Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny little dogs that look solid with a big round head that feature huge round dark eyes with a short pointy nose and alert ears. This is the smallest of all the dog breeds and comes in two different coat types.

The Chihuahua finds its origins in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The Aztecs and Toltecs developed the breed for many purposes, including ceremonial sacrifices. The Mexican state of Chihuahua gave its name to the dog breed.

The Chihuahua is, therefore, quite an ancient breed, whose ancestors were likely the Toltec companion dog breed, the Techichi. Today’s breed combined that dog with some breeds of Chinese dog which came over to the Americas with Spanish traders and colonists. The Chihuahua received its first AKC recognition in 1904.

General Appearance - the smallest dog breed in the world is contained within the tiny form of the Chihuahua, which has a very small body, a big round head featuring big round eyes, triangular ears, and a pointed muzzle. The eyes can be either luminous or dark ruby colored. It should be noted that while Chihuahuas are puppies, they have a spot on their head between their ears that is soft, but the skull does harden with age. The body is not tall, but it is long, ending in a full-length crescent-shaped tail which can either be held to the side or up and over the back of the dog. There are two different kinds of coat: short haired and long haired. Common colors include chestnut, sand, fawn, silver, and steel blue, though any color, including parti-color or black and tan, is acceptable. The dog should look sturdy, solid, and compact.

Typical Temperament - Chihuahuas are bright and aware dogs that can function as terrific watchdogs. They can live in a family, but prefer a single owner with whom they can form a very special bond. They prefer dogs of their own breed.

Grooming - As there are two types of coats, there are also two types of grooming requirements. For the short coated variety, a rubber grooming comb or brush should be carefully run over the dog’s smooth coat every few days to keep it clean and distribute natural oils throughout the coat.

On the other hand, the Chihuahua with the long coat requires a brushing or combing every one to two days to keep it clean and free of knots. The ruff of the coat should also receive an occasional washing to remove bits of food and other dirt that can become lodged there.

Exercise - Though the Chihuahua is small and dainty-seeming, the risk of stumbling over and harming this dog is actually quite small. The first reason for this is that the dog is actually much more sturdy than it appears. The second is that it is actually quite agile as well and it will steer out of the way so that it isn’t kicked or crushed.

It is common to see these dogs carried around in arms or fashionable bags, but they actually do very well walking about on a leash even with their tiny little legs. They have enough energy to keep going and should receive a good walk every day. If this dog isn’t exercised enough, the odds of misbehavior increase dramatically.

It is much better for the Chihuahua to wear a harness instead of a collar when being walked on a leash. Though a collar should be worn for identification purposes, the leash should be attached to a harness as this will not put pressure on the delicate windpipe of the dog.

Chihuahuas also like to run off the leash, so a well fenced in yard that doesn’t have any escape holes will provide a great opportunity for this.

Approximate Food Cost - Depending on many factors including the weight, health, and activity level of the dog, a Chihuahua will eat around ½ cup of average dry dog food every day. Monthly, this should cost around $5 per month.

Like almost all smaller dog breeds, limb problems called subluxating patellas are a risk - likely from continually jumping up and down from furniture. The wind pipe (trachea) of the Chihuahua is also very weak and should be protected from damage by using a harness attached to the leash instead of a collar. Chihuahuas also have a predisposition to cleft palate, eye issues, hypoplasia of the dens (an irregular development in the second vertebrae which can lead to instability of the head), and hydrocephalus (too much water on the brain). Chihuahuas males are at risk of hemophilia, where the blood does not clot properly.

Common Illnesses include: heart valve disorder, pulmonic stenosis, hypoglycemia, shoulder luxation, and hypoplasia of dens.

Living conditions - Due to the tiny size of the dog and the fact that the Chihuahua wants to be around his or her owner all the time, just about any home is perfect for the dog permitted that he or she gets out for a daily walk.

Training - Though the Chihuahua may be willful, it is also an intelligent breed and, with patience and consistency, training can be very successful. Positive reinforcement, used gently, is the most effective technique to use with this breed. Crate training can help in making housetraining much easier on both the dog and the owner. The Chihuahua does also require a great deal of socialization in order to keep dominance problems under control as well as minimizing suspicion of strangers.

Common Problems - The Chihuahua has a very delicate windpipe and should not have a leash connected to its collar. Though tiny, the dog does require exercise on a daily basis, instead of being carried around everywhere all day long. This likely is not a good dog for children or in families with other dogs cats, or other larger pets as it increases the risk of injury to the dogs.

Chihuahuas are a breed that love the one-on-one bond that can be established with a human companion. Each Chihuahua as his or her own very unique personality and will make his or her individual characteristics quite clear from early on.

The Chihuahua, though very small, is also very graceful, bubbly, and full of energy. They feel emotions quite strongly and show them very clearly in their human-like facial expressions.

These are not high maintenance dogs, with easy grooming and a very basic amount of daily exercise required. The bath every one to two months is likely the largest regular event in the care of a Chihuahua.

Keep in mind that this is an exceptionally long-lived breed, so if you are getting a Chihuahua, you may have a new family member for up to two decades. This is not a short-term commitment, living longer than most breeds.

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Chinese Shar Pei

The Chinese Shar Pei, commonly known as the Shar Pei, is an ancient breed of dog that originated 2,000 years ago in China. He has a very distinct appearance, as his face and body are covered in deep wrinkles, and he has a rather unique hippopotamus-like head shape.

Shar Peis are independent canines who have a strong bond with their family and can develop unwavering loyalty to their owner. He is intelligent, confident, dignified, sensible and always ready for anything. He is very protective of his home and is wary and cautious of outsiders, making him a very good watchdog, guard dog, and a brave companion.

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRADogs – 55 - 65 lbs. (25 - 30 kg.)
Bitches – 40 - 55 lbs (18 - 25 kg)Dogs - 18 - 20 in. (46 - 51 cm)
Bitches – 18 - 20 in. (46 - 51 cm)12 years (average of 9 - 15 years)

The Chinese Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese dog that is believed to have existed since as far back as 206 BC. Though their ancestry is uncertain, some researchers think that the breed may be a descendant of the Chow Chow, but the only obvious link between the two breeds is their purple tongue. The name "Shar Pei" means sandy coat. The Chinese believed that the wrinkles and black pigmented scowling mouth of the dog would scare off evil spirits.

Originally, these pooches were used as farm dogs for multipurpose work, including tracking, hunting, ratting, herding, protecting live stock, as well as to guard the family and home. They were sometimes used in dog fighting events as their prickly coat gave them a good advantage.

Though they were a popular breed in China for many years, their population dramatically declined during the Communist Revolution. In an effort to save the bred, Matgo Law, a Hong Kong business man, introduced the breed to the United States, and there was plenty of interest in the Shar Pei. It was not long before this canine became a favorite among American dog lovers. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

General Appearance - Shar Peis are medium sized dogs. They feature a square profile and have a broad and flat head that has a hippopotamus shape to it. They have a padded, full and wide muzzle with a moderate stop. Their tongues are a blue-black (or purple) color. Their eyes are dark (sometimes lighter if the coat is a diluted color), almond-shaped, small and sunken. Their ears are set high, are very small and slightly rounded at the tips, giving them a triangular look. The tail has a thick base and tapers to a slim point, and is carried incredibly high.

The skin on the body of the Shar Pei is very wrinkly when they are puppies, but they lose many of their wrinkles as they age. Adult Shar Peis may be heavily wrinkled with large heads, or may have tighter skin with very few crinkles and smaller heads.

The Shar Pei has three coat varieties - Horse Coat, Brush Coat and a Bear Coat (very rare and not recognized by the AKC). The coat is very harsh and rough to the touch. The fur is completely straight and off standing and does not exceed 1 inch. The Horse Coat is the shortest and feels rather prickly, while the Brush Coat hair is slightly longer and feels smoother. The Bear Coat consists of an undercoat and topcoat that is longer than 1 inch. Shar Pei coats can be all solid colors and sables. Solid color dogs may have darker shading on their ears and down their back, and may have a dark muzzle.

Typical Temperament - Shar Peis are brave, intelligent, dignified, regal and alert. They are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, highly protective of their family and home. They are slightly standoffish and reserved with strangers, but should not be naturally aggressive towards people. He is very devoted to his pack, enjoys their company, but is also independent.

This breed can be very good with children if they are properly socialized with kids at a young age. The same is true of cats. However, this pooch does not always get along well with other dogs and can be very aggressive towards his fellow canines. In many situations the compatibility with other pets is dependant on the individual dog. Nevertheless, early socialization, obedience training, and a confident owner is key to the overall success of a Shar Pei achieving a good temperament.

Grooming - A naturally clean dog, the Shar-Pei should be brushed daily to move natural oils through the coat to help keep it shiny, healthy and free of excess hair and dirt. Their coat does not require trimming and sheds very little year round. They should only be bathed every few months to avoid drying out the skin.

The folds of the skin on the face and body need to be cleaned on a regular basis and should be checked and wiped with a damp wash cloth to remove any dirt to prevent infection. Wrinkles should also be kept dry to avoid trapped moisture, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, eyes should be checked everyday for discharge, nails need to be trimmed on a monthly basis and teeth brushed every few days.

Exercise - Shar Peis require a minimum of a daily walk that is 10 -20 minutes long. They will happily engage in just about any form of exercise and should be given the freedom to run off leash whenever possible. This breed does not like water and will not typically enjoy swimming. They are also sensitive to heat and should not be over-exercised in extreme temperatures.

Approximate Food Cost - The Shar Pei will, on average, eat about 3 to 3 ½ cups of regular dry dog food every day, depending on the recommendation of the veterinarian who will take into account weight, age, activity level, health, and other elements of the dog’s condition. On a monthly basis, this quantity of food should cost around $25 to $30, depending on the brand of dog food and the store at which it is purchased.

The Shar Pei is prone to certain illnesses including eye problems (i.e. entropion), skin issues, hip dysplasia and kidney failure (renal amlyoidosis), which can cause fever, as well as swollen hocks syndrome. It is important to note that while many people are under the impression that Shar Peis are prone to skin problems because of their winkles, this is not always true. In fact, in most cases, dogs that have skin issues have developed them due to a hereditary condition. Thus, it is important that you obtain your pet from a reputable breeder who tests for genetic illnesses and breeds healthy lines.

Common Illnesses include: Entropion, skin problems, heat sensitivity, hip dysplasia and renal amlyoidosis.

Living conditions - The Shar-Pei is relatively active indoors and does not need a yard to be happy, as long as he is sufficiently exercised and taken on a daily walk. Therefore, this breed is suitable to apartment living when provided with the necessary exercise and the occasional freedom to run around off lead in a safe environment.

Note: remember that he is sensitive to hot temperatures (wrinkles can hold in heat) and needs to be provided with cool shaded areas and water when outdoors.

Training - A very smart dog, the Chinese Shar Pei needs a confident handler. Owners cannot be perceived by the dog to be inconsistent, uncertain, meek or mild, or their pet will attempt to take over the role as leader of the pack, which can lead to many behavioral problems. This pooch responds well to firm and consistent training, and needs to be clearly shown his place in your pack. He is a very independent breed and can be bold and stubborn if not given clear instructions. He must be well socialized as a puppy and provided with solid obedience training. Shar Peis excel at conformation, obedience, tracking and agility.

Common Problems - The Shar Pei has a strong personality and a stubborn protective nature. Owners who do not know how to treat the breed will find themselves with a very bossy pet that will attempt to rule his family. Socialization, obedience and a daily walk is a must to help prevent negative behavioral issues from developing. Some Shar Peis are prone to slobbering.

A noble, bold and often stubborn breed of dog, the Shar Pei is not a mild canine. He is intelligent, alert and incredibly loyal to his family. His wrinkles must be well looked after. He requires a strong and self-assured owner who knows how to handle him, and provide him with the training and socialization he needs to develop into the beautiful dog that has managed to survive for thousands of years.

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Puggle

The Puggle is a hybrid dog that is the result of crossing a Beagle with a Pug. They are a very popular breed that is quite cute, energetic and loving. They can have a very sweet-temper, and can be social, playful and intelligent. They are a wonderful small companion and possess many of the great traits that make the Pug and Beagle such wonderful canines.

They have a very curious nature and find various scents intriguing; they will follow their nose whenever they pick up an interesting smell. Puggles are truly a wonderful pet who are happy to please and are eager to be loved.

Puggles were first bred in the 1980’s in the U.S. State of Wisconsin, and are the result of crossing a purebred Pug with a purebred Beagle. Puggle breeder, Wallace Havens is credited as the person who coined the word "Puggle", and is also the first to register his dog with the American Canine Hybrid Club. The breed did not receive widespread popularity until 20 years later, when it became a favorite pet among many U.S. families across the nation. Today, the Puggle is recognized as the most popular hybrid dog.

General Appearance - Puggles are a crossbreed, and because of this fact, their physical appearance is difficult to generalize compared to that of purebred dogs, especially since they don’t have a breed standard. Though Puggles generally look alike, the appearance of these dogs is dependant on their parents. That being said, many of these pooches often have the fawn colored coat and wrinkled black masks that are characteristic of Pug’s but a body length, longer muzzle and floppy ears similar to the Beagle. It is not uncommon for this designer dog to also have a thickset body, underbite, short legs, and a Beagle-length tail with a Pug curl.

The Puggle coat is smooth, straight and short haired. It is available in a wide variety of colors, but fawn or tan with a black mask covering the muzzle and around the eyes is the most common. That said, fawn Puggles can have a varying degree of black coloring on their face, some feature full masks, while others have very small amounts. In addition to fawn, some dogs are born solid black, white, tri-colored or may have multi-colored coats.

Typical Temperament - Puggles are sweet tempered lap dogs, and yet are very playful creatures. They are energetic, affectionate and bright. They bond quickly with their owners and family, and are excellent companions. They are very social animals and require plenty of attention. and want to be involved in as much activity with their pack as possible.

They are friendly toward strangers, other dogs, household pets and children. Puggles have a keen sense of smell, like a Beagle, finding many smells very interesting, and will be inclined to track scents. They like to use their voice and will alert their owners to strange sounds and people, making them a good watchdog. Overall, they are a happy-go-lucky dog with a very friendly disposition.

Grooming - The Puggle coat is easy to care for and only requires a weekly brushing. It is important to brush him at least once a week, as this will help with the removal of excess hair and assist in controlling his overall shedding. This breed does shed their hair regularly. The coat only needs to be bathed when necessary.

Their facial wrinkles should be cleaned every few days with a damp cloth to make sure any trapped dirt is removed to prevent infections from occurring. Discharge should be wiped carefully from their eyes with a tepid wash cloth. Nails must be clipped on a monthly basis, ears should be checked and cleaned weekly, and teeth brushed every few days to help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Exercise - While he is a happy lap dog, not unlike the Pug, Puggles also have natural hunting instincts like Beagles. Since this is the case, they do have plenty of energy and need a certain amount of daily exercise to be happy. It is recommended that this breed receives a minimum of one long daily walk (approximately 30 - 40 minutes), in addition to other activities, that may include fetch, the freedom to run about a safe yard, and so on.

Note: Puggles are sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Furthermore, due to their shortened muzzle, they can have difficulty catching their breath if they are overly excited or exercised too much. When outside in warmer temperatures, they should be provided with a shaded area for rest, as well as water, as they can overheat and tire quickly when active.

Approximate Food Cost - Based on the health, activity level, weight, and other aspects of the Puggle’s life, a veterinarian will typically recommend that he or she consume between 1 ¼ to 1 2/3 cups of quality dry dog food every day. Depending on the brand and where the food is purchased, this should cost an average of $15 to $20 per month.

Puggles are a relatively healthy breed, but owners need to be aware that this dog is prone to any genetic illness that may affect their parents, and are also at risk for any disease that affects the Pug or Beagle breeds. Health concerns a Puggle may face include, cherry eye, entropion, skin infections, slipped stifles (dislocated kneecaps), back problems, epilepsy, lameness, respiratory issues, and Pug Dog Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) to name a few. This breed is also prone to overheating and is intolerant of extreme temperatures.

Common Illnesses include: eye problems, Pug Dog Encephalitis, lameness respiratory issues, skin infections.

Living conditions - This breed can happily live in an apartment and will do fine without a yard. They are active indoors and love to lie in the laps of their owners. Nevertheless, they still need a long daily walk and the occasional space where they can romp around in to release energy, have fun and to feed their natural instincts.

Training - Puggles are relatively easy to train. They are intelligent and are motivated by praise and treats. They respond well to firm, yet gentle training and will learn quickly if they are taught with persistence, consistency and repetition. They can be obstinate if the training sessions are boring, so they need to be interesting and short for best results. They need a reliable and solid leader, early socialization, and obedience training to develop a wonderful and healthy temperament.

Common Problems - Some issues that owners will experience with this particular canine is that they are difficult to housetrain. Patience, a consistent routine, repetition, praise and reward are key to making this training a success as quickly as possible. Crate training will also be helpful. Puggles are highly sensitive to temperatures and can overheat quickly. This can be a problem as this breed has Beagle instincts and likes to be active. Make sure he is never over-exercised and is provided with a cool spot to rest, as well as plenty of water. Some Puggles will howl, making a baying sound that is Beagle-like if they are excited. Finally, this dog is prone to separation anxiety.

Puggles are fantastic designer dogs that are very popular among dog lovers. They are incredibly social and are fabulous company for adults, children, seniors and other household pets. They are lively and have a joyful disposition that makes them easy to love. He is content with just about any living quarters and is happiest when in the company of those he loves. The Puggle is a beautiful crossbreed and a companion unlike any other.

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Why Is Dog Training So Important

Dec 19th, 2010 By Brian
Whilst it may seem like an option, dog training should never be overlooked. Many owners will refrain from properly commanding their dog, seeing the exercise as merely a way to teach the dogs tricks and make him an obedience machine. This is not the case. It in fact reinforces the bond between the dog and his master and results in a much happier family.
Your dog is a pack animal and you are his leader. He looks to you for understanding of every situation and you should be able to give him the answers. When you train him you enable this and it will give a much greater understanding of your pet. You need to be able to communicate correctly with your dog to enrich your relationship and ensure you keep your bond.
Proper training removes the occurrence of many behavioural problems that plague owners such as chewing furniture, stealing food and jumping on guests. A well trained dog will sit on command and show off his good manners. This alone can strengthen your bond as you become more and more proud of your family pet.
A trained dog is also an excellent safety precaution. An untrained dog may not come when called, allowing him the option of wandering off without you. Trained dogs are more likely to respond to commands in high stress situations too, reducing the chance of danger for all parties.
Dog training can be a very satisfactory process to a dog. Whilst it may seem as though you are working your pet, to the dog it is a source of contentment being able to understand and please his owner. Many dogs become happier and calmer after training and are a continual source of pride for the owner.
There are many ways to train your dog. There are classes, books and information online. Classes are generally recommended as this allows the dog to socialise with other dogs and humans. Socialisation is a very important part of the training process and should be included in any method or program.
It is important to understand your dog before beginning any exercise. A dog may become frustrated at an owner who is too demanding or inconsistent. Learning when your dog is frustrated, evading commands or confused will see rewards much quicker.
Dogs are generally not punished when being trained properly as this method is ineffective. Positive reinforcement shows much greater results and so dogs should be rewarded for good behaviour and not punished for bad. Dogs are keen to please their master and rewards will see results much quicker.
Training still requires a lot of patience and time from the owner and should be considered prior to getting a dog. It can also be costly but overall is a necessity to ensure a healthy, happy relationship with your dog. It is not something that should be seen as optional, more something that comes as a part of owning a dog. A well trained dog will generally provide a much more rewarding experience to those around him than one who does not know his place within the home.
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