Pets Rock Blog

Beagle puppy

The Beagle is a popular dog breed due to its amicable nature and most likely because of  the dog Snoopy in Charles Schultz’s Peanuts comic strips.

The Beagle falls the hound classification of dogs and is similar to the Foxhound. The modern Beagle was probably developed around 1830, although similar beagle-type dogs have existed for longer. They were presumably bred from, the North Country Beagle the Talbot Hound, the Southern Hound and the Harrier. They were originally bred as hunting dogs. Crossbreeding a Beagle with a Pug gave birth to the Puggle.

The Beagle has a highly developed sense of smell. This makes them good sniffer dogs.

Beagles are small to medium sized dogs. They can have a range of colours including bicolour, but the tricolour is the most common. They are usually about 33 – 40 cm in height. Females are usually smaller than males. They have long tails and floppy ears

They are thought to be friendly even-tempered dogs. They make good pets and therapy dogs. They are very excitable. They are pack animals and get on well with other dogs. They are not the most trainable dogs and do not have a high obedience ranking. They can be quite stubborn and are difficult to call back once they have picked up on a scent.

Beagles are prone to a number of illnesses including hyperthyroidism, dwarfism, epilepsy, glaucoma and corneal dystrophy. They are also prone to weight problems if they don’t receive sufficient exercise.

Due to their peaceful nature they are the dogs most often uexperiment on. I think that’s sick!

More info:  wikipedia or mybeagledog

Picture by: coloniera2

If you want to buy a dog,  remeber that it is a serious responsibilty. Do not simply get a breed because you’ve seen it in a movie, do some research. Visit the premises where the puppies and their parents come from.

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Alternative spelling: Dobermann.

The most common appearance of Dobermans

When talking about Dobermans I’ve heard people say: “Is it a Pincher or (a big) Doberman?” Pincher has to do with to do with the class terrier and is not a synonym for miniature.

Dobermans were first bred in Germany around 1980, by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.

Although the dogs are aggressive in appearance and have a reputation of being vicious they are actually very loving and playful dogs. They are iintelligent, loyal and protective of their owners. Dobermans are very trainable and obedient, though like any dog they can be quite stubborn.  They love constant companionship and likes to bond very closely with their human.

The Doberman is a Medium Large sized dog with a short coat and a square built.  They are very athletic dogs and muscular. They are mostly black and tan in colour but colour dilutions can also result in a red, blue or fawn (instead of black)

According to Wikipedia (paraphrase), blue and fawn colours have been banned from breeding by the German Doberman association and these dogs are considered disqualified from showing internationally. There have also been rare occurrences of white Dobermans, which is considered to be similar to albinism.

Although the dogs naturally have a fairly long tail most of them will have short tails due to tail docking while still a puppy. Tails are docked to prevent them from getting in the way and apparently because the tails are easily bruised.  Recently the practise has come controversial and animal and in some cases banned.

Dobermans also naturally have hanging ears, but many dogs will have their ears cropped. Pointed ears give the dog a more alert appearance. A part of the young dog’s ear is trimmed and the ears are then taped to the dog’s head in an upright position. The bandage will stay on for a month or more.  It is the cropped eared Dobermans that is most recognizable by the general public.  Ear cropping is even more controversial than tail docking, as it is considered to only serve a cosmetic purpose.

A Doberman with natural ears and tail.

Dobermans are highly energetic dogs and need a lot of exercise and attention. If you do not have a big yard, you have to take them on regular, long walks.  From personal experience I know they can be quite destructive when they are bored, frustrated or lonely, So teach your dog from an early age to cope on its own and make sure it has enough toys to keep it busy when you’re not around.

These dogs love to chase, which can scare the wits out of children and strangers.  Although it is mostly harmless and a playful gesture, when highly charged some dogs might nip or bite so it’s best not to get hysterical when you see a Doberman running.

This often misunderstood dog is absolutely one of my favourite dog breeds and when correctly trained can be the most wonderful pet. A Dobermans is definitely worth considering if you want to adopt or buy a dog that’s a good pet and guard dog. Only get a Doberman if you know you can give it the discipline and attention it needs.

Images: Google Images

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BUYING FROM A BREEDER

If you buy a dog from a breeder you should also be careful so that you’re not supporting puppy mills. Many registered breeders also advertise their litters in classified ads. Go to the facilities before deciding on buying a puppy.

Follow where possible the same criteria as for buying privately. Here are some tips:

• Are the dogs and the puppies registered with your national kennel association?
• Ask the dealer questions about the breed.
• The dealer should also ask you questions, because if they care where
• the puppies are going to they very likely care about their dogs.
• Look at the living conditions of the animals.
• Are they in proper kennels or in cages?
• Do the dogs seem happy?
• Do they respond to their names? Or do you get the feeling they’re just incubators?
• Do an internet search on the breeder beforehand if you can.
• Trust your instinct. If something appears off leave!

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