Dough Days of Summer

I thought the following information might be of interest.
Just in time for the dog days of summer.

Pillsbury has launched the “Dog Days of Summer: Best in Dough.” Basically, Pillsbury has crafted seven breeds of actual dogs – including bulldogs, basset hounds and poodles – out of Crescent dough and hot dogs. They are looking for input from dog lovers like you to help them decide what other breeds they should feature.

In order for you to submit your pooches’ breed for consideration, simply upload a photo of your dog to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #pbdogdays. From there, several will be chosen to be featured on the Pillsbury Facebook page and voted on by the brand’s fans.

If you are interested in making your own dough dogs, Pillsbury has uploaded a step-by-step “how to” guide on its website. Could be a great kid-friendly project for the summer months.

Old Light Bulb Question

In the world of dogs,

how many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

BORDER COLLIE: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

DACHSHUND: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

ROTTWEILER: Make me.

LAB: Oh, me, me!!!! Pleeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I?

TIBETAN TERRIER:Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he's busy!

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

POODLE: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

GERMAN SHEPHERD: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark , checked to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

COCKER SPANIEL: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

DOBERMAN: While it's dark, I'm going to sleep on the couch.

BOXER: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark......

CHIHUAHUA: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.

IRISH WOLFHOUND: Can somebody else do it? I've got this hangover....

POINTER: I see it, there it is, there it is, right there....

GREYHOUND: It isn't moving. Who cares?

YORKSHIRE TERRIER: I'm over qualified, have the boxer do it!

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a little circle..

OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light bulb?

HOUND DOG: ZZZZZZzzzzz.z.z.z..z..z..z...z

SCHNAUZER: Bark bark bark. Mom, the light bulb is out...bark bark bark bark...MOM! I said the light bulb is out! Bark bark bark bark bark...MOM!!! WHAT PART OF THAT DIDN'T YOU HEAR? I MEAN HELLO????

SHIH TZU - Who me change a light bulb? We are royal decedents and we have staff to do that for us.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Breed Standard

Each dog breed in dog registries and associations such as the American Kennel Club, has a standard; a set of guidelines written to ensure that the dogs conform to specific attributes. Each breed standard is different, but all share some similar characteristics:

1. Appearance Every breed standard addresses the outward qualities of the dog, and includes factors such as general appearance; size, proportion, and substance; head (including eye and nose color); neck, topline, and body; forequarters; hindquarters; coat; and color.

2. Gait This describes how the dog should move.

3. Temperament Qualities like behavior, adaptability, trainability, intelligence, playfulness, and energy level differ from breed to breed.

4. Disqualifications It is important to know what a breed should not look and act like. Disqualifications could include rare color or coat, or wrong ear size or shape.

Why is a breed standard important?

Along with helping to ensure that breeds maintain a consistent look and personality, the standard also ensures the dogs maintain the functions for which they were originally bred.

For example, according to the AKC, Rottweilers were originally bred to herd cattle in the field. With selective breeding, their protective, courageous natures are still prevalent in their temperament even today.

For more information about breed standards, and to see listings of the standards of your favorite breeds, visit the AKC website.

The Mutt

The mutt is the most common dog in the US and has won many hearts and homes.

The mutt is the all-American dog. Call him a random-breed, a mixed-breed or a mongrel, at his best he is loyal, healthy, smart and friendly – a virtual melting pot of positive canine characteristics.

Top Dog 2010

This year the American Kennel Club (AKC) celebrates its 127th anniversary and recently released its 2010 report about registered dog breeds in the USA.

Can you guess what breed is #1?

Hint: For the 20th straight year in a row, it is the same breed!

America's favorite dog - the Labrador Retriever.



The biggest change this year is that the Beagle jumped into 4th place from fifth knocking out the Golden Retriever to 5th. The bulldog also jumped into 6th place knocking out the boxer.

America's Top Ten Dog Breeds for 2010:

1. Labrador retrievers
2. German shepherds
3. Yorkshire terriers
4. Beagles
5. Golden retrievers
6. Bulldog
7. Boxers
8. Dachshunds
9. Poodles
10. Shih Tzus

For the full list, check here.

In The Dog House

Thinking of building or buying a dog house?

Here are some guidelines for dog houses:

Size

Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to a dog house, especially in colder climates. During the colder months, your dog generates the heat that keeps him warm. If the doghouse is too big, your dog may not be able to generate enough heat to warm it.

The house should be wide enough to allow the dog to turn around in and long enough for him to stretch out without his body touching any side. You should measure your dog when he is lounging in his most relaxed position. The width of the door should be large enough so he does not have to scrunch his shoulders to get in – so measure his width as well.

The Roof and the Floor

The floor should always be several inches above the ground, preferably on concrete blocks (if possible). This is to prevent water from running inside, which can lead to illness.

Straw can be used for bedding, but be sure to change it periodically to keep the environment clean. Do not use hay, which can get moldy and cause illness.

The roof should be slanted so snow and rain will not build up. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggests building a hinged roof to make cleaning easier and to spray regularly for fleas and ticks.

The Materials

You may be tempted to use pressure-treated wood, which stands up great against moisture and rot. However, it is very poisonous (containing, among other things, arsenic and heavy metals). It should not be used for any part of the dog house that comes in contact with your dog. This means the floor, ceiling and sides should be made from untreated wood.

Pressure-treated wood could be used for the base frame (which is then covered with untreated wood). Even so, inspect the house regularly to make sure he cannot get to the pressure-treated wood.

The Placement

The house should be placed to protect it and your dog from the prevailing wind, rain and snow. It should be placed so the sun can reach it during a good part of the day during winter. In the summer, the dog house should be in the shade and well ventilated.

If your dog will spend a lot of time in his house, you should consider running an air conditioning duct into it. A professional should help you do this. A duct should have a control on it to limit the amount of air running into the dog house – you do not want him to be too cold.

The threshold to the door should be upraised to block drafts. In colder months, a heavy tarp or blanket can be used to keep out the bad weather. It should be removed for warmer temperatures.

A Word About Breeds and Dog houses

Some dogs are just not built for the outdoors. A toy or shorthaired dog, for instance, should consider his house more of a playroom than a residence. Working dogs are usually better prepared for harsher climates and can live outdoors in cold weather. Akitas, malamutes and St. Bernards are a few examples. But you also have to consider the warmer months – these breeds have denser coats. They can overheat if the dog house is not well ventilated and/or cooled by air conditioning.

Fact and Fiction About Aggressive Dogs

I came across an interesting article about dog aggression. It outlined the facts and clarified the fiction. Unfortunately it did not mentioned where they got the statistics.

Here is the scoop:

Facts

Each year, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs. (There are 58 million dogs in the United States.)

Children are three times more likely to be bitten than adults.

Over 500,000 people per year receive medical attention for dog bites.

There are about 10 dog bite fatalities per year.

Dog bites have reached epidemic proportions.

German shepherds and chow chows are more likely to be involved in biting incidents than other breeds.

Male dogs are six times more likely to bite than females.

Sexually intact dogs are 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.

Rottweiler and pitbull breeds account for 67 percent of human fatalities.

The top 10 breeds involved in lethal dog bite attacks, accounting for four or more human deaths each over the last 20 years, are: pitbull-type (66), Rottweiler (39), German shepherd (17), husky-type (15), malamute (12), Doberman (9), chow chow (8), Saint Bernard (7), Great Dane (7) and Akita (4).

Twenty-five breeds have been involved in 238 dog bite fatalities over the past 20 years.

About 82 percent of deaths involved unrestrained dogs either on (58%) or off (24%) the owners' property


True and False

All dogs may bite – its what dogs do. (TRUE)

Dog bites can largely be prevented by proper training and management. (TRUE)

Dog bite fatalities are relatively uncommon. (TRUE)

People are more dangerous than dogs. (TRUE)

Chronically irresponsible dog owners are to blame for many of the problems. (TRUE)

The owners, rather than the dogs, are the main problem. (OFTEN TRUE)

Children should be taught never to play with or approach a strange dog, and to avoid direct eye contact with unfamiliar dogs. They should also never play with a dog without adult supervision. (TRUE)

The breed of dog involved in the deadly San Francisco attack, the Presa Canario, has been banned in several countries throughout the world. (TRUE)

To single out certain breeds as potentially more dangerous is canine racism. (FALSE)


For a more in-depth look at the issue,
see Aggressive Dogs and Society.

Dog Breeds For People Who Have Allergies

For many people, dogs are loyal companions and considered a member of the family. For them, life without a dog is meaningless. But what do you do if your love for dogs and your allergies do not mix?

Allergies are associated with the dander produced by the dog and not the dog himself nor the dog hair. Dander is the dry skin that flakes off, floats through the air and induces the classics signs of allergy. There is no breed that is 100% allergy free as they all produce dander, even the hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested or the rare Xoloitzcuintli.

Thankfully, for all those dog-loving but allergic people, there are a few dog breeds that don't develop as much dander as others and subsequently are less likely to induce sneezing, wheezing and watery eyes.

The American Kennel Club (AKC ®), largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, developed a list of breeds they believe are associated with less dander. They include:

Bedlington Terrier. With the look of a lamb, this terrier is a wonderful companion. Most often seen with a blue haircoat, this breed sheds little, resulting in less dander and easier breathing for the allergy sufferer.

Bichon Frise. The bichon is not only a great lapdog, but the curly-coated white breed produces little dander, making the dog a wonderful companion for people with allergies. To keep him looking great, the bichon needs periodic trips to the groomer.

Chinese Crested. This breed is slowly gaining popularity. Not completely bald, the Chinese crested has some puffs of hair on the head and may have a very spotted skin. Despite his weird appearance, the Chinese crested is a great family pet.

Irish Water Spaniel. Even though he may look like the clown of the spaniel family, the Irish water spaniel is the tallest spaniel and a great water dog. The coat of the Irish water spaniel is his most distinguishing characteristic.

Kerry Blue Terrier. The hair coat of the Kerry blue is silky soft and dense. The coat can be curly or wavy but should not be wiry or harsh. The Kerry blue does require frequent grooming

Maltese. As the name suggests, the small Maltese originated on the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean. This diminutive breed looks fragile but is quite resilient. The long flowing white coat needs daily care but sheds little and produces small amounts of dander.

Poodle. The standard, miniature and toy poodle make excellent pets. These dogs crave human companionship and, for the allergy sufferer, produce little dander. The breed does require attentive grooming to keep his coat in tip-top shape.

Portuguese Water Dog. Bred to help the fishermen of Portugal, this breed is as happy on land as he is in the water. Another dog that produces little dander and doesn't shed much, the Portuguese water dog is a faithful and active companion.

Schnauzer. (Miniature, Standard or Giant) The most common coat color is salt and pepper but black is also available. In order to keep their coat clean and tangle free, frequent grooming and clipping is necessary.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. A medium sized terrier, the wheaten seems to love life and human companionship. The color is any shade of wheaten. The soft coated wheaten has a soft wavy hair coat in any shade of wheaten.

Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican Hairless. Comes in 3 sizes and in two varieties: hairless and coated. The colors are: black, bronze and grey.



Thinking of bringing a pet into your home? If you are unsure as to whether your family members have allergies, have them spend time in the home of pet-owning friends before bringing home a dog or cat. "If a family member does in fact have allergies, it doesn't necessarily mean you cannot have a pet," says Dr. Hansen. "If you suspect that you or a member of your family has allergies, take them to a specialist who will determine the exact cause of your symptoms and help alleviate your symptoms." Medications and immunotherapy (de-sensitizing shots) can often allow you and your companion animal to remain together happily ever after.

German Shepherds - Popular Breed

The German Shepherd is the third most popular dog breed according to the AKC.

Here are some pros and cons about choosing a German Shepherd for a pet:

They are often wonderful dogs that may be considered "serious" and maybe even a little "shy around strangers."

Loyal companions, they love their owners and are devoted pets. Be sure to get your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and closely looking at the pup's parents personalities. Some new lines of German shepherds are nervous and have been associated with "fear biting." Others can have dominant personalities with a potential for aggression.

Training is very important with this breed since they are very smart and are eager to please. There is not better dog than a happy, healthy, well-trained German Shepherd.

They do have some genetic hip problems so ask the breeder if the dog and both parents have certified hips.

Labrador Retriever - Popular Breed

Did you know that Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed?


Their personalities are generally good with kids and they can be wonderful family dogs.

Here are some pros and cons about choosing a Lab for your pet.

Be aware that there are many breed lines that are very hyperactive and eager to chew on everything, as well as some that are known to be aggressive and have the potential to be fear biters. Be sure to get your Labrador Retriever from a reputable breeder and closely look at the parent's personalities for indications of these traits.

An important consideration before owning a Lab is evaluating how much available time you have for exercise, grooming, and training. Labs are known to mature late – they can act like a puppy for 2 to 4 years.

While some pet owners may love this trait, many pet owners who wanted a very calm, laid-back pet wonder, "When is he going to grow up?" It is important to make sure you have the time, interest, and space to give a Labrador Retriever plenty of exercise and stimulation.

If you do not have the time or interest to give a Lab the proper amount of play and exercise, then this breed is not for you. In addition, this breed does a fair bit of shedding and it is important to regularly brush your dog if you don't want hair all over your home. Finally, training is very important in Labs. They are smart and eager to please but you will need to teach them what you expect. A well-trained Lab is a wonderful pet!

Labrador Retrievers are also known to have several orthopedic problems e.g. hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis. They also can get some heart problems. Genetic predispositions such as these make choosing your dog from a reputable breeder that much more important.

Although this opinion discusses many of the negative aspects of this breed, it is still one of my favorites. Take time to choose the right one and give him what he needs to be happy and you will have a very special dog. Just remember, you'll need to make sure you eat your "Wheaties" to keep up with this breed!