Airedales were originally bred to be versatile working dogs. They were skilled hunters, reliable messengers, and dutiful guard dogs. In fact, they have been used all over the world for their abilities. Airedale Terriers were first registered with the AKC in 1888.

Size: 40-65 pounds
Colors: Black and Tan & Grizzle and Tan

Health Problems:

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

About the Breed:

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terriers – often called the “King of Terriers.” This breed is highly energetic and brave with a square, sturdy build and deep chest.

Airedales are smart and protective dogs that must be trained properly. An unsocialized, unruly Airedale can be quite difficult to live with. However, with patience and consistency, the Airedale can become a very obedient, trustworthy companion. Though Airedales can be excellent family dogs, most do best with older children (and after proper training).

Airedales have unique hair coats, including a wiry top coat with a softer undercoat. The breed is known to be a low-shedder. Because of their coarse, curly hair, much attention must be placed on proper grooming, including regular haircuts and brushing.

The high energy level of the Airedale makes serious exercise a requirement. The more activity, the better for this breed. Airedales benefit from plenty of physical and mental stimulation. This, along with a healthy diet and routine veterinary care will help keep your Airedale healthy for many years.

Although we tend to associate this breed with policing and watch dogs, this is an extremely loyal and intelligent breed. Those who have been trained make superb pets and are great with kids.

The Alpha dog will always be instinctively sought out by the German Shepherd. This instinct came in very useful in their original roles when they were used to herd their owners’ sheep.

Being a strong figure of authority to a little puppy may seem hard, but for the training to succeed you need to take on the alpha role. You puppy needs to know who’s boss.

At the same time, only remonstrate them through tone of voice, never hit your puppy. These dogs are extremely sensitive creatures and physical abuse can leave them mentally scarred for life.

Be firm and strong and don’t lose your temper when your puppy is naughty. They will soon learn who is boss if you are firm but fair, a change in your tone of voice will soon be all that your dog needs to know he has gone too far.

All dogs love to be praised, and your German Shepherd will soon know the tones of voice for doing well and doing wrong. Praise is an essential part of training; they will be even keener to please you if they know they will be rewarded in this way. This builds a great rapport between you and your dog.

It’s simple really. If you haven’t already bonded with the Springer Spaniel puppy, then you will first want to do a few background checks. And if you don’t know the breeder very well (where you saw the Springer Spaniel puppy from to begin with), or you saw the puppy in a pet store, then you will most definitely want to do a little searching as to the validity and the reputation of the breeder or the pet store.

First of all make sure that you are not getting a puppy from a puppy mill and move forward from there. Once all this is clear and decided you can some more searching and try to get more information about how to deal with a Springer Spaniel puppy.

Keeping up with this energetic and playful puppy is not anyone’s ball, and in case you do not have the time or inclination to deal with a puppy that is sometimes willful, but mostly very playful then it is better for you that you keep your options open and look around for other dog breeds that you are interested in.

Another thing that you should know is that these dogs shed constantly, although not everything at once. It would be required by you that you groom their silky coats and brush them at least once daily. They are not suited to those people with dog hair allergies as they are constant shedders.

If you happen to get a Spaniel puppy you would know that they are very responsive and intelligent in nature. They are also very willing to learn new things and are easily trainable. They are basically good natured and are hence considered to be good around children.

However it is advised that if you plan on leaving your Springer Spaniel alone for a long time, you should take extra precautions, or try to leave it alone only for small durations of time. These dogs can be quite willful and you do not want to come back home and see your house trashed by your lonely Springer Puppy.

However all these things should not act as a deterrent and put you off from getting a Springer Spaniel puppy for yourself, as these are very cute and adorable dogs and are very loyal to their owners and have several other good characteristics. A Springer Spaniel is an asset to its owners.

Of course not everyone looking for a puppy starts off with a Shih Tzu puppy in mind, but when fate crosses this adorable puppy across their paths, it seems to be more than they can do to resist the inquisitive faces, the short upturned nose with the hair fanning out in all directions and the gentle adoring eyes staring at them with patent mischief.

Living an apartment life is something a Shih Tzu puppy can handle very easily; this is because they love being indoors and can be active in small indoor spaces too. A Shih Tzu puppy is also very indolent and more often than not you would find your Shih Tzu puppy lying in various comfortable positions around your home.

This is the reason why you should never over feed your Shih Tzu puppy, as it can very easily become fat and lazy. The best thing is to keep your puppy well fed and fully exercised. If you live in an apartment then it is necessary that you take your puppy out for regular walks. However try not to overtire your puppy by going for long distance walks, as Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog and doesn’t require a lot of exercise. If you are unable to take you Shih Tzu outside for a walk, consider getting a dog treadmill.

You may think about letting your Shih Tzu puppy play and run around in your yard, if you do have a yard. A daily walk is a good option, but in this case your Shih Tzu puppy is having all the exercise it needs throughout the day in small bouts. If you want to let your Shih Tzu out in the yard, an invisible fence is a good way to make sure he stays safe at home.

Shih Tzu’s can also make great watchdogs as they are alert and will tend to bark if aroused by something out of the ordinary. Luckily they don’t normally bark out of turn which is one of the reasons why getting a Shih Tzu puppy is ideal if you live in an apartment. If you find the barking to be excessive, a bark collar is a good way to keep the peace with your neighbors.

You might want to know that although Shih Tzu’s are quite friendly with children, especially older children, but they can be quite aggressive in certain circumstances (like when its tail is pulled) and might not be a suitable dog to have around young or very young or mischievous kids.

A Shih Tzu puppy is also an ideal option for the dog lover who is allergic to dogs, or rather dog hair. Shih Tzu’s shed almost none to very little fur which makes them a great candidate for allergy sufferers.

You might be surprised to know but Shih Tzus’ make very good show dogs. A little bit of grooming can make your very own Shih Tzu a champion show dog.

There is no color favorite among Boxer owners, although brindle colored Boxers have their own appeal. It is also common to find white markings on Boxers of all varieties.

If you have ever been an owner of a boxer, then you know how playful and feisty Boxers can be. You would also be aware of the fact that they make good pets and there is no need to be scared of their ferocious behavior.

As mentioned earlier, Boxers are available in all shades from red to white to fawn, and among these brindle dogs are the most popular. But all this has no link with a dog’s temperament and if you think that the temperament of a Boxer would depend on its color then you are totally mistaken.

Boxer’s are also a friendly sort of dog and if trained at early age to interact with other pets and animals, will be able to live in comparative harmony with them. A Boxer also makes a great family dog for a number of reasons, the main one being because they are playful and affectionate, as well as being loyal.

Another important characteristic of boxers is that they are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They have a fast learning cycle that is why they can be easily trained, although they may get into trouble sometimes. Boxers can also be used a competition dogs, not only as show dogs but also in the obedience category.

One thing that needs to understood is that although brindle, fawn and red Boxers can be registered freely in Kennel Clubs, some clubs do not accept white Boxers.

So if you want to list your dog in a Kennel Club, it is better that you get a fawn, red or brindle Boxer instead of a white one. Another thing you might be interested to know is that Boxers are named so because they sometimes tend to life their front paws in a manner that is similar to how human boxers lift their hands in the ring.

Many people make the mistake of choosing a pet without considering its breed or proclivities. They later discover the breed of dog was a bad match for their living situation. With Nolah’s text you can look at the different characteristics of many kinds of pets and decide which one seems most suitable for you.

The guide gives descriptions of many characteristics, most of which you might not know even though they pertain to very popular breeds. When you are making your selection on which pet to bring home, think about these traits and imagine how they would fit with your life.

Your living situation is incredibly important to consider when selecting a dog. If you have a backyard you plan to keep your pet in, you may want to stay away from breeds with a propensity to dig. If you have other pets like cats, it’s probably best to avoid breeds with aggressive streaks. Supposing you live in an apartment, you don’t necessarily want a form of dog that functions best with much space outdoors.

For detailed characterizations of many different breeds, this guide is an excellent resource. You can learn about breeds like the Alaskan malamute, Tibetan terrier, Welsh corgi, Japanese spitz and Afghan hound. More popular breeds covered include border collies, German shepherds, golden retrievers, poodles and beagles.

Factoring in pet breed characteristics when you make your choice can help you and the dog to achieve the best living situation possible. “Choosing a Pet Breed Guide” is among the best books of its kind and should prove very beneficial for conscientious pet owners.

The Rottie has a short, somewhat coarse, but shiny hair coat. This breed has a moderate shedding rate, and and requires little more than basic grooming care.

The Rottie has a drive to work, high endurance, a commanding presence and a potential for territorial behavior. Ideally, a Rottie should get vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Many Rotties will benefit from some type of “job,” such as guarding the home, obedience competition, or tracking. Few Rotties have an aggressive nature, despite what some people think. They are usually very calm, loyal and loving companions. However, all Rotties should be put on a strict training program to best utilize their intelligence and energy, thus keeping them happy, healthy and safe.

Though the exact origins of the Rottweiler are not known, it is believed that the breed derived from the Mastiff and that its ancestors can be traced back to ancient Rome. Later development of the breed occurred in the German town of Rottweil, where it worked as a cattle dog and sometimes a police dog before its popularity diminished. At one time, the breed was referred to as the Rottweil Metzgerhund (butcher dog).In the early 20th century, the breed was once again used as a police dog and began gaining popularity in the U.S. The hard-working nature of the Rottweiler has made its popularity grow over the years.

Size:

Males: 95-130 pounds
Females: 80-115 pounds

Colors:

Black with Tan, Rust or Mahogany

Health Problems:

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
• Hip Dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis (OCD)
• Entropion

Courtesy of RadioFence.com, a Leading Internet Retailer of Pet Supplies including Pet Doors, Dog Training Shock Collars and Bark Collars

Health Problems:

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

About the Breed:

The Samoyed is a hardy, loyal and kind-hearted dog breed that serves as a diligent worker and loving companion. A trademark of the breed is the “Sammy Smile” – the upturned corners of its black lips have the appearance of a smile.

The Samoyed’s dense, double hair coat makes the breed able to withstand very low temperatures. The undercoat is soft and thick, while the top coat is straight and medium length. This dog breed will shed quite a bit – especially in warmer months. The Samoyed owner must establish a solid grooming routine – specifically a thorough brushing every day or two.

Sammies are energetic and intelligent dogs that have a strong sense of independence. Serious obedience training is an absolute essential for this breed, though it can pose a challenge to owners due to the breed’s intelligence. Consistence and positive reinforcement are key. As a working breed, Sammies require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A combination of exercise and training will help keep the Samoyed physically and mentally stimulated.

Both protective and gentle, the Samoyed is a playful family companion that can get along very well with children if properly trained and socialized. An active household and access to plenty of space is the ideal environment for this breed. Above all, the Samoyed is a devoted companion first and a working dog second. This breed thrives upon human companionship and, like its ancestors, forges a deep bond with its people.

This article is courtesy of RadioFence.com a Leading Internet Retailer of Pet Doors, Bark Collars and Dog Training Shock Collars.

Just for fun, we wanted to take a crack at what we thought were “masculine dogs”.

Believe it or not – there is also a list of breeds that are good for women to attract men!

Many of these manly breeds are either big, brawny, intimidating, muscular or suited for athletic outdoor type activities. They include:

1. Boxer. The boxer may look a bit intimidating but he is actually a sweet and friendly dog. This is a great breed for men. They can be fun, athletic and adorable. They can be great for meeting chicks while still looking “masculine”.
2. Rottweiler. This powerful dog can live indoors or outdoors. Originally bred as a herding dog, the Rottweiler is now best known as a formidable guard dog. The Rottweiler is strong and intimidating and definitely a “masculine” dog.
3. German shepherd. Nearly always topping the most popular breed lists, the German shepherd is strong and powerful. They have natural guarding and protecting instincts. They defiantly have a strong and powerful presence.
4. Irish setter. An Irish setter is a beautiful, friendly, energetic dog that can be a real chick magnet. They are fun to take for walks, friendly enough to meet people and big enough to still look “masculine”. The setter will bark to let you know someone is at the house, but don’t expect more than that, in spite of the dog’s size.
5. Mastiff. This giant and imposing dog was used as a hunter and protector. It is definitely a manly dog. Content to patrol his home and guard his family, the mastiff can thrive outdoors but needs companionship.
6. Siberian husky. The husky has historically lived outdoors in the harshest lands. Bred to pull sleds across frozen terrain, this dog is very hardy and quite content to live outside. It gives the appearance of a very outdoors and guys-guy type dog.
7. Miniature pinscher. This breed has the look of a big Doberman pinscher but a fraction of the size. They seem rather “manly” but in a small package. The breed is the older of the two and is something of a cross between the greyhound and a terrier. Always curious, the min pin will alert his owner whenever someone new is nearby.
8. Labrador retriever. The lab is a popular choice for active people. This is another dog that is big and friendly and can be great for meeting people. They love water sports and just spending time with you. The Labrador seems to have boundless energy as well as natural protective instincts.
9. Beagle. The beagle can be an active breed but also is quite fond of power naps. Needing a good place to sleep and plenty of games to play, this breed is associated with hunting and sports and can be perceived as “masculine”.
10. Collie. Forever connected to “Lassie”, the collie is a manly dog but…maybe for a more “sensitive” man. Collies are large dogs, intelligent yet patient, and are loved by just about anyone. They are smart and can be very active.
11. Boston terrier. The Boston is a small black and white terrier that loves to make you laugh. After brief periods of activity, the Boston loves to curl up on the sofa while watch ESPN. Obedient and loyal, the Boston is a good watchdog and a loyal pet. Although not large dogs, they are solid dogs and be quite manly in a fun way.
12. Pug. Not at all pugnacious, the pug is an affectionate, loveable, even-tempered breed with great charm and dignity. They are playful companions and fun to take to the park.
13. Doberman Pinscher. The Doberman pinscher is large, attractive and domineering breed. They have a real manly quality based on their size and presence. They can also be great and sweet pets.

Remember, before you pick one of these dogs to be your companion, investigate the breed’s needs and traits to make sure he fits your life.

This article is courtesy of RadioFence.com a Leading Internet Retailer of Pet Doors, Bark Collars and Dog Training Shock Collars.

The Pug was first registered with the AKC in 1885 and has continued to gain popularity.

Size:

13-20 pounds

Color:

Fawn or Black

Health Problems:

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Brachycephalic Syndrome
• Entropion
• Corneal Ulcers
• Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME), also known as Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE)

About the Breed:

The Pug is a jovial dog with a round and wrinkly head, a short nose, a stout and sturdy little body and a curly tail. This adorable little dog is good-natured, energetic and playful, making it a suitable companion for all kinds of families.

The Pug has a short, soft hair coat with a tendency to shed. Basic routine grooming is generally sufficient for the breed. Extra attention should be placed upon keeping the facial folds clean to prevent infections.

As with any dog breed, the Pug should be thoroughly trained. This breed does have a great deal of energy, so proper training and routine exercise are recommended.

The Pug is a little dog with a big personality, so it is ideal for those who want a compact but active companion dog. The even-tempered demeanor of this breed makes it a good choice for families with children.

This article is courtesy of RadioFence.com a Leading Internet Retailer of Pet Doors, Bark Collars and Dog Training Shock Collars, Pet Supplies