PET BLOGS http://blog.the-petz.com Dogs,Cats.... Sun, 27 May 2007 12:21:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 en CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:41:34 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/ cavalier-king-charles-spani.jpg

BREED: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: This dog existed in the sixteenth century but was discovered not to look the same as the the dog in the tapestries of old, in the early twentieth century. British breeders then recreated the ancient toy spaniel by crossing the King Charles Spaniel with Pekingese and Pug to establish the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which was officially recognized in 1945.
DESCRIPTION: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long coat of black and tan or white, black and red or rich red or white and red, silky hair. The coat is not curly but may have a slight wave. There is feathering in the tail, legs, feet, ears and chest. It measures 25 to 34cm high and weighs from 5 to 9kg. It has long ears hanging on the side of the face.
CHARACTER: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is best suited for a pampered indoor life. They are extroverts, can be quite spirited and vocal. The Cavalier prefers to be with their family or other dogs. Although this breed is gentle and affectionate, they do not have patience for unruly children. This breed is a true companion and lap dog. They are gentle, and agile. This breed loves to swim and is a natural retriever.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mats easily and must be brushed weekly. Special attention must be given to the hair behind the ears. They have a tendency to develop heart abnormalities early in life. It is extremely important to have regular veterinary examinations. They are also prone to allergies, deafness, cataracts, and diabetes.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/feed/ GOLDEN RETRIEVER http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/golden-retriever/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/golden-retriever/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:39:18 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/golden-retriever/ golden-retriever-1.jpg

BREED: Golden Retriever
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: It is believed that the Golden Retriever is a descendent of the Labrador, improved by in breeding with yellow flat coated Retrievers from Newfoundland and with Scottish water Spaniels, or that it originated from cross breeding the Bloodhound with Russian Yellow Retrievers used in Scotland for retrieving wounded game. The breed was stabilized in England in the nineteenth century. Priory used for hunting in waterfowl it is now also a very popular pet.
DESCRIPTION: Large dogs. They weight between 25 and 31kg and stand 51 to 61cm high. The double coat is long and slightly wavy, with feathering on the tail and legs. Colours include shades of cream and gold. Red and mahogany is not acceptable.
CHARACTER: Active and vigorous, the Golden is an excellent retriever both in thickets and water. A good tracker but less methodical than the Labrador. Not being aggressive, he rarely barks and is not a good watchdog. They are calm, even tempered and very intelligent. They are always patient and gentle with children and very good with other pets. They make very loyal companions. Can be used as hunting dogs, guide dogs, for wreckage search drug detection as well as pets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The Retriever is a heavy shedder and can not be kept in an apartment as they are very active and need lots of exercise. They are prone to hip dysplacia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It diet is very important, as they have a tendency to gain weight.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/golden-retriever/feed/ MALTESE http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/maltese/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/maltese/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:37:06 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/maltese/ BREED: Maltese
ORIGIN: Central Mediterranean basin, Italy
HISTORY: Even though this breed is named after the island of Malta there is no proof that the breed is native to this island. It is a very ancient breed and this or a similar dog existed in ancient Egypt and Greece and later in Rome. In the time of Queen Elizabeth I it was a favourite of the royal court. It’s ancestors hunted rodents in maritime cities in central Mediterranean. The ancient Greek geographer Stravon, wrote that dogs called “canes meliteris” were exported from the Sicilian city of Melita.
DESCRIPTION: These small dogs stand 20 to 25cm high and weigh between 3 an 4kg. The pure white coat is very long on the whole body, completely straight and lacks an undercoat. Ears hang straight against the sides of the head.
CHARACTER: The Maltese is a joyful, trusting, intelligent and obedient pet. They are loyal and commit themselves completely to their owner and family. They may be over-protective and bark or bite if they perceive a threat. They are tolerant of other pets, and suitable for considerate children. They are good natured and love to be held and cuddled. The Maltese does not need extensive obedience training, as they are naturally obedient.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A MALTESE: It may be difficult to housebreak them, so crate training is recommended. The long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting. They need to be bathed on a regular basis. Their eyes need daily cleaning to prevent staining. It is also important to keep their ears clean to prevent infections. They may be prone to respiratory problems, eye problems and skin disorders. The Maltese do not do well in very hot climates or damp conditions. They may suffer from indigestion and therefore be finicky eaters.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/maltese/feed/ DOBERMAN http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/doberman/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/doberman/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:34:48 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/doberman/ BREED: Doberman
ORIGIN: Germany
HISTORY: Originating in Germany during the 1860s, the Doberman was used as a personal guardian and watchdog, vermin eradicator, sheep herder, and gun-dog. Developed by Louis Dobermann, this breed is one of a few to be named after an actual person. This noble and proud breed served heroically during both World Wars and is the official combat dog of the United States Marine Corps.
DESCRIPTION: This square bodied, medium sized dog is compactly built, muscular and powerful. It stands 63 to 72cm high and weighs from 32 to 45kg. It’s short smooth coat can be black, red, blue or fawn (Isabella), with sharply defined rust markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, legs and feet, and below the tail.
CHARACTER: This is not everyone’s dog. He requires an owner who is fair, calm and authoritative. The owner has to assert himself with gentle patience. This dog is devoted to his owner and blindly loyal and obedient. A born guardian he is very wary of strangers. He is energetic, alert, fearless and determined. The Doberman thrives on human companionship and stimulation. They are exceedingly loyal and protective of their family and home. This breed does best with older, well-behaved, and considerate children. They do not typically get along well with other household pets. This people oriented breed may closely bond to one particular family member. The Doberman requires constant attention and does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or is in a career oriented family. They are not recommended for the novice, inexperienced, or sedentary owner.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A DOBERMAN: These dogs are very active and need to be kept in a spacious yard and be exercised regularly to burn off energy. They need regular brushing.
Doberman require minimal grooming. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent early tooth loss. The Doberman is prone to Wobbler syndrome, Von Willebrands disease, bloat, hip dysplacia, and congenital heart disorders. They do not do well in cold climates.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/doberman/feed/ DOGO ARGENTINO http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dogo-argentino/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dogo-argentino/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:32:07 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dogo-argentino/ BREED: Dogo Argentino
ORIGIN: Argentina
HISTORY: in the 1920’s Antonio Martinez developed a breed that was a good pack hunter and guardian, as well as a trustworthy family dog. He used the now extinct mastiff-type, called the Dog of Cordoba. He crossed it with various breeds such as the Great Dane, Boxer, Bulldog, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, etc. The result did not only satisfy Dr. Martinez’s need for a good big game hunter and watch dog that can be trusted with the family but it also proved its worth as a guide dog and in military and police work.
DESCRIPTION: This muscular, graceful dog of mastiff stock’s stands between 57 and 69cm high and weighs between 36 and 50kg. The short, thick, glossy coat should be all white in colour. The triangular ears are carried erect or semi erect. It’s build is powerful and bulky, with a strong curved neck and deep full chest. It’s back is solid. It has a thick tail hanging straight down.
CHARACTER: This is a robust, active, agile dog. It is energetic, courage’s and indeed fearsome when defending it’s owner or his owner’s property. It is calm, peaceful, affectionate and docile, it rarely barks. It is a sociably dog and needs to stay close to it’s owner. This dog is aggressive towards other dogs. Firm, gentle training is required for this large but sensitive breed.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A DOGO ARGENTINO: These dog are not suited for life in an apartment. The need plenty of exercise and should be walked at least twice daily. Should be out of doors as much as possible. Regular brushing is necessary. Eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid streaking.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dogo-argentino/feed/ DALMATIAN http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dalmatian/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dalmatian/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:29:36 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dalmatian/ BREED: Dalmatian
ORIGIN: Central Mediterranean Basin
HISTORY: Believed to originate from the Mediterranean region he was thus named either because his birthplace was Dalmatia or because he was used in this region during the Balkan war. The Dalmatian was popular at the Vatican during the seventeenth century and kept by English aristocracy in the eighteenth century. In America this breed was adopted by firemen as their mascot. In 1961 they played the leading role in Walt Disney’s film “101 Dalmatians” which made them even more popular.
DESCRIPTION: This medium sized dog stands 54 to 61cm high and weighs from 24 to 27kg. It’s typical white coat is spotted with round, well defined, well distributed black spots in the black variety and liver brown spots in the brown variety. Spots on the body should be slightly bigger than on the head, tail and extremities.
CHARACTER: The Dalmatian is a very social dog and thrives on human companionship. They are sensitive and should not be left alone for extended periods of time. If they become lonely or bored they become depressed and destructive. The Dalmatian is not recommended for homes with small children due to their exuberant nature. They will get along with pets they have been raised with, but display aggression to strange dogs. This breed is aloof with strangers and makes excellent watchdogs, only barking when absolutely necessary. They have the ability to work as vermin hunters, hounds, guard dogs, as well as being a loyal companion.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A DALMATIAN: This breed cannot manage in extreme weather conditions. They are prone to fungi from moist grass and soil. Health issues that affect this breed are deafness, bladder and kidney stones, skin and food allergies, and hip dysplacia.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/dalmatian/feed/ BELGIAN SHEPHERD (Groenendeal) http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/belgian-shepherd-groenendeal/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/belgian-shepherd-groenendeal/#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 10:26:26 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/belgian-shepherd-groenendeal/ BREED: Belgian Shepherd (Groenendeal)
ORIGIN: Belgium
HISTORY: The name Belgian Shepherd can refer to any of the following four dogs. The Groenendeal, the Tervuren, the Malinois and the Laenkenois. In some countries they are considered four different coat varieties of the same breed. The Groenendeal was developed by Nicholas Rose, a breeder from the village Groenendeal in Belgium. This dog has been used as a herder, for police work, in wars, in drug detection, in search and rescue and as a family companion and guardian. Today the Groenendeal and Tervuren are mostly used as companions and the Laekenois and Malinois as guard dogs.
DESCRIPTION: All four variations are of the same general size and temperament but their coats differ. The elegant Groenendeal is a muscular black dog, solid but not heavy. It is agile and carries itself proudly. They stand between 56 and 64cm high and weigh between 20 and 30kg, males being bigger than females. The profuse double coat is black with small white markings on the chest, chins or toes permissible. The triangular ears are carried erect.
CHARACTER: This breed is intelligent, loyal and quietly affectionate. They are dominant and brave by nature. The owners authority should be established immediately to make it possible to live with this breed. Once you have established your dominance they are incredibly loyal and obedient. They are wary of strangers and very protective, which makes them good guard dogs. They are good with children if introduced at an early age. They need to spend time with their family every day and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BELGIAN SHEPHERD: The Groenendeal is a strong healthy dog but can be prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplacia, progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy has occurred. They are heavy shedders and need regular brushing. They are very active and just walking will not keep them happy and stimulated. As they tend to be dominant, profess
Ional training is recommended.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/27/belgian-shepherd-groenendeal/feed/ GERMAN SHEPHERD http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/german-shepherd/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/german-shepherd/#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 14:43:11 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/german-shepherd/ german-shepherd-web2.png

BREED:German Shepherd.
ORIGIN:Germany.
HISTORY: At the end of the 19th century, selective breading of German Sheepdog varieties from central and southern Germany and introducing Collie bloodlines, in order to create a very capable, working dog resulted in the modern day German Shepherd. The German Shepherd has become one of the most widely recognized breeds in the world. During WW I, the German Shepherd proved its worth, sniffing out war gas, standing sentry, and helping in search-and-rescue. Archetype of the working dog, the German Shepherd is today the number one breed in the world thanks to its beauty and adaptability. This breed has the distinction of being the firs dog ever used as a guide for the blind. Today the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world
DESCRIPTION: Being one of the large breeds this dog stands between 55 and 65cm high and weighs between 22 and 40kg. Females tend to be smaller than males. The wedge shaped head carries erect, pointed ears. The long bushy tail hangs with a slight curve. The double coat with undercoat is thick, straight and harsh. Colours are black with reddish brown, brown, tan, or light gray markings.
CHARACTER: The German Shepherd is a breed of classic beauty and possesses superior intelligence. They are highly adaptable, energetic, curious, strong, and dependable. This breed displays a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile with great stamina and endurance. They are fearless, bold and alert. They are loyal and devoted to the members of their family. Though they thrive on human interaction they are very wary of strangers. They make very good companions and guard dogs.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A GERMAN SHEPHERD : German Shepherds require early intensive and extensive training. They also require strenuous exercise. They are prone to blood disorders, elbow and hip dyspladia, epilepsy, digestive problems, and chronic eczema. They can adapt to apartment dwelling but does better when they have space to roam and are happiest when given a job to do.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/german-shepherd/feed/ ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-cocker-spaniel/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-cocker-spaniel/#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 14:42:56 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-cocker-spaniel/

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BREED: English Cocker Spaniel.
ORIGIN:Great Britain.
HISTORY:The English Cocker Spaniel is descended from the spaniel that inhabited Great Britain since the fourteenth century and was used for netting game birds. The English Cocker Spaniel was developed by British breeders. In the eighteenth century, he was used on woodcock. A splash of English toy spaniel was added, and the new breed was officially recognized in 1883. Today, this very popular breed, the best known and most common of the spaniels, is considered a model pet.
DESCRIPTION: These dogs are medium in size standing between 38 and 41cm high and weighing between 12 and 15kg. The coat is flat and silky, not to thick and never curly but feathering on legs, tail and body. Colours can be solid black, liver or red or party-coloured combinations of white with black, liver or red markings or ticking. On solid colours white is only allowed on the chest. Most common is a solid gold colour. Ears are long and floppy.
CHARACTER: The English Cocker Spaniel is sensitive, intelligent, affectionate, and easygoing. They are joyful, entertaining active friends to all people. If handled with gentle respect they are willing learners. Very good with other dogs and pets, patient with children.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL : Needs regular brushing. Grooming 2 or 3 times per year to keep coat in good condition. Ears should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Requires daily walks.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-cocker-spaniel/feed/ CHOW CHOW http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chow-chow/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chow-chow/#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 14:42:29 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chow-chow/ chow-chow-web-2.png

BREED: Chow Chow.
ORIGIN: China.
HISTORY: The Chow Chow,a hunting dog in its native land, has been popular in
China for more than two thousand years. The Huns, Mongols, and Tartars used the breed in war, for hunting, and as a draft and guard dog. This furry dog was sometimes eaten (chow means food), and its fur was used for clothing. The breed first appeared in Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century, when Queen Victoria was given a magnificent specimen. Selective breeding began in England in 1887 in an attempt to develop a more sociable Chow. This breed is now considered a luxury pet.
DESCRIPTION: These dogs are medium in size standing between 46 and 56cm high and weighing between 18 and 25kg.The Chow Chow has an abundant and profuse double coat. The fur is particularly thick around the neck area and resembles a lion’s mane. The outer coat is coarse and is supported by a dense under coat. The most common coat colours are red, black, blue, tan, and gray. They are never parti-coloured. They have the unique characteristic of a blue-black tongue
CHARACTER: The Chow Chow is mostly polite and patient. They are very loyal and friendly with their family, but reserved with strangers. They most often will become attached and overly protective of one particular member of the family. They are bossy, serious, and obstinate. The Chow Chow is a very dominant breed that requires a dominant owner. They are stubborn and have a mind of their own. They are not good with other pets unless they have been raised with them from an early age. They get along well with older children.  They require fairness, firmness and consistency. They will become aggressive if treated with disrespect. The Chow is highly talented as a watchdog or guard dog.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A CHOW CHOW: The Chow requires daily brushing. Proper grooming is essential to keep their coat in good conditionThey are prone to heat stroke, allergies, skin problems, and hip dysplacia. They have a very low tolerance to anaesthesia. It does not do well in warm climates.
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]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chow-chow/feed/ BULL TERRIER http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/bull-terrier/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/bull-terrier/#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 12:15:49 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/bull-terrier/ bull-terrier-web-2.png

BREED: Bull Terrier.
ORIGIN: Great Britain.
HISTORY:The Bull Terrier was bred from crosses of Bulldogs with terriers to create the “gladiator of the dog race”. The new breed was first used for bull-baiting then for dog fighting. In 1835, these practices were outlawed. The Bull Terrier’s silhouette was refined in the second half of the nineteenth century and a white variety was selectively bred, giving birth to the modern breed. DESCRIPTION: The Bull Terrier has a thick-set, muscular body with a triangular head, described as egg shaped. There being no set size they can weigh between 15 and 36kg and stand between 40 and 56cm high. The short dense coat can be white, any other colour or white with any colour markings. Blue and liver are not desirable.
CHARACTER: They are courageous, intelligent and friendly. They have enormous strength and should be kept active both in mind and body. Their strong jaws can cause destruction if bored. They are very good companions for children as they can take lots of abuse and are protective of children put in their charge. Make good guard dogs though they do not bark often.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BULL TERRIER: All puppies should be tested for deafness. This condition is most common in pure white dogs. They are prone to umbilical hernias and acne.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/bull-terrier/feed/ CHIHUAHUA http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chihuahua/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chihuahua/#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 12:14:57 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chihuahua/ chihuahua-web-2.png

BREED:Chihuahua.
ORIGIN: Mexico.
HISTORY:The Chihuahua’s origin is uncertain. He might have been brought to Mexico by the Chinese; yet it is more likely that he descended from various Aztec ancestors, including the Techichi. The Chihuahua was a favourite sacred animal of the Aztecs, who ate the dogs as holy food and sacrificed them to the gods. The Chihuahua also brought good luck to the home. Several specimens are thought to have been brought to Spain during the Spanish conquest. The Chihuahua was first bred in the United States in the nineteenth century. The breed soon became highly prized. He arrived in
Europe after World War II. He is still not very well-known in France, but his numbers are growing. It is the oldest breed in America.
DESCRIPTION: Chihuahua is the smallest of all breeds. It stands 16 to 20cm heigh and weighs between 0,9 and 3,5kg but a weight of between 1 and 2kg is preferred. It has a tiny fine boned body with a “apple dome” shaped head and large erect ears. They come in two varieties, smooth and long coat. The smooth coat has shiny, soft hair, scanty on the head and ears. The long coat has longer, soft hair that is slightly curly. A variety of coat colours such as fawn, white, brown and black. Colours may be solid or splashed even tricoloured.
CHARACTER:They each have their own unique personality. They are graceful, energetic, and display a human-like expression. These tiny companions are deeply devoted and fiercely loyal.  They are bold, fearless and highly protective of their masters. They thrive on attention. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. This breed is not well suited for children of other pets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A CHIHUAHUA: They are prone to eye problems, and heart disease. The Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when taken outside.They are difficult to train and need patience and consistency. Early, extensive, and intensive socialization is an absolute must for this breed.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/chihuahua/feed/ ENGLISH BULLDOG http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-bulldog/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-bulldog/#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 09:56:13 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-bulldog/ english-bullodog-web-2.png

BREED: English Bulldog
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: The Bulldog is descended from ancient Asian Mastiffs, combat dogs that were introduced in Great Britain by early Phoenician navigators. The bulldog was used for bull-baiting and also to fight other vicious carnivores such as bears and lions. Organized dog fights were also the rule of the day. In 1835, the cruel practice of bull-baiting was outlawed in England. After this pure bred Bulldogs became rare. Selective breeding since that time has turned the Bulldog into a loving family pet.
DESCRIPTION: A stocky dog on short, bandy legs with a huge head, flat face with protruding lower jaw and loose wrinkled skin. Weighs between 22 and 25kg,standing 30 to 40cm high. The coat of the Bulldog is close, straight, short, glossy, and smooth. The colour of the coat comes in solid white, red brindle, solid red, fawn, tan, or any of these on a white background.
CHARACTER: Despite his vicious appearance he has a gentle, loving, excellent nature. He is hardy and courageous and makes a good companion for children. Forms a strong bond with it’s owner.Has a passive demeanor and depend on human contact for happiness and wellbeing. Gets along with other pets they have been raised with but can be rude and try to bully strange dogs. They are very possessive of their food and should not be fed in the presence of other dogs of small children. Having a tendency to be hardheaded and stubborn training should be done with firm fairness and patient consistency.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING AN ENGLISH BULLDOG: It’s short coat only needs the occasional brushing but the wrinkled skin should be taken care of often to avoid skin problems and the face should be cleaned daily due to excessive drooling. They are prone to breathing problems, skin infections, poor eyesight, hip and knee problems. They have a low tolerance for bad weather and suffer from heatstroke if not watch closely.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/12/english-bulldog/feed/ BOXER http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/boxer/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/boxer/#comments Fri, 11 May 2007 14:51:40 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/boxer/

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BREED: Boxer
ORIGIN: Germany
HISTORY: The German Bullenbeiser was crossed with the English bulldog in the late nineteenth century to create the Boxer. These dogs were used by the German army in the first world war. These intelligent, well natured dogs are now mostly companion and watch dogs.
DESCRIPTION: A stocky, medium sized dog with a strong jaw. Coat is short and shiny, ranging in colour from light fawn to tan and brindle with or without white markings on chest and feet. The mask is black
CHARACTER: The Boxer is an energetic, well balanced dog. It has a clam, friendly disposition, is loyal and protective of its family. Demonstrates fearless courage in his roll as protector and guard.Forms a strong bond with his family and remains loyal at all costs. They are very alert and have a keen sense of hearing which makes them very good guard dogs. Boxers love children and are good with other pets they have been raised with
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BOXER: That the short coat needs little grooming. Occasional brushing is sufficient and bathing only when necessary, in protection of natural skin oils. The Boxer is typically clean and will groom itself. They may be prone to tumors, skin problems, allergies and epilepsy. A good, balanced diet is vital for their sensitive stomachs. The Boxers short thin coat does not protect it from cold.

]]> http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/boxer/feed/ BICHON FRISE http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/bichon-frise/ http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/bichon-frise/#comments Fri, 11 May 2007 14:38:54 +0000 http://blog.the-petz.com/2007/05/11/bichon-frise/ bichon-frise-web-2.png

BREED: Bichon Frise
ORIGIN: France, Belgium
HISTORY This breed was developed during the Italian renaissance by crossing the Maltese with other small Barbets and Poodles. It was introduced to France during the reign of king Francois I and became very popular during the reign of King Henry the III seeing that it was the Kings favorite breed.
DESCRIPTION: A small dog weighing between 2,5 and 3kg it stands 25 to 30cm high. Its coat is curly soft and all white. Ears are pendulous and carried slightly forward. It has a long neck which is carried proudly.
CHARACTER: A merry, adaptable, intelligent pet with a very gentle disposition. They are highly social and at their happiest as a member of the family. They thrive on human contact and make adorable pets. Being very social they get on well with other pets and are very good with children. They do not like to be left alone. They make good watchdogs and will alert owners to visitors and intruders.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A BICHON FRISE:That this breed is considered a high maintained pet. Its coat mats easily, therefore needs daily brushing and regular professional grooming to look it’s best. Though very intelligent they do not house train easily.

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