Archive for December, 2009
Eye And Heart Disease
Posted by: | CommentsEye disease is very common with Golden Retrievers. Most Golden's will generally have hereditary cataracts, which is a common eye problem. At an early age, with affected Golden's, one type of hereditary cataract will appear. Even though it may not cause interference with the vision of the Golden Retriever, some dogs will progress into total and quite possibly severe loss of vision.
Sometimes, Golden Retrievers can get affected by non hereditary cataracts, although an examination by a board certified veterinarian can determine just how bad the cataracts really are. If cataracts are indeed suspected with a Golden Retriever, then breeding won't be recommended. Breeding a Golden who has this condition can lead to serious problems, such as passing it on to the pups.
Several families of the Golden Retriever breed have been known to carry genes for CPRA (Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which affects the retina, and can result in permanent blindness for Golden's at a young age. There are other types of eye defects as well, such as retinal dysplasia, which prevents a Golden from breeding.
Trouble with both the eyelid and eyelashes are also a possibility with Golden Retrievers, with some being the result of hereditary factors. The eyelids rotating in or out, or the eyelashes rubbing on or in the eye are both common problems with the breed. Even though surgery can help to fix these types of problems, dogs that are experiencing this type of problem shouldn't be allowed to breed nor compete in shows under any type of AKC rules.
You should always have your Golden Retriever checked annually for eye disease, as it can develop during any age. When you take your Golden to have him examined for eye disease, you should have a veterinary ophthalmologist do the exam. He has all of the necessary equipment, and the proper training needed to make sure that your dog gets the best examination possible.
Heart disease
SAS (Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis) is the most common and widespread form of heart disease within the entire Golden Retriever species. Before you breed your Golden Retriever, you should always have him examined for heart disease by a certified veterinary cardiologist. If the cardiologist detects a heart murmur, he will recommend additional tests for your dog.
In the event that the results prove negative, it doesn't necessarily rule heart disease out, as some milder forms may still be present, although undetectable. If a Golden Retriever is diagnosed to have any type of heart disease, he should not breed. Breeding Golden Retrievers who have heart disease can lead to serious and sometimes fatal results. To be on the safe side, you should always have your Golden tested for his disease before you plan on breeding.
Greyhound Dog Breed
Posted by: | CommentsGreyhound dogs and all similar-type dog breeds have been depicted since the early ancient times throughout Greece, Egypt, and Rome. The Greyhound is a member of the sighthound family. In fact, the first type of dogs that were specifically bred by humans were called the Sighthound. Sighthounds were created in order to chase and outrun game, ultimately catching it through speed and agility.
The name "Greyhound" is said to have come from either the Greek word Graius or the Latin gradus, which denotes high grade. When the times of Saxon had been reached, Greyhounds were very popular and well established throughout Britain. They were valuable to both commoners and the rich. Commoners used them to hunt and put food on the table while the upper class enjoyed them for the sport of chase.
The Forest Laws of 1014 ruled that only the nobility could own and maintain Greyhounds. These laws were in effect for nearly 400 years and although the ruling was changed, Greyhounds still remained as dogs of nobility even though they were not functional anymore for chasing game because of the growing practice of agriculture and alternative food sources becoming available to the people.
Soon enough, sport of chasing hare became the sole activity of the Greyhound, especially with the upper class during the 1800s. Throughout the early 1900s and into the late 1920s, these dogs were enjoyed by people who watched them race at the tracks.
When racing parks started to install a mechanical lure to watch the Greyhounds race at lightening speed after it, this dog's destiny was sealed. Soon enough, many greyhounds were bred specifically for speed to win these races. This sport continues to this day.
Greyhounds also were entered into dog show competitions and were officially recognized by the AKC in 18ȵ. Greyhounds were then specifically bred for either dog shows or racing. There is even an organization called the National Greyhound Association (NGA) which helps register thousands of Greyhound dogs every year.
Personality
Considering that this dog was specifically bred for racing, you might think that the Greyhound would be a constant wired ball of energy. Ironically, this animal is very calm and laid-back. They have great manners and generally get along with other dogs and pets. However, once he is outside, watch out, our Greyhound is likely to chase anything that moves. These dogs are very independent and moderately playful.
Taking Care Of Your Greyhound
Upkeep of the Greyhound means plenty of daily exercise. Brisk walks are great, but this dog needs to sprint! They absolutely love to be outdoors running around and chasing things. Danger is easily found when Greyhounds are allowed to run free in areas that may prove to cause injury. To counter this, always take your dog outside in the country where there is little chance of getting hit by a vehicle or some other source. As far as grooming is concerned, very little is needed due to the short-haired coat Greyhounds have.
Health Information
Greyhounds have a life span of up to 14 years, with 11 to 12 being the average. There are absolutely no major health concerns to worry about, however, there are some minor issues which include osteosarcoma, esophageal achalasia, and gastric torsion. Due to their genetic disposition to sprint and run at high speeds, common racing injuries may occur, such as toe and hock problems.
Are most reputable dog breeders more comfortable selling their puppies locally?
Posted by: | CommentsSure seems like that. It seems that many reputable dog breeders (especially women dog breeders) are very suspicious of out-of-state buyers, but are much more trusting of in-state buyers. Why is that?
Men dog breeders usually don't seem to be quite as suspicious of out-of-state buyers, and usually seem more reasonable and logical about selling their puppies. Why is that?
Opinions?
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Working Group)
Posted by: | CommentsThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an absolute teddy bear. Full of love and affection that makes the perfect house pet, this dog is ideal for families that not only want a dog that can be trusted around children, but also one that makes an imposing watchdog. They are a sensitive breed, extremely loyal to its owners, and gentle with other pets in the home.
A Brief History Of The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Switzerland is the original area of origin for this breed and the first function of the dogs were used as guardians and draft dogs. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is said to be the largest and oldest of the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs in existence. The other three are the Bernese, Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher.
One theory of the breed's bloodline is that they were derived from Molossian dogs or the Mastiff, which were used when the Romans crossed over into Switzerland during the Ancient times. Other researchers claim that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog came from the Phoenicians when they brought them into Spain sometime during 1000 B.C.
Regardless of the specific truth behind the dog's bloodline, we have watched them spread throughout Europe in great numbers to become interbred with various native dogs. Eventually, they developed through independent lines and small communities, still remaining excellent guard dogs, draft dogs, and herders.
All of these dogs were known as "Metzgerhunde Dogs" and shared common physical appearances. Therefore, they were assumed to be the same breed type. Up until the latter part of the 1800s did these dogs become separated into four distinct types by the research of Professor A. Heim. He noticed that there were more specific differences in these dogs than what was assumed.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was finally claimed as its own breed in 1908 but it took some time for them to become popular, especially with the disaster of two World Wars. In 1968, the breed made its way to the United States and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1985 as a member of the Miscellaneous Class, then onto the Working Group in 1995.
Upkeep Requirements For The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
As a member of the Working Group, this breed thrives on roaming the great outdoors in search of something to do, particularly in colder climates. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs need plenty of daily exercise which can be met by a vew brisk walks on the leash or long hikes through nature's trails.
If need be, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can live outside, as they have a high tolerance for cold temperatures, but like all pets that thrive on human companionship, it is best for them to sleep inside with the family at night. Grooming requirements consist of only a once-a-week brushing. When shedding, a daily brushing is best.
Health Concerns
The average life span of a healthy Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is between ten and twelve years. The only major health problem that runs common in the breed is CHD. Minor issues include seizures, panosteitis, gastric torsion, female urinary incontinence, shoulder OCD, distichiasis, and splenic torsion.
Where can I find a list of reputable dog breeders in Florida?
Posted by: | CommentsAnd do most breeders have a problem selling to a customer that owns a puppy or pet store. I'm just in the beginning process of all of this, but I am doing it in the spirit of a loved one that passed that was a dog lover. She left me an inheritance and specified that she would like it if I chose a business having to do with dogs and animals.
Great Pyrenees (Working Group)
Posted by: | CommentsThe Great Pyrenees is one of the largest members of the Working Group. An imposing animal, one that was bred to be a guardian, is highly devoted to its family and very suspicious of unknown strangers, both human and animal. So long as the Great Pyrenees is not provoked it remains a calm, loving, and very well-mannered canine. Only strong minded, dominant owners should raise one of these dogs.
A Brief History Of The Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees dogs originated from France. It's function was to guard sheep. Researchers suggest that the breed descended from an original flock of guard dogs. These dogs were all white, from Asia Minor, some 10,000 years B.C.
Nomadic shepherds migrated to the Pyrenees Mountains sometime around 3,000 B.C., bringing their guarding dogs with them, thus creating the basis of today's Great Pyrenees. These dogs maintained themselves as superb livestock guardians for centuries to come.
Just before the end of the 1600s, the breed became a favorite among the French Nobility and were heavily requested in the court of Louis XIV. In 1675, Louis XIV publicly announced that this dog was to be known as the Royal Dog of France. It was at this same time that the dogs arrived in Newfoundland.
In 1824, the first Pyrenees is documented to have arrived in the United States by General Lafayette. However, over the next 75 years the breed had lost all popularity in France and could only be found working as useful guardians in small, isolated areas. Interest in the breed remained low and they had all but became instinct in England.
Sometimes in early 1930s, enthusiasts of the Great Pyrenees started a heavy breeding program, importing hundreds of dogs to the United States. In 1933, the AKC officially recognized the breed which helped boost the dog's popularity with new owners.
Upkeep Requirements For The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees must have plenty of daily exercise to keep in shape. However, these needs are not excessive and can easily be met with a few brisk walks on the leash. They absolutely love to hike so if you live in an area with nature trails or hills, you have the ideal setting for raising this dog.
This breed can live outside if need be, especially in cold temperatures. However, they are not suited to withstanding hot weather. When sleeping it is best to keep them inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing, once per week - daily during shedding season. Great Pyrenees dogs also have a habit of drooling.
Health Concerns
The average life span of a Great Pyrenees dog is between ten and twelve years. Major health problems that run common in the breed are patellar luxation and CHD. Minor issues include panosteitis, OCD, osteosarcoma, chondrodysplasia, entropion, skin problems, and cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get tested for potential eye, knee, and hip problems.
What would you consider aggressive behavior from a dog?
Posted by: | CommentsMy dog loves going to the off-leash dog park but one of the park rules is that any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior should be removed immediately. What exactly is considered aggressive behavior?
My dog runs up to other dogs while making growly noises with no teeth bared and then trying to make the other dogs run with him and chase him. Sometimes other dogs initiate play with him and he runs with them while growling. Is this considered aggressive behavior? I just need to know where exactly to draw the line.
Bluebell: He's a 2-year-old German Shepherd mix.
City Dogs & Their Wastes
Posted by: | CommentsMany urban areas are experiencing a new and profound concern with the increasing accumulations of dog litter in the city streets. With the huge concentration of dogs in metropolitan areas, whether as household pets or guard dogs, the city is experiencing a comparable increase in waste materials dotting the already run-down urban landscape.
Concern over environmental pollution in general is also on the rise. Many citizens and some media reporters have made a sensation over dog litter, claiming that every disease from the common cold to bubonic plague comes directly from dog litter. Some people have gone overboard by attempting to agitate parents with such slogans as "children before dogs."
Fairly speaking, dog litter presents few problems of medical concern to the average citizen residing in large city areas. The more serious health hazard is, of course, to other dogs and not to humans. Diseases such as hepatitis and distemper are passed from infected dogs to healthy ones through saliva and urine, while internal parasites are transmitted through the stool of infected dogs.
However, for a human to contract any disease from dogs would require that he walk the street barefooted or physically ingest dog waste or fleas which is, of course, highly unlikely. The argument of the "children before dogs" group is that children will unwittingly eat dog fleas and stool. We assume that parents would not let their young children to play unattended on public streets, parks and pavements; and when they are old enough to play unattended, they have been taught the basics of cleanliness and hygiene.
More likely to be of significant danger to human health is contamination of food by roaches, rats, and the common housefly, none of which seems to be exciting enough for these same people who are so concerned with dog litter.
But regardless of who's judging who, most people agree that dog litter does present an awful smell and unsightly pollution of our environment in an area that can hardly afford it. Every dog owner is responsible for the mess created by his dog. Whether it is a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, each dog does his share in contaminating natural resources and infuriating pedestrians.
It is puzzling that dog owners who are fortunate enough to have a backyard have no difficulty keeping it clean of dog waste; but these same owners will walk their dog out the front door and allow her to pollute the public street, which is basically everyone's' front yard.
Animal lovers have a sensitivity to nature and animals that is not known to people who have never loved a pet. But the love and sensitivity must go beyond our pets and encompass our human neighbors. We cannot ignore the rights and privileges of other people. Our dogs are our responsibility and we have no right to inflict them on others.
If we all clean up after our pets, we will be contributing to a substantially cleaner, more pleasant environment. It is up to us to preserve decent cities to our pets as well as for ourselves and our neighbors.
Can my dog travel in cabin of plane with me?
Posted by: | CommentsI have a smaller sized cocker spaniel. She is 19 lbs and measures from the neck to the base of tail 18 inches. Is she small enough to put in a carrier under the seat in the cabin of a plane and if so what size carrier would be right for her size?
Great Dane Dog Breed
Posted by: | CommentsAlways an amazing sight to see, the Great Dane is a very large dog that is said to be the result of the Greyhound and the ancient Molossus war dog. These ancestors helped the Great Dane to be a fearless hunter of big game. By the 14th century, these dogs were widely known for their agility and strength to hunt down wild boar. They proved to have the speed, courage, strength, and stamina to take down these tough, large animals.
Eventually the Great Dane became very popular with the landed gentry because of their hunting ability, combined with its graceful, yet intimidating appearance. These were noble dogs that made the perfect addition to any upper-class family.
The early name for this dog was actually referred to as "German Boarhounds" by the local British people. When and why the name Great Dane came to define these dogs is unknown and remains a mystery.
Interestingly enough, you would assume that it's homeland would be with the Danish because of its name. However, it is actually a German breed which, in 1880, the German authorities tried to officially claimed its name as the Deutsche Dogge. However, this name did not stick and by the time these dogs arrived in America during the late 1800s, the name "Great Dane" has been the official name ever since.
Personality
The temperament of the Great Dane is a combination of dependability, friendliness, and courage. They are generally very friendly towards other household pets, humans, and even children. However, with small kids this dog is typically a bit intimidating. As with any dog, the Great Dane should be supervised when around your young ones.
Taking Care Of Your Great Dane
Upkeep for the Great Dane does not take much; daily moderate exercise in the form of a brisk walk two to three times per day is adequate. Many people assume that because of its large sturdy appearance, Great Danes can live outdoors. But the truth is that it is not suited for outdoor living at all. The best thing to do is to split the dog's time up between staying outside during the day and inside at night. Care for its coat is minimal, requiring only the occasional brushing. Also, many Great Danes tend to drool often.
Health Information
Great Danes are generally very healthy with minimal health issues that show up. Major health problems often seen are osteosarcoma, gastric portion, and cardiomyopathy. Minor issues include OCD, hypothyroidism, CHD, HOD, and Wobbler's syndrome (known as CVI). Because of its large size, the lifespan of the average Great Dane is between 7 and 10 years.
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
