Cockapoo Dog Breed

There are several dog breeds a person has to choose from and one of the smaller dogs in the entire species list includes the Cockapoo. The Cockapoo is considered a highly intelligent dog with a mix of poodle and cocker spaniel characteristics. You will find the Cockapoo dog breed weighs at most nineteen pounds and as little as six. They also only reach a height of fourteen or fifteen inches. The Cockapoo is often white, cream, tan or a combination of these colors. It helps you recognize the breeds when you see them in public because they are rarely any other color. You will also find the coat or hair on the dog is very wavy, almost curly. The coat is a soft, but dense coat to help keep them warm and make them soft.

You will find the temperament of the Cockapoo makes a wonderful pet. Some dogs have aggressive sides or they tend not to be the best companions for families. The Cockapoo dog breed is the opposite. They are very intelligent, affectionate, and often very loyal. You will find that this type of dog likes to please the owner, and spend a lot of energy in play. They will also make a fine lap dog during nap hours. You will find they don’t mind little children and often have fun with other dogs. You don’t want to leave a child unsupervised because their high energy can make them a little too rowdy at times.

While it is not a breed recognized by the American dog association because it is a mix of poodle and cocker spaniel they are still becoming a widely accepted breed to have around the home. You may even wish to study up on both of those breeds to figure out where the temperament can be derived. Both the poodle and cocker spaniel tend to be more aggressive, which makes training at a young age for the Cockapoo imperative. While they don’t usually display aggression training can have a lot to do with that. Training should be handled properly. It is important that you seek either a breeder to help you or a training school. They take to training really well, but you do need to learn how to handle the dog breed. When training a Cockapoo you have to have a firm hand, but a gentle voice. They don’t respond to anger or impatience as their nature is more loving and affectionate. Upset tones will make them unhappy.

Care is very important with every dog breed you choose. It will depend on the type of dog how much time you will need to spend grooming as well as exercising them. For the Cockapoo you will need to brush them once a day for the best results. Their hair can get very tangled and dirty when they play. You will find that small shedding may occur, but typically they don’t shed. During the grooming process you will need to attend to their nails at least once a year. If you are unsure about the grooming aspects you can visit a pet store with grooming facilities to find out more about the care required. As for exercise they are very active. If you don’t have a yard for them to play in everyday you will need to walk them. You will also want to have play times with plenty of toys to avoid boredom. You will also need to monitor how much they eat. Unlike some dog breeds that you can leave a bowl of food out for a few days the Cockapoo tends to overeat. You should have a regime for feeding your Cockapoo daily and stick with it. This will help with overeating issues.

Dog Diseases: Liver Cancer

Dogs can suffer from several different diseases and one of the most deadly is usually cancer. Live cancer is one of the worst types of cancer your dog can have because the liver provides a function for the immune system as well as removing toxins from the body. If you suspect your dog have liver cancer you will want to take him or her to the vet immediately to start a course of treatment. There are four treatments your dog can undergo for the liver cancer, but first let’s look at what liver cancer is and the symptoms associated with this disease.

As dog diseases go you will find that liver cancer has a couple of different types. There is primary liver cancer, hemolymphatic cancer, and metastatic cancer. Hemolymphatic liver cancer is transferred by blood cells in the body or by the lymphoid tissue. Mestastatic cancer is usually cancer that spread from the other organs in the body. You will find that metastatic cancer is one of the most common forms. Primary liver cancer tends to be rare, but when it does form it is malignant. This type of cancer forms directly from the liver cells. The cause of the cancer is largely unknown. There has been speculation that the cancer is due to environmental factors such as pesticides. To prevent liver cancer in dogs it is often best to stay out of areas you know they spray harmful chemicals or dumb these chemicals. You other method of prevention comes from providing a healthy diet with the proper enzymes and protein.

The symptoms of liver cancer can very as to the type, but most of the symptoms will appear at one point. Symptoms are lethargy, vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal bloating, pale gums, limb weakness, respiratory issues, jaundice, and weight loss. As you can expect the weight loss and loss of appetite are usually combined symptoms. You will also find that the symptoms become more pronounced as the disease progresses. This means that while the dog may have displayed three symptoms for the last six months they will generally have more symptoms as the disease becomes worse and the other symptoms will become worse. You will find that as the disease progresses the cancer cells increase in size. A good spot to look for jaundice is going to be around the eyes as it can be difficult to recognize it in other areas. You will also find that coughing is another symptom that may bring up blood when they become worse.

Treatment for cancer is pretty general for all forms. The vet will look at the size of the tumor and decide if surgery is an option. You may not want an invasive procedure as well. Keep in mind that if surgery is an option it usually is the best thing to do to help your dog feel better. If the mass is too large surgery will not be an option and the vet will recommend medication, radiation, and/ or chemotherapy. The medications and therapy are to help reduce the cancer cells as well as prevent more cells from forming. It is important to realize that radiation and chemotherapy can last for several treatments before you will see results. In some cases the cancer may be too far along to do much good. It is always best to help make the dog as comfortable as possible.

Japanese Chin Dog Breed: AKA Japanese Spaniel

Small dogs can often make the best pets for individuals as they usually don’t have space for larger dogs and want affection from their pets. You will find the Japanese Chin dog breed in the category of toy. This means they are affectionate and playful animals to have around. They are also a small dog breed. You will find they don’t grow to be larger than eleven inches and seven pounds. They are more the typical size of a cat so apartments and condos can be fine for them. Usually they are black and white, red and white, or black and tan. You will find their coat to be long, very thick, and straight. Unlike most dogs with long hair, they don’t tend to have problems around the eyes with overly long hair, but they do have a denser coat around the chest and neck. You will also find them to be an average shedding dog.

The origin of the Japanese Chin dog is obviously that of Japan. They were very popular in the Japanese court and were only allowed to be owned by the royal family. You will find they were extremely popular in the nineteenth century and became the national symbol of Japan in 1964. If you are a little confused by the name you should know in history they were actually known as the Japanese Spaniel. This dog is intelligent, happy, and affectionate. You will find them very playful, but you can also find them very sensitive. They tend to feel the moods around them so if you are angry, sad, or upset they will often feel these emotions as well. Despite their gentle manor they are best placed in homes with older children. They don’t tend to like the abuse a smaller child may inflict. You will also find they don’t tend to bark, unless during their guard duties. The Japanese Chin also has a great memory, therefore they are attuned to the humans around them and when they don’t like someone will let it be known. They tend to choose their owners with respect to attention and care.

For care of the Japanese Chin you will find daily brushing is needed to keep tangles and dead hair from happening. You should only dry shampoo the dog, but check the ears and eyes daily. Grooming should be completed by a professional on a regular basis and you should also seek help when learning how to brush them. These dogs tend to need a special technique when being brushed. You will also find they are sensitive to respiratory problems and eye infections. They don’t do well in extreme heat.

Exercise is required, but it does not have to be very long on a daily basis. Short walks or play time can be suitable. It is beneficial to have a yard they can play in, but it is not necessary as long as you take them to a park or on walks. Training is also important. Their temperament makes most training easy as they are eager to please their masters. You will also find that harshness is not warranted, instead use gentleness, but a firm hand. They respond well to fairness and affection over impatience. You should train them as puppies or find a Japanese Chin that has already been trained.

You will find the Japanese Chin is still widely popular in Japan and has only recently become popular in other countries; therefore you may have to seek a dog breeder before you can find one for your home.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

With the many dog breeds you have to choose from it can be hard to decide who to bring into your family. There are things you should analyze when choosing your dog for a pet. You should look at the care, training, and character of the dog breed before making your decision. You may also want to speak with a dog breeder about all aspects of the dog and what to expect. They can help you in determining the right choice and find the right dog for you. One of the many dog breeds available is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog is considered a toy as they love to play, but don’t really have the body type for other activities.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog only weighing ten to eighteen pounds with a height of eleven to thirteen inches. You will notice most of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeds are black and tan or white, black and red, or just red. They have a medium length hair that is straight rather than curled, except on the ears where it is a bit wavy. You will also find it is a silky coat rather than coarse or completely soft. They tend to shed lightly, but should be brushed often.

As the name suggests they are of the spaniel breed with an elegance to their demeanor. They are one of the most common lap dogs you will find. They also tend to be loyal, gentle, and great for playing catch and retrieve with. If there is water around you may find they are taking a dip, just to have a little more fun in the day. You will also find they make good hunting dogs if you train them from puppies. However the most important character trait is the family orientation of the dog. They love to be pampered and live indoors despite the burst of energy. They make great pets for households with other dogs, but sometimes little children are not a favorite. They prefer the pampering rather than being tugged on.

For training you will find the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is obedient and happy to learn new things. They don’t like to be ignored so allowing plenty of time for attention and activities is the best you can do for them toward happiness. During training you will want to have a gentle nature and plenty of positive reinforcement.

Care for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will include having at least a small home like an apartment or condo. They don’t need a lot of space, but you will need to have a fenced in yard where they can run when you don’t have the time for exercise. You will also find the medium hair tangles quite often so brushing once a day or weekly will help you keep them groomed and looking stately. As with some breeds the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to certain health issues. They can have diabetes, cataracts, deafness, allergies, and heart abnormalities. To prevent disease with your dog you will want to have yearly visits with the vet as well as understand the proper nutrition they require. You will also want to keep checking behind the ears for problems or insects. This is a prime spot for trouble.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the gentlest dogs you will find. You will enjoy adding them to your family and know that they don’t take up as much room as some of the larger breeds.

Choosing a Successful Working Dog: The Akita

The Akita originated in Japan and is highly prized within their culture. You will find that Akita is a medium sized dog with the males gaining a height of 25 to 28 inches and the females 23 to 26 inches. They normally weigh between 65 to 130 pounds depending on sex and of course their care. Generally these dogs are white, pinto, or brindle in color. While they live in a moderate to hot climate in Japan you will find they have a double coat that is quite waterproof. The Akita has a harsh, straight topcoat, with an under coat that is dense and soft. This dog breed typically sheds their coat twice a year.

The character of the dog is alert, powerful, responsive, and courageous. In other words they love to have some sort of activity where they get to work as well as be very close to people. They are often great companions, therapy dogs, or guard dogs depending on your needs. They are usually not the greatest dog for small children as they are not as affectionate as other breeds, but they do take care of the ones they love.

The best characteristic of the Akita is the companionship they provide. They are extremely loyal to family members and tend to be restrained with strangers. You will find they are a one pet family. Other pets where they would have to share their food, territory, and family are considered a threat. They will have a more aggressive side with other pets or dogs. They tend to tolerate children and once they are used to the children will protect them. However they are not comfortable around other people’s children. They do not excessively bark either.

If you are considering this dog breed you will want to make sure you and the dog are going to be a good fit. They are not happy with career families, novice dog owners, or owners who are submissive. They deal well when commanded, working, or when you can shower them with a lot of attention.

Akita dogs are going to require a certain amount of grooming. They need to be brushed daily with a firm bristle. You will want to avoid bathing the dog as much as possible. They tend to have sensitive skin and it can become irritated when you bath them and use shampoo. You also don’t want to strip the coat of its natural oils during the bathing process as that can cause damage. This dog breed has webbed feet and need to have the hair trimmed away from their paws to make them more comfortable.

A caution for the Akita dogs is their medical problems. They are prone to hip dysphasia, hypothyroid, eye problems, and lupus. You have to be very attentive with the Akita breed when dealing with health care. You will want to make sure they have regular trips to the veterinarian and that they are given proper nutrition.

Lastly when you are considering owning an Akita you will need to spend a little time with intensive and extensive training. They need to have proper socialization and obedience training to make them a great pet. They need to understand whom the master is or they will take charge. The Akita also needs to have socialization training in order to help them deal with their surrounding environment. They are less likely to have issues with other people and pets when they are exposed as puppies to training. These dogs are extremely loyal and wish for patience, fairness, and consistency during training. You will find these dogs make wonderful working dogs.

Dog Supplies for Proper Care

Dogs are apart of a family and deserve our respect and care. If you have never been a dog owner before you probably have lots of questions regarding the care of your new member of the family. If you do you will find this article looks at some of the available dog supplies and offers a few tips for proper care. In some instances proper care can be solely based on the dog breed you have, but most of the time general tips can help you pick the right dog supplies for the proper care.

When you are choosing your dog you have to decide where it will sleep, how much training you will be giving it, and of course the proper nutrients they will need. Some dog breeds have special needs to do digestive issues they are born with or can develop. This can make finding the right foods a little more difficult. It is best to speak with a vet or a dog breeder regarding the proper nutrition. You will also find that proper nutrition is based on age. Growing puppies are going to need softer foods that have plenty of nutrients, while older dogs may still need some nutrients, but a different formula.

Pet food is just one of the dog supplies you will need to buy for proper care. Grooming is also an essential part to owning a dog. You will need to take care of their teeth, give them vaccinations, clip their nails, and of course brush them. Some dogs, especially those with long hair or thick coats will need to be brushed more often. Sometimes you will find brushing them once a day is essential to that dog breed, while others can be brushed twice a week. Dogs have very sensitive skin so before giving them a bath you will need to understand the type of shampoo you should use and how frequent a bath should be. For dog grooming you will need the proper dog supplies at home from different brushes and of course the nail clippers for dogs.

Part of the proper care for your dog is having enough space. Some dogs tend to be very active, such as Alaskan Malamutes, German Sheperds, and Terriers. For these dogs you will need plenty of space to let them run and expend that energy. When you are talking about pet supplies for an active dog you will need to have fencing and even a runner in some cases. You may feel a runner is enough for the dog to stay out of harms way, and often it can be. However you don’t always want to hook them to the runner, but give them the entire backyard, so a fence can help you keep them inside the yard without restrictions.

You may also want to have a kennel or crate for your dog to sleep in at night and during the day. Some of us don’t mind our pets sharing the bed, while others want to teach their dogs as puppies that they have their own bed. Crates can also help you take them to the vet or on vacations so they can serve two purposes. You can also purchase softer bedding for them to lie in around the house.

Other essentials include dog toys, food bowls, and water dishes. Dog toys will help you exercise your dog physically as well as mentally, which is important to having a healthy happy dog. You will want to choose food dishes that allow for the proper amount of food intake during the day as well as water. This dish can be made from anything or purchased at a dog store. It is just important that it has enough room for your dog to get the nutrients and water he or she needs in a day.

Havanese Dog Breed

Are you looking for a smaller dog you can have in an apartment or condo? Maybe you just want a dog that is going to be affectionate and is considered in the breed group of toy? If this is the case you will want to research the Havanese dog breed. They are very happy and affectionate dogs. You will find they make a wonderful addition to an incomplete family and even offer a little therapy. Some dogs that offer a great deal of affection can help individuals with issues feel more relaxed. The Havanese can be one of these dogs.

You will find the Havanese dog breed to be very small they weigh at most thirteen pounds and can reach eleven inches. You will also find them very furry. They can be cream, gold, silver, champagne, tan, blue, black or multi- colored with long, straight hair. This dog breed has a double coat that helps keep the shedding to a minimum. You will also find the long coat offers quite a look as it parts in odd places if you forgo grooming. The coat if not groomed can reach up to eight inches in length as an adult. The face is also very small with a short snout. Grooming is very important with this breed. You will need to trim the hair around the eyes to make it easier to see and keep the hair short enough so they can walk with ease. It is recommended that you brush this dog at least twice a week if not every day during high shedding. As mentioned you can clip their coat to make care and walking easier. You will also need to pay close attention to the ears and eyes because they tend to have genetic diseases. Eye and ear infections are very common, which is why trimming the hair around the eyes on a regular basis is important. Bathing is not usually necessary and should only be attempted once a year. You will need to take special care of their teeth as they are also susceptible to tooth decay and loss.

The Havanese temperament is often one of playful devotion. They are intelligent and curious animals that love to be the center of attention. You will find small children are one of their favorite family members. You will also find that they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. This means you usually have to take them with you on vacation or place them with a well known friend. They do get along with other animals, especially dogs. The Havanese can also be a great watchdog as they tend to let you know when someone is approaching. Luckily they will not approach a stranger without your consent. You will also find they are neither timid nor aggressive. If you see this behavior in your Havanese there is something wrong and you should take them to the vet.

Training is one of the most fun experiences you can have with your dog. They love to learn and be obedient for their masters. You can entertain them with water sports, tricks, and other training. Mentioned above was the ability to use them for therapy dogs. They are very sweet and loving, which can help individuals with problems. Keep in mind when training you should always use a firm hand, with consistency, but also gentleness and affection. They are full of energy, which means they require walks and play time. You will find at most an hour is good and as long as they have stimulation they will not become bored. It is important to play with them when it is playtime.

Caring for an Abused Dog

Dogs naturally take a lot of care, more in fact than cats. Dogs are man’s best friends. They crave human companionship and can get quite lonely when they spend the day by themselves. Among other problems dogs can have is when they have been abused. Dogs that are abused are going to have physical scars as well as mental scars. Dogs that have been abused will take more care than other dogs. If you find yourself going home from an animal shelter with a dog that has been abused you will need to understand how they have been affected by the trauma.

Any dog is going to need proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming. So really this part of dog care is no different. You may need to ask the shelter if your new dog has specific food they have been given while at the shelter or if they need to have a specific diet. Some abused dogs may have sensitive systems that require them to have special food. It may be a mix of wet food and dry food or you may have to prepare a meal for them like you would your child. It is extremely important to find out what they have been fed and what a veterinarian recommends.

You will also need to find out if they are on any medication as a result of the abuse. Most often when you take a dog home, they will tell you exactly what the dog has been given, what they may need to take, and when you should take them to the veterinarian. The importance of understanding the medication comes in understanding the physical issues the dog may have. For instance they may suffer from broken bones that have heeled in correctly or pain from older injuries where a great deal of exercise can really cause them undue stress. If you have never had to administer medication to a pet before you should have the shelter or veterinarian show you the best way to give them the dose. Some dogs can take their pills when you feed them, while others may have to be force-fed the pill.

Grooming is also an important aspect of any pet care, however your abused dog may need a little more care. Some dogs are abused with water or abused while in the bathroom. This can make giving the dog a bath extremely difficult. They may have been abused with a brush or something like it to make them nervous of certain grooming equipment. The idea behind the care of an abused dog is to understand exactly what abuse they have suffered and by whom in order to understand how basic care should be carried out. The shelter or veterinarian should be able to tell you want they suspect or what they know about the dog’s case.

Additional care may mean that you have to take the dog to work. An abused dog left at home can damage your home because they feel abandoned. Raising your voice or making sudden movements can also have them cowering. Dogs who have been abused by a male or female may be agitated around that type of person. For example a dog abused by a man will be extremely agitated and caution around other men. They may not feel comfortable being petted or played with. Some may require the person to sit down before they feel comfortable coming over to be petted. An abused dog really needs love, affection, and a lot of playtime. Like humans an abused dog needs time to adjust to a new home and the love you will be offering.

Bringing Home Your New Puppy

There are several things you should do to prepare to bring your puppy home, for instance in our last article we spoke about puppy proofing the home. In this article we will concentrate on the things you should do for your puppy’s ride home in the car. Puppies and dogs are sensitive creatures, often times they shy away from new things when it involves something they have never seen before like a car. Older dogs or those who have been in a shelter are probably more used to riding in cars than a puppy you are adopting from a breeder; however some of the same rules should apply to bring home your new puppy.

Cars can be daunting for a new puppy for a lot of reasons. First they have never ridden in a car and the movement can be surprising and a little upsetting to their tummies. So you need to make the car ride home for you puppy easier to handle. This is actually the first step in care you will need to have for owning a dog. You need to realize that when you bring a puppy home especially from a breeder, they are going to be leaving their mom and food source. There will be new smells around them to explore, but they will no longer have a mom or brothers and sisters. This can be a lonely time for your puppy and make that car ride a little scarier.

When taking your puppy home you should inquire of the breeder when the dog usually takes a nap. If you take the puppy home when they are usually napping they will be more relaxed. In other words they will be a little drowsy and they may even sleep all the way home. This of course is not guaranteed as the car ride could just waken them up; however it is better to try for during their nap for better results.

There are other things to look out for on the car ride home. Nervousness can lead to issues with the bowels. Without meaning to the puppy may have a little accident in the car. It is better to have some old towels that you don’t mind getting soiled in the back seat of the car. You will also want to have a kennel in the car. If they are inside the kennel they will have less chance to explore and ruin the upholstery if there is an accident. Sometimes the puppy will howl, be sick, or have diarrhoea due to the car ride.

Other supplies you need on the drive home include water, plastic bags, a puppy toy that they will enjoy and be comforted by, and the collar. When you pick up the puppy you need to immediately make sure he or she has all of your contact information so don’t leave the collar at home. You will also want to try a few other things especially if you feel the dog is going to have a hard time on the drive home. You can bring an old blanket along with you to help wrap the puppy up in the blanket and hold him. This is soothing and if you have another person driving it is one of the best ways to travel. The puppy will feel warm, and safe in your arms and be able to see out. This can calm the dog’s howls and make him or her bond with you a little better. While a crate or kennel is safe for travel just in case of an accident, it is okay as long as you are not the one driving, while trying to hold the puppy.

American Staffordshire Terrier Breed

Our dogs are very important to us and for those who have never owned a dog there is a lot to consider before you make the choice to add a member of a family. In some lines of thought it can be like adding a baby to the family because dogs need care, love, exercise, and a friend. The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the many dog breeds you can choose from when considering adding a new member to the family. You will need to know the proper care, training, and the temperament of the dog breed before you add them to your family.

First you will find the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a small to medium sized dog. They reach 57 to 67 pounds, with the males being 18-19 inches in height and the females about an inch smaller. You will find they have a shorter snout than most dogs with pointed ears. The American Staffordshire has a boxer like face in the smaller snout and the jowls, all though you can definitely tell the two breeds apart. They are usually a solid color or partial. You will find white, black, and tan are the colors they display. Their hair is coarse and short. This means that grooming, which we will discuss in more detail later, is a little easier. They are not a cuddly dog, when you contemplate their hair, but they are also not great shedders which can be nice.

You should also not that the American Staffordshire Terrier is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Pit Bulls or the Terrier are often thought of as sport dogs because they have been used in the past for fighting dogs. This makes the dog an excellent guard or watchdog for your family. You will also find despite their use in history as fighting dogs they can be very gentle and devoted to their family. Despite the fighting mentality that has been trained in them in the past the American Staffordshire Terrier breed is actually a great dog for smaller children, all though you should not leave them unsupervised. You will also find that they are rather active and muscular. This dog breed does well for a one pet household. You should not introduce them to the family if you have other pets or dogs.

Training for the dog should include high energy activities that will keep them interested. They can get bored or stubborn if they don’t like the activity. You should start training as early as possible, especially with obedience. A firm, but gentle hand is required to train this dog breed. You will also want to be consistent and form a knowledge base with you as the master or dominant part of the equation. Exercise is extremely important. You will need a backyard, and should avoid apartment living with this breed. They can be destructive when left alone for long periods of time or when they become bored. Two hours a day spent on exercising and training will be required to keep them happy.

The care for the American Staffordshire Terrier is relatively simple. The short hair does not require much grooming, just a brushing once a week. In a warmer climate you will find they tend to shed a little more, so they will need a little more grooming. You can use a dry towel rather than a brush if you desire. You will also need to bath them perhaps once every six months or less. It should always be done with a dry shampoo as they can develop skin irritation from too much bathing or water.