Talk with your Animals

posted by Matthew Houston on May 21

Perhaps, one of the most mysterious dog breeds around the world is the Shetland Sheepdog or simply known as the Sheltie, because of its undistinguished origin and reasons behind its intriguing temperament. This breed is a tiny creature that formerly strived on the rocky terrains of Shetland Island in Scotland. Its appearance resembles that of a Collie only it was never intentionally bred to look as such.

Conclusively, the breeds behind the development of the Sheltie are the Scottish Rough Collie, Pomeranian, the now extinct Greenland Yakki, and the King Charles Spaniel. It was believed that the task of this breed was to herd stocks in Shetland Island but now, theories say otherwise. When the Collies herded and guided stocks, the Sheltie was chasing and herding smaller animals such as ducks and squirrels.

Today, the Sheltie is a well-known family pet and companion and it excels in this field outstandingly. Moreover, additional likeable disposition of the Sheltie is its eagerness to please the master, obedience and extreme loyalty. With proper and correct training, the Sheltie is a potential skillful dog and reliable household companion.

If not often exposed to people in the beginning, this breed has the tendency to become aloof towards strangers when it grows up. It does well around people especially children and therefore should be socialized at a young age. The Sheltie is a superb watch dog as well, barking as a signal when there is an approaching human or car towards the house.

Even though the Sheltie has never been bred to become herders, it still possesses a natural herding instinct and this brings puzzlement to a lot of breeders. This herding energy should be released through various activities such as running and chasing in a wide area. Doing this will also help the Sheltie become healthy and fit mentally and physically.

Generally, the Sheltie stands 13 to 16 inches in height and weighs 14 to 27 pounds. Its long and thick coat consists of an upper coat that serves as a guard hair and an undercoat that serves as comfort against hot or cold temperatures. The outer coat is thick, long and coarse and is water-repellant while the undercoat is soft and shorter.

The generally accepted colors of the Sheltie are sable, tri-colour and blue merle. Sable can be golden or mahogany while tri-colour is a combination of black, white and tan. The blue merle color is composed of grey, white, black and tan.

In 1909, the first Sheltie was first registered in the English Kennel Club and in 1911; the first Sheltie was registered in the American Kennel Club. This breed, even if not intended to be a herder, has a natural affinity in herding smaller creatures which is often seen through its chasing smaller animals. What’s certain, however, that herder or not, the Sheltie is still recognized as an outstanding pet of families around the world.

posted by Jon Martin on Feb 28

Here are a few questions that need to be asked when you are considering the adoption of your dog. A dog is a lifetime commitment. So, you need to do your research.

A. How old is the puppy?

B. How long till you can adopt your new family member? Your puppy should be at least eight weeks before they are able to go to their new family.

C. Ask if the breeder has a waiting list for their animals. Most breeders that are good will have a waiting list for their dogs.

D. Have the puppies receive their first shots and have they been examined? The puppy should receive their basic veterinary care at the initial home.

E. Are you required to neuter your dog? if your dog is of pet quality a good breeder will require the dog to be altered.

F. Did previous litters suffer any genetic diseases? If so, what type of genetic diseases were present?

G. Is their a return policy if the dogs are not compatible? A good breeder will always want you to be able to return their dogs if they are not a good fit.

H. How long have you been breeding “X” dog? Optimally, a breeder should have few years experience in dog breeding. At all costs avoid puppy mills and back yard breeder that are out to make a quick buck.

I. Ask how many breeds they are currently breeding? A breeder that is legitimate does not breed more than two different dog breeds. If they breed more than two dog breeds you could be supporting a puppy mill.

J. How frequently is the dog bred? A quality breeder will only breed their dog one time a year.

posted by Administrator on Dec 26

Author: Wendy Caples

Although the breed standard for the Boston Terrier is pretty strict on what they should look like, they are also strict on what the breed should act like. This attention to temperament has sadly been lacking in some other breed standards like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Even pet quality Boston Terriers who would be laughed out of a show ring will not be offended, as they will be happy for the chance to make anyone smile.

Unlike a lot of other breed standards, there has always been an equal emphasis on the temperament of a Boston Terrier just as much as their looks. An ill-mannered or mean Boston Terrier has never been rewarded in the show ring, unlike some other breeds. The temperament of a Boston Terrier should be friendly, lively, easy to get along with others and inquisitive. A goal of breeders is top make good pets, and not just good show dogs.

But the looks of a Boston Terrier is a winner, too. You might see a lot of solid colored Boston Terriers that are all black, all grey or all brindle. Or, perhaps their heads are all black. They are still purebred Boston Terriers, but they would be disqualified from the show ring. Only colored and white Boston Terriers, with a certain amount of white on the face as well as body, are allowed to show.

Common faults in pet-quality Boston Terriers include the afore-mentioned long tail, being too heavy, being taller than fifteen inches at the shoulder and bat-ears (having ears that are far bigger than the rest of the head). Ideally, the ears should be in proportion to the rest of the body. Other common faults include a sway back (similar to a sway-backed horse), being able to see the teeth or tongue when the mouth is closed, or having a head or most of the body be completely black.

Boston Terriers look and act like a toy dog, but they are shown in the non-sporting group. Their looks are just as charming as their personalities, colors and lack of tail. They are smooth-haired, strongly built without being too muscular like an English Bulldog. They have large, expressive eyes and a lively walk. They have a blunt nose, but usually not as flat as a Pekingese nose.

The breed they most look like is the French Bulldog.

Boston Terriers often have pointed ears that are proportional to the size of the head. Sometimes, you’ll see a purebred Boston with huge bat-ears ? that’s not a show dog. They bounce when they walk, but they should not have a high-stepping walk like a Hackney horse or the incredibly slow shuffle of a Pekingese.

Boston Terriers are usually abandoned through no fault of their own, but because they are so cute and small, as people often buy them on impulse.

About the author: Wendy Caples is an avid lover of the Boston Terrier and has a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Boston Terrier. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Boston Terrier Information plus a whole lot more.