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	<title>Garden and Home &#187; Dog Breeds</title>
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		<title>The Trusty Black Labrador As A Pet</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/the-trusty-black-labrador-as-a-pet/</link>
		<comments>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/the-trusty-black-labrador-as-a-pet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The Labrador breed is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. The Labrador can come in several colors including golden, chocolate and Black Labrador.  This breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but they have evolved into being one of the most widely used breeds for assistance training, security and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Labrador breed is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. The Labrador can come in several colors including golden, chocolate and Black Labrador.  This breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but they have evolved into being one of the most widely used breeds for assistance training, security and police dogs.   </p>
<p>They are very smart dogs that are easily trained and want to be working dogs.  They have an easy going nature and this is one of the reasons they are used as an assistance dog.  They have the intelligence to be trained to work with people with disabilities and the loving nature that makes them very loyal. </p>
<p>The History Of The Breed </p>
<p>The origins of the Black Labrador begin with the St. Johns Water dog.  This breed was found and used in the fishing communities of Newfoundland.  It is thought that this is also the ancestor to the large Newfoundland dogs that may have been a combination of St. Johns Water dog and large mastiffs.   </p>
<p>The Black Labrador has its roots in a similar gene pool of the St. Johns Water dog and they were breed to be smaller than their cousins the Newfoundland&#8217;s.  Black Labradors were used as water fowl retrievers and needed to have water repellant coats to aid them when they were in the water.   </p>
<p>The Black Labrador Retriever is the original color of the species and this type of dog appears in historical notes from around the 1880&#8217;s.  Because of their keen hunting nature and abilities in the water, these dogs were admired by many and the black Labrador was taken back to England were the breeding continued. </p>
<p>In the United States the breed gained its recognition in 1928 in an article written about them.  Black Labrador Retrievers quickly gained popularity as a hunting and retrieving dog.  They continued their rise in popularity as it was noted that they were also a great family pet. </p>
<p>Their easy going temperament and gentle nature make them a wonderful addition to any family. They are well known for having a &#8220;soft mouth&#8221; which means they don&#8217;t bite down on what they are carrying in their mouths which makes them a good retriever, but also gentle around children.  If not trained, they are however somewhat energetic and as a larger dog need an outlet for all of that energy.   </p>
<p>The Black Labrador Retriever is an excellent pet for a family and will be a welcome addition. </p>
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		<title>Blue Pit Bull Puppies And Their Characteristics</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/blue-pit-bull-puppies-and-their-characteristics/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The term Pit Bull seems to apply to a broad range of dogs.  There are many different breeds that fall into this category of dog.  Some of these breeds include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier and the Japanese Tosa to name a few.  All of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The term Pit Bull seems to apply to a broad range of dogs.  There are many different breeds that fall into this category of dog.  Some of these breeds include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier and the Japanese Tosa to name a few.  All of these dogs have similar body types and come from bulldogs and terriers that were bred in England. </p>
<p>These dogs were bred to have very strong jaws in order to bite bulls and control them; and, they were also bred to be intelligent and tough.  Since these dogs were bred to be aggressive they were subsequently used as fighting dogs.  The sport was very popular and the dogs were bred to be more and more aggressive.  The sport of dog fighting has been outlawed in most countries and is considered cruel. </p>
<p>Pit bulls have been bred to come in a variety of colors including black, white, red nosed and blue pit bull puppies can be found. The Blue Pit Bull puppies are considered blue due to the shade of their coat, which has a blue hue to it.  Often the more unusual the color the more the puppy will cost. </p>
<p>What They Are Like </p>
<p>Pit Bull dogs have a reputation for being quick tempered and fast to respond to a perceived threat.  This can be a problem when there are children around that have a tendency to pet animals hard and try and sit on them.  No animal likes to be treated roughly and their natural response is to protect themselves. </p>
<p>Blue Pit Bull puppies have these same tendencies, and this should be a consideration when looking at the breed.  Unfortunately, the breed has gotten a bad reputation, so these types of dogs, including Blue Pit Bull puppies, are outlawed in some areas.   </p>
<p>If a Blue Pit Bull puppy is the pet that you desire make sure to use a reputable breeder.  Breeders can help ensure that certain traits are more likely to occur in a puppy.  A good Pit Bull breeder will be concerned with making sure that their pups are bred with traits that are acceptable. </p>
<p>A good breeder will make sure that the Blue Pit Bull puppies are socialized and loved, so that they grow up with good human interaction skills.  Find a reputable dealer through the American Kennel Association or by talking with friends.  Pit Bulls can make good companions, just be careful of where they are bred.    </p>
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		<title>Blue Pit Bull Is Often More Notorious For Attacking People Than For Its Other Characteristics</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/blue-pit-bull-is-often-more-notorious-for-attacking-people-than-for-its-other-characteristics/</link>
		<comments>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/blue-pit-bull-is-often-more-notorious-for-attacking-people-than-for-its-other-characteristics/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Over the last decade or so the Blue Pit Bull has become a much more popular dog breed and the new interest in this breed is also not showing any signs of waning, and part of the reason behind this rise in popularity is the media coverage given to the Pit Bull, though unfortunately for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Over the last decade or so the Blue Pit Bull has become a much more popular dog breed and the new interest in this breed is also not showing any signs of waning, and part of the reason behind this rise in popularity is the media coverage given to the Pit Bull, though unfortunately for the wrong reasons such as when it attacks people. Still, it is not really a dog that will attack people too often and the episodes of attacks are rather few and far between, but which, when they occur, are sure to make media headlines. </p>
<p>Product Of Interbreeding </p>
<p>In any case the Blue Pit Bull is the product of interbreeding among different species of Pit Bulls and the aim of such inter-breeding is to produce Blue Pit Bulls that are sure to have certain desired characteristics. However, hundreds of years ago, this practice was prohibited in Ireland since the pedigrees were a secret not to be let out to everyone and thus it was essentially a protected dog breed. However, when this kind of inter-breeding takes place, recessive traits are found including the Blue Pit Bull which is essentially a diluted Black Pit Bull. </p>
<p>Also, it is necessary to realize that when Pit Bulls are bred for several, and some would say, too many generations, the Blue Pit Bull produced may actually suffer from several problems, some of which are known while others may be unknown, which can explain why these types of Pit Bulls are so overly aggressive. </p>
<p>Obtaining a Blue Pit Bull is often quite difficult because such a breed is not easy to find and it is also often in high demand and thus one cannot easily find a Blue Pit Bull whenever one wants one. Nevertheless, Pit Bull breeders are constantly trying to breed the blue pedigree in order to produce more of them, though there is no guaranteed equation that will result in a Blue Pit Bull. Thus, if you are on the lookout for a Blue Pit Bull, you should expect a lengthy wait before one becomes available and your best bet would be to join the list of others waiting to obtain one. </p>
<p>However, even when the Blue Pit Bull becomes available for sale, he is sure to be very expensive and high priced and if you opt for the first choice from a litter, the price can become prohibitively expensive, and so, you may need to settle for one that is a low choice. In any case, the Blue Pit Bull could cost anywhere from two thousand dollars upwards and you may also be asked to make a down payment, much like as you do when purchasing a home. </p>
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		<title>Bull Terriers&#8212;Today And Yesterday</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/bull-terrierstoday-and-yesterday/</link>
		<comments>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/bull-terrierstoday-and-yesterday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Today, bull terriers are known for their playful temperament and protective tendencies.  Yet, the history behind the creation and purpose of these dogs does not indicate that these dogs would even bee seen as a common household pet.  A breed created purposefully for the cruel intentions of human beings, the bull terrier is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, bull terriers are known for their playful temperament and protective tendencies.  Yet, the history behind the creation and purpose of these dogs does not indicate that these dogs would even bee seen as a common household pet.  A breed created purposefully for the cruel intentions of human beings, the bull terrier is known today for being energetic and a great companion.  It is interesting to compare yesterday&#8217;s history of bull terriers to the realty of today. </p>
<p>A Twisted History </p>
<p>The bull terrier resulted from a cross between bulldogs and different types of terriers.  The purpose of such a cross was to breed dogs for dog fighting.  In 1835, traditional dog fighting was outlawed in England.  Thus, to keep the sport under wraps, a smaller breed was needed so as to be more discreet.  Thus, the bulldogs used in traditional dogfights were mixed with terriers to create a much lighter and agile dog.   </p>
<p>Historically, the bull terrier is known for being even more aggressive and deadly than the bulldog alone.  It became known as the &#8220;canine gladiator&#8221; that would fight to its death.  It wasn&#8217;t until James Hinks bred the bull terrier with the White Terrier that the breed became standardized.  Hinks did this to eliminate a few unattractive features in the dog and to achieve an all white dog.  Today, this particular breed is known as the white bull terrier. </p>
<p>Ted Lyon was the first to introduce color into the breed in the early 20th century.  He did so because genetic problems were occurring with the pure white ones, such as albinism.  Now, any bull terrier that is not pure white is known as a colored bull terrier. </p>
<p>A Different Sort Of Dog </p>
<p>Over the years, many different dogs have been crossed with the bull terrier to achieve the look that we associated with the dogs today.  It is thought that at some point throughout history, the Dalmatian, Spanish Pointer, Greyhound, Foxhound, Borzoi, and Collie were crossed to achieve the modern appearance. </p>
<p>Not only is the modern look of the bull terrier different than it once was, but the temperament of the dog is much more easy-going and playful.  They are known for their athleticism and their clowning antics.  Today, there is no trace of the fighting machine that these dogs once were. </p>
<p>A Positive Change </p>
<p>Bull terriers are just one example of something that can change drastically over a period of time.  Given several centuries, it is easy to see how something can go from one exchange to the other. </p>
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		<title>Tips For Choosing A Chihuahua Puppy</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/tips-for-choosing-a-chihuahua-puppy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/tips-for-choosing-a-chihuahua-puppy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When shopping around for a Chihuahua puppy, there are certain things to consider, just like with any other breed. The first thing you need to do is get familiar with the breed. Do your homework and know exactly what you are getting into before you buy. Once you feel comfortable with the possibility of owning [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/chihuahua-puppy.jpg" alt="Chihuahua Puppy" width="133" height="132" align="left" />When shopping around for a Chihuahua puppy, there are certain things to consider, just like with any other breed. The first thing you need to do is get familiar with the breed. Do your homework and know exactly what you are getting into before you buy. Once you feel comfortable with the possibility of owning a Chihuahua, you can then begin your search. Here are some tips for choosing a Chihuahua puppy.<br />
<strong><br />
Where To Find One</strong></p>
<p>Obviously, the first thing you are going to have to decide is where to buy your puppy. Many people turn to the ease and convenience of pet stores. If you&#8217;re serious about getting a healthy and well-mannered dog, you should forget that idea right away. Even though the puppies available are cute and seem healthy enough, many times they are purchased from breeders who care nothing for the health and quality of the dog. They are in it for no other reason than to make a profit. You should buy you Chihuahua directly from a responsible and trusted breeder.</p>
<p>There are certain things that a good breeder will do to separate themselves from the pack. First of all, they will not breed unhealthy dogs with one another. They will also be able to show you health records to prove it. A good breeder will also be able to trace the family line of each parent for several generations. They will also let you spend time with the parents of the litter to give you an idea of the quality and mannerisms of the puppies. Most importantly, they will also be happy to provide you with references of previous customers. Take some time to contact these people and find out about their experiences with each particular breeder.</p>
<p><strong>Choosing A Puppy</strong></p>
<p>Once you&#8217;ve found a breeder that you are comfortable with, it&#8217;s time to choose your Chihuahua puppy. Each different breed has certain things you should be looking for and certain things you should avoid. It&#8217;s a little more involved than just picking up the first puppy you see and running out of there. Each individual dog has a different personality, and some will match yours better than others. Take into consideration what kind of personality you have. This will determine which Chihuahua personality will be easiest for you to train. If you&#8217;re kind of laid back, then you probably shouldn&#8217;t choose a puppy with an assertive personality. In most cases, you should try to choose a puppy that is somewhere in between assertive and submissive. This type of dog will suit most personalities. A good breeder will be able to help you determine which puppy best fits your personality.</p>
<p>The health of the dog is the next thing to consider. If you&#8217;ve chosen a good breeder, this should not be an issue. Any breeder that cares about the well-being of the dogs, as well as their reputation, would not willingly sell you an unhealthy puppy. There are, however, certain things to look for. The best indicator of a healthy Chihuahua puppy is whether or not the dog is clean. Obviously, a healthy dog will not be coughing, sneezing, or vomiting. Other things to look for include, clear eyes, moist nose, white teeth and pink gums, and clean ears. The dog should not appear to be overweight either.</p>
<p>If you follow these tips, you should have no trouble finding a Chihuahua puppy that is healthy and well-mannered.</p>
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		<title>Doggie Decisions&#8212;What Is So Great About Chihuahua Puppies?</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/doggie-decisionswhat-is-so-great-about-chihuahua-puppies/</link>
		<comments>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/doggie-decisionswhat-is-so-great-about-chihuahua-puppies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Is your family looking to adopt a new puppy?  A family dog can be a great experience.  However, it can also be a nightmare if you don&#8217;t know what you are getting into.  It is important to research the different breeds of dogs in order to determine which breed best fits the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Is your family looking to adopt a new puppy?  A family dog can be a great experience.  However, it can also be a nightmare if you don&#8217;t know what you are getting into.  It is important to research the different breeds of dogs in order to determine which breed best fits the lifestyle and schedule of your family.  There are many different aspects of owning Chihuahua puppies.  Some are positive, while some are negative.  Once you know about the pros and cons of owning a Chihuahua puppy, or any dog for that matter, you will be able to weigh them against each other and see if the dog is a perfect fit for your family. </p>
<p>Positive Pros&#8212;Why You Should Adopt </p>
<p>Chihuahuas are the smallest of all the dog breeds.  They usually don&#8217;t grow to be taller than 10 inches, and they can weigh as little as four pounds.  Many people see this as being a pro, because it means that the Chihuahua puppies are easy to transport and carry around.  This makes family vacations extremely easy.  The dog&#8217;s small size can also be seen as a positive aspect because it means that relatives and young children are less likely to be intimidated by your new pet. </p>
<p>Chihuahua puppies are also popular pets because they are extremely comical and entertaining to watch.  They have funny personalities and tend to take themselves very seriously.  This provides a lot of entertainment for any family.  Additionally, Chihuahua puppies and dogs are known for being great watch dogs.  Their temperament and natural protectiveness are other pros to owning a Chihuahua puppy. </p>
<p>Chihuahuas have a long life span.  Therefore, if you adopt a Chihuahua when it is a puppy, it will be with your family for a long time.  Chihuahuas are also fairly low maintenance in that they do not require very much exercise.  This means that the owner is not required to take the dog for a daily walk, and a fenced-in backyard is most likely not necessary. </p>
<p>Counting The Cons </p>
<p>Though there are many positives to owning a Chihuahua puppy, there are also some cons that should be considered before you proceed to adopt a Chihuahua.  Though their small size can be a plus, it can also make the dogs extremely fragile, and likely to encounter more medical problems.  Most experts do not recommend adopting a Chihuahua under four pounds.  Additionally, Chihuahuas can be high maintenance in that they are difficult to train and housebreak.  Though they are known for being comical, Chihuahua puppies also have a reputation for being suspicious and neurotic. </p>
<p>Careful Considerations </p>
<p>Take into account the pros and cons of adopting a Chihuahua puppy before taking the plunge.  It may be that you decide a Chihuahua is not the right dog for you&#8212;and that is fine.  However, it is better that you make this decision before you adopt the puppy as opposed to after the deed has been done. </p>
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		<title>Chihuahua Rescue And Information About The Breed</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/chihuahua-rescue-and-information-about-the-breed/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The Chihuahua breed of dog has become the poster dog for celebrities.  The small size of this breed allows it to be carried around in purses and makes for an adorable companion.   
Because so many have seen pictures of celebrities with the Chihuahua, it became the popular choice for many who then [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Chihuahua breed of dog has become the poster dog for celebrities.  The small size of this breed allows it to be carried around in purses and makes for an adorable companion.   </p>
<p>Because so many have seen pictures of celebrities with the Chihuahua, it became the popular choice for many who then decided they couldn&#8217;t take care of their dog, and Chihuahua rescue organizations have had to step in to assist with caring for these dogs. </p>
<p>The Chihuahua has been a recognized member of the American Kennel Club since 1905.  The dog was originally bred in Chihuahua Mexico, from which it gets its name.  The tiny dog gets to be about 2-6 pounds and is only around 6-9 inches tall.  The coat can be either long or short and the color combinations can vary greatly. </p>
<p>As a family pet they can be somewhat jealous.  They sometimes focus all of their attention on one person and don&#8217;t like to share that person with anyone else.  They are often not a good pet for small children as they are a tiny dog and children can play extremely rough and hurt them.  They do best with adults but they also like to be with other Chihuahua&#8217;s but can sometimes not enjoying other pets in the family. </p>
<p>It is important whenever getting a dog to know what type of temperament they may have due to their breed,  As with any breed, Chihuahua&#8217;s may not be the best choice for everyone, because of this  Chihuahua rescue centers have formed to help take in these pets and find them new homes.  </p>
<p>What Are Chihuahua Rescue Centers And How To Find Them </p>
<p>After learning about Chihuahuas, it seems as though this would be the right breed for you, you might consider visiting a Chihuahua rescue center.  These can be found by asking at local animal shelters or even checking on-line. </p>
<p>A Chihuahua rescue center will generally want to know a lot about you.  Their primary intent is to make sure a special dog doesn&#8217;t end up back at a shelter because they have been mismatched with a person. </p>
<p>A Chihuahua rescue center will allow you to visit with their dogs and maybe even have the dog come and stay with you to see how they get along with other pets.  A Chihuahua rescue center will want to make sure that you are committed to the dog and helping it.  Some dogs that are found at Chihuauhua rescue centers have been abused or neglected and need not only love but also serious attention. </p>
<p>If you&#8217;re considering getting a dog, check into Chihuahua rescue centers to find a special new friend to join your family. </p>
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		<title>The Chocolate Labrador Dog Breed</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/the-chocolate-labrador-dog-breed/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The Labrador retriever is a dog that has a long standing reputation as a great family pet.  This fun, active and loving animal enjoys nothing more than being with their family.  A highly intelligent and kind dog, the Labrador retriever has an interesting history. 
The original Labrador Retrievers were bred in Newfoundland as [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Labrador retriever is a dog that has a long standing reputation as a great family pet.  This fun, active and loving animal enjoys nothing more than being with their family.  A highly intelligent and kind dog, the Labrador retriever has an interesting history. </p>
<p>The original Labrador Retrievers were bred in Newfoundland as a dog that would be a companion to the hunter.  There were several combinations of dogs that create this species and in fact the Chocolate Labrador can trace its ancestry back to a handful of dogs. The primary color of Labrador Retrievers was black, but through breeding the Yellow and Chocolate Labrador colors were created.  The Chocolate Labrador color was really defined in the 1930&#8217;s, and the color became a very popular choice for many.  In a litter there can be several different colors of pups depending on the genetic strain of the sire and dam. </p>
<p>These dogs were bred to have a quick mind and be able to retrieve water fowl without biting down and destroying the bird.  The Chocolate Labrador as well as its relatives the Golden and Black Labradors is well known to have a soft mouth, and they are a wonderful family pet because they are so gentle.  However, they do have a jealous nature when it comes to their owners paying to much attention to other pets.  They are known to move other pets out of the way so they can be the sole focus of their owners. </p>
<p>The Chocolate Labrador As A Family Pet </p>
<p>The Chocolate Labrador is one of the most popular dogs around, as well as the other colored Labradors.  With such a fun loving personality it is easy to see why so many people have chosen this breed to be part of their family.   </p>
<p>Not only are these dogs fun and playful, they also form a lasting bond with their families.  The dog is considered a medium size breed with the adult males reaching up to about 80 pounds.  The females have a tendency to be a little more independent than the males, but are no less loving or involved with their families. </p>
<p>These dogs enjoy the water and can spend hours chasing sticks or toys thrown into a pond or lake.  They really like playing with their families and if that involves water so much the better for these hardy dogs. </p>
<p>The Chocolate Labrador can be a true companion for those seeking a loving and intelligent pet. </p>
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		<title>The Dalmation as a Family Pet</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/the-dalmation-as-a-family-pet/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[While the exact origin of the Dalmation to the United States is unsure, there is no doubt that this breed became a popular one when the Disney movie, &#8220;101 Dalmations&#8221; hit the big screen. Unfortunately, this surge in popularity also resulted in irresponsible breeding practices, an overabundance of the breed and a number of dogs [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While the exact origin of the Dalmation to the United States is unsure, there is no doubt that this breed became a popular one when the Disney movie, &#8220;101 Dalmations&#8221; hit the big screen. Unfortunately, this surge in popularity also resulted in irresponsible breeding practices, an overabundance of the breed and a number of dogs ending up in shelters. To ensure that your new puppy is not one of the casualties of this craze, it is a good idea to educate yourself about the breed so that you know what you are getting into when you bring your Dalmation ;puppy home from the breeder.  </p>
<p>Appearance The Dalmation has an easily recognizable white coat with black spots in most cases. However, the spots can actually vary in color, from a lemon, to a blue or brown. These dogs are not born with their spots; in fact, the puppies begin life with a pure white coat that will develop the markings by the time they are about two weeks old. Most dogs have crystal blue eyes, but some dogs will actually sport a brown/blue combination. The Dalmation grows to a height of around 20&#8211;24 inches, and will weigh approximately 55-60 pounds when full grown. </p>
<p>Temperament Dalmations are intelligent, friendly and active dogs, making them a good choice for many families searching for a pet. However, this breed can also be willful and stubborn at times, which means that you need to be committed to training your dog properly to ensure that you have a well-trained, well-behaved family pet. Training requires plenty of patience and consistency, but the reward will come in a dog that is a pleasure to his family for many years to come. Dalmations can also be trained to be good watchdogs, and their size is sufficient for them to serve this purpose as well. </p>
<p>Requirements This breed was originally bred to run with horse and carriage combinations, and eventually became known as the fireman&#8217;s dog when it ran alongside the horses pulling the fire hoses to clear the road and help keep the horses calm at the scene of a fire. This breeding means that the Dalmation has an abundance of energy and requires plenty of daily exercise. Dalmations are also social creatures that will be quite content accompanying you wherever you go, so be prepared to give your new dog the attention that he craves and deserves. </p>
<p>With the proper preparation and the right environment, the Dalmation can make a wonderful choice of pet for many people. If you think a puppy is in your future, talk to your breeder and veterinarian about whether this breed is the right one for you. </p>
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		<title>Doberman Training Tips</title>
		<link>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/doberman-training-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://www.garden-home-retailer.com/doberman-training-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:27:53 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Dog Breeds]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The doberman is another one of those dog breeds that has gotten the reputation for being aggressive or mean. Many times, these opinions are held by people who may not know enough about a certain breed. If you take the time to learn a little bit about dobermans, you&#8217;ll find that they do have some [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The doberman is another one of those dog breeds that has gotten the reputation for being aggressive or mean. Many times, these opinions are held by people who may not know enough about a certain breed. If you take the time to learn a little bit about dobermans, you&#8217;ll find that they do have some unique characteristics that people will confuse with aggression. Below, we will discuss some of these traits and how they can be controlled through training.  </p>
<p>Doberman Personality </p>
<p>The dobermans were bred as war dogs that were meant to accompany soldiers in battle. For this reason, they are extremely loyal and brave. They are also very confident and assertive, which is often misunderstood. People who do not know the breed very well mistake this assertiveness for aggression. This is unfortunate, and is one of the reasons that dobermans get such a bad rap. Another characteristic that makes training somewhat challenging is the fact that they are also very active and energetic. These dogs require an abundance of physical exercise and mental stimulation.  </p>
<p>Training  </p>
<p>Make sure that you are familiar with your breed&#8217;s personality traits before you begin training, no matter what kind of dog you have. The first thing you need to do when training a doberman is establish yourself as the alpha male. In other words, make sure the dog knows that you are in charge. You must be very assertive and firm, due to the personality of the dog. If your dog thinks he has a chance to become the alpha male, you could be in big trouble. Always be careful that assertiveness does not turn into abuse. Never hit your dog, no matter what. You can do more emotional and mental damage than physical when you hit your dog.  </p>
<p>Due to the high activity of dobermans, you need to find ways to work plenty of running and hard work into your dog&#8217;s training program. These dogs were bred to work, and have tons of energy to burn. Try to incorporate some playtime into your training routine. Not only will your dog be happier, he will be able to pay attention better when he doesn&#8217;t have so much excess energy. Allowing your doberman to get the proper amount of activity and exercise will make him less apt to destroy things in and around your house as well.  </p>
<p>Training should be consistent and firm, when dealing with dobermans. A dog of this size and with this much power must be started out early. As soon as you bring your puppy home, you can begin the training process. It&#8217;s also the best time to begin socializing your dog with other animals and people. If you take the time to do this correctly, your dog will be a great family companion for years to come.   </p>
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