The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed by Linda Spurlin on 1970s and ’80s, using the old Alaskan Husky as the foundation breed. She also used a Siberian Husky and some smaller dogs of similar conformation. Her goal was a smaller-sized husky-type breed that would be an excellent companion dog.
Today’s Alaskan Klee Kai has the appearance of a northern breed, with a wedge-shaped face, prick ears, a sturdy body, and a tail that curls over the back. The face has a distinct and striking mask. The coat is a double coat, with a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs. The toy stands up to and including 13 inches at the shoulder; the miniature is over 13 inches and including 15 inches; and the standard is over 15 inches and including 17 inches.
Grooming and Health Concern
During most of the year, this breed can be brushed two or three times a week; however, during spring and fall when shedding is at its heaviest, daily brushing may be needed.
The breed tends to be healthy.
Character and Training
With his sled dog heritage, the AKK can be quite busy. Without daily exercise, he may be prone to trouble. A couple of good walks every day and a jog with you or alongside a bicycle will keep him happy. This breed is also quite playful and thrives in many canine sports, including sledding, skijoring, agility, flyball, and flying disc. Many have also made excellent therapy dogs.
Although training is important and should begin young, dogs of this breed will never be as compliant as some other breeds. They do enjoy the attention that training provides. Early and continuing socialization is vital, as these dogs can be wary of strangers.
The AKK is an excellent watchdog, yet is affectionate and loyal to his family. He will do best with an owner who understands the northern breeds. He is good with children who treat him gently and with respect; he will not tolerate rough handling. He has a strong prey drive and should not be trusted with smaller pets.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Although often confused with the American Bulldog, this is a separate breed. The breed originated in the American south in the 1800s as a plantation dog. As the large plantations disappeared, so did the breed. Ms. Lana Lou Lane, a third generation owner of the breed, has worked with the Animal Research Foundation to save the breed from extinction.
Alapahas have definite bulldog characteristics and should convey an aura of nobility and pride, hence the “blue blood” name. They stand 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 65 to 110 pounds, with females smaller than males. The head is broad and flat across the top, and the jaws are heavily muscled. The eyes are prominent and the ears folded. The coat is short and stiff. Colors include white with patches of color, including brindle, blue merle, or chocolate.
Grooming
This breed is easy to groom. Twice a week the coat can be brushed with a soft bristle brush or curry comb. The breed needs vigorous daily exercise. A long walk morning and evening plus a couple of good games of fetch will keep most happy.
Character
Puppies are very silly but both puppies and adults enjoy games. Adults can enjoy carting and weight pulling. The breed is protective of both property and people. Early and ongoing socialization is needed to ensure the dog grows up well-adjusted.
These dogs are protective and devoted; they will give their lives to protect their owners. This, as well as the breed’s size and power, makes them a difficult dog for first-time dog owners.
They usually love children and are willing playmates. Although they won’t start fights with other dogs, they won’t back away from a fight, either.
Training and Health Concern
Training is also important, not just because this is a powerful dog but also to give the dog a job. These are bright, inquisitive dogs, and if they don’t have something to keep them busy, they will get into trouble.
The biggest health concerns today are the problems associated with the breed’s very small gene pool.
Brushing Canine Teeth
Always keep the teeth clean is a good practice for dog's health. Many studies have shown that disease in the gums, teeth, and mouth can travel through the body, primarily through the bloodstream, and can affect other organs. One study in particular found a direct link between a dirty mouth and heart disease in older dogs.
For tools you can use a child’s small toothbrush and some baking soda. Although there are toothpastes made specifically for dogs, sometimes these taste too good, and it’s tough to keep the dog’s tongue out of the way—he’s trying to eat the toothpaste!
Don’t use toothpaste made for people; the taste is much too strong for dogs, and not all the ingredients have been tested for safety on dogs.
- Before you begin, mix a little baking soda (maybe a tablespoon) with just enough water to make a paste. You will dip the toothbrush in this paste and use it as you would toothpaste.
- Invite your dog to sit in front of you or in your lap, depending on her size. You can wrap a towel around her neck or drape it over your lap.
- Dip the toothbrush in the dampened baking soda, lift your dog’s lips on one side of her muzzle, and gently begin brushing as you steady her head with your other hand.
- Every few strokes, pick up some more baking soda.
If your dog is very unhappy with this process, stop after brushing the outside of the teeth of onequarter of her mouth. Offer her a drink of water, and then tell her how brave she is and what a wonderful dog she is. Later, or even the next day, you can do some more. Gradually, by doing a little each day, you can get the entire mouth cleaned and, at the same time, get her used to this necessary chore.
Some dog owners have found battery-powered toothbrushes with moveable heads to be very
effective. They make it easier to remove plaque build-up from their dogs’ teeth. Wait until your
dog is used to the teeth-cleaning process, though, before introducing a moving toothbrush, as some dogs are very sensitive to the sound of it.
Cleaning Ears
You must introduce Ears Cleaning when your dog is young and you clean the ears very gently. Begin with cotton balls or the cotton pads used to remove makeup. You will also need witch hazel or a commercial ear-cleaning solution.
Before cleaning, lift the ear flap and take a sniff of each ear. The ears should smell slightly damp but should not smell bad. If you detect a dirty or yeasty smell, do not clean the ears but instead take your dog to the veterinarian so he can see the ears as they are. An early ear infection often can’t be seen but will smell different, often yeasty.
To clean the ears:
- Make sure that the witch hazel or earcleaning solution is at least room temperature. Never use it cold from the refrigerator.
- Dampen several cotton balls or pads with the cleaning solution and then squeeze out the excess.
- Lift the dog’s ear flap up and fold it over the top of the dog’s head.
- Holding the dog’s head with one hand, use the other hand to gently wipe out the ear with the cotton ball.
- Wipe all the crevices of the ear but do not force the cotton ball into the ear canal; just get those areas that you can easily reach.
- If the ears are dirty, change cotton balls as soon as they are soiled.
If your dog is anxious about ear cleaning or is protesting, get a spoonful of peanut butter to distracting her. She’ll be so busy licking the peanut butter that she won’t care what you do to her ears.
Some breeds, such as Poodles and Schnauzers, grow hair in their ears. This hair needs to be removed, as it will get gummed up with earwax, potentially leading to ear infections. You can pull the hair out gently with your fingers or with forceps.
If you have any questions about how to do this, or how much hair to pull out, make an appointment with a professional groomer to show you how to do it correctly.
This can be quite painful if done incorrectly. Unless your dog gets really dirty when playing, the ears only need to be cleaned weekly. If your dog gets an ear infection, her ears may need to be treated daily. Ask your veterinarian for guidance.
Wiping Eyes
For most dogs, keeping eyes clean is easy. You can gently wipe a damp paper towel over the eyelids daily, wiping away any dirt or crustiness. However, for some breeds, such as Toy and Miniature Poodles and Bichons Frises, eye care takes a little more time. Some dogs just seem to produce more tears, and the dampness around the eyes can cause problems. The eyelids and skin around the eyes can be wiped with an antibacterial wipe (the kind made for use by people are fine), but then the skin and coat should be dried with a small hand towel. Don’t let the skin and coat remain damp; it’s not healthy.
If the hair under the eyes, especially between the eyes and the muzzle, turns color (often a rustred), take your dog to the veterinarian to make sure that the eyes are healthy. Sometimes eyelids turn in toward the eyes, causing eyelashes to rub up against the eyes, resulting in irritation and Grooming Your Dog eventually eye damage. This can cause excess tearing, and surgery is often required to correct it.
However, if the eyes and eyelids get a clean bill of health, talk to your groomer about products to
remove the discoloration from the coat.
Akita
The Akita was bred as a versatile hunting dog in Japan and, over the years, has assumed a place of honor in the hearts of the Japanese people. When a child is born, the parents are often given a small statue of an Akita as a symbol of happiness, health, and longevity.
The Akita stands 24 to 28 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 115 pounds, with females smaller than males. The head is broad, with a deep muzzle, upright ears, and small, dark eyes. The body is longer than the dog is tall at the shoulder, the chest is deep, and the tail is large, full, and carried over the back with a curl. The coat is double, with the undercoat soft and dense. The outer coat is straight and stands out from the body. Colors include white, pinto, or brindle.
Taking Care and Health Concern
During most of the year, the Akita can be brushed twice a week. During spring and fall when
shedding is heaviest, daily brushing is needed. Akitas do not have a doggy odor and are catlike in
their ability to help keep themselves clean.
Health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, knee and eye problems, and cancer.
Akitas are not an overly active breed. A couple of long walks each day plus a quick jog alongside
a bicycle will satisfy the needs of most. Puppies can be bouncy, silly, and like to play games, but
adult Akitas can be quite serious.
Character
Akitas have strong guardian instincts. To grow up confident and well-adjusted, they must meet a variety of people early in life. Training is also important; the Akita is a powerful dog who could take advantage of his owner. Training should be firm, yet fair and fun.
Akitas can be a difficult dog for a first-time dog owner. Loyal and devoted to a fault, they can also be stubborn and dominant. Although good with children who respect them, they are intolerant of teasing. They are not always good with visiting children or rough kid’s play; it may be misinterpreted as something harmful. As hunters, they are not good with small pets.
Akbash Dog
From Turkey and claims both sighthounds and Mastiffs as ancestors. The breed was imported into the U.S. in the late 1970s as a livestock guardian, and by 1986, had established itself as one of the most successful livestock guardian breeds, protecting livestock from predators, including coyotes and bears.
The Akbash Dog stands 27 to 32 inches tall and weighs 75 to 140 pounds. It is white with a double coat. The undercoat is dense and soft. The outer coat comes in two lengths: either a medium coat that lies flat or a long coat that has a distinct ruff and profuse feathering. The Akbash Dog should show features of both the sighthound, with his long legs and deep chest, and the Mastiff, with his broad head, height, and weight.
Grooming and Health Concern
Grooming the Akbash is not difficult; the breed is not prone to matting. However, the coat sheds
a little all the time and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing can reduce the hair in the house.
Health concerns are few but include cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia.
Character
The Akbash is a calm dog in the house but is an athletic breed. Walks alone are not enough; a
daily run is necessary to use up excess energy. Although puppies and young Akbash like to play,
this is a serious breed; adult Akbash usually forego games.
Early and continuing socialization is very important, especially for those kept as family pets. Bred to be protective and wary, the Akbash does not like strangers.
This is a loyal breed, one that would give his life for his family, but he can be a difficult dog for a first-time dog owner. Because he can be opinionated and pushy, he’s best with kids over 8 to 10 years of age. Bred to ward off predators, the Akbash can be dog-aggressive.
Training
Training can be challenging because as a livestock guardian, he is supposed to think for himself. With motivation, the Akbash can be trained, but he will question each command and respond as he wishes.
Airedale Terrier
Male Airedales stand about 23 inches tall at the shoulder, with females slightly shorter. Both males and females are well-muscled and sturdy, with an athletic appearance. The black and tan coat is wiry with a slight wavy texture. Airedales stand tall, on straight front legs, with their heads held high. The ears are V-shaped, folded at the side of the head, and alert. The eyes are dark and expressive, with an alert, intelligent expression. The tail is carried high.
Most breeds have specialties, but Airedale Terriers have a broad range of skills. They can hunt birds, retrieve downed birds, and track and tree mammals, both large and small. Airedales were also the first breed used as police dogs in both Great Britain and Germany, and in wartime, served as guards and messengers.
They were prized by both law enforcement and military because they retained their training well and would work through harsh conditions and discomfort.
Origin
The breed was developed in Aire, England, probably from the English Terrier. Some experts feel
the Otterhound was crossed with the English Terrier to help create a waterproof coat and to add to the first breed’s hunting abilities. After the mid-1800s, the breed was known as the Working Terrier, Waterside Terrier, and Bingley Terrier.
Taking Care and Health Concern
The Airedale’s coat requires daily brushing and combing to keep it clean and free of debris. The
coat grows continually, and a visit to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks is necessary to keep the coat looking as it should. Airedales competing in conformation dog shows are hand-stripped
(rather than having the hair cut with clippers). If you wish to show your dog, ask your dog’s breeder to show you how to do this type of grooming.
Athletic, active dogs, Airedales need vigorous daily exercise. A casual walk morning and evening is nowhere near enough for a young, healthy Airedale. Instead, these dogs need a brisk jog or run alongside a bicycle, a twenty-minute game of tennis ball fetch, or a workout on the agility course (or all of the above) every day.
The primary health concerns include hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Training
Airedales are intelligent dogs and retain what they have learned quite well. Puppies should attend puppy kindergarten classes to begin their training. The socialization in these classes is also important. Airedales can be hardheaded when they get bored, and very stubborn if the training is not fair. You must figure out what motivates your dog, and keep one step ahead during the training process. Keep the training fair and structured and lots of fun, and the Airedale will always be looking for more to do.
The Airedale today is a strong, active, and very physical dog. The breed retains its hunting instincts, so a gopher or squirrel in the yard could cause great excitement. They have excelled in many sports, including obedience, agility, tracking, search and rescue, and carting. Many are still used for hunting. As hunters, Airedales should not be trusted with small pets, and interactions with the family cat should be supervised. Although Airedales can be great family dogs, they are rambunctious and must learn to behave around small children.
Dog Allergies: What to Do If You Are Allergic to Your Dog
Are you a pet owner who thinks that you may be allergic to your dog? If you are, you may be looking for guidance. After all, there is nothing worse than realizing that you are allergic to your beloved pet or pets.
One of the first things that you will want to do is make sure that you do have a pet allergy. Sometimes, the symptoms of having a pet allergy can be caused by other allergies or by another medical illness, such as the flu or the common cold. Those who suffer from pet allergies may experience a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, develop a skin rash, or have difficultly breathing. If you experience severe allergy symptoms or if you would like conformation that you do have a pet allergy, schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.
As for how you can go about treating your pet allergies that are due to your dog, you can remove the dog from your home. If you are unable to do so or if you choose not to, you will want to see if you can find it a good home. Friends or family members who are willing to take your pet are often considered the best option. Even if you want to keep your dog with you, there are still a number of steps that you can take to seek relief from some common dog allergy symptoms.
The best way to limit your allergy symptoms that can be attributed to your dog is to keep your dog or dogs out of your bedroom. The bedroom is the room where we spend most of our time. For that reason, your dog or dogs should be kept out of your bedroom. Doing so, may limit the number of irritating symptoms you display. It may also help to get you a good night of sleep. In addition to the bedroom, it is also important to examine other rooms that you may spend a good portion of your time. Consider keeping your dog or dogs out of that room as well.
Another great tip involves not letting your dog or dogs climb on your furniture. This is particularly important if you like to lie down on your couch or rest in a reclining chair. You do not want to have pet dander and hair in your face. If you must, covers can be used. There are a number of cloth style covers that can be used. They are a great alternative to the unattractive plastic covers. With that in mind, should you use cloth covers, be sure to wash them every few days or when too much pet hair accumulates.
Investing in an air purifier is another way that you can seek relief from a dog allergy, without having to find a new home for your beloved pet. Air purifiers work by eliminating air particles, including pet dander. It is best if you search online for air purifiers that are designed to help those with allergies. These air purifiers can easily be found with a standard internet search. Also, HEPA air filters and HEPA air purifiers are known for their amazing results.
Vacuuming as much as possible is another way to manage the symptoms that you may be experiencing due to having a dog allergy. In addition to vacuuming often, be sure to take a good, close look at the vacuum cleaner you are using. There are now vacuum cleaners that use HEPA filters and they come highly rated and recommended. In fact, there are even some vacuum cleaners that are targeted towards and marketed towards pet owners. You should examine these vacuum cleaners.
The above mentioned steps are a few of the many steps that you can take to seek relief from allergies that you may be suffering due to close contact with your dog. As reminder, a doctor may be able to prescribe you prescription medication or recommend over-the-counter products that may work just as well. With that said, remember that treating allergies, especially pets allergies, naturally is usually much safer.
Afghan Hound
A capable hunting dog, the Afghan hound is a swift runner and a powerful jumper
Originated in the wilds of Afghanistan. When Westerners first saw the breed in the 1800s, they found a fast, sure-footed sighthound who would chase and bring down hare or deer and would corner predators, such as wolves and jackals.
The Afghan has a regal appearance, standing 25 to 27 inches tall and weighing between 50 and 60 pounds, with females smaller than males. The head is held high, and the eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The ears are long. The body is that of a runner with long legs, a strong back, and a deep chest. The tail is long and has a curve at the end. The coat is long and silky and may
be of any color.
Training
Training the Afghan can be a challenge. Bred to work independently, he prefers his own agenda to someone else’s and can have quite a stubborn streak. In the house, young Afghans are known to be destructive chewers if given too much freedom and not allowed enough exercise. With the right motivation, the Afghan can learn to enjoy training and to go along with
household rules.
Training should be structured yet fun. This is a fun breed for people who understand it. Afghans
are good with children if raised or well-socialized with them. Bred as hunting dogs, they are not good with small pets.
Taking Care and Health Issue
The coat requires daily combing and brushing to maintain it without tangles. The Afghan Club of
America recommends bathing adult Afghans once a week. Bathing and blow drying the coat and
brushing and combing it as it dries requires two to three hours. Many pet owners choose to keep
the coat significantly shorter for ease of care.
The Afghan enjoys a chance to stretch his legs at least once each day. The Afghan should always
run in a fenced yard because if he is off leash and happens to flush a rabbit, he will be gone in a
heartbeat. Afghans also appreciate comfort and will enjoy a snuggle on the sofa once the exercise is over.
Health concerns include hip dysplasia and eye and heart problems.
Affenpinschers
Affenpinschers are one of the oldest toy breeds. In the 1600s in Germany, these little dogs were used as mousers and ratters on farms or in food businesses. Their name means monkey dog in German.
An alert, sturdy little terrier standing 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weighing 8 to 10 pounds, he is known by his cute, monkeylike face. With a round head, short muzzle, round and dark expressive eyes, and erect ears (natural or cropped), the Affenpinscher has a distinct look. The rough coat is about an inch long.
There is slightly longer hair on the face to emphasize his features. The coat can be black, gray, silver, red, or black and tan. The tail may be docked or natural.
Character
This breed is playful and full of energy—very terrierlike. A brisk walk morning and evening plus a playtime (or two or three) in between will keep most Affenpinschers happy. They also enjoy games and canine sports; trick training is always fun, as the breed is a natural showoff!
Affenpinschers are funny little dogs and do best with active people. The breed is fine with children as long as they treat him with respect. The breed is also good with other pets, although most Affenpinschers need to learn not to chase the family cat.
Training
Housetraining these dogs can be a challenge, but with patience and consistency it can be accomplished. The Affenpinscher Club of America recommends that these dogs attend puppy training classes for socialization, basic obedience training, and, if you should need it, help with the housetraining.
The training should be structured yet fun; keep in mind that Affenpinschers may cooperate with training or they may not. They do have a quirky sense of humor!
Grooming and Health Concern
Grooming the Affenpinscher takes some skill. Show dogs must be hand-stripped. If you would like to do this, talk to your dog’s breeder for guidance. Most pet dogs are groomed with scissors and clippers by a professional groomer.
Health concerns include hip and knee problems, and they can have breathing problems during hot, humid weather.