Loading...
Explore our articles and resources for pet parents
A GUIDE TO DOG TREATS
Considered as extensions of the family, passionate dog owners will go to great lengths to pamper their pooches. As such, dog treats have become big business in the industry. But more than just a Scooby snack, they serve the purpose of helping to train dogs and encourage acceptable behavior.
How to Keep Different Types of Pet Spiders
Although not for everyone, many children and adults enjoy raising spiders, also known as arachnids, as pets. Pet tarantulas and wolf spider pets are interesting to observe and are the two most popular types of spiders kept as pets.
Ultimate Guide to Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are the perfect, joyful, and lovable companions. They fall into a category of dogs that make us ask, “What did we ever do to deserve dogs?”
THE BOSTON TERRIER
boston terrier dog breed
Boston Terriers are friendly and highly adaptable. Considered a charmer among dog breeds, they play well with fellow dogs, children, and also cats. This breed is enthusiastic and has a lively attitude. Here’s a look at the history of Boston Terriers and everything you need to know to take care of one.
Brief History
Some call the Boston Terrier the first true purebred dog in the U.S. They’re widely known as the “American Gentleman” thanks to a somber and good-natured style and their coloring that looks like a tuxedo.
Initially bred as fighting dogs, today they are more lovers than fighters.
There are different accounts of the Boston Terrier’s history but what’s most agreed-on is that breed originated from a dog named Judge, a Bulldog/English Terrier mix. He was only bred once. Offspring that originated from Judge came to be known as Boston Terriers.
Physical Features
Boston Terriers stand at about 12 to 17 inches from the shoulders, and their weight is anywhere between 10 to 25 pounds. The current generation of Terriers has a face much similar to its ancestral generations with a wrinkle less, broad and flat nosed face. Their neckline is slightly arched with a broad chest, but their overall body appearance is sturdy and boxy.
Average Height:
15-17 inches
Average Weight:
10-25 pounds
Life Expectancy:
11-13 years
Temperament
Boston Terriers are lovable dogs. Fun to be around because they love company, especially children, and play is never a matter to fuss over. They are apartment-friendly with low barking tendencies.
Special Needs
They are lovable creatures, require attention and company for them to belong. They connect easily with human emotions and if their owner is hurting, they sense it immediately and try in whatever way to lighten the mood. They have some habits that are more pronounced than other breeds, such as snorting, drooling, slobbering, wheezing, snoring and snuffing.
Possible Health Concerns
Flat faces: Boston Terriers are a brachycephalic dog breed, meaning they have flat faces. Minor health problems include snoring, but these dogs could have breathing problems that necessitate surgery.
Hemivertebrae: Their corkscrew tails indicate this condition, which has to do with lack of development in their spine bones. This doesn’t impact all dogs, but signals that there’s a problem include difficulty walking.
Eye problems: Due to their flat faces, this breed is prone to eye problems like cataracts, corneal ulcers and glaucoma.
Deafness: Some Boston Terriers are deaf in one ear, others totally deaf.
Luxating patellas: This refers to a condition where the dog’s kneecaps can slip out of place. Small dogs are prone to this issue, and it’s possible that it can require surgery to correct.
boston terrier dog
Exercise
This breed loves to play but doesn’t have many exercise needs. A couple of morning or evening walks and play in between is enough to keep your Boston Terrier alive and heart healthy.
boston terrier
Nutrition
Feeding your Boston Terrier should be a cautious activity. Despite their small size, they love to eat and can be gluttonous in nature. It’s up to you as its owner to control what they eat and what they shouldn’t. Give your Terrier high quality dry food preferably 0.5 to 1.5 cups which should be divided into 2 meals a day. This is but an average amount, the much your dog will eat depends on its age, activity level, metabolism, size and build.
Grooming
Boston Terriers have a fine and smooth coat which tends to lie flat against their bodies. There are 3 common coat colors: black, brindle/red and seal which tends to look a lot like black. They often look like they’re wearing a tuxedo thanks to their chests, faces and white muzzles. Grooming this dog isn’t much of a task and weekly coat brushing is enough to keep all dry and dead hair in check. While bathing them, shampoo their coats to keep them clean and healthy. Clean their faces and eyes daily to prevent them from contracting any eye disease.
If you want a small lovable dog to have around your home, a Boston Terrier is a good option.
The Most Loyal Dogs
Whether you’re scouring the internet researching puppy temperaments for your new addition or you are telling your new neighbor how good Fido is; chances are, you’ll either read about loyalty in dogs, or you’ll speak of it.
THE COCKAPOO
Widely regarded as the “first designer dog,” the Cockapoo is a cute, love-able dog. It has a bubbly personality and is quite comfortable in social situations — especially around children. The Cockapoo was created by crossing an American or English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. It embodies the innate and physical characteristics of both breeds. This little dog packs a lot of love and energy in a compact body.
Brief History
The Cockapoo was created in America in 1960 and went on to become one of the most popular mixed breed dogs in the world. Known as a Spoodle in Australia, it is a cross between two beautifully looking and social dogs — the American or English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
Due to their mixed heritage, Cockapoos are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a legitimate dog breed. Despite this, generations of this little dog have been developed by breeders over time with an attempt to finally establish them as an original breed.
cockapoo dog
Physical Features
The Cockapoo is an attractive little dog. It has a relatively soft coat of fur that does not shed, but requires regular grooming. The dog is small in stature and has smart, bright eyes. Their small size makes them the perfect dog for apartment and city living.
Average Height:
14-15 inches
Average Weight:
12-24 pounds
Life Expectancy:
13-20 years
Temperament
The Cockapoo has a cool and friendly temperament. It is slow to react aggressively and forgives quickly. Cockapoos love to show off their agility by running, jumping and rolling over. This dog enjoys human company and will also perform well around other dogs. The Cockapoo is often used as a therapy dog.
Special Needs
Since this dog is supremely social, it does not enjoy being alone for long periods of time. Cockapoos will develop social anxiety if repeatedly isolated. If you can’t be home enough to help your pup with this, consider adopting a companion for them.
Possible Health Concerns
The Cockapoo is generally a healthy dog. It may, however, develop some health issues. One of these is the laxating patella. This is a knee joint issue which affects many dog breeds.
In addition, Cockapoos can develop certain eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy where the retina gradually deteriorates over many years. This may lead to visual difficulty and eventually, blindness.
The luxating patella and Progressive Retinal Atrophy can be avoided through careful breeding.
One of the more attractive features of the Cockapoo is its floppy ears. Owners should also be aware that this feature will also make them prone to issues such as mites, yeast infections and bacterial infection as well. To avoid this, clean the dog’s ears every week.
Exercise
Being quite an active dog, the Cockapoo requires regular, consistent exercise. This is to prevent restlessness and ensure good overall health. Exercise can be accomplished through walks in the park, running through a doggy obstacle course or even a jog around the block. Two exercise sessions every day is ideal for the Cockapoo.
Grooming
The Cockapoo has an attractive coat that can be quite silky and curly. Regular brushing is necessary to keep it smooth and free of matting.
Well known for its lovely nature, beautiful coat and glitzy origin, the Cockapoo is a wonderful dog. They are known for being sociable and can fit in a variety of human and dog environments.
All About Avalanche Dogs
Dogs – they are man’s best friend for good reason. But more than just companionship, our canine friends can provide import functional roles in day-to-day life.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DOG – COMMON SENSE TIPS
It’s an exciting time welcoming a new puppy into your household. They provide so much fun and love, and are like a new child in your family. This time can also be daunting to the new puppy owner, especially if they have never owned a dog before. In this article, we will give you a whirlwind tour through everything you need to know to take care of a new puppy.
