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Showing posts with label dog breed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog breed. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas and the poodle-marmaduke mix


When talking about Christmas, reindeers tend to be the most popular animal associated with the season, a status that is borne from the Santa Claus lore, where Santa’s magical sled is drawn by flying reindeers.

Dogs are not particularly associated with Christmas, but one breed has steadily been gaining an association with the season, a reputation that hails from the live-action revival of the classic How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.
Originally published as a children’s book in 1957, the remake of How The Grinch Stole Christmas was released in 2000, and featured a poodle and marmaduke mix playing the role of Max, the Grinch’s dog, backed by the stellar acting talents of Jim Carrey playing the role of the Grinch.

Though not exactly a testament of truth, the portrayal of a poodle and marmadue mix as Max was quite endearing, leaving countless children associating the dog with Christmas reindeers, mirroring the role Max “played” in drawing the Grinch’s “flying” sled.

As a breed, poodle mixes are known to bear the very intelligence factors of pure bred poodles, along with the physical characteristics that have made poodles one of the world’s most readily identifiable dogs.

As pets, poodle mixes are quite active too, an attribute that complements with their intelligence factors, and poodle-like physical characteristics. Generally small to medium in size, poodle mixes tend to have a penchant for being toy dogs, but are also known to “rough it up” every once in a while.

Given how popular the character of Max is from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the sight of poodle mixes being fitted with reindeer antlers doesn’t come as strange this holiday season.
poodle-marmaduke mix Video
 
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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Picardy Shepherd


Picardy Shepherds, also known as the Berger Picard, are a French breed of dogs, made popular in the movie adaptation of the classic Because of Winn-Dixie novel.

Released in 2005, the movie was based on a 2000-released children’s novel authored by Kate DiCamillo, with the story told the tale of a young10-year old girl and how she came across a dog in the Winn-Dixie supermarket.

With the dog causing some trouble in the venue, the girl claimed that it was hers, thus paving the way for a unique heartwarming tale about the value of love in the family.
Picardy Shepherd
As a dog breed, Picardy Shepherds are known for their cool and calm natures, naturally reserved towards strangers, yet altogether interactive with those whom they are familiar with. Also known for their intelligence, the breed’s trainability has made them popular as a household dog, with their natures considered by many as ideal for households with children.

Athletic and quite energetic, they are not exactly considered as big dogs, but they can grow to certain sizes which some would consider them as such. With Picardy Shepherds known to measure as long as 23 to 25 inches, and weighing somewhere around 23 to 32 kilograms (somewhere between 50 to 75 pounds), they are quite robust as dog breeds, with their physical traits deeming them as “somewhere in between” strength and carry-worthy sizes.

Though more inclined for outdoor habitats, Picardy Shepherds are known to adapt well with urban life, another Picardy Shepherd trait that makes them perfect as household dogs.

Lovable and generally well-mannered, Picardy Shepherds make for interesting additions to households, a loyal dog which masters and guests to homes will find pleasing to be with.
Picardy Shepherd

Picardy Shepherd

Picardy Shepherd image

Picardy Shepherd picture
 Picardy Shepherd Video
 
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Guide for Families in Choosing the Best Dog Breed


As much as there is no typical family, there is also, no typical dog. It all depends on the family profile
and the qualities that they are searching for in a dog. A family with an infant may decide on an entirely
different dog breed compared to a family with four active young kids living in a farm.

It is vital to check the lifestyle of the family before even getting a dog. Which dog breed can be most
suitable to your family? One cannot get a “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and put that miniscule of a dog to
serve as guard dog to a harsh neighborhood. Aside from this, there are apparently, many factors to
consider in choosing the dog breed that will be the best fit for the entire household.
dog breeds
It is a fact that children and dogs can easily create an instant connection. With their innocence and
unassuming ways, children can cuddle their pet dog without inhibitions, sending energies to the dog
that it is wanted and loved.

When people ask, “What should be the best dog breed for families?” There is no right and wrong
answer. Families have children, to start with, whether infant, toddler, grader or teenager. Even if it is
advisable to consider which dog breed may be able to get along with children, this should not be the
only consideration. It is one of the critical factors though but not the one and only focal point in making
a choice.

The breed of dog however does not solely determine how children and pet dog will be able to mix and
match. Now, remember this: All dogs, irrespective of their breed are also individuals. The temperament,
lineage and behavior are crucial essentialities in picking out the best dog breed for families but at the
end of the day, the connection, love, orientation, socialization, discipline and training can virtually make-
up the dog’s good behavior and positive well-being.

One can search the net and you will find flooding information about top ten dog breeds to have.
There are lots of them, regardless of their order, ranging from the Bulldog, Beagle, Bull Terrier, Collie,
Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Papillon, Pug, Labrador Retriever, Duchshand, Basset Hound, Vizsla,
Irish Setter, Poodle. The list can go on and on. One thing that is highly notable in the list is the difference
of dog breeds. There are breeds found in the other list which is not also include in the

Although, there are a couple of suggestions and lists of top ten dogs breeds to have which is part and
parcel of the general guide for families, here are some more factors to know which are of equal weight:

The dog's breed type - some breeds are obviously more suited to living among families with kids
but this should not limit other dogs not found in the list (Labrador, Golden Retriever as mentioned
above).

Where you purchase the dog from (the genetics, bloodline and lineage of the dog where their
temperament was derived).

As much as possible, start it out with a pup where you can have the opportunity to nurture ,
love, socialize, expose, discipline, teach and train

How your children are educated to behave around the dog
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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Rottweilers: Big, Huggable Gentle Giants


Rottweilers are always among the ten most popular breeds of dog mainly because of their massive size yet gentle personality. They suit the name “gentle giants’ pretty well, so much so that they can become so loyal and devoted and sometimes, cool and simple laid-back companions that are most tolerant of children.

These dogs can be tough when the going gets rough, can be terrible when the situation is unbearable, can outsmart anyone that thwarts, can be an extremely protective watchdog when the territory is undermined. Best of all, when Rottweilers are properly trained, socialized and loved, they can be the best – sweet, kind, loving, loyal and such gentle giants to have, to hold and to hug.

However, having a Rottweiler as a pet is not for everyone. Before even wishing to have one, be very well-prepared with its enormous size and challenging temperament. They innately know their strength and has cascaded a confidence from within that makes them strong and powerful. A Rottweiler may think he is in charge when no one else reminds him of love, affection, tolerance and obedience. A good Rottweiler to have is one that obeys authority and sees authority as the source of love, rule and ownership. A happy and properly trained Rottweiler can be perfect friend, without inhibitions, not to mention an exceedingly effective protector – a literally operative watchdog that can do nothing more than just stand there to keep intruders away!

For anyone who is planning to have a Rottweiler or has already done so, remember, this breed requires responsibility and commitment. Other things need to be considered, too like space, time, living conditions, family profile and many others.

It is important to know Rottweilers came from a working-dog breed that managed the herds in the German cattle town of Rottweil in Germany. They are also the popular descendants of the sturdy and powerful Mastiff-like drover dogs famous for its strength in ancient Rome, matching well the power that Rome projected during that era. Because of their intelligence, courage, agility and steadfastness, they became popular police dogs in the early 1900s. Up until today, Rottweilers can be the most effective and protective police dogs and watchdogs of our time.







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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A True Saint in the St. Bernard


Just as strong, muscular, round and humungous the built is, its personality is completely the exact opposite. The Saint Bernard (often times abbreviated as St. in Saint) is extremely gentle, super friendly and tolerant of children. Patient and tremendously loyal, a St. Bernard can be a lovable pet and dependable watchdog ready to protect the territory. Social, obedient and intelligent, this breed comes from the very large working and rescue dogs from the Italian and Swiss Alps.

Before they got the name St. Bernard, they were earlier called, “Saint Dogs”, “Noble Steeds”, “Alpenmastiff, or “Barry Dogs” long before the 18th century.


Also referred to as a giant dog, the St. Bernard has a gigantic weight of 140-264 pounds, approximately 64-120 kilograms or even more! Its height at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades - in many species, it is the tallest point of the body most applicable to dogs and horses), is 27½ inches to 35½ inches.

Alternately, images of the St. Bernard, has varied through the years. Cujo, a horror/thriller film in 1983 which was based on the Stephen King novel of the same title, has portrayed the St. Bernard as dumb, vicious and monstrous, a killer canine that inflicts bloody and gruesome attacks.

In 1992, the American comedy film, Beethoven changed every perception of a St. Bernard and images of Cujo were erased in an instant. Its pleasing and obedient personality despite its size made a difference in the Newton family.

This understanding of what a St. Bernard is what makes this awesome dog a great pet to have. Intimidation because of its size would not be an issue if proper socialization is set at an early age with people, so much so, with other animals. A St. Bernard is highly intelligent and easy to train, but training should take place when the dog is young and its size, manageable. Who would want to be pounced upon by an unruly and untrained dog of this size and caliber? Early training, exposure, socialization and most of all, love and affection can make a St. Bernard, truly a Saint Bernard.






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Friday, July 20, 2012

Mixed Breed Dogs


Mixed breed dogs are not always perceived to be superior to pure bred pedigree dogs, but for what they lack in consistent breeding they make up for one general distinction – with mixed breed dogs, no two breeds are alike.

Odie, from the acclaimed Garfield strips by Jim Davis, remains to be a popular “mixed breed” dog of sorts, given the fact that his breed has never really been talked about or explained.
Described to have the looks of a beagle (given the shape of his ears) and the personality of a Golden Retriever (sans the intelligence factor Golden Retrievers are known for), Garfield: The Movie featured a half dachshund, half terrier set of dogs (two of them, a brother and sister) which played the role of Odie.

That solves inquiries pertaining to the dog breed which played the Odie role in the movie, but the comic strip Odie’s breed remains to be an unconfirmed beagle, with some mixes involved.

As a term, mixed breed refers to the type of dog which doesn’t have a definite breeding ancestry, the product of cross breeding among dog breeds over a number of generations. As a term, it is one which can be described as a misnomer, given the fact that many pure breed dogs are actually artificially cultivated with human intervention involved, while mixed breed dogs are borne without any human beings cultivating their breeding genealogy and breeding direction.

Given their mixed histories, pegging the personality and physical traits of mixed breed dogs isn’t as exact when compared against pure breeds, along with identifying genetic-disorders or known medical conditions linked with a particular breed.

Though this may come as a downside for potential mixed breed dog owners, the unclear genealogy of mixed breed dogs doesn’t mean that they are inferior to pedigree breeds. In a sense, the fact that no two breeds coming from different litters says something about how unique mixed breed dogs are, which makes them more stand out when compared against singular pure bred canines.





Mixed Breed Dogs
 
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Some of the Rarest Dog Breeds


Almost everyone knows what the most popular dog breeds are.

From German Shepherds to Dobermans, the world is well acquainted with them through various mediums, from comics to TV, books to feature film presentations.

But what about the rarest of dog breeds?

If you’ve ever wondered what they are, here are some of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Though the chances of them being as popular as German Shepherds are not all that big, the fact that you, by reading this, would know about them is a start in heralding their existence.
The Chinook – the breed known as Chinook follows after an actual sled dog named Chinook, and is rare in the sense that it was once nearly at risk of going extinct.

In 1963, the Chinook breed’s population went on a rapid decline, but its population was revitalized by dog lovers in 1981, who took the initiative in restoring the breed from 11 remaining breedable subjects.

Though no longer kept as sled/working dogs, Chinook’s are popular as house dogs, occasionally lugging sleds from time to time.

The Stabyhoun – described as a combination pointer and retriever, the dog is famed as a gundog, with an estimated 100 dogs present in the United States today.

The Netherlands considers this breed as a National Treasure, with the Dutch Dog Registry regularly monitoring population figures and breeding statistics related to the breed.

The Otterhound – the Otterhound was quite popular as a hunting dog, a part of the hound breed with a history which dates back to 1100.

As the breed’s name would imply, they were the usual companions of otter hunters, but when the hunting of otters was banned in England in the 1970’s, there numbers changed significantly.

In the United States, reports estimate an Otterhound population of 350.

The Azawakh – primarily an African breed, the Azawakh’s physical attributes liken it to a greyhound, only leaner, even stretched out.

A companion when gazelle hunting in Africa, there are Azawakh’s present in the United States, with estimates somewhere between 100 to 200 of them being around.

Far be it for this list to be complete, these are simply some of the rarest dog breeds around, with numbers well below the healthy population figures of their more famous cousins.









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