Dogs as pets: Best Care, Feeding, and Rich Advice
Man’s best friend, the descendant of the wolf, was the first species to be domesticated and therefore dogs as pets are the most popular all over the world. Besides being a companion for humans, they are also used for protection, hunting, herding, assisting police and the military, therapy, and helping disabled people.
There are about 450 globally recognized dog breeds. Here is a Wikipedia list of dog breeds. I find the extinct breed list very interesting. One of my favourite breeds are Yorkshire Terriers.
Just a view dogs as pets to choose from:
Golden Retriever – Their gentle nature has made them incredibly as family pets as they are exceptional good with children.
Scottish Terrier – The Scottie’s stubborn nature can make it awkward to train, but its loyalty is assured and it is an excellent watchdog.
Beagle – Alert and energetic, Beagles are remarkably affectionate and playful compared to some working breeds, making them fun to have around.
Chihuahua – They love human company, but need careful handling as they are so small and frail. They often shiver, not only when they are cold but also when they are excited or nervous.
American Cocker Spaniel – They are hugely popular as pets because they are very willing and easy to train, but their coats do require extensive grooming.
Saint Bernard – Although thoroughly trustworthy and good-natured, their size, appetite, and need for living and exercise space make them difficult to keep as a family pet, especially in towns.
Yorkshire Terrier – Small in stature, but a multi-talented breed. They are energetic, smart, athletic, and feisty dog. More information about Yorkies.
Italian Greyhound – The little Italian Greyhound used to be a hunter but now makes a quite, gentle and affectionate companion.
Labrador Retriever – A favourite as a guide dog for the blind. They are most popular of all as a loving family pet.
Maltese – A lively, fun dog, good with children and a wonderful family pet.
Mixed-breed dogs: are dogs that do not belong to one officially recognized breed and include those that are the result of intentional breeding. Studies done show that mixed breeds on average are healthier and live longer than purebreds. Crossbreed dogs are better mothers, producing more milk and giving better care to their pups.
Purebred dogs: a particular strain of dogs that was purposefully bred by humans to perform specific tasks, such as herding, hunting, and guarding.
More information:
Lifespan: It varies widely among breeds but the median longevity ranges from 10 to 13 years. Mixed-breed dogs live on average 1.2 years longer than purebred dogs.
Sterilization: Because of the overpopulation of dogs, many animal control agencies advise that dogs that are not intended for further breeding should be sterilized. This is to prevent undesired puppies may later be euthanized. Three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized every year. There are more dogs than there are homes therefore, more are confined to cages in shelters. For this reason, many people advocate getting your new dog from the SPCA.
Dog food: A whole section of Wikipedia is dedicated to dog food. Here you can read about commercial varieties, types of diets, nutrients, supplements, etc.
What dog food brands do you sell? Here is a great opportunity to showcase your brands.
Featured image – Rosie the King Charles cavalier spaniel,12 weeks old. Courtesy: Lynne Broberg
Here is a great pre-owned book with some very amazing photos you might want to buy. Available in South Africa.
Here is a great video about the top 10 dog breeds for your first dog:
Content creator: Petrus A. van Tonder
Reference: Wikipedia
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https://www.worldwidepets.online/blog/cats-as-pets/
