It’s normal for dogs and cats to eat grass. In fact, dogs in the wild eat grass to supplement their diet with vegetation. You don’t have to discourage your pup from nibbling on grass unless the ground has been treated with herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers, or unless eating grass causes vomiting.

Pekingese

Height: averages 8 inches.
Weight: up to 14 pounds.

History:
The Pekingese was the favorite dog of the Chinese Emperor’s Court until 1860. Small specimens of this fluffy little dog were called “sleeve dogs” because they fit neatly into the sleeves of Chinese courtiers’ robes. They were called “lion dogs” because of their large chests, full manes and strong personalities. Pekingese were thought to be miniature versions of Chinese Foo Dogs, able to stave off evil spirits. They were often put to death when their masters died to protect the owners in the afterlife. British soldiers discovered the breed when they overran the Summer Palace in Beijing in 1860. They brought some of these animals to the Western world. The sweet little Pekingese caught on quickly with dog fanciers in the West and is now one of the most popular breeds.

Description:
A small, but sturdy, dog with a long straight coat, thick mane and plenty of feathering on the tail, underside, legs and ears. The Pekingese is surprisingly heavy for his size. The top of the skull is flat, not domed. The black face is wide and flattened– breeders describe a “brick-shaped” head as being most desirable. The large round eyes are dark and luminous, set wide apart. There must be black spectacles around the eyes. The nose is black, with open nostrils. A wrinkle separates the upper and lower parts of the face. The heart-shaped ears hang down. Any color is allowable. The Pekingese has a unique rolling gait due to his short bowed legs, heavy front body and lighter hindquarters.

Notes:
Some bloodlines are prone to eye, spine and respiratory problems. Like many short-faced breeds, the Pekingese may wheeze and snore and is sensitive to hot weather. Can be a picky eater. Tends to bite–not recommended for children. The coat requires much constant attention. Usually gets along well with other animals. Likes to bark, but the bark usually is not loud.

Personality:
Very loving and sweet with his master, but wary of strangers. Brave even when such behavior is unwise. Loyal and dignified. Self-important and confident. Calm, pleasant company. Can be quite willful; a big dog in a small body. Demanding lap dog, but not high-strung. Naturally well-behaved. Tends to be possessive of toys and food. Overprotected Pekingese can develop neuroses.

Behavior:
Children: Not recommended for children.
Friendliness: Moderately protective.
Independence: Needs people a lot.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs. 

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Extensive grooming needed.
Coat: Long coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Very little exercise needed.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard.
Climate: Prefers cool climates.
Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years).

As a Pet Parent, you know chocolate and alcoholic beverages can be toxic to dogs. Now you can add macadamia nuts, tomatoes and a few more foods to that list.

According to the “Hound Health Handbook” by Betsy Brevitz, DVM, the following foods can be unhealthy, even toxic, to your best friend:

• Macadamia nuts: Even an ounce or two of macadamia nuts can cause temporary paralysis in dogs.
• Tomatoes and tomato plants: The chemical atropine found in tomatoes and their plants can give your dog tremors and heart arrhythmias.
• Onions and garlic: Dogs that ingest large quantities of onions and garlic can experience hemolytic anemia, a breakdown of red blood cells, that can cause fatigue.
• Grapes and raisins: While the cause has not been determined, large quantities of grapes and raisins have been known to cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Moldy or spoiled food: Just like humans, dogs can suffer food poisoning caused by eating moldy and spoiled foods.
• Fatty foods: High-fat foods and those fried or cooked in grease can not only cause your dog to gain unhealthy weight, it can also cause pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis, which can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, can also require hospitalization.
• Any hard seed or pit: Corncobs, peach pits and apple cores are just some of the food items that can get stuck in the digestive track if eaten by your dog.

For questions about your dog’s diet,  consult your veterinarian.

Tibetan Spaniel

Height: averages 10 inches.
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds.

History:
Dogs were highly prized in ancient Tibet, and were often given as gifts to royal houses. This practice spread dogs through Asia, and because breeding was not particularly discriminate, the Tibetan Spaniel is thought to be related to many other Oriental breeds, including the Chin and the Pekingese. Depictions of dogs similar to the Tibetan Spaniel have been found on Chinese bronzes from as early as 1100 BC. The Tibetan Spaniel was a companion and watchdog at Tibetan monasteries, sitting on the high walls and barking at any sign of intruders. The dog also reportedly turned the prayer wheels for his masters. Today’s Tibetan Spaniel still likes to sit in high places to watch over his surroundings. The Tibetan Spaniel first was brought to England in the late 1800’s. The breed received official AKC recognition in 1984. Now the Tibetan Spaniel is a popular companion and show dog.

Description:
A small dog that looks rather like a Pekingese, but with a slightly longer face, less profuse coat and no extra skin around the eyes. He is somewhat longer than tall. The dog should carry himself proudly. The top of the head is slightly rounded, and the medium length muzzle is blunt. The expressive oval eyes are dark brown and the nose should be black. A slightly undershot bite is preferred. The Tibetan Spaniel has a plumed tail curling over his back, feathered pendant ears and a soft, silky medium-length coat. The neck sports a mane of longer hair. The coat comes in many shades: gold, cream, fawn, red, white, black, and black-and-tan. May be solid, multicolor or shaded. This breed should have small hare-feet.

Notes:
Usually gets along well with other animals. Not prone to any major health problems. May overheat or have respiratory problems because of his short face. The Tibetan Spaniel is slow to mature and lives a long time. The adult’s long coat develops by the time the pup is five or six months old. Once a year, the coat comes out in clumps.

Personality:
Perky and happy. Very smart and trusting. Sweet and loving to his family, aloof with strangers. Protective of his family, and especially of children. A good watchdog who will bark at intruders and strange happenings. Not yappy. Rather insistent and willful at times.

Behavior:
Children: Best with older, considerate children.
Friendliness: Moderately protective.
Independence: Fairly independent.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Coat: Feathered coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: moderate exercise needed.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).

Before you invest in a brush, comb or other grooming tool, you’ll want to know your dog’s coat type. Find your pup’s breed below, or if he is a mixed breed, find the breed you believe is most dominant.

Flat-Coated: Dalmations, Greyhounds, Staffordshire Terriers, Boxers, Pointers and Miniature Pinchers all have this short, tight flat coat.

Short-Coated: Labradors, Beagles, Rottweilers, Cattle dogs and Pugs have this coat, which can be from 1”- 2” inches long.

Combination Coat: Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Longhaired Daschunds and Papillions are some examples of dogs with this type of coat, characterized by both short and long areas.

Double Coat: Huskies, Elkhounds and German Shepherds have a shorter undercoat of thick, soft hair and an outer coat of longer, harder, “guard hairs.”

Heavy Coat: Samoyeds, Collies, Chows and Pomeranians have this thick, dense coat.

Silky Coat: Setters and Spaniels have long, flowing, soft hair that can be shorter in some areas and longer in others.

Curly Coat: Poodles, Bichons, Kerry Blue Terriers, Portuguese Water dogs and Bouviers all sport a curly coat. Sometimes referred to as non-shedding, the coats on these breeds do actually release hair,  just much less frequently than other coat types. Because the coat is curly, the hairs get trapped in the coat rather than falling out.

Wire Coat: Airedales, Schnauzers, Westies, Scotties, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens and Deerhounds have this hard hair, referred to as “wirey.”

Natural Long Hair: Sheepdogs, Shih Tzus, Lhasas, Malteses and Yorkshire Terriers have this  flowing hair, which continually grows and is soft to the touch.

Miniature Bull Terrier

Height: 10 to 14 inches.
Weight: 20 to 34 pounds.

History:
Smart, cheerful, fearless, and typically referred to as a clown, the Miniature Bull Terrier is basically a smaller version of the standard Bull Terrier. In fact, the “mini bull” is a great dog for those who admire the standard “bully” but, for whatever reason, can’t handle the size (typically up to 80 pounds) and dominance of the larger breed. The mini has been around almost as long as the standard Bull Terrier (that is, since the late 1800’s); it was created by pulling smaller pups from standard bull litters and then breeding them to create a whole line of mini-sized “bullies.” The smaller dogs, however, suffered from a number of faults and, due to lack of standardization, fell in and out of favor in both British and American show rings. In the 1960’s U.S. breeders imported Miniature Bull Terriers from England. Stateside fanciers gained Miscellaneous Class status from the AKC. Still, the small gene pool here continued to restrict breed improvement. It was not until greater numbers of minis were imported from both England and Australia in the early to mid 1980’s that the breed began to reach the standardization required. The AKC admitted the breed to the Terrier Group in 1991.

Description:
The Miniature Bull Terrier looks just like a standard Bull Terrier, with the same squarish, muscular build, short flat coat and long, strong head. Indeed, the mini bull is considered a “head” breed, in that its deep, egg-shaped head is its distinguishing feature. There is no stop where the nose departs from the brow, so the animal has what looks like a “Roman nose” arcing gently down in one long, undifferentiated line. The eyes should be triangular, well sunken, and have a keen and intelligent look. The nose should be black and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite.

The neck should be muscular and long. The back is short and strong, but arches up over the loin. The underline curves gracefully upwards. The chest looks broad from the front, but is not as broad as a bull dog’s. The short tail should be carried horizontally and should taper to a fine point. The typical gait is smooth and easy, even a bit jaunty. Coat colors are white (with or without head markings), fawn, brindle, and red.

Notes:
Due to the small number of Miniature Bull Terriers available, the breed as a whole suffers from some genetic maladies, especially heart defects (predominantly valve problems) and lens luxation. The eyes, hearing, heart, thyroid, and kidney function of the parents should be tested just prior to breeding. (These tests are generally only predictive of health problems in the offspring after the bitch or sire is two years old, however, so many breeders are waiting until their dogs are two or even three years old before breeding them.) Yearly exams of all these systems can help detect and possibly forestall expensive and painful health problems. Lens luxation and glaucoma, for instance, can often be prevented with the use of medications if they are discovered prior to clinical symptoms.

Personality:
The Miniature Bull Terrier packs a big punch for a small breed: he is strong, intelligent, and courageous, and so makes a good watchdog. (Breeders joke that a Mini Bull might let a burglar in, especially if he had a cookie, but he wouldn’t get out again.) The AKC standard also calls for a dog that is “amenable to discipline” and of “even temperament,” but these dogs can be hard to train because they don’t see the point of repetitive tasks. Toys, hikes, obedience training, agility work, therapy work, and ball play all help keep the active mini bull busy, happy, and out of trouble, but crate training is still essential for times when you’re not around to supervise. Miniature Bull Terriers, like their standard cousins, are also known for “bully runs,” when they suddenly sit up, tuck their tails, and take off across the room or yard at a full gallop. This is entertaining to watch, but, fortunately for those who prefer a more peaceful environment, usually only last a minute or so. Above all, breeders note, the mini bull is a great lover of humans and a clownish soul, who mostly wants to spend time-and fool around with-his humans.

Any handler of a Miniature Bull Terrier needs to be capable of taking a leadership role, as the dog is prone to challenging authority, especially as an adolescent. Care must also be taken with a mini bull if you have other pets. Due to the standard Bull Terrier’s history as a fighting and hunting dog, mini bulls can be aggressive.

Behavior:
Children: Best with older, considerate children.
Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers.
Independence: Not particularly dependent or independent.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: Do not trust with other pets.
Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
Noise: Average barking.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: A little grooming needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Indoors: Moderately active indoors.
Apartments: Not recommended for apartments.
Outdoor Space: Needs an average size yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Fairly long life span (12 to 15 years).

Vet visits made earsier - less scary

If there’s one place most dogs don’t enjoy visiting, it’s the vet’s office. Some get so stressed, they pant excessively, cry, even tremble - and that’s while they’re still in the waiting room! If vet visits stress your dog out, here are ways you can make the trip more relaxing and even enjoyable:

Make a visit to the vet’s office seem “normal” by taking your dog to the vet’s office when she doesn’t need to go.  Most vet practices are more than willing to work with you to help your dog feel comfortable there.  Any time you get a chance, take a ride up to the veterinarian’s office and bring some fabulous treats like boiled chicken, string cheese, freeze dried liver or her most favorite smelly treat.  When you arrive, take her into the outer waiting room, reward her with treats and leave.  If you have talked to your vet’s office ahead of time, you can plan to go when they have a chance to greet your dog and reward her with treats.  Ask if you can take your dog into an open exam room, reward her with treats and leave. Make sure to clear all of this with your vet and the staff and always be respectful of their time and needs.

Acquaint your dog with the procedures that might happen at the vet.  First, make sure your dog is comfortable being handled from her head to her paws. If she’s not, consult your trainer for help. Then ask your vet to show you the ways they handle dogs during routine examinations including ear, teeth, limb and joint exams and temperature readings. Practice these methods at home to help your dog get more familiar with them. Be sure to reward her with a steady stream of yummy treats to form positive associations. You might also want to acclimate your dog to wearing a muzzle just in case one is necessary. Practice putting the muzzle on and then reward her by letting her lick something yummy like peanut butter off your fingers.  You don’t even have to fasten it in the beginning, just have her wear it for a couple of seconds and then remove it.  Work up to having her wear it for just a couple of minutes and then remove it. 

Remember: NEVER hit, spank, or smack your dog.  Your dog should trust human hands and be calm whenever hands are reaching for her.

English Cocker Spaniel

Height: 16 to 17 inches (male); 15 to 16 inches (female).
Weight: averages 28 to 34 pounds (male); 25 to 30 (female).

History:
The Cocker and Springer Spaniels developed together, with only size differentiating them, until 1892 when the Kennel Club of England recognized them as separate breeds. Later, in the 1940’s the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs recognized the English Cocker Spaniel as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel. The name Cocker comes from the woodcock, a bird this spaniel was originally bred to hunt. Cockers are also good at hunting other birds. They are excellent retrievers with delicate mouths. The English Cocker hunts well in difficult terrain. These days, the English Cocker is more often a companion dog due to his good-natured disposition.

Description:
An alert, compactly built, medium sized dog with long ears, reaching at least to the nose when pulled forward. Solid, but not bulky. Strong and well-balanced, but not coarse. The upper plane of the skull is almost parallel to the upper plane of the muzzle, and the muzzle is about the same length as the skull. The dark, oval eyes should have a soft, melting, yet intelligent expression. The hair is medium length. The legs and underside of the body are well feathered. The nose is black or brown depending on coat color (black preferred). The chest is very deep and well developed, but not wide enough to interfere with efficient movement.  The coat comes in either solid black, liver or red or parti-color combinations of white with black, liver or red markings or ticking. Tan markings may appear on black, liver or parti-color dogs. There are two types of English Cocker, Field and Show. The Field types have a shorter coat.

Notes:
The English Cocker is recommended over the American Cocker Spaniel as a pet because breeding has been less indiscriminate. Cockers should be trained very gently, but firmly, as they are sensitive but also independant and intelligent. Can do well with cats in the household. The breed is somewhat prone to ear infections. Clean out excess wax regularly. The coat needs attention. Some coats are particularly profuse, cottony and prone to matting; others are more silky and flat-lying. Coat type varies substantially within the breed. Be careful not to overfeed, as the English Cocker puts on weight easily. Require BAER(hearing) test for all puppies.

Personality:
Hardy, energetic, merry and lovable, sweet and affectionate. Lively. Great dog for kids, gentle and playful, but does not tolerate teasing well. Superior companion dog. Generally an outgoing breed, but some individuals can be reserved. Temperament varies widely; research individual lines. Field lines may be too active to make good pets.

Behavior:
Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Independence: Needs people a lot.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Coat: Feathered coat.
Shedding: Average shedder. 
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: Best with at least an average-size yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).