If you have witnessed the beauty and energy of Chocolate Retrievers, then here we present another proud addition to the Labrador family – the Silver Lab.

Akin to all the other members of this family, the Silver Labs are intelligent, loving, and full of energy. But what makes them stand out among others is the unusual coat colour.

The blue-silver/grey colour of the coat is something that named the dog as Silver Labrador. So, if you are thinking about having this dog breed, then all you need to do is to keep reading.

In this writing, we will discuss everything regarding this stunning Retriever to help you make the right decision before adopting one.

• Breed Family: Sporting group
• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 55-80 pounds
• Colour: Silver/Grey
• Dog-Friendly: 5/5
• Temperament: Active, friendly, intelligent
• Activity Levels: Upwards of 1 hours per day
• Needs for Grooming: Moderate
• Life Span: 10-14 years

What is a Silver Lab?

Basically, the creation of two recessive genes (these dogs belong to the Labrador family.)

Most people are of the view that there exist only three types of Labradors, including black, yellow, and chocolate. However, with the silver-grey-blue coat, Silver Labs have made their spot as well.

Till now, their pedigree is not confirmed, so they can only be work dogs. Originally this breed was bred to be used as gun dogs, but now they can either be gun dogs, obedience dogs, show dogs, or sniffers.

Being a working dog, Labrador possessed a significant amount of energy in them and required an hour of exercise to balance that energy.

Dog Appearance:

The Dog has a broad skull with a full chest and back. The ear is floppy like all other Labradors with a thick tail.

Their coat is also similar to that of other members of the family, dense, hard, and straight. However, it’s the colour that distinguishes them from other Labs.

They have a double coat of silver-grey-blue colour, and from here, they got their name as Silver Lab.

Also, they shed hair heavily, especially during fall and spring. Some of them have blue eyes, but that is acutely rare.

The Origin of the Silver Colour Coat:

The most distinguishing feature in this breed is the silver-grey coat, but have you ever wondered where they get this unique appearance?

The silver-grey-blue colour of the dog coat comes from the two recessive genes, as mentioned earlier. In a Silver Labrador, instead of a usual combination of dominant-dominant genes or dominant-recessive gene, the mixture becomes recessive-recessive.

This combination is known as the dilution gene, and it tends to dilute the colour of the coat in Labradors. So if the Chocolate Lab possesses two recessive genes, then it tends to drift towards a much lighter version.

Thus a Chocolate Labrador would become Silver Lab, Black Labrador, Charcoal Lab, and Yellow Labradors dilute to Champagne Labradors.

Structure of Silver Labs:

Along with a broad overall body structure, these beautiful dogs could be 21-24 inches long. An adult Silver Lab could weigh between 55-80 lbs. Females are slightly shorter than a male, but that difference is not very obvious.

The Nature of Silver Labrador:

Similar to other Labs, the Silver ones are also jolly, loving, friendly, and intelligent. They could be friends with your family and friends, offering you all a great time watching them play.

The Silver Labs are the powerhouse of the energy and get bored quickly if left unattended for a long time. If you leave them for a long period, they will find entertainment for themselves all on their own.

Most of them like to bark if they get bored, and others tend to chew things that might be precious to you.

So to keep them calm! It is essential to not leave them alone for an extended period as they are usually a friendly dog and love being around people, you can leave them with anyone.

The dog day-care centre could also be a great solution. If you are thinking about having a Silver Lab, then you have first to arrange their entertainment or engagement to divert their energy into something positive.

These dogs are extremely friendly and love to interact with other people and animals. They are playful and jolly around children and offer a great partner for them.

The Silver Labradors connect with children instantly and socialise with them accordingly. However, you have to keep a strict eye on their eating habits.

They have big mouths and love to eat so that they would find the food almost anywhere. So, the dog food packs you bought for your loving pup need to be hidden somewhere out of the range of your dog.

Training of Silver Labs:

Planning to have a dog? What about training them? Well, it might look quite a tiring task to train a dog, but here is the trick. The Silver Lab or any other dog breed can be trained well with a positive reinforcement strategy.

The Silver Labs have a gigantic appetite, so if you want them to learn quickly, reward them with treats. Moreover, this breed is quite intelligent, so they will learn quickly and make training an easy task.

Along with treats, you can also use toys as rewards for their correct behaviour.

As mentioned above, these Labs breeds are highly energetic and require to engage their energy into something positive otherwise; they get bored quickly.

You can play fetch with your pet, to burn the excessive energy.

“Silver Labrador Retriever – Is It Right for Your Family?”

Exercise Requirements:

If you want your pet to stay away from pouring down its energy on your personal items, then a 1-hour walk a day is a must.

A home with a backyard or an open space would be an ideal place to keep them.

This dog is not suitable to be kept in apartments where he does not have any space to walk or run.

Take your dog on a stroll every day to keep them active and healthy.

FYI: Your Silver Lab is a highly intelligent breed; you can unleash them to explore new places.

Caring for a Silver Lab:

Your adorable pooch requires your attention, love, and care. To keep them energetic and agile, they require daily exercise, and they need your constant care and attention.

You can take them for a stroll or a good run to keep them healthy and agile. Along with exercise, they require regular training and socialising. Socialising your dogs at a young age is crucial to make them acquainted with other dogs and people.

But what about the grooming of your loving pup? Grooming is an essential part of their routine to keep them healthy and tidy.

The dog requires a gentle and firm brushing to maintain a healthy and shiny coat. You have to take them for regular trimming and check-up sessions to keep them healthy.

Take your Lab pet to the dog saloon for beautiful hair and nail trimming and cutting. Brush their teeth regularly with a finger brush or chews.

Silver Labrador loves to swim and thus become prone to ear infections. So take them to a veterinarian for a complete check-up at regular intervals.

Hair Shedding is a Silver Lab:

They come with a double coat, and this makes them shed a significant amount of hair, especially during spring and fall. So, it is highly recommended to brush your dog twice a week to keep their coat healthy.

Moreover, in the shedding season like fall and spring, you can increase the brushing sessions. So if having this dog breed is in your bucket list, then invest in an excellent quality brush as well to keep their coat smooth and healthy.

Silver Labrador Diet:

A dog diet is an essential part of their health.

Being an average size dog breed, Silver Lab requires only one & quarter cup of dry food twice a day. But you can mix the dry food with the wet one to form a more balanced diet for your adorable pooch.

While purchasing food for your pet, it is prudent to choose a dog food containing 25% of protein and no rendered fat, wheat gluten, or corn in it.

We have already mentioned that Silver Labs are big eaters, so you must keep a check on their food intake to avoid obesity.

Healthcare Issues:

As these cute Labs belong to the Labrador family, they tend to have similar diseases as well. Mostly they fall for the elbow and hip Dysplasia and eye infections. So if you purchase a Silver Lab pup from a breeder, it is prudent to ask for its elbow and hip scores.

The double coat on the dog might also pose issues, including hair follicle infections and Alopecia. Although Alopecia is not something fatal, it might cause the appearance of patches on your Lab coat.

In general, this new Labrador family is a healthy, active, and energetic dog that loves to jump, run, and play and will have a usual life span of 10-14 years.

Are You Planning on Having a New Dog?

Having a new dog could be a positive and joyful addition to your family. But before moving ahead with your purchase, here are some tips for buying the healthy pup.

Go to a Reputable Breeder:

Always choose a reputable breeder to have a dog because a reputable breeder comes with a history of healthy breeding and puppies. Although Silver Labrador is a unique breed, a little effort would bless you with the desired results.

Ask for the Parents:

While visiting a breeder for a Silver Lab puppy, always ask for its mother or both parents. Meeting the mother of the pup would enlighten you regarding the nature, temperament, and personality of the puppy.

Ask for Documentation:

The American Kennel Club has certified this dog breed, so while buying one, you can ask the breeder for the documentation. But bear in mind, they will be listed as Chocolate Labradors.

Ask for Information:

A breeder is an individual with a massive amount of information regarding the breed you are going to purchase, so it is always prudent to ask as many questions as you want to gain great insight regarding the health, diet, and exercise needs of your beloved pup.

Conclusion:

A Silver Lab is an ideal choice for a family that has enough time, temperament, and energy to provide this beautiful and loving breed environment it deserves.

As mentioned above, the dog wants someone to be around all the time to keep them engaged, so you have to arrange your office and other chores before proceeding with your purchase.

Apart from the shedding factor, they are not a high maintenance breed and thus doesn’t pose any burden on your pocket. Once you have them in your life, they will make a special place in your heart and life on their own.

Who doesn’t love a loving, responsive, and sometimes silly dog? A Silver Lab is an excellent replacement for a best friend in your life as all they need is love and affection and provide you with the same.

If you have any queries or questions regarding this precious and handsome breed, then do let us know in the comment section.

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Chinese Crested Dogs are a unique breed that tends to draw a lot of attention. Whether it’s the Hairless type or Powder Puff, they are sleek, graceful and abundant with character. These imperialistic little pups make an excellent addition to any family, but there are some things to know before acquiring one.

Chronicle of the Chinese Crested

There are two types of Chinese Crested; the Hairless and the Powder Puff. The Hairless Chinese Crested does have some fur strategically placed on the head (crest), feet (socks), and tail (plume). The rest of the dog’s body is soft and smooth, exposed skin. The Powder Puff is fully coated with a very fine, silky hair covering its body. The Chinese Crested is believed to have originated from the African Hairless and then bred smaller by the Chinese. In the 1500s they were a favorite on the ships of sailors and merchants and were stowed on board to hunt for vermin. The Chinese Crested began to travel in this way, and were eventually distributed throughout Central America, South America and Africa. Whether the dog we have today is an exact descendant of that dog is a topic for debate, but the AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the Chinese Crested in the late 1800s.

Living With a Chinese Crested

Owners of the Chinese Crested use a whole slew of adjectives when describing their dogs. Words like happy, alert, loyal, funny, agile, playful, lovable, graceful, heart warming, and the list goes on. But the one trait that owners and breeders alike seem to agree upon is the Chinese Crested’s strong suitability for human companionship. These dogs want to be with their people and become very attached to their owners. Chinese Crested are an intelligent breed that loves to explore. They don’t require a lot of exercise, but they do enjoy mental and physical recreation. Owner Sue Klinkhardt-Gardner, says “It’s the most fun you can have with a dog. There’s a special connection between a Crested and its people that can only be described after you’ve experienced it”. Lisa Hanks, Dog Fancy “Elegant import” (July/2010)

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just ranked the Chinese Crested number 55 out of over 160 dogs on their “Most Popular Dogs” list.

Training is essentially easy with the Chinese Crested because they are so tuned in to their owners. They respond best to a calm demeanor and positive reinforcement. Cresteds are very food oriented also and can be directed toward a desired behavior with a treat.

Facts About Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested’s origin is China, with African roots. They tend to have an average life-span of 13-15 years. Their AKC registration is in the toy group and with the UKC they are listed as a companion dog. Cresteds can be any color combination, including palomino, chocolate, blue, apricot black, red silver and tan. Both varieties have soft, silky hair that will continue to grow long until groomed. Chinese Cresteds should be 11-13 inches, and 10-13 pounds. They are good with children and other pets if properly supervised and socialized. Health problems for the Chinese Crested include skin allergies, luxating patella (dislocating kneecap) and dental issues. Cresteds do okay alone for a while as long as they get plenty of attention otherwise.

The striking appearance of the Chinese Crested is what gets most people’s attention. But their sensitive skin requires considerable attention. Hairless Cresteds get sunburned very easily, so whenever they are outside (even when it is cloudy) they need to be swathed in sunscreen. They should be bathed every 2-3 weeks followed by the use of a skin moisturizing lotion. And because of the baby fine softness of the Powder Puff’s hair, many will use an after shampoo conditioner. Chinese Cresteds are extremely susceptible to temperature changes (even indoors) and should have a coat or sweater at the ready. Because of the potential for chronic dental problems, the Crested’s teeth should be brushed, at least, bi-weekly.

Chinese Cresteds are not for everybody, but those who love them cannot seem to get enough. They are a breed that is becoming globally registered and there is no telling where one might run into someone with a Chinese Crested.

When the kids start begging for a dog, look no further than the boxer dog. As the former owner of a boxer mix, and two purebred boxer dogs, I can guarantee you’re in for hours of entertainment. These personable dogs embody every desirable trait in a family dog. Hopefully you’ll rescue an abandoned boxer, but if you insist on getting a puppy, educate yourself first on boxer ownership.

Boxer Puppies

Boxer puppies reign as the cutest of all puppies in my opinion. However, they also reign as the most destructive puppies. Before I learned about crate training, my boxer puppy, Newton, ate two pairs of prescription glasses, a new $800 over-stuffed living room chair, and a water bed. After purchasing a new $900 dollar traditional mattress, I caught Newton in the process of ripping that to shreds. Luckily, I caught him when he had just rendered a small tear. In spite of all that, Newton lived to a ripe old age.

Before getting a boxer puppy, consider the advice of Bashkim Dibra, author of Dog Training by Bash. Bash instructs his readers to avoid getting a rottweiler, shepherd, pit bull, or boxer unless you have an authoritarian personality. Boxers are one of the more stubborn dogs around, and they want to boss you. I speak from my own non-authoritarian personality experience.

Boxer Dog Personality

• Funny
• Gentle with kids
• Great watchdog

Boxers can keep you laughing with their funny antics. Newton liked to sing along with music which kept everyone in the house entertained.

We had a pond in our backyard, and one day my daughter and I noticed a fish had gone AWOL. We combed the yard for that fish to no avail. About a week later, during breakfast, we noticed Newton running around the backyard with something in his mouth. We deduced that Newton had gone fishing and buried his catch for digging up at a later date.

A well-trained boxer makes the greatest babysitter in the world. You can trust them around babies and they love to play ball in the backyard with the kids. Our boxer-mix, aptly named Boxer, loved playing soccer with the kids. .

Although boxers wouldn’t harm a tick, many people are afraid of them, because of their size, and they sometimes mistake them for pit bulls. Like all dogs, they bark at strangers approaching their house and family.

Boxer Dog Rescue

You’ll find a wonderful boxer at a boxer dog rescue near you. My third boxer came from a boxer rescue in Los Angeles. Boxer Roxie, a four year old female with a black mask and dark-brown coat, was rescued from the county animal shelter by Boxer Rescue. Her family abandoned her, because she had given birth, and they wanted her puppy, so they tossed her away. Roxie turned out to be a gentle sweetheart who kept Newton company and out of trouble. Boxers end up in animal shelters, because people don’t do their research when choosing a dog. They need lots of exercise to release their high energy, and like any puppy, training is a lot of work.

White Boxer Dogs

At one time, white boxer puppies were automatically euthanized, because the American Kennel Club considered any white an undesirable trait on a boxer. My white boxer, Newton, was every bit as good a pet as a brown or brindle boxer. I’ve owned a lot of dogs in my lifetime and to this date, Newton ranks as my all time favorite dog, and I credit him for making boxers my favorite dog. If you get a white boxer dog, keep in mind that if any of the pink on his nose or ears doesn’t turn black, you’ll need to limit her time in the sun. The lack of pigment results in sunburn and can cause cancer.

Do the research before adopting a boxer puppy. If you do decide on one, remember, it’s a lifetime commitment. Boxers live about 10 years on average. Dropping your boxer off at the animal shelter is akin to dropping your child off at the orphanage. Consider a rescue boxer and consider a boxer mix or white boxer. If you don’t possess an authoritarian personality, look for an adult already trained and well-mannered boxer. But most important of all, enjoy your boxer, give it a lot of love and affection; exercise and playtime. She’ll reward you in return.

Several breeds of dogs have been used as sled dogs with three of the most common types being the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky, and the Samoyed. These powerful dogs are very athletic and love to run. Sled dogs are intelligent, independent dogs who are generally friendly with people and do well living in the cold.

Sled Dog, the Alaskan Malamute

With its exact origins unknown, the Alaskan Malamute was first known to be living on Alaska’s northwest coast with a group of native people called the Mahlemuts. At this point in time, Malamutes were used to help hunters by carrying the carcasses of big game. In more modern times, Alaskan Malamutes have been used to haul freight and as search and rescue dogs. Their main function today is sled pulling.

The Alaskan Malamute is a Nordic breed of dog with a thick, double coat of fur to keep it warm. As fun-loving as they are, Alaskan Malamutes are very strong-willed and can be challenging to train. Friendly with people, Alaskan Malamutes can be aggressive with other dogs. Professional training is highly recommended.

Alaskan Malamutes are happy as long as they get plenty of exercise, otherwise, they can become destructive. This breed of dog is great for people who enjoy jogging and hiking. They can also do well as a family pet, although because of their size, they are not recommended for families with small children.

Sled Dog, the Siberian Husky

Native to Siberia, the Siberian Husky was developed by the Chukchi for the purpose of sled pulling. Brought to Alaska for the purpose of racing, the Siberian Husky, (also known as the Arctic Husky,) proved to dominate the sport. Siberian Huskies became Alaskan heroes in 1925 when they carried life-saving serum for 340 miles to save people who were dying of diphtheria in Nome.

Siberian Huskies are very social dogs who are playful, adventurous, alert, and independent. Like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Huskies love to run and need lots of exercise. Although not big barkers, Siberian Huskies can be known to howl. If bored, they have a tendency to dig and chew. During shedding season, their fur can fall out in handfuls.

Usually good with another dog in the house, the Siberian Husky can be aggressive with strange dogs. Even though it’s known for its social ability, some Siberian Huskies do well with children, while others don’t. With its intelligence, affection, and endurance, (particularly with sled pulling,) the Siberian Husky stands out as one of the most popular of the Arctic breeds.

Samoyed, a Sled Dog

The Samoyed originated in ancient times and was named for the Samoyed people who came from Central Asia to Siberia. The Samoyed’s function was to help herd reindeer and guard them against predators. In the late 1800s, Samoyeds came to England and later arrived in the United States in 1906 when the first Samoyed was presented as a gift from Russia’s Grand Duke Nicholas.

Samoyeds are happy, gentle, and playful dogs who love people. Because of their friendly nature, Samoyeds make great friendly pets. Its Nordic origins causes it to have the tendency to bark and dig. This can be avoided by proper training and exercise. Samoyeds are sensitive dogs who can have a stubborn streak.

Affectionately known as Sammies, Samoyeds love cold weather and keep warm with their double coat of weather resistant fur. They can be heavy shedders, so it’s best to keep up with grooming during shedding season. The reputation of being a good companion continues to help the Samoyed’s popularity to grow.

Sled dogs are hard-working dogs who are happiest when they’re free to run. As long as they get lots of exercise and some proper training, common problems associated with sled dogs can be avoided. Their strength and endurance make them excellent dogs for pulling sleds. Sled dogs are just one of the breeds of working dogs. Others include retrievers and rescue dogs.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is so named because the breed is supposed to have originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Corgis, though small in height, are herding dogs with big personalities and a very athletic nature.

Breed Characteristics

Corgis are often described as a “big dog trapped in a small dog’s body,” and this is an accurate description. As for size, a corgi will only grow 10 to 12 inches high at the shoulder and 12 to 15 inches long. Males weigh between 25 and 30 pounds as adults, and females weigh 20 to 27 pounds. Their head and ears are foxy in shape, and tails are either naturally short or normally docked. There is a movement to not dock tails, so sometimes, Pembrokes will not have docked tails.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in a variety of coat colors, including red and white, sable, fawn, and tri-color. The dogs have varying markings of white on legs, chest, collar, muzzle and forehead. The breed standard considers a short length coat as standard, although there are “fluffy” corgis with long hair. This is considered a flaw, and fluffies are not eligible for showing, but they are perfectly acceptable as pets, and are often quite adorable. Pembroke Welsh Corgis do shed a lot, however. They have a soft undercoat which sheds all year round and has twice-annual seasonal shedding that can be annoying. They also have a coarser overcoat, which also sheds.

Because corgis are prone to back problems due to the length of their spine and the fact that they are voracious eaters, it is important to make sure not to overfeed a corgi and allow it to maintain and active lifestyle. The dog should be lean, with definition in the body and haunches. You should be able to feel the ribs under the fur, but there should be a layer of muscle or fat above the ribs. If you cannot feel the dog’s ribs, it is likely overweight.

Corgis are also prone to genetic hip dysplasia and various eye disorders. Life expectancy for Pembroke Welsh Corgis is 12 to 14 years old if a corgi maintains a healthy lifestyle.

Positives to Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• Corgis are very intelligent and easy to train, so they make excellent working dogs and learn lots of tricks and activities. You will likely be able to teach your dog tricks like play dead, roll over, and teach it to fetch a ball.
• Corgis are cheerful, happy, and eager to please their owners. They often like people and will likely be friendly to those they know.
• They are compact and do well in apartments, although they do require regular exercise.
• They make excellent alert dogs, because they can be protective of their owners.
• They are too short to jump onto high furniture, like beds.
• They excel in agility, tracking, herding, and obedience exercises.
• They get along with other dogs if socialized early.
• Very loyal and loving, and cute to boot!

Negatives to Owning a Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• They do shed a lot, and often, their coats are many different colors, so all of those colors end up on clothing.
• They can be stubborn and sassy, especially the females of the breed. They need to have strong leadership.
• Sometimes their protective nature can result in barking at neighbors or at the door. Training will be required to keep them in check.
• They are intelligent, so they need activities and exercise, or they will become bored and destructive.
• They will bug you to play constantly.
• You will not be satisfied with just one. Just ask the Queen Elizabeth II, who owns a minimum of 5 corgis at any given time.

If you are considering adopting a corgi, please be sure to adopt from a reputable breeder or a Corgi Rescue. Please do not support puppy mills!

Chihuahuas have become one of the most popular dogs in America. Though there’s probably no data about what started this craze, the little pup with a big personality has taken over the country. The Taco Bell dog, Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell, and “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” further put the pup into our minds as the dog to have.

The Chihuahua, at the heart of it, is one of the most loyal and special dogs around. They’re not just a fashion statement or ad campaign spokesdog. They’re a real charming companion. Their funny personalities charm even the most hardened cat lover. Their cheery faces brighten up even the most pouty face.

The popularity in the media has led to high sales of Chihuahua puppies. So what happens when someone, who has never owned a Chihuahua, brings one home for the first time?

Puppy’s First Day at Home

Once a Chihuahua puppy has been purchased from a reputable breeder or store, it’s necessary to introduce the puppy into one’s home easily. Chihuahuas, like many breeds, can be nervous once they’ve been introduced into a new environment. Their little bodies may shake at the sight of a child or another dog in the house.

If there is a child, it’s a good idea to let him and puppy bond at the breeder with a adult holding the puppy. Depending on the age of the child, make sure that he or she is gentle with the little critter. This will make it easier for them to bond and get along better at home.

If there is another dog or more at home, bring those dogs outside to greet the Chihuahua. Greeting each other outside gives both the older dog and puppy a neutral zone in which to meet. The older dog won’t be as territorial and will more than likely feel more comfortable with their new friend.

Chihuahuas have strong personalities and it’s necessary to show them that they don’t own the place. Yes, this will be their new home, but at first, they are guests. They can, without good supervision and training, take over the home and do whatever they please in the long run. As a new Chihuahua parent, it’s necessary to instill proper behavior from the beginning.

Make sure that the older dog and puppy don’t get into scuffles. It’s perfectly natural for dogs to tussle about in friendly play fights. But some breeds and some personalities can get a little too aggressive. Chihuahuas, despite their smaller size, can be aggressive if provoked. Keep an eye on the older dog and puppy especially when they’re getting to know each other.

Keeping Puppy Happy, Safe And Secure

Bonding between family and Chihuahua won’t take long. Once they’re inside the house, take them around to various parts of the home. Show them that this is their home, too.

Either get a cardboard box, or a pet carrier, and set it up as its bed with a comfy towel, toys, water and food. He or she needs to be potty trained from the moment it’s in the home. This kind of small enclosure makes it easy to train it and keep it out of trouble. Make sure to take the puppy outside to do its business once an hour or more. Pee pee pads are also a good training method if the Chihuahua will be living in an apartment where yard space is limited or nonexistent.

Put up barriers where the puppy isn’t allowed. Dogs, in general, love to explore. With a small puppy, make sure that cords, small toys, people food, and furniture are off limits. Cords can be especially attractive to any dog. Make sure they’re hidden or can’t be reached. Also, puppies like to leave little reminders that they’re not housebroken around cords and items laying on the floor.

Playtime is important to any dog. Chihuahuas will get a huge spurt of energy when it comes to playtime. They’ll run around the house or yard like a crazy dog. Their eyes will get wide with excitement and their tongue will hang out. If another dog is around, they’ll jump around and playfully challenge the dog to growl and nuzzle each other. Sometimes Chihuahuas will get a little too playfully aggressive. Keep them in check and they’ll calm down. Chihuahuas will also suddenly become tired after playing. It’s almost as if they’ve run out of gas.

If the temperature goes down below 70-degrees, some Chihuahuas will shake. Inexpensive clothes made for dogs help a lot. A fuzzy, colorful sock can also make for an inexpensive and practical shirt for a Chihuahua pup. Some may laugh, but Chihuahuas will look stylish and will stay warm.

Give Chihuahuas doggie treats sparingly. Human treats will lead to begging and possible health problems.

The breed is extremely loyal to its human parents. They love nothing more than jumping into an owner’s arms to snuggle and sleep. It’s up to the owner whether he wants a Chihuahua sleeping in bed with him or in a crate. Use caution and common sense based on one’s own sleeping habits and the size of the Chihuahua. As with the cold weather, they do like to snuggle under the covers, too.

Bringing a Chihuahua puppy into the home is one of the most rewarding things a family can do. With proper training and precautions, a Chihuahua will be a valuable part of the family for years to come.

The Bulldog, often called English Bulldog to prevent confusion with other Bully breeds, is a popular dog for families and apartment dwellers for many reasons. Despite a bloody past, the bulldog is now a loyal, faithful and good-natured dog that generally gets along with dogs, children and other animals.

English Bulldog Origins:

The bulldog has an uncertain past that is the topic of much debate; however, it is known that the dogs were used in a bloody fighting sport known as bullbaiting as well as dog fights. When the fights were made illegal in the early 1800s the bulldog became almost extinct as the aggressive nature made them poor companions. A few faithful bulldog lovers carefully bred out all aggression and ferocity creating the fun-loving, friendly companion dog that bulldog owners know today.

Bulldog Appearance and Coloration:

Bulldogs are small in size, often reaching only 12-15” tall but are surprisingly heavy and stocky. Their large, sturdy build means they can reach between 40-60 pounds. Bulldogs are best recognized by their large heads, drooping cheeks called “jowls”, broad shoulders and pear shaped bodies.

Bulldogs come in many different colors including brindle; red brindle; fawn brindle; all these with white; white; black; grey; bronze; fawn; and red and all these with white markings. Bulldogs can have black masks, colored markings or piebald markings.

Lifespan, Health Concerns and Special Needs of Bulldogs:

Bulldogs live an average of 10 years but longer lifespans are not uncommon. Maximus, pictured below, was sired by a 10 year old bulldog stud that is still well and active. As breeders continue testing for genetic health problems and breeding strong, sturdy stocks the lifepspans will continue to increase.

Bulldogs have upturned muzzles and shorter windpipes making them sometimes prone to breathing problems. For most bulldogs from healthy stock, the biggest problem owners will notice is snoring…lots of snoring.

Bulldogs are very prone to overheating and should never be kept outdoors in summer heat. Heat stroke is the single most common cause of untimely bulldog death and the author cannot stress the need for air conditioning in temperatures above 80 degrees strongly enough.

Another special concern for bulldogs is that because of their heavy front ends they are poor, or non-swimmers. Bulldogs enjoy water and will often get in small wading pools to cool off, but they should never be allowed unsupervised around deep, open water. Without proper flotation devices a bulldog could easily and quickly drown.

English Bulldog Personality:

The English bulldog has a wonderful personality now, thanks to careful breeding. Bulldogs are very affectionate and will often forget their size while attempting to crawl up into a nearby lap for petting and attention. Known for their courage and good guarding ability the bulldog is alert in watching out for strangers. Bulldogs love children and will adapt readily to large families, being less of a one-person type dog than many other breeds. Some bulldogs can tend towards laziness so gentle, daily walks are great for dog and owner alike. There is a good reason why English bulldogs are in the top ten list of the AKC breed registration!