in today's society that we couldn't do without them. Dogs perform many roles for people, such as hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, assisting police and military, companionship, and, more recently, aiding handicapped individuals. It is this wide variety of uses and our close bond that has developed over thousands of years that has labelled dogs "mans best friend".

Looking after

Cats are independent animals that feasibly take little looking after. Generally nocturnal by nature, cats can sleep for most of the day and disappear at night doing cat things. Depending on the bond between the cat and the owner, some cats might only come back to be fed, or they may do the opposite and bring home a mouse or dead bird for you!

Dogs need a lot of looking after. They aren't independent like cats are, generally seeing their role in a household as being part of a pack. Apart from obviously feeding, dogs need to have quite a lot of exercise, generally needing a walk 3-4 times a day. It is advisable to train a dog so that it doesn't grow to be aggressive towards others or other dogs.

Cost

The cost of any animal can vary due to many different factors, mainly their size and health with the resulting vet bills. But as a general rough guide, cats cost roughly between £650-910 per year, and dogs cost roughly between £650-1150 per year. Cats generally can live between 9-15 years, and dogs between 12-14 years. So dogs are going to generally cost more to keep over their lifetime than cats, but the difference is not as big as some may have thought.

Conclusion

Well cats and dogs have different qualities that may appeal to you. If you want a pet that takes little looking after, but still offers social interaction then maybe you would prefer a cat. If you are looking for a pet to become one of the family, then maybe you would prefer a dog. At the end of the day only you can tell which type of person you are, a cat person or a dog person?

My name is Matt and I am a writer for http://www.TheSquabble.com a great website that lets people discuss and debate over a wide variety of topics. Currently we have articles added regularly covering products/brands, politics, sport, people and many others. If you have something to squabble about, then we are the place to do it.

So check out http://www.TheSquabble.com - Because everyone has something to squabble about!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_R_Smith

Image via WikipediaThis breed of dog, also fondly called as APBT, is known for its loyalty and intelligence. The dogs with this breed make excellent companions since they are very aggressive because of their protective nature.

How, then, are they different from the Staffies? For the UKC or the United Kennel Club, Staffies and APBT are of the same breed but many disapprove of this suggestion. For instance, if the American Kennel Club has an American Staffordshire terrier, it will be registered as an American pit bull terrier by the United Kennel Club. Furthermore, many breeders noted that their lineages have been separate for a long time already for these dogs to be still considered as having the same variety. 

Meanwhile, the American Kennel Club does not register a UKC-listed American pit as an American Staffie. In order to gain dual-registry, the dog must initially be recorded as an AKC American Staffie before it can be listed with the UKC as an American pit bull, and not the other way around.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about APTBs:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor

Coat: smooth, shiny, thick, and short

Colors: color varies

Height: between 18 and 22 inches

Weight: between 30 and 60 pounds

Temperament: courageous, full of energy, and loyal; should be socialized early on with other animals especially with children

Health Issues: heart murmurs and mange

Care and Exercise:
•    Bathe when necessary.
•    Brush their coat only occasionally using a brush with firm bristles.
•    Rub down their coat with a towel or a chamois to remove hairs that are loose.
•    Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time and/or running along a bicycle while on a leash.
•    They should be on leash while walking in public places.

Origin/History:

The ancestors of APBT came to the US in the mid-1800s with some Irish-Boston immigrants. Like the Staffie, they were originally bred from bulldogs and terriers. Since APBT is a forerunner to the Staffie, it was also molded to be a fighting dog. However, the Americans made their variety some pounds heavier and trained them to have a more powerful head.

Bull baiting and dog baiting were prohibited in England so bull terriers were no longer bred for bouts. It is in America where the pit bull also gained its popularity for many uses and reasons like:

1.    It was used to embody the country in one WW1 artwork.
2.    Well-known companies like the Buster Brown Shoe Company and even RCA used the breed as mascots.
3.    Petie, a pitbull, was one of the stars in, “Our Gang”, a well sought children’s TV series.
4.    A mix breed called Stubby was transformed into a popular and decorated WW1 hero.
5.    Pits became good companies of pioneer families on their journeys.
6.    Jack, a working pit bulldog was owned by Laura Wilder of lines of books called “Little House”.
7.    Popular people like Helen Keller and US President Theodore Roosevelt owned the variety.

Here is some history about the cause of dilemma regarding the registries of APBTs.

In 1898, the United Kennel Club or UKC was structured to provide fighting guidelines and registration for APBT as fighting dogs. Later, there were breeders who shun away from dog fighting so they asked the AKC to recognize their pits so they would be fit for performance events like dog shows.

In 1935, the AKC approved of their petitions but the dogs were registered as Staffordshire Terriers, naming them after the little province in England that the breed was known to have originated from. Thus, many breeders have dogs that have dual-registry.

It is interesting to note that Petie, which was one of the stars in the, “Our Gang” TV series was the first breed that was dual-registered to be Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull. However, the UKC later started registering other performing-type varieties and they also began holding dog shows comparable to those of the American Kennel Club.

The AKC soon sealed its studbooks to APBTs. They allocated registration to those pit breeds with lineages that are listed as Staffies. For a little time during the 1970s, the AKC disclosed the American pits to their studbooks.

In 1973, the American KC decided to add the word "American" with the pit’s name to discriminate it from a Staffie. At present, those dogs with mixed APTB-StaffIe parents are recognized by UKC and even the American Dog Breeders’ Association as “American pits or American pit bull terriers”.

Nowadays, the pit has employed as search and rescuers, police/armed service dogs, livestock workers, and even as therapy animals because they are good as companions and working dogs.

Moreover, the variety can even compete in dog sports such as herding, obedience, and conformation, French Ring, and Schutzhund. Breeds of this type can be very loving as pets for everyone. The physical demands and harshness of various activities developed a healthy, strong, and stable animal.

If you want to have an APBT as a pet, be sure that the puppy is handled well and properly socialized. A solid and good training will surely produce an obedient, tranquil, and good companion or even a working dog!

From the funny little pals to the more aggressive ones, terrier dogs definitely have wide spectrum of temperaments and dispositions that anyone would find interesting. In fact, any kind of owner would fit with the various characteristics that this breed can show. Beware though for some can be very mischievous while others can display timidity.

Terriers are primarily bred to help hunters in catching vermin, otter, foxes, rats and the likes. Newer breeds though tend to be so domesticated that they are now included in the companion and toy breeds.

As with many other dog breeds, terrier dogs have diverse characteristics that set one type from another. A number of owners find them as faithful in their families and are always ready to protect the home to which he has accustomed himself with. Distinguished excellent guardians, many dogs from this breed can easily determine well-intentioned strangers from those who mean harm.

This instinct to protect probably rooted from the earlier breeds which were originally used in bloody dog fights. Since the banning of this sport, many breeders resulted to producing more docile dogs for homes. Through innumerable cross-breedings, keen and protective terriers were produced.

Some notable terriers of this disposition are American Stafforshire Terrier or AmStaff, Airedale Terrier and Bedlington Terrier.

One of the major features terrier dogs have is their capability to respond well to training. In fact, some types are endowed with natural intelligence which makes them fit for obedience training and ring shows. Some terriers with this disposition need lots of activities that would challenge them mentally. Those included in this type must be given enough training so as to refrain them from being destructive out of boredom. Unlike larger breeds though with much intelligence, most terrier dogs will not make as much damage.

Some of this type also has the determination and dignified disposition that give them the air of confidence.

Some terrier dogs are fun loving and humorous in some sense. They are lively, frolic and gay which provide entertainment for their families and has become the favorites for many centuries.

Social terriers meanwhile should be given enough social environment so as to ready them as they mature. Most terriers with this disposition tend to dominate other dogs when they have come to their ideal age to assume authority. The bull terrier types could best display this temperament.

Surprisingly, some of the smallest terriers are among the toughest. Take the case of Cairn dogs. For their relatively small size and the stocky built, they still portray the disposition of being always ready when the need for activity arrives.

Many types of this breed though still retain the true terrier disposition. That is, hunting. Yet, significant with such dogs are their keenness to human companionship which make them both good ratters and affectionate pets.

Others still have the power, speed and endurance that many of their ancestors possessed. While some may be repressed due to domestication, many of them can manifest whenever the drives arise.

This breed is quite old. In fact, many of them had been existing since time immemorial. It's not surprising that they have various characters that an owner can either detest or love.

Image via WikipediaPeople might be wondering why there is such a name as "bull dog".

Originally, Great Britain and later, America were obsessed with bloody fights between bulls and dogs. The main function of the canine is to hang on to the bull's neck and worry the poor animal until it dies. Obviously, these dogs had developed great strength in their jaws.

Among the popular choices of dogs for this sport were the pit bulls. Back then, the selection of pit bulls was so varied that many showed a variety of characteristics that made the sport highly interesting. Later in the life of the sport though, the center of attraction switched towards the fight between pit bulls and not against the bulls themselves.

From these canines rooted most of the bull dog terriers that we know of today.

One of the significant bull dog terriers we have is the American Staffordshire Terrier who is of great interest since it possesses intriguing seemingly opposing characters.

They project strength and physically power but they are not vicious. In fact, this dog is very much associated with its relationship to its family, especially among children. The physical features it has are now only due to their basic nature and orientation during their bloody fights as fighting machines. But this does not negate the fact that they can sometimes show aggressiveness which may somehow work against them. Nevertheless, this can be set off with their loving nature and devotion to human family. Thus, it has a stable temperament which make them good pets and excellent watchdogs.

AmStaff terrier, as it is called by its shorter name suffers in reputation though since it is commonly associated with pit bulls. These dogs are known for their love for challnge and are therefore employed in illegal dog fighting.

Most of the problems root from irresponsible training. Sadly, there are too few AmStaff that are properly trained. And what's even depressing is that there are innumerable pit bulls that are continually ill-treated by sadistic owners.

We are often confused of what true pit bulls are. In fact, many contend that these dogs must not be called by that name since it elicits unwanted images of gory dog fights. While this breed is not yet officially recognized by the American Dog Breeders Association or the United Kennel Club, the legitimate name remains to be American Pit Bull Terrier.

While it is true that American Pit Bull Terrier is violent in nature, this doesn’t imply that they are made purely for brutal stuffs. As we have earlier said, these dogs are only products of maltreatment and exploitive training (and inhumane) for self serving purposes. Otherwise, American Pit Bull Terriers can be very people loving.

Image via WikipediaPeople think that finding Boston terrier dogs for sale would be a very easy task. However, people need to know that there’s more to finding Boston terrier dogs for sale than looking in the phone book or in the classified ads. For one thing, the breeder often reflects the quality of the pet.

Today, many of the Boston terrier dogs for sale are bred by “puppy farms” which exist solely to breed and sell pet dogs. These “puppy farms” are profit-oriented and are therefore natural breeding grounds for animal cruelty. It is often the case that the puppies born in these farms are taken away from their mothers as soon as they are big enough to sell. They are often malnourished as a result of the cost-cutting methods of these farms.

When you are trying to find Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to look for a breeder who genuinely cares for the animals. This will assure you that the animal is well taken care of and will survive more than a few weeks in your care.

Another reason to look for this type of Boston terrier dogs for sale is genetics. When you buy from a puppy farm, all the owner cares about is the profits. As long as a puppy looks good enough to be sold, it is sold. A great dog breeder, however, knows that breeding goes far beyond determining the appearance of a dog. When you are looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to look for a breeder who knows that breeding also determines the temperament of a dog.

When you go looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to find a pet that would suit your temperament. While a low-class breeder would tell you to buy a dog because the puppy looks cute, a great dog breeder would tell you to buy a specific dog because it fits your personality.

When looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to find a seller who does not ask you how much you are willing to pay but asks you what your qualifications are. When you are looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to find a breeder who will not push the dog towards you but will truly take the time to know if you are fit to own a dog.

When you are looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale, you need to look for a seller who would be willing to take back the dog if you somehow neglect it. Do not go for sellers who will exchange the puppy for cash and then walk away. A great breeder will leave you with a way to contact him or her in case you change your mind.

Another way to find the best kinds of Boston terrier dogs for sale is to look for the proper documentation. Often, true breeders will be able to provide pedigrees that can trace back the lineage of a puppy. Through this, you know that you are buying the best.

Looking for Boston terrier dogs for sale may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right attitude and information, you should be able to get the best puppy for you. By following the tips in this article, you can make hunting for Boston terrier dogs for sale the best thing you have ever done.

Image via WikipediaThe soft coated wheaten terrier would be considered by most people to be “high maintenance”. This means that a lot of care should be given to it in order to maintain its stature. This statement also means that a lot of steps should be taken in order to care for the dog properly. So how do you care for your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog?

Let us first talk about the coat. This is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. In fact, when you take a look at the name, you will realize that the coat gives the dog its identity. Taking care of this essential part of the soft coated wheaten terrier dog can be quite a daunting task. This is especially true if you have just found out about the various standards that people use to judge the beauty of a soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog.

Frequent grooming is required to keep the coat shiny and to prevent matting. It also helps get rid of any accumulated dirt. You should comb or brush your soft coated wheaten terrier dog everyday to make sure that his coat remains silky and tangle-free. The coat also needs to be trimmed once in a while to preserve the “terrier look” and to allow a new coat to grow.

Besides the coat, you should also take care of the nails and teeth of your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. In case that you do not know what to do by yourself, you might want to hire some professional dog grooming services to do the job for you.

Another aspect you should concentrate on is the training. Remember to train your soft coated wheaten terrier dog as early as possible in order to ingrain in him the basics of proper behavior. There are several keywords that should come to your mind when training your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog:

1) Consistency – be consistent with your teaching. Do not use different commands in order to get the same response as this will only serve to confuse your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. You should also be consistent in terms of reward and punishment. This will help your dog understand what you want to happen.

2) Tone – a soft coated wheaten terrier dog is actually pretty sensitive to the tones in the human voice. This means that the dog will be able to tell if you are feeling upset or if you are feeling impatient. You need to learn how to moderate your tone in order to avoid confusion with your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog.

3) Timing –learn the proper timing of when to correct your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog. The element you need during correction is surprise. You need to correct the soft coated wheaten terrier for a mistake right after or even before it performs the act. This way, you will be able to instill a sense of consequence into your soft coated wheaten terrier pet dog.

Caring and training for your soft coated wheaten terrier can be quite a bit of work. You will also have to contend with the energy inherent in every terrier breed. However, with patience, your efforts will be rewarded.

Image via WikipediaThe Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland’s terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves.  During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy. 

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of “Toto” in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety’s talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.   

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Cairns:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat

Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

•      Atopy, a type of allergy
•      Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes
•      Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
•      Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye
•      Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

Care and Exercise:

•    Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.
•    Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.
•    Do not over feed them as they gain weight easily.
•    Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.
•    They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers.

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns. 

In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in cairns.  However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club.

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

Image via WikipediaIf you are thinking of getting a Cairn terrier pet dog, then you need to know some information about it first. Why? Well, knowing the right information about anything will help you in the long run. This is especially true when we are talking about a pet ownership. Before you get a Cairn terrier pet dog, you need to be sure that you know what you are getting yourself into. You need to know how to take proper care of your cairn terrier pet dog and you also need to know what to expect when you are getting one.

Thankfully, there are a lot of sites on the internet which can provide you the necessary information. To save you some time, however, here are the basics:

Originally bred in the Scottish highlands, the Cairn terrier is the smallest of all terrier breeds. You should not let the size deceive you when you are getting a Cairn terrier pet dog, however. The Cairn terrier was first bred because of its working ability. You know what this means? This means energy.

A Cairn terrier pet dog has a lot of energy to spare. They can gain a lot from taking brisk walks daily. However, you should know that they do best when they have a fenced-in yard to play in. This way, they get more room when they play. Their high energy also means that they aren’t really suitable for apartment or condo living. If you live in such places, then having a Cairn terrier pet dog is not for you.

Their energy may also put them in danger. This is the reason why you need to make sure that a Cairn terrier pet dog stays in one area. Their natural instincts tell them to dig and run and these activities may lead to accidents if unsupervised.

There are, however, a lot of positive things that can be said about a Cairn terrier pet dog’s energy. For one thing, it makes the dog fun to play with. It can play for hours on end, giving you the companionship that you want. Another positive with this energy is the fact that this energy can be channeled into good purposes. A Cairn terrier pet dog is naturally inquisitive and is always willing to participate in a new adventure. This means that a Cairn terrier pet dog can be easily taught to do tricks. They learn tricks very fast and thrive in obedience training.

You need to make sure that your Cairn terrier pet dog is trained properly since untrained ones have a tendency to be destructive when they are bored.

Let us talk about the proper care for a Cairn terrier pet dog. One thing you do not need to worry about is its coat. The Cairn terrier pet dog was not bred for the beauty of its coat. The coat of a Cairn terrier pet dog is weather resistant and sheds little to no fur. Because of this, it can be a great indoor pet.

Being the smallest of terrier breeds, however, makes Cairn terrier pet dogs especially vulnerable to various health problems. Care must be taken when feeding it as it can gain weight quite rapidly. A Cairn terrier pet dog is also especially sensitive to fleas. However, you can be sure that this is one of the best breeds around.

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The following article provides some questions most people are assumed ask about the organization and its endeavors. Answers are provided after each question.

Just what is Boston Terrier Rescue?

This is an association devoted to housing abandoned or unwanted Boston terriers. They set emergency rescues and conducts appropriate adoption of these terriers to their permanent homes.

However, the network does not house Boston terriers that are already in poor health, aggressive, old, and/or are disease-carriers since they will not be even suitable for adoption afterwards. The least the BTR will do is to advise the owners of such terriers on better options.

Why are these dogs being rescued?

Most dogs that are rescued by the network were simply unwanted. Most owners would admit that they were unable to provide their pets with the attention, time, and level of activity that are appropriate for this lovely little dog to thrive and be healthy. There were cases when life situations or jobs made it hard for the owners to keep their pets with them. They considered the abandonment of the terriers as the easy or even sole option.

Can the adopted dog be used for breeding?

The association will definitely disapprove of the idea!

In fact, they firmly advise every new owner to have the dog strictly as pets. As part of the placement process, Bostons are being spayed or neutered to avoid reproduction. Moreover, most of the rescued terriers are not excellent strains of the breed standard. More often, they do not have a record of ancestry or pedigree that can be consulted before the breeding process. 
May I adopt a female terrier?

Most Boston terriers that are being abandoned are males aging between two and six since most owners think that the female variety is more affectionate. Surprisingly, the male variety is a responsive and sweet companion given proper attention and care. However, since all rescued Bostons are spared as breeders, the gender of the dog should not matter at all during the adoption. Appropriate placement shall be executed by BTR.

Is there a charge if an owner surrenders a Boston?

There are owners who volunteer themselves of paying their dogs' medical requirements, which also include spaying or neutering. Likewise, donations assist in the expenditures that cover the dogs' preparations for placement in a new home and with a new owner.

If I adopt a dog, will I be charged for it?

Apparently, owning a dog requires the owner to be financially capable for health care expenditures and even for the registry of Bostons. 

How does the adoption process happen?

The procedure can be summarized as follows:

1.    Screening

a.    BT Rescue filters potential owners by filling out extensive application papers for adoption.
b.    Possible owners' financial capability and lifestyle are being researched by the network.
c.    Application forms are screened between 7 and 10 days.

2.    Approval/Disapproval

a.    Once the application is approved, a dog that is available at the time shall be presented to its new owner.
b.    Otherwise, the application shall be placed on a waiting list. If circumstances make the application possible, the new owner is notified later on.

What must be done to help?

The answer depends on the clientele.

1.    For Breeders

Breeders are advised not to sell their Boston Terrier to anyone if the new home will be inappropriate. Instead, have good homes reserved for them and plan litters. 

Also, if breeders do not have a competent and proper breeding program, reproduction should be avoided.

2.    For everyone else

Be informed about the special nature and various mental and physical requirements of Boston Terrier. Then educate others about these things.

It should be made clear to everyone that Bostons do not fit the lifestyle of just anyone and everyone. If possible, look for breeds that may warrant a new shelter.

Moreover, donations are greatly appreciated for they usually assist in the placement process of the dogs. BTR runs entirely on the dedication of volunteers.

Report an unwanted Boston. Rescue an abandoned canine! Dial Rescue Canine-1-1!

If your dog likes to eat his own feces (Coprophagia) then take him to your vet for a check up.


Try putting cayenne pepper on the area your dog likes to dig the most. The strong smell should deter him.


A second dog might be the answer but you could end up with two digging dogs and twice the problem.


If you play with your dog while you are planting or digging the garden he will think it is ok to do this every time.


Place a sprinkler on a hose in the area the dog digs. While he is in the act of digging, turn on the sprinkler.


If you arrive home and find your garden all dug up, do not reprimand your dog. He has no way of knowing why you are angry with him. You must catch him actually digging, for any reprimand to make sense.


Never physically punish your dog for digging.


Daniel Reid is a dog expert and founder of Best Dog Puppy Training. He shows people in very simple but effective ways, how to train their dogs properly. You too can have a wonderful, well trained and obedient dog that always obeys you.


Click now, to find out lots more reliable and proven advice on Stopping A Dog From Digging, Dog Obedience Training and Proper Dog Care:


http://www.bestdogpuppytraining.com


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Do you know that you can train your dog by yourself? Yes, I really mean it. Many people have no idea how to train their dogs. It is not that hard to train your dog these days because there is a lot of information out there that can help everyone learn to understand dogs and train them well in no time.

Consistency is important. Use the same words for the same behaviors. Stay and wait can both mean the dog stays in the same place, but the dog doesn't know that. Choose either the one or the other and use it all the time. The same thing with down and lay, or paw and shake. Choose one command and stay consistent.

The key to having a well-trained, happier dog is to meet your dogs physical and mental needs first through exercise, obedience, play and affection. Secondly, create personal training goals and stay consistent with your expectation of your dog. Remembering, a well-trained dog is a happier dog because they love to spend more time with you.

Training your dog is not that hard if you are patient and consistent. Starting a dog training program with your pup is an incredible way to make your dog the best behaved pooch on the block and build an amazing relationship with your dog. Once you get started you will see just how rewarding it can be. I know what your thinking "but my dog is just to much for me sometimes" but trust me friend, if you stick with it you can and will have a good dog. I wish you all the best!

Are you tired of the way your pet is always acting? Do you know that your pet has the ability to be as good as the ones on the television? Are you ready to make your animal into the best pet on the block? It's not hard, see the transformation for yourself by visiting zach1201.wordpress.com/2008/02/27/potty-training-dogs/

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Potty Latihan Anjing

Adakah anda tahu bahawa anda boleh melatih anjing anda sendiri? Ya, saya bersungguh-sungguh. Banyak orang tidak tahu bagaimana untuk melatih anjing mereka. Hal ini tidak sukar untuk melatih anjing anda hari ini kerana ada banyak maklumat di luar sana yang boleh membantu setiap orang belajar untuk memahami anjing dan melatih mereka dengan baik dalam masa yang singkat.

Konsistensi adalah penting. Gunakan kata-kata yang sama untuk perilaku yang sama. Tinggal dan menunggu boleh keduanya bererti anjing tetap di tempat yang sama, tetapi anjing tidak tahu itu. Pilih salah satu atau yang lain dan menggunakannya sepanjang masa. Hal yang sama dengan bawah dan berbaring, atau kaki dan mengguncang. Pilih salah satu perintah dan tetap konsisten.

Kunci untuk memiliki anjing, terlatih bahagia adalah untuk memenuhi anjing anda fizikal dan mental keperluan pertama melalui latihan, bermain ketaatan, dan kasih sayang. Kedua, membuat tujuan latihan peribadi dan tetap konsisten dengan harapan anda anjing anda. Memandangkan, seekor anjing terlatih adalah anjing lebih bahagia kerana mereka suka menghabiskan lebih banyak masa dengan anda.

Latihan anjing anda tidak sukar jika kamu bersabar dan konsisten. Bermula dengan program latihan anjing dengan anjing anda adalah cara luar biasa untuk membuat anjing anda yang terbaik berperilaku anjing di blok dan membina hubungan yang luar biasa dengan anjing anda. Selepas anda memulakan anda akan melihat betapa berharganya hal tersebut. Aku tahu apa yang difikirkan anda "tapi anjing saya hanya untuk banyak untuk saya kadang-kadang" tapi percayalah teman, jika anda tetap dengan itu anda boleh dan akan mempunyai anjing yang baik. Saya berharap anda semua yang terbaik!

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It is never too soon or too late to train your puppy or dog. It is vitally important to make the first 20 weeks of your puppy's life, as much of a positive learning and socializing experience as possible.

With a bit of luck, between early encouraging experiences with a responsible breeder and your puppy's mom, he or she has developed a confident sense of self by the time you bring them home. Remember, your puppy cannot read your house rules book. It's up to you, to continue to stimulate, teach, reinforce and when need be, correct your puppy in a simple, helpful manner. You must make a genuine commitment to remain patient and be consistent.

Here is how having a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog happens. During their first 8 weeks, mom and litter mates taught your pup "puppy manners." Mom's discipline may have included a few physical tactics, but for the most part it was her attention and approval that were her greatest training tools. Their litter mates were also teachers. If a puppy played too rough, their siblings ignored them. There is no greater "punishment" for a puppy or dog than being ignored. They hate it!

By incorporating their mom's attention and approval method and their litter mate's snub, you have the foundation you will need to continue training your puppy in a manner that reinforces and rewards positive behaviors, without having to punish them.

Ideally, the breeder started your puppy on a program to socialize them to new experiences in a non- threatening, fun way. Being introduced to new people, noises, other animals, objects and being handled are crucial and should be continued.

Now that your puppy is in their new home, the rest of their training and development is your responsibility. There is nothing wrong with buying books or videos on training your new pup, but the actual hands on experience of Puppy Kindergarten is worth every minute and penny. It is there your puppy will learn to interact not only with you and your family, they will also learn to be comfortable around strangers, distractions and other dogs.

Find a local dog trainer who applies positive reinforcement, punishment-free methods of training. With a bit of effort on your part, you will be amazed at the progress you will see in just a few weeks. Appropriate behaviors and obedience will be ingrained through exciting and fun experiences. Your puppy won't realize it's on its way to being a well-behaved dog.

Incorporate training into their daily routine. Apply the exercises from the classes when feeding, leashing, walking or calling your pup. For very young puppies, three minutes of actual training is about all they can handle at one time. Play school for three minutes, at least three times per day. If everyone in the family shares that responsibility, your puppy will be getting plenty of training. Be consistent. Everyone must follow the same procedures to avoid confusing the pup.

Expose them to new experiences and places. Do not coddle them! If they appear nervous or unsure, ignore it. Relax. They will be reading you for cues. If they sense you are nervous or if you are over protective, you will create an anxious, ill-mannered dog with neurotic behaviors. If you are relaxed, your puppy learns how to cope with unfamiliar situations. Coping skills and obedience are what they need to become a well-balanced and self-confident dog.

Bottom line: Don't wait. Enroll in a Puppy Kindergarten class. Work with your puppy as soon and as much as possible. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. Be patient! Always end with them wanting more. It's not always easy. The more time you spend with them now, the faster they will bond with you as they learn how to cope with changes and learn what are acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

Before you know it, it will become a normal behavior. Enjoy every minute of it. It won't be long before your puppy is an adult dog you will be proud to take anywhere.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator

http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saint-Augustine-FL/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486?ref=sgm

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Image via WikipediaThe Boston terrier is a well-muscled and compact breed. This is not really surprising since the Boston terrier was first bred by people who wanted to use them in dog fights. Now some people may read all sorts of implications from such a violent past. Some people might think that the Boston terrier dog would make a bad pet because of its aggressive nature. However, you should know that as a pet, the Boston terrier can actually be pretty mild mannered.

The temperament of the Boston terrier can be described as enthusiastic as it often loves to play. Most people comment that the Boston terrier actually has a great sense of humor. Another characteristic that people find delightful with this breed is the fact that they are intelligent and are very much easily trained. This fact is also enhanced by the dog’s natural curiosity and love for learning.

Of course, people who own pets know the importance of training. Having a well-behaved pet increases the enjoyment for you both. Having a well-behaved pet means that you can have more fun with that pet.

One thing that owners have noticed with a Boston terrier is the fact that it can be very sensitive to the tone of a person’s voice. This may be described as a sort of emotion detector. Because of this sensitivity to the tone, a Boston terrier will be able to respond to how you are feeling when you are talking. This means, however, that you need to take care when training your dog. You need to make sure that anger and frustration do not find their way into your voice.

They also make excellent watchdogs as they do not bark indiscriminately. This means that you won’t wake up in the middle of the night because your Boston terrier saw a butterfly. There are some cases, though, when a Boston terrier will not bark at all.

Regarding the living conditions, Boston terriers can do well enough without a yard as long as they get regular exercise. This means that they are suitable for apartment living. However, you should also know that they are very sensitive to the extremes of weather. This means that you should keep it in a place that’s neither too hot nor too cold.

Unlike other terrier breeds, the Boston terrier is an average shedder. This means that you should be wary of keeping it indoors as it can shed fur over your floor. We all know how much of a fiasco that can be.

Bostons have a variety of common health problems. They easily get overheated when they are pushed too hard. As said before, they can also be sensitive to extreme weather and any weather that’s too hot or too cold can leave them with breathing difficulties. Skin tumors and heart tumors are very common with this breed. So you need to bring the dog to a vet regularly.

Another disorder you should watch out for is a skull defect. If a Boston terrier is badly bred, it often develops a bone defect that prevents the brain from growing. This, naturally, will lead to a retarded dog.

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