Overview of Different Breeds of Dogs

There are over a hundred registered breeds of dogs. Recognizing the type of dog is basically associated with its breed. A purebred animal belongs to a documented and acknowledged group of unmixed lineage. Before a breed of dog is recognized, it must be proved that mating two adult dogs of the same type would have passed on their exact characteristics, both appearance and behavior, to their offspring.

If you are thinking of adopting or buying a pet dog for yourself, it is important to know which type of dog you want. Here are a few popular dog breeds for your easy reference:

Labrador
Labradors are very outgoing dogs that have yellow, black or brown furs. Labrador are versatile dogs that have a wide range of functions. Most of them are known to retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their furs are water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They are excellent as family dog.

German Shepherds
Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they were intended to help farmers in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their build they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community. Many are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most comes in cream, tank, white or black.

Boxer
Boxers have pointed ears that are tilted forward. They have a distinguishable white underbelly and white parts at the tip of each foot. These white regions are often called as ‘flashiness’ which sometimes extend to other parts of the body. These usually appear on the shoulders and face. Boxers are a playful and energetic breed. They are perfect as a pet for children because they have an extended puppyhood, meaning they are not considered as an adult dog until they reach the age of three. Training would not be a problem. Boxers are known to be obedient and possess a strong personality. It is advisable to train a boxer at an early age. They can sometimes be a substitute as guide dogs or police dogs.

Rotweiller
Rotweillers’ origin traced back to ancient times. Their existence has been associated with the Roman Empire as watchers for groups of cattle. Since then, their incredible strength and intelligence has been recognized. They are used as police dogs and military aides during war time. Rotweillers are black with tan spots on its cheeks, legs, chest and face. You should definitely find one too underneath their tails. They are marked with upside down triangles that can be found on the chest area. Their eyebrows have a unique spot on each one. Rotweillers are intelligent and fearless dogs. You can notice their foreheads getting a little wrinkly when they are alert. Rotties are very active and playful and are fast on learning tricks.

Poodle
Poodles can be a very good companion and are very loyal to their owners. They belong to a quiet breed of dogs that has a naturally curly fur. Their color ranges from black, grey, white, blue, apricot or brown. Training a poodle tends to require more effort compared to other breeds. They are considered as a hypoallergenic breed. They are very famous for their very nice coats. Maintenance proves to be a tedious job. Owners have to keep their hair in a manageable length so that matting and tangling is prevented.

Dachshund
Dachshunds are also referred to as sausage dogs because of their elongated build. They have short legs and pointed facial framework. Chasing and hunting are their favorite past times. Most dachshunds have crooked legs and chest compared to a barrel. Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that love to chase small animals like birds. Their senses are very keen and well-developed though they often exhibit shyness.

Beagle
Beagles have acquired a strong sense of smell. Because of such quality they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. They have big ears that are low set giving them that gentle look. Their furs are commonly white, black, brown or a combination of both. Beagles are known to be very good tempered. Training might prove to be a tricky task because these dogs are strong willed quite stubborn. Beagles travel in pack, being a pet dog might cause them to have anxiety.

Above is a simple overview of popular breed of dogs. In choosing a dog consider each breeds’ physical appearance, temperament and health issues. Of course, each dog should fit your lifestyle. Remember dogs should be given proper attention and care but in exchange you can have the best companion ever.

10 Tips To Help Keep Your Pets Acting “Civil” To Each Other

Put two or more people under the same roof, and tensions occasionally flare up. If two people can't always keep the lid on emotional outbreaks, why should pets be expected to do so? Naturally, your pets will have a spat periodically. After all, they are often the only ones that know what circumstances brought it about. If one animal appears to be in danger from another, breaking up the brawl may be necessary. If your canine house-mates get into a squabble, try some of these methods to separate the animals without risking your own life or limbs:

1. Reproductive drives can be a source of fighting, especially among males, so spaying or neutering your dogs will reduce outbreaks as a result of biological urges.

2. Proper introductions and training will go a long way in preventing fights before they start.

3. Water is one of the most effective and most harmless ways to separate two dogs that have locked horns. If the dogs are outside, squirt them with a hose. If indoors, squirt them with a squirt bottle or grab the nearest plastic container and fill it with water to douse the two.

4. Give your dogs their own food dishes, beds, and toys to discourage competition that may cause them to fight.

5. Forming a hierarchy is natural to dogs. To keep your dogs from fighting, respect the hierarchy. Feed the alpha (dominant) dog first and don't give the dogs lower on the hierarchy special attention or favors in order to keep the hierarchy stable.

6. Try grabbing the dogs' collars to pull them apart. If you can't get to the collar without risk of teeth marks in your hands, try another method.

7. Some behaviorists recommend grabbing one dog's legs and lifting them up and away from the other dog. Be careful not to yank or pull so hard as to tear a muscle or injure the dog's hips or legs.

8. Use a pepper spray product that is formulated for dogs. The product will get the two dogs to stop fighting before they injure each other. Caution: Do not spray into the dog's eyes!

9. Try maneuvering the dogs into a doorway and separate them with the door.

10. Lastly, adopting or purchasing a dog known to get along with another species will save you time and energy helping each adjust to the other. A dog exposed to cats and dogs some time in his past is more likely to get along with a newcomer brought into the home, assuming the exposure was a positive one. If you obtained your dog at a shelter, ask the shelter staff if they know anything about his history and whether he came from a home that had both dogs and cats. If you purchase your dog from a breeder, inquire what other kinds of pets the breeder has.