My Dog Blog

My Dog Blog dog breed intro:

2005-07-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Golden Retriever

Description
The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy, well-proportioned dog with a feathered, medium-length, cream to golden-colored coat. (The coat is not suppose to be red.) The outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. The head is broad, with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. It has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The nose is black and the kindly eyes are brown with dark rims. The ears are medium-sized and pendant. Its neck and thighs are muscular and the chest is broad. The tail is long, but never curled.

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Temperament
These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.

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Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)Weight: Dogs 60-80 pounds (27-36kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.)

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Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. OFA and CERF certification are important from both parents. Parents should also be checked for Von Willebrand's disease and heart problems. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and require immediate veterinary attention.

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Living Conditions
This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.

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Exercise
The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise, but likes to retrieve balls and other toys, so exercising is fairly easy. Be sure to exercise this dog well and do not overfeed, as he tends to put on weight.

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Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years

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Grooming
The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

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Origin
The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled.

Useful information from My Dog Blog!

2005-07-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Service dog
Service dog in the news
A service dog, a type of assistance dog, is a dog that is specially trained to help people who have disabilities with everyday tasks. According to Assistance Dogs International, "The three types of Assistance Dogs are guide dogs for the blind and the visually impaired , hearing dogs for the deaf and hard of hearing, and service dogs for people with disabilities other than those related to vision or hearing." They are trained and bred by private organizations. A service dog can be identified by the scarf, jacket, or harness it wears.

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Service dogs are trained how to pick up objects, open and close doors, and operate light switches. During their training, the dogs usually spend a year or more with a host family to become acquainted with working around people. Many service dogs continue their training after they are formally placed with a person, usually on a yearly basis.

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The process of obtaining a service dog varies by each organization. Normally, an application must be submitted, and a wait list is usually involved. The costs for a service dog also vary.
Service dogs and their handlers enjoy special protection under the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which gives them equal access to public facilities, such as restaurants, parks, taxis, and airplanes.

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External links
Legal information about service dogs in the U.S.
The Delta Society
Working Dogs Cyberzine
Assistance Dogs International
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
Assistance Dog Discussions
Assistance Dogs - Dogs in Human Health
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Seizure-alert dogs National Geographic News article

Welcome back to My Dog Blog!

2005-07-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Toys, Crates, Supplies and Such:

Care-A-Lot
Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Products
Dogs Are People
Pet sMart
That Pet Place
Plush Puppy Grooming Products

My Dog Blog news:

2005-07-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Looking to get a dog?
Choosing the right dog (Dog Owners Guide)
Survival kit for dog owners (Dog Owners Guide)

Hello! Welcome back to My Dog Blog!

2005-07-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

One of my classmate suggest me to put chinese zodiac for dog in My Dog Blog. I think it is kind of interesting. So here it comes:

THE DOG

Dogs are honest,straightforward,and friendly. They are extremely protective of themselves and their loved ones. With a passion for fair play and justice, they never fail to rescue you time after time. They may rant and rave, but they never rest until they right the wrong. They are true humanitarians and suffer with the world.In spite of their concern for others,social graces and fancy parties do not impress them. Having sharp eyes, they will see through people's motives. They are quite private about their personal lives and someone prying into their affairs make them secretive and withdrawn. Once you gain their confidence, they open up freely.

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Once Dogs classify you, they rarely change their minds. There are few in-betweens. Dogs perceive things either in black or white. You are either friend or enemy. Luckily, they are good judges of character and have superb insight into human nature. Dogs are tolerant of their friends. Before they approve of you, the friendship must develop slowly with a variety of meetings and conversations. If they look you over and decide they can trust you, you remain in their hearts forever. If you need them, Dogs will be there.

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When the time is right, Dogs work long and hard, but they know how to relax, and enjoy their home and loved ones. The Dogs have playful moods and a great sense of humor. They have quick emotions and if you offend them, they will snarl and insult you with expertise. They forgive with the same speed. Dogs are intelligent and well-balanced. With their stable minds, they make good counselors or psychologists. They endure during any crisis situation. They are trustworthy people and know how to keep a secret. Being efficient and very diplomatic, they can hide their prejudices well. Most Dogs have a comfortable home and do well.Dogs always defend what is theirs and have a high sense of value. Home and family come first,and Dogs will work to see that they have the best!

If you are interested at other 11 zodiacs, check out this website: http://www.rainfall.com/horoscop/chinese.htm

My Dog Blog "Travel with pets tips":

2005-07-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Taking your dog on the family vacation can make for a great trip, if you plan carefully.

Are you traveling by car, plane, train, bus, or boat? How long will the trip take? Will you be staying with family or friends, or at a hotel or motel? Is your dog in good health?These are some of the questions you will need to start answering to make your trip safe and fun.

Safety

A crate should be used for your dog's safety when traveling. Crates are available from most pet supply stores. Make sure to provide plenty of water and a favorite toy to make your dog as comfortable as possible. Check the crate for the following:
-Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down
-Strong, with handles or grips, and free of interior protrusions
-Leak-proof bottom covered with plenty of absorbent material
-Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow
-"LIVE ANIMAL" label, arrows upright, with owner's name, address, and phone number

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By Car

When traveling by car, be sure to keep your dog comfortable. Bring along a favorite toy to make your dog feel secure. If it's hot, open car windows to provide sufficient ventilation. Do not let your dog stick its head out of the window - this may lead to eye or ear injuries. Also, do not let your dog travel in the back of an open pickup truck - your dog could be injured in an accident.To help your dog overcome motion sickness, take several short trips in the car before your journey. Also, feed your dog lightly before the trip, about one-third the normal amount.

By Plane

When traveling by plane, plan to visit your veterinarian before your trip. Certification of health must be provided no more than 10 days before travel. Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old, and weaned.Airlines make it clear that it is the owner's responsibility to verify the dog's health and ability to fly. Ask your veterinarian whether it would be best for your dog to be tranquilized for the trip. Also be sure to check the temperature of the flight's starting point and destination; it may be too hot or too cold to be safe for your dog.Remember that each airline has its own variations on regulations and services. For example, if your crate doesn't meet their requirements, the airline may not allow you to use it. They may, however, allow your dog in the passenger cabin if your crate fits under the seat in front of you.When making your reservations, you must make reservations for your dog. There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted-they are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

By Train, Bus, and Boat

If you decide to travel by train, you may be disappointed - Amtrak does not allow pets of any kind, including dogs. (Seeing Eye dogs are permitted.) Local and commuter trains have their own policies.Travel by bus may be equally disappointing - Greyhound and other bus companies that travel interstate are not allowed to carry live animals, including dogs. (Seeing Eye dogs are permitted.) Local bus companies have their own policies.If you're taking a cruise, you may be in luck. For example, the QE2 luxury cruiser, which sails from New York to England/France, provides special lodging and free meals for your dog.Check with the cruise line or ship that you are planning to use for their policies. Smaller ships will usually not be able to accommodate your dog.

Lodging

If you plan to stay at a hotel or motel be sure to find out in advance if it allows dogs - many do not.If your dog is allowed to stay at your hotel or motel, respect the privacy of other guests. Keep your dog as quiet as possible.Do not leave your dog unattended. Many dogs bark or destroy property in a strange place.Prevent any possibility of unwanted messes. You may want to keep your dog in its crate at night. Also, ask where you should walk your dog. The hotel or motel may not appreciate its grounds being used for this purpose.Remember: to continue to have hotels accept guests with dogs, it is important to respect hotel property, staff and fellow guests.

International

International travel is much more involved than interstate travel. Each country has its own rules and regulations.Many countries have a quarantine period - the United Kingdom quarantines dogs for six months!Check with the embassy or consulate of the country of your destination for details.

Other Helpful Tips

How ever you travel, keep these tips in mind:
-Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags, a license, and proof of rabies shots. Your home phone number should be on the tags as well.
-You may want to consider a permanent form of ID - such as a microchip - which can increase the likelihood of reuniting you with your dog if he gets lost far from home.
Have recent pictures of your dog with you. If you are accidentally separated, these pictures will help local authorities find your dog.
-Take the phone number of your veterinarian and any special medication your dog needs. Some dogs can't adjust to abrupt changes in diet, so pack your dog's regular food, bowls, and a cooler of water.
-If you think you might need to board your dog at some point during your travels, be sure to bring your dog's complete shot records.

Newsletter

There is a bimonthly newsletter called DogGone for dog owners to find pet-friendly vacation spots. DogGone offers practical advice on car and air travel. Subscribers can search a database of more than 8,500 accommodations to find a pet-friendly vacation destination.

For more information, write to: DogGoneP.O. Box 651155Vero Beach, FL 32965-1155

More Information

For more information, you may also contact: American Kennel Club Library260 Madison Avenue, 4th FloorNew York, New York 10016American Kennel Club Customer Service5580 Centerview Drive, Suite 200Raleigh, NC 27606

Welcome Back to My Dog Blog!

2005-07-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

I found this document on Airline Line Pet Policies. Check it out if you have pets and travel a lot! http://tidewaterkc.org/forms/airline_chart_0504.pdf

It's time for more great dog pictures!

2005-07-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Enjoy My Dog Blog so far? Here is introduction of another dog breed:

2005-07-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Pronunciation: Chow Chow

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Description:
The two most distinctive features of the Chow Chow are its blue-black tongue and its almost straight hind legs, which makes it walk rather stilted. Its dense furry coat is profuse and comes in two varieties, smooth coat and rough coat. The most common colors are solid red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream, but it can also come in tan, gray, or (rarely) white. The coat sometimes has lighter or darker shades, but is never parti-colored. The ears are small and rounded and there is a huge ruff behind the head, which gives it a lion like appearance. Its head is broad and its skull is flat. The muzzle is broad near the eyes and narrows toward a black nose without becoming pointed. The chest is broad and deep and the kidney area is short and strong. The tail is thickly covered with hair and is carried over its back.

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Temperament:
The Chow Chow is usually well-mannered, but can be willful and protective. Bossy, serious and very independent. They are self-willed to the point of obstinacy. Often a one-person dog, very loyal to his family, though he may act reserved, even with them. If strangers push themselves on this dog, he may become aggressive. This very dominant breed requires a dominant owner. The owner of this breed of dog should be a calm person who is naturally fair and firm. With such a handler, the Chow Chow can develop well. Don't expect great obedience from them. They are born stubborn and with minds of their own. The dogs can learn because they are certainly not stupid, but they must see the point of your command. Be consistent at all times. Some experts claim the short-haired Chow is more active and learns faster than its longer-haired family member. One owner told me that their Chow can do tricks, and learns them quite easily at that. Here is a quote from the owner who has three children and three cats:
"My 8 year old white Chow performs a variety of "tricks," ranging from dancing on her hind legs on command to rolling over, and jumping from her hind legs into the air on command. She even knows the difference between "shake hands" and "shake," as in shake her mane to dry or fluff after a bath/brushing. After the first "trick" was learned at a very early age, she usually learns new activities through a process of three examples from her human friends, then she readily attempts the feats until successful. Her eagerness to learn from and please her two masters comes from her love of people. She loves being around people, even strangers. When threatened, or unsure of the circumstances she is facing, she quickly shows what is considered typical Chow behavioral tendencies: aggressive protection of her family and home."
So it all depends on whether or not your particular Chow wants to learn. This breed can be quite a handful, but it is otherwise polite and patient. Some do not accept leashes and collars easily, while others do not seem to mind. Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are quite good with children. If they get to know cats and other household animals when they are young, they will get along with them when they are adults. They must be extensively socialized when very young to combat potential over-protectiveness as an adult. They need firm training right from the start. Their personality is mainly due to their past treatment. In China the Chow Chow was used for guarding things and for pulling carts. Its flesh was eaten and there was a market for its fur. This sad history, plus the lack of a single master (due to being a working dog) has dampened the personality of this extremely beautiful dog. It thus sometimes appears introverted, detached, and indifferent. Breeders have been working very hard to breed a Chow with a "family" temperament and with some success too. A well-bred and well-socialized Chow Chow can be just that - an excellent family dog.

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Height, Weight:
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm.)Weight: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg.)

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Health Problems:
Beware of hip dysplasia. They are prone to suffer eye irritation called entropion, caused by eyelid abnormality; this can be corrected with surgery. Other than that they are generally healthy.

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Living Conditions:
The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors.

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Exercise:
Chow Chows can be lazy, but they will keep fitter with regular exercise.

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Life Expectancy: About 15 years

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Grooming:
Regular brushings of the long coat is important to maintain the lifted, standing-out look. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder and extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. Dry shampoo when necessary.

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Origin:
The Chow Chow's structure is very similar to that of the oldest known fossilized dog remains, dated to several million years ago. The Chow has been known for thousands of years in China, where the breed was put to work as a hunter, cart puller and boat guard. One Emperor is said to have kept 2500 Chow pairs. One was given to the Prince of Wales, the future Edward Val. Over history, the Chow has been used to hunt wolves, sable and pheasant, and to pull sleds. His fur was used to trim coats. The flesh of these dogs was considered a delicacy in China. Dog is still eaten in China today. This beautiful dog was first brought to England by merchants in the late 1800's. The name probably originated from the pidgin English word "chow-chow," a term used to describe all sorts of miscellaneous stuff brought back from the Far East. The Chow has become very popular in the United States as a companion dog. Some of the Chow Chow's talents are watchdogging and guarding.

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Group: Northern, AKC Non-Sporting

Here are some more cute dog pictures!

My Dog Blog News:

2005-07-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

Where do pets come from?

It is reported that the following edition of the Book of Genesis was discovered in the Dead Seal Scrolls. If authentic, it would shed light on the question, "Where do pets come from?"

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And Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."
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And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will bewith you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless ofhow selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."
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And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.
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And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and all the good names are taken and I cannot think of a namefor this new animal."
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And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
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And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
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After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peakcock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog hasindeed taught him that he is loved, but no one has taught him humility."
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And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not worthy ofadoration."
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And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam.
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And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility.
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And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Dog wagged his tail.
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And Cat did not care one way or the other.

Welcome back to My Dog Blog! It is time for some cute dog pictures:

2005-07-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

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"I'll only marry a rich dog!"

"I want to kiss you!"

This is not a dog! :) But I think this picture so "interesting"!

"Modern Chicken!"

My Dog Blog Adoption News:

2005-07-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for a pet? Here is one great pet finding web site: http://www.petfinder.com/

You can find dog, cat or bird etc.

Today, I am going to introduce another dog breed:

2005-07-06T23:10:00.000-07:00

Airedale Terrier [Airedale Terrier]

Description:
The Airedale Terrier is a large terrier with a harsh wiry coat, long flat head, and a deep chest. Its hair is bristly and resistant to dampness, but it needs stripping. The well-balanced dog stands square, with a level topline and very straight front legs. The v-shaped ears fold slightly to the side and forward. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a level or scissors bite. The tail is carried high and is customarily docked; left undocked it should be carried gaily, but should not curl over the back. The wiry outer coat is lined with a soft undercoat. The coat should be tan with black (or dark grizzle) markings. A bit of red in the black and/or a small white star on the chest are permitted. The legs (all the way to the thigh), chest, undersides, head and ears should be tan. Sometimes tan also extends up to the shoulders.

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Temperament:
The Airedale Terrier will usually do okay with children if they have early exposure and socialization, however they may play too rough for small ones. This breed needs to feel loved and respected. Courageous and protective. Fairly friendly with strangers. Intelligent, pleasant and loyal. Sensitive and responsive, he can be obedience trained at a high level. Airedale Terriers are fun-loving and playful when they are puppies. Airedales will be happy to please you, if there is nothing more pressing in the environment (chipmunk, other dog, food). Many trainers (including Jean Donaldson, who wrote Culture Clash about the dog-human relationship) feel that humans who believe that dogs will have an inherent need to please are very likely to abuse the dogs because they see a dog who is more motivated by other things than pleasing the human as "bad," "stubborn," and "disloyal." An Airedale is extremely loyal, but you would have to be an ace trainer to get him to come away from a chipmunk even for raw steak! They are naturally lively and can be very rowdy until properly trained. The Airedale Terrier needs proper obedience training and an owner who knows how to be "Top Dog". The Airedale Terrier may have dominance challenges toward family members he sees as submissive. This can lead to willfulness and disobedience. They are not difficult to train, but they do not respond to harsh overbearing training methods. The Airedale Terrier is intelligent enough to perceive quickly what is required of it, but if you ask it to do the same thing over and over again it may refuse. Try to give it some variety to its training, making the exercise a challenge. With the right handler, the Airedale Terrier can do well in various dog sports including defense dog trials. This breed generally gets along well with household cats and other animals, but they sometimes try to dominate other dogs. This depends upon their training and the individual dog.

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Height, Weight:
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61 cm.) Bitches 22-23 inches (56-58 cm.)Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg.) Bitches 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg.)

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Health Problems:
A very hardy breed, although some may suffer from eye problems, hip dysphasia and skin infections. If your Airedale Terrier has dry skin, he should be fed an adjusted omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in the diet.

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Living Conditions:
The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

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Exercise:
The Airedale Terrier was bred for active work, and therefore needs plenty of exercise. Most of them love to play with a ball, swim, or retrieve objects and once fully grown will happily run alongside a bicycle. Without enough attention and exercise the Airedale Terrier will become restless and bored and will usually get itself into trouble. The exercise requirement can go down somewhat after the first two years (as with many dogs) but the first two years with an Airedale are very strenuous on the human. Then they start to get much more mellow.
Life Expectancy:
About 10-12 years.

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Grooming:
The Airedale has a hard, short-haired, double coat. The hair should be plucked about twice a year, but for dogs that are to be shown, much more intensive grooming is needed. Trim excessive hair between the pads of the feet when necessary. If you keep the coat stripped it will shed little to no hair, however if you do not strip the coat, you will most likely find fur piles around your baseboards, even with trimming, and brushing almost every day. They actually require a good bit of grooming. Burrs stick in the coat and beard. The beard should be washed daily because of food residue.

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Origin:
The Airedale Terrier was developed about a hundred years ago in the country of York from the ancient Working Terrier. "The King of Terriers," the Airedale was named for the Valley of the Aire in England, where lots of small game flourished. Originally known as the Waterside Terrier and used as a vermin hunter. The breed was later crossed with the Otterhound to make him a better swimmer. In addition to his role as a small game hunter, the Airedale has been used to hunt big game in Africa, Indian and Canada, and as a police dog and army sentry dog in World War II. Today the Airedale is primarily a companion dog, but there are still working lines out there. Some of the Airedale's talents are guarding, watchdogging, hunting, tracking, military work, police work, and competitive obedience.

Hello! Hope you all had a great weekend!

2005-07-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you for checking back on My Dog Blog!

I found one very interesting dog story from a Chinese website: http://cn.news.yahoo.com/050704/712/2dcku.html. If you can read Chinese, go check it out!

A newborn Chihuahua has a tail of 10 cm long. It is about same length as its body. The owner decided to have an surgery to fix this little Chihuahua's tail (cut off 8 cm).

About a week after the surgery, the owner found out that something is wrong with his dog. He realized that whenever the dog get excited, his Chihuahua would faint and the legs would become stiff. Just short moments later, the dog would wake up and return to normal...

After visiting the hospital, the doctor said that the reason is the damage of the nerve system from the surgery of cutting dog's tail!

From this story, we should learn that finding a right veterinarian is very important!

Hello everyone! Welcome back to My Dog Blog!

2005-07-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Happy July 4th! Since I have some plan today, I'll keep the post simple! Hope you enjoy the following two dog pictures!
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Well, looks like someone can't wait for festival already!

I just uploaded another amazing dog picture to My Dog Blog.

2005-07-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just uploaded another amazing dog picture to My Dog Blog.

Tell me your thoughts!!!!!

Wellcome back to my Dog Blog!

2005-07-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this cool "face"?

I was searching through the web, and came across this little cute pupy!

2005-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Sasha
Residence: Northern California
Breed: Red Sable Pomeranian
Facts: Sasha is high energy (think circus dog) and loves her family. She is referred to as "Spa Dog," but loves swimming and camping as well. She feels at home in an expensive hotel or at the ocean on the beach.

Pomeranian Puppies
Pomeranian puppies are intelligent and quick to grasp their way around the kennel as pictures will illustrate. What can be more charming than a little fluffy ball lying quietly near you or playing with whatever comes into sight? In fact, having little Poms in the house is not all amusement but requires devotion to the breed as these little “balls” need much attention.

I have some more pictures of cute pupies:

Do you like Pomeranian dogs? Please check My Dog Blog often for more stuff on dogs!

Article of My Dog Blog:

2005-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ask the Vet: Toy Poodle Likely Has a Collapsing Trachea; See Vet for Diagnosis, Treatment of Dog's Coughing, Dry Heaves
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Q: I am writing to you because I have a question about my 4-year- old dog. He is a mix between a toy poodle and a Pomeranian.
Sometimes he has what I guess you would call dry heaving. I will be playing with him or sometimes it happens when he just sits around. He starts coughing and I don't understand why this happens. When I say that he dry heaves, it's just like when humans do it.
Nothing comes out of this mouth and he can't seem to catch his breath. I try to calm him down by gently petting him and when I do that sometimes that seems to help and other times I just have to let it pass. -
What causes his behavior and can it be really harmful? Can I do anything else to stop it from happening?
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A: It sounds like your dog has what is called collapsing trachea. It is seen in older toy breeds usually. The exact reason behind why this happens is still unknown. Some theories include a congenital condition in small breed dogs, obesity, degeneration of trachea and chronic bronchitis.
A collapsing trachea is stressful for both owner and pet. The episodes do tend to get progressively worse in frequency and severity with time. I have never heard of a collapsing trachea causing a death directly but as the disease progresses, the quality of the animal's life is directly affected.
There are some medical options for prevention and treatment of this condition. One thing to do for your pet to try to prevent collapsing trachea is to try to limit his exposure to airborne allergens such as dust and pollen. These can start a coughing reflex that can lead to an episode. Try to limit the length of time that you play together and don't play too aggressively. This will only make him breath harder.
A very important preventative is if he is overweight you MUST take some weight off of him. The bigger he is the harder it will be for him to breathe.
Practice good dental care. Can you tell by now that I love dentistry? I think I could work in animal mouths all day and never bat an eye.
To hear my drill in the morning, it is almost as good as coffee. But, by practicing good dental care you reduce bacterial contamination to the upper airway region.
Also, try to keep your pet well hydrated with fresh water and broth if needed. Vaporizer treatments followed by gentle tapping on the chest can help to clear respiratory secretions that could trigger an episode. You could do this weekly if needed. And lastly as a preventative measure, vaccinate for kennel cough. It can help.
As far as treatments go, your veterinarian could first rule out bacterial contamination with tracheal washes and cultures. If bacteria are triggering the episodes, giving the appropriate antibiotic will help. Also, your veterinarian may reduce airway inflammation with steroids if indicated. Oftentimes owners are instructed to give daily until improvement is noted then continue with treatment every other day.
There are medications that help to open airways and these are often helpful. Lastly, cough syrups or oral pills may be needed to control a cough that can potentially trigger an episode of tracheal collapse.
For now, I think you need to visit your veterinarian and see if his condition really is tracheal collapse and then try some preventative measures at home.
If indicated, you will get some medication as well to help him. Also, I would not stop picking him up to calm him, as it does help. Good luck to you both.
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Send questions for Dr. Allison Dascoli to "Ask the Vet," Charleston Daily Mail, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston WV 25301 or e-mail them to askthevet@dailymail.com. Comments or suggestions can be submitted the same way.
Source: Charleston Daily Mail

Here is a humorous bit that I've found around the net:

2005-06-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

So, you wanna be a dog? Well, here are some Basic Dog Rules you should know about:

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Newspapers: If you have to go to the bathroom while playing in the front yard, always use the newspaper that's placed in the driveway every morning for that purpose.
Visitors: Quickly determine which guest is afraid of dogs. Charge across the room, barking loudly and leap playfully on this person. If the human falls down on the floor and starts crying, lick its face and growl gently to show your concern.
Barking: Because you are a dog, you are expected to bark. So bark--a lot. Your owners will be very happy to hear you protecting their house. Especially late at night while they are sleeping safely in their beds. There is no more secure feeling for a human than to keep waking up in the middle of the night and hearing your protective bark, bark, bark...
Licking: Always take a big drink from your water dish immediately before licking your human. Humans prefer clean tongues. Be ready to fetch your human a towel.
Holes: Rather than digging a big hole in the middle of the yard and upsetting your human, dig a lot of smaller holes all over the yard so they won't notice. If you arrange a little pile of dirt on one side of each hole, maybe they'll think it's gophers. There are never enough holes in the ground. Strive daily to do your part to help correct this problem.
Doors: The area directly in front of a door is always reserved for the family dog to sleep.
The Art of Sniffing: Humans like to be sniffed. Everywhere. It is your duty, as the family dog, to accommodate them.
Dining Etiquette: Always sit under the table at dinner, especially when there are guests, so you can clean up any food that falls on the floor. It's also a good time to practice your sniffing.
Housebreaking: Housebreaking is very important to humans, so break as much of the house as possible.
Going for Walks: Rules of the road: When out for a walk with your master or mistress, never go to the bathroom on your own lawn.
Couches: It is perfectly permissible to lie on the new couch after all your humans have gone to bed.
Playing: If you lose your footing while chasing a ball or stick, use the flower bed to absorb your fall so you don't injure yourself.
Chasing Cats: When chasing cats, make sure you never--quite--catch them. It spoils all the fun.
Chewing: Make a contribution to the fashion industry...Eat a shoe.

These are excellent describtions of dog characteristics!

This is my second post of My Dog Blog!

2005-06-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Afghan Hound [Afghan Hound] Breed Standard
Hound Group

General Appearance:
The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness. He has a straight front, proudly carried head, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. The striking characteristics of the breed-exotic, or "Eastern," expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern, very prominent hipbones, large feet, and the impression of a somewhat exaggerated bend in the stifle due to profuse trouserings-stand out clearly, giving the Afghan Hound the appearance of what he is, a king of dogs, that has held true to tradition throughout the ages. The long, thick coat demands a great deal of attention.
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Temperament:
Dignified, somewhat aloof, but very sweet, loyal, affectionate and sensitive, with a low dominance level. They must be trained kindly. The Afghan has been described as "a king of dogs." Majestic, elegant, noble and courageous, suspicious of, but not hostile to, strangers. Although tough, they will pine if they are deprived of attention. They will do best with older, considerate children. At one time, the breed had a reputation for being untrustworthy, but has now been replaced by a character that, while still spirited, is said to be more amenable to training and discipline, as they can be disobedient if it is poorly trained. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. Some are timid and high strung.
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Height and weight:
Dogs, 27 inches, plus or minus one inch; bitches, 25 inches, plus or minus one inch.
Dogs, about 60 pounds; bitches, about 50 pounds.
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Color:
All colors are permissible, but color or color combinations are pleasing; white markings, especially on the head, are undesirable.
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Living Conditions:
The Afghan Hound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with acreage. This breed can live in or outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping indoors.
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Exercise:
Afghan Hounds love open spaces and must be allowed to run free in a safe area as well as having long daily walks. It needs a minimum of 30 minutes of free galloping per day.
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Life Expectancy:
About 14 years.
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Origin:
This is a very ancient dog, native to Sinai, and mentioned several times in Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in the caves of northern Afghanistan more than 4000 years ago.

Welcome back to My Dog Blog! Here is my first posting, enjoy!

2005-06-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Affenpinscher [AFF-en-pin-sher]Breed Standard

Toy Group

General Appearance:

The Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means, "monkey-like terrier." The breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries, and stables of rodents. The overall appearance of the Affenpinscher is described as having a neat but shaggy appearance.

Size, Proportion, Substance:

A sturdy, compact dog with medium bone, not delicate in any way. Preferred height at the withers is 9 1/2" to 11 1/2". Withers height is approximately the same as the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to point of the buttocks, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer.

Description:

It has a square-body, with a deep chest and round head with a pronounced stop. The lower jaw is undershot, protruding below the dog's short nose. The black eyes are prominent and rounded. The neck is short and arched and the limbs are straight and well boned. The tail is carried high and docked to two-thirds its length. The hairy ears are customarily docked, pointed and erect, however some countries have banned docking of animal's tails and ears. The coat is usually black or dark gray, but tan and red are also acceptable. The undercoat is slightly curly.

Temperament:

Unlike most terriers, they tend to get along with other dogs and pets especially when they are raised with them. They are busy, bold, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being playful and mischievous. This friendly little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training. Make sure there is some variety in the training so the dog does not become bored. They learn commands very quickly. Some may be difficult to housebreak. They are not recommended for very young children, as Affenpinschers tend to guard their food and toys. They like to hike and go camping as long as the temperature stays above 20 degrees F. The Affenpinscher is generally quiet but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked and is fearless toward any aggressor. It may unwisely challenge large dogs and other large animals. They tend to bark and even climb. This little dog does best with a family who likes entertainment and has a very good sense of humor.

Welcome to My Dog Blog!

2005-06-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems like we are ready to roll!

First of all, I really get into dogs about seven years ago. Today, I have started this blog: My Dog Blog, in order to have a place to talk about and share information about dogs with all of you.

In the follwing days, I will introduce different kinds of dog breeds and their characters. Off course I will also post as many dog pictures as possible. In addition, I will also post some dog adoptin links for those of you are looking for a dog. Any way, I will try my best effort to gather as much information as possible about dogs.