St Bernard Traits

By Fran Black

The origin of the Saint Bernard Dog is tied to the mountain pass and the monastery of the same name. Dogs then were relatively smaller than they are today, so the Saint Bernards of the past were probably much smaller. The direct ancestors of the St Bernard were the large farm dogs common in that region. By 1900, the Saint Bernard had gained popularity and is still one of the most popular of the giant breeds.

The first mention of the Saint Bernards being used rescuing is not mentioned in writing until 1750, although it likely began before then. Since then, the Saint Bernard has become synonymous with lifesaving, and is frequently used as an assist dog in snowy colder climates.

The Saint Bernards also have a keen instinct for predicting bad weather, like snowstorms and avalanches, which was very useful to the monks. The Saint Bernard is known to have a strong sense of smell and an intuitive sense with respect to potential avalanches. The Saint Bernard's sense of smell is so excellent that he can find a person even under many feet of snow. In the three centuries of records available at the hospice, the Saint Bernards have been responsible for saving well over 2,000 human lives.

Saint Bernards are large, powerful, deep chested dogs, and can easily be recognized by their size and by their distinctive red and white coats. The feet are large with strong well-arched toes, making the Saint Bernard's sure-footed in the snow and ice. Saint Bernards may have dark masks and the coat of the Saint Bernard is typically white with tan, red, mahogany, black or brindle markings in various combinations. The Saint Bernard can have short, smooth hair that is dense and tough or medium-length hair that is straight to slightly wavy. Both the regular Saint Bernard and the long-coat version require lots of space and lots of exercise. Both divisions of Saint Bernards have thick muscular bodies and are generally sturdy hardy.

The Saint Bernard is prone to such health issues as wobbler syndrome, heart problems, skin disorders, and bloating. The very size of St Bernards make them susceptible to a variety of skeletal and bone-related problems. The Saint Bernard is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia as well as heart problems, skin problems, bloat and eye problems. But the rewards of owning one of these gentle giants more than compensates. Overall, the Saint Bernard should appear large and muscular with a bright and friendly expression.

Saint Bernard puppies are absolutely irresistible, but without discipline they can soon become unruly. Every Saint Bernard that is mentally and physically sound can be taught good manners and simple obedience by any normal individual. Elementary exercises and obedience training of heeling, staying, laying down, and sitting can keep a frisky Saint Bernard out of trouble in most cases. Being of independent spirit the Saint Bernard needs consistent obedience training from an early age. Young Saint Bernards (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.

A well-trained Saint Bernard is a mellow, affectionate, lazy dog who will protect your home. The Saint Bernard loves children, but be careful the dogs great size could lead to an unintentional accident when playing. With his steady temperament around people and other animals, the Saint Bernard is an excellent and dependable worker.

Saint Bernards do best in a house with a fenced yard, since they tend to be inactive indoors. If you have the space and have the time to exercise your dog, Saint Bernard's make good house dogs and companions. Adult Saint Bernards need more exercise to keep them in shape, but not in hot or humid weather for fear of overheating. The Saint Bernard requires exercise to remain in shape, however its needs are better met with short walks than a long and vigorous playtime.

Remember that the Saint Bernard is a family dog and does not like to be alone. Because they are slow thinkers, St Bernards require a lot of understanding from their owners during training.

Like all other animals, the Saint Bernards diet should be made up of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and of course water. Until the bones are fully formed in puppies of Saint Bernards it is best to keep their activity to a minimum. For this reason, a Saint Bernard should not be asked to jump or pull heavy loads before two years of age.

The lifespan of the dog, will depend on its parentage and how well the Saint Bernard is kept.

About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.

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German Shepherd Traits

The German Shepherd Dog is a breed of medium-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world.

German Shepherds can be a variety of colours, the most common of which are the tan/black and red/black varieties. Both varieties have black masks and black body markings which can range from a classic "saddle" to an over-all "blanket." Rarer colour variations include the sable, all-black, all-white, liver, and blue varieties.

German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly.

By Fran Black

If you are considering German Shepherd puppies for sale, you should know the benefits of having your dog professionally trained.

Max von Stephanitz stabilized the German Shepherd dog breed, a breed that would become one of the most valued dogs in history.

The German shepherd dog is very intelligent, easy to train, powerful and elegant.

The German shepherd dog is medium to large size with erect pointed ears, a long body, and a weather resistant coat. A thick stiff outer coat covered by a softer inner one makes the German shepherd readily able to withstand extreme climates. German Shepherd's range in color from black and tan to black and red, while the white German Shepherd is being seen more often these days. White German Shepherds are known as loyal family dogs and fearless guardians of the home that excel in obedience work.

Originally trained as a herder, the breed is still used in this capacity in some areas. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including tracking, obedience, agility, fly ball, and ring sport. Through it all, the German Shepherd is also a wonderful family member and a dog of distinction.

To this day, the German Shepherd Dog is considered one of the most, if not the most, intelligent and versatile breeds in existence. The German Shepherd is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, search, rescue dog. Though relatively calm and quiet indoors, the German Shepherd needs lots of outdoor exercise to maintain condition. German Shepherds require some active exercise each day and should not really be confined to a small yard. German shepherds do not require any special care.

About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.

Poodle Traits

By Fran Black The poodle comes in three different varieties; standard, miniature and toy; however, the only difference is the size. The standard or largest size is thought to be the original Poodle. The standard poodle, classified in the nonsporting dog group, stands over 15 inches in height. A miniature poodle is 10-15 inches in height and the toy poodle, which is classified as a toy dog, stands up to 10 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs around 10 pounds. While breeders often refer to a teacup toy poodle or giant standard poodle as breeds they are not recognized as legitimate separate breeds and are just considered descriptive names.

Poodles are a proud dog with a haughty head carriage, the poodle needs a long, strong neck, with a smooth deep throat. In general appearance, the poodle is elegant and perky, well-proportioned, and squarely built. Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. A good Poodle has a square silhouette, with approximately the same length as the height at the withers.

The poodle is associated with France, but many countries have laid claim to the breed. The Poodle is thought to have originated from Germany as the result of crossing various breeds with a curly coated water dog. The poodle is an excellent swimmer and also does well on land. Standard Poodles originated as hunting dogs and are thus, fond of retrieving. As water retrievers, the Poodles needed the chest and head hair to protect vital organs from the cold. Due to its excellent personality, distinctive appearance, and intelligence, the poodle made a swift transition into the ranks of cherished companion dog.

The poodle is a pleasant dog that loves constant company. The Poodle is an extremely intelligent and eager to please dog, thus he is inordinately easy to train. They are easy to live with, good with children and you could not find a better friend than your Standard Poodle. Closely bonded to their families, Poodle lives well with other pets and dogs in the family and tolerates children well. The Poodle makes an excellent family pet who will adapt to any situation and will try anything an owner wants. Many pet owners, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their poodles excel in obedience trials, fly ball and agility.

The poodle is a pleasant dog that loves constant company. Possessed with extreme versatility, the intelligent and easy going Poodle makes an excellent companion. A poodle's trainer should be a competent, as poodles can be willful if trained poorly. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes.

Toy Poodles like to walk but also enjoy opportunities to run free, romp, and play at will but are not demanding as far as exercise goes. This poodle type is for those people with less active lifestyles and small homes or apartments. Though Poodles do well in apartments they still require regular walks. If they are not give regular exercise they will quickly become unruly and naughty.

Poodles come in many solid colors such as apricot, black, brown, gray and white. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black noses, eye-rims and lips, black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. The skin color of Poodles varies as does the coat color.

Many pet owners, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their poodles excel in obedience trials, fly ball and agility. The poodle is highly intelligent and should receive firm and consistent obedience training. Housebreaking a poodle is usually accomplished in a short period of time as they are a naturally clean breed.

No dog is literally "non-shedding" or "hypoallergenic", but poodles have hair, rather than fur, and shed very little once they have their adult coats. Working poodles are often clipped closely to avoid tangles. The hair coat of the poodle is curly and dense with a fine woolly texture and requires daily grooming. The Poodle's coat does not shed hair in the usual way but does require daily grooming. Every six weeks the Poodle need to visit the grooming parlor. General Grooming is one of the biggest expenses in owning a poodle. Grooming a standard poodle completely from start to finish will take about 3 hours when you become proficient at it.

Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six weeks. A mild dog shampoo to bathe your poodle. Make sure to rinse the shampoo out of the dog's coat thoroughly. Poodles are often clipped to minimize grooming. The shorter coat requires less brushing, and looks great on all poodles. Dull blades can scrape the skin of your poodle and cause clipper burn so be sure to be prepared prior to clipping a poodle. Always bathe the poodle prior to clipping a dirty poodle dull your blades and scissors.

Grooming contests attract international teams which clip Poodles into artistic creations. The morning of the event, a poodle's coat is carefully blow-dried, and the pompoms, mane, and decorative bracelets are cut and styled. The genesis of the poodle hairdo.

As with any purebred dog, there are many health concerns for the poodle owner to be aware of. Health problems that may be common among Toy Poodles include epilepsy, diabetes, ear infections, digestive problems, heart disorders, skin problems, and dislocated knees aware that these things can occur in poodles. All poodles are prone to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Proving their versatility, the Poodle also became a performer - a favorite in the circus ring, and an exceptional show dog. The French capitalized on the breed's high intelligence, trainability & innate showmanship and made the Poodle into a circus performer. The poodle has also been raised as a circus and vaudeville performer. As a result, the Poodle has a history of performance, appearing in circus and street acts for hundreds of years.

In Belgium Poodles were systematically trained to smuggle valuable lace, which was wound round their shaven bodies and covered with a false skin.

Depending on the lines in the poodles pedigree, life expectancies average between 10 to 18 years.

About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for pet management.

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