Strongpets Blog » Dogs Good With Children

Pug

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:39:42 +0000

Pug

The pug is cute in an “only a mother could love” kind of way. The pug is playful, stable, dependable, calm and good natured. This dog instinctively seems to know when it will benefit him to act mature, and when to act sweet or silly. Pugs are black and fawn, with a rare color not often found of silver.

Training

The pug is stubborn, and may take up to six months to housetrain. You may also find him stubborn as you attempt to train him in other ways as well.

Exercise

The pug does not require a lot of exercise. As a matter of fact, breathing difficulties may keep him from exercising for long periods of time.

Grooming

The pug is a heavy shedder. Daily brushing outside will help to keep the hair down in your house.

Health

It is unfortunate that this dog has been bred to almost distorted proportions. This causes many health problems, the worst being breathing. If it is hot or muggy outside, you will probably need to keep your pug indoors. The breed is at risk of heat stroke in the hot weather. Due to the pug’s protruding eyes, always protect his eyes in wind and near other potential eye hazards. Due to breathing difficulties, your pug may also be at risk when being anesthetized.

Old English Sheepdog

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:39:12 +0000

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is, well, very large and furry! He has a double coat of fur and will shed all over your house. This breed will slobber, and his fur will carry things through your house such as feces, leaves, water and mud. The Old English Sheepdog loves to be with family and is very affectionate. Despite his size, he is very playful and loves to romp. You will find that his playfulness and “puppiness” may last up to three years. He is sometimes called a clown.

This breed is a herder and is happy when given a job. He does not like to be alone, and enjoys staying busy and playing. You may find that if he gets bored with the family outside, that his first choice of entertainment is to hear you! Keep your Old English Sheepdog active, exercised and groomed. This dog is not recommended for small apartments.

Training

The Old English Sheepdog can be strong-willed with a longer adolescence span than most dogs. Train consistently with kindness.

Exercise

Your Old English Sheepdog requires daily exercise. He loves to romp and play, and will become bored and possibly destructive if not allowed to run.

Grooming

This dog has a double coat. It is course on the outside and softer on the inside to keep him warm. The Old English Sheepdog requires daily and intense grooming to keep his coat from getting matted. This is one of the most grooming-intensive dogs you can own. Be sure you have time each day to groom your dog, and plenty of time when you are ready to bathe him.

Health

Prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, Wobbler’s syndrome and von Wildebrand’s disease. Never purchase an Old English Sheepdog from an unknown breeder. Do your homework before you acquire one of these dogs. Purchasing this breed from an unknown source may leave you with a dog that is high strung, neurotic and bites.

Kerry Blue Terrier

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:35:24 +0000

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium sized dog that is affectionate and loves family. He is playful, energetic and loves to make people laugh. This breed is also intelligent and enjoys a challenge. This dog is good with children.

Training

Your Kerry Blue Terrier can be dog aggressive, so early socializing with other dogs is a must if you plan to be around them. The Kerry Blue may be a bit strong headed, but can be trained with consistent, positive reinforcement. This dog does not like mundane tricks – he likes to be challenged. The Kerry Blue is a good candidate for agility training.

Exercise

The Kerry Blue Terrier loves to run. He requires a good amount of daily exercise, including running.

Grooming

This breed is known to be good for people who have mild allergies. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a low shedder with little smell. Groom every six weeks and bathe and brush weekly. Your Kerry Blue is prone to ear infections from hair inside the ear. Have your veterinarian teach you how to trim this hair, or have him checked regularly by your vet.

Health

The Kerry Blue Terrier is healthy and can live a long life. This breed may be prone to hip dysplasia, PNA and cataracts. Your Kerry only has a one layer coat, so keep him warm in cold weather.

English Springer Spaniel

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:33:29 +0000

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is friendly, sociable, intelligent and energetic. He is medium sized with either a flat coat or one that is wavy and feathered. The coat can be liver and white or black and white – with the white possibly having flecks of color. His tail is sometimes docked, and is always wagging.

Your English Springer Spaniel does best being around you and others. If he is left alone for too long, he may get himself into trouble with barking or destruction. If you have a pool, you may find your English Springer Spaniel taking a swim, since the breed generally loves the water.

Training

The English Springer Spaniel is obedient and is easily trained. This spaniel is often used for hunting. The Spaniel bred for hunting is called the field Spaniel, and has quite a lot of energy. The bench English Springer Spaniel is calmer and is used more for showing.

Your English Springer Spaniel may go through a period where he tests you. This time is compared to the teenage years of a child. Use a gentle but firm stance when your dog tries to tell you that he is in charge. Just as your teenager will, your English Springer Spaniel will grow out of this phase.

Exercise

The English Springer Spaniel needs plenty of exercise, and would not do well in an apartment. He will be happy running, retrieving, and if possible, swimming. This dog is an excellent candidate for flyball or agility training.

Grooming

This breed requires regular brushing – and shampooing – when needed. Trim or shave underneath the ears so your English Springer Spaniel will not get ear infections. Have your veterinarian or groomer show you how to do this safely. If you take your dog for a nice romp in the field or woods, check carefully for ticks or burs in the fur.

Health

The English Springer Spaniel may be prone to hip dysplasia, an eye disorder called PRA, a blood disorder called PFK or epilepsy. Watch your English Springer Spaniel’s weight as well – he is prone to weight gain.

English Cocker Spaniel

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:29:40 +0000

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a very happy, playful dog. He is good around other animals and good around children. When you see an English Cocker Spaniel, you will usually see her wagging her tail. Your English Cocker Spaniel likes to be around people, and may be sad if left alone – English Cockers may become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

Training

Your English Cocker Spaniel loves activity and loves you – you will probably find your English Cocker Spaniel easy to train. Your Spaniel is quick to bark – try to train him early to “think before you bark.”

Exercise

The English Cocker Spaniel requires a good deal of exercise. He loves to run, and is sometimes used for hunting. Be sure to let your English Cocker Spaniel run and play every day.

Grooming

Your English Cocker Spaniel has hair that can become easily matted. You should brush daily, and trim every few months. Be ready to always have dog hair in your home.

Health

The English Cocker Spaniel breed is prone to deafness, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, hepatitis and skin problems.

Chinese Crested – Hairless and Powderpuff

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:24:58 +0000

Chinese Crested – Hairless and Powderpuff

The Chinese Crested dog comes both hairless or as a Powderpuff, with a single coat of hair. Fortunately for them, although still rare, these dogs have come a long way from when the Aztecs used them as food. Often called the clown dog, this breed loves to get attention – and will do almost anything to get this attention.

Funny, smart and cuddly, the Chinese Crested dog is both entertaining and sweet to have around the house. If you are gone for long periods of time, this breed is not for you. A bored Chinese Crested will even become destructive to gain the attention of his owner. This breed can become upset and lonely easily if ignored for extended periods of time. The Chinese Crested can become heavily bonded with his owner and does not change families easily.

Not known for barking and enjoying even the attention of strangers, this dog is probably not a potential guard dog. You will enjoy this dog’s unusual antics, from smiling to singing as well. Children must be taught gentleness with the hairless Chinese Crested, who can be easily harmed due to the lack of fur. A family dog through and through, the Chinese Crested is good with children, loyal and even cuddly.

Training

The Chinese Crested dog loves attention and will do well pleasing his owner. This breed can do tricks if given positive reinforcement during training.

Exercise

The Chinese Crested dog should be exercised daily, but not in extreme heat or cold.

Grooming

The Hairless Chinese Crested breed has no hair except for his feet, head and tail. This dog requires bathing every few weeks. Do not bathe too often or the skin can dry out. Moisturizers will keep this dog’s skin supple and healthy in between baths.

Health

Always give this dog a sweater in the winter and keep the dog out of direct sunlight for extended lengths of time. Use sunscreen to avoid burning. This breed has the potential to be allergic to lanolin and wool. It normally does not have a full set of teeth, with some potentially being lost during adulthood as well.

Bulldog

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:20:41 +0000

Bulldog

Friendly, good with children and loyal. These three words describe the bulldog. The Bulldog is a nice family pet and does well in an apartment. He is loyal and does not fear anything – as a matter of fact, there are stories in which bulldogs have saved their owners’ lives.

Your bulldog loves attention, and is happiest when you are giving it to him. A bulldog might not be happy if he is alone all day and does not get lots of attention in the evening. He is an excellent watchdog, but remember he may want to scrap with unknown dogs near you. The bulldog is a friendly, good and loyal family pet.

The bulldog has a healthy amount of flatulence, and will drool as well as snore and grunt. He is not suitable for extreme temperatures of both hot and cold. The bulldog has a short face and may have breathing problems if worked too hard or left in heat or cold.

Training

Potty training will be fine with the bulldog. Be patient and he will try to please you.

Exercise

The Bulldog does not require a lot of exercise. He will be active when young but will grow out after a few years. This breed will be fine in an apartment, but will enjoy a daily walk.

Grooming

This breed does not require a great deal of grooming. The Bulldog is a moderate shedder. A nice weekly brushing will suffice.

Health

The Bulldog can have breathing problems due to the shape of his head and his small windpipe. He is susceptible to skin infections and may have poor eyesight. The bulldog can also suffer from hip dysplasia.

Brittany Spaniel

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:17:25 +0000

Brittany Spaniel

You do not see a lot of negative information about the Brittany Spaniel. This dog is even tempered, happy and eager to please. He is a good family dog and is nice with children if raised with them from a puppy. Keep your puppy Brittany Spaniel socialized. Affectionate and good natured, this breed makes a very nice pet.

The Brittany Spaniel loves to run outdoors. The are happiest on lots of land, running, hunting and playing. They are not good apartment dogs, and do best with families who love to be outside. Brittany Spaniels are often used for hunting, showing and retrieving. They are happiest when given jobs, while at the same time are joyous to be with their family.

Training

Potty training is not difficult with a Brittany Spaniel. The Brittany is intelligent and eager to please. A Brittany Spaniel may be independent, so consistent training is a must.

Exercise

The Brittany Spaniel is active and enjoys both running and swimming. This breed can adapt to many terrains, which makes them especially attractive as hunting dogs. The Brittany loves to be active and busy. As a good family dog, the Brittany Spaniel enjoys running around with the children and playing games.

Grooming

This breed has a medium length coat that does not require a great deal of grooming. The dog is a moderate shedder. If your dog is outdoors on a regular basis, as this breed should be, check under the ears and under the fur for ticks.

Health

The Brittany Spaniel is prone to hip dysplasia, glaucoma, epilepsy and a loose fitting knee cap that can lead to arthritis.

Boston Terrier

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:13:51 +0000

Boston Terrier

Friendly, active, funny and charming. This sums up the personality of the Boston Terrier. You would never know that this breed was once used for dog fights! Originally bred from the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier – these were tough little guys in the ring. But today this dog is known to be good-natured and a nice family dog.

Your Boston Terrier will drool, and will most likely have some healthy flatulence. Due to his short face, he also snorts and makes grunting or snoring sounds.

The Boston Terrier is sturdy yet a small size. He loves to play games and chase balls. This is an active dog, but not known to be hyper. He does not require long walks, but enjoys being where you are and doesn’t mind being carried. They normally get along with other pets, however the male Boston Terriers may want to scrap with other unknown dogs.

Training

Potty training will take you up to six months with the Boston Terrier. This dog may be a bit stubborn, so plan on housebreaking to take a bit longer than with most dogs.

Exercise

The Boston Terrier loves to play games, ball and interact with you. He does not require long walks or a great deal of exercise. This breed is a good apartment dog and loves to play with children.

Grooming

This breed does not require a great deal of grooming. The Boston Terrier is a moderate shedder. A nice weekly brushing will suffice.

Health

The Boston Terrier is prone to breathing problems due to the short face, similar to the pug. He cannot be placed in extreme cold or heat, which will cause respiratory problems. This terrier has protruding eyes that are susceptible to injury. The female has a small pelvis and may have a difficult time delivering large headed pups. Your Boston Terrier may develop skin or heart tumors.

Basset Hound

admin — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:09:35 +0000

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is mild-mannered, friendly and sociable. He is strong, smart and devoted, loving and faithful. You can also add the word stubborn to the mix – your Basset Hound may even ignore the great enticement of food during training if he wants things his own way!

Your Basset Hound may appear quiet and possibly lazy with his stature. This is very far from the truth. He is energetic and sometimes loud. Basset Hounds were bred to hunt rabbits. They will follow a scent even if it means running through an invisible electric fence. You must always keep a Basset Hound in a fenced yard. Once he catches a wonderful scent, he will follow it until he is satisfied.

If you own a Basset Hound as well as a pool, always watch your dog near the pool. Keep him fenced away from it when you are not there. If a Basset Hound falls in the pool, he will most likely drown.

Do not leave your Basset Hound alone for long periods of time outside. His large capacity lungs are capable of huge, long bays.

Training

As we noted above, your Basset Hound is an extremely stubborn dog. He may be hard potty train, as well as any other type of training you attempt. He will do well in a house where the rules are meant to be bent.

Exercise

The Basset Hound requires a good amount of exercise daily. He is best kept in a fenced yard where he can run as much as he pleases without the ability to sneak away after a scent. He can easily gain weight if not exercised daily.

Grooming

This dog sheds year round. The hair will stick to furniture, clothes and more.

Health

Again, the Basset Hound is prone to weight gain if not exercised a good amount daily. He will smell more than regular dogs because of his oily skin. Your Bassett may also have a healthy amount of flatulence.