Pampered Dog Blog

The Cairn Terrier is an intelligent, loyal and brave little dog that has bags of character. The most famous of the breed was Terry, who appeared as Toto in The Wizard of Oz.

The Cairn is a native of Scotland and has been around since the 1500’s. They were originally bred for fox hunting and rodent control. The name “Cairn” refers to narrow gaps between rocks, and the breed was particularly adept at squeezing through these gaps to kill rats. These days Cairns are more commonly seen as companion dogs.

These sturdy little terriers are typically 10-13 inches tall and can weigh up to 18 pounds. They are short-legged, with strong hindquarters. The face is fox-like and the ears are erect and pointed. The coat is rough and shaggy, and may be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindle in color.

These alert, clever and mischievous dogs have bags of character. They are confident, affectionate and friendly and ideally suited to the role of companion dog. They do well with children, although are not best suited to young kids. You’ll also have to supervise them around non-canine pets, particularly rodents, as they still possess a strong prey drive.

Cairns are incredibly smart little dogs who are easy to train and are particularly adept at learning and performing tricks. The can be quite sensitive though, so training needs to be positive and reward based. The females tend to be more independent and slightly more of a challenge to train than the males.

Quick, agile and intelligent, the Cairn is a star performer in many canine sports, including agility and flyball. They also perform exceptionally well in advanced obedience trials.

These are robust, healthy dogs, but they do suffer from a number of congenital diseases. Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and entropion are all known to occur, while the breed is also known to be particularly sensitive to flea bites. Median lifespan for Cairn terrier is between 12 and 15 years.

Grooming is a fairly easy job. The Cairn sheds very little, and only needs to be brushed a few times a week to keep the coat in good order. Brushing should be done gently as they have quite sensitive skin. The dog can be bathed if need be, but don’t do this too often – one a month is more than enough.

Because of their small size, Cairns can live most anywhere and do well in an apartment. They are however, highly active dogs requiring daily exercise. This should include a walk plus games, as Cairns love to play and are particularly fond of chasing a ball.

Good names for a Cairn Terrier can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online puppy names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of cool dog names to pick from.

The Akbash is a breed of Turkish origin that is widely used as a sheep guardian in that country. Said to possess the speed of a sighthound and the strength of a mastiff, this formidable dog stands up to 34 inches tall at the shoulder, and can weigh as much as 140 pounds.

The Akbash coat is smooth, short to medium in length and is always white, although there may be light biscuit coloration on the ears. The coat has a distinctive mane around the neck, to protect the dog from predators.

The Akbash breed is believed to be at least 3000 years old and may be much older than even that. In fact, archeological evidence suggests that similar dogs were used as sheep guardians by the ancient peoples of Turkey as long ago as 8000 BC.

Like the Kuvasz, the Kommondor and other giant livestock guardians from around the world, the Akbash is quite capable of carrying out its duties without human supervision. The are strongly protective with the natural intelligence and independence needed for this job.

The breed is accredited by the United Kennel Club (UKC), although, not currently by the AKC.

These are brave, loyal and intelligent dogs who bond closely with their family but are somewhat suspicious towards strangers. This of course makes them excellent guard dogs. They can also be excellent companion dogs if properly trained and socialized. They are naturally sweet-tempered and particularly good with children.

You will need a fair bit of patience to train an Akbash. Naturally assertive, they will not obey a command, just because you say so. They can be very strong willed and it will take assertive, positive training to get your message across. This is not the ideal dog for the first time owner.

Good names for an Akbash can be hard to find. If you’re struggling, try an online resource like Puppy Names HQ. This site has 1000s of dog names, including a mega-list of female dog names, to pick from.

The Akbash coat is quite easy to maintain, although they do shed quite a bit, so regular brushing will be required. The coat has no “doggy odor”, so bathing is neither required, nor recommended.

This is a very healthy dog breed that suffers from few of the typical health problems found in purebred dogs. Like many large breeds however, they are affected by hip dyslasia. Median lifespan is 10 years to 11 years, which is typical for a dog of this size.

The Akbash is, first and foremost, a working dog, that is best suited to country living. They will adapt to a house with a large garden, but apartment living is definitely out. The dog will need a long daily walk on the leash, but would really prefer a job to do.

A toy dog of German origin, the Affenpinscher is an enchanting little character that has been around since the 1500s. The name, Affenpinscher, means “monkey dog”, and perfectly describes the dog’s expressive face and mischievous nature. The dog stands up to 11 inches at the withers and weighs 7 to 9 pounds. The coat has an unkempt look and can be grey, fawn, black and tan or red an tan.

The Affen, as it is affectionately called, was originally a farm dog, bred to control rodents in barns, granaries and stables. With its speed, agility and terrier-like character, the breed was particularly good at this job.

Affenpinschers are seemingly oblivious to their small size and are brave enough to stand their ground against all-comers. But they are also affectionate and playful, making them excellent pets for older children. They are not, however, suited to young kids as they will not hesitate to bite if they are handled too roughly.

Despite their small size Affens can be quite a handful. They can be stubborn and willful at times and also tend towards dominance. Strong and consistent pack leadership will be required to ensure they don’t get out of hand. The Affen will happily live in a household with other dogs and even cats they’ve been socialized with. However, they should be kept well away from small animals like rodents and rabbits.

Training an Affen is sometimes easy, and at other times it can be a real grind. They are very intelligent dogs who generally learn quickly. Occasionally though, that famous stubborn streak kicks in and you may as well quit for the day. It won’t help to get angry either, as they are quite sensitive dogs who don’t respond well to harsh treatment. House training in particular can be a real chore.

If any of this is discouraging you from getting an Affenpinscher, it shouldn’t. These dogs make wonderful pets and have bags of character. They are affectionate and bond closely with their immediate family.

Finding good puppy names for an Affenpinscher can be tricky. Try to think of something that really brings out the dog’s unique personality. If you’re having trouble coming up with names, pay a visit to Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of unique names, including an extensive list of cool dog names

Affenpinschers are healthy dogs, but like most purebreds, they are susceptible to congenital diseases. These include cataracts, slipped stifle collapsed trachea, and breathing difficulties in hot weather. The mean lifespan for the breed is about 12 years.

Grooming is a relatively simple business involving a brush down every other day. The coat sheds minimally an requires only an occasional trim. You will however have to take care to trim hair away from the eyes.

These are active, energetic dogs who need daily exercise including a walk and occasional games. Provided their exercise needs are met, Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment life.

The Chihuahua, or Chi as it’s sometimes affectionately called, is the world’s smallest dog breed. However this doesn’t extend to their attitude! These bold little dogs are energetic, feisty and confident, with an attitude much bigger than their physical stature.

But they are also charming, affectionate and intelligent dogs who make excellent pets and tend to bond strongly with one individual.

The exact origin of the Chihuahua is a matter for some speculation. A common theory is that they descended from a small Mexican dog named the Techichi and were refined and bred down to their current size by the Aztecs, and the Toltecs. Another hypothesis is that the Chihuahua originated in Malta, and was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. It was crossed with the Techichi to produce the breed we know today.

Any way you look at it, the Chihuahua is a tiny dog. These little guys are slim and fine boned, with large ears and eyes and a short muzzle. Adults can weigh as little as 2 pounds to 6 pounds and stand just 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

The coat comes in a number of colors including, sand, fawn, red, black, or black and tan. There are two coat types, smooth or long.

As distinctive as the Chihuahuas looks and size, is its temperament. They are generally cheerful, hyperactive dogs, but it has been noted that, more than most breeds, the Chihuahua’s temperament is inherited. Some lines are very affectionate, whereas others are naturally argumentative and aggressive.

Whatever the dog’s temperament though, a Chihuahua will not tolerate being manhandled. They are therefore not recommended as pets for young kids.

Although Chihuahuas are generally healthy dogs, they are not immune to congenital illnesses. Among the diseases found in the breed are, epilepsy, seizures, hydrocephalus, glaucoma, and low blood sugar. You should also be aware that puppies are born with a soft spot on the skull, called the molera. This closes as the dog matures, but puppies must be handled very carefully. Average lifespan for the breed is 15 years.

This is a relatively easy dog to maintain, although the long-haired variety requires slightly more work. A weekly brush down will be all that is required for a short-haired Chihuahua, while the long hair must be brushed daily. The dog can also be bathed one a month as required. Always use a mild dog shampoo, and remember to keep the dog warm.

The Chihuahua’s small size makes it ideally suited to apartment living. However, you will still have to take your dog for a walk every day. Chihuahuas prefer warm weather and you’ll have to take care to keep them warm in colder climes, especially when outdoors.

Good names for a Chihuahua can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online dog names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of cool dog names to pick from.

Nicknamed “the American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is an adorable little dog that is friendly, intelligent, and playful. They are just about the perfect pet, affectionate, balanced, with an easy to maintain coat and moderate exercise requirements.Boston’s are considered one of the few true American dog breeds, but in fact their origins are in the English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and later, the French Bulldog. All Boston’s trace their linage back to a single sire, Judge, owned by Edward Hooper.

Something else that may surprise you about the breed, is that they were originally bred for dog fighting – hard to believe given their famously placid nature. The Boston Terrier is a small, compact dog, ranging from about 10 to 25 pounds in weight, and 15 to 17 inches in height. They have small, erect ears, a shortened muzzle and large, slightly protruding eyes.

They are usually black and white in color, but may also be brindle or seal. The distinctive white markings are required in the breed standard. Bostons are not true terriers and are classified in the AKC’s non-sporting group, having been recognized as a breed in 1893.

Within the breed there are variances of temperament, some are extremely eager to please, while others may be stubborn and willful. Having said that, Boston’s tend to form strong bonds with their owners and have an uncanny knack of interpreting their moods. They are very sensitive to tone of voice and don’t appreciate harsh words or treatment.Despite their stature, they are not afraid to stand their ground, and will protect their family against any threat.

Grooming a Boston is easy. These dogs shed very little and the coat only needs to be brushed once or twice a week. In addition to brushing you will need to keep the eyes clean, by wiping them daily with a damp cloth.

Although they are not the most active of dogs, you will have to get your Boston Terrier out for a walk every day. Dogs that are insufficiently exercised and lacking in mental stimulation often develop behavioral problems, and in this breed it is likely to manifest as chewing and problem barking.

These dog are well suited to apartment life, as long as they are exercised every day. Exercise should be fairly low intensity, especially in hot weather as the dog can develop breathing problems.

Bostons have an above average lifespan, with many living 15 or longer. They do, however, have a number of health issues including, brachycephalic syndrome, skin and heart tumors, and cataracts.

Finding dog names, for your Boston Terrier is an easy task, when you know where to look. My recommendation is puppy names hq.com, a site with an extensive database of dog names including 1000s of boy dog names to choose from.

Most closely associated with England’s King Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is a playful and affectionate toy dog. The King is said to have been so fond of this breed that his dogs were to be found roaming the halls of every royal residence.

An the breed’s popularity with the aristocracy didn’t end there. Look at 16th to 18th century portraits of the well-to-do, and you’re likely to see a Cavalier featured.

Standing just 18 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 18 pounds, the Cavalier is an attractive dog. The coat is long and silky, and may be Blenheim, ruby, tri-color, or black and tan in color.

Adding to the effect is the feathering on legs, ears and tail, long hanging ears and large, liquid eyes giving the dog a look of innocence and vulnerability.Historically, the tail has been docked. But as this is now illegal in many countries, it is no longer required.

The King Charles Spaniel has a shorter muzzle than the Cavalier, as it was cross bred with the Pug back when this particular characteristic was in demand.

Despite its Spaniel credentials, the Cavalier King Charles has always been a companion dog, a role they fill to perfection. They are extremely affectionate and happy little dogs that just thrive on attention, and are eager to please.

These dogs have the ideal personality to be family pets. They love everyone , and are exceptionally good with children. They are healthy dogs, but not immune to the congenital problems typically found in purebred dogs. Serious diseases that occur in the breed include mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. Typical lifespan for a Cavalier is between 9 and 14 years.

They are also prone to luxating patella, cataracts, and retinal disorders. To guard against your dog developing these diseases it is advisable to only buy a dog from a reputable, registered breeder.

It should come a no surprise that the Cavalier is a high maintenance dog. That luxuriant coat requires a lot of brushing and trimming to keep it looking its best.

Special attention also needs to be paid to the ears and eyes. Both these areas are susceptible to infections and must be kept clean and, in the case of the ears, dry.

This is the ideal dog for apartment living, small of size and well behaved indoors. The Cavalier needs and craves human interaction and is most definitely not suited to living outdoors.

Despite their stature they will need a walk every day. They also love playing games and will happily chase a ball or play a game of tag, whether it is in the garden or the living room.

If you’re looking for a name for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the best advice is to visit a puppy names, website. The one that I recommend is Puppy Names HQ, which has a huge database of excellent dog names including 1000s of boy dog names.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds, and is also larger than its cousin, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Standing up the 13 inches at the shoulder, and weighing 45 pounds, they are stocky, low-slung and somewhat longer than they are tall. The ears are erect, and the face fox-like.These cute little dogs are actually a lot tougher than the look, and have traditionally been used as cattle drovers.

There are several theories about the origins of the Corgi breed. Some believe they were brought to Britain by the Vikings, and are related to the Swedish Vallhund. Others suggest that it was the Celts that brought them to the British Isles around 1200 BC.

There may be some truth in either, or both, or these theories. The Corgi and Vallhund are similar in both look and temperament, while the Celtic word for dog, is corgi.

Corgis have been cattle herders in Britain for hundreds of years, and it is a job they excel at. Despite their small stature, they are tremendously brave and think nothing of standing their ground against a charging bull. Their method of herding is to nip at the heels, and their low profile and natural agility allows them to easily avoid flying hooves.

These days though Corgis are mainly companion dogs, a job for which they are well suited.They are affectionate, intelligent and gentle dogs with a genuine willingness to please. They enjoy human company and are an absolute pleasure to train.

These active, playful dogs are a joy to have around. They are very good with children, and get on with other dogs and non-canine pets. One small problem, is the tendency of some dogs to nip at the ankles, but this is easily corrected with training.

The Cardigan is very vigilant and is quick to bark if things don’t seem quite right. While this makes him a very good watch dog, barking can be a problem if allowed to go unchecked.

Cardigans are relatively easy to groom. They have a short coat, and although they are seasonal shedders a brush down every other day is all that is needed to keep the coat in good order.

This is a tough, robust breed that avoids many of the diseases that you typically find in purebred dogs. They are prone to picking up weight, and can become obese if overfed and not exercised enough. A Corgi can live up to 15 years or even longer.

Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living. However, as working dogs they require a fair bit of exercise. Daily walks are a must, and their playfulness means they also enjoy games. You should also consider enrolling your Corgi for canine sports like agility, flyball and herding trials as they do well at these.

If you’re searching for puppy names, for your Cardigan Welsh Corgi, I recommend puppy-names-hq.com. This site has 1000’s of excellent dog names, including a huge list of male dog names choose from.

Dogs are an incredibly diverse species. Not only do they have an amazing array of of physical characteristics, but even their personality traits and behavioral characteristics differ from one breed to another.

Much of this is down to selective breeding. For centuries humans have bred dogs for particular skills, behaviors and physical qualities, with the result that today, we have over 600 recognized dog breeds.

However, recent studies suggest that many of the physical changes in dogs may have occurred spontaneously. So as amazing as it is, it seems dogs have actually evolved along the lines they believe we expect of them. Now that’s what I call devotion!

Now, while all of this may be fascinating, this information also has a more practical purpose.

Let’s say you are interested in buying or adopting a purebred dog. I’m sure you’d want one that is a good fit for your life style. It would be foolish for example to adopt a Husky, if your idea of fun is flopping down in front of the TV with with a bowl of popcorn. Before you know it you’ll have an extremely frustrated dog, most likely with behavioral problems.

And if your an outdoor type who enjoys camping and hiking and wants a dog to share these activities, a Shih Tzu or Maltese will be a less than perfect choice.

And it doesn’t stop at activity level either, name any trait you find particularly desirable in a canine companion, and you’ll find a dog breed that meets your requirements. Some breeds are more affectionate, others more independent, some are protective, others timid, some are known to be yappers, others hardly bark at all.

And what about physical appearance, size for example? It’s hard to imagine two animals more different than a Saint Bernard and a Chinese Crested, yet both are unmistakably, dogs.

Something else you’ll want to think about is how much hair the dog sheds. Some dogs shed hair like an Alaskan blizzard while others shed hardly any hair at all. At the extreme, you’ll find the Mexican Hairless Dog, or Xoloitzcuintle, a perfect choice for the extremely house proud!

And what about training? You are going to train your dog aren’t you? Well then you should know that not all dogs are equally easy to train. With some it’s a piece of cake, with others more like talking to a brick wall.

So if trainability is an important factor you’ll want a dog that is a quick learner with an eagerness to please. Dogs that fall into this group include the Poodle, Papillon and Golden Retriever.

The breeds you’ll want to avoid are most of the Hound Group, including Bassets, Beagles, and Bloodhounds. Some breeds, like the Dachshund, are known for being particularly obstinate, while certain toy dogs will ignore you as a matter of principal.

And then there are the so-called designer dogs, as well as mixed breed dogs, which we haven’t even spoken about here.

But I’m sure you realize by now that there really is a dog to suit every person. So, what’s your dog type?

To find out more about types of dogs, dog walking, dog health and other interesting dog advice stop by at www.dogsanddogtraining.com

The Brussels Griffon is a charming little dog that somewhat resembles one of the Ewoks, from the Star Wars movies. These little dogs have bags of character and a decidedly comedic personality. These enchanting little dogs have a large domed head with a short muzzle, large, slightly protruding eyes, an over-bite, and a tongue that sometimes sticks out. Add to that a dense coat in red or brown with black face markings and the Ewok comparison is complete.

As the name suggests, the breed originated in Brussels, Belgium, and was first shown at the Brussels exhibition of 1880. The were originally kept as rat catchers and were particularly popular with cab drivers, who used the Griffon to keep their stables free of rodents.

Later the intelligence and affectionate nature of the breed saw them gain popularity as companion dogs. The Brussels Griffon is a happy, high-spirited, and feisty little dog who loves human company and also gets on well with other dogs and non-canine pets.

These dogs will keep you amused for hours with their antics. The seem to have a knack for comedy, and love performing tricks. But they are also brave little dogs who are very protective, and make good watch dogs. A Griffon is not afraid to take on a much bigger adversary.

This unfortunately also makes them prone to dominance. You’ll need a firm, consistent hand with a Griffon, to make sure he understands his place in the pack hierarchy. If you fail to show leadership with this breed you’re likely to end up with dog who thinks he rules the roost and displays problem behaviors like barking, growling and snapping.This is easily avoided, and with enough physical and mental stimulation, plus obedience training and socialization, the Brussels makes an outstanding and loving pet.

The Brussels Griffon is a robust healthy dog that typically lives 12 to 15 years. The are not affected by any major illness, although eye and respiratory problems can occur. They are also quite sensitive to heat.

Grooming does take a bit of time, particularly in the rough coated variety. The dog will need to be brushed every day, to keep it in good condition. The upside is that these dogs shed very little.

These are energetic dogs who, despite their small size, need lots of exercise. The Griffon will need a walk every day and will also enjoy games like tag and fetch. They can live in an apartment provided their exercise needs are met.An unusual behavior associated with Griffons is that they love to climb. You’ll find them scaling cupboards and bookshelves indoors, and if there’s a tree in our back yard, they’ll climb that too. Be aware that this could present an escape risk if the tree happens to be close to a boundary fence.

Picking a name for your Brussels Griffon can be a challenge. The best advice is to visit some of the many dog names, sites online. My recommendation is puppy-names-hq.com, which has a huge database, including thousands of female dog names.

A muscular dog with a distinctive profile, the Boxer hails back to 19th century Germany. The progenitors of the breed are were the English Bulldog and the Bullenbeisser, a fierce, boar hunting dog that is now extinct. The first Boxers arrived in the US round about the beginning of the 20th century. The breed was not initially a big hit. It remained quite obscure until after WWII. Today, Boxers are one of most popular breeds, according to AKC statistics.

Boxers are impressive, powerful dogs with a characteristic droopy face and underbite that gives them a rather intimidating appearance. They are short-haired, faun or brindle in color, usually with white markings on the chests and feet.

Standing 25 inches at the withers and weighing as much as 70 pounds the Boxer, has a strong barrel chest and a very strong, squarish jaw. It looks very much like the middle-weight pugilist that its name suggests.Traditionally, the tail was docked, and the ears were sometimes cropped. However, these practices have been made illegal in many countries and have fallen out of favor in others.

But despite their intimidating looks, Boxer are actually friendly dogs. The form close bonds with their family and are particularly gentle and good-natured with children. They are however, fiercely protective of those close to them. This, coupled with their strength and courage. makes them excellent guard dogs.

Boxers are intelligent dogs, but not the easiest to train as they can be quite headstrong. They do not respond to harsh treatment, but are eager to please their owners, so if you want to train this breed then positive reinforcement training is the only way to go.

Unfortunately, Boxers can suffer from a number of inherited health problems including, skin tumors, heart murmurs, digestive problems, hypothyroidism, progressive axonopathy, hip dysplasia and cornea ulcers. The average lifespan for the breed is between 10 and 12 years.

Grooming a Boxer is an easy task. All it takes is a good brush down, once or twice per week to keep the coat in peak condition.

In addition you’ll want to brush and clean the teeth weekly with a special canine toothpaste. You will also want to keep the nails clipped. Many dog owners don’t like doing this, so you can ask your vet or a professional dog groomer to do it for you.

Boxers are large, active dog requiring daily exercise. This should include a long walk plus games like tag and tug-a-war. Boxers are playful dogs, so they really enjoy this.

These loyal, affectionate, energetic and protective dogs are excellent family pets, and it is no surprise that they are one of the most popular dog breeds, world-wide.

Finding good dog names, for a Boxer can be a challenge. Your best bet is to use an online dog names database like Puppy Names HQ, which has literally thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-list of cute dog names.