lucille, Author at Astro Pups, the Dog Blog

Great Dane – a Leo Dog

Hi again, Leo.

We suggested Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Alaskan Malamutes for you in your Leo Zodiac chapter. Our next suggestion for your sun sign personality is known as the Apollo of Dogs – the Great Dane. This dog is only suggested for you if you can handle a very large pup that takes two years to grow out of its puppy stages, and will not be a mature dog until three years.

Colors: Fawn, blue, black, white, brindle, harlequin. Height: 22″-38″. Weight: 140-185lbs.

Although this breed’s name implies that it comes from Denmark, and maybe it did at one time, this magnificent looking dog is now known as a German breed. The Great Dane is Germany’s national dog.

History

Authorities differ on what breeds went into the creation of the Great Dane. Some believe the Irish Wolfhound and the old English Mastiff were mated. Others claim Greyhounds and Tibetan Mastiffs went into the mix. It is also thought the Bullenbeisser may be its ancestor. The breed is reported to be about 400 years old, but some sources claim dogs similar to Great Danes were known in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. (Authorities in About Us upper right).

Famous Great Danes

We know you like a popular dog, Leo, and this one is famous in literature and in film. The Guinness Book of Records named the Great Dane the tallest dog in the world, and in 2004 it was Gibson from California who took the honors, measuring 42.2″ from the withers. Zeus took the spot later measuring 44.0″ from the withers.

Other famous characters based on the Great Dane are Scooby-Doo, the Hanna-Barbera creation; Marmaduke, Brad Anderson’s newspaper comic character; Butler the fawn Great Dane owned by Captain James T Kirk in Star Trek; Einstein in Disney’s Oliver & Company; Ace in Batman Beyond; Mars and Jupiter in The Patriot; Astro in The Jetsons; and Chester, Allan’s dog in Two and a Half Men.

Some of you will admire this dog’s size, dignified bearing, natural elegance and smooth, long stride. It’s truly a giant among canines. Its not surprising that Pennsylvania chose the breed for its state dog.

Color changes traits

Some breed’s traits differ with the dog’s coloring. The heavier set harlequin Great Danes (white with black markings) are more aloof than the bouncier fawn and brindle dogs. Harlequins are less eager to please also. Black and Blue Great Danes can be stand-offish as compared with their fawn and brindle brothers and sisters.

Fawn Great Danes can be “soppy” in that they do not think being a lap dog is out of the question. Even though it may settle for leaning against your legs, you could soon lose circulation this way. Encourage your dog to sleep in a bed close to you. Beds large enough for a Great Dane are hard to find in a pet store, but Amazon has one.

You can add something soft in it that has your smell on it like an old tee. If you train this pup the right way, it will absolutely adore you.

Your Great Dane needs a handler, such as yourself, to control it from the start. Direct, firm and positive handling will ensure that your pup will reach its incredible potential. Remember, though, a Great Dane takes two years to grow out of its puppy stages. Any harsh or punitive handling would be a serious mistake.

A romp with children is highly favored by the fawn or brindle variety, but unfortunately this pup may well knock its playmates down. When trained and mature, the dog watches over the children with indulgence.

Great Danes have worked at many jobs – hunters, war dogs, police dogs, but if you want your Great Dane to be tolerant of other dogs and people, use his or her special imprint time. At three or four months, take the dog for walks to meet and greet in pleasant surroundings. This will not affect its ability to guard you, but will help the dog to be more relaxed with visitors for all of its life.

If you want this dog to give you undying love and loyalty, be the one who feeds it, walks it, trains it and brushes it. It will then know you are Alpha, leader of its pack and the dog will serve you.

It’s not wise to get a Great Dane if you live in an apartment. Too small a space makes them territorial.

There are several Great Dane Rescue sites, looking for help. If you can’t adopt, consider volunteering or donating.

If you have the time to make this kind of commitment, you will have a splendid dog. We hope you have enjoyed reading about the Apollo of Dogs.

Thanks for coming back to my blog. I enjoy your comments or you can email me (About Us upper right).

Until next post 🙂

Alaskan Malamute – Leo Dog

Colors: Shades of grey, sable, black or red, always with white. Height 23-25″. Weight: 75-85lbs.

Continuing with Leo’s chapter, the second dog we suggest for Leo’s zodiac personality is the Alaskan Malamute.

The Alaskan Malamute is from the Spitz group and has been traced back to possibly 3,000 years, bred by the Mahlemuits tribe of Alaska. This dog has a long history of working with man. In the gold rush of 1896, miners used the dogs to haul away their rock debris in wooden carts. Malamutes helped Admiral Richard Byrd to get to the South Pole. Jack London and Rudyard Kipling focused upon the Malamute in their wonderful stories.

This breed has a similar disposition to you, Leo. The dog loves to be part of the action, is friendly, kind, high-spirited and definitely bold on occasion. It can also be quite dignified, observing the world through calm, proud, almond-shaped eyes.

The dog eats to meet its needs, its appetite varying according to how much exercise the dog gets. It’s a strong muscular dog that needs to run and play daily. For this reason, apartments are not the best homes for Malamutes. They are quiet and well-behaved in the home, but penning them up in small spaces really puts a strain on their robust natures.

If you live where it snows, your Malamute will be in its true environment. If cart trained, you can hitch your dog to a sled and it will thoroughly enjoy pulling you and the kids through the snow.

The Malamute is a family dog, but this does not necessarily extend to other family pets. Some authorities believe that the Malamute was once bred with wolves, but whatever the reason, some Malamutes are not good with small animals or at times with other dogs.

Your dog will rarely bark. If you hear a wolf howling in your backyard, it’s your Malamute. Your dog will also have conversations with you. When it talks, the dog sounds like Chewbacca in Star War movies. This is because Chewbacca’s sounds were based upon a Malamute named Indiana, once owned by George Lucas.

You will find Malamutes in hot climate states, but in truth hot weather is hard on them. Their outer coats are thick and coarse and under coats dense, oily and wooly. The dogs shed their heavier coats in the summer, and you will have to brush this dog often year round. Amazon has a grooming kit designed for Alaskan Malamutes.

Grooming this magnificent dog is important to keep its coat in good condition and to keep the pride in its step.

Malamutes are intuitive. If the pup senses its owner is the indulgent type, it will take advantage. As a pup, it is absolutely adorable and some find it hard to discipline the furry charmer, but discipline is just what it needs. Firmness with kindness is the way to go. You’ll expect the pup to learn and to obey and lucky for your Malamute, you usually give second chances. The dog will accept your leadership, but it is not naturally obedient. You, Leo, have leadership qualities and your Malamute can learn. Certainly, Malamutes have done well in Obedience and star in the show ring.

When you walk your Malamute, be prepared for the fuss people make when they see your dog. Few can walk pass without stopping to admire and appreciate how handsome this dog is. Encourage them. The more friendly people and dogs your dog encounters in its puppy stages and later on, the better.

Thanks for coming back and reading about the second dog suggested for Leo, as in the Leo chapter of AstroPups, available in paperback and kindle on Amazon Books.

Love to read your comments or you can email me (About Us, upper right).

In the next post I will discuss another dog suggested for Leo’s sun sign personality. See you soon 🙂

Rhodesian Ridgeback – Leo Dog

We are giving our readers a chapter from AstroPups (available on Amazon Books) to enable you to see how the book works. There are twelve chapters, each chapter is a separate sun sign. All those who have birthdays from July 24th to August 23rd. are Leos. Happy Birthday to all you Leos out there!

In our last two posts, we discussed Leo as a person via the zodiac, then who Leo is as a dog parent, and now it’s time to discuss dogs suggested for Leo’s sun sign personality. The first breed is:

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Colors: Deep red wheaten, lighter wheaten. Height: 24″ – 26″. Weight: 65-85lbs

Since this dog is also known as the African Lion Dog, used for hunting down lions, and keeping them at bay, we’d like to turn the tables here. You, Leo, will be in control of this magnificent dog.

The Ridgeback’s distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. A native to South Africa, the breed was developed by Boer farmers. The Hottentots had a hunting dog with a ridge on his/her back. This dog was mated with the settlers’ dogs which formed the breed we know today.

With its own family, the Ridgeback is a calm dog with clean habits and good manners. You wont have to groom this dog a lot, but brushing the dog will help the bonding between you. Bonding with your Ridgeback is vital from day one. When treated with respect, this dog is capable of great loyalty. It will protect you, your home and your family from all intruders. Your strong, direct but kind handling is the right way to go with this one, Leo, but avoid training the dog when you are in a bad mood. It will not understand harsh treatment. The Ridgeback is highly intelligent and will seek your approval. Be sure to have treats on hand when the pup does well. Praise and treats work wonders.

Some breeders suggest that you do not get a Ridgeback if you have young children. It does not tolerate careless and rough handling by youngsters.

The dog is definitely an aristocrat and has a natural tendency to be aloof with strangers. Socialize your pup at its special imprint time of three months. Don’t let this important time slip by and plan to do it later. It won’t work later, and it’s especially important for this particular pup. Socialization will help the dog to tolerate visitors to your home and be more relaxed when they are there. This will not change its ability to guard you and yours.

Although Ridgebacks can be housed (kennel)outside, able to withstand all sorts of weather, they would prefer to live indoors with you. Their prime need is to be your companion and protector. Left alone in the backyard for too long, they will get into mischief. If you do not have a high fence, they will take off for an adventure by jumping over it. If you take them off the leash, make sure they are trained! Wow, this dog is an amazing runner.

Ridgebacks come with black noses or liver-colored noses. The Ridgeback with the liver-colored nose is often more playful than the more dignified black nose variety.

Recognition by the AKC took place in l955. Ridgebacks that have been socialized show well and have taken top honors. If trained well, the Ridgeback is always a winner, though, and a dog to be truly proud of.

Ridgeback Rescue of the U.S is a non profit organization looking for donations, foster parents and have dogs available for adoption. I am totally in favor of rescue as you all know, but for you, Leo, I am recommending you get the dog as a pup, train it, allow it to bond with you, and you’ll have a forever dog with intelligence and tremendous loyalty – something you particularly favor.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of several dogs we suggest for you, Leo. Come back soon and read about the next breed, which we think would be a compatible with your sun sign.

Thanks for coming back to blog. Comments are welcome, or you can email me (About Us, upper right) 🙂

Leo the Lion as a Dog Parent

In my last post, I talked about Leo’s zodiac personality as a person. Today I want to address who we think Leo would be as a dog parent and what breeds would be likely to please a Leo personality.

Okay, Leo, you’ll train the dog you choose with a firm, positive hand. At first its puppy antics will amuse you and you’ll play with the pup, but as it grows, your dog must show signs of meeting your expectations. Those expectations will vary with your lifestyle. If you hunt, you will want a dog that retrieves superbly. If you need a protective breed, the dog must do its job well protecting you and your family. If its a show dog you are looking for, it must be able to win that ribbon. You like the best in all things and this will include your dog.

To own a champion is a plus in itself, but lets take a look at the plus and minus traits and temperaments of certain breeds to help you to choose a dog that is a winner in more ways than one.

Your way of doing things is to use a direct and quick approach. Many of you will respond well to a dog that can think fast on its feet. A dog that needs time to process your commands would soon irritate you. Even though the dog could be a champion show dog, its peculiarities would rub you the wrong way. An alert, intelligent breed, quick to follow your commands would be of much more interest to most of you.

Now, although a bright, alert pup would please you, it should not be from a breed with a highly excitable temperament. Some of you entertain quite a bit. If your dog jumps in uninvited, and bothers your guests, you should be able to dispatch it without ceremony. However, if you’ve chosen a dog that becomes very excited when there are people about, it’ll want to join in, invited or not. When you lunge for this dog and knock over a tray of snacks or glasses in the process, some of your guests will love it, and grin at the dog now trying to hide under the couch. It’s not likely that you will be amused, Leo. This dog has not only made a fool of you,unintentionally, of course, but will probably do so again. A quieter, calmer temperament would be more compatible with your personality.

So far, Leo, the right breed for you should be bright, alert and reasonably well behaved in your home, but what if you chose a dog with these characteristics, but attached itself to you like glue? Most of you will reign in your home. Your family belongs to you and rarely is it the other way around. Over-possessive friends and relatives stifle you so you would probably not want to own a possessive dog. Every time you turned around, this dog would be underfoot. Most of you dash about, always in a hurry. Yelling at this one wouldn’t change its need to be by you. All you would accomplish would be to make the dog slink about, hoping to get closer to you before you noticed. A less possessive or non-intrusive dog would be better for most of you.

Of course, even though a dog that resembles clinging ivy is out, this doesn’t mean you wouldn’t want a pup to be affectionate with. When you have time, you will give your dog lots of affection and hugs.

We are now getting closer to your perfect pup. However, a pup with all of the preferred traits and temperaments discussed above would probably not be a Leo dog if it looks ordinary. You love to own and be connected with beautiful things – the unusual or extraordinary appeals to you. A spectacular dog or one that is unusual in an attractive way would be the frosting on your cake.

To sum up, Leo, the right dog for you is a dog that’s a source of pride – a winner in all ways. It should be intelligent, alert, well-mannered, affectionate and attractive. It should not be highly strung, intrusive, anxious, over-possessive or too ordinary looking.

The breeds suggested for your Leo sun sign personality suit various life-styles. Some would be right for you, but not for where or how you live. Your lifestyle is an important consideration when making your choice.

We hope you enjoyed reading about yourself as a pet owner, Leo. In subsequent posts, we will discuss the breeds we have suggested for your zodiac personality.

If you are a Leo or know a Leo who likes unusual jewelry, check out this interesting pendant.
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The last two posts are from the Leo chapter of AstroPups, available on Amazon Books in paperback or Kindle.

Thanks for returning to my blog. Comments are welcome or you can email me (About Us, upper right) 🙂

Leo the Lion

Gold is your metal
Your stone is a Ruby
Sunflower is your flower
And your color is yellow, sunny and bright
Now let’s find a pup that’ll be just right.
Ancient Persian symbol (Google Images)

Since we are now in the zodiac sign of Leo the Lion, I thought it might be fun to give you a peek inside the Leo chapter of AstroPups so you can see how the chapters unfold. The first thing we do in your chapter, Leo is to talk about you.

When you are busy, doing some work at home that requires your total concentration, you would probably be behind a closed door. If you owned a dog that pawed at that door until the paint peeled off, you would blow several fuses. The dog’s anxiety is not a breed temperament that most of you would admire. But before we get into traits and temperaments that would be compatible with your Leo sun sign personality, it’s important to us that you understand where we’re coming from.

Initially, as a professional astrologer and a canine behaviorist, our first question was, “What kind of dog owner would a Leo be?” We found the answer by thoroughly studying your zodiac personality. Once we knew what you would probably look for in a dog, we considered all of the dogs registered with the American Kennel Club to find some perfect pups for you. Now we are not saying that you can only successfully own the dogs we have suggested for you. What we are saying is that the pups we suggest would be good choices for your sun sign personality.

We’ll first review the characteristics of your sun sign, and then discuss dog traits and temperaments that would be a plus or minus for you. Your compatible pups are then discussed in full so that you can make your own decision based upon your lifestyle and personal preference.

Your sign shows you to be a person who is strong willed and full of optimism. Most of you are ambitious. You undertake challenges with whole-hearted enthusiasm, overcome setbacks, and often win on long shots. In fact, Leo, you are a born leader.

Most of you have a radiant personality. There’s not much that is lukewarm about you. People are drawn to you because of your positive energy, your charm, and your generous nature. In business, some of you will lead your team to success.

On social occasions, you’ll be in the center of the group that’s having the most fun. Any exciting happening is sure to attract you, and you’ll be most likely a contributing force. In fact, you contribute your positive energy to most ventures. If there’s a flicker of light, you’ll fan it into a bright flame, Leo.

It’s because you have a strong belief in yourself and in your ideas, you do not hesitate to lead others. You rarely dilly-dally about and you reject any negative input from co-workers, friends or relatives on your plans. Some of you have an incredible knack of getting to the crux of complicated issues quickly. You zoom in, spot the problem and set about solving it. Most of you do not take the time to explain your actions, though, as you would consider it a waste of your time. People, less enlightened, experience your wrath if they try to interfere. Some may call you arrogant, and this would bother you, but it wouldn’t stop you.

You are intent on success and sincere in your efforts. Most of you take a direct route in a straightforward manner. It’s rare you would stoop to be devious and tend to judge others by your own behavior. This is where some of you get burned, Leo. People may go behind your back to sabotage you in the workplace. In your personal life, those you love and trust may also betray you. If such happenings occur, you are not only confused, but deeply hurt. Temporarily, your lion’s roar is reduced to a whimper.

Many of you enjoy teaching. It’s rewarding to share concepts with eager students and you make your classes exciting and interesting. Some of you have that intangible quality of charisma and can hold your class’s attention long after the dismissal bell. You can be impatient with those who will not use their talents and seem intent on making a career out of failing, but you’ll try to turn them around. However, most of you will rarely tolerate rudeness or bad manners of any kind.

Rudeness is negative behavior and infuriates most of you. Before you lose your quick temper in public, though, you’ll make a quick exit. When crossed at home, sparks will fly. And that is just what your temper is, Leo. Angry sparks. Once inflamed, they die out quickly. Brooding about things is just not your style, nor is going into the whys and wherefores. You often forgive and forget as quickly as you flared up.

Pride is important to you. Pride in yourself and in those for whom you are responsible. Because you have a kind and compassionate nature, you’ll give second chances or even third to youngsters who may be having problems finding their way. However, you will expect results to be proud of eventually.

You’ll consider your dog to be a part of your family, Leo so it’s more likely to win your affection if it’s special in some way. You may feel compassi0n for sad sack dogs, but it’s not likely you would want to own one.

In the next post, I will go further into your chapter and discuss what kind of dog owner you would be, based on our study of your sun sign.

We hope you enjoyed reading about yourself, or reading about the Leos you know. As you can see, AstroPups (available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle), goes into the zodiac sign step by step to lead us into suggesting the right pups.

A shout out to Jacqueline Chapple, the astrologer for AstroPups. Her insights were invaluable.

If you are proud to be a Leo, and why wouldn’t you be? Amazon has a cool shirt in your sun sign color.

Comments welcome or emails (About Us upper right)

Until next post 🙂

Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)

This dog is a wonderful companion with a devotion and loyalty to its owner that’s hard to beat. It’s a very sociable breed and gets along with children. This is probably why the Old English Sheepdog was chosen to play Nana in Hook. The dog was also Max in The Little Mermaid and The Little Mermaid II, but it has been chosen to fill many roles in movies and TV series. If you want to check this out, there is list of all of his/her roles in Wikipedia under Old English Sheepdog.

The famous Bobtail is also a good guard dog, but not an aggressive breed unless mishandled.

The breed was developed in the west country of England where it guarded flocks of sheep. Some authorities believe that the Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar were used to create the breed back in the 19th century. It has become popular in several countries because this robust dog is so darn lovable! It will absolutely adore its owner, which is the main reason it will obey. The dog learns and is trained through its need to please his or her owner. When you show your love for this pup, it will turn itself out with happiness.

If you demand too much too soon and are aggressive, your Bobtail will become stubborn. Train through love, and you will have a super dog.

Its nickname of Bobtail comes from its tail being docked very short. Shepherds are very practical. When the sheep are gathered for sheering, the Bobtail is shorn also. Guess that’s one way to groom this breed as let’s face it, it has an incredible coat which is a mud and burr magnet. Since this dog loves to romp and play outside, you have to be willing to bathe and brush regularly. It’s important not to let its coat become matted. Matting causes pain. Amazon has a good grooming kit with a bonus attached if you have a Bobtail and need one.

If you plan on showing your Old English Sheepdog, a groomer is advised unless you are talented in this directi0n. Bobtails have won Best in Show on both sides of the Atlantic. They show well and grin at the judges. Judges like a welcoming grin.

In Australia and in England, some call Bobtails “the Delux dog”. This is because Delux paint chose to feature the breed in their advertisements and commercials.

This dog can live anywhere you do – apartment or house in the city, suburbs or the country so long as shared walking is one of your activities. It will guard you with its low-pitched, but ringing bark.

People who own a Bobtail grin a lot when they tell you about their dog. It is a very fun BFF.

We suggested the Bobtail for Cancer in AstroPups – available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

As with all breeds, some Bobtails have ended up in shelters and need owners. If you are interested in Rescue, check out www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org/Rescue/

Thanks for coming back to read my blog. My email is in About Us if you want to contact me, or you can leave a comment. Authorities contributing to my blog are also found in About Us.

Until next post 🙂

Shih Tzu

What a sweetheart this little dog is! It may weigh under 15lbs, but has the air of an aristocrat! In fact, you should know that this dog expects you to understand that it is a blue blood and deserves your respect.

History

untitled (28) — Shiih Tzu (Google Images)

The Shih Tzu once lived in the imperial palaces of China and was considered a sacred breed. It has had several nicknames, one being Little Lion and another, in England, Chrysanthemum dog.

The breed was recognized in England in 1934, the AKC recognized the breed in 1955 and when a Shih Tzu won Best in Show first time out in New Brunswick in 1960, the American public were charmed by the breed. Since then, the dog has become super popular because of its versatility and sweet affectionate nature.

If you want the Shih Tzu to be all it can be, the moment you take the pup home, show him or her just how special your new puppy is. The pup will warm quickly to your affection and delight in squeaky toys and balls. This little dog is bright. It will happily play all by itself, creating fun games to enjoy, but if you offer to join in, you will be so welcome.

Training

Training is best done with a kind and positive hand. A Shih Tzu could not handle bullying or harsh voice training. The pup would become confused, and grow up to be stubborn and difficult if handled in the wrong way. You will find the pup is eager to learn, seeing it as another game in the offering, and if your demands are not excessive, will fit in as a happy family member. You’ll need patience with potty training.

Grooming

A Shih Tzu’s coat is complicated. For show, its hair reaches the floor and a groomer is strongly advised if you want your dog to have the “show” look. If you do not want the “show” hair-style, and prefer the shorter-hair look, especially in the summer, take the dog to be clipped. You can decide how short the dog’s hair should be. If you have skills in grooming, the Shih Tzu is quite cooperative. Brushing the dog’s coat often, even daily, is a good idea as tangles form quickly in its fine hair and if not removed by brushing, become painful. Playing in the back yard, the dog will also pick up all kinds of debris which will need to be brushed out.

If you plan on taking the dog to the groomer monthly, a brush is all you would need.

This little dog loves it’s food, but just as you have to wipe a toddler’s face after eating, you will have to do the same with your Shih Tzu. Food in the dog’s eyes could cause an infection. Another tip is to get a rabbit water bottle in hot weather for the dog to lick at when thirsty. If it is hot, the dog tends to gulp and get water up its nose.

Babying your dog only applies to eating and drinking, though. It is hardy, active and loves to go for walks. A Shih Tzu is willing to be all the family’s bff.

For interested people, the Shih Tzu was recommended for Leo in AstroPups, available on Amazon Books in paperback or Kindle.

If you are looking to rescue a Shih Tzu, there are several options with eager volunteers to help you and definitely needy Shih Tzu purebred and mixed. The North America’s largest non profit adoption website is www.adoptapet.com/s/adopt-a-shih-tzu. If you prefer an adult dog and want to avoid the chewing, potty-training needs of a Shih Tzu pup, this is one of the ways to go.

Lone Star is looking for foster mums/dads for Shih Tzu as they do not have a shelter and depend on volunteers and foster parents. Maybe you live close enough to help them. Check Lone Star out at www.shihtzu-rescue.com

Thanks for visiting my blog. Love your comments. If you prefer to email me, you will find me in About Us, top right of page. Contributing authorities, used to write my blog, are also found in About Us.

Until next post 🙂

Chow-Chow

If fuzzy brown bears have always appealed to you, a Chow is your best bet to become close to one. Authorities claim that this dog is a descendant from an animal that was a cross between a dog and a bear, and even have fossil evidence to prove it. Its profuse, thick coat and purple tongue and inner mouth also attest to this.

A Chow is not a family dog. Most Chows do not like children. The breed is not fond of strangers either and remains aloof. Independent, the dog does not curry favor nor seek approval. However, when a Chow attaches as a pup to someone it spends time with, someone who feeds and grooms the pup, it will grow up to be a steadfast and loyal friend. If you plan on getting a Chow, you must put the time in when the dog is young. The dog needs to attach, but is not sure how to do this. It doesn’t come naturally. If you foster your Chow and show the dog how to love, it can and will learn to be your bff.

Why is the breed called Chow Chow?

Speculation is endless on this question. Certainly the dog provided nourishment and its thick coat provided warm clothes, but perhaps it is because the breed was transported on sailing ships under curios cargo – translation – chow-chow. Another authority claims its name comes from the Chinese word chaou, meaning dog of great strength.

The dog is of great strength. It is thought that the Tartars brought this breed with them when they invaded China in the llth century BC. Tartars, fighting barbarians, used Chows to be their guard dogs and fighting companions.

Since Chows do not need a lot of exercise, they can live in the city, suburbs or the country. A daily walk is advised. Because of their fur, though, hot climates would be punitive to this dog.

Grooming

It is important to brush your Chow and get rid of the tangles in its coat. Chows enjoy being brushed by someone they trust and it helps to cement the bonding between owner and dog.

It’s not a breed which carries an odor and is clean in its habits.

It is important to know that a Chow will not respond in any way to harsh treatment or aggressive handling. Aggressive handling will lead to an aggressive Chow and that’s a bad idea. The dog will choose to be with you, walk alongside of you, and grin at you. At times, the dog will prefer to be alone. It’s not personal. It’s just that this is the nature of the Chow-Chow.

We suggested Chows for Aquarius in AstroPups, available on Amazon Books in paperback or Kindle.

When I was browsing for a grooming brush, I saw something which you might like to give to a Chow-Chow owner for Christmas. It’s early, I know, but I usually only post about one breed, and it’s Chow-Chow time!

There are other Chow ornaments available, which you can see by clicking the above. At Christmas, I usually give ornaments with people’s dogs on them if I can find them!

Kings River Magazine would like you to check out their site. http://KingsRiverLife.com/. I did a post for them on Westies. Now that’s one opposite breed to the one above. Chows are large, fuzzy, aloof dogs. Westies are fun-loving, outgoing, family dogs. Guess that’s why dogs are so fascinating. Their breed traits define them and are fascinating to explore.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Please leave a comment or use my email in About Us for any questions on this post or any post.

Acknowledgement of authors who contributed to AstroPups, which I use to write my blog, can also be found in About Us, top right of page.

Until we meet again 🙂

Beagle-Fun Loving Dog

Whoever owns a Beagle knows how much character this little dog has. The breed was developed in England to run with the hounds and entered into the hunt with quivering excitement. Well, let’s face it, a Beagle enters into all of its activities with quivering excitement. It’s a very happy little dog with an optimistic outlook on life. If attitude is the key to a long life, the Beagle proves it by having the reputation of living to a ripe old age.

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Instant obedience is not this dog’s strong suit. In fact, the dog can be very mischievous. When you understand the breed, though, you will forgive the transgression quickly. Beagles are hard to resist as they have such an affectionate, sweet nature. Gain this dog’s loyalty and it will adore you.

A Beagle’s owner should be firm, but not strict. Train with affection and treats and the dog will obey – at least 60% of the time. The problem is that everything that’s going on is of interest to a Beagle. The world is an exciting place, and obeying you 100% of the time would mean the dog is not watching everything else that’s going on. You may not be aware that a hare or a squirrel is in your backyard, but the dog does. He or she needs to alert you to this serious breach of your property.

A Beagle’s home can be an apartment or a house in the city, suburbs, or the country. One of the dog’s passions is walking, though, so never pick up its leash without using it for what it is intended. The dog leaps about and dances at the mere sight of its leash.

No serious grooming is involved. Beagles have fine short hair and a brush is all that’s needed.

Most presidents past and present love their dogs. Lyndon B Johnson adored his Beagles Him and Her. There are countless photos of him playing with his dogs. Unfortunately living in the White House did not save either Him or Her from an early death. Her swallowed a white stone while playing on the lawn in front of the White House. When chasing a squirrel, Him was run over in the driveway by the presidential limousine. This tragedy was reported in the Washington Post, June l6, l966.

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Apparently LBJ’s daughter, in tears, gave her father the sad news while he was in a meeting.

It was a devastating loss for the whole family.

LBJ had a third Beagle, named Edgar. Once you own a Beagle, you usually stay with the breed. Few dogs are as lively, happy and fun to have around. They are great watch dogs, which means, of course, they tend to bark a lot, but engaging in everything is just what a Beagle does.

For those interested, we suggested the Beagle for Leo in AstroPups, available on Amazon Books, paperback and Kindle.

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Paranoid Dog

He was a little dog – black, of an unknown mix. He was bigger than a toy breed, but still small. Lisa, my daughter, found the stray and brought him to me for care while she tried to find his owner. Lisa did all the usual lost dog things, but nobody claimed him. She had named him Spike and as the search for his owner continued, Spike moved in.

Spike had a passion – ice cubes. He would sit by the door of the fridge and make small noises. At first I thought he was hungry and offered him food. He ignored it. As time went on and Spike continued to gaze at the door, I became quite frustrated. What did this odd little dog want? The icemaker solved it. Of its own accord, it spat out an ice cube, which it sometimes does when the box inside is full. Spike danced about with excitement, grabbed the cube and dashed off.

Of course, then whenever he would sit by the fridge and gaze up at it, I just grabbed an ice cube and gave it to him.

One day, I walked over to the window to look into the backyard, and Spike became vicious, growling fiercely at me. I knelt down to pet him, and asked him what was up. He continued to growl softly at me. I was at a loss. Spike was a sweet dog and suddenly I had become an enemy?

This continued for days. Spike growled at anyone who went to the window to look out. Looking out of the window on the back yard was common as we checked on our other dogs playing in the back yard. Spike would not leave the window. He ate there. He slept there. This dog was strange.

I solved it all one day. I had given him an ice cube, as usual, and happen to follow him out of the kitchen. Spike ran over to the large plant by the window and dropped the cube into the pot. He then sat by the plant to guard it.

Bless his heart! I was so touched by this. He was guarding a melting ice cube. It was always gone when he looked for it, so of course he had decided his stash was constantly being invaded.

I put a plastic box of ice cubes beside the plant to show him the source was endless, and refilled it often. Spike stopped growling at people who came near the window. My little paranoid stray became pretty normal after that. He even turned down ice cubes!

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Until next post 🙂