Our next step was to go back to the breed-specific rescue organisations: none had any dogs in this area.

Lula as she appeared in the advertisement

So, the Obamas have finally added that new puppy to their family, and his cute little face is staring at you from every newspaper/magazine/website you come across and suddenly you find yourself thinking “Aawww… he’s so sweet. I want one of those”

But wait…. just because the ‘First Family’ has one, it doesn’t mean YOU should! Every dog breed is different, with different needs, behavior, and requirements – and every home is different too.

Portuguese Water Dog puppies are adorable teddy bear ‘look-alikes’, and their lively and affectionate personalities makes them very endearing. But before all those cute photos in the media have you searching for a breeder with a puppy to sell, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to learn more about the breed, and figure out whether it’s the right ‘fit’ for you.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an old breed, know in its native land as Cao de Agua (literally meaning ‘dog of the water’). The ancestors of todays’ PWDs played an important role in their country’s’ fishing industry, and were used to herd fish, retrieve lines/tackle, carry messages from boat to boat or to shore, and act as guardians when protection was needed.

A medium to large sized dog, an adult will measure anywhere between 17 and 23 inches in height, and weigh between 35 and 60lbs. A female will usually be smaller/lighter than a male, but both sexes should be solidly built and muscular.

This courageous, hardy and spirited dog still carries the attributes of a working breed, and in spite of its cuddly looks, it is most definitely not a lap-dog. Portuguese Water Dogs need lots of vigorous exercise and an active lifestyle, but can be happy in an average-sized home/yard if given plenty of opportunity to run and play on a daily basis.

They bond closely with their owners and always want to be by your side. This isn’t an independent breed who can be happy left alone for long periods inside or out, and your Portuguese Water Dog pup will want (and need) to be an integral part of your family’s’ life.

Outgoing, intelligent and eager to learn, Portuguese Water Dogs make great obedience or agility dogs using fitness equipment, and although often considered too small to fill the ‘service dog’ role, they can be great therapy dogs. Regular socialization and obedience training are very important if you want your PWD to grow up to be all that it can be.

Portuguese Water Dogs can make excellent family pets, and their exuberance and energy levels make them a lot of fun but they can sometimes ‘play rough’. They’re also known to be a ‘mouthy’ breed, and may nip/bite more than usual.

Although consistent correction will eliminate the mouthing and rough-housing, if you have very young children you may want to take this into account. Generally this breed is fine with other dogs, and can live alongside cats if introduced to them early on.

Their tendency towards ‘mouthiness’ can also show up as excessive chewing, and you’ll need to make sure you have a lot of very sturdy chew toys handy for your Portuguese Water Dog puppy (or your home and belongings will suffer!).

The long wavy or curly hair that makes them so adorably ‘shaggy’, needs regular grooming and a daily brush or comb is the best way to keep matts and tangles at bay. Regular clipping or trimming is also recommended.

Portuguese Water Dogs have a single layer coat which is very low-shedding and this means they are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. If you or your children have dog hair allergies, this breed is less likely to trigger symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that allergies vary greatly from person to person, and there’s no such thing as an ‘allergy-free’ dog breed.

It’s best to spend some time around any breed you are considering BEFORE buying a puppy, that way you can find out exactly how you’re affected by them.

If this breed sees a sudden growth in popularity, finding a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder may become a bit more difficult. Poor breeding practices fuelled by the prospect of a quick financial profit, have been responsible for a decrease in the overall health and looks of many breeds in the past.

If you decide that a Portuguese Water Dog is the one for you, take the time to find a responsible breeder with dogs who have been screened for potential genetic/hereditary conditions, and who offers a health contract.

Some conditions that may be found in this breed, and for which screening is available for breeding stock, include Hip Dysplasia, GM1 Storage Disease, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy. If the breeder you’re talking to asks you a lot of questions, that’s a good sign… it means that she really cares about the homes her puppies go to.

When it comes to the adoption v purchase issue, there are some very strong feelings on both sides! There are thousands of dogs in shelters and pounds all around the country who are in desperate need of loving homes, and they’re almost always there through no fault of their own.

Adoption should always be considered when you’re adding a new puppy/dog to the family, even if you have your heart set on a purebreed, because there are many purebred rescue organizations.

However, Portuguese Water Dogs are not in the same position as, say, Labrador Retrievers. There simply isn’t the same number (or even close to it!) of puppies or dogs looking for new homes as there is with the more popular and well known breeds. Finding a Portuguese Water Dog breeder in your area is going to be a challenge, and the chances of finding a purebred PWD being in a local rescue center or pound are very slim.

There may be mixed-breed pups who have Portuguese Water Dog ancestry, and these will make just as wonderful a pet as any purebred puppy – but, if you want a purebred pup who can be registered, buying from a reputable breeder is probably going to be your best option.

So, IS the Portuguese Water Dog right for your family and lifestyle?

…. If you’ve read this whole article and can honestly say that you can provide a Portuguese Water Dog with a home environment where it can thrive, the time and attention it needs, AND you’re still in love with that adorable teddy-bear look, I wish you and your new best friend a long and happy life together.

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Learn more about the Portuguese Water Dog at http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/portuguese-water-dogs.html
Author is a life-long dog lover, and owner and webmaster of http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com , a website dedicated to helping new puppy owners raise happy, healthy puppies.

Trixie and me at the beach before the snow came

Tomorrow Trixie is due to leave us, and she will be sorely missed.

I don’t know what I would do without my dog. The unconditional love that she gives is something I cherish. It truly makes the heart sing. Then there are those big brown eyes, elegant muzzle, wagging tail and eager demeanor. What’s not to love?

Okay, having to pick up doggie dodo might not be my favourite pastime but when it comes from my lovely girl I don’t really mind that much. Besides, I know it is the right thing to do. Even the inevitable muddy mess in the car after our walks at the doggie park doesn’t really bother me. I don’t even notice the ever present wet dog smell in the car anymore even though my passengers seem to judging by their quick action at rolling the window down for fresh air.

However, what can on occasion get me riled is some of the other dog owners. If I hear one more time “my little dog thinks she is a big dog” while it is snapping and barking wildly at my mid sized girl I think I might lose it. Do they really think their out of control dog is behaving like a “big dog”? If a big dog were to actually behave like this the bylaw officers would be there in a flash, ticket book in hand insisting on muzzles or even taking them away for evaluation.

Maybe it’s just me but some dog owners just don’t get the whole doggie dynamic. Small dogs behave aggressively out of fear. Not all of them of course but many do. Fight or flight is what dogs know. So picking your little dog up around bigger dogs is just going to take away the flight option. Isn’t it just better to let them do what dogs do? Let them do the butt sniffing and before long they will be playing, as dogs will, big or little.?

My girl likes to swim. It doesn’t matter if it’s below freezing. If there is a stick or ball involved then she will be after it no matter what. I love that about dogs. They just love the moment. So what if the water is bloody cold, there is a stick out there that needs to be retrieved. It’s only better if there is another dog there that also wants the stick. The chase is on. What fun to watch the dog’s race around the beach after a chunk of driftwood. It’s not really about the stick after all only the pure joy of the chase. Well that and our loving adoration while watching.

Then of course there are the sleeping arrangements. I admit it. I let my little girl sleep on the bed. Maybe it isn’t the right thing to do but there you have it. She is cozy and warm and I love snuggling up to her. I suppose she is getting between me and my wife on that snuggling thing but you can’t forget about that unconditional love at times like that. And she still smells like the beach.

There is an old joke about locking both your wife and your dog in the trunk of the car and when you open it an hour later you can see who truly loves you. That might be not far from the truth. Your faithful companion will come out wagging and licking while your wife will likely respond a little less positively. You can be the meanest sonofa b and your dog will still love you no matter what.

Are dogs just an extension of ourselves? Maybe so. The type of dog we pick to be our companion must certainly say something about us. Obviously the Pit Bull owner has something they are trying to say through their dogs, just like cheap auto insurance. But what about the rest of us? We must surely also have our personalities reflected in the dogs that we choose to be our companions .

I’m a retriever man. I have had Golden Retrievers. And now I have a Flatcoated Retriever. I have loved them all. What does that say about me? I suppose I love a big wet smelly lap dog. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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I recently produced the feature film The Harvest Project. Find out more and view the trailer at http://www.theharvestprojectmovie.com
The movie is available for download at http://www.filmannex.com/search/searchkey/harvest%20project
You can contact me at doug_king@shaw.ca

There is a hot new fashion accessory that is gracing the arm of top celebs and the covers of many fashion magazines today. This fashion accessory is a one size fits all. What is this great fashion accessory that you must have now? It is a toy dog in your arm.

A pocket-sized dog is one of the most common fashion accessories of the stars seen strolling down the street on a bedazzled leash or nestled in the arm of her owner. Usually these great fashion accessories are seen in an even more fashionable tote bag. With the likes of Paris Hilton, taking her toy dog, Tinker Bell everywhere with her, this is the new fashion trend. Paris had to post a reward when her precious Tinker Bell disappeared.

There is much to be taken into account before you jump on this fashion accessory bandwagon. There are many types of toy dogs that you can choose from for your fashion. You also have to consider the items that you will need to take of your pint-sized bundle of joy. There is also a world of fashion that you can get to dress your toy dog in as well. Fashion for the fashion accessory is a must.

TYPES OF TOY / POCKET DOGS
There are a few breeds that you should consider when looking into a toy dog. The most common of the toy dogs is often the tea cup Chihuahua. This is the same type of dog that Paris Hilton has. Yorkshire Terriers are another breed of dog that is a great one to look into. This dog has a stubborn temperament and is often better suited to older people. Some of the other breeds to look into are toy Poodles, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, and Pugs.

CARE OF YOUR TOY DOG
This fashion accessory is going to need more care then your cashmere wrap of last season. You will need to take care of the basic necessities for your toy dog. You will need a small water and food dish that is low to the ground. Remember it will not need anywhere near as much food as their full size counterpart. You will need a place for your dog to sleep. Grooming is important as well when it comes to toy dogs. A basic dog grooming kit is essential to keep them healthy and looking his best.

DOG FASHION ACCESSORIES
Fashion accessories are one of the fun things about owning a toy dog. There are rhinestone studded leashes and collars to make sure that your pet has their jewelry on at all times. You can buy clothing from a fulfillment center for every event that your toy dog may need to attend. There are many fashionable bags that you can choose from to take your dog with you everywhere that you go.

A toy dog is a great fashion accessory for anyone looking for a little bundle of love with them all the time. These great little dogs do take some care to make them healthy and happy. Once you have done all of your research on what breed that you would like to have, you are ready to purchase this year’s hottest fashion trend.

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http://www.ePETSTUFF.NET is your on-line destination for all domestic Pet Stuff! From fresh articles on pet health, care, training, behavior, information on dog and cat breeds, and small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish, ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders, and product reviews about all things domestic pets, http://www.ePetStuff.net is designed by pet lovers FOR PET LOVERS.

Is this a familiar scenario?  Every where you go around the house your devoted dog is by your side.  He knows when you are preparing his meals, when someone is due home from work he’s at the window waiting, or just when you are relaxing, he is also.

When you begin getting ready to give him a bath, then suddenly you can’t find him.  He knows whats up and doesn’t like it.  Most dogs don’t enjoy their bath, but here are a few tips to reduce your dog’s anxiety.

WHEN

Use your judgment and common sense. If he is covered in muck and mud, or smells like something is rotten, then the time is now.

Basically a minimum of 3 or 4 baths a year for a clean, indoor apartment dwelling dog is sufficient. Obviously many more baths are needed for your outdoor, active or working dog.

Regular brushing helps with removing dead hair, distribute natural oils and removes dirt. This alone helps decrease the amount of dog baths necessary.   A good brush, appropriate for your dog’s size and fur type, will give you and your pet a special time of bonding, and he will be so ecstatic and much more appreciative of time spent together.  Dogs will always prefer this over a bath anytime

WHERE

Do not bathe your dog outdoors in cold winter climates.  Using the proper dog shampoo and tepid to warm water, bathe your dog in the utility tub, a small basin or your bath tub, depending on your dog’s size.

Don’t let a wet dog go out doors in cold, frosty or damp weather.  The dog must be completely dry, especially down to the undercoat, that some dogs have.

In the warm summer time I bathe my dogs outside and let the heat of the sun dry them. They can run and shake, and take a nice warm sun bath.

HOW

Make sure your dog’s coat is combed and all the mats and knots are removed.  These will only become more difficult to remove after they are wet.

Also, make sure that you have a calm environment for bath time.  You don’t want the kid’s fighting and crying, stress from yourself and a rushed, hurried attitude.  Most dogs don’t enjoy baths, but will tolerate them if you are relaxed and gentle.

Make sure if using the tub, that your have a non slip mat down so your dog feels secure.

I use a shower head and long hose that is just perfect so my labs can stand up and I am comfortable also. If you don’t have this, use a large pitcher (plastic) to wet and rinse with. Wash the face first with a wet cloth, without soap. Some people put cotton balls in the ears for protection, and if it makes you more comfortable, do so. Just don’t forget to take them out after.

When you are finished the bath, the inevitable shaking will begin.  If you are quick on the draw you can get a dry, clean towel over you dog to absorb some of the water before you get a bath also.   It is inevitable that your will get wet anyway.  Using old clean towels, that are used specifically for clean ups and your dogs messes, dry the fur as much as possible. Most dogs love the rub down after their bath much more than the actual bath.

Some dogs enjoy getting blown dried with a hair dryer or ceiling fan after their baths, but if you do this, make sure you use the warm setting, not hot.  To prevent a hot spot on your dog’s skin, you must keep the dryer moving at all times.

When you bring your puppy home, giving him a bath regularly when he is little will help make this just another routine in his life, rather than something that is scary. As most of us pet owners know, our dogs can feel our moods, so make it a relaxing as possible, so it doesn’t become a struggle and unpleasant event every time

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Understanding your dog’s behavior will increase the bond between you and your dog. Taking care of your dog, and giving him the best, whether it be the best nutrition, or the best medical care or the best emotional connection will make you and your pet both extremely content.
Check out my tips and dog information at: http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com

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• Bathing a Corgi (mydogbert.com)

Canine history is a history of the friendship between us and our pet dog (Canis lupus familiaris). That friendship stems from us needing help with our herding, hunting and safety.

In times of famine it would also have been beneficial for the dog’s diet and possible survival.

Early man also used him to supplement his own diet and even may have raised him for ‘camp meat’. AT first they were probably camp meat but later would be raised as delicacy. In some current societies it is still a practice.

It is also fair to conjecture man brought his new subject into the cave as a source of warmth on cold nights and this may very well have led to ‘companionship’ being added to the list of ‘pluses’ garnered from the relationship.

Scientists have argued for many years about the evolution and history of the domestic dog. Concensus in the field is that our domestic dog is a direct descendant of the Grey Wolf. DNA research conducted by Dr. Robert K. Wayne, canid biologist and molecular geneticist of UCLA indicates that dogs are closer to the Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus) than previously suspected.

In fact, due in large part to Dr. Robert K. Wayne’s genetic research, the authors of the “Mammal Species of the World” the internationally accepted reference source on mammal species, reclassified the dog in 1993 from Canis Familiaris to Canis Lupus No one knows for sure when this all started.

Mitochondrial DNA comes from the Paternal side of the family and that is the way Canines have been studied. This research tells us that wolves and dogs went different directions about 100,000 years ago. Existing history does not tell us if man was involved in this or not.

What research also tells us is that our total canine population of today is descended from three females in the China area some 15,000 years ago.

Existing science does not give us the luxury today of determining which leg of the research is correct or if they will someday merge. Unfortunately available history does not go back that far.

Research at this point does not tell us what happened to Canis Lupus Familiaris between the parting from the wolves 100,000 years ago and the parentage established from the three bitches 85,000 years later.

There’s a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel which has joint human and dog burials dated to 14,000 years ago. China registers the earliest domestication between 7000-5800 BC.

In Utah’s Danger Cave we find the oldest cases of dog burial which goes back about 11,000 years. Someday there will be more information on this subject and it will be my pleasure to bring it to you. There are plenty of resources available to help with drug rehab, as well as legal information if you need to find out about these topics.

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Why not join us at our website http://www.minischnauzersx2.net so we can put a smile on your face and some warmth in your day.You don’t have to sign up for our free newsletter but if you do we’ll send you a free copy (normally $14.95) of ‘Truthful Teddy’ which is the non-religious, non-political story of the friendship between a three foot rag doll and a tan Teddy Bear. It will leave you with some warmth for your day and a smile on your face. See you there or at minischnauzersx2@bellsouth.net

Labrador Retrievers are a high spirited, very intelligent, happy-go-lucky and loyal dog breed that is very well suited for families. They have a friendly temperament and are adaptable to different environments which makes them easy to care for and safe for children to be around. Labradors will work hard to please their pack leader humans. They are very observant and good-humored and enjoy abundant affection.

Labradors are highly intelligent which is why they excel as show dogs and at dog sporting events. They are very happy outdoors and love to swim and play fetch games around water. This is because this breed is an instinctive hunter both on land and in water. The Labrador Retriever is trained and bred by sportsmen and breeders to work in the field for the purpose of retrieving game.

A superior Labrador should be gifted with instinct to retrieve and strong, athletic and muscular body for endurance. Labrador Retrievers often times must be able to work in difficult terrain, swim in cold turbulent waters such as rivers, streams or tidal areas and be able carry downed birds for long distances. The Labrador should have a sturdy, compact body that is designed specifically for this purpose. Labradors also have a keen sense of smell. The characteristics of a Labrador Retriever makes them an ideal dog breed for hunting, police dogs, military dogs, rescue dogs and seeing eye dogs.

Even though Labradors are a wonderful breed, you should carefully consider whether or not they are suited for your family, your needs and your lifestyle.

Labradors need a lot of outdoor room to be happy. They require vigorous daily exercise to burn energy and stimulate their mind. There are also some characteristics about labs that simply do not complement the needs of some dog owners.

For instance, while labrador retrievers are highly intelligent and very eager to learn, training a lab takes expertise, patience and time. They don’t come from the litter programmed to understand or respond to your commands. Also, they are strong and even the medium size can make them hard to control and manage if they are not properly trained and socialized early on.

Labradors are an outstanding dog breed that will make an excellent family pet if properly trained and socialized.

If you give them the proper environment, training, love and affection and you will be rewarded with a well mannered pet and a loyal companion.

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http://www.dobobediences.com provides comprehensive information and resources about a wide variety of dog breeds including tips on wrinkle cream, dog training, care, rescue, breeders and adoption. Viist the dog breeds page to view photos and videos of each dog breed.

http://www.dogobediences.com/dog-breeds/