Chew to Play & Learn to Train

Breed of the Day : Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier


HISTORY :

• "Staffie" or "Stafford" or "Staffy" or "Staff"
• Early breed intent : Bloodsport - deliberate acts of fighting against other animals
• In 1835, England banned such intent through animal welfare laws
• Dog fighting continued for several decades in England and America - Continued breed intent : aggression
• Naturally good temperament despite cruel and inhumane training
• Accepted into The Kennel Club of the UK in 1935 as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• *Cross breed - Bulldog & Manchester Terrier
• *American Kennel Club registration - 1975

(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_Bull_Terrier)
(*Source - https://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm)


TEMPERAMENT :

• "Full throttle: play, work, and love"
• Intelligent
• Active
• Courageous, Fearless, Curious
• Obedient
• Affectionate
• Excellent with children
• Family oriented
• Good with other pets
• Firm leadership a must...A lack leads to aggression toward outside dogs
• All family members MUST be firm, confident, and consistent as leaders
• Ideal for experienced dog owners
• Socialization is a must
• CHEW TOYS A MUST FOR PUPPY STAFFIES - NO PLASTIC!  (HEALTH HAZARD)
• STRONG JAWS - KEEP HANDS AWAY
• Challenge and variety
• Can be difficult to housebreak

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average male weight : 25 - 38 pounds
• Average female weight : 23 - 35 pounds

HEALTH :

• Prone to cataracts
• Screen puppies for eye problems at a few weeks old
• Prone to mast cell tumors (Refer to http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/care/mastcelltumor.htm)

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay in an apartment with daily exercise
• Active indoors

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 10 - 16 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/staffordshirebullterrier.htm)

My Favorite Breed - St. Bernard

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. BERNARD

 

 

 

 

HISTORY : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Bernard_(dog)

 

 

ST. BERNARD BREED INFO : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/saintbernard.htm

 

 

The story of my love for the St. Bernard breed begins at the Kauai, Hawaii Humane Society many years ago.

 

I was visiting my family on the island during my summer break from high school.  My cousin was in preschool, so my aunt and uncle had quite a lot on their hands at the time.  My aunt asked if I wanted to volunteer at the Humane Society during preschool hours and I replied with a most happy yes.

 

My first day was spent with the cats and kittens.  I thoroughly cleaned the kitty kennels and, with the door shut, let out one cat at a time.  Paws stretched.  A "shake it off" moment.  Holding each individual little one in my arms.  Some didn't want me to let go.  Some let me know through their loving eyes that they will be fine back in their kitty kennel.  Some wanted to be goofy and run around.  As I had to continue my chores, getting these little ones back in their kennels was quite the task!

 

My second day was spent working with the older dogs.  I believe they preferred barking me into deafness than having their kennels cleaned because they were so excited!

 

My third day...

 

My third day was spent working with the puppies.  My task with the puppies was to play with them in the front yard space.  I spent most of my time with a new litter of Golden Retrievers.  However, there was one precious pup that caught my attention - a St. Bernard. 

 

The phrase "bundle of fur" could easily have been coined by any St. Bernard dog.  This sweetheart was alone in its kennel, so I planned my time to play with him (or her...I cannot remember now).  A sea of fur and a baby bark would come racing toward me, so excited and happy.

 

I will never forget that day...Puppy galore! 

 

I will never forget that day for my one chance to love and adore the most adorable bundle of fur a dog could possibly be.



Breed of the Week : Pharaoh Hound

The week of June 23 has found a new reigning champion on Puppy Love - the Pharaoh Hound...according to readers and passersby.

A detailed history is now known.  Cap off the work week with adorable photos of "top dog Friday."

 

 

 

 

Breed of the Day : Kai Dog

Kai Dog


HISTORY :

• "Kai Ken" / "Tiger Dog"
• Origins : Japan
• Rare breed worldwide
• Most ancient and pure breed in Japan
• Breed intent : hunt boar and deer
• Natural monument title in 1934 in Japan

(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_Ken)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Affectionate
• Playful
• Excellent with children
• Intelligent
• Easy to train
• Good with other dogs
• Shy with strangers
• Strong protective instinct

PHYSICAL TRAIT :

• Average weight : 30 - 50 pounds

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Good with apartments...Adapts to smaller spaces
• Maintain daily exercise

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• Around 16 years

(Temperament, Physical Trait, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Kai_Ken)


Interesting research note - I found very little information about the detailed history of the Kai Ken.  Dog Breed Info only provided photos.  The majority of search results pulled up sources emphasizing whether or not the Kai Ken is a good fit with a potential owner.

Breed of the Day : French Bulldog

French Bulldog


HISTORY :

• "Frenchies"
• Bred in England in the 1800s by lace makers
• Move to France after the Industrial Revolution

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Bulldog)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Playful
• Loving
• Curious
• "Comical personality"
• Intelligent
• Good with strangers
• Good with other animals
• Good with children who can show leadership
• Loyal to owner
• NEEDS LEADERSHIP...FIRM & CONSISTENT TRAINING A MUST...STRONG & CALM AUTHORITY BY OWNER A MUST
• Aggression can occur if an owner is passive
• Rare accidents
• Cannot swim

PHYSICAL TRAIT :

• 19 - 22 pound average & 22 - 28 pound average
• Breed disqualification if over 28 pound

HEALTH :

• Prone to joint diseases, spinal disorders, heart defects, eye problems
• Susceptible to respiratory problems
• Prone to heatstroke - NOT TOLERATE IN WARM or HOT WEATHER
• Breathing problems if overweight
• Any necessary surgery with anesthesia can compromise breathing concern
• High maintenance - Be aware of vet bills

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Good for apartment living
• Active indoors
• Okay without outside space

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 10 - 12 years

NOTE OF IMPORTANCE :

• All puppies, including Frenchies, are cute.  However, due to the acute health concerns inherent in French Bulldogs, adopting needs to be taken seriously.  Finances for a potential owner are an equal concern to consider.

(Temperament, Physical Trait, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/frenchbulldog.htm)

Note of Importance

Boston Terriers are traced to Bulldogs.  All Bulldogs are exceptionally sensitive to warm and hot weather.  Excessive exposure causes breathing and other health concerns.  A recommendation for prospective owners is to have a cooling mat in the home for rest and relief for the dog.

Amazon Suggestions for Boston Terriers

Breed of the Day : Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier


HISTORY :

• "American Gentleman" / "Boston Bulls"
• AKC recognition in 1893 - First U.S. breed to be recognized
• 23rd most popular breed in the U.S. in 2012 and 2013
• Bulldog/Terrier lineage
• "Rhett the Boston Terrier" is Boston University's mascot

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Terrier)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Gentle, Loving
• Playful, Energetic
• Alert, Highly intelligent
• Like to learn - Easy to train
• Slight difficulty in housebreaking
• Compact and short body - "no exception to the rule" with regard to training...Small Dog Syndrome is possible if there is a lack of strong, confident, and consistent authority by the owner
• Small Dog Syndrome can lead to dominance and fighting with other dogs
• Excellent with children and the elderly...friendly with strangers
• Good with non-canine pets

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average weight : 10 - 25 pounds

HEALTH :

• Prone to eye problems - i.e.: juvenile cataracts, adult cataracts, glaucoma
• Possible deafness
• Possible heart and skin tumors
• Possible breathing difficulties if overly exercised in hot or cold weather
• Possible to overheat if overly exercised

UNIQUE HEALTH TRAIT:

• Due to the dog's naturally large head, this breed is generally delivered by cesarean section

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay with apartment and rural settings
• Sensitive to extreme weather conditions

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 15+ years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Unique Health Trait, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bostonterrier.htm)

Breed of the Day : Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound


HISTORY :

• Exact origin of breed is unknown
• National breed of the country Malta
• Myth - Similarities between breed and images of dogs on walls of ancient Egyptian tombs...Phoenicians brought breed to Malta and has since existed for over 2,000 years

(Full history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharaoh_Hound)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Independent, Brave
• "Loves to play outdoors"
• Likes to chase, Fast movement, Hunting instinct
• Loyal, Loving
• Naturally obedient and intelligent
• Good with children
• Cautious with strangers
• Good with other dogs...Tends to dominate around male dogs - Owner MUST show that dominance is unwarranted behavior
• NOT TRUSTED WITH NON-CANINE PETS DUE TO HUNTING INSTINCT
• When outside, only let off leash in a secure environment - be aware of hunting instinct!
• Needs a calm, confident, and consistent owner

UNIQUE TRAIT :

• When excited, this breed blushes - deep rose on nose and ears

PHYSICAL TRAIT :

• Average weight : 45 - 55 pounds

HEALTH :

• Healthy - no major concerns
• Sensitive to insecticides

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay in an apartment with daily exercise
• Inactive indoors - Needs large outdoor space
• Tolerates warmth indoors and outdoors (such as can sleep outside in warm weather)
• Prefers to sleep with family - Provide appropriate comfort bedding

EXERCISE :

• Long, daily walks are sufficient
• Prefers to run or sprint

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 11 - 14 years

(Temperament, Traits, Health, Living Conditions, Exercise, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pharaohhound.htm)