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By · CommentsTop 5 Dog Breeds to Own if you Have Kids
By · CommentsIf you are like many new families that are just starting out, you feel as though there is something missing in your house. After listening to your child beg and plead, you have finally decided to get a dog. You want to choose the right breed of dog that will create a lasting and safe bond between them and your child. You are also going to want to make sure that you have an adequate amount of room for a dog, not just inside, but outdoors as well. Dogs need exercise just like people do, so if you have a small yard, then you are going to want to walk your new little furry friend often. Here are the top five kid friendly dogs that are sure to be a great additional to any home.
1. Golden Retrievers- These outgoing dogs are very tolerant and listen well. Since Retrievers were bred as hunting dogs, so they love to play, especially fetch. You want to make sure you have plenty of space for your new pooch to run around because they do require a lot of exercise. Retrievers are known for having great tempers and are very loyal to their owners.
2. Collies- As shown on the hit TV show Lassie, Collies are very intelligent dogs, and they learn fast and are very easy to train. Collies are also active dogs and enjoy running around. They are also very friendly and playful. They do require a little more maintenance than the Retriever due to their long thick fur.
3. Beagles- Beagles are a great selection if you don’t have a whole lot of room. These dogs are of a medium size and don’t require a large amount of space. Beagles are also known to have very low health risks out of all breeds. They also have a great temper that meshes well with children as well as other animals.
4. Poodles- Poodles are loveable and loyal little dogs. They are very gentle and extremely smart, second on to the Border Collie. These dogs have a gentle disposition and are protective of the ones they love. Poodles are also very patient, which is a great quality in a dog if you have a real small child.
5. Newfoundlands- This dog is sometimes referred to as “natures babysitter,” how can a dog that has such high standards to live up to not be a great match with children? This dog actually interacts very well with children, and is very protective of them. Don’t bother building a dog house if you are considering bring home one of these puppies, Newfoundlands really make themselves part of the family, so don’t be surprised if you wake up and find “Fido” at the bottom of your bed.
Any of these breeds would make great companions to you and your children. Whichever breed of dog you decide is right for your family, make sure you and your child know the responsibilities of what owning a dog entails.
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American Foxhound Dog Breed
By · CommentsThe American Foxhound is a very large breed, also very similar to the Beagle, only standing higher and being larger. It’s tamely energetic and requires lots of exercise to stay healthy. It’s loyal and loving and fits nicely as a companion, and would also be useful as a guard/watch dog due its large size if it wasn’t for it’s tame response to strangers. This is due to many many years of breeding. Any hound that would dare to growl or bare its teeth to its owner or master would be put down or refusal of breeding would be ordered. It is however not an easy breed to train and therefore not a good choice for newcomers to dog owning. They don’t either fit very well in apartments, or in larger cities.
In 1650 Robert Brooke sailed to Crown Colony in America with his pack of hunting dogs, this breed being one of many that he had with him. Robert Brooke was one of the most important military commanders of the Commonwealth of England, and one of the most famous English admirals of the 17th century. It is rumoured that this breed was originally used for hunting people in America, but this fact has so far not been proven to be true. They were however used for hunting foxes and other smaller animals. Today there are several different strains of American Foxhound, including Goodman, Walker, July, Penn-Marydel and Trigg. These strains do have many differences in looks but are still the same breed. Most show hounds are Walkers, many of the pack hounds are Penn-Marydel, and hunters use many different strains to suit their hunting style and quarry.
The breed’s lifespan is generally 11-14 years. It’s fur is thick and short, varying between the colours black, tan, and white, red and white, tan and white, and lemon and white. The height of the American Foxhound is around 21-25 inches, and the weight around 60-90 pounds. They’re built very athletically and thus need regular exercise. There are a few health problems associated with this breed, some of them being bleeding disorders, deafness, spinal problems, and hip problems. Usually they remain healthy until old age however. In general this breed is easy to live with and quickly becomes a part of the family. It can however be hard to train due to it’s playfulness even at older age and sometimes be disobedient as well. If these characteristics aren’t ones you have anything against this breed might be one to look into.
Top Ten Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
By · CommentsDeciding which breed of dog to get can be both exciting and daunting at the same time, especially when you have a family. Some traits to take into consideration are patience, playfulness, exercise and grooming requirements, and size.
Below is A&E’s Top Ten Dogs For The Family list with an added personality description of each breed.
1. Beagle
Beagles make wonderful family dogs because they are so loving and energetic. They are extremely adaptable to various climates and routines. They are quite intelligent, which makes them easier to train, although their energetic nature can cause them to be a bit naughty if proper training is not administered.
2. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise make great watchdogs without being aggressive. They are good with other pets and children and do not require a lot of exercise. They also have a curly coat that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies love to have close handling with people, so they’re perfect for both work and play. They require a considerable amount of physical activity to stay happy, as they are a herding breed.
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are famous for being gentle and well-mannered. They get along well with other household pets and tend to be very friendly with strangers. Harsh or heavy-handed training methods can result in the dog becoming timid.
5. Boxer
Boxers are very energetic and love lots of affection. They make excellent guard dogs, however they can become very excited with visitors they’re familiar with. While they’re very friendly, a boxer wouldn’t be a good choice in dog if you have small children, as boxers tend to become excited and mimic a boxing motion when they jump.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are a happy breed that are content as either a hunting or companion pet. They are sensitive and don’t usually challenge the authority of their owner. They live well with both children and other pets.
7. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are renown for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence. They are eager to please and are patient and gentle with family members. In order for them to be happy, they need to have a job or “purpose,” which is why they make such excellent police dogs.
8. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are very easy-going and train very well. They’re wonderful with children and other pets and require A LOT of attention and physical activity. They retain a puppy-like personality until mid-life or later, so they make perfect companions for active owners.
9. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have an easy trainability. They’re also gentle, fun-loving, and boisterous. They LOVE to swim and fetch, so a family with a yard or one who walks a lot would be ideal.
10. Poodle
Poodles are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog. They tend to be on the sensitive side and require a lot of affection from their family. They are great with children as well as other pets.
Sources:
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http://virtualimpax.com/a_dog_for_the_family/index.html
How to Train a Beagle Puppy – 3 Quick Tips
By · CommentsBeagles are a great breed as far as being loyal and aiming to please you, but when it comes to training them especially when they are just a puppy, it’s a different story.
You probably already know that beagles tend to be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. The truth is that these dogs are very smart and want to learn from you, you just have to know how to get through to them. Here are 3 simple tips on how to train a beagle puppy that you can use to train your beagle.
Exercise your beagle puppy regularly. Exercise is not only great for your beagle but it will keep him from acting out when you are trying to train him. Beagles were bread to be hunting dogs and love to be out running, they were bred for it. Allowing your beagle to run or chase a ball is a good way to let your puppy get out all that energy so when it comes time to train he will be more focused.
Potty training is the first thing you will need to do. Nothing is more important when you get your dog then to teach him where the bathroom is. You will want to bring him out to go potty every hour or so when he is really young and bring him to the same place every time. This will help your new puppy get used to where the bathroom is and pretty soon he will know to go there.
Reward your puppy with treats and praise whenever he or she does something right, no matter how small it may seem to you. This is really important to do because it helps your puppy learn that if he does something right he will be rewarded. It’s a really easy way to get your dog to do what you want since dogs love food.
The most important thing though is do not give up. It will take some time for your beagle to get the hang of anything you try to teach him so hang in there and don’t get discouraged if he makes a mistake or doesn’t do what you tell him to the first time.
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By · CommentsThe Harrier Dog Breed Information And Interesting Facts
By · CommentsThe sport of hunting rabbits on horseback with packs of hounds is well documented. Historians have recorded that packs of hounds were used to hunt hare and rabbit and fox as early as the 13th century in England. In 400 B.C. the Greek historian Xenophon described packs of hounds being used for hunting rabbits.
it is believed that the word “Harrier” comes from the Norman word for “hound” and that the origin of the Harrier hound may have travelled to England with the Normans. In seventeenth century England, the sport of running packs of hounds of fifty or more after the rabbit or fox while the hunters followed on horseback was enjoyed by the wealthy upper class.
The Harrier was the breed more commonly used by the lower classes. In actuality there is not a lot of difference between the two breeds in outward appearance. The Harrier is a dog a that is taller than the Beagle and shorter and blockier in appearance than its taller “cousin” the Foxhound. The specified height for the Harrier is 19-20 inches at the withers with females being slightly shorter.
Hunting with packs of Harriers or Foxhounds has always been an extremely popular sport in England but in today’s modern society, what with the legal restrictions on this type of hunting and the lack of large open spaces in which to run the horses and the dogs it is seldom seen outside of exclusive game farms or privately held lands.
The Harrier makes a friendly and gentle house dog. He is usually a quiet sort in the house, not creating much of a disturbance but preferring to lie around and bask in the warmth of human companionship. Of course like all hounds he needs plenty of exercise, this is one of the breeds that does put on weight quickly if not kept fit and trim. There is little to be done in the way of grooming, currying once a week with a rubber currycomb works well to clean out dead hairs and dirt.
Also he will need a fenced area if not kept on a leash when outdoors, for he will be inclined to roam. The Harrier is a “baying hound” and will give voice when it gets “on the scent” of the prey. Like most of the hounds, this is a deep a melodious voice that will carry quite a distance so if it is going to be left alone in a neighborhood it can raise quite a noise when lonely! If kept penned it is necessary that this dog have a kennel mate. It is far happier in a home as it loves people.
The Harrier has the typical hound outline, straight of leg in the front, with a thick and well muscled chest and neck, with the typical dropped ears of the hound and a gentle expression in its dark eyes. The Harrier may be of any hound color and the coat should be “hard”, dense and glossy. As a general rule the Harrier has very few health problems.
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By · CommentsBeagle Dog Special Tips for Care
By · CommentsBeagles are happy loving dogs that have a long relationship with man as a hunting companion. Although no one knows for sure where these dogs descended from, there are records of small hunting dogs that go back to the 13th century and it is no secret these dogs are quite successful for hunting fox and rabbit.
Their great nose not withstanding, beagles are also fun companions that can adapt easily to family life. However, you will have to keep in mind that the Beagle does have strong instincts for the chase and you must never let him loose or walk him without his lead.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, this popular breed is muscular with long droopy ears, dark eyes, a short coat and a keen sense of smell. The breed comes in two sizes – one under 13 inches and one between 13 and 15 inches. He can be any color but typical beagles show tan and black on white.
Along with his propensity for chasing small animals, the Beagles voice can be another one of his less lovable traits. The beagle has a rather loud howl which is great for helping hunters find them when they are on the trail of prey, but not so good when they are waking you up with it in the middle of the night. Beagles do tend to bark when they hear strange noises and can bay loudly when left alone for long periods of time so if you are considering a Beagle for apartment life then you might want to think twice.
Beagles are very active dogs and need to be exercises regularly. You shouldn’t leave them out unattended though so be prepared to walk them daily and take them to the park on weekends. Beagles are very social and will not like being left alone for long periods of time or they can become destructive.
Although Beagles are fairly easy to groom with their short coat, you should plan to brush them once a week to remove dead hair. They can take to rolling in icky stuff so you be prepared to bathe him at times as well. The long droopy ears can become infected easily and must be examined frequently to be sure no infection is brewing.
One thing to watch for in your pet Beagle is overeating. Beagles like to eat and are not finicky at all about what they put in their mouths. In fact, you might find your Beagle rummaging in the trash for a snack shortly after dinner. Since Beagles are small dogs, you do need to be sure your pet does not overeat as this can cause him to become overweight which will bring on health problems.
Beagles can live to be around 15 years of age if cared for properly. Some diseases to be watched for in this breed in particular include epilepsy, glaucoma, cataracts, invertebral disk disease, hypothyroidism and retinal apathy. Getting your beagle from a good breeder with healthy lineage is key to avoiding these kinds of disease.
