A Hypoallergenic Dog Is Great If You Suffer With Dog Allergies
Are you looking for a hypoallergenic dog? Since many people who have allergies love dogs, this type of dog has grown very popular of late. The good news is that you’ll find that there are many different breeds of this type of dog. Some of them have long, soft hair, some have short hair and many are hairless or have curly hair. If you are considering getting a hypoallergenic dog, though, there are a few things which you should know about them first.
Where To Find These Dog Breeds
As with many pure bred dogs, you will likely have the best chance at finding a hypoallergenic dog when you look to breeders. Just know that these dogs are often fairly expensive and many breeders may require that you meet their standards before they sell you one of their dogs.
In some cases, you might find a hypoallergenic dog at a pet store, but some sources feel that pet stores are not a good option if you are seeking a dog. Make sure that any place you buy your dog from is clean and reliable and not a “puppy mill” sort of environment as purchasing a dog from these places keeps them going.
Proper Care Is Essential
One of the things that make hypoallergenic dogs “hypoallergenic” is their coats and skin. For this reason, it’s imperative that you work to maintain the right conditions so that you will not suffer from allergies due to your dog. You might think that many Terriers, Schnauzers and Poodles are short haired, but if you don’t take them to get their fur cut, then it will grow and grow and grow, which can lead to you suffering from allergies.
They don’t shed, but like humans, occasionally their hair does fall out. You’ll have to make sure to brush them often so they don’t become matted. It’s important to make sure you will be able to do this or your dog could wind up suffering from rashes and other problems when the hair mats up.
For hypoallergenic dogs with longer hair, it’s important to brush them so their fur doesn’t become tangled and painful. By making sure to brush them at least twice weekly, you will help to ensure that they don’t wind up with too much extra hair that looks nappy.
Hairless Dogs Need Care Too
If you have a hairless dog, you need to know that it is much like caring for a baby. Their skin is sensitive and can get sun burned and the dog can become dehydrated if you leave them out for too long. Some owners of these dogs tend to put sunscreen on their pooch, while others try to put “clothes” on them. Don’t forget that hairless dogs, while hypoallergenic, need to be bathed regularly in order to care for them.
Some other things which you should consider when choosing a hypoallergenic dog is that their exposure to allergens such as pollen and grasses can greatly affect your allergies, so it’s a good idea if your dog has been outdoors a lot to wipe him down with a wipe or bathe him to remove additional allergens which might affect you.
If you’re looking for a dog that you can have with your allergies, consider a hypoallergenic dog to be your companion.
Are You Prepared To Have A Large Dog Breed?
Every year, thousands of individuals and families bring home a member of a large dog breed, only to discover in a short time that it is not the right fit for their home and lifestyle. Of course this sudden realization is understandable. Why would most people want a canine that reaches 100 pounds and is taller than the children? It was not a responsible decision in the first place to buy a large breed of dog without doing the research needed, to ensure it was a perfect match for you and the family.
They Don’t Always Stay Cute
Too many people see that oh-so-cute pup in the store, or walking around the neighbor’s yard and are suddenly drawn to have one. Why? Cute ears, puppy breath, that harmless wobbly walk – but you know what – all puppies are cute!
Let’s take some breeds for example that have characteristics that many people are not privy to when purchasing: A beagle is one of the cutest puppies there is, but most likely will run away most of the time without lots of training. A Coonhound is cute and will be big, but due to its genetic makeup must have a large outside area to explore and run when it is older. It is a tracking and scenting dog.
Know The Breed of Dog
Big dogs all have unique big dog personalities and somehow they must blend with you and your home. There must be a fit. They can put a huge demand on you and your home if the family is unprepared to handle it.
The characteristics bred into canines by humans will determine if a big dog can be a good companion in your situation. The expenses are often greater, not only in food and you must be committed to caring for them. Big dogs are also hard to find new homes for once they are older, so if you change your mind, then it will be the poor animal that suffers down the road.
Understand The Size of The Adult Dog
So you want to have a dog in your life, have done all the research you can on the breed, understand its size potential as well as its needs for living and care. You have also been honest with yourself and determined why you want a big dog and that you have the proper environment set up. You are well funded enough to do so and you just don’t want a compact mini model dog – you must have a big one!
Now all you have to do is decide want length fur you want and what breed is most suitable for you and your family. When you bring the new pup home make certain you train and socialize the big guy well and above all, enjoy your big dog!
Chow Chow Dog Breed
Many people compare the Chow Chow to the Spitz dog breed, simply because they share many of the same characteristics. It is been assumed that because they are so closely related, the Chow Chow is actually a descendant from the Spitz family. Unfortunately, the true bloodline of the Chow Chow cannot be confirmed. However, we do know that this dog has been widely popular in China for hundreds of years, possibly thousands.
The original function and purpose of the Chow Chow is theorized to have been as a hunting dog, which would sniff out and find birds. Soon enough the breed started to decline in its quality and the number of survivors diminished to almost nothing after the Imperial Hunts. But a few Chow Chows were kept inside monasteries and with wealthy families and survived.
The name “Chow Chow” is thought to have been created during the 1700s when large numbers of these dogs were imported into England from the Chinese. The exact reason for the term “Chow Chow” is not known, but dog historians assume that it may be linked to comparing the dogs to Oriental nick knacks. Another possibility is that the term Chow Chow was given because the dogs were packed into the middle of ship cargo when moved to other locations overseas.
The United States first saw the Chow Chow dog breed some time during the late 1800s when they were imported from various parts of England. Queen Victoria took great interest in the breed, which helped attract a lot of attention to them. It was 1903 when the AKC finally recognized this dog as an official breed, especially due to its distinctive noble look.
Chow Chow Personality
The Chow Chow is said to be one of the top rated watchdogs for a family. Its protection ability is powerful and this dog is immensely cautious about overlooking its family members. The animal moves in a very reserved, almost noble type of way and is extremely suspicious of strangers and other animals. Not the most playful of dog breeds, the Chow Chow may be a bit difficult to train.
Taking Care Of Your Chow Chow
Chow Chow dogs do not fare well during hot, humid weather. In fact, this dog prefers cold weather at all times. Its coat is smooth, yet thick and will need brushing at least once a week. Some Chow Chows may demonstrate very rough fur and will need brushing every other day, particularly when shedding. Activity does not need to be tiresome, just a brisk walk each morning is plenty of exercise for this dog.
Health Information
The Chow Chow has a lifespan of up to 13 years, with 9 being the average. Major health concerns to watch out for are entropion, CHD, and patellar luxation. Minor health issues include stenotic nares, elbow dysplasia, distichiasis, gastric torsion, cataracts and glaucoma.
Knowing Your American Water Spaniel
The exact origins of the American Water Spaniel was never officially recorded. But most experts agree that a combination of the Irish Water Spaniel, Tweed Water Spaniel, English Water Spaniel and the Curly Coated Retriever all had a part to play in the equation. This theory is based largely on the breed’s appearance.
Another theory is that the American Water Spaniel was created by American Indians who had tribes located in the Great Lakes regions. Whatever the origins of this dog are, it is irrefutable that the breed became hugely popular and established as a reliable hunting companion in the Midwestern section of the United States.
The American Water Spaniel is a small dog that has a waterproof coat and an amazingly keen nose, allowing it to hunt through rough terrain and retrieve a variety of game from both land and water. It is no wonder that this breed became a sought after hunting companion in America.
It wasn’t until after the year 1940, at which time it was officially recognized by the AKC, that the American Water Spaniel started to become the target of breeding enthusiasts. Before then, no one really had considered breeding American Water Spaniels for any other reason besides hunting.
Personality
As you can tell by its name, American Water Spaniels absolutely love water and have a natural ability to swim and hunt. This dog is a highly skilled retriever and is able to hunt a variety of animals.
At the same time, these Spaniels make great family companions. They are lovable and always willing to please. Some of them can be quite timid, yet other American Water Spaniels may be aggressive towards strange dogs. They are also known to bark loudly.
Taking Care Of Your American Water Spaniel
Like all dogs whose prime desire is to hunt and retrieve, American Water Spaniels must have a vigorous amount of exercise on a daily basis. Two or three long walks on the leash each day will suffice, but running outside in a safe area is best.
As far as living arrangements are concerned, American Water Spaniels should have access to the outside but remain indoors at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements tend to be a bit more work than other breeds, largely due to its long oily coat. Weekly brushing is a must and the hair may need to be clipped around the feet, ears and the topknot.
Health Information
The average lifespan of a healthy American Water Spaniel is between 10 and 13 years. The only major health concern that may come up is mitral valve disease. Minor issues include CHD, PDA and pulmonic stenosis. A few of these Spaniels may show signs of PRA and patellar luxation, but these occurrences are rare.
The Heroic Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard has always been a favorite breed, but never more so than it is today. Over the centuries, this great big “teddy bear” dog’s main claim to fame has been the miraculous rescuing of victims lost in the European Alps. Ever since Barry, the world’s most famous Saint Bernard, set a record for having saved over forty lives, this dog has been revered by all who appreciate the remarkable ability of these faithful working dogs. The stories of their heroism brings hundreds upon hundreds of tourists annually to the Hospice in Switzerland, the land of their origin.
Their heritage dates back to the days before Hannibal crossed the Alps with his herds of elephants and warriors. The dogs at that time were more like Mastiffs than the Saint Bernard as we know today. These Molossian dogs, which were used in the ancient wars, were often left behind in the mountains by the Carthagians and the Romans when they moved on after their battles. When they bred with the local mountain dogs a new breed appeared which eventually evolved and became a Saint Bernard.
Their rescue work is depicted in oil paintings dating back to the beginning of the 17th century and one, dated 1695, is hanging at the Hospice. The Hospice and the dogs are just as famous today as they were when the Hospice first opened its doors to the weary mountain travelers. This breath-taking spot, on top of the world, is separated from the Italian Alps by a small lake and the monastery originally built by Saint Bernard is maintained under the guidance of the Saint Bernard monks.
Destroyed by fire in 1967, the Hospice has been rebuilt and today visitors driving up the perilous narrow mountain roads arrive at a new Hospice consisting of two guest hotels, shops and most important of all, the famous kennel facilities of the legendary Saint Bernard rescue dogs.
At one time, these Chapel Kennels were the largest in Europe and while rescue work today is not so much a major part of the dogs’ lives, the monks in residence there are more than happy to tell the stories of the impressive work they have done during snow storms, blizzards and avalanches over the past hundred years. They are especially eager to tell the story of Barry, the Saint Bernard who provided the most colorful and dramatic story of all.
After dying a natural death in Berne, Switzerland, where he had been sent to live out his old age, Barry was mounted and now stands in a glass case in the Berne Museum of Natural History, so that all may view this great legendary animal. He is not as impressive as some of our Saints today, but he is unmistakably a Saint Bernard and one that fits within the standard for the breed.
Many other Saints have served well as rescue dogs, but it is the famous Barry who captured the hearts and imaginations of all who have ever heard of the Hospice of Saint Bernard and the remarkable life-saving dogs.
During one period of their development, Saints were called Barryhundes in honor of their heroic predecessor. It wasn’t until 1823 that the name Saint Bernard was heard and has applied to the breed ever since. Since then, they have also been known as, or referred to as, Holy Dogs, Alpine Mastiffs, Cloister Dogs, Mountain Dogs, Hospice Dogs, Saint Bernard-Mastiffs and Butcher Dogs. This last name was a result of the enormous amounts of meat they ate and it was said that only butchers could afford to feed them. Since the breed served the Monastery of Saint Bernard so well and because of Barry, the name Saint Bernard became the most appropriate.
A most selective breeding program was upheld to ensure that only the most hardy, rugged dogs are kept to follow in Barry’s footsteps and to maintain the quality of the rescue teams. These are the dogs which can best withstand the strenuous climbing, the extreme weather conditions and the high altitude. At 8,000 feet, even the monks are able to serve only about eight years. But while they are in residence, monks on skis, training and working with the dogs are a familiar sight to those who visit the Hospice. Tradition is being maintained.
Today, many German Shepherd dogs are also being trained to rescue and do patrol work along with the Saint Bernards, even though there is little need for rescue dogs in the Alps today. Rescue teams are now composed of helicopters, ski patrols and snow mobiles which course over or along the alpine highways and tunnels. Rescue dogs are used now only to locate missing skiers or residents who wander off too far into the mountains. Sadly, the instinct for rescue work is lost in our American Saint Bernards. Since there is little need for mountain rescue work, the instinct fades with each passing generation.
Dogs from the Saint Bernard Hospice were frequently bred to those owned by people in the valleys, from about 1670 until late in the 1800′s. To some extent this is still practiced today. It was in 1884 when a Henry Schumacher printed a first edition of a Swiss Kennel Club manual which outlined correct breeding practices. It advocated the shorthaired Saint for rescue work; as the snow often would stick to the coats of the rough or long-coated Saint Bernards and freeze, weighing them down and hampering their speed. Today both long and short-coated Saints are well received and both are used in breeding programs. Length of coat is strictly a matter of preference.
The first Saint Bernard was exported to England in 1810. His name was Lion and Lion was further immortalized by being painted by the famous artist, Sir Edwin Landseer. England imported more extensively in the early 1900′s where, until that time, the Mastiffs had reigned supreme. These two gigantic breeds were crossbred with the idea of developing a bigger and better Mastiff.
The breed prospered and gained in popularity to the point where a Saint Bernard named Sir Bedivere was exported to the United States for an amazing sum of money – $7,000. It was almost inevitable that the breed would soon deteriorate when almost exclusive emphasis was put on size rather than conformation. The breed suffered enormously and even today, Saints are not one of the most popular breeds in the British Isles.
Saints were bred and registered in the United States beginning in the late 1800′s and by 1890 entries at one major show listed over 150 dogs. One of the first great Saints in this country was named Hector and he was imported by the Hospice Kennels in New Jersey. There were many other pioneer kennels which spared no expense in importing good stock to establish the breed, though most of them are no longer in operation today.
The first and original Saint Bernard Club in the United States was organized on February 22, 1888. The club adopted the European, or International Standard for the breed. This original club was dissolved in 1897 and the presently active Saint Bernard Club of America was organized at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in December of that same year, making this parent club one of the oldest member clubs in the American Kennel Club. Colonel Jacob Ruppert, Jr. was its first president, a position he held intermittently for over 30 years. Today the club has many regional clubs all across the country.
The first German Saint Bernard Club was founded in 1891 in Munich, but the quality of the German dogs was poor. The first stud book published in 1894 contained over 300 entries, which indicated considerable interest, but during the two World Wars the breed suffered tremendous setbacks when many of the dogs starved to death or were destroyed by their owners. A few astute breeders managed to hold on to some of their choice stock, so that a few of the best bloodlines did manage to survive and were not lost forever.
Even though the majority of the photographs we see of Saint Bernards feature the dogs with the brandy casks around their necks, there is no actual record of any Saint Bernard ever having to carry a whiskey keg to a lost traveler. It’s a marvelous story – but purely conjecture. The first evidence of the brandy keg appeared in an Edwin Landseer painting and merely “caught on” as a part of the legend of the breed.
Saint owners know the stories are not true, but go along with it since it seems so logical. Even at the Hospice some of the Saints wear them, but it is simply to delight the tourists who wish to take photographs. Actually it presents the opportunity for the monks to tell the truth about the whiskey kegs and set the record straight. They are quick to explain that the monks themselves have been known to carry stimulants for the frozen victims in the snow, but never do the dogs take it around their necks. In spite of this fact, the making of casks for Saint Bernards has become quite a profitable business.
While we have revealed the myth of the Saint Bernard cask and have explained that they are not used for rescue work in the mountains, we must also recognize their ever-increasing number in the dog show rings, in the obedience trials and their service in the fields as working dogs, pulling carts and hauling children around in wagons. They continue to gain in popularity to the point that they are now in the top 50 favorite dogs in the United States.
