Friday, August 8, 2014

Breed of the Week : Xolo

I am most happy to declare the new reigning champion of this week...Xolo!

Paw five to the Mexican Hairless!

Enjoy this Friday with photos of adorable Xolo pups.




 
 
 
 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Puppy Love Special Edition


www.dailypuppy.com


A Puppy Love FYI moment - I have a notebook list of breeds to share in posts.  On this Thursday, August 7, the breed of the day was to be the Shiba Inu.  However, Rambo the Havanese caught my attention in the most adorable of ways.  I am not familiar with the Havanese breed, so today is a special edition.




HISTORY :
  • Origin - Cuba
  • Member of Bichon breed
  • Introduced to the United States during the Cuban Revolution in the 1970s
  • Recognized by the AKC in 1996
  • In 2013, the Havanese was listed as the 25th most popular breed by the AKC
(Source - Wikipedia)


TEMPERAMENT :
  • "natural companion"
  • Great with children
  • Loving
  • Playful
  • Intelligent
  • Highly social with people, dogs, cats, and any other pets
  • Easy to train
  • Quick learner
  • Sensitive to discipline - owner must be calm and show authority...do not be overly firm or harsh
  • Important note during the training process - Train not to bark at early age as excessive barking is not in the Havanese nature
  • Important note during the training process - Leadership is a must to deter shyness and/or aggression as neither are breed qualities


PHYSICAL TRAIT :
  • Average weight : 7 - 13 pounds


HEALTH :
  • Generally healthy
  • ! Long life expectancy can cause issues - Refer to Wikipedia for further information)


LIVING CONDITIONS :
  • Good in an apartment
  • Active indoors
  • Daily walks


LIFE EXPECTANCY :
  • 14 - 15 years


(Temperament, Physical Trait, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - DogBreedInfo)















Wednesday, August 6, 2014

...Other than Xolo

The Xoloitzcuintli breed has a terribly awkward name.  Research doesn't help the literal pronunciation of the complicated name.  Xolo is slightly better to say and read.  The obvious choice for English speaking countries is Mexican Hairless.  Yet somehow this name doesn't suit such a loyal, loving, and devoted dog.

I recommend The Giant Book of Dog Names to find the perfect name for a newly adopted Xolo.  (I personally would not go with Fido.)

Find a name...


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Breed of the Day : Xoloitzcuintli




Xoloitzcuintli


HISTORY :
  • alternative - Xolo (zoh-loh)
  • Mexican hairless dog "in English speaking countries"
  • Origin - Mexico
  • In existence for over 3,000 years
  • Not common in the United States
The history of the Xolo is detailed and complex.  Visit Wikipedia for further information and interest.


TEMPERAMENT :
  • Intelligent
  • Loyal
  • Protective
  • Barks only to warn danger or a stranger
  • Good with children if socialized well
  • Devoted to family
  • ALL FAMILY MEMBERS MUST SHOW LEADERSHIP & CARE...IF THERE IS A LACK, THE XOLO WILL ONLY BOND WITH THOSE WHO DO SHOW LEADERSHIP & CARE
  • Easy to housetrain...Quick learner
  • "Velcro Dog" - with owner at all times



PHYSICAL TRAITS :
  • Toy Size : 5 - 15 pounds
  • Miniature Size : 15 - 30 pounds
  • Standard Size : 25 - 40 pounds
  • Potential Standard Size : up to 60 pounds



HEALTH :
  • No known issues
  • Wrap in a sweater in cold weather



LIVING CONDITIONS :
  • Young Xolos need toys and activities for exercise and training
  • Consider a dog walker or dog daycare for the first year if not available for full attention
  • Older Xolos are quiet and content to be alone during a work week
  • If an employer allows, a Xolo is happy to be with its owner



LIFE EXPECTANCY :
  • 15 to 20 years



(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source -
DogBreedInfo)




Monday, August 4, 2014

Breed of the Day : Russian Spaniel




Russian Spaniel


HISTORY :
  • Origin - Soviet Union
  • Cross breed - between English Cocker Spaniel & English Springer Spaniel
  • Similar to Cocker Spaniel...Difference is the coat - Russian Spaniels have shorter and tighter coats
  • Introduced internationally in the 1990s
  • Currently not recognized by any major kennel clubs
(A detailed history can be found on Wikipedia.)


TEMPERAMENT :
  • Breed intent - hunting
  • Breed instincts - Stamina, Strong sense of smell, Increased energy, Retrieve, Persistence
  • As a family pet - Loyal, Devoted
  • Great with children
  • Good with other dogs
  • Easy to train - Does need confident, consistent, and calm leadership


PHYSICAL TRAIT :
  • Average weight : 28 - 35 pounds


HEALTH :
  • Tendency to overeat - Diet is required


LIVING CONDITIONS :
  • Okay in an apartment with daily exercise


LIFE EXPECTANCY :
  • 14 years


(Temperament, Physical Trait, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - DogBreedInfo)






Monday, July 14, 2014

Scotland Terrier Quiz

Quiz Question #1 :

What is the name of the Scottish Terrier in Lady and the Tramp?

Quiz Question #2 :

What is the name of the Scotland Terrier in The Wizard of Oz?

Quiz Question #3 :

What type of Scotland Terrier is in The Wizard of Oz -

a) Scottish
b) Cairn
c) West Highland White

Diehard irony -

Fans of both movies will know the answers WITHOUT research.

"Diehard" is a nickname that can be researched on Wikipedia.

Scottie, Spaniel, Bloodhound Oh my!


Breed of the Day - Scottish Terrier




Scottish Terrier


HISTORY :
  • "Scottie" ... "Aberdeen Terrier" (Aberdeen, Scotland)
  • One of five terriers with Scotland origin (Breeds : Scottish, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White Terrier)
  • Presidential owners - FDR, George W. Bush
  • Playing piece in Monopoly
(A further history can be found on Wikipedia)


TEMPERAMENT :
  • Brave
  • Alert
  • Intelligent
  • Playful and friendly as a puppy..."dignified" as an adult
  • Excellent watchdog
  • Stubborn tendency
  • Consistent firm and calm training early on...Owner MUST be confident in training to keep the dog positively responsive...Lack of authority by all leaders in the family will lead to nonresponsive and challenging behavior
  • Needs socializing
  • "Reliable temperament"
  • Likes to exercise and play
  • "Big dog in small dog's body"
  • AVOID SMALL DOG SYNDROME - Moody, Protective, Obsessive barking, etc. - BEHAVIORS NOT NATURAL TRAITS OF A SCOTTISH TERRIER
  • Children MUST show leadership
  • Not good with younger children
  • Daily exercise reinforces leadership


PHYSICAL TRAIT :
  • Average weight : 19 - 23 pounds


HEALTH :
  • Prone to bleeding disorders
  • Prone to joint disorders
  • Prone to autoimmune diseases
  • Allergies
  • Scottie Cramp - movement disorder
(Source - Wikipedia)


LIVING CONDITIONS :
  • Good for apartment
  • Okay without a yard
  • Prefers cooler weather


LIFE EXPECTANCY :
  • 12 - 15 years



(Temperament, Physical Trait, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - DogBreedInfo)



Saturday, July 12, 2014

My Favorite Breed - Australian Cattle Dog

 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Cattle Dog
Blue Heeler
 
 
 
 
 
"Protective, Cautious, Obedient, Loyal, Energetic, Brave" - Wikipedia
 
 
Her name was Chessie.  Her litter siblings were outgoing and eager to be adopted.  She looked lonesome with a face that said, "No one will adopt me."  She did not expect a life to be filled with dedicated love soon to come.
 
My grandmother was intrigued by the checker board pattern on Chessie's face and adopted her in a heartbeat.  Chessie was the name given to her by her forever family.
 
I met Chessie when I was an infant.  Although I have no recollection, the stories shared by my grandmother and mother make me feel as though I have known her all my life.
 
She proved her breed's natural temperament growing up.  She proved her breed's natural temperament even more when my mother was pregnant with me and after I was born.
 
Chessie held strong motherly instinct.  When my mother was pregnant with me, Chessie felt a sense of loyalty in such a profound way that cannot be placed into words.
 
When I was born, Chessie became a second mother.  When I was taken for walks in my stroller, Chessie pressed against the stroller hard.  When strangers approached, she was so protective of me that she went into attack mode.  As one story goes, an off-duty police officer passed us, but was in his full uniform.  He was a "good stranger," but Chessie felt otherwise.  She bared her teeth, growled, and barked to protect me and my grandmother.  When he backed off, he commented on how powerful she was to be so cautious, brave, and truly loyal toward her family.  As another story goes, my grandmother was stopped in her car with Chessie in the passenger seat I believe.  A man thought to be drunk approached the car.  The windows happened to be rolled down a bit.  She went into protective attack mode and actually injured him slightly.  Even he was impressed by how powerful she was.  He really backed off.
 
Chessie passed away from cancer before my milestone months and years.
 
Her precious doggie imprint on my family's life is forever lasting.  Memories through stories are my way of saying "I love you" through lovealwayschessie.blogspot.com.
 
Chessie will always be my favorite breed.


Friday, July 4, 2014

Independence Day Spotlight : Portuguese Water Dog

Election years come with palpable nerves on both sides of the aisle.  Who will be elected into office as the new President of the United States?  Every four years, the month of November comes with hope, anxiety, and exhaustion.  By the night's end, America's decision is finally known.  Let the celebration commence.  In January, the President is sworn into office.  The first day of work has arrived.

The President of the United States is surrounded with a solid support system - Cabinet and family.  Family will always be at the core.  Therefore, every sitting Chief Executive introduces new familial ways to America...including their unique canine family.

Bo and Sunny are the current "first pets" in the White House household.  Breed of choice - Portuguese Water Dog.



www.nydailynews.com
Bo is on the left
Sunny is on the right


The Fourth of July celebrates United States history.  On this July 4, 2014, Puppy Love will celebrate a unique version of history - the First Dogs.

Portuguese Water Dog

HISTORY :
  • Native of Portugal
  • "Excellent swimmer"
  • Intent : Work with fishermen
  • Catch fish, Retrieve anything falling in the water, Carry messages from ship to ship/ship to shore, Guard boats in foreign territory ... These tasks were eventually taken over by technology
  • In the 1930s, the Portuguese Water Dog breed was nearing its end due to tasks no longer needed.
  • Vasco Bensaude of Portugal invested in a program to save the breed
  • The Portuguese Water Dog was introduced to the U.S. in 1958
  • AKC registration in 1983
  • Utilized as a therapy dog and assistance dog amongst many other attributes

TEMPERAMENT :
  • Loyal
  • Loves the water
  • Humorous
  • Affectionate
  • Active
  • Good with children
  • Good with other dogs and pets
  • Good-tempered
  • Brave
  • Intelligent
  • Obedient
  • Easy to train - fast to learn and understand instructions
  • Consistent, calm, confident leadership from all in the family
  • Good as a watchdog
  • Puppies are chewers!
  • Do not allow to jump on humans

PHYSCIAL TRAITS :
  • Average male weight : 42 - 55 pounds
  • Average female weight : 35 - 49 pound

HEALTH :
  • Prone to GM-1 Storage Disease, a potentially fatal nerve disease - dogs for breeding need testing early as signs show around 6 months old

LIVING CONDITIONS :
  • Okay in an apartment with daily exercise
  • Prefers activity outside with family

EXERCISE :
  • Loves water activities
  • Loves to run
  • Best with high-energy owners

LIFE EXPECTANCY :
  • 10 - 14 years

UNIQUE ASSET FOR OWNERS :
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Little to no shedding

(Source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/portuguesewaterdog.htm)


As First Dogs, Bo and Sunny are a part of a great family.  Their owners happen to exhibit and prove confident and consistent leadership.  Their owners happen to enjoy exercise.  Their owners happen to have a decent yard.  Their owners, more importantly, happen to run on high energy.  Bo and Sunny Obama proudly represent the official canine administration.

Happy Birthday, USA

Paw five to all First Dogs and, well, all dogs!