Great Costume Ideas for Pets

For many pet-lovers, dressing up their pooch is much like dressing up themselves. It's a must! Do you like dressing up your dogs or cats in clever, cute costumes as well? Some might prefer to make their own pet costumes, rather than spend money on a ready to wear piece. However, before attempting to make a DIY costume or clothing for your pet, consider a few things.

 

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Clothing Materials. What kind of materials will you use? Avoid using fabrics that might cause irritation. It is particularly important to be sure that your costume is free from choking hazards such as buttons, trims, or accents.

Comfort. A costume or piece of clothing should not make movement difficult for your pet or make it hard for them to see their way.  Your pet should be able to walk and move around without hassle. However, if your pet really dislikes wearing clothes or costumes, and this may include most cats, there are pet collars and accessories that are easy to wear and looks just as fashionable!

To DIY or Buy. With all of these safety issues to consider, sometimes it might be more convenient and practical to purchase a ready made piece. Look for online shops that not only offer a wide selection of pet costumes or pet clothes at reasonable prices, but makers who also love pets and are passionate about creating high quality pieces that are especially designed for specific dog breeds or cats.

Dog Boarding Tips for Dog Owners Planning to Travel

A common challenge for all dog owners is finding a home their dog or dogs can stay with while they’re away on vacation.  Thankfully, there are now companies that offer in-home boarding services for dogs and other pets.  

However, for most dog owners, leaving a dog – even for just a few days or weeks- in the care of strangers is often easier said than done.  This is why it is extremely important to find a trusted dog boarding company that will provide only the best care for your pooch.  

Can’t wait to go on vacation but couldn’t take your dog with you?  Here are some tips for you:

 

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Find out as much info as you can about the in-home dog boarding service provider.

What kind of reputation does it have?  Are there in-house vets to supervise the pets?  Will your dog be taken out on walks on daily basis?  Are there professional groomers working in the facility?  Are the staff trained and experienced in dog care?  Do they have genuine affection for dogs?  What do previous customers have to say about the quality of their service?

Visit the dog boarding facility ahead of time.

It’s very important to see the actual facilities and the dog kennels at least a few weeks before your trip.  This is the only way you can be sure that your dog will be staying in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.  It’s also a great opportunity to meet the staff of the dog boarding service provider.

Have your dog visit the in-home facility a few times.

To make the whole experience smooth and stress-free, bring your dog to the pet boarding facility at least twice or thrice to meet the staff and get the feel of the place.  Thus, by the time you're ready to go on travel, it won’t be difficult for your dog to make adjustments.

Bring your dog’s own bed, blanket, or favorite toy.

It’s always good to have something familiar when you are away from home.  This is true for people and it’s as true for dogs too.  Your dog might feel a little awkward especially on the first day of boarding but having a familiar item along can help lessen the stress.

Give as much information as possible about your dog.

Make sure the staff of the dog boarding facility is well-aware of your dog’s habits and needs, particularly if your dog has allergies or has recently undergone treatment, etc.  What time do you usually feed your dog and what time do you take it out for walks?  Sticking to the old routine will certainly make your dog feel more comfortable while staying in a different home.

Make sure that someone can easily be reached in case of an emergency.

Asking for the dog owner’s contact information is a standard procedure in most dog boarding facilities.  However, if you will be vacationing out of the country or a distant place, it is a good idea to have someone you can trust with your pet,  a friend or a relative who lives in the area who can be readily contacted if needed.

Keep goodbyes casual and short.

Your dog can definitely sense it if you are feeling anxious, worried, or sad.  As you drop off your dog to the boarding facility, keep the mood light and talk to your dog in a calm, normal tone, as if it’s just an everyday thing and get it over with quickly.  If you make a big fuss out of your goodbyes, you will only be making it worse for your dog.

Pugs - Wrinkly, Pudgy Bundles of Joy!

Mention the name pug and people who knows a lot about dog breeds are bound to describe it with the phrase “multum in parvo” which means “much in little”. True enough, there is so much more to the small package than what meets the eye. Despite its compactness, the pug has a big personality.

What Meets the Eye  

How would you describe a pug physically? It is easy to recognize a pug with its dark, short-muzzled face; glossy, wrinkly skin; soft, flapped ears; and a curled tail. It has a large head and a square, stocky body carried by four, pudgy but sturdy legs.

The average weight can range from 14 to 18 pounds.  Males are generally larger than the females in terms of height.  They can grow anywhere from 10 to 14 inches tall.  On the other hand, females typically grow from 10 to 12 inches tall.

Fawn and black are the most common coat coloring for pugs, but some pugs may have apricot fawn or silver fawn coats. A pug with a fawn-colored coat would have a black mask on the face and dark ears.

The breed originated in China, but was introduced in Europe by the 16th century. They are a favored breed in the House of Orange of the Netherlands, and the House of Stuart. It was officially recognized by the AKC in 1885, and listed under the Toy Group. Today, they are one of the most popular breeds in many countries across the globe.

Multum in Parvo 

Pugs generally have a fun, friendly, loving temperament which makes them ideal as companion or family dogs. They are very smart dogs, and are also great with children. However, as mentioned at the onset of this article, pugs have a strong personality and can be stubborn if not trained. This is why it is so important for the human to clearly show the dog who’s the boss. Calm, loving, and consistent training is important when you’re caring for a pug – or any dog on that matter.

They love to eat and would definitely eat more than they should when more food is available. Hence, pug owners must avoid overfeeding their pets to prevent obesity and other health risks. They also need regular exercise – daily walks and playtime in order to be healthy and happy. The pug is playful when it has someone to play with, but it doesn’t mind being lazy and enjoying some quiet time in a corner. It likes to follow its owner wherever he or she goes around the house, and are thus called “shadows”.

Grooming Your Pug 

Grooming is a very important role when you have a pug.  The face, especially the corners of the eye needs to be wiped with a clean, wash cloth daily since they are prone to weeping, eye infections, and cherry eye.

Although they have short, smooth coats, pug are actually heavy shredders so you may find pug hair stuck in your clothes, furniture, curtains, and everywhere.  The coat should be brushed after each bath, and everyday to remove loose hairs.  The creases on the face and the folds between the skin must be regularly cleaned as well. A pet hair removal tool is definitely recommended when you have a pug!

Should You Get a Pug? 

The pug is a remarkable breed but it is not for everyone.  Before you decide that you want a pug in your life, get to know as much as you can about the breed – what they need, what kind of temperament they have, how to best care for them.  If you feel that your personality and lifestyle jives, then why not welcome a pug to your home?  And don’t forget to consider adoption as your first option.

What’s it like to  be living with a pug?  When you have a pug, it will surely grow on you! Without a doubt, these wrinkly, bundles of joy were born to make their people happy!

If you’re thinking about getting a Pug, seriously consider if this dog breed is right for you. Don’t support puppy mills or buy from pet stores. Adopt a dog from a shelter or animal rescue center. 

The Dachshund - the Long and Short of It

The Dachshund is a small, hound-type dog with a muscular, elongated body, and short legs.  Like the Corgi, the Dachshund can be funny looking because its legs are remarkably short compared to its brawny body.

The “Badger” Dog

The name Dachshund is a combination of two German words – Dachs which means “badger”, and Hund which means “dog”.  Back in the 1600s, Dachshunds were first bred in Germany, where they were used for hunting small animals like rabbits and badgers. Their keen sense of smell and swiftness make them the ideal dogs for digging burrows and chasing badgers.

Because of their appearance, they are also often referred to as the sausage dog or wiener dog. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1895, listed under the Hound Group.

The Different Types of Dachshunds

There are three types of Dachshunds, classified based on their coats – the short or smooth-haired, the long-haired, and the wire-haired. The coat can either be of a solid color, bi-color, brindle, or piebald. The colors range from tan, chocolate, fawn, or a combination of black and tan, or black and chocolate.

Dachshunds can also be classified based on their size and weight. The standard Dachshund can weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds). There is also the smaller kind – the miniature Dachshund which weights only 11 pounds or less.

Dachshund Temperament

Dachshunds are smart, alert, and playful dogs. Because they’re small, they make great pets even for people who live in apartments. However, like all dog breeds, they need to be socialized and trained from a young age. In Stanley Coren’s Intelligence of Dogs, Dachshunds are ranked 49th, making them an average breed in terms of obedience.

Do you own a Dachshund or would you like to have one? If you’re thinking about getting a Dachshund, seriously consider if this dog breed is right for you. Don’t support puppy mills or buy from pet stores. Adopt a dog from a shelter or animal rescue center. 

6 Giant Dog Breeds You've Probably Never Heard Of

Many popular dog breeds are considered giants because of their immense size and weight.  Perhaps you might be familiar with the St. Bernard, the Great Dane, the Irish Wolfhound, the Newfoundland, the Bullmastiff, or the Black Russian Terrier?

There are numerous breeds of very large dogs from different parts of the world and some of them,  you have probably never heard of.  Here are six amazing, large dog breeds that may not be as famous as their giant cousins, but are definitely worth knowing.

Šarplaninac

The Sarplaninac is a large dog breed that lives in the Šar mountains, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania. It is also known as the Illyrian Sheepdog or the Yugoslov Shepherd. These giant breeds can grow from a height of 28 inches to 32 inches, and weigh anywhere from 38 kilograms to 55 kilograms when full grown.

Like many mountain dogs has a large, strong body. They have a slightly long coat (4 inches), and can either be rough or smooth. The coat coloring can range from white, black, fawn, gray, or sable. They are originally bred as a livestock guardian dog. They can live up to 11 or 13 years.

When it comes to temperament, the Sarplaninac is known to be an intelligent, reliable, calm, and loyal breed. As a livestock guardian, it is independent and instinctively protective of the flock and its human family. It can be suspicious of strangers and if it senses impending danger, it will be very protective.

Kangal

The Kangal is a mastiff-type breed originally from the Sivas Province of the Central Anatolia Region, Turkey. It is a livestock guardian dog well-favored for its gentle temperament as well as its protectiveness and loyalty.

Kangals can reach a height of 26 inches to 31 inches.  Males are often larger and heavier than the females, weighing about 50 to 63 kilograms.  Females on the other hand can weigh from 41 to 59 kilograms.  The Kangal has a short, dense outer coat.  The color can be solid tan or sable while some may have a brindled coat. It is also noted for its black mask on its face.

Compared with other mastiff breeds, the Kangal is not as heavy-built and thus, are more agile.  They can run up to 30 miles per hour. These dogs will do everything in their power to protect their sheep, and will not back out of a confrontation if the predator stands its ground. The Kennel Club of the UK officially recognized the breed in October 2012, listing it under the Pastoral Group.

Akbash

Here’s another livestock guardian dog that’s a native of Turkey – the Akbash or the Akbas Coban Kopegi.

This giant dog breed can grow from 27 inches to 34 inches tall, and reach a weight ranging from 34 to 64 kilograms. Its smooth, double coat in solid white color is its most prominent characteristic.  They are leaner and taller than other Turkish livestock guardian breeds.

The Akbash is calm, independent, and intelligent.  They are instinctively protective of their flock.  An Akbash dog would stay with its flock for many hours, “sleeping with one eye open”, and reserve its energy in case a predator attacks.  Like many large breeds, it has an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years.

 Estrela Mountain Dog

The Serra da Estrela or Estrela dog is a native and ancient breed of Portugal.  These dogs can reach the height of over 24 inches to 27 inches for females, and over 25 inches to over 28 inches for males.  The weight can range anywhere from 66 to 88 pounds for females, and from 88 to 110 pounds for males.

The coat can either be short or long, yet both resemble that of a goat’s  – thick, close to the body, and coarse – except for the hair on the head and the base of the legs which is smooth. The color can range from fawn, yellow, gray, and brindle. The face is dark which makes the dog look as if it’s wearing a black mask.

Like most giant breeds, the Estrela Mountain dog is intelligent, calm, loyal, and affectionate by nature.  They were traditionally bred as guardian dogs because of their instinctive protectiveness and strength.

Bully Kutta

The Bully Kuta or the Bully originated in Pakistan, where (sadly) it is commonly bred for dog fighting.  Its name is derived from the English term “bull” in reference to its resemblance to the Bulldog, and “kutta” which means dog in South-Asian languages. It is also referred to as the Pakistani Mastiff or the Sindhi Mastiff in reference to its place of origin.

The Bully can grow from 28 to 35 inches tall and reach a weight of 64 kilograms to 95 kilograms.  The coat is short and smooth, often white while some may have brown, black, fawn, or brindled coat.  It has a loose skin, a large head, and well-defined bone structure.

The Bully Kutta has a calm temperament.  It is a smart and loyal breed, but it can be very protective of its master and family.

Pyrenean Mastiff

This mountain dog is originally from Spain, also known by its Spanish name, Mastin del Pirineo.  It is not the same breed as the Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, although both breeds are native of Spain.

The Pyrenean Mastiff has an average height of 28 inches for females and 30 inches for males.  They can weigh from over 80 kilograms to 100 kilograms.  It has a slightly long coat which is usually white with black, fawn, or brown patches.

Like most livestock guardian dog breeds, it is independent, docile, and gentle to the people as well as the animal it knows.  However, it is a protector and will not hesitate to act on its instinct to protect when it feels threatened.

Which of these giant dog breeds did you know?  Do you know of other giant dogs?  Or do you own a giant dog?

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

People with dogs are strongly encouraged to take their pets out on walks daily as much as possible. Without question, daily walks are important to keep dogs active both physically and mentally. Dog walking is also beneficial as the human can get regular exercise while sharing quality bonding time with his or her pet.

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Play Area for Dogs

If you have a spacious lawn, you may consider creating a special area where your dog or dogs can enjoy happy play time every day.  Why not!  There are many advantages.

Imagine how convenient it would be if you could spend a few minutes with your dogs out in the sun each morning without having to take your pooch to the dog park.  Dogs won’t feel bored due to a lack of things to do.  You can provide toys outdoors and not worry about finding your home a mess upon your return.  Yes, having a play area right in your own backyard is wonderful especially if you have two or more dogs.

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Tips on Creating A Dog Playground

If creating a playground is possible, the most important thing is making sure that the area is properly enclosed so your dogs can’t run off the streets or the neighborhood which can prove to be unsafe. See to it that the walls or fence is high enough and sturdy enough to keep even the largest dogs inside.

Are your dogs of small breed? See to it that there are no holes or cracks. Don’t forget that dogs are skilled diggers, and even a small gap can quickly become an opening big enough for a dog to get out from.

Installing one or two playground equipment is also recommended as these can help strengthen their bodies, and stimulate their minds. Choose an equipment that is especially made for dogs. See to it that the equipment has no sharp edges which can accidentally hurt your dog.

Examples of playground equipment are the double tunnel, hole jump, double tunnel, “A” bridge, S-tunnel, hoop jump, high and low, up and down ramp, and more. These are often used in dog agility training competitions and dog shows, and found in public dog parks. You may also add a shaded area where your dogs can freely roam even on a rainy day.

Shade structures are simple structures with a series of poles that support a large canvas piece on top. Most shade structures are made for larger spaces but homeowners can find smaller structures that should fit their lawn or backyard.  You can place a dog house or crate right in the shaded area for times when you’re not home and you don’t want your dog or dogs to be spending the whole day in the house on their own.

3 Ways to Help Your Dog Overcome Stress and Anxiety

Like humans, our dear pets can experience anxiety that can affect their behavior.  As a pet owner, what can you do to help your pet overcome the stress or anxiety?  Consider these three stress management tips for pet owners:

 

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Know the cause of anxiety.

There are many possible reasons why dogs and cats get stressed out.  It can be the presence of an unfamiliar object or another animal, loud noises, or an unfamiliar situation.  Find out what’s causing your pet to be stressed out or agitated and do something about it.  If it’s an object that’s inducing stress, get it out from your pet’s sight.  If it’s the surrounding, take your dog or cat to another area where it can feel safer, more calm.

If it’s not possible to remove your dog or change the situation, give it a place to hide like a crate or shelter, and make it as comfortable as possible by providing cushion, toys, or treats.

Don’t add up to your pet’s agitation.

A pet owner’s initial reaction might be to take it into his or her arms to cuddle it and give it assurance.  However, such action would only strengthen the fear that your dog or cat feels.  It sends out the wrong message that there is a reason to be afraid, and will only encourage panic.

The best way to react when a pet is agitated is to not to show any sign of concern.  Just treat your pet as you usually does.  Talk to it in a calm voice and praise it if it’s showing good behavior.

Try a natural stress reliever.

If agitation continues and it  seems that your pet’s anxiety is getting out of control, herbal products that offer stress relief for pets could help.  For instance, certain flower essences have a calming effect for pets, such as dogs and cats. Flower essences are commonly used on pets that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.

For example, giving your pet a small amount before a thunderstorm can help it to calm down. As the pet uses the product, behavioral issues should lessen or completely go away. When the pet fully overcomes anxiety, you can wean it off of the essences. Other pets like birds, horses and hamsters can also benefit from herbal anti-stress products.

It is also good news for people who have just brought home a pet or adopted a pet.  Anti-stress products can help pets get adjusted to their new surroundings more quickly. The essences are ideal for dogs and cats who show signs of separation anxiety or depression.  People who have several dogs and cats at home can also use herbal essences that promote calmness to avoid fights between pets.

You can check out such products that will help here. However, when considering products for dog anxiety, remember to do your research and make sure that the product is safe for pets.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Welsh Corgis are small herding dogs from Wales. There are two different breeds of Corgi – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi- both named after their town of origin [Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire].

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known for their strong affiliation with Queen Elizabeth II, as well as with other British royalties. History reveals that no less than The Queen herself, has owned more than 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis during her reign.

Physical Characteristics of a Pembroke Corgi

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Pembroke Welsh Corgis can grow from 10 to 12 inches in height – from feet to shoulder. They have a sturdy built and adults can weigh anywhere from 25 to 28 pounds. They have a slightly elongated yet athletic body but with short legs. Pembroke Corgis are shorter than their cousins the – the Cardigan Corgis.

Pembroke Corgis have a triple coat – a fine undercoat and a coarse, water resistant overcoat. The overcoat can grow up to a medium length, and more on the chest. They can shed quite a lot, and they blow their coat twice a year.  The recognized coat coloring for Pembroke Welsh Corgis are red, sable, fawn – either solid or with white markings; or a red-headed or black-headed tricolor.

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One of the Pembroke Corgi’s most prominent feature is the white, saddle-like marking or blaze on their shoulders. It is believed that fairies once used Pembroke Corgis as steeds and the breed has never lost its “fairy saddle” markings.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) requires the tails to be docked so many Pembroke Corgis in the US and Canada have docked tails, while others are naturally born with a bobtail.

Pembroke Corgi Temperament

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As most dog breeds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent, alert, sociable, highly-trainable and they love to please their people. In Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is ranked 11th. They are not heavy barkers and will only bark if needed. Pembroke Corgis easily get along well with children and other animals.

Since the Pembroke Welsh Corgi had been originally bred for herding, they have a tendency to follow their instinct – to nip at people’s or an animal’s ankles – which is how they herd cattle. They also love chasing moving objects – a behavior common to herding dogs.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

 Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally bred as farm guardians but they were eventually used in herding. They are not quite as popular as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed and this probably has to do with the fact that the latter breed is so close to the Queen of England. However, the Cardigan Welsh is the older Corgi breed.

Physical Characteristics of a Cardigan Corgi

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The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is somewhat larger than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They can grow from 10.5 to 13 inches in height. They also have a heavy, muscular built and short legs. Adult Cardigan Corgis can weigh from 30 to 38 pounds.

 They have bushy, long tails which are neither docked or naturally bobbed. The recognized coat coloring for Cardigan Corgis are red, sable, brindle, black, or blue merle with white markings on the neck, muzzle, chest, legs, tip of the tail, and on the head. The white marking is also called the “blaze”.

Cardigan Corgi Temperament

Cardigan Corgis are intelligent, athletic, affectionate, charismatic dogs which make them great as pets. They are also alert and make really good watch dogs.

Corgis – Pembrokes and Cardigans

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Pembrokes and Cardigans are related to the Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound and Finnish Spitz breeds. Both the Pembroke and the Cardigan Corgi need training from an early age – in order to avoid behavioral problems such as constant “nipping” at one’s heels.

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing and Destroying Your Things

One of the most common complaints from dog owners is that their dog chews on things that it’s not supposed to such as their favorite sneakers, socks, throw pillows, carpet, books, and furniture. Obviously, such behavior isn’t good and should not be tolerated. Not only is it an annoying habit, but it can also put your pet’s safety at risk. A dog with a habit of chewing on anything it sees might accidentally swallow or deliberately eat sharp objects which can damage its internal organs, or in some cases, might even cause death. What can you do to correct the problem?

First, it’s important to know that chewing is a normal behavior during the puppy stage. The reason why puppies chew is because they’re going through the teething process. During this time their gums would feel painful, itchy, and uncomfortable. Puppies have a tendency to chew on any object they see because they want to be relieved of their discomfort.  Needless to say, chewing should be controlled and eliminated by the time their teeth have fully developed. Adult dogs should have completely overcome this habit.

Find out the root of the problem. There are many possible causes why some dogs develop inappropriate chewing habit.  If your dog is past the puppy stage and hasn’t yet overcome the habit of chewing, the problem could be medical. In some cases, a gastrointestinal problem could trigger excessive chewing and the only way to know for sure is to undergo lab tests and seek a professional diagnosis. Visit your vet in order to rule out medical issues.

Walk your dog. Is your dog getting the exercise it needs? Remember, a tired dog is a good dog. Walk your dog outdoors or run with your dog every morning or afternoon. By helping your dog expend its energy on a healthy, productive activity, you are also preventing behavioral problems like inappropriate dog chewing.

Provide chewable toys for your dogs. Chewable dog toys and treats are wonderful especially for teething puppies. If you see your pup or dog chewing on something it shouldn’t, call its attention and give it a chewable toy or a chewable treat to chew on. Boredom may also lead to excessive chewing so make sure that dog toys are readily available to them at all times, and don’t forget to spend some play-time with your pet.

Put up your belongings. One way to prevent your dog from chewing things it’s not supposed to is to keep them away from your dog’s reach. Place your shoes on a high shelf and make sure that none of your things are left on the floor or placed on furniture that’s too low. You’ll have to do this until your dog loses its bad habit.

Use a spray deterrent. Another way to discourage inappropriate chewing is to use a special dog spray deterrent. These products smell and taste awful to dogs but are safe and non-toxic. You can spray it on objects that your dog likes to chew on, or when you catch your dog in the act of chewing, use the spray to shoo it away.

Don’t be harsh. It can take a while for your dog to completely overcome its bad chewing habit so you will need to be very patient. Being punitive or cruel to a pet will not bring out any good result. A clear and firm “No!” if you catch your dog in the act of chewing is enough. There’s really no need to shout.

The best thing to do if you see your dog chewing is to immediately try to deviate its attention into something else by handing it a chewable toy or spraying it with a deterrent. If it takes on the chewable toy or if it moves away, praise your dog for following your cue. Always complement your dog if it’s doing something good and reward good behavior with treats or praises.

Miniature Pinscher - the King of Toys!

The Miniature Pinscher is one of the smallest dog breeds. It originated from Germany and is often called the “King of the Toys”. The Min Pin may have been a descendant of the German Pinscher [a medium-sized pinscher breed that is also from Germany], mixed with the Italian Greyhound and the Dachshund. Kennel Clubs recognize Min Pins as “toy dogs”, and because of their boldness, they are called the “King of Toys”.

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What Does A Min Pin Look Like?

There is a misconception that this little dog is the miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. Despite their incredible resemblance however, they are two distinct breeds, and Min Pins are definitely not tiny Dobermans.

Miniature Pinschers have a sturdy built, a proud stance, and a commanding presence inspite of their size. They can grow anywhere from ten to twelve inches in length.  Some pinschers have cropped ears or a docked tail. They have short, smooth, shiny coats which can either be of a solid black, chocolate, red, fawn, or blue; or a combination of black and red, chocolate and red, or these colors.

Miniature Pinscher Temperament

In terms of temperament, min pins can be very assertive, possessive, and dominant dogs. They like to think of themselves as “big dogs” and they can try to bully around other dogs or people. This attitude is often seen in smaller dog breeds and is known as the “small dog syndrome”. Min pins can take on the role of the pack leader so they need to be trained well, and training must begin early.

Miniature Pinschers are smart, energetic, alert and are very wary of strangers. They can bark pretty loud and give out sharp, shrilling cries when confronted with a stranger. These qualities make them good watch dogs. And because they are small, they are ideal for a dog lover who lives in an apartment or a home with limited space.

Min pins are loyal, loving dogs, who seem to recognize just one master. It loves to be in the company of its human and can be very protective. It can spend hours sitting beside or on the lap of its human, where it feels most at ease.

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Grooming Your Min Pin

When it comes to grooming, the Miniature Pinscher is low maintenance. Because Min Pins have short coats, a bathe once a week is enough to keep them clean and shiny. They don’t really smell even for days without shampooing. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth in-between bathing schedules.

However, although short-coated, daily combing is a must because Min Pins tend to shed a lot of their tiny hairs. Combing or brushing will remove those loose hairs and prevent them from sticking on your clothes, sofa, or pillows.

How to Deal with Dog Fleas and Ticks

Spring and summer are sure wonderful times of the year, but if you’re a dog owner, don’t forget these months are also the dreaded flea and tick seasons. Your dog can get fleas or ticks from a stray animal, or from an environment infested with the parasite. What can you do to deal with the problem?  The good thing is that they can be controlled and prevented, so it’s all about being aware and getting the right information.

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What’s the Difference Between Fleas and Ticks?

Fleas and ticks are two different parasites but they often go together and attack our dear pets like dogs and cats.  Fleas are wingless insects but they’re skilled jumpers.  Ticks are arachnids and just like spiders, they have eight legs.  Fleas have a much shorter lifespan – an average of 100 days, while ticks can live anywhere from several weeks to three years [that’s how they can get so terribly big].

An adult flea can lay twenty to forty eggs per day.  A full-grown tick lays thousands of eggs at once and dies afterwards.  Fleas thrive in warm temperatures but ticks can survive even the freezing cold!

Both fleas and ticks are bloodsucking parasites that can bring diseases to their hosts.

How to Deal with Fleas and Ticks

As pet owners, we want to make sure that our animals are protected.  But how?

Pay attention to good dog grooming habits.  Regular dog grooming – bathing and combing – are essentials to keep a dog clean and parasite-free.  Use a dog shampoo, conditioner, and powder that are especially formulated control fleas and ticks. Make sure that the anti-flea and anti-tick products you’re using are safe for pets. Examine your dog’s coat, in between the toes, and inside the ears for fleas and ticks.

Once is Never Enough.  Carefully read instructions on the label to make sure that you’re using the right amount of the product.  Check how often the treatment should be repeated, and see to it that you never miss a dose.  Remember, ticks and fleas can breed rapidly so you need to be patient and consistent in your attempts to eradicate them.

Seek professional help.  Dog fleas and ticks multiply rapidly.  If you think there’s flea or tick infestation in your place or an area near your home, contact a pest specialist right away. [reference]