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The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed with a special knack for herding cattle. This energetic dog breed also makes a wonderful companion for the right home. Named for its country of origin, the ACD was developed in the 19th century to herd cattle on large ranches in Queensland. In fact, the breed had a key role in the development of the Australian Beef industry. Fearless, athletic and intelligent, there is no better cattle herder than the ACD.
Today's ACD is still an amazing herder and worker, but is also quite successful in agility, flyball, Frisbee, and other canine competitions. This breed makes a wonderful companion for an owner with an active lifestyle. This breed is no couch potato and needs to work in order to be completely happy. If you are looking for an energetic, loyal and intelligent dog that will make a great exercise partner, consider the Australian Cattle Dog. Have you had experience with this beautiful and amazing dog breed? Tell others the story - talk about your Australian Cattle Dog.
Photo © chrisamichael on flickr
Dog Breed of the Week: Australian Cattle Dog originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 21:28:15. Permalink | Comment | Email this
I am pleased to announce the arrival of Contributing Writer Amy Bender to the About Dogs site. With a focus on dog training, Amy will provide valuable information about obedience, behavior problems and much more.
Amy is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has written many dog-related articles for both print and the web. As dog lovers, we all know the essential roles training and behavior play in our daily lives, and how frustrating it can be when things do not go as planned. Amy's expertise can help you train your dog and better understand his behavior. With vast knowledge and experience, she is a delightful addition to this site. Please join me in welcoming Amy!
Recent Articles by Amy Bender
Please Welcome Writer Amy Bender originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 17:30:33. Permalink | Comment | Email this

The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog that was originally developed for protection. English gamekeepers in the mid-19th century crossed the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The result was a powerful, fearless dog that could stop poachers in their tracks.
Today's Bullmastiff is still a highly capable guard dog, but the breed is most treasured as a companion. Despite it's powerful and somewhat intimidating appearance, this is a gentle and affectionate dog that forms a solid bond with it's family members. However, the Bullmastiff's tough side does instinctively comes out when necessary. One important thing to know about this breed: be prepared for slobber. The Bullmastiff owner tends to carry around a drool rag. If this sort of thing bothers you, then look elsewhere for the breed of your dreams. Otherwise, there's a lot to love about these big sweeties. Could this breed be the choice for you? Learn all about the Bullmastiff and see for yourself.
People who know Bullmastiffs simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this breed. Have you been lucky enough to share your life with a Bullmastiff? Tell your story!
Photo © iStockphoto.com/Terry Bouvier
Dog Breed of the Week: Bullmastiff originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 22:57:41. Permalink | Comment | Email this
If you have ever seen a seizure occur in an animal or a human, then I don't need to tell you how stressful it can be. Most people feel helpless and frightened when they witness a seizure, especially if it's the first time. Unfortunately, seizure disorders in dogs are all too common. Whether or not your dog has had a seizure in the past, it is essential that you educate yourself. If your dog ever has a seizure, knowledge may be the thing that saves her life.
Not all dogs that experience seizures are epileptics. In fact, there are a number of causes for seizures. Some can be cured while others are able to be medically managed. Take the time today to learn about seizures in dogs. It could make all the difference tomorrow.
Have you had a dog with seizures? Tell us about your experience.
Seizures in Dogs originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 at 23:12:03. Permalink | Comment | Email this

It's Westminster week, and although the show is over, I deemed it fitting to talk about dog breeds. Every year, the AKC releases the list of the most registered dog breeds. More or less, that list ranks the breeds in order of popularity. With the order of the top ten "usual suspects" slightly shifted, 2009 brought no surprises. Did you love seeing all the breeds at Westminster? Check out the Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009 to find out more about the most popular dogs and why they are so sought after. Where does your favorite breed rank on the AKC registration stats list?
Photo © Katheryn Harris on flickr Top Ten Dog Breeds of 2009 originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 00:02:56. Permalink | Comment | Email this

This week's featured breed was chosen in honor of "Sadie" AKA Ch. Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, Best in Show winner at this year's Westminster Kennel Club dog show. This Scottie also competed for best in show at Westminster in 2009, where she lost to a Sussex Spaniel named Stump. Well, this year she was back and, apparently, in it to win it. Congratulations to Sadie, her handler and her owners.
The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is an active and bold dog with very short legs and a small but sturdy build. The Scottie is strong and fearless, but also makes an affectionate companion. This breed is well known for its distinctive beard and short stature, as well as it's frequent Scottish attire in pictures and cartoons. Scotties have been owned by many well-known public figures over the years, including Queen Victoria, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart and George W. Bush. Do you love Scotties too? Tell us all about them.
Image: Sadie, Westminster 2010 Champion Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images Dog Breed of the Week: Scottish Terrier originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 23:47:21. Permalink | Comment | Email this
Every year, dog breed enthusiasts look forward to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, an event that is considered by many to be one of the world's most prestigious dog shows. When it comes to purebred dogs, the WKC dog show is for the best of the best. Entry into the show is limited to dogs that are registered by the AKC and have obtained AKC Championship. For two days every February, we get to see ideal representations of each dog breed. They are the cream of the crop. In many ways, it's kind of like the Miss America pageant for dogs. Read more... Scottish Terrier Wins Westminster originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 at 23:04:55. Permalink | Comment | Email this

The large, noble Akita is a courageous companion and protector with a powerful presence. In many ways, the Akita has two faces: To outsiders, the breed may seem aloof or standoffish. However, to his family, the Akita is affectionate and loyal. This is a dog that requires respectful treatment from those around him. In turn, he will treat others with respect. He is clean and relatively odor-free, sometimes even grooming himself.
No, the Akita is not a feline, but he does seem to have the spirit of a lion. On the flip side, many Akita owners say the breed has a silly side that he shares only with those in his inner circle. One thing is for certain: the Akita is a natural guardian that will protect his loved ones no matter what. Could this breed be right for your household? Learn more about the Akita and you may be surprised. Have you had the pleasure of knowing Akitas? Tell us all about your experiences. Got photos? Send them in.
Photo © Alden Chadwick on flickr
Dog Breed of the Week: Akita originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 22:15:42. Permalink | Comment | Email this

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that is loved by some and loathed by others. I suppose much of it depends on your relationship status, but there are those of us who are not single and still find Valentine's Day overrated.
Of course, dogs know nothing of this holiday - to them it's just another day they hope to spend with you. Why not grant your four-legged Valentine's wish and spend the day together? You might even want to get your dog a little present.
This weekend, remember to play it safe. If your human sweetheart gives you flowers, candy, or other potential toxins, be sure to keep them out of reach. The last thing you want is a Valentine's Day trip to the animal emergency room.
Valentine's Day Ideas and Related Topics:
Photo © Reggie Casagrande/Getty Images
My Furry Valentine originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 22:20:57. Permalink | Comment | Email this

I have never met a Whippet I didn't like. These energetic and jovial dogs just have a way of capturing my heart. If you think about it, they really are rather likable and versatile dogs. Neither too big nor too small, the Whippet fits in with almost any environment. The breed is also known for its excellent health and temperament.
While the Whippet is not technically a miniature Greyhound, this is exactly what the breed looks like. The two breeds are pretty similar in personality too, though I find the Whippet to be a bit more on the hyper side (not necessarily in a bad way, mind you). A first glance, the breed looks as if it could snap like a twig, but this sighthound is much sturdier than it looks. Could a Whippet be the right dog for you? Read all about the breed and decide for yourself. Love Whippets? Tell us why this breed is so wonderful.
Dog Breed of the Week: Whippet originally appeared on About.com Dogs on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 20:55:15. Permalink | Comment | Email this
SOUTHINGTON — Cheryl Swarts has always loved dogs. So five years ago, after years of education and experience in training dogs and using them for therapeutic purposes, it seemed natural for her to open Country Dog Day Spa at 1177 West St. It offers a variety of products, services and events for dogs and their owners.
Learning about what makes a dog a "good dog" is all about the merits of obedience training.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A musher from tropical Jamaica competing in a sled dog race? Yes, many thought the idea ridiculous when an adventure tourism operator there decided to build a team five years ago.
K-9 teams from across the Tampa Bay area signed on for a rare, two-day training opportunity in Sarasota County this week with a special guest.More than two dozen dogs and their handlers spent Thursday and Friday at Knights Trail Park working with world-renown dog trainer Thomas Haas, who has worked with the German army. He's also known for finding dogs suited to work with anti-terrorist groups ...
For Tara Wirtjes, 35, of Champlin, having her dog Rue has given her renewed self-confidence and independence. When Wirtjes was 17, she was getting a ride home in the evening, back in her hometown of Wheaton, Minn., and the car rolled.
Swanton based Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. has been training assistance dogs for over 20 years. Arrica Okenka received her assistance dog, Ingrid three months ago. Ingrid, a golden retriever, is a 2009 fall graduate of the ADAI’s program.
Michigan State University had been edging toward its decision to end using live dogs, which later are euthanized, for surgical training for students.
Sue Andrus and Carol Lamoureux love training their golden retrievers Trooper and Rocket that may someday help someone physically disabled become more independent.
Amy is one of the dogs at Cold Wet Noses . Here's what it says about Amy at tucsoncoldwetnoses.com : Amy is a lab/terrier mix (we think) and about 10 months old. She has easy to care for short, wiry black fur and she is long and lanky! She will probably fill out a bit more, but not much. Spayed, healthy, microchipped, and up to date on her shots. She is full of energy and a lovely lady who will ...
The classroom had a dirt floor, half the students were the furry, four-legged kind, and assignments involved tunnels and weave poles as the Wichita Dog Training Club hosted classes this week for people and dogs honing their agility skills.
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