If you want to get a dog, but you have little dog experience the choice might seem daunting. With over 150 breeds to choose from you certainly do not want to bite off more than you can chew as a beginner or your dog might end up running your house hold. Never fear as the ten breeds on this list make excellent choices for doggie beginners.
1. Basset Hound: These droopy-eared, floppy-skinned, medium sized dogs are sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. Bassets like to do tricks for food and have a deep musical bark. They need moderate exercise and do well in homes or apartments.
2. Cairn Terrier: These small yet stout terriers are spirited, hardy, restless little busybodies. They are alert, loyal, merry, lovable and mischievous just like Toto from the Wizard of Oz, one of the most famous Cairn Terriers. They are easily trained, like to do tricks and naturally patient yet playful with children.
3. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with huge, round eyes and erect ears. This breed is courageous, lively, proud and clever. Chihuahuas make excellent companion dogs because they enjoy affection and grow quite attached to their owners. They move very quickly and have plenty of energy yet love to be lap dogs as well.
4. Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever is a large, solid, muscular dog, with a short, water-resistant double coat and webbed feet for swimming. They are loving, affectionate, intelligent, loyal and willing to please. They are the quintessential dog in that they are lively and good-natured and love to play. They also have extremely reliable temperaments and are typically great with kids and other dogs.
5. King Charles Spaniel: This small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large and doll like. The King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate dog who is quite an extrovert. They love to please their people and are intelligent and easy to train. Some say they are naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and children.
6. Miniature Schnauzer: These small, squarely-proportioned dog with long heads, bushy beards, mustaches and eyebrows are quite perky and bright-eyed. They are loving, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and obedient. The Miniature Schnauzer enjoys time and companionship from its owner and does well with children.
7. Papillon: Otherwise known as the butterfly dog because of the long wispy hair on their erect ears, the Papillon is a small dog with a plumed tail and a long silky coat. They are friendly and energetic dogs who are quite hardy for their small size and can exercise for longer than expected time periods. They are gentle, affectionate, lively and vivacious; however, they can be calm and dignified in certain situations. They are steady, obedient and are not yappy dogs despite their small size.
8. Pug: The Pug has a square, thickset, stocky compact, body, with a sleek, soft coat that comes in apricot, fawn, black and silver - all with a short, flat, black muzzle and velvety ears. They are perky, rambunctious, loyal and affectionate. Pugs are clever and mischievous in a playful, happy way. Pugs typically use good manners with company and can be quite sensitive to punishment from their people so harsh punishment is unnecessary.
9. Scottish Terrier: This sturdy little terrier, often called a Scottie Dog, has short legs and a squatty body and is surprisingly strong and agile. Brave and alert, the Scottie is hardy and lovable. They are charming and full of character with playfulness at puppy hood and dignity as adults. People describe the Scottie as a dog that can go anywhere and do anything.
10. Welsh Corgi: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a long, low dog with large erect ears, a broad flat skull, a fox-like head and an almost non-existent tail. They are hardy, highly intelligent, obedient, protective and devoted dog small to medium sized dogs. Corgis are extremely active and are good with children and inexperienced owners alike.
Dogs are extremely popular in the United States; however, many other cultures have a certain reverence or fondness for the dog as well. Under the Chinese Zodiac there are 12 signs, each of which are represented by an animal and the dog is one of them. The year of the dog cycles around every 12 years with the last being 2006 and the next being 2018.
According to Chinese astrology, a person's destiny can be determined by the position of the major planets at the time of a person's birth along with the positions of the Sun, Moon and comets and the person's time of birth and Zodiac Sign. The system of the twelve-year cycle of animal signs was built from observations of the orbit of the planet Jupiter. Following the orbit of Jupiter around the sun, Chinese astronomers divided the orbit into 12 sections thus representing the 12 years of the Chinese Zodiac. The year of the dog is the 11th position of this zodiac.
The Chinese look upon the dog as representing justice and equality and they feel that dog individuals are the most humanitarian among the signs. Dogs are the givers in life, prepared to sacrifice their own dreams, ambitions and desires for the sake of others. Fiercely loyal to those they love; Dogs are always on the defense when it comes to protecting their family and friends. They have a penchant for championing the underdog. Dogs have a heightened sense of morality or decency and seek balance and fairness in a chaotic world. They denounce injustice and wrongdoing, generously giving useful and effective advice to those around them. Their warmth, empathy and genuine interest in inspiring the confidence of others wins them many close friendships. They will always do their utmost for others, and their dedication can go to the point of sacrifice. Dog people are honest, faithful and sincere and are often the first to speak out against injustice. While dog people are not the most famous for charming a crowd, they are intelligent and make good listeners. They also share the literal characteristics of a dog in that they are loyal, faithful and honest. You can always count on a dog person as they are reliable and will never let you down.
While dogs are truly agreeable companions the news is not always good. When panic strikes a dog person can become aggressive and bark endlessly. They can be judgmental, defensive and picky when rubbed the wrong way. They also tend to take everything seriously; however, the older they get the less seriously they take their own criticism from others. The key to a dog person in conflict is petting and rubbing them the right way. When this is achieved you will have a companion for life in the dog.
The loyal Dog makes a tremendous captain of industry, a priest, an educator, a critic, or a doctor. But whatever his career, it'll have in him a spokesman who is not afraid to speak about what he believes and defend his sense of right and wrong. With their honesty and true moral integrity they soon become pillars of society, respected for their views and trusted by all who come to know them. Other Good career choices for Dogs include: police officer, scientist, counselor, interior designer, professor, politician, priest, nurse, clerk and Judge.
Dogs can be worriers who bring trouble upon themselves. Dogs are introverts who rarely show their feelings and can be quite pessimistic and cynical. Sometimes dogs expect nothing out of life and systematically find fault with everything. The Dog is an introvert who rarely shows his feelings; when he does it's only because he thinks it is absolutely necessary. He's stubborn in the extreme and knows what he wants. Frequently cynical, he is feared for his sharp tongue and his acid and disagreeable remarks. He gives the impression of looking systematically for faults in everything he touches. This is because he is the world's biggest pessimist and expects nothing out of life. Despite these flaws dogs care more about others than they do themselves and can be without money or creature comforts as long as they have their friends and wrongs to right!
Dog fighting is the sadistic practice of pitting two dog-aggressive dogs against each other in a ring to fight until death, or close to death, for the fiscal gain of the dog’s handlers and the spectators of these so-called sporting events. Fighting dogs are beaten, isolated from human interaction, starved and taught to fight. They are force-bred and are used as revenue generators for their handlers and left for dead on the side of the street when they no longer produce revenue. Dog fighting attracts human violence along with illegal firearms, drugs and gambling. Given these factors, the “sport” is illegal in every state in the country and a felony offence in most. Given the penalties involved and than popular opinion denounces dog fighting it is surprising that it is still so popular among certain socioeconomic sub-groups in American culture. Perhaps one reason for this is the difficulty involved with catching and prosecuting dog fighters. While it is not advisable to try and break up a dog fighting ring yourself; there are things you can do to help stop this cruel blood sport.
Dog fighting is an organized support, but it remains underground due to its illegal status. Dog fighting events can be extremely spontaneous and are advertised only through word of mouth or secret communications on social networking sites. Fighting rings are makeshift and comprised of plywood so they are easily broken down if the authorities arrive. Fights are often held in back allies, basements, abandoned buildings or empty fields in remote locations. They are not held in arenas or stadiums where police can easily find and arrest suspects. Because fight locations can change from week to week or even day to day it is important for you to take action immediately.
Do not wait to call the proper authorities until you have more evidence. Do not attempt to investigate at all; simply notify the police, animal control and the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals if applicable in your area. While you should not take action to stop or investigate a dog fighting ring it will not hurt to be proactive when registering your complaint or tip. Do not let the information you have slip through the cracks. Find all of the appropriate names and numbers of local law enforcement and animal rights groups and keep them on file. When reporting suspicious activity make sure to record the date, time and person you spoke to. Once you have this information make follow up calls as required to encourage the appropriate action or investigation. Be polite, but be firm. Make sure they know you expect a follow up or status update.
While investigation and arrest is up to the proper authorities there are actions you can take at home to help stop this cruel sport or increase the penalties involved. If you live in one of the states where dog fighting is still a misdemeanor, you can write to your state legislators and urge them to make it a felony offense. You can also to write letters to the media to increase public awareness of the dangers of dog fighting and to law enforcement officials or prosecutors and judges to urge them to take the issue seriously. If you need help with sample letters or in organizing petitions there are resources. Try your local ASPCA, Humane Society or any number of local dog rescue groups, especially those who specialize in helping Pit Bull type dogs. They are always pleased to assist when anyone wants to help these abused dogs.
When creating a petition or letter writing campaign always remember to support your position with facts and remain polite. By refraining to resort to personal attacks or frothy emotional appeal you will demonstrate that you are able to make a reasonable argument based on the facts of your case. When attempting to influence policy decisions the old adage that the pen is mightier than the sword is completely appropriate. It is also true that there is strength in numbers so get your friends, family members and co-workers involved in the noble cause of stopping the senseless abuse of innocent dogs.
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