Ten Biggest Dog Breeds in the World

Akita

The largest breed of Japanese dog is the Akita, also known as the Akita Inu, and the Japanese Akita. Originally created in the 1600s this large breed was known and used for dog fighting and hunting. In the 1930s the dogs were on the verge extinction until a group known as the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Breeds worked together to save the breed.

Today the Akita is well known as a companion or security dog. They have proved to be a dedicated pet, showing a great deal of devotion to their owner. Mild-mannered, cautious, intelligent, and active, the Akita is a sturdy companion whether it’s playing around on a beach, or hiking through the mountains.

The Akita is a stunning breed. The classic look is one of small brown eyes, ears that are petite, always vertical, and triangular in shape, and a large black nose. The breed comes in many colours; in Europe the breed tends to be black or brown, with a black muzzle; or, in the breeds native Japan, orange and white.

Male Akita’s generally weigh between 95-130 pounds, and stand between 26 and 28 inches tall. The females are not too far behind, with an average weight of 70 to 110 pounds, and a height of 24 to 26 inches tall.

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd, is of Turkish descent, and is also known as the Kangal Dog, Karabas, Coban Kopengi, and the Karabash. In the middle ages, the dogs were used to defend sheep from bears, jackals and wolves. They are often found in central Turkey; however, they bear a startling resemblance to the Eastern Turkish Sheepdogs.

To this day the Anatolian Shepherd is still used as a sheep dog, due to their commanding ability to safeguard flocks. The dogs have excellent stamina and agility, and are highly intelligent, observant and alert.

Loyal and natural protectors, Anatolian Shepherd’s are extremely territorial, independent and strong willed creatures. This breed can adjust to life in a family home, however due to its possessive nature, owners must ensure they introduce guests or strangers or it will stop them at the front door.

The usual colours for the breed are fawn, with a black mask, pinto, white and brindle. With muscular limbs, a robust neck the Anatolian commands any room with its powerful presence. The average male stands at an average 29 inches, and weighs around 125 pounds. Females stand at an average of 27 inches, and weigh an average of 100 pounds.

 

The Great Dane

The Great Dane is a well-known breed that has its origins in Germany. Also known as the German Mastiff and Deutsche Dogge, the animal was bred in the middle ages primarily as a war dog or hunting dog. They were often nicknamed the “Apollo” of dogs because of there ability at bringing down large, and powerful animals.

Now-a-days, Great Danes are used as companion dogs because of their loving and gentle nature. A popular breed for those with children, the Great Dane is an elegant, affectionate, friendly and reliable animal that enjoys being around people. Strong and powerful, the breed makes an excellent guard dog, and rarely barks unless they want to alert someone.

Stunning features make this particular breed stand out. The Great Dane generally has deep-set, dark, medium sized eyes, and high-set ears that fold forward. Their snout is usually black, except when they are blue, in which case they can be blue-black or spotted. The Great Dane has a short, dense coat and a long tapering tail.

The breed comes in a variety of colours including brindle, black, harlequin, mantle, blue and fawn. Brindle Danes have a gold base colour with brindle stripes throughout, and usually have a black mask. Black Danes are polished black, while harlequin Danes has a white base with patches of black all over. Mantle Danes have a solid black base coat with white patches and a white muzzle. Blue Danes are polished blue, while fawn Danes have a gold base with a black mask, but the gold tends to be very bright. A typical male weighs around 160 pounds and stands at 32 inches tall. Females weigh on average 120 pounds and stand at 30 inches.

 

Irish Wolfhound

Created in Ireland as a wolf hunting dog in the 1800s, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the worlds tallest dogs. Today the Wolfhound is mostly used as a companion or a guard dog.

Although the size of an Irish Wolfhound is intimidating, the nature of the animal is anything but. They are sweet, kind and loving dogs that are excellent with young children. The Wolfhound is completely loyal to its owners, and great with strangers. The breed is fast growing, so it tends to be very clumsy while it goes through the puppy stage.

The most notable feature of the Irish Wolfhound its height. Standing anywhere between 32 and 24 inches tall in males, and 30 to 32 inches in females, on strong, muscular legs, the Wolfhound commands an awesome presence.

This particular breed has a rough, heavy topcoat that looks quite scruffy. The Wolfhound has a huge head, with a long muzzle, but very small ears. The Wolfhound comes in many colours, but the most common are brindle, black, white, gray, and red.

 

Mastiff

Originally from England, the Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, was bred as a fighting and military dog. Today however, the Mastiff is known as a loving companion and a reliable guard dog.

Easygoing and gentle, the Mastiff is a breed that is very protective of its family. They are often wary in the presence of strangers, but are great with children and love to play games with the family. The Mastiff can be quick to bark if it feels that its family is in danger, so obedience training is required when they are very young to make them comfortable with other animals and people.

The Mastiff has dark eyes that are set wide apart and small, thick ears that also sit wide apart. They have a short, but broad dark muzzle, and have a flat nose. The breed has a short, straight top coat which can vary in colour from fawn, to apricot, and brindle.

The Mastiff is a very large dog. Males often weigh in at upward of 190 pounds, and a height of 32 inches. Females tend to be a lot smaller, weighing around 150 pounds and standing at 27 inches.

 

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a well known breed which is also known as the Alpine Mastiff. Native of Switzerland, Bernadine Monks have raised Saint Bernard’s since the 1600s for use as rescue dogs. Today the Saint Bernard is used a companion dog for families.

A loving and kind breed, the Saint Bernard loves children, and with a high level of patience they make perfect companions while they grow up. The dogs are very intelligent and moderately easy to train, however this must be started when the dog is very young. Although not generally territorial, Saint Bernard’s will defend their family when needed.

Saint Bernard’s have huge heads with lots of wrinkles above the eyes and a short, wide muzzle with black lips. The Saint Bernard has muscular and powerful legs and a long straight tail with a slight curve at the end that is strong and heavy.

This particular breed comes in two varieties: short coat and long coat. Short coat’s have smooth, short hair, while long coat’s have rougher, lengthier coats that are often wavy in appearance. Saint Bernard’s often come in white with red, or brindle with white patches. The breed features white markings on the feet, tail, chest, collar, forehead, and nose. Not the tallest of large dogs, the male stands at around 28 inches tall, and weighs around 175 pounds, while the female stands at 36 inches, and weighs around 130 pounds.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff, which is also known as the Do-Khyi, was originally used as a herd and guard dog in its native Tibet. Although often used as a guard dog today, the Tibetan Mastiff is more commonly used as a companion dog.

This breed is a very intelligent and independent dog. Often doing what they want, they can be difficult to train, but respond well if started young. Extremely protective its family and surroundings, you must keep a careful eye on the dog when it meets strangers. Socialisation of this breed is a necessity due to their strong instinct to guard.

The Tibetan Mastiff has medium sized brown eyes, a wide black nose with open nostrils, and v-shaped ears that raise when alert. This breed does have a tendency to drool, due to a slight flew opening.

This breed has a double coat. The outer layer is long and thick, and is generally wavy, while the undercoat is heavy and soft, which protects the dog from cold weather. The Tibetan Mastiff comes in a variety of colours including black, blue, blue-gray, sable, and brindle. Males can weigh anywhere between 170-190 pounds, and stand at 28 inches tall, while females can weigh up to 160 pounds, and stand at 26 inches.


 

Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, also known as the Greater Swiss Cattle Dog, was created in the early 1900s in Switzerland, and was originally used as a draft dog for local farmers. Today, the breed is used as a companion dog all over the world.

An energetic and lovable breed, the Swiss Mountain Dog is caring, and protective of its owners. Great with children, the dogs love to be near their owners all the time, but have a tendency to bark if they hear noises or a stranger.

The Swiss Mountain Dog is a short-haired tri-coloured dog. The undercoat comes in various shades of gray or tawny, while the top coat is black with markings of rust and white. The breed often has rust markings on the eyes, cheek and underside of the ears, while white appears on the head, muzzle, chest, and sometimes on all four paws.

The breed typically has almond shaped brown eyes, triangular shaped ears, and a wide flat nose, that is always black. The average male stands at 28 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds, while the average female stands 26 inches and weighs 110 pounds.


 

Kuvasz

Originally bred as a guard dog, the Kuvasz, also known as the Hungarian Kuvasz, is now widely used as a companion as well.

The Kuvasz is very protective and will not hesitate to guard its home. An extremely intelligent and courageous dog, the Kuvasz never truly lets its guard down. Hard working, this breed can work for hours without tiring. A sensitive dog, the Kuvasz takes well to training, and loves to be with its family. If left for long periods, however, the dog may become destructive.

The Kuvasz has almond-shaped brown eyes, and v-shaped ears. Known for their ‘cat-like’ paws, the feet are tiny in proportion to the rest of the dog. The Kuvasz sports a double coat: the top coat is rough and can be wavy or straight, and the undercoat is thin and smooth. The dog is generally white, but can have patches of grey or black.

The Kuvasz is at the smaller end of the large dog category. The males stand anywhere between 28-20 inches tall and weigh 100-115 pounds, while the female stands between 26-28 inches, and can weigh almost 90 pounds.

 

Caucasian Mountain Dog

The Caucasian Mountain Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovtcharka, is the most popular mountain dog in Russia. Its origins as a guard dog for sheep, changed in the 1960s when they were used as a border patrol dog in East Germany. Today the Caucasian Mountain Dog is still used as a guard dog.

The Caucasian Mountain Dog is an independent and courageous breed. It is wary of strangers, and without proper training at a young age can become aggressive, and unmanageable. This dog is not for family’s and should never be left with children.

These dogs are suited to cold weather, with their densely feathered coat and tail. The breed features deep medium-sized eyes, long straight legs, large paws and a large black nose. The Caucasian Mountain Dog comes in a variety of different colours, the most common being brindle, tan, pied and fawn.

Generally male dogs stand at 30 inches tall and weigh around 150 pounds, while the females stand at around 27 inches and can weigh as much as 120 pounds.
Finally, don't forget about pet insurance for your dog doesn't matter which breed  you decide to buy.

Dog Training Dog Obedience Training Explained

Dog Training Information:

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog there are a few essential ingredients that ensure a happy long term relationship. The first ingredient is health. A healthy dog is a lot easier to live with. Secondly, you want to make sure you invest in some type of dog training program. Dog training is a lifelong commitment.

It may begin with steps like housebreaking, however as your dog grows your training will too. The third ingredient to a happy relationship with your dog is the equipment. Dogs have special needs and are significantly better behaved when those needs are met. When you have a commitment to building a bond with your dog and are willing to provide these three key ingredients, you and your dog are guaranteed a lifetime of love, obedience, and happiness.

Your Dog’s Health Matters

The first step to a long and happy life with your dog is to make sure your dog or puppy is healthy. This begins first and foremost by choosing the right breed for your family. Some dog breeds suffer from knee and hip problems while others can be aggressive if they’re not trained properly. Some dogs require significant daily exercise while others are content couch potatoes.

A visit to your veterinarian for a checkup is necessary as soon as you bring your new dog home. In addition to checking out your dog’s health, updating vaccinations and having your pet spayed or neutered, you may need to have your veterinarian investigate dog skin problems and check their teeth. Dog dental care is part of raising a happy, healthy and well adjusted dog.

You can find breed and care information online, in your library’s dog care section or in your local pet supply store’s book section. If you’re bringing home an older dog, be sure you’re prepared to accommodate your new dog’s care requirements. Older dogs can have a host of bad habits. Don’t let that deter you from adopting an older dog. With care, patience and special dog training you can become a happy dog owning family. To give your dog the best start in life, make sure you and your family are ready for dog ownership. With the proper attention to care and the health of your dog you can raise a well behaved and respected canine and member of your family.

Supply Proper Dog Gear and Equipment

To be a good dog owner you have to understand what your dog needs and wants. Dogs are natural chewers. They dig, bark, and can be destructive. You can solve all of these problem behaviors with the right attention and training. For example, excessive barking may be a result of boredom or anxiety.

Eliminate the cause of the behavior and you eliminate the behavior.  Provide your dog with the right toys and positive reinforcement when they chew on ‘good things’ and you can correct this behavior.

Finding the cause of the behavior is the first step to proper training and better behavior. Dog trick training may be the ideal solution because your dog may be looking for interaction and structure. And that old saying, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks isn’t true. You can. Female puppies, male puppies and older dogs regardless of the dog breed can learn obedience, tricks, and special behaviors you just need the right program and dog training technique.

Your new four legged family member will require a lot of care. If you’ve purchased a new puppy then that care begins with puppy proofing your home. You’ll need to purchase a crate, a dog bed, dog collars, healthy dog food dog treats and of course you’ll need to educate yourself on dog grooming and perhaps buy dog grooming supplies. All of these can be found at online dog supplies stores.

Successful Dog Ownership Means Choosing the Right Dog Training Program

There are virtually hundreds of options and well proven puppy training techniques to choose from. Some of the best dog training options include home dog training programs, professional dog trainers, obedience puppy training, and of course you can purchase an online dog training program or dog training videos.

Much of your decision will be based on your needs. If you have a young puppy you may want a training program to help you say goodbye to potty training woes. You may also want a puppy behavior training program, crate training, house training, or even leash training. If you have an older dog then you may be more interested in advanced dog training techniques like agility training. Or you may simply want to learn to train to train your dog at home like a professional dog trainer.

What Dog Behavior Do You Want To Tackle First?

The first step to finding the right puppy obedience training or dog training program is to determine your needs and priorities. Then you can look for a program that focuses on behavioral science methods. One that approaches dog training in a successful and positive manner and is built on solid dog training knowledge.

Dogs need to be socialized. It’s not enough to simply train your dog to sit, stay, or walk on a leash. And while advanced dog tricks aren’t necessary you do want your dog to understand what is expected. You want to make sure they’re well behaved around other animals, children and guests in your home. This takes patience and vigilance on your part. While many people still adhere to old school dog training, more cutting edge information has shown that it’s important to build a relationship based on trust.

This is accomplished with clicker training, positive reinforcement and an understanding of dog behavior. You don’t have to be the dog whisperer to have a fantastic relationship with an amazingly well behaved dog. You just have to find the right dog training program and commit to it. Training can be a lifelong process advancing from basic commands and behaviors to more complicated disciplines like agility training, guard dog training or advanced tricks.

Dog Obedience and Behavior is a Lifelong Commitment

As you own your dog your lives will change. Your dog will grow older and their needs will change. It’s important to stay on top of your dog’s health care needs, gradually changing dog training requirements and what makes your dog happy. It’s also important to stay aware of dog training methods and new training techniques as they’re discovered.

Just a decade or two ago people didn’t realize the importance of cruelty free dog training techniques. They strove to be the Alpha by dominating their dog. Since then top professional dog trainers and behaviorists have found that it’s much more effective to work with a dog’s natural drives and instincts. Positive reinforcement is the key to building a lifelong bond of trust and obedience.

How Do You Stay On Top Of New Techniques And Commit To Continuing Dog Training Education?

Find a trusted resource. Check out dog training book reviews. Review dog training videos and obedience programs. Learn what the animal experts have to say.

Becoming a top notch dog owner requires five things:

1. A commitment to keeping your dog healthy and happy.
2. A knowledge of your breed, dog behaviors, and professional obedience and trick training techniques.
3. The desire to not only find the right puppy behavior and/or dog behavior program but also the patience to see it through.
4. A commitment to developing a trust relationship through proper dog training.
5. A lifelong approach to learning from dog professionals about how to care and keep your dog.

Consult the experts, hire a professional trainer, attend an obedience class and learn what it means to have a canine as part of your family. Dogs are wonderful creatures. They make a perfect addition to the lives of many and become valuable family members. Do your part to raise a happy and healthy dog. Find a quality training program, take care of their health, and commit to providing the proper care and equipment.

How To Train A Puppy

The arrival of a new puppy is an exciting time for any household. Your cute and cuddly little fluff ball will immediately command center stage from the whole family. Before long though, it becomes very clear that the new arrival means there's lots for you to do, and even more for him/her to learn. Puppy training must top your list of priorities.

Your young puppy is totally reliant and dependent on you to help him habituate and fit into our human, domesticated world. Your guidance and leadership will determine what path his life takes and what type of dog he will become. During puppyhood you play the lead role and are responsible for shaping the character, temperament and behavior habits that your dog will carry throughout his life. Your puppy's future is in your capable hands... 

How To Train A Puppy - It's Not All Fun And Games!

 

It shocks some new puppy owners when their puppy acts like, well a puppy. The little critter is a pooping machine who chews, barks, digs, cries and much more! But we still love them anyway - we just need to provide them with some direction and boundaries to follow.

If you're anything like me you probably just want to get your puppy off to the best possible start in life, and also set them up to thrive as adult dogs. Early puppy socialization and puppy training are the keys to your success as a dog owner.

Bringing a young pup into our lives is a big responsibility and commitment to fulfill. Our puppies have a long list of requirements and deadlines that must be met for their well-being and longevity. Tasks like puppy house training, crate training, puppy socialization, leash training and basic obedience need to be addressed right from the very start.

How To Train A Puppy - The Positive Non Violent Way

It's important with all dog training but especially with young puppies to use lots of encouragement, praise and rewards (positive reinforcement) in your training. Start your puppy training sessions as soon as your little puppy arrives at your home - it's never too early. Set your puppy up to succeed, concentrate on developing desirable habits in your puppy and preventing undesirable behavior. It's much a better alternative to put your puppy on the right path from the start, rather than trying to correct established problem behaviors later on.

Keep your training sessions short, consistent and always have fun. The key to shaping your puppy's behavior is to start out with very easy commands, continue to build on these successes and apply heaps of repetition. Base your puppy training sessions around trust and mutual respect rather than old school methods based on punishment, avoidance and harsh corrections. In this environment you will find that your puppy loves his training sessions and his confidence will grow with each and every session.

Always remember that you are dealing with a very immature young animal. Be realistic, flexible, patient and always fair during puppy training sessions. Your puppy doesn't just automatically know this stuff! It's all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Don't worry about these mistakes, just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future.

Enjoy this fantastic time in your dog's life. His puppyhood is the time where you will lay the foundation for your puppy's life. It's also where you will develop, build and strengthen the special bond you will share with your dog for life.

Stop fleas and stick on dogs

Not so long ago we looked at how to remove a tick from a Dog and it seemed like a more thorough look at the subject of both tick and flea preventions and remedies was in order. Dog fleas and Dog Ticks are two of the most common infestations Dog owners face and learning how to prevent ticks and fleas is something a lot of Dog owners ask.
I will take a comprehensive look at both how to get rid of fleas and ticks on Dogs as well as how to prevent fleas and ticks on Dogs. Once your Dog has ticks or fleas then  frontline medicine or something similar is your best way to treat themThis will be quite a long post (2500 words now I have finished) so for your convenience (and if you wish to skip a section) the post will be broken down in to the following chapters:

• How to prevent ticks and fleas
• Natural flea prevention
• Natural Tick prevention
• How to get rid of ticks and fleas
• How to get rid of ticks naturally
• How to get rid of fleas naturally
• Flea and tick medication
• Frontline flea and tick medication
• How to apply Frontline
• Natural flea and tick medication or Chemicals

Hopefully this will cover the topic very comprehensively and should give all of us a good idea of exactly how to prevent ticks and fleas and how to get rid of ticks and fleas when our Dogs get them. Having done quite a bit of research for this I think some of the different methods will be seen as interesting alternatives to Frontline or similar products. I have certainly become intrigued by some of the interesting ways to kill Dog fleas and Dog ticks.

How To Prevent Ticks

For some Dog owners ticks are a real problem. I am one of them. Learning how to prevent ticks can drastically cut down on the number of Dog ticks you will have to deal with.

For some of us trying to prevent ticks is a bit of a challenge. The best way to prevent ticks without any medication is to stay away from areas that contain ticks. Ticks are most often found in long grass and woods. if walking your Dog in such places the ticks will attach to the Dog and quickly burrow its head in to the dogs skin. How to prevent ticks when you live in such an environment can be extremely difficult without some form of home tick treatment. Without using some form of tick treatment for Dogs, such as frontline medicine, preventing Dog ticks simply comes down to staying away from grassy and damp areas as much as possible.

How To Prevent Fleas

Natural flea prevention, without adding anything to your Dogs skin can be difficult. However one of the best ways to prevent fleas is the use of the vacuum cleaner. For every flea on your Dog there will be many more, in different stages, around the home. It may be time for a spring clean. Natural flea prevention without applying anything to the Dog or the surroundings will come down to keeping an area as flea free as possible by cleaning. Vacuum all areas extremely well and you will go a long way to cutting down on the number of fleas in the area and break the life cycle of the fleas.As with preventing ticks, it is difficult to beat the chemically based frontline medicine.

Natural Flea Prevention

Apart from keeping the surroundings clean there are a few good tips for natural flea prevention. Firstly we should ensure that we bathe the Dogs regularly. A good hot shower can work wonders to prevent the build up of ticks. After bathing a good brush to keep the Dog clean is in order. There are special flea combs that can be purchased to get rid of fleas on the Dog.
Also bear in mind that fleas will not survive in a very hot wash. Gather up all the Dogs bedding and run it through the washing machine on a hot wash. The same goes for anything else in the house that you feel may have been infested with fleas.
Searching around the internet there are quite a few recipes and directions for natural flea prevention. Preventing fleas on your Dog naturally is certainly worth a go. A lot of natural ways to prevent fleas rely on essential oils.
Lavender oils have been cited as quite effective in flea prevention. Add a few drops of lavender oil to 8 oz water and spray over the Dog. Some people have found it effective.
Eucalyptus Oils used in a similar manner can also be employed as a natural flea prevention. Also try a few drops on bedding etc or even some leaves.
Adding a third apple cider vinegar to two thirds water and poring all over the Dog after bathing has worked well for some. Just dry the Dog lightly and the smell will soon disappear.
A lemon, cut up and left in 8 oz of water for a day has seen good results when then sprayed on your Dog. Preventing fleas in Dogs has a lot of these type of solutions and a lot of the different essential oils mixed with water are said to be very effective.

Natural Tick Prevention

Apart from staying away from areas with ticks, which is not always possible, what other ways are there to naturally prevent ticks on Dogs. Well apart from learning how to remove Dog ticks there are a few natural ways to prevent ticks. Similar to natural flea prevention, lots of essential oils have been cited as being quite effective when it comes natural tick prevention. Oils such as lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus,etc can be added to water and applied to the Dog. How effective these are as a natural Tick prevention I really don’t know but you wish to try them.
It is also important to remember to keep all Dog bedding washed regularly. Young ticks are minuscule and if you allow your Dog to sleep on the bed and you live in an area where ticks are prevalent I would check the bedding if I was you. Sorry!
There seem to be a lot of natural tick prevention solutions on the market, many simply containing the natural oils stated above. I don’t know if they work well but again you may give them a try. Natural tick prevention really comes down to avoidance. They are much tougher to prevent naturally than fleas. I eally have found little to support these treatments. Frontline medicine, or something like advantix, though chemical based, is definitely the most thorough and effective solution.

How To Get Rid Of Ticks And Fleas

We will now take a look at how to get rid of ticks and how to get rid of fleas.
Learning how to prevent ticks and how to prevent fleas really is best attempted to control by avoidance and keeping the house and bedding well cleaned. There really is little else that seems to really work if you want to avoid your Dog getting infestations. Essential oils may help but to be honest I have found little to know actual people who have said these natural remedies completely eradicate ticks and fleas.
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How To Get Rid Of Ticks Naturally

Without resorting to any chemicals such as Frontline there are not many ways to get rid of Dog ticks. You will basically need to know how to remove Dog ticks by using a pair of tweezers. Pulling off the ticks is the best way to remove or get rid of ticks naturally. Forget trying petroleum or a just extinguished match to the tick to remove it. It simply does not work. How to get rid of ticks once they have them is by tick removal or the application of something like frontline tick medication.
To get rid of dog ticks you can try a little apple cider vinegar in their water. Just how effective this will be to get rid of ticks I am rather dubious about. The reality of Dog ticks is this. If you don’t use a chemical the best way to get rid of Dog ticks naturally is to avoid areas where they are are remove the tick from the Dog by pulling it out.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas Naturally

As stated in “how to prevent fleas”, you can get rid of fleas on Dogs using a god Dog shampoo and then brushing thoroughly with a flea comb for Dogs. Try to use a flea comb every day as part of the Dog grooming routine and it will help tremendously.
To use a flea comb you need a god supply of soapy water. Dip the flea comb in the water between each combing. This will kill the fleas in the water and make combing easier. Apart from the flea comb you can again try the natural oils mixed with water and applied to the Dog. However as with how to get rid of ticks naturally I have found little evidence that these will effectively get rid of fleas like the Frontline, Advantix type of remedies do.
To kill Dog fleas without the use of chemical is really down to vacuuming thoroughly, washing any related bedding and the regular use of a flea comb for Dogs.

Flea And Tick Medication

There are a number of flea medications and tick medications that will kill Dog fleas and kill Dog ticks. There are also flea collars and tick collars but these really are not as effective as spot on medications. Flea and tick collars maybe effective on small Dogs but will do little to protect the body of a large Dog.
There are a few bestsellers when it comes to flea and tick medication. Frontline plus may be the best well known but Advantix and X-spot are also very well regarded. I use X-spot as here in Spain it is cheaper and prevents leishmania which can be a killer here. In the UK we always used Frontline medicine and it works extremely well. Frontline flea medication is particularly effective and we have never had a problem with fleas if we applied Frontline regularly. Home flea treatments and home tick treatments should be used in conjunction with a commercial product unless you find one of the natural flea preventions and natural tick preventions really do work.

Frontline Flea And Tick Medication

Although I will talk about Frontline medicine, as it is the most widely used way to kill Dog fleas and kill Dog ticks the same applies to any of the major flea and tick preventions like Advantix and X-Spot. How does Frontline work? Frontline ticks treatment medication works by a process called translocation. Frontline flea and tick treatment gradually works its way in to the oil glands of the Dog and then spreads through the Dogs fur. Frontline medicine normally takes about 24 to 48 hours to kill all Dog ticks and Dog fleas after it is applied.
Discount Frontline is still an issue. These applications are expensive and although they work very effectively cheap Frontline for Dogs would still be nice.

How To Apply Frontline

The same technique applies to all spot on medications. Ensure you do not let your Dog get wet after applying Frontline flea or tick medication. It takes up to two days for them to work effectively so keep the Dog dry for a few days.

Dog Fleas

Dog fleas are a pesky nuisance. Any time your dog has them, not only do they annoy your pet and make her scratch constantly, they also infest the whole house, it seems.
You can easily tell when your dog has fleas. She will scratch furiously, over and over. It is important to check that there are no signs of other parasites such mange. Mange results in red skin patches and loss of hair.
Some people seem to be particularly attractive for fleas, mosquitoes and other biting insects. If you have a person like that in the house, they may know that the dog has a problem before you even notice the dog scratching.
Of course there are plenty of commercial products to get rid of dog fleas, but these are often chemical insecticides that you may not want to use on your pet or in your house. So what is the solution?
Fortunately there are some natural treatments for dog fleas. The traditional flea comb is one of them. It will get rid of a certain number of adult fleas by simply combing them out of the dog’s hair. Most dogs enjoy being combed, but be sure to do it outside or the parasites will just stay in the house and jump right back onto the dog.
Regular flea collars are to be avoided because of the harsh chemicals that they contain, but you can find all natural versions of a flea collar. Alternatively, rub a couple drops of essential oil of eucalyptus and rosemary onto a regular canvas or fabric covered collar. This will not work so well on bare leather. Watch that the dog does not chew the collar, because essential oils are strong and can burn the tissues of the mouth.
You can also get natural flea powder from many sources. Try asking in your local pet supplies store or health store, or order online. These natural dog flea treatments are usually made up of plant extracts including eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary and wormwood.
To prevent further infestations, try giving your dog garlic regularly in his food. The smell will keep parasites away. Brewer’s yeast is another natural food that has the same effect, so you can try this if your dog will not eat garlic.
At the same time as you are getting rid of fleas on your dog, it is important also to treat the house. Fleas will lay eggs and hide out in all kinds of soft furnishings including your sofas, rugs and beds.
For the house, be sure to get something that will not harm children or other pets. Usually the flea powder that you use on your dog can be sprinkled onto furnishings too, but try a spot test to be sure that it does not discolor fabric. You will need to treat furniture and mattresses, and wash sheets. Repeat the treatment twice more, every 2-3 days, to deal with any eggs that were left. You should find this is an effective way to get rid of dog fleas naturally.

Methods Training the Dog

Are you looking for information about how to train dogs? Well this dog training methods article may be exactly what you have been looking for. It is a good one.

If you have a young puppy, we recommend that you wait until he’s at least 8 weeks old to begin formal training.

Before you begin the formal training lessons with a dog of any age, please plan to follow these dog training methods as they will be the keys to success:

Click here and get your dog training tips from a hollywood pro!!

1. Be patient. Each dog is unique, and can only learn at his own pace. Some dogs learn quickly; others take more time. Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to effective dog training!

2. Be kind. This goes hand-in-paw with “Be patient.” Don’t lose your temper if your dog doesn’t “get it” right away, or appears to be ignoring you. Please do not punish your dog for not learning quickly enough.

As a matter of fact, don’t punish your dog at all. (We’ll be teaching you effective ways to stop or prevent inappropriate behavior—without punishment.)

3. Be flexible. If your dog is struggling to learn, be willing to change your training routine. The location may be too distracting. The time of day may be too close (or far from) feeding time. The length of your training session may be too long (or too short).

The training exercises may need to be broken down into smaller, simpler steps. Remember, each dog is unique. Be flexible and willing to do whatever you can to help your dog succeed.

4. Be generous. Be generous with your rewards and your time. Always reward your dog’s correct responses generously. Don’t be stingy with the treats—he’s worked hard and deserves a generous reward! And commit ample time to your training lessons.

We’re all busy these days, but this is “quality time” for you and your dog. You’ll both enjoy and benefit from the lessons, so make sure your schedule is adjusted accordingly!

Dog Training Methods | How To Train Dogs

Rewards

One of the biggest keys to success with positive reinforcement training is rewarding your dog properly. This means giving him something he loves at exactly the right moment.

Your first task is to figure out what kind of reward will best motivate your dog.

How To Train Dogs &Food Treats

All dogs are unique individuals. Most dogs are motivated by food that tastes and smells good to them. Food treats can be very small, which is handy for keeping them in your pocket or a pouch to use during training—and important to maintaining your dog’s caloric intake to healthy levels. So that’s the form of reward we’ll be using throughout this training.

Be sure what you’re giving your dog is good for him. But don’t rely on the packing of store-bought treats to tell you “Your dog will love it!”

Strong-smelling meat and cheese treats are usually winners, but many store-bought treats are made primarily of other ingredients. Your dog may not appreciate artificial colors, tastes or smells.

Small morsels of cooked chicken are a popular home-made treat. But keep in mind that what motivates other dogs may not motivate yours. Experiment and find out what he loves to eat.

Non-Edible Rewards

What if your dog isn’t motivated by food (rare, but a possibility)? You’ll have to find something else that motivates him. You may think a couple of pats on the head are a great reward, but your dog may not.

He might not even like it (most dogs don’t)! Try scratching his belly or some other form of petting. Again, experiment to find out what your dog loves.

Another form of reward to consider is play. Tossing a ball, playing tug-of-war, or playfully chasing your dog for a few minutes may be his idea of heaven.

The Best Reward

Let your dog show you what he truly loves. He’ll do this with his reaction to the reward you offer. You just need to pay attention to how he responds.

Just because he accepts a piece of kibble doesn’t necessarily mean he loves it. Watch him carefully when you’re giving him a treat, petting, or playing with him.

If he looks away or walks away, he probably isn’t all that thrilled about what you’re offering. But if he gets excited, stays close and begs for more, he’s showing you that he loves it and will be willing to work for that reward in the future.

For initial training, we highly recommend using a food treat as the reward. It’s the easiest to work with and gets the fastest results…just make sure your dog really likes it!

Timing is a key ingredient when it comes to how to train dogs.

After you figure out the form of reward, the second key to positive reinforcement is timing. This is critical during early training: you must give the reward immediately after your dog performs the correct action. This means within half-a-second!

Your response to his correct action must be clear and it must be instant. If you pause in stunned amazement that he actually did something right, then snap out of it and give him a treat several seconds later, you’ve blown it.

You must train yourself to deliver instant gratification to your dog. Do this consistently, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog learns.

How To Train Dogs Dog Training Methods

Here’s another important tip about timing: don’t make your training lessons too long. Like humans, dogs can become bored by repetition. Bored students don’t learn very well.

So to keep the training sessions effective, don’t make them outlast your dog’s attention span. Each dog is different, so you’ll need to be alert and notice when his attention starts wandering.

Try for a 10-minute session and see how that goes. Shorten it if necessary. Don’t lengthen it to more than 15 minutes. Repeating a short session two or three times a day will be much more effective than having one long session each day.

Primary and Secondary Reinforcements

The instant reward you and your dog choose will be your primary reinforcer. A primary reinforcer is something your dog inherently loves. In other words, he was born loving it (treats, tummy rubs).

Another form of reward is known as a secondary reinforcer. A secondary reinforcer is something your dog must learn to love and be motivated by.

Praise is an excellent example. Puppies are not born loving a phrase such as “Good girl!” After all, it’s just noise to them. They must learn to associate that noise with love.

A popular form of secondary reinforcement is clicker training for dogs. A clicker is a handheld device that makes a distinctive clicking sound. That sound is basically a substitute for verbal praise. When used properly, your dog will learn to associate the clicking sound with love.

We prefer using verbal praise versus a clicker, simply because your voice is something you’ll always have with you. If you prefer to use a clicker, just remember to mentally substitute “click” when the lessons say verbal praise or “Good!”

Dog Training Methods

Consistency is Key

Regardless of whether you use your voice or a clicker, the most effective way to train your dog is to use a combination of primary and secondary reinforcers that are consistent.

If you’ll use your voice instead of a clicker, choose a phrase and use it exactly and consistently. Dogs are not people, remember? Words are just noise to them.

They have no idea that “Good girl,” “Great job,” “Way to go Molly” or other phrases all mean they did the right thing.

Pick your praise phrase, and make sure you (and others in your family) use that exact phrase or word every single time.

Then, several times a day, say your praise word or phrase and immediately give your dog the primary reinforcer (such as the treat you know he loves).

Do about five repetitions, two or three times a day, for two days. You can also use your praise word or phrase when rubbing her belly, when she’s eating his dinner, or any other time you’re sure she’s enjoying something she loves. Within a few days, she’ll learn to love the secondary reinforcer (the praise phrase or word) and will be eager to hear you say it.

How To Train Dogs | Dog Training Methods

(Throughout the training course we’ll use the example of “Good,” but substitute your own choice of secondary reinforcer. Remember to use it—and only it—consistently.)

During early training, the combination of the primary and secondary reinforcers will be extremely powerful and effective… more so than using either form of motivation alone.

Treats Won’t be Needed Forever

Don’t worry that you’ll have to carry treats around in your pocket all the time to get your dog to behave. As your dog learns, her obedience will eventually become habitual. You won’t need to consistently use treats or other primary reinforcers for those behaviors beyond that point. (You’ll need to use them consistently whenever teaching something new, though.)

It will always be a good idea to continue using the secondary reinforcer (“Good!” or whatever). You’re basically thanking your dog for doing what you asked… simple common courtesy is always a good thing!

We’ll tell you when you can start decreasing the use of treats or other primary reinforcers. But for now, and whenever you’re teaching your dog something new, be sure to use both forms of positive reinforcements as instructed especially if you are dealing with german shepherd aggression (I happen to be an authority on the German shepherd dog breed).

OK, now that you know the basic dog training tips of rewards and timing, you’re ready to begin training your best friend! I hope this dog training methods article has proved itself useful to you and will help in your quest for knowledge about how to train dogs.

Information about Hunting Dogs

Hunting dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt animals, fish and birds. Hunting dogs have been bred to suit varying environments and climates. Some Hunting dogs were bred specifically to work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. The evolution of the many breeds of Hunting dogs were dictated by the changing requirements of man. Hunting Dogs have been bred specifically to enhance their skills in helping man to hunt. Hunting dogs have been used by man dating back to Antiquity when their very survival was dependent on their hunting skills. The quarry sought provided man with food, clothing and even the hides were used for shelter. The advent of new agricultural methods, animal husbandry, manufacturing and new weapons saw the diminished need for Hunting dogs in modern times. The evolution and History of the Hunting Dogs was inextricably linked with man's own evolution.

The Evolution of Hunting Dogs - The Sight Hounds

The Hunting dogs in the category of Sighthounds specialise in hunting their quarry by sight rather than scent. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for hunting. The Afghan Hound is a good example of this with its padded paws and powerful legs which gave them the equal abilities to skim across sands or snow and to climb rocky mountains. Sighthounds, as their very name indicates, have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey.

Hunting Dogs History & Evolution - The Scent Hounds


The Hunting Dogs categorised as Scent Hounds specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It was not necessary for Scent Hounds to be as fast and agile as Sighthounds - they do not need to keep their quarry in sight. Scent hounds as Hunting Dogs are built for endurance. They can follow a scent for long distances and even across running water. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose as Hunting Dogs. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail - a major asset for one of the Hunting Dogs. The Bloodhound, as pictured above, was bred originally to hunt wolves, deer and large game. Man's requirements changed with new hunting technology and the dogs role changed to that of a police dog to track missing people, fleeing suspects, or escaped prisoners.

Hunting Dogs Evolution & History - The Hound Dog Breeds

Hunting Dogs in the Hound Dog Group have been bred to chase (or hound) a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. The Sight hound Hunting Dogs have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hunting Dogs which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.

Hunting Dogs Evolution - Sporting Dog Breeds - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters


Hunting dogs categorised in the Sporting Dog group hunt by air scent, as opposed to ground scent. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs were bred selectively which resulted in them fulfilling the needs of man. Hunting Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl. Hunting Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location. Hunting Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net. The picture above demonstrates how other breeds of Hunting Dogs actually chased their quarry into a waiting net. The African Basenji Dog was used for such hunting. They chased their prey, such as small antelopes, into hunting nets or out into the open where their quarry could be shot with a gun or a bow and arrow. Man's own evolution and development in technology moved the traditional hunting methods away from primitive tools and nets - the Hunting Sporting Dogs were then called the Hunting Gundogs.

Hunting Dogs History and Evolution - The Terrier Dog Breeds


Hunting Dogs categorised in the Terrier group were developed to hunt and kill vermin. The vermin included rats, mice and other predatory animals such as foxes which might raid a farmer's produce and livestock. The very nature of these tasks required an energetic, tenacious, brave and determined Hunting dog and the Terrior breed was perfect for such work.

Evolution Hunting Dogs - The Otterhound


The Otter Hound - Otterhound and is a dog of considerable size and was bred originally to hunt the otter in order to ensure the trout supply in rivers. It's origins can be dated back for thousands of years and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group of Hunting Dogs. The above picture shows an Otter hound looking on at the hunters who have speared the luckless otter and have raised the animal out of the reach of the dogs. The picture also illustrates how the Otterhounds hunted in packs. The history and evolution of the various breeds of Hunting dogs continues today. The Otterhound, a scent hound, is a perfect example of this evolution process. The Otter Hound ( Otterhound ) verged close on extinction when its targeted quarry, the otter, was made a protected species.

The Hunting Dogs and their quarry
The Quarry of Hunting Dogs varied considerably from Fox Hunting to Coon Hunting and from Wolf Hunting to Deer Hunting. Listed below are some Hunting Breeds and their particular quarry:

Fox hunting dogs - American and English Foxhounds
Deer Hunting dogs - the Irish Wolfhound
Hog Hunting dogs - the American Staffordshire Terrier - see Bay Dogs
Wolf Hunting dogs - the Borzoi
Badger Hunting Dogs - the Basset Hound
Bird Hunting Dogs - the Sussex Spaniel
Rat Hunting dogs - the Cairn Terrier
Coon Hunting Dogs - the Black and Tan Coonhound
Bear Hunting dogs - the Neapolitan Mastiff
Elk (moose) Hunting dogs - the Norwegian Elkhound
Duck Hunting dogs - Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Rabbit and Hare Hunting dogs - the Beagle
Big Game Hunting dogs - the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs

Fast Facts
Group classification: Sporting Country of origin: United States Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 65 - 80 lb Height (M): 23 - 26" Life expectancy: 11 - 13 years
Weight (F): 55 - 70 lb Height (F): 21 - 24"

1.General Description of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a hardy and resilient breed designed to retrieve waterfowl from cold waters, sometimes even breaking ice to do so, and the features of the dog reflect this purpose. The skull is round and broad with a medium stop, the scissor-bite jaws large enough to carry large birds with ease. The eyes are large and clear, amber in color, and convey an expression of intelligence. The neck, shoulders, back and chest are powerful and well muscled. The hindquarters are slightly higher than the forequarters and are exceptionally strong, making this dog a remarkable swimmer; webbed feet also help to propel this dog through the water. The tail is either straight or slightly curved, with moderate feathering. The coat is thick, short and oily – the oiliness of the coat is especially important in this breed, as it is essential to keeping the dog warm and dry when working in and around cold waters. The coat should be brown in color, and a Chessie that matches her surroundings in the field is to be especially prized.

2.Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the toughest and most independent of the retrieving breeds. Unlike the always-sociable Labrador Retriever, the Chesapeake is generally aloof around strangers and is protective of its home and family. Despite its somewhat distant character around strangers and other dogs, the Chessie is exceptionally affectionate toward its master and family. For an owner looking for the playful qualities inherent in the retrieving breeds as well as a family protector, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a fantastic choice. While the dog is happiest when it is able to swim and retrieve outdoors, it is also content to be at home with its family and tends to be calm and quiet indoors.

3.Caring for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs daily exercise – a long walk, a challenging game or a swim will suffice. The breed can live outdoors but prefers to live inside with the family. The Chessie’s oily and wavy coat is easily maintained with weekly brushing and rarely requires washing; in fact, the water resistance of the coat can actually be damaged by over-washing. Significant health concerns for the breed include canine hip dysplasia and gastric torsion; less common problems include progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Fast Facts

Group classification: Toy	Country of origin: England	Date of origin: 17th century
Weight (M): 13 - 18 lb	Height (M): 12 - 13"	Life expectancy: 10 - 14 years
Weight (F): 13 - 18 lb	Height (F): 12 - 13"

General Description of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Built along the lines of a small gundog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has expressive, large, dark round eyes set in a slightly rounded skull. This member of the Toy Group is the smallest spaniel. The Cavalier has a tapered muzzle ending in a well developed nose with wide nostrils, and a flat head with a shallow stop. The dog's long ears are well feathered. Cavaliers naturally grow a moderately long lustrous coat that should be free of curl. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel come in four colors: Blenheim* — chestnut markings on a white background, often marked with a “Blenheim spot” of chestnut in the center of a white patch on its head; Tricolor — deep black markings on a white background; Ruby — a solid rich red color; Black and Tan — dark black with tan eyebrows, cheekbones, inside the ears, chest, legs, and under the tail. The Cavalier’s gait is unencumbered and elegant.

*named for the Blenheim palace of England.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament

Charmingly affectionate, playful and intelligent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is ever ready to greet his owner with endearing devotion and a wagging tail. Developed as lap dogs, Cavaliers make terrific companions. Inherently easy going, these dogs can easily make friends with children and other animals. Cavaliers are active with strong sporting instincts that require regular exercise. Their “sporting instinct” can get them into trouble, as they tend to give chase to anything that moves. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, outgoing and nonconfrontational. Cavaliers make fantastic therapy dogs and are a delight to those in nursing homes and healthcare centers that wait for their periodic visits to share doggy kisses and loving caresses.

Caring for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Naturally smart and clean, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easy to train and groom. They are adaptable in their exercise needs and are equally happy curled up on the couch or accompanying their owner on long walks in any weather. When exercising with a Cavalier they should either be leashed or in a fenced yard because they never become “street-wise” and will chase heedlessly after dangerous targets. Nevertheless, these dogs are highly intelligent and are gentle and easy to train in all other respects. Trustworthy with children, the Cavalier needs the same loving, consistent discipline as a child. Moderately active indoors, Cavaliers make good apartment dwellers. Grooming requires a once a week brushing and occasional baths. Cavaliers are average shedders. Check the dog’s ears regularly. They do not do well when left alone for long periods, and the companionship of another dog or a cat is recommended in households where no one is home during the day. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are house dogs – they are too small to protect themselves when alone outdoors, especially while no one is home. Known health issues include canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, entropion, mitral valve insufficiency, and syringomelia.

Other doda : chihuahua dogs

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Fast Facts
Group classification: Herding Country of origin: Wales Date of origin: Antiquity
Weight (M): 30 - 38 lb Height (M): 11 - 13" Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Weight (F): 25 - 34 lb Height (F): 10 - 12"


1.General Description of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Long and low with a fox-like appearance and large erect ears, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the Corgi with a tail. The Cardigan has a low-set, long, brushy tail and an elongated body supported by very short legs. The intelligent Corgi is powerful, capable of both endurance and speed, handsome, and sturdily built but not coarse. The head is broad between the ears and tapers to the dark eyes; blue eye color is allowed only in blue merle dogs. The tapered muzzle ends with a black pointed nose. The medium length dense double coat comes in a number of colors ranging from all shades of sable, red, brindle, and blue merle or black. White flashings are common on the chest, neck, legs, underparts, tail tip, muzzle, and as a blaze on head. Some Corgis sport black masks along with some ticking or freckles. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a free and smooth gait exhibiting agility.

2.Cardigan Welsh Corgi Temperament

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are known for their personality. This dog wants to be involved with his family; full of fun, they will reward their family with devotion and sensible affection. Like most herding dogs, caring for “their people” comes naturally to the devoted, alert, and dependable Cardigan. As a result, Cardigans can be standoffish with strangers and other dogs, especially if they perceive a threat. Corgis sometimes attempt to herd children by nipping at their heels, but they are easily trainable and can be taught not to do this. Cardigans are good alarm barkers and some tend to bark a lot.

3.Caring for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Grooming the Cardigan Welsh Corgi’s medium-length all-weather coat is easy. A once a week brushing removes dead hair, and since the Corgi tends to be a rather clean animal it rarely needs a bath. Very young puppies have drop ears that will usually come up on their own; sometimes they will require temporary taping to support them. Lift a Cardigan by placing a hand behind the front legs and use the other to support the hindquarters, and do not let your Corgi jump off furniture or run down stares; proper handling of these dogs is important, as their backs can be fragile. Corgis have stamina and need regular exercise to burn off excess energy. They love walks and romps, and with exercise can be quite athletic with unexpected ball-chasing speed. Corgis are comfortable in most housing situations. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an exceptionally healthy breed; canine hip dysplasia is almost never clinical, and on extremely rare occasions the dog may develop DM (degenerative myelopathy).