Dog Walking in Todmorden Picture Gallery

A good friend of ours runs a company called Walks Four Paws, walking dogs in Todmorden, West Yorkshire - UK - and takes the most amazing pictures of the dogs she walks.

World's biggest dog!

Ok ok we've been meaning to concede defeat for ages now. Hercules is not the biggest dog! What has prompted this at last? Because, drum roll please, we have a new world's biggest dog!! Choosing A Dog Breed cannot contain the excitement, read more...

Cute dog picture!

American Indian Dog

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American Indian Dog
originally uploaded by Bisig Portraits

American Indian Dog - breed information

There are so many dog breeds that make great pets and the American Indian Dog is no exception. As with every dog breed, it is important to understand their breed characteristics and ensure the dog breed you choose is suitable for your family/ household.

The American Indian Dog is often often confused with the Native American Indian Dog. It's easy to see why but they are different dog breeds. Choosing a Dog Breed hasn't featured the latter yet but we're planning it.

Appearance

Physical attributes of the American Indian Dog:

• Height: 18 to 21 inches
  
• Weight: 25 to 45 lb
  
• Muscular, energetic
  
• Short hair, excellent hygiene - one if the hypoallergenic dog breeds
• Variety of colours including mixed. Possible white markings

Characteristics

Traditionally, the American Indian Dog was a working dog. They're highly intelligent and love 'doing things'. Whether it's helping out at home, playing or being a guard dog for your home, American Indian Dogs are at their best when they're surrounded by their pack and are better suited to households with older children, rather than younger.

• Highly intelligent and instinctive
• Protective of pack (family)
• Great companions
• Great temperament but can be wary of strangers
• Needs a firm but fair pack leader (owner)
• Very loyal
• Requires a good walk everyday

History

The American Indian Dog has a long and rich history. Click here for a comprehensive and clear overview of the origins of this fascinating dog breed.

American Indian Dogs as pets

The American Indian Dog makes an excellent pet in the right household. Ensure you have a lot of outdoor space for your dog to run in. That could be your own garden or a public space. Families with older children are better than younger ones. If you're prepared to spend time with your American Indian Dog and keep him or her entertained and mentally stimulated, they will reward you with excellent companionship and a highly intelligent, loving and loyal nature.

Dog pictures gallery - cute dog photos!

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/billselak/456219558/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnlemon/399996115/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkpatator/2070233236/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/3525984972/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/snuzzy/2582459741/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/90982314@N00/3089385333/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soylentgreen23/3559546870/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/left-hand/1449934880/

Terriers - including terrier mix breeds, toy terrier breeds, pure terrier breeds

Many people who are choosing a dog breed consider a terrier. These wonderful dogs vary so much, just a quick glance at the list of terrier breeds in this post highlights the sheer variety in this dog breed (and we’ve only scratched the surface).

Terriers are small dogs, ranging from teacup dog breeds though to the larger Staffordshire bull terrier or American pit bull. So, if you’re thinking of choosing a terrier, please ensure you fully research the different types of terrier, they have many different shades of character trait. That said, the general characteristics shared by all terriers are:

• Active
• Fearless (even in the face of much larger dogs!)
• Wiry
• Small
• Enthusiastic
• Sociable

Here is a list of the most popular types of terrier. We hope this helps to provide a starting point on your choosing a dog breed adventure:

• West highland terrier (westie terrier)
• White terrier
• Boston terrier
• Yorkshire terrier (yorkie terrier)
• Mini bull terrier
• Teacup terrier
• Dandy dinmont terrier
• Parson terrier
• Cairn terrier
• Scottish terrier
• English boy terrier
• Australian silky terrier
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• Tenterfield terrier
• Wheaten terrier
• Toy Yorkshire terrier
• Jack Russell terrier
  
• Airedale terrier
• Bulldog terrier
• Tibetan terrier
• Welsh terrier
• Boglen terrier
• Lucas terrier
• Norwich terrier
• Norfolk terrier
• American hairless terrier
• Blue Staffordshire terrier
• Irish terrier
• German hunting terrier
• Rat terrier
• Welsh terrier
• Wire terrier
• Brindle Boston terrier
• Poodle terrier

Australian Cattle Dog

Choosing an Australian Cattle Dog

AKA Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred as a herding dog and
used for cattle droving in Australia. This lively dog breed makes a fantastic pet for the right household. As always, when choosing a dog breed it is important to understand breed characteristics to ensure your requirements match the dog’s character! Here is an overview of Australian Cattle Dog behaviour / characteristics, and pros and cons of choosing an Australian Cattle Dog as a pet:

Australian Cattle Dog behaviour / characteristics

• Intelligent
• Loyal
• Protective (of owner/family)
• Alert
• Mischievous (they can be, though training can help with this)

Australian Cattle Dogs as pets

Pros

• Extremely protective of family and very tough, they WILL protect you
• Australian Cattle Dogs do not suffer as much from hereditary health problems as other pure breeds
• Australian Cattle Dogs do not require much bathing as they do not emit a strong 'doggy smell' that other dog breeds are prone to
• Their intelligence makes them easy to train and great for agility and games
• The oldest dog ever was an Australian Cattle Dog, so expect yours to be in the family a long time

Cons

• Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, an Australian Cattle Dog will cause trouble, so they don't make good pets for very quiet households
• Australian Cattle Dogs have been bred to bite, so don't be surprised if you get a little nip now and again (therefore this breed is not ideal for households with small children)
  
• This dog breed is very territorial and will defend what's theirs, no matter how big the challenger is!
• Stubbornness can be a problem though again, with good training from an early age, this can be well managed

Australian Cattle Dog training

Whenever you're choosing a dog breed, it's important to consider training your pet. This benefits both owner and dog - if you're happy, your dog is happy and vice-versa. It is a good idea to consult an expert on Australian Cattle Dog behaviour and training before you take one on as a pet.

Australian Cattle Dogs can be wonderful pets, though this is up to the owner more than the dog - ensure that your household offers a suitable environment and that you can provide the time and commitment necessary to raise a well-behaved pet!

Dog beds

Designer dog beds, cheap dog beds, extra large dog beds and chew proof dog beds - your dog will appreciate a comfortable, supportive dog bed which meets their needs. There's so much choice so here is an overview of different types of dog bed. With some excellent pooch havens available, being sent to the doghouse will be a treat!

Chew proof dog beds

Some dogs make light work of regular dog beds and if yours is partial to destruction, you should definitely consider a chew proof dog bed. These kind of tough dog beds are built to withstand sharp canine teeth and lots of thrashing around! The soft inner cushion is surrounded by a super strong lining made of nylon/plastic and a removable cover makes the bed comfy and great for long naps
If you're still not convinced that there's a dog bed your pooch won't have for breakfast, how about an indestructible dog bed with a lifetime guarantee. Orvis, the makers of the ToughChew dog bed are so confident their creation can withstand any treatment, if your dog does chew through it, they'll replace it!

Extra large dog beds

While very big dogs will have less choice when it comes to beds, there are great extra large plastic, donut, orthopedic dog beds and more. Good dog bed retailers will include measurements and it's essential to measure your dog to ensure they will fit and be comfortable. A dog bed that is too small would be like trying to sleep in a dining chair - impossible!

Orthopedic dog beds

Orthopedic, or therapeutic dog beds are designed for older dogs or dogs with joint pain or other health issues though any dog could sleep on one. An orthopedic bed is designed specifically to provide a physically supportive bed.
They are firmer than other dog beds but a soft cover, like a fleece cover or similar, would add the luxury your dog will love.Often called memory foam beds, this name is more descriptive than orthopedic dog beds! The dog bed becomes tailored to your dog and can offer pain relief for disabled and elderly dogs.
Heated orthopedic dog beds are very beneficial for dogs who reside outdoors or feel the cold more due to their older age. These are generally energy efficient because the heating is activated only when the dog lies it; the dog bed has a pressure sensor in it so as soon as the dog gets up, the bed begins to cool down

Designer dog beds

The haute couture of dog beds; luxury dog beds are wonderfully comfortable and of course most dogs would be happy to sleep on one. But that doesn't mean they are always the best dog beds around. That is to say, you can still get a great dog bed if you have a budget! Designer dog beds certainly look fabulous but, as with all dog beds, ensure it is the right size and an appropriate material for your dog's environment.

Unusual dog breed picture

dog from Kalimpong,
originally uploaded by Sukanto Debnath.

We were trying to find a picture of a dog and Flickr came up trumps! This dog from Kalimpong is incredible! Have you ever seen anything like this? If you have, please let us know, Choosing a Dog Breed is very intrigued.

Cute dog picture

Size isn't everything!

Cheap dog beds

New Dog Bed,
originally uploaded by TheGiantVermin.

Recommending a cheap dog bed could end up being expensive if it doesn't last long and continually needs replacing! While the initial cost of a virtually indestructible dog bed can seem expensive – if it has a lifetime guarantee then in theory you need never buy a new dog bed again. Plastic dog beds are some of the most popular around and it’s easy to see why! A plastic dog bed is very durable (but there are always a few dogs who will try and prove that statement wrong), easy to clean and comes in a range of sizes to suit the smallest and largest dogs. It is nice to put a blanket or cushion – or both – into the dog bed because the hard plastic may not be totally comfortable. This is where a cheap dog bed can become more expensive but using old blankets or making a cushion out of old material is a great way to make an inexpensive dog blanket.

Dog breeds, dog news, dog stuff!

Choosing a Dog Breed is delighted to be back! It’s been a while away but we’ve kept up to date with dog breeds, dog accessories, tips for new dog owners and of course all the great dog news... celebrity dogs; Obama dog, Bo, Sophie the heroic castaway dog... We'll be writing about all of this and more!

Awww : )

Q: Is This Dog Cute or What?
Originally uploaded by nyominx

Small Dog Breeds

Following on from Friday’s list of large dog breeds, here is a list of popular small dog breeds:

· Bichon Frise

· Boston Terrier

· Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

· Chihuahua

· Chinese Crested Dog

· Dachshund

· French Bulldog

· Fox Terrier

· Havanese

· Italian Greyhound

· Jack Russell Terrier

· Lhasa Apso

· Maltese

· Mexican Hairless

· Papillon

· Pekingese

· Pomeranian

· Poodle (Toy)

· Pug

· Schipperke

· Scottish Terrier

· Shetland Sheepdog

· Shih Tzu

· Welsh Corgi

· West Highland White Terrier

· Whippet

· Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

· Yorkshire Terrier

Poodle Mix Breeds

There has been an explosion in the popularity of Poodle Mixed Breeds, or Hybrid Dogs. A Hybrid Dog is a mix of two pure breeds.

Poodles may be so popular because of their good nature and hypoallergenic properties (they are non-shedding).

Choosing a dog breed is tough, because there are so many of them! Why not choose a Hybrid Dog?

There are many Poodle Mix Dogs. Here at ChoosingADogBreed we have compiled a list of some of our favourites (not necessarily the best dog breeds!):

• St Berdoodle (St Bernard / Standard Poodle)
• Giant Schnoodle (Giant Schnauzer / Standard Poodle)
• Bossi-Poo (Boston Terrier / Poodle)
• Pootalian (Italian Greyhound / Poodle)
• Westiepoo, pictured above (West Highland Terrier / Poodle)
• Whoodle (Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier / Poodle)
• Weimardoodle (Weimaraner / Poodle)
• Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog / Standard Poodle)
• Shih-Poo (Shih-Tzu / Poodle)
• Pekapoo (Pekingese / Poodle)
• Labradoodle (Labrador / Poodle)

Poodle Hybrid Dogs can make excellent pets. Poodles are wonderful pure breeds and when bred with another friendly breed, the possibilities seem endless!

Large Dog Breeds

If you are at the start of the choosing a dog breed process, you might just be as far as choosing the size of dog you would like. This is often a starting point. Here is a list of popular large dog breeds to give you an idea of how many different dogs breeds there are:

· Afghan

· Akita Dog

· Alaskan Malamute

· Bernese Mountain Dog

· Bloodhound

· Boxer

· Bullmastiff

· Collie

· Dalmation

· Doberman Pinscher

· English Pointer

· English Setter

· German Shepard

· Giant Schnauzer

· Golden Retriever

· Great Dane

· Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

· Greyhound

· Irish Setter

· Irish Wolfhound

· Labrador Retriever

· Mastiff

· Neapolitan Mastiff

· Old English Sheepdog

· Otterhound

· Rottweiler

· Saint Bernard

· Weimeranner

· Wolfdog

Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies are instantly recognisable pulling a sled across a vast expanse of snow. They come from the snowy regions of Siberia; bred as working sled dogs.

There are other sled dogs breeds recognised by the Kennel Club; the Alaskan Malamute, the Eskimo dog, and the Samoyed.

As working dogs living in low temperatures where food was not always in abundance, Siberian Huskies lived in packs, with humans. They were bred to carry heavy loads quickly, get on well with people, including children and be quite self sufficient so as not to eat all their owners’ food.

The characteristic of Siberian Huskies has not changed much from this outdoor, pack led lifestyle. Therefore Siberian Huskies are popular as pets.

There are many good points about Siberian Huskies as pets:

• Very friendly nature (with people and other dogs)
• Sociable
• Non aggressive (but will rise to the challenge of another dog!)
• Hypoallergenic dog for some people who are allergic to dogs
• Smaller appetite and not fussy eaters

Whenever you are choosing a dog breed, it is important to understand the challenges of a particular breed. However they will only present as really difficult challenges if the dog breed is not totally suitable to your lifestyle. The Siberian Husky is no exception. Some points to consider if you are thinking of choosing a Siberian Husky:

• They will not guard your property, or be too upset if they have a new owner
• They have an independent streak that makes them near impossible to train for obedience training or work
• Needs company of people or other dogs
• Can be destructive if left alone too long (see previous point)
• Require a large well enclosed outdoor space

Siberian Huskies are wonderful, lively, friendly dogs. They make fantastic pets for a unit with other dogs in an environment where they can run around outside. If that sounds like a lifestyle that would fit in with yours, maybe a Siberian Husky is the best dog breed for you!

New Guinea Singing Dog

For dog lovers who are interested in the history of dogs as pets and domesticated animals, New Guinea Singing Dogs are fascinating.

New Guinea Singing Dogs lived without contact with other dogs for thousands of years. They naturally inhabited the tropical lowland of New Guinea, living with the natives of the island. They also lived wildly in the cooler climes in the mountainous north of the island.

Thought to be largely extinct, in the 1950s a pair were found in New Guinea. They were taken to Toroga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. Since then they have been bred and some domesticated.

The New Guinea Singing Dog is related to Asian Wolves who were domesticated between 10000 and 15000 years ago. They are similar in appearance to the Dingo.

If you are choosing a dog breed, you might wonder what New Guinea Singing Dogs are like as pets.

New Guinea Singing Dogs are a rare dog breed. Although domesticated, they have many wild tendencies and are not great pets for most families. They can be tamed enough to have regular handling by humans but not enough that they could live inside your home.

The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society was set up to protect New Guinea Singing Dogs. They are still vulnerable to becoming extinct.

Do New Guinea Singing Dogs sing?

They have a distinctive voice, similar to a wolf’s howl with elements of whale song. They use yelps, whines and single notes as well as barking. It is a complex use of voice for a dog. It only adds to their intrigue!

Miniature Schauzers at Crufts 2008

The Crufts 2008 bonanza goes on!

A Giant Schnauzer may have won Crufts 2008 Best in Show, but this video shows that the Miniature Schnauzer is no less of a dog...

Crufts 2008 in Pictures

Crufts is the largest Dog Show in the world. From the 6^th to 8^th March 2008, Crufts attracted 160,000 dog enthusiasts to the NEC in Birmingham.

Here are some of the highlights…

Choosing a Dog Breed