Ashley Peach Blog

Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The Chinese Crested dog breed is one of the smaller breeds and considered in the toy breed group. Their name speaks to the origins of their breed, and it is unknown precisely when they began. They have a hairless body that makes the warmer climates more important to their over all health. You will find the Chinese Crested has actually two coat variations. There is the Powderpuff that has a long coat and then the hairless. The hairless Chinese Crested dog is rather easy to groom since they just need attention to their feet, ears, eyes, and skin. The Powderpuff breed needs extensive professional grooming for most owners. They need to be brushed on a daily basis to avoid issues with matting and tangles. The good thing is the Powerderpuff doesn't shed that much. With the hairless Chinese Crested you have to make sure to apply suntan lotion when they are going to be out in the sun to avoid skin issues. The size of the dog is usually 5 to 12 pounds, and 11 to 13 inches in height. These dogs can be any color.

The character of both Chinese Crested breeds is similar. You will find they are sweet, energetic, and full of love. They are also very intelligent animals in that they can climb and dig holes. They can also learn tricks. Despite their size they rarely bark or nip. You will find them obedient, happy, but aloof with strangers. As a new dog owner you will find this is one of the best breeds for the care and simple pleasure they can give. You will need to enroll them in obedience classes, but they do learn well. Another thing to consider is socialization during puppy life and adult life. They can be timid dogs and need to be around strangers to help them be well adjusted. They are also great with children.

For training you will find they are intelligent and eager to please. This means they will love agility training or any sport training you provide. You must have a consistent, yet firm hand. Harshness is uncalled for during training. You will also find these wonderful dogs can learn several tricks and have even been apart of some circus acts in the past.

When you are considering the proper care for you dog remember it is important to understand that each will be slightly different. The hairless Chinese Crested is going to need more attention when they are outdoors to make sure their skin doesn't dry out or burn. They can develop skin issues and cancer if you are not careful. For proper feeding you should provide small meals at least twice a day. The meals should be high in protein. You will also want to check and make sure the food you provide is healthy for them and not synthetic. For exercise you will find the Chinese Crested needs regular play sessions and short walks. Their tiny bodies can't handle an hour of walking, but a mixed bag of exercise is often great. They do really well in apartments so you don't have to worry about having a small yard. As long as you provide plenty of toys you will find your Chinese Crested to be very happy. You should also keep them indoors during harsh sun, and cold weather as they do not do well. Taking care of your dog is very important and as long as you understand the needs of your Chinese Crested you will have a long life together.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo dog is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you will find. This dog is of medium size offering a white, cream, or biscuit colour. They’re size proportions are 30 to 40 pounds and an average height of 12- 19 depending on the gender of the animal. You will find that in most cases the male dog is slightly bigger than the female. Going back to the coat for a moment you will find that with the longer hair they tend to shed a little more in warmer months, but typically in Alaska and other cold parts of the country they will not shed very much. The coat is a double fur with a thick undercoat for warmth and a top coat that is very soft and bushy. The coat will usually be straight. The tail on this particular dog will curl up like most of the Husky breeds to lie on the back. The muzzle is long, and they have short pointed ears.

The American Eskimo dog has a long history dating back to German settlers. Apparently the dog breed is descended from the Spitz breed. You will also be glad to learn that this particular dog was a working in circuses for many years. This means that along with the affection and intelligence they show you will also find an agility and alertness that makes them a true companion. They can learn many skills in training from tricks to actual work with dog sleds. They are a hardy breed, which means they do not have many health issues. You will also find that they enjoy large families. The American Eskimo dog will be really great with children as well as other pets. They can be suspicious of strangers, but most often you will find they are quick to get over these feelings. In fact they will bark as a stranger approaches and make great guard dogs. American Eskimo dogs need a lot of attention, which means part of their care is the amount of exercise, playtime, and general time you spend with them.

You will need to be around the dog for most of the day. This means frequent trips home during the day if you work out of the home to offer playtime as well as exercise. They should have at least an hour of exercise a day and you should never leave them alone while you are on vacation. They tend to become destructive if they are isolated for long periods of time. You will find that they are great at giving love as well as receiving it. For training you will find they are easy to please. This means that they will enjoy the training because they get to play and they will listen to your commands and be very alert. You may have some trouble with obedience, but most often that is short lived with a firm, but gentle hand.

This dog breed needs a large backyard and home. They can do okay in apartments as long as most of the day is spent out side playing. They are also very active indoors so make sure you have plenty of toys for them to enjoy. For grooming you will find that the care is a little more in depth than other pets. The American Eskimo dog needs to have a daily brushing after their walk in the evening. This will help keep the hair from matting as well as tangles. It will also get rid of any dead or loose hair they may have. They have dry skin so bathing is not recommended.

Ashley Peach - Dog Supplies, Dog Beds and Dog Collars.

Learning Your Dog’s Vaccination Schedule

Dog care is extremely important not only on a daily basis to make sure they are receiving the proper nutrition, water, and brushing, but also when you consider the long term care of a dog. Most dogs need to be vaccinated as certain intervals to avoid health problems such as worms, lyme disease, coronavirus, and many other dangerous diseases a dog can catch. Below you will find a schedule most veterinarians will follow regarding vaccinations. Keep in mind some dogs are fine without the medications, but they are preventative methods as well as some state regulated policies.

When you have a five- week old puppy you will need to have the parvovirus vaccination. This is one of the dog vaccinations that does not have to be administered. The vet is going to worry about this vaccination only if you are in an area of high risk for the dog. At six and nine weeks they must be given a combination vaccine. You will also find coronavirus is a concern, leading your doctor to administer that vaccination as well. At 12 weeks you are going to have to give your dog a rabies vaccination. This is according to local law, though the age can vary slightly.

From 12 weeks and 15 weeks you will find the combination vaccine, leptospirosis, coronavirus, and lyme disease vaccinations are needed or at least suggested depending on your dog’s breed and the area you live in. Some of these diseases are regional and may not affect you directly, unless you are traveling to that area.

An adult dog will need to have the combination vaccine, leptospirosis, coronavirus, lyme, and rabies vaccinations. Again some of these will depend on the area you live in or may travel to with your dog. Your veterinarian is going to recommend a schedule and the vaccinations your dog will need throughout their life. You will want to make sure they are receiving the proper care and if you have any doubts you can always speak with your veterinarian or find a second opinion. Most often the vaccinations are there to help your dog live a healthy and full life, although some vets may just want to make more money.

The combination vaccination combines five different vaccines such as adenovirus cough, hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and the parvovirus. You must have this combination vaccine. Law enforcement requires at least these five vaccinations and rabies to keep your dog in good health.

Some of the above vaccinations must be given every year or six months depending on the type of vaccination once the dogs reach adulthood. Rabies and distemper tend to be every year, while a few of the others may be every two years. Other medications you need to have are flea and tick medications. Flea and tick medications are often a liquid that you place behind the dog’s neck near the collar area. They will keep the dog from getting fleas or ticks during the different seasons and keep your home free from pests. Although you will need to still brush your dog daily these do help the majority of the problem. You also have to give them a heartworm medication. Most often these medications are given every month or three months depending on the brand.

Dog’s vaccinations are important to their health care. You want to make sure your dog lives long and a healthy life just as you would for yourself. While vet costs are a necessary evil there are ways to get help for the dog’s health care. Such as dog insurance to make paying the vet expenses a little easier. You may also find that some vets will allow for a payment plan option to make sure your dog is getting the care they need.

Cold Weather Care for Dogs

We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn’t be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.

If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.

First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.

When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.

We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.

You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.

If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.

Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.

• Previous Posts:

• Chinese Crested Dog Breed
• American Eskimo Dog
• How To Choose a Dog
• A Born Show Dog: The Greyhound
• Learning Your Dog’s Vaccination Schedule
• Traveling with Your Dog Companion
• Where to Find Your Dog
• Learning What Breed Of Dog You Have

• Related Posts:

• Dog Training 101: Handling An Aggressive Dog
• The Best Dog Breeds for Families
• Is A Poodle Truly A Spoiled Brat?
• Cropped Ears And The Doberman Pinscher
• German Shorthaired Pointers And Chronic Superficial Keratitis
• Rottweilers Are Very Agile
• Playtime For The Shetland Sheepdog
• Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier