Search

The article features the dog breed Shiba Inu. Described as the oldest native breed from Japan, the dog was initially brought to the U.S. in 1954 but its breeding did not start until late 1970s. The dog earned recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1992 and admitted to the Non-Sporting Group of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1993. Details concerning its height, facial structure, and temperament are also presented.

The article offers information on the dog breed, Portuguese Water Dog. It traces the history of how the breed became an integral part of the lives of Portuguese fishermen. The introduction of the breed to the U.S. in 1958 by Mr. and Mrs. Harrington of New York is detailed. A description of the dog, as well as its intelligence level, is discussed.

A calendar of events involving the kennel clubs in the U.S. for 2009 is presented including the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club events on conformation, agility, obedience, and weight pulling.

The article discusses ways on how to deal with canine conflicts in a household that has different dogs. The author says annoyances also happen to dogs including disputes over possessions of objects. She adds that dogs who lack attention from owners may get upset, resulting to conflicts with other dogs that are given special care. Food is also the cause of many squabbles, said Terry Albert, a professional pet sitter from Poway Pet Care in California. Tips on breaking a fight up are presented. INSET: New Dog at the Door.

The article focuses on how native Northern breeds are adapted to the cold temperatures of the arctic region. The journeys of Ronald Amundsen and Robert Scott to the South Pole are described. It says the native Northern breeds were used by fur trappers and gold miners who invaded Alaska and Northern Canada because of their ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures. The four heat-loss mechanisms in dogs are radiation, evaporation, convection, and conduction. The surface-area-to-volume ratio according to biologist Christian Bergmann is discussed. INSETS: My, What Small Ears You Have!;What About Racing Huskies?.

The article discusses how to prevent pet theft. A report released by the American Kennel Club stated that the number of pet thefts was three times over than usual in the early part of 2008. Purebreds are the most common targets of thieves instigated by financial gains, according to the author. It suggests that a microchip can be used to secure the identity of dogs and putting tattoos is an alternative way to provide permanent identification. Things to do when a dog is stolen are also presented. INSETS: Prevention Tips;Recovery Services.

The article describes the Boston Terrier dog. The Boston Terrier was developed from cross-breeding a Bulldog and a white English Terrier in 1870. The author says this breed has a lively and intelligent temperament. Advice on grooming and exercise is offered. It is said that the Boston is known for its active and playful behavior. Health problems that are common to these dogs are juvenile cataracts, patellar luxation, and brachycephalic syndrome.

The article offers information on the strange habits of dogs. Odd canine behavior may have a generic or revolutionary basis, according to the author. He said that domestic dogs are like wolves in an arrested development resulting from the selection of juvenile characteristics. Information on the scrape behavior in dogs is discussed. Tips on handling dogs that scavenge at dumpsites are offered.

The article discusses ways of caring for old or geriatric dogs. Maintaining a dog's vitality during its later years requires a good attitude, says the author. The work of a veterinarian includes psychology as well because people want the bond with their dogs to last, according to veterinarian Marge McMillan. McMillan recommends that older dogs should be given their regular walks for physical health. Animal rehabilitation therapy is employed in treating dogs with arthritis.

The article describes the Bichon Frise dog breed. This breed had its origins in the Mediterranean part of Europe centuries ago. The four similar types of dogs during that era were Bichon Maltais, Bichon Havanais, Bichon Bolognais and Bichon Tenerife. They have button-black eyes, white cotton coat and possess a cheerful and friendly disposition, says the author. During the late 16th century, the Bichon Tenerife became well known in Spain and France. Bichons were introduced to the U.S. after World War I. Tips on training and grooming are discussed.

The article discusses the benefits and disadvantages of providing natural-based diets to domestic dogs. The natural-based feeding resembles the way dogs are reared in the wild, consuming organ meat, muscle meat and meaty bones. This alternative approach is intended to boost the dog's constitution, according to the group, Bonnie Brier West Highland White Terriers. Salmonella poisoning, obstructed air passage with bones and insufficient dietary needs are the drawbacks of natural-based feeding, opponents to the approach say.

The article focuses on the competitive sport of canine weight pulling. This sport involves dogs hauling as much weight as they can for their size, over a given distance. A brief history on how the sport started is presented. Weight pulling is a popular sport recognized by a number of organizations. The International Weight Pulling Association is one of the first of weight-pulling clubs to form in the latter third of the last century.

The article provides information on several sports for dogs. In agility, the size and structure matter because the dog's jump heights are determined by his height at the withers. Specific heights vary depending on the organization and other variables. Aside from the dog's physical attributes, temperament matters too. Prey drive, speed, agility and biddability are the variables that play in the fast-paced sport of flyball. Flyball's jump heights are determined by the shortest dog on each team.

The article presents 8 tips to encourage spontaneity in puppies without overtraining. Always end every session on an enthusiastic and confident note to leave a puppy wanting for more. If a puppy reacts poorly to some footing at a handling class, replicate the situation at home to get him to practice. An owner should check out a potential puppy kindergarten class without his puppy and then make an informed decision.

The article offers ideas on dealing with flea, heartworm and tick in dogs. A brief history of flea and tick is presented, along with information on their life cycle. Information on the contents of topical monthly products designed to control flea and tick is provided, including Fipronil and Phenotrhin. The traditional methods of flea control are also explained.

Features the dog breed Chinese Shar-Pei. History of the dog breed; Efforts to save the breed from near extinction; Description of its appearance. INSET: Untitled.

Examines the physical characteristics of the most successful breeds in agility, a sport that is designed to be inclusive of all breeds. Examination into what breeds typically compete in the American Kennel Club National Agility Championships and how successful those breeds are. Differences among the Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies and Golden Retrievers; Anatomical features that tend to predominate in dogs with specific jobs.

Presents information on the dog breed Bouvier des Flandres. Origin; Introduction of the breed to the U.S. market; Character of the dog breed; Uses; Grooming tips; Health issues facing breeders of Bouvier des Flandres.

Presents information on the Bullmastiff dog breed. History of the breed; Temperament; Functions of the bred; Health concerns for the breed.

Presents views of several executives and dog lovers in the U.S. on the state of dog communities by 2090. Mark E. Threlfall of UKC Dog Events; Wayne E. Ferguson of AKC Canine Health Foundation and Morris & Essex Kennel Club; Greg Eva of the Kennel Union of South Africa; Mason H. Lampton of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America.

Presents trivia related to dogs. Location of early dog shows in England; Sale of dogs featured Westminster, England dog shows; Details written in a poster for a lost bulldog.

Presents information on the dog breed, Shetland sheepdog. Behavior; Importance of mental stimulation to a sheepdog; Appearance.

Discusses the issues faced by dog breeders of small and huge litters. Problems with a singleton puppy; Problems faced by breeders of a huge litter; Importance of keeping a big litter warm and well-fed.

Discusses key components for success in raising a stud dog. Behavior of a stud dog; Information on sexual imprinting; Best time to teach canine sex education; Tips on dog training.

Relates the experience of Petty Officer 1st class Jeremy M. Gilliam, owner of a dog which participated in the 2005 Westminster Kennel Club show. Details of the dog show; Career background of Gilliam; Information on his trial show dog, named Buddy.

Recounts the roles and conditions of dogs from 1950 to 1959. Functions of dogs during the Korean conflict; Famous dog show winners in the 1950s; Changes in the breeds of dogs during the mid-decade.

Highlights various developments in dogs from 1940-1949 in the U.S. History of the Dogs for Defense program headed by Harry I. Caesar; Advances in dog training; Publications about and awards for dogs.

Discusses the canine industry during the Depression Era from 1930 to 1939 in the U.S. Information on the licensing handlers started by the American Kennel Club in January 1930; Number of American dog magazines in 1931; Discussion on how dog shows were organized during the 1930s.

Provides information on the bloodhound dog breed. Information on several breeds of bloodhounds; Physical characteristics of bloodhounds; Diseases that are prone to bloodhounds.

Provides information on Dalmatian dogs. Job of Dalmatian dogs; Distinguishing characteristic of the dog; Attitude that makes them keen competitors in agility, flyball and trick demonstration; Description and traits of the dog. INSET: THE DALMATIAN.

Presents information on tools and equipment necessary for dog grooming. Information on hair brushes for different coats; Tips for the selection of the right pair of scissors; Advantage of an electric clipper.

Presents information on Irish setters. History; Characteristics; Behavior; Health problems common to the breed. INSETS: IRISH SETTER;FIELD VS. SHOW -- TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?.

Focuses on mentoring to improve the dog game. Considerations in choosing the right mentor; Information on the ringside mentoring; Discussion of proper mentoring. INSET: Mentoring to Benefit the Mentor.

Reports on the role of kennel clubs in maintaining the quality of dog breeds. Inspection of litters by a breeding committee; Number of members in each club; Responsibility of national kennel club to educate the judges for dog competitions.

Focuses on the Great Dane dog. Origin; Information on the proper way to train a Great Dane; Performance; Health. INSETS: To Crop of Not to Crop;Great Dane;A Rainbow of Danes.

Focuses on the dog breed Petit Basset Griffon Vandéen (PBGV). Types of hounds; Origin of PBGV; Physical qualities of PBGV. INSET: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.

Describes the dog breed, Ibizan hound. History of the breed; Characteristics of the breed's puppies; Types of diseases common in the breed. INSET: Ibizan Hound.

Describes the dog breed, Brittany. History of the breed; Description and behavior of the dogs; Characteristics of the breed. INSET: Brittany.

Presents guidelines for building a backyard agility course for dogs. Weave poles; Obstacles; Jumps. INSET: JUMP HEIGHTS.

Presents news briefs related to dogs as of December 2001.

The article describes the Karelian Bear Dog of Finland. The dog originated from Karelia region in the northern part of Europe which was used to be the source of conflict between Finland, Russia, and Sweden. Karelians have black and white coats and are bred to produce other colors, according to the author. These dogs are useful when hunting moose, elks and wild boars, the author added. The introduction of Karelian Bear Dog to the U.S. is not known but it is believed that this breed was brought by Finnish emigrants to the U.S.

The article offers information on the Icelandic Sheepdog, one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The features of Icelandic Sheepdog resemble that of the Norwegian Buhund and the Finnish Spitz. Brief history of the Icelandic Sheepdog is provided, including its introduction to the U.S. Characteristics of the Icelandic Sheepdog are described, along with its physical description and behavior.

Presents the schedule of dog conformation and performance events in the U.S. for June 2005. American Kennel Club Events Conformation; AKC Rally Trials; North American Dog Agility Council Events.

Presents a directory of national clubs of rare dog breeds in the U.S. as of September 2004. National American Pit Bull Terrier Association in Seattle, Washington; Chinese Foo Dog Club of America in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; New Singing Dog Club of America in Central Point, Oregon.

Presents information on the dog breed, Chinook. Appearance; Characteristics; Head; Neck.

The article analyzes a homemade diet for a three-year-old neutered male spaniel dog. The diet regimen comprises raw meat, skeletal meat, organ meat, fats, vegetables, as well as vitamins and minerals. The nutrient analysis of the diet instructions was compared to the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. The diet analysis suggested that the dog was taking excessive fat and calories. It is also noted that it was lacking sufficient calcium and phosphorous contents.

The article discusses how to condition performance dogs during winter. According to the author, one of the exercise options is indoor training where dogs can carry out agility program. She said indoor swimming also benefits canines. Advice on treadmills and walking regimen is also provided. The author added that food intake is reduced in winter time to prevent excess weight.

The article describes the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog breed. History on how this breed was developed is discussed. According to the article, early Indian settlers in the U.S. employ the Catahoula dogs for hunting because of their trailing and treeing skills. A bill was signed in 1979 to make this breed the state dog of Louisiana. Physical attributes of Catahoulas include a muscular body at a medium to medium-large size, at 50 to 75 pounds of weight. It notes that their scenting skills and stamina are useful for search-and-rescue work.

The article discusses the benefits of performing flat work or circle work to train a dog for competition. Off courses, loopy turns and knocked bars are some of the problems that dog handlers encounter during a show. Circle work allows a dog to learn the handler's body language achieving right timing on turns as well as on acceleration and deceleration, the author said. Tips on circle work are presented. INSET: Watch and Learn!.

The author discusses points to consider when entering a dog for a show or a tournament. The introduction of new grooming products has changed trimming styles, the author stated. He says that many exhibitors create a faulty coat and lose the correct structure for the dog. He advises owners to understand the standard requirements for presenting their dogs. Overbaiting should also be avoided and not to lose focus on the aspects of presentation, he adds.