It always astounds me when I hear about people being afraid of these dogs.  That criminal, unscrupulous, people use them in dog fighting, I suppose, doesn't surprise me.  My Jet always hated other dogs outside of our home (she's getting a little mellower now in her old age – but just a little!) – and she would take on a dog of ANY size.

But as a family dog – a child's dog – she is perfect.  I have never, ever, seen her lose her cool with my son who could, if the mood took him, tease her quite mercilessly -unacceptable, I know, but he really loves her to bits and is nice to her the majority of the time.  Anyway, Jet took it all.  She was as hyperactive as they come, but she is always happy and loves nothing better than to play games with her family (other dog and humans alike).

In fact, a Staffie breeder recommended Staffies to me as being a superb children's dog before I got Jet.  And if Jet's temperament is anything to go by, I would agree with this one hundred percent.

Anyway, I'm getting away from myself!

Here is an article written by a Staffie breeder about the history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed, and all sorts of other interesting information:

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier – the Facts

Does the mention of bull terrier brings shiver down your spine? This is an unfair justification of the breed but one cannot be blamed, however, for indeed the history of the bull terrier is factually cruel, bloody and violent. However, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, although a descendant of the viscous bull-fighting breed, is none but a loving, docile and well-loved companion of people all over the world.

Who wouldn’t be aware of the notorious bloody history of the bull terrier? In England, during the 18th century, a game called bull-fighting is a well-loved past time and it is in this game that vicious dogs are used to attack and kill different large creatures such as bull, bears and other dogs. This trend caused the breeding of several bull-fighting dogs such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

To create a dog that is a fighter inside the pit and a loving friend outside of it, is the main purpose for the development of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the regions of Staffordshire England. The breed brilliantly possessed a fearless, biddable, intelligent, loyal and loving disposition that it became popular in the bull fighting circuit. When the animal welfare law was approved in England, the bull fighting became illegal and was ultimately put to an end.

Now being popular as a companion dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier became popular as a household pet and was enjoyed by many people in England. In May 25, 1935 it became officially part of the UK Kennel Club and, at the same time, was introduced to the US. It never became as popular in the US and it was only in 1976 that it was officially registered by the US kennel clubs.

This breed is also known as Staffie, Stafford, Staffros or Staff and is next of kin to the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Outwardly, this breed definitely looks intimidating but it is actually a loving and docile dog that loves to hang out with people especially children. When it comes to family love and loyalty, the Staff comes second to none.

The Staffie is hailed as a great all purpose dog because of its unfailing intelligence, trainability, gentleness and eagerness to abide. Because of these traits, although it was once a fighting dog, it is an undesirable guard or attack-dog. In a 1996 Southampton University study, the Staffie is one of the top ten breeds that are most suitable for families especially children.

This creature is a natural athlete because of its medium-sized, muscular and agile body. It possesses great strength, stamina and agility that plenty of activities and exercise are needed. This dog, however, is suitable for apartment living so long as it is taken outdoors for a daily walk.

Generally, the Staffordshire bull terrier stands 14 to 16 inches in height and weighs 24 to 32 pounds. Its coat is short, smooth and body-hugging and it gives the breed a polished and sinewy look. The breed may come in colors of black, red, fawn, blue, white, brindle or any combination of these solid colors with white.

About the Author:

Familiarize yourself with the great all-purpose family dog ever, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Discover helpful information on Staffordshire Bull Terriers and get expert insights from author and breeder Michael Houston.

Related posts:

1. Small Dog Breeds
2. Uncover the True History Behind Greyhound Racing

I found the following information from a Great Dane fancier, that I thought would be a good read for my readers, especially if you are considering a Great Dane as a pet – they make great pets, but you do need a big space to house them!

Here is Matt Warwick's article on Great Danes:

The Great Dane appears in history as far back as 36 B.C, for it is said that the image of a dog very similar in appearance to the Great Dane of today appears in Greek currency of that time. Long ago, in 407 A.D. German Gaul and parts of Italy and Spain were invaded by an Asiatic people who brought with them strong, Mastiff-like dogs. These animals were celebrated in Germany for their hunting abilities, being able to overpower bears and wild boars, and hence a selective breeding program was begun to further hone these abilities.

What resulted from a crossing with the Irish Wolfhound was the beautiful, large and agile dog we know as the Great Dane today. Because they were originally developed to hunt boar, they were given the moniker Boarhound. When these animals ceased to be used for hunting, however, the breed evolved into family companions and estate watchdogs.

The Great Dane is also known by the names Danish Gallant, Deutsche Dogge, or Danish Hound. It is commonly referred to as the Apollo of all breeds, and it is easy to see why. The Great Dane is considered one of the tallest dog breeds, alongside with the Irish Wolfhound.

In fact, the current holder for the title of tallest dog in the world is a Great Dane! This gentle giant is nothing short of majestic, for it is one of the largest working breeds, and never appears clumsy. The breed combines a noble air with robustness, and power goes hand in hand with elegance.

Its regal bearing, subtle strength and calm demeanor all paint the picture of a striking animal. The Great Dane is a formidable-looking animal, especially in the show arena. Not only that, it is just as popular as a family pet due to its placid temperament and sweet nature, rendering them outstanding family companions.

The Great Danes splendid appearance combines its great size, powerfully formed body and smooth musculature with poise, power, and grace. An ideal specimen of this breed is spirited and never faint-hearted. It is always courageous, friendly and dependable.

With its narrow head, long, muscular neck and perfectly straight front legs, the Great Dane looks up at you with a lively, intelligent expression. All Danes have short, shiny, dense coats, which come in the colors fawn, brindle, black, blue, mantle harlequin and sometimes merle. Their short coats are extremely easy to groom, so it is better to groom them daily than bathe that immense body!

The Great Dane, sweet and patient by nature, is playful and patient with children and loves everyone. It does not bark unless the circumstances call for it, and only becomes aggressive when needed, such as in a hostile environment and it is acting as a protector. This brave, loyal dog will be a steadfast companion and a worthy, wise addition to any family and home.

About the Author:

See Matt Warwick’s website and read a myriad of Great Dane information - Everthing you need to know about training, breeding and grooming a Great Dane.

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3. Dog Breeds

Let's say you have — but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family's resources. If that's the case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue organization! Dog Rescues are organized by breed, so prospective parents can sign up to be notified when new poodles or pugs come in.

What's the advantage of adopting a rescue dog, instead of a breeder pup? A rescue dog isn't always cheaper than the breeder's (though it usually is). The main difference is this: your money equals a new life for a dog that completely lost out on his first roll of the dice.

How do I adopt a Rescue Dog?

Dog rescue organizations are volunteer-driven, and loosely organized. Your best bet is to "Google" for the one nearest you, using the breed name. So poodle lovers can search for "Poodle Rescue" or "Poodle Rescue Florida," if they live down south.

Once you find an organization, you'll want to apply as an adoptive parent. This may involve a down payment. It also usually involves a form in which you describe your history of animal ownership, and supply references. You'll provide some information on your beliefs about dog discipline, your house and yard, and where you plan to keep your newest family member.

The dog rescue foster moms and will want to talk to you in person, too, to get a feel for your compatibility with their particular pup.

What will I pay for a Rescue Dog?

On average, you'll pay between $200 and $300. If you thought "rescue" adoption was cheap, this might seem like a lot, but the fact is it simply covers basic procedures to bring the animal back to health. Most dogs arrive at the Rescue with skin problems, tartar-coated teeth, out-of-date vaccinations, possible parasites and other issues.

How will a Rescue Dog differ from a breeder or pet store dog?

In a number of ways. Your new adoptee is likely to be:

Older. Few dogs are rescued as puppies. A few are 'adolescent.' The vast majority are middle-aged.

Cautious. Your adoptee may have a lot of fear and yes, grief, to process. If he felt like a part of his former family, he may be grieving his sudden "ejection." He may need time and patience to take an interest in food, play, or his general surroundings. If he was starved or kept isolated, he'll need time and patience to learn to socialize.

"Readable." Buying a puppy means taking a wild guess at the eventual adult. When you rescue a grown dog, you get a much better idea of his personality. It's easier to make the perfect match.

Am I the right type of owner for a Rescue Dog?

An important question! You, the owner, are the last and most crucial link in a chain. The chain's only purpose is provide a "happily-ever-after" for a dog that desperately deserves one. Can you be that happily-ever-after, even for a dog that may have some rough edges?

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I really care what color the coat is, what sex it is or how many pounds it weighs? If so, you really want a puppy from a breeder, not a rescue. Rescue dogs rarely conform to an exact type.

Am I looking to save money?

You may not save money buying a rescued dog, even though the initial cost could be $700 or $800 less than from a breeder. Rescue dogs often need more medical care because of the abuse and neglect they suffered before.

Is my life relatively stable and my household relatively quiet? All abused creatures, whether dog or human, crave and need an unusually organized household. Many people can be good parents to a rescue dog. But perhaps the best potential parent of all is an older person or couple whose children are grown, and who has time and patience to devote to the dog's mental and physical healing.

Can I provide regular medical care and regular grooming? The deepest wish in the heart of the Dog Rescue folks is each of their dogs never has to go through another minute of hunger, discomfort or pain again.

When dogs are starved, they sometimes have incontinence problems that heal only slowly. They may need more regular teeth cleaning than a continually cared-for dog. Some need a house training refresher when former owners didn't bother. Most were never clipped or groomed, even in the non-shedding breeds. Do you have the time and resources to keep your dog totally safe and comfortable?

Can I consider the need and adopt a boy rescue, or an older rescue? For reasons not entirely clear, many potential adopters go
for girl dogs. There's no logic to this: all rescue dogs are spayed or neutered, and boys are as intelligent, witty, loyal, well-behaved and loving as their female counterparts. Perhaps it's just that the rescue impulse leads us to think of "damsels in distress"!

At any rate, that adorable boy that needs a home really deserves your attention. Someone less educated might pass him by for reasons they don't fully understand.

The upshot is, a rescue dog can make the best pet you've ever had. He understands exactly what you're giving him, since he didn't have it before. Your newest family member will offer you an overabundance of loyalty for the rest of his days.

How can I help with Dog Rescues?

Dog Rescues are always looking for help. Of course, they need financial contributions, and kennel and medical supplies. They also need 'foster moms' who perform the difficult task of patiently rendering a dog adoptable, then giving it up to its final owner! So if you have skills in this area and want to help, contact the small and amazing group of volunteers that make up your local Dog Rescue.
———————————————————-
Blake Kritzberg is happily Mom to a rescue dog, and
proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for the Toy Dog Breeds.
http://www.poodle-oo.com

Published by permission of IdeaMarketers.com
———————————————————-

Related posts:

1. Rare Dog Breeds

Deafness in Dalmations:

Deafness affects about ten per cent of Dalmatians. Between 8 and 12 per cent of this breed are born deaf and about 22 per cent are born with normal hearing in one ear only.

If you suspect your Dalmatian might be deaf or partially deaf, you can request that your veterinarian perform the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test (BAER).

It is important for Dalmatian owners to know if their dog is deaf so they can teach the dog signs and make accommodations for the safety and well being of their deaf dog. It’s also important for those who plan to breed as only bilateral hearing dogs should be bred.

Skin Allergies and Irritations in Dalmations:

In order to avoid skin allergies or irritations, which have been known to plague this breed, it is important to feed your Dalmatian a healthy diet.

Your veterinarian might recommend supplementing your dog’s food with omega fatty acids, and either way, an omega fatty acid supplement would enhance your Dalmation's skin and coat health.  (Click here for more on Dermatrix)

Perhaps you may opt for having some over the counter antihistamines on hand in the event that your dog is experiencing allergies or irritations.

Also, keep exposure to stress, heat and humidity to a minimum as these will contribute to the irritations. If your Dalmatian inhales allergens such as pollen or mold, you might see a higher incidence of skin allergies, so be mindful of his environment.

Bladder Stones in Dalmations:

It is important to provide your Dalmatian with plenty of water and opportunities to go outside and relieve himself.

The Dalmation suffers from a high incidence of Bladder stones, which can be minimized with a healthy diet and plenty of water, but keep your eye out for signs that your Dalmatian is suffering from stones. These dogs have a high uric acid content in their urine which can be worsened with too much protein in the diet.

Symptoms of bladder stones in dogs include not urinating, not requesting to go outside to urinate and the appearance of feeling discomfort. There are natural products that can assist with bladder stones, and are a great way to ensure that the bladder and urinary tract are kept healthy and free from problems.  (Click here for more information on keeping your dog's bladder and urinary tract healthy).

Hip Dysplasia in Dalmations:

Like many large breeds, the Dalmatian breed can be prone to hip dysplasia. It’s a common problem for large, active dogs who jump and run and play. If you suspect your Dalmatian is experiencing pain in the hip (you see him limping, favoring a leg, etc.) take him into the vet for an x-ray to determine the seriousness of the dysplasia and an appropriate course of action.

Hip Dysplasia can be a serious health problem for any dog, but in many instances it can be kept under control with natural arthritis products for pets.

Hypothyroidism in Dalmations:

You know your Dalmatian best. If you suspect he is exhibiting signs of lethargy, weight gain or depression, he might be experiencing Hypothyroidism, which is common in this breed. It’s very important to see your veterinarian if you suspect this is the case as it can also result in seizures.

Again, there are natural products that can greatly assist in maintaining healthy thyroid function in dogs. Because hypothyroidism is common in Dalmations, you may wish to consider giving your Dalmation a natural thyroid remedy to give him the best chance of not actually developing the condition. 

Demodex Mites in Dalmations:

Dalmatians have been known to be a breed that commonly suffers from Demodex mites. Demodex mites can be found on the skin of all dogs, but those whose immune systems are not functioning optimally suffer from an increase of these mites, which is sometimes the case with Dalmatians.

Most Dalmatians' immune systems will mature and the problem will solve itself. However, for those who don’t, the mites have to be scraped from the skin and the dog needs to be treated with a mite killing dip.

One way to avoid this problem is to boost your Dalmation's immunity with a natural immune system booster.  A healthy immune system can beat almost any illness or disease, and it starts with a healthy diet.  But oftentimes that is not enough, particularly in breeds, like Dalmations, that are susceptible to certain types of conditions, like Demodex, that result directly from less than optimal immune system functioning.

(This article was written in conjunction with the authors at pet super store an online pet shop that carries dog beds, patio pet doors, and dog houses.)

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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.         

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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.

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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.

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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.

Related posts:

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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 (Labrador 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 Beagle 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 Shih Tzu visits their unsupervised Chihuahua, 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.

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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.

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