Cocker Spaniel - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
The American Cocker Spaniel was bred from the English Cocker Spaniel and is smaller than its English cousin. A Cocker Spaniel will average about 14 ½ to 15 ½ inches in height and 15 to 40 pounds in weight and will live 12 to 15 years. Cocker Spaniels have long silky coats that need to be brushed almost daily, but are considered average shedders. Cocker Spaniels like to run through the grass and woods and their coats will become tangled and matted. If this is not taken care of immediately by brushing the dirt and debris out, it could lead to some uncomfortable skin infections. Trimming the coat regularly is necessary and some owners prefer to keep the coat at a medium length.

Often called a 'sweet' dog, Cocker Spaniels make excellent family pets, due to their good nature. They love being with children and their family and often require minimal obedience training. In fact, formal obedience classes are not necessary with this dog as long as a few simple commands are taught and the master is consistent with using the training. However, training should not be skipped, as Cocker Spaniels can sometimes be stubborn. Cocker Spaniels are also described as 'sensitive,' so care should be exercised when correcting their behavior.

Cocker Spaniels can live in an apartment, provided they are exercised at least once a day. The Cocker Spaniel has long, floppy ears that require regular care and cleaning, preferably daily. These ears block air circulation, leaving the inner ears moist and prone to develop bacteria that can lead to infections. If the ears do become infected, it can be quite uncomfortable to the Cocker Spaniel, causing it to shake its head violently, which could cause small blood vessels to burst, resulting in a hematoma. While some owners pluck the hair out of the Cocker Spaniel’s ears, this is not advised as serum from the follicle could leak into the ear causing additional problems. The eyes also need regular cleaning to prevent infection.

Cocker Spaniels are prone to medical problems. Cocker Spaniels can develop progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic eye disease that causes blindness, heart problems, epilepsy, cataracts, glaucoma, hemophilia, and patellar luxation. Other concerns include hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency, cardiomyopathy, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia and, IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia).

There is a website that has great information on Cocker Spaniels and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.


About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

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Dachshund - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
Dachshund (pronounced DAK sund) originated in Germany, during the 18th and 19th centuries, to hunt badgers. In fact, Dachshund means, 'badger dog' in German. Their unique size and shape made them the perfect hunting dog. Their small legs allowed them to burrow into the ground and their narrow bodies made it easy for them to capture prey. There are three varieties of Dachshund, Standard, which reaches an average height of 14-18 inches and average weight of 20 pounds; Dwarf, with an average height up to 14 inches and weight of 9 pounds; and rabbit, reaching an average height of only 12 inches and weight up to 8 pounds. Dachshund coats also come in three varieties, shorthaired, wire-haired and longhaired.

The shorthaired and wire-haired Dachshunds require little care while the longhaired Dachshund does require more brushing. The coats come in a wide variety of colors as well. Bred for their fearlessness and boldness during the hunt, many Dachshunds display these characteristics. Described as curious and mischievous, they are not always easy to train and can sometimes be stubborn. Due to this personality trait, they are not always the best family pet, and should be watched carefully when around young children. Dachshunds are better with older children who can understand how to approach dogs carefully.

Dachshunds are temperamental and can be easily irritable. They do fairly well with other pets, but have been known to be jealous. Dachshunds are very active dogs that have a lot of stamina and will chase prey for a surprisingly long period of time. They can be rash when chasing prey and therefore caution should be exercised if the Dachshund is allowed to run off leash. In spite of their high energy levels, Dachshunds do well in all living situations, as long as they are exercised at least once a day. Dachshunds are prone to health problems, due largely to their unique shape.

In spite of their high energy levels, they can easily become overweight, so it is important not to overfeed them. Dachshunds usually have the most trouble with their spinal column because of the length of the spinal column and the shortness of the rib cage. Obesity will worsen the problem, as it will create more strain on the back. Most Dachshunds should be discouraged from jumping and climbing stairs in order to lessen the risk of injury. Dachshunds are also prone to heart troubles, diabetes, and urinary tract diseases.

There is a website that has great information on Dachshunds and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.


About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

RB59 Software

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Bloodhound - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
A familiar looking wrinkly and long eared dog, the Bloodhound breed is more than one thousand years old. Originally bred in Belgium by the monks of St. Hubert, the monks selectively bred Bloodhounds with other hounds to perfect the scenting ability of this breed. Bloodhounds were brought into England and eventually America. Bloodhounds have the strongest scenting ability of all hounds and are known for the ability to track scents over long distances that may be days old.

Today, Bloodhounds are bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings and are used to track victims of disasters or used by the police to track down suspects. Part of the Bloodhound history includes being used in the United States to track down runaway slaves. However, Bloodhounds are not hunters. They do not enjoy killing the prey, just capturing it. They will surround the prey and bay to let the master know its location. Male Bloodhounds will grow to between 25 and 27 inches and weigh 90 to 110 pounds. Female Bloodhounds will average 23 to 25 inches in height and 80 to 100 in weight. This large breed of dog will live about 10 to 12 years.

Bloodhounds have shorthaired coats that are easy to care for and can be black and tan, liver and tan and red and tawny. However, even with regular cleaning, Bloodhounds are sometimes described as having a strong 'dog' odor that will not go away. Bloodhounds tend to drool more than most dogs, and are also prone to howl and snore more as well. Described as kind, patient and affectionate, Bloodhounds are a good family dog and do well with children. In fact, many Bloodhounds will allow children to climb all over and will not react in any way. However, exercise caution when Bloodhounds are around children. This large dog may knock over smaller children accidentally.

Bloodhounds need firm and consistent training since they can be strong-minded. This is especially true (and especially important) when out with a Bloodhound, as they will take off after a scent that has caught their attention. Bloodhounds can live in any environment, provided they are exercised at least once a day. Bloodhounds can have medical problems including bloat, stomach cramps, hip dysplasia and ear infections. A padded bed is recommended to avoid calluses on the joints. Some tend to get entropion, where the eyelids turn inward.

There is a website that has great information on Bloodhounds and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.


About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

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Toy Poodle - The facts every owner of this dog breed should know

By Robert Benjamin
The Toy Poodle is one type of the breed of Poodle. There are three types of Poodles: Toy, Miniature and Standard, each type denoting a size. Poodles are considered gun dogs, for their bird hunting skills and ability in water. Though some dispute the claim, France is officially recognized as the origin of the Poodle. The Toy Poodle lives an average 12 to 15 years. To be considered a Toy Poodle, its size can only be up to 10 inches with a weight of 6 to 9 pounds.

Toy Poodles are considered intelligent and are among the easiest to train. Without consistent training, Toy Poodles will become willful, independent and may bark a lot. Toy Poodles like to be around people, but can be reserved among strangers, making them good watchdogs. Some Toy Poodles are known to be high strung and will snap. For this reason, it is important to socialize a Toy Poodle early and to exercise caution around small children. This does not mean that a Toy Poodle does not make a good family pet. Toy Poodles tend to be loyal to their families and some are good with children. This breed has a lot of energy, but does not demand a lot of exercise, making it a good choice for apartment dwellers.

It is a good idea to exercise a Toy Poodle at least once a day to alleviate any boredom that might occur. The familiar curly coat of the Toy Poodle grows constantly and must be clipped every four to six weeks to maintain it. Failure to maintain the coat can result in matted fur that can only be removed with scissors. The familiar 'Poodle Cut' was actually important for the dog when it was used for hunting. The cut helped protect vital joints and organs in the cold water. Now the clip is not necessary and many owners opt for an all around short cut.

There are a variety of coat colors for Toy Poodles and the coat tends to be relatively shed free, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers, though they will create dander. There are health concerns that exist with this breed. Toy Poodles are prone to ear infections, runny eyes, digestive tract and heart disorders, skin conditions, slipped stifle, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), cataracts, entropion, epilepsy, inverterbral disc degeneration, Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, trichiasis and urolithiasis.

There is a website that has great information on Toy Poodles and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.


About the author:
Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Seasonal Vacation Spots

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How Would You Handle A Rabid Dog?

By Guy Siverson
I’m in the process of having a war against mice in my house. This combined with something I heard on TV today led to this post. Before you think this has nothing to do with walking with Christ, let’s take a closer look.

I have bought several different traps for the mice, each with the same goal in mind. Capital punishment; also known as extermination. Even with these filthy critters I am not on a mission to torture them for there crimes. Rather complete and entire elimination is my goal, and I believe it’s safe to say the goal of most people faced with the battle I am waging.

How about a poisonous serpent? While it is not the case for me, if one was facing such a dilemma around a group of children I would suppose that their goal would be to locate and destroy the intruder. Would they catch this snake and begin burning one small section at a time in fire so that it pays for the wrongs it has done? Not likely.

Nor would you capture a rabid dog in a cage and begin poking sticks at it to make it even angrier. The answers would be plain and simple. If healing this beast were beyond possibilities, quickly putting it out of its misery would be the answer from any caring person.

Above we have three examples of how animals gone wrong would be handled. In each case we have complete extermination if some type of healing is beyond possibility. Yet somehow God is not as loving and merciful to those who choose to reject Him for all their lives. Their lot is to live forevermore in raging fire. Would this not make God out to be a vicious tyrant as compared to how man chooses to mete out their judgments?

It’s at such points as these that it is better to turn to God’s Word to see what it says rather than listening to the wisdom of man. Below are three Scriptures for you to comment upon. I would welcome your thoughts and reflections upon this topic at JesusWalksInWords.com.

John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:29
and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

About the author:
Guy Siverson, the administrator of http://JesusWalksInWords.com has brought this article to you. Our goal is to directly reveal God’s clear Word. Please see the full source of this article on the free Google Page Creator.

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