Klondike, the World's Greatest Big Dog!

I found this on YouTube and thought it was a cool tribute to a large dog.

Here is what the owner wrote:

Klondike, the Big Dog. When you hear thunder, it is him, chasing the UPS trucks in that Great (and Big) Dog Place in the Sky.

Which Dog Breed is Suitable for You?

by El Young

Through the years, man has been served by many types of beasts. From cattle to horses to beasts of burden. However, out of all these, only one serves us by choice – the dog.

Scientific research and DNA evidence shows that dogs have been man’s companion since 15,000 years ago. They were first domesticated from wolves. As pack animals, they display certain pack instincts, such as loyalty and devotion, which of course make them the perfect companion, the perfect best friend.

There are many breeds of dogs and often the differences between each one are highly varied. Some dogs are long-snouted, some have blunt faces, while others are as small as barely 5 inches at the withers. Currently, there are nearly 400 different breeds of dogs worldwide that are officially recognized.

Below are some of the more common breeds of dogs that you are likely to encounter in your local pet shop:

Akita

Originating from Japan, Akita means “the Most Venerated One.” Akita dogs are workers, used mainly in hunting large game and dog fighting. They are medium to giant size, strong, and often independent. As such, they can be hard to manage and thus are not suitable as family pets or for first time dog owners. However, if you own an Akita, you have the distinction of one of the few owners of a dog that belongs to the 14 rare and ancient breeds of dogs.

American Eskimo Dogs

Fondly called “Eskies” by devotees, American Eskimo Dogs are one of the many breeds of dogs that are descended from the Nordic breed. Beautiful with thick, often pure white but may sometimes be creamy white coats and dark noses, American Eskimo Dogs are hardy, gentle, and playful companions. Their fox-like heads and triangular erect ears show their intelligence while their rounded, lion-like manes and softly plumed tails reveal their fun-loving nature. With their devotion and natural affection for humans, Eskies make wonderful pets for children.

Irish Setter

Of all the Irish American breeds of dogs, the Irish Setter is probably the most popular. Irish setters were originally working dogs that used to “set” game. That is, they would crouch down close to a game (a bird, for instance) and wait until the hunter would throw a net over the dog and the game. Today, Irish setters, particularly the field types, are primarily gun dogs, bird dogs, and all in all reliable hunting companions. Their friendliness and genuine affection for humans make them great pets. Their excellent tempers and loyalty rival the best of the breeds of dogs.

Golden Retriever

Arguably one of the more popular breeds of dogs, Golden Retrievers are loyal, friendly dogs with a high level of sociability and intelligence. While they typically bark when startled, they are not considered as good watchdog because of their friendly nature. Their color ranges from dark golden coat to nearly blonde. As such, they are sometimes fondly referred to as “Yellow Retrievers.”

El is the owner of the dog obedience training website. Visit now to find out more resources and offers for dog lovers.

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Newfoundland dogs. The dogs for aristocrats

By: John Ugoshowa

The dogs which take their name from the island of Newfoundland appeal to all lovers of animals.There are now two established varieties, the black and the white and black. There are also bronze-coloured dogs, but they are rare. The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black in colour; but this does not mean that there may be no other colour, for most black Newfoundlands have some white marks. In fact, a white marking on the chest is said to be typical of the true breed. Any white on the head or body would place the dog in the other than black variety. The black colour should preferably be of a dull jet appearance which approximates to brown. In the other than black class, there may be black and tan, bronze, and white and black. The latter predominates, and in this colour, beauty of marking is very important. The head should be black with a white muzzle and blaze, and the body and legs should be white with large patches of black on the saddle and quarters, with possibly other small black spots on the body and legs.

Apart from colour, the varieties should conform to the same standard. The head should be broad and massive, but in no sense heavy in appearance. The muzzle should be short, square, and clean cut, eyes rather wide apart, deep set, dark and small, not showing any haw; ears small, with close side carriage, covered with fine short hair (there should be no fringe to the ears), expression full of intelligence, dignity, and kindness.

The body should be long, square, and massive, loins strong and well filled; chest deep and broad; legs quite straight, somewhat short in proportion to the length of the body, and powerful, with round bone well covered with muscle; feet large, round, and close. The tail should be only long enough to reach just below the hocks, free from kink, and never curled over the back. The quality of the coat is very important; the coat should be very dense, with plenty of undercoat; the outer coat somewhat harsh and quite straight.

The appearance generally should indicate a dog of great strength, and very active for his build and size, moving freely with the body swung loosely between the legs, which gives a slight roll in gait. As regards size, the Newfoundland Club standard gives 140 lbs. to 120 lbs. weight for a dog, and 110 lbs. to 120 lbs. for a bitch, with an average height at the shoulder of 27 inches and 25 inches respectively; but it is doubtful whether dogs in proper condition do conform to both requirements.

When rearing puppies give them soft food, such as well-boiled rice and milk, as soon as they will lap, and, shortly afterwards, scraped lean meat. Newfoundland puppies require plenty of meat to induce proper growth. The puppies should increase in weight at the rate of 3 lbs. a week, and this necessitates plenty of flesh, bone and muscle-forming food, plenty of meat, both raw and cooked. Milk is also good, but it requires to be strengthened with casein. The secret of growing full-sized dogs with plenty of bone and substance is to get a good start from birth, good feeding, warm, dry quarters, and freedom for the puppies to move about and exercise themselves as they wish. Forced exercise may make them go wrong on their legs. Medicine should not be required except for worms, and the puppies should be physicked for these soon after they are weaned, and again when three or four months old, or before that if they are not thriving. If free from worms, Newfoundland puppies will be found quite hardy, and, under proper conditions of food and quarters, they are easy to rear.

John Ugoshowa. You can find out more about dogs and the dog section of The Free Ad Forum. http://www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/CAT/Dogs_73_1.html

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