How To Choose A Dog For The Family

By: Paul P. Duxbury

In choosing a dog for the family, it is a good idea we keep the children in mind. Some dogs are not tolerant of children and can be a threat to them. There are many breeds of dogs out there to choose from. Do your homework to see which one works the best with your family and especially your children.

By far the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. This dog is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, intelligent and patient. No wonder it is loved by the young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its plight. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other animals. They are very accommodating. A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks.

Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly. They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent creatures to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who enjoys the outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.

The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking does say about them is they make great watch dogs. These dogs have a friendly demeanor about them. Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like being left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for too long. They are great picks for smaller children because of their size.

Another great pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are generally docile, yet they are known for their stubbornness. They are also known for their gentleness and are quite sweet by nature. They are great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.

The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their size and strength, they are probably not suitable for younger children. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It is best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be a handful.

The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks. But for a family, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with lots of energy to spare. This dog needs companionship from humans.

The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and would do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs.

Then there is the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog.

The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and will not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collies tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious.

Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.

In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.

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Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Pet Care. You can read more of his articles at Dog Care and Training and Pet Care Centre Download Your www.my-dog.co.uk/dogmasters.htm"> Free Dog Training Report

Papillon Puppy And Dog Information

By: Mitch Endick

The Papillon loves to exercise outdoors but an apartment will do just fine as long as she can get regular walks. She is a dainty, fine boned dog that loves to be pampered. She learns fast and loves to travel with her master. She may not get along with other dogs and should be socialized early for other pets. She gets along fine with older children but younger children may hurt her by accident. 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 Papillon is 8 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 8 to 10 pounds. The female ranges from 8 to 11 inches to the withers and 7 to 9 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Papillon is no exception. Although considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for Slipped Patella, low blood sugar, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. 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 Papillon has a silky, long, fine, flowing coat without an undercoat. They shed average and need to be combed and brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, 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.

*Life Span. The Papillon can live between 13 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Papillon comes from France where they were developed into a specific breed. They are an old breed that goes back as far as 700 years. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1915.

Some Registries:
*Papillon 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: 2 to 4 Papillon puppies

Category: Toy

Terms To Describe: Friendly, lap, elegant, lively, dainty, easy, graceful, easy, intelligent,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Generally an odorless dog.
She keeps herself clean.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog..
May not get along with other canines.

*Other Names Known By: Butterfly Dog, Continental Spaniel, Continental Toy Spaniel, Toy Spaniel

*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.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

Old English Sheepdog Puppy And Dog Information

By: Mitch Endick

The Old English Sheepdog is a lovable, even tempered dog. She is more meant for the country as opposed to an apartment. She has plenty of fur to distribute when shedding plus she takes a ton of time for grooming. As a puppy she takes up to two years to mature. She generally gets along well with other pets and 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 Old English Sheepdog is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 65 to 90 pounds. The female ranges from 20 to 22 inches to the withers and 60 to 90 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Old English Sheepdog is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), cataracts and Immune Mediated Hemolytic Snemia. 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 Old English Sheepdog has a profuse, coarse, shaggy coat. Much time must be scheduled to keep this fine dog brushed regularly. She will need to be professionally groomed occasionally and your groomer needs to train you in her daily or at least several times a week maintenance.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

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.

*Life Span. The Old English Sheepdog can live between 12 and 13 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Old English Sheepdog comes from Great Britain where they were used to herd cattle and sheep. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888.

Some Registries:
*Old English Sheepdog 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: 5 to 8 Old English Sheepdog puppies

Category: Herding.

Terms To Describe: Intelligent, adaptable, powerful, shaggy, agile, lovable,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Like to hang around the house.
They love children.
More protective then she looks.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
Can be stubborn.
Needs good obedience training.
They may try to herd the kids or other animals.
Barks loudly.
Slow learner
Slow to mature from a puppy.
High maintenance grooming.
When she seasonally sheds, she sheds.

*Other Names Known By: Bobtail

*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.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.