Bernese Mountain Dog

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The ancestors of this breed were brought in to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Roman soldiers. The dogs acted as watchdogs on farms in the canton of Berne who worked as drovers, drawing wagons for basket weavers. A good-looking, strong-boned dog, the Bernese has a long, silky jet-black coat having rust markings on the cheeks and spots over each eye, on all four legs, on each side of the chest, and under the tail. A white blaze graces the muzzle and forehead, white chest markings form an inverted cross, and there is white on the tip of the tail and the feet.

WEIGHT. 80-110 pounds

HEIGHT: males 24 1/2-27 1/2 inches; females 22 1/2-25 1/2 inches

COLOR: black with rich rust and clear white markings. 

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Alaskan Malamute

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The Malamute, among the oldest of Arctic sled dogs, was named after the native Innuit tribe, called Mahlemuts, who took root in the north-western part of Alaska. Originally developed to hunt wolves and polar bears, and to haul sledges, in recent years he has been utilized for sled-dog racing and in polar expeditions. They are big and sturdy, having a broad and powerful head, upright triangular-shaped ears, slanting eyes, and distinctive face markings comprising of a cap over the head, with the rest of the face a solid color—or a face marked with the look of a mask. Its feet are the "snowshoe" type, tight and deep, with well-cushioned pads. Its thick and coarse coat is rather short.

WEIGHT: 75-85 pounds

HEICHT: 23-25 inches

COLOR: light gray through intermediate shadings to black with white. 

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher takes his name from Louis Doberman, a German tax collector who produced the breed about 1890 by crossing shorthaired Shepherd, old English Black-and-Tan Terrier, Rottweiler, and German Pinscher stock. Popular as an outstanding watchdog, guard dog,  police and war dog, its very elegant-looking and clean of line all over. His head is long and wedge-shaped, and his ears are typically cropped and carried upright. His eyes are almond-shaped instead of round, and his lips are tight. The back is short, and the tail docked, while the smooth, hard coat fits close to the skin.

WEIGHT: 55-75 pounds

HEIGHT: males 26-28 inches; females 24-26 inches

COLOR: black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella) with rust markings. 

By: Tip Writer

Toy Dogs: Japanese Chin

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The Japanese Chin was the spoiled pet of Oriental royalty for centuries and was allowed to associate only with those of noble birth. Commodore Perry first presented them to the West in 1853. A lively, well-bred fellow, the Chin spells quality from nose to tail. Its head is big for his size, having a broad skull rounded in front. His dark lustrous eyes are striking and set wide apart, while his small V-shaped ears fall gradually forward. His muzzle is broad, full, and quite short. The body is square and dense, legs exquisitely boned and tail heavily feathered and set up over the back. The long and silky coat has an inclination to stand out, particularly around the neck, so as to produce a thick mane or ruff.

WEIGHT: 5-7 pounds

HEIGHT: about 10 inches

COLOR: black and white or red and white.

By Tip Writer

Toy Dogs: Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

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This pert short fellow is known as the "monkey dog" due to its big bright eyes, prominent chin, bushy eyebrows, and hair tufts about the face. Its shaggy coat is hard and wiry. His tail is docked and sported straight up. The ears stand upright when cropped. The breed was known in Europe since the seventeenth century.

WEIGHT: about 7-8 pounds

HEIGHT: under 10 1/4 inches

COLOR: black, black and tan, red, or gray.

How to groom an Affenpinscher:

Toy Dog Breed: Shih Tzu

Its origins are a bit obscure, but the Shih Tzu (pronounced sheed-zoo) originated centuries ago, probably in Tibet or China. Its semblance is portrayed in paintings and objects d'art of the Tang dynasty, dating approximately A.D. 624. The breed was known as the "chrysanthemum-faced" dog since its facial hair grew in all directions. Its princely, long and flowing coat, heavily plumed tail, long mandarin beard, and clearly arrogant carriage give the Shih Tzu a beguiling appearance.

WEIGHT: 9-18 pounds

HEIGHT. 8-11 inches

COLOR: varied

By Tip Writer

Toy Dog Breed: Silky Terrier

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Named after his fine silky coat, this tiny dog from Australia was once called the Sydney Silky, later the Australian Silky. Derived primarily from Australian Terriers interbred with Yorkshire Terriers, he was first shown in his native land in 1907. A fascinating little fellow of marked terrier character and spirit, he is a lightly built, reasonably low-set dog, with strong, straight forelegs, well-muscled thighs, and having a high-set tail that is sported erect or semierect.

WEIGHT 8-10 pounds

HEIGHT: 9-10 inches

COLOR: blue and tan. 

By Tip Writer

Toy Dog Breed: Yorkshire Terrier

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Named for the English county of Yorkshire, this terrier was produced by workers about 1860 to control rats in mines and mills. He hails back to Waterside Terriers, rough-coated Black-and-Tans, Paisley and Clydesdale terriers. A popular pet in Victorian times, this is a spunky little dog, covered from top to toe with a wealth of glossy, silky hair that's parted down the back and hangs directly to the floor on each side. The body is short and dense with a level topline. The head is small, relatively flat on top, having a short muzzle, dark and sparkling eyes, and small V-shaped ears that are carried upright.  It is also called the Yorkie and is considered one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

WEIGHT: under 7 pounds

HEIGHT. 7-8 inches

COLOR: steel blue and tan. 

By Tip Writer

When Old Dogs Feel Jealous

You suppose one day how still the house is going to be if the old fellow is gone. You choose to get a puppy before the old dog leaves. When the new member of the family comes, the old dog's nose is going to be out of joint. The jealousy might cause problems, particularly if the old dog has been the sole family pet. He has been the center of attention for a while, beloved and well-tended, and now everyone oohs and aahs over the cute fledgling. Pet the old boy first before you manage the little one! When both dogs clamor for attention, pet both at the same time or neither.

 

Without concern the pup plagues the old dog to play, bites his ears, jumps at him with great joy. Possibly already out of sorts at being forced to share attention around the home, the old dog might resent the young one's onslaughts and maybe nip him to put him in his place. Jealousy is potent in doggy relationships.

Be really careful when introducing a new puppy to the old dog. First, put the puppy in his cage where the oldster can sniff around him and say hi without being rushed, and meanwhile pet the old fellow extravagantly. Feed the two individually, and watch them when they run together for the first few days. Always pay especial attention to the old dog to keep him from feeling neglected and ignored. Don't allow the two to sleep together or be alone together till definite signs of friendliness are established by the old dog. Before you know it, they will be the best of friends.

 

 © 2011 TW

Tips on Preparing an Outdoor Dog House

 The dog who needs to stay in the backyard, even temporarily, should have a refuge, a comfortable home, for example, where he can relax in the comfort and safety when it rains or snows. In a snug dog house, the animal's own body heat will help keep warm in winter. The shelter must be large enough for the dog so he could stand up, lie down and turn around comfortably. The bottom must be raised from the earth, the entrance is installed with a flap of heavy canvas or burlap to function as a windshield, and the whole structure must be waterproof. Your dog's shelter can be kept outdoors in a temperate climate, and be taken in the garage or barn, if the weather is unusually severe...READ MORE>>>

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When selecting the kind of dog food for your dog’s nourishment needs, you have to take into consideration several factors– your dog’s age, activity level, breed, and its health condition.

The nutritional needs of puppies differ from those of the older dogs.  Knowing this, you need to see to it that your dog or puppy’s food intake is suffices for its proper nourishment in order for your dog to live a long and healthy life.  Consult a veterinarian in order to be very sure on the type dog food to give your dog or puppy.

Read more: How to Choose The Best Dog Food

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Before beginning to choose a pet dog of your own, you must at least have a good idea of what type you are looking for. If you are mainly interested in getting an average dog, you may search one and adopt a dog from your local animal shelter. This will not only help relieve the over population of animals in your locality, but also possibly rescue a loving needy dog. Who knows, you just might meet your next best friend here.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Pet Dog for Your Lifestyle