Sunday, January 30, 2011

Non-sporting Dog Breeds

A comprehensive list of dog breeds classified as non-sporting can be found on
American Kennel Club.

Amazon offers over 3,000 toys for small breeds.  This selection (albeit quite extensive) is excellent for dogs residing in apartment settings, where most of their exercise activity is indoors.  If you own a small dog or are interested in adopting a small breed, invest in such toys as found on Amazon.  I encourage use of my Amazon Search Box found at the bottom of the screen.  Enter "dog toys for small dogs" and shop away!

The American Kennel Club has strong ties to dog.com.  This website offers anything dog -

beds

bowls/feeders

carriers

clothes

collars/leashes/harnesses

doors/gates

eco-friendly products

food

grooming

health

luxury

made in the USA

personalized products

puppy supplies

toys

training

travel/outdoor

and so much more 

Hours will easily be spent looking around and shopping.  Simply go to the American Kennel Club site and click on Dog.com at the top of the screen.  Puppy Love highly recommends dog.com as a priority source for all things dog.  An added bonus to shopping at dog.com is that shoppers will be supporting the American Kennel Club.

Love Amazon.com.  Love the American Kennel Club.  Love your dog.

To love a dog : Part 1

Owning a Dog Series - Part 1

"Challenges for the Urban Owner"

- Non-sporting breeds require less space to exercise

- Proper training is necessary

- City life with constant vehicle and pedestrian traffic can be an issue, especially for play and exercise

- Confined living can be frustrating for pups wanting to get out and explore

*Tips by FidoDogTreats.com

Declan the Miniature Dachshund

Today's daily puppy is Declan the Miniature Dachshund.  The Dachshund breed was discussed in the post "Brutus the Dachshund."  All I can say here, however, is. . .holy puppy is Declan cute!!!  Swanny may have a run for her money with this little one!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

American Eskimo heritage at PAWS Chicago

The American Eskimo is traced to the Spitz family.  The Spitz family includes the Pomeranian.  PAWS Chicago is home to one such Pomeranian.

Meet Noah -



Noah is a 9-year-old furball sweetheart. 

"This cutie loves to be the life of the party, and is happiest when receiving lots of attention and love.  He is house-trained.  Noah likes to take walks, and loves romping around in the snow.  Because he can be a bit headstrong, Noah would do best with a patient dog-lover who has some experience with his breed.  He does well with other dogs, but would prefer an adults-only home.  Noah is looking for a loving home where he can relax and enjoy the last few years of his life. . ."

Noah is labeled a special dog on PAWS Chicago.  Noah is beyond special.  Noah is an angel.  He may be 9 years of age, but his photos tell otherwise.  If you are in the Chicago area and desire a dog (or another), open your loving home to Noah.

Mika the American Eskimo

Today's daily puppy is Mika the American Eskimo.  Mika is adorable with a snowball fur coat and does indeed look ready for anything.

The American Eskimo is well recognized for its beautiful white coat and contrasting black lips, nose, and eyes.  Its triangle-shaped ears take notice as well.

The Eskie, as generally referred to as, is surprisingly not in relation to Eskimo natives.  The Eskie is actually a descendent of the Spitz family - white German Spitz, white Italian spitz, and white Pomeranian.  The Eskie came to the United States in the 19th century to be part of traveling circuses.  A further history of the American Eskimo can be found on the American Kennel Club.

The temperament of the American Eskimo is one of gold.  This breed is affectionate and playful.  This breed is alert.  The Eskie is highly intelligent and lives to please its master, therefore making training quite easy.  The American Eskimo is an excellent family dog and loves new people (admittedly after initial hesitation).  The American Eskimo thrives as part of a family.  This dog, like all others on Puppy Love, needs firm but gentle and always consistent and confident leadership.  A further look on the behavior of the American Eskimo can be found on Dog Breed Info.

Dog Breed Info describes the American Eskimo as perfect for all house types.  Why?  The Eskie comes in three weight sizes - toy (6 to 10 pounds), miniature (10 to 20 pounds), and standard (18 to 35 pounds).  With these weight classes come health concerns.  The American Eskimo easily gains weight if not given enough exercise or if overfed.  Other concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and allergies to fleas in some.  Despite these health concerns, the American Eskimo has an incredible life expectancy at 15 years or longer.

The American Eskimo will fair well in apartment settings and in homes with yards.  Due to their acute intelligence, the Eskie needs daily exercise and activities that will provide purpose as this breed likes to work.  Such exercise can be done indoors or out.  A daily walk, however, is always a must to satisfy the natural canine instinct to move.

Dog Breed Info and the American Kennel Club recommend daily grooming as the double coat sheds.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

So many dog books. . .

Tracie Hotchner's The Dog Bible is not the only authority on dog breeds in the Amazon.com world.  Consider these titles -































I would go on, but I doubt 522 titles will fit in one post.

If you are interested in the dog bible theme, utilize the Amazon Search Box at the bottom of the Puppy Love screen.  Enter "the dog bible" and search (and shop) away!

The Dog Bible

If you enjoy my training tips series, you will love the source of my online research - The Dog Bible.

Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and, as evidenced in such tips offered in "Reading the Body Language of an Aggressive Dog" and "Many Dogs Don't Like Being Patted on Top of the Head," she is well-versed in canine behavior.

If you are considering adoption or are a new adopter, The Dog Bible is a must.

Puppy Love ranks The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know a bestseller.

Puppy Training Tips Again : Part 6

Skills Series - Part 6

"Many Dogs Don't Like Being Patted on Top of the Head"

- A hand coming over a dog's head is deemed a threatening motion to the dog

- Dogs prefer touch on their shoulders or chest

*Tips by Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible

Puppy Training Tips Again : Part 5

Skills Series - Part 5

"Reading the Body Language of an Aggressive Dog"

- Defensive. . .Leaning backwards and growling

- Attack or flee. . .Shifting back and forth

- Danger. . .Slightly forward and direct eye contact

*Tips by Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible

Puppy Training Tips Again : Part 4

Skills Series - Part 4

"Never Punish a Dog for Growling"

- Yawning, lip licking, and looking away are subtle signs of anxiety or discomfort. . .such signs are generally missed by humans

- Growling is a clear indication of an uncomfortable situation, with a possible bite as result

- Growling is fair warning to humans

- Punishing growling does not calm the anxiety and only masks the warning signal

*Tips by Irith Bloom, owner of The Sophisticated Dog (training service)

Puppy Training Tips Again : Part 3

Skills Series - Part 3

"Common Behavior Problems : Not Listening"

- Generalization. . .Understand behavior in different settings

- Good listening behavior will be repeated when rewarded

- If a dog does not listen, practice behavior training in the environment they do not respond to with higher value treats as the reward

*Tips by Tammy's Dog Training Service

Friday, January 21, 2011

Shih Tzu cross

Gizmo the Shih Tzu was an adorable puppy to blog about.  Gizmo's breed history was most interesting and culturally informative to research.  The Shih Tzu cross hails from the eastern countries in the world - Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog & Pekingese.

PAWS Chicago, on the western front, is home to two Lhasa Apso dogs.

Meet Princess Chasa -

 

This little one is 6 months old and is described as a "Teacher's Pet."

Princess Chasa's page can be found on PAWS Chicago.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meet Mopsy -



This sweet girl is 8 years old and is described as a "Teacher's Pet."

Mopsy is a special girl.  Her unique story can be found on her page on PAWS Chicago.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Gizmo the Shih Tzu

Today's daily puppy is Gizmo the Shih Tzu.  Gizmo must live quite the happy life to stick out his tongue without a care.

The name "Shih Tzu" means "lion" and definitively defines this breed's personality - kind and playful but brave without fear.  A glance at Gizmo, then, makes sense. 

The history of the Shih Tzu dates several centuries in Chinese royalty.  The Shih Tzu is believed to be a cross between the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese.  This breed served as house pet for the Ming Dynasty and came to be discovered by English soldiers during World War II.  For more information on the history of the Shih Tzu, visit the American Kennel Club.

The pronunciation of Shih Tzu, interestingly, has a history all its own.  In America, the name is spoken as "sheet-sue."  Proper Chinese Mandarin pronunciation is "sure-ds" (where "ds" sounds like the "ds" in "words").  For more information on the history of the name Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info.

The Shih Tzu is lively, gentle, and loyal.  The Shih Tzu is friendly and eager to make new friends.  The Shih Tzu is courageous and intelligent.  Despite its small size, the Shih Tzu makes for a good watch dog because of its alert nature.  Like all dogs posted on Puppy Love, the Shih Tzu requires an appropriate place within its human pack.  If led to believe in being the leader, inappropriate behaviors will arise - i.e. separation anxiety, growling, biting, lack of trust, etc.  Firm but gentle and always consistent training and rule-setting brings out the best in the Shih Tzu.  For more information on the temperament of the Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info

The Shih Tzu averages up to 11 inches in height and 9 to 16 pounds in weight.  This small stature comes with health concerns.  The Shih Tzu is prone to spinal disc disease due to a long back and short legs.  Other health complaints include ear infections, eye problems, and tooth loss.  Respiratory issues can arise as the Shih Tzu tends to snore.  Owners and potential adopters should know never to overfeed this dog as they can easily gain weight.  The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is incredible at 15 years or longer.  For more information on the health of the Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info.

The Shih Tzu is excellent for apartment living because of its small size and minimal need for outside exercise.  However, this dog needs a daily walk to satisfy its instinct.

The Shih Tzu needs regular grooming because of its long coat.  Regular grooming will allow for little to no shedding.  For more information on grooming needs of the Shih Tzu, visit Dog Breed Info.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

New Year, New Look

In this year, 2011, I strive for anything new - new loves at Chicago animal shelters, new opportunities to further my passion for writing, and new ways of considering current projects. 

I am excited to say that Puppy Love, in look, is all new.  The template is forever the same.  However, if you scroll to the bottom 0f the screen, you will find new and most relevant advertisements from companies I am thrilled to affiliate with.  Check out "Healthy, Happy Pets" and shop away!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Rocko's eyes

The YouTube video below features Rocko - a 2-year-old Pit Bull in The Anti-Cruelty Society's Bully Buddy Program.  All Pit Bulls housed in The Anti-Cruelty Society must be claimed a Bully Buddy simply because of their notorious breed history.

After watching the video about Rocko, I pose the thought,

When you look into Rocko's eyes...

Rocko 11300110

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Freelance Write

In 2010, I created a freelance writing service.  My website lists my project interests, negotiable rates, writing samples, and links to publication sources.  My samples and links reflect my capability of writing on various topics.  My heart, however, is with writing about dog breeds and anything related to canines.  Puppy Love and Examiner reflect ongoing writing samples.

If you have a project idea and are in need of freelance writing services, please visit my website for contact information and negotiable rates.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Something about Dachshunds. . .

If you thought Brutus in "Brutus the Dachshund" was adorable, think again.

Meet Kurt -



and Puck -



and Mercedes -



These precious triplets (two boys and a girl) are 9 weeks old.  Kurt, Puck, and Mercedes are Chihuahua-Dachshund mixes.

I wonder how long it will be before they are adopted. . .

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Best breeds for Chicago living

After exceptionally difficult technical issues with Examiner, I published "Best breeds for Chicago living" without photos.  My article can be found on my Examiner homepage.  I would like to introduce, though, two very adorable dogs featured in "Best breeds for Chicago living."

Meet Jordan, the Chocolate Labrador -

Jordan's story can be found in "Best breeds for Chicago living."  Jordan's current home is The Anti-Cruelty Society.  If you love Labrador Retrievers and Jordan's story especially, consider adopting her into your family.












Meet Jersey, the German Shepherd -


Jersey's story can be found in "Best breeds for Chicago living."  Jersey's current home is The Anti-Cruelty Society.  If you love German Shepherds and Jersey's story especially, consider adopting her into your family.












Puppy Love gives a pawfive to all dogs (and cats) adopted at The Anti-Cruelty Society.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Brutus the Dachshund

Today's daily puppy is Brutus the Dachshund.  In my opinion, I do not match "Brutus" with "Dachshund" - his sweet eyes and small, cuddly body do not seem intimidating enough for such a tough name as Brutus.

The Dachshund is a friendly breed dating to early 17th Century Germany.  At that time, breeders were looking for a fearless, small, and long dog to dig through ground to attack and kill nuisance badgers.  The Dachshund name - pronounced "dak sund" - translates to "badger dog."  Dachshunds found popularity in the United States in the early 1900s, but lost interest after World War I for unknown reasons.  American breeders brought the Dachshund breed back into popularity some years later when importing German dogs.  For a further history, visit the American Kennel Club.

True to their hunting instincts, the Dachshund is curious, intelligent, and brave.  The Dachshund is likewise known for affection and devotion.  This breed requires strong lead by its human owner.  Lack of authority will lead to separation anxiety, biting, obsessive barking, and other poor acts of behavior.  This breed can also become unpredictable around strangers and owners if gone without lead.  An owner with experience with smaller dogs is ideal for the Dachshund.  If a Dachshund is adopted into a family with other pets and there comes to be a lack of authority, this dog can become jealous and irritable.  Dog Breed Info describes such  negative traits as that of small dog syndrome and not in any way that of the loveable Dachshund breed.

In the United States, the American Kennel Club classifies the Dachshund in two sizes - standard and miniature.  Standard height stands at 8 to 11 inches.  Standard weight is over 11 pounds by one year of age (12 months).  Miniature height stands at 5 to 7 inches.  Miniature weight is 11 pounds or less by one year of age (12 months).  In Europe, the Dachshund is classified as Toy size - 12 inches in height and 8 pounds in weight by one year of age (12 months).  Nicknames such as "Wiener Dog," "Hotdog Dog," "Tweenie," "Dwarf," and others are not official American Kennel Club titles.  For further information on the description of the Dachshund, visit Dog Breed Info.

Dachshunds come with serious health concerns.  This breed is prone to spinal disc problems leading to paralysis, urinary tract problems, heart disease, and diabetes.  Dachshunds tend to become overweight, causing further back ailments.  However, life expectancy is quite long at 12 to 15 years.

Apartment settings for urban adopters are fine as the Dachshund is active indoors.  Daily walks and outdoor play are still requisite.

As described by the American Kennel Club and Dog Breed Info, the Dachshund is an ideal dog to own for its temperament and familial companionship.  If the Dachshund sounds like the right fit for you, look to your local animal shelter or Petfinder.com for possible adoption availabilities.

Friday, January 7, 2011

When you look into their eyes. . .

The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, Illinois houses abused and neglected dogs and cats.  The majority of injured animals at this shelter are dogs.  Every day, a human being treats their dog without care.  Every day, a dog is handled without love, warmth, and heart.  Every day, there is a case of cruel abuse and neglect.  So let me ask this question.  When you look into their eyes, what do you see?  What do you feel?  What do you hear?

Look into the eyes of Cisco -

  

This precious angel is a 1-year-old Pit Bull/Terrier pup.  He was brought into The Anti-Cruelty Society on December 1, 2010.  Cisco is a new dog in the Society's Bully Buddy Program.  One can only speculate as to why.

What do you see?  What do you feel?  What do you hear?

What did Cisco do to live in The Anti-Cruelty Society?

Look into the eyes of Swanny -












In my interview with PAWS Chicago for my Examiner article, "Favorite Breed 2010," I learned that Swanny is a special dog because while in her foster home, she accidentally bit her parent out of excitement.  PAWS Chicago by policy must inform all potential adopters of this "attack."  Is Swanny a vicious animal undeserving of unconditional love?  One will learn upon further reading of my article that Swanny is not a bad dog because of her bite incident.  She is misunderstood with a true story unknown. . .unknown since May 5, 2010.

When you look into their eyes. . .

The unusual suspects

As of January 6, I have a newly published article on Examiner - "The unusual suspects" - featuring the Catahoula Leopard Dog.  Read on at http://www.examiner.com/dog-breeds-4-in-chicago/lauren-hovis

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Eye Opener on Examiner

I recently published "No Kill Society 2011" on Examiner.  The statistics listed are truly eye opening and the hope for a no kill society now is heart melting.  Read my article on my homepage at http://www.examiner.com/dog-breeds-4-in-chicago/lauren-hovis

PAWS Chicago Adoption

I am thrilled (and a bit sad) to announce that my buddy Wiggle Worm has been adopted.  I will always remember him through my Examiner article, "It's a Cocker Spaniel Christmas."  As always, Puppy Love wishes all the best for Wiggle Worm and his forever family.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in Chicago?

On November 24, 2010, I wrote my first Puppy Love post on a daily puppy - Riley the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  This breed has a surreal name with a very real history.  When I wrote about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, I imagined this dog living deep within the countryside, nearly on land unheard of to urban dwellers. . .

. . .Until I came across The Anti-Cruelty Society in downtown Chicago.

Meet Max -



Max is a 7-year-old knock-out - he is quite handsome if he says so himself.

"When you come to meet me, you won't be able to get over just how cute I am - really, I'm SOOO cute!  I am very inquisitive and friendly, although I'm very shy.  I have to admit I'm a little nervous here at the shelter, but I promise I will be so much more relaxed once in a home.  Because I'm a shy guy, I would do best in a home where any children are older - - little children would be a bit much for a guy like me.  And I would need to meet any other dogs in the family first - - I can be a little selective, but that's okay - - I just want to make sure my new dog roommate and I would be buddies for life.  I'm a smart fellow and obedience training would be great, it would help me feel more confident and be a perfect way for me and you to get to know one another!  I love having my head rubbed and just hanging out with my best friend - - I'm hoping that's you!  I am patiently waiting for you at the Anti-Cruelty Society. . ."

Max has been patiently waiting for his forever home since November 18, 2010.  If you love this cute pup, learn more about adopting at http://www.anticruelty.org/adopt/

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Animal Magnetism

If you are going to be in the Chicago area this winter, consider attending Animal Magnetism - an event hosted by PAWS Chicago on Friday, February 4.  For details, see my article on Examiner at http://www.examiner.com/dog-breeds-in-chicago/paws-chicago-winter-2011-event

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year, New Love

In 2010, I said goodbye to Ham and Bambino and Maxine and Cosette and many others.  In 2011, I welcome on Puppy Love my new loves. 

Meet Swanny -

Swanny is my sweetheart on "Favorite Breed 2010."  Follow her story at http://www.examiner.com/dog-breeds-in-chicago/favorite-breed-2010.  I fell in love in a heartbeat.









Meet Wiggle Worm -

Wiggle Worm is my buddy in "It's a Cocker Spaniel Christmas."  Read more on my Examiner homepage at http://www.examiner.com/dog-breeds-4-in-chicago/lauren-hovis.  I fell in love in a heartbeat.








Swanny and Wiggle Worm may be spotlights in 2010, but they are available for adoption in 2011.  I fell in love with their stories then and I am more in love with them now.  I welcome these little ones to Puppy Love as my favorites in 2011.