There many myths about what dog breeds can and cannot be taught dog tricks. Learn the truth about training different dog breeds withtips from a professional dog trainer in this free pet care video. Expert: Dustin Daniels Contact: www.DoggieStepsDogTraining.com Bio: Mark Siebel owns DOGGIE STEPS Dog Training, and teaches agility basics and dog tricks. Filmmaker: Dustin Daniels
Hope for the opposite as we may, humans don’t enter this world on an even playing field. Even excluding complex socioeconomic issues, inequality lurks in our medical charts: some of us are genetically predisposed for medical issues such as heart disease and certain cancers. A study from Harvards School of Public health suggests that our genes even make some of us more likely to be obese.
The genetic injustice doesn’t stop with homo sapiens. Our canine companions can be genetically fated for certain disorders as well due to breeding practices. Over countless generations, dog enthusiasts created the various breeds by selecting and breeding only dogs that displayed certain desired traits, such as certain coat colors and face shapes. This selective breeding for appealing qualities depleted genetic diversity, leaving weaknesses in individual dogs genetic maps.
For instance, the intense breeding required to produce the Dalmatians stunning spots also brought their genetic predisposition for ailments such as kidney stones and deafness. Along the same lines, poodles are well-loved around the world for their gorgeous, hypo-allergenic fur and intelligence. Unfortunately, rigorous breeding to satisfy demand for these popular pooches has also made poodles the breed most predisposed to disease: they have been linked to 145 genetically-influenced disorders.
Obesity is no exception. In many cases, the causes of obesity are self-evident: as in humans, when a dog eats too much, and exercises too little, he or she is likely to become overweight. Additionally, low-quality, low-protein dog foods may encourage overeating, as dogs need to eat more to feel satiated. The majority of canine obesity cases are rooted in these causes.
However, certain dog breeds are more likely to gain excessive weight, for the reasons listed below. If you’re feeling worried because your adorable puppy’s breed is listed, take heart, we’ve also listed techniques for preventing weight gain, or, if its too late for prevention, helping your dog shed those extra pounds.
Chow Hounds: Breeds Likely to Eat Quickly
A quick review of the history of the canine species explains why some dogs practically inhale their food. Many experts believe that dogs broke off into separate species 15,000 years ago, when certain wolves opted to step into a new human-created niche, living near the easy food supplies of waste dumps. In this circumstance, it made sense for dogs to eat quickly, so they could ingest as much food as possible before the appearance of rival dogs or predators.
Today, the original utility of rapid consumption has been replaced with the problems of obesity and dog bloat. Obesity results when owners often assume that their chow hound is still hungry, leading to over-feeding. Gastric tortion, or dog bloat, is a much more immediately severe disorder in which the dog sucks up air with their food, causing the stomach to twist in on itself, blocking exits, even as digestion continues to release more gas. The deep, narrow chests of breeds such as the Collies and the St. Bernard make them more likely to suffer dog bloat. Other fast eaters include large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Rottweilers and any dog that had to worry about having its food taken away as a puppy. Keep in mind that any breed may eat too quickly; monitor your dogs eating habits to determine if he or she is overeating food.
How to Slow your Chow Hound Down?
Set a consistent feeding schedule, and stick to it. Many vets suggest two daily feedings, in the morning and evening. Record how much you typically feed your dog each day, and check with your vet to see if this is an appropriate amount. Avoid giving your dog table scraps and other people treats.
Create an obstacle in your dogs bowl. Some owners and vets recommend placing a tennis ball or large rock in your dogs bowl to slow eating. Other, more aesthetically-pleasing solutions, like the DogPause Bowl, uses the same principal to simply but effectively slow down a dogs eating pattern. These bowls have half-cup divisions in the bowl that create an obstacle for your puppy to work around in order to get to its meal.
Canine Energy: Breeds that Need Lots of Exercise
Some dogs were specifically bred for work. Shepherds were bred to run around all day herding sheep, for instance. Its no surprise, then, that work dogs like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Beagles put on extra weight when they don’t get daily exercise.
How to Get Your Four-Legged Friend Back to a Healthy Weight?
Get out there and play. A half hour of exercise is a good idea for all dogs, regardless of size. Your dog may need more - some vets recommend that you walk your dog one city block for every ten pounds of weight. Talk to your vet about the recommended amount of exercise for your puppy to see if his or her breed may require a little extra time running around to stay in shape.
~Ben Anton, 2009
By: Ben Anton
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Want to keep your rottweiler dog from overeating? Visit DogPauseBowl.com to find the best obesity-reducing canine bowl ava
Dogs, people at fault for obesity
The Daily Telegraph reports such a trend in a story titled, “Two Million Dogs in Britain Are Overweight,” in which the problem of obesity in dogs is examined.
Obesity In Dogs
It is important to visit a veterinarian as the doctor can determine whether the dog’s obesity is simply due to high caloric intake or some other medical concern like diabetes. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet.
Obesity in Dogs is a Major Health Concern
Obesity in dogs is a major health concern. Just as with people, dog obesity can lead to very serious health problems. Dog obesity can also be hereditary as we see in many breeds like the Labrador retriever, Collie, and small hounds such as [...]
Preventing Obesity In Dogs
The calorie requirements change for all dogs during their life. Younger dogs and puppies require the greatest amount of calories, proteins, and minerals due to their growth and almost unlimited activity.
How To Stop Obesity In Dogs
Drastic cuts in the quantity of dog food fed will only lead to deficiencies that pose an even greater threat to the dog than the obesity does which are deficiencies of proteins, vitamins and minerals key dog nutritions that keep him [...]
Weight Problems in Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?
Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. These diseases will lead to more serious complications including death.
Control Obesity in Your Dog
Though it may seem hard to believe, obesity is a growing problem with dogs. Just as with humans, obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes and respiratory issues.
Affiliate Disclosure: It is advisable to assume that any mention of a product or service on this website is made because there exist, unless otherwise stated, a material connection between the product or service owners and this website and should you make a purchase of a product or service described here the owner of this website may be compensated. To learn more, please click here.
Home | Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
DESCRIPTION
The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large sized breed, athletic and short-coupled in build. They are solid and well proportioned, with a short, hard and easy to care for double-layered coat. The coat is also very water resistant and can come in the colors: yellow, black or chocolate. Yellow colored labs come in the widest variety of shadings, from cream to fox-red. There is a rarer, silver colored lab although there are disputes over whether this is a legitimate mutation, or comes from a Weimaraner influence.
There are two types of Labrador Retriever, the English Lab and the American Lab. although not considered separate breeds they do have subtle differences. The English bred stock tend to be shorter and stockier and are more apt for showing, whilst their American counterparts are lankier, with a less blocky appearance. They have a broad head, ending in a thick nose and display an intelligent, friendly and welcoming expression. Their eyes are brown or hazel and full of expression. The head is clean cut and not fleshy, with a pronounced stop, whilst the muzzle is powerful and of medium length, with teeth meeting in a scissor bite. The thick nose is brown on chocolates, black on blacks, and either black or slightly pink on yellows.
Labradors have pendant ears, set back and low on the skull and hanging close to the head. The neck of the Labrador is thick and powerful, whilst the chest is fairly broad and the back strong and solid. The tail of the Labrador Retriever is very distinguishable with its otter like appearance. It is medium in length, without feathering and is thick at its base tapering to a point at the end and is covered with hair. The limbs have solid bone structure and the feet are webbed to aid in swimming.
TEMPERAMENT
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world principally due to its wonderful character. They are a loving, affectionate and highly intelligent dog, with patience to match. Loyal, willing and full of character, they are good natured and fantastic with children. They have a reliable and consistent temperament, that embodies the best qualities we look for in a companion breed, yet they are equally capable at working and working hard for their masters. They thrive on human contact and require a family that can give them much time and love.
Labs are renowned for forcing their head in to the line of a stroking hand when other dogs are around. An easy breed to train, they respond best to positive reinforcement. Socialization is also important as puppies to avoid reservation with strangers, although this is not a major issue with this breed. Generally not suitable as guard dogs due to their inherently friendly nature, they can, however make excellent watch dogs, barking as a warning of people approaching. This breed will be destructive if left too long alone or not given enough physical and mental stimuli. Some dogs can be aggressive toward other dogs especially in same sex, same breed confrontations however early socialization can reduce this. Overall the Lab is a wonderful companion dog and is undoubtedly one of the best dogs in the world.
HEIGHT
Dogs: 56-61cm (22-24 inches),
Bitches: 53-58cm (21-23 inches)
WEIGHT
Dogs: 27-34kg (60-75lbs), although some can be over 45kg (100lbs)
Bitches: 25-32kg (55-70lbs)
HEALTH
Labrador Retrievers are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding. They can also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped. Eye problems have been noted in Labradors as well, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score. Other more rare conditions include hereditary myopathy (a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre), autoimmune diseases and deafness, either congenitally or later in life. Labradors are also renowned for their love of food and will eat and eat, it is important therefore to control their diet in order to avoid obesity issues.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Providing they receive`plenty of good quality exercise the Labrador retriever will do fine in an apartment. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with an average sized back garden or yard.
EXERCISE
The Labrador Retriever is a breed that loves nothing more than to play or work (both of which it sees as good old fun). A long, daily walk, at a quick pace is a must or even better take them along as a jogging or bike ride companion. It is in their very nature to retrieve and so games of fetch are loved. Labradors are also adept swimmers and love a good paddle. Swimming is also an excellent exercise for younger dogs as there is no impact on growing joints, we highly recommend swimming as part of your Labradors exercise regime.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-14 years
LITTER: Average of 8 puppies
GROOMING
The Labrador has an easy to care for coat, it requires brushing with a firm bristle brush from time to time and dry shampooing and bathing only when necessary. Clipping of nails and checking of ears should take place in regular intervals to avoid scratches and ear infections respectively.
HISTORY
The Labrador Retriever is not from Labrador, Canada, as the name may suggest but rather from Newfoundland, Canada. Some believe the name may have Spanish origins, with the word laboradores used to describe rural and agricultural workers, whilst others believed it is named after the Labrador region of Canada, as Newfoundland was already taken. It was in Newfoundland, during the 19th Century that smaller water dogs were bred with the large Newfoundland and this resulted in a dog that was called the St Johns Water Dog (aka St Johns Newfoundland). This was the predecessor to the modern day Labrador. These smaller, black, short-haired dogs were adept at retrieving game and fish and other tasks requiring swimming in the icy Canadian waters. As a result of dog taxes and strict quarantine laws this dog eventually died out in its native Newfoundland, however the breed had been taken to england around this time where it thrived and grew steadily in popularity. The first and second Earls of Malmesbury, who bred for duck shooting on his estate, and the 5th and 6th Dukes of Buccleuch, and youngest son Lord George William Montagu-Douglas-Scott, were instrumental in establishing the Labrador breed in nineteenth century England. The dogs Avon (”Buccleuch Avon”) and Ned given by Malmesbury to assist the Duke of Buccleuch’s breeding program in the 1880s are usually considered the ancestors of all modern Labradors.
The name Labrador Retriever became commonly recognised in England around 1870 and the English Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1903. The breed was further recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The breed today is the most registered breed in both the United States and the United Kingdom and is testament to the Labradors popularity as a companion dog and its outstanding ability in the field. Labrador Retrievers are also highly adaptable to tracking, retrieving, hunting, watch dog work, police work, guide for the blind, service dog for the disabled, search and rescue, narcotics work, sledding and competitive obedience.
By: Toaksie
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Find more excellent breed articles at [url]www.dogbarkings.com[/url]
Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World
The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, Labby or Lab for short), is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is considered the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large [...]
Most Popular Dog Breeds - AKC Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2008
For your viewing pleasure, here are the AKC’s Top Ten Breeds of 2008. If you don’t see your dog here, check out the full list. Labrador Retrievers hold the top spot on this list for the 18th consecutive year! The Lab has been considered [...]
If you prefer a larger dog, go for a Clumber Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Mastiff, Sussex Spaniel, or Bulldog. For all you outdoor folks or those of you who prefer sporting breeds some choices to keep in mind are : Labrador [...]
Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World
After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed’s history, “Labs,” as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to [...]
Yellow Lab, a Good Dog for Kids. Temperament, size, and potential for training are important in selecting a family dog for kids. Dogs and children just naturally are drawn to each other. Kids love dogs and dogs are good for [...]
Archie - 6 year old male Labrador Retriever
Archie (ref 204d) is a 6 year old absolutely delightful male chocolate Labrador Retriever. He was brought to Derby RSPCA Centre when a change in circumstances meant his last owners were no longer in a position to own a dog.
Affiliate Disclosure: It is advisable to assume that any mention of a product or service on this website is made because there exist, unless otherwise stated, a material connection between the product or service owners and this website and should you make a purchase of a product or service described here the owner of this website may be compensated. To learn more, please click here.
Home | Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Sitemap