The Canine Guru

If you’d like more blog entries, please visit my website at canineguru.webs.com. Or you can find me on Facebook by searching for The Canine Guru. I’m also on twitter @thecanineguru.

The original blog is now at doggytimes.wordpress.com.

Welcome to the New Home of Doggy Times II

So because msn spaces is going to be no more in March of 2011, they have let us bloggers move our hard work to this wonderful site. However, there are a few things that will make things a little more difficult here. All of the pictures used for the original site did not transfer over to the new one. So those doggy photo contest pics will be left over at msn.

Also, if you have come to this blog to research a particular breed, it may be a tad more inconvenient than before. The lists that were over on msn spaces did not come here either. You will have to look up your particular breed of interest by clicking on the “Breed Basics” category and sorting through each breed to find yours. At msn spaces, this was much easier because I had done all the work for you and all you had to do was click on the breed’s name to the left. I’m not entirely sure this is a possible feature here, but if I can figure out how to make things easier I definitely will. Until then, please bear with me as I learn more about the WordPress site.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Terrier Group

Origin: Ireland

Breed History: This terrier is likely a descendant of ancient dogs found in Ireland for thousands of years. It is commonly accepted that the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is related to the Irish terrier and the Kerry Blue terrier. It may also be a forefather of the Glen of Imaal terrier. These dogs were used mostly as an all-purpose farm dog, family guardian, and companion, as well as a herding dog. The SCWT did not come to the U.S. until the 1940s.

Breed Description: This is a medium-size, square dog with a long, rectangular head. It’s ears are are small drop ears that break forward. It has a large black nose and almond shaped eyes that are brown or reddish brown. The SCWT has a deep chest and docked tail that is held erect. It has a single coat that is soft and slightly wavy. Fur is profuse on its head, covering its eyes and forming a beard. It can be any shade of wheaten. This breed is 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs 30 to 40 pounds full grown.

Breed Temperament: The SCWT is a stubborn and very playful breed. These dogs are very confident, as are most terriers, but this breed may be less aggressive than some. It enjoys being with its family and hates to be left alone for long periods.

Breed Energy Level: High

Notes: These dogs do best with active owners in suburban or rural homes. They require lots of exercise, firm positive training, regular grooming, and lots of socialization from a young age.

Health Concerns: Addison’s disease, Cancer, Kidney problems, PRA, and Skin problems. The SCWT’s fur also bruises along with the skin.

Field Spaniel

Sporting Group

 

Breed History: The Field Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel developed together until the 20th century, with the Field Spaniel being larger in the litter. Lack of good breeding affected the breed adversely for many years, until fanciers focused on maintaining effectiveness in the field. In the late nineteenth century the breed was imported to the U.S. but never really became popular. This breed is still rare.

 

Breed Description: This dog is sturdy, medium-sized, and longer than it is tall. It has a rectangular head with long, wide drop ears. The eyes are almond-shaped and brown. The tail is natural or docked. The single coat is glossy with feathering on the back of the legs, belly, chest, and underside of the tail. The Field Spaniel can be black, liver, golden liver, roan, with or without tan points. A small amount of white on the chest and throat is allowed. These dogs are 17 to 18 inches high and weigh 35 to 50 pounds.

 

Breed Temperament: This is a very lively, fun-loving, and vocal breed. These dogs love the water. They do best with active owners in rural or suburban homes. They require a lot of exercise, and a job or activity to keep them busy. These dogs are bred to work. So they need something to do with their time. If this is lacking, they will get into trouble.

 

Energy Level: High

 

 

Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, PRA, subaortic stenosis, and thyroid disease.

 

 

 

Portuguese Water Dog

Sporting Group

 

Breed History: This dog is also known as the Portuguese Fishing Dog among many other names. As per the name, this dog originated in Portugal. PWDs have played an important part in the Portuguese fishing industry for centuries. The dogs were used to herd fish, retrieve lines, and deliver messages from boat to boat. With the decline of fishing in the beginning of the twentieth century, the breed came close to extinction but was saved by a wealthy fancier. It is now a popular companion throughout the world.

Breed Description: This is a sturdy, medium-size dog. It has a strong, broad head, the skull slightly longer than the muzzle. The eyes and broad nose are brown or black and the drop ears are heart shaped. The feet are webbed and covered with hair and the tail is medium length. The single coat may be wavy or curly and is kept in a lion or working clip. The coat may be black, white, brown, or a combination of these colors. PWDs are 17 to 23 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds.

Breed Temperament: PWDs are biddable and intelligent. They are devoted to family and have great endurance. They are spirited and courageous. They love the water and are excellent swimmers.

Energy Level: High

Notes: They do well with an individual or family in rural or suburban homes. They need regular exercise, grooming, and training.

Health Concerns: Addison’s disease, cancer, cardiac problems, eye problems, gastrointestinal disease, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and renal disease.

 

 

Doggy Fun Facts

Alright, been awhile since I posted on this site. I hope everyone has been finding it useful. Below are some new fun facts about dogs! Enjoy!

 

1.) Dogs carry 60% of their body weight on their front legs.

2.) Dogs can’t visually focus on any object that is directly infront of their nose. Therefore, when an item is directly infront of their nose, they don’t even try to look at it. Their sense of smell takes over.

3.) All canines are decendents of wolves.

4.) 99% of all dogs’ genes are the same. Only 1% of their genes determine their breed.

5.) Dogs can infact see color, however it is muted. While they can see cool colors very well, and even different shades of black, warm colors all look yellowish to them.

6.) Dogs can tell who you are from a distance or in the dark just by the way you move.

7.) Black dogs are difficult to adopt out of shelters. No one seems to know why.

8.) Poodles were originally bred to be water dogs. Their funny haircuts were ment to keep their vital organs warm while in the water. Now they are just for show.

9.) Some researchers now believe that dogs do not have a pecking order.

10.) A dog’s muscles rebuild every 75 days!

 

 

How to become a Dog Whisperer

Hey, thanks for visiting Doggy Times II! You’ve come to the right place if your looking for information about your dog. Check out breed basics to see information about specific breeds. Don’t worry if your dog is not currently listed, as there are more than 400 breeds to list. Your breed will surely be listed soon.

 

Also, you won’t want to miss the series of blog entries on Doggy Times about how to become a dog whisperer with your dogs. This series of entries will help you understand how your dog thinks and why he or she does the things he or she does. Inturn, you will learn how to interact with your dog on his or her level.