Tag: Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige.  Thanks all! We are excited to spotlight the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (aka the Swissy).

Height: Male: 25.5-28.5; Female: 23.5-27 inches

Weight: Male: 105-140; Female: 85-110 lbs

Coat: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has an average-shedding double coat. The undercoat is thick and the outer coat is dense and stands one to two inches in length. They shed lightly throughout the year, but twice a year they will blow their entire undercoat

Color: Black and rust, with white feet, chest, tail tip, muzzle, blaze, and possibly collar; rust color present on legs between white and black

Appearance: The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is a large, strong draft dog with a broad chest, large head and a gentle expression. They have strong front legs that should be straight and end in rounded feet. The muzzle is blunt and ends in a black nose, and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The eyes of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog should be dark brown, and the rims of the eyes are black. The ears are triangular, medium-sized, and pendant in shape. The tail is long and should reach to the hocks. The thick, double coat comes in a distinct pattern of three colors: black with rust and white markings. The rust markings appear over each eye, on the cheeks and on either side of the chest. Show dogs should have symmetrical markings. White appears on the tip of the tail, a blaze on the muzzle and on the chest. Some may have white patches on the neck. 

Temperament: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was designed as a draft dog and was often referred to as “the poor man's horse.” They are serious dogs who still enjoy pulling carts and sleds, but have grown to be faithful, dedicated and loving family companions. They are fiercely loyal to their families and require constant companionship to be happy. Families with children may shy away from such a large dog, but the Swissy gets along well with kids of all ages. Small children should be supervised, as they can easily get knocked down by an excited Swissy, but the dog never means to harm. They are alert watchdogs, letting everyone in a three-block radius know that a stranger is approaching, but they are not aggressive guard dogs and can be trusted to be polite to house guests, once properly introduced. This dog is very courageous and will bark at the sign of intruders or odd noises.

Health: The average lifespan of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is between 10-12  years. For the most part, this breed is relatively healthy for their size; Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have far fewer problems than more populous breeds in the similar size range. They are prone to having: Urinary incontinence , distichiasis and entropion (eye lash issues), Lick fit (frantic licking), Idiopathic Epilepsy, Canine hip dysplasia, bloat, Canine Elbow dysplasia, and Osteochondrosis (cartilage becomes abnormally thickened, and small fissures and cracks may develop).

Is your dog barking for time in the spotlight?

Have your dog say “bully sticks”! Send a photo and 2-3 sentence bio for your dog to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight on a Breed series we run every Thursday. Email bestbullysticks@gmail.com with the subject “Spotlight My Dog”

Best Bully Sticks News!

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When we reach 10,000 fan “Likes” all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can’t spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 “Likes” the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for “Liking” our page.

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige.  Thanks Lisa! We are excited to spotlight your adorable Chihuahuas. Everyone say “Hello” by sending out warm barks and tail wags to Dobby and Ringo!

Adorable Chihuahua's Dobby & Ringo

Height: 6-9  inches

Weight: 2-6 lbs

Coat: There is a long-haired variety of Chihuahua, but the most common variety is the short-haired Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have two coat types, smooth and long. The smooth coat should be soft and close, with a perceptible sheen. Long coats can be flat or wavy, with an undercoat, fringed ears, feathering on the feet and legs, and a tail that looks much like a plume.

Color: Chihuahua coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue. They may also be black & tan or tri-color.

Appearance: The Chihuahua is a very small-sized dog with a proportionately robust build and distinctive facial features. Their body is stout and just longer than it is tall, and they have straight limbs. They have a sickle-shaped tail that curls over the dog’s back or off to one side. They have an apple-shaped head with a short, tapered, pointy muzzle. Their large eyes are round, dark, and can sometimes be ruby or luminously-colored. They have large, triangular-shaped, erect ears that are a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the top of their skull that closes as they become adults.

Temperament: The Chihuahua is lively, alert, proud, and makes a good companion. They seek and demand affection, and they are very spunky by nature. They are determined, courageous, and they become very attached to their owner(s). They have a jealous streak, and they will follow their owner’s every move if strangers are present. Some Chihuahuas are difficult to train, but they are intelligent and generally learn quickly. Thus are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn’t like to be poked, pestered, or teased, and he may snap if a child provokes him. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. This breed may often be noisy and difficult to housebreak. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior.

Health: The average lifespan of this breed is between 15-18 years. There are also a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. Prone to rheumatism, slipped stifle, colds, gum problems, corneal dryness, secondary glaucoma due to protruding eyes, weight gain and susceptible to fractures. Also some Chihuahuas have a molera, an unclosed section of the skull which can remain open throughout life making them prone to injury. They often wheeze and snore because of their small, short muzzles. This breed is also susceptible to stress.

Is your dog barking for time in the spotlight?

Have your dog say "bully sticks"! Send a photo and 2-3 sentence bio for your dog to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight on a Breed series we run every Thursday. Email bestbullysticks@gmail.com with the subject "Spotlight My Dog"

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 10,000 fans.

When we reach 10,000 fan “Likes” all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can’t spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 “Likes” the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for “Liking” our page.

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the Samoyed.

Height: Male: 45-65; Female: 35-50 lbs

Weight: Male: 21-23.5; Female: 19-21 inches

Coat: The Samoyed has a long and thick double coat and requires a lot of grooming. The outercoat should be harsher than the undercoat, but still fairly soft. Undercoat should be short, thick, and should have wool like texture.

Color: The extra-thick double coat may be white, cream, white and biscuit,  or all biscuit in color.

Temperament: This is a very peaceful breed that tends to be very active. Very loyal, the Samoyed usually favors his master but will be friendly to most people. A very sociable breed, he is not only beautiful but makes a wonderful companion. Samoyeds are perky, dependable playmates, often wearing "smiles" on their faces. They are full of fun, and love nothing more than an afternoon of frisky activity in the snow. They are active and alert, indoors and out.

Samoyeds are lively, happy dogs who adore people and often have a mischievous sense of humor. They are excellent with children and always have time for a romp in the yard, especially in the snow. Samoyeds will bark to announce a visitor, but they are not guard dogs as once they are done announcing the newcomer, will most likely cozy up to the visitor to solicit a rub down. Samoyeds are great family dogs, though they tend to favor one person above all others – usually the person who is in charge of feeding and exercise. They are excellent companions for people who like the outdoors. Samoyeds are always up for a good hike in the woods, and will be happy to keep you warm overnight on a camping trip. They can be difficult to train, but Sammies are generally well behaved and make a great choice for fist time dog owners.

Health: The average life span of the Samoyed is 12-15 years. Here are some breed-specific hereditary diseases to be aware of:

• Diabetes mellitus similar but not identical to human Type I (insulin deficiency): The disease occurs in middle-aged Samoyeds, the mean age at diagnosis is seven years. The cause is a chronic inflammation of the pancreas and / or autoimmune destruction of beta cells of islets of Langerhans. Moreover, in affected dogs auto antibodies were found to insulin.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). The disease leads to a slowly progressive loss of vision, which eventually leads to blindness. The first symptoms appear between two and five years of age.
• Short legs in conjunction with eye abnormalities.
• Pulmonary stenosis occurs more frequently in Samoyeds. The disease can cause shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmias and tiring on motion and increases the risk of congestive heart failure
• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma and other retinal problems
• The breed can also be affected by Sebaceous adenitis, an uncommon idiopathic autoimmune skin disease.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 10,000 fans.

When we reach 10,000 fan “Likes” all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can’t spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 “Likes” the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for “Liking” our page.

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the Irish Water Spaniel.

Height: Male: 22-24; Female: 21-23 inches

Weight: Male: 55-65; Female: 45-58 lbs

Coat: The most distinguishing characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel is the coat. The majority of the body is covered with tight ringlets of hair. The tail, face, and ends of the rear legs have smooth short hair. The coat is crisp in texture and solid brown in color. The curly outer coat is lined with a dense under coat that serves as insulation from frigid water. To cover and protect the eyes a top-knot of curls hangs down from the head. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Color: Solid Liver, described as deep reddish brown. There are no white markings, except for those due to graying from age.

Temperament: A breed of ancient lineage, the Irish Water Spaniel is an active, energetic, and willing companion. They are strongly built and have rugged endurance. A true sporting dog, they are bold, alert, and inquisitive. Irish Water Spaniels are often referred to as the clown of the Spaniel family.

Irish Water Spaniels are highly intelligent, confident, and devoted. They demand attention and are a "whole family" dog. This is a breed that truly enjoys human contact. They are best suited for families with older considerate children. If properly introduced, they will get along well with other pets. They are generally quiet and bark only when necessary. The Irish Water Spaniel is protective, reserved, and wary with strangers. However, they are not aggressive. This breed displays a joyous exuberance and zest for life.

Health: The average life span of the Irish Water Spaniel is 10 to 12 years. The Irish Water Spaniel has a few Health concerns that it's owner should be aware of and keep a keen eye out for. The most common of these would be Ear infections as this is common in many swimming dog breeds with longer ears and the Irish Water Spaniel is no exception. Ear infections often occur as a result of the water that does not drain from the ears properly and can pool inside causing an infection. Drying your Irish Water Spaniel's ears throughly after swims may help to prevent some Ear infections, but any sensitivity around the ears should immediately be checked by a veterinarian.

Other Health Problems to be aware of with this breed is Hypothyroidism, seizures, eye Entropion which can all be inherited and you should inquire about any health concerns with the parents of your puppy before adopting or buying him or her. Because the Irish Water Spaniel is a larger breed of dog hip dysplasia is also a common health condition for the dog as it ages and can be uncomfortable for the dog, proper nutrition and health check ups can help to prevent some hip dysplasia.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 10,000 fans.

When we reach 10,000 fan “Likes” all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can’t spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 “Likes” the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for “Liking” our page.

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. Thanks Carrie, we are excited to spotlight your beautiful Alaskan Klee Kai's. Everyone say “Hello” by sending out warm barks and tail wags to Mochi & Lilo!

Mochi & hiking buddy Lilo

Height: Standard 15-17.5 inches (38-42 cm.), Miniature 13-15 inches (33-39 cm) Toy under 13 inches (33 cm.)

Weight: Standard 23 pounds (10 kg.), Miniature 15 pounds (7 kg.), Toy under 10 pounds (4.3 kg.)

Coat: The Alaskan Klee Kai coat is double and long enough to give a well- furred appearance that reminds you of its Alaskan Husky heritage. The undercoat is soft, dense, and the guard hairs of the outer coat are straight and neither harsh nor extremely soft.

Color: There are a variety of coat colors with shades of gray and white, black and white and even the very rare red and white.

Wonder what Mochi is looking at? Perhaps eyeing one of our famous bully sticks!

Appearance: The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky, and physically resembles the Siberian Husky. This is a northern breed of dog in the Spitz family. Spitz-type dogs have by long, thick, and usually white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles. Their thick and furry tail's are usually curled over the dog's back to either side when it is alert or on the move.

This smaller version of the Alaskan Husky has a wedge-shaped head and a stunning masked face, picked ears and a double coat. Back length is slightly longer than their height. The full face mask is what this breed is noted for. Their heads have a moderate stop, and the skull (slightly rounded and broad) and muzzle (well filled in under the eyes) taper toward to the nose forming a broad-based wedge. The lower jaw is strong and lips are closed tightly and usually black. Liver colored lips are seen in dogs with coats that are shades of red with white. The Alaskan Klee Kai teeth need to close in a scissors bite, no over bites or under bites.

Most Alaskan Klee Kai have solid black noses, however there are snow noses (pink streaked) and liver colored noses. Eyes are medium and can be seen in any color or color combination. There are different shaped eyes as well - almond, oval and round.

Alaskan Klee Kai ears are erect and pointing upward, and slightly larger in proportion to the size of the head. The leather is thick from tip to base, with ear tips slightly rounded. These dogs are very sensitive to sounds.

Temperament: Alaskan Klee Kai are highly curious, quick, very agile and active. Very alert dogs, they are extremely loyal, making them a good watch dog despite their smaller size. They are cautious and reserved with strangers and isn't fussy about unfamiliar situations. They are very affectionate with their family.

Mochi having a blast hiking

Health: The life expectancy for Alaskan Klee Kai  is 14 years. While an amazingly hardy breed there has been concerns expressed about a hereditary bleeding disorder - hereditary FVII deficiency. Other than this disorder, this breed seems to fair very well in the health department.

MOCHI'S BEST BULLY STICK CHEW-MONIAL!

Don't forget to check ouT Mochi's bully stick chew-monial . We love your blog Mochi, thanks for the rave reviews! Carrie we now offer odor free bully sticks.

Mochi & Lilo chomping on our famous bully sticks!

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog” or tweet @bestbullysticks. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.