Well to a growing community of dog owners the answer is a very big and loud nay. In fact to this ever burgeoning community healthy commercial dog food is an oxymoron—simply put as far as they are concerned such never existed. Many in this camp of once-upon-a-time commercial dog food apostles feeling betrayed by the commercial pet food industry have since decamped to the relatively new dog food diet entitled—somewhat unfortunately—BARF (an acronym for Bones And Raw Food/Biologically Appropriate Raw Food).

But of course even the BARF diet is plagued by an ever growing number of decriers who swear that the only healthy dog food out there is the one prepared lovingly by you (the pet owner) in the cozy confines of your home. Click here for more debate about healthy dog food

Does Commercial Dog Food Walk The Talk?

In the United States the pet food industry has ballooned into a whopping 16 billion dollar per annum juggernaut. It goes without saying the stakes in this industry are high indeed. Thus it is little wonder that the industry spends in excess of 100 million dollars every year in advertising.

However what the vast majority of pet owners are unaware of is that the pet food industry is an offshoot of the agricultural and human food industries. Some time back, the big boys in agriculture and food production realized that by redirecting slaughterhouse offal and not-fit-for-human-consumption grain products into pet foods they could reap huge extra profits from products that were otherwise destined to be destroyed.

The simple reason they could do this is because pet food standards are nowhere near as stringent and rigorous as those applied to food stock for human consumption. As a result, over the course of the last few years a lot of jockeying and jostling has taken place whereby large pet food companies have been acquisitioned by mega agricultural corporations (remember it’s all about the benjamins). Ultimately the lay-of-the-land of today presents a vista where 95% of all the major dog food brands are manufactured by a handful of companies.

Little wonder that all the players concerned have pulled out all the stops to get you on their brand wagon.

Why And How Major Dog Food Brands Get Away With Mislabeling

Okay perhaps accusing them of mislabeling is a tad harsh but the truth of the matter is that the pet food manufactures take more than liberal license when it comes to touting their wares; funnily enough this very same industry is not above claiming that pet food is more strictly regulated than human food (yeah right!) There are in fact a number of regulatory bodies that this lofty burden of overseeing pet food standards fall upon which include most notably:  AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) which superseded The National Research Council (NRC) of the Academy of Sciences which pretty much set the standards until the latter half of the eighties.

How and why AAFCO for all intents and purposes took over pet food regulation responsibilities of The NRC (which by any standard was doing an excellent job) is anybody’s guess – but then again maybe the fact that the powerful pet food lobby complained that the trials and regulations set by NRC were too stringent and restrictive had something to do with it.

AAFCO as it turned out was much more of a team player which was readily reflected in the organization’s willingness to usher in less stringent rules and pretty much do away with those dratted trials! Such a turn of events goes a long way in explaining how dog food manufacturers can get away with grossly misrepresenting their products (to this day) in an effort to grab your hard earned cash.

In parting let me add there is a very comprehensive and well-written article that covers the A-Z about the ins-and-outs of commercial dog food brands. So rather than reinvent the wheel just click this link to zip to that article.

Click Here For More On Healthy Dog Meals

Okay let’s break it down. For the longest time commercial dog food seemed to be the way to go. It came nicely packaged, in a wholesome balanced diet that promised only the best for your dog. Moreover it was downright simple to give to your dog with the added bonus the furry guys just seemed to love the stuff.

Well, all that came to a noisy screeching crash in 2007 when the pet food scandal broke. Never heard about the pet food scandal of 2007? Allow me to get you up to speed with this synopsis of the tragic, sordid event.

Pet Food Scandal of 2007

Around the beginning of March 2007, following several reports of renal failure and ensuing deaths in both cats and dogs many major dog food companies began recalling their popular brands from the shelves. By March-end veterinary organizations were reporting more than 100 deaths and almost 500 cases of real failure; one online database cited as many as 3,600 deaths by early April.

All-in-all a plethora of major dog food companies recalled more than 5300 pet food products. After extensive investigations it was determined that the substance melamine took center stage for causing the havoc with cyanuric acid a close second.

Melamine: This is the substance at the center of the pet food poison scandal. Pure melamine is used to make plastics and fertilizer so how the heck could it make the transition into dog food? Well the story begins in China…kind of.

Animal feed producers in China have apparently for some time routinely supplemented their feed with melamine to artificially boost the protein content (which translates into more profit). Protein readings are done by assessing the nitrogen levels of the feed and guess what? Melamine has a high nitrogen content!

Unfortunately this sordid tale gets worse. As if adding poisonous melamine to your dog’s food was not bad enough another toxic ingredient is routinely added to Chinese animal feed products. This substance is known as cyanuric acid. In the United States this stuff is commonly used to disinfect swimming pools!

Investigators looking into the hundreds of pet food poison related deaths now believe that the combination of those two ingredients in commercial dog food and other pet food synergistically elevated the toxins to the point where they became lethal to pets.

Ultimately it was determined that wheat gluten products from China and contaminated rice protein from the same country were responsible for the fatal illnesses of pets in the USA, while toxic corn gluten also from China was associated with kidney failure and pet deaths in South Africa.

Which brings us full circle to the pertinent question of the day; what is the healthiest dog food diet out there?

Does The Raw Meat Diet Make The Cut As Best Dog Food?

The first question to ask is what is the raw meat diet and what makes it so special.

In 1993 Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst came up with his so-called BARF diet (acronym stands for Bones and Raw Food or alternatively Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) on the basis that evolutionarily adult canines thrived on a diet consisting of raw meat (captured prey), their bones and vegetables.

Vet Billinghurst further surmised that commercial dog food that is largely grain-based is harmful to a pooch’s health. Several mainstream Vets disagree as does the FDA. Besides another aspect of the equation to consider is that the domestic dog has evolved so much and vastly differently from his wild ancestors during his co-existence with man. Today’s dog unlike the domestic cat is no longer a carnivore and a purely carnivorous diet cannot be optimal for its health.

However that said let’s consider the benefits of a raw meat diet that advocates are never shy to tout. Such so-called Pros include the following:

• Healthier Skin
• Shinier Coats
• Smaller Stools
• Cleaner Teeth
• Higher Energy Level

So what about the Cons? These include:

• Exposure to both humans and dogs to bacteria from raw meat
• Unbalanced mainly raw-protein diet may undermine dog’s health
• Greater potential for your dog to choke on splintered bone
• Increased likelihood of teeth breakage
• Increased chances of your dog suffering from an internal puncture due to bone piece

So Is The Homemade Doggy Meal The Healthiest Dog Food Diet Available?

These days more and more dog owners have chosen homemade meals as the only option for their beloved furry member of the family. Sure it is more time consuming than say doling out that already prepared and packaged commercial food, but then again think of the benefits:

• Healthier dog
• Less smelly dog
• More energetic dog
• Longer lived dog
• Happier dog

In fact a longer-lived dog not disabled with cancer and other maladies is probably the strongest motivation for most dog owners to switch from commercial dog food to home-prepared dog food. After all how difficult is it to find balanced and tasty dog food recipes for one’s beloved pooch in this day and age of the internet?

And one thing is undeniable—give your dog a choice between a bowl of commercial dog food and that delicious meal you’ve just prepared, he or she will always go for the home prepped food!

Finally on a parting note let me add that many commercial dog foods have been linked with cancers and other serious dog ailments.

Click Here For More On Healthy Dog Meals

• Berner Sennenhund
• Bernese Cattle dog
• Berner
• Bernese

HISTORY

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of a number of four Swiss working dogs that were most likely developed from herding breeds left behind by the Roman occupation. This breed, so known as the Berner Sennenhund in German, apparently gets its name from the region it originated from (Canton of Bern in Switzerland) as well as its developmental occupation, which was to accompany alpine herders (known as Senn) as they drove livestock across extensive miles of pasture.

The Bernese Mountain Dog was first and foremostly developed to be an all-purpose farm dog. Other than aiding and abetting in the droving of cattle it was also utilized as a guard dog (its very large size most certainly helped in this respect) as well as being employed as a draft animal to tow and pull carts.

Nearing the close of the 19th century the breed had slipped into decline and was on the brink of extinction. However due to the energetic efforts of one Franz Schertenlieb and Prof. Albert Heim, the breed was rescued from imminent extinction such that in 1907 the first breed club was founded in Burgdorf. Within three short years the breed club had registered and established 107 members. In 1937 the Bernese Mountain Dog was officially recognized by the AKC under the Working Group category.

TEMPERAMENT

Following the registry standard, the Bernese Mountain Dog should be well-balanced whilst at the same time be active and alert; the dog should be neither aggressive, anxious nor timid. Naturally good-natured, the Bernese should self-assured and benevolent towards even strangers, unless otherwise provoked.

APPEARANCE

Like the other Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese Dog breed is a rather large heavyset dog. The breed typically sports a tricolored coat of black background emblazoned with white chest map and tan/rust markings above the eyes, across the mouth sides and characteristically in front of the legs. Under AKC (American Kennel Club) guidelines, any dog with blue eyes and other than a black ground color is automatically disqualified. The Bernese is typified with a muscular body that is generally slightly longer than it is tall. The breed has straight, strong legs ending with paws of rounded arched toes. The skull of the dog is flat with a well-defined stop and has medium-sized, triangular-shaped ears set high yet close to the head. The tail of this dog breed is bushy and typically carried low.

HEIGHT:

• Males:  24 – 28in (61 –71cm)
• Females:  23 – 27in ( 58 – 69cm)

WEIGHT:

• Males:  85 – 110 lb (39  – 50kg)
• Females:  80 – 105 lb (36 – 48kg)

EXERCISE

This is an outdoor breed that needs a good amount of regular exercise and activity. Though the Bernese does not have a great deal of endurance, the breed can move with surprising bursts of speed when so inclined. These dogs are most content when on lengthy hikes with their human family.

SOCIALIZATION

Despite having been developed as general all-round nice-guys, like any other big dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog should undergo early socialization. That said, this breed on-a-whole gets on famously with kids as well as other pets/animals, pretty much including strangers; all in keeping with their breed development lineage.

HEALTH

Like many other large dog breeds, the Bernese is susceptible to a number of musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament rupture etc. Strangely and yet unfortunately, the Bernese dog breed seems to be so much more prone to such musculoskeletal ailments in general than other purebreds. Furthermore the breed appears to be afflicted by a much higher incidence of fatal cancers than other dog breeds.

Some of the hereditary conditions the Bernese Mountain Dog breed is prone to include:

• Malignant histiocytosis
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypoadrenocorticism
• Histiocytic sarcoma

LIFESPAN: 6 – 8 Years (US)

Compared to other large breeds, the Bernese dog is a rather short-lived one. Tragically, despite making for an affectionate and adorable pet, prospective Bernese owners should be aware that there is a very high probability that well before a decade is through, their beloved four-legged family member will be no more (at least on this plane). And as if the shortened median lifespan is not bad enough, the breed unfortunately has a disproportionate affliction of arthritic problems at an alarmingly young age (4 yrs) as compared to other purebreds.

]]> http://dog-breeds-spot.com/dog-breeds/featured/bernese-mountain-dog.php/feed 0 http://dog-breeds-spot.com/dog-breeds/featured/the-basenji-dog.php http://dog-breeds-spot.com/dog-breeds/featured/the-basenji-dog.php#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:10:59 +0000 Dog Breeds http://dog-breeds-spot.com/?p=1457 The Basenji dog also goes by the following names:

• African Bush Dog
• African Barkless Dog
• Ango Angari
• Congo Dog
• Zande Dog

HISTORY

The modern dog breed known as the Basenji originated from The Democratic Republic of Congo formerly known as Zaire. However there is documented evidence that places Basenjis (or at least very similar looking dogs) in ancient Egypt circa 5000 years ago. In fact it is claimed by some experts that the Basenji is the most ancient of dog breeds; in that at least the modern dog has the strongest ties to the most common dog ancestor of any breed.

What is uncontested is the documented fact that the Basenji breed (or strikingly similar-looking dogs) have co-existed with humans for thousands of years. In fact there is a plethora of archival evidence of Basenji-like dogs to be found in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs.

The dog breed was first introduced to the western world in 1895 when two specimens were imported to Britain. As fate would unfortunately have it, both dogs died soon thereafter; it was not until another forty-two years elapsed before any more specimens were reintroduced.  The reintroduction of Basenjis to Britain occurred in 1937 and their introduction to America occurred in 1941. It was only from that time that a concrete breeding stock was founded.

In its native region of western Africa, the Basenji was employed as hunter, guard dog as well as companion. During the hunt the dogs assisted the hunters by chasing the prey into nets located at selected spots. It was also during the heat of the hunt that this breed of dog displayed a rather undog-like characteristic which was to get up straight on its hind legs to better enable it to spot the prey.

Up until the 1990s, the entire western population of Basenjis was derived from the initial few dogs that represented the foundation stock from 1937 (Britain) and 1941 (America).  Thus in 1990 the AKC (American Kennel Club) stud book permitted the infusion of fresh blood to restock the Basenji dog numbers in an effort to circumvent the rise of hereditary disease inherent from inbreeding. This infusion of new blood arose as a result of a request from the Basenji Dog Club of America.

The process was repeated again for a selective number of dog that met the desired bloodline criteria over a period of several years. In fact an American-led expedition embarked on a trip to Basankusu region of DRC (The Democratic republic of Congo) in 2010 to find new breeding stock. The Basenji dog breed was formally accepted into the AKC in 1943. For the majority of kennel clubs the world round, the breed falls under the category of Hound Group, more specifically as a Sighthound. However the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) classifies the breed under the Spitz Group and the United Kennel Club (US) allocates the breed to both the Sighthound Group and the Pariah Group.

CHARACTERISTICS

The Basenji dog breed boasts a number of rather unusual traits. Perhaps the most unusual trait is the strange sound it emits in place of barking. This yodel-like sound commonly referred to as  a “barroo” is apparently due to the breed’s unusually shaped larynx. There are those who are of the belief that the Basenji’s inability to bark came about as a result of selective culling; the reasoning going along the lines that in its native western Africa the villagers who owned the dogs wouldn’t want to attract unnecessary attention from possible rivals through the dogs’ barking.

That said, bark or no bark the Basenji still makes one hell of a racket with its yodel-like shriek. In fact other than being nicknamed the Barkless Dog, its ululating yodel-like howling has also earned it the following reputations:  the shrieking dog; and the screaming-child dog.

The Basenji shares several of its unusual traits with other Pariah Dog types like the Dingo. Both breeds exhibit only one breeding season (being in heat or going into estrus) where other dog breeds characteristically have two or more seasons. Another common feature between Dingoes and Basenjis is their apparent lack of the distinctive doggy odor. Furthermore, the Dingo like the Basenji is prone to yodel-like howling in place of the commonplace dog bark.

Like a cat the Basenji uncommonly for a dog stands out for its unusual cleanliness and fastidiousness for neatness.

APPEARANCE

The Basenji is described as a square breed in that it is long as it is tall. Though this is a small breed of slight build, the Basenji’s frame is surprisingly muscular which would perhaps explain how it appears much more powerful than its size would suggest.

This athletic dog breed is typically short-haired and possesses naturally erect ears unlike some breeds like the Doberman which have artificially erect ears via cropping. The tail of the Basenji is usually tightly curled across its back except when it unfurls straight back when the dog is running at full tilt. When running the Basenji exhibits a trotting-horse double-suspension gallop.

Basenjis generally have rather furrowed foreheads most especially in younger and elderly individuals. The breed’s eyes are almond shaped and lend the dog an always-squinting appearance.

WEIGHT:  20lb – 25lb (11kg average)

HEIGHT:  16in – 17in  (40 cm average)

COLORS recognized by the various kennels:

• Red
• Black
• Tricolor (Black with tan)
• Brindle (Black stripes on red background)
• Trindle (Very rare – tricolor with brindle points)
• In the Congo other colors are found such as: liver; sable; and shaded reds.

TEMPERAMENT

This is an athletic, energetic, alert breed which though superficially may not typically resemble the other Sighthounds certainly displays several behaviorisms characteristic of the group.

Although often described as somewhat aloof, the Basenji frequently forms extremely strong bonds with people especially selected individuals. This is an independent, strong-willed dog breed that is rather inclined to do its own thing as opposed to its owner’s wishes.

Such a tendency would perhaps explain why it was ranked 2nd least trainable dog (78th out of 79 breeds) in Stanley Coren’s book entitled: The Intelligence of Dogs. Contrary to what such a ranking infers, the Basenji is a very intelligent dog much in the same way that a wolf is intelligent but little inclined to being training (perhaps in human terms we would compare street smarts as opposed to a formal education).

Early socialization is necessary if this dog is to get on with other pet-types.

EXERCISE

This is a very energetic dog breed and certainly requires more exercise that twice daily walks. Ideally the dog should have enough fenced off area to tire itself out. Put another way this is most certainly not an apartment dog or one for small spaces.

HEALTH

There are five major health conditions to be aware of as a Basenji owner and they include:

1. PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) which leads to blindness.

2. Fanconi Syndrome a condition that can progress to kidney failure. This is perhaps the most common hereditary disease in the breed and one should always test their dog for this potentially fatal condition.

3. Hypothyroidism.

4. Hemolytic Anemia (HA)

5. IPSID (immunoproliferative systemic intestinal disease)

LIFESPAN:  12 – 14 YEARS

The Basenji dog breed is a particularly long-lived breed attaining a median lifespan that typically is 1 – 2 years longer than that of other breeds.

Article on Basenji Dog by Kayye Nynne

Right let’s get down to business and breakdown the various hidden components behind dog grooming.

What Is Dog Grooming?

Yes, we have to go back to basics because only then can the rules be broken. No but really when most people hear or speak of dog grooiming it conjures up images of some spoilt dog (doggacessory?) being lathered and shampooed before the lotion and parfum is applied.

And then there are those of you who conjure up more down-to-earth images about dog grooming which only revolve around maintenance of the dog’s fur (or hair). And ceratinly you are not wrong for thinking such but truth be told dog grooming is so, so much more.

Beyond keeping a hounds coat shiny and spic-n-span, dog grooming actually incorporates the following:

• Maintaining a healthy dog coat
• Oral hygiene
• Nail trimming
• Ear Cleansing

Health Angle of Dog Grooming

The coat of your average typical dog speaks volumes. A well-fed, healthy dog usually boasts a nice shiny and radiant coat. A dog, on the other hand, that sports a patchy scraggly coat may be suffering from a host of issues  which could be anyone of the following:

• Malnutrtition
• Internal parasites
• Disease
• External parasites
• Cancer
• Hormonal imbalance
• Allergies

Of course there is the off chance that a dog with a disheveled, dirty coat may be suffering from nothing more than an unwashed coat.

Thus always bear in mind that dog grooming is much more than having a good-looking presentable dog, but could very well be a reflection of your dog’s health.

Dog Grooming From a Social Angle

If your dog is going to interact in a social environment then like it or not he is going to have to attain a certain standard of hygiene. Put another way, a disheveled looking dog breeds suspicion. What kind of suspicion am I atlking about?

Consider this:  You’re strolling down a street and you see two dogs from the same breed approaching you. One looks immaculate and well-groomed, whereas the other has a dirty-atted coat and is generally filthy all round. Neither of the dogs is approaching with a menacing demeanor, but you have no option but to squeeze past one or the other on either side of the street.

The question is, which dog would you rather squeeze past? No! You don’t have to answer that we both already know your reply.

Bottom line a well-groomed dog:

• Reflects well on its owner
• Is perceived as less of a threat than one that is not groomed
• Is more likely to be up-to-date with standard vaccinations
• Is less likely to be rabies bound
• Is less likely to be viewed as a dangerous stray

Dirt and Disease

It is well-known far and wide that dirt and disease make the perfect marriage. And as you are probably well aware dogs don’t care too much where they lay their heads and the rest of their torsos.

In fact much to many an owners chagrin dogs are wont to bedding and rolling down in the stankiest of places. So what are you gonna do when that happens. Just let fido saunter into the living room and hop onto the couch in all his funky and stinking glory?

And you know he would without blinking unless you put your foot down. No you like most other dog owners are going to sigh and thank the stars that they learned how to groom their errant four-legged family member.

So there we have it, another very legitimate reason for you to maintain a regular dog grooming schedule – warding off disease and funky smells as well as pooh-filthy particulants!

Cost Investment of Dog Grooming

Okay I’m sure you now agree that there are more than a few good reasons to groom that hound dog of yours. But I’m also sure that if you have never undertaken the task of grooming a dog you’re probably a   little anxious about what it entails from a money point of view as well as timewise.

Dog grooming approaches pretty much boil down to one of two choices:

• Do It Yourself (DIY) Dog Grooming
• Proffesssional Dog Grooming

Each approach obviously has its merits. The DIY approach shines in that in the long run it is going to be so much cheaper than professional grooming. The downside in the DIY approach is that you’re going to have to get your hands dirty!

Proffessional grooming speaks for itself. You pay a pro to make your dog look like a fashionista (or should it be doggista?) without having to worry about much except forking over a few good bills for the transaction.  As the saying goes, if you are willing to pay the pro will play!

However there is one important aspect you should consider with respect to grooming even before getting your dog or puppy (of course if your mutt is a rescue then good onya matey and such considerations really don’t concern you).

The consideration I am talking about is the type of coat your soon-to-be-yours dog will have.

High and Low Maintenance Dog Breeds

Now as you are probably well aware not all dog coats are equal in that some are of the short variety while others are long. Some dogs even don’t have any!

That said, you should know that dog coats generally fall into one of two categories which are:

• Dogs with double coats
• Dog with single coats

Double Coat Dogs

Most dog breeds actually have two coats, such dogs being categorized as having either a double coat (most commonly) or  a two-ply coat (less common). These dogs  have their double coat divided into an upper coat which is comprised of so-called guard hairs. This coat is characteristically water-repellant and acts as a natural barrier to the elements and protects the dog’s undercaot and skin.

The coat beneath the top coat is unsurprisingly known as the undercoat. This type of coat is generally shorter than the stiff-haired uppercoat and tends to be downy in nature. The undercaot acts as an insulative barrier during cold weather and is shed or blown out during the warmer seasons. Such shedding occurs twice a year.

Single Coat Dogs

Fewer dog breeds are of the single coat variety and in such breeds there is only a single top coat. Not surprisingly single coat dogs shed less than their double coated counterparts. With respect to dog grooming both coat varieties have unique issues.

While we are still on the topic of coat variety in context with dog grooming then the next logical subject matter is coat length.

Coat Length and Coat Texture

As you have probably guessed, dogs with short coats are easier to groom than dogs with long coats. The following list outlines that various coat variants:

Hairless Dogs: As their categorization indicates, for all intents and purposes theses dogs lack hair/fur; though some may claim a smattering here and there like the Chinese Crested dog (one of the more popular hairless dogs).

It should be noted that despite their general lack of fur these dogs still requier grooming. After all they have skin; teeth; ears and nails. Enuff said!

Short Coated Dogs: Dogs with this coat variant only get minimal protection against the elements despite the fact the coat may be a double coat not single. However from a dog grooming point of view these types of dogs are low maintenance.

Medium Coat Dogs: These types of dog usually boast a double coat. From a grooming perspective as well as protection against the elements, these dogs have the best of both worlds. The coat is long enough to afford adequate protection against harsher weather yet not too long to constitute a grooming nightmare!

Long Coated Dogs: Dog breeds with long coats are the fashion models of doggy world. Simply put they look ree..al good! However that looking good comes at a price. Their coats require frequent and lengthy grooming upkeep.

Long-coated dogs generally sport a single coat which perhaps explains why their coats are so long and luxurious – to better protect their owners. The Afghan hound is perhaps the most visible and well-known long-coated dog breed.

Click Here For More Tips On Dog Grooming

The direct ancestor of the Bloodhound is a now extinct dog breed that once went by the name of the St Hubert Hound or St Hubert’s Hound. As the name suggests this dog was named after the man who developed it, St Hubert, the Bishop of Liege whose passions in life were hunting and the church.

After the death of Bishop St Hubert, every year from then onwards, the abbots of the monastery he founded gifted six dogs of their special breed to the king of France. Eventually the Hubert Hound was introduced to England when William the Conqueror invaded in 1066 and via selective and careful breeding programs subsequently gave rise the Bloodhound dog breed as we know it today and another breed of dog that ultimately became extinct in the 16^th century called the Talbot Hound.

To this day, in France and its native homeland of Belgium, the Bloodhound is still known as Le Chien de St Hubert after its predecessor.

Originally bred to track down wolves, deer and other large game, with its unrivaled sniffing ability, the Bloodhound saw to it that virtually every hunt met with success such that in short thrift the game parks were severely deficient in big game! With the disappearance of large game the ever-avid English hunter turned his attention to fox hunting.

Fox hunting as the typical hunter of the day soon found out needed a faster tracking dog than the somewhat cumbersome and plodding Bloodhound. So in what seemed like the blink of an eye the Bloodhound was replaced by the Foxhound as the premier dog of choice for hunting. And thus for the ultimate canine sniffer the glory days of big hunting came to a swift end and the breed’s career was relegated to a backseat of sniffing out the occasional poacher and thief.

The Amazing Scenting Ability of The Bloodhound Dog Breed

In the dog world the Bloodhound reigns supreme as the ultimate sniffing machine. In filed trials a capable Bloodhound can easily track a human scent that is 24 hours old over a distance of 5km (3 miles) even when the person is wearing Wellington boots. So specialized is this dog breed in honing in on a single scent, it will ignore stronger fresher scents that may fall upon its trail of its original scent; this characteristic is known as being “free from change.” Thus it is little wonder that in nature this dog breed is described as somewhat stubborn.

As pointed out earlier on, contrary to what many believe, the Bloodhound is so truly specialized in its single-minded scent tracking; this dog is more likely to lick its quarry in greeting than bite it when it had tracked the quarry down. Put simply the Bloodhound is a tracker not an attacker or killer.

In the lands of the Americas, the Bloodhound dog breed has had what can only simply be described as an illustrious history. When it was introduced to the New World, the Bloodhound was originally designated three tasks which were: 1) pursues Native Americans; 2) hunt down escaped slaves; and 3) aid in the recapture of escaped prisoners.

In fact when James Earl Ray, the supposed sole assassin of Martin Luther King, escaped from prison in 1977 his recapture was on account of a pack of Bloodhounds that tracked him down several days later in the hills of Tennessee.

One of the most accomplished Bloodhounds was a famous Kentucky dog that single-handedly was responsible for the recapture of in excess of 600 fugitives. Apparently it is claimed that one trail was said to be 104 hrs old and another supposedly ran for 222km; yet in both cases the dog successfully tracked its quarry down.

The Bloodhound As A Pet

The Bloodhound actually makes for an excellent pet because it has such a sweet disposition and temperament. Much in keeping with a dog with so affable a temperament it comes as little to no surprise that the Bloodhound gets on famously with kids; though it may not be quite as playful as some kids would desire.

Naturally as a dog bred for hunting, the breed needs ample exercise on a daily basis, but thankfully not as much as the retriever dog breeds (like the Labrador) need. The Bloodhound is not a retrieving dog breed and thus will not readily take to catch-n-fetch games. In fact its single-minded nature of focusing on a single scent makes for an independent to stubborn nature.

This dog breed gets on well with other dogs, as well as pets and strangers.

Though I sincerely like a good number of dog breeds that is not to say that I am entirely satisfied with what is out there. Put simply I want to create my own dog breed or more realistically my own first generation of standardized mutts. And why not when one comes to think about it? After all most dog breeds we know today were developed off the whim of somebody’s need or plain flight of fancy!

I am sure there will be those who argue who am I to dare think of creating my own dog breed; what qualifications after all do I have to such an end? Well, even if I say so myself, I honestly believe that I am more than qualified enough to develop my own breed of dog. Not only do I know the a lot about dogs I have over 20 books about them. Several of those canine books are bona fide tomes that are steeped deep in the scientific aspects concerning our furry four-legged friends covering such topics like hereditary disease, genetics and breed etiology.

Okay now that we have established that I am more than qualified to design and develop my own dog breed let’s go ahead and etch out the criteria for this new breed. Perhaps if you are the observant type you would have certainly taken note of the title of this post, the Causian Dane Mastiff. Well let me clue you in if you hadn’t made some sort of double take over the header; at one point the header was going to be “ The Causian Wolfhound.”

Anyway as mentioned earlier let me spell out the criteria of this would-be breed:

Characteristics of the Causian Dane Mastiff

The first criterion for this dog breed is that the specimens have to be, if not massive, then large. And when I say large I mean LARGE! The male dogs must have a minimum weight of 150 lbs and the females no less than 130 lbs. Height-wise males should be a minimum of 32 inches at the shoulder while females should be no less than 30 inches. Let me put those stat requirements in a table for easier assimilation:

MALES                                          FEMALES

Weight:  150lbs – 190 lbs                       130lbs – 170lbs

Height:   32 inches – 36 inches +         30 inches – 34 inches +

Okay by now it is pretty obvious that we are talking about sizable dogs here. So let’s get to the next step which is what is the function of the Causian Dane Mastiff?

Function of The Causian Dane Mastiff

The size of this dog breed should give some clue as to its primary purpose. The Causian Dane Mastiff is primarily a protector and guardian and that is where it’s formidable size and power comes into play! Okay as we well know most purebred dog breeds of today were developed from a hodge-podge mix of already existent breeds and the Causian Dane Mastiff dog breed is going to be no different.

My original choice of dog breeds to cross to form this formidable new breed were the Caucasian Mountain dog and the Irish Wolfhound. Why?  Well firstly because I like both breeds and they more than satisfy the criterion of huge size. The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in the world and in fact I was  perusing a litter of pups for sale whose father stands and impressive 37 inches at the shoulder while mama is no shortie herself at almost 33 inches!

I’m guessing by now you can see how I coined the name the Causian Dane Mastiff. If the cross was to involve the Irish Wolfhound then my new breed would be called the Causian Wolfhound.

Caucasian Mountain Dog vs. Irish Wolf Hound

Now why did I consider these two breeds other than the fact they are both massive breeds. Well the two dog breeds could not have more different characters and temperaments. The Caucasian Mountain dog is a livestock protection dog and is a very formidable predator deterrent. In this case strangers fall under the label of predator and this dog breed treats anything it considers a threat with unbridled violence and impressive fury! In fact according to the description on Wikipedia the Caucasian Mountain dogs “are truly second to none in their bellicosity towards strangers.”

Although this Toy Dog breed goes by the name Japanese Chin many believe that it actually originated in China and was taken to Japan by Buddhist monks as far back as the 6^th century. The Japanese Chin has variably been known at some time or other as either:

• Japanese Spaniel
• Japanese Pug
• Japanese Chin

With respect to the history of this dog breed the following theories have been proposed as to its origins:

1.       It was taken to Japan by Buddhist monks in 6^th century AD

2.       It originated in Korea as a breed called the Ssuchan Pai and was taken to the Japanese court as a gift from a Korean prince.

3.       It was bequeathed as a gift to the Japanese Emperor by Chinese rulers

In the beginning the Japanese Chin was exclusively relegated to nobility. In fact the punishment for stealing or illegally breeding one of these noble dogs was death. Much revered by the nobility the Japanese Chin was bred, developed and modified to be a dog breed apart. Whereas other dogs in Japan were considered purely utilitarian in purpose and function the Chin was developed solely for pleasurable companionship.

Originally the Japanese Chin was bred to cater to the whims of the various noble houses and as a consequence individual dogs could weigh anywhere from 4lbs to 20lbs in contrast to the typical dog of today that is largely confined to a weight of 4lbs – 11lbs. In fact it was the preference of western tastes for the smaller variety of dog following its introduction to the region that cemented their overwhelming prevalence today.

As usual with most dog breeds there is a little controversy and confusion about how the Japanese Chin made it to the west. Some contend that the dog breed was taken to Europe in the 17^th century by Portuguese sailors who presented it to Queen Catherine of Braganza, Consort to King Charles II of England. Another theory has it however that the breed was actually a gift to an American naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry during his visit to the Orient in 1853 to cement trading routes between east and west. Although unverified it is speculated that Perry then presented the only surviving pair of dogs (he was given seven dogs) to Queen Victoria.

The Japanese Chin quickly gained a foothold of strong popularity in the west and was first exhibited in England in 1873 at the Birmingham show. After its arrival in America in 1882 it quickly gained recognition by the AKC and was registered as early on as 1888. Originally referred to in the Americas as the Japanese Spaniel, a club under that name was created and founded in 1912; the name of the club was changed to the Japanese Chin Club in 1977.

Following World War II bloodstock of this dog breed was understandably severely depleted that new stock had to be replenished from England and other parts of the world.

Japanese Chin Temperament and Character

Unlike many small dog breeds the Japanese Chin is not yappy and indeed rarely barks, only doing so to alert its owner of impending danger or the approach of a stranger. Another fairly unique feature of the Chin is that of its cat-like qualities. These include its habit of washing and wiping its face with its paws, a surprising agility in climbing and its tendency to perch and rest in elevated regions like the top of chair and sofas. In fact speculation has it that the Japanese intention was to create a blend of dog and cat resulting with the somewhat feline-dog characteristics found in the breed.

This dog breed is friend to all be it four-legged creature or two. It does very well in relatively small spaces, making it ideal for apartment dwelling and as noted before is a dog that rarely barks at all! Personality-wise the Japanese Chin has been described as dignified yet playful and some go as far as to describe it as the perfect companion.

Like cats the Chin is fastidious in nature and its characteristic playfulness and gentle nature make it the ideal pet for reserved children.

Care and Upkeep

This dog breed makes the ideal pet for apartment dwelling requiring little exercise, little space to exist happily and typically making little if any noise. Although lively in nature the Japanese Chin thrives perfectly well with a short walk or romp. This dog however was never designed to live outside and its long coat also means that it does not do well in hot humid climates.

The long coat requires combing at least twice a week and it should be noted that the breed’s flattened face appearance sometimes leads to respiratory and heart problems in some individuals. Also one should be aware that their rather oversized eyes are prone to easy injury.

Article on Japanese Chin written by Kayye Nynne

Choosing Your Most Compatible Puppy

So what do I mean when I say choosing your most compatible puppy? This simply means picking the puppy that best matches you, your personality and your lifestyle. Now it is well known and understood that the different dog breeds were bred to carry out different tasks and to that end they exhibit very different genetic or hereditary characteristics.

Thus taking the retriever dog breeds for example, as their name suggests they were bred for, among other things, to retrieve. This trait was honed and sharpened through selective breeding over time; this explains why dogs from this breed are ever so happy and willing to play catch.

Taking another dog breed group as an example, let us consider livestock herding dogs. As the name of the group obviously suggests, such dogs were selectively bred to herd livestock. In other words those individuals that excelled at herding livestock were bred amongst themselves (as well as outsiders to minimize the inherent problems with inbreeding) to accentuate the desired traits.

Thus it is not uncommon for such selectively bred herders in today’s urban environment to express their natural tendency to herd by rounding up the kids of their family in place of the livestock they were originally bred to herd. Right those are enough examples methinks.

Now back to the most compatible puppy issue. The thing that most people don’t take into account is that puppies from the same litter (just like kids from the same family) have widely different personalities and characters. And typically most people pick the puppy that rushes up to them first before its siblings under the presumption that it has chosen them and must be the one. Truth be told that puppy is simply the most boisterous, dominant and aggressive one. This may not be an issue when the puppy is small, but trust me, it will certainly blossom into one when the puppy matures (especially if it is from a large dog breed).

By Seven Weeks Old A Puppy Has Attained Its Adult Dog Personality & Character

But here’s the really great news. There’s a scientifically proven method to determine the personality and character of a puppy at just 7 weeks old. Yup! It is now well understood and accepted that by seven weeks old a puppy has already attained its adult dog character.

So in simple language what does this mean to you? Well it means that if you’re looking for a laidback dog from a particular breed you can choose that dog when it is still a puppy. I’m not going to go into details behind the procedure of puppy selection but suffice it to say it is very straightforward.

If you truly wish to learn all about this procedure and how to use it to select the puppy that most compliments you go ahead and download my free guide covering the topic and entitled: The Secret To Choosing The Perfect Puppy.

When Should You Pick Up Your Puppy?

Although you should pick out your puppy at seven weeks after carefully assessing the one that is most compatible with your personality a good breeder would recommend that you pick up your puppy when it is at least 8 weeks old. How come?

Well, the reason why a puppy should not be prematurely separated from its mother and litter mates is because before then it would not have learned sufficient social skills and language comprehension from both its mother and interaction with its litter mates that would allow it to function as a wholesome well rounded canine individual later on.

One of the consequences of premature separation from mum and litter mates is that when that puppy matures into a grown dog he/she will be incapable of playing with both humans and fellow dogs without inflicting damage! Why? Because as a puppy he/she never learned how to interact with his siblings in play where he would have mastered the skill of bite pressure and force restraint, thus preventing serious injury during play as an adult dog.

The breed is so sturdy and tough, that its stamina, energy and feats of endurance under the harshest of conditions are legendary. In fact legend has it that one particular dog was capable – and indeed did so – of retrieving as many as 300 downed birds in a single day from near-freezing waters.

So formidable is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed’s prowess in retrieving that the only explanation for its rather limited popularity with the American people at large, is because in appearance it is rather plain and homely looking. Put simple, this is no dog breed that is going to stop most in their tracks to think, “wow that’s a good looking dog!”

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever got its name from the large inlet off the Atlantic coast of the United States just south of Washington DC. However before its present name became permanent it has also variously been known as:

• The Red Chester
• The Brown Winchester
• The American Duck Retriever
• The Ducking Dog

The Development & Origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Unlike most cases of canine history, the origins of this particular dog breed are pretty well documented. In 1807 a shipwrecked British vessel had its crew and cargo rescued by an American ship just off the Maryland coast.

On board the doomed British vessel other than the crew were two Newfoundland puppies. The puppies were taken ashore and raised into adulthood when they were mated with local retriever dogs. The offspring of that genetic union resulted in dogs that excelled at retrieving and aquatic abilities. The progeny of the Newfoundland and local retriever mix also had a phenomenal tolerance for ice cold water.

The results so delighted the local populace that they bred more and more puppies from the rescued Newfoundland puppies that before long a new breed was formed. The original pair of Newfoundland puppies rescued from the doomed British vessel was a light brown male called Sailor and a black female called Canton.

It is not completely known what other dog breeds eventually comprised of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever but speculation has it that at some time or other the following breeds played their part:

• Flat-Coated Retriever
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Curly-Coated Retriever
• Coonhound
• Bloodhound

However whatever the genetic soup or mix of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, one fact was undeniable and that was the fact that it was and still is an exceptional water retriever unmatched by any other.

Improvement and refinement of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever continued throughout the 19^th century such that by the mid 1880s the dog breed had been perfected to its modern form. Indeed by 1885 this dog breed was completely established and recognized by the AKC. In 1918 the national breed society was formed.

Article on Chesapeake Bay Retriever by Kayye Nynne