Arbor Dog Park

How Do I Identify The Breed Of My Mutt

2011-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

There are so many different dog breeds today that unidentified crossbreeds are inevitable. These unidentified crossbreeds are known as mutts. Mutts are not recognized by the American Kennel Club since they are note purebred. Many owners of mutts often ask; how do I identify the breed of my mutt? There are a few different things you can do to help identify which breeds your mutt is mixed with.

First, you can analyze the physical features and characteristics of your mutt. Then you can cross-reference these traits with other breeds to find which one it most resembles. You want to pay attention to the head shape, fur color, proportions, height, weight, fur pattern, and ear size. You can also try to identify what breed your mutt is by observing their temperament. This can help identify what group your mutt belongs to. If your dog is energetic and active then it can be associated with the working group. If you are having trouble identifying the breed then you can always ask a veterinarian for their opinion.

Purina Dog Breed Selector

2011-01-24T18:25:00.001-08:00

Deciding on a breed of dog for your family can be a tough decision. There are so many factors to take into consideration when choosing a breed for your home. If you are thinking about getting a new pet be sure to check out the purina dog breed selector for help. The selector helps you choose the breed that is best suited for your lifestyle. Just because you love a particular breed, does not mean it is the right breed for you.

The selector consists of a short questionnaire over your personal situation and preferences. After answering all the questions the selector then matches the best breeds for you based on your answers. The Purina Breed Library has detailed information on 117 different dogs. The selector will match you with more than one breed so you have different options to choose from. You can select four of your matches and then compare them to find out which one is best.

Breed Specific Homemade Dog Food Yorkie

2011-01-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

Pet owners sometimes make their dogs homemade food rather than purchasing it from the store. A lot of store bought dog foods were contaminated which scared owners into making the food themselves. Many dogs got terribly sick due to the contamination of store bought food. If you are preparing food for your pet you need to be sure that the food contains the proper nutrients your dog needs.

Before you start preparing homemade food for your pet, you should find out if homemade foods are even healthy for the type of breed you own. A lot of people ask is there breed specific homemade dog food yorkie? The best homemade foods a Yorkie can eat are usually vegetables. In fact, most breeds can eat some type of vegetable because they are really healthy for them. Some common vegetables for dogs to eat are carrots and green beans. You can steam the carrots or give it to them raw. Dogs actually enjoy the vegetables better than other doggie treats.

Dog Breeds Originating In The Indian Subcontinent

2011-01-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Indian Pariah is one of the most popular dog breeds originating in the Indian subcontinent. A pariah is a reference to a breed of particular dogs from India and China. Pariah dogs will generally all be the same size and color. They are commonly found in Laos, Thailand, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, Korea, the Phillipines, and Borneo.

The Indian Pariah dog is said to have been the first breed of dog in history. They are found all over the Indian subcontinent and are the original breed of the country. They make great guard and watch dogs since they have natural territorial instincts. They are highly alert and will bark at the slightest sound around them. Some Indian Pariahs are kept as pets in rural villages and others wander around as scavengers throughout the city. The ones that are found in the city are usually mixed with other breeds and are not considered purebreds.

Severe Macaw Breeders

2011-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

The severe macaw is a miniature version of the macaw. This also gives them the name mini macaw. These birds make wonderful pets and posses all the same qualities and characteristics of the macaw. Their small size makes them easy to handle which is a plus since they enjoy playing with their keepers. They will have to be socialized as babies in order to be around lots of people. If they are not socialized they will only be accustomed to one person.

Due to their popularity we are now starting to see a growth in the number of severe macaw breeders. Severe macaw breeders typically sell their birds at a wide range of prices. Some can be as low as $400 and others can sell for over $900. Breeders will also generally take a percentage of the price as a deposit to hold the bird for you to purchase. They make great pets since they have a lifespan that ranges from 30 to 80 years.

Can I Breed My Tri Color To A Castor Mini Rex

2011-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

The mini rex is one of the most popular breeds of rabbits in the United States. This is due to their soft coats, great personalities, and small size. When fully grown these rabbits only weigh about four pounds. Their soft fur is actually caused by a mutation first recognized in France during the 19^th century. The mini rex comes in a wide spectrum of colors. Some popular colors and patterns for these rabbits include chinchilla, castor, otter, tri-color, and lilac.

The tri color mini rex is solid white with Chocolate & Orange, Black & Orange, Blue & Fawn, or Lilac & Fawn. The castor mini rex is a beautiful chestnut color with black tips. Many breeders ask, can I breed my tri color to a castor mini rex? It is best to breed mini rex rabbits with other rabbits that are the same variety. A tri color mini rex should only be bred with another tri color mini rex, and a castor should only be bred with another castor. This is to prevent genetic defects among the breeds and improve the genetics of the mini rex breed overall.

Types Of Dog Breeds Prone To Leukemia

2011-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Leukemia is a form of cancer that is characterized by an abnormal increase of white blood cells in your blood or bone marrow. Not only can people be diagnosed with leukemia – dogs can have this disease as well. Some signs of leukemia in dogs include loosing blood faster than normal if they are injured, extreme thirst, and in rare cases strong seizures.There are certain types of dog breeds prone to leukemia more than others.

Leukemia starts with problems in the bone marrow, and one breed that falls victim to bone cancer are Greyhounds. Acute leukemia can be found in Labrador Retrievers . They are also prone to have a disease closely related to Leukemia called Lymphona. Due to inbreeding, Pugs are another breed likely to be diagnosed with Leukemia. You can check the color of their gums to verify if they have the disease. The dogs listed are breeds that tend to get the disease faster than others, but the truth is all dogs have a chance of getting leukemia. It is important to have regular veterinary check-ups to ensure your pet is in good health.

Roan Antelope Breeders

2011-01-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

Roan antelopes are beautiful animals that are found throughout the savannas and woodlands of Africa. They are the fourth largest antelopes in the world and weigh between 495-600 pounds. They generally measure about 7 to 9 feet in length and 4 to 5 ft in height. Their tails measure about 2 feet in length. They can be grey or brown in color and have distinct black and white masks on their faces. Males will have darker masks then females.

Roan antelope breeders typically auction off these animals to sellers. If you are considering purchasing a roan antelope from a breeder you will need to ensure that it meets the quality criteria for the breed. Some breeders offer live viewing of their animals before auction. It is recommended that buyers attend the live viewing before purchasing the animal. The roan antelope is not on the endangered species list, but due to loss of habitat and poaching their populations have been declining.

Breed Inter Racially Miscegenate

2011-01-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

The term miscengenate often gets confused with crossbreeding. To breed inter racially miscegenate is actually referred to as hybrid crossbreeding when discussing animals. Miscegenate is only used when discussing people and is the mixing of two different racial groups. A crossbreed is the product that results from mixing two different purebred breeds. The goal of crossbreeding is to create an animal that shares the traits of both parents. Some common hybrids are the Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Morki, and the Westiepoo.

Crossbreeding animals generally helps keep the breeds healthy by mixing up the gene pools. However some crossbreeds come from defected gene pools, which can produce lower quality animals. Sometimes crosses between two purebred breeds can result in puppies that carry a very high price tag. The high demand for these designer dogs is what causes the high prices. Hybrid dogs are not seen as purebreds, so they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Minpin Puppies

2011-01-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

Minpin puppies are smaller versions of the Pinscher breed. Minpin actually stands for miniature pinscher. They typically are between 10 to 12 inches in height and will weigh between 8 to 10 pounds. Possible coat colors for this breed are chocolate with tan or red, red with black hairs, and black with rust marks. They are expected to live for about 15 plus years.

Although they are small they are a tough little breed. They are also very energetic, smart, active, and loyal. They make excellent family pets since they usually get along with children and other pets. This breed thrives in warmer climates and is very well suited for apartment life. They are very active indoors due to their high energy so a yard is not necessary. If you do have a yard you need to be sure that the fence is built high in order to prevent this curious breed from escaping.

Goldador Puppies

2011-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

The cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever is called a Goldador. Goldador puppies are not recognized by the American Kennel Club because they are hybrid dogs. This breed will have a temperament that is a blend of both the Golden and Labrador retrievers. They make excellent family pets since they get along great with other dogs, pets, and children. They are extremely caring, loving, and devoted.

Goldadors will range between 22 to 24 inches in height and will weigh between 60 to 80 pounds. The majority of this breed has yellow coats, but their coats can sometimes be shades of gold, black, or red to yellow. They have double coats that consist of an outer and under layer. The outer layer is short, rough, and resistant to water. The under layer is much softer than the outer layer. To remove dead hair from their coats Goldadors should be brushed regularly. They have a life span of about 10 to 14 years.

Bluenose Pit Bull Puppies

2011-01-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

The American Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier, and the Staffordshire bull terrier are dogs that are classified in the Pit bull category. Pit bulls are a very misunderstood breed. Due to their negative coverage in the media many states and countries place restrictions on pit bulls. Each breed has a unique history even though they were all created by the same crossbreeding. A very popular breed of pit bulls now is the blue nose pit.

The blue nose pit is a result of the crossbreeding between a bulldog and a terrier. In some places the American bulldog is actually classified as a pit bull breed. The goal of this breed was to produce an aggressive dog that could fight longer due to its stamina. The dog became popular in America due to its unique color and its independent nature. Many people think negatively of pit bulls due to the attacks that are shown in the media. The breed can be aggressive but they are also very loving and caring. In order to get bluenose pit bull puppies with excellent temperaments it is important to purchase them from a reputable breeder.

Chawawa Puppies

2011-01-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Chawawa puppies (also referred to as Chihuahuas or Chihuahuenos in Spanish) are the smallest dog of all the breeds. The American Kennel Club does not state a specified height or weight standard for this breed. This is due to the fact that their heights often tend to vary. A typical Chihuahua is about 12 to 15 inches in height, but sometimes they can grow to be 12 to 15 inches. The health conditions this breed is prone to include epilepsy and seizures.

There are two different types of Chihuahuas, the long-haired and short-haired. Their coats can be practically any color and can either be solid or patterned in a variety of ways. Some patterns found on Chihuahuas are spotting, masks, and brindle. What differs a Chihuahuas temperament from other breeds is the fact that it depends directly on the temperament of its parents or grandparents. Many breeds usually carry the same temperament overall, but this is not the case for Chihuahuas.

Cockalier Puppies

2011-01-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

Cockalier puppies are the result of a cross between two different spaniel breeds – the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cockaliers are not considered to be purebred dogs because they are hybrids. They are usually 10 to 14 inches in height and will weigh between 15 to 22 pounds. Their temperaments and physical features will vary since they are a blend of two different breeds.

This breed is generally very friendly and will make great family pets. They do well around children and other animals. Their coats can come in various colors and the texture can range from wavy and long to silky and straight. It is recommended to brush their coats weekly regardless of the texture. Professional grooming is recommended every 4 to 6 months. Cockaliers are subject to eye conditions such as infections or cataracts, so it is important to clean and monitor their eyes closely.

Mastador Puppies

2011-01-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

A cross between a Labrador and a Mastiff is called a Mastador. Mastador puppies are not recognized as purebred dogs by the American Kennel Club because they are hybrid dogs. They can also be referred to as Mastadore, Massador, Mastidoor, or Masadors. This breed will have a mixture of the Labrador and Mastiff personalities. They are a very large breed and when fully grown can weigh over one hundred pounds. Mastadors are expected to live between 10 to 15 years.

The breed has a very friendly temperament which makes them ideal family pets. Due to their size it is recommended that they are not around small children as they may accidentally knock them over. Their coats are soft and shiny and do not require much grooming. They are also healthy and athletic making them perfect for hunting. Because Mastadors are part Labrador they may experience ear problems. They make wonderful companions because they are extremely loving and sweet.

Peagle Puppies

2011-01-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

A cross between a Beagle and a Pekingese is referred to as a Peagle. Peagle puppies are not recognized as purebreds by the American Kennel club because they are hybrids. Their personalities are a mixture of the two breeds but generally they are playful social dogs. They will usually measure between 10-15 inches and weigh between 14-15 pounds. Their coats are short and come in a variety of colors. Grooming this breed is generally easy due to their short coats.

In appearance the Peagle resembles a Beagle more than a Pekingese. The body frame of this breed is similar to the Pekingese, but its features resemble that of a Beagle. They are a smaller and stockier version of a typical Beagle. Known health conditions for this breed include skin infections, epilepsy, and back problems. They also tend to suffer from respiratory problems because they are part Pekingese. Peagles make great family dogs since they are smart and get along with other pets and children.

Shichon Puppies

2010-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

Sichon puppies are a hybrid breed that results from crossing a Shih Tzu with a Bichon Frise. These dogs are not considered purebred and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Shichons can also be referred to as Shih Chons, Zuchons, and Zu-chons. Their temperaments will be a mixture of the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise characteristics. They are considered part of the toy breed and usually only weigh between seven to twelve pounds. They are not as hyper as some of the other dogs in the toy breed category.

A great thing about this crossbreed is that they are hypoallergenic. This means that although you may be allergic to most dogs you will not experience those allergies with this breed. These dogs love attention and cannot be left alone for extended periods. They make excellent lap dogs and will constantly want to be close to you. They will want to lay with you in bed and sit in your lap on the couch. This breed wants lots of affection and loves to be held.

Mutley The Dog Laugh

2010-12-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dastardly and Muttley was a spin-off of the popular cartoon The Wacky Races. Wacky Races was produced by Hanna-Barbera and was a popular cartoon television series. There were seventeen episodes of Wacky Races produced for a total of 34 races overall. The storyline featured eleven main cars that raced against each other in multiple rallies. This series featured twenty-four main characters instead of the usual one or two.

Two memorable characters from the series were Dick Dastardly and Muttley. Their purple race car was able to fly and was equipped with secret weapons. They were the competitors in the series and Dastardly was portrayed as your typical villain with the evil mustache. Muttley was a mixed breed dog and was Dastardly’s trusted sidekick. One thing this villainous duo was famous for was the mutley the dog laugh. His laugh was his signature trademark. It was very entertaining since it was a mixture of a wheeze and a grumble.

Peke-Pom Puppies

2010-12-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Peke-pom puppies are a cross between the Pekingese and Pomeranian breeds. Peke-Poms can also be referred to as a Peek-A-Pom or Pominese. They are considered hybrid dogs and are not recognized as purebred dogs. They are part of the toy group of dogs and usually live twelve to fifteen years. They can vary between six to twelve inches in height and can weigh between three and ten pounds. As puppies they are extremely fragile since they usually weigh less than a pound.

This hybrid breed is very energetic and playful. Do not let their small size fool you; these dogs have huge personalities. These dogs are not ideal for a family with small children since they are easily frightened by loud noises and sudden movements. This breed is better suited for older children who can handle them safely. To prevent possessiveness it is important to train these dogs at a young age. Housebreaking this breed can be very difficult and many owners choose to use litter boxes to make the process easier.

Dog Whisperer Caesar Milan

2010-12-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

The dog whisperer Caesar Milan was born on August 27, 1969 to Felipe Millan Guillen and Maria Teresa Favela de Millan in Sinaloa, Mexico. As a young boy he grew up working with animals on his grandfather’s farm. He had a natural way with dogs and aspired to be the best dog trainer in the world. When he came to the United States he worked with aggressive dogs in a grooming store and then went on to create the Dog Psychology Center in Los Angeles.

Caesar became popular off his hit television series, The Dog Whisperer. It is currently in its seventh season and is shown in more than 80 different countries across the globe. The reality series started in 2002 and focused on Millian as he worked to rehabilitate dogs. The series aired on the National Geographic Chanel in 2004 and became the channels #1 show during its first season. The series is not meant to be used as a dog training guide. Its intent is to highlight Millian working to rehabilitate dogs.

Siberian Husky Guard Dogs

2010-12-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

The Siberian Husky is a working-dog that is recognized for its outstanding endurance. It is an excellent all around dog since it has an outgoing temperament. They were bred to pull sleds and originated from an extremely cold environment. They are extremely active and energetic. When fully grown huskies can be 21 to 23 inches in height and weigh between 45 to 60 pounds. Their weight is directly proportionate to their height. Siberian huskies are expected to live twelve to fifteen years.

Due to their wolf like appearance many people believe Siberian Huskies will make good guard dogs. Siberian husky guard dogs are not ideally the best. They are not aggressive towards humans and only react towards other animals. They will only sometimes bark at the door if there is an intruder. Some huskies will not bark at all. Their instinct is to work so they have no interest in guarding or protecting. They actually tend to love everyone making them unsuspicious of burglars or intruders. If you are specifically looking for a guard dog – the Siberian husky is not for you.

Cross Between A Weimaraner And Yellow Labrador

2010-12-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

The cross between a weimaraner and yellow labrador is called a Labmaraner. Although it is a cross between two purebred dogs the labmaraner is not considered to be a purebred itself. To figure out how the personality of these dogs will be it is best to research the two breeds separately. The labmaraner will have a combination of the characteristics found in each breed.

The labaraner will typically be black or brown but there are a few instances where they will end up gray in color. When fully grown they can be 24 inches and height and weigh between 60-100 pounds. This breed tends to have calm and relaxed temperaments. They are full of both love and energy so exercise is very important for this breed. If they do not receive the proper exercise as puppies they will start to chew on objects. They have single coats and although they do well in almost any environment they have to be very active if they are in the cold.

Volunteer Firefighter Maltese Cross

2010-12-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

There are many different breeds of dogs that can be bred with the maltese. For example a poodle can be crossed with a maltese and the result would be called a Maltipoo. A Yorkshire terrier can be crossed with a maltese and the result can be called a Yorktese or Morkie. You can determine the temperament of these crossbreeds by researching the individual characteristics of both breeds. The crossbreeds will usually have a personality that is a blend of the two breeds combined.

Many people often confuse the volunteer firefighter maltese cross as a breed between the dalmation and a maltese. This is a misconception and the volunteer fighter maltese cross is actually not a dog at all. The maltese cross is actually a symbol that represents honor and strength. It is a symbol of sacrifice that came about hundreds of years ago when a band of crusaders called The Knights of St. John fought hard for possession of the holy land. Hundreds of these knights burned to death while trying to save their fellow comrades. For firefighter’s it is a symbol of protection and represents the firefighter’s willingness to put his life on the line for the safety of others.

Midatlantic Pug Rescue

2010-12-14T15:25:00.001-08:00

The midatlantic pug rescue, or MAPR, is a non-profit organization that provides care for abandoned pugs. Pugs are a very small breed of dog with huge personalities. The midatlantic pug rescue was founded in 2002 and rescues pugs throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. They rescue more than 400 pugs annually from puppy mills, veterinary offices, animal control facilities, and anywhere else there is a pug in need.

The main goals of the midatlantic pug rescue is to find each rescued pug a new home with a loving family and to provide all the medical attention and training needed to ensure a high quality of life. All of the pugs are rehabilitated and cared for in the homes of over 200 volunteers. Each of these volunteers has united for the sole purpose of rescuing neglected pugs. The motto for the midatlantic pug rescupe is “Let no pug go unloved.”

Mountain Cur Squirrel Dogs

2010-12-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

There are many different breeds of hunting dogs out there but one that stands out is the mountain cur squirrel dogs. These dogs are bred solely for their strong working abilities. They are tough and their protective temperaments make them ideal guard dogs. These dogs love to work so if you are just looking for a house dog – this is not the dog for you. They are traditional hunting dogs who are trained to hunt all types of animals especially squirrels and raccoons. They can even hunt larger animals such as bears and bulls.

Mountain curs are rugged with a strong heavy coat. Their short coats make them low maintenance and very easy to groom. A majority of them are born with dew-claws on their back feet. A fully grown mountain cur will range between 18-26 inches in height and weigh between 30-60 pounds. Due to their working nature they need plenty of exercise daily. They should be taken on long walks when they are not used for hunting. With the proper care and exercise Mountain Curs can live about 12-16 years.