The Siberian Husky: Dog of the North

by
Michael Russell

The Chukchi tribe of the great northern expanses in Siberia was the nomadic tribe which bred the Siberian Husky dogs. The tribe was well known for their remarkable aptitude for breeding these fine dogs as early as 3000 years ago. They were a people who lived inland and hunted along the coastal shores and they used the dogs for pulling back the game, many times over very long distances. Their dogs were bred purely and selectively and consequently the Siberian Husky of today is very directly descended from the original dogs belonging to the Chukchi tribe.

The dog was little known in the United States or in Europe until the first "Alaska Sweepstakes" (later known as the Iditarod) was run and a team of Siberian huskies won. In later expeditions to the North Pole, the Siberian was a major player also. This beautiful and intelligent breed became a favorite of the Russian explorers and was extensively used throughout Siberia. For many years it was known as the "Chukchi" dog, but in the United States the name "Siberian Husky " was coined, while in Great Britain the same breed was often called the "Arctic Husky".

The Siberian Husky is a strikingly beautiful dog. The eyes are almond shaped and slightly slanted, the skull is clean and refined, with very soft upright well furred ears lending an intelligent and alert look to the head. Often there is a definite mask and sometimes the eyes are a pale blue or golden yellow in color. The coat is soft and densely furred and can be of any color, usually very symmetrically marked. He is a medium sized dog, classed as a "working dog" with great stamina and speed being the hallmark of the breed. Because of his close association with the Chukchi tribe, being considered a "member of the family", he is a very people oriented dog and does not have as strong a "pack mentality" as for example the Alaskan Malamute and some of the other husky breeds who were bred to pull in a pack exclusively.

The Siberian Husky entered the American Kennel Club registry in 1930 and his popularity has grown beyond that of being only a Show Dog. He is used extensively as a Therapy Dog, doing well in Obedience and Agility and is of course also used still as a racing sled dog. The "Sibe" as he is affectionately termed, is a friendly and completely amiable dog, quite easy to train and very willing to please. Temperamentally he is non-aggressive to other dogs and to people. He is comparatively easy to groom, for even though he has a thick coat it is not excessively long and is simple to maintain for it seldom mats and is completely weather proof. Besides all of that, he is a healthy breed which has very few genetic anomalies or inherited problems. He is an adaptable dog, but definitely needs plenty of exercise, for he was bred to be a working dog and needs to be kept busy or he will find something to occupy himself with. He is above all an "easy keeper" and a happy companion dog who loves to work for his master.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

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The Labrador Retriever: Number One Popularity

by
Michael Russell

The Labrador Retriever is presently at the top of the list in popularity in the American Kennel Club. Unfortunately popularity in a dog breed often leads to problems with over breeding and this often leads to an over population of the dog in the humane shelters across the country. This is the case right now with the Labrador Retriever. Often people do not recognize that when they get a puppy, it is going to grow up. Also people seem to believe that a hunting dog can be left outside and kenneled and yet not all hunting dogs make good "kennel dogs" and the Labrador Retriever is one of those. This is a breed that is a close relative of the Newfoundland, it is a people oriented dog with a natural desire to be with people. When kept outdoors it can become quite unmanageable since it will jump enthusiastically on people and bark at the sight of people and generally make trouble out of boredom and anxiety.

The Labrador Retriever was originally called the "Lesser Newfoundland", being from the island of Labrador (right next door to Newfoundland) and being black, but smaller than the Newfoundland dog. The dog performed a number of tasks for the fishermen of Labrador, pulling in boats and fishing nets and a variety of water related activities. Labrador Retrievers can be fairly good sized dogs, ranging in height from 23-26 inches and in weight from 60-110 pounds. They should have plenty of bone but should not appear bulky. Labs are a water breed, they carry a water resistant double coat that is dense and often it is difficult to get them "wet to the skin" if bathing them. They are excellent swimmers and should have a good square appearance to the muzzle, with plenty of depth and strength of jaw, for they should be capable of carrying a Canada goose back to shore when retrieving. The North Atlantic seas are cold and fierce, the dog is well equipped to swim in such an environment, for it has a deep chest and plenty of power in the front shoulders. Labs can be black, yellow, or brown, (called "chocolate").

A Lab is an all around hunting dog also and will retrieve on both land and water. A well trained Lab at a hunting trial is a totally awe inspiring sight, they will "mark" the dummy and swim over and through many obstacles to retrieve "to hand" with great skill. Hunters who have a well trained dog will often find that they end up with more birds than they actually shot, since the Lab will bring back any bird that is downed.

The temperament of the Labrador is outgoing, steady, enthusiastic and extremely people oriented. This is a dog that should never show aggression towards people and seldom shows any aggression towards other dogs or animals in general. It is a breed that possesses great intelligence and a playful personality, its propensity to retrieve anything that is thrown for it makes it a delightful dog for children to play with. Lab puppies are not hard headed and learn quickly, if trained when they are young. They are very obedient for they are dogs that are anxious to please their owners.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

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The Biggest Ugly Dog

by
Michael Russell

The biggest, ugliest dog ever seen at Westminster made its debut in 2005 and instantly made a hit with the crowd. His large lumbering feet seemed to be twice the size of what any feet on any dog ought to be....and the pendulous flopping jowls and undulating flaps of skin which wobbled and waved beneath his chin as he moved were a sight to behold. Huge streams of slobber dripped from his jowls as he stood before the Judge. The world had just been introduced to the Neopolitan Mastiff (Mastino Neopolitano)

The Neopolitan is a Mastiff that is said to be one of the most ancient of breeds, a real relic that goes back to the Roman Empire in its heyday. This is an immensely bulky dog giving the impression of great power and strength. His body is covered with loose skin which hangs in wrinkles and folds, especially on the brisket, chest and head. The head on the dog is huge, the skull is two thirds as deep as the muzzle and the muzzle is broad with widely flaring "open" nostrils and deep jowls. The ears are small and nearly always cropped and the tail is tapered and short. The Neopolitan in movement seems to be even more massive and lumbering, appearing much like a slowly moving and thoughtful bear as it gaits. The legs appear short even though the dog is relatively tall, at 26-28 inches, because of the depth of his massive chest, which extends to well below the elbow.

In the history of the breed, it is believed that he was one of the fighting dogs that were used in the Gladiator battles of wild animals fought for the entertainment of the Roman crowds. The wrinkles around the neck served to protect the chest and throat from the bites of predatory animals and the dog's massive and punishing jaws were brutal weapons. In the middle ages , after the downfall of the Roman Empire, nearly all of the Mastiff breeds were again used in another type of battle, in the pits, fighting against other dogs for sport and wagering. Throughout Europe and Great Britain, dog fights were a huge entertainment and were quite popular. Gradually the terrier and "pitbull" breeds replaced the larger Mastiff breeds in this sport and the Mastiff became more useful as a family and property guarding dog. Actually, the Neopolitan Mastiff, (and nearly all the Mastiff breeds) do not possess the temperament to START a fight, however they of course make a strong and fearsome foe when they are inclined of necessity to protect themselves.

Because they are not naturally inclined to be aggressive, they are loyal and affectionate companion dogs, being good house dogs, except for their innate messiness in terms of slobber and drool. The Neopolitan Mastiff of the modern world has a large number of fans. He is a dog whose ugliness is almost endearing. The old saying "he has a face only a mother could love" is definitely true of this breed.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs

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Household Toxins: Keeping Your Dog Safe

by
Nikola Marshall

As dog owners, we must be alert to items that are toxic to our animal friends. Regular household items that may not harm us may cause our pets illness and even death. The Human Society and the ASPCA both have comprehensive websites with articles about household toxins. Let’s delve into some of them here. We’ll look at both non-food and food items.

Obviously, over-the-counter and prescription medications, including vitamins, should be kept well out of reach. Even a very small dose can be lethal. Household cleaners should be stored in cabinets with closed doors. Cleaners containing pine or citrus oils are toxic.Plant food, fertilizers and other garden products are lethal. Do not leave them lying around!

Although every winter we hear the warnings about antifreeze, I feel it should still be addressed. It contains a substance called ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste. It is very attractive to pets and, even in tiny amounts, is fatal. One teaspoon can kill a several pound dog. Fortunately there are safe alternatives on the market. Look for products that contain propylene glycol.

Other non-edible items to be on guard for are; bleach, detergents, button battery ingestion, moth balls, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, batteries in general, cigarettes, pennies and hand and foot warmers. Aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockage and vomiting.

Foods and beverages that we may consume everyday could very well harm your dog. Raisins and grapes, for instance, can cause anything from vomiting to deadly kidney failure. Candy and gum containing large amounts of the sweetener xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar resulting in depression, lack of coordination and seizures. Other foods and beverages to watch for include; coffee grounds, alcoholic drinks, onions, onion powder, yeast dough, beans, salt, macadamia nuts, apple seeds, apricot, cherry and peach pits, mushrooms, mustard seeds, rhubarb, and walnuts.

This is by no means a complete list. Check with your vet or Animal Poison Control should you have any doubts about anything. Remember, your dog’s life may be a stake!

Nikola lives and writes in Oklahoma. She is active with the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni and Volunteers in Policing. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, watching hockey and spending time with her two dogs. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

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