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Is A Shih Tzu Puppy Right For You?

Posted by Bruce Knapp on May 16th, 2012

The Shih Tzu is classified by the American Kennel Club in the Toy Group. It is one of the elegant dogs from China. The Shih Tzu was a cherished, pampered pet of royal families in China for over a thousand years. As the Shih Tzu developed there evolved several sizes. The question of size has always been a very controversial topic.

Some Shih Tzu fanciers feel the original Shih Tzu of the Imperial Palace was the very small type ranging in weight of anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. At the time of this writing, year of 2005, the size of 3 to 7 pounds is nicknamed Imperial Shih Tzu and Teacup Shih Tzu. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the nicknames of Imperial and Teacup for the Shih Tzu at all. The only size the American Kennel Club and the American Shih Tzu Club recognize as official Shih Tzu are with a set standard weight of 9 to 16 pounds. The under 9 pounds in weight and over 16 pounds in weight Shih Tzu are in existence and have ancestors registered as AKC, therefore, these Shih Tzu can be registered AKC. They are just disqualified from the show ring because of underweight or overweight. In general, most Shih Tzu fanciers or consumers prefer their Shih Tzu to be at least under 16 pounds.

Differences in weight are most likely due to cross breeding in the past with smaller dogs such as the Pekingese to get a smaller size Shih Tzu. The larger size Shih Tzu are probably more from the lines of the Apso.

The Shih Tzu has also been nicknamed “Chrysanthemum Face.” The hair on the face of a Shih Tzu puppy grows out in a circular direction, making the face look like flowers.

The Shih Tzu is an alert little dog with an arrogant and affectionate personality. Shih Tzu cherish their human companions above all else that surrounds them. Hundreds of the best of toys, other Shih Tzu or other animals never take the place of their adored human companions. For this reason, Shih Tzu do not do very well in large kennels, isolated from people. Shih Tzu puppies are best raised in small, intimate quarters and in the company of their best and favorite friends – us humans! Shih Tzu puppies at one week of age can respond to their breeder with warmth and affection. As newborns, they are very close to a newborn human baby.

The Shih Tzu’s long flowing double coat is a standard for their breed set by the American Kennel Club, and is extremely beautiful to look upon. Shih Tzu are one of the few breeds that have hair like humans instead of fur. Their coat makes for high-maintenance grooming and must be brushed daily.

The Shih Tzu is basically a robust and healthy breed with few serious medical problems.

A brisk walk around the block is usually sufficient enough exercise for a Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppy. They are delightful walking partners. They enjoy every step of the way, taking in all the scenery around them. Shih Tzu is enthusiastic and charming little pets. They love to wag their tails and greet everyone who crosses their path. Most Shih Tzu also travel well. I have had several Shih Tzu who love to stick their heads out the car windows and let the wind blow through their hair. Those we pass just ooh and ahh at this delightful antic of the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu comes in an array of colors including gold and white, red and white, silver and white, brindles of red, brindles of gold, solid black, solid white, gold with black masks, and mysterious shades of blue and beautiful shades of “chocolate.”

For hundreds of years, Shih Tzu have been bred to serve humans merely as a delightful companion. In pre-Revolutionary China, it was a status symbol to own a dog that had no utilitarian function such as hunting or guarding. The Shih Tzu was highly prized in the Imperial Court where they lived lives of luxury. Their temperament continues to reflect this fact. Because of their long and intimate association with people, Shih Tzu seems almost human.

Shih Tzu is social animals. Shih Tzu love to be petted, groomed and played with. Their favorite spot is anywhere near their human companions. Shih Tzu can be self-sufficient. If you are busy, Shih Tzu is capable of amusing themselves for long periods of time. They will throw and catch their own toys.

Shih Tzu get along well with strangers, children, adults of all ages, and other dogs. Their small size makes them ideal for confined quarters. Shih Tzu do not shed seasonally and are non-allergenic because they have human-like hair rather than fur as most other breeds.

I suppose there are negatives to owning a Shih Tzu. As the writer of this article, however, I can’t think of any to share with you at the moment!

 

 

Good Dog Breeds – Which Ones Make the Best Pets

Posted by Harrold Gerhard on May 15th, 2012

Which are good dog breeds to have as pets, and which are bad dog breeds to avoid having as pets? Some dogs are more suitable to have as pets, particularly if you have young children. All dog lovers have their favorite, and all for different reasons. For example, some people believe that the Husky is an ideal pet, as long as it is trained properly. Some people believe that a Yorkie can be more trouble than they are worth.

Dog breeds rise and fall in popularity for many reasons. Even movies featuring dogs can change people’s perceptions of that particular dog type. Sometimes, people can be swayed by what dogs are winning in major dog shows. But despite all this, there are still favorite breeds which remain the choice for many people. This includes: the Golden Retriever, the Labrador retriever, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Poodle, and the Beagle.

In addition to this, there are mixed breeds which are popular.

Popular mixed breeds include: the Puggle (a mixture of Beagle and Pug), the Labradoodle (a mixture of Poodle and Labrador), and the Cockapoo (a mixture of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel). These are not registered breeds, but even so, many people do like them.

Beyond all that though, the most ideal dog is whatever you personally are happy with, whatever best suits your lifestyle. If you need a guard dog, then something aggressive such as an Alsatian or Pit Bull Terrier would be ideal. But if you want a friendly family dog, then a Golden Retriever is the more obvious choice.

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Which are good dog breeds to have as pets, and which are bad dog breeds to avoid having as pets? Some dogs are more suitable to have as pets, particularly if you have young children. All dog lovers have their favorite, and all for different reasons. For example, some people believe that the Husky is an ideal pet, as long as it is trained properly. Some people believe that a Yorkie can be more trouble than they are worth.

Dog breeds rise and fall in popularity for many reasons. Even movies featuring dogs can change people’s perceptions of that particular dog type. Sometimes, people can be swayed by what dogs are winning in major dog shows. But despite all this, there are still favorite breeds which remain the choice for many people. This includes: the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Poodle, and the Beagle.

In addition to this, there are mixed breeds which are popular.

Popular mixed breeds include: the Puggle (a mixture of Beagle and Pug), the Labradoodle (a mixture of Poodle and Labrador), and the Cockapoo (a mixture of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel). These are not registered breeds, but even so, many people do like them.

Beyond all that though, the most ideal dog is whatever you personally are happy with, whatever best suits your lifestyle. If you need a guard dog, then something aggressive such as an Alsatian or Pit Bull Terrier would be ideal. But if you want a friendly family dog, then a Golden Retriever is the more obvious choice.

Deciding to adopt a pet dog itself is a very crucial decision. But once this decision is solved and you finally plan to adopt one, you come across another big challenge. Which dog do you think is the best one for you to adopt? There are hundreds of different dog breeds to select from.

To solve this question efficiently, it is very important to do a detailed research on the breed to ensure compatibility with the environment in your household, children and other pets (if you have). Below are discussed some common breeds to help you with your dog comparison and for perfect dog search.

Kerry Blue Terrier 

This is another name for the Irish Blue Terrier.

This dog breed was originally used as a vermin catcher, a herding dog, and waterfowl retriever. Today this breed is liked for both as a guarding dog and of course a lovely pet. This breed of dog usually weighs between 33 to 37 pounds and stands as tall as 18 to 19 inches. Their coat is wavy and soft and comes in shades of black with blue points, blue without black points and white small patches on their chest.

Kerry blue terrier is a very friendly dog especially with kids. They are happiest when cuddled and given attention and kept as just pets. However, you may face a little trouble if you have cats as pets too and you did not mix your Kerry with cats from a young age.

Sussex spaniel 

This is a British sporting dog that initially was used for hunting partridge. This is comparatively a smaller dog that weighs around 40 to 50 pounds and stand between 15 to 16 inches tall. They have an interesting wavy long spaniel coat that comes in shades of puce, gold and liver. These are friendly dogs that make great companions and are best suitable as family dog especially if they are properly socialized and trained.

Cockapoo 

This popular mixed breed was developed in the United States. This breed came into existence by crossing the American Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. Their sizes depend on the size of their parents but are usually between 9 to 13 inches tall and weigh around 6 to 19 pounds. This dog is a great pet option for people with allergies because they are low shedders.

Cockapoos are generally very furry and cute little dogs and are very suitable to keep as pets. They are also very friendly and are great friends with children.

These are just a few examples of some famous pet dogs that are usually the choice of many. You can also look for other dogs like Giant Schnauzer, Bull Dog, Germen Shepherd, Redbone Coonhound, Shiba Inu etc. You can conduct a detailed research on dog comparisons to find out the perfect pet dog for you to adopt that is suitable to your pet needs.

Deciding to adopt a pet dog itself is a very crucial decision. But once this decision is solved and you finally plan to adopt one, you come across another big challenge. Which dog do you think is the best one for you to adopt? There are hundreds of different dog breeds to select from. To solve this question efficiently, it is very important to do a detailed research on the breed to ensure compatibility with the environment in your household, children and other pets (if you have). Below are discussed some common breeds to help you with your dog comparison and for perfect dog search.

Kerry Blue Terrier 

This is another name for the Irish Blue Terrier. This dog breed was originally used as a vermin catcher, a herding dog, and waterfowl retriever. Today this breed is liked for both as a guarding dog and of course a lovely pet. This breed of dog usually weighs between 33 to 37 pounds and stands as tall as 18 to 19 inches. Their coat is wavy and soft and comes in shades of black with blue points, blue without black points and white small patches on their chest.

Kerry blue terrier is a very friendly dog especially with kids. They are happiest when cuddled and given attention and kept as just pets. However, you may face a little trouble if you have cats as pets too and you did not mix your Kerry with cats from a young age.

Sussex spaniel 

This is a British sporting dog that initially was used for hunting partridge. This is comparatively a smaller dog that weighs around 40 to 50 pounds and stand between 15 to 16 inches tall. They have an interesting wavy long spaniel coat that comes in shades of puce, gold and liver. These are friendly dogs that make great companions and are best suitable as family dog especially if they are properly socialized and trained.

Cockapoo 

This popular mixed breed was developed in the United States. This breed came into existence by crossing the American Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. Their sizes depend on the size of their parents but are usually between 9 to 13 inches tall and weigh around 6 to 19 pounds. This dog is a great pet option for people with allergies because they are low shedders.

Cockapoos are generally very furry and cute little dogs and are very suitable to keep as pets. They are also very friendly and are great friends with children.

These are just a few examples of some famous pet dogs that are usually the choice of many. You can also look for other dogs like Giant Schnauzer, Bull Dog, Germen Shepherd, Redbone Coonhound, Shiba Inu etc. You can conduct a detailed research on dog comparisons to find out the perfect pet dog for you to adopt that is suitable to your pet needs.

 

 

WPBT2 Brings Miami Based Web Content to South Florida’s Living Rooms

Posted by Joann Plumlee on May 14th, 2012


Content Miami, premiering on WPBT2, Friday, May 4 at Midnight, takes the best content created for the web in the South Florida area, and broadcasts it over the air. Debuting with a Miami-style mix of three local web based programs, Chat Chow, Sound Theory Live, and Something with Erik and Ralph, but now set to broadcast. Hosted by Miami web presence Natasha Izquierdo, Content Miami brings the web to the TV screen, setting the pace for local television with young, fresh and fun content made in our community and broadcast on WPBT2.

 

View the trailer of Content Miami Here

 

We want to create a platform to highlight the great programming being created locally for the internet, which also deserves to be on television, so WPBT2, which has always had such a great local focus, is the perfect partner, says Bill Teck, Executive Producer and Creator of Content Miami.

 

Chat Chow

The hottest foodie show on the web, Chat Chow, goes behind the scenes with the chefs, owners and mixologists of Miami’s celebrated food industry. Hosted by Lauren Bernat, the viral Wii Fit Girl sensation, the episodes highlight some of South Florida’s favorite food personalities.

 

Sound Theory Live

Carlos Garcia host of Sound Theory Live on WDNA 88.9 FM promotes local musicians by showcasing their talents live on the radio with little ?get to know them interviews. These sessions recorded live during the WDNA radio broadcast give the viewer the feeling of being in studio with these artists as they talk about and perform their music.

 

 

Clumber Spaniel Breed and Maintence DNA

Posted by Tina Dudley on May 14th, 2012

The purpose of this Illustrated Standard is to help breeders, judges and fanciers understand and interpret the written standard for the ideal Clumber Spaniel. The standard is a written guideline to describe those characteristics of type that distinguish Clumber Spaniels from other spaniels. Many years of study, observation and experience are required to properly evaluate type and soundness in the show ring, in the field, in the whelping box, and in the home environment. It is the responsibility of the judge and breeder to interpret the standard as objectively as possible, realizing that the individual relies on his personal experiences and preferences. This illustrated standard is intended to assist the enthusiast in formulating his opinion and proper mental picture as it applies to the ideal dog by offering this objective explanation of the Clumber Spaniel.

Working together, those who love Clumbers can help to improve the status of their health. Your contributions are used to fund The Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation was formed in 2007 to facilitate research into health issues in Clumber Spaniels and other dogs. While the health of the breed in general has improved over the past decades, there is still much work to be done. We are still losing dogs to intervertebral disc disease, hemangiosarcoma, and immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Elbow and hip dysplasia are still issues. Research projects into the major conditions that diminish or cut short the lives of the dogs we love. Our mission is to help Clumbers live longer, healthier lives, and we need your help. To date, the CSHF has provided funding and/or DNA samples to researchers investigating IMHA, hemangiosarcoma and intervertebral disc disease.

These studies are still ongoing but they are making progress. We are pleased to share with you in this 2009 Annual Report just what your contributions are helping the Foundation to achieve. We need your donations of both funds and Clumber DNA samples. Your input into studies you’d like to see us consider for funding is also wanted. With the support of Clumber fanciers worldwide, we hope to continue unlocking the puzzles of disease conditions, leading to improved diagnostics and more individualized treatment options.

The contribution of DNA from Clumbers affected with hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma is a very aggressive cancer of the cells lining the blood vessels throughout the body. It often presents as a very rapid, abdominal bleed from a tumor on the spleen Dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma generally die within six months of the diagnosis. VARI is studying the biochemical pathways and genetic markers of this disease, to develop earlier diagnostics, better treatments and perhaps DNA tests to enable breeders to work around this deadly cancer.

Intervertebral Disc Disease: Bad backs and bad necks lead to paralysis and death in too many Clumbers. Surgical intervention often costs owners thousands of dollars, and IVDD causes considerable pain and suffering to both dogs and the owners who love them. Drs. Mark Neff and Nick Duesbery of the VARI are investigating intervertebral disc disease in Clumbers. The CSHF is supporting this work both through financial support and provision of DNA samples.

PDP1 Data Base: The Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation continues to maintain an international PDP1 database for Clumber and Sussex spaniels. The PDP1 list is housed on the CSHF website. The list is composed of owner-contributed certifications as well as monthly updates from the Animal Health Trust in the UK.

Piper Fund: The Piper Fund, established by Cyrus and Kim Daboo in loving memory of their Clumber Piper, continues to fund rebates to owners of Clumbers who have their dogs necropsied after death, and who provide a copy of the necropsy report to enable better understanding of diseases in our dogs.

Health Clinics: The CSHF will continue to provide health seminars at the National Specialty show whenever possible. The Foundation also manages the CSCA DNA bank, and sponsors collection clinics to continually build this most important health resource.

 

 

 

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