Leading Edge Pet Care all about pet breeds, pet care and pet supplies

The Chihuahua is a popular favorite of the toy dog group among dog enthusiasts. This spicy little character of a dog is extremely devoted and loyal to its owner. Although reserved with strangers and a little aggressive towards other dogs, the Chihuahua can get along great with other indoor pets that you may have.

Not all Chihuahuas have the same bold temperament. Some are very intense and will have an attitude as if they can take on the world, others may be extremely shy and timid. Either way, all Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners and the rest of the family.

Taking Care of Your Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a very excitable dog that needs a bit of daily exercise. But the good news is that these little guys can get all of the vigorous physical activity they need from running room to room in a house or a small apartment. But do not neglect outdoor walks and play time. The Chihuahua loves to roam outside and explore.

In terms of living arrangements, the Chihuahua is an indoor dog and should not be kept outside. There is nothing wrong with having him explore the yard a couple of hours each day, but this should only be temporary. Chihuahuas absolutely hate cold temperatures and will run to seek out warmth and coziness.

Read more on the Chihuahua

Posted under Dog Breeds

The Rottweiler is a physically imposing and intimidating looking dog that ranks at the top of the charts for being an excellent watchdog and a family protector. This dog breed has a history that is said to have stemmed from the Romans, used as drover dogs, herding large stocks of cattle over great distances, and into many countries.

Rottweilers are said to have entered the United States sometime in nearly 1930s which then gained recognition by the AKC. Having become nearly extinct years earlier due to lack of functioning use by people, the Rottweiler has become one of the most popular dog breeds in today’s households, making its mark in the top 10 most popular registered dogs of the American kennel club.

This animal is extremely bold, confident, and alert. In fact, the Rottweiler is a top pick for anyone who is looking for a watchdog that has extensive protection abilities. However, when a dog is as courageous and aggressively confident as the Rottweiler is, sometimes stubbornness comes with the territory in terms of training ability. However, it is worth putting in the extra time and patience when making this dog breed a household pet.

Taking Care of Your Rottweiler

Like most large dogs, the Rottweiler must have physical activity on a daily basis. Mental play and obedience lessons should also be a part of the daily regimen. Vigorous games and long walks on the leash through safe areas would make an ideal day for the Rottweiler.

Read more on the Rottweiler

Posted under Dog Breeds

Cocker Spaniels (the American version) were derived from English Cocker Spaniels after they found their way to the United States in the late 1800s. Americans preferred to breed a smaller sized Spaniel that would be ideal to hunt quail in various other small birds. Although the exact practice and decision to which the American version was created is not entirely known, we do know that the first true American Cocker Spaniel was recorded to be born sometime in the 1880s and his name was the dog Obo 2nd.

At that time, both the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel were considered to be the same breed by the American kennel club. However, in 1935 the AKC decided to finally separate the two as different breeds. The Cocker Spaniel then rose to popularity and was considered the most popular dog breed for a large number of years. It was then divided into three color types: black, particolor, and ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black).

This dog breed is extremely cheerful, playful, and always willing to please. They are great family dogs which are wonderful with little children. If there was a scorecard to rate the Cocker Spaniel on its affection level and friendliness towards animals and people, it would rate at the highest score. This dog is also easy to train and is considered to be a moderate watchdog.

Taking Care of Your Cocker Spaniel

Keeping up with the Cocker Spaniel in terms of grooming takes a little work on a daily basis. They have extremely long hair with heavy fur growing from head to toe. Even their ears and its long hair will need a brushing on a daily basis. Professional clipping should be taken into consideration at least once per month in order to maintain a decent coat.

Read more on the Cocker Spaniel

Posted under Dog Breeds

The Siberian Husky was originally developed in Northeast Asia by the Chukchi people, and at that time was named the Chukchi Husky. Although its ancestry is not known, this dog is definitely related to the Spitz family. Way back during the Alaskan Gold Rush, these dogs were extremely important to life in the Arctic regions. It was at that time that dog racing became an enjoyable pastime as a standard source of entertainment.

The popular Alaska Sweepstakes Race, which covered over 400 miles in the distance from Nome all the way to Candle, became an entrance for the Chukchi Huskies in 1909. These dogs did not really fare well in popularity at that time, however, there was one racer that was impressed with these animals and imported 70 of them to train for winning the 1910 race. Amazingly enough, his three teams of Huskies did indeed win first, second, and fourth-place. As you can probably guess, this immediately set the stage for the Siberian Husky to become the dominating winner for future races.

In 1925 the Siberian Husky started to show up in Canada and then soon after the United States. The AKC recognized this dog as an official breed in 1930. In World War II, a fair amount of Huskies served with soldiers for the US Army’s search and rescue missions. This further helped its popularity among dog enthusiasts. Eventually it became a common household pet and of course remains the most popular of any Arctic dog breed in existence today.

Read more on the Siberian Husky

Posted under Dog Breeds

The German Shepherd is currently listed as the third most popular dog breed registered with the AKC. This dog resembles that of its ancestor, the Wolf, and was originally bred to be the ideal hurting Shepherd and guard dog.

Although this breed went through several name changes during World War I, mainly due to its German heritage, it was officially renamed the German Shepherd and recognized by the AKC in 1931. And while its popularity ranking is down just a bit, it has been a top choice as a family companion for generations.

German Shepherds score very high in terms of protection ability, watchdog status, and training adaptability. Although playfulness and affection does not rank as high as other dog breeds, the German Shepherd is actually a perfect choice for a family pet.

This dog is extremely protective of its home, as well as members of the family. He is considered aloof and a bit suspicious towards strange people and other animals. However, they can be tamed and gentle around children and other house pets.

Taking Care of Your German Shepherd

As far as upkeep is concerned, German Shepherds need mental and physical challenges on a daily basis. With the ability to learn new tricks and obedience lessons, this dog is extremely intelligent. Physical activity must also be a part of this dog’s daily life. Long walks and running outside is ideal.

Read more on the German Shepard

Posted under Dog Breeds