Canaan dog breed

Canaan dog breed of herding dog developed in Israel in the 20th century from semiwild pariah dogs that were the descendants of animals present in the region since biblical times. Over time they had been utilized as guardians and hunting dogs, but most had reverted to a wild state, living in desert areas. In the 1930s a breeding program was begun to redomesticate these wild dogs to serve as guards for the isolated kibbutzim. In wartime the dogs served as messengers and sentries and proved adept at locating land mines. In 1949 the Institute for Orientation and Mobility of the Blind took over the breeding of the Canaan dog, with about 150 kennel-raised dogs constituting the stock.

The Canaan dogs are hardy, intelligent, and trainable and must be well socialized. They have been put to work for herding, guarding, and tracking and as guide dogs. They are aloof and cautious with strangers and in unfamiliar situations but loyal to their families. They tend to be vocal and playful. Of medium size, they stand 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 cm) tall and weigh 35 to 55 pounds (16 to 25 kg). They have upright ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a bushy tail that tends to curl over the back. Their short, harsh, double coat may be white with large markings in brown, black, or red and often with a mask or hood of the contrasting colour, or it may be solid with some white markings. Solid-coloured dogs may be black or any shade of brown.

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Borzoi

borzoi breed of hound dog developed in Russia to pursue wolves. It is descended from the Arabian greyhound and a collielike Russian sheepdog. The borzoi, formerly known as the Russian wolfhound is a graceful, strong, and swift dog. Males stand at least 28 inches     (71 cm) and females 26 inches (66 cm); weights range from 60 to 105 pounds (27 to 48 kg). It has a long, narrow head, small ears, a deep but narrow chest, long, muscular hindquarters, and a long, curved tail. The silky coat is flat or slightly curled and usually white with darker markings. The dog is noted for its elegant appearance.

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Briard

briard is a French sheepdog breed mentioned in French records of the 12th century and depicted in medieval French tapestries. It is known in France as berger de Brie (sheepdog of Brie) but is found throughout the French provinces. The briard is a lithe, strongly built dog with bushy brows and a long, more-or-less waterproof coat. It stands 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68.5 cm), weighs about 80 pounds (36 kg), and is usually black, gray, or tawny. Briards are also used for guard, police, and military work.

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Cairn terrier

Cairn terrier, working terrier breed developed in Scotland to rout vermin from cairns (rock piles). The modern breed’s characteristics are carefully patterned on those of the dog’s ancestor, a 17th-century terrier of the Isle of Skye. The cairn terrier is a short-legged dog with a short, broad face fixed in a “keen” expression that is typical of the breed. Its harsh coat is usually bluish gray, tan, or pale yellowish brown. Generally active, hardy, alert, and spirited, the cairn terrier is valued as a pet and watchdog. It stands 9.5 to 10 inches (24 to 25 cm) and weighs about 13 to 14 pounds (6 to 6.5 kg).

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Dogs fact for kids

Dog facts kids Hello ! This section is specifically for dog facts for kids. There is so much that we can learn about canines and they are very interesting animals.  When it comes to dog facts, kids love to read about information that they can pass on to family and friends.  So, enjoy yourself as you have a look through our dog facts that kids will be interested in.

The oldest living dog lived until he was 29 years old, this was recorded in 1939.  His name was Bluey and he lived in Austrailia. If you are wondering about what type of breed he was, he was a Queensland 'heeler' – this breed was used for herding other animals.

Dogs can smell things that humans cannot.  The nose has sensory cells, they work to allow a person or animal to smell things.  A dog has about 5 million more than you do ! 

Dogs are omnivorous.  This means that they must eat both meat and plants (which would be vegetables and/or fruits).

They cannot eat the cores of apples, but they can eat apple slices.

They also should not eat raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate or garlic because it can make them sick.

They are the most popular pet to own. Out of all of the families living in the United States, 1 out of 3 has a puppy or dog.

Funny DogThey know what time it is by relying on their “internal clock”. They know exactly when it is time to eat, when to expect their owner to come home, when to expect walks and more. They can become very restless if something does not happen when they expect for it to.

“Sit” should be the very first command that an owner teaches to a dog.

You have some muscles to move your ears, but dogs have 2 times more than you do to move their ears!

Did you know that a dog uses his nose for smelling, but also uses it to cool himself off if he is hot?  A dog sweats their his nose! They also sweat through their paws.

Have you ever seen a dog turn around 3 times before they go to sleep? This is because long ago, wild dogs (which were their ancestors) did this to cause grasses to be patted down to the ground before they slept on them.  Today’s dog still have this instinct inside of them.

Puppies do not know how to walk when they are born – They must learn just like toddlers do. This happens between the ages of 2 and 5 weeks old.

Newborn pups are born with their eyes closed and they do not open until they are about 3 weeks old.

Puppies are born without having any teeth. They grown slowly from 6 weeks to 2 months….and then fall out again so that adult teeth can take their place.

There are 5 scenes that a person or animal can have: Touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing. A puppy first has the sense of touch before any of the other ones.

Puppies need to stay with their mother until they are about 7 weeks old.  They need her for warmth, help with eating and she cleans them.  When they are 8 weeks old, they are much more independent and ready to go to a loving new home.

Dogs should be walked every day because they can have a lot of energy stored up in their bodies and going for a walk helps to release that energy.

The normal body temperature for a dog is 101.2 ° Fahrenheit.

If your puppy takes something that you do not want them to have, do not chase after them.  Make a game out of it, where YOU run away and make them chase you….It is a lot easier to get the item back.

It is perfectly normal for a puppy to sleep up to 19 hours per day. The average is just around 14 hours, but since each dog is an individual, that number can indeed go up to the 19 hours…and this includes sleeping at night as well as naps throughout the day. 

Dogs can see much better at night than we can. This is because they have a layer behind their eyes, called the tapetum lucidum. It works to reflect any light source and this is why you may see a dog’s eyes shining in the dark.

The first dog that was sent into outer space was named Laika.  He was sent by Russian scientists out in a satellite in the year 1957.

We bet that with this dog fact, kids may be very surprised….There is one type of dog that cannot bark at all.  It is called a Basenji and is a wolf type dog that lives on the continent of Africa.

Dogs can hear things that we cannot.  Most of us can hear a sound that is about 25 yards from us…But dogs can hear sounds that are 10 times as far, 250 yards away!

A dog’s heartbeat is a lot faster than ours.  Theirs is between 70 and 120 beat per minute, humans are just between 70 and 80.

French Poodles actually originated in Germany.   The German word for puddle is pudel…These dogs were used as water dogs… catching birds that hunters would shoot that would then fall into ponds.

In 1989, a dog set the world’s record for being the largest one ever recorded.  He was an Old English Mastiff and he weighed 343 pounds!  He was also very long at 8 feet and 3 inches.

Even though the Chihuahua is the smallest breed, a Yorkshire Terrier was the smallest individual dog ever recorded.  He was only 4 ounces as an adult and was only 2 and ½ inches tall.  He lived in England.

A lot of people know that the ancient Egyptian civilization loved cats, but they also loved dogs too.

boxer puppyThe most popular names for male puppies are Max and Jake. The most popular names for female pups are Maggie and Molly.   People must like the letter M!

Many believe that the Taco Bell dog is a boy dog, because of the voice given to it. However, it is a girl named Gidget.

Bingo, a male, is who you see on a box of Cracker Jacks snacks.

The Chihuahua can be 1 or more of 29 different colors.

Each nose print is as unique as a person’s fingerprints or snowflakes…No two are alike.

Humans have 9,000 taste buds on their tongue, dogs have 1,700….And cats have only 473.

Newborn puppies need to receive vaccinations similar to how human babies do. 

President Lyndon Johnson had two Beagles, their names were not very original, they were named “Him” and “Her”.

Former President George Washington had 36 dogs; they were all the same breed: Foxhounds.

There have been more than 50 dogs who have lived in the White House.

The famous Davy Crockett had a dog that he named Sport.

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog, and the Azawakh is one of the most rare (there are only about 150 living in the United States).

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Golden Retriever

Brief History

Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, the Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, by crossing the original yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. He later crossed in the Bloodhound, Irish Setter and more Tweed Water Spaniel. The dogs were called the Golden Flat-Coat and only later were they given the name Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds known today, not only as family companions but for obedience competitions, hunting and tracking, as a birddog on both land and in the water, narcotics detection, service dog for the disabled, a guide for the blind and as a therapy dog. The Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925.

Life span of this breed is 10 to 12 years.

Appearance

The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, medium-large sized dog. The skull is broad and the muzzle is straight, tapering slightly with a well-defined stop. The nose is black or a brownish black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The medium to large eyes are dark brown. The relatively short ears hang down close to the cheeks. When pulled forward the tip of the ear should just cover the eye. The tail is thick at the base with feathering along the underside. Dewclaws may be removed. The water-resistant coat is dense with a firm, straight or wavy outer coat. There is an untrimmed feathering on the underbelly, back of the legs, front of the neck and underside of the tail. Coat color comes in cream to a rich golden.

Temperament

These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Charming, devoted and self-assured, they are a popular family dog. Energetic and loving, Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be very rewarding. They excel in competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people who display leadership to be happy. The Golden Retriever may become destructive and/or high-strung, over-exuberant and distractible if he is lacking in daily mental and physical exercise. Be sure to remain this dog’s firm, but calm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid behavioral issues. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.

Size

Height: Males 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61cm) Females 20 - 22 inches (51 - 56 cm)

Weight: Dogs 60 - 80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) Females 55 - 70 pounds (25 – 32 kg)

Grooming

The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

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The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)

History

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a medium-sized, solidly built, short haired dog whose early ancestors came from England and Ireland. It is a member of the molosser breed group. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) were bred from the same lineage, but received different names from the two American kennel clubs; Staffordshire was the name given by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and American Pit Bull Terrier by the United Kennel Club (UKC). When compared with the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier is larger by margins of 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in height and 25–35 pounds (11–16 kg) in weight.

The dog was bred first to bait bulls and bears. When bear-baiting and bull-baiting were deemed inhumane, rat-baiting and dog-baiting became more popular. The APBT Breed was used in both sports, and its prevalence in being put in pits with rats, or other dogs led to "pit" being added to its name.

The American Pit Bull is medium-sized, and has a short coat and smooth well-defined muscle structure. Its eyes are round to almond shaped, and its ears are small to medium in length, typically half prick or rose in carriage, and may be cropped.. The tail is slightly thick and tapers to a point. The coat is glossy, smooth, short, and stiff to the touch. The accepted coat color can vary widely, but, both the AKC and UKC do not recognize merle coloring. Color patterns that are typical in the breed are spotted, brindled, solid, and with points (white markings on the paws, tip of the tail, and on the muzzle.)

Twelve countries in Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and Venezuela have enacted some form of breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, ranging from outright bans to restrictions and conditions on ownership. The state of New South Wales in Australia places restrictions on the breed, including mandatory sterilization. The breed is banned in the United Kingdom, the Canadian province of Ontario, and a few counties and cities in the United States.

The Pit Bull Terrier was created by breeding Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs together to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog. These dogs were bred in England, and arrived in the United States where they became the direct ancestors of the American Pitbull Terrier. In the United Kingdom pit bulls were used in bloodsports such as bull baiting, bear baiting and cock fighting. These bloodsports were officially eliminated in 1835 as Britain began to introduce animal welfare laws. Since dogfights were cheaper to organise and far easier to conceal from the law than bull or bear baits, bloodsport proponents turned to pitting their dogs against each other instead. Dog fighting was used as both a bloodsport (often involving gambling) and a way to continue to test the quality of their stock. For decades afterwards, dog fighting clandestinely took place in small areas of Britain and America. In the early 20th century pitbulls were used as catch dogs in America for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, and drive livestock, and as family companions. Some have been selectively bred for their fighting prowess.

Pit Bull Terriers successfully fill the role of companion dogs, and police dogs, and therapy dog. Pit Bull Terriers also constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in America In addition, law enforcement organisations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations, use against police, and as attack dogs.

In an effort to counter the fighting reputation of pit bull-type dogs, in 1996 the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals renamed pit bull terriers to "St. Francis Terriers", so that people might be more likely to adopt them. 60 temperament-screened dogs were adopted until the program was halted, after several of the newly adopted pit bulls killed cats. The New York City Center for Animal Care and Control tried a similar approach in 2004, relabeling their pit bulls as "New Yorkies", but dropped the idea in the face of overwhelming public opposition.

Temperament

The UKC gives this description of the characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier:

The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.

In September 2000 a study conducted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was published which examined dog bite related fatalities (human death caused by dog bite injuries) over a 20-year period from 1979 to 1998. The study examined 238 fatalities in which the breed of dog was known. The study was surmised to covered approximately 72% of known dog bite related fatalities during that period. However in the later half of the study Rottweilers accounted for more dog bite related fatalities than pit bulls.

"Despite these limitations and concerns, the data indicates that Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF (dog bite related fatality) in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities... However, breeds responsible for human DBRF have varied over time."

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Eight Facts You Need To Know About The New Pomsky Breed

With the present online world, it is easy to get prompts that may lead you to the wrong direction at anytime when you are looking for something. This should be avoided as they may be scams and you may find yourself with a different dog. DNA tests, transparency, detailed paper work and informative details about the dog should characterize the process of purchasing the dog.

Here are 8 pomsky tips coupled with a few facts to help you make an informed choice when settling to buy a dog.

· Height of the dog.

The dog is estimated to grow at a height of 10 to 15 inches and offerings of dogs estimated to be taller than this range are most likely not a pomsky.

· Weight of the dog

Most people tend to ask how big the pomsky will get. The real answer to this question when purchasing the dog should not be based on estimates from the breeder but rather on the average of the parents' weight. This is usually anywhere between 20 to 30 pounds.

· Behavior

The dog is very loving and intelligent and is protective of the owner thus making a great guard dog. It also very playful and cheerful and in some instances, it may be gloomy a character inherited from the parents.

· Appearance

The appearance of the pomsky is quite unpredictable from one pomsky to another but the general appearance of the parents may give a general idea of what the dog will look like.

· Cost

The dog is exceptionally rare and may cost from $1000 to $ 3500 any deal that is better than this or too good to be true then be careful and think twice.

· Hygiene

The pomsky sheds its far and it is advisable that you brush its far regularly to ensure that it's far is well taken care of. The promerian descent also may pass down an undesirable characteristic of plaque accumulation which may mean that the dogs may have dental issues. It is therefore paramount to visit a vet for their dental checkups.

· Diet

The pomsky is a very active dog and diets that give it plenty of energy and proteins are essential for its growth and energy need requirements. Apart from right foods the dog should also be exercised regularly so that it remains healthy and is not distraught and therefore exhibiting destructive habits

· Training

Like all other dogs, the pomsky should be trained at a young age so as to pick up good habit as it grows older.

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About the Ibizan Hound

Also known as Podenco Ibicenco, the Ibizan hound is a Spanish breed whose origin can be traced back to Egypt. While the dog's ancestors were used for hunting, the dog is now used for both hunting and companionship.

The Ibizan hound is a slender dog that stands between 22.5 and 27.5 inches tall and weighs between 42 and 55 pounds. The dog has a short, smooth (or rough) dense coat that comes in a number of colors such as white and brown. In some cases the coat can be multicolored.

Temperament

The dog has a great temperament for family life; however, he tends to be aloof with strangers. Although, he is strongly willed and independent, he is rarely aggressive.

He is even-tempered, loyal, and affectionate. He is also very intelligent which makes him very easy to train. He tends to be delightful and entertaining with his great antics.

Although, he is loyal, you should avoid leaving him off-leash in an unenclosed area. This is because he easily strays away. If you don't have a leash and there is an enclosed area, you should ensure that the area has a tall fence. This is because the dog has the ability of standing and jumping tall fences.

Ibizan Hound training

Just like other social dogs, you should socialize this dog with other dogs and animals. To ensure that he respects you all through his life, you should start teaching him obedience training from an early age.

When training him, you should avoid striking or kicking him. This is because he tends to develop an exaggerated startle reflex when handled roughly

Since he is very energetic, you should engage him in daily exercises. Some of the great exercises that you can engage in are long walks. When walking the dog you should ensure that you are the one leading. This is to make him understand that you are the one in control.

The dog tends to leap up onto kitchen counters, hop over child-proof gates, and clean off the top of the refrigerator which can be irritating to you. To prevent him from engaging in this behavior, you should train him.

Health

The health of the dog is important; therefore, you should ensure that he is healthy. Common diseases of the dog include: seizures, allergies, cataract, deafness, axonal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia. If you notice any of these conditions in your dog, you should notify the veterinarian.

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Breed-Specific Legislation Targets Innocent Pups

Tax dollars would be better used for prevention. Educate people, enforce leash laws and licenses, set up a fund to allow owners cheaper options to spay or neuter a pet. Dogs who are not spayed or neutered are twice more likely to be aggressive. Dogs that are kept outside all the time on chains are also twice as likely to be aggressive. Give aid to low income dog owners so they can take their pet to basic puppy classes or at least give them a class or two teaching them basic training skills. Pass dangerous dog laws and focus on all the dogs in the city. Make owners be held responsible for their pets behaviors.

Focusing on one breed will cause people to keep their dogs in hiding or choosing a different breed resuming illegal activities with a "legal" breed. Any dog breed can be trained to fight or be a brutal guard.

Pit bulls are high on the list as far as being considered dangerous. This is the latest "bad" breed based on their present stereotype. There was a time when Pit bulls were the leading dog breed for people who had children. Our Gang is an old show that was most popular after it added sound in 1929. In 1955 the name was changed to The Little Rascals. It is about a group of poor small children. Petey, who was an American Pit bull, was added in the '20's and remained until the '40's. He hung out with these small children with no worry or fear of aggression.

The reputation of this breed has deteriorated to the point where police shoot them and shelters euthanize them. They are thought of as fighting dogs who are abandoned, neglected and considered out of control. A few of them have been aggressive so the whole breed is chastised. This is true for other larger breeds like German Shepard, Dobermans and Rottweilers for instance. They have turned most of their focus to the Pit bull most recently.

Dogs who even look like a Pit bull are punished. They are taken from their loving homes and placed in shelters where they will eventually euthanize the animal. DNA testing is expensive and frequently not done to be sure of the animal's breed. Stray dogs that resemble Pit bull types never get a chance to live in a loving home they are not adopted out instead they are put to sleep.

Banning a certain breed will not reduce dog attacks. There are different reasons for aggression. Many people blame the owners which may be a factor. 

Breed-specific Legislation instills a false sense of security in society. People believe they are safe from dog attacks because a certain breed is restricted when in truth any breed can become aggressive. Many dog attacks go unreported. The terrorizing miniature poodle doesn't get reported because it's small and people don't feel threatened. If Fifi attacks chances are you won't even get a tear your pant leg.

I had a Pit bull and moved to another state where they had previously been banned. The laws keep changing because so many people are fighting this law. One day I took my Georgie to the store with me. Animal control stopped me and asked me if I was aware that Pit bulls were against the law. I told him I didn't think Georgie was a purebred. This is when he told me the laws were changing and you could own a Pit mix and he thought my dog looked like a mixed breed. He made sure he had his license and took my name and address. I thought I was going to lose my dog and I could have if it had been a few months earlier. This would have been heartbreaking and unnecessary.

They were mother and son yet totally different. Tessa was Georgie's mom and the best dog I ever had. She seemed to adjust to my commands naturally. She listened to everything I told her to do. I wasn't informed at all about socializing and training so she was the perfect dog for me. Georgie, on the other hand, was deaf and had to learn hand motions. He was more of a challenge and never learned the amount of commands his mother knew. This confirms two dogs of the same breed can be totally different.

I would love to see pet stores and shelters come together and set up a system where the population would be made aware of simple dog facts. This information should be readily available to the public. Every dog owner should have some understanding of why it's important to teach a dog to fit in with everybody.

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The Lhasa Apso As a Pet and Guardian

As its name implies the Lhasa Apso as a breed originated in Tibet. There it traditionally had the honor of watching over monasteries and palace.

Today's Lhasa Apso does indeed have a sense of the regal about it with its sweeping silky skirt that, when properly groomed, just barely skims the floor. It is the perfect size for a household pet and companion. But don't let his small stature fool you. This little guy can hold his own! He is by nature a guardian, a watchdog and protector of his home and family. It is what his ancestors have done for years!

Socializing and Training

The Lhaso is a very protective breed, which can work for you or against you, depending on how much you are willing to put into his training. It is vital that your Lhasa be socialized from the very beginning and that you be consistent with his training. If you are, he will prove an excellent companion and guardian.

Training requires a great deal of patience as the Lhasa tends to have a mind of his own. But he can be well trained if the trainer or owner is persistent. He takes a firm hand and positive reinforcement and praise when he does well.

Caring for the Lhasa's Coat

In most cases your Lhasa needs little more than a daily brushing to keep his elegant coat tangle free. But you must be consistent; it can get away from you very quickly. Every few weeks a bath and blow dry can be added to his grooming routine to keep his coat shiny, clean and smelling good. Many Lhasa owners choose to give their pet a shorter, puppy cut. This is a good option if he is not going to be used for show, or for people who have very busy schedules that just can't accommodate a lot of grooming.

A Lhasa is generally not recommended for a household with younger children. The Lhasa has a tendency to snap when it gets annoyed, and toddlers and younger kids can be very curious and over-attentive when there is a new dog in the household. Older children usually have few problems and, in fact, have been known to form a strong bond with their dog.

Another plus with a Lhaso is that they enjoy longer than average life spans, generally from 12-15 years. They are neither prone to sickness nor overly delicate as some of the toy sized breeds can be. As a result, in addition to a long life, you can add hardiness to their list of good qualities. Beyond their yearly vaccinations and check-ups, your Lhasa won't generally be costing you a lot in the way of veterinarian fees.

If you think the Lhasa Apso is a good fit for your family, do some research before buying. Find a reputable breeder who breeds for health and temperament so you can be confident you have a healthy dog who will be able to share your life for years to come.

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Here Are 5 Interesting Facts About Dogs

You may think you know everything about dogs, but we bet there are 5 interesting facts about dogs that you may not know. Do you want to find out what those facts are? If so, continue to read the rest of this article.

1. Dogs can understand many words and gestures - You probably already know that dogs can understand so many different words and gestures. What you may not know is just how many they are able to understand. So how many gestures and words can they understand? They have the ability to understand more than 200, which is a lot.

2. Many dogs live in America - America may not be the biggest country in the world, in terms of landmass, but they are home to the most dogs. That may not surprise you, but what might is that France comes second. That's right, France is home to more dogs than many larger countries.

3. Dogs' ears are very muscular - When you look at a dog's ear, you might not be able to tell, but they are very muscular. Not necessarily in size, but in terms of the amount of muscle. What we are trying to say is that dogs ears contain double the muscle than humans' ears.

4. Greyhounds run very fast - Greyhound dogs can run very fast, and that is why there is Greyhound racing. This is really not a secret, but do you know just how fast they can run? Try up to 45mph, which is almost as fast as some speed limits set on many roadways. Dogs run fast in general, but Greyhounds are the quickest dogs in the world, so if you ever get a Greyhound for a pet, make sure you have plenty of land because they love to run.

5. Dogs aren't colorblind - Many people assume that dogs are colorblind, and they believe that all dogs see in black and white. However, the fact is that dogs are not actually colorblind. Dogs can detect color, but it is just not as vivid as humans' vision.

There are many other interesting facts out there that you might not know about dogs. However, the five that were discussed above are some of the facts that people rarely know about dogs. The five facts talked about in the article might help you have a better understanding of dogs, or some of the facts may have even answered some questions you didn't have the answers to.

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The Papillon Is A Great And Interesting Breed

The Papillon is one of the oldest forms of lap or toy dogs. The old adage that great things come in small packages is no more evident than when referring to the Papillon dog breed. Named after the unique shape of their upright ears, the word papillon is the French word for butterfly. These dogs make adorable and affectionate companions.

The rich history of the Papillon, formerly known as the dwarf or toy spaniel, is quite robust. Many famous works of art from as far back as 1500 feature the Papillon, including being heavily prominent in the famous family portrait of France's Louis The XIV. Indeed the history of the Papillon is one intertwined with high art and royalty. This pedigree, along with small litter sizes, has translated into them commanding high prices from breeders.

Being an extremely intelligent dog, the Papillon is well suited to learning tricks and becoming quite obedient to their owners. With their sharp wits they will respond well to orders and accept many different rewards for learning a trick or following commands, some content with just a pleasant compliment in a happy tone of voice.

One thing to keep in mind is their high level of energy. Papillons need to be taken for regular walks and have a lot of time to play. This makes them ideal for families with young energetic children or for older couples needing a motivator to keep on their feet. A papillon will happily jog with its owner for a good distance, but with their small stature wouldn't exactly be the type of dog to run miles and miles.

Papillons are commonly seen in dog shows and feature in many Kennel Clubs. Their elegant, distinctive looks always turn heads. The most attractive look for a Papillon is being two-toned and having a blaze, or line of white between the eyes and to the snout. This feature gives the dog more of that butterfly look they are named after.

Papillons make wonderful companions and lovely show dogs. With a rich history that include kings and queens, leaders of men and the European merchant class, you know your holding a new companion that's a living piece of history. They are perfect for both families and singletons alike. Though the breed can go for huge sums of money it's a worthy investment in a new friend for your family.

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