http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/Service-Dogs.asp Articles about Service Dogs en-us Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:05 EST Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:05 EST dogs@terrificpets.com Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1026365.asp There are a number of dogs known for their ability to act as guardians for their owners and their property. Among them are Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Bull Mastiffs. These dogs have specific temperaments that include a protective instinct that is vital for a guard dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1026365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1026365.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027265.asp Usually, when people group Akitas together, there is no distinction between the Japanese Akita and American Akita. In the States and in parts of Canada, an Akita may originate in Japan or not. In Japan, however, any dog that is mixed outside the gene pool of the traditional Akita bloodline is not considered "pure," and it is usually classified differently. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027265.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027565.asp Training an Akita entails a lot of patience and hard work, but the pay-off can be great. Akitas can become possessive, territorial and even destructive when not properly trained. It is an intelligent breed of dog which is usually known to be docile and non-aggressive. These traits can be achieved through proper training, early lessons in socialization and a lot of mental stimulation. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027565.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027765.asp Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are quite rare; not everyone agrees on a number, but some reports indicate that there are presently less than two hundred Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs in the world. That being said, there is enough information on these rare dogs to piece together some important facts about the personality of the breed. While there are some disagreements about its history or its standard, everyone agrees that these dogs have remarkable temperaments. Often described as protective, one interesting facet of its temperament stands out: its ability to pause and reflect before acting. This lends credence to the idea that Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are not just guard dogs, but thinking guard dogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1027765.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1028165.asp Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs are well loved for their docile temperaments, their energy and agility and their devotion to their families, but the one characteristic that that stands out and makes them prized by their owners is their natural guarding and protecting instincts. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1028165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1028165.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210065.asp Shelties are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This intelligence makes them prime candidates for showing and other competitions. Two of the types of competition to which shelties are well suited are obedience and herding competitions. Obedience competitions measure how well dogs perform the commands as directed by their handlers. The dogs are measured on activities such as heeling, sitting and lying down. Obedience competitions are conducted at several levels. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210065.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210165.asp The Sheltie breed was developed as a herding dog. The breed was first developed in the Shetland Islands by crossing collies with the Icelandic Yakkin, a small island dog that came to the Shetland Islands via fisherman, who kept these small dogs as companions and rat hunters on their boats. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210165.asp> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210865.asp The Scottish Terrier, like most Highland Terriers, was originally bred in order to assist with the work of small game hunters and farmers in Scotland. Virtually everything about the breed was worked for with the singular idea of hunting in mind, and most of those traits still survive to this day, making the Scottie suitable as a working dog despite their rampant popularity as a family pet. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10210865.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10214865.asp All hounds are pack breeds and historically American Foxhounds and their relatives the English Foxhounds were only kept in packs of several dogs, often more than 10, that would eat, sleep, play and hunt together. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10214865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10214865.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215265.asp Dogs have always been able to track their prey and for centuries man has used dogs to his benefit and often for survival. Tracking events are a way to show your American foxhounds power at recognizing and following the disturbed vegetation scent or scent trail left by another animal or person. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215265.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215465.asp The Newfoundland is an excellent dog to use for therapeutic reasons as it has a reassuring and devoted demeanor-but it has even more to offer. His main historical use is that of search and rescue dog. His personality lends this dog to being a compassionate source of comfort for an ailing person as well as to the extreme rigors of saving a drowning, struggling person. And the explanation for this versatility can be found in the large, cuddly and somewhat deceiving physique of the Newfoundland. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215465.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215765.asp Newfoundlands were bred to be work dogs, hauling by sled and cart goods that needed to be transported in a time before mass transport over extreme distances. They soon became staples on ships because of the hereditary physical and personality traits. The Newfoundland dog's extremely fit legs and webbed toes. Make swimming a cinch for them. They also possess lungs that allow them long periods under water. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10215765.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221365.asp There are a number of dog breeds available that herd large groups of animals with great precision and ease. However, in the 1800's Australian cattle ranchers not only wanted but needed a resourceful dog with the moxie to withstand the country's harsh conditions. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10221365.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10222665.asp Though commonly known as the Barkless Dog, the Basenji is also referred to as the Dog of the Bush Hunters. Though the breed has existed for thousands of years, it wasn't until the late 1930's that the rest of the world found out about the Basenji. Before then, they were used as hunting dogs for the people of the Congo in central Africa. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10222665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10222665.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10223865.asp Reaching back to the dawn of man, dogs and humans have always been partners on the field when it comes to hunting. Thousands of years ago, ancient man and wolves worked together and shared the kill. Wolves were eventually mated with other breeds to create more able and loyal kinds of hunting dog. More so than their independent wolf fore bearers, today's hunting dogs tend to be satisfied with being their human partner's right hand man, hunting for the sport of the chase and to earn reverence in the eyes of their master. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10223865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10223865.asp> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10224365.asp Mastiffs are dogs that make wonderful companions for people who love animals. If you wish to keep a Mastiff in your home, you have to be prepared to put in valuable time and effort to make it feel comfortable. A Mastiff needs constant human contact and it feels as if it is part of the family. Other than just a companion, a Mastiff is also an ideal house guard as it is a fearsome presence that will keep intruders at bay. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10224365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10224365.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10227765.asp The Labrador retriever has long been known as one of the most lovable dogs in the world. It also has the title of being the most popular family dog, especially for families with children. There are many fascinating little tidbits of information about the Labrador retriever that many probably don't know. They are also referred to as Labrador or just simply "Lab". In fact, they are so popular and well known that when people say, "I have a Lab", everyone knows exactly what is meant. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10227765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10227765.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228165.asp Labrador retrievers, besides being one of the more popular dogs in the United States, are a very versatile dog. They can serve many purposes, all of which depend on the wishes of the owner. Some people get a Labrador retriever for their excellent qualities as a family pet. In some cases, the Labrador is trained for a certain services such as service dog, therapy dog or Seeing Eye dog. We must not forget one of their first purposes of years ago - their use as hunting dogs. Labradors were originally bred for waterfowl hunting, where they would go in the water to retrieve the birds as they were shot. They were also used many years ago to help the fishermen in Newfoundland bring in the fish they caught. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228165.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228365.asp Labrador Retrievers are one type of retriever and very possibly the most popular. They were originally bred to be bird dogs for waterfowl hunting. They loved the water and seemed to thrive and excel at going in the water and retrieving the game that was shot. To this day, the Labrador retriever still loves water and swimming. Although the Labrador is a wonderful pet, both loving and affection, they also make excellent working dogs. In the United States, there are actually two lines of the Labrador retriever: the field line and the show line. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228365.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228565.asp Some people are born to work. The Black Russian Terrier fits into this category, as well. Although part of the reason it was bred was to create a national dog for Russia, the primary goal in creating the Black Russian Terrier's was bred to fulfill a need for in the country's national security force - one that could withstand the country's frigid winters. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10228565.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229065.asp Because of their long history as working hunting dogs, Border Terriers still retain much of their hunting instincts. While they have found success in present day agility and obedience trials, they really excel in Earthdog trials. As a matter of fact, more Border Terriers have won American Kennel Club Earthdog trials than any other breed. If you're looking for a way to get involved in competition and exercise with your Border Terrier, Earthdog trials are a great option. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10229065.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230165.asp Border Terriers enjoy a long history as working dogs going back at least two hundred years. They were originally developed by the Robson family in the middle of the 19th century to hunt fox, rabbit, and other small animals around the border between England and Scotland, which is how they earned their name. While Border Terriers are not the most popular hunting dog in the world, they certainly are still used to hunting both in North America and in England. In this article, we'll take a look at training and where hunting is available in the United States. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230165.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230465.asp Border Terriers are energetic, playful, clever dogs that are devoted to their favorite person or families. Like many terriers, they tend to have dominant personalities, but this attitude can be trained out with early obedience training. These active little dogs excel in most dog sporting events, including Agility, Obedience, Flyball and Earthdog trials. They respond well to positive reinforcement training and are famous for their love of food, so food treats are an excellent way to reinforce good behavior. Perhaps not the best choice for the youngest of children, Border Terriers are nevertheless excellent companions for families if trained properly. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230465.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230965.asp The Irish Setter, like all Setters, was originally developed as a "gundog", that is to say a breed used in hunting small game, usually birds. Unlike other hunting dogs such as terriers who give chase and kill the prey themselves, the Irish Setter was always intended to hunt in conjunction with a human companion. On a hunt, the Irish Setter will use his or her keen sense of smell to track prey. Once they find the type they're looking for, instead of chasing, the Irish Setter will adopt a frozen stance that simply and silently points the direction towards the prey for the human hunter to pursue. This posture, called "setting" the direction of a quarry, is where the breed gets their name. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10230965.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232065.asp There are many breeds of dogs that make good family pets as well as companion dogs and watchdogs. The Bouvier des Flandres stands out as one of the top dogs in any of these categories. Living with a Bouvier des Flandres will be a fun-filled and rewarding experience. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232065.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232465.asp The Brittany is revered by hunters as a brilliant and efficient gun dog. For many years the breed was referred to as the Brittany Spaniel. However, this often led to a confusing debate over its classification. Although it carried the markings of a spaniel, in the field the Brittany often froze or pointed out game, much in the tradition of a setter or pointer. Spaniels, on the other hand, were known to typically flush game from their hiding spots. While the Brittany is believed to be the result of a setter and spaniel cross, it would seem more than just being the only spaniel breed that points out game, they are actually a setter in a spaniel suit. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232465.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232565.asp The relationship between a hunter and his or her gun dog is a unique one. There is a rapport based on companionship but there is also a distinct working relationship in place as well. The two relationships both have their times and places; and both hunter and dog each have their expectations in both of them. When out in the field, hunters want and need a dependable hunting dog that knows what it needs to do and when. The dog, in a away, also needs the same of the hunter. This keeps the gun dog safe while out doing what it loves best. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10232565.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10233465.asp For the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, there is no better canine breed for sniffing out drugs than the Brittany. They are well known for always following their nose and having one of the most singular senses of smell in the dog world. When used for hunting out in the field, hunters are often amazed at the Brittany's ability to find lost or wounded birds that dive into the underbrush to hide. As many have come to find, it is better to let the laser focused Brittany find its quarry as it does not give up until what is lost is found. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10233465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10233465.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10234665.asp Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States. They make great companion dogs, and are also very popular for service dogs. But, the Golden Retriever breed was created to be a hunting dog, and for many years this was their sole purpose. It took several years before people realized the versatility of this breed. Golden Retrievers retrieve instinctively, which is what makes them such good companion dogs for hunters. However, they are not true hunting dogs, like a blue tick or other breed of hunting hound. What this means is that they do not flush out the game for you, but rather retrieve the game once you've spotted and killed it. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10234665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10234665.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10234765.asp Golden Retrievers are among the most popular family pets in the United States. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, but quickly gained a reputation for being a great family dog because of their gentle and easy going temperament. However, Golden Retrievers are often used as working dogs, too. In particular, they are excellent service dogs and are often used as narcotics dogs. Dr. Bonita Bergin, the initial creator of the idea of a "service dog" reports that Golden Retrievers are the best suited breed for service dog work. The reason that Goldens are the best suited breed is their combination of gentle disposition, great intelligence and strength. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10234765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10234765.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10236365.asp The German shepherd dog is known for its many fine attributes, including intelligence, loyalty, good temperament, trainability and endurance. These characteristics are what make German shepherds the perfect choice for their work as police dogs. A police dog is trained specifically to work with the police and other law enforcement agencies. In the United States, they are often known as the K9 unit. They are a highly regarded and respected unit wherever they go and work in many different locations. They have been known for their work with the police and military for so many years that many people automatically refer to the German shepherd dog as a police dog, whether they are work dogs or merely family pets. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10236365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10236365.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10236665.asp German shepherds have been successfully trained in many different sports and activities due to their intelligence and endurance, as well as the fact they are very adaptable to training. One such training program is known as Schutzhund. Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog", and was developed in Germany in the 1900s as a way to test the German shepherd dog to see if they possessed the traits they were originally bred for such as the strong desire to work, courage, intelligence, obedience, strong bond to the handler, perseverance and protective instinct. Schutzhund training is a way for trainers to determine if the dog still has what it takes. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10236665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10236665.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10237465.asp Many people that own German shepherds know them only as the wonderful family pets they love. They don't often think of them as working dogs. However, they have been used as working dogs ever since the German shepherd breed was developed in Germany in the 1800s. Back then they were appreciated as an animal that, it seemed, could see, hear, smell and run better than any human being. Their name shep-HERD came about because of their work as herding dogs. That herding quality they still carry with them today makes them such loyal and excellent watchdogs and family pets. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10237465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10237465.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10239465.asp Although Estrela Mountain Dogs can be aggressive and fierce when it comes to strangers encroaching on your property or attempting to break into your home, they are also sensitive animals that quickly become attached to family members, especially children. As herding dogs for shepherds in the Serra da Estrela Mountains in Portugal, these dogs spend their summers outside. However, during the winter they stayed inside with the family as a guard dog. During this time, they became accustomed to family life and being around kids. In fact, these dogs have an affinity with children that may surprise you. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10239465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10239465.asp> Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10241465.asp The Dogue de Bordeaux also referred to as a French Mastiff has gained popularity and respect as a well trained police dog. The history of the breed refers to the dog as a bodyguard, watchdog and a tracker of bear, bulls and other animals. Because of the nature of the dog, it makes an excellent police dog. The training is similar to other breeds except the Dogue de Bordeaux is so large, extra measures are taken in training. In order for this breed to train for police work, they need to have proper puppy training. Understanding and learning the basic dog commands and obedience training is important. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10241465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10241465.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10242765.asp The Chesapeake Bay retriever is a multi-functional dog. It is used in the show ring and field trials, as a watchdog and as a family pet. The reason most individuals are interested in the Chesapeake, however, is their great talent as hunting dogs. They are a great hunting dog that loves the water, which is another trait that adds to their hunting ability. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10242765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10242765.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10243865.asp It may be difficult to imagine that a whole breed of dogs that are loved throughout the world came into being thanks to one man, but this is true of the Doberman Pinscher. Not only did this dog become popular throughout the world, but it went on to become prominent in its service during a time of war. In this article, we'll take a look at the Doberman Pinscher's beginnings and its service during World War II. The time is the late 19th century and the place is Apolda, Germany. Louis Dobermann had a curious collection of jobs - not only was he a tax collector and night watchman, but he was also in charge of a dog pound. Without a doubt, these jobs made him less than popular, especially in a time when robberies and muggings ran rampant. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10243865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10243865.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244065.asp It's hard to imagine two jobs a dog could perform that could be any less opposed than working as a service dog and a police dog. When we think of service dogs, we think of dogs that are helpful and friendly, and this doesn't always mesh with the popular image we have of Doberman Pinschers as fierce guard dogs! The truth is Dobermans are quite adept as both police dogs and service dogs. Police Dogs Perhaps the oldest canine profession is one of protection. Since the beginning of recorded time, dogs were used as personal protection as well as fierce weapons in war. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244065.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244865.asp Doberman Pinschers have a long history of performing highly valued tasks such as protection dogs, guard dogs, war dogs and even service dogs. Yet another area where Dobermans can excel is in search and rescue, in an effort to help law enforcement to find missing persons. While Dobermans are not at the top of the list of dogs that we associate with search and rescue, they are certainly involved in this important service and some Dobermans have even claimed some notoriety from their success. In this article, we'll take a look at what search and rescue involves, pros and cons of Dobermans in the field, and how you can get involved in this important service. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244865.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246165.asp The Collie breed was developed in the Scottish highlands and lowlands as a herding dog for flocks of sheep. Many years and much care was taken to breed in the appropriate herding instincts to make the collie a superior shepherding dog. If you own a collie as a family pet today, you'll note that many of these shepherding instincts show in your collie's behavior. Following are some things to note about how collies behave that are directly related to the use of the breed as a shepherding dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246165.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246465.asp Cocker spaniels enjoy a very long history and have always been exceptional hunting dogs. While this might not mesh with many people's idea of a Cocker spaniel, with their flowing long coat and soulful eyes, the truth is that they have been beloved for their hunting skills for centuries. In this article, we'll take a look at the Cocker spaniel's history as a hunting dog and whether it can still be found hunting today. The Cocker spaniel with its very long coat and perfect posture is only a recent phenomenon when compared to its very long history. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246465.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246965.asp Despite their image as house pets with beautifully long coats, Cocker spaniels enjoy a long history as a capable hunting dog, and they still retain their hunting instincts. All spaniels are natural flushing dogs; their purpose is to find birds, flush them from marshes or bushes and retrieve them, all in an efficient manner. If you enjoy bird hunting, don't rule out Cocker Spaniels as a formidable hunting partner. If you have a Cocker spaniel and you want to get involved in hunting, hunt tests are not only an excellent way to train, but they are also a great way to meet other hunters and to test your Cocker against a field standard. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246965.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10247465.asp As a sporting dog, the Weimaraner displays great energy and hunting instincts. It has been used as a hunting dog since its early days, and it is equally adept at hunting large and small games. With its excellent hunting abilities, the Weimaraner is the perfect companion to bring on a hunting trip. Its fearlessness and athleticism makes it one of the favourite hunting dogs in the world today. Though a Weimaraner can excel in many different types of sports and activities, hunting is still its first love. The Weimaraner is known for its well-rounded hunting style, and it is considered one of the top hunting breeds according to the American Kennel Club. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10247465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10247465.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10248265.asp The Vizsla origins as a pointer and retriever begin with the ancient people called the Magyars. They were a people who constantly had to defend their existence through the use of animals. Horses were used in war while the Vizsla was used in the hunt for food. The Vizsla, whose name is Hungarian for Pointer, is a very smart pointer and retriever whose value and ability was recognized early on. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10248265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10248265.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10248665.asp Their incredible hunting ability and lean athletic build make the Vizsla perfect for more than just dog shows. Since its incarnation, the Vizsla has had a display of skills that were soon put to the test in point score competitions that both he and his owner could enjoy. Since the early 1970s when they were first introduced into Australia, their popularity has exploded. Thus, point score competitions are very prevalent there as well as the States, both places being outside of the native land of the Vizsla, which is Europe. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10248665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10248665.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10249465.asp Dogs can do a lot more than just play fetch even though that is enough reason to love them. They can fill many roles and utilize their gifts and senses to help out their owners. They don't even ask for anything but love in return. Kooikerhondjes, for example, can work as duck decoys, hearing dogs, and therapy dogs. These dogs have a lot to offer if only given the chance. Let's see exactly what they can do. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10249465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10249465.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10249665.asp They say a dog would do anything to protect his owner, and this is quite often the case. Guard dogs serve this protective function in several different settings including businesses and homes. Some breeds, such as Kooikerhondjes, are more inclined toward being guard dogs than others. They are ideal guard dogs because they are territorial, can be trained to respond to commands, and are good watch dogs. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why Kooikerhondjes make such good protectors. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10249665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10249665.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10250765.asp The Akbash dog is an exceptional working dog. For any farmer or rancher with a flock of animals to protect, there are few better options for a guardian dog than the Akbash. His breeding has ensured the dog's intelligence, instincts, protectiveness, and physical prowess, all very important aspects of the ultimate flock guardian. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10250765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10250765.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253165.asp The first training session for hunting starts as a puppy. This includes the basic commands for retrieving, recall, stay, sit and up. These commands are necessary for a good hunting dog. The English Cocker Spaniel is a natural bird dog. Without the proper commands, the safety of the hunter and the dog could be compromised. The training should be done on a daily basis until the puppy is fully aware of what they are to do for every command. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253165.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253665.asp There are some advantages to having a female English Cocker Spaniel rather than a male, which include the fact that a female does not feel the need to leave a scent everywhere and a female is easier to housebreak than a male. If you do not have the male neutered right away, they will forget at times they are housebroken, whereas a female will always remember. If you do not use the female or male for breeding, you should have them altered for many reasons. The problem with scenting alone makes a female more favorable. The male that is neutered does lose the urge to "mark his spot" everywhere. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253665.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253965.asp As a puppy, the English Cocker Spaniel will go through hours of training to learn the basic commands and they will train for hunting. Puppies that are subjected to gunshots or other loud noises at a young age may become skittish around loud noises. When this happens, training the puppy for hunting is difficult. It may even become impossible to correct the gun shyness, as the puppy grows older. Proper care of the puppy before and during training is essential. Following guidelines for training the puppy for hunting is vital to them not becoming scared and anxious around guns. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10253965.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10255865.asp Basset hounds can make wonderful companions. However, they are stubborn, strong-willed and can be difficult at times. Some specific areas of life in which you need to establish some dominance, or at least a plan of attack, are when it comes to food, house training, and their masterful escapes. This article will try to explain and give helpful hints to give you a leg up on your shirt legged competition. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10255865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10255865.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10256765.asp A huge but people-loving breed, the Borzoi got their start as the official hunting dogs of the Tsarist Russian nobility and royalty. These dogs were bred over the course of many years in order to make the fastest, smartest dogs possible. The necessity of the dog's incredible speed, agility, and intelligence was tied to the dog's purpose as a hunter. He was trained to take down many types of game, but specifically wolves. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10256765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10256765.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10257165.asp The Borzoi is a Russian hunting dog that was bred by the Tsars and nobility of Russia to be the ultimate runner and chaser. He is descended from ancient sighthounds like the Russian smooth-faced bearhound, Russian sheepdogs, and Southern coursing hounds. All of these dogs had one thing in common: they were prominent figures in the Russian tsars' hunting parties. The result of all of this breeding was the Russian Wolfhound or Borzoi, who is one of the faster and most intelligent sighthounds today. But what does all of this have to do with cats? http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10257165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10257165.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10258465.asp The Canaan Dog has a long history of having many purposes. They are used as pets, companion dogs, for the show ring and as working dogs. The Bedouins had the Canaan dog to guard their camps during the night as well as watching the flocks. This dog was made by nature to survive, which helps to make him such a versatile dog, able to meet any one's needs. The Canaan was used as a working dog during World War II for patrol work in addition to helped the army in any way they were needed. Their use as sentry dogs for the army was invaluable as well as tracking dogs whose purpose was to detect any landmines. This dog has repeatedly put his life on the line to help his owner or master. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10258465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10258465.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260265.asp The Clumber Spaniel is a fit, capable and willing participant for hunting expeditions. The dog was first recognized in the 1800's and the where breed for the benefit of the hunter. Many take one look at these dogs and do not believe that they are able to be such physical dogs considering their low and heavy frame. Yet, these dogs are agile and they enjoy the hunt. Those considering a companion for their next hunting trip should definitely consider adding these dogs to that trip. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260265.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260665.asp For people that love Cesky terriers, enjoy being around other Cesky terriers and owners of this wonderful breed, Cesky terrier dog shows and competitions are fun events to watch and an enjoyable, rewarding experience if you choose to compete. Cesky terrier dog events, trials, shows, and competitions are a great way to spend time and be active with your pet. They are rewarding, fun and offered both in the United States and internationally. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260665.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260865.asp Since the Cesky Terrier has such an outstanding personality and temperament and gets along well with kids and other dogs they are an ideal breed for a family that loves to take their pet with them. Unlike many of the terrier breeds the Cesky does not have as high of a prey instinct and is not as prone to chasing or running when off-leash once they are fully obedience trained. This means that the Cesky is a very versatile dog that can enjoy a huge range of activities. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10260865.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10261065.asp The Earthdog Trials are noncompetitive venues for Cesky terriers, small terriers, and Dachshunds. The Earthdog tests offer breeders and dog owners a standardized gauge that assesses their Cesky terriers and other dogs trained and natural working and hunting abilities, by exposing the dogs to a specific hunting situation. If you are interested in getting your Cesky terrier started in Earthdog tests, get a book of regulations from the American Kennel Club. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10261065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10261065.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10261965.asp How can a tiny Chihuahua be used in police work you might ask and rightfully so. When we think of police dogs, we think of German Shepherds and other large and powerful dogs that can easily apprehend a criminal and take a bullet when necessary. They are loyal officers that give their lives in the line of duty. Or we think of bloodhounds and other dogs used for their powerful sense of smell. These dogs have been trained to find drugs or search out important clues at crime scenes. It now appears that the profile of a police dog is changing and a little Chihuahua, with a rat terrier mix is now on the scene to stay. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10261965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10261965.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10262565.asp The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred in Devonshire, England, in the 1800s for the purpose of hunting fox. They get their name from the Rev. Jack Russell who, besides his ministry, had a passion for the fox hunt. The fox hunt is a deeply routed rural tradition of England. Many animal activists object to the hunt as they see it to be a cruel, barbaric sport elicited by the idle rich. The fox hunt is carried out by trained working dogs, which pursue a fox until the ultimate kill. The dogs are followed by humans either on foot but mostly on horseback. For the advocates of the fox hunt, it is more than a sport. It is a method for conservation and pest control. In North America, the pesky coyotes is the "tod" or target predator of the hunt. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10262565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10262565.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10262965.asp The Jack Russell Terrier may be small in stature, nevertheless it is a working dog. It is wrong to assume that its size necessitates less exercise than that which is necessary for the larger breeds. In fact, this tenacious breed is even deemed suitable for police work. Originally bred for hunting foxes, these small dogs are strong and well built. They must be allowed to vent their energy, either through work or exercise. They are also fierce and courageous animals that will stop at nothing to protect their loved ones. They have shown their loyalty and bravery in the line of duty time and again. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10262965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10262965.asp> Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10265065.asp Throughout time, dogs have been used to alert their owners to signs of danger. Some dogs make better watchdogs than others, and this article will take a look at where pug dogs might fall along this continuum. We will look at how pug dogs are alert, stubborn, and friendly. Believe it or not, all these can come into play when you’re wondering if a pug would make a good guard dog for your home. Intruder Alert! We all want a dog who will let us know if there is anything suspicious going on around or outside of our houses. Pug dogs will notify you of such activity by barking at any such sign. They will respond mostly to strangers or odd noises in this fashion. They are very protective of their owners, which is also a desirable quality in a watchdog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10265065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10265065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10269865.asp The personality of the Anatolian Shepherd is unique as they are guardians of the flock. You as their owner are considered their flock and take pride in protecting you. However, the Anatolian is a stubborn dog with territorial instincts. If early training is not received to control temperament and personalities that are natural to the breed, they can become a dominant dog with an obstinate personality. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10269865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10269865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270065.asp The Anatolian Shepherd is a strong, fast and dog that has endurance, power and agility. The appearance of the dog reflects its ability to overpower and conquer any animal or person trying to enter its territory without permission. The Anatolian is a large breed that is all muscle and strength. The large build of the dog shows its tolerability to endure months of being in the mountains taking care of the flock protecting them from animals such as wolves. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270565.asp If you are thinking about owning an Anatolian Shepherd, you need to consider a few things. The first thing to consider is whether you want a female or a male. There are some differences between the Anatolian female and male that you should consider when you start your search. The next thing you want to consider is if you want a puppy or an older dog. Taking into consideration how much time you have to spend with the dog is also a factor. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270865.asp As soon as the puppy reaches the age of three months, it should be placed with the flock. What this is doing is letting the natural guarding instinct of the dog know this is his flock to take care of and protect. Now when you do this, you do have to keep an eye on the puppy, since he is likely to try to play with his flock. He will out grow this in a few months, but if the puppy over does it, the flock can actually become overworked and die. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10270865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271265.asp There are five good reasons why an Anatolian Shepherd is not right for everyone. The reasons are that they are an overly protective dog, they need plenty of room in the yard, they are harder to train, they have socialization issues and they have a tendency to dig and chase. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271665.asp The Beauceron is a dog with a natural affinity for leadership. Indeed, when he walks into a room, he commands attention with his take charge attitude. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10271665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272065.asp The Beaceron has a natural affinity to guarding people and things. It is an excellent guard dog whose appearance and demeanor command respect. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272365.asp The Beauceron can be an important addition to your family if you know how to integrate him properly. It is important to be patient. Your diligence and patience will have positive and lasting results! http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272765.asp The Beauceron is bred to be primarily a working dog. He loves to work and needs to have a job to do! He has many talents that bode well for many different jobs for him to do. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272965.asp The Beauceron is a wonderful dog in many ways, but it does have its drawbacks. One of those is the length of time it takes for this dog to mature. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10272965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273165.asp The Beauceron is an interesting dog with many fun facts within its rich history. It is a noble and wonderful dog and there may be a few things that will surprise you about its past! http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273665.asp The Belgian Malinois is a terrific pet. Whether you are using him as a home companion, a working dog, a police dog, or a personal protection dog, if you have enough time to train the dog, you will greatly enjoy the breed. Of course there are a few things about the Belgian Malinois that should be considered, especially when a potential owner is deciding whether or not he or she has the time or experience to raise and train this breed. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10273665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274165.asp The type and age of Belgian Malinois you want to adopt or purchase is a decision that only you can make; and while there are millions of reasons you may have for preferring one age over another, if you have any pets already, you should consider their feelings also before you settle on adopting a Belgian Malinois puppy or adult. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274765.asp The Belgium Malinois is one of three breeds belonging to the Belgian Shepherd dog breed. While the three types are all recognized separately by the American Kennel Club, other places in the world recognize Belgian Shepherds as one breed. The three breeds of Belgian Shepherd are the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Sheepdog, and the Belgian Tervuren. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274965.asp There are a lot of different jobs that a dog like the Belgian Malinois can do. He was originally bred as one of the varieties of the Belgian Shepherd dogs, so his background is in herding sheep. He also can be a terrific guard dog, or protection dog for a family. But the most common job for a Belgian Malinois is as a police dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10274965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10275065.asp The Belgian Malinois is a smart, energetic dog. As such, he requires a lot of patience from his master, as well as a lot of training time and bonding time. The Belgian Malinois is not a dog to sit quietly on the couch with you. Instead, he wants to be doing something exciting, and he loves to have a job. Having a job makes the Belgian Malinois not only happy and healthy; it also keeps him from developing poor behaviors from the overabundance of energy and boredom. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10275065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10275065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10275965.asp The Belgian Malinois is a square dog. He does not just appear square, or stand square, like some other breeds. This dog breed actually is exactly square. The dog's body is between 24 to 26 inches tall for males and between 22 to 24 inches tall for females. The dog's body's length is exactly the same as the height of the body. This makes the dog a literal square. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10275965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10275965.asp> Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276465.asp The Wire Fox Terrier is a very intelligent dog that has been taught to do many things, with the first one being obedience. This is not to say that they eagerly look forward to obedience training. Quite the opposite, in fact. They are very smart dogs, but they don't understand why they need to do something just because you say so. There are capable and have the intelligence to learn anything, so long as it's something they feel they want to learn and do. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276465.asp> Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276665.asp The Wire Fox Terrier is a dog of many talents, but their original and first job was as a hunting dog. They were originally bred for fox-hunting. There were fox-hunting hounds that were bred to chase foxes until they got to a hole in the ground. The hound would stop and the chase was over. When the Wire Fox Terrier was developed, their ability to hunt extended beyond just chasing the fox. With their agility, prey, and hunting drive, they would chase the fox until it ran in the hole and then climb in the hole after the fox. Their short docked tails came in handy with the hunters, who were able to pull the terrier out of the hole if the fox wouldn't come out on its own. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10276665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277365.asp Bloodhounds have one amazing sense of smell and that is why they are said to be an excellent search and rescue dog breed. Their keen sense of smell surpasses all other breeds, they have been responsible for tracking, and finding people lost in remote areas, missing children, fugitives, bodies and other animals. They excel in this field of work. The dogs have a handler that is trained with the dog to perform all duties of a search and rescue dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277765.asp You can do many things with a Bloodhound. They are great long distance walkers therefore long hikes or walks great. They can be playful and if started early, a puppy or older dog does like to play fetch. Things like catching a flying disc may not be for a Bloodhound, but every dog can be taught to do something if they like it. They like to go out hunting, tracking and just laying around resting. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10278565.asp When you are looking for a puppy, you should look for a happy puppy. A puppy that wags its tail, comes running to you, show playfulness and is curious should prove to be a well-adjusted puppy. If you see a puppy that shows sign of being shy or crouches when you approach them, you should avoid such a puppy. Puppies should be happy and adventurous. A Bloodhound's personality is important to consider when looking for a good family pet. There are some puppies or even older dogs that may have a disposition and personality that is unwanted for a family dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10278565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10278565.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10280065.asp The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a dog that was made for hunting. It is a descendant of a great hunting dog that was introduced to Wales in the year 250 B.C. But interest in a dog that hunted with more forethought was required and from that need, the Welsh Springer Spaniel was born. Until the Welsh Springer Spaniel was first bred, the hunters on the continent had to contend with hunting dogs that provided no warning to their owners prior to flushing the bird. Instead, they required a dog that would wait until the hunter was properly in place, a technique that the Welsh Springer Spaniel is still popular for today. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10280065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10280065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10283065.asp What is a cairn? A cairn is an artificially made conical pile of stones that can be found in uplands, or moorlands, or mountaintops. A cairn used to serve as astronomical markers, landmarks, and sepulchral monuments. In the Scottish Highlands, cairns are common. Cairn Terriers were named after these piles of stones – or rather, for their ability to dig into the burrows of vermin hiding within the cairns. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10283065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10283065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10283665.asp Cairn Terriers are amazing little creatures. They are balls of fluff that seem to have inherited generations of inexhaustible vigor. Initially bred to be small game hunters and vermin exterminators, Cairn Terriers are known for their power, persistence and dynamic temperament. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10283665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10283665.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10286565.asp The Norwegian Elkhound's name in English derives from the dog's original name, Elghund; "Elg", however, actually means "Moose", while "Hund" actually means "Dog"; the Elkhound, therefore, is a Moosedog and was originally bred to hunt these enormous animals in its native Norway. Thankfully, the dog also gained popularity in the show ring and was introduced to the rest of the world. This ascension into the limelight, though, did not lead to a decline in the breed's hunting characteristics in favor of its show qualities. In Northern countries, especially Norway, the dog is still used to do what it was bred to do: hunt moose. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10286565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10286565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10288165.asp With such a cuddly looking face, it's hard to believe that a Chinese Shar Pei could serve as a watch dog. But traditionally in China, the Shar Pei was bred as a fighting dog, that's why its skin is so wrinkly; if struck by an opponent, the folds protect the major organs to limit the injury. Intelligent and loyal by nature, the Shar Pei makes a perfect watch dog for any home. These cute and cuddly pups make great family pets as well as watch dogs. It's like having an alarm, but cuter! http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10288165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10288165.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10291565.asp One of the first and most important jobs for which dog breeds were created was that of the watchdog; humans have taken advantage of the dog's natural instincts to protect its territory and/or its family and directed them towards protecting the property or family of the dog owner (a dog will consider his human family his pack if trained properly). There are a number of breeds that have been traditionally viewed as watchdogs, such as German Shepherds or Rottweilers, though many dog owners are finding out that there are a variety of different dogs that make excellent watchdogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10291565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10291565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10295765.asp A Fila Brasileiro is one of the few breeds of large dogs raised to herd livestock. They are most comfortable in country settings and can be hard to keep in an urban environment. Since they were bred to herd and protect livestock, they have a natural aggressive tendency to anyone that that they do not consider part of their herd. This can range from other pets to strangers. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and can have an over-protective instinct that can get them in trouble in a social setting. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10295765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10295765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10296365.asp The Fila Brasileiro has an instinctive aggressiveness towards strangers, and it doesn't mind showing it. For this reason, it is not judged on signs of aggressiveness in a dog show, even though some Filas are disqualified for being overly aggressive. It is not friendly with other animals and distinctly dislikes other Fila Brasileiros of the same sex. It is tremendously aggressive towards other small animals, like cats. It will not hesitate to injure or kill another animal. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10296365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10296365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10297265.asp The Fila Brasileiro makes a fine bodyguard. It is completely loyal to its owner and has a naturally suspicious nature towards strangers. If you want a dog that will put your security needs first, this dog will be more than happy to comply. It has originally bred as a guard dog for livestock, but this devotion carries through to the owner and the owner's household. The breed's characteristics give it a good sense of smell and a powerful and intimidating appearance. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10297265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10297265.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298865.asp The Irish wolfhound was bred to be a hunting dog. Although they have many talents, they were first and foremost a hunting dog and still are in their blood. When they first were developed, they were used for hunting large and dangerous game. Some of the animals they were known for hunting were the wolves and wild boars. This is partly how they got their name, "wolfhound". They were taught not only to chase the wolf, but to kill it as well. They would shake it by the neck until it was dead. Their drive, courage and endurance are what made them such excellent hunting dogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10299465.asp Like all dog breeds of the Retriever lineage, the Flat Coated Retriever is great when it comes to the outdoor sport called hunting. Hunting is basically bringing down game and as a sport, it follows a specified number of rules and regulations. With the case of the Flat Coated Retriever, game means small game like fowls, i.e. quail, wild duck, grouse, etc. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10299465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10299465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10299565.asp Like all dog breeds of the Retriever lineage, the Flat Coated Retriever is great when it comes to the outdoor sport called hunting. Hunting is basically bringing down game and as a sport, it follows a specified number of rules and regulations. With the case of the Flat Coated Retriever, game means small game like fowls, i.e. quail, wild duck, grouse, etc. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10299565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10299565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102100365.asp A Flat Coated Retriever is usually classified as a working dog or as a hunting dog. Retrievers have a long line of historical feat when it comes to hunting, flushing and (of course) retrieving small game. Although often used for hunting, the Flat Coated Retriever is never trained to be a game "pointer." http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102100365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102100365.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102102865.asp The Spinone Italiano is one of the oldest breed of hunting dogs. The correct term that actually applies to this breed is "gun dogs" or "bird dogs." There are many theories as to how the Spinone Italiano came into existence, and many of them are contradictory to one another. However, the one unifying theme among them is that the Spinone Italiano is a sporting animal, bred for hunting and retrieval. During the earliest times of game hunting, the Spinone Italiano was used exclusively for the sport. The dogs were easy to train, quick on its feet and follow its master's instructions without hesitation. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, the Spinone Italiano came close to extinction. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102102865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102102865.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102102965.asp NAVHDA stands for the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. It is a non-profit corporation that aims to foster, promote and improve the versatility of hunting dog breeds in North America. According to this association, versatility is defined as: "The dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water." Another one of NAVHDA's mission aims to conserve (hunting) game by using well-trained and reliable hunting dogs before and after the (killing) shot. Finally, NAVHDA helps in the prevention of cruelty to animals (particularly hunting dogs) through non-selective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces litters that are both unwanted and uncared for. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102102965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102102965.asp> Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102103365.asp Probably the most ancient traceable dog breed line is the Spinone Italiano breed. It is said that the line developed from the Piedmont region of Italy and goes back as far as 500 B.C. As of today, because of active efforts to preserve the dog breed blood line, the Spinone Italiano is believed to be one of the oldest gun dogs in living existence. There are many theories as to how the Spinone Italiano came to existence. These theories may often sound contradictory to one another, but it shows the dynamic gene pool that constitutes this ancient breed of hunting dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102103365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102103365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102103965.asp The Alaskan Klee Kai is being touted as an ideal companion and house (or apartment dog). Small in stature, intelligent, and caring, the Alaskan Klee Kai quickly takes to life in the home and proves itself as a useful watchdog to boot. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102103965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102103965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102106365.asp Despite the negative media attention the American Pit Bull Terrier often receives, pit bulls are an intelligent breed of dog that have proven themselves in a variety of service capacities for humans. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102106365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102106365.asp> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108065.asp Dogs that are specifically bred for the purpose of becoming skilled hunters are mostly preferred by those people or families that are into the sport of hunting. This is because these dog breeds already have the inherent abilities that are necessary when it comes to hunting. One of the more popular hunting breeds is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. This dog breed, which is also known as a pleasant and affectionate dog that could work well as a family pet is said to be a master hunter that has qualities that are quite formidable. Developed primarily as a sporting dog, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is equal, if not better than an English gundog in hunting fitness. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108365.asp There are lots of interesting things to know about the American Pit Bull Terrier, and pit bull lovers are proud to tout the positives of this controversial breed. In years past, the American Pit Bull Terrier was famous as the consummate children's guardian and companion. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108765.asp It's not everyday that a dog is given the honorary title of State Dog but Wisconsin certainly found the American Water Spaniel worthy of the designation. After all, the breed is believed to have gotten its start in the Wolf and Fox River Valleys of Wisconsin in the late 1800's. Upon crossing an Olde English Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel and the Curly Coat Retriever, the result was a compact water dog called the American Water Spaniel. Used for retrieving, the breed had everything hunters needed for swimming the marshy waters to locate and return downed waterfowl. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102108765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102109865.asp The American Water Spaniel is a spunky breed that loves nothing more then to spend time with its owner. One of the benefits of having a dog that hunts often comes in the opportunity to combine training exercises with play. The Spaniel gets in a good amount of exercise while owners help their dogs learn valuable hunting skills. When training is kept short and exciting, the Spaniel is then able to keep a more positive attitude when out in the field. Spaniels who are put through rigorous drills and training are likely to give a less than successful performance. It is also a great way for the dog and its owner to bond and learn each other's cues. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102109865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102109865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102110265.asp The American Water Spaniel and its look a like cousin, the Irish Water Spaniel, share many commonalities. They were both bred to hunt on land and water, have shaggy coats that help protect them from cooler temperatures and are well renowned with hunting enthusiasts around the world. They are both intelligent, lively breeds that thrive on human companionship. The American Water Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel are also rare breeds and locating one can mean spending months on a waiting list. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102110265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102110265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102111265.asp Specially developed for hunting, the American Water Spaniel is a lively breed that thoroughly enjoys the outdoor life. However, their high intelligence mixed with a need to have and provide companionship has proven them highly capable of a life beyond ordinary petdom. Many individuals working in unique fields have also found unique purposes for their American Water Spaniels. Though not commonly used as service animals, the breed loves to be of use and they have many ideal physical and temperamental characteristics for a very fulfilling work life. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102111265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102111265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112165.asp Before you take the time to consider being an owner of a Belgian Sheepdog, you have to understand the amount of effort you must exert into owning this breed. Unlike some other breeds, this one needs to always have something to do, must feel useful or they will become bored. If your Belgian Sheepdog becomes bored, he will look for ways to entertain himself, which may cause him to become destructive or exert signs of poor behavior. On the other end of the spectrum, however, a Belgian Sheepdog that is well-trained and possesses social skills will be a pride to his or her owner and tends to be like a shadow, following its master everywhere he goes. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112765.asp Before you invest in a Belgian Sheepdog, make sure you have both the time and room to exercise him. This highly intelligent breed requires a great deal of human interaction and exercise. They are not well-suited to apartment living unless you have a large area where you can exercise them frequently. This dog breed is not happy to sit around at your feet and be petted. They are herding dogs, and herding dogs always have to have something to do to keep them busy. If you don't use your Belgian Sheepdog for herding, you have to find activities to keep him busy so that he doesn't become bored. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102112765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102114865.asp Pytalism, or excessive drooling, is common in the Black and Tan Coonhound. Their extra loose and floppy jowls do not do much to keep the slobber inside their mouths. For some, this is an endearing trait; for others, it can be a nuisance. However, drooling is every bit a part of this breed as its tail and little can be done to stop it. Plus, this trait very much plays a part in the Black and Tan Coonhound's extraordinary ability to track scents. It is said that much can be told about a person by the way they deal with their Coonhound's drool. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102114865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102114865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102115865.asp For the majority of its existence, the Black and Tan Coonhound has always been used for the tracking and hunting of game. With twenty times the amount of scent receptors, blood vessels and nerve endings of the human nose, the Coonhound has proven to be a major success at sniffing out leads not only on land but water as well. Seeing the advantages of this ability, many agencies have put the Black and Tan Coonhound's nose to use. From search and rescue missions to various programs in law enforcement, the nose of the Coonhound has consistently come out the winner over advanced computer programs and machines. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102115865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102115865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102116065.asp Because hunting and tracking has largely fallen by the wayside, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a breed not commonly seen in many homes these days. It still remains an extremely popular choice with hunters and it has also made quite an impact on law enforcement and search and rescue programs. As it was from its early beginnings, the docile breed has only one thing in mind and that is to catch the scent of leads and follow them. This has made them invaluable not only in the days when hunting was a primary source of food but also now; especially when it comes to important tasks such as finding lost and missing persons. Yet, the Black and Tan Coonhound also pops up amongst some of the most important names of history. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102116065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102116065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102116465.asp At only three hundred years old, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a relatively new breed. However, the first scent hounds ever noted on the history books make their appearance somewhere around 3000 BC. It is also known that ancient Greeks and Romans used scent hounds during hunting. Many believe that it was the Greeks and Romans that introduced their dogs to parts of Europe where they were bred with other hounds indigenous to the region. Eventually, this gave way to the St. Hubert Bloodhound and the Talbot hound of Europe that eventually led to the Black and Tan Coonhound developed in America. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102116465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102116465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118065.asp Since its inception as a breed, the Border Collie was always intended as a working animal. It is noted for its exceeding intelligence, strong work ethic, agility and endurance. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118465.asp Border Collies are instinctive work animals by nature; they will work until they are made to stop—often to the point of self-injury and exhaustion. But even the most intelligent and instinctual working dog (argued by many to be the Border Collie) requires dedicated, consistent training to hone his or her skills. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118465.asp> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118765.asp Not all dog breeds are capable of police work. This is because law enforcement agencies have stringent requirements when it comes to the form, build and temperament of a police dog. However, there are some people who would love to christen their own dogs as police dogs in their own rights because of their innate qualities of being aggressive in protecting the members of the family that they belong to. Even if law enforcement agencies will never consider these dogs as police dog material, for the proud owners, their dogs are police dogs in their homes and in their hearts. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118765.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120865.asp Nowadays, since hunting is not as popular as before, dogs that were bred for such a purpose could somehow put their abilities to rest if their owners are not those who are enthusiastic about the sport. However, those that have owners that enjoy hunting can use their hunting instincts when the opportunities arise. Quite a lot of dogs were bred in the past with the primary purpose of being hunting companions. There are the hound dogs that either hunt by sight or smell or both and there are also terriers that are known for their speed and agility. These dogs' hunting abilities may not be put to much use today, but they still retain the innate abilities that would make them effective in any type of hunting activity. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102121465.asp All breeds of dog were created from existing stock to do something in particular. Just because we tend to keep them all as pets in post-modern times doesn't mean dogs have lived and worked with human beings for centuries. The dachshund was designed for one thing: going to ground. Whether that means hunting badgers, rabbits or whatever, it's what they do. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102121465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102121465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102122565.asp Hunting is, after all, what your dachshund was bred to do. Though most lie lives of luxury that involve a lot of sitting on couches, even the most pampered of dachshunds is ready to go to earth at the slightest provocation. In fact, they may be some of the smallest hunters out there, but their natural instincts to chase down other creatures remains as strong as you might imagine five-hundred years of selective breeding. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102122565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102122565.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102122865.asp The Scottish Deerhound is considered a sighthound, which makes it an excellent dog for hunting. Throughout the Middle Ages, this dog breed was known as a noblemen's dog and it was bred for the specific purpose of becoming a Scottish chieftain's deer-hunting dog. In those times, no one below the ranking of an Earl could own a Scottish Deerhound. This dog's estimable talents include not only sighting and hunting but also tracking, racing and lure coursing. It is also known for its speed and agility. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102122865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102122865.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102123865.asp At less than 20 pounds the Schipperke is a dynamic breed that exhibits many different traits that make it hard to define. Though typically categorized by the American Kennel Club as non sporting and as a companion breed by the United Kennel Club, the Schipperke still finds itself wandering in between the classifications of the spitz, terrier and sheepdog. With a solid balance of appearance, temperament and constitution, the breed wins the hearts of its owners for its ability to combine all the best traits into one package. Individuals looking for a versatile breed with spark and tenacity will find just what they are looking for in the Schipperke. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102123865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102123865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102124665.asp There are now many hunting dog breeds available for dog lovers to choose from, especially those who are also fond of the game. While there are hunting dogs that hunt by sight, there are others that hunt by smell. There are those dogs that are best at retrieving their quarries while others are good at pointing to where their quarries are. There are some that are better at being setter dogs, which crouch near their preys, so that they won't escape. There also dogs which possess all these abilities and much more, making them perfect hunting dogs. Among all these different types of dogs, there is one breed of dog that makes use of its keen nose and exceptional hunting instincts to track down its quarry, and this is the Field Spaniel. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102124665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102124665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102124865.asp While there are dogs that appear ungainly in their actions, there are also dogs that seem to exude poetry in motion. The unhurried gait of the Field Spaniel, combined with its long stride, make it one of those dogs that many people would love to see in action. Considering their love for any kind of sporting activity, there are many dog lovers now, especially those with active lifestyles, who prefer owning Field Spaniels. The sporting instincts that this breed of dog possesses, which outweigh those of other dogs under the spaniel line, make the Field Spaniel a perfect companion for sporty people. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102124865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102124865.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129565.asp The Saluki is a dog of many talents, but mostly he is a hunting dog. As with most hunting dogs, they have two important gaits - the trot and the gallop. Of the possible gaits, the trot is the most important gait for a hunting dog like the Saluki, especially during the actual search for game. Many times the game was hard to find so the dog really had to work hard to get it. He needed a gait that would cover a lot of territory in the shortest amount of time as possible, while still being slow enough for the dog to actually get a good view of the land. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129765.asp If you love the thrill of hunting, the German Wirehaired Pointer is the perfect dog for you. Originally bred due to the increased need for a versatile hunting dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer still retains that versatility today, serving well on land and in water. The Pointer has been very well-received by hunters of all types due its “full-service” capabilities to hunt various game in a wide variety of terrains. Whether you hunt for sport or for work, the German Wirehaired Pointer is the most skilled companion a hunter will ever need. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129965.asp The German Wirehaired Pointer is a breed that is naturally standoffish with strangers. While in some instances this could cause a problem, it actually makes it an ideal watch dog. As a family pet, the German Wirehaired Pointer can be very protective and always looking out for danger. Bred as the ultimate hunting dog, the keen instincts of the German Wirehaired Pointer make it a natural watch dog. With proper training, those natural skills will make your pet an amazingly skilled watch dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102129965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102130065.asp The German Wirehaired Pointer is somewhat an all-purpose dog. It is a great hunting companion, loving family pet and competent watch dog. But, did you know that its keen hunting instincts also make it a great search and rescue dog? This dog’s ability to search and locate game makes it predisposed to the similar training of search and rescue. With proper training, the German Wirehaired Pointer will be a fantastic search and rescue dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102130065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102130065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102131865.asp It is quite uncommon for those who want to own dogs as pets to consider grace as one of the main requirements for a dog. This is especially true if you are looking for a hunting dog such as a hound. For those who know about dogs, particularly the hound line, the Ibizan Hound is considered one of the few dogs that possesses the power of a hunter as well as the grace of a dancer. This hound breed has existed for thousands of years and its characteristics have never failed to impress dog lovers. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102131865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102131865.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102132465.asp The Saluki has been around for over 5,000 years with a lot of their original origin unknown and uncertain. The one thing about this dog that is certain is they were used for their great hunting ability back then and are still used for their great hunting ability now. The tribes that existed in the Middle East bred the Saluki for its stamina, intelligence, speed, courage and endurance and used to hunt hare and gazelle. Their training began at an early age with the rat being their first prey, before working up to the gazelle. The dog was fearless, which contributed greatly to its success. The Saluki was the preferred dog of kings for hunting. They were also so treasured they were given away in the form of a gift or in exchange for wives or horses or camels. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102132465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102132465.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102132665.asp Ducks by nature are very curious birds, which often ends up with the ducks swimming into danger because of this. Luring ducks closer, or duck tolling, is something a pair of foxes in the wild often did to take advantage of the ducks curiosity. This method of hunting used by foxes has been studied over the centuries by hunters and naturalists. A red fox would ignore the ducks while it rambled, cavorted, and leapt on shore near the waters edge, getting the attention of ducks swimming a safe distance away from shore. Out of curiosity, the raft of ducks would gradually move closer to shore to take a better look until the birds were dangerously close to the fox. A second fox hides on shore in the tall grasses then rushed out and grabs a duck before the birds know what is happening. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102132665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102132665.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102133665.asp Gun dogs, also knows as bird dogs, are dog breeds developed to help duck and bird hunters locate and retrieve game. There are three primary classes of gundogs based upon their work method, divided into pointing breeds, flushing spaniels and retrievers. Within these classes are several types of bird dogs or gun dogs, which include setters, water dogs, and flushing spaniels. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102133665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102133665.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102134865.asp While the hunting instinct is strong in the Rhodesian Ridgeback, their double ability of sight and scent have proven extremely beneficial in a number of search and rescue programs. The Ridgeback can be found worldwide in drug sniffing dog programs but they are used more often in rescue efforts and for tracking down lost persons and sometimes even escapees. Their ability to sniff out quarry plus chase it down comes from their days of hunting in the African bush. Being developed to hunt the African savannahs has also given the Ridgeback a strong self confidence, allowing it to go anywhere in any situation with little fear. More than anything, search and rescue trainers say it is the attitude of the dog itself and not the breed that matters most. However, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has become a favorite because when out in the field, the breed is all business. They do not often give up or give in unless and until they have accomplished their task. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102134865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102134865.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102135665.asp As mentioned previously, many of the skills that were so essential for particular breeds excelling at their intended functions have easily transferred into other activities. Today, dogs not only still work as hunters and herders, but they also perform extremely beneficial jobs such as pet therapy and search and rescue. There are quite a large number of search and rescue organizations throughout the country and a wide variety of dogs, both purebred and mixed breed are employed in these important activities. Though Redbone Coonhounds at the moment are not in high numbers in search and rescue organizations, the set of skills that make them such versatile hunters have allowed them to successfully break into the job. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102135665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102135665.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102136665.asp While most people may consider dogs as pets nowadays, there are other people who would use dogs to do chores in their households. Dogs that are used for work, such as hunting dogs, sight dogs, work dogs and herding dogs, are called utilitarian dogs. One of the utilitarian breeds that have found its place in American homes is the Norwegian Buhund. While the Norwegian Buhund may be classified as a herding dog from the Spitz family, it is better known as the farming dog of Norway. This dog is still used in the country as a farm dog, and one of the tasks it is assigned to do is to herd livestock. In fact, the Norwegian Buhund was originally used as a herding dog, and it has become quite an expert in this line of work throughout the years. With its exceptional alertness, the Buhund is very quick to sense danger, and it will protect the herd with its life if the situation calls for it. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102136665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102136665.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102136865.asp It is quite amazing what utilitarian dog breeds can do. There are hunting dogs that can track and retrieve game for their masters and work dogs that can do a variety of household chores and farm work. These dogs are highly regarded by their owners because they have proven their worth in making life easier for their masters. One of these seemingly all-purpose dog breeds is the Norwegian Buhund. The Norwegian Buhund, which is also considered Norway's farm dog, is a herding dog that comes from the Spitz family. This dog has the typical characteristics of a Spitz when it comes to being active and self-confident. It also has an independence that is typical of a Spitz, and like the other dogs in its family line, the Buhund also loves its home and it can be easily trained to do a variety of chores. However, unlike the other Spitz breeds that are used as draft and hunt dogs, the Buhund does not have much of an inclination to hunt. This is because it was primarily bred as a herding dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102136865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102136865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102137365.asp One of the oldest and rarest of all hunting dogs is the Irish Water Spaniel. Although the depiction of its origins remains sketchy, its reputation as a great hunting companion cannot be denied. The Irish Water Spaniel is rather famous for its daring ability to plunge into the coldest waters just to retrieve a fallen game. It is still being used on upland game hunting and duck hunting, often helping bring over prey like grouse, pheasants, quails, and other wild fowls. This breed of dog is now gradually becoming a favorite among retriever enthusiasts, especially in the hunting or field sport category. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102137365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102137365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102138865.asp The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the gentlest giants in the dog breed world. Technically, it’s not really a giant breed of dog, but it is one of the largest, standing at 22 to 24 inches at the withers and weighing between 55 to 65 pounds. Originally bred to be a hunting dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is now making a name for itself as a hunting/field trial dog, and also a wonderful house pet or companion. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102138865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102138865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139065.asp The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the gentlest giants in the dog breed world. Technically, it’s not really a giant breed of dog, but it is one of the largest, standing at 22 to 24 inches at the withers and weighing between 55 to 65 pounds. Originally bred to be a hunting dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is now making a name for itself as a hunting/field trial dog, and also a wonderful house pet or companion. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139465.asp When the average individual hears or thinks of a watchdog, a large breed of dog such as the German shepherd usually comes to mind. Many other dogs also fill that role quite sufficiently, and the Lowchen is one of those dogs. The Lowchen may only be up to 18 pounds in weight, but they are a very dedicated watchdog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139465.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139565.asp The Red and White Setter is a vivacious dog that is both strong and affectionate. Throughout its history the Red and White Setter has been useful as a hunting companion but more recently has gained popularity as a great family pet. This breed is known for being quite strong-headed due in large part to its hunting ancestry but with proper training, the Red and White Setter can become your favorite hunting buddy. You'll be amazed to watch the Red and White Setter in action; these creatures are quick and crafty, making them a true asset in any environment. Like many similar breeds, Red and White Setters were bred specifically as a hunting companion so many of those instincts come naturally. You can say hunting is in their DNA; just about every detail of the Red and White Setters makes them a superior hunting companion. The build of this breed is such that they are powerful, but athletic rather than swift. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102139565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143365.asp For people considering a miniature bull terrier as a pet or for someone wanting to show, train, or enter their dogs in events or competitions, it is important to have as much information and accurate facts as possible. There are a great number of resources available on the internet with websites that have information on anything you need to know about miniature bull terriers. Books are another great source of important information along with Kennel Clubs, the miniature bull terrier association, and breeders. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143465.asp For an active miniature bull terrier that has done well in obedience training, possesses excellent social skills, and you want something fun and physical to do together with your pet, then competitions and events are a great way to spend quality time with your dog. This is also a great way to socialize and be with other miniature bull terrier lovers and their pets. Mini bulls love agility training because they get to jump, run, and burn off some of their excess energy. Events such as an agility training competitions are exciting and fun for you and your dog to compete in and just as enjoyable when watching the other dogs compete. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102143465.asp> Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102144365.asp The Pharaoh dog is a breed of dog that was developed as a hunting dog, which they do very well with their speed, alertness and agility. Being members of the Sight hound family, they were excellent as hunters. The difference between sighthounds and regular hunting hounds are that sight hounds hunt by speed and sight, whereas regular hunting hounds hunt by scent and endurance. They specialize in finding the prey, not losing it in their line of view, and capturing it with their agility, intelligence and great speed. They were originally used to hunt and capture small game. Their excellent eyesight, sense of smell and perfect hearing made them the perfect choice for hunting. Very seldom did an animal get past the Pharaoh. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102144365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102144365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102145865.asp That energetic little bundle of enthusiasm that you consider your pet Beagle was actually created to be an effective rabbit hunter; actually, Beagles were used to track a variety of game including foxes, hares, birds, deer, bobcat, wild boar and coyote. They were ideal hunting companions because they were not bred to bolt off rapidly, but rather deliberately track an animal, with their nose always to the ground. This made them dogs that anyone could follow on foot, such as the elderly, young children, and hunters who could not afford horses. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102145865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102145865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102145965.asp One of the most important jobs any dog can undertake is being a Pet Therapy dog. These dogs can become important parts of a person's recovery process, whether they suffer from physical or emotional impairments, and have, in some cases, meant the difference between life and death for many patients who had lost hope. A variety of different animals have been used in pet therapy, all with astounding success; man's best friend, though, always holds a special place in everyone's heart and has at excelled at assisting those who are most in need. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102145965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102145965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102146365.asp Beagles, like all hound dogs, have been bred to vocalize while on the hunt; these vocalizations helped keep the hunter aware of the dog's position and let the hunter know whether the Beagle was chasing its prey or whether the prey had been caught. People who love the breed tend to find Beagle vocalizations endearing and entertaining, while others are not so pleased by all the loud noise such a little dog can make. Beagles are not dogs that bark incessantly all day, like many toy breeds, but they are hard-wired to sound alerts; usually, these alerts were sounded when prey was sighted, but with Beagles who have never been on the hunt, many things may trigger the alert, such as dust, a car back firing, a shadow or the wind slamming a door shut. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102146365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102146365.asp> Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150465.asp Like most terriers, West Highland White Terriers have a tendency towards digging. While this behavior is natural to a breed that was bred specifically for this purpose, as a pet, digging can be destructive for a cultivated lawn or dangerous for the dog if he gets a notion to dig under a fence to see what's on the other side. While digging is natural for Westies, there are various methods of controlling this behavior. In this article, we'll take a look at why Westies are predisposed to digging behavior and some tips for how to control it. In order to understand why the West Highland White Terrier has a penchant for digging, we have to go back to its roots. Westies, as well as other short legged terriers from Scotland, were bred specifically for aiding in the hunt for small animals. These "earth dogs" were trained to search out and flush fox and other small animals from their burrows. After generations of this type of work, the behavior becomes ingrained and the body evolves to suit its purpose. This is why Westie's and other terrier's nails tend to grow faster than other breeds, in order to aid them in their digging work. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150665.asp Catahoula Leopard Dogs are considered premiere hunting companions, especially in their home state of Louisiana. They are excellent at tracking a variety of animals from wild board and deer to squirrels and raccoons. They are even known for fiercely hunting bear. They have a high energy level and generally, love to work. It is their nature to herd, as well track animals. They are also good at treeing, the process of scaring raccoons out of trees. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150865.asp The Catahoula Leopard dog is a versatile dog that today is used in hunting, search and rescue, and even service dogs, but their roots lie in herding animals such as hogs, sheep, geese, turkey and cattle. Perhaps better known for their long history in participating in the annual round ups of wild hogs in its native Louisiana, Catahoula Leopard dogs have also done the same with the semi wild cattle that lived in the same area. These impressive working dogs are still used today in cattle driving and rounding up runaway cattle. In this article, we’ll learn why the Catahoula Leopard dog is so well suited to cattle herding and a few tips for those that wish to train their Catahoula for cattle herding. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102150865.asp> Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102151365.asp West Highland White Terriers enjoy a long history as working hunting dogs. In fact, they, along with other short legged terriers that originate in Scotland, were bred specifically to help farmers in keeping small burrowing animals such as foxes and badgers from destroying the crops. This digging instinct is still strong in Westies today, making them excellent competitors in modern day Earthdog Trials. If you're looking for a way to get involved in sporting events with your Westie, Earthdog Trials are an excellent option. Earthdog Trials, notably hosted by the American Kennel Club as well as other organizations throughout North America and Europe, are a non-competitive and safe way of gauging a dog's aptitude in "going to ground," or hunting for quarry in a series of underground tunnels. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102151365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102151365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102153365.asp No matter the amount of variation within the breed known as the Central Asian Ovtcharka (more correctly known as the Central Asian Shepherd, or CAS), these dogs developed with one general purpose: guarding their owners and the livestock that belonged to their owners. Only the strongest, most courageous and intelligent of these dogs would survive the harsh conditions under which they and their humans lived and so a breed of dog was born that was the archetypical guardian dog, able to think on its own and willing to sacrifice his own life to save that of his family. Even today, the CAS is used for guardian purposes and makes an excellent watch dog, in both his native country and in locations around the world. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102153365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102153365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102154965.asp Devoted to their families and wary of strangers, Chinese Foos make excellent guard dogs. While this can be said about any number of other breeds, Chinese Foo fanciers claim that their dogs are naturals thanks to thousands of years of experience. While there is some controversy whether today’s Chinese Foos are the direct descendants of the guard dogs of legend, there is no question that they take the protection of their family and possessions very seriously. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Chinese Foo guard dogs of legend and how that translates into the guard dog of today. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102154965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102154965.asp> Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156265.asp The smooth fox terrier is a breed of dog that is very bold, energetic, loving and full of life. These are the qualities that many smooth fox terrier owners love about the dog; these are also the qualities that many hunters admired about the smooth fox terrier. Although unknown to many smooth fox terrier dog owners, this breed was once used as a hunting dog. In the 18th century the smooth fox terrier was used to hunt foxes in England. It was primarily used to hunt foxes by harassing the fox out of its hole. The smooth fox terrier was trained to hunt the fox and harass it from its hole by snapping, growling and lunging at the fox until to bolted out from its hole. The smooth fox terrier was a very useful hunting companion. Before the smooth fox terrier was discovered, the hunt for a fox would be very frustrating for many hunters as the hunt would be over as soon as the fox reached its hole. So when the smooth fox terrier was introduced it solved the dilemma that many fox hunters faced. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102156265.asp> Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102157965.asp Skye terriers have their own unique personalities. As a breed they are actually hard to put a pinpoint of breed trait labels on because so many of them defy their traditional labels. This breed has a long history of status as both a working dog and a pet. Sometimes they have been both within the same household. They are great for hunting small game such as foxes. They also make loyal companions for the humans they chose often merely toleration other humans. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102157965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102157965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160165.asp When it comes time to choose a dog, individuals should always devote a good amount of time researching the breeds they are considering. This keeps individuals from not only choosing the wrong type of dog, but also ensures the dog itself is not moved from home to home. Those who decide to opt for a Setter breed will find themselves needing to choose between the Gordon, Irish or English Setter. When the decision is made to go with the English Setter, potential owners must then decide between a field Setter or a bench Setter. For those who do not do their research, this can be a perplexing question. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160265.asp When it comes time to choose a dog, individuals should always devote a good amount of time researching the breeds they are considering. This keeps individuals from not only choosing the wrong type of dog, but also ensures the dog itself is not moved from home to home. Those who decide to opt for a Setter breed will find themselves needing to choose between the Gordon, Irish or English Setter. When the decision is made to go with the English Setter, potential owners must then decide between a field Setter or a bench Setter. For those who do not do their research, this can be a perplexing question. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160465.asp With nearly seven hundred years of development under its belt, the English Setter remains one of the most popular gundogs in the history of hunting. Not only are their physical traits perfect in the field, their temperament is also ideal. This wonderful blend also comes with natural instincts for pointing, retrieving and forming a solid working relationship with their owner. It is not uncommon to find hunters who stick with this breed and nothing else for many years. On top of their superb instincts, the English Setter is a breed that makes a memorable companion. They know when it's time to work and they know when it's time to have fun. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160565.asp The English Setter has earned its reputation not only as an extraordinary hunting breed but a wonderful companion animal as well. They are extremely intelligent and known for forming strong bonds with their owners very early on. If there is one thing that all English Setter owners agree on as a basic truth, it is that this breed very much depends on human interaction to stay healthy. Not only do they expect to be part of the family, they are quite actually the best type of dog for those needing a twenty four hour guardian or an enthusiastic traveling buddy. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102160565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102163365.asp The Lakeland terrier is a breed of dog that is used for hunting purposes as well as being a great family dog. Although many used the Lakeland terrier as a family pet or a show dog, their main purpose originally was as a hunting dog used in the pursuit of foxes. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102163365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102163365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102164065.asp The Lakeland terrier, although originally used for hunting, is now a very versatile dog used in the show ring as well as a family pet and companion. If you are thinking of getting a Lakeland terrier, consider some of the characteristics of the dog before deciding if he is the right one for you. You may find this dog is all wrong or that the Lakeland terrier is the perfect choice of dog for you and your family. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102164065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102164065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102164265.asp The Lakeland terrier is a breed of dog that was bred to hunt vermin. Anyone that knows anything about this terrier knows this, too. What many don't realize is just what an extraordinary hunter the Lakeland terrier is. They are brave, bold, energetic and very courageous. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102164265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102164265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165365.asp Many people think that they only dogs that are worth while when hunting are the bigger breeds. However, many people are now using smaller breeds such as the Manchester terriers as well. When it comes to the Manchester terriers as being hunting dogs, not all of them are cut out for the job. In fact, in order for a Manchester terrier to become a hunting dog, there are many things that it will need to learn first. Many times when people think of a hunting dog, they think of them as chasing around big animals such as bears. However, there are also many other different kinds of hunting dogs. When it actually comes down to hunting dogs, it does not matter what size of animal it is that they are hunting; it is that they are actually hunting a specific animal that they are supposed to be hunting. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165865.asp The Maremma Sheepdog is a highly intelligent dog that can be trusted to be left alone with the sheep for several days. They do not forget their duty to guard the sheep and they will remain attentive and on the job, regardless of whether you are there or not. This ability to remember its function also extends to any behavior between it and its owner. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165965.asp Anyone that decides to own a large guard dog will have to deal with the realities of the liabilities they are undertaking when doing so. The Maremma Sheepdog is no different. This is a large guard dog that takes its role as guardian very seriously. While it is not overtly aggressive with strangers, it does have a fierce reputation as a slayer of wolves. So, this is not a dog to be taken lightly. It has an independent mindset and will sometimes ignore the commands of an owner if its guardian instincts kick in. It will not hesitate to bark and bite a stranger that is not welcome on your property. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102165965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102166765.asp You can take the dog out of the flock, but you can’t take the guarding instinct out of the Maremma Sheepdog. This dog is sometimes thought of as the best sheep herding and guard dog around. It has guarding instincts that can range from a fierce attack on wolves to a careful tending of an injured lamb. The Maremma Sheepdog is such a dutiful guard dog that you can leave it unattended for several days and it will continue to guard the flock, even when you are there. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102166765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102166765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102167065.asp As the breed’s name implies, the Miniature Australian Shepherd was born and bred to be a herder. Its natural instinct to herd can be traced, much like every other facet of the Miniature Australian Shepherd, to the Australian Shepherd, to which it shares a history until 1968, when the miniature breed was first created. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102167065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102167065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168665.asp The large size of this canine, weighing up to 125 pounds, and tremendous strength makes the Otterhound a good hunting dog for anything from small mink and raccoon to bear and mountain lion. Though the Otterhound can hunt alone, it usually hunts in packs. The Otterhound has a thick course outer coat that serves as a protection from shrubs and bushes. The Otterhound is also known for its long strides which he can keep up for hours on the hunt. But as the name suggests, the original Otterhound was bred for the specific purpose of hunting otters which were destroying the trout population in rivers and streams in the United Kingdom. The fishermen could not afford to have their livelihood jeopardized in this fashion and so the Otterhound was selected to rid the fisherman of this pest. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102168665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169065.asp The Otterhound, referred to as a scent dog, was interbred with bloodhounds and Southern hounds for the specific purpose of tracking Otters in the United Kingdom. Though no longer used for this purpose, Otterhounds still enjoy hunting as an activity and hunt Mink in the U.K. They serve as a means to rid the farmer of these dreaded pests. In North America, they are used to hunt raccoons, bears and even mountain lions. Of course since these scent hounds love hunting they would no doubt love agility training. Agility training originated in England around 1978; this sport for canines was borrowed from horse steeplechases, a jumping activity. Today this sport is very popular and is growing in leaps and bounds. Both large and small dogs can participate in the fun. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169165.asp By definition, traditionally hounds have been bred for hunting. These dogs are noted for their ability to chase and track; so it would follow that due to their incredible sense of smell they would be used in police work for drug investigations. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169265.asp Otterhounds are descendants of the bloodhound and an ancestor of the Airedale. They are large dogs weighing up to 125 pounds. By and far the Otterhound is a working dog, first bred in England in the 13th century to rid the waters of pesky Otters that were killing out the fish population. These dogs are definitely water dogs, with web feet and a thick course water proof undercoat. They are excellent swimmers with the stamina to swim for hours chasing their prey. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169365.asp Service dogs are trained to render a service to people in need. It could be to assist people with physical or mental impairments by physical means or Otterhounds could be used for guiding a blind person across the street. The mere presence of the animal could act as therapy for a sick person or patient in a hospital or nursing care facility. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169665.asp A PON (Polish Owczarek Nizinny) is a dog that was bred to help larger dogs herd sheep. While the larger dogs acted as guard dogs and protected the flock from intruders, the PON was busy guiding the flock away from dangers and towards their final destination. This makes the PON a very intelligent animal, somewhat independent, but with a much more affectionate outlook than other herding dogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169965.asp A Polish Owczarek Nizinny, PON, is a wonderfully affectionate dog once it is socialized properly. It has come from a long line of sheep herding dogs that take great pride in being part of a family unit. There are certain things that bring out the loyal and affectionate nature of the dog, while downplaying some of the natural suspiciousness of the breed. The trick to socializing your dog is to start early and to include all members or your family, even other pets in the household. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102169965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102170765.asp As a herding dog, the PON (Polish Owczarek Nizinny) has a natural intelligence and independence to make its own decisions. It has developed this capacity to learn and to judge its environment from years of breeding. This can be a good character trait as well as a bad one, depending on how the dog fits into the family unit. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102170765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102170765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102170965.asp The Polish Owczarek Nizinny, sometimes referred to as a PONS, is a dog bred for helping larger dogs to herd livestock. In the United States, the dog would also be called the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. This is a medium-sized dog that has a very even temperament. These dogs were bred to be used with larger, aggressive dogs that actually guarded and protected the flock, but that was not their primary role. Instead, they helped to keep the livestock in line and away from any dangerous areas. They are intelligent, well mannered, but can still be somewhat suspicious of strangers. For this reason, they can make ideal dogs for almost any environment, whether it is a country home or a city apartment. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102170965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102170965.asp> Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102171265.asp So you see a 10 pound Silky Terrier and the last thing you think is "Hey, what a great watchdog!" Silky Terriers are not large, muscular, threatening looking dogs and they don't have deep, powerful barks that will scare away the bad guys; dogs don't need to look like Dobermans, Great Danes, or Saint Bernards to make good watchdogs. Actually, some of those large, imposing breeds make horrible watchdogs! All a dog needs to be a decent watchdog is the tendency to be somewhat wary of strangers and new situations and the inclination to bark when it senses someone or something new on the way. Some big, lumbering breeds are gentle giants; they hate barking and they love everyone, not to mention they're often oblivious to anything new happening in their surroundings. This description doesn't fit the Silky Terrier. The may be small, but they're extremely alert, surveying and keeping tabs on everything that goes on around them. Thanks to their terrier personality, they tend to be a bit yappy and will vocalize substantially to communicate their curiosity at new developments; their insatiable curiosity is another characteristic that makes them excellent watchdogs, as they never let anything slip by their scrutiny. They are also quite standoffish in nature and are somewhat wary of strangers; this makes a stranger approaching their home or family worthy of being scrutinized and barked at. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102171265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102171265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172065.asp There are a number of sports that have been created to test the working ability of protection or police dogs, most notably Belgian Ring, French Ring and Schutzhund, though there are others. Schutzhund was originally developed in Germany at the beginning of the twentieth century to test whether or not German Shepherds had the ability to perform the tasks they were bred for. Nowadays, a variety of countries participate in the sport and it is no longer restricted to German Shepherds; the trials are very difficult and demanding, though, and not many dogs succeed. The Amstaff has been known to participate in Schutzhund as a protection breed and has obtained quite impressive results. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173565.asp Although it is possible to keep a Bearded Collie as a pet, they are very energetic dogs, and as such, they work well as herding dogs for both sheep and cattle. Their history takes them back to the Scottish Highlands where they performed their duties as a working dog doing just that, herding the sheep. They are a very strong and reliable breed that is able to endure the harshest working conditions, even that of a difficult herd of sheep or cattle. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102174265.asp Because of their size and their overall intelligence, boxers can be ideal dogs to be trained to assist law enforcement officers with police work. Boxer dogs are large enough and strong enough that they can take down or restrain a perpetrator if needed, and are smart enough that they can be taught a variety of different skills which can help the police with their work. The boxer breed carries with it a long tradition of police work, as even the early boxers of the beginning of the 20th century were being used as police dogs in Germany while the breed was still becoming popular in the rest of the world. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102174265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102174265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102175165.asp The Briard is an old breed of dog, well known for its look and its personality. Yet, what many do not know about this loving animal is that it is very much a dog with fierce hunting abilities and incredible instincts. Today's Briard is quite a bit different from the one of its past. Nevertheless, when put to the test, these dogs will always outperform others in hunting skills, in defending his owner and in keeping his herd safe. For this reason, they are still used for herding today. Those that want to own this breed should not be overly concerned about these characteristics because the dogs are loyal to the end. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102175165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102175165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102176465.asp The Briquet Griffon Vendeen offers owners a very unique and useful type of dog. These dogs are designed to be hunters and to help their masters in located and catching their prey, whatever it may be that their master wants them to retrieve. They are not aggressive dogs. They are not fearful or shy dogs either. They are devoted, hard working dogs known by their temperament and their ability to obey. They are also well known for their hunting skills. The hunter that is looking for a dependable companion on his hunting trips should take consideration of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen for all that it can offer. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102176465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102176465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102177565.asp Nowadays, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are used primarily as companion dogs and proud Cardigan owners swear by the loyal, affectionate, and protective nature of their little canine friends. While they don’t need an excessive amount of exercise, they are active dogs and owners find that their Cardigans greatly benefit from participating in a wide variety of organized competitions. One of the Cardigan’s favorite competitions is the sheepdog trial; indeed, it may seem strange when looking at the stature of this dog, but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the oldest and actually most formidable herding breeds man has ever bred. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102177565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102177565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102178465.asp There is quite a great deal of debate regarding certain evolutionary concepts; one concept that is especially controversial is the “form follows function” idea. At the level of anatomy, this idea states that a certain body part will be shaped or built in such a way as to allow it to perform a specific job. The debate regarding this concept can essentially be boiled down to “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” in the sense that scientists are unsure whether a body part first assumes a certain function and then changes over time to assume a proper shape for that function, or if the form of the body part changes first and then assumes a certain function; others claim that the two go hand in hand. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102178465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102178465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184165.asp When searching for a family pet, it's often difficult to find one that seems just right for you. Different breeds possess different characteristics, some of which may not be right for yours and your families needs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, however, is the perfect house pet. It doesn't shed, is small enough to take along with you wherever you go, and it provides complete devotion to its human family. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184465.asp Because of the small size of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, they are quite capable of being successful in underground earthdog testing. The tests are conducted as non-competitive trials in order to assess the hunting ability of an individual dog during the performance of an underground hunting expedition. Owners don't have to be concerned with their dogs being in danger as the encounters are controlled. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102184465.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102186665.asp As sometimes occurs, the origins of the Harrier breed are somewhat shrouded in mystery; various accounts exist regarding exactly how and when the dogs developed. The first known pack of actual Harriers existed in the year 1260, so everyone agrees that the breed is quite old. But where exactly did these dogs come from? One theory is that very early crossings between Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds and extinct Talbot Hounds resulted in these mysterious dogs. Another theory postulates other crosses: between the English Foxhound, the Greyhound and the Fox Terrier. The last theory, and the one which many people accept, is that these dogs were merely the "next size down" of the Foxhound and were developed by simply breeding down the latter. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102186665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102186665.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102186765.asp Looking back at the history of the Rottweiler, you will see that one of its first jobs was to herd cattle and sheep. In fact it dates back to Roman times that Rottweilers were used to guide the food supply over the Alps. Then they were used in Germany to guide cattle to the markets. The breed was specifically bred to herd and for this purpose they were generally less stocky than they are today. However, it is still possible to use your Rottweiler as a herding dog, it just requires firm and consistent training! http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102186765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102186765.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187165.asp If you are looking for a breed of dog which is confident, intimidating and capable of seeing off any potential unwanted visitors, then the Rottweiler may be just the dog for you. Well known for its potential aggressiveness, the Rottweiler will readily defend its land and its family. It is one of the few breeds which is capable of being a fantastic guarding dog, but just where do these guarding instincts come from? http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187765.asp English Springer Spaniels are much loved for their docile temperaments, affection and playful spirits, as well as their capable abilities as hunting dogs. In addition to these qualities, English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and learn quite quickly, making them excellent candidates for other pursuits as well. Their intelligence and quick thinking in addition to their powerful sense of smell make them wonderful companions in police work, while their kind temperaments have helped them become popular service dogs. In this article, we’ll take a look at English Springer Spaniels and their abilities in police and service work. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187865.asp English Springer Spaniels are much loved for their docile temperaments, affection and playful spirits, as well as their capable abilities as hunting dogs. In addition to these qualities, English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and learn quite quickly, making them excellent candidates for other pursuits as well. Their intelligence and quick thinking in addition to their powerful sense of smell make them wonderful companions in police work, while their kind temperaments have helped them become popular service dogs. In this article, we’ll take a look at English Springer Spaniels and their abilities in police and service work. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102187865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102188665.asp Finnish Spitz are an active and lively breed of dogs and can be trained to be the perfect pets as well hunting dogs. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102188665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102188665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190265.asp The Finnish Spitz is one of the oldest known breed and enjoys a long legacy across centuries. Along with its proud lineage, these dogs also possess certain unique characteristics and are known for some of the most interesting facts associated to their history and development. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190365.asp The Finnish Spitz is a small-sized, rugged breed, with a fox-like appearance and a lively temperament. A member of the small hunting breeds, the Finnish Spitz originated in Finland and is one of the oldest known breeds, with the breed standards dating back to 1812. Known as the Finsk Spets and Suomen-pystyykorva in Finland, meaning the 'Finnish prick-eared dog', these dogs are famous for their hunting and watchdog capabilities. The Gun Dogs as they are often referred to, these exhibit a perfect combination of the finer attributes of the Setter, Pointer and the Retriever. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190365.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190765.asp All dogs have an amazing sense of smell, much more advanced than that of a human. That sense of smell was improved in certain breeds, and these breeds were used to "track" game or people; tracking involves following a scent trail left by a person or animal and a dog's ability to track has proven to be useful to humans on many occasions. Dogs have been used to track missing persons and they have been used to track prey on hunts. The Harrier is a breed of dog that was developed as a scent hound, with an excellent sense of smell. While Harriers are not used on the hunt as often as they once were, you can still put that nose to good use and have your dog participate in tracking activities and games. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190765.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190865.asp All dogs have an amazing sense of smell, much more advanced than that of a human. That sense of smell was improved in certain breeds, and these breeds were used to "track" game or people; tracking involves following a scent trail left by a person or animal and a dog's ability to track has proven to be useful to humans on many occasions. Dogs have been used to track missing persons and they have been used to track prey on hunts. The Harrier is a breed of dog that was developed as a scent hound, with an excellent sense of smell. While Harriers are not used on the hunt as often as they once were, you can still put that nose to good use and have your dog participate in tracking activities and games. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102190865.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102191065.asp Old English Sheepdogs were bred mainly to be the perfect herders; their herding qualities allowed them to also become a wonderful protector and companion for their human family. Because herding dogs needed to understand commands and complex tasks, the Old English Sheepdog was bred to be intelligent; they are also intuitive, as this skill helped them to anticipate the moves of sheep and predators. They are extremely gentle, as farmers needed to be able to trust them around their defenseless flocks; loyalty was also bred into this dog, so that he would protect all that belonged to his master. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102191065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102191065.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102191265.asp Herding is an ancient practice, going back to before the beginnings of true civilization; it consists in making sure individual animals form a group, stay in the group and move as a group from one place to another. People originally performed this function, though they quickly learned to use the instinctive behavior of the dog (the wolf, in his hunting escapades, mimics herding); indeed, the dog soon became an essential aid to the shepherd for herding, protecting and transporting flocks and herds. There are a number of different herding dog breeds, some older than others; some dogs also act as livestock guardian dogs, protecting the herd from dangerous predators. Some dogs either herd or protect, but do not often do both. Some herding dogs were bred to work with specific animals, such as sheep or cattle, while others were bred to work with a variety of livestock. The Old English Sheepdog was bred as a herding dog, though he was also called on to protect his charges from fierce animals such as wolves. He was mainly used to herd sheep, though he also worked well with cattle; the breed has also been put to use herding reindeer, thanks to his tolerance of cold weather. After a period of time, the Old English Sheepdog was also used to drive his master's sheep and cattle to market. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102191265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102191265.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102192665.asp Many hunting dogs have taken on multiple roles in the lives of their owners and one of the more important roles is that of guardian. The natural hunting instinct transfers quite well into the realm of the watchdog and German Shorthaired Pointers are no different. It also helps that the hunting dog is bred to work closely and develop a tight, long-lasting bond with his owner and family. This spurs the dog to instinctly protect his humans, though thankfully most hunting dogs do not (or at least should not) display direct, active aggression towards humans. Another point in favor of the hunting dog is its intelligence; with a little skillful training, these dogs can be taught how to be effective watchdogs rather than barking unnecessarily all day at the slightest of sounds. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102192665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102192665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102193165.asp While people today are used to the sight of a dog performing a number of different tasks, like watchdog, therapy dog, companion and participant in a number of organized canine competitions, among other things, dogs were not always seen as such versatile animals. This was especially true regarding the hunting dog, a prized possession for pre-19th century nobility, who counted their dogs among their vast wealth. Indeed, in Europe hunting became viewed as a sport only for the wealthy, who essentially owned all the land and so were the only ones to have the right to hunt on any given patch of land. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102193165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102193165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102193965.asp Great Swiss Mountain Dogs have many attributes that make them a tremendous asset as tracking dogs. One of the many stories attributed to a Great Swiss Mountain Dog was one in which a farmer loaded up his cart with his wares and was about to go on his regular route to make deliveries, when he began to feel ill and went inside to rest, leaving his dog hitched to the cart. After having been ill that whole day, when he went outside that evening, he found his cart empty, and later was able to ascertain that his dog had realized it was time to make deliveries, had pulled the wagon the regular route, and allowed the farmer's customers to take their orders from the wagon. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102193965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102193965.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102195165.asp Though the primary function of the Havanese breed has always been to provide companionship to its human owners, the breed's characteristics have allowed it to be employed in a wide variety of settings. Especially thanks to its cheerful, happy-go-lucky personality and the ease with which it can be trained, this dog does well in jobs that have to do with the public and helping other people; in other words, it makes an excellent pet therapy and assistance dog, helping individuals with physical and emotional disabilities. Havanese have been particularly exceptional as signal, or hearing, dogs. Hearing dogs are literally the ears of people who are deaf or hearing impaired. There are a variety of organizations that carefully select and specifically train dogs to work with hearing impaired individuals; these dogs are very well trained at signaling to their charges when they hear some important sound, like a doorbell, a telephone, a smoke alarm, an alarm clock, or perhaps the sound of an intruder. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102195165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102195165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196565.asp Irish terriers were originally bred to be fox hunting dogs. Today, however, these dogs are mostly used as companion dogs. They are well suited to families, provided they are trained consistently and at a young age to tame the terrier’s natural daredevil and strong willed nature. Though most people do not hunt with their Irish terriers today, some of the natural instincts that this breed carries can be quite beneficial in a family pet. If you properly understand and use these tendencies, you can bring out the best in your Irish terrier. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196765.asp Most Irish terrier owners in the United States own their dogs as companions. Irish terriers make great watchdogs and good family pets, so long as they are properly trained. However, the Irish terrier was bred to be a small hunting dog, and is still one of the best breeds you can use for hunting small prey. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102196765.asp> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102197365.asp As many people choose to get a Kerry Blue Terrier, they are not sure of all the different uses for them. In fact, most people either get them for being a pet or possibly a show dog. However, many people are unaware that they are now being used as a working dog. When people think of dogs as being working dogs, they are not sure if they want that for the dog. However, many of those people think that the dogs get worked to the point of exhaustion; but that is not true. Most often the dogs are usually used outside or for the good of the people. There are many different ways that the Kerry Blue Terriers are being used and none of them involve being abused. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102197365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102197365.asp> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102199865.asp It is commonly believed that somewhere in the history of the Bedlington Terrier, the Greyhound and the Whippet make their appearance. This is based largely on the breed's arched back, a trademark characteristic seen in the two sighthounds. The only difference is in the Bedlingtons front legs that are perfectly developed for turning on a dime at high speeds. This has made the Bedlington an absolute ideal choice for agility course training and field trials. On top of their physical aptness for the activity, it provides the perfect amount of mental stimulations that keeps the Bedlington at its best. Working breed dogs are happiest when they are given a specific job to do and the Bedlington is no different. Along with agility training, years as a baiting dog have made the Bedlington a perfect candidate for earth dog competitions. Earth dog competitions are events that put a dog's basic skills and instincts to the test. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102199865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102199865.asp> Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202165.asp To look at the Bernese mountain dog you would think that it is a soft, gentle dog with a fun sense of character. Whilst this is mainly the case, the breed was originally bred to be a watchdog and they still have that same instinct embedded in them today. The History of the Bernese as a Watchdog and How it Compares Today The Bernese mountain dog has come a long way since it was first introduced into the world. Its main purpose in Roman times was to guard cattle and property. It was a mastiff type dog and it did have a tendency to become aggressive if provoked. This was only bred out of the dog when it was needed more for pulling carts over the Alps from village to village. As time went on, the need for the Bernese to be aggressive and watchful died down. These days they are still sometimes watchful but generally the breed is much friendlier. They love being around people and they are really gentle around their family. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202165.asp> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202265.asp Because they are rarely seen outside of their native Belgium, the Laekenois is considered one of the rarer breeds of the canine world. Vigilant, smart and steady, not only were they used as Belgian police dogs they were used as army dogs as well. As part of the sheep dog family, they are quite independent but still require close human contact in order to stay healthy mentally and emotionally. They are adaptable and at their best when given something to do that requires using their alert mind. They are perhaps most noted for their rough coats that give the appearance of being somewhat unkempt. Many have noted that even with a fawn or reddish coat and dark shading, the breed resembles a bushy German Shepherd to some extent. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202265.asp> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202565.asp In the nineteenth century, the flatlands of Flanders in Belgium were found to have the best type of soil for growing flax, a plant used to make linen. The flax was of such good quality that the region came to depend on the crop as a vital part of its economy. Thusly, flax fields began to spring up everywhere along the countryside. It was then that the Laekenois also began to make its own appearance as the protector of these valuable flax fields. Day or night, their ferocious bark and tenacity proved the breed quite effective at keeping thieves and bandits at bay. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102202565.asp> Mon, 5 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102213165.asp Each type or breed of dog has been bred and developed to fill a particular niche for humans. This may be a very general job such as a companion dog's role, or it may be very practical such as a breed that has been developed as a gun or hunting dog, as a working dog or as a herding or flock guardian. Each breed, regardless of its size or abilities, has a special type of event or competition that they could, with work and practice, start to compete in. Some competitions will require that the dog be a registered purebred, while other events, typically the hunting and working trials, will be open to all dogs regardless of registry or lineage. Other events may be sponsored completely by one breed association and may be restricted to dogs that are registered through that group, club or association. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102213165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102213165.asp>