Many of the foods we eat are excellent sources of nutrients— after all, we do just fine on them. But dogs, just like us, need the right combination of meat and other ingredients for a complete and balanced diet, and a bowl of meat doesn’t provide that. In the wild, dogs eat the fur, skin, bones, and guts of their prey, and even the contents of the stomach.
This doesn’t mean your dog can’t eat what you eat. A little meat, dairy, bread, some fruits, or vegetables as a treat are great. Just remember, we’re talking about the same food you eat, not the gristly, greasy leftovers you would normally toss in the trash. Stay away from sugar, too, and remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs.
If you want to share your food with your dog, be sure the total amount you give her each day doesn’t make up more than 15 percent of her diet, and that the rest of what you feed her is a top-quality complete and balanced dog food. (More people food could upset the balance of nutrients in the commercial food.) Can your dog eat an entirely homemade diet? Certainly, if you are willing to work at it. Any homemade diet will have to be carefully balanced, with all the right nutrients in just the right amounts.
It requires a lot of research to make a proper homemade diet, but it can be done. It’s best to work with a veterinary nutritionist.
Pet Food vs. People Food
What kinds of people will best be able to develop a Jack Russell into a good pet?
Only energetic, patient people with an active lifestyle, a sense of humor, experience with dogs and the willingness to train a challenging breed. The Jack Russell’s intense energy and independence require substantial energy and dedication in return on the part of an owner. No Jack Russell can be completely controlled, and successful Jack Russell owners are the type of
people who can live with this reality. In fact, many Jack Russell people actually like this aspect of the Jack Russell’s personality and appreciate the breed’s independence and energy.
What kinds of people will probably have difficulty managing a Jack Russell Terrier as a pet?
People who have not researched the breed and don’t realize the high activity level of the Jack Russell Terrier will have difficulty managing this dog. People who lead busy lives with little time to exercise a very active dog will have problems. So will sedentary people who are looking for a canine couch potato to keep them company. Jack Russells are anything but couch potatoes. Also, anyone who lives in an apartment will have trouble with a Jack Russell Terrier. People who are not willing to attend obedience classes and put substantial energy into training a dog will not be happy with a Jack Russell Terrier as a pet. First-time dog owners also have trouble
handling this active terrier.
How are Jack Russells with children?
Jack Russells are usually okay with older kids as long as the dog has been exposed to children from puppyhood and the children treat the dog with respect. This breed doesn’t do as well with children under the age of six because Jacks are generally not tolerant of small children and won’t forgive the kinds of transgressions that young kids are often guilty of committing toward dogs, such as ear pulling or stepping on paws. Regardless of the child’s age, supervision is mandatory when kids are handling Jack Russell Terriers.
What do I need to do to make sure my Jack Russell Terrier and my children get along well, and that there is no danger to the child or the dog when they are together?
Never leave them alone together. Also, make sure your kids are old enough (six and up) and that they interact with your Jack Russell while he is still a young puppy. Be careful to make sure that all of your dog’s experiences with children are positive. Teach your children to have respect for
your dog, and not to pick him up and carry him around or bother him when he’s sleeping. In turn, do not let your Jack Russell engage in aggressive games like tug-of-war or play biting with your kids. Also, don’t allow your Jack Russell to snatch food away from your children. If your children are old enough (six or older), have them attend obedience classes with you and your dog so they can learn how to interact properly with the dog. If your kids participate in your Jack Russell’s obedience training, this will help your dog see your children as authority figures in the household.
Why is it important that my Jack Russell see my kids as authority figures?
So he will respect them.Otherwise, he’ll start trying to push them around by growling and possibly even snapping at them, just as he would a dog whom he views as a subordinate.
How do Jack Russell Terriers behave as pets?
Often badly, if they are not trained and exercised a lot, or if mismatched with their owners. Jack Russell Terriers represent a combination of high energy, curiosity and tenacity. They are always on the go, and always in search of something to do. Sometimes, in their quest, they can get into trouble.
Why are Jack Russells so tenacious?
When a Jack Russell sees something he wants, he goes for it and not much can stop him. Whether it’s a toy, the neighbor’s cat, a sock you dropped on the floor or your pet canary, if your Jack Russell wants it, he is going to find a way to get it.
They were bred to be this way! Only a tenacious dog makes a good hunter of small game. Animals such as foxes, mice, rats and gophers will do whatever they have to do in order to escape a chasing, digging terrier.
If the dog is going to be successful as a hunter, he has to be the kind of dog who doesn’t give up easily.
Why is exercise so important for a well-behaved Jack Russell Terrier?
Because Jack Russells were bred to hunt all day, every day, they have incredible energy and need an outlet for it. If you don’t give them one, they will find another way to expend that energy. Chances are, it won’t be something you appreciate.
Your Jack Russell needs rigorous exercise for several hours a day. This means jogging, playing ball and hiking. Participating in sports like agility, flyball and earthdog trials are also great ways not only to exercise your Jack Russell, but also to provide mental stimulation. The combination will result in a more well-behaved Jack Russell Terrier.
Aggressive Dogs
Aggression is the most troubling problem that comes between people and their pets. If you have a dog who isn’t safe with other people or dogs, or may have attacked you, this dog is not date bait. In fact, you need to address your dog’s aggression before you focus on your own love life. If you don’t address this right away, it will only get worse.
Here are a few ideas that might help:
Find a trainer or behaviorist who uses gentle methods. Far more often than not, if you treat aggression with force, the problem will escalate. This trainer will probably have you follow a plan in which your dog has to work for a living: Every time you give him food, or even a gentle pat, he needs to sit, lie down, or do something else to show that he’s earning his keep. (The thinking goes that in the wild, the top dog in the pack controls who gets food and attention. When the dog has
to work for you to get food and attention, he views you as the big dog in charge, and treats you with more respect.)
Teach your dog “watch me.” Your dog can’t get into fights or attack people if he’s looking at you. Dogs’ bodies follow their eyes. Teach your dog “watch me” by holding a treat in front of your eyes. When he stares longingly at your face, say “Good watch me!” and give him the treat. Over time, hold the treat in your hand but only reward the dog when he looks in your eyes. Build up the length of time of the eye contact, so you can ask your dog to “watch me” when trouble comes near, and he will focus on you until the temptation has passed.
Use a head collar. Head collars (brands such as Halti Collar and Gentle Leader) fit over your dog’s head, just like a halter
fits on a horse. Just as you can lead a horse wherever you want to go with a halter, so you can lead even a big dog with a head collar. In addition, the feeling of the strap over the dog’s nose is something like the way a top dog gently nuzzles
the muzzle of a lower-ranking dog, so over and over the head collar is telling your dog that you’re the boss—and he isn’t. Sometimes that gentle reminder will make an almost magical difference in a dog.
Know your dog. Know what triggers your dog, and avoid those situations. So if he’s dog-aggressive, don’t take him to the dog park: That’s just asking for an awful incident. If he growls when people come within four feet—stay five feet away.
With expert help and a lot of patience, your aggressive dog might turn the corner and become a safe, reliable citizen. And with all the dog trainers you’ll be meeting, you never know where you’ll find love.
Shy Dogs
About 15 percent of people and dogs are shy (defined as uncomfortable with unfamiliar places or people). Sometimes the people who have shy dogs—often rescuing them from sad situations—are shy themselves. These kind souls take these dogs because of the special empathy they feel.
So . . . you’ve got a shy owner and a shy dog. I bet you’re thinking this doesn’t sound like a recipe for success in meeting the perfect mate. You’re wrong. People who own shy dogs soon learn that the most important antidote to shyness is gentle, loving, non-threatening exposure to safe new people and safe new situations. While a happy-go-lucky dog might do fine just playing with neighborhood kids in your backyard, over time a shy dog needs to be taken into the real world or she will just get worse. Over the years, you’ll probably end up going more places and meeting more people with your shy dog than anyone you know who has a “normal” dog.
Here are a few rules to help your shy dog adjust to new social situations (and a few hints for the shy owner, as well).
Don’t overwhelm your shy dog. It’s important to expose your dog to new places and new things, but it’s equally important not to flood her with stimulation. Take her to small neighborhood parks, not a crowded shopping center. Walk with her quietly; don’t let her get mugged by the dogs at the
dog park.
Carry food. Most people will reach out to pet your shy dog. An outstretched hand coming over a dog’s head is the scariest gesture a human can make, and it will terrify most shy dogs. Instead, carry yummy, gooey, smelly, delicious (to a dog) treats with you. When someone wants to pet your dog,
explain that your dog is shy, but it would be great if the person would give your pooch one of these special treats. A true dog lover will be thrilled to take the gooey, slimy, smelly treat and give it to your shy dog.
Develop your own patter. Dog talent agent Paula Ratoza has a shy Doberman Pinscher who was abused before she adopted him. She says people would often make nasty comments to her, assuming his “hang dog” look was her fault. She learned to explain her dog’s history and asked people to give him a
treat. When they gave him a treat, Paula would tell Higgins “head up” and he’d hold his head up tall and proud as he took the treat. Now he knows the commands “head up” and also “head down”—recreating his old, sad look. This comes in handy when this now happy dog has a role in a television commercial.
Love your shy dog, take her places, build her confidence, and watch her blossom into a happier, more relaxed pet. Just think: The next person who helps you by giving your dog a slimy dog treat might be the kind, sweet soul who will be your perfect match. Don’t be surprised if this new dream date is just a little bit shy. After all, a shy
person has the empathy and heart to understand what your dog is going through.
border terrier dog
The Border Terrier was originally bred in the Cheviot Hills area near the border between England and Scotland to help farmers drive predatory foxes from their dens and kill them. This sturdy little fellow has long enough legs and enough stamina to keep up with a horse, even though he is quite small. The bold little Border Terrier has also been used to hunt marten, otter and the fierce badger. As with most terriers, the Border Terrier gradually began to be taken into the home. Today due to his winning personality, adaptability and friendliness, the breed is highly esteemed as a companion dog, yet he can still serve as a fine farm dog, helping to control vermin. The Border Terrier was officially recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the AKC in 1930. Some of the Border Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdogging, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
The Border Terrier is small spunky terrier with a coarse, wiry double coat. He has dark lively eyes, a short muzzle, black nose and small ears, which fold forward into a "V" shape. The jaw should meet in a scissors bite. The tail is relatively short and tapers from a thicker base to the tip. It is carried level with the back unless the dog is very excited. Its limbs are not heavily boned. The Border Terrier comes in red, blue & tan, tan, and grizzle & tan. White on the feet is not allowed, but small patches of white are permissible on the chest.
The Border Terrier is alert and lively, but mild-mannered. Especially affectionate with children and wants to please, so it is relatively easy to train. A hardy, scruffy little terrier and a bold hunter. Socialize them well and get puppies accustomed to loud noises and city situations while they are still young to avoid excessive timidity. It will bark, but it is not aggressive. They might even go home with a burglar! Puppies are very active, but they will mellow as an adult. Border Terriers like to dig and must be securely fenced in. Many owners use free-standing dog runs or additional reinforcements along the bottom of their fences. They may get themselves stuck in tight holes, though they can usually wiggle their way out. They are not trustworthy with hamsters, rabbits, rats or birds, but will generally get along with other dogs. If the puppy is raised with cats, family cats will not generally be a problem. The dog shouldn't be trusted with other people's cats however. If you have two Border Terriers, it is best to have a male and a female. This breed does not do well when left alone all day. They are economical to feed, for they will thrive on a cup of dry dog food per day.
norwich terrier puppies
General Appearance
The Norwich Terrier, spirited and stocky with sensitive prick ears and a slightly foxy expression, is one of the smallest working terriers. This sturdy descendent of ratting companions, eager to dispatch small vermin alone or in a pack, has good bone and substance and an almost weatherproof coat.
Proportion, Substance
One of the smallest of the terriers, the ideal height should not exceed 10 inches at the withers. Distance from the top of the withers to the ground and from the withers to base of tail are approximately equal. Good bone and substance. Weight approximately 12 pounds. It should be in proportion to the individual dog's structure and balance. Fit working condition is a prime consideration.
Coat
Hard, wiry and straight, lying close to the body with a definite undercoat. The coat on neck and shoulders forms a protective mane. The hair on head, ears and muzzle, except for slight eyebrows and whiskers, is short and smooth. This breed should be shown with as natural a coat as possible. A minimum of tidying is permissible but shaping should be heavily penalized.
Color
All shades of red, wheaten, black and tan or grizzle.
Pet Potential
For the potential pet owner some of the above terms may be foreign. What you really want to know is "What are they like to live with? Are they healthy? Are they active? Do they bark a lot? Do they get along with other dogs? Do they like kids? Do they shed?" and a host of other questions.
These dogs are small but sturdy; they are not fine boned like a toy breed. They are independent thinkers, happy, inquisitive, smart, energetic, and affectionate little dogs. While they are very affectionate, they are not likely to be content to just be a lap dog. Norwich Terriers need lots of physical exercise, and mental stimulation in addition to lap and cuddle time. They need consistent, confident leadership in order to be an emotionally balanced and happy member of your pack. The Norwich Terrier is described as "The terrier that loves people." And they do!
Is the Norwich Terrier the Right Dog for YOU?
That depends. Because the Norwich is cute, sturdy and a handy size does not mean that this is the right companion for you just because you want a small dog. You must be honest and ask yourself some tough questions about what you really want in a companion, consider your available time, your abilities with dogs, your family's lifestyle, and your budget. A few questions to start asking yourself are:
The breed has existed since at least the late 1800s, as working terrier of East Anglia, England. The game and hardy little dogs were useful as ratters in the stable yard, bolters of fox for the hunt, and loving family companions. It was the mascot of students at Cambridge University. Small red terriers, descendants of Irish Terriers, had existed in the area since at least the 1860s, and these might be the ancestors of the Norwich, or it might have come from the Trumpington Terrier, a breed that no longer exists. In its earliest history, it was also known as the Jones Terrier and the Cantab Terrier.
Since its earliest identification as a breed, puppies have had either drop or prick ears, and both were allowed when the Norwich was first recognized in the show ring in 1932 by The Kennel Club (England). Drop ears were often cropped until it became illegal to do so. This intensified a long-standing controversy over whether drop-eared dogs should be allowed in the show ring and whether the primary difference was simply the ears or whether other, deeper, personality and structural differences marked the drop-eared variety. Starting in the 1930s, breeders increased their efforts to distinguish the breeds.
Both ear types continued to be allowed in the ring until The Kennel Club recognized the drop-eared variety as a separate breed, the Norfolk Terrier, in 1964, and the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, and Canadian Kennel Club did the same in 1979.
Rat Terrier Dogs
The Rat Terrier is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck, and powerful legs. Their bodies are compact but meaty. The ears can be upright or tipped and are carried erect when the dog is alert. They can be born with short or full length tails, each being left in its natural state or docked at two days of age. The coat colors include, pearls, sables, chocolates, red and white, tri-spotted, solid red, black & tan, blue & white and red brindle. Breeders concerned with working dogs are not as fussy about the specifics of the looks.
The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed with a rich and varied background as an all-around farm dog. Traditionally more of a type than a breed they share much ancestry with the tough little mixed breed dogs known as 'feists.' Several private associations have maintained Rat Terriers registries for some decades, but more recently there have been movements to obtain breed recognition by the major canine organizations. Common throughout America on family farms in the 1920s and 30s, today they are generally considered a rare breed. Today's Rat Terrier is a handsome, intelligent, active little dog that is equally cherished as a farm helper and as a family pet.
Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a different profile and a very different temperament. Rat Terriers are finer of bone and have a more refined head. They always have a short single coat—never wire coated. Rat Terriers tend to be less aggressive than Jack Russells; while they have a definite terrier personality they also have an "off switch" and love lounging on the sofa in a lap as much as tearing about the yard. Rat Terriers are normally cheerful dogs but they tend to be more sensitive than Jack Russells to changes in their environment, owner's moods, or to unexpected noises, people, and activities. The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Proper socialization of a rat terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first 3 months of life. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise.
If you're considering an adult Rat Terrier...
There are plenty of adult Rat Terrier who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
The Five Worst Date Bait Breeds
1. Pit Bull. There are lots of sweet, gentle Pit Bulls in the world, and most Pit Bulls love people and are great with kids. No
matter how nice your Pit Bull may be, understand that, with the breed’s fierce reputation, lots of people won’t come near these dogs. Some communities have banned Pit Bulls and related breeds. Expect people to cross the street to avoid you if you have a Pit Bull, even if your dog is a wonderful, friendly, sweet soul.
2. Rottweiler. Like Pit Bulls, too often Rottweilers are given a bad rap, unfairly. These loyal, intelligent, trainable dogs can be fabulous pets for singles and families alike. But here’s a hint: Any breed that is the subject of a cult classic movie named Rottweiler: Dogs of Hell may lose you more friends than it wins you.
3. Yapping Little Dogs. Some people don’t like little dogs, period. No one likes yapping little dogs. These dogs can even irritate their owners.
4. Dogs With Elaborate Hairdos. People who show their Poodles learn to love all the fluff and pompons. Not the rest of the world. If your Poodle or other breed is trimmed like topiary, expect derisive laughter, not love.
5. Chinese Crested. These dogs are usually born naked, except for tufts of hair on their heads, feet and tails. No matter how smart, funny and just plain lovable these little guys are, even many of their owners admit they look a little bit like space aliens. It doesn’t help that Chinese Crested are the perennial winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in Petaluma, California. In fact, a Crested named Chi Chi is in the Guinness Book of World Records for winning this dubious title the most times—seven in all.
A Glimpse on the Various Types of Terrier Dogs
Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You’ll get energy you want with little grooming and added wit.
Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.
Let us discuss in brief some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:
Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.
This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.
Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.
The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.
Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.
Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.
Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.
Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.
These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.
Training Your Silky Dog: A Terrier Anti-Terror Basics
It is essential to have a dog that knows how to follow the right rules and how to live around your house. To achieve this, dog training must be considered.
Most people think that training a dog is hard and expensive. Moreover, dog training requires a lot of patience and creativity for your dog. We have to remember that dogs may be intelligent but they can not be as intelligent as us. The article provides some of the basic things dog owners need to know so they can do the training themselves. However, to maximize the full potential of your dog, a dog trainer should be hired instead.
What are the differences between a submissive dog and a dominant dog?
A submissive dog normally:
• avoids eye contact.
• rolls on its back.
• crouch down, ears back and tail lowered.
• is comfortable on its back in your arms.
On the other hand, a dominant dog:
• maintains eye contact.
• is unwilling to move from his place on the couch.
• dislikes grooming and petting.
• is possessive of dishes and toys.
Training your silky terriers requires kindness and consistency. Silkys respond actively to praises and to rewards. In addition, they become harsh and unresponsive towards punishments and animosity, respectively.
Trainings with obedience classes can be intensely beneficial in petting your silky terriers. In many dog training schools, classes for puppies are available. Young dogs are taught to get accustomed with other dogs and people using limited trainings. However, there are areas that do not conduct formal obedience training unless the dog is at least half a year old. Always remember that a dog is never too old to benefit from training when a good trainer is available, or if the owner is fully committed to the task.
Here are the recommended ways of training silky terriers:
1. Reiteration or Repetition
Reiteration is the name of the dog training game. In here, dogs are asked to do a task over and over again to achieve mastery. Dog tricks are best learned when reiterated and reinforced through rewards.
2. Persistence
Patience is a virtue that requires you to tolerate hardships. Persistence is trying to be patient for a longer time until a goal is achieved. Apparently, dog training requires a lot of persistence from the owner or from the trainer Physical and psychological aspects of the owner and/or the trainer must be sound.
3. Commendation and Amendation
Simply put, if a dog does the right thing, it should be said aloud. Otherwise, the dog should hear, "No, that's not it!" when the trick is not complete or appropriate for the command given. These words reinforce correct responses and diminish the unwanted ones.
4. Rewarding
Bits of cheese would really be good treats for dogs who responded correctly to a given command. Other food can be bought at pet sores. However, if you are able to get the respect of your pet, commands will be executed even if there are no longer involved treats. Likewise, these things reinforce warranted responses.
If your lifestyle permits being in charge of training your own pet, you can do the training as long as you have gathered enough patience and commitment by:
1. spending time grooming your dog.
2. having regular training times on the leash.
3. stroking its belly and toes and rolling it on its back
4. hand feeding some food to ensure that the pet is taking treats gently and slowly.
In asserting dominance, always practice consistency and firmness. Afterwards, you can be a master and a dear friend to your own pet.
The Playful and Versatile Dog: Wheaten Terrier
Like most terriers, the Wheaten terriers, or simply called as Wheatens, were originally bred as hunters. Therefore, their physique naturally evolved as strong and healthy. Their hunting instincts have made them agile and alert as most terriers are. However, this breed is more stable and steady as compared to most terriers as they were used as by Irish farmers as all-purpose dogs.
Among the activities that molded their instincts and physical features were herding cattle and sheep, vermin terminators, hunting both in water and on land, and serving as watch dogs that deterred trespassers.
The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Wheatens:
Category: Terrier
Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)
Coat: single coat, medium length, silky and soft, wavy
Colors: born to have black coats but at the age of two, their coats lighten to achieve the
color of wheat grains
Height: between 17 and 20 inches
Weight: between 30 and 45 pounds
Temperament:
Naturally,
• they rarely bark especially when it is unnecessary to do so
• they immediately reflect the moods of their household or those around them.
• their type requires a great deal of commitment and effort in training them so they should not be given to novice breeders and/or owners
If trained properly, they
• are generally happy and friendly
• are easy-going, confident, and deeply dedicated to their family's security
• can get along well with older children and other animals that have been raised with them or are living within the same household
Breeders should note of the following health issues:
• Flea allergies
• Addison's disease
• Heat stroke
• PLN and PLE
Care and Exercise:
• They require daily combing to prevent their wavy and thick coat from tangling.
• They should undergo trimming by professionals at least four times each year.
• Dry shampooing or even bathing should be done only when it is necessary.
• Eyes and ears should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
• They should be brought along with family activities such as play sessions, hiking, picnic, and even walking.
Origin/History:
The soft coated breed of terriers, shortly called as Wheatens, originated from Ireland. The date of their existence was obscure but many assumed that their breeds were one of the oldest among other Irish varieties. They were molded as herders, farm dogs, and hunters and terminators of vermin, like the Cairns of Scotland.
From Ireland, they were brought to the US in the year 1946. Slowly they gained popularity as pets and as entertainers. However, the extraordinary appeal of this breed to the Americans at present would not be possible if Patrick Blake did not save its lineage from extinction in1932. They were registered by the American Kennel Club in the year 1973.
Though their types have hunter instincts, they can get along well with older children and other animals within the household through proper training and attention. Like most terriers, they easily develop close affinity with family members so they normally appoint themselves as watch or guard dogs.
For professional breeders, why not appoint them as well as your pet especially when you are looking for a playful yet reliable companion and guard dog? To this effect, you can say that what you own is one heck of a dog—a dog that can work and play as well!
The Cost of Dog Ownership
Most studies say that a typical dog owner spends about $500 a year to care for his or her dog.
Ha! Ha! Ha! If you’re a serious dog owner, you are laughing now. For most of us, $500 a year is a mere down payment. There are the dental appointments (you don’t want a dog with periodontal disease—and the bad breath that comes with it). And there are training classes: obedience, agility, maybe something exotic like flyball or dancing with dogs. And the groomer. And the super-premium all-natural food, made with human-grade ingredients that cost six times as much as what you paid for your own dinner last night.
The expenses that can really put you in the poorhouse are the medical bills. Does your dog have a spinal problem? Make an appointment with a veterinary neurologist and a surgeon—and maybe even an acupuncturist and a chiropractor. Don’t forget weeks at a specially designed doggie spa for physical rehabilitation.
There are doggie ophthalmologists, allergists, orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, cardiologists, reproductive specialists, dentists (who actually do doggie orthodontia) and even veterinary behaviorists—the canine equivalent of a psychiatrist. And they are not being paid by an HMO.
You’ll want your dog to have the best of everything, from custom doggie beds to special training treats to rhinestone collars to Halloween costumes. Expect to spend about $1,500 a year if you’re a really devoted dog owner.
Because your dog is getting top-notch care, he’ll live longer than most pets; a healthy, robust dog is likely to live to be 14 or over. Fourteen years at $1,500 a year—that’s $21,000 over the life of your dog.
For $21,000 you can:
- Rent a Jaguar for three years or buy a Chrysler PT Cruiser and pay for insurance for four years. These cars are babe magnets and stud finders.
- Go to Harvard for eight months. Mentioning you went to Harvard is a sure-fire way to impress a member of the opposite sex.
- Rent a yacht and have the party of a lifetime—inviting every potential date you know.
- Buy the woman of your dreams a pair of diamond earrings (total carat weight of 2.0) from the Victoria collection at Tiffany and Company, and still have money to take her to a Broadway play and dinner at Sardi’s.
- Buy the man you’ve got a crush on a Rolex Oyster President gold watch, and still have money left over to take him to an NBA play-off game.
- Get 14 Armani suits (for men or women). The corporate executive look just might catch the eye of someone else who’s spending a fortune on clothes to attract an executive-type mate.
- Make yourself over with cosmetic surgery. For $21,000, you can buy liposuction, a tummy tuck, a facelift and breast augmentation (for women) or pectoral implants (for men).
So, if you’re a non-dog person just looking for love, you can improve your odds by spending your money at the car dealership, Tiffany’s, or maybe even the plastic surgeon’s office.
