Archive for September, 2009

Where can I find a list of boxer dog rescue homes in the UK?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 8 Comments

We would dearly love to own a boxer dog but cannot afford the prices asked from local breeders. I have been told there are boxer dog rescue homes in the UK but have not been able to find any on the web. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

http://www.boxer-rescue.org.uk/

What breed of dog would be the most compatible for me and my family?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 39 Comments

I live with my parents and my dad is talking about gettting a dog. We have 2 cats- one is almost 14 and the other one is 7 years old. Dad’s cat passed away in February of this year and he’s been talking about getting a dog ever since. Dad talks about getting a Lab or a border collie, but I don’t think either one of those dog breeds would be the most compatible with our 2 cats. Mom’s 7 year old cat is very territorial of the back porch and attacks any animal that comes on or near it and my 14 year old cat runs whenever an animal comes in the house. Mom’s alllergic to dog hair, so we can’t have a longhaired breed dog. What kind of dog gets along well with cats, because Dad’s starting to get serious about getting a dog?

I think you are absolutely right! Border Collies are high-intensity, high-drive working dogs. They require a LOT of exercise, and preferably a job to do or they can be insane to live with. We’re talking at least two thirty minute STRENUOUS runs every day, not a casual 3 mph walk around the block. Many Border Collies end up in the pound because people can’t deal with their herding instincts, car chasing and odd behavior (like guarding pots and pans!)

Labs can be very powerful and playful, and could easily hurt a cat without even meaning to. Plus they shed terribly and aren’t good for people with allergies. I’m surprised your mom could tolerate cats if she really is allergic to dog hair – usually it’s the other way around. Your mom should spend at least a few hours at the breeder’s home to see if it bothers her.

With cats, you definitely shouldn’t get a terrier!

I’d suggest going with an English Cocker Spaniel (NOT the American Cocker!) or an English Springer Spaniel or a Welsh Springer Spaniel or a Portugese Water dog or a Curly Coated Retriever or an Irish Water Spaniel. (Maybe even a Havanese or a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen – but I don’t know any personally. You’d have to go to dog shows and check them out.) These are somewhat rare breeds – check out www.ack.org for breeders. The PWD, CCR and IWS look a bit like Standard poodles, but they’re not as high energy. They’re easy to train and don’t shed much at all. The IWS and the PWD tend to be on the shy side, so make sure you get her out and socialize her while she’s young. And because they don’t shed, they’re going to need more grooming than the average dog.

BEFORE you get a puppy, I’d also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly – there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites:
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs – Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don’t Shoot the Dog – Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method – Volhard
Dog Problems – Benjamin
Cesar’s Way – Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I’ve ever seen on TV.

Does a maltese dog come in another color than white?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 8 Comments

I saw a puppy today that looked just like a maltese, only it was brown. It was absolutely adorable, I would love to get one, but I thought Maltese were only white? Does anyone know of a dog that looks the same but comes in other colors? It had the same type of hair that a maltese does.

Malteses are always white. Yorkies can be purebred and a blonde biscuit coloring (although not an AKC sanctioned color) and have very similar faces and similar in size to Malteses. It could have also been a cross between a Yorkie and a Maltese called a Morkie or Yorktese depending on which breed the the sire is. I have seen many solid biscuit colorings for this mix, but they also come out with the Yorkie coloring.

What are places to get a large dog collar?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 3 Comments

A regular buckle and not a clip. We tried a clip one and my dog broke it within a week. She’s too strong for them. We found a collar that is a buckle but its about two sizes too big. We don’t want to order online, but I found a magazine that we MAY get one from. So any pet stores that sell buckle collars?

petsmart and petco both do.

what is the price of year round dog health care?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 3 Comments

HEY I MIGT BE GETTING A DOG, BUT MY PARENTS ARE A LITTLE HARD….Ive been perswaiding them, mom told me to do some reserch about the yearly amount for health care and just care…If anyone here has a dog 1st what kind, and 2nd whats the care price about…..

If you get a puppy, the first year is rather pricy, due to all the vaccinations they require that first year. After that, they only need booster shots once a year, so the price gets better. What I would do, is call some of your local vets. Many will offer a "package" deal with a puppy for all it’s vaccinations, rabies shot and even spay or neutering. You could also check to see if you have a low cost clinic around you.

How do you get started as a dog breeder?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 11 Comments

I’d like to breed my dog at some point but I want to learn as much as I can about it before I do. Breeders, how did you get started? What would you recommend I do or read to educate myself on breeding? What are the costs involved? Pros and cons of becoming a dog breeder. Thanks.

Im glad you are researching first! Go to dog shows and meet breeders to learn as much as you can.

First, The Wrong Reasons to Breed:

One of the worst things you could do would be to breed your dog for the wrong reasons. Each year about 17 million dogs and cats are turned over to animal shelters. Out of every 10 that were taken in, only one finds a home. Of the rest, some 13.5 million must be destroyed.

The suffering and sorrow associated with pet overpopulation is overwhelming. And yet, much of it could be eliminated by breeding only for the right reasons.

You want to breed because puppies are soooooo cute? Keep in mind they will grow up quickly and may be not be so cute anymore. What will you do then?

You want to let your kids experience the miracle of birth? Unfortunately, the whelping process has usually been completed by the time you realize it and everyone has missed "the miracle." Pregnancy has significant health risks for the bitch.

You want to breed so that you can sell the puppies? Unless you are serious about promoting a particular breed, it is unlikely that buyers will knock at your door to buy. Even if you choose to breed a particular breed, you will likely not make a significant profit. Buy the time you buy a whelping box, vet fees and check ups for mom and pups, immunizations, etc etc etc… and Pups should NOT leave the mother until they are TWELVE weeks old for proper socializaition!!!

Responsible breeders embrace the belief that each new litter should represent an improvement over the last.

Responsible breeders are aware that each breed has an official standard or written desrcription of how the ideal dog looks, moves and behaves. They are careful to only breed dogs that meet this standard.

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It is a scene repeated all too often. A panicked owner and a pet in distress presented in labor. Sometimes what is happening is normal. Labor takes time and the pet’s guardian is simply overanxious. Sometimes the situation is more serious, and the pet may require medical intervention or even a cesarean section. The best way to avoid or prepare for these situations is to be an informed, knowledgeable owner before breeding your dog.

Before deciding to breed your dog, a visit to your veterinarian is essential. Your pet’s doctor can make sure your dog is in excellent health, currently vaccinated and free from internal and external parasites. Discuss a proper diet for pregnancy, as certain nutritional requirements will increase. If you have a purebred dog, be sure to discuss any possible inherited problems, because each breed has a tendency to develop certain diseases or conditions. Your veterinarian can tell you what problems are common among your specific breed and if your dog is a good breeding candidate. Temperament is important. Nervous, anxious, shy or aggressive dogs often make poor parents and pass these traits on to their puppies. Go to dog shows and meet breeders to learn as much as you can.

Finding the right mate for your dog should be done carefully and with consideration. Choose a mate that best complements your pet’s temperament and physical characteristics. An experienced breeder can often be helpful in showing you how to recognize your dog’s strengths and weaknesses. All purebreds recognized by various kennel clubs have a set of physical standards considered to be the goal of breeding a litter of puppies. Check the breed standard guides for your particular dog and then evaluate your dog against the accepted standard. Look for a mate that best complements and balances your pet’s structure, temperament, color and size.

Your veterinarian can explain in detail your dog’s reproductive cycle. This is essential if you will be caring for the mother during pregnancy and labor. A female becomes fertile approximately twice a year. This is known as the heat cycle, and for a few specific days within this cycle, she will be fertile and will accept a male. When these days occur is individual to the dog and will be influenced by size, age, and if she has had previous breedings. A successful breeding may require several encounters between male and female to ensure a pregnancy because fertility can vary from day to day. The day of the first breeding is considered to be day 1 of pregnancy. The length of pregnancy, or gestation period, is 61 to 65 days, the average being 63 days from the first day of breeding.

During the first few weeks of pregnancy your pet will probably not demonstrate any noticeable differences in behavior. As the time for delivery approaches, your dog may become restless and begin to nest. She may want quiet and isolation or constant company. Every pregnancy and labor is unique to every dog. As delivery approaches, your pet will experience a natural fall in body temperature. You can take your pet’s temperature rectally. When it falls below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, most labor begins within 24 hours. Labor in dogs looks a lot like labor in people. You will see your dog actively contract the muscles of the abdomen and uterus to help push the puppies forward. Sometimes a fluid filled sac is produced before the puppy is seen. These are the membranes of the placenta, and each puppy has its own. You may see only the sac for several minutes before the puppy is delivered. Sometimes the puppy and the placenta are delivered rapidly. Breech births, where the puppy comes out tail first instead of head first, are common and usually pose no problems. In general, if your dog has been actively contracting for more than one hour without producing a puppy, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

We all hope for a smooth labor and delivery with a beautiful litter of healthy puppies as a result. But if you expect the best you must also be prepared for the worst. A cesarean section is often necessary and even anticipated in certain breeds, such as the English bulldog due to the large size of the puppy’s head. Not all puppies survive; some are born with birth defects. And contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are "natural mothers." Some dogs simply refuse to care for their puppies and can even display aggression. If this is the case, you must be ready to assume the task of surrogate parenting. Puppy milk replacers, heat sources, pet nursing bottles, and lots of time and love will be necessary to see them through the first 6 weeks. Pups must be weighed daily to ensure proper development.

Raising puppies the RIGHT way is a LOT of work.

Your new mother dog will need attention too. Talk to your veterinarian about diet adjustments to help meet the new nutritional demands of nursing. Learn how to check her milk glands for signs of pain, inflammation or sores from nursing. Observe for discharges, bleeding or foul odors from her reproductive tract. Don’t bring strangers into the house for a few weeks, as new mothers are protective. People may also bring in Parvo and other diseases that may kill the puppies before they have thier immunity built up. Limit visiting and handling of the newborn puppies until they are a few weeks old. Keep the nesting area or nursery clean and change bedding frequently.

Responsible breeders give careful consideration to health issues, genetic concerns, temperament, soundness and appearance. Genetic testing for the breeds health problems should always be done before breeding. Brucellosis testing is best as well.

Responsible breeders know that every dog – however wonderful as a companion – has certain flaws or weaknesses and that it is important to find a mate that can complement strengths and help eliminate the weaknesses.

Responsible breeders plan ahead to be sure that each puppy they produce will be placed in a safe, loving home suited to its needs.

Responsible breeders accept responsibility for the puppies they produce throughout each puppy’s lifetime and are always available to answer questions and provide information to the puppy’s new owners. They are always willing to take a puppy back no matter how old it is and no matter what the reason is that the puppy buyer can no longer keep the dog.

Many breeders offer puppies for sale with the stipulation that the dogs be neutered or spayed when they reach the appropriate age. This is one way for breers to ensure breed improvement by only allowing dogs they determine to be of breeding quality to reproduce.

Dog breeders?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 5 Comments

Anyone no any dog breeders in orange county? I live by mission viejo so the closer the better.

Click here

http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm?action=conf&display=on

You’ll need to enter the particular breed you are interested in to get contact info for the breed club closest to you.

Contact the secretary of that club and ask for a listing of breeders in good standing with the breed club.

There are plenty of "breeders" in Orange County, the key is finding reputable, responsible ones.

What are some good dog names Look in description for more detail?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 11 Comments

I have to name my dog she is a pit bull kind of friendly a little shy and a female her color is a tan brown kind of color.So what are some good dog names for her?

Here are some great dog names!

Abby
Affinity
Agar
Akira
Amethyst
Alexia
Alice
Amber
Ambrosia
Anastasia
Angel
Annie
April
Aqua
Aquarius
Ariel
Ash
Aspen
Athena
Aurora
Autumn
Avalon
Alba
Avis
Baba
Babe
Babette
Babs
Baby
Bambi
Bandanna
Bangle
Beauty
Bee-bee
Begonia
Bella
Belle
Bessie
Beta
Betty Boop
Bianca
Biddy
Bidsy
Bingo
Birdy
Bits
Bizzy
Blackie
Blanche
Blondie
Blossom
Bon-bon
Boo
Boo-boo
Boots
Brandy
Brassy
Brianna
Brie
Brit
Brittany
Brownie
Bubbles
Buffy
Bunny
Burma
Butter
Buttercup
Candy
Cajun
Calamity
Calico
Cameo
Caramba
Caramelo
Carnation
Carob
Carolina
Casey
Cashmere
Cassie
Catalina
Cayenne
Cecily
Cha-cha
Chamois
Champagne
Charade
Charlotte
Charmer
Checkers
Chedder
Chelsea
Cherub
Chianti
Chic
Chica
Chicory
Chiffon
Chili
China
Chloe
Chocolate
Choo-choo
Chubby
Chunky
Cider
Cinnamon
Citron
Citrus
Classy
Clementine
Cleo
Cocoa
Cookie
Coral
Cranberry
Crimson
Crouton
Crumpet
Crystal
Cucina
Cuddles
Cupcake
Curious
Curry
Cutie
Cutie Pie
Daiquiri
Daisy
Dancer
Dandelion
Dakota
Dazzler
Dee-dee
Delta
Dew
Diamond
Didi
Dim-sum
Diva
Dixie
Dizzy
Dolly
Dot(s)
Duchess
Dudette
Dumpling
Ebony
Echo
Eclipse
Elsa
Elvira
Emerald
Emily
Emma
Falafel
Fancy
Fantasia
Fejoa
Fennel
Fern
Fiesta
Fifi
Fizz
Fleur
Flipper
Flirt
Flo
Flora
Flower
Fluffy
Fondue
Foxy
Freckles
Friday
Frisky
Fuchsia
Fuddles
Fudge
Genie
Gertrude
Giggles
Gigi
Gin
Ginger
Giselle
Goldie
Goldilocks
Grace
Gretel
Gumball
Haley
Happy
Heather
Heaven
Heidi
Heiress
Hershey
Hickory
Hilda
Holly
Honey
Hobo
Inca
Iris
Isabella
Isis
Ivy
Izzie
Jade
Jasmine
Jazz
Jemima
Jemma
Jessie
Jezabel
Jingles
Jinx
Jinxy
Joy
Julie
Kahlua
Karma
Karmin
Keeper
Keno
Kibbles
Kiki
Kilo
Kiwi
Koala
Koko
Krispy
Lacey
Lady
Lambchop
Lashes
Lassie
Lavender
Leila
Lemon
Lickums
Lilly
Lolly
Looney
Lotus
Lovey
Lucky
Lullaby
Lulu
Lucy
Maggie
Magic
Majestic
Mambo
Mamie
Mandy
Manhattan
Maple
Marie
Marilyn
Marmalade
Marshmallow
Martini
Matilda
May
Maya
Meadow
Mellow
Melody
Mercedes
Midget
Midnight
Mig
Mink
Minnie
Missy
Mocha
Mottie
Moochy
Moody
Mopsy
Moptop
Muddles
Muffin
Murphy
Mystic
Nappa
Nellie
Neon
Nibbles
Nickles
Nifty
Nikita
Niko
Nina
Nipper
Nitro
Nova
Nudge
Nugget
Nutmeg
Nymph
Oak
Odyssey
Okie
Omega
Opal
Oreo
Paige
Paisley
Panama
Panda
Pandora
Pansy
Paris
Patsy
Paws
Peaches
Pebbles
Penelope
Penny
Pepper
Pickles
Ping
Pinky
Pip
Pippi
Polly
Pookie
Porkchop
Porsche
Portia
Precious
Pretzel
Princess
Pudding
Puddles
Puff
Puffy
Pumpkin
Qantas
Quartz
Quasar
Queen
Queeny
Quiche
Quicksilver
Quincy
Rags
Rain
Rainbow
Raisin
Raven
Razz
Riley
Ritzy
Rocca
Rolls
Roo
Rosie
Roxanne
Roxy
Ruby
Ruffles
Ruggles
Sadie
Saffron
Sage
Sahara
Salsa
Sandy
Sapphire
Sash
Sassy
Saucy
Scarlet
Schmoo
Schmooze
Schnook
Shadow
Sharp
Sheba
Shelly
Shorty
Sienna
Sierra
Silky
Silver
Sissy
Sky
Slippers
Smokey
Smoocher
Snickers
Snooks
Snookums
Snow
Snuffles
Snuggles
Socks
Solstice
Sophie
Sorbet
Sprite
Squeak
Star
Stellar
Sugar
Tabatha
Tabby
Taboo
Tabs
Taffy
Tara
Tess
Texas
Thatcher
Thudd
Thudpaw
Thump
Thyme
Tiara
Tidley
Tie-dye
Tilly
Tinker
Tinkerbell
Tinsel
Tipsy
Tizzy
Toot
Tootsie
Topaz
Tricky
Trixie
Truffles
Tulip
Tuna
Tutu
Tweety
Twinkie
Twinkle
Uma
Ursula
Utopia
Valentine
Vanilla
Velcro
Velvet
Veronica
Vespa
Vickey
Violet
Voodoo
Waddles
Wags
Wanda
Wasabe
Whisper
Woof
Wiggles
Willow
Wilma
Windy
Wink
Xena
Yaya
Yoyo
Yumyum
Zelda
Zena
Zippo
Zippy
Zoe

What small dog breeds can still hold a tennis ball in their mouths?

September 29, 2009 - 2:09 am 12 Comments

I am looking for a small dog breed that I can hold in one arm comfortably and can still hold a tennis ball in their mouth. I can hold a dog larger that 25 lbs in one arm, I do not want to go any larger than that. I have been researching Toy Fox Terriers, (Toy) Manchester Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and other small dog breeds.

Some standard daschunds can do it, one of my mini’s got it right.

What dog breed has the lowest amount of energy?

September 29, 2009 - 2:08 am 10 Comments

I’m looking to buy a dog that has very low-medium energy. If the dog has higher energy then my dog, then my dog (9-yr old chow/shih-tzu mix) isn’t going to like it. I was thinking about getting a puppy, and was wondering if it really matter what breed I got or not because aren’t puppies normally very energetic?

puppies of all breeds are usually energenic, your situation is the perfect one for adoption.

Adopting is not only saving a life, but getting an older dog that is at least above 3 years lowers the chance that it is hyper and many of these older dogs are usually already house trained as well.

There is a wonderful website called Petfinder.com where you type your zip code and the description of the dog your looking for and it brings up the local pet adoption centers that have dogs available under your descriptions with pictures of the dogs and descriptions in the area.

I would definately steer clear of a puppy because dogs usually dont settle down till at least 3-5 years depending on the breed. some breeds stay energentic for up to 5 years. Also if you adopt you can ask them about the dogs personality to see if it would be too hyper for you because they usually have had the dog for long enough to get an idea of whether it is still hyper or has settled down.

I’ve had my beagle for 3 years and he is just as hyper and rebellious as he was at 6 months. This shows you how long some breeds can take to calm down.

Another good thing about adopting is that the dogs usually come with complete set of shots, and neutered or spayed, and neutering makes the dogs less hyper as well.
Adopting is a lot more cheaper than purchasing a puppy as well.

Your situation is perfect for a older dog so please consider this, older dogs are very hard for adoption centers to get out so your not only helping the dog get a good home when it would regularly keep getting turned down for puppies (because everyone loves the puppies) And the puppies are cute, but they are a huge undertaking and your situation is really IDEAL for an older dog.

I would just make sure that your dog is dog friendly, and so is the other dog, if you already know your dog will accept the other dog then this is no problem, but if your dog reacts negatively whenever you walk it close to other dogs then another dog probably wouldnt be a good idea because they might hurt each other if you dont keep an eye on them.

To make sure you get a dog friendly dog just tell the adoption center when you adopt that the dog will be living with another dog and they will know if the dog your thinking of adopting is a good fit.

If you DO decide to get a puppy, DONT go to a pet store. Go through your classifieds and this may take longer to find the breed your looking for but it is a couple of hundreds of dollars cheaper, PLUS the last two dogs I bought out of the classifieds, when I went to pick them up the mom and dad dogs were there so I got to see the parents and the environment they lived in. If you buy from a pet store not only might you be paying a couple of hundred dollars more for what MIGHT be a sick dog, but you dont know what living conditions it came from or if the parents are the pure breeds they are suppossed to be, or if they mated a sister and brother.

I definately recommed adopting an older dog above buying a puppy though!

Hope your able to find a good compainion!!