Tag Archive for ‘pedigree dogs’

Yorkie 101: The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier

Published on February 3, 2009 in Family. 0 Comments
by Susan Bailey

If you took a trip back in time to 1870, you probably would have a hard time recognizing a Yorkshire Terrier. In about one hundred thirty years, the breed has gone through tremendous changes in their looks and in their functions. But the Yorkshire Terrier has adapted to the great changes that the Industrial Revolution brought to the economy and to family life. Yorkies back then weighed about thirty pounds and came in more colors than just blue and tan.

Like many breeds of dogs, the name does not reflect their point of origin. For example, German Shepherds were actually developed in France. And Australian Shepherds originated in America. The geographical difference isn't nearly so big, but it is still significant. The main stock for today's delicate, adorable and pampered Yorkshire Terrier came from the unforgiving landscape of Scotland.

The ancestors from Scotland were called, appropriately enough, the Scottish Terrier and the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier (which is now an extinct breed). It is thought the also extinct Scottish breed the Paisley Terrier made a significant genetic contribution to the origins of today's Yorkshire Terrier. Scottish weavers became suddenly unemployed during the Industrial Revolution and moved south to the rough English county of Yorkshire in order to find work. They brought all of their families with them - including their dogs.

Yorkshire Terriers were bred to be specialists in killing rats. They were (and still are) thought to be more reliable at killing mice and rats than cats. They were also bred to bark when they found their prey and to let their masters know where they are. The mining industry thrived in Yorkshire at this time - and the mines were full of rats. They were until the Yorkshire Terriers got to work.

The Yorkshire Terrier was bred back then for a specific purpose and not for looks. Rats were a terrible problem in farms, homes and the Yorkshire mines. Small, brave terriers were found to be better than cats for quickly dispatching these rats.

It is thought that the sire Huddersfield Ben weighed about thirty pounds. As the need for working dogs decreased, the demand for small dogs increased. The Yorkshire Terrier became increasingly smaller and smaller.

The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.

About the Author:
Susan Bailey is an avid lover of the Yorkshire Terrier and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Yorkshire Terrier. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Yorkshire Terrier History plus a whole lot more.
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Poodle Breeders On The Web

Published on November 25, 2008 in Family. 0 Comments
by Lisa A Collins

One of the most beloved dog breeds is the Poodle. Standard, Miniature and Toy sized Poodles are regularly champions in dog competitions. Poodles are widely remarked upon for their elaborate fur clips, especially when primping for show. The American Kennel Club requires that Poodles be clipped in either the Continental or English Saddle styles (for adult Poodles) or the puppy clip (for Poodles under twelve months of age).

Poodles are thought to have originated in the 15th century. Though it is debated whether the breed comes from Russia, Germany or France, the French are given credit for the breed. French Poodle breeders effectively bred Poodles into their three sizes. The word Poodle comes from the German word Pudel, which means splashing or water.

The elaborate fur clip seen in competition began as a functional way to lighten the weight of the curly, dense coat while insulating the joints from cold water. Poodles were used as retrievers and duck hunters and the breed still adores water.

Poodle breeders understand Poodle breed standard characteristics. They follow the American Kennel Club's standards when preparing Poodles for AKC competitions. For example, dogs under twelve months of age can be groomed in a puppy cut, which is an all-over trim with fur of the same length.

Adult dogs must be groomed in either the Continental or English Saddle styles which involve shaving the dog's back half while leaving pom-poms of fur on the hips, legs, and tail as well as styling the head fur in an intricate pompadour.

Buyers should approach Poodle breeders with a list of questions. Good Poodle breeders will also have questions for buyers. Buyers must first educate themselves on Poodle information and history so they can verify whether breeders know what they are talking about.

Before buying from Poodle breeders, buyers should ask many questions to distinguish the bad breeders from the reputable breeders. Buyers must come armed with knowledge of Poodle information and history so that breeders cannot mislead them. A few good questions to ask to help buyers determine whether Poodle breeders are reputable include whether or not you can visit the kennel in person and meet not only the puppies put the parents as well.

Buyers can avoid bad breeders by asking to visit the kennel where puppies are born and raised, requesting documentation of Poodle pedigree and medical records, and by asking breeders if they broker or sell puppies to pet stores. Good Poodle breeders will never treat a puppy as merchandise to be shipped and sold to anyone.

About the Author:
Lisa A Collins is a passionate lover of the Poodle and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Poodle. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Poodle Breeder Information plus a whole lot more.
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Tips For German Shepherd Breeders And Buyers

Published on November 18, 2008 in Family. 0 Comments
by Jan Ryan

The German Shepherd dog is one of the most beloved and honored dogs in the world. Though this breed is classified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the herding group and began as a herding dog, German Shepherds perform many other jobs today. Because of their inherent courage, work ethic, intelligence, loyalty and overall trainability, German Shepherd dogs are commonly used in police work, as escorts for the blind, and as security for many families and businesses. There is no better protector than a German Shepherd.

German Shepherds are native to Germany. The first of the breed was a sheep-herding dog. This dog, given the name Horand von Grafath, became the first German Shepherd registered in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany in 1899. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1911. German Shepherd breeders are common in North America due to the high demand not only for purebred German Shepherds, but for Shepherds with specific training. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in training this breed for the visually impaired, for the police, and for use in tracking and protection. The Germans have a special training program for Shepherds to become "Schutzhunds," or protection dogs.

When purchasing a German Shepherd it is important to know what to look for. Adult male German Shepherds weigh 85-100 lbs. and stand over two feet tall at the shoulder. Adult females are 55-75 lbs. and almost as tall as a male. Shepherds are prone to certain physical ailments such as hip and elbow dysplasia, other skeletal disorders that can cause lameness, and a blood disorder specific to the breed called von Willebrand's Disease.

Purebred German Shepherds have specific characteristics. They should also have registration papers or some form of pedigree, preferably from the American Kennel Club. Because German Shepherds are trained in various tasks and graduate from training programs, their lineage should reflect the rankings and accomplishments of their parents. The German Shepherd breeder should have his or her own kennel, and dogs should receive daily contact, grooming, socializing and training.

Unfortunately, a German Shepherd breeder may attempt to sell faulty German Shepherds. Make sure you obtain a complete copy of your German Shepherd's medical records including health history, immunization records, results of blood tests, and any other relevant health information. This breed is prone to hip problems and a reputable German Shepherd breeder will give you some form of warranty or guarantee that your German Shepherd has been evaluated.

Now that you know what to look for in a German Shepherd and a German Shepherd breeder, you are ready to find the perfect German Shepherd. There is an alternative to buying a purebred puppy from a breeder. Reputable breeders are usually affiliated with or run rescue centers. A German Shepherd rescue center houses Shepherds that have been abused, abandoned or neglected.

Unfortunately, many German Shepherds, among other dog breeds, are raised in what are termed puppy mills, where breeders continuously make the dogs produce litters with no regard for the adult's health and happiness. Breeders who run illegal puppy mills are even worse than those trying to sell fake purebred dogs.

Rescue centers re-socialize the dogs and foster or adopt them out to loving homes. Consider a rescued German Shepherd as an alternative when buying your dog.

About the Author:
Jan Ryan is a passionate lover of the German Shepherd and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved German Shepherd. Among other topics there, you will find out more about German Shepherd Breeders and where to find them plus a whole lot more.
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