Rottweilers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world of any size. As far as large dog breeds go they come in very near the top in popularity. They are definitely one of my top 5 favorite dog breeds and actually might even be #1 in my mind. Much of the popularity of Rottweilers comes from their very high intelligence, willingness to please their owners, their ability to work as police, military and service dogs, their gentleness with children, and their superior guard dog abilities.
The Rottweiler is a large dog breed originating in the German town of Rottweil in Wurttemberg. It was used in Germany as a war and herding dog. Early Rottweilers worked as beasts of burden, carrying wood and other products to market as well as pulling carts. They were also once known as the butcher’s dog because they had to drive the cattle to the market while protecting their owners from thieves. These dogs were trusted so much that is was common for the cattle dealer to attach their moneybags to the neck of their Rottweiler because it was the safest place for it. Today they are frequently used as guard dogs and police dogs.
Rottweilers are muscular and athletic and have a massive, powerful body with a broad head. Their coat is short and is black with brown on the muzzle, cheeks, legs, and paws.
Rottweilers are typically calm, quiet, obedient, easy to train, faithful and courageous. They are a physically strong breed with a reliable temperament and are very protective of their family. The Rottweiler is a natural guard dog and they will not hesitate to fiercely defend the ones they love. They are very loyal and make great companion dogs.
The Rottweiler is a steady dog and has a self-assured nature, but they do need proper socialization at an early age to as many people, animals, and situations as possible to develop these qualities. This dog breed will show a strong understanding of what is right and wrong if they are properly handled and trained by a responsible owner.
I have owned many different breeds of dog in my life ranging from small to large and one of them was a Rottweiler named Xavier. Of all the dogs I have ever owned he was the smartest, most loyal, most protective, easiest to train, and overall best. There were none to match him before and none have matched him since. I love this breed and definitely plan to get another Rottweiler sometime in the future.
Dec 15, 2008 | | Dog Breeds, Dog Information, Large Dogs
Small dog breeds are very popular all over the world. Some of the reasons for small dogs being so popular are because they are easy to take places, easier to handle, stay small and cute like puppies, require less walking and can stay indoors most of the time. Small dog breeds also usually live longer than large dog breeds and are more accepted in public places.
There are plenty of small dog breeds so you should be able to find a small dog to fit your lifestyle and preferences quite easily. Some of the most popular small dog breeds in the United States are the Chihuahuas, Pugs, Maltese, Yorkies, and Toy Poodles. The small dogs are more popular with people who live in smaller homes or apartments because they don’t need as much room to run and don’t take up too much living space. The small dog breeds are also popular with people who travel a lot because they don’t take up as much space and travel well.
Even though these breeds are small, they are still typically courageous and bark a lot when alerted so they can be good for keeping you aware of any intruders to your home. A big reason why people love small dog breeds so much is that they make great lap dogs, and are easier to play with and spoil like a little baby.
Here are some of the most popular small dog breeds listed in alphabetical order:
Affenpinscher
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested Dog
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Fox Terrier
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Mexican Hairless
Papillon
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pomeranian
Pug
Schipperke
Scottish Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Yorkshire Terrier
Whether you have an active lifestyle or just like to sit at home in front of the television, there is a small dog breed on the list above that will be more than willing to share your life with you.
Dec 03, 2008 | | Dog Breeds, small dogs
If you are looking to get a new dog or are just a curious dog lover, you probably want to know what the most popular dog breeds are. Here are the top ten dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) registration numbers:
1) Labrador Retrievers
2) Yorkshire Terriers
3) German Shepherds
4) Golden Retrievers
5) Beagles
6) Boxers
7) Dachshunds
8) Poodles
9) ShihTzu
10) Bulldogs
A few other dog breeds that sometimes show up in the top 10, or are at least close to making it every year, are Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers, Great Danes, Pugs, and Chihuahuas.
Also, the American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in America but they are not on the AKC breed list, so they don’t get counted. However, American Pit Bull Terriers are on the United Kennel Club (UKC) list and are consistently towards the top.
Now you know the top ten most popular dog breeds and a few other very popular dog breeds. Hopefully that helps in your search for finding the right dog for you.
Nov 25, 2008 | | Dog Breeds
It is very important that you select a dog food that will give your dog the nutrition that it needs. With all the big name brands and high price advertising you get bombarded with every day it can be difficult to determine what the best dog food is for your beloved furry friend.
Most dog food manufacturers make food for specific age ranges of dogs, and the food you buy for an older dog is not usually suitable for a puppy. Proper nutrition is vital to the health of your dog and its happiness, and it is essential that your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals that it needs for a healthy life.
Here’s a list of some of the essential vitamins and minerals that your dog food should have to give your dog a more healthy diet…
Vitamins A, D, E, B-complex, Biotin, Calcium, Choline, Copper, Folic Acid, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Manganese, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium Chloride and Zinc.
Of course, that is not all, but they are certainly ingredients that you should be looking to find in your dogs food. Giving your dog fresh meat with some vegetables and grain included is a healthy natural diet that many dog experts believe is better than anything you can buy from the store.
There are also some excellent ebooks and other information online about making your own dog food where you can be assured that your dog will get all the best ingredients needed for all-around health and nutrition. This can be a cost effective method of feeding your dog without being concerned that the dog might not be receiving all the ingredients it should for a healthy happy life.
One of the best ebooks I have ever found on the subject of dog food is Dog Food Secrets. In it he reveals why you are killing your dog with commercial dog food and how to prevent it.
Also, remember that if your dog has any specific health problems, they need to be addressed when determining what the best food is for your dog. A consultation with your veterinarian or a dog food expert should be done to see if there are any special food requirements your dog needs or determine any problems that certain foods might create for your dog.
Nov 13, 2008 | | Dog Food, Dog Health
Puppies seem to be in abundance when it comes to ill equipped breeders or people that have lost interest in them. Before you purchase that puppy in the pet store window or call a home concerning an ad in the local paper about buying a puppy, I implore you to please go visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization and adopt a puppy! Too many homeless and stray animals of all ages are without good and loving homes. It is an epidemic of mass proportions the number of stray dogs in our country that are without a forever family to love and care for them! Most people want that pedigreed, brand new, and raised from birth puppy.
A pedigree does not ensure that your puppy or dog will be well mannered, any more healthy, or any well trained than a dog of mixed breed or a dog without papers. Shelter dogs are just as if not more well mannered and trained. Many of them get excellent and top of the line veterinarian care because many veterinarians volunteer their services and care to local shelters. It is a myth that dogs and puppies of shelters all come from acts of violence or sickness. Not true at all! Some of them are there because owners thought they were ready for a pet but found out it was more time than they wanted to share.
Some reasons are owners see the “puppy” and when the “puppy” is no longer a puppy and they are ill equipped to care for the dog then they cast it off to a shelter or let it fend on it’s own. Puppies are even brought in because an owner’s dog became impregnated and they could not care for the litter or give the litter away. Even in those cases of neglect, abuse, and violence those dogs can be trained and given therapy that result in perfect behaviors and temperaments. Here are some tips when going to your local Animal Shelter to interview, and yes it is necessary that you interview your local shelter! Not just for your benefit but for your potential canine forever friend.
Very important questions that should always be asked are: How they take care of the dogs? Do they get more than just food and water? Does the animal shelter place emphasis on socialization? Do they allow the animals to move around and interact with the other dogs?
There are a few things to look for when you visit shelters. First of those are if you walk into a shelter and you see puppies in cramped kennels or cages and this is where they have spent their entire stay while at the shelter, you will not want to adopt ANY dogs from this place and you should perhaps report the shelter! Dogs that are kept in cramped, dirty, etc. are being conditioned into furthering fear of the outside world, trauma, stress and anxiety disorders, and other fears.
If a shelter does not allow their dogs to be exercised or to be let outdoors, then you should ask how it is they are allowed to enjoy physical activity and stimulation. Also you will want to know exactly how much and how often human contact is received. To add to your query when interviewing a shelter is to ask what services such as pet insurance, complimentary vet visits, obedience classes, and do they newsletters following adoption on care and tips for introduction to their new home, etc…
About the author:
James is the owner of Your Dog Supplies Store an online dog supply store that focuses on the needs of dogs and dogs only. They have many different dog supplies such as food, treats, pet carriers, dog shampoo and so much more! Visit us first!
Nov 06, 2008 | | Dog Information