Adopt a Dog, if You have Any Emotional Needs

Emotions play a very important part in our lives. People who are alone and do not have anybody to relate to or share their feelings with, are the ones who especially need some kind of company that would help them get that emotional fulfilment. Down the ages dogs have proven to be man's best friend. People have used the services of dogs in every possible manner and in every possible domain. Right from guiding the cattle as well as the flock of sheep to the army on the battle-ground. Since the ancient and the mediaeval times right to the present times, the role of dogs as pets have evolved over the years. There is no other animal as loyal as a dog. Even if everyone leaves you, all your near and dear ones in the rough times, your dog will always be there standing by your side with that sensitive look in his eyes. But that is not the only purpose that a dog can serve. You can adopt a dog to play with your children. That dog can be the most trustworthy friend for your kids. You can adopt a dog to safeguard your home or your workplace. There are a myriad of purposes that can be solved if you adopt a dog. If you think that you have the patience as well as the temperament then you can also adopt puppies and rear them yourself. What is important is that you rear the adopted puppies in the right manner as well as give them the proper nutrition in their early stages so that they can grow up healthy as well as strong.Adopt a dog if you feel that you have the need as well as the desire to own a pet. It is really important that once you adopt a dog, you give him the best of care and love as possible. After all, it is the law of nature that what you give is what you get. There is no denial to the fact that your dog would give you the same love and affection through out your association with him, whereas something similar cannot be said about the other pets that you might have.

Most Aggressive Dog Breed

Dogs can be cute as well as aggressive. Here is a list of some of the most aggressive dog breed that you might come across. Certain circumstances turns these breeds aggressive. Read more and find out which are those breeds.
They are cute, they are adorable, they are loyal and friendly, but if they feel threatened, dogs can turn pretty aggressive. There are certain dog breeds who have been termed as the 'most aggressive dog breed' and these dogs are best suited as guard dogs. It would be a mistake if we say that they are born aggressive; certain situations or when it's a matter of their safety, anyone will turn aggressive. You cannot blame your pet Labrador for snapping at you or for barking loudly at you if you try and hurt her puppies. If you are planning to buy a dog and if you have children at home, then it's important that you know which dogs have been termed as 'aggressive', so that you think twice before you get them.

Top 10 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds

I don't know how many of you will agree with me, but I do not think that there's any dog breed which can specifically be termed as most aggressive dog breed. I am sure most of you will agree that even gentle and cuddly dogs can turn aggressive when they want. But still, some breeds are considered to be far more aggressive than the others and you will get to know which are those breeds from the list of most aggressive dog breeds given below.

Chow Chows
Chows Chows are small and cuddly, but they can be pretty aggressive sometimes and they can often bite without any warning and are also great fighters. These dogs are independent and their first priority is their own needs and they hate being disturbed.

Lhasa Apso
If you have ever seen these dogs you will need a minute to differentiate between their tail and head, because their face is covered with long hairs and it is said that this is what makes these dogs more aggressive. Children often try to figure out which is the head and which is the tail and in turn they piss it off and in the bargain get bitten. Probably this is why they are often in a grumpy mood around children.

Rottweilers
Rottweilers are meant to be guard dogs and they are extremely protective about their masters and they have no patience for strangers or for other dogs. If you try to harm their owners, they lose their temper and turn aggressive. The only way to bring them back to the right path is by training and disciplining them from the time they are puppies.

Dachshunds
Frankly speaking, I was surprised to know that Dachshunds are referred to as aggressive dog breeds despite being so small and playful. But, these dogs are impatient and their small size also plays an important role in making them more aggressive.

Pit Bull
If you have to put any dog in the world's most aggressive dog breeds, then you simply cannot miss out the Pit Bull. They are fearless and if they catch hold of a prey, they will not release them till they are dead.

Alaskan Huskies
Alaskan Huskies are intelligent and they can withstand extremely cold temperature. But they can be aggressive at times and that is why they are not considered to be good guard dogs but they do make good sled dogs.

German Shepherd
German Shepherds are beautiful, gentle, loyal and extremely good with children. But when angry, they can be a very aggressive dog breed. But if they are trained properly from the very beginning, their temper can be controlled.

Alaskan Malamutes
Generally the Alaskan Malamute dog breeds are pretty friendly, but still sometimes they can be pretty aggressive. This happens because they are highly energetic and if they cannot use their energy, they turn violent. If you have an Alaskan Malamute, then make sure that you have a huge space at home where they can run around.

Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels often suffer from a genetic problem which is called the 'rage syndrome' and this is what leads them to act in a violent manner against strangers. Dogs suffering from this problem are often put to sleep.

Jack Russell Terrier
If Jack Russell Terriers are not trained from a very early stage, their violent behavior or nature of biting and digging remains, thus tagging them sometimes as the most aggressive dog breed. Sometimes due to their behavior, they can also be called 'Stubborn fellows'. Hence start training them from a very early stage.

This was some information on the most aggressive dog breed. Proper training and discipline can help them around strangers. As I have told you before that no dogs are born aggressive, situations make them so, hence make sure that you do not do anything that might piss them off. You can also go through the list of most dangerous dog breeds in order to know which are the dogs that most people fear the most. There's no need to be afraid of these dogs. If you love them and care for them, they will love you back in the same way.

By Ratnashri Dutta
Published: 2/1/2011

Schipperke -- Choosing The Breed Of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?
Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?
Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?
Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?
Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?


If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Schipperke. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: The Schipperke originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium. It was not derived from the Spitz or Pomeranian but, rather, bred down from the Leauvenaar, a 40-pound black Belgian sheepdog that was commonly used to tend flocks in neighboring Louvain and follow the wagons along the old highways in the provinces of Belgium. It was bred down smaller and smaller to be a miniature watchdog. This breed was also used for herding livestock, hunting game or guarding its domain and also used as a "ratter" on canal barges and was usually the captain's dog. It does very well on boats and is not prone to seasickness. It makes a great guard dog.

It was known as a Spits dog or Spitske until the name "Schipperke" became official in 1888, which is Flemish for "little captain" or "little skipper," also said to mean "little shepherd." This breed was popular with workmen along the canals but also with shoemakers and other workmen. It is said that a shoemaker cut off the tail of his neighbor's dog because he was tired of its repeated thieving. As this improved the appearance of the dog, it is said that this is the reason why all Schipperkes' tails are cut off at a young age. (Contrary to popular belief, they are not always born without a tail.) The Schipperke was first imported in America in 1888.

Physical Characteristics: The Schipperke is a small dog with a square profile. It is 10-13 inches high at the shoulder and weighs 12-18 pounds. Its face is fox-like in appearance and has a mischievous, questioning and alert expression. It has small oval eyes that are dark brown. Its triangular-shaped ears are small and erect, and its nose is black. Its body structure and solid black color resemble a little bear. It is strong and solidly built, with a thick double coat and ruff around the neck. It is sometimes born tailless but, if born with a tail, the tail is docked.

Personality/Temperament: This breed of dog is very tolerant of children and other animals. It is curious and interested in everything around it. It is an excellent and faithful little watchdog, ready to protect its family and property if necessary and backs down from nobody. It can be reserved with strangers if not socialized well. This breed is confident, independent and mischievous. It is quick, energetic, high spirited, alert and agile, with a high prey drive, chasing anything that moves. It is very devoted and loyal, especially with children, and bonds to its master. It is very intelligent, eager to learn and easy to train, although can be difficult to housebreak. The Schipperke does exceptionally well on boats. It can develop behavior problems such as guarding, obsessive barking, separation anxiety, growling, snapping and even biting if not given proper pack leadership. It likes to howl and can be destructive if bored or left alone too much.

Possible Health Conditions: The Schipperke is relatively hardy but can have the following health conditions: Legg-Perthes syndrome, problems with the eyes such as entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), distichiasis (an eyelash that arises from an abnormal spot on the eyelid of a dog) and cataracts, as well as hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and a newly discovered genetic mutation called MPS 111B. Life expectancy is about 15 years or more.

Exercise/Grooming: This breed is active and tireless and needs a daily long walk or jog. Its is fairly active indoors but does best if allowed to roam free in a fenced-in yard, although may try to escape. Grooming is fairly easy and requires a good brushing once a week with a firm bristle brush. It will "blow" its coat several times a year, losing the undercoat, which can last several days or weeks and can take 2-3 months go grow back, making it a moderate shedder. The toenails should be clipped. The teeth should be watched for decay. It can be dry shampooed when necessary.

Living Conditions: The Schipperke is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors but does best with a fenced-in yard.

Summary: A Schipperke is an unusual-looking, relatively hardy little dog that makes an extremely keen watchdog and requires minimal grooming but is a moderate shedder with an extremely high activity level and needs strong pack leadership. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Schipperke the right breed for you?

By: Anita Funkhouser

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Anita Funkhouser is the owner of www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact.