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NOT A
PASSING FAD
Hybrid dogs are dogs first, designs second.
By Roger SipeIf you
think that designer dogs are a fad, and you want to get in
on it before it’s over, these dogs aren’t for you. Dogs,
by design or purebred, are by no means a fad. And if you
think there is something extra special about designer
dogs, think again. While hybrid dogs can be healthier
and more intelligent than other dogs; they are not
cuddlier; they will not make you hipper; they will not
make you cooler.
So what are they and what do they do?
They, like all breeds and types of dogs, are a lifelong
commitment that will need your attention and care for the
next 10 to possibly 20 years. In return, they will give
you all the love, loyalty and companionship you can
handle.
DOGS, DOGS EVERYWHERE
Purebred aficionados look at hybrid dogs and tell
potential owners to adopt a dog from the pound because a
designer dog is basically a mutt. But unless you aspire
to enter your dog in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show,
why exactly do you need a purebred? Nothing guarantees
that a purebred dog will make you happier than one that
isn’t.
Bloodlines, schmudlines. Don’t you really just want a
good dog that loves and obeys you, makes you laugh, leads
a healthy life and thinks you’re the greatest things since
cow hoofs?
Purebred, designer, pound puppy, they all have one thing
in common. They are all dogs, and they all need love and
companionship of a good human, Some are cute; some are,
well, not (only a Chinese Crested owner could find that
breed “easy on the eyes”). Some dogs are rambunctious;
some are gentle. Some like to run; some like to nap.
Some like to eat tennis shoes; some like to eat bugs.
In the end, the type of dog you select is the one that
suits you, Collie people love Collies. Shih Tzu people
love Shih Tzu. Maybe after doing your research, you’ll
find that you're a Cockapoo fan or a Labradoodle
enthusiast. First and foremost, just be sure that you are
a dog person. Once you figure that out, then you might
want to investigate some of the designer breeds. All have
different personalities and different lifestyle
requirements. One might be right for you.
If you choose a designer dog, don’t take any guff from
purebred owners. Your Puggle or Yorkipoo will be just as
great and priceless in your eyes as their dog is in
theirs. And remember: Their dogs were once “designer
dogs,” too. |
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A DOG'S PLEA
Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the
world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart
of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should
lick your hand between blows,
your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me
the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest
music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when
your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet for I am a
domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter
elements.
I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at
your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you
when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your side,
and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my
life, should you be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy
good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts
to
keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my
trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth
knowing
with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest
in your hands.
- Author Unknown
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Dogs Are Mans Best
Friend
Dogs are
believed to be descendants of wild
wolves. They are the first wild
animal to be tamed. Ancient man most
likely brought home cub wolves to
raise as pets. The pet wolves we are
also useful in driving away bears
and other wild animals. One of the
oldest known breed of dogs is the
Salukis, which were bred by
Egyptians thousands of years ago as
hunting dogs. Greyhounds and
Dalmatians are also among the oldest
breeds documented.
Over the
centuries, people have found many
ways for dogs to be useful. Dogs
helped to pull loads, herd cattle
and sheep, and guard their master
and the masters property. The
Ancient Greeks developed tiny lap
dogs, which we are meant to be held
in a lady's lap to help keep her
stomach warm. Bulldogs with huge
jaws and short noses we are
developed so they could hang onto
the throat of a bull and still be
able to breathe. In more recent many
years, dogs have been trained as
seeing eye dogs for the blind. Dogs
have also been recruited to work
with law enforcement to detect drugs
and explosives.
Today many
dogs, such as the Poodle or
Chihuahua, no longer resemble the
wolf. Other dogs, such as the
Siberian Husky and the German
Shepherd still show a strong
resemblance to the wolf. There are
many different breeds in existence
today, from the short haired Beagle
and Boston Terrier to the long
haired Cockers and Scotties. The
Beagle can be better suited to live
in the city, while Setters or
Collies can be more relaxed in the
country. The tallest dogs are Great
Danes and the Irish Wolfhound. They
would most definitely be more
comfortable in a place where they
had a lot of room to run and play.
In the United
States, one out of three families
owns one or more dogs. Most dogs
live anywhere from eight to fifteen
months. When dogs are one year old,
they are as physically mature as a
15 year old human. Dogs can see some
color but not as vividly as humans,
thus they are considered color
blind. Yet, dogs might see much
better in dim light than us. Dogs
have us beat in the category of
smell, also. Their sense of smell is
up to one million times greater than
humans!
Regardless of
which kind of dog you choose- big,
little, smooth haired, shaggy, fast,
slow, playful or dignified, dogs
build wonderful companions. Enjoy
their companionship and remember
they need plenty of love, attention,
and petting to be happy!
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