Friday, August 29, 2008

About Boxer Dog Breed

About Boxer Dog

Boxer was well known dog breed for having strong muscular looking yet lovely pet dog. Boxers have blunt face, steady gaze with a hint of mischief, an undeniable joy of life, and incredible grace, the Boxer is affectionate to children and a steadfast friend and guardian to the whole family. The Boxer originated in Germany in the late 19th century. This breed's name was supposedly derived from the "boxing" motion they made with their front paws. The Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog.


Boxers are stocky and medium in size with strong jaws and a powerful bite. The Boxer is a muscular, short-coated, square-headed dog with tight skin and a docked tail. Boxers are very clean and groom themselves like cats. This breed is an average shedder. Males stand 22.5-25 inches at the withers and weigh about 70 pounds. Females are a bit smaller at 21-23.5 inches and about 60 pounds. Boxer ears are generally cropped in this country, but more and more pet owners opt for the uncropped, hang-ear look. The Boxer nose is broad, and the top of the muzzle appears slightly pushed in, leaving the jaw a bit undershot — the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw and curves slightly upward. The blunt muzzle leaves him susceptible to hot, stuffy conditions and can cause wheezing and snorting. The Boxer is an athletic dog with a smooth, graceful, ground-eating stride. He has a well-angulated rear with long haunches for great power. His back remains level when he moves for efficiency and endurance. Boxers are a bright, energetic and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. They are active dogs and require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing or digging. Boxers have earned a slight reputation of being "headstrong", which can be related to inappropriate obedience training. Owing to their intelligence and working breed characteristics, training based on corrections often has limited usefulness.

Boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. They sometimes appear at dog agility or obedience trials and flyball events. Boxers are lively, strong, and extremely loyal. They have an exceedingly high energy level. They carry themselves with pride, but are never arrogant. They have a stoic stance, and are intelligent, loving, delightful companions. The Boxer is patient, dignified, and self-assured. They exhibit curiosity, but are wary of strangers. This breed is fearless and courageous if threatened. They are keenly alert and have a heightened sense of hearing, which make them excellent guard dogs. The Boxer adores children and other pets they have been raised with. They are widely used in search and rescue, police work, and military work.

Friday, August 22, 2008

About Maltese

About Maltese

One of the most adorable pet around, Maltese are well known to their luxurious silky white coat hanging straight to the ground on each side of a center part line. Maltese is a small breed of white dog belonging to the toy group. The Maltese does not shed and is covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white fur. Their fur is compared to carpet.

The Maltese descended from a Spitz-like dog which was then bred for hunting in the marsh and wooded areas of Southern Europe. Historical evidence leads one to believe that the Maltese may well have been introduced into the gene pools of the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terrier, the Tibetan Spaniel, and even the Pekingese. Hard acheological evidence places the Maltese in a prominent place in Egyptian culture around 300 to 600 B.C. where they were virtually worshipped as members of the royal families. Maltese images were found on Greek vases dated around 500 B.C. and the first known written history of the breed was actually authored by the Greek philosopher Aristotle around 350 B.C., where he attributed the origin of the breed to the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea - hence the name "Maltese". The origin of the Maltese has also been attributed by other historians to the Italian town of "Melitae", which could have also given rise to "Maltese" for a breed name. Through time the Maltese has been labeled with many names - as the "Melitae Dog"; as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta"; as "The Roman Ladies' Dog"; as well as being called the "Comforter"; the "Spaniel Gentle"; and the "Bichon".

The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to its master. Highly intelligent. Good at learning tricks if he feels sufficiently rewarded. Bold and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises. It is a classical companion dog; graceful and lovable. Maltese love to play outdoors but have a penchant for jumping in puddles. A bath must follow! These dogs can be snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak. Maltese need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives Poodles and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese. Daily cleaning is required to prevent the risk of tear-staining. Regular grooming is also required, to prevent the coats of non-shedding dogs from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut," a 1 - 2" all over trim that makes the dog resemble a puppy. Maltese are prone to sunburn along the hair parting; skin, respiratory, eye and tooth problems, and slipped stifle. Some may be difficult to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience discomfort in hot weather. Maltese should be kept out of damp areas. It is a good idea to paper-train this breed - to avoid going out in weather extremes.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Dog Otitis Externa - Care of Ear Infection & Inflammation

Dog Ear Care and Otitis Externa Prevention

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Inflammation of the skin of the ear canal is the essence of this disorder. The inflammation can be secondary to dermatitis (eczema) only, with no microbial infection, or it can be caused by active bacterial or fungal infection. In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful and/or tender to touch. Acute otitis externa is predominantly a microbial infection, occurs rather suddenly, rapidly worsens, and becomes very painful and alarming. It is the predominant complaint and the only symptom directly related to the severity of acute external otitis. Unlike other forms of ear infections, the pain of acute external otitis is worsened when the outer ear is touched or pulled gently. The two factors that are required for external otitis to develop are (1) the presence of germs that can infect the skin and (2) impairments in the integrity of the skin of the ear canal that allow infection to occur. Ear disease is one of the most common conditions we see in pets. It is estimated that up to 20% of the dog population is affected by this disease.

The most common signs of ear infection of otitis externa include bad ear odor, discharge of the ears or dog shaking his head or he tilts his head to one side. If you also notice your dog is scratching or rubbing of ears and head, check for the ear's redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal, slowly check if your dog could feel pain around his ears. Also some changes in dog's behavior like depression or irritability are observed. Some animals may also paw the ear or try to rub it on other objects to relieve pain and discomfort. Ear infections often result in a darker red ear, dirt in the ear, or a general inflamed appearance. Dogs with progressive pathologic changes in the ear canal my turn into this disease and proper pet safe should immediately observed..

Dogs with noticeable allergies to his foods, to his environment or to something he inhales might often have ear problems. As a matter of fact, the ear problem may be the first sign of the allergy. Since the allergy changes the environment within the ear, we sometimes see secondary infections with bacteria or yeast. If we just treat the infection, we are not getting to the root of the problem. We need to treat the allergies too. Otodectes cynotis or dog ear mite is also major cause of ear infection but most commonly observed to occur on cats and rare for dogs. Some dogs are hypersensitive (Hypersensitivity disorders or Keratinization disorders) to the mites, however, and the resultant itching can be intense. These dogs may scratch so much they severely traumatize the ear. Numerous types of bacteria and the yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, cause ear infections. The normal, healthy ear has a good defense against these organisms, but if the ear environment changes due to allergies, hormone abnormalities, or moisture, the bacteria and yeast can greatly multiply and break down these defenses. Hormonal abnormalities like deficiencies or excesses of various hormones can result in skin and ear problems. Thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal gland, and sex hormones all influence the health of the skin and ears. Plant awns, those little "stick-tights" that cling to our clothes and our dogs' fur, can sometimes enter the ear canal. Their presence causes irritation, the dog scratches, and before you know it we have a traumatized, infected ear So when you groom your dog after a walk in the woods, be sure to check the ears, too. There are various rare hereditary diseases that occur in different breeds or lines and affect the ears. These include dermatomyositis in Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, and primary seborrhea in Shar Peis and West Highland White Terriers. Squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, and other tumors can be seen in the ears.

In mild cases, a product with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredients are often employed. In more severe cases, ear cleaning under sedation or anesthesia may be required and evaluation for otitis media may be indicated. Treatment for ear mites include ear drops that contain pyrethrins or an avermectin such as ivermectin or selamectin. Cleaning of the ears is very important for treatment of ear infections. Cleansing and antiseptic mixtures are made from isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, boric acid and acetic acid (vinegar) in various proportions. In some recipes, povidone-iodine (betadine) is added as well. Treatment regimen for fungal ear infections includes ketoconazole, and miconazole both topically as well as orally. However, despite the advancement in the therapeutic approaches, otitis externa can be resistant to antifungal antibiotics. Emergence of drug resistance is an important contributing factor. In view of these facts, herbal ear preparations may be of therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of otitis externa in dogs. A number of antibacterials have been suggested for use and have been found to be effective in the treatment of otitis externa and these include gentamicin, sulphadiazine in combination with trimethoprim, ampicillin, ampicillin in combination with cloxacillin, enrofloxacin, amoxycillin, cephalexin and cefadroxil. Apart from antimicrobials, ear infection require treatment for associated itichiness and other inflammation related signs using steroidal drugs like prednisolone, dexamethasone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like clemastine fumarate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, pheniramine maleate et cetera.

For prevention, cleaning dog ears is very important. Your dog’s ear is more L-shaped than yours, and debris loves to collect at the corner of the L. To remove this debris, fill your dog’s ear canal with a good ear cleaner. Ear cleaners should be slightly acidic but should not sting. Massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds to soften and release the debris. Wipe out the loose debris and excess fluid with a cotton ball. Repeat this procedure until you see no more debris. Depending on your dog’s ear condition, you may have to start out doing this twice a day. Cotton applicator swabs can be used to clean the inside of the earflap and the part of the ear canal you can see. They should NOT be used farther down in the ear canal since that tends to pack debris in the ear canal, rather than removing it. Some ear problems are so painful, the dog must be anesthetized to do a good job of cleaning the ears. You may find your dog does not like to have his ears cleaned because it is uncomfortable. Talking to him during the process, stopping momentarily to give him a treat if he is doing well (we do not want to reward fussiness!) and doing something fun afterwards may all help. Remember, if your dog is showing severe discomfort, the ears have a bad smell, or the ear canals look very abnormal, do not delay in contacting your veterinarian. If your dog has a ruptured or weakened eardrum, some ear cleansers and medications could do more harm than good.

Friday, August 8, 2008

American Bulldog

Did you know that the American Bulldog is developed for catching livestock and for herding? Well, you may not know it but this fun dog is actually the closest relative of the Old English Bulldog. Basically, there are two types of bulldog… the Scott and the Johnson type, taken from the names of the breeders. It is characterized by its strong built and its short, clean fur.

The coat may come in different colors such as white, black, fawn or white with patches. The color combination may differ but the Johnson type of bulldog is bigger than the Scott type. It was mistaken back then as a close relative of the Pitbull Terrier but it is more similar to the Old English Bulldog. It is a muscular, working dog that can be trained to protect livestock and to secure property. When it comes to its behavior, bulldogs are friendly by nature. It is energetic and requires a lot of exercise.

They are happy and gentle around children but they should be supervised because bulldogs are strong. They have high instincts but with some social and obedience training, they can surely be controlled in no time. It is very advisable to expose them to people and with other dogs to socialize and to be comfortable around a crowd. It is best if you do this while they are just pups because when they get older, they may be harder to train. Without adequate exercise, they might be mischievous so take note of its needs. American Bulldogs love to run around and play so make sure that you make it wander around your backyard once in a while. You could also take him for a walk in the park but make sure that you have enough strength to do so. The American Bulldog is a strong animal with a big heart.

About Pug

About Pug

One of the older breeds, the Pug is believed to have originated before 400 BC in Asia. There is somewhat of a debate over the origin of the Pug. The Pug is of Chinese origin and dates back to the pre-Christian era. They were prized possessions of the Emperors of China and lived in a most luxurious atmosphere and at times were even guarded by soldiers. The Dutch traders brought the Pugs from the east to Holland and to England. The more refined Pug that we know today must be credited to the English. This happy little dog was enjoyed by many Monarchs of Europe and to this day is a favorite with royalty and discerning people all over the world.

The Pug is a toy dog breed with a wrinkly face and medium-small body. Male pugs height and weight rages from 12-14 inches and 13-20 pounds while the female pugs ranges from 10-12 inches in height and 13-18 pounds in weight. Their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 15 years. The breed is often summarized as multum in parvo ("much in little"), describing the Pug's remarkable personality despite its small size. The word "pug" may have come from the Old English pugg or "puge", which were affectionate terms for a playful little devil or monkey. Pug puppies are often called puglets. The Pug has a square, thickset, stocky compact, body, with a sleek, soft coat that comes in apricot, fawn, black and silver - all with a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears. Rose shaped ears are preferred. Moles on the cheeks are considered beauty spots.

Pug is "a lot of dog in a small space." They are perky, rambunctious and loyal, affectionate and loving, with a happy disposition. They are playful and charming. Clever and mischievous - with a heart-winning personality. They can be a bit willful. Highly intelligent, it bores easily with repetitive training practices. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of your voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature. Pugs are strong dogs with short straight legs. They need to be taken on daily walks. They enjoy energetic games and will keep in better health if given regular exercise. But be careful not to over do it, especially if you see them start to wheeze.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Chinese Crested Breed

Chinese Crested Breed

The most popular of the hairless breed, the Chinese Crested are still very rare, they originated in Africa where they were called "African Hairless Terriers. It is commonly believed, that the Chinese trading ships stopped along Africa on their routes, and it was there that they picked up these dogs because they were excellent ratters for aboard their ships. The Chinese Crested are toy dogs, fine-boned and are so elegant and graceful.

These dogs are sweet, lively, playful and cuddly. The Chinese Crested Dog is a smaller (10-13 lbs) breed of dog known for its unusual appearance and entertaining personality. It is a member of the toy dog group. Two types can be born in the same litter; the Hairless and the Powderpuff. At first glance, the "Hairless" and "Powderpuff" varieties of Chinese Crested Dogs appear to be two different breeds, but hairlessness is a dominant trait within a single breed. The Hairless has soft, human-like skin, as well as tufts of fur on its paws ("socks") and tail ("plume") and long, flowing hair on its head ("crest"). In addition to being a dominant gene, the "hairless" gene is lethal when homozygous. All living hairless Cresteds are therefore heterozygous for this trait. The Chinese Crested is further distinguished by its "hare foot," (having more elongated toes) as opposed to the "cat foot" common to most other dogs.

Chinese Cresteds tend to be affectionate, energetic and playful. They are considered great family pets, with endearing personalities. They are exceptionally loving and likes to hug and smile. Affectionate with children. Some are known "singers" or "screechers" while others are known to "smile." They are generally happy lap-dogs with candid personalities and usually aren't the grumpy type but some males can become slightly aggressive as they age.

Grooming of the Crested is work for both varieties. The Puffs have a very soft and fine double-coat that requires full brushing every other day to avoid matting. Although a Puff's coat does not continuously grow like that of some other breeds, it can be quite long at full length and some owners choose to put their Puffs into a "pony cut." This lower-maintenance option keeps the body hair and facial hair short, leaving the crest, feathers, and tail plume at full length. Maintenance of the Hairless variety's skin is similar to maintaining human skin - and as such it can be susceptible to acne, dryness, and sunburn. A Hairless should be bathed at least once per week to avoid acne and other skin conditions(some dogs shower with their owners every day). Hypoallergenic or oil-free moisturizing cream can keep the skin from becoming too dry when applied every other day or after bathing.

Cresteds have what is called a "primitive mouth." This means that most of their teeth are pointy like their canines. Hairless varieties of the Cresteds can be prone to poor dentition. Poor dentition may include missing or crowded teeth and teeth prone to decay when not properly cared for. Most dogs of the Puff variety have few, if any, dental defects. Allergy and autoimmune diseases has been observed in the breed. The severity of these ailments, often leading to the premature death of the dog means this is something breeders need to take seriously, in order to avoid this becoming a problem for the breed. The lifespan of a Chinese Crested Dog can be quite impressive. Many well-cared-for Cresteds live to see 15 years or more.

The Hairless allele (the wild type) is a dominant (and homozygous lethal) trait, while the Powderpuff allele acts as a simple recessive trait in its presence. Embryos that receive two copies of the Hairless allele will never develop into puppies. Thus all Chinese Cresteds carry at least one copy of the Powderpuff allele. The Powderpuff trait cannot be bred out because it is carried by all Chinese Cresteds (even the hairless ones). All Hairless Chinese Crested have the ability to produce Powderpuff puppies, even when they are bred to another Hairless. It is believed in some breeder circles that it is necessary to include Puff to Hairless breedings in order to reduce the number of health problems (most notably deafness and poor dentition) that can occur from repeated Hairless to Hairless pairings down the generations

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