Linda Sacco - Dog Breeds: Which is Your Perfect Pet?

Dog Breeds: Which is Your Perfect Pet?

By LindaSacco

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SmashwordsEdition

Copyright 2016Linda Sacco

Discover other titles by Linda Sacco atSmashwords.com.

LicenseNotes

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Contents

Introduction

So you thinkyou want a dog? You have arrived at a great starting point. Thisbook contains all the information you need to find the perfectbreed to match your lifestyle.

There is muchto consider. Honestly, how much time would you like to spendgrooming? Even the smoothest of smooth coats needs combing once aweek, and may even shed by the handful. There are also those whonever shed, and need regular visits to the professional doggroomer. And no matter what infomercials may promise you, there isno one-size-fits-all brush for dogs several grooming tools may berequired for some breeds.

Are you happyto share the house with a hound? Some dogs cannot withstand theelements and have to remain indoors. Some will only be happyoutside on a farm.

Is there orwill there be children in the future? Do you have rough and tumbletykes or angel-like high school students? Some breeds find childrennerve-wracking to be around and prefer adult company whilst otherswill happily play with children for hours.

Have other petsalready blessed your household? Some breeds must be the only dog inthe house but others love the companionship of other pets and findit cures their separation anxiety. Others will want to hunt cats,rodents and rabbits.

Health concernsburden some breeds more than others do. If your wallet does notstretch too far, you may want to avoid high-risk dogs.

Finally, Howmuch is that doggy in the window? is a valid question, but itshould not be the only one. Although a dogs looks (and price tag)can play a part in the selection process, a dog is above all alifestyle choice. You must be prepared to accommodate a dogs needsfor the whole of its life, which could be over 15 years. With allthis in mind, you are on your way to discovering a suitable furryfriend.

Toy Dogs

This group ofdogs comprises of the smallest breeds. Most were once the prizedlap dogs of royals and some are little versions of larger breedswhilst others have terrier ancestry.

They were bredto be companions and more than any other group of dogs they aredevoted pets. They are not preoccupied with a lingering instinct toherd sheep, hunt wild boar or track scents. Nor are they inactive.Toys are playful and require regular exercise just like any otherdog.

Indoor lifesuits these dogs. Most crave constant companionship and many areresistant to the heat and cold.

Most enjoychildren, but rough handling could lead to tragedy. Other pets areusually a welcome playmate of the toy.

Grooming maymean a daily labour of love for long haired silky dogs or a weeklybrush that takes minutes. There is a toy to suit any coatpreference.

This isgenerally a healthy bunch. Many live into their teens. However,patellar luxations (dislocated kneecaps) are common and manyexperience obesity.

Be warned thattoys are full-time pets. They arent nicknamed Velcro dogs fornothing!

Australian SilkyTerrier

Height: 2023cmat the shoulder

Weight:3.54.5kg

The AustralianSilky Terrier may look glamorous, but it is an expert rat killerand mighty watchdog. Although originally an export from Britain,the breed was refined in Sydney, Australia. This merry, yetassertive dog makes an affectionate pet.

Coat andGrooming: Pups are born black and tan. As most Silkies mature, thecolour will change to silver and tan, with blue along the spine. Adaily brush is recommended, as is a fortnightly bath.

Environment andExercise: Can live indoors if given daily exercise. A moderate walkon a leash will be sufficient.

Compatibilitywith Kids and other Pets: Silkies tend to be one-person dogs. Thislucky person is usually the one who serves them food, so make it achild if you wish for them to bond. Only gentle children should beallowed near this breed as rough handling is likely to make Silkysnap! Other pets beware: unless Silky is well socialised with otherpets as a pup, they should not be trusted together.

Health: Rottenteeth are common in this breed. This is best helped by giving yourpet raw bones. Other known problems include eye defects andpatellar luxations. Nonetheless, this hardy breed can live up to 15years.

BichonFris

Height: 2529cmat the shoulder

Weight:4.58kg

The BichonFrise is a friendly powder-puff. The breed has a long and turbulenthistory, dating back to ancient times. At the height of theirpopularity, they were a favourite of European royals, but laterbecame a common street dog when they fell out of fashion. Luckily,street performers caught on to the Bichon Friss willingness toperform tricks, and the breed was saved from extinction.

Coat andGrooming: The loosely curled double coat comes in white. The Bichonis noted for its minimal (if any) shedding and is consideredhypoallergenic, which makes it a safe choice for allergy suffers.Grooming is required three times a week. Visit the professional doggroomer for trimming every 12 months.

Environment andExercise: Not recommended as an outdoor pet. Apartment dwellerswill perfectly suit the Bichon. However, as a moderately active dogthey enjoy indoor games and going out for regular exercise at leastonce or twice a week.

Compatibilitywith Kids and other Pets: A very good choice for a childs pet. TheBichon is also friendly with other pets.

Health:Dislocated kneecaps and cataracts are concerns. Expected lifespanis 1215 years.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Height: 3033cmat the shoulder

Weight:58kg

This charmingbreed has sat in the laps of many royals throughout history. In the1600s, hordes of them were the constant companion of King CharlesII. The Cavalier thrives on company and is happy to spend equaltime as an indoor lapdog and an explorer of the great outdoors.

Coat andGrooming: The Cavalier comes in Blenheim (red and white), TriColour (black, white and tan), Ruby (solid red) and Black and Tan.The medium length coat requires brushing every day or so. Paycareful attention to the ears and feathering on the chest, legs andtail. The eyes also require daily cleaning with warm water and ababy sponge.

Environment andExercise: A small backyard is ideal but the breed will also suitapartment dwellers. Either way, they are moderately active and needa stroll around the block a few times each week to keep themtrim.

Compatibilitywith Kids and other Pets: Kids love Cavaliers and Cavaliers lovekids! The friendly Cavalier will play for hours. And if gentlyintroduced, the Cavalier will enjoy the companionship of anotherpet, particularly another Cavalier.

Health: HeartMitral Valve Disease is the leading killer of Cavaliers. As aprecaution, make sure your pup was not bred from dogs younger than5 years and ensure the parents were given the all clear from a vet.Lifespan is generally 814 years.