Tibetan Spaniel - Companion And Watchdog

This breed looks a little like a miniature lion, a prized animal to the Buddist Monks that propagated the breed. Tibetan Spaniels love to interact with people and watch over their kingdom from high perches. They are very cat-like in this aspect and like to lay on tables, the back of the couch, or any location where they can be elevated and watch. Tibbies do well in agility trials due to their athletic abilities. This breed is very alert and watchful, friendly with family members, but aloof to strangers. These highly intelligent dogs are easily trained; however, they do can also be stubborn. At times, they will not follow a command, simply because they think you really don't mean it or it is not what they want to do at the time. Tibetan Spaniels are very intuitive and sensitive. Training them requires positive reinforcement and rewards. They are very affectionate toward family members and prefer to be with a person at all time. Tibbies do not do well if left alone for long periods of time. They will love and protect children, but playing with children could result in injury to the dog. They also accept other pets and dogs well, so this is a good choice for the multi-pet family.

Tibetan Spaniels shed all year, so brushing the dog weekly or more frequently is recommended. While they have a double coat, and have long fur, they do not shed excessively. Occasionally a bath is needed, but no more frequently than every couple month. Tibbies are healthy dogs that live about 12 to 15 years. Because of their protruding eyes, they do have a tendency to get tear stains. This is mostly cosmetic and not a health problem. These are true house dogs, they do not tolerate cold or hot weather, and prefer to cuddle on the couch with you. Typically, Tibetan Spaniels are about 10 inches tall and weigh about 9 to 15 pounds. They make good apartment dogs; however, they do bark. Training your dog not to bark may or may not be successful, so if you live where noise is not tolerated, this breed could be a problem. These little dogs are very affectionate and will display this by jumping up in your lap and licking your face. Fortunately, they are small! Exercise requirements for the breed are minimal. Taking the dog for a walk, on a leash, once a day is usually sufficient. Also, plan on playing some indoor games, this will also help with the activity level. Playing with the dog is a great way to interact with the animal and have some fun at the same time.

Tibbies personality is assertive, but not aggressive. They are very watchful and alert to their surroundings, which makes them a good watchdog. As with many watchdogs, they will alert you to potential threats by barking. This can become an annoying trait, so it is best to teach the dog to be quiet after you have acknowledged the alert. This may or may not work, as your Tibetan Spaniel may decide that you really need to know about this threat. Remember they are assertive! Remember that the breed likes to watch from higher locations, so plan your furniture arrangements accordingly. Making sure the nails of the Tibbie are short enough not to damage furniture is very important. Interaction and contact with humans is one of the primary goals of the breed, so be prepared to have a constant companion and a dog that will be on your chairs and couch with you.

Tibetan Spaniels make great family pets if noise restrictions are not needed. They get along well with other animals and children and enjoy being part of a family. These athletic dogs like to watch from higher locations, so be prepared for them to climb on things. While they have long fur, grooming needs are minimal, though they do shed year around. Tibbies are small dogs that are relatively healthy and will live for 10 to 15 years.

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The Dignified Family Dog - The Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds were bred in Afghanistan to hunt large prey. The long fur kept it warm in mountainous areas. The breed is very fleet and an independent, intelligent hunter that would hold leopards at bay till horse mounted hunters could catch up to the prey. This means they have great endurance and speed (they outrun most horses). Additionally, they think for themselves and are very independent. Because of it's hunting instincts, as a pet, they will still chase small animals and are used for coursing trials and games. Afghan Hounds should be kept in a large fenced yard and on a leash, once they escape they can be very difficult to capture. They are also bright enough to find ways out of fenced yards and are quite good at being an escape artist.

Afghan Hounds are between 24 and 29 inches tall and weigh 44 to 60 pounds. This is a healthy breed, typically living for 12 to 14 years. Afghan Hounds are affectionate and loyal to family members. They can have a tendency to be a one-person dog and are frequently aloof to strangers. They are also affectionate on their terms, not yours! When the Afghan Hounds wants attention, they will let you know, otherwise just leave it alone. They do tolerate children; however, this is a large dog and can easily knock small children down. Also, do not expect it to run and play with children. Despite this size, they are content to lay around when indoors and do adapt to apartment living. That said, the Afghan Hound does require regular, daily exercise regardless of living arrangements. This is a high-energy dog.

The long flowing, fine texture coat is a hallmark of the breed. Afghan Hounds do shed and keeping the coat is excellent condition is not for the faint of heart! The coat tangles and mats easily, requiring daily brushing to keep it tangle free and blowing. Additionally, frequent baths are required to keep the coat clean and shiny. Owners either invest time to learn to deal with the coat or invest in a good groomer. Either way, plan on spending time and money to keep the Afghan Hound looking great. As with all dogs with ears that are not erect, they are prone to ear mites and ear infections. Carefully checking the ears on a regular basis is recommended.

Training your Afghan Hound can be a challenge! They are very independent and do not particularly care if they please you or not. They are not motivated by food and snacks, either so this can make training a challenge. Therefore, it is not a good breed for a first-time dog owner. Due to the personality, sensitivity, and intelligence of the breed, consistent, patient, and positive training methods are required. Even when this approach is done with the Afghan Hound, it may still only train on its schedule, not yours. The good news is that Afghans rarely bark, so apartment dwellers and neighbors are happy. This means that the breed is not a good watchdog. Despite these features, the dog can be affection and fun and like to play games, so there is an upside as a companion. Owners just need to go into the relationship, realizing what the dog will and will not do.

Afghan Hounds are beautiful and dignified, but can be aloof as a companion dog. Grooming of this breed is a major consideration and investment of time and money. This is an independent breed, that can try your patience, entertain you and be your best friend or not, all within a 30 minutes' span of time. Afghan Hound aficionados love their dogs, but the reverse may not be true.

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Information About The English Cocker Spaniel

The majority of us know various facts about the cocker spaniel, but not all of us know the English cocker spaniel; in fact, many individuals are unaware that there are two types of cocker spaniels at all. This distinction between American and English cocker spaniels came about in the middle of the 20th century and was brought about by their great difference in appearance. This article will provide information on the English cocker spaniel discussing its appearance, health considerations, and overall personality.

The Appearance

English Cocker Spaniel

Since the mid 20th century, the English spaniel has diversified even further making an obvious distinction between the traditional and English breeds. Whereas the American spaniel has longer fur with a slight wave, the English canine has a very short coat. Another defining feature is that the English breed has a much deeper chest

American Cocker Spaniel

and stands closer to the ground having rather short legs; whereas, the American spaniel is taller with a wider chest.

The Health Factors

All purebred dogs are at risk of having genetic health problems and the English cocker spaniel can present with highly detrimental conditions. One common condition among this breed is progressive retinal atrophy which can leave the dog blind or with visual impairments. Juvenile-onset renal failure is another condition which can cause muscle weakness and failing kidneys. Finally, English cocker spaniels can suffer from progressive ear infections that could lead to hearing loss, particularly in multi-colored canines. To ensure that your pet is not at risk to any of these problems, it is essential that the breeder provide you with a health guarantee on the pups.

The Personality

While he may not have a similar appearance to other spaniels, the English cocker spaniel has the same pleasant disposition. This animal is highly affectionate, cheerful, and very devoted to his owners. This spaniel is an excellent option for a family pet as the breed is very calm and enjoys playing with children. This breed is also an excellent watchdog due to his alert nature and need to defend his family.

Final Words On The Matter

It has been noted that dog ownership can be very beneficial to all families; children can learn responsibility by caring for and exercising the animal and older individuals will find comfort in the animal's presence. Using the information above you can make an informed decision as to whether or not this breed is suited to your specific needs.

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