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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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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 a Siberian Husky Right for You?

Siberian Huskies are currently experiencing a growth in popularity in the United States.  In 2002 this majestic breed was the 21st most popular dog, while in 2016 the American Kennel Club ranked Siberian Huskies as the 12th most popular breed, per registrations.  But, is a Siberian Husky right for you? Temperament Siberian Huskies are energetic, mischievous, and outgoing.  These social butterflies are friendly and loyal, and do well in human or canine packs.  They are considered to be among the closest ancestors to wolves, and indeed have many wolf-like tendencies when it comes to their social interactions.  Huskies can easily become bored, and are known for their destructive and escape-artist behaviors when not properly exercised. Size, Coloring, and Upkeep With thick and heavy coats, Siberian Huskies often look larger than they truly are.  A male Husky tops out at 60 lbs, while females reach 50 lbs.  Their thick fur represents...
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