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Chinese Pug History and Dog Breed Information

The Chinese Pug is a breed of dog that has a long and fascinating history, stretching back over 2,000 years. This small, compact breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and has been highly prized for its charming and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive wrinkled face and curly tail. The Chinese Pug is believed to have originated in China, where it was kept as a companion and lapdog by members of the imperial court. This breed was highly prized for its loyalty, playfulness, and affectionate nature, and it was often given as gifts to important figures and dignitaries. The breed’s popularity spread throughout Asia and Europe, and eventually made its way to the United States in the late 19th century. The Chinese Pug is a small breed, typically weighing between 14 and 18 pounds and standing between 10 and 13 inches tall at the...
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Is an English Bulldog Right for You?

The quest to find the perfect dog breed for your family can be difficult.  Pet owners should match activity level, space requirements, and trainability with their individual needs.  Listed here are considerations pet owners should make before purchasing or adopting a Bulldog.  Cost English bulldogs are among the most expensive of breeds because of the cost that goes into their health and care.  A well-bred Bulldog will cost $1,500 – $4,000.  Potential Bulldog owners should ask themselves whether they are willing to pay this price, as a poorly-bred Bulldog may be prone to a myriad of serious (and expensive) health problems.  Why is the cost so high?  Part of the reason is that English Bulldogs have a difficult time reproducing.  This breed is known for having an exceptionally wide head and body.  Adult Bulldogs are unable to reproduce naturally, and therefore must be artificially inseminated.  Additionally, it is rare for...
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Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Many would-be dog owners cite living space as a top concern when it comes to potentially bringing home a pup.  While it is true that certain dog breeds make terrible roommates in small spaces, other breeds can thrive in apartments.  Listed here are the top dog breeds for apartment living. Toy-Sized Breeds Toy sized breeds are perhaps the most obvious choice when it comes to living in an apartment because of their convenient size.  Most apartment complexes have weight limits for the animals that live there, and a true toy-sized dog generally weighs less than 10 lbs.  Therefore, even the smallest studio apartment can accommodate one or more of these pets. Bichon Frise The Bichon Frise is a popular apartment dog due to its adaptability and ease of care for novice dog owners.  This affectionate, fun-loving dog enjoys spending time with its owners, almost to a fault, as it is...
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What Type of Dog Would be a Good Fit for your Home?

While many people believe a dog is just a dog, this theory simply isn’t true.  Certain dog breeds will make better companions than others in particular situations.  Finding the right fit for your home will increase your – and your dog’s – happiness, while minimizing the risk of potentially having to re-home a pet.  Here, common situations that pet owners face, including the right dogs for each scenario, will be discussed. You Don’t Have a Lot of Space Many people believe that owning a dog requires a large home.  However, there are many types of dogs that thrive in small dwellings like apartments, and even prefer them.  Some of the best dogs for living in small spaces are quite unexpected.  These include Great Danes, Greyhounds, and American Bulldogs.  Other common apartment breeds include toy-sized dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles.  In general, companion dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed)...
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Is a Chihuahua Right for You?

Chihuahuas are among the oldest – and most popular – dog breeds in the world.  Currently, the Chihuahua is the 30th most popular dog in the United States according the American Kennel Club, but is a Chihuahua right for you? Temperament Despite being a toy-sized dog, Chihuahuas have a lot of personality.  According to the AKC breed description, they should be “sassy, charming, and graceful,” with emphasis on sassy.  Indeed, Chihuahuas can become aggressive and territorial when not properly socialized.  In addition, Chihuahuas are extremely loyal dogs and have a tendency to become protective over a favorite human. Size, Coloring, Upkeep Male and female Chihuahuas should weigh 4 – 6 lbs and stand 6 – 10’’ tall at the shoulder.  There are two different coat lengths:  short and long.  Contrary to popular belief, long-haired Chihuahuas are lower maintenance than their short-coat counterparts, as they shed less frequently.  There are nine...
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Brachycephalic Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Dogs with scrunched noses, cute wrinkles, and large eyes have become increasingly popular.  However, short-nosed breeds (also known as brachycephalic dogs), have additional needs versus a typical hound dog.  Here, everything you need to know about brachycephalic dogs will be discussed. What does Brachycephalic Mean? Brachycephalic generally means that an animal has a skull that is short and broad, with the width at least 80% of the length.  The general characteristics of a brachycephalic dog are a significantly shortened nasal pathway, an elongated soft palate, dramatically restricted nostrils (stenotic nares), a hypoplastic trachea (abnormal growth in the trachea that results in narrowing), and everted laryngeal saccules (i.e. saccules that grow into the airway and restrict respiration). Which Dog Breeds are Brachycephalic? There are a number of brachycephalic dog breeds.  The most common include: Affenpinscher American Bulldog Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua (apple-headed) Dogue...
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Is an Australian Shepherd Right for You?

Australian Shepherds, also known as Aussies, are popular dogs thanks to their unique coloring, mesmerizing eyes, and trainability.  However, this breed is also one of the most commonly abandoned, due to its high energy levels.  Is an Australian Shepherd right for you? Temperament The Australian Shepherd is highly energetic, as well as highly intelligent.  This breed requires a job to perform, whether that involves learning new tricks, herding animals, running with humans, or any other outlet that provides both mental and physical stimulation.  Other traits of the Aussie include a loving, loyal demeanor, as well as being adaptable and protective. Size, Coloring, and Upkeep Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, with males weighing 50 – 65 lbs and females weighing 30 – 45 lbs.  There are four colors and three markings recognized by the American Kennel Club, which are black, blue merle, red, and red merle.  Markings can be tan points,...
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Is a Cocker Spaniel Right for You?

Cocker Spaniels enjoyed a surge of popularity in the United States in the late 1950’s thanks to Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.  Since then, the Cocker Spaniel has remained among the 30 most popular breeds in the United States.  Is a Cocker Spaniel right for you? Temperament The temperament of a well-bred Cocker Spaniel can be described as happy, intelligent, and gentle.  This breed is a well-known family dog thanks to its loyal, trusting nature and friendly, playful personality.  While a Cocker Spaniel will bark to alert you that someone is at the front door, these sweet dogs would rather lick an intruder to death than serve as a vicious guard dog. Size, Coloring, and Upkeep Cocker Spaniels are well-known for their small size, soft coat, and long, dangling ears.  Female Cockers should stand 13.5’’ – 14.5’’ tall at the shoulder, while males stand 14.5’’ – 15.5’’ tall.  Both sexes...
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Is a German Shepherd Dog Right for You?

Following the success of Rumor, the German Shepherd Dog that won Best in Show at the 2017 Westminster Dog Show, German Shepherd puppy purchases will be on the rise this year.  Is a German Shepherd Dog right for you? Temperament The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is commonly used for police, military, and guard-dog work.  Therefore, this breed is described as “self-assured.”  GSDs are also curious, intelligent, obedient, and highly protective.  Like most working dogs, German Shepherds thrive on having a job to do. Size, Coloring, and Upkeep German Shepherds are large dogs, with males weighing 66 – 88 lbs and females weighing 49 – 71 lbs.  Males are 24 – 26’’ at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, standing 22 – 24’’ tall.  One of the most distinctive characteristics of the GSD is its black and tan coat.  However, the American Kennel Club recognizes 11 colors, including black, back...
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Is a Great Dane Right for You?

Great Danes are considered a noble breed due to their royal lineage, large size, and dignified attitude.  But, is a Great Dane right for you? Temperament Although the Great Dane has an imposing appearance, it is among the most friendly of dog breeds. Despite their size they are often considered lap dogs because of their enjoyment of physical affection.  Great Danes are not prone to aggressive tendencies or having strong prey drives. Size The Great Dane is one of the tallest dogs among the canine species.  There is no maximum height requirement for a Great Dane, and the largest known individual, Zeus, stood 44 inches tall at the shoulder.  At minimum, males should weigh 110 lbs and stand 30 – 31 inches tall at the shoulder, while females should weigh a minimum of 110 lbs and stand 28 – 30 inches tall. Other Pets? Great Danes are gentle giants and...
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