Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed Description

There are many great dog breeds out there. It can be difficult to find the right one for your family. In order to get it right, you’re going to need to do some research. There is a pretty good chance that you’ve heard about the Clumber Spaniel. This unique breed is going to make a great addition to many homes. Just remember that this type of dog might not be suitable for your unique needs.

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English Setter Dog Breed Description

The English Setter “Setting dogges” is most notable for its unique speckled coat. Its charm and good nature make it ideal for homes with children and other pets. As one of the British setters, the English Setter was specifically created to endure the terrains of Scotland, Ireland and England. Early Europeans found the dog to be a proficient hunter. Its hunting abilities have been contributed to...

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Gordon Setter Dog Breed Description

Not every dog breed is suitable for every single household. Breed is something that is very important when it comes to finding the right dog for your family. The Gordon Setter is a larger breed and this means that it might not be suitable for your living quarters. Of course, the larger size of the dog makes it a good choice for people who want an active pet that can go with them pretty much anywhere and everywhere. In the guide below, you’ll learn all about the Gordon Setter so you can determine whether or not this dog is suitable for your family.

Basic Appearance

Gordon Setters have a very distinctive appearance. They are usually known as black and tans. They will have a coal-black coat with sporadic markets of mahogany and chestnut on their paws. It is also possible for these colors to appear on the dog’s legs, throat, vent and muzzle. You may find some white on the dog’s chest too. You will never find a Gordon Setter that has curly hair. Instead, the dog’s hair will be waved slightly or completely straight. When compared to the other setter breeds, the Gordon Setter is actually the heaviest. When fully grown, Gordon Setters can weigh as much as 80 pounds. They may reach 27 inches at the withers.

With this in mind, the Gordon Setter might not be a suitable pet for an older individual. Unless the dog is trained to get in and out of the vehicle on their own, it might be best to go with a dog that is lighter and smaller.

Personality

Now, you should learn a tad bit about the personality and temperament of the Gordon Setter. These dogs tend to be very smart. The AKC classifies these dogs as being confident, alert and interested. They’re also fearless and intelligent. Gordon Setters are pretty much capable of anything and they have the willingness to get it done. They’re going to be very affectionate. These dogs are strong-minded so training them shouldn’t be too difficult. The only downside is that these dogs can be a tad bit boisterous. This means that they might not be a good choice for people with small children.

If you have no children and you’re looking for a loyal lifetime companion, you cannot lose with a Gordon Setter.

Maintenance

These dogs are really bred to run. This means that you’ll need to go out of your way to make sure that they get a sufficient amount of exercise every single day. It is in your best interest to ensure that your dog gets at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise. Be careful of overdoing it with younger dogs though. Wait until the dog is at least 18 months old before you begin the agility training too. This will help reduce the likelihood that the dog is going to develop joint problems in the future. You should never allow your Gordon Setter to roam freely.

After all, this is a hunting dog. Their hunting instructs may cause them to get into traffic or other dangerous situations.

Potential Health Risks

All in all, the Gordon Setter is a fairly healthy breed. Still, there are some problems that tend to be more common in this breed than others. Hip dysplasia is definitely a common problem. Just remember that this condition is not as common in Gordons as it might be with other big breeds. Other problems that you have to watch out for as gastric torsion, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. If you take care of your Gordon and make sure he or she gets plenty of exercises, they can live as long as 12 years. On average, these dogs live anywhere from 10 to 12 years.

Grooming Tips

Owning a Gordon Setter is great, but it does come with some responsibilities. For instance, you need to make sure that you check the dog’s eyes and ears frequently. Clean the ears to prevent too much wax from building up. It is also pertinent to bathe your dog. This should be done when the dog stinks or is dirty. Check the dog’s teeth regularly. Make sure that the teeth have not decayed. If the dog’s nails get too long, you’ll need to trim them. Finally, you should groom the coat once or twice a week. This will help prevent matting.

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5 of the Largest Dog Breeds in the World

Dogs are considered a man’s best friend and are one of the most domesticated animals in history. There are around 300 recognized dog breeds with a lot of nuances that differentiate them. One interesting characteristic of these magnificent canines is their size, which can range from the smallest Chihuahuas to the largest Great Danes.

If you are wondering which dog breeds are the largest and how big they are in terms of height and weight, wonder no more! Here are the top five breeds that make other dogs look like small, stuffed animals in comparison:

1. Great Dane

The Great Dane is the largest dog breed out there right now. It is also known as Deutsche Dogge or German Mastiff in German and developed from the Mastiff dog type. It is a giant with elegance and nobility, blessed with a beautiful stride and balance. This sweet and easygoing breed is name “Apollo of Dogs.” Given its stature, it can be difficult to handle for novice owners. It is also sensitive to being left alone.

This breed is easy to train and has a very athletic, muscular build. Though it is easy to train, it is not very energetic and can be timid sometimes.

The average Great Dane stands between 25 to 30 inches in height. However, the record for the largest dog in the world is a Great Dane standing tall at 44 inches. Its average lifespan is 8 to 10 years, and its weight range is between 100 and 200 lbs. with average, healthy Great Danes weighing around 130 lbs. Luckily, the breed does not eat as much as its size might make you think.

2. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient, giant dog breed that goes as far back as the beginning of the Bronze Age, when it was used as a guard dog. The Mastiff stands out from other dogs with a large body, loose skin and long hair all over its body.

It can sometimes come off as intimidating and does give strangers long stares, but it is far from aggressive. It is gentle, caring and loving in nature. However, given the situation, it will guard its owner or their property fiercely. Due to its nature, it likes to play around in an open area frequently.

However, it is timid as well, with most owners of the Mastiff reporting that their sofas are occupied by these canines all day.

Like other large dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not easy to handle, but due to its docile nature, it fits in very well with an apartment life and is not as outgoing and playful as other breeds. It can weigh from 120 to 200 lbs. and stands tall at 24 to 31 inches.

3. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhound, as its name suggests, was used to hunt down Scottish roe deer. These beasts were twice as large as the deer and due to their physical prowess, the dogs could easily overcome them. Due to this aggressive history, they still retain some of their predatory features with owners sometimes complaining about them being too active, alert and suspicious.

Since they were bred as fast runners, they do not weigh as much as the other large dogs, with weights ranging between 75 and 110 lbs. They do have an impressive height, standing tall at 30 to 32 inches. These fast runners live as long as 11 years.

They are very athletic and need daily exercise with high intensity. Most owners have an open area for them to wander about throughout the day. Hence, these dogs also do not fit in well with the apartment life. As they are big and defensive, they also do not get along well with other dogs.

4. Dogue de Bordeaux

These dogs are one of the most graceful breeds out there. They are an ancient French breed and perhaps the oldest one to come from that region. Famous for being in several movies, they have a strong build and can weigh as much as 130 lbs. They are taller than most dog breeds, with the average Dogue de Bordeaux standing at 26 inches. One interesting fact about these beasts is that they have the largest heads among canines.

Since this breed’s nature makes it more oriented toward being a working dog, it makes for a great companion if trained properly. However, it is not the fastest learner and a lot of effort is needed to train it. While it can get very mellow when it is indoors, it is very active outdoors and needs daily exercise. Its strong build also makes it intimidating and less friendly toward other dogs. Compared to other large dogs, it has a lower lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

Radovan Rohovsky [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

5. English Mastiff

The English Mastiff came about from its ancestor Molossus, which was a very aggressive, widely used war dog 5000 years ago. While the English Mastiff is considerably docile, it can sometimes show its fierce side. For this reason, this pet is suitable for those who love both loyalty and fierceness in their canine companions. While it can be as playful as other dog breeds, it can grow up to be a quiet and mature dog.

It grows as tall as 30 inches and weighs between 130 and 220 lbs. The dog recorded for being the heaviest at 383 lbs. in the Guinness Book of World Records is an English Mastiff. Due to its bulky physique and defensive nature, it makes for a great guard dog. Although it is known to have a short lifespan of 6-10 years, some Mastiffs have been known to live as long as 18 years.

Conclusion

Contrary to what you might be expecting, the largest dogs are actually the friendliest and least aggressive breeds. However, that does not mean they make for easy pets. If you are willing to get one, make sure you can handle their size and have the appropriate space to take care of them.

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Causes of Mouth Sores in Dogs

A dog’s oral health is as important as its physical health. Many vets determine how healthy a dog is just by inspecting its mouth. If it has big, white teeth, pink, moist gums, and clear saliva, it is deemed to live a long, happy life.

The mouth is more than a woofer for vocalization. With the help of their mouth, dogs regulate their appetite, playfulness, and love for their humans. Since most of their activities involve their mouth, it can easily become the breeding ground for many infections. They can develop chronic mouth inflammations and ulcers, which can hinder growth and make the dog unfit for many physical activities. It makes the dogs lethargic, lose their appetite, and develop halitosis and swelling.

Getting to know the causes of these mouth sores will help you take better care of your dog and enjoy the time together with it. The basics might even help save your dog’s life altogether.

Mouth sores are quite common among dogs. As dangerous as they may be, knowing the root cause of the disease can aid in getting rid of the problem once and for all. Below are some of the causes of this symptom:

1. Weak Immune System

Mouth sores are one of the worst conditions in dogs. They may be an indication of a serious underlying disease which may have triggered the virus. Pemphigus is a skin disease which weakens the dog’s immune system, and the connections between the skin cells are attacked.

This disease is usually caught through infection or a virus. It can be a reaction to a drug, be caused by the dog’s breed or be a genetic predisposition. As a result, mouth sores and ulcers may appear on the skin of the dog. If the condition is not tended to immediately, it may result in life-threatening disease.

Small or young dogs have a naturally weak immune system. They have trouble digesting food, and not every meal suits their diet. The owner must consult the vet before including any new food into their pet’s diet. The new food must be slowly introduced by mixing it with the old one. Abrupt changes in the diet can cause the immune system to react and diseases like ulcers and mouth sores to develop easily.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

The diet of your dog determines its health. Riboflavin is an important vitamin present in dog food, which provides the necessary nutrients responsible for keeping the dog healthy. A raw diet such as organs and muscles, egg yolks, fish and beef have this vitamin in high quantities. If this vitamin is missing in the diet, the dog is likely to feel weak and experience hair loss and anorexia. One of the most obvious signs of riboflavin deficiency is the presence of mouth sores.

Another nutritional deficiency can be from the lack of proteins and calories. Your dog may not be ready to become a vegetarian yet. Meat is extremely important for a dog. Beef, chicken, liver and other organs must be included in its diet.

3. Viruses and Infections

The occurrence of mouth sores is the first sign of a virus or an infection in the dog. It acts as a cautionary signal for the owner to get the dog checked urgently. Dogs may get leptospirosis from drinking contaminated water, food or a bite of an infected insect. Sores can also result from any periodontal disease, which may affect the tissues surrounding the mouth. These viruses weaken the immune system and harbor bacteria in the mouth, which destroy the tissues that support the teeth. Sores hinder the everyday activity of the dog and small tasks such as eating or playing games.

4. Traumatic Reasons

Another cause of mouth sores among dogs is a disturbance between the chewing and biting surfaces, i.e., the upper and lower teeth. The pressure put on the teeth to chew and the muscles around the face can cause mouth sores to develop, making it even more difficult to eat the food.

Another reason is chewing on broken wood fragments or any kind of electric cord. Special attention must be paid to where the dog might be playing and the areas it might be snooping around in.

5. Chemicals or Acids

The dog may have come in contact with harmful chemicals or acids, which may have reacted in the dog’s mouth, causing ulcers and mouth sores. Thallium is the most common cause of sores. This element is found in tins and cans. Extra care must be taken as to where the dog is playing and what it is playing with.

Conclusion

When the first sores appear in your dog’s mouth, proper medical attention must be given immediately to prevent serious diseases. It must never be taken lightly. If the dog is sulky and has bad breath, swollen gums, a plaque on teeth or appetite loss, the chances are that it might be getting mouth sores.

In order to treat the sores, the plaque must be removed from the surface of the teeth. Any tooth significantly damaged must also be removed to prevent the sores or ulcer from spreading. Prescribed antibiotics prove to be useful in treating the sores. Moreover, special attention to the diet must be given. Foods containing high calories and nutrients must be included in the diet.

A part of the cure of the disease lies in the vigilance of the owner. The owner must take extra care of the hygiene of the dog. Its teeth must be cleaned twice in a day along with frequent oral rinses and gels to remove the plaque.

If proper attention and care is not given, these sores may develop into cancer or tumors. However, with early antibiotics and treatment, the sores can be easily treated. With a little precaution and care, mouth sores will be gone in no time.

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Does Your Dog Need Obedience Training?

Is taking your dog for a walk more of a nightmare than a relaxing evening? Does your dog bite or chase any stranger it spots? When your dog adopts disobedient behavior, it can be an upsetting situation for both you and the dog, but it can take a lot of effort and patience to train a dog. However, if this behavior is not tended to early on, the dog may have to be removed from the house to avoid further damage.

Disobedient dogs are dangerous, regardless of their size. Dogs can form these habits from a young age and as they grow up, these habits can be difficult to change. Even though enrolling in professional obedient classes might not improve their behavior, it would certainly help reduce the risk they pose and put an end to more dangerous behavior such as biting and barking excessively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether the dog is overactive or is actually engaging in disobedient behavior. Below are some signs which might help you determine whether your dog needs obedient training.

Ignoring You

Your dog might always have been a well-mannered pup, but recently, when you call out its name, it wanders off in a different direction or pretends it didn’t hear. Maybe you ask it to sit or roll over, and it acts like nothing happened. This means your dog is clearly ignoring your commands.

It might seem like a minor change in habit, but in reality, it is more serious than it sounds. It is a clear indication of a lack of training. Dogs take their time to learn habits and behaviors. If proper time isn’t given to it for training, the dog will have a hard time behaving. Training with treats and praise works well while training a dog.

Aggressive Behavior

When a dog does not understand how its owner wants it to behave and it gets unfair punishments, it resorts to aggressive behavior. As a result, it might start causing damage around the house such as ripping off cushions, growling at or attacking passersby, and not getting along with other pets in the house. These behaviors should raise a major red flag.

When a dog behaves aggressively, it is usually acting on its instincts. Hence, training aggressive dogs can be a difficult job. To counter this, you can incorporate small training activities into its play time, meals, or evening walks, which will help you tame it. Most importantly, you must make sure that your loyal pup understands the behavior you want to teach it.

Leash Pulling

Walks are a relaxing time for both you and your dog. While walking your dog, if you feel it is the one walking you and not the other way around, you might have a problem. If it feels like you are fighting for dear life to keep your dog under control every time you step out of the house, you might have a huge problem on your hands. Leash pulling is one of the first signs that a dog is in dire need of obedience training.

In order to get rid of this issue, you must make your dog wear a leash within the house as well to teach it where it can go and where it can’t. If your furry friend goes to an off-limit place in the house, you can simply step on the leash to prevent it from going there. Doing this repeatedly will help it learn the correct behavior.

Separation Anxiety

It is quite common for dogs to get attached to their owners. However, sometimes, they get a little too attached. As a result, they start barking excessively, whine or adopt destructive behavior whenever they are left for long periods. This behavior can get so intense that it might lead to your dog scratching or chewing doors to get to you. Separation anxiety is a major cause for disobedient behavior among dogs.

In order to treat this behavior, you must first understand your dog. It is important to get your dog accustomed to your absence. This can be done by adopting small habits such as saying goodbye to your dog long before leaving and leaving the dog alone for short periods.

Barking, Jumping and Biting

It might happen that when you come home, your dog follows you everywhere and is jumping all over the place. You might find these little gestures adorable, but it can be a problem if it’s done all the time. For example, it might jump, bark and bite strangers when you take it to socialize. According to statistics, pit bulls, mastiffs and boxers are most responsible for harming humans than any other breed of dogs. These are among the first signs, which indicate that the dog needs obedience training.

Conclusion

If your dog displays any of the above signs it is time to enroll it in a training program. These programs prove to be beneficial for most dogs, but those who are stubborn might have a difficult time responding to the training.

You should first identify the degree of training your pet needs. For this purpose, trainers study the personality of the dog before recommending any exercises. Creating a controlled and playful environment for the dog to learn in is also of grave importance.

You must realize that habits are hard to break and bad habits even harder. You should try to understand your pet’s behavior and the reasons which might have triggered it. Once your dog feels safe, it will respond better. Establishing trust and having patience is the key to get your dog acting obediently. It might take a long time for your dog to respond positively, but it will learn eventually.

It might be better to hire a professional trainer to help you through the process. They know exactly what type of treatment your dog needs and will act accordingly.

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Winter Grooming Tips for Dogs

Winter season is finally upon us, which means most of the day will be spent indoors snuggled in a blanket and doing everything to keep ourselves warm. In this season, our canine pets also require the same amount of love and care.

It is a common misconception that dogs do not need to be groomed as their winter coat comes in which protects them from the cold. This is simply not true. Winter is perhaps the time when our dogs require the most care and attention. Grooming in this season becomes more important, especially because a cold, wet dog is a breeding ground for infection and diseases.

Aged dogs and those with long hair are prone to developing health problems in this season as they are at their most vulnerable. If the right precautions and safety measures, like investing in an insulated dog house, are not taken, they can contract some life-threatening diseases such as hypothermia.

By following these grooming tips this winter season, you can manage to keep your lovely pets out of harm’s way:

1. Protecting Cracked Paws

The cold walks in winter can be very harsh on your dog. Like the skin, its paws also become dry. Walking on wet and muddy snow or icy pavements may result in cracked or dehydrated paws. This could affect its balance and walk altogether. In the worst case, it may develop a severe infection if not treated properly.

In order to protect your pet’s paws, all you need to do is adopt a simple habit this season. Just keep a wet cloth by the entrance door to wipe off your dog’s paws after every walk. Keep an eye out for mud balls and snow between its paws. A moisturizing balm can also be used for extra care as it would help ensure the paws are soft.

Most importantly, clip excess hair from between the paws to prevent gravel and snow from getting stuck in the paws altogether.

2. Brush It Out

The fur of the dog determines how healthy it is. The shinier and softer it is, the healthier the dog. The winter season asks for a little extra care when it comes to the fur because fleas can take up residence on warm places on the body.

Moreover, as dogs spend more time indoors in warmer environments, their coats respond by shedding more often than in the summers. This may result in excessive hair on furniture and carpets. To prevent this from happening, dogs must be brushed frequently to get rid of excess fur.

Many people think that the long hair protects the dog from the cold. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The hair should not be allowed to grow too long. It should be trimmed often to maintain the hygiene of your dog. Otherwise, it might catch fleas or harmful infections.

3. Take Out the Tub

Dogs tend to make bath times more work than they really are. All the jumping and spells of excitement add to your chores. However, in winters, bath times can become even more difficult. The heating and cold winds add to the dryness, even for pets.

This does not mean you should avoid giving baths to your dog in the winter. Just make sure you take extra care while giving baths. Here are some steps you can take:

• Make sure any mud on your dog has dried before you decide to give a bath.
• Remove any dirt and hair using a comb before bath time begins.
• While giving a bath, the water used must be warm enough not to give your dog a cold or runny nose.
• Use gentle moisturizing shampoos to restore the oils and hydration in the skin.

4. Grooming the Ears, Nose and Nails

Half the strength of a dog lies in its nails. They help them hunt and maintain top speed. When you hear ‘tap, tap, tap’ on your floors, it is time to trim those nails. In the winter season, the nails are prone to breaking when the dog runs through ice and snow. To avoid episodes of excessive howling and pain, it is best to regularly trim the nails.

When it comes to strength, we can’t forget the strongest sense dogs have – sense of smell. The moisture in their noses helps them stay alert by picking up scents. The winter season makes their noses dry, which hinders their ability to pick up scents. It is best to apply snout balm to restore the moisture.

Ears are also important to groom as they are the most sensitive part of a dog’s body and are a common home for fleas and other insects. It is important to regularly clean them to prevent any infestation, it’s good to use special ear drops for dogs.

5. Soldiering Up for the Cold

The harsh weather can be difficult to cope with at times, but the best part is that there are so many adorable accessories available for dogs. Short jumpers and coats are the best way to keep your dogs warm while going out. It is wise to put on socks and shirts first to get the dog accustomed to the sensation before purchasing boots and coats.

Heated beds and mats are also available to keep your furry babies warm in this season. A heater can also be installed in their kennels to fight the cold.

Conclusion

Our furry friends require extra care in this winter season. Their bodies are extremely sensitive to change, so extra precaution and care must be taken while tending to your beloved dogs. Dogs with long coats require more brushing and grooming than those with small coats. Similarly, hunting dogs such as Hounds, Huskies and Labradors require extra attention to their paws, noses and ears as they spend more time outdoors.

A little extra care will allow your dogs to enjoy the weather to the fullest. After all, they are the life of the party when they are well-fed, groomed and happy.

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