Pets and Animals Articles

Pets and Animals | By Tim Wright @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 1:58 PM

When we first thought about getting a family dog, we spent a lot of time looking around and doing some research on different breeds. After talking with several people and surfing the web for suggestions, we decided as a family on a golden retriever. There are a number of interesting facts about golden retrievers that helped us to make our decision. For one, golden retrievers are one of the most sociable breed of dogs and were specifically bred to be friendly toward humans. Their sweet and... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 12:22 PM

Irish Setter dog breed. Childish, frisky, loud and mischievous. The Red setter will steal your heart! With its elegant carriage and long, silky chestnut coat, the Irish Setter is a breed that is immediately recognizable in any situation. They are popular pets in both the United States and in Europe and for very good reason. This breed has been around for at least three hundred years and its many positive traits point to them being around for many years to come. Despite it�... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 12:01 PM

The Irish Setter is an active, lovable dog. She is full of spirit and needs plenty of exercise. She is a watch dog but not a guard dog. She can get along with other dogs but it is best if she is socialized with other pets early. She is patient with 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 male Irish Setter is 26 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the sh... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:59 AM

The rich red color of the Irish Setter is the unmistakable mark of one of the favorite Sporting Dogs in the United States, at least in the Conformation Ring. This dog usually sends the crowd into huge rounds of applause as it floats around the ring. This is an animal that is definitely a "crowd-pleaser" and it is no wonder. A well balanced smoothly moving Irish Setter is a breathtakingly beautiful animal...the sort that all the crowd can take pleasure in watching. Irish Setters or... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:59 AM

The Ibizan Hound is a quiet, fast dog that needs to be raised inside with her human family. She can jump almost any fence at a standstill and will run for miles until she feels like coming home. They are clean, gentle dogs but may do poorly with other pets and dogs. She may consider cats and small pets prey. She does very well with older children as long as she is socialized with them early on. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. Approximate Adult Size ... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:57 AM

The Ibizan Hound is believed to have originated on the Spanish island of Ibiza and is known to have existed as early as 3400 B.C., when it was used as one of the hunting hounds of the Egyptian Pharaohs. The antiquity of this breed is well established, having been found in varying forms in many of the archeological discoveries from ancient Egypt. A statuette of an Ibizan Hound referred to in ancient writing as Anubis, " the watchdog of death" was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen. ... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:55 AM

The second Hovawart I was able to "rescue" came from a home where he had shown typical aggressive behavior and the owners didn't know how to cope. At 18 months the dog was termed fearful aggressive and either had to live in a fenced yard or be put down. I heard of him through a friend, Beth, mentioned in a previous article. The owners made arrangements for me to rescue the dog. He did have horrible behavior, frightening to watch, leaping with teeth bared at the end of a leas... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:51 AM

Many dog owners have found that the Havanese can be a wonderful choice for a family pet. These compact creatures get along well with adults, kids and other animals, are generally friendly, inquisitive animals that are usually ready to play. If you are thinking about bringing one of these cute puppies home to your family, the first thing you will want to do is brush up on the basics of Havanese care. This way, you will be prepared to give your pup the best environment possible for him to grow up ... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:49 AM

The Harrier is a very friendly dog that actually makes a good watch dog but may help a prowler find your house keys. She loves everyone! She needs plenty of exercise so she is not an apartment dog. A properly fenced in yard or acreage is essential for her. She can be very vocal and may tend to wander off after a scent so keep her under control. She is a pack dog so she generally gets along very well with other dogs. Be cautious with her and other pets besides dogs as she may consider them prey. ... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:49 AM

A Great Dane is a huge dog that makes a great family dog and can hold its own against the kids. A Havanese rescue dog, if you look at the available Havanese information, is not a huge dog and would probably have to run from the kids. The Havanese don't get very big at all as they usually only measure 29 centimeters in length when full grown and 6 kilograms in weight. Hardly a huge obstacle to the kids and really not the kind of dog to get if a big dog is what you want. But for all th... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:45 AM

The Havanese is a shaggy little dog of ancient European lineage. The ancient Havanese breed has common ancestors with the Barbichon, Bichon and Maltese. It is felt the Havanese probably traveled with Mediterranean trading ships from Europe and the Canaries to the Caribbean islands. In the 1700s the Havanese was bred and owned by rich landowners and the plantation aristocracy of Cuba. These little dogs were also clever at performing in circuses during this period of time after it lost its ... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 11:42 AM

It seems that every country has its own history when it comes to dogs and which dogs become the particular dog which has flourished in that country. Cuba is no exception, for it is the native country of the Havanese. Although the Havanese most probably originated with the Spanish settlers of Cuba many centuries ago as descendants of the Bichon Barbichon of Southern Spain , it became apparent after many years of development that the dog was destined to become a unique breed. Because at fi... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 7:44 AM

It is thought that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest of the descendants of the dogs which were brought to the Swiss Alps by the Legions of Caesar on his march through Europe. The "Swissie" is similar to the Bernese Mountain dog in many respects, especially in the markings of a black base coat with white and tan markings. The Bernese Mountain dog however has longer coat and a different working attitude than the Greater Swiss Mountain dog. The "Swissie's" c... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 7:16 AM

Many people think that grooming a Great Dane is difficult given this breed's size. But what many people don't realize is the fact that grooming a Great Dane is not that difficult at all. Like any other dogs, this breed needs to be groomed not just to look good but more importantly, to stay healthy. Through grooming, you will be able to discover early symptoms of medical condition such as bumps, skin patches, cuts, sensitive joints and problems with the paws. Early discovery of t... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 7:09 AM

Large breed dogs pose special grooming dilemmas. The Great Pyrenees and other Bernard family members have cornered the market on that special combination of girth and hair. Without a regimented grooming routine the Pyrenees' flowing white locks can easily morph, soon resembling an electrocuted Komondor on steroid. One obstacle to keeping large breeds in the peek of beauty is the difficulty in locating nail clippers, brushes and dental supplies suited to their substantial size. Substi... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 7:06 AM

The origin of Great Danes, like that of many other varieties of dogs, is so obscure that all researches have only resulted in speculative theories. But the undoubted antiquity of this dog is proved by the fact that representatives of a breed sufficiently similar to be considered his ancestors are found on some of the oldest Egyptian monuments. A few years ago a controversy arose on the breed's proper designation, when the Germans claimed for it the title "Deutsche Dogge." Ger... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 7:06 AM

One of the widely known beginnings of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can be traced back to the first century B.C. when they were first brought to Switzerland by the Romans. Others say though that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was first brought long before by the Phoenician traders. One thing is for certain. This breed of dog is a product of mating foreign large mastiff-type dogs brought to Switzerland with their indigenous dogs. Traditionally known to be herding dogs, Greater Swiss Moun... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 7:00 AM

Great Danes are undeniably great dogs with remarkable personality and friendly nature. Many people are dying to have this breed of dog as an additional member of the family. Typically, a prospective parent would go to a Great Dane breeder and choose which one should he take home among the adorable puppies. Another way to acquire an additional member of the family is through dog adoption. You can adopt a dog from dog shelters, dog pounds, humane societies and breed rescue associations. So... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 6:50 AM

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog does not need extensive exercise so she can be kept in an apartment as long as she can get daily long walks. A properly fenced in yard would be ideal. She is a great watch dog and guard dog. She generally gets along well with other pets and dogs. It is said that she is good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. She prefers cooler climates and has an easy care coat. Approximate Adult Size The approx... more...

Pets and Animals | By John Williams @ Thursday, 26th June 2008 @ 6:50 AM

From time to time your Golden Retriever can be affected by some common health problems. In general these problems are not usually anything too serious as long as you know how to treat and prevent them properly. In order to keep your dog healthy you need to take the proper steps to protect them from the most common Golden Retriever health problems. The distemper virus an airborne disease is the first of these Golden Retriever health problems. Getting your Golden Retriever their three vacci... more...