American Eskimo Dog also known as: American Spitz.

The American Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family.

The American Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family. Like most Spitz breeds, the American Eskimo Dog has pointed, erect ears and an impressive coat. The head is fairly small and carries an intelligent expression. The eyes have an oval shape, are dark brown in color, and are surrounded by dark brown or black rims. The nose, like the rims, is a medium to dark brown color. The American Eskimo Dog has a beautifully plumed tail that usually curls up freely over the back but may drop down when the dog is at rest. The dog features a double coat that stands off from the body, keeping the dog warm in snowy climes. The American Eskimo Dog’s body is compact, and like the Poodle this breed comes in three distinct sizes: standard, miniature and toy. Please note that the dimensions listed above apply to a Standard or exceptionally large Miniature American Eskimo Dog. Toys typically weigh 6 – 10 pounds and stand 9 – 12” in height.

Because of its quick wit and desire to please, the American Eskimo Dog is relatively easy to train and does well in competitive obedience. Though the dog can be a bit reserved at times, it is not considered to be an exceedingly shy breed. The American Eskimo Dog can be very good with kids if it receives sufficient exposure and interacts with children early in its life. The breed is generally good with other pets, particularly if they are of the same size or slightly larger, although the American Eskimo Dog can be act in a dominating fashion toward smaller animals. The American Eskimo Dog will unfailingly let out a warning bark whenever a stranger approaches its territory, and is therefore an able watchdog.

The American Eskimo Dog has a beautiful, flowing coat that needs to be brushed approximately twice a week, particularly when shedding. With regard to exercise, the dog will do well with a daily walk and can also benefit from a free romp in a safe, enclosed yard. Exercise requirements vary by size, with the Standard needing a fairly strenuous workout every day and the Toy little more than a few laps around the house. A fairly healthy breed, the American Eskimo Dog does not get sick very often; occasionally, one will see canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy in the breed.

S Korea trains sniffer-dog clones

Police officer walking with cloned labrador puppies

The cloned sniffer puppies have already shown their potential

The world’s first cloned sniffer dogs have begun training in South Korea.

Seven puppies have been created using cells taken from a labrador considered by customs officials to be their best sniffer dog.

The puppies were born last year after the country’s customs service paid a biotechnology company to reproduce a Canadian Labrador Retriever.

Their handlers say they are already showing the same high level of skill as the original dog.

Only about 30% of naturally-born sniffer dogs make the grade, but South Korean scientists believe that could rise to 90% using the cloning method.

The puppies were born to three surrogate mothers after scientists used the nuclei of somatic cells from a sniffer dog called Chase. The state-funded project cost about 300m won ($300,000; £150,000).

A spokesman for South Korean customs said the pups have passed the first round of tests for behavioural patterns and genetic qualities and will report for duty in June after completing a second round of training.

Bill seeks to name Alaskan Malamute as Alaska state dog

Alaskan Malamute originated in Alaska and the Mahlemut tribe.

Mary Pemberton/The Associated Press

Published Friday, January 23, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — It’s time to stop dissing the dog.

That’s the message that an inquisitive kindergartner brought to her teacher more than two

years ago when she wanted to know why Alaska – the state that has a fondness for most

things canine – didn’t have an official state dog.

She even offered up her personal choice: the Alaskan Malamute.

The youngster’s idea, and the hard work of other students, inspired a bill that if passed

would make the Alaskan Malamute the official state dog. The large, rugged dogs with

super thick coats suited for Arctic climes would join the list of other official state symbols,

including the state insect (four spot skimmer dragonfly), the state fish (the Chinook

salmon), the state flower (Forget-Me-Not), state gem (jade), and the state fossil (Wooly

Mammoth.)

State Rep. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, sits with her dog Milo, a Brittany

Rep. Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, is sponsoring the bill in the House. It got its first

reading on the opening day of the Legislature on Tuesday and was referred to the State

Affairs Committee.

Gardner is asking for a quick hearing so that the children can see the rewards of their hard

work soon, she said.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t have a great passion for why the Malamute or why we should

have the state dog,” Gardner said. “This is their project and I am simply their tool.”

Carol Bartholomew, a teacher at the Polaris K-12 School in Anchorage, said the school

decided last year to forge ahead with the project, which was broken down into several

segments. The youngest students researched what the dogs look like. The next older

group looked into the connection between the dogs and the Mahlemut tribe. The oldest

students put the dog in a historical context.

“I found out that the Alaskan Malamute originated in Alaska and the Mahlemut tribe used

to use them to haul game, take care of children, and um, helped in World War II to haul

stuff where people couldn’t. They also helped in Arctic explorations,” said 10-year-old

Atticus Madland, a Polaris student.

“They are known to usually be nice to people and kind of take care of them. Sometimes,

they are mean to other dogs but generally are really nice to people,” he said.

The students came up with a PowerPoint presentation. They got letters from community

and city leaders. They collected signatures of support. They got the American Kennel Club

and the Student Government Association of Alaska to support the idea.

The students submitted a legislative packet before the Dec. 15 deadline.

Madland hopes lawmakers pass the bill.

“After all the hard work, I think we deserve it,” he said.

The Alaskan Malamute would be a good choice for the state dog, said Ione Zeller, former

president of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America whose has lived with and loved

Malamutes for 35 years.

“I believe most Alaskans think for themselves. They seem to be rather independent. They

are not the kind that fawns over people and things, and neither are these dogs,” she said.

According to the AKC, the Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs. They

were named after a native tribe, the Mahlemuts, that settled along the shores of Kotzebue

Sound in northwestern Alaska. The dogs were used primarily to haul game, belongings

and supplies. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1935.

Nancy Russell, in charge of judges education for the Alaskan Malamute Club of America,

said the Alaskan Malamute is the only AKC registered breed that is native to the United

States. While other breeds were developed here, the dogs used to develop those breeds

came from outside the United States.

The Alaskan Malamute was already here, Russell said.

“The Alaskan Malamute is basically the native dog of the United States,” she said.

Russell had a team of her Malamutes in the 1994 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to see if the

dogs, better at hauling freight than running marathons, could do it. Most of the dogs used

in the 1,100-mile race are Alaskan huskies, a mixed-breed dog bred for speed.

The Malamute team made it 600 miles before scratching.

“They did just fine,” she said. “They got to Ruby. That is not too bad for a Malamute team.

Alaskan Malamute Excels at hauling heavy loads.

powerful and well muscled dog.

The Alaskan Malamute excels at hauling heavy loads over great distances in brutal conditions, and its construction is consistent with such use. The long body is powerful and well muscled throughout, heavy boned with a straight back and very strong legs; large feet also help the dog to plod through snow. The head and muzzle are large, broad and deep. The ears are set wide apart on the skull, small, triangular and rounded. The eyes are brown, medium sized and almond shaped, and give the dog a kind, endearing expression. The Alaskan Malamute’s outer coat is medium length, coarse and thick, and left untrimmed in show dogs. The undercoat is dense and woolly. The coat can be solid white, but it is more common for white to be the predominant color with various shading of gray, black, sable or red. The face generally has a white mask or blaze. The Alaskan Malamute is distinctly wolf-like in appearance.

As befitting a dog that was bred to hunt and pull in packs, the Alaskan Malamute has a sociable and team-oriented personality. The Alaskan Malamute can be aggressive toward strange dogs, and will readily give chase to small and large animals alike. Strangers, however, are another story, and the dog seems to have an instinct to trust people. While this trait makes the Alaskan Malamute a mediocre guard dog, it does much to improve this animal’s standing with people. The Malamute enjoys having a task to perform, and is eager to follow a strong leader. This is not to say, however, that the dog will serve with the same unquestioning obedience of a German Shepherd or Retriever. Quite the contrary: the Alaskan Malamute is a creature of instinct, and if it does not agree with its master’s orders it is likely to disobey them. This strong willed stubbornness can make training a trying task, but a firm hand and an in-control attitude will go far in showing the Malamute who is boss. The breed tends to be docile in the home, and is a loyal and loving family member.

The hardy Alaskan Malamute was once the primary means of transporting heavy loads through the Arctic, and it has never forgotten that legacy. The dog needs vigorous exercise every day to expend its vast reserves of energy. Running, hauling or playing should do the trick. Insufficient exercise can lead to undesirable habits such as incessant howling, digging or destructiveness. The breed excels in cold climates and withers in the heat; make sure this dog is given plenty of water and shelter on hot days. Coat care entails a twice a week brushing; the coat never needs to be trimmed. Health concerns for the Alaskan Malamute include canine hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism and chondrodysplasia.

Akita also known as: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita

Akita --- a classic working spitz.

Large, powerful and heavy of bone, the Akita is a classic working spitz. The head is large and smooth with powerful jaws and muzzle, and a distinct stop. Ears and eyes are small and triangular; ears stand erect, and eyes are dark, deep set and have an intelligent expression. The body is slightly longer than tall, well muscled throughout and designed for maximum efficiency in hunting game in deep snow. The tail is full and carried over the back. The feet are catlike. The dog’s soft, dense undercoat is protected by a straight, harsh outer coat that stands off the body. The coat can be any color including pinto, white or brindle, with markings clear and well balanced.

Though the Akita is unshakably devoted to her family and loved ones, she is also an independent and free minded soul. This means training can be trying at times, as the Akita will often try to establish dominance; once you demonstrate who is boss, however, the faithful Akita will fall into line immediately. The dog is protective of its family, and tends to befriend strangers and other dogs only reluctantly. Even with extensive training and socialization, do not expect this breed to greet people with the same easy friendship as a Labrador; a more realistic response to newcomers is initial suspicion and eventual acceptance. The Akita is marginally more accepting of other house pets, but again, the overwhelming majority of this dog’s affection is focused squarely on its family. The Akita is gentle and even motherly with children, and may be especially protective of them.

With the proper physical and mental exercise every day, the Akita can be a calm and well mannered house pet. A long run or, even better, exciting game will keep the Akita happy and free from hyperactive behavior. The dog’s thick coat is fairly low maintenance, but should be brushed once or twice a week. Ears, eyes and feet should also be inspected regularly. The Akita enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in fairly cool climates; hot weather is another story, however, and proper care should be taken to keep the dog cool and hydrated on hot days. Health concerns for the Akita include progressive retinal atrophy, canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, lymphosarcoma, gastric torsion and pemphigus.

Airedale Terrier also known as: Bingley Terrier, Waterside Terrier

Among the largest of the terriers

Among the largest of the terriers, the Airedale has a long flat head and a very wiry and hard coat. The head gives the animal the terrier look, with sharp keen eyes and a beard reminiscent of a Scotty. The nose is always black. The ears are V-shaped and can fold to the back of the head depending on the dog’s mood. The dog stands completely square when in formation and is level with straight forequarters and strong hindquarters. The tail is carried high with a slight curve that should not reach the back of the animal. The outer coat is dense and wiry, and the undercoat is short and soft. Coloring is typically in various shades of tan, with darker markings on the saddle and upper parts of the dog; white markings on the chest are also occasionally seen.

The Airedale is often considered the most flexible of the terriers, being able to herd, retrieve and hunt in addition to the traditional terrier calling of exterminating vermin. Like most terriers, however, the Airedale is strong-willed and occasionally stubborn, and without proper training the dog’s considerable working skills will go to waste. Be firm when training your Airedale and make sure he knows you’re the boss, or he could become domineering and intractable. The dog is exceptionally intelligent and can pick up new tricks with surprising speed. In fact, it is fairly common for an Airedale Terrier to seemingly “forget” a trick, when in fact he has simply grown bored with his owner repeating the same trick request and is ready to move on to something else! The dog is a devoted family member, and can actually provide a surprisingly high level of protection. As one would expect with a protective dog, the Airedale is not the most open to new people and dogs, and should be taught and encouraged to socialize amiably. The Airedale Terrier is an alpha dog and can become hostile to another dog it perceives as challenging its supremacy; a small dog is therefore typically a better companion to this breed.

The Airedale Terrier is a highly active breed, and needs a chance to exercise everyday. The dog is especially fond of being let loose in a field where it can play an invigorating game, explore and dig. Grooming requirements are substantial, and include biweekly combing and monthly clipping and shaping. Puppies will sometimes need to have their ears “glued” to ensure proper shape. This hardy breed can live outdoors in temperate climates, but is much happier indoors with its family. The Airedale Terrier is a very healthy breed with few inherited diseases. Some things to watch out for include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion and hypothyroidism.

Afghan Hound also known as: Baluchi Hound, Tazi

The Afghan Hound is also known as: Baluchi Hound, Tazi

The Afghan Hound is one of the most regal and aristocratic of all the canine breeds. The head is rather lengthy, with a balanced foreface and skull. The muzzle is normally long and very slender; this feature is sometimes referred to in breeding and show circles as the Roman Nose. The Afghan Hound’s eyes are so almond shaped that they almost appear triangular, and are dark brown in color. The long ears are set level with the outer corners of the eyes, with the ends almost reaching the nose. On top of the head is a silky topknot of hair. The neck is long, arched and strong. Hipbones are quite prominent and the back is level from the shoulders to the loin area. The tail is long and curved, and like the majority of the body, covered with long, silky hair. The coat is long and fine except along the saddle from the flanks up to the ribs, where the hair is short in length and coarse in texture. The coat can be most any color, from dark shades like black to pale shades like creamy beige. White markings are not desirable, but various color combinations are.

The Afghan Hound is proud in carriage but more active than many people might think. The breed is not terribly affectionate, and will generally only warm to a small group of people. They are herders and hunters by nature, and require a good deal of physical exercise. Because these dogs are so fast, they need a secure area like a yard with a high fence in which to run. The Afghan stubbornness is legendary – if this breed does not feel like coming when called, it doesn’t. This is why many people describe its disposition as catlike. Afghan Hounds are gentle, and not overly hyper when greeting people. They make fantastic family pets, and are ideal for people who desire an active yet independent dog that is not too boisterous.

The Afghan Hound requires a great deal of grooming. For those that plan on showing this breed weekly baths are a good idea. The length of the coat makes it prone to tangles and rats, some of which can become painful to the animal if left over time. The Afghan Hound is not suited for apartment or enclosed living. It requires regular exercise to maintain its optimum health and fitness. The animal should be walked on a daily basis for no less then one half hour. It is best to make sure that you have a safe place for this breed to run as it is inactive while indoors. The Afghan Hound is one of the healthier breeds, and infirmities are rare. The dog is somewhat prone to cataracts, necrotic myelopathy and canine hip dysplasia.

Affenpinscher…famous for its monkey-like expression

Affenpinscher famous for its monkey-like expression.

The Affenpinscher is a small, terrier-like dog famous for its monkey-like expression. The skull is domed with a short muzzle and an undershot or level bite. The small ears are small and stand erect when cropped – erect, semi-erect or drop when uncropped. The eyes are round, dark and gleaming, and enhance the monkey-like expression. The body is small and proportional to the head, with a bit of tuckup and a slight curve of the croup. The tail is carried erect and can be docked to 1 – 2” or left natural. The coat is rough, dense and of moderate length for such a small dog. Coloring can be black, silver, gray, black and tan, red or beige; dogs that have a coat color other than black may still have a black mask. Despite the Affenpinscher’s facetious personality, its gait is notably confident and serious.

Small and spunky, the Affenpinscher is the only breed that goes by the name “monkey.” The Germans chose the word Affen, monkey, to describe this clownish little dog; the French call it diablotin moustachu, mustachioed little devil. Both names are quite accurate. Owing to its terrier roots, this little devil is bold, scrappy and tenacious; it never shies away from action or a fight, and is quite brave for its size. But the Affenpinscher also has a clownish side, its monkey half, and is sure to amuse its family with its crazy antics. The dog loves to play, climb, and get into trouble. The Affen is also fairly sociable and gets along well with children and other pets, which sets it apart from your typical terrier. The Affenpinscher is the perfect pet for anyone that likes to laugh and wants a dog that will always find a way to brighten your day.

The Affenpinschers exercise requirements are fairly high compared to most Toy breeds. Generally, the dog can fulfill its exercise needs with an indoor or backyard game, or a short walk, but it needs this exercise everyday or it will become hyperactive and obnoxious. The Affenpinscher has modest resistance to both heat and cold, and may have trouble keeping itself cool on hot days – this breed absolutely cannot live outside. The Affenpinscher’s coat needs regular attention, including a biweekly brushing as well as shaping every 3 – 4 months; a non-show dog’s coat can be clipped, but show dogs should be stripped. The Affenpinscher is a healthy breed, and has few documented hereditary health problems. Occasionally, one will see patellar luxation, breathing problems and corneal ulcers in the breed.

Dog Training=Obedient Dog=Happy Dog=Happy Owner

This is a formula for making your dog a CALMO DOG. If you take the time to train your dog it will let your dog know what is right and wrong. If your dog understands what is right or wrong it can relax and become part of the family and the daily routine. Nothing is more enjoyable than having a pet you can leave at home and not worry about what they are into or doing. If you want a well adjusted dog take the time and effort to find a training program that works for you. There are lots of good trainers and training styles available.  At calmodogtraing.com We are compiling a resource page for all subjects related to the well being of your dog/dogs. If you have a resource about dog training please e-mail me at clark@calmodogtraining.com and I will put it in our resource list.

Now this is the ultimate CALMO DOG.

Pit Bull saves 2 women from deadly cobra, dies wagging his tail

Four-year-old “Chief”, an American Pit Bull Terrier (Photo: Marc Sabelita)

I ran across  this article on a site called “Dogs in the News” You usually here nothing but bad news when it comes to the American Pit Bull Terrier . This was some good news so I thought it worthy to publish again.

BARANGAY LAPASAN (Philippines)
Mar 1, 2007

The children in the Fronteras household refer to their dog as “kuya” (“big brother”), and he certainly proved it on the day he sacrificed his life to protect the family.
On Monday, Feb. 12 at around 2 p.m., “Chief”, an American Pit Bull Terrier, rescued Liberata la Victoria, 87, and her granddaughter Maria Victoria Fronteras from a deadly cobra which had entered their house through an opening in the kitchen.
Liberata la Victoria and Chief had been watching TV on the sofa when suddenly Chief jumped up and alerted her to the presence of a cobra less than 10 feet away. Maria Victoria rushed in and pulled her grandmother into a separate room, hoping the snake would leave.
But when Maria Victoria later emerged from the room, she was terrified to find the cobra poised about two feet away. Equally startled, the cobra expanded its hood and appeared to be spitting venom as it prepared to strike.
“The snake was in front of us, maneuvering a deadly attack,” says Maria Victoria. “I screamed out loud to ask for help.”
That’s when from “out of nowhere”, Chief dashed between the cobra and the two women, using himself as a shield against the cobra’s attacks. Chief then seized the cobra by the neck and slammed it into the floor, killing it.

But for Chief it was a Pyrrhic victory. In the struggle, he sustained a fatal bite to the jaw, and moments later he began gasping for breath and collapsed.
The family sought the help of a veterinarian, but they were told that nothing could be done. According to the vet, the bite was too close to Chief’s brain, and the venom had already spread. Maria Victoria called her husband Marlone who, stunned by the news, rushed home immediately.
Ian de la Rama, a friend of the family, says it was less than 30 minutes from the time Chief had been bitten that he “went wobbly and lost control of his organs,” 2 urinating and defecating uncontrollably. Yet he still kept clinging to life. It wasn’t until Marlone arrived that Chief finally let go. Ian de la Rama describes, “Chief gave his two deep breaths and died. He was fighting and saving his last ounces of breath to see a glimpse of his master for the last two seconds of his life.”  Ian adds that the last thing Chief did as he gazed up at Marlone was wag his tail. “You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.”
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

Sources:
Gomez, Herbie. “Pitbull dies saving 2 women from cobra”
Manila Times. 24 Feb 2007

Gomez, Herbie. “Dog saves family from cobra, is killed.”
Cagayan de Oro Journal. 16 Feb 2007.