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Should You Buy a Bloodhound?

September 25, 2008 By 1 Comment

The Bloodhound is a familiar sight in movies that feature escaped convicts. Although the sound of these big dogs baying as they find the scent they are searching for may be a chilling sound to an escapee, it can be a comforting sound. After all, Bloodhounds are also used to track people who are lost or disoriented.

The Bloodhound, which is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Hound Group, stands twenty three to twenty seven inches tall and weighs in at eighty to one hundred ten pounds. These dogs are known for their long droopy ears and their gloomy looking wrinkled faces. They have short coats of coarse hair, which can come in black and tan, red, or liver and tan colors.

Although criminals fear Bloodhounds, these dogs are actually too sweet to be used as guard or attack dogs. It is true that a Bloodhound will track down a man’s scent, but these dogs do not hunt people to hurt them. Bloodhounds need to work with handlers because they will rush right up to a hardened killer and great him like a long lost friend.  tmb bloodhound Should You Buy a Bloodhound?

While their gentle nature makes these dogs a wonderful choice for families, Bloodhounds do have some quirks. This breed is a decision maker, which means it does not do well with obedience training. The same traits that enable this breed to track down scents make the Bloodhound less likely to obey and more stubborn than most other breeds. Teaching your Bloodhound to obey involves a lot of patience and understanding. Never yell at him or treat him roughly, as he may become permanently scarred from this treatment. If you can’t teach your dog to obey commands, you may want to consider getting help from a professional dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods.

Although the Bloodhound loves to spend time with its family, this breed cannot endure life in the city. Bloodhounds need more exercise than most breeds. A house with a large fenced yard is ideal. You may also need to take your Bloodhound for long walks to burn off excess energy.

Bloodhounds enjoy eating and can make a considerable difference in your grocery budget. Since these dogs can suffer from stomach problems and are prone to developing hip dysplasia, you may want to consult your veterinarian to see if you should use a special dog food for your Bloodhound.

Although Bloodhounds do not need to be brushed frequently, they do need to have their face wrinkles and creases cleaned to prevent odors and bacteria growth. You also should be prepared for your dog to develop ear infections if enough air does not circulate to his ears.

Any breed that has been around long before the Dark Ages will have a few health problems. Besides hip dysplasia and stomach problems, the Bloodhound can suffer from eyelid problems. However, the Bloodhound’s most frustrating problem is not actually a disease. The droopy lips that add to this breed’s mournful appearance cause the Bloodhound to drool and slobber more than most other breeds.

If you want a dog breed that has withstood the test of time and still has a wonderful personality, you may want to take a close look at the Bloodhound.

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The Greyhound

September 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The Greyhound is a breed with the tragic ability to run fast. Many Greyhound owners use their dogs to compete in races and put them down when they loose too many races. However, these dogs can also be wonderful pets and many of them are rehabilitated by Greyhound rescues.

Before you open your heart and home to a displaced Greyhound, you should talk to the rescue about the problems new dog owners face. Racing Greyhounds are trained to chase down a mechanical rabbit. Unfortunately, they don’t always differentiate between a rabbit and a small dog or cat. They do better as single pets. In addition, these dogs are already full grown, but are not potty trained and do not have any idea of household etiquette. tmb greyhound The Greyhound

The Greyhound is classified as a member of the Hound Group by the American Kennel Club. These dogs first appeared in ancient Egypt, where they were used to run down prey. When they came to England, they became common with British noblemen, who began racing them. Greyhounds traveled to America, where their owners continued this popular sport.

Greyhounds are large, powerfully built dogs. They have long legs and narrow bodies. These dogs are all muscle. Greyhounds have dark eyes and a long, graceful tail. Unlike many other breeds, a Greyhound can be any color.

Greyhounds are capable of developing an incredible speed, but they are not actually high energy dogs. In between races, these dogs are couch potatoes, conserving their energy for the next chase. They need a fenced yard so they have room to run, although dogs that live in apartments adapt to walking on a leash without too much trouble.

Greyhounds are friendly, sociable dogs. They love to spend time with their family and are very playful. They like nothing better than snuggling up on the couch beside their owners all evening long. Greyhounds enjoy playing with children and are very gentle with them. They also play well with other dogs. You will need to keep a close eye on your dog if you have other pets, since the prey instinct may be too hard to resist.

Greyhounds need plenty of fuel for their bodies. You will need to feed your dog a high quality dog food. However, since these dogs are prone to bloat, do not allow your dog to overeat. Several small meals are better for his health than one large meal. Consult your veterinarian to find out how much you should feed your dog at each meal. A good vitamin supplement is also a good idea for these dogs.

Grooming a Greyhound is simple, since these dogs have a short, sleek coat that does not shed heavily. Brushing your Greyhound once a week should be sufficient. You may also want to trim his nails if they are tapping on the floor when he walks.

Owning one of these dogs can be overwhelming at first. However, if you are willing to persevere, you can end up with a wonderful, devoted family pet for many years to come.

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Beagle, the Family’s Favorite

May 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment

beagle300 Beagle, the Familys Favorite

When you think of Beagles, you probably picture a pack of these little guys baying at the top of their lungs as they race after a fox or rabbit. While it is true that these dogs are popular hunting dogs and have been used to hunt for several centuries, they also make wonderful family pets.

The Beagle has a keen sense of smell and a strong hunting instinct. This member of the American Kennel Club’s hound group actually comes in two sizes, under thirteen inches and thirteen to fifteen inches. Except for the difference in size, both Beagle varieties are identical. The beagle has dark eyes, droopy ears, and a long tail. Its coat is short and most commonly comes in a combination of tan, black and white colors. You can also find orange, black, or tan dogs with white markings.

The Beagle can adapt to apartment life, but may prove to be annoying to neighbors if he constantly warns you of strange noises. These dogs are tireless hunters and need a way to burn off some of that energy, so you will need to take your Beagle for long walks or go for a romp in the park. Think twice before letting him off the leash, however, since a Beagle who is hot on the trail of a rabbit will forget all of his obedience training while he tracks down his prey.

The Beagle loves children and other dogs, but will probably take every available opportunity to harass the family cat. These dogs are very playful and affectionate, but they do tend to sulk if they don’t get their own way. In fact, these dogs are so sensitive that something as simple as someone laughing at one of them when he has gotten into some mishap can cause the Beagle to brood for days. You may need to warn your children to avoid upsetting your dog’s delicate sensibilities.

Although Beagles occasionally get too caught up in the chase to obey commands, they still should learn at least basic obedience. It will require patience and hard work to teach your dog, and you may want to consider getting some professional help by enrolling your little guy in puppy obedience classes.

Beagles love to eat and they aren’t picky. If you put your dog on a diet, he will happily eat garbage. In fact, even if he isn’t on a diet, he may still hit the trashcans for an after dinner snack.

Your Beagle should be groomed once a week to alleviate shedding. Beagles usually get enough exercise to wear down their toenails on their own, but you may want to check your dog’s nails to see if they need to be trimmed at least once a month.

Beagles are generally a healthy breed. However, some of these dogs can develop heart disease or epilepsy. Of course, with their propensity to overeat, Beagles can also develop weight related diseases.

If you want a dog who is a happy, well mannered little companion, then a Beagle may be the right dog for you.

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About the Afghan Hound

May 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment

afghan hound About the Afghan Hound

Are you a fan of royalty? The Afghan Hound, often called the king of the dog world, is known for its beauty and elegance. The Afghan Hound has keen eyesight and was originally bred to hunt game as a sight hound. However, because of the nomadic life of the Afghan and Pakistan tribes that created the Afghan breed, it continued to evolve until it became a multi-purpose helper.

The Afghan is one of the few dog breeds that can hunt game, herd sheep and protect its home with equal skill. Today, this member of the American Kennel Club’s hound group excels in obedience, as well.

The Afghan Hound weighs fifty to sixty pounds and stands between twenty four and twenty eight inches high. These dogs have a long coat on the lower half of their bodies and a shorter coat on their chest and back. They are known for their elegant topknots.

This breed can come in any color or combination of colors, but white markings are considered unfavorable. The Afghan has long ears covered in sleek hair. This breed’s dark eyes have an Oriental appearance. Afghan Hounds are graceful and regal, but they are also powerful, energetic dogs, bred to endure rigorous conditions.

This breed needs quite a bit of exercise, so it is not ideal for an apartment. Be sure that you only exercise your dog in a fenced yard or on a lead. These dogs are much too fast for humans to catch them easily if they decide to run off. If you do allow your Afghan to romp in your yard, be sure that the fence is substantially high.

The Afghan has the ability to soar easily over fences that would contain the average dog. If you are looking for a pet that does well with small children, you may not want to choose an Afghan. These dogs are very attached to family and friends, so much that they do not adjust well to being placed in a new home once they are adults. However, they are very independent and are not overly tolerant of rough handling and toddler games. Because of this independence,

Afghan Hounds are occasionally hard to train. However, this breed is extremely intelligent and can really do well in obedience if it becomes interested in the training. You may want to consider taking your dog to puppy obedience classes to learn the basics, but be sure you find a trainer that doesn’t believe in forcing obedience. Clicker training is a good choice for this breed.

When feeding Afghan Hounds, you should keep a few special considerations in mind. These dogs are prone to bloat, so if you are feeding a dry food diet, you should soak the food in water for five or ten minutes before you give it to your dog. You should also be sure you don’t let your dog out to run for at least an hour after he eats. Don’t allow him to guzzle water and always be sure the water is room temperature.

The Afghan is a fairly healthy breed overall. Besides bloat, this breed is prone to cancer and allergies. If your Afghan needs surgery or goes in for dental cleaning or grooming, be sure you remind your vet that this breed has problems with anesthesia. Because of its thick, silky coat, the Afghan does need to be groomed regularly. Brush your dog’s coat thoroughly at least twice a week. You will need to clip its toenails once a month and should consider brushing its teeth daily. If you want a dog that is dependent on you, then an Afghan Hound is not right for you and your family. However, if you don’t mind having a dog that is independent and likes to think for himself, then this may be the perfect choice for you.

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Is a Basset Hound Right for You?

May 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

basset hound Is a Basset Hound Right for You?

If you melt at the sight of big sad eyes, you may not be able to resist buying a Basset Hound puppy. These dogs have eyes that would melt even the hardest heart and a sweet and loving disposition to boot. The Basset Hound has a keen sense of smell and can track scents almost as well as its ancestor, the Bloodhound. In fact, this member of the American Kennel Club’s hound group is apt to become so obsessed with a scent that he will ignore commands to come or heel.

Basset Hounds were developed to be able to track scents through tight areas where the larger scent hounds could not fit.

The Basset Hound weighs around sixty pounds and stands between eighteen and twenty inches high. These dogs can come in any AKC recognized hound dog color, although a dog with a white base coat with brown and black patches is most common.

The Basset has long, droopy ears which almost touch the ground when he is standing. His undershot jaw, broad chest, and short legs combine to give him a comical and clumsy appearance, but this dog can actually move very gracefully. Basset Hounds are ideal apartment dogs, as long as neighbors don’t mind their mournful vocalizations.

These dogs actually don’t care to exercise unless they are tracking a scent, but they must receive daily exercise to stay healthy. To keep your Basset in shape, you will have to walk with him, even if you have a fenced yard. If you are looking for a pet who does well with children or other pets, then a Basset Hound is a wonderful choice. These dogs adore people and will do anything to be with them.

More than one Basset has endured the indignity of dressing up in frilly gowns just so he can spend time with the children he loves. Although Basset Hounds are loving and devoted pets, they do have a stubborn streak. Some people mistake this stubbornness for an intelligence problem and think that their Basset isn’t smart enough to learn obedience. However, if you look closely at your Basset as he is disobeying, you may just catch a naughty twinkle in his big, sad eyes. Your Basset is more apt to obey commands that mean he is spending time with you than commands that don’t interest him, such as the stay command.

Since these dogs are a bit difficult to train, you may want to consider taking your puppy to obedience classes to get professional training help. Basset Hounds love to eat. Since this chow hound behavior and their disinterest in exercise is a bad combination, you will need to keep a close eye on your Basset’s food consumption.

If your Basset becomes overweight, ask your veterinarian to recommend a food that will help him lose some weight. Bassets require little grooming. Brush through his hair once a week to remove dirt and loose hair. You may also need to check his ears to be sure he doesn’t develop any problems, since the air may not circulate well in such droopy ears. In fact, ear infections are one of the main health problems with this breed.

Other common health problems are spinal related injuries and eye diseases. If you want a dog whose sole purpose is to please his owners, then a Basset Hound may be the perfect choice for you and your family.

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The AKC – Know Your Dog’s Genealogy

May 6, 2008 By Leave a Comment

When you shop for a purebred dog, you will probably notice that many breeders use the initials AKC when they talk about their purebred puppies. What exactly is the AKC? These initials stand for the American Kennel Club, a registry for purebred dogs born in the United States. The AKC holds dog shows and obedience competitions, helps maintain breed standards, and registers puppies of recognized breeds. The AKC registers dogs from over a hundred different dog breeds.

For a dog to be registered with the AKC, the breeder needs to have AKC papers for both parents. Each litter is registered as a group shortly after the puppies are born. When the puppies are eight weeks old, the breeder gets a registration application for each puppy. This form goes with the puppy to his new home. The new owner chooses a name to register the puppy under and sends the application in to the American Kennel Club.

The AKC has divided the dog breeds it recognizes into eight different groups. These groups are the Sporting Group, the Hound Group, the Working Group, the Terrier Group, the Toy Group, the Non-Sporting Group, the Herding Group, and the Miscellaneous Class. Each dog breed recognized by the AKC is placed in one of these groups and will compete in its breed and then its group in the show ring.

Dogs in the Sporting Group are an active, hard working bunch. These dogs need plenty of exercise, since they were bred to spend long hours spotting and retrieving game. Some popular members of the Sporting Group are the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel.

The Hound Group also is made up of dogs that work with hunters to catch game, but these guys are all about the chase. Hounds can be slow and methodical, like the Bloodhound, or fast and impatient, like the Greyhound.

If you are more concerned about protecting your home, you will want to take a look at dogs in the Working Group. These big dogs are powerful animals with strong protective instincts. Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers are just two of the dog breeds in this group.

Dogs in the Terrier Group love to hunt mice and rats. This group includes the dour Scottish Terriers and the personable Miniature Schnauzers.

The Toy Group may be made up of dogs that are small in size, but their hearts are just as big as those of any other dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher are both Toy dogs.

Dogs in the Herding Group have a strong herding instinct. The Collie and the German Shepherd are members of this group.

The Non-Sporting Group contains dogs that don’t quite fit anywhere else. The Boston Terrier and Standard Poodles are members of the Non-Sporting Group.

The final group, the Miscellaneous Class, is where the AKC puts breeds that are still proving themselves. The Redbone Coonhound is a member of this group.

While the AKC may be the most popular kennel club in America, it is far from being the only kennel club. If your dog is not registered with AKC, you may be able to still register it with another group. The United Kennel Club, the American Canine Association, the Canine Kennel Club, and the North American Purebred Dog Registry are a few other American kennel clubs.

Of course, foreign born dogs have ancestors, too. There is some type of dog registry in most countries. Most dogs born outside of the United States must be registered with their country’s breed registry and then brought to the United States before the AKC will consider registering them.

British dogs are registered through the Kennel Club, while dogs born in Australia are registered by the Victorian Canine Association, which is part of Australia’s National Kennel Council.

The Canadian Kennel Club, or CKC, is Canada’s version of the AKC. Dogs registered with the CKC do not have to come to the United States to be registered with the AKC.

As you look into the different registries available, just remember that even if you can’t register your dog, the most important thing about him is not his pedigree. Enjoying his loving, loyal companionship is more important than knowing who his ancestors are!

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