Archive for December, 2009
Unless you are grooming your dog for the show ring, many brushes and combs can substitute for other types. For example, a pin brush can take the place of a slicker brush in some breeds while a hound glove can take the place of a curry comb.
In order to best use each tool for its specific purpose, below is a brief description of what each kind of brush and comb is specifically designed for. Select the tools that you need for your individual breed
1. Natural bristle brush: This brush has bristles that are softer, gentler, and less likely to cause static electricity in a dog’s coat than artificial bristles such as those made from nylon. Natural bristle brushes are all-purpose brushes designed to smooth hair and distribute natural oils to the coat.
2. Pin brush: Pin brushes are generally used for long-haired breeds like Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso,…
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There are hundreds of licensed dog shows held throughout the country each year, so you should have no difficulty in finding one close enough to you in which to compete. These shows are licensed by the American Kennel Club and are permitted to give championship points in the Conformation Classes and legs toward an Obedience title in the Obedience Classes. It is possible in one day at an all-breed show that holds classes both in Obedience and in Breed to gain points toward a Breed championship and a qualifying score toward an Obedience title.
Dog shows are put on for the individual dog clubs by licensed superintendents. A list of coming shows is published in the dog magazines. The American Kennel Club compiles this list and publishes it in the Events Calendar, a supplement to the AKC Gazette magazine. You will find the date of the show, the judges, the name…
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It’s hard to imagine that your energetic little Chihuahua could ever have a weight problem. How could he possibly gain too much weight with all of the exercise he is getting? It can happen faster than you might think if he isn’t been fed the proper foods.
Your Chihuahua should be fed three times a day, with a dog food that consists of meat. It should be 30 percent protein, four percent fiber, and 20 percent fat. The fiber content can be a bit higher, but should not be less, and the protein and fat content should not be higher than the amounts stated here.
As for snacks, they should consist of treats designed specifically for dogs. Treats can consist of small bites of peanut butter or cheese, but should not be given daily, unless they are being used for training purposes.
Diabetes is a real possibility if the Chihuahua…
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Different types of coats need different grooming tools. Although all dogs have certain equipment and supplies in common, long coats require different grooming tools than smooth coats, curly coats, wire coats, etc.
Smooth-coated breeds include the Labrador Retriever, Pointer, Beagle, and Dalmatian. The following are the basic tools for grooming the smooth coat: Natural bristle brush, hound glove, rubber curry brush, chamois, flannel, silk, or velvet squares for polishing, and coat conditioner spray or baby oil.
For breeds with medium coats such as the Border Collie, Akita, and Golden Retriever, tools for grooming include the pin brush, coat rake, hound glove, shedding comb, rubber curry brush, and blow-dryer with low or cool setting.
Parted-coated breed include the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Yorkshire Terrier. You will need the following tools to groom this type of breed: Pin brush, slicker brush for daily mat removal in dogs, fine, medium, or wide comb…
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One of the first things to teach your puppy is to lie down upon command or signal. If you can teach him to do this at an early age, life will be much easier for both of you. There will be many times during the course of the day when this simple exercise will prove its worth.
Have a nylon choke or buckle collar on your puppy and attach a short leash to it. Have your puppy Sit as you stand directly in front of him. Hold the leash short in your left hand as you give him the verbal command “Down” in a quiet but firm tone of voice. Also give him the Down signal by raising your right hand where he can see it as you pull him down with the leash. Quickly place a treat between his paws as you stroke him on the withers saying, “Down, good.…
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If you have a show quality Chihuahua, the chances are very good that at some point, you will want to enter him into shows. Dog shows are a great deal of fun. It’s a great way to meet other owners and breeders, and a way to gain valuable information concerning the Chihuahua breed as well as other breeds of dogs.
Before you start showing your Chihuahua, make it a point to attend lots of shows as a spectator. Get a feel for how the shows operate, what the dogs look like, what is expected of the dogs, and what is expected of their owners. This is the best preparation that you can do for dog shows that you will participate in.
Next, get a mentor. Often, if your breeder participates in dog shows, he or she will be happy to mentor you. Listen to the advice that they give you.…
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