Teaching A Greek Dog to Swim: Hela’s Adventures
The post Teaching A Greek Dog to Swim: Hela’s Adventures by Dr. Maja Platisa DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.
So, as a dog born and raised on the beautiful island of Kefalonia in Greece, you would think that swimming would come so easily to Hela. Well, things are not always as they seem. After meeting Hela for the first time last spring and then seeing her clumsy attempts at staying afloat this summer, it became obvious that during her time in Greece, she probably had no idea she was actually living on an island and had never been in the water. But she is an adventurer at heart and will try most things at least once.
Shouldn’t All Dogs Know How to Swim?
Swimming comes so naturally to many dog breeds, that it’s easy to forget that not all are such great or enthusiastic swimmers. With Hela being a presumed Hungarian Viszla cross, based on her looks, endless drive, energy levels, and my modest vet guessing, I expected her to be thrilled on her first encounter with a nearby lake. However, she was more interested in all the sounds made by the frogs, while insisting on finding each and every one. Luckily, she didn’t get any at all. But she also showed no intention to get into the water any deeper than her wrists and ankles for the first few times. I was quite disappointed.
Learning From Lava’s Example
Luckily, my other dog Lava loves swimming, which also took her almost two years to realize. Lava will swim reasonably far, thinking she can actually catch a duck that’s miles away, but I wouldn’t want to burst her bubble. Anyway, Hela has now had several opportunities to learn from observing Lava swim with confidence and ease, but it still took her one year to actually try it out for herself, and it was anything but graceful. Truthfully, it wasn’t something I would proudly share on social media, but it was very entertaining to watch and still makes me smile.
It’s Hard Not to Laugh
Well, it was a sight for sore eyes and an instant mood lifter. Alongside Lava, who was swimming gracefully and sliding across a still lake, there was Hela, doing something between swimming and jumping, making her way through the reeds. She was also trying to shake her head at the same time, as clearly she hadn’t yet figured out how not to get water in her ears. She was on the lead, so I was ready to pull her out if she got stuck, but the sight was too funny to interfere, and she seemed to have it under control. At least I hoped so.
Luckily, Hela Has Turned to Other Hobbies
It seemed that Hela herself was aware that swimming was not her strong suit, and she quickly turned to her other favorite activities. One of them is digging, and she is just amazing at this. Unfortunately. All my efforts of keeping the grass looking tidy were in vain. Every day, there is another hole, and it’s great when there’s only one. Besides digging, Hela is also great at finding all the stinky and rotten wild animal leftovers, many of unrecognizable origin, and eating them in the blink of an eye, as well as locating voles and rodents. She is so proficient at this that I can’t even let her dig for more than 30 seconds, as I know she will dig something up.
There’s Always Hope
We went back to the lake several times over the summer, with unchanging results. Hela was running and jumping through the water, while Lava was attempting to chase ducks. I tried my best to pretend neither of the two dogs was mine, which was especially hard when a group of local fishermen looked at us with very serious facial expressions. Hats off to them for staying so cool when looking at the three of us. Must have been a sight! Despite Hela clearly not being a talented swimmer, or any type of swimmer for that matter, I continued taking her to the lake. Seeing her run around happily, stumping through the water and looking for frogs, was enough of a reason.
- Read her previous article: Bonding With a Dog Isn’t Always Easy: Lava’s Journey & Mine
The post Teaching A Greek Dog to Swim: Hela’s Adventures by Dr. Maja Platisa DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
DEAR SALLY’S ABUSER,
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Dr Karyn’s 10 Commandments For Successful Puppy Parenting (Part 2)
The post Dr Karyn’s 10 Commandments For Successful Puppy Parenting (Part 2) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred.
Last week, I shared part one of my 10 do’s and don’ts for raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy. If you missed it, click here to catch up.
Ready for the final five commandments? Read on:
These commandments are intended for puppies. Although some will absolutely apply to any new dog, some will be more difficult or even dangerous to implement with an adult rescue dog.
I have marked these with an ‘✽’.
The Final 5 Commandments for Successful Puppy Parenting:
6. Thou Shalt Not: Be Inconsistent
Puppy training is no place for good cop/bad cop. Although it is often inevitable that there will be a ‘soft’ parent and a disciplinarian, you need to present a united front in the early months. Consistency is one of the MOST important things to puppies and dogs. If they are allowed to do something one minute, then told off for doing it the next, you will cause stress and anxiety for your puppy.
You might let them in the bed or on the sofa when they’re older, but if you have decided that these areas are off limits for now, EVERYONE in the family must abide by those rules. Being inconsistent is unfair to your pup.
In our house, all the dogs must sit and wait to be told ‘okay’ before eating. It is a simple step, but it ensures that we have control over meals, which is important in a household of five dogs. This applies to every meal, no matter who is feeding them.
7. Thou Shalt: Learn the “NO!” bark
I think it’s been fairly well established that we females have been given the short end of the stick in many ways, and this also applies to dog training. The deeper male voice, which is more consistent with a canine growl, naturally elicits the attention and respect of our dogs, while the higher register of the female voice is more consistent with the vocalizations of play, excitement, or distress. This is why our dogs often, frustratingly, seem to pay more attention when the menfolk are talking.
How do we get around that? Practice your “no!” bark – make the word loud, deep, rumbling, and assertive. Not just for no, but when giving any command. It might feel like you’re being mean and gruff to bark out a word, but your dog won’t see it that way; you are just speaking their language and being clear that they need to listen. This is also an important one to teach children in the family, who are often the worst offenders of rule number 5 (repeating yourself).
8. Thou Shalt: Allow other pets to put your puppy in their place*
Socialization is extremely important for puppies, and part of that socialization is about learning manners. Other dogs, and even cats, know when they are dealing with a youngster, are usually more tolerant with them, and will pull their punches when it comes to telling them off. When an adult dog tells your puppy off, it is often with a loud bark and no bite, aimed at scaring your pup without hurting them. This is an important part of their training, so do not intervene unless the aggression is escalating.
Rough play-fighting is also important, usually involving lots of loud grumbles and squeals as young dogs learn how to play safely and how rough is too rough. Again, monitor this sort of interaction closely, but don’t interrupt unless noisy playing becomes proper fighting.
9. Thou Shalt: Take things away from your puppy*
When we raise our dogs right, we should be able to take a toy or food away from them without any grumbling, rumbling, or aggression, because
- they know that these behaviors are not acceptable around humans, and
- they are secure in the knowledge that we won’t deprive them of their food or toys permanently.
While it is a parent’s responsibility to teach their children not to take things from a dog or interrupt them when they are eating, distractions happen, and kids don’t always remember (or follow) the rules. Dogs, on the other hand, are more reliable when it comes to training.
An adult dog that is growling over food or toys is not to be trifled with, and that is a situation that is best addressed by a behaviorist. This sort of behavior in an 8-week-old puppy, however, should not be tolerated, and is where the “no!” bark comes in handy.
When your puppy is small, it is the perfect time to show them that our hands can touch their food bowl, and even take the bowl away, because we will always bring it back. Every mealtime, make a point of touching your puppy’s back, head, and face when they are eating, and take the bowl up once or twice, making sure to praise them when they don’t react.
The same goes for toys. If your puppy is becoming possessive over their toys, make sure that you can consistently take the toy from them, but once they have stopped protesting, return the toy to them so they know that you aren’t going to take it away forever. In most cases, a puppy isn’t going to be able to do too much damage if they try to take back a toy, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful.
The aim here is to make sure your puppy understands that it is okay for people to touch their food and toys, and there is no need for them to guard them.
I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t be teaching children to leave dogs alone when they are eating, just that we have a better chance of teaching dogs to be safe around children than teaching young kids to be safe around dogs. I’d prefer to train my dog to accept hands coming between them and their food, rather than hope that a child never tries it.
When it comes to other dogs, however, follow commandment #8 and let them teach your puppy the ‘dog rules.’
10. Thou Shalt: Vaccinate Your Puppy!
The prevalence of canine adverse vaccine reactions (mild to severe) is around 4 per 1000, with the number that die from vaccine reactions sitting at approximately 1 in 400,000.
- The fatality rate of Parvovirus is 90% (20-50% with treatment)
- The fatality rate of Rabies is almost 100%
- The fatality rate of Distemper is around 50%
And yet, more than half of recently surveyed dog owners said they are hesitant about vaccinating their dogs. Even if you decide not to continue with annual vaccinations after the first year, please, give your puppy a fighting chance and get them vaccinated! A healthy, vaccinated puppy can get out into the world and start socializing, which is a vital part of their training and development.
When choosing a name for your puppy, remember that you will likely need to be yelling it across a field or beach someday, so avoid anything too embarrassing or long-winded. And if you do favor a fancy name, consider a regular nickname to use for recall and training; preferably something short and sharp.
E.g.
- Name: Montgomery
- Nickname: Monty
Final Thoughts
Puppy training should be fun and enjoyable for everyone involved, but it also needs to be done correctly. Most of the things that dogs do ‘wrong’ are the result of us not being clear and consistent with what we have asked of them, and that has to start from the day they come into our homes. Dogs are most happy when they know what they are supposed to be doing and are getting praise for doing it. Believe me, it is worth feeling a little bit mean when setting some ground rules when you have a happy, confident dog whose behavior you don’t have to worry about.
- Read her previous article: Dr Karyn’s 10 Commandments For Successful Puppy Parenting (Part 1)
The post Dr Karyn’s 10 Commandments For Successful Puppy Parenting (Part 2) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
The post Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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If you check the dog food aisle in most pet stores, you will see an abundance of grain-free and wheat-free foods. There is a modern belief that dogs benefit from this kind of diet.
While it is unlikely that a canine would ingest wheat or other grains in the wild, these are commonly used in pet food because they can provide some nutrition for dogs. Specific allergies or intolerance to wheat are less common than allergies to animal-derived proteins. In general, yes, dogs can eat wheat, but certain breeds may have allergies or intolerances more than others. We dive deeper into this question below, so keep reading to find out more.
Why Can Dogs Eat Wheat?
A very small ratio of dogs are intolerant to wheat, but allergies and intolerances to other grains even are less common. In fact, food allergies, in general, are rare in dogs, and it is believed that only around 13% of dogs with allergies are intolerant to wheat.1
While wheat is sometimes described as being a filler, the term filler refers to cheap ingredients that do nothing but pad out the food without offering any nutritional benefits. Wheat is mainly a carbohydrate but it also contains some protein, fiber, and minerals, which can offer some nutrition to dogs. However, wheat protein by itself is not a complete protein for dogs so the food formulas need to be balanced with other animal-derived proteins.
Certain breeds are more likely to have issues with wheat. The Irish Setters can suffer a wheat-sensitive enteropathy while the Border Terriers are prone to developing a moving disorder known as paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia. So in the case of these breeds a wheat-free, gluten-free diet is best.
Wheat Provides Energy
Wheat is a source of carbohydrates that the dog’s body can turn into glucose and use for energy. Dogs don’t require carbohydrates though, their bodies are capable of naturally synthesizing glucose from proteins and fats in their carnivorous diet. But if yours is an active or working dog, or a pregnant female, providing additional carbs will help ensure they are fit and capable of performing their duties.
Grain-free foods typically use alternative sources of carbohydrates. Commonly this means adding potatoes and legumes.
Wheat In Dog Food
Since dog food became commercially available, the most common way we feed wheat to dogs is as part of their dry food. This is because forming the kibble pieces requires starch, this is also the reason why typically dry food is higher in carbohydrates than wet or fresh foods. If you feed canned or wet food, it is less likely to contain as many different grains or in the same volume.
For most dogs, however, it is ok to choose a food that incorporates wheat as long as it offers a nutritionally complete and balanced formula. This is usually indicated on the label and is a statement that ensures that your pup will get at least the minimum of all the nutrients that they need to support their health.
You can also find wheat flour in many dog treats. However, it is best to use protein-based treats to add to their nutrition. As we mentioned, dry food diets are already high in carbohydrates. Just like in the case of kibble, in those treats, wheat flour is used primarily as a binder to help give them a form.
Dogs and Grain Allergies
There are a lot of grain-free dog foods on pet food shelves, but the vast majority of dogs do not need to avoid grain, and excluding it from a specific food usually means other carbohydrate sources are incorporated.
While we do not have an exact number we know that only around a small amount of dogs have food allergies. And of those dogs that do have food allergies, it is more likely they are allergic to the protein in their food, rather than the carbohydrates. The most common allergies in dogs are as follows:
- Beef – 34%
- Dairy – 17%
- Chicken – 15%
- Wheat – 13%
- Lamb – 5%
If your dog shows any signs of allergies, such as skin conditions, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should investigate it considering also other possible causes. Gastrointestinal upset can be caused by sudden changes in diet, for example.
Environmental allergens such as pollen mites, dust, and reactions to chemicals are far more common than food allergies, so consider factors like the detergent you use on their bedding and whether your dog comes into contact with any allergens while out in the garden or on walks.
If you believe your dog has a wheat or other food allergy, talk to your vet. They will be able to advise an elimination diet or another means of determining the most likely allergen. And, if it turns out that your dog is allergic to or intolerant of wheat, your vet should also be able to recommend a good wheat-free food option.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Wheat Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
Although it is very rare, some dogs can be grain intolerant or allergic to wheat or other grains. In these cases, wheat can cause an upset stomach with diarrhea and vomiting. It is also possible if you start adding grain to your dog’s diet that they might suffer an upset stomach if you introduce the new ingredients too quickly.
Introduce new food gradually, adding a small amount at a time. You can increase the amount you feed over time, but too much too soon may cause diarrhea.
Can Dogs Have Bread?
Wheat flour is the most commonly used ingredient to make bread, although some varieties use other types of flour. As such, and because most dogs can safely eat wheat, plain bread is usually safe and not toxic for dogs. However, flour isn’t the only ingredient in bread.
Check for toxic ingredients such as raisins, onion, or garlic which can cause dogs to get very ill and even put their life at risk. You may find some breads include ingredients like sugar, adding even more to the carbohydrate load which can cause weight gain that may eventually lead to obesity.
Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat?
Cream of wheat is a porridge made from milled wheat, rather than oats. It is generally eaten as a breakfast product by humans, and the wheat component of the food is not toxic to dogs. However, it is usually eaten with additional ingredients like honey, syrup, or sugar, all of which can lead to weight gain in dogs because of the number of calories they consume.
If your dog eats a small amount from a bowl, they should be fine, but you shouldn’t allow them to eat too much, too often.
Conclusion
Wheat is a grain ingredient that is found in a lot of dog foods. Although it is sometimes thought of as filler, wheat offers certain nutritional benefits to dogs and, unless your dog has specifically been diagnosed with a wheat allergy, it is not prohibitive to be part of your dog’s daily food. Wheat allergies are rare in dogs, which means there is no reason to avoid foods that contain it unless they are sensitive or allergic to it.
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The post Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 14, 2024)
The post Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 14, 2024) by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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This Week’s Winner
| Name: | Bubba the foster |
| Breed: | Lab mix |
| Fun Fact: | Bubba’s favorite spot is on the cool concrete in this Austin, Texas heat. In this pic he’s begging for some fall weather this November. |
| Socials | @fosteringthebpack |
Cutest
| Name: | Lilibet Lou |
| Breed: | Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Pug mix |
| Fun Fact: | Lilibet Lou loves the grass and the sun. She loves to chase squirrels, although she has not been allowed to catch one. She adores kids that are little like her!! Her favorite toy is an opossum plush that I have had to sew over 20 times to keep it together! |
Most Expressive
| Name: | Buddy |
| Breed: | Shorkie |
| Fun Fact: | I took this as I caught him across the room looking at me like this and my heart melted |
Sleepiest
| Name: | Winnie |
| Breed: | Golden Retriever |
| Fun Fact: | Winnie is 12.4 months old. She waits for me to put down a soft blanket before she will lie down. She is the sweetest girl |
| Socials | @winnie_and_charliet |
Silliest
| Name: | Hazel |
| Breed: | Mini Goldendoodle |
| Socials | @minihazeldoodle |
Most Dignified
| Name: | Peanut & Pixie |
| Breed: | Chihuahua |
| Fun Fact: | Peanut and Pixie are both rescue dogs. They both compete in pet fashion shows to raise money and awareness to dog rescue. |
| Socials | @peanut0926 |
Enter Your Dog
Submit your doggie for a chance to be featured! Click here
- View our previous week’s winners here: November 8, 2024
- Click here to view all of our past winners
The post Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 14, 2024) by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Do Dogs Have Zodiac Signs? Pet Horoscopes & Personality Traits
The post Do Dogs Have Zodiac Signs? Pet Horoscopes & Personality Traits by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Zodiac signs are all the craze nowadays. It seems that everybody knows about astrology and even judges people based on their astrological sign. Are you one of them? If so, you might be really curious to know if our pets are still held to the same rules of the stars. Do dogs have horoscopes?
Since the zodiac signs are developed to cover the entire year, your dogs, cats, and other critters would most certainly be on the list. If you know your dog’s birthday, here’s a bit of information about a dog’s zodiac sign personality so you can see if your dog fits their sign.
Aries
- March 21—April 19
- Element: Fire
Oh yes, the Aries. Headstrong, fiery, and the epitome of what makes a fire sign, a fire sign. No matter what kind of animal you have born in this window, you can bet they are definitely assertive and love to run!
An Aries tends to be a little headstrong, so they might even prove challenging to train. However, they exhibit loyalty and ambition, so you have such a rewarding relationship with them. In terms of protection? They will defend their heart and home 100%.
The Aries is a bit hard to handle for some. They might require a bit of a firm hand. It’s nice to use positive reinforcement training with this star sign—and definitely never use force or negative reinforcement to get your point across—you won’t win!
Taurus
- April 20—May 20
- Element: Earth
The lazy, relaxed Taurus loves to eat. These are some stereotypes that you hear when talking about this earth sign. The Taurus tends to be a little bit stubborn.
So, even though your animal might be extremely sweet, lackadaisical, and go with the flow, they might also be a little resistant to change and put up a fight when it’s something they don’t want to do.
Tauruses are also creatures of habit. A pet that is a Taurus might have trouble adjusting to change. So, if you move homes or bring a new baby into the equation, they might not adjust so great at first.
But don’t worry, these lovable doggos will warm up before you know it.
Gemini
- May 21—June 21
- Element: Air
The Gemini—the twin of the zodiac world. If you have a dog that is a Gemini, their split personality will speak for itself. One minute, they might be relaxed and chilling on the couch. The next, they are bouncing off your walls and ripping down your curtains.
The Gemini is known to have two extreme sides to their personality, making them somewhat unpredictable, which can be entertaining all on its own. Geminis tend to be pretty free-spirited and happy.
Geminis are curious cats, or, well, dogs! They tend to be very social, outgoing, and exploratory! If you love adventure, you will certainly love having the glass-half-full Gemini by your side.
You can always count on them to put a smile on your face and fill your heart with love.
Cancer
- June 22—July 22
- Element: Water
If you have a Cancer animal in your home, you might notice that they are a bit more emotionally intuitive than some others.A Cancer will probably make a fantastic emotional support animal, constantly being aware of your mood fluctuations and your stress.
These animals can be a little nervous at times. You might find that a Cancer might duck under their bed when there’s a thunderstorm or even develop issues like separation anxiety.
These animals wear their heart on their sleeve, so they will be extreme Lovebugs, willing to give affection to just about anyone. Even ones that are more selective will thrive on the connection they have with their human counterparts.
Leo
- July 23—August 22
- Element: Fire
The goofy, spicy Leo is a lion at heart. Brave, sometimes against their own good, is an understatement. Many of these animals might exhibit a larger-than-life personality, where they think that they rule the roost.
Brave, helpful, and courageous, a lion-hearted little Leo dog will be protective, proactive, and perfect for pet parents everywhere. They have a light-heartedness about them but when they mean business, you can see their whole demeanor change.
They are a fire sign for sure, being a little bit bossy, somewhat stubborn, and even a bit overbearing. However, a Leo also has a very loving quality that makes them super fantastic in their own right.
Virgo
- August 23—September 22
- Element: Earth
The Virgo: a methodical, analytical star sign that bleeds over on our pets as well. If you have a Virgo, you might notice that your dog is very observant, calculated, and well-mannered. These animals tend to look at life through a very practical lens.
They tend to be very obedient animals, making them very easy to train. Virgos tend to be incredibly intelligent, so you shouldn’t have much of an issue teaching them basic concepts like potty training and general commands.
Because of a Virgo’s analytical nature, it also makes some great candidates for advanced training and areas of service or task-related duties. They are very observant of their surroundings and receptive to commands.
Libra
- September 23—October 23
- Element: Air
The Libra is all about balance. Libras tend to be very poised in nature, and your pets will take on the same type of royal persona. They tend to be a little bit finicky about certain things.
So, you might have a pup that snubs their nose up at food they don’t like or one that has to be loved and always pampered. They might not like to get their feet wet in the grass and would rather be on a luxury pet bed napping.
Since Libras are about balance, they might be as bad as they are good. They might have a rotten streak where they get rambunctious and then turn around and act like little angels sent to Earth.
Scorpio
- October 24—November 21
- Element: Fire
The Scorpio is one of the darkest of all star signs. They might put on a warm face, but when you have your back turned, they’re into the trash! Scorpios are the type of star signs that know what they are and aren’t to do, and then proceed to do whatever they want.
Then, they will make you feel bad for reprimanding them. They might be one of the most cunning of all star signs, so they constantly keep you on your toes. They might just outsmart you no matter what—and then put an innocent face on to lay on the guilt trip thick!
Scorpios run deep. They might lack obvious expressions, so it could be hard to tell what they are thinking. They might come across as somber, poker-faced, or even aloof. However, there is much more depth than what meets the eye.
Sagittarius
- November 22—December 21
- Element: Fire
The Sagittarius could arguably be the most adventurous of all the doggo star signs. Sagittarius dogs might be escape artists, excellent playmates, and road trip travelers. They are curious about the world around them and aim to sniff out everything that makes life great.
The Sagittarius has their little head in the clouds. You might find that your dog is a bit of an airhead that doesn’t always think things through. They aren’t the most well-timed, but they’re certainly humorous and friendly. They’re energy makes training not so serious, creating a layer of comedic relief during serious moments.
Capricorn
- December 22—January 19
- Element: Earth
The Capricorn is a highly practical star sign, maybe even more so than a Virgo. These pets will be very straight to the point. A Capricorn animal might be a little disapproving when there are a lot of shenanigans happening around the household.
Slightly aloof and a little moody, they might judge you, look down on you, and wonder why you do some of the things that you do.
Also, they might be the most well-behaved pet you have. They know the rules and they follow them—because they’re by-the-book like that. Capricorns also tend to be protective, so they will make very parental-style companions to kiddos and other pets.
Aquarius
- January 20—February 18
- Element: Air
The Aquarius is definitely a critter of many colors. These animals tend to be very intellectual and creative. For this reason, it might make them extremely good at being escape artists, getting away with other bad behaviors and the works!
On the flipside, they might just be very good at navigating life. They might take to learning very well, soaking in all kinds of different concepts, tricks, and commands. This is a very good candidate for advanced training concepts, as they are patient and receptive.
The Aquarius has a bit of an unconventional approach to life. These dogs might march to the beat of their own drum. They can also be quite sensitive to criticism, so always make sure to use positive reinforcement when interacting with them.
Pisces
- February 19—March 20
- Element: Water
Ah, the Pisces—deeply emotional, heart-on-their-sleeve, overly sensitive, lovable. If your dog is a Pisces, they are going to be quite an easygoing but sometimes babyish dog that is ultra-receptive of the energy around the room.
The Pisces is known as being one of the most intuitive and sensitive star signs of all. However, this can create a bit of negativity as well, as it can lead to issues like nervousness, separation anxiety, and other behavioral concerns.
A Pisces might also become very dependent on their owners, looking to them for guidance. This is a very desirable trait for some and less desirable trait for others.
Conclusion
Now you understand that the stars can influence our pets as much as they influence us. Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about each star sign, have you found any similarities to the descriptions with your pet?
Of course, these are stereotypical explanations for these star signs. Every animal is an individual with a whole personality of their own. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, although these are all very common characteristics of these signs.
Featured Image Credit: Thanumporn Thongkongkaew, Shutterstock
The post Do Dogs Have Zodiac Signs? Pet Horoscopes & Personality Traits by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Dog Breed Stereotypes: Inaccurate and Damaging
The breed identification associated with a mixed-breed dog can have life-or-death repercussions.
Our youngest dog, Ally, has a “bestie.” Her name is Colbie and she belongs to our friend Amanda, a trainer who also works as an instructor at my training center, AutumnGold. Ally is a Golden Retriever. Colbie is a pit bull, adopted from a local shelter while Amanda was on staff there.
Being young girls, both Ally and Colbie wear pink collars, Gentle Leaders, and harnesses. For Ally, this is simply a fashion statement. For Colbie, given her breed and the breed stereotypes that she may encounter, it means a bit more. Amanda purposefully dresses Colbie in pink, hoping that such feminine attire will present Colbie as the sweetheart that she is.
Although Ally does not care about Colbie’s genetic heritage (or that she wears pink), many people do. Breed stereotypes are pervasive and impact local and state breed-specific legislation (BSL), homeowner’s insurance rates, rental property regulations, and shelter decisions regarding adoption and euthanasia. BSL in the United States and the United Kingdom specifically target pit bulls and other bully-type breeds, and either ban ownership of the breeds outright or impose strict restrictions upon ownership. These laws are based upon two assumptions:
1. Targeted breeds are inherently dangerous.
2. Individuals of the breeds can be reliably identified.
There is much controversy (and no consensus) regarding the first assumption, which is a topic for another time.
In this article, we look at the second assumption regarding reliable breed identification. Is there supporting evidence?
It turns out that there is quite a bit of science on this topic – and the results are quite illuminating.
A Dog Breed Guessing Game
Prior to the development of DNA testing, the only method available for identifying the breed of a dog whose heritage was unknown was visual assessment. A shelter worker, veterinarian, or animal control officer examines the dog and assigns a breed designation based upon physical appearance and conformation. Even with widespread availability of DNA tests, most shelters and rescue groups continue to rely upon visual identification to assign breed labels to the dogs in their care. Given the life or death import of these decisions for some dogs, it is odd that the question of the reliability of these evaluations has not been questioned.
Until recently.
Even the Experts Can’t Agree on Pit Bulls. 
In 2013, Victoria Voith and her co-researchers (reference 1) asked more than 900 pet professionals to assign a breed (or mix of breeds) to 20 dogs that they viewed on one-minute video clips. A DNA test was conducted for each of the dogs prior to the study, which allowed the researchers to test both the accuracy of visual breed-identification and the degree of agreement among the dog experts.
Results: Poor agreement was found between visual breed assignments and DNA results in 14 of the 20 dogs (70 percent). Moreover, there was low inter-rater reliability, meaning that the dog experts did not show a high level of agreement regarding breed assignments to the 20 dogs. More than half of the evaluators agreed on the predominant breed in only seven of the 20 dogs (35 percent). These results provide evidence that physical appearance is not a reliable method for breed identification.
You Say Pit Bull, I Say Boxer 
The following year, researchers in the U.S. and the U.K. collaborated and examined the consistency with which shelter workers assigned breed labels to the dogs in their care (reference 2). A group of 416 shelter workers in the U.S. and 54 in the U.K. were asked to assign a breed or mix of breeds to photographs of 20 dogs. They also completed a questionnaire that asked them to list the specific features that they used in their determination. Of the 20 dogs that were used in this study, more than three-quarters had a bully-breed appearance.
Note: An important difference between the U.K. and the U.S. is that all U.K. shelters are subject to the country’s Dangerous Dog Act, a law that bans the ownership of pit bulls. While such bans exist in the U.S., there is no universal law. Rather, select municipalities or states have various forms of BSL.
Results: Perhaps not surprisingly, U.K. shelter workers were much less likely to identify a dog with a “bully appearance” as a pit bull than were U.S. shelter workers. Instead, the U.K. shelter workers tended to label these dogs as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a breed that is allowed in the U.K., rather than as a pit bull, a “breed” that is universally banned.
Despite this difference, results corroborated Voith’s study in that the researchers found a great deal of variation among shelter workers in their assignments of breed, and there was a lack of consensus regarding which of the 20 dogs were identifiable as pit bulls.
DNA VS. Shelter Staff
A 2015 study surveyed experienced shelter staff members at several Florida animal shelters (reference 3). At each of four sites, four staff members were asked to assign breed designations to 30 adoptable dogs who were housed at their shelter. Collectively, 120 dogs were evaluated by 16 staff members. DNA testing was conducted on all of the dogs. A primary objective of this study was to examine the reliability of shelter staff’s ability to identify dogs with pit bull heritage and to compare their assessments with DNA results.
Note: The DNA signatures that are used to identify “pit bull terriers” are those of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, two breeds that are considered to be genetically identical. The companies that offer DNA tests for mixed-breed identification do not include American Pit Bull Terriers among the breeds they may identify.
Results: About one-third of the dogs who were identified as a pit-bull type breed by one or more shelter staff lacked any DNA evidence of bully breeds in his/her heritage. When inter-rater reliability among the participants was examined, agreement among shelter staff was moderate, but still included a relatively large number of disagreements.
What this means in practical terms is that a substantial number of dogs in this study were labeled as pit bulls or pit bull types and yet had no such genetic background. Even if the shelter staff agreed on a particular dog’s identification, this would be rather a moot point (for the dog) if they both happened to be wrong.
Breed DNA Doesn’t Always Show
How is it possible that a dog who appears to have the characteristic “pittie-type” head shape, muscular body, and other distinctive features, tests negative for pit-bull heritage? The conclusion that many people make from these discrepancies is that DNA testing must be unreliable, inaccurate, or just plain wrong.
However, the fact is that it is not uncommon for the results of DNA tests of dogs who have mixed heritage to identify a set of primary ancestor breeds that look nothing like the dog in question. This occurs because purebred crosses, particularly after the first generation, can result in unique combinations of genes that produce a wide range of features. When several different breeds are involved, some of these features may not be apparent in any of the ancestral breeds.
This occurs for two reasons. First, many of the breeds that we know today were originally created by crossing two or more existing breeds and then selecting for a small set of physically unique traits in subsequent generations. However, the dogs of these breeds still carry genes for a much wider variety of traits, even though the genes are not being “expressed” in the dog’s appearance. When these dogs are then bred to dogs of other breeds the hidden traits may become evident in their puppies.
A second reason is that less than one percent of the canine genome encodes for breed-specific traits such ear shape, coat type and color, and head shape. So, a dog could be a large part (genetically) of a certain breed, while not showing all of the breed’s physical traits, which may have been rapidly lost during cross-breeding with other breeds.
These three studies provide valuable evidence that the use of visual assessments to assign breed or breed-mixes to dogs is inaccurate and unreliable.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this information is of more than just casual interest for dogs like Colbie because pit bulls and other “bully breeds” are most frequently stigmatized by breed stereotypes and impacted by BSL and shelter policies that require automatic euthanasia. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that identifying an individual dog as a pit bull may be a matter of life or death for that dog.
Labels Matter in the Pet Adoption World
A recent paper published by researchers in Clive Wynne’s dog lab at the University of Arizona describes an ambitious series of experiments in which they examined the impact of breed labels on the perceptions of potential adopters and on the eventual outcome for the dog (reference 4). The studies were carried out online and at animal shelters in Florida and Arizona. Participants were asked to rate photographs, videotapes, or live dogs in their kennels. In some conditions the dogs were provided with a breed label and in others they were not.
Results: Two major findings came out of these studies. The first showed that stereotypes about pit bulls are alive and well, and the second showed how this stigmatization ultimately affects dogs:
1. People rated an image of a “pit-bull type” dog as less approachable, friendly, and intelligent, and more aggressive when compared to an image of either a Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie. In another experiment, labeling a dog as a pit bull negatively influenced the perceptions that people had about the dog. When visitors rated a dog who was labeled as a pit bull, the dogs were found to be less attractive in terms of perceived approachability, friendliness, intelligence, aggressiveness, and adoptability compared with when the same dog was not so labeled.
2. Dogs who had been labeled as pit bulls had length of stays in the Florida shelter prior to adoption that were more than three times as long as the stays of dogs who were matched in appearance, but had been labeled as another breed or breed-mix.
When breed labels were removed from the profile cards of dogs offered for adoption, adoption rates for pit bulls increased significantly, length of stays prior to adoption in the shelter decreased, as did euthanasia rates.
Interestingly, not only pit bull-type dogs benefited from removing breed labels from the kennel cards. Dogs from working breeds who were available for adoption, in particular Boxers, Dobermans, and Mastiffs also showed an increase in adoption rate.
Take Away Points
There is a lot to ponder here. We have learned that breed identification using a dog’s physical appearance, even when conducted by experienced dog experts, is flawed in two distinctive ways. First, experts cannot agree consistently about how to label an individual dog. One person’s Boxer-mix is another’s pit bull and is yet another’s Bulldog/Lab mix.
Second, DNA tests do not consistently confirm breed assignments that were based upon physical appearance. Labeling breeds for purposes of shelter retention, adoption, and euthanasia is a highly dubious process, and one that is most critical for pit bulls, American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and every other so-called “bully” breed and breed-mix.
We have also learned that potential adopters react to a pit bull label in ways that may adversely affect the outcome for the dog. Labeling a dog as a pit bull may increase her length of stay in the shelter, reduce her chances of adoption and increase her risk of being killed, simply because she was assigned a (possibly incorrect) label that changed the perceptions of potential adopters.
And last, we have evidence that removing breed labels from the cage cards of adoptable pit-bull-type dogs (and many other dogs) increases their chance of adoption, reduces the length of their stay in the shelter, and increases their chance of simply staying alive.
Colbie is pretty in pink, for sure. But it’s time that wearing pink becomes a simple fashion statement for Colbie, just as it is for her pal Ally.
What’s a “Pit Bull” Anyway? 
Would it surprise you to learn that there is no such breed as the pit bull? This is why it’s not capitalized in WDJ; we do capitalize breed names. There are lots of dogs that are called “pit bulls,” however. Some of them might actually be one of these: The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes a breed called the American Staffordshire Terrier, and another called the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The United Kennel Club (UKC), established in 1898, recognized its first breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier, in 1898. The UKC also recognizes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Pedigrees be damned, an individual of any one of these dogs would likely be labeled as a “pit bull” if he or she were found in an animal shelter.
As the studies discussed here show, the above-mentioned purebreds, as well as other breeds developed over the years (including the American Bulldog) – and the countless mixed-breed dogs that result from matings with them – are largely indistinguishable to most humans, and even to many dog training or veterinary professionals. If the dog has a blocky head, a muscular body (whether it’s short and squatty, or taller and chiselled), a short coat, and a whippy tail, he will likely be called a pit bull at some point – almost certainly if he ends up in a shelter. If he’s lucky enough to make it onto the adoption row and gets adopted, his savior finds she has also adopted a quandary: Most breed specific legislation, housing regulations, and insurance companies discriminate against any dog with a “pit bull” label – possibly the reason why those mixed-breed DNA testing companies don’t designate any of the dogs they test as American Pit Bull Terriers.
Is That a Cyst or a Tumor?
A cyst is usually a lump containing fluid, while a tumor tends to be solid.
Terminology is important when it comes to lumps or bumps on your dog’s skin. A “cyst” is a capsule that usually has fluid in it, although it can have air as well. “Tumor” is a general term, basically a generic swelling or mass. The terms tumor and neoplasm tend to be used interchangeably.
A neoplasm is a mass with abnormal tissue. It can be benign (slow growing and noninvasive) or malignant (rapid growth with spread to other tissues). It may be cancerous or noncancerous.
Overall, lumps and bumps tend to be solid tissue masses, but a bump like a superficial abscess may have pus as well as some solid tissues.
Should You Worry About a Lump?
Most benign growths are superficial. They are only in the outermost layers of the skin, so they are movable and not firmly attached to the body and underlying tissues. They are not usually red or inflamed or painful. Most develop slowly.
If you notice any growths on your dog, track the location and size. Checking once a month is a good recommendation. If things change, contact your veterinarian for an exam. Your chart of the growth’s history will be helpful.
If your veterinarian has any concerns, the first step is generally a needle aspiration, which is done without any anesthesia and provides your veterinarian with cells to examine under the microscope.
Common Types of Lumps, Cysts, and Tumors.
Cysts: Some skin cysts have a clear, thin layer of tissue. Your veterinarian can drain a cyst, but without removal of the capsule, it will often refill.
Sebaceous cysts: These cysts tend to be firm and white or gray in color. They do not drain easily and may rupture and become infected.
Skin tags: Small skin tags and wart-like growths tend to be benign but may irritate your dog due to their location. If they’re irritating, you can discuss removal with your veterinarian.
Lipomas: Lipomas are fatty neoplasms that tend to be smooth, often round, and benign. They can be moved around in the skin a bit and you can usually feel underneath them. Some of these can get quite big and may not be as movable then.
Hives and welts: Hives, welts, and allergic reactions can crop up very quickly. My shorthaired Cirnecho dell Etna was “popping up” hives as we watched during one very buggy night at training class. These lumps disappeared quickly with a dose of antihistamine.
Mast cell tumors: These tricky skin growths usually appear benign, somewhat superficial and with no inflammation. Often, if they are rubbed, they will have a temporary increase in size, the skin will get red and warm, and your dog may bite or itch at them. This is all due to histamine release from the irritated mast cells. Mast cells growths require veterinary intervention.
Just like us, our dogs can have a variety of skin tags, growths, lumps, bumps, and cysts—and hygromas. Most of these are benign, but some can indicate other problems or even cancer. Erring on the side of caution with a veterinarian appointment is wise. Everything is easier to handle when caught earlier.
How Big Do Jack Russell Terriers Get? Vet-Verified Average Size, Weight & Growth Chart
The post How Big Do Jack Russell Terriers Get? Vet-Verified Average Size, Weight & Growth Chart by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Jack Russell Terriers are happy-go-lucky, spry little dogs that bring so much happiness to their owners. If you love little dogs, live in an apartment or smaller living spaces, or are just curious about the breed’s size—we have all the growth facts you could want! On average, a Jack Russell Terrier can weigh up to 13.5 pounds (6 kilograms) and grow up to approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) in height.
So, without further ado, here is more about this athletic, lively little breed. Will a Jack Russell be the right size for your living space? Let’s see!
Jack Russell Overview
The Jack Russell Terrier is an adorable little dog that is classically white with black and/or tan markings. They can come with a smooth, broken, or rough coat, so the look can be a little different depending on the type of Jack Russell you choose.
Jack Russell Terriers are known for being clownish, energetic, and stubborn! These chipper little dogs are agile, alert, and sociable. They tend to get along well with strangers and other pets, even if they like to rule the roost.
Jack Russells have stout, muscular little bodies with great tone and structure. Typical to the terrier, these dogs are very athletically capable and can jump quite high into the air. They’re the perfect dog to teach a whole bunch of fancy tricks.
Jack Russell Terrier Size and Growth Chart
In the chart below, we are going to explain exactly what you can expect from your Jack Russell from month to month. Keep in mind that this chart shows a list of averages, so not every Jack Russell will be an exact fit on the scale every month. You will find a wide range of sizes of Jack Russells in their adult age, here we have taken into account a dog that will reach about 14 lbs in their final adult size. Your vet is always the one to determine whether your Jack Russell is meeting their weight markers.
| Age | Weight Range | Height Range |
| 0 months | 0.5–1 pound | 2–3 inches |
| 1 month | 1–2 pound | 4–5 inches |
| 2 months | 2–4 pounds | 5–6 inches |
| 3 months | 3–5 pounds | 6–7 inches |
| 4 months | 5–7 pounds | 7–8 inches |
| 5 months | 7–9 pounds | 8–9.5 inches |
| 6 months | 8–11 pounds | 9–10.5 inches |
| 7–9 months | 9–13 pounds | 10–12 inches |
| 12–24 months | 12–14 pounds | 10–12.5 inches |
Source: iheartdogs.com
When Does a Jack Russell Terrier Stop Growing?
A Jack Russell Terrier is considered fully grown by the time they reach approximately 12 months of age. These pups are considered small dogs, so some of them might top out in their growth at around 9 months of age. These little dogs will be very unlikely to continue to grow in size and height past the 1-year marker.
Factors Affecting the Size of Jack Russell Terrier
Is it possible to determine how big an individual Jack Russell will get? Even though there’s a general average, obviously every dog will be different. Some of them will be on the runt side while others will be on the very large side.
You will see a pretty drastic difference if you line them up Jack Russell by Jack Russell. Several factors can affect the height and weight of an adult Jack Russell Terrier, including genetics, age, and overall health.
Genetics
Genetics play a huge role, possibly the biggest, in how large a dog gets. Often, dogs take after their parents, so bloodline speaks volumes. If both parents are smaller, the puppies will likely be on the smaller side as well.
Age
Age speaks volumes about size. Jack Russells typically stop growing at around 12 months of age. Generally speaking, smaller dogs stop growing earlier than larger dogs. Some larger dogs can take upwards of 2 years to fully grow.
Overall Health
Your Jack Russell’s overall health can affect their size. Dogs that suffer from certain health conditions may have stunted growth or grow more slowly than dogs that are otherwise healthy. For example, dogs that have heart conditions, nutritional deficiencies, severe parasitism, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, liver shunts, endocrine problems, or esophageal diseases may have stunted growth as a result.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
There are several different ways that you can ensure your Jack Russell maintains a healthy weight. This aspect of care is very important during the growth process, adult maintenance stage, and senior years.
Below are a few ways you can be sure that your spry little dog has their weight in check.
Feed Appropriate Portions
It is crucial to always make sure you’re feeding your dog the correct portions. That can be a little tricky to figure out on your own, which is why most dog food bags have this information listed on the back. If you choose to feed your dog with another method, such as canned, fresh, raw, homemade food, or a combination of any of these, portioning can be a little trickier.
That is why it is so crucial to work hand in hand with your veterinarian to make sure you’re not only giving your dog the right food but adequate portions every day. One Jack Russell might require more or fewer calories than another based on many different factors such as neutering status, exercise levels, health, and current weight.
If they’re trying to watch their figure, your vet might have their portions reduced or have them on a maintenance diet. If your Jack Russell is a little underweight, you might need to bulk them up by offering a protein and calorie-dense meal.
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Age-Appropriate Recipes
Purchasing the correct diet for your dog’s life stage is vital. As puppies, they will need energy-dense diets that include very important nutrients in their diet to help their growing bodies move along. Some of these can include calcium and phosphorus, and high-quality, highly digestible proteins that nourish the brain and body.
As adults, they will need a recipe that helps them maintain their adult weight and allows them to thrive in daily life. As seniors, they will need a recipe that helps them maintain as their bodies begin to degrade and metabolize nutrients differently.
Sometimes you will have to switch a recipe based on certain issues like food allergies, health conditions, and overall needs as well.
Ensure Adequate Exercise
A Jack Russell is a very active little dog. They prefer life on the go, and it’s important to ensure that they’re getting enough exercise in a day. If they aren’t, it could cause weight gain very quickly, especially if they’re hefty eaters.
On average, an adult Jack Russell requires around 60 minutes of exercise per day, more if possible. These numbers can vary slightly based on the individual dog. These dogs will love to play games like fetch, go on scavenger hunts, and take their daily walks.
Understand Your Dog’s Needs
Since every circumstance is different, it’s important to understand your individual Jack Russell’s needs. Some Jack Russells will be a little on the weaker side requiring more care while others will be robust and full of life.
It really just depends on the overall genetics and environment of your pooch. Sometimes, there is no way to foresee certain allergies, sensitivities, or other health conditions that develop. You never know what kind of eater your dog will be either.
If you free-feed, you might find that your dog becomes obese pretty quickly. Others will be picky eaters and can most certainly raid the food bowl all day and still not get enough calories.
How to Measure Your Jack Russell Terrier
You can measure your Jack Russell to see how much they grow as they are young, and measuring your dog is also important for other factors, such as buying harnesses, leashes, doggy clothes, and other bodily items.
- Length: Measure from the base of the tail to the base of the neck.
- Neck: Measure its circumference at the base of the neck.
- Chest: Measure around the widest part of the chest.
- Waist: Measure around the thinnest part of the dog.
- Height: With your dog standing straight measure from the base of the floor to the highest point of the dog’s shoulder blades.
- Weight: Place your Jack Russell on a vet scale, or weigh yourself on a home scale then weigh yourself holding your Jack Russell Terrier and subtract your weight from the total.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly what to expect as far as growth for a Jack Russell Terrier. Several different things influence the overall growth of a dog similar to what happens with people. However, you can get some pretty good averages and get a little more educated by brushing up on all the facts about the breed.
Featured Image Credit: nexusby, Shutterstock
The post How Big Do Jack Russell Terriers Get? Vet-Verified Average Size, Weight & Growth Chart by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Favorite Things: The Wednesday Dogs of Dogster Respond
The post Favorite Things: The Wednesday Dogs of Dogster Respond by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every month, we ask our Dogsters to weigh in on a new topic. This week, we asked them: What’s Your Favorite Thing About Your Dog(s)? Here’s what they had to say:
Amanda & Subi
Subi has an arsenal of quirks, habits, and behaviors that I adore. If I had to choose a few favorites, though, I think one might be her inept attempts to ward off the mailman as he passes by. I am in two minds about how the mail carrier feels about it, but for me, it is pure entertainment. Before anyone says anything about allowing this behavior, she’s a dog so I let her do dog things. Subi has prime visuals with floor-length windows and almost levitates with the excitement coursing through her body. Arrhythmic tap dancing compounded with rapid-fire barks light up my house like a Christmas tree. Occasionally, I see her spook the carrier at the first window. Hilarious and the cherry on top. I’ve dubbed her the neighborhood watch because she alerts me of any and all movement. Passersby, birds, cars, leaves in the wind. Anything at all, Subi will tell you about it.
Despite being extremely food motivated, Subi is incredibly patient when getting treated to human food, and surprisingly, she is not much of a beggar. She’ll be in proximity but far enough away that her puppy dog eyes are almost undetectable. No whining or crying, either. She’ll wait in her space until you invite her into yours. However, she’ll snatch that food from your hands and swallow it whole like it is her job. Balance, I suppose.
Funny oddities aside, my favorite thing about this round little Chi is that she’s one of the most wholesome dogs I have ever met. Chihuahuas have a bit of a reputation, but Subi is certainly the exception to the rule. Although a bit wary initially, she gets along with everyone. Dogs, humans (adults and children), and even cats. Subi is easily excitable with the happiest feet, springing between still moments of her playful downward dog pose. Because she’s a rescue, it’s taken a few years to gain her trust fully (I am chalking it up to the baby voice that’s exclusively hers), but I am so proud of the dog she is now. She and I have the best girl time filled with belly rubs and trolling the neighbors.
Kate & Gizmo
My favorite thing about Gizmo? That’s easy: the pure joy he seems to experience while doing about 90-95% of his daily activities. Breakfast? Amazing, even better than yesterday. Running around the backyard? Fabulous, spotted a squirrel, sniffed every blade of grass. Morning nap, excellent. Mid-morning nap, also excellent. Pre-lunch zoomies around the house, always good to stretch the bod. And so on – whether or not we’re doing something new and exciting, he’s always there, looking up at me with a broad grin (yes, I’m anthropomorphizing, but I swear, he’s also thrilled).
My second favorite thing about Gizmo is how determined and creative he is in the pursuit of a good snuggle. When entering any room, he does a quick scan of the humans to plot his lap-and-nap plans. If you’re already sitting down, fabulous: he’ll take a flying leap and trust that your legs will be there when he lands. If you’re lying on the couch, same thing, but with the added joy of tiny sharp feet suddenly stabbing your soft bits. If you’ve made the mistake of standing in his presence, he will jump onto the nearest soft thing and lure you in with his siren eyes. I’ve very rarely seen anyone resist.
When first sitting on a lap, Gizmo will sit upright, with Downton Abbey-esque posture, and his little dangling chicken leg swinging down to the side. But when he decides that the room doesn’t need surveillance and it’s time for a full-blown cuddle, he’ll stand, take a couple of spins, and always end the rotation with his head nestled next to my stomach, neck and back held in the curve of my arm.
I love when he does this; it’s so sweet and one of his calmest states. But holding him there is also a workout for all of the tiniest muscles in my legs, arms, and back, on top of which, I do actually need to type with my left hand. So when I stop holding him at a perfectly comfortable angle, a lesser cuddler might give up and move to the comfy couch three feet away. But Gizmo is a master cuddler, so he’ll shift a bit to hold himself there, even clamping his legs around one of mine. When it’s time to stand up (usually 30-40 minutes after I first intended to), I say “Okay!” and he leaps off my lap, ready for the next adventure.
Meagan, Draper & Rue
My favorite thing about Draper is probably the fact that he has been with us through so many of life’s big, adult milestones. Draper came into our lives right at the beginning of the pandemic, and I think he was really what got us through the long, uncertain days. Instead of being annoyed that our days were spent stuck inside our little apartment, we were thrilled to be training our little boy and doting on his every move. Somedays I swear we didn’t even realize we were in lockdown!
Those long days (that turned to years) spent stuck inside together created a very special bond between Draper and me, which is actually my second favorite thing about him – his love and loyalty for his humans. Draper is our loyal snuggle buddy, cuddling up beside us on the couch or letting out gentle whines at the foot of the bed each morning so I can move over to let him curl up beside me (he doesn’t need to do this, by the way; he’s already on the bed with us. He is just a scaredy cat who won’t walk too close to the edge, so he needs me to shuffle).
He welcomed his human brother into our little family with open paws. From protecting my bump when I was pregnant to curling up beside the baby when we brought him home, he has proven his loyalty extends beyond just my husband and myself to include our baby. As our little nugget becomes busier and busier, Draper has mastered the art of dodgeball, keeping a safe distance to avoid having his glorious golden locks yanked by grubby little fingers. But he’s always on watch, ready to spring into action for some puppy kisses or crumbs. They say first borns are dependable, cautious and controlling, and I can confirm, Draper is the true first born child in our family. We often refer to him as “Deputy Draper” — a job he takes very seriously, barking orders at his siblings or us if we dare to step out of place. And despite his loud opinions (aka his barking, which happens to be my least favorite thing about him), Draper is our gentle, sensitive soul and my favorite 4-legged creature on the planet—right alongside his little sister and partner in crime, Rue.
My favorite thing about Rue is not just one thing but her entire personality! This little spitfire is fearless and loves to bully Draper, yet somehow manages to be adorable while doing it. She’s a master lap-sitter and loves to curl up into the tiniest ball behind your knees and hide under the covers. Each morning, Rue bolts to our faces, showering us with kisses as if to say, “Wake up, Mom and Dad! I love you, I love you, I love you!” She then jumps out of bed ready to rumble, attacking Draper’s ears and pulling all of her toys out of her toy basket, which often results in a game of tug of war with her human brother. After breakfast she will usually settle on one of our laps for the day until a neighbour walks or drives by and then it’s go-time, baby! She quickly pounces to the window to let the passerby know this is her house and they dare not come any closer!
When one of us is away from her, whether we are taking a nap with the baby or relaxing in the tub, she will make sure she keeps a close eye on us, running into the room every so often to bombard us with kisses! Every night, she eagerly waits for us to remove our socks so she can snag them and use them as her pillow, growling at Draper if he gets near, protective of her beloved stinky sock stash. Once she’s secure with her precious belongings, she finds her favorite spot to retire for the evening until we do it all again tomorrow!
Nicole, Rosa & Machado
It’s hard to list just one favorite thing about each of my dogs because there are so many, and they are ever-changing as we continue to grow together. For example, when we got Rosa, my favorite thing about her was her resilience and bravery. She had been through so much in her short life but she was still kind and gentle and trusting. She didn’t know how to play, so most of our early interactions included us reminding her that she was safe with us and showering her with love. When she started feeling more comfortable, she would give us more love than she was happy to receive herself, and that’s still true today.
My favorite things about her evolved to her silly side. Once Rosa knew the ball was for her to have fun with, we started experimenting with training commands. She learned ‘sit’ very quickly because she already loves to sit very regally whenever her name is called. We moved to ‘high five’ and this was hilarious and difficult for Rosa. When we would lift her paw, she would lose balance and fall over onto her back immediately. But, after 10 weeks of persistence, she got it, and I cried the moment she did. I have never seen a dog happier or more proud, she knew exactly what she had done, she persisted and learned something new, and from that moment on, we saw a new dog. We got to see the playful, goofy side, and I can’t get enough of that. While I still admire her resilience and bravery and know that without those traits we wouldn’t have our goofy girl, I truly love seeing my silly pup shine.
The over-arching favorite thing about Rosa, though, is her kind and gentle spirit. Whether she’s in one of her ‘cannot compute’ modes because she hears thunder, or her ‘let’s start a rumpus’ goofy modes because the sun has come out again, through it all, she has the sweetest demeanor and I cannot help but melt for her.
With Machado, because of his laid-back surfer dude mentality, we often forget that he is just as brave and resilient as Rosa. We don’t know much about where he came from, but we know that he instantly bonded with us and trusted us and Rosa and our cat Baby Cat.
Mac is the best little brother to Rosa we could have ever dreamed of. He instantly became a support beam for her to branch out and push herself out of her comfort zone, but he doesn’t give in to her all the time either. He pushes her buttons and runs away with a goofy grin when she gets grumpy with him when they play, takes a lap, and heads back and all is well again. The two together are perfect little peas in a pod.
I love the way Machado loves. His big heart is open to making friends with everyone and every animal, big or small. From the moment he met our cat, he was obsessed, always wanting to sleep beside him and keep Baby Cat involved in everything. Mac will sit outside and watch the wild rabbits and quails play, not wanting to chase them, he just sits calmly and watches. And when we welcomed our daughter to the mix, he became her instant best friend and protector. He must have known that she would drop human food (or hand deliver it directly) eventually. He played the long game and it paid off.
I also love that Mac loves to sing and talk, and it is hilarious. When he first moved in, he was terrified of the guitar. Now, we can harmonize together. He tells us when he feels hard done by (food is taking too long, food is not frequent enough, someone said the W-A-L-K word and isn’t acting fast enough, etc.). Now Rosa also loves to join in, but she cannot howl to save her life. She barks. Loudly. This is another one of my favorite things about her, while the harmonizing doesn’t happen, boy does she try!
I could write about my favorite things about my two hooligans all day! They are so loving and sweet and have taught me so much about myself and I feel so blessed and grateful to have them in our lives.
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