Dog Questions and Answers

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

Can a 9 year old pekingese dog survive a 16 hours flight?

Sunny: Can a 9 year old [human years] pekingese dog survive a flight to China about 16 hours?
I really want my baby dog to come here im 14 and i have all my heart with him. I moved to China and I am really curious if he can just survive the air plane flight.

Photo Credit: ePi.Longo/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by st.lady37 (GitEm)
Yeah, 9 isn't old for a Peke its only middle aged. You just have to take precautions. They have flat noses and the cabin must have adequate Oxygen.

Answer by schnauzer
Of course, the only problem you have is that being a flat nosed breed they do suffer lack of water and heat so some airlines will not take these breeds apparently so you will have to check out the airlines which are carriers to China and also what are the regulations if any re tests to bring a dog to China as l am pretty sure the rabies one will be mandatory as it is rampant in China unfortunately and l am sure they do not want anything coming in with the possibility of having this terrible disease.There is a time limit re the blood test so if you get going now it may take a shorter time.Check With he Chinese Embassy and they will point you in the right direction as to what if any restrictions or tests dogs have to have that come into their Country.

Mine and it is not the States is super super strict and you have to have tests which we never have had those diseases in this Country but makes no difference and in fact there are some Countries you cannot import into this Country no matter what the dog is but where it comes from(ex iron Curtain Countries)We do not have rabies in my Country so of course that is something on top of the list and any Country that has it there is a lengthy test needed at both ends the initial test and the final one to check it is OK.

Despite the peke being the royal dog of China unfortunately as you are aware dogs are not considered very high on the scale of valuable animals which is a shame.

Good luck and no-one can give you definitive guarantee your pekingese will survive the flight but if you get the right carrier that goes direct and the box has water etc you should be right.

Do not attempt to send it in Summer as you are asking for a potential dead dog as we have had in this Country where several pekes and boxers died in the heat of Summer as were left on the tarmac without water and died.
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What is the Halden hound or Haldenstovare dog breed?

Shibameze: Haldenstovare? (Halden hound)?
I read about this breed a little bit in a book. There wasn't much information but what I read was rather intriguing. Does anyone know anything about the breed (also know as Halden Hound)?
Just curious. Beautiful dogs.
They're native to Norway and information in English is hard to find online.

Answers and Views:

Answer by StellaStarfire
Here is what I found online…I don't know if you have come across any of these sites, but they are in English.

http://www.furrycritter.com/resources/dogs/Halden_Hound.htm
http://www.sarahsdogs.com/breeds/halden_hound/

and from sarah's dogs site:

Appearance
At first glance at a Halden Hound you would think that you are looking at an American Foxhound as both have the same body built and coloring. With an approximate weight of 40 to 55 pounds and a height of 17 to 21 inches, it is very apparent that the Halden Hound is smaller than the American Foxhound that has an average weight of 65 to 75 pounds and has an average height of 26 to 29 inches measured at the withers.

The Halden Hound's rectangular build shows strength although it does not appear to be heavy. This elegant dog has a slightly domed skull, a medium sized muzzle and a straight nasal bridge. The cheeks are rather flat. Not too pendulous lips enclose complete dentition with a perfect scissor bite. A Halden Hound has medium sized dark brown eyes that show a tranquil expression. Ears that are set neither too high nor too low would reach the middle part of the muzzle when drawn forward. The ears hang down the sides of the head.

This dog's rather long neck is strong without any dewlap. A Halden Hound's back is strong, the topline is straight and the loin is broad and muscular. This dog has a slightly sloping croup. The deep chest has well sprung ribs and the belly is slightly tucked up. The thick tail that reaches to the hock is usually carried low. This breed has straight lean well boned forelegs and hind legs. The muscular thighs as well as the strong boned limbs give the dog agility and good speed. Oval shaped feet are tightly knit and well arched. Feet should have dense hair between the toes. This is very necessary as these dogs traverse snowy terrain when hunting. A Halden Hound's coat is straight, dense and harsh to the touch. This breed has a dense undercoat. The white predominant coat color is made distinct with black markings on the dog's body and tan shadings on the dog's head and legs. Some individuals may have tan shadings between the black and white markings and tan spots above the eyes, on the cheeks and on the dog's breast and legs.

Personality
The Halden Hound is an energetic hunter. This dog exhibits its independent nature when hunting. A Halden Hound is an exceptional passionate hunter but it makes an ideal pet as well. The Halden Hound has a loyal and affectionate nature. This breed bonds closely with its human family. It behaves well with other dogs and smaller pets in the household especially if they have grown together. Because of its gentle and playful nature, this dog makes a wonderful companion and playmate of the children. However, very small children should not be allowed to be with the dog alone. This is a gentle breed and it does not have an aggressive demeanor but the dog may react if inadvertently hurt by a kid.

These dogs are hunters, primarily developed to chase its prey. As such it would not be a good idea to keep the dog in cramped living quarters such as an apartment. A bored Halden Hound will be a destructive dog. This breed can be very noisy when bored. The dog has high exercise requirements. These dogs would do best in a home with adequate areas where the dog can run and play. A Halden Hound has a weatherproof coat that allows it to bear cold weather for extended periods of time. The dog would appreciate to be allowed to run free in a fence secured yard. Other hound breeds hunt in pack, not a Halden Hound. This hound was trained to hunt alone with a human hunter. As such, the dog may exhibit a dominant personality over other dogs. It would not be a good idea to take this breed for a walk without a leash as a fight with other dog may ensue. This unwanted behavior can be corrected with obedience training and socialization. The trouble is the dog's independent nature. Because of the dog willful streak, training can be challenging especially for a first time dog owner.

Care
Similar to other short coated dogs, the Halden Hound is an easy to care for breed. This hound is a minimal shedder and regular brushing would ensure that dead hair is removed. The skin as well as the coat would benefit from frequent brushing as it will distribute the natural oils of the coat. Some pampered pets are taken to the salon for professional grooming and for steam treatments though if it is not possible the dog can be bathed with mild soap and warm water. Being a hunting breed and one with pendulous ears, this dog is prone to ear infections. Ears must be cleaned regularly more so if the dog has been on a hunting trip.

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What should I know as the first time Rottweiler owner?

Ashley M: First time Rottweiler owner?
I have been looking to get a dog for a long time now..I am a stay at home mother of a 1 and 3 year old, so I want a dog that will protcet me and my family because were home alone all day..I decited on getting a german Rottweiler..I meet the parents and puppies and put my deposit down, i pick up the puppy on Feb-14th..I have never owned a rottweiler before, can anyone give me any advice about the breed..? I looked up the breed on the internet before i picked the puppy. And the internet said nothing but good things about Rottweilers, but my neighbors that have German Shepards said they hate rottweilers..So if there is anyone that has owned a Rottweiler, can you tell me your feelings towards Rottweilers..Thanks!

Rottweiler photo
Photo Credit: killrbeez/Flickr
Answers and Views:

Answer by Mutt Mommy
I wouldn't advise a first time dog owner to get a Rott. Actually, I wouldn't advise a first time large breed dog owner to get a Rott. They need very consistent training, and with a 1 and 3 yr old, I can't see how you can provide the dog with that.

Answer by Floopy
All the Rotts I've ever met were just big babies--nothing like the bad stories you hear about. Why not stop by a bookstore or pet supply store and pick up some books on the breed? Also, you probably have a breed club in your area--consider joining. You'll meet lots of other Rott owners and it's a great way to get tips and to socialize your dog.

Answer by fts1981
Any dog has the potential to be aggressive behind the hands of the wrong owner. I would simply advise if this is your first dog to invest in training as early as possible to make the transitions easier. Remember, puppies are expensive, messy, and loud. But well worth the time investment for a great companion.

Answer by Ruthless Til My Casket Close
I have owned Rotti's in the past and currently own a 3 year old Pitbull/Rottweiler cross.

They are great dogs, very loyal. They will risk their lives to protect you and are awesome watch/guard dogs.

However, they are EXTREMELY strong and they need you to be the alpha in the house. If you don't show leadership skills, then the dog will gladly take over as boss..

Rottweilers have a natural guarding instinct, and you should not do anything [such as tug-of-war] to enhance that instinct.

They should only be walked by someone that is sure they can handle it. As I said, Rotti's are extremely strong. Pinch collars also work wonders on them.

Obedience training is a must for Rottweilers, and the earlier you take him the better. Training should begin as soon as he settles into your home.

However, they are not at all vicious 'killers', and they will not attack anyone unless provoked. So don't believe the media.

Answer by scottcr2001
Right now I have a Rotti and a pit, I have 3 kids, 17, 9 and 5 months. My rotti have never showed ANY aggression at all twards any of the kids. He is also a very large rotti. We take him everywere and yes, they are very protective. So the responsability for how your dog acts when he feels like he needs to protect is yours. Rots are very smart and naturally want to be around the family. So in my opinion as long as you get them as a pup and train them right no worries. Just be sure to "kid train" your new addition. Tug (not hard) at its ears, feet, tail, mouth and more, make a game out of it. This way when the kids start there pulling your rotti wont be apt to bite. Good luck, and great choice in breed!!!!!

Answer by GenericWit
LOL. I hate people that dislike them because they've heard bad things. Rottweilers are pretty easy dogs to take care of. I don't really recommend them all that much for protection. You can train your dog to be mean, but I don't recommend that with kids... or at all actually. If you spoil the dog, pet and play with him a lot, he'll love you, and he'd probably be willing to die for you.

I have a rott, and I love the breed. My buddy sleeps on the bed with me under the covers and sets his head on my lap when I'm eating... he's such a begger.

I don't really think there's anything more complicated about rottweilers than with any other breed other than I recommend taking him for walks more often so he doesn't get restless... oh and... get lots of toys otherwise he'll chew on the furniture.

Answer by pinky
oh this is tricky, I would avoid getting ROT, although there are many success stories out there and we only hear the bad, I would rather be in the majority not the minority.
Go for something smaller.
We have family members with ROTS and kids and I am always wondering if one day !!!!!! Especially the bitch ones, they get very jealous

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Why my pointer dog is still in her puppy mode?

lelethaomus: does any one know about pointer dogs?
she is about 1 or2 and is still in her puppy mode.

english pointer photo

Photo Credit: anneh632/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:

Answer by yetti
What do you want to know......

They will stay "puppies" for a while.....they are sporting dogs...meaning they have lots of energy and lots of exercise. Daily walks are good also things that will make them run and find...like fetch....this will help work off the energy and give them a "job"

Answer by JKT
Description
The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is powerful, graceful and aristocratic. It carries its head proudly. The pointer has an alert expression and a well-muscled, athletic body. The nose is set higher than the rest of the muzzle. The stop is well-defined. Its upper lip is full but not slack. The eyes are hazel or chestnut depending on the color of the coat. The medium-sized ears are pendant and somewhat pointed. The teeth should form a level or scissors bite. The neck is long. The tail is straight and tapered and is never docked. The feet are oval. Dewclaw removal on the front legs is optional. The short, sleek, shiny coat comes in primarily white, but may be liver, lemon, black or orange, either solid, patched or speckled. Tri-colored is also permitted. The nose should be the same color as the marking on the coat.
Temperament

The English Pointer is full of energy and go-power. Loyal and devoted he is a true friend. Kind and patient with children, he is a dashing gentleman. The Pointer is affectionate, intelligent and clean. An energetic and enthusiastic hunter, yet calm at home. Wise and adaptable to every situation. Socialize well at an early age to combat a tendency for timidity. Some can be high-strung. They tend to be a bit willful, distractible and reserved with strangers. It will bark at suspicious noises, but it is not a watchdog. Show lines tend to produce better pets. Field lines are often too active and hunt-oriented to make good pets. Hunting instincts develop early. Puppies, even at eight weeks old, often display pointing behavior. These fairly independent dogs are generally good with other pets and are not usually dog-aggressive.
Height, weight
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (55-62cm.) Bitches 21-24 inches (54-60cm.)
Weight: 44-66 pounds (20-30kg)
Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid and dwarfism. Also skin conditions.
Living Conditions
These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage.
Exercise
Exercise is of paramount importance for these tireless energetic animals. They are more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as family pets unless they can be guaranteed plenty of vigorous exercise. If under- exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive.
Life Expectancy
About 13-14 years.
Grooming
The smooth coat of the Pointer is very easy to groom. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will leave the coat gleaming. Check the feet also, especially after the dog has been exercising or working. Dry the dog thoroughly after hunting to prevent chilling. Examine the ears regularly. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
According to the most credible hypothesis, the Pointer was developed two centuries ago by crossing among the Italian Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound, the Greyhound, the Newfoundland, the Setter, and the Bulldog. This is an almost unbelievable mix, but it certainly has produced an outstanding result. The modern Pointer has existed for about eighty years. The Pointer is named for the motionless stance the dog assumes once he has found game. The direction of the point tells the hunter where the game is hiding. The first recorded mentions of the Pointer in England date from around 1650, when the Pointer was used to find hare for the Greyhound to hunt. By the early 1700's the Pointer became the dog of choice. The Pointer is renowned for his scenting prowess. He works very quickly, covering a lot of ground. The Pointer is particularly good on upland birds, but adapts well to other game. The breed has excellent endurance in warm weather, but is not suited to very cold conditions. Working best on land he is not very comfortable in water. He has a legendary tracking and pointing skills, but is not usually expected to retrieve game. A competitive dog, the Pointer still dominates Pointing Field Trials over all other pointing breeds. Today, the Pointer is a family hunting dog and companion.
Group
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Answer by Stephanie P
a lot of dogs have this thing that they think they r going to be puppies forever. trust me every night i get squished by a 50 pound border collie mix who thinks he is a yorkie. trust me this is very normal for a lot of dogs

Answer by Steel
Pointers are extremely active dogs, so expect her to be active for her whole life. Give her lots and lots of exercise, preferably romping free in a fenced area. If she is able to run to her heart's content, she should act a little more calmly when you need her to.

Obedience train her. Like all dogs, pointers need obedience training to be well-behaved. The "sit" and "come" commands are probably the most useful, so teach these to begin with. Training your dog in a firm, consistent, but gentle way teaches your dog to recognize you as leader. I recommend taking her to obedience classes, or if you want to do it yourself, find a good website or book.

Is she spayed? Do it now, if you haven't already. Spaying a dog will help prevent numerous health problems and certain behavior problems as well.

Answer by dogsdogman
All I know is they point out the quarry to the hunters that's why they call them pointers.

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Would you prefer miniature pinscher or toy fox terrier?

Allie: Miniature pinscher or toy fox terrier?
What dog do you like the best and if you know anything on either of the breeds please tell

miniature pinscher photo
Photo Credit: Ernst Moeksis/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:

Answer by Poms* Rule
Minature pinscher so cute!!!

Answer by marci knows best
They are both fierce little very high-energy breeds. Min Pins are assertive, active and independent, not for a first time dog owner. Fox terriers have the typical terrier personality but are a bit more laid back than some similar terrier breeds.

Answer by topaztrux
Mini Pinschers :

Pros - The Miniature Pinscher is a hardy little fellow who is proud and courageous. He is loyal to his master, spirited and alert with high energy. Intelligent, lively and brave. Generally good with other pets and children so long as the humans provide proper leadership toward the dog. Its behavior depends entirely upon how you treat the dog. The Miniature Pinscher is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Generally healthy. The Miniature Pinscher's smooth, shorthaired, hard coat is easy to groom.

Cons - Do not let this sweet little dog fall into the Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where he believes he is pack leader to humans. That is when problems start to arise. The dog will become demanding, headstrong and will begin to bark more than you wish. If you allow this, the dog may become a tyrant. If you are not this dog’s pack leader, it will become protective and may become very aggressive with other dogs. It can also become rather suspicious towards strangers.
Beware, this little dog will chew small objects and may choke on them. Do not overfeed this breed.
The Miniature Pinscher should be protected from the cold.

Toy Fox Terrier :

toy fox terrier photo
Photo Credit: highlander411/Flickr CC

Pros - The Toy Fox Terrier may be physically small, but this is a robust, little terrier that retains all the passion of its Fox Terrier ancestors. The breed is tough and bright. Curious and active, the Toy Fox Terrier keeps its young spirit throughout its life. It is intelligent, loving, sensitive and pleasant. It is very alert, inquisitive and quick. Affectionate and very loyal, this breed is an exceptionally intelligent, trainable dog. Some have been trained to assist handicapped people around the home. It has proven to be an excellent hearing dog for the deaf. It can be trained to take its human companion to the sources of sounds, such as the telephone.
This is a fairly healthy breed. The Toy Fox Terrier is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Toy Fox Terrier is easy to groom. Occasionally comb and brush the smooth coat. Keep the nails short. This breed is a light shedder.

Cons - Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. If the human remains 100% pack leader, the dogs will not be yappers. Children should be taught to treat dogs kindly, yet in such a way the dog sees the child as his leader. can be stubborn without proper leadership from his owners. This is a companion dog that has not forgotten its ancient terrier instincts, and will therefore fight mice and small animals. This athletic little dog loves the hunt.
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Are Boston Terriers a high maintenance breed?

thatgirl: Boston Terriers?
I need to know everything you know about boston terriers. Is there a specific brand of dog food an 8 wk old BT should eat? Are they a high maintenance breed?

thanks

boston terrier dog breed photo

Photo Credit: Tony Faiola/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:

Answer by Anna
Boston Terrier care, or the care of any dog, includes more than just feeding, walking and an occasional bath. Your Boston will be completely dependent on you for all its care, so you'll need to decide, is a Boston Terrier right for you? Your BT will reward you with years of unconditional love, but it IS a lifelong commitment. We know you'll want to provide your Boston with the best possible care, so we've outlined some of the basics here.The Boston Terrier was bred to be a companion dog, and they usually do well with children and other pets. Bostons are “people” dogs that require a lot of time, attention and human contact. They quickly become part of the family, and are happiest when they’re around people. So, if you're not able to be with your Boston much, they may become bored and find activities to keep them occupied like chewing, digging, biting, jumping or barking.

Boston Terriers are highly intelligent and learn quickly. Their spirited and playful nature does require some basic obedience training (or corrective training if he develops one of the undesirable habits mentioned above).The average life span for a Boston Terrier is about 10 to 14 years. He will require immunizations and regular veterinary care to ensure he doesn't have worms or develop a health problem.You'll want to have a dog first aid kit on hand in case he gets hurt. Can you make the time, energy and financial commitment to a Boston for the duration? Do you frequently travel? Will your BT travel with you, or will he require boarding or a pet sitter? You'll need to take steps to identify your Boston. What will you do if he gets lost?.Although Bostons have short hair, they do shed some. Are you prepared for other grooming activities such as bathing, dental care, and nail trimming? Bostons require protection from the heat and cold due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) heads and short coats. Are you prepared for an inside dog?

Bostons are active, love to play, and require regular exercise. Do you have a secure place for him to play? Although they tend to be very loyal, Bostons love people and can easily stray if left in an unsecured area without a leash. Good Boston Terrier care also includes proper nutrition. To help keep your dog healthy, feed her the best nutritionally balanced food that you can given your budget. And, be sure she has fresh, clean water available at all times. A final thought on Boston Terrier Care:Be sure that all the members of your family are 'on board' before bringing a Boston in to the family. They should only go into a home where everyone welcomes him and cooperates in caring for him.

Answer by oregano13
They are high energy companion dogs. They want human contact constantly, and can be distressed without it. They are very active and intelligent and will get into trouble if not properly trained and supervised. They do not do well in heat or cold due to their shortened sinuses, and need to be kept at a comfortable, moderate temperature. They are prone to a large number of genetic health issues, so if you don't want to shell out thousands for vet treatment, don't buy from anyone who does not extensively health screen their stock (BAER, CERF, OFA on knees, heart, elbows, thyroid at an absolute minimum). I own one, and she is eager to please and wants nothing more than to be with me constantly. She does not like to be alone. As I work, she goes to daycare where someone is with her all day long. As far as food, choose a high quality puppy food with no wheat, corn, soy, or non-specific byproducts.

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What can you tell about boerboel dogs?

yeahyeah: What do you know about boerboels?
I've read online resources and most of them are trying to sell a puppy, so their enthusiastic descriptions are suspect. There's also the ones that tell you about how to show the dog,( with the measurements and jaw, eye, head shapes, blah blah blah) which I don't plan on doing. I'm looking for personal experiences: how hard are they to train to you, how often did/does yours get sick, how aggressive/docile is/was yours, how rambunctious is/was it- that kind of thing. I'm not getting one right away, but I plan on it in the future. Just trying to figure out what I might be getting into.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Vet Tech
First and foremost, Boerboels are family dogs. Most people confuse them with Bullmastiffs... they do look similar and have common ancestors, but are a completely different breed.

The Boerboel's desire in life is to be as close to their human as possible ... when you own a Boerboel, you will never go to the bathroom alone again!! :)

The Boerboel is typically wary of strangers, but takes its cues about the "status" of a stranger from its human. The breed has an uncanny ability to sense what his owner is thinking -- the owner's immediate judgement about a stranger or situation is felt by the Boerboel, and acted upon accordingly as determined by training OR lack thereof.

For this reason it is of extreme importance to socialize your Boerboel correctly when he is young. We encourage owners to participate in some sort of obedience activities that firmly establish who's boss and teach the Boerboel's family how to establish reliable behavior and control.

Many people say that the Boerboel comes into his temperament between 2-3 years of age. We'd prefer to say that the boerboel is "mature" at that point - meaning that he will not go through any additional fear periods or growth spurts. We have found the "bark alert" in the Boerboels starts as early as 8 weeks, and that the general temperament of the dog at this age is consistent as the dog ages. Temperament is bred into a dog, not trained at a later date and time.

NOTE: As other have mentioned... they are certaintly NOT for everyone. They need a FIRM owner who is comitted to a lifetime of training and socialization.

Answer by rollin_indahay
While I am one that is usually firmly against any kind of "profiling" for dog breeds....the only experience I have have had with Boerboels has been negative. I have talked to breeders that have told me that they are NOT suited to be a pet in most cases. Aggression is a serious issue with these animals.

I've been telling folks for quite some time now......keep banning Pit Bulls, and Boerboels will be the next "dog of choice"....only I fear they will cause a LOT more problems than Pit Bulls ever have. Even in the hands of GOOD owners, human aggression is something you have to be constantly aware of. In the hands of an unexperienced owner.....good luck.

IMO, if you want a dog for a pet, there are hundreds of better options.

Answer by something_horrid
Boerboels were used to create Boxers, some Mastiffs, Pit Bulls type dogs and bulldog type dogs, all of which were originally fighting/baiting dogs. So, that means Boerboels can be dog aggressive if not socialized.
They aren't as active and hyper as a Boxer, but they are powerful, strong and stubborn like Bulldogs and Pit Bulls. Early training and socialization is a must so you don't wind up with an aggressive or overly excited 100 pound adult dog that you can't control.
If properly socialized and trained, they can be perfectly sweet and well-behaved around kids cats and dogs, but if not you're setting yourself up for trouble. So, if you do decide to get a Boerboels, plan to go to puppy training classes and obedience classes when the pup gets older.

Answer by bzerlver
Here is a site with many peoples' personal experiences with their Boerboels:
http://boerboel.mu.nu/

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