Abbeytott's directories

• All About Dogs - All about dogs, including the origins of modern dogs, and how they came to be our closest companions. Dogs were the first animals domesticated by man, but the origins of this relationship, and of dogs as a distinct species, are unclear. One theory is that humans adopted and domesticated orphaned wolf cubs, another is that wolves were attracted to human settlements by food scraps, gradually lost their fear of man, and became part of the human 'pack'. How this came about may be open... Read full post here
• Basenji - The Basenji: Africa's Bark-less Dog The Basenji originated in the Congo, where they are prized for their hunting, pointing and retrieving abilities. They were not introduced to the west until 1937, and to America until 1941. Famous as the "barkless dog" of Central Africa, these agile, poised hunting dogs are lightly built, but with a muscular frame. They can be red, black or brindle in color, with white markings on the paws, chest and tail tip. Although Basenji's don't bark they are not entirely silent, they vocalize in a... Read full post here
• Beagle - The Beagle: The Happy Hound The Beagle is a happy-go-lucky, friendly hound, with a merry personality, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in America. The origins of the breed can be tracked back to 16th century England where packs of Beagles were kept for rabbit hunting. The name is thought to have come from the French term "be’geule," which refers to the baying sound made by the hounds in pursuit of quarry. While its origins were as a hunting dog, today Beagles are popular... Read full post here
• Best Affordable Dog Food - The best affordable dog food is not always the cheapest brand. Read on Many dog owners pay scant attention to what they feed their dogs. Often, they base their decision solely on price, rather than taking the time to find out what the food actually contains. If they did they’d be shocked to find that these cheap dog food products often contain ingredients that are harmful to their dogs. Why The Best Affordable Dog Food Is Never The Cheapest Brand "Cheap" dog food... Read full post here
• Boston Terrier - The Boston Terrier: The American Gentleman One of the few truly American breeds, the Boston Terrier is a lively, intelligent dog with an excellent temperament. As the name suggests, the breed originated in Boston, Massachusetts, the result of crossing an English Bulldog with a white English Terrier. The name Boston Terrier, was first used in 1891. Boston's have a compact short-headed build, and must be black, brindle or seal with white markings. This gives the breed a dapper look and has earned it the nickname "the... Read full post here
• Canine Nutrition - Canine Nutrition: Guidelines on the right way to feed your dog. You control virtually everything about your dog's diet. What he eats, when, and how much. So, raising a healthy, well-fed dog should be a breeze, right? The sad truth is that many pet dogs (as many as 1 in 3 by some estimates), suffer obesity problems, while many others suffer from diet related diseases. In most instances this is not down to neglect - quite the opposite in fact. Dogs are arch manipulators and many owners are simply suckers for... Read full post here
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi - The Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Welsh Wonderdog The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds and, in fact, one of the oldest dog breeds. The Cardigan arrived in Britain with the Celts in 1200 BC, and was quickly put to work as a cattle drover. Despite their small size, Corgis excel at this job, nipping at the heels of the cattle to drive them in a desired direction. The Corgi is small but powerful, brave and capable of great speed and endurance. In addition, their low... Read full post here
• Collie - The Collie: Movie Star Dog It's hard to think of the Collie without mentioning the most famous Collie of all, Lassie. Like the famous movie star, these elegant and graceful dogs are loyal, affectionate, and genuinely enjoy human company. Stand-out characteristics include the beautiful coat that can be rough or smooth and in four accepted colors - sable and white, tri-color, blue merle and white. The breed also has a distinctive wedge-shaped head. Collies have served as herders and drovers for centuries in Scotland and... Read full post here
• Cooking for Your Dog - Advice on cooking for your dog, and what to include in a balanced home-cooked diet. You've decided on cooking for your dog, and I applaud you for that. However, before you put your apron on, there are some things you should know about your dog's diet. Dogs have developed over the centuries to be the ultimate survivors. Wolves in the wild have learned to eat just about anything they encounter including live prey, carrion, insects, fruits and vegetables, even grasses! As a result,... Read full post here
• Dog Bathing - Dog Bathing: Helping your dog to always look her best. Dog Bathing is often a tricky business. It's not that dogs don't like the bath, but rather that they hate being restrained. So they'll squirm, shiver and shake, and if you're not careful, make a dash for it, trailing soap-suds through the house. Fortunately, for most dogs you'll only have to do this one a month. You may, however, need to bath your dog more regularly if she is particularly dirty. Or if she has being rolling... Read full post here
• Dog Behavior - This article, Dog Behavior, will help you to interpret and understand why your dog does what he does. The ancestor of the domestic dog, the wolf, developed a long time ago to be a co-operative pack hunter. Their bodies and brains, senses and abilities developed solely to serve this purpose and they developed behaviors which helped them thrive in a challenging environment. These same behaviors and motivations still exist in the domestic dog. Dog Behavior: Pack Mentality: As pack animals dogs... Read full post here
• Dog Eye Health - Dog Eye Health: Common canine eye problems and their symptoms The eyes are sensitive instruments that are easily damaged and a dog's eyes are no exception. In fact, the way they rush around, rough-house and roll around in the dirt, their eyes are much more likely to be damaged than ours. Dog's are susceptible to many common eye problems. Like us they get glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis. They get infections arising from dirt, grit, hair, pollen and other foreign objects. They suffer age and inherited diseases. ... Read full post here

• Dog Food Aggression - How to deal with Dog Food Aggression Dog food aggression is one of the most common forms of canine aggression. It is also one of the most likely to escalate from a threat to an actual attack. Yet, many dog owners simple sidestep the issue, accepting that "the dog growls when I feed her, so what?". If the dog is small it may even become a point of amusement. I mean, what could be cuter than your little Chihuahua or Pom growling like a... Read full post here
• Dog Health Symptoms - Common Dog Health Symptoms and how to identify signs of ill health in your dog Dogs are prone to many diseases with purebred dogs the most vulnerable due to the prevalence of inherited disorders. The problem when trying to diagnose canine disease is that the dog can't tell you where it hurts. In fact, dogs often try to hide their symptoms, carrying on through the pain in order to please their human companion. And dogs have a high pain threshold. Fortunately, if you are alert for them, many dog health... Read full post here
• Dog Kidney Failure - Symptoms and treatment of dog kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure in a dog is a serious condition where the kidneys are no longer able to remove the waste from the body. As a result, urine and toxins start to build up which can lead to a number of chronic symptoms. Dog Kidney Failure Symptoms The first signs of dog kidney failure are often significantly increased thirst and increased urination. The dog will become extremely lethargic, show signs of depression, and may stop eating. ... Read full post here
• Dog Toys - The top 10 dog toys your dog will love. Dogs love to play, and playing games with your dog is one of the most fun things about being a dog owner. But what do you do when you're not around? How do you keep your dog occupied and out of mischief? How do you stop him chewing up your clothes, furniture and other valuables? The answer is "dog toys"! And if you want to buy a toy your dog will really love, you can't go wrong with the choices below. ... Read full post here
• Dog Vaccinations - The What, When, Why and How of Dog Vaccinations. Dog Vaccinations have been the subject of much heated debate. Some veterinarians question whether dogs need annual booster shots, whereas other insist they as essential. But while the frequency of vaccinations may be open to discussion, all vets agree that immunizations are essential to canine health. This is particularly true of puppies, who are extremely vulnerable to disease and infection. Why Dog Vaccinations Are a Must Puppies, like most... Read full post here
• Dogs and Separation Anxiety - Dogs and Separation Anxiety: How to cope with your stressed out canine. One of the most common issues faced by dog owners is that of dogs and separation anxiety. This can range in intensity from a minor annoyance to a serious problem. Dogs have been known to cause serious property damage due to separation anxiety. There have also been reported incidents of dogs injuring themselves by smashing through glass windows. And then there’s the issue of incessant barking and howling. Many a pet... Read full post here
• How to Stop a Dog from Digging - Read on to discover how to stop a dog from digging. How to stop a dog from digging is an issue that frustrates many dog owners. Dogs that dig leave a trail of mutilated lawns and destroyed flower beds in their wake, and it seems impossible to stop because, for one reason or another, dogs love to dig. In some cases it is a trait of the breed. Many terrier breeds, for example, were bred to chase small prey out of burrows, so digging comes naturally to... Read full post here
• Introducing a New Puppy - A practical guide to introducing a new puppy to your home Being taken from the security of his mother and the company of his litter mates and brought into a new home can be traumatic for a new puppy. He'll be disorientated and intimidated by they smells and sounds of this unknown place. Resident humans, dogs and other pets will frighten him. Here are some tips for introducing a new puppy which will make the transition as stress-free as possible. It is best to initially confine the pup to one room, rather... Read full post here
• Japanese Chin - The Japanese Chin: Adorable Oriental Despite its name, the Japanese Chin actually originated in China, and is probably related to the Pekingese. These sensitive and intelligent dogs were bred for the sole purpose of providing companionship. They were adored by members of the Chinese nobility and appear in centuries old pottery and tapestries, accompanying ladies of the Imperial Palace and warming the laps of Chinese aristocracy. Evidence suggests that you could not buy a Chin, and that ownership was jealously guarded by the nobility. You... Read full post here
• Rescue Dog Monkey - I came across this video on You Tube and it really brought a smile to my face so I thought I had to share it on my blog. This documents a day in the life of Monkey, a mixed-breed dog that was rescued from a shelter. Monkey spends his day doing all the things that dog love, kind of a canine version of Ferris Bueller's Day Off! But pictures speak louder than words, so I'll leave you to watch and enjoy. Before you do, though, I would just ask that if you are looking... Read full post here
• Shar Pei - The Shar Pei: The Dog in the Wrinkled Suit With their unique head shape and wrinkled skin, the Chinese Shar Pei is one of the most instantly recognizable dog breeds. This ancient breed was originally an all-purpose farm dog that performed a number of roles including herding, tracking, guarding and rat-catching. The Chinese believed that the breed's scowl and the black pigmented mouth scared off evil spirits and their imposing presence meant that they were seldom challenged. Today the Shar Pei carries those skills into conformation, agility,... Read full post here
• Tapeworms in Dogs - How to recognize, treat and prevent tapeworms in dogs. Tapeworms are long, flat, parasitic worms that attach themselves to the small intestines of dogs and other animals. The most common form is the Dipylidium caninum, about eight inches long, white in color, and with a hook-like mouth which the worm uses to attach itself to the dog's intestinal wall. Tapeworms are segmented, and the end segments can break off and be expelled from the dog's body. These segments resemble grains of rice, and the... Read full post here