Chihuahua

Fast Facts

Group classification: Toy	Country of origin: Mexico	Date of origin: 16th century
Weight (M): Less than 6 lb	Height (M): 6 – 9″	Life expectancy: 15 – 18 years
Weight (F): Less than 6 lb	Height (F): 6 – 9″

General Description of the Chihuahua

The very smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua is ever vigilant and fleet of foot, with a spunky attitude. Compact with a terrier-like temperament, the Chihuahua has the appearance of a fine-boned but muscular dog that carries his sickle-shaped tail like a flag. The distinctive apple dome head features large eyes, dark or a luminous ruby in color, and large ears that stand erect when the dog is alert and flare out to the sides when at rest. The muzzle is short and pointed with a self-colored nose. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume. A Chihuahua’s coat can be of any color or patterning. Many Americans recognize the Chihuahua as the Taco Bell Dog from the popular “Yo quiero Taco Bell” advertising campaign.

 

Golden Retriever

Fast Facts

Group classification: Sporting	Country of origin: England and Scotland	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 65 – 75 lb	Height (M): 23 – 24″	Life expectancy: 11 – 13 years
Weight (F): 55 – 65 lb	Height (F): 22 – 23″

General Description of the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built and well-proportioned dog, whose looks bring to mind a breed designed to hunt and retrieve. The skull is broad and rounded, with a well defined stop and smooth muzzle with a scissors bite. The nose is black or dark brown, and the eyes are deep brown with an amiable and intelligent expression. The neck, chest and forequarters are strong and well developed; the back is level and the body is short coupled. The feet are medium sized and round, and the tail is thick and carried horizontally. The coat is dense and water repellent and can be either straight or wavy, with some feathering on the forelegs and underbody; coloring is in solid shades of gold, without any other markings.

 

Bull Terrier

Fast Facts

Group classification: Terrier	Country of origin: England	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 60 – 70 lb	Height (M): 21 – 22″	Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years
Weight (F): 50 – 60 lb	Height (F): 21 – 22″

General Description of the Bull Terrier

Strong and handsome, the Bull Terrier is a dog of muscular symmetry and sweet disposition. The head is long and deep, curving from nose to the top of the skull; when viewed from the front, the head should resemble an oval. Eyes are close and deep set, small and triangular. Ears are small, erect and close set; teeth meet in a scissors bite. The body is muscular and big boned, though never coarse. The tail is short and carried horizontally. Feet are round, compact and catlike. The Bull Terrier’s coat is short, glossy and harsh to the hand, and the skin should be tight throughout. Color is either solid white with our without markings on the head, or any color other than white (often brindle) with white markings on the head.

 

Dog Obedience Training

Getting frustrated that your dog jumps up on people when you are visiting friends? Can’t understand why your dog runs away from you at the park while everyone else’s happily comes back? The simple answer is have you tried dog obedience training? It is simple, effective and very fun to do if you have the right attitude and patience.

The basics of dog obedience training and teaching your dog to sit, stay and come. These basic training commands will be extremely beneficial to you later on in your dog’s life. When you take your dog out you don’t want him to be running muck in the street, you want to show him off for the perfect dog that he is! Dog obedience training can be achieved in a matter of weeks with the right attention, dedication and patience.

 

Gin the DANCING dog!

This is so awesome!!

Just watch it, so Unbelievable!!!

 

Yorkshire Terrier

Fast Facts

Group classification: Toy	Country of origin: England	Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): Less than 7 lb	Height (M): 8 – 9″	Life expectancy: 14 – 16 years
Weight (F): Less than 7 lb	Height (F): 8 – 9″

General Description of the Yorkshire Terrier

One of the most popular breeds in the US today, the Yorkshire Terrier – or Yorkie, as it is affectionately called – belongs to the Toy Group. Yorkies are very small, usually between 5 and 7 pounds, with a tight, compact build. The coat is long, fine, and silky, parted down the middle. The hair is of one layer and does not shed. Coloring usually steel blue and tan, although some Yorkies can be found with silver or black hair on their body. Although the hair is usually straight, some individuals have a more wavy coat. The nose, paw pads, eye rims and lips are dark, as are the medium sized eyes. The muzzle is of medium length, and the ears are triangular and carried vertically. Although small, Yorkies are solidly built and well balanced. They walk with confidence, their heads held high. The tail is usually docked to half of the original length.

 

Alaskan Malamute

Fast Facts

Group classification: Working	Country of origin: United States (Alaska)	Date of origin: Antiquity
Weight (M): 85 lb	Height (M): 25″	Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Weight (F): 75 lb	Height (F): 23″

General Description of the Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute excels at hauling heavy loads over great distances in brutal conditions, and its construction is consistent with such use. The long body is powerful and well muscled throughout, heavy boned with a straight back and very strong legs; large feet also help the dog to plod through snow. The head and muzzle are large, broad and deep. The ears are set wide apart on the skull, small, triangular and rounded. The eyes are brown, medium sized and almond shaped, and give the dog a kind, endearing expression. The Alaskan Malamute’s outer coat is medium length, coarse and thick, and left untrimmed in show dogs. The undercoat is dense and woolly. The coat can be solid white, but it is more common for white to be the predominant color with various shading of gray, black, sable or red. The face generally has a white mask or blaze. The Alaskan Malamute is distinctly wolf-like in appearance.

 

Dachshund

Fast Facts

Group classification: Hound	Country of origin: Germany	Date of origin: 16th century
Weight (M): Std: 16 – 32 lb, Min: <11 lb	Height (M): Std: 8 – 9″, Min: 5 – 6″	Life expectancy: 12 – 13 years
Weight (F): Std: 16 – 32 lb, Min: <11 lb	Height (F): Std: 8 – 9″, Min: 5 – 6″

General Description of the Dachshund

Low and long, the Dachshund is powerfully muscled and has a characteristic shape that rarely passes unnoticed. In the US, the Dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. For each size, there are three coat varieties: Smooth — the most popular in the US, the coat is short, smooth, and shining. Longhair — sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy this coat gives the dog an elegant appearance. Wirehair — with the exception of jaw, eyebrows, and ears, the entire body is covered with a uniform tight, short, thick, rough, hard outer coat but with finer, somewhat softer, shorter hairs (undercoat) everywhere distributed between the coarser hairs. Except for their beards and bushy eyebrows, the wirehaired Dachshund, when viewed from a distance, resembles the smooth. All six Dachshund varieties are similar in body-shape and coloration. The pattern and color range is great and includes solids, two-colored, dappled, and brindle; colors vary and include red, black, cream, chocolate, wild boar, gray, and fawn. The head tapers evenly to the nose, which is always black. The eyes are rimmed in black, medium sized and almond shaped, with a dignified and knowing expression. Adding to this thoughtful look is a pronounced bridge over the dog’s eyes. The dog’s medium length, rounded ears are set near the top of the head. The dog has a strong breastbone and a tucked-in abdomen. Dachshunds move with a fluid and smooth gait.

 

Solving Your Dog’s Excessive Barking

If you are a dog owner, chances are you might be aware how frustrating it is to control your dog’s behavior. Some dogs get too aggressive to the point that they become disturbing and irritating to your family and your neighborhood, while others bark excessively for some weird reasons. Many dog owners find themselves clueless and unsure as to what must be done to solve this behavior.

Here are a few tips to help you solve your bestfriend’s nuisance barking:
The primary thing you need to check is if you’re giving your k9 all the things and necessities he needs. Barking is a natural behavior among dogs and they usually bark to communicate something with you. If their needs are not being met, the barking might be a cry or signal that he longs for your care and assistance. Always ensure that you give them the right amount of food and water everyday. You also have to clean after your dog.

 

Shih Tzu

Fast Facts

Group classification: Toy	Country of origin: China and Tibet	Date of origin: Antiquity
Weight (M): 9 – 16 lb	Height (M): 8 – 11″	Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years
Weight (F): 9 – 16 lb	Height (F): 8 – 11″

 

General Description of the Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular of the Toy breeds. It is well known for its long, flowing, luxurious hair, which covers all of its body. It has a round head, pleasant expression, and large, round, dark eyes. Its ears are large and covered by the coat. Shih Tzus are very small and compact in size, with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are curved and covered with fur. Shih Tzus can be any color, and tend not to shed. Their hair is in fact a double layer, with a woolly undercoat below the longer hair. Shih Tzus are small dogs, and are slightly longer than they are tall.