I Love Animals

Giving your male dog the right name is very important. You will want to choose his name well because you and your dog are going to be companions for a long time. The name you select for your dog reflects on you, your dog, and your relationship.

Some key considerations when selecting a unique male dog name are:

* Choose a name that is easy to say and call out, preferably one or two syllables.

* How does your dog behave? What is his personality? You wouldn’t name a dog ‘Chaos’ if he was sweet, gentle, and calm.

* What are his breed, coat color, and size? For instance, you wouldn’t name a Chihuahua “Fluffy” (unless you are into irony).

* What is his purpose? Is he going to be a guard dog, a hunting dog, or a traditional household pet?

* What is his breed’s origin? For example, if you have a German Shepherd, consider German male dog names like Fritz. If you have an Irish Setter, maybe an Irish dog name like Conan or Conner would suit him.

* Encourage the whole family to take part in naming your dog.

* Give your dog a name that relates to or says something about your own interests. For instance, if you like to hike and camp, perhaps “Scout” would be a good name for your dog.

* Pick out several favorite names, then try them on your new dog for a few days to see what you like and what he seems to respond to.

* Avoid names that could be confused with standard commands like “come,” “stay,” etc.

* Finally, do you love the name? After all, you will be saying it daily (mostly with pleasure, sometimes with exasperation) for the next 10-plus years.

Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man’s best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.

On Puppies

* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.

* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.

* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.

* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.

* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.

On adult dog

* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.

* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.

* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.

* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.

* Adult dogs may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.

* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.

* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don’t wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.

* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.

Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.

Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.

So you conclude you require a puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the breed you want and you identify you have the funds, time and endeavor to take care of it. Next step is to find a breeder and buy a puppy.

Let it be known…purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be abound with risks. As in any organization there are those breeders who are honest, who care for their animals and whose reputation is critical to them and others, often comprehended as backyard breeders, who are only influenced in making a fast buck. It is now up to you to determine a respectable and unfailing breeder.

Unearth some information contacting any breeders. Make contact with the kennel club of the breeds you are interested in and ask for a list of their breeders. The Internet can also be a genuine source to find and delving breeding kennels. Ask friends who have dogs of that breed where they purchased them from and if they are pleased with their chosen dog.

Shows are another location where you can approach breeders and appreciate their animals, both in a show environment and in kennels before and after the show. Just recollect this is a complex time for the breeder and they may not have a lot of time to dialogue. Acquire their essentials, view their animals and communicate with them at a less hectic time.

Take in the breeders facilities ahead even choosing a puppy to see how the animals are cared for. Do not purchase the first puppy you see. A authentic breeder will require to safeguard you are a suitable owner just as much as you want to ensure they breed caliber animals. Take note for clean installations with healthy, clean dogs that are free of parasites. The dogs should behave in a manner you would wish your future dog to behave e.g., if the majority dogs appear to be nervous and nervous it is a solid bet any pups will be of a similar personality.

Quiz the breeder…

- How long have they been breeding dogs?

- What is the pedigree of the animal you are considering purchasing.

- Are both parents at the kennel?

- Are there veterinary certificates obtainable for both parents and offspring?

- What screening has been done for any frequent health issues for the exact breed?

- What promise will they offer if the pup proves to have any paramount health issues within a short time of purchase?

You should be asked by the breeder…

- Do you have a establishment/enclosure merited for the animal?

- Do you have the time to care for it?

- Are you entirely apperceptive of what is required to care for the animal?

- Will the dog be a pet or for breeding/showing?

- Do you have children and their ages?

Breeders are well within their rights to refuse to sell a pup to anyone they believe not tailored as an owner of their dogs.

For information on training, dog health and hip dysplasia etc visit http://www.gamebird-hunter.com/Hunting-dogs.html

A sales agreement should be signed by both parties outlining the obligations of both purchaser and seller.

The breeder will possibly bestow instruction on feeding, grooming, health care and equipment you may need as well as a agenda for all necessary immunizations.

A distinguished breeder will also safeguard you do not take your puppy home too early to ensure it gets early socialization with its siblings. A puppy estranged from its litter too early may fear other dogs for the rest of its life. While six weeks is the time many puppies are taken to new homes, many breeders prefer to retain the pup until they are around nine weeks old.

Once you have collected your puppy keep in touch with the breeder as they will be a gold mine of knowledge for you regarding your new dog and often like to keep track of their animals.

If you do all your homework and purchase from a honorable breeder you will have a dog that will be a wondrous part of your family for the next 12 to 15 years. Enjoy…

Have you been shopping and shopping for just the right dog tag,

without finding what you’re looking for to suit your dog’s

personality? Choose your exact specifications, give them to the

manufacturer, and they’ll produce a dog tag to your liking. Some

retailers even specialize in custom dog tags.

Do you like the look and solid feel of stainless steel, brass,

or aluminum? Or perhaps you are not picky, and just need a

plastic tag. Plastic won’t last quite as long, but they are

inexpensive and easily replaceable. A metal or plastic dog tag

shouldn’t cost more than $40 in most cases, and in many cases

they cost under $10. You can have all of your dog’s ID

information imprinted in the surface of any metal or plastic dog

tag.

Some dog tags are jeweled. You can sometimes choose an exact

pattern that you wish the design to be in. If you want the shape

of a cursive “R” for Rex, and you want it done in rhinestone,

you can find someone to do that. Some retailers will offer a

more limited array of options, but you can still usually choose

from two or three types of embedded stones.

When it comes to really high-end dog tags, such as sapphire,

real silver, gold, or diamond, there tend to be more choices.

This is because you will be paying many hundreds, or even

thousands of dollars for the material itself, so it’s worth it

for the retailer to give you as many options as you like.

You also must choose the material and style of the dog tag’s

collar or necklace. There are leather, nylon, rubber, and so on,

on the lower financial end; and silk or silver chains on the

higher end. Choose a collar or necklace that compliments

whatever dog tag you go with. Just make sure your dog is

comfortable with it

Dogs are considered to be a man’s best companion. And they are available in different forms. So from the widely available types of dog breeds you can choose upon the companion of your life.The different types of dog breeds are:1. Affenpinscher: This dog breed is very alert, friendly and intelligent. They are very easy to train and like all dogs they are very loyal. Unlike most of the pets, they are quite tolerant towards the other pets. They are 9-11.5 inches in height and weigh around 7-8 lbs. Generally they are available in black color, but are also available in tan and brown color. They have coarse and swirling fur. This dog breed a little extra exercising, so taking him on quick short walks at least three times a day is necessary.2. American Bulldog: It is the most athletic and powerful dog of all the breeds. They have a sturdy bone frame and the muscles are also quite very strong. Because of this they are strong, alert, fearless and have great endurance. In this specie, the male and the female have distinct heights. The height of a general male is 22-28′’ and the female is 20-26′’. Their weight also differs. A typical male weighs around 70-120 lbs and the female is 60-100 lbs. They are available in a wide range of colors, from white to brown, from tan to red. These dogs have good memory therefore can retain the training given to them. They can become very aggressive at times. They need to exercise properly to stay active.3. Australian Shepherd: This is a breed of very loyal and alert dog. They are a little shy among the strangers. But they are very easy to train and are intelligent. The males are 20-23′’ inches long and weigh 50-65 lbs whereas the females are 18-21′’ and weigh 40-55 lbs. They come mostly in red, black colors with white marks. This breed of dog needs a lot of exercising.4. Boxer: These dogs are very playful and fun loving. They are patient and friendly. They are the only types of dogs who can express their emotions through their twinkling eyes. They are even friendly towards the other animals. The males weigh around 65-80 lbs and are 22.5-25′’ tall. Their female counterparts are 50-65 lbs and are 21-23.3′’ tall. They are mostly available in fawn color. They need a rough exercising routine to stay fit.5. Dalmation: They are most well behaved and polite of all the dogs. They are very sociable. This friendly breed of dog is born pure white but in the later stages of their life they develop black spots on their body. They weigh something between 40-60 lbs and are 19-23′’ tall.6. German Shepherd: They are very noble in character and appearance. It is one of the most courageous dogs and have considerably good senses. The males are 24-26′’ tall whereas the females are 22-24′’. Both of them weigh 75-95 lbs. They usually come in black or Grey color with some brown marks. They are a regular exercising lover.7. Pomeranian: They are the tiniest but the bravest of the dogs. It is one of the excellent watchdogs. They are very easy to train and can retain everything that is taught to them. They are 3-7 lbs in weight and are 8-11′’ tall. These dogs are available in almost all tangible colors.Knowing your type of dog, you can get home your companion now.

Emperor penguins are the largest species of penguins in the world. They are one of two species that live in the cold climate of Antarctica. An adult Emperor penguin has an average height of about 1.1 meters or 3 feet 9 inches and an average weight of 30 kilograms or 75 pounds or more. The penguin is characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage that makes it look like it’s wearing a tuxedo. Two golden teardrop-shaped stripes are found on the sides of its neck. Young emperor penguins have a distinct grey and black downy plumage.

The emperor penguin is extremely adapted to the aquatic life. It has a spindle-shaped hydrodynamic body that helps the penguin swim and dive to find food. Emperor penguins feed mostly on fish, squid, and small crustaceans called krill. The speed of emperor penguins while swimming contrasts to the wobbly and waddling gait it has on the ground. Sometimes they even “toboggan” or slide on their bellies in the ice.

Emperor penguins reach sexual maturity at five years of age. By then, they travel almost 90 kilometers inland to the breeding site. The female emperor penguin lays a one-pound egg but is unable to incubate because its nutritional reserves are depleted. Thus, the male penguin incubates the egg in its brood pouch, an abdominal fold found between the abdomen and the legs, while the female returns to the sea to feed. When the female returns, she finds her family and does her part in taking care of the young chick.

Emperor penguins are very social animals. They usually huddle together in compact groups, leaning against each other to help fight the cold. At present, the empire penguin population stands at almost 200,000 breeding pairs. The emperor penguin has also found its way into film, literature, comics, cartoons, and other popular culture; it is one of the most recognizable birds.

Many of the betta fish available to buy at stores are already sick from being kept in unhealthy conditions. You’ll have a better chance to find a healthy fish from a pet store than a convenience store. Your best chances would be to purchase one directly from a breeder, however. In any case, you want to choose a healthy fish to have the best start, giving it a good chance for a long life. Did you know that Betta fish can live up to five years? A fish that starts out sick, however, may only live up to six months after purchase. It’s easier to care for a healthy fish than to revive an unhealthy one.

Here are the different aspects to look for when choosing your fish:

Environment: Are the cups clean or are they full of dirty water? Is there a bad smell in the air? It could be from dead fish.

Color: Bettas are known for their vibrant coloring. Of course, there are variations that are pale or white. More likely, however, the dull color is a sign of stress or poor health.

Behavior: You want an active fish, floating upright, not spending too much time on the bottom. If a fish is motionless it could be sleeping. Don’t tap on the glass as that will stress it out. Be subtle trying to get his attention.

Body: The body should be full and sleek, with no noticeable bumps. If it has white splotches it could have a fungus.

Fins: The fins should be free of wholes or tears, and spread fully instead of clamped together.

Scales: The scales should be flat and smooth. They shouldn’t be loose or peeling.

Gills: Gills should be smooth, not red or stringy.

Eyes: The eyes should be dark and clear. They should not be bulging or sunken.

If something just doesn’t look or feel right, pass on that fish and look at another one. It’s good to trust your instincts. If there are many healthy fish to choose from, then go with personal preference.

You can use these same signs to watch the health of your betta fish after purchase. There are many resources on the web that you can find to increase the health and longevity of your fish. Put “Betta Care” in the search engine to get started. Good luck with your new fish!

The German Pinscher makes a very good house dog. They need plenty of exercise and a properly fenced in enclosure for exercise is ideal. They get very attached to their human families and make good watch dogs and good guard dogs. They keep themselves so clean and odor free that they have been compared to cats. They can be well socialized with other pets and older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the German Pinscher is 16 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 25 to 35 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the German Pinscher is no exception. Although they are considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for skin allergies and sensitivity to vaccinations, especially if several are given at one time. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The German Pinscher has a smooth, close lying, short and dense coat. She is an average shedder and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The German Pinscher can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The German Pinscher comes from Germany. They were first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991.

Some Registries

• German Pinscher Club of America
• UKC United Kennel Club
• NKC National Kennel Club
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
• AKC American Kennel Club
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
• ACR American Canine Registry

Category

Working

Terms To Describe

Elegant, strong build, powerful, muscular, agile, energetic, loyal, intelligent, fearless, determined

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• A very good watchdog.
• Not a barker.
• Almost no dog odor.
• Bonds closely with master.
• They keep themselves very clean.
• Good guard dog.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

• Must be controlled as they may run off.
• Requires plenty of exercise.
• Can be hyperactive if bored.

Other Names Known By

Deutscher Pinscher

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

The Boston Terrier is a loving companion dog well suited to apartment and small house living. She only requires walks for exercise. She can become overheated in hot and humid climates. She is highly intelligent and easy to train. She is good with children, other animals and the elderly. Just as a reminder, never leave young children with a dog or puppy unsupervised.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Boston Terrier is 15 to 17 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and from 10 to 25 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Boston Terrier is no exception. Look for juvenile cataracts, whelping problems, skin conditions, Cushings disease, skin tumors and breathing difficulties. They can overheat easily in heat and humidity. Keep an eye on her ears. She may experience eye injuries due to their prominence. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Boston Terrier has a smooth, short and shiny coat. She is a medium shedder and should be brushed weekly. She should be bathed infrequently as this strips her coat of its protective oils. Keep her ears clean.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Boston Terrier can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Boston Terrier originated in Boston around 1870 with a cross between a English White Terrier and a English Bulldog. She was then bred for a smaller size. By 1889, the breed starting becoming popular. She was first recognized by the American Kennel Association in 1893.

Some Registries

• Boston Terrier Club of America
• UKC United Kennel Club
• NKC National Kennel Club
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
• AKC American Kennel Club
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
• ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

3 to 4 Boston Terrier puppies

Category

Non sporting. Mastiff.

Terms To Describe

Gentle, alert, intelligent, expressive, well mannered, cuddly, well balanced

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• Good watch dog.
• Relatively quiet.
• Intelligent.
• Very affectionate.
• Great with children if socialized.
• Does not need much exercise.
• Easily trained.
• They enjoy people.
• Incomparable companion.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

• Not a guard dog.
• She snores.
• Can be stubborn.
• Can suffer in hot climates and high humidity.
• May be difficult to housebreak.

Other Names Known By

Round Heads, Yankee Terrier

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Dog heartworm is a common disease among canines in the United States. Discovered in 1856, the worms mainly live in your dog’s heart and major blood vessels.

The worms, especially on worst cases, seriously impair the heart’s operations. Worse, they could also clog your Shih Tzu’s blood vessels. These infections result in loss of body weight, chronic cough, dropsy, shortness of breath, chronic heart failure, vision disturbances, and ultimately, death.

Since the symptoms of heartworm disease vary among dogs, it would be best that a veterinarian check your Shih Tzu to evaluate a final analysis. Early treatment is vital.

Most dogs show visible symptoms only when the disease has reached the point where it would be almost improbable to be cured by treatment. To help you see early symptoms and to hopefully save your Shih Tzu, look out for these signs:

- Shih Tzu that has been quite active usually tend to be tired easily.

- Shih Tzu that would have been otherwise healthy usually gasp for breath.

- Coughing of your Shih Tzu has suddenly become a common occurrence.

- In some rare instances, the Shih Tzu experiences convulsions, jaundice, and problems in the vision.

- Before it dies, the Shih Tzu experiences emaciation, which often precedes death.

Who gets infected by the heartworm infection?

Previously, it was thought that only dogs that were long-haired were more resistant to heartworms because of the high difficulty of mosquitoes (which bring the worms) to penetrate through the Shih Tzu hair. Since then, it has been proven that this was not true.

Mosquitoes even have a hard time penetrating through short-haired dogs. Actually, mosquitoes feed on the abdominal region of the Shih Tzu and other dogs. That is why both long-haired and short-haired dogs are susceptible to an infection, since both types have little hair on this region. Some mosquitoes also feed on the muzzle area or the ears where the Shih Tzu’s hair is quite matted down.

Can heartworm infection be treated?

Heartworm infection can be treated through chemical therapy if diagnosed early. Most of the chemical treatments kill the worms over some period of time. Killing all the worms in one swoop is no better: If all the heartworms were killed in just one treatment, the dead bodies would deposit in the lungs and kill the Shih Tzu.

Remember also that the chemicals used in treating the worms are also as dangerous to your Shih Tzu as the worms. That is why treating the disease using chemical therapy should be used with utmost care and should be handled by a veterinarian.

There are also cases when surgery is needed. In most cases, this can be a feasible option. Consult with the veterinarian about surgical correction or any other method that can cure the infection.

There are also drugs that could prevent your Shih Tzu from getting heartworms. These drugs attack the parasite in its early stages and stop the worms from being full-blown adults later. This doesn’t mean that your Shih Tzu would be free from infection. This only means that dogs can still get infected during the season of mosquitoes and yet remain unscathed of heartworms.

Preventative medication using drugs, on the other hand, can cause serious complications if your Shih Tzu already has heartworm infections in a higher level. That is why the use of drugs should be under the supervision of veterinarians. Taking drugs are also combined with regular blood tests. This has shown to be quite effective in saving many dogs with heartworm infection.

In order for your Shih Tzu to avoid heartworm infection, protect your pet from mosquito bites especially if there is a high mosquito population in your area or if it is mosquito season. You might want to screen the sleeping quarters of your Shih Tzu to avoid repeated bites. Repellent sprays can also be used, but these only have limited effects.

You might also want to consult your vet for preventive medication. In addition, you might want regular blood tests on your Shih Tzu to assess early symptoms of infection. This is quite tricky, especially if the symptoms of heartworm infection could not be seen immediately.

In short, your Shih Tzu which looked healthy may be having early symptoms of heartworm infection. It would be best that you have your vet check him for the disease.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines for pets and show in many different colors. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter to receive valuable discounts.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.