Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent, hard working dog that was bred to help fishermen. They generally get along well with other dogs but should be socialized when young for other pets. If at all possible, they need plenty of exercise and if there can be water involved, you have a happy dog. They are said to love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Portuguese Water Dog is 16 to 22 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 55 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Portuguese Water Dog is no exception. Be on the lookout for skin conditions, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Portuguese Water Dog has a profuse, heavy coat of either curly or wavy hair. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Life Span

The Portuguese Water Dog can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Portuguese Water Dog comes from Portugal where they were used to herd fish for fishermen. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1983.

When choosing a dog, it’s important to choose the breed that’s right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you’re thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Poodle is just one breed among many from which to choose.

The Poodle is the oldest known breed of dog and dates back to possibly as early as AD 30. Where it was developed is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in Germany as a retriever of water fowl. The stylish clip was designed by hunters to help this breed move more efficiently through the water, and patches of hair were left to protect the joints and vital organs from the cold. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German word “pudel,” which means one who plays in water. This breed of dog has been used as a circus performer in France. It achieved popularity after World War II and was considered extremely fashionable. It was the most popular breed in America by the 1960s. Today the Poodle is primarily a show dog and companion.

Poodles come in three size varieties – Standard, Miniature and Toy. The Standard is over 15 inches in height at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. The Miniature is over 10 inches but less than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Toy is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 6 to 9 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, apricot and gray but never parti-colored. Most have a dense, curly, low-shedding coat. They have no undercoat and could be considered hypoallergenic, though not completely allergen free. The coat is coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. The tails are usually docked in the US. The ears are dropped and never cropped.

Poodles are exceptionally smart, active and excel in obedience. They have an air of distinction and dignity and a keen sense for instinctual behavior. They are highly energetic and get bored fairly easily. These dogs are extremely people oriented, generally eager to please and affectionate. They are adaptable and easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. Standard Poodles, in particular, are good with children and are fairly agile and athletic. Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. This breed of dog is one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and learns more quickly than most dogs. Poodles may tend to bark a lot if not given rules. The standard variety is a bit calmer than the smaller varieties.

The most common health problems for Poodles include Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (twisted stomach), thyroid issues, tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis (inflamed sebaceous glands of the skin), juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia and cancer. A minor issue includes ear infections. The life expectancy for a Standard Poodle is 11.5 to 12 years and 14 to 14.5 years for Miniature and Toy, and some Toy Poodles may live to be 17 years or more.

Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, but Poodles need a daily walk or may display behavior problems. They enjoy a good romp in a safe open area such as a fenced-in yard. Standard Poodles require more exercise than the smaller varieties. Without the proper type and amount of exercise, they may be high strung and timid.

Grooming for this breed of dog consists of brushing on a regular basis and bathing every two to three weeks, more frequently if dirty. Clipping should begin at an early age, and they should be clipped every six weeks. The ears should be cleaned and checked frequently for wax or infection. Hairs growing inside the ear canal should be pulled out. The teeth need regular scaling.

Poodles are good dogs for apartment life and do okay without a yard. They are more sedate when indoors but love to play outdoors. They need lots of activity to stimulate their mentality.

This breed of dog comes in 3 size varieties, is one of the easiest to housebreak, is people oriented and is good for those with allergies because of the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat but requires frequent grooming and proper training to ensure good behavior. If you are willing to provide proper grooming and training, then perhaps a Poodle is the right breed of dog for you.

The Chihuahua is undoubtedly the oldest purebred canine native to the North American continent. He is known by no other name. The Chihuahua is a native of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. He appears in a short-or smooth-coated variety and another type that has a long coat. The distinguishing features of a Chihuahua are very small size (average weight is 3 pounds) large ears, prominent eyes and a long tail.

The Chihuahua was important in the ceremonial life of both Toltec and Aztex peoples and is still a very popular pet in his native land and all around the world. He is the smallest of all dogs. His purpose is to provide loving companionship. His very small size keeps him from being a good pet to children or toddlers, or even young adolescents. He makes a wonderful little pet for the elderly. His size makes him very easy to pick up, carry around, and to take care of during grooming chores. The Chihuahua seems to know other Chihuahuas and prefers their company over other breeds of dogs. He is highly sensitive and can be a bit stubborn.

Although the Chihuahua looks very fragile he can be quite courageous. He is known to be more of a one-person dog and can be quite ferocious in defending that person.

The short haired variety is kept tidy with brushing several times a week with a rubber slicker or grooming glove. The smooth should be soft texture, close and glossy. The coat should be placed well over the body with ruff on neck, and scantier on head and ears.

The long coats should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly curly with an undercoat preferably. Ears fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly never down), feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hind legs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail should be full and long (as a plume).

The long coat will need attention a couple times per week. The long-coated Chihuahua is easy to maintain with brushing a couple times per week. They normally love the attention of being groomed.

You will need a cushioned natural bristle brush and a medium-toothed comb.

Grooming procedure:

1. Brush through entire coat with a natural bristle brush and then comb to remove all tangles.

2. A suitable shampoo for both the long and short coated Chihuahua might be “natural tea tree and lavender oil.”

3. Don’t bathe your Chihuahua unless he gets really dirty. Oftentimes the Chihuahua will only need a bath about every 2 to 3 months depending on environment and circumstances. Always rinse well.

4. Blow-dry the coat while brushing the long hair.

5. After blow drying, comb through with your medium-toothed comb (these items can be

purchased at any pet supply store or online.

6. Check the Chihuahua’s nails, ears and teeth. His nails should be kept moderately short. For show dogs, follow the breed standard about nails.

Note: The interior of the ear canals of the little Chihuahua should be gently cleaned. You may want to use a little Betadine scrub in his ears to prevent yeast infections. Pay special attention to drying the inside and outside of his ears. Ear infections can arise from moist ear canals.

Special Note about the Chihuahua Show Dogs:

For the show ring cut the hairs on the muzzle with a curve scissor and, for Long Coats, trim around the feet and between the pads.

Best Labrador Retriever Dog, Adoroden Hallmark at Suttonpark competes with Best Bitch, Sretlaw Spring Connection With Foxrush at theWest of England Ladies Kennel Society Championship Show. Judges, Susie Wiles & Maureen Paremain agree to award the accolade ‘Best of Breed’ to Judi Neachell for Adoroden Hallmark at Suttonpark

Our Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Slideshow delights dog lovers and prospective owners. Visit www.dog-breeds.me.uk afterwards for more videos, articles, News and information.

Loving, lovable and very patient. Highly intelligent and good-natured. The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest breeds in the world. This comprehensive video, courtesy of Eukanuba, is a great way to gain an understanding of the history, characteristics and care for this amazing breed.