How Aggressive Is A Japanese Akita?

Bred in Japan, many years ago.

The Japanese Akita is not a suitable dog as a normal family pet. It was originally bred in the Akita Prefecture in Japan, as a hunting dog, for deer, wild boar and even bears. For this purpose, it required to be a large, strong dog with confident, dominant tendecies and an independent nature. The Akita is also known as Akita Inu, which is Japanese for dog.

The average height for the Akita is between 24 to 28 inches and will weigh from eighty to one hundred and ten pounds. He has strong, heavy bones and a muscular body. This is a lot of dog!

The Akita has a double coat, which is harsh and waterproof, with a thick, dense undercoat. It sheds profusely, all year round and requires brushing and grooming every day. The coat can be white, brindle or tan and any mix of these. This breed loves the cold and the snow but will not be happy in a hot climate.

This is not a dog for inexperienced owners, or for people who are elderly or weak. Akitas are intelligent and athletic and when socialized are faithful and affectionate but will always strive for the dominant position in the family group. He may show aggression towards family members and may not suit a family with small children. With this breed, it is vital that you are the Alpha Dog and that he knows his place in your "pack"!

The Akita may show aggression towards other dogs and small animals and should not be allowed to roam off-leash in public areas where there are many people and other dogs.

Training Akitas

The Akita can be difficult to train because they are intelligent and stubborn and can quickly become bored. it should never be a question of "asking" an Akita to do something. It must always be a strong command from a dominant owner. When you say "NO", mean it and make it stick. You may have problems with house training, as Akitas suffer from urinary infections in infancy.

There is plenty of information available online, much of it Free, on the subject of Dog Aggression. Any dog which shows undue aggression, to people or animals, is in urgent need of proper expert training.

If you take an Akita into your family, you must be prepared to spend time and effort on training, socializing, excercise and grooming. This large dog also costs a lot to feed.

Akitas in the Family

There are conflicting opinions about the suitability of Akitas with young children. Historically, the breed had a strong reputation for being protective of young children and were often left in sole charge. Other opinions point out the dominant nature of the breed and the fact that these dogs will compete for their place in the pack. Certainly, a young child will be no match physically for an adult Akita.

Proper supervision of the behavior of the dog and the children is essential in this situation. Having said this, a well socialized Akita will be more comfortable with this.

Akitas are excellent guard dogs. They have a strong territorial instinct and will be very protective of family and property. As a watch dog, they are quietly effective. They do not bark unnecessarily but will certainly raise the alarm at the approach of any strange visitors or sounds.

The average lifespan of the Akita is about 12 years. Like many other breeds of dog, cancer is the most common cause of death. Recent surveys in both the United Kingdom and the USA/Canada revealed this to be the case, with other causes including cardiac and bloat/torsion.

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Common Dog Dental Problems

Plaque

Food particles, hair, and bacteria collect along the gumline to form plaque, a common cause of peridontal disease. To prevent plaque from developing into tartar and thus causing more serious gum disease, such as gingivitis, we should give our dogs daily brushing to remove the plaque.

Tartar

If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva will combine with the plaque and form tartar. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. The gums adjacent to the teeth will become red and inflammed, causing bad breath and swollen gums. At this point it is necessary to visit a veterinarian for the removal of the tartar.

Periodontal Disease

If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums, causing further inflammation, pulling away and receding gums. A "pocket" opens up between the teeth and the gums, collecting more debris and encouraging even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible - the dog's teeth will loosen and fall out. In serious cases, it is very painful and can cause complications such as the development of abscesses, bone loss or infection.

It is obvious therefore, that providing our dogs with regular canine dental care is essential for the maintenance of strong, healthy teeth and gums.

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Is An Airedale Terrier Puppy The Right Choice For Me And My Family?

The Airedale Terrier is a people oriented dog with patience for children. He is affectionate and will protect his adopted family. Early socialization with children is important. They are large, strong dogs and they may play a bit rough. They have been used as police dogs and are alert and make excellent watchdogs. For safety reasons, never leave very young children alone with any dog.

*Temperament. His temperament is loyal and he will protect his adopted family. Many believe he has a sense of humor. Training can be a little difficult as he is more inclined to be a clown.

*Approximate Adult Size. Males weigh about 65 pounds and are about 23 inches tall at the withers (tallest point of the shoulders. Females weigh 55 to 60 pounds and are about 22 inches to the withers.

*Ideal Environment. The Airedale is a large size dog that is energetic and needs plenty of exercise. A properly fenced back yard would help in his exercise needs. He is not recommended for an apartment unless he has frequent, brisk walks. The Airedale needs a lot of exercise and attention or he will get bored and become destructive. If you have a cat, another dog or other small pets, they can be aggressive toward them as they were bred to hunt animals. Having a animal or pet run from this dog will get his hunting juices going. Early socialization will help considerably but it is hard to defeat his hunting heritage.

*How Much Time And Care. The Airedale needs plenty of exercise and fresh air. They are happy to take brisk walks, swim, play fetch the ball and even jog or run along while you bike ride. This is a breed needing a lot of attention and if you want an easy dog to deal with you might want to keep shopping.

*Special Health Considerations. Airedales are very healthy dogs and the only significant special problems are hip dysplasia, as is the case with large breeds, low thyroid function and von Willebrands disease. Dry itchy skin is another common ailment. Most people feed a little extra oil in the diet and this seems to help greatly. A side problem is that these dogs can withstand the pain of injuries stoically and you may not always know when your dog is hurting.

*Grooming. The Airedale is not a prolific shedder but his wiry coat needs regular care including clipping and brushing. His coat is a double coat, a soft undercoating with wiry dense hair on the outer. Prepare to possibly shoulder the expense of hiring a professional groomer service. The most popular groomed look for Airedales is the King of Terriers look.

*Life Span. They can live between 10 and 12 years.

*Airedale History. He originates from England and is considered a modern breed. They are a cross between Otterhounds and smaller terriers. World War I saw them serve both the German and British. They delivered messages and found wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Several president conspicuously owned Airedales including president Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge the Theodore Roosevelt.

*Training. Airedales are thinkers so be creative about your training activities. They can be a little difficult to train but they are highly intelligent. Harsh training methods will get you no where as they can out last you. These are tough, thinking dogs. They can learn to do about any job.

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Protective of his adopted family.

Great watch dog.

Good with older kids.

Very little shedding.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

They are digging dogs, as are many terriers.

Will fight other dogs so be careful with retractable leashes.

Needs a lot of exercise.

Will bark when very bored.

Has a mind of his own.

They may be very aggressive to other animals, cats, etc.

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Some Serious Beagle Health Problems

A lot of people love the beagle breed of dog mostly for its friendly demeanor and its ability to be a good dog with children. But beagle health problems are somewhat common and can range from the regular cuts and scratches that any dog gets all the way up to ailments that are almost completely proprietary to the beagle. Keep an eye on your beagle and start to become familiar with the warning signs for beagle health problems.

Beagles are well known as a breed of dog that will eat anything in sight and then not care so much about their "girlish figure". Beagles are big on eating and not so big on exercise so your beagle will gladly trade off a run in the sun for a bowl of food. It is for that reason that you have to protect your beagle from obesity by keeping an eye on its diet. Beagles will eat anything put in front of them whether they are hungry or not so be diligent a bout supplying a healthy balanced diet.

Beagle health problems affect many parts of the beagle's body and one part that can be affected is the eye. Beagle's are prone to getting a condition called distichiasis which is a condition caused by over growth of the eyelashes to the point where they get into the beagle's eyes and cause problems. This condition is treatable with surgery but you need to get your beagle to the vet right away if you notice this problem developing.

Beagles are also susceptible to renal atrophy, which is the systematic loss of eyesight due to deterioration of different parts of the eye. When the eye stops functioning properly then everything associated with it starts to experience atrophy and problems can arise. Symptoms of this are a drying of the eye or excessive tearing. If you notice either of these symptoms do not hesitate to get your beagle to the vet as soon as possible.

As if having an unstoppable appetite wasn't enough some beagle health problems are a result of bad engineering. The beagle's floppy ears can sometimes prevent proper airflow and if air is not getting in or out of the ear properly then moisture can collect and that is bad. Every once in a while you need to make sure there is no build up in your beagle's ears and if you suspect problems then get your beagle to the vet immediately.

A beagle can also do things that will make you think something is horribly wrong when in reality there is nothing wrong at all. Sometimes your beagle will sound like it is trying to catch it's breath and it sounds awful but in most cases this is harmless. It can be what is called reverse sneezing, which is a beagle thing and no one knows what causes it or why. But if you suspect any problems with your beagle do not hesitate to get to the vet as soon as possible.

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All About the American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an American breed that is known for their loyalty and their protective nature. They are a mid-sized breed that can grow up to 19 inches tall and weigh up to about 50 pounds when fully grown. They have a short, smooth coat that can range in color from brindle, fawn, black, blue, white, or red. Some of the health issues that you will need to watch out for with this breed are hip dysplasia, hives, and insect bites. If cared for properly and given the right nutrition this breed can live to be about 12 years of age.

Characteristic and behavior of the American Staffordshire Terrier

Even though this breed was developed as a fighting dog they make for loving pets. If you are interested in this breed and have small children then you will want to get your American Staffordshire Terrier as a puppy and raise it with your kids from an early age. This breed does not get along well with small pets like cats, ducks, and rabbits because it has a natural hunting personality.

Care and grooming of the American Staffordshire terrier

To care for and groom this breed you will need to brush only occasionally when needed. Dry shampoo is a good option with this breed as they are prone to skin conditions. They will also need daily exercise that challenges their muscle strength and endurance. Also, because of their natural hunting behavior they need to be trained properly to reduce negative confrontations with children and other small animals.

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Basset Hounds: Ten Things to Know About this Lovable Pet

Basset Hounds are among the most companionable and lovable dogs on the planet. Here are ten characteristics of the breed you need to know before bringing a Basset into your life.

1. Bassets seem to love everyone:
It's difficult to imagine a sweeter, gentler or more peaceful dog. An adult basset on a walk in the park will try to make friends with almost everyone. Strangers seem drawn to him, will want to pet and coo over him. Emotionally, he sometimes seems almost human. His temperament is very well suited for a family setting. He's really good with children and other dogs. He loves to play. Aggression is very rare. Don't expect him to be a guard dog.

2. Sense of Smell:
His sense of smell is second only to the bloodhound. Bassets were bred for hunting small game. His nose can lead him into danger. He's an escape artist and a wanderer. It's advisable to keep him in an enclosed area and on the leash during walks. Left to his own devices, he'll follow his nose wherever it takes him.

3. Intelligence:
Because of his clown like demeanor, laid back attitude and a streak of stubbornness, there are those who stereotype the basset as dumb. Don't believe it. On the contrary, he's a past master at getting his way. Clownishness, soulfulness and contemplative assessment of any situation are all part of his arsenal to win you over.

4. Puppies & Housebreaking:
Admittedly, housebreaking is difficult. If patience is not your long suit, you may want to consider a grown hound from rescue. In housebreaking a basset puppy, gentle tolerance and persistence, with plenty of positive reinforcement, will yield success. During his first year, refrain from allowing him to go down long stairs or jump off couches. His lengthy back is prone to problems during the formative stage if too much stress is applied.

5. Drool:
OK, he drools. Some bassets drool more than others. You'll accept drool, because you just love him to death.

6. Weight:
Since he's prone to weight gain and bloat, as is common among all deep-chested breeds, he should be fed reasonable portions only twice a day. Bassets tend to overeat. Remember that they're long and low, and excess weight can lead to back injury. At a minimum, a daily walk is a must.

7. Ears:
Bassets' long ears do not provide good air circulation and are prone to infection. Cleaning weekly and application of an ear wash solution from a veterinarian are required. While frequent baths are not necessary, the ears drag in everything and may need scrubbing more often.

8. Care and Maintenance:
With the exception of the ears and drool, bassets are easy to keep clean. His short, dense coat repels dirt and water. Bassets do shed, but regular brushing and removal will keep it to a minimum. Bathing about once a month is all that's needed.

9. Compact Big Dogs:
His short stature is deceptive. Most bassets weigh in the range of 50 to 65 pounds. He has more bone for his size than any other breed. Because of his short legs, he may have difficulty jumping into some vehicles.

10. Barking:
Bassets are not given to excessive barking. Since he is very much a pack animal, he may howl if left alone for long periods. He's vocal and often makes a variety of sounds in keeping with his mood, especially when excited about the prospect of a walk or play.

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Diseases That Can Affect A Basset Hound Dog

No matter how hard you try to keep your Basset Hound dog healthy, he is still susceptible to some diseases that could hinder his normal activities. The best armor every Basset Hound owner should have is the awareness of what these diseases are and how it can damage their dog's healthy condition.

Knowing your enemies is the best way to fight them! Below are some of the diseases listed in order for you to know who your enemies are.

Arthritis - Arthritis is mostly suffered by most large dogs. Basset Hound dogs can acquire arthritis because of their odd bone structure. Activities such as too much running and prolonged up and down jumping can cause dogs to develop arthritis. Dogs with arthritis need a soft bed. An old mattress, a soft couch mattress or a 4 inch foam rubber is good. It also helps if you avoid letting your dog do strenuous activities, only gentle and regular exercise to meet their daily exercise requirement. Regular exercise prevents dog from becoming overweight thus decreasing the load their bone carries.

Torsion - Torsion is oftentimes described as a twist of the stomach or when the stomach's end flips. This causes the stomach not to allow food in, and if not treated properly, the stomach dies causing the dog not to eat. Dogs suffering from torsion must seek veterinary help immediately for treatment and therapy. Not all animals with torsion are treated because this disease develops quickly causing the animal to die. So Basset Hound owner must focus their attention in preventing their dogs from acquiring this disease. Feed your dog at least twice instead of one large meal a day and he should not be allowed to drink large amount of water after eating. He should as well not be allowed to play and indulge in strenuous activity before and after eating.

Bloat - Dogs usually fed once daily are most likely to acquire this life-threatening condition. Factors of bloat can be gulping air, drinking large amount of water and doing vigorous activities after eating. See your veterinarian immediately once you bloat is suspected. Measures to prevent bloat are almost the same with torsion.

Basset hounds also referred as scent hounds, are short-legged breed of dogs that are bred to hunt by scent. Because their nose is close to the ground most of the time, it picks up parasites, bacteria and some viral diseases. Their long and floppy ears have a tendency to get odorous so cleaning them properly is necessary to prevent ear wax from building up and cause ear infection. Cleaning your dog's ears 2 to 3 times a week with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide is recommended.

Now that you are aware of the diseases that could possibly affect your dog, all you need to do is make sure that they are protected against these diseases. That's the least you can do for this breed whose main aim is to please you and other people around him.

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Armant Dog Breed

Breed Type: Armant Breed

Weight: 50 and 65 pounds (23 and 29 kg)

Height: 21 and 23 inches (53 and 58 cm)

Coat type: Long, Rough And Shaggy

 

Armant Dog or Egyptian sheepdog is basically a herding dog that is relatively unknown outside the country of its origin. This dog is known by many names -Ermenti, Hawara Dog, Egyptian Sheepdog and Chien de Berger Egyptian. Armant is a fearless and tireless dog that is not intimidated by wolves and other ferocious wild animals. The dog is always ready to safeguard the animals under its protection. An Armant is a loyal and devoted breed that possesses the inherent canine eagerness to please.  If you are looking for a dog to become a friend and spend time with you, the Armant is exactly what you are looking for. Read on to know everything about this lovely Egyptian Sheepdog before bringing it home.

 

History

The Armant Dog is a working dog that originated in Egypt during the 15^th century. It is a medium sized breed of herding dog that was originally used as guard dog. It is believed that this dog is a descendant of European dogs that were introduced by the troops of Napoleon crossed with Briards. Modern Armant is said to be originated from Holland/ France. As there were no evidences, none of the above theories have been scientifically proven. The breed's fearlessness and loyalty has popularized it in Egypt as guard dog. This breed was named after a town in Egypt known as Armant. The Armant is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and the American Rare Breed Association. Kennel clubs that recognize the Armant as a breed includes the American Kennel Club and the Continental Kennel Club. However, the breed is considered rare as it is relatively unknown outside its country of origin.

 

Appearance

The Armant or Egyptian Sheepdog is a medium sized breed with a large head and small round dark colored eyes. This breed of herding dog has strong and proportionate medium sized muzzle and small black nose. The color of the nose can compliment the color of the coat in some individuals. Since it is a working breed, it is expected to have a strong muscled body. The ears of this breed have no set standard as it can have different type of ears that can be dropped or erect. Armant can be of multiple colours, the most common of which is black, black and tan, gray and gray-yellow variations. It has a broad, deep, muscular chest, and well-sprung ribs with a shaggy long coat that is rough to touch. Its forelegs are straight and strong with small and compact feet. Its hind legs are powerful with hocks well bent. It has got thickly padded arched toes making it comfortably able to walk across rough terrain when herding or guarding. It has a long tail that may be curled or docked. The dog can carry its tail curled and also in an upright manner.
 

Personality

Armant or Egyptian Sheepdog is a wonderful animal whether it is a family pet or a working dog. It has got fearless and loyal temperament and is amicably sociable.Armant has a playful disposition towards members of its owner’s family. It has great deal of energy and is patient with children making it an ideal companion for the kids to play. An excellent herding dog on the farm, it also is a friendly, loving dog which makes a great pet. It is highly active dog that makes an ideal company during long walks, jogging, hiking, playing with balls and this is the kind of exercise it needs. It is easy to train and truly want to please its owners once a relationship of love and respect is established. The Armant is also very attention needy and craves the interaction of the family that it lives with. It is intelligent, quick learner and highly territorial and builds a strong bond with its people and will not hesitate to lay its life on the line if it is necessary to protect the master and the property. As herders, these dogs are agile, quick and have well-balanced movements. Armant also respond quickly to situations and is very perceptive, making them great watchdogs.
 

Genetic Diseases

The average lifespan of an Armant dog is 13 years, however, the breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans.
 

GroomingThe Armant or Egyptian sheepdog needs a regular brushing of the coat in order to help out in the shedding process. Bathing of the dog is important too and it is best if it gets regular baths to keep it clean.

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