June 26, 2008

Small Dog Breeds

Small Dog Breeds

Small dog breeds are hugely popular with many people because of their size.  If you live in a small house, apartment or flat a smaller dog is easier to keep.  When choosing a puppy from the small dog breed there are many different breeds to choose from, all with their own characteristics.  Here are a few of the different breeds.

The Bichon Frise is well known of the small dog breed for their beautiful white puffball coat.  These little dogs are very affectionate and make a great family pet that get along with children, adults and other pets.  They are a highly affectionate little dog and don’t like being left on their own for to long.  The Bichon Frise is a great little indoor dog requiring minimal exercise, a few little daily walks should be sufficient.  Grooming is necessary to keep the beautiful pure white coat from matting.  The breeds are unsuitable as guard dogs or to live outside.

The Border terrier, or affectionately known as BT is a cute spunky little terrier with a coarse, wiry double coat.  He is an extremely intelligent little dog with dark lively eyes, short muzzle, black nose and small ears.  Border terriers are very alert, active and agile dogs, probably because these dogs were bred to hunt, and squeeze themselves down little holes.  They can soon run across course terrain at a high speed.

The Boston terrier is known for having a sunny disposition, a native American breed.  This dog loves to go for walks; they are a compact well muscled little dog great house pets and companions.  In America this is one of the most popular breeds who has rightfully been given the name of the American Gentleman, and has a fantastic affectionate nature.  These dogs may only be small but they’ll soon let you no if someone is at the door. 

Cairn Terriers are hardy active dogs; they are free in movement, strong, but not heavily built.  They are great little house dogs and very good with children, very energetic and alert.  You will hear them barking if any strangers are near the home, great house dogs.  They differ to other terrier breeds; the head is shorter and wider with masses of hair giving a foxy expression still a cute dog, always ready for a walk.

Of all the small dog breeds that resembles lady out of the Disney classic (Lady and the Tramp), has to be the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed is known for its beautiful eyes and long fluffy ears.  It has a flat skull with the muzzle conical in shape, they may only be small dogs but they have a solid muscular body.  There are four colors to this breed, Blenhiem, Ruby, Black and Tan and lastly the Tri-color.  They will be fine living in an apartment or flat providing they are given sufficient walks.

The Chinese Crested breed makes an excellent family dog and is very intelligent.  They are not prone to outbursts of energy like some breeds; the hairless variety can often be the cause of conversation with a total stranger asking about the breed.  There are hairless breeds that have hair on its head, tail and feet.  They have a wide skull, long muzzle, dark eyes and large ears, their body size ranges between small to medium.  Powder puff breed has a long coat.         

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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June 1, 2008

Pug Dog Health

Knowing about Pug Dog Health can keep your Pug Happy and Healthy

If you are a dog lover you probably know that all dogs have certain dog health problems that need to be looked out for, especially when a dog gets into its older years. If you know the specific risks for the type of dog you own you will know what to look for and how to got about taking care of the problem if it should come up. Understanding pug dog health risks can actually save the life of your best friend.

Here are some pug dog health problems that you should look out for if you own or are considering purchasing a pug.

One: Hip Dysplasia.  This is actually a common problem among many dogs including golden labs. This occurs when there is some malformation of the hip joint and the femur bone does not fit correctly. This can cause the dog a lot of pain and in severe cases the dog may need surgery or have to be put down. Mild cases are easier to deal with, they mainly need a good diet and exercise routine.

Two:  Stenotic Nares. This is when the nostrils of the pug are narrow or otherwise constricted. This problem can put strain on the body making the dog have an enlarged heart. Signs of this condition include mouth breathing and nasal discharge that is foamy. The condition can be corrected with surgery.

Three: Entropion, this is a condition where the eyelids can roll inward causing the eye lashes to rub against the eye. This is a serious problem as it can cause ulcerations, scratches and irritation of the eye. Noticing the problem and taking care of it can be very critical to your pug's health and well being. The condition can be corrected by surgery, which is the most common form of treatment.

Four: Dry Eyes. Just like with humans, a dog can have a problem producing enough tears to keep their eyes nice and lubricated. There are a few things that can cause the tear ducts not to produce enough tears, blockage of the duct, failure of the tear ducts or lack of nerve stimulation to the tear ducts. Treatment is dependent upon how severe the condition is.

Five: Demodectic skin mites. This is a common problem among many dogs and comes in two forms. The first form, localized demodectic mange, appears as small hairless patches of skin that looks health. This form is seen in dogs under one year of age. The second form is generalized demodectic mange, which appears in one large patch of hairless healthy looking skin and can appear in a dog of any age.

There are many more health conditions that you should look out for if you own or intend to own a pug. If you suspect that your dog has any of the problems listed above or problems that may not be listed make an appointment with your vet and have your dog evaluated. The problem could be very serious, especially if left untreated.

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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The Greyhound breed is well known for its agility, speed, and love of running. Greyhounds have been seen throughout history as a breed of nobility in both Egypt and England. Here is a brief history of this regal breed, and their introduction to course racing that was borne out of their love of running.

Evidence of the Greyhound breed is first dated back to roughly around 2500 BC in ancient Egypt. Marked on the tombs of by-gone pharaohs are painting and carvings of dogs that closely resemble the notable Greyhound physique. To drop a few names of well-known ancient Egyptian leaders, Tutankhamen, Amenhotep II, Thutmose III, Queen Hatshepsut, and Cleopatra VII are all said to have owned Greyhounds long ago.

Throughout the ages Greyhounds have become popular for their helpful hunting abilities. Unlike other dog breeds, they do not have a particularly keen sense of smell. What makes them excellent hunters then? They are well known for their excellent eyesight and speed. Hunters would use greyhounds in hunting because they could count on their dog to see a moving animal from a long distance away. Because Greyhounds are particularly fast and possess a striking love of running, they are able to spot and catch prey superbly.

In literature and lore, Greyhounds may be seen all over the place. For example, many Biblical versions of Proverbs 30:29-31 mention the stateliness of the Greyhound. Also, the legendary Odysseus arrived home after a 20-year trek and was greeted by his faithful hound upon his homecoming. Also, Diana the Roman huntress, was said to have owned and favored Greyhounds in Roman lore. Greyhounds have also been mentioned in five of William Shakespeare’s plays, as well as in works of Chaucer.

Most scholars believe it was the Romans who originally introduced England to the sport of Greyhound coursing during their occupation in 43 AD. However, there is evidence that supports the belief that the Celtic peoples were already participating in the sport prior to the Roman invasion.

The sport of coursing actually set the groundwork for the sport we know today as simply Greyhound racing. Coursing is the sport in which dogs race for a gaming animal such as a hare or an antelope. Later on in years, “coursing by proxy,” that is, using a toy or a stuffed hare as the bait instead of a live animal was introduced. Similar to horse racing, people enjoy watching beautiful animals in full flight doing what they love. Also like horse racing, people enjoyed the sport more when they were allowed to place bets on the particular dog or the outcome of the race.

While popularity of Greyhound racing grew in the United Kingdom, it struggled in the United States. Greyhounds were popular among cavalrymen in America’s Wild West because they were excellent hunting helpers and companions. The first official Greyhound race in the United States took place in Salt Lake City in 1907. However, funding for this sport was lacking, and it actually didn’t pick up fully until the late 1920’s in Florida.

These long, lithe, and lean dogs symbolize passion in today’s society for the sport of running. Greyhounds have been known as a breed favored by Egyptian, Roman, and English nobility throughout the ages. The most important thing to remember about this breed is that these dogs choose to race because of their sheer love of running, which has stood as an example to many societies throughout time.

Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring:bird cages, dog doors and dog bowls.

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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December 29, 2007

Rare Dog Breeds

Sometimes an odd-looking dog isn't a mutt. We rescued a frightened but friendly dog abandoned at a rest area a few years ago and took her to our shelter. After a bath and veterinary checkup, we allowed her to live in the main area of the shelter because she was such a great dog and welcomed all visitors. Everyone wanted to pet her and she wanted everyone to do so.

Just when we thought she'd spend the rest of her life with us as a mascot, she got lucky and was adopted. But no one could tell what she was. With the brindle coat often seen on Pit Bull terriers, she was labeled a mix. But she didn't have any physical characteristics of a pit, nor any personality similarities. Clearly, she was a different dog breed altogether, but what?

We were in luck when someone saw her on our web site and recognized her as a Plott Hound, one of several rare dog breeds in the U.S. that we had never heard of. But a little research revealed that Plotts are one of the oldest and purest breeds still around. Developed in Germany for bear hunting, they were brought to America around 1750 by John Plott, whose further breeding refinements produced a dog that is legendary for boar hunting. They are now the state dog for North Carolina, where they first landed. They are also known for their intelligence, loyalty and affectionate natures.

Another rare dog breed we have worked with is the Catahoula Leopard Dog, a breed that originated in the South, particularly the state of Louisiana, and is now their state dog. Also known for their intelligence, they are suited to just about anything asked of them, such as hunting, herding, agility, therapy dog, and they make great family pets, too.

There are too many rare dog breeds to even mention all of them here, but an Internet search will bring up many web sites that list and describe them and how to locate reputable breeders. It's also useful to look at animal rescue sites, since many dogs are abandoned or surrendered, whether they are rare or common … or just mutts.

The thing is, a rare dog breed is going to cost plenty to purchase. As we in rescue say, why breed when you can rescue? It's not fair to let a healthy, smart dog die in a shelter while hundreds of puppies are born daily to replace them, commanding high prices in the process. A common estimate is that fully 25% of dogs at shelters are pure breeds, and quite often are one of the many different dog breeds that were purchased by someone whose expectations weren't met, or perhaps their lives took an unexpected turn that didn't allow dogs.

An advantage of adopting a rare dog breed from a shelter is that it's much less costly than buying one from a breeder. And it saves a life. More than likely, a rare dog found at a shelter started its life at a breeder's. Sometimes it just means the owner is no longer able to care for the dog, and for various reasons can't return the dog to the breeder. Sadly, though, it can also mean the dog has been abandoned, or rescued from a bad situation.

If pedigree is important to you, however, you will pay for it. Rescue groups typically refuse to pass on the animal's papers and require spaying or neutering (which renders the papers useless with registries anyway).

But if you enjoy saving a life and have always wanted to own a rare dog breed, do some research, then check with local rescue chapters first. Just the right dog might be waiting for you!

Dr. R.J. Peters is a retired health professional who established a pet rescue shelter in 2002. Learn why pets need insurance, too, at Every Pet Matters.

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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December 18, 2007

Designer Dog Breeds

Who hasn't heard of a Cockapoo? Called Spoodles in other countries, these cute dogs are a mix of and and have the traits and qualities of each breed that have made them so popular. As one of the early designer dog breeds, first seen around the 1950s and before anyone referred to mixed dog breeds as "designer dogs," Cockapoos exhibit fewer of the genetic problems that afflict either breed, but can still have the knee and eye problems typical of their parent breeds.

Certainly, many new dog breeds have simply appeared on the scene due to opportunistic mating and lack of supervision by preoccupied owners. This also has created the presence of "mutts" and the enormous variety of mixed dog breeds in yards and homes everywhere.

Designer dog breeds, however, are the result of breeding by design, by purposely cross-breeding certain dogs to achieve a desired result, especially in an attempt to improve either breed by enhancing certain traits, such as a non-shedding coat, or to inhibit undesirable traits, such as bone development problems or inherited vision defects.

Initially, it seems, cross-breeding began as a way to improve the looks, or "conformation" of the dogs. During Victorian times, when dog shows first became all the rage in a society that demanded the appearance of refinement, dog owners responded by purposely mixing dogs to create the perfect, "refined" dog, gaining respect and popularity for their accomplishments.

As this practice grew in popularity itself, some dog owners saw a potential for great financial gain, fueling the designer dog breed movement.

This in turn has led to increasingly odd breed combinations and has drawn the interest of unprofessional and unscrupulous dog owners as they try to build credibility as breeders. They have come up with some interesting breed names without regard to the undesirable behaviors and health issues they unwittingly perpetuate.

While certain designer dog breeds, such as the Labradoodle ( Retriever plus Poodle), can be a dog with more desirable traits for specific purposes, such as family pet, unprofessional backyard breeders with no knowledge of genetics happily wreak havoc on unsuspecting customers who buy their product pooches for name alone.

Labradoodles are desirable for their easy-going dispositions, their intelligence, and their curly, non-shed coats.

But there is no good reason to make a Bagle, nor a Bassador. Essentially, you get a or Labrador with short legs. What is the logic of that?

Surely, too, some owners have taken advantage of the current popularity of the designer dog breed movement by inventing their own versions of mixed dog breeds in their own back yards, pretending credibility for the results of their inattention to what's going on. So, when the neighbor's visits their unsupervised , they can sell, rather than having to give away, the new Shihtzuhuahua puppies. Never mind that they have not improved either breed, the usual intention of authentic breeders.

As with any particular breed interest, anyone looking for a new pet with a fancy name or certain characteristics should check the breeder's qualifications and track record, or one might wind up with a dog that will have expensive medical problems or severe and unsafe behavior issues later.

Stick with reputable breeders and avoid unprofessionals who are just cashing in on their own quasi-clever inventions.

Dr. R.J. Peters is a retired health professional who established a pet rescue shelter in 2002. Learn why pets need insurance, too, at Every Pet Matters.

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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November 27, 2007

Dangerous Dog Breeds

From the smallest to the largest , any dog can be dangerous. Size and breed are not the most important factors, although certainly the larger dog is strong enough to do the most damage.Most dog safety pamphlets and other sources of advice tend to spotlight certain breeds as inherently dangerous… most notoriously, the . Many communities have banned them. Some insurance companies have refused to write policies for home owners who harbor any of the dogs on their list of dangerous dog breeds, including "pits," s, s, and even black Retrievers in some cases!

But are breed bans the answer? No. It hasn't worked yet, and that's because the underlying problem is not addressed by banning specific breeds labeled as dangerous. It's far more useful to consider lifestyle clues.

Is the dog tied or chained up all the time? Do the owners neglect to spend time with him? Or take him for walks? Have you observed the dog frequently being hit or yelled at? Does he have shelter from weather extremes? Are his food and water bowls always empty? Does he bark incessantly out of boredom? Or worse, has he stopped barking?

Poor living conditions are hard on humans and can lead to bad attitudes that make people grouchy. Similarly, harsh living conditions can create dogs with bad attitudes as well. This alone can lead to the misconception that there are specifically dangerous dog breeds. People who understand that dogs have feelings, too, are immediately better equipped to provide a happier life for the dog. And happy dogs are safer to be around.

Often overlooked is the "baby factor." While small dogs are usually not included on any lists of dangerous dog breeds, and they are far less apt to be left to languish in back yards, what goes on behind closed doors inside the home can lead to creating another kind of dangerous dog - the snarling biter.

Because they are small… and oh, so cute… the tendency is to baby them. They may be carried around all the time or held on someone's lap, with every need constantly attended to… just like a little baby.

This prevents the dog from "growing up" and produces a spoiled brat that will do anything to preserve his special place as dictator in the home. Visitors who want to pet his majesty's gorgeous head will be viewed as a threat and attacked accordingly.

While they probably wouldn't kill an adult, their bites can be dangerous to one's health and well-being.

Because you may not know a dog's history or current living conditions, the usual precautions still apply:

1. Never approach a dog you don't know… whether it's with its owner, tied up, or running loose.

2. Avoid eye contact, as some dogs may feel threatened and will defend themselves.

3. Do not raise your voice; never shout at the dog or scream.

4. Never turn and run away if the dog is loose. It's an invitation to chase.

5. Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or chewing on a bone or toy.

6. Never, ever, tease a dog or poke things at him.

7. Never disturb a dog with puppies.

Just remember that a dog on a chain is no guarantee that it's safe. In fact, constant tethering and isolation often cause a dog to become neurotic or excessively territorial, and thus, if anything happens, it will be labeled as a dangerous dog breed. Children have been mauled, and killed, because they attempted to play with the nice doggie tied up next door.

Dogs are pack animals, and being forced into solitary confinement may be the most devastating thing a human can do to them.

If you see a dog being neglected or abused, please report it. The life you save someday may be your own, or a child's, or even a gentle but naive pet in the area. Most dogs will defend their territories, but the so-called dangerous dog breeds are neurotic about it due to thoughtless or misguided treatment.

Article by Dr. R.J. Peters, a retired health professional who established a pet rescue shelter in 2002. Learn why pets need insurance, too, at Every Pet Matters.

Thanks to Dr Peters for his informative and authoritative article.

Prevent dog bites - prevent your dog from biting behavior that could lead to a tragedy.

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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October 10, 2007

Toy Dog Breeds

I was surprised to read in the below article that the is among the dog breeds classified as toy breeds. I rather think that she is confusing the Greyhound (which is actually a medium to large sized dog) with the , a much smaller breed that is certainly classified as a toy breed of dog.

The Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound are, of course, completely different breeds, although they have some characteristics that a similar - hence the common name they share. In particular, of course, is the shape. Both the Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound have a very thin, sleek physique that's quite distinctive.

The Italian Greyhound is, however, a considerably smaller dog than the Greyhound.

The author also refers to s as being included in toy breeds. Most people are aware that there are several different types of Spaniel, and majority of which are not toy dog breeds.

Toy Dog Breeds

Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, s, s, , spaniels - the official list of the AKC is quite extensive. Regardless of breed, toy dogs are desired for their cuteness and cuddle-ability. Many retain the characteristics of a puppy for their entire lives. This may be one of the big attractions that toy dog breeds hold over larger breed dogs.

Diminutive size, however, does not mean that toy dog breeds are less hardy. Once safely past puppyhood, their energy levels and enthusiasm rival any breed of dog. Some are excellent watch dogs, but they won?t be able to follow through preventing entry of an intruder. The hue and cry of toy dog breeds can be enough to make your hair stand on end!

There are several advantages to toy dog breeds. Besides the ease of handling a smaller sized dog, they are more appropriate for apartment dwellers because they do not require as much exercise space as a large dog.

Additionally, toy dog breeds usually shed less than their larger counterparts -not because they have different coat characteristics, but because there is less dog! All sides of dog care are smaller: from cleaning to clean-up and food consumed to food expelled.

Historically, toy dog breeds were used as companion dogs. They were friendly and alert, yet willing to be held and petted. They are very comforting and can bring peace to an owner. Nursing homes and adult care facilities have found toy dog breeds to be soothing for their patients.

Contrary to common perception, there is no law preventing animals from living in nursing homes. It is up to the eldercare facility to allow - or disallow - pets. The calming influence of any pet, especially one that will transfer affections to everyone equally, is a wonderful aid for patient facilities. You don't have to reside in an eldercare facility to enjoy toy dog breeds. They do provide companionable joy for many who otherwise would be concerned about space, exercise and care requirements of a larger breed of dog.

Stephanie Hetu Website: http://www.cutepuppydog.com Stephanie is a dog lover and the editor of the Cute Puppy Dog Newsletter. You can subscribe at http://www.cutepuppydog.com/cutepuppydognewsletter.html (every subscribers get 20 exclusive puppy pics, 2 dog screensavers and 3 dog ebooks).

It's interesting that nursing homes may prefer toy dog breeds as companion animals - it makes sense, I guess, since they don't take up much space.

But I'm aware of some nursing homes (and children's wards in some hospitals as well) that have larger dogs such as s.  Some of these, however, live off premises and are brought in daily by their owners, to spend time with the residents or patients.

It's really a great idea, isn't it?

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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August 22, 2007

Chihuahua Names

s are a feisty little breed that, unfortunately, irritate many people. Even many dog owners are apt to make comments such as Chihuahuas are not "real" dogs, and so on.

On the other hand, if you're a Chihuahua lover, from your point of view Chihuahuas can probably do no wrong.

As with any dog, one of the first - very pleasant - tasks is to choose a name. What's in a name, you might ask? Well, plenty really. It's a word you're going to be using over and over and over again over the next many years. So it needs to be a name that you're going to like long term. And it's always preferable to pick a name that suits your particular dog - both your dog's temperament, and his/her breed.

As with any dog names, Chihuahua names can run the gammut from people's names to common dog names, to more unique, more specifically, Chihuahua names.

Here again are some ideas for names for your Chihuahua from Richard Livitski that might take your fancy:

Owning a Chihuahua can be quite an adventure, as I'm sure most owners of this breed can attest to.On one hand you've got this cute little dog that everyone wants to hold and pet. On the other hand, if you're a stranger, you'll be lucky to have four fingers left when you try, because it might just bite one off. This is because of the Chihuahuas extreme loyalty to those he's familiar with, and his not appreciating what he feels might be an infringement of his territory.Chihuahuas can also be an adventure to own simply by virtue of their attitudes. Hang around one for any length of time and you'll notice that this little dog doesn't seem to know that it's little! Because of this, they're often referred to as the little dog, with the big dog attitude. They can be aggressive toward other pets, and can bark up a storm over the littlest thing, which in most cases is bigger than the actual dog itself.

Even though the above mentioned characteristics can be interesting to say the least, more endearing qualities are those of the Chihuahuas extreme loyalty to those he's familiar with. Also, this puppy has a high energy level and spunk, that can brighten anyone's day.

Because of these diverse qualities, naming this pooch can prove a bit of a challenge. Should you choose any dog name? Or look for Chihuahua names that best reflect it's small size, or even it's humorous big dog attitude?

Since we felt this unique pooch deserves a unique name, we've come up with some Chihuahua dog name suggestions that cover both it's small size and it's big attitude. Here's some ideas from our dog names website…

Dog Names That Sound Small…

Bambi, Bonbon, Bugsy, Butterball, Button, Cuddles, Doodle, Gumball, Junior, Kewpie, Laptop, Munchkin, Nibbles, Nipper, Peanut, Peewee, Puddles, Putt-Putt, Squeaky, Squirt, Tinkerbell

Dog Names That Sound Big…

Attila, Big Shot, Boomer, Bruno, Bunyan, Butkus, Capone, Genghis, Grizzly, Hercules, Hulk, Jaws, Kahuna, Kong, Manley, Moose, Muscles, Rambo, Samson, Sarge, Stallion, Sumo, Terminator, Ulysses, Wookie, Yukon, Zeus

In closing, it's important to remember that when naming any dog, Chihuahua or otherwise, not to give him a name that might cause him to be mocked or made fun of. When searching for the perfect male or female Chihuahua name, these names were suggested hoping to get your creative juices flowing, and start you off on the right paw.

When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up Chihuahua Names, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Leave your comments below on what you think of these Chihuahua name ideas. And if you have some additional ideas for names for Chihuahuas, then please let us all in on the secret, by letting us know your great ideas in the comments below.

Thanks!

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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August 20, 2007

Popular Labrador Names

If you're wondering about chocolate Labrador names, blond Labrador boy names, Labrador names in general or names for Labrador Retrievers, you'll probably want to select a name that actually suits your particular dog.

s are a reasonably large sized breed, so popular names for dogs in the smaller categories may not be appropriate for your Lab. As with other breeds, you can choose to name your Labrador by a person's name, or you may want to name him/her after your hobby or favorite food perhaps. Just remember, though - your tastes in hobbies, food and even names may well evolve over time, and your Labrador will be stuck with the name you choose for a very long time (his/her lifetime, in fact). So you will want to give some thought to popular Labrador names and not so popular Labrador names - and come up with the right one for your dog!

Following are some particularly astute suggestions for names for your Labrador that you may find interesting enough to use for your own pup:

Looking for ideas for Labrador Retriever names? Lets face it, this breed is one, if not THE most popular dog breed in the world. And because of this it deserves a name that's as special as the dog itself.

Sure, you could come up with any dog name, but why not try to find a name that actually fits? A name that reflects this dogs intelligence, sociable nature, or even it's physical characteristics like it's color.

Since we believe that special dogs deserve special names, when coming up with the Labrador Retriever dog names shown below, we chose 3 lab name categories that we felt would help you to think a bit out of the box when it comes to selecting the best Labrador Retriever names. These categories are…

General Lab Names…

These general names were chosen and suggested simply because we felt they would sound good on a lab. We didn't feel that just any dog name would fit this particular breed. As an example, Fifi would be a great Poodle name, but not on a lab. Here's a few dog name suggestions that we thought might be a good match…

Cassidy: This name has a friendly, easy going sound to it, and it seems to be a good match with this breeds temperament.

Charisma: Somebody who has charisma is someone with personal magnetism. If you've noticed that your lab is drawing a lot of attention, then the name Charisma might be an appropriate match.

Fetch: A good name match for a dog that’s a Retriever.

Jazz: A smooth and cool sounding name, and one that might appeal to a music loving owner.

Ricochet: For the lab that’s all over the place!

Other General Lab Name Ideas…Amanda, Bailey, Bandanna, Boone, Cabo, Caboodle, Cha-Cha, Chelsea, Cheyenne, Cody, Denali, Hailey, Kahuna, Maui, Rio, Sierra, Tango, Tiara

Black or Chocolate Lab Names…

Should you be the proud owner of a Retriever whose color is black or chocolate, here's some name suggestions and a list of names that might be a good fit for it's dark color…

Java: For an energetic black lab that doesn't need caffeine.

Kahlua: A good match for a chocolate lab whose owner is fond of either this famous drink, or Hawaii from where it originates, or both!

Panther: For the lab that's as stealthy and sleek as a black panther.

Sable: Named after the highly valued black sable fur, the lab given this name should be one that carries itself well and that knows its special.

Other Black Or Chocolate Lab Name Ideas…Aurora, Coco, Ebony, Eightball, Espresso, Hoodlum, Luna, Midnight, Nighthawk, Phantom, Raven, Salem, Shadow, Star, Storm, Taboo

Yellow Lab Names…

Blondes have more fun! So giving your yellow lab a name that highlights its beautiful coloration will make it stand paws above the rest. Here's a few naming suggestions and a list of names after things that are bright or yellow…

Butter: Don't laugh, but I encountered a yellow lab recently who owned this very memorable and unique name. I'll never forget having met Butter!

Marilyn: For the blonde lab whose owner is a Marilyn Monroe fan. This sultry pooch draws the attention of everyone as it enters the room one hip at a time!

Sundance: This energetic dog brightens everyone's day.

Other Yellow Lab Name Ideas…Amber, Autumn, Blondie, Chiquita, Daisy, Ember, Garbo, Goldie, Harlow, Meadow, Omelet, Paris, Sandy, Sahara, Savanna, Sunny, Zsa Zsa

When looking for Labrador Retriever Names, they're easy to find when you consider your labs temperament and physical characteristics when choosing a name. If you take care to choose the right one, not only will your dog appreciate it, but he will also attract more attention…thus more petting, playing and treats!

When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up Labrador Retriever Names, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com
So what do you think of those suggestions for Labrador names?Please feel free to leave your comments below.

And if you have some better suggestions for names for Labrador Retrievers, please do let me know by commenting below. I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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August 18, 2007

German Shepherd Names

If you're thinking of adding a large dog breed, such as a , to your "family", you'll probably be interested in German Shepherd names as opposed to general dog names - after all, you don't want a big, "tough" looking dog to protect you, with a name like "Tootles", do you?I've been thinking about this issue lately, and trying to come up with breed appropriate names - German Shepherd names for German Shepherd dogs, and so on. I started to come up with a few, but I got lazy when I found a fellow who has already done the legwork for me.

He has some wonderfully novel ideas for names that might interest you. I'll be posting a couple of his articles here at HealthierDogs.com in the coming days. Let me know (by commenting below) what you think of the names he suggests for the various breeds.

So here goes for the suggested German Shepherd names:

Finding good German Shepherd dog names is no easy task. When one considers that this breed has consistently ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, it's no wonder that you as a lucky owner will want to find a name that fits like glove.

A couple of things you may have struggled with when coming up with a name, is whether to give your Shepherd a general dog name, meaning a good dog name that might be shared by other dogs, or a German dog name, meaning one that reflects this breeds country of origin.

Well have no fear, for this article will share with you puppy name suggestions that will cover both of these categories. Keeping in mind that the German Shepherd is such an intelligent, hard working breed, when coming up with these names we intentionally stayed clear of foo-foo dog names. You certainly won't find any names like Sparky, or Puddles on this list!

In our first category we've picked a few general names that we felt might fit this breed. We hope you'll agree.

General German Shepherd Names… Apollo: Like the ancient Roman god, this dog has a presence of it's own.

Duke: A stately name for the dog who rules your palace.

Majestic: A good name for a dog that is just that…

Rambo: For the Shepherd who thrives on adventure.

Tiara: A feminine, yet strong sounding female name.

Other general names…

Avalanche, Freedom, Genghis, Harley, K-9, Max, Ninja, Rio, Saber, Sarge, Summer, Thunder, Tia

In this next category, we've listed German dog names and their meanings. Hopefully, by providing the meanings, it will make choosing the right name easier, and the name more special to you and your dog.

German Dog Names… Boy Names and their meanings…

Arnold - Eagle, Powerful

Axel - Father of peace

Barrett - Strong as a bear

Bruno - Brown haired

Conrad - Brave counsel

Hank - Ruler of the estate

Jaegar - Hunter

Kaiser - Leader

Karl -A free man

Lance - Knight's attendant

Otto - Rich, wealthy

Reinhard - Brave, or a fox

other boy names…

Audi, Autobahn, Atlas, Attila, Beethoven, Blitz, Boris, Brando, Caspar, Conan, Einstein, Fabian, Franz, Freud, Fritz, Gunther, Gustav, Hannibal, Hanns, Herman, Igor, Klaus, Luger, Max, Mozart, Navarone, Reinold, Rembrandt, Romel, Rudy, Schnaps, Siegfried, Wolfgang

Girl Names and their meanings…

Adele - Noble, kind

Alison - Of noble birth

Anna - Gracious

Berta - Intelligent; Glorious

Brigitte - Strong spirited

Brooke - A stream

Elke - Noble and kind

Elsa - Noble

Emily - Industrious

Emma - All embracing

Gretchen - Little pearl

Heidi - Noble and kind

Katrina - Pure

Steffi - A garland or crown

other girl names…

Adelle, Avita, Babette, Bavaria, Blanca, Brandy, Brita, Danika, Elke, Elsa, Enya, Fraeulein, Hannah, Kalif, Kasandra, Kazimir, Misha, Noeska, Rachel, Sabine

I'm sure you'll agree that your Shepherd deserves the best, not only in it's care, but also the care you show when choosing the best name possible. Considering that you'll be using that same name over 30,000 times over your dogs lifetime, you can see how important choosing the right German Shepherd dog name can be.

When Richard Livitski isn't busy digging up German Shepherd Names, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names and puppy names in all shapes and sizes can be found.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

So let me know what you think of these German Shepherd name suggestions, by leaving your comments below.

Or maybe you have some even better German Shepherd names? Something unique that you've given your dog, perhaps?

Leave your comments below!

Filed under Dog Breeds by Brigitte Smith.
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