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Puppy Teacups

The Cutest Little Dogs

Aug 09

5

The American Guard Dog: The American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie)

By Tanza Tripp
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by Troy Richardson

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed of dog that came from the lines of bull fighting dogs in the early 18th century. The Bullterrier was developed in the region of Staffordshire, England by crossing the Bulldog and some terriers. The result was the muscular, active, and aggressive Staffordshire Terrier.

The Staffordshire Terrier was a famous contender in the violent and bloody sport of bull baiting and bear baiting. However, when this event was illegalized in the United Kingdom, breeders brought their Staffordshire Terriers to the United States and there many developments occurred in order to soften the fighting abilities of these dogs. This breeding process often included other dog breeds and two of the results were the current American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie) and American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).

This new breeding in the US produced a dog that possessed a more powerful head and heavier weight than the Staffordshire Terrier. Its offspring the American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie) and American Pit Bull Terrier became the show dog and the fighting dog respectively. Today, these two strains are considered as two separate breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Since coming from the same parent breed, the Staffie and the APBT almost share the same qualities and both are favorites among serious dog fanciers in the US and around the world. These two breeds are often tasked as guard dogs, watchdogs, police dogs and even baggage freighters. Their British relative, the Staffordshire Terrier, is relatively smaller and lighter compared to them.

The Staffie is a cheerful, fun loving, even tempered and confident dog. It has a loving and gentle disposition that's why people often take him in as a family pet. Towards the master and his family, this dog is very loyal, affectionate and kind.

This dog is obedient, eager to please and protective of the master. Subsequently, this dog is intelligent and very courageous and does not mind facing an enemy in order to protect the master and his property. Towards other animals and humans, the Staffie can become accustomed to them if socialized at a very young age.

The body of the Staffie is well-muscled, compact and very strong. Its appearance manifests strength and power through its broad and powerful head, strong jaws and short muzzle. On the average, the weight of this dog falls between 57 to 67 pounds and the height 16 to 19 inches.

The coat of the Staffie is close to the skin, dense, short and shiny. The coat colors can be of any combination of white and any other colors as long as the white dominates the coat by 80%. Additionally, this dog needs daily exercise such as long walks or runs in order to keep its mind and body healthy.

About the Author:
Troy Richardson is an author and one of the experienced American Staffordshire Terrier breeders. Drop by his website to read information such as American Staffordshire Terrier puppies, American Staffordshire Terrier for sale and more.

Jul 09

30

American Bulldog: The Minimally Tampered Breed Of The Bulldogs

By Troy Richardson
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by Troy Richardson

The American Bulldog is a famous pet among the experts of breeders and canine fanciers not only in the United States but around the world as well. This breed is a descendant of the bull baiting breeds and is the closest living relative of the now extinct Old English Bulldog. Unlike its extensively altered relative breeds in Europe, the American Bulldog remained as close to its original appearance.

This breed has two types and these are the Johnson type and the Scott type. The developers of these types were well-known and highly regarded breeders, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. Additionally, these types were also referred to as the Classic or Bully type and the Standard or Performance type.

The American Bulldog is often mistaken for a white Boxer because both hold a striking resemblance with each other. But describing an American Bulldog alone, its body is stocky, powerful-looking, well built and with jaws that possesses exceeding strength. It weighs from 60 to 125 pounds and stands 20 to 28 inches at the withers.

The coat of this breed is generally smooth and short and sheds lightly or moderately. The coat colors often appear solid white, solid white with black markings, red, brown, brindle and fawn. Standard eye color is brown, and the mouth drools and this most especially with dogs that have looser lips.

The Johnson type is best described as having a bigger and heavier body with a shorter muzzle compared to the Scott type. The Scott type on the other hand is best described as a huge, leggy dog that resembles a Pit Bull. In general, the American Bulldog is described as leggier, more agile and faster dog than its English relatives.

The mood of the American Bulldog is always sunny and friendly and it does not mind acquaintances from strangers as long as it does not sense a threat. This breed strongly bonds with the master and may get along well with other animals as long as it is trained and socialized during puppyhood. This dog should not be left alone all the time because neglect causes it to develop negative behaviors.

This breed is developed as a highly energetic working dog that's why it needs constant activities in order to utilize its excess energy. A house with a big and unconfined yard is best for this dog's daily activities. This dog also needs regular exercise such as walking or running as this will help him remain healthy mentally and physically.

The ancestors of this breed came from England and were ultimate fighters in bull baiting. When the bloody sport was banned, breeders developed the breeds in to gentler and smaller dogs. Some of these new breeds came to the US and were further developed and the American Bulldog is one of the products.

About the Author:
Troy Richardson is a master breeder of the American Bulldog. Read his other works such as American Bulldog breeders, American Bulldog puppies, American Bulldog adoption and more so check out his website now.

Jul 09

27

Dog Training – Crate Training Pros and Cons

By Daniel Varena
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by Daniel Varena

Debate continues about whether or not crate training dogs is healthy or harmful.

With crate training the dog is put in a cage, usually made out of plastic or metal that?s about the size of your dog, for shorter periods of time over the day.

People in favor state that crate training gives the dogs a refuge where he can ?hide? and feel comfortable. It?s much like a little room just for him. Your dog feels safe in there, because of all the toys and other objects with a familiar smell. It?s his retreat from the hectic world around him.

Supporters of crate training will tell you that it is much easier to potty train your puppy. As dogs don?t like to soil their nest they will wait until they?re set lose before doing a pee or a pooh.

On the other hand, opponents argue that locking your dog into a cage with just enough space to turn around undermines his nature to explore. The dog can?t wander around and isn?t stimulated by new experiences.

People against the use of crates argue that puppies do play in their own waste as can sometimes be seen in pet shop windows. Locking the dog away, they say, is more for the convenience of the owner than for the well-being of the dog.

No doubt both sides have some good and some bad points. Objective studies on the issue are scarce and equally divided. Provided certain 'rules' are respected, there's probably no harm, and possibly some good, in crate training.

Make sure that your dog is never longer than 2 hours in his crate. Whenever you let him out of his crate, take him immediately to the place where you want him to evacuate. And after that take him for a walk and let him do all the exploration he can.

Opponents worry that crated dogs can injure themselves when they try to escape or from rowdiness inside the cage. Check to ensure there are no sharp edges in the crate, and that the crate is strong enough to withstand the dog's normal behavior. Above all, make sure the crate can't tip over.

People in favor of crate training say that a crate trained dog is much easier to travel with. They?re used to the crate, that is also used for car, train and air travel. They are comfortable in their crate, above all if they have some of their own toys with them.

On the other hand critics state that it?s better to leave your dog at home and ask someone else to take care of him when you?re traveling. Apart from their walks and other short trips, dogs feel best when they are on familiar territory.

But you must be the judge. You should give crate training a try and decide if crate training is beneficial for you and your dog.

About the Author:
Author Daniel Varena helps people to train their dog and on his website razas de perros you can read a lot more articles. You can also get all sort of tools to make training your dog easy in his shop tienda mascotas

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