Originally called “Qimmiq,” by the Thule Inuit people, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the rarest and oldest purebred breeds, native to North America.  Their thick, dense, double coat allows them to survive and work in freezing conditions with little effort.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs were often used as sled dogs as well as for packing, transportation, locating seal breathing holes and for protection from foxes and the mighty polar bear.  This breed was also very popular for using in Arctic and Antarctic exploration.

As time went on, the use of snowmobiles gained in popularity.  Snowmobiles required less work to tale care of and could travel faster and for a longer period of time with no rest required.  With less need for them, the population of the Canadian Eskimo Dog quickly began to decline with the numbers being over 20,000 in the 1950’s to less than 300 dogs registered today.

Although there is much being done to bring back this beautiful breed, there numbers are still struggling.

Bringing home a new puppy is always a fun time.  This little, cute pup running around, falling all over the place, playing and then there is the puppy breath, i love it.  Seeing a puppy is almost an instant mood booster and they can make a home much happier, more complete.  I think everyone should be able to experience the joys and love you experience when you get a puppy.  Too bad they do not stay puppies forever, that would be great.

A lot of the times when people bring home a puppy it is not a planned event, most often it is spure of the moment, like when coming out of the grocery store or at a yard sale and there is the box of free puppies.  That is how I have got most of my dogs.  So being prepared for a new puppy is kind of hard, but if you can be then I suggest it.  If you know in advance that you will be getting a puppy, then pick up the needed supplies well ahead of time and get the place ready for him.

Suggested Supplies

Puppy Piddle Pads
Crate
Dog House
Collar
Leash
Toys
Dog Bed
Food
Bowls, food and water
Treats
Flea Medicine

You may or may not purchase or even need all of these, I just wanted to cover the basics.  So now you know what to get to be prepared for that new puppy.  Enjoy!

Akita

Akita’s are very loyal and courageous dogs.  They are very loving and affectionate with their families and tend to be standoffish with strangers.  Most Akita’s will not bark unless they feel something is wrong.  They are a very alert and fearless breed.  They make excellent family pets and do better as the only dog as they do tend to dominate.

Bull Mastiff

Bull Mastiff’s are a large, fearless and powerful breed.  They love their family and are extremely loyal.  They are quiet, intelligent and always alert.  They have very strong protective instincts and will not hesitate to protect its owner, family and territory.  They do fine around children, making them great family pets as well as guard dogs.

Rottweiler

Rottweiler’s are relatively easy to train and are very intelligent.  They have a great deal of confidence and fear very little.  When it comes to its family they are totally committed and will do whatever it takes to protect them.  Rottweilers do okay with children although they are better suited for older children.  They are eager to please and make a great addition to a family who wants not only a guard dog, but a pet as well.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher’s are fast, agile dogs who have lots of energy, but even more obedience.  This breed is already commonly used as a guard dog, war dog and police dog.  They have no fear and will risk itself for its owner and family.  They are great for family dogs and very weary of strangers, human or animal.  This breeds main focus, is wanting to please its owner.

Other popular breed for guard dogs include:
Tosa Inu
Giant Schnauzer
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Akita Inu
Boxer
Fila Brasileiro
German Shepherd
Komondor

Do you know what group your dog falls into?  The following are examples of the breeds of dogs that fall into each of these seven categories.

Terrier Dog Group
American Staffordshire Terrier, Border Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Irish Terrier, Fox Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier and Welch Terrier

Toy Dog Group
Affenpinscher, short and long coat Chihuahua, Havanese, Maltese, Japanese Chin , Pug, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Chinese Crested and Bichon Frise.

Hound Dog Group
American Foxhound, Afghan Hound, Beagle, Dachshund, Borzoi, Bloodhound, Norwegian, Elkhound, Pharaoh Hound, Otterhound, Whippet, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Irish Wolfhound and Saluki.

Working Dog Group
Alaskan Malamute, Australian Cattle Dog, Newfoundland, Rotweilers, Entlebucler Mountain Dog, Karelian Bear Dog, Shetland Sheepdog, Collie, Lapphund, Vallhund and St. Bernard.

Herding Dog Group
Beauceron, Belgian Sheepdog, Bouvier des Flanders, polish Lowland Sheepdog, Briard, Puli, Canaan Dog, German Shepherd, Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Belgian Tervuren.

Sporting Dog Group
American Water Spaniel, Barbet, Cesky Fousek, English Setter, Field Spaniel, Golden Retriever, German Wirehaired Pointer, Brittany, Canadian Pointer and French Spaniel.

Non-Sporting Dog group
American Eskimo Dog, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Shiba Inu, Poodle, Keeshond, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso and Finnish Spitz.

There are no prizes for completing the challenge, the reward is the satisfaction that you either completed the challenge or gave it your best.  If you are signed up with Google than you have the chance of earning from their ad sense program, but there is no guarantee.  So for those of you who are interested in this challenge, go ahead to Hubpages , sign up if not a member already and get to writing, we have less than three weeks left.

The following are some tips that may come in handy when introducing a new dog into the home that already has another dog.

1.  If there is already a dog at the house, introducing them on leashes is not a bad idea.  This way if they do not get along, you and another person can easily pull the dogs back to separate them.  If there is more than one dog already at the house or being brought home, again do the introductions on a leash and one at a time till all dogs have met, then two at a time with one new or vise versa.

2.  Wagging tails is a great sign when introducing dogs, and sniffing may look rude but it is necessary.  When the tails stop wagging then there may be an issue but do not be alarmed unless growling or fighting happens, just keep an eye on them.  This is dogs getting to know one another and setting there boundaries.

3.  When introducing the new dog, do so in an area at the house that is open and not another animals special place.  This will make sure the new dog does not feel confined or trap in this new place and an existing dog  will not feel as though he is being invaded.

4.  You want to comfort the new dog, make him feel comfortable.  If there is another dog however, you do not want to give the new dog more attention than him, he could get jealous and that could lead to fighting.  This will only last a short time or may not be a problem it all.

5.  Feeding is best done in separate bowls and do not let them switch bowls, they should stick with there own.  This will prevent fighting over food and one dog hogging all the food or even guarding it.  A water bowl can be shared that is not normally a problem.

6.  When your new dog is picking his new spot in the house, do not let him take the spot of your other dog, this could cause jealousy and lead to fighting.  Dogs already in the household will already have adjust to the new dog, kicking them out of their spot is going to far.

7.  Toys are another thing that dogs can be territorial over and a new dog should receive a new toy all of his own and getting one for your other dog would not be bad idea as well, kinda like “be a good boy now.”  Getting a new toy for your new dog will also make him feel more comfortable in his new place, he will have something no other dog has had and it is all his.

 

The Japanese Chin, also called Japanese Spaniel, is a small breed of dog, that some claim can be dated back to 520 AD. This breed originated in China and was introduced to Japan and the rest of the world in the mid-1800’s. A possible descendant of the Tibetan Spaniel, the Japanese Chin were owned by Japanese nobility.

In 1853, Commodore Perry gave Queen Victoria two dogs of this breed, as a royal gift. Japanese Chins are a companion breed. They are loving, affectionate little dogs who enjoy playing and are rather intelligent. They are great for an elderly person, although they do good with kids as well as other pets.

This very beautiful, tiny breed requires little exercise and does just fine in an apartment setting. They do shed a little, so some minor grooming is required and lots of snuggling. Considered a Toy breed, Chins stand between 7 and 11 inches high at the shoulders and weight anywhere between 4 and 15 pounds. Their hair is straight and long with the most common coloring being black and white or white and black. Other possible colors include red and white, tri-colored or sable and white.Health problems for the Japanese chins include slipping kneecaps, cataracts, respiratory problems, sneezing, epilepsy, distemper, heart murmurs and back injuries. When properly taken care of they can live 13 to 15 years.

The first thing you want to do when traveling with your dog is to find out the dog laws were you are going.

As absurd as it sounds some breeds are banned in certain areas and you do not want to take the risk of loosing your dog. So, before you travel, make sure you know where your dog can and can not go and what he can and cannot do. It is also a great idea to find out wear the dog parks and veterinary hospitals are located, just in case.

Next, consider where you will be staying. If you are staying at a friends or family members home, will your dog be welcome, will there be room for him? If you are going to be staying at a hotel, you need to make sure that dogs are allowed. Many hotels charge an additional fee for animals, so expect that extra cost.Now, how are you planning on getting to your destination, are you flying, driving or maybe going by boat?

If flying, than a crate in required. Make sure to purchase yours and your dog’s ticket plenty in advance so you both are guaranteed a spot on the plane. Also, your dog must be up to date with his vaccinations and bring his paperwork with you.

If you are going by car, a crate is a great way to keep you dog safe. However, not all people (myself included), like to put their dog in a crate. In this case, a dog seat belt can be purchased at many pets’ stores, big stores such as Wal-Mart and online. If the trip is long, be sure to stop occasionally to allow your dog to go potty, get some water and just stretch his legs for a moment, you know us people enjoy that. Always keep your dog on a leash when he is not inside your vehicle or in his crate. Also, be responsible for your dog and when he is finished going potty, clean it up. Doggy poop bags and scoopers can be purchased at pet stores, retail stores and even some hardware stores or get them online, whatever way, be responsible.

When traveling on a boat a crate can be used for safety, although many people allow their dog to roam around the cabin area, or on the deck in nice weather. Just as you would have a life vest for yourself, get one for your dog. Yes, that is right, there are life vest for dogs available and in different sizes. You can check local pet stores, although I have only seen them online so far.

Okay, now how about things that you need to bring for your dog.

Dog food is a biggie and you would be surprised at how often people forget it.

Food and water bowls

Dog treats

Medications

First aid kit for dogs

Dog bed or blanket

Leash

Collar

Dog toys (favorite ones are great for comfort)

Rabies and identification tags

Dog crate if needed

Doggie poop bag

Scooper

Jug full of water

Many dogs become stressed during travel, some get car sick and some just don’t like it. For this, you can purchase vitamins, drops and natural products to calm your dog, help him to relax and feel at ease during the trip. If you think your dog may experience problems during a trip, then you should really look into these.

So there you have it, everything you need when traveling with your dog. Be safe, keep your dog safe and have fun.