Dog Questions and Answers

Free handy dog questions and answers for dog owners on various problems concerning their favorite dog breeds.

A good age to start breeding a male chihuahua?

Fox: What is a good age to start breeding a male chihuahua?
I'm getting a puppy and my girlfriend has a female chihuahua that is 4 years old. How old is a good age for male chihuahua's to breed?

Photo Credit: http://www.petsadviser.com/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by lilcslilhottie
at least 1yr or 2 old that way the dog don't got any problems

Answer by MamaB
Okay – questions back. Have you looked into the pedigrees of these two? How closely/not closely are they related?

Another question – since there isn't a dog that doesn't have faults, conformation-wise, are you and your girlfriend experienced enough to know whether these two have similar faults, or whether they have faults the other will help to correct (given you haven't actually bought your puppy male yet!!)

Are you intending to test this pair for any problems that might be in Chihuahuas?

I assume these two have/are being sold without endorsements? If not, and frankly if they came from a reputable breeder, they should have been endorsed, you will be unable to register the puppies, which means you can't sell them for as much as you might had they been registered with the relevant Kennel Club.

Finally in answer to your question, males are able to mate as soon as 7 months (been there, done that!). I suggest your girlfriend gets her female spayed as soon as she can. Four years, for a first litter (and it will be closer to 5 before she might have these puppies now), is TOO OLD.

Get this pair neutered, and love them for what they are – your pets.

Answer by ♥Pitbull love
Dont breed your dogs, theres already too many unwanted dogs in the shelters, dont add to it.
And besides, the female is too old, by the time the male is fully grown, the female will be too old to breed.

Dont add to the unwanted dogs in shelters.

Answer by Stacey S.
do not do that.. leave it to professionals, get them fixed as it could also cause complications with the female after and/or during birth..

Answer by LOVE4ALL
Please people be considerate. I do not believe that only the purest of breeds should be bred, as long as there are loving homes. Yes I do have a pure blood of impeccable temperament, and has been fully endorsed. However the belief that only the best and purest of breeding should be propagated went out with Hitler.

As for your question, and I will agree with personality and temperament make sure they are compatible, ask your vet. Your vet can give you the best information on each of the Chihuahuas in question.

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Which Dog Does Not Shed a lot and Does Not Cause Allergy?

I'm looking for a breed that is right for my family. A dog that does not shed a lot.
A dog that is no bigger than 60cm. NOT A SMALL DOG EITHER (Mastiff was too big)
A DOG that is good from allergy suffer (very important)
A dog that is good with children. we have a daughter that is about 7
A dog that does not need a huge yard (but I could take it on a walk)
A dog that does not bark often (if you could find one)
A DOG THAT DOES NOT SHED A LOT (average)

Photo Credit: greg westfall./Flickr CC
PLEASE CHOOSE A DOG FROM THIS LIST that is the best one you recommend
lab
godlen retriever
American bulldog
old english sheepdog
Borzoi
mastiff
Great Pyrenees
Labordoodle
Goldendoodle
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Australian shepherd
THANK YOU

Answers and Views:

Answer by RACHEL
Golden retriever
they are so nice!!

Answer by Madie
all those dogs will give you awful allergies. A greyhound is wonderful and he doesn't need a big yard but he needs a fenced yard. I know you said no small dogs but a Maltese 1. doesn't give you allergies 2 is great with kids 3 doesn't need fenced or big yard 4 doesn't bark often. a greyhound is the same only the fenced yard. if i had to choose from the list I'd say lab but they give you awful allergies. I got a greyhound.

Answer by australian shepherds
Australian Shepherds. Usually every day, they shed... But harmless.

Answer by Nedra E
Great Pyrenees run from 25" to 29" and 60cm is 23.6" so a pyr is taller than your stated interests. If your allergy is specifically to dogs, which is less common than to cats, then a pyr might be more of an antagonist, as the pyr tends to shed. Pyrs are wonderful with children. They prefer acreage but can do fine with small yards so long as you exercise them regularly. They often are nocturnal barkers as they are guardians by nature and the barking is pre-emptive to ward off bad guys. BUT… if kept inside, this can be kept to a minimum. Their weight range is 85 to over 150#.

Australian Shepherds are in the size range you want, but with their long hair, you might have the same problem with shedding and possible allergy antagonists as you have with pyrs. They are a high energy dog, so, while they would be ok in a small yard, they will need more exercise. They are herding dogs, and will happily herd your children. I don't know about barking, but if it sleeps inside, it should be ok at night. I'd expect shedding to be possibly more than you want.

You didn't mention Blue Heelers (Cattle Dogs) and some of them are short hair, and they are herding dogs similar to the Shepherds but those with short hair would not be too likely to be an allergy antagonist and I know from my Aussie (Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix) that they hardly shed at all. I think this would be a good choice for you.

The Lab, Golden, Borzoi, Mastiff, and OE sheepdog are all large breed dogs. Go to the AKC website and check their height – it's in the breed information for each of them. The golden might be a shedder. The OES would probably be a big shedder.

The Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are MUTTS… which is what all designer dogs are, and I don't like poodles, so I'll leave those to someone else to discuss.
I know nothing about the Chesapeake bay retriever.

Answer by BullyFan
I would love to say American Bulldog but not a chance for your requirements. I would say the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle would be best but it is hard as both are high energy dogs. Not a single dog on your list is really good for hypoallergenic needs. You would need like a larger miniature poodle or a lower energy medium breed that would be happier.
The only ones truly good if you have allergies are Poodles, Bichons, Yorkies, and Schnauzers.
Any other breeds and I have seen people needing to rehome their pets as the hair was not correct it was fur.
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Should I adopt a Neopolitan Mastiff or a Bullmastiff?

Steward S: I have a pretty good-sized yard and one small child. I am an experienced dog owner but I haven't owned a breed as large as Neo Mastiff or Bullmastiff. I do, however, desire to own a large powerful dog.
I am definitely considering adoption. I have no problem with going to a rescue and getting a pooch that is near adult age.

Photo Credit: CowCopTim/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by caregrl
Animal shelter dog. Cheaper! You can get a dog that fits your child's personality. IF you decide to get a certain breed get it from a breed rescue or petfinder.com

Answer by High H
BULL. I have had them my whole life the best dogs. and i have one now. shes a doll she swims and in good health

Answer by Gillian
Neither Neo Mastiff nor Bullmastiff. You say you have a small child? These are big powerful dogs and you would not be able to take your eyes off them for a moment while they're around your child. This would probably lead to the dog being locked away from the family (his pack) and would lead to severe psychological problems for the dog. Also, you are looking to adopt one of these breeds and there is no way you can know what the dog may have suffered before you got it. Please, please don't endanger both your child and a dog who may not know any better.

Answer by Annie
In my experience, Neos are more work than bullmastiffs in terms of training. You will need to socialize them a lot because they are very territorial, especially with other dogs. Neo's can also go for as much as $ 2,500. If you haven't owned a large bully breed, I would suggest a bullmastiff, especially if you have a small child at home.

Answer by Moby
The Bullmastiff is courageous, loyal, calm, and loving with those it knows. It has a very strong protective instinct and will defend its owners against anything it perceives as a threat. However, it does not normally attack to protect. Instead, it knocks the intruder over with its massive size and pins them to the ground, or, will simply stand in front of the stranger/intruder and refuse to let them pass. Bullmastiffs become intensely attached to their families and do best when they can live inside with them. Their protective instinct combined with their great size and natural wariness of strangers means that early socialization is a must. The Bullmastiff may or may not get along well with other dogs. Occasionally, females in heat will also not get along with other females. The Bullmastiff gets along well with children and is very loving towards them. Parental supervision must be maintained when they are with children because of their size and may knock smaller children down accidentally.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is fearless and extremely protective of its home and family. They prefer to be with their family and to remain in and around the home always. They are not a dog to go and wander off. As a guardian breed, they are very wary of strangers, but usually if seeing that their master is relaxed, will soon accept them. The Neapolitan Mastiff rarely barks unless under provocation, renowned for sneaking upon intruders as opposed to alerting them of their presence first. As a breed the Neapolitan Mastiff can be extremely stubborn, but learns things very quickly. Once it understands what its master wants, it obeys. They have a very dominant attitude and must be taught from puppyhood that its master is the boss, not the other way around.

Males tend to be much more aggressive and dominant than females and at maturity can make another attempt at dominating their master. Females are usually more easy going and tend to be the choice of families with children. Though both sexes are, however, usually very loving with children. Males do not get along with other males of any breed, but the Neapolitan can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them since puppyhood. Trying to introduce a new pet once your Neapolitan is matured can be extremely hard work as many can be jealous of the new arrivals.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone and certainly not a dog for beginners

Answer by chihuahualady
NEO!!!

Answer by Captain Obvious
I'm a big Neapolitan Mastiff fan.

Just be sure that you understand what you are getting yourself into. "Pretty Good Sized Yard" just doesn't cut it. And such large dogs can accidentally hurt small children.

Visit http://www.neapolitan.org/ to be sure that you are ready. Then, either use one of their breeders or rescue.

Answer by mutt lover
Neither Bullmastiffs can be generally aggressive, and Neopolitan Mastiffs always have prob. I have an English female mastiff Big but the sweetest thing on earth I have a minnie doxie/jack russel who is smaller than most yorkies and she is gentle go with the em. In my opinion bull they CAN be very sweet but be careful some can be very aggressive
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How much an Akbash puppy cost?

Tori R: How much is an Akbash puppy?

Photo Credit: desertdutchman/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by Rayven-Fried Sea Kittens Anyone?
A rare and hard to find breed - you'll be lucky to find one that's under a grand.
There are exactly two kennels listed with the UKC for this breed and 3 with the breed club.
https://akbashclub.com/
The Akbash Dog has been bred for centuries to act as a guardian dog for livestock. They are a tall and regal breed of dog, an ancient blend between ancient mastiff-type guard dogs and the sighthound. In the decades since Akbash Dogs have been imported from their native Turkish countryside, their reputation as livestock or flock guardians has been well-established.
https://www.ukcdogs.com/

Answer by mama woof
I paid $ 850 for him when he was a puppy. He is almost 100lbs now, and very "focused". He is still young, under a year old. I got him from a goat breeder I know. He was drinking goat milk from the kids' bottles in that first picture. He still drinks their leftover milk after we feed the kids, but we can't hold him in our arms any longer.
Believe me, there are more than three breeders with the breed. They aren't that hard to find. That might be all that are advertising them, but many people have them. Just go to a few goat shows, and ask around. They are easy to find if you look in areas where people use flock guardians.

The Great Pyrenees have more hair. They are more widespread too. My pyr females cost less than the male akbash. And they have softer personalities, as well as softer, fuzzier coats. I also have an older pyrenees male.

If you are looking for a less expensive alternative breed, try a Maremma, Pyrenees, or Anatolian. You can get all of them in white, although I like the Mountain Colored pyrs too like my Meki. The AKC frowns on too much coloring in the breed, but they do come in all colors from other parts of the world.
Maremmas are easily found near the Canadian border area. Anatolians are a bit more difficult to find in white, but it is possible to find them if you keep looking. Akbash and Anatolians both have more focused drive than Pyrenees.

Answer by istvan
I have an akbash and my neighbor 2 I have a female and my neighbor has a masculine

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How to train a dog to eat only at the ok command?

Q: how to train a dog to eat only when given an ok command?
There are people who have taught their dogs to only eat when told to, for safety (to prevent poisoning) and just to stop having to worry (I left my pizza on the coffee table!). How is it done? How do you teach a dog to be so well behaved, they won't eat without someone giving the command?

Photo Credit: Bennilover/Flickr

My dog is a black lab/Schnauzer mix, and he already has a fairly significant training. He heels when walked, knows his role in the pack, and would drop a ham sandwich if you told him to before he swallowed it. He is so intelligent that he quickly learned to open doors with the lever door knobs.
My dog is my baby, and everything this is about is for HIS safety, not my laziness.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Bob
You must practice with your dog, Ma'am! Keep him on a leash and place his food in front of him. When he goes for the food without your command, pull him back.
That's it, Ma'am!!..

Answer by Greek God AKA Greekm
Its done the same way all other training is accomplished in the real world. You praise/reward the dog for doing a behavior you want to see and you keep repeating that behavior for 4K-6K reps till it becomes second nature and you correct the dog, hard, when it does not obey.

This correcting thing is where 98% of people fail because they don't want to do it…they feel bad for the dog, attach emotional issues to it, whatever. The point is this, Cause=Effect in all things, training included, and if your dogs earn a correction, don't disappoint it, correct it hard.
In closing, in the absence of compulsion, neither human nor canine education is possible. Hope I helped.

Answer by MamaBas
I guess it is possible to train a dog to eat at the command, but having had years of living with Basset, the only thing that stops mine grabbing what's available, given half a chance, is PREVENTION. Yes, they know not to grab off a coffee table if we were there eating but I'd not assume that would be the same if we got up and left something on there.

By no means am I suggesting you are a lazy pet owner but I do think you may be expecting too much of A DOG. But again, it depends on the breed and the individual dog. I'd stress, again PREVENTION. And I don't leave my hounds with access to the outside when I'm not at home because I don't know what might happen. 'Leave' or 'drop' is an essential piece of obedience, however.

Answer by Lacey UD, RE
Does your dog have a good sit stay with distractions? If so have your dog do a sit stay for its meal. Put the meal on the floor and step back. Your dog should stay in a sitting position until released. This dog cannot be allowed to eat any food unless it in the bowl or from your hand. Eating on the floor or ground is off limits. The release command must be used every time that you feed the dog. Keep in mind that this type of poison proofing also has its issues if the dog is boarded often or if other members of the family is feeding the dog.

Since your dog is "your baby" you most likely will not like my following suggestions. You will have to have aversives. the aversives will have to be stronger than the reward of the food that the dog is getting into. The aversives will have to be used for at least one month depending on the dog. They will have to be faded slowly so as not to train the dog to look for them when he gets into trouble. The aversive that I use for the trash stealing is a shock mat or a scat mat. This mat emits a shock when something steps on it or touches it. It gives the same correction every time it is touched (as long as it's plugged in". It will correct when no one is home. Finally, it keeps the owner out of the correction process so the dog learns quicker. Do not step on the scat mat with your bare or stocking feet. If you do so, you'll do it only once.

To keep the dog from eating trash off of the ground also requires methods that are worse than the food. For this, I use a remote collar. I just don't put the remote on and shock the dog but go through a series of training steps first before I even correct the dog. Your best bet is to find an e-collar trainer in your area to train you how to use this device properly. You will have to have the collar on most times that the dog is out. You will also have to be in a position to correct the dog every time he tries to eat something that he shouldn't.

I know that the do-gooders will not like my methods but have been proven to work. Most police and military dogs are poison proofed using many of the same methods. In order to poison proof, the correction has to be worse than the tasty food that is being left out or offered to the dog.
Flameproof suit on. Let the TDs fly.
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Doggy in the Window?

CoolJarrod: Who should you get that doggy in the Window From?
I live in Palm Springs, Ca. Usa. Our only Pet Stores are Commercial Pet Stores "Petco" and "Petsmart" and they only Adopt pets out, there's not a selection of dogs to choose from on a daily basis,like pet stores used to do in the past.... There's going to the No-kill Animal Sh0eltor, but it is ran by our Police Department and most the dogs there are either mutts or dogs that you need insurance for because they on a dangerous dog list. Esp. Pitbulls, they claim that they are no-kill but they lucky to get a purebred dog for someone to adopt, they had a Neopolitan Mastiff female there and police man told me if she don't get adopted,this be her forever home, week went by I called him back up to see if anyone else taken her, he said you can come down and get her, I came down the next day afterwords, they told me they didn't have a choice but to put her to sleep because they ran out of space..they obviously lied to me and I was so upset they did this to her, when I wanted give her a wonderful home.

People over on Craigslist tell me don't ever buy a dog from backyard breeders, puppy mills, or hoarders

So where can I get me any of these type of Moloser dogs, a dog that doesn't cost me a fortune

Adronicus Mastiff
Akbash Dog
Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Central Asian Ovtcharka)
Alano Español (Spanish Alano)
Alaunt (extinct)
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alpine Mastiff (extinct)
Alp Mastiff (Cane Garouf)
American Bulldog
American Bull Molosser
American Mastiff
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Alangu Mastiff (Indian Mastiff)
Antebellum Bulldog
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Argentine Dogo
Bandog
Banter Bulldogge
Belgian Mastiff
Bergamasco
Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennen)
Boerboel (South-African Mastiff)
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Brazilian Bullmastiff
Broholmer
Bucciriscu Calabrese
Bulldog (English Bulldog, British Bulldog)
Buldogue Campeiro
Bullenbeisser (German Bulldog) (extinct)
Bullmastiff
Bully Kutta (Pakistani Mastiff)
Bull Terrier (England)
Ca de Bou (Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Mallorquin Bulldog, etc.)
Cane Corso (Italian mastiff, Cane da presa, Sicilian Brancheiro)
Cão da Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Dog)
Cão de Castro Laboreiro (Portuguese Watchdog, Portuguese Cattledog)
Cão de Fila de São Miguel (Azores Cattledog)
Cão de Fila da Terceira (Dog of Terceira (Terceira Island, Azores) - see Cão de Fila de São Miguel)
Cão de Gado Transmontano (Portuguese Mountain Cattle dog (Montesinho))
Catahoula Bulldog
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Central Asia Shepherd Dog
Cimarrón Uruguayo (Uruguayan Cimarron)
Dosa Inu (Mee-Kyun Dosa, Korean Mastiff)
Doberman Pinscher
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Cubano
Dogo Guatemalteco

Dogo Sardesco
Dutch Mastiff (An alternate name for a Pug, technically a misnomer from a genetic standpoint)
English Mastiff (Mastiff)
Entlebucher Sennenhund (Entlebucher Mountain Dog)
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
French Bulldog
Giant Maso Mastiff
Golden Retriever
Golden Mastiff
Gran Mastin de Borínquen
Great Dane (German Mastiff)
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog(Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund)
Gull Terr
Gull Dang
Hovawart
Himalayan Sheepdog
Kangal Dog
Komondor
Kuvasz
Landseer (sometimes considered a colour variety of the Newfoundland)
Leonberger
Moscovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka (Moscow Watchdog)
Neapolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Olde Boston Bulldogge
Old Roman Bull-Dog
Olde English Bulldogge
Panther Dog
Perro Cimarron
Perro de Presa Canario
Perro de Toro
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees)
Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rhodesian Ridgeback (African Lion Hound)
Rottweiler
Sage Koochee (Afghan Sheepdog)
Sage Mazandarani[2] (Sage Sangesari)
Saint Bernard
Šarplaninac
Shar Pei
Spanish Mastiff
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tibetan Kyi Apso (Bearded Tibetan Mastiff)
Tibetan Mastiff
Tosa Inu (Japanese Mastiff)
Turkish Mastiff (Malakli)
Valley Bulldog
Vucciriscu
Xochaso
Places like petfinder are cool and all except for the fact that I've always wanted a Bigger Dog Like the Great Dane, Olde English Mastiff, St.Bernard, Cane Corso, Neopolitan Mastiff, Or the Bullmastiff

That was a list of the Molosser Family of dogs

which explains there family tree here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molosser

Because of the Struggling Economy, the owners of the Neo Mastiff couldn't take care of her any longer, she was unfortunately big in size but she was also skin and bones because they left her chained up with not enough food and water so a neighbor anonomously called animal control and they took her in,they said they held on to her for over a month, fed her up as much as they could but sadly that police officer also said that the previous owners hit her, and that right there turned me away from adopting at sheltor, they put her to rest and she didn't do nothing wrong
There at petfinder most of these bigger dogs are located in the Los Angeles Area or Further than 200 miles away, one place mentioned there is owned "Gentle Giants" owned and ran by Actor "Burt Ward" from tv series batman, but they have a major contract with there breed of Giants, they still own them http://www.gentlegiantsrescue.com/

This is what got me interested in owning a large breed dog
here you can read "Gentle Giants Rescue/Adoption Application and Requirements

http://www.gentlegiantsrescue.com/forms/adoption_application.htm

There has to be someone better priced than them. lol

Answers and Views:

Answer by Rayven ~ Here we Go Again
Oh please assuming you could responsibly on a tenth of the dog's listed here you would know good damn and well that a PETSHOP IS THE LAST PLACE TO LOOK FOR A DOG.

Start looking up national and local breed clubs and start attending dog shows and talking to reputable breeders

Not rocket science

You wouldn't find 90% of these breeds in a regular shelter and would be lucky to find a breeder specific rescues. Hell some of these i know don't even have a breed club in the us.

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Will the Caucasian Mountain Dog be Good?

Mike: Will the Caucasian mountain dog be good for me?
I'm 15, and I will be moving to a place where we have a ton of space. I want a dog, and I fell in love with the Caucasian Shepherd breed, but I hear negative things about them.
With all the free time that I have will I be able to train this huge dog on my own, or should I look for another one?

I'm not a first-time owner. I've had 3 previous dogs and a variety of other pets who can bite fingers off. But if I have to pay for a trainer, I will.

Photo Credit: bortescristian/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by *Show Breeder or NO Breeder!*
This is a horrible idea!! These are not dogs for children, and not dogs for people who don't have extensive training in handling such big, strong animals. The Caucasian Mountain Dod does not trust people. They will bond with one or two owners, but you will have issues with strangers and other animals forever if you can't get him in professional, one on one training. Extensive training costing hundreds and hundreds of dollars. You are in no way prepared to handle this breed.

Watch this video: Caucasian Mountain Dog in the US I don't necessarily agree with all of this video, but this is what you'll get with a Caucasian Shepherd dog not properly trained and socialized. I see it being the only case scenario with an inexperienced 15 year old owner.

Answer by John doe
I got my first caucasian mountain dog when I was 12 raised him myself I’m 19 now. He’s not vicious or anything you guys are a bunch of dicks, my dog is territorial and dog aggressive but that’s a given he’s good with people along as I’m there and they show no threat or if we’re off our property

Answer by Phil
To counter some of the arguments above. Caucasian Mountain dogs will rarely attack their owners, they are most gorgeous and careful dogs with the family ... unless poorly brought up or get unlucky, really unlucky. With time, effort, pro training and understanding you have to be the boss you could be fine... Just be warned that they need heavy socialization and training .. lots of time and effort. but from what I read from your post you seem quite intelligent.

Read up .. discover about the breed ... talk to actually responsible owners ... not the proud or the fear mongers .... these dogs aren't dangerous to the family at all if treated correctly and loved. But you need to be the pack leader. That means never let him/her get away with anything ... punish him in gradients and never with violence or he may return it in a lesser form ... but again unlikely, they really hate by instinct hurting the pack or flock ... can be either depending on how he sees the family.

Make sure everyone feeds your Caucasian Mountain dog, and your father doesn't like taking the belt to you cause he might find himself with an angry opponent heavier than he is :)
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