tallahasseecollierescue.com

The Labrador retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the United States. They are also by far the most popular dogs in The United Kingdom with over 45,000 registrations. There is a lot of information available about the Lab in a variety of areas. Labs are great pets in general…they adore kids and they are faithful servants. Labs love to exercise, run around and play but they also require some maintenance.

Labs need to be exercised every day…whether it is a play in the park, a swim in the pool, or a walk around the block. A home with a securely fenced in yard is the perfect environment for any Lab since they need a lot of room to run and play. In most instances Labs just love other pets too! They are fantastic with children and they are great watchdogs.

Labrador retriever’s often develop some health problems such as epilepsy, skin tumors, canine hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, and skin allergies. Labs are no more prone to illness and disease than any other dog but each dog breed has its own group of health problems and these are what Labs seem to get most often.

The Labrador has a coat of hair that repels water; it is also thick and needs to be brushed regularly. Labs also need for their owners to brush their teeth for them or provide them with dental chews that do the trick instead of brushing. This helps to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth and thwarts periodontal disease. Their toenails also need to be clipped regularly. A healthy and cared for Lab will usually live about 12-15 years. This life span requires that the dog gets proper nutrition and exercise as well as great medical care and good living conditions.

The American Kennel Association first registered the Labrador in 1917. The Lab originates from Canada and was used by fishermen to haul in the fishing nets from the extremely cold waters. They were also used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl. They are also used as guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs.

The difference between English and American Labs is that the English Lab is a bit smaller and shorter but their face seems to appear fuller. The American Labs have a more overexcited personality. The typical characteristics of the Lab are that they are very smart, compliant, docile, friendly, and trustworthy. They are also very full of life particularly when they are puppies. Labs have a wonderful disposition. They are non-aggressive, playful and constantly willing to make somebody’s day.

Conversely, if you want a family pet but don’t want the hassle or the commitment of taking your dog running, biking, or swimming then it is best that you do not buy a Lab because they really need this interaction with their master to thrive.

Labrador retriever’s require a great deal of camaraderie and dislike being left home unaccompanied for more than just a little while. When they are, they can be very destructive so if you are gone a lot then you may want to reconsider buying the Lab.

Click here to download Labrador Retriever Secrets Guide

The Dorgi is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Welsh Corgi and a Dachshund, classified as an F1. Since the Dorgi is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. The ears will resemble those of the Corgi parent. And, like the Dachshund and Corgi, the Dorgi has a low maintenance coat.

Both the Welsh Corgi and the Dachshund are fun-loving, good natured and love the company of humans. Affectionate and intelligent, both breeds and take well to training, though the Dachshund can be somewhat stubborn.

Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can dramatically alter the temperament and appearance from the original F1. Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict at this time which characteristics will dominate.

Approximate Adult Size

As with many hybrid breeds, size and weight will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old or older, of either the male or female Dorgi is 10 to 15 inches at the withers. The withers are measured at the highest point of the shoulder. Adult dogs can weigh between 18 and 25 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Dachshunds are prone to weight-related problems such as diabetes so be mindful of the Dorgis diet. Welsh Corgis have a lower incidence of health problems than most breeds. As with most hybrids, a full understanding of potential health issues is difficult to ascertain at this time.

This disease list is provided only as an informative guideline and your Dorgi may not experience these conditions. Consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.

As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup that includes a dental exam and cleaning. Avoid feeding your dog sweets and other human foods.

Grooming

If the Dachshund is the short hair variety, the coat of Dorgi will be generally smooth and short with little shedding. If the Dachshund is a long hair, regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The Welsh Corgi does shed but regular brushing will take care of that. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and the presence of insects like fleas and ticks. Regular grooming helps to strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.

Dental health is important and the teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and serious health conditions resulting from uncontrolled infections.

The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.

Dorgi Life Span

With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Dorgi should be able to live a long and healthy life. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible at this time.

Dorgi Registries

American Canine Hybrid Club

As a hybrid breed, the Dorgi is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.

Dorgi Litter Size

Litter size is said to average between 6 and 7 puppies.

Category

Hybrid

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog. This information is intended only as a good faith guideline.

The Beagle makes a great pet and she can be kept in an apartment if she is exercised regularly. She is very good with children. Of course, never leave a young child alone with any dog for any length of time unsupervised. She is also good with other dogs and people. She is not watch dog material and definitely not guard dog material. She will do better if she has access to a properly fenced in yard. She should not be left alone for too long a time as she will bay and make lots of noise, plus she is a digger. Anytime you walk her she must be on a leash. If loose to run, she will probably catch a scent and run off and do not expect her to listen to you when you call her. She is in grave danger of getting hit by a car when on a scent as she has a singular focus.
Please keep in mind that she may have a bit of hunting dog odor about her and she may be difficult to housebreak.

*Approximate Adult Size. There are two varieties of beagles. The Thirteen Inch variety or smaller variety shall not exceed 13 inches in height at the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and the larger Fifteen Inch variety for Beagles over 13 inches at the withers but not exceeding 15 at the withers.
*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed. With the Beagle you need to be concerned about hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), back problems, cherry eye, epilepsy (common in many dogs), glaucoma, cancer, heart disease, progressive retinal atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), and kidney failure.
*Grooming. The Beagle has a close coat of medium length. She needs to be brushed at least weekly. She is a medium shedder and brushing will help keep your house free of shed hair. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Her ears will need attention. They will benefit from cleaning with cotton balls and a solution that your veterinarian approves. Her long ears tend to keep moisture trapped underneath and this can be a source of ear infection.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Beagle was developed in England, possibly as a cross between various English hounds and the Harrier. She may have existed as early as the Roman times. She was used for hunting fowl and other small game. The American Kennel Association approved the Beagle as a breed on September 10, 1957.

Category:

*Some Registries:
National Beagle Club of America
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
ACR = American Canine Registry

Category: Hound family, Scent hound.

Terms To Describe. Sweet, energetic, pack oriented, gregarious, playful, outgoing, stubborn,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Love to be around people.
Good disposition.
Loves people.
Great with older kids.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Can be stubborn.
Must be leased or controlled. They will run off after a scent.
They love to eat.
Like to roll in yucky stuff.
Will bay and howl, especially when left alone.
Not a guard dog unless licking a prowler to death works for you.
Like to dig, especially left alone.
Will not beware of cars when on a scent.
May not come when called.
A little hard to housebreak.
May have a hunting dog odor.

According to the American Kennel Club, boxer dogs are the seventh most popular dog in the United States. If you are sure you want a boxer dog, then you need to know some things before you go out and purchase one.

Buy your boxer for a reputable dealer if you can. If not, when buying from a pet store, find out how they purchased their animals. Did they buy the pups from a breeder they are familiar with? You want to be sure that the puppy you get is healthy and from good stock. Sometimes pet stores have a tendency to deal with shady breeders as well.

Know that when you buy a boxer dog from a reputable dealer, they will stand by the norms and standards required of boxer dogs. This includes respect for uniformity, character traits, color, size and health. By them doing this, you are assured a loving, healthy boxer. Another reason people should go with reputable dealer is that they will have all the documentation you want and even pictures of the puppy’s parents. By checking out the parents, you can find out if there are any qualities you may not want in your boxer… aggressive behavior or tendency to be shy.

If a reputable dealer has been in business for a while, then they will have experience dealing with boxer dogs. They know what to expect regarding their behavior and their traits. They can offer your professional advice. Most times, these dealers have joined a respectable club or they have some involvement with dog shows.

These breeders can also help you select a boxer dog that is worthy of being a champion. They usually know what will make a judge’s head turn so they can help you out in your decision.

Although many people do not deal with them, animal shelters are another wonderful place to go for a pet. About a quarter of these animals are purebred and the fees you pay for your animal will be much less than that of a dealer or pet store. Not only that but you save a life in the meantime.

You have to understand that purebred refers not only to the dog’s pedigree but to its appearance too. If you want a good-looking boxer dog, the dog should have a fawn or brindle color-looking coat. If there are any white spots on the pup, there should be no more than a third on the entire body.

While saying this, if you want to buy a white boxer dog for a pet, they are usually deaf, blind or both. These animals are also not allowed for breeding by the American Boxer Club.

According to records, male dogs are usually much soother and lenient than female boxers. They are usually hyperactive and hostile. It is best not to have more than one female in the household, as they are aggressive to other females.

If you are considering purchasing a Dachshund as a pet, you will benefit from reading basic Dachshund information so you will know what you expect when you take your puppy home. This is a short-legged hound dog that originally came from Germany. The translation of the name means ‘badger hound’.  This is because it was bred to scent and hunt badgers. The long narrow build of the dog has led to it being nicknamed a wiener or sausage dog and in German speaking countries it is called the Dackel or Teckel.

There are three sizes of Dachshunds ?standard, miniature and kaninchen.  A fully grown standard Dachshund will weigh between 16 and 28 pounds, a miniature dog will weigh about eleven pounds , but the kaninchen variety is the smallest weighing between 8 and 10 pounds. They also come in three coat varieties ?smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. Of these the wire-haired Dachshunds are the least common. The coats can be almost any color, in either a solid color or two colors.

These are playful and active dogs, well suited for families with children. They love to chase objects and birds and can be challenging to train. They love to dig holes when outside, so if you have a garden in which you keep the dog or let it play, be prepared to find lots of holes.  They become really attached to their owners and with their loud bark, they make great watchdogs. They are good dogs with visitors because they will not jump on them. In fact they will appear to be afraid when strangers come to call, which could result in a period of barking. They do not like to be left alone and will whine when they do not have company.

Some of the health problems associated with this dog breed include spinal problems. It is important to take care when feeding the dog because if you allow it to become overweight, this will make the spinal problems worse. They should not be encouraged to jump or to climb stairs because of the stress this puts on the spine. Another common health problem in Dachshunds is displacement of the kneecap, called luxating patella.  You will see if your dog does have this condition quite early as it manifests itself before the dog is six months old.

Training a Dachshund requires time, patience and practice. This breed is known for its independent streak. You should keep the training sessions short ?only about 5 minutes at a time in 2 or 3 repetitions a day. Giving the dog treats is an excellent training method to use because it keeps the dog interested in what is happening. Although it is easier to train a puppy, you can also achieve positive results with an adult Dachshund. They love praise and when you heap praises on your dog, you will have a loyal devoted companion. From the age of 4 months on, the dog will try to assert itself as the leader of the pack. It is during this time that you have to be assertive in letting the dog know who is boss of the household. If you do not, you will have problems with the puppy that will extend into adulthood. Training an adult Dachshund requires different methods, such as incentives and dog training equipment.

The world’s smallest breed of dog is the Chihuahua. It is a mystery of how this little but forceful breed of dog originated. Many experts have suggested that the Chihuahua came to America with the Spanish armies of Hernando Corte around the year 1519. Other experts believe that the Chihuahua has been around since the ninth century. These experts believe that the Chihuahua was bred by the Toltecs of Mexico. This type of dog received its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.

The Chihuahua only reaches a height of six inches and weighs a maximum of two to six pounds. The most valued Chihuahuas weigh just a little over two pounds. A Chihuahua has many different colors in their coats. These colors include: black, white, tan, spotted, blue, silver and chocolate. A Chihuahua can also be tricolored with three or more markings present in their coat. The Chihuahua has a long and soft coat that has a slight curl to the ends. The American Kennel Club recognizes two different varieties of Chihuahuas. These two varieties are the long-coat and the smooth-coat Chihuahua. Many smooth-coat Chihuahuas have very thin hair.

A Chihuahua requires very little grooming. One important thing to know before purchasing a Chihuahua is that this type of dog is not good around children or with other pets. This type of dog makes a great companion to an adult and is best kept indoors. The Chihuahua is considered to be a toy breed. The life expectancy of the Chihuahua is around fourteen years.

Some Chihuahuas are affected by genetic disorders that cause epilepsy and seizures. This does not occur in most Chihuahuas though. A Chihuahua is a great pet for an individual living alone or a couple. A Chihuahua is a very loyal companion.

The German Shepherd is a great instinctive watch dog and guard dog. She makes a wonderful pet. She can be kept in an apartment but she needs extensive walking to make this work. A more ideal situation for her is a loving home with a properly fenced in enclosure for her to exercise in. She requires a lot of attention and something to do or she may get bored and destructive. She is great with children, a very intelligent fast learner, and a fine companion. Just a reminder, never leave a child alone with a dog or puppy for any length of time.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size of the German Shepherd male (two years old or older) is 24 to 26 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 22 to 24 inches to the withers for a female. Both sexes weight may range from 75 to 95 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the German Shepherd is no exception. Be careful of canine hip and elbow dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this), flea allergies, chronic eczema, Panosteitis (a serious inflammation of the long bones), congenital heart problems, Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), and keratitis. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
*Grooming. The German Shepherd should be bathed rarely as this strips her coat of its protective oils and this can aggravate skin problems. She should be brushed daily if possible. She is a heavy shedder and brushing will help keep your house cleaner. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots.
*Life Span. The German Shepherd can live between 12 and 13 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The German Shepherd line was started by Captain Max von Stephanitz, known as the father of the breed. They came to America as early as 1907. Shepherds became more popular after World War I when returning servicemen experienced their value in combat. American soldiers brought some examples of this breed back to the US and they became popular as pets and working dogs. The American Kennel Club first registered the German Shepherd in 1908. Today she is one of the most popular dogs and is used as a companion, blind leader, watchdog, guardian, police dog and herding dog.

Some Registries:
*German Shepherd Dog Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 5 to 10 German Shepherd puppies

Category: Herding,

Terms To Describe:Well muscled, alert, agile, strong, direct, fearless, eager, self-confident, aloof,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watchdog.
Very good guard dog.
Highly intelligent.
Exceptionally trainable.
Make a wonderful companion.
Bark only when they need to.
Strong protective instinct.
Loves children.
Wants to please.
Can handle cold well.
Forms strong emotional bond with owners.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
A confident and strong owner is necessary.
May be suspicious of children not in immediate family.
May try to outsmart you.
Can be destructive if not properly trained or if bored.
They do poorly if isolated.
*Other Names Known By: Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, police dog

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

The Yorkshire Terrier prefers a warm climate and plenty of exercise, although most of it can be indoors. This little dog often neglects to consider her small size when challenging adversaries. Most of them get along well with other dogs and pets, especially if well socialized when young. They like children but small children may injure them. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Yorkshire Terrier is 6 to 9 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 3 to 7 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Yorkshire Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for Luxating Patella, cataracts, tracheal collapse (careful with the collar), eye irritations, and dental disease. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Yorkshire Terrier should have regular professional grooming. In addition, she should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Yorkshire Terrier can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Yorkshire Terrier come from Great Britain where they were used as a lap dog and house pet. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1936.

Some Registries:

*Yorkshire Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 2 to 3 Yorkshire Terrier puppies

Category: Toy

Terms To Describe: Self-importance, vigor, energetic, brave, clever, affectionate, spunky, independent,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Make great watch dogs.

Sheds almost no hair.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Make poor guard dogs.

*Other Names Known By: Yorkies,

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

The Bearded Collie is a lovely long hair dog and in fact the Bearded Collie is a working dog. It is strong and of medium size with a lean body that is long. We see a head that is broad and large. With a small muzzle that is strong. The nose is a feature that is square and great. The eyes are in tone with the dog’s coat and wide set setting the face into a friendly over all look. The ears are covered in hair and set close to the face. Their mouth has large teeth that should meet in a scissor bite. Their tail is carried low, and, unless they are happy or excited blends well with their coat. They have a double coat that is shaggy and waterproof; this covers their whole body, this includes their chin and this is where they get their name. This is probably the dog’s main visible feature. Their coat changes several times before you get the main colour with your older dog. Colours are blue, black, brown, fawn, all with or without white markings.

History: The Bearded Collie dog breed came from Briton but was first seen in Scotland. It is thought to be a mix of Polish sheepdog, Komonor and the Old English sheepdog. These dogs were used as herding dogs and in Scotland can be called “Hairy Moved Collie and “Highland Sheepdog” being wonderful working dogs, both with sheep and cattle. Nearly becoming extinct in the Second World War. Due to the great efforts of one lady a Mrs. G.O. Willison from Great Britain the Bearded Collie became resurrected. This breed first went to America 1967. They are still a rare breed. They have many skills within this breed some of them being obedience, tracking and performing tricks.

Temperament: The Bearded Collie dog can make a great companion for children and adults alike. With its cheerful nature, it is full of affection and is playful. If their needs are met, with lots of walks and high energy games this is a great dog to have, he will love being with his family but if left alone and not walked enough, it can be very mischievous, much to your cost. Daily mental and physical exercise cannot be stated enough. This dog is best and happiest knowing rules are in place and kept, having a clear human leader that is firm, consistent, and has natural authority will stop all undesirable behaviours. Obedience training is a great thing for your dog, and both of you will gain great pleasure from this. You will then have a stable and confident dog.

Health issues: With such a long coat, they can have external parasite infestation but with regular treatment this need not be a problem. The Bearded Collie dog breed can suffer from hip dysplasia.

Grooming: The Bearded Collie dog breed is, as it would seem, high in maintenance. Daily grooming is needed. It is best to mist the coat area you are working on before you start as this will help the hairs to slide rather than being broken. Tease out mats before they get bad. Check the dogs arm pits and areas that are high wear for mats as you work over their coat. Have your dog professionally machine clipped if you wish. Check ears and eyes daily and clean as needed. This dog can be bathed but is best to only do when needed.

Living conditions: Here we have a breed that is not recommended to apartment life. They need an average size garden and can happily sleep outside. The Bearded Collie dog doesn’t like to be confined and will need a place to safely run off its lead. This breed like its ancestor’s does prefers to live and be out doors.

The Rottweiler is a muscular, highly protective dog that is a favorite for police and the military. They have a reputation as a dog not to fool with and they strike fear in the bad guys. They need to be extensively socialized to get along with other pets and other dogs. They can get along well with children if they are older. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. They can do well with a fenced yard for exercise but they expect plenty of family time.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Rottweiler is 24 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 95 to 130 pounds. The female ranges from 22 to 25 inches to the withers and 85 to 115 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Rottweiler is no exception. Be on the look out for Parvo, eye problems, progressive spinal cord disorder, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Rottweiler has a double coat. The outer coat is medium length, flat, dense, coarse and straight. The inner coat is thick or thin depending upon climate. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Rottweiler can live between 8 and 9 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Rottweiler comes from Germany where they were used for control livestock. They evolved into being used for guard dogs, military and police dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1931.

Some Registries:

*American Rottweiler Club

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 10 Rottweiler puppies

Category: Working Group

Terms To Describe: Powerful, robust, endurance, strength, agility, calm, courageous, confident, aloof, guardian, protective

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Very good watch dog.

Very good guard dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Tends to snore.

Tends to over eat.

Needs strong obedience training early.

*Other Names Known By: Butchers Dog, Metzgerhund, Rottie

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.