Training a purebred dog often means employing some of the same strategies used in other breeds, and this applies very much to the West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie. Most experts will advise that all breeds have their own particular quirks and twists in terms of personality which makes training really important. Westies, by the way, are not as independent-minded as other terriers, but they are high-energy just the same, and can...more
What are the first important things to know about the temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog, or the Portie? First of all, they are independent although still loyal and very much attached to family members, aside from being intelligent and possessing a very strong drive. Proper socialization and supervision will help them to be relaxed with well-mannered children. Their relations with other dogs and animals can also vary according to how well...more
Any critic in a dog show will definitely look into the dog's history when assessing the dog.Thus, show judges that spot a portuguese water dog remember that this is a working dog that started out in Portugal. They were bred to accomplish physically demanding work, and the ideal Portie got the job done with his skill, courage, and determination. With that, a judge therefore will get the surprise of his or her life to see a Portie all fixed up as some sort of "glamour" dog, much like a Poodle or some lap dog. Nevertheless, a real show Portie's coat has been allowed to lie naturally, sans the fluffing and puffing that some do their utmost to pull off on the breed.Many must be interested as to why the portuguese water dog is shaved at the rear. As we have hinted above, it is a matter of function. The long coat length at the front shielded the dog from low water temperatures whenever he went diving. Hard as it may seem (harsh, even), it was all in a day's work if the Portie was told to go under to look for some lost tackle, or some wayward part of the net, or to swim and bring a note to the next boat. The clipped hindquarters, on the other hand, allow the breed ease of movement to...more
Most people take one look at the shar pei dog, then they can't help but look at it many times. There is first of all those arresting body wrinkles over the loose skin, and also the dark-bluish tongue.Shar peis are really wrinkly dogs that came all the way from China. They have been guarding households and royal palaces in that country for...more
Born in China, the Shar Pei is a dog easily remembered for his deep wrinkles and dark-colored tongue. The meaning of the breed's name is "sand skin," which refers to the dog's short, almost-abrasive coat. A newly born shar pei dog is covered by wrinkles that start to tighten and nearly disappear as the dog matures and "grows" into his skin. This...more
If you have found a breeder which matches your criteria, he or she may point out to you the west highland white terrier which comes closest to your ideal. Waiting for the "right" litter to be whelped is always a big pay-off, even if it takes weeks or months. The luckiest you can get is to be able to compare puppies, pedigrees and parents due to more than one good litter in your area. It's good to be in the know! Good litters won't be available for too long, and sometimes a choice litter is completely spoken for by the time the puppies are 8 to 12 weeks of age.It is good to inform the breeder if you have another specific purpose for the dog other than its being a companion (e.g. for show or for work), and have the breeder help in the selection. It is rare to have a litter that has a good number of real "show prospects" among them.And how do you appraise the westie puppies? There are more things to check aside from cuteness and appeal. The puppies need to be sturdy in built with straight legs. When you hold them, they need to feel firm and muscular. They will also be expectedly wriggly and active, but willing to relax and be cuddled for a few minutes. The puppy coats need to be tidy...more
The West Highland White Terrier is one small dog breed with a huge following all over the world. People are interested in him as a pet, a show dog, an obedience competitor, a working dog, or even all of the above! If you are a Westie owner with the...more
Scientists have been able to unearth paintings and sculptures of dogs that look very much like sharpeis. Some 2,000-year old statues of the dogs already bear the unique blunt muzzle and other characteristics that bear close resemblance to the...more
When it comes to developing better looking sharpeis, none of the sharpei features can eclipse the importance of the wrinkles. These adorable bunches are plentiful all over the young puppy, giving it instant charm and comic appeal.This very photogenic...more
Shelties, or shetland sheepdogs, are known first of all for that sunny yet sensitive disposition. The handsome coat colors round up the picture of a dog that is a wonder to own. But sheltie owners are also aware of the breed's downsides, which is...more
Sheltie owners on the average are used to predominantly positive comments about their ward(s). These praises more or less compliment the breed's generally optimistic and cheery personalities.But what will you do, as dog owner, with the rare sheltie...more
Westies are a dog breed that immediately bowl over the faint-hearted with their charming recklessness and gentlemanly swagger. Also known as west highland white terriers, this small terrier has a smart-alecky appearance, wide piercing eyes,...more