Top 10 Watch Dog Breeds

For hundreds of years, humans have employed dogs to alert us to the presence of danger. Dogs are naturally protective, making them well-suited for the role of alerting their "pack" when something is awry. Guard dogs and watch dogs are not the same. A guard dog not only alerts the family to danger, it is large and powerful enough to intimidate and subdue an intruder. A watch dog will not usually attack; instead, they will alert their owners anytime a stranger approaches.

A dog need not be especially large or aggressive to make a good watch dog. A strong bark is all it takes to alert the family to an approaching stranger. Would-be intruders are often deterred just by hearing the bark. Just about any dog that barks when something out of the ordinary is happening can serve as a watch dog. However, there are some breeds that are renowned for their excellent watch dog abilities.

1. Boston Terrier: One of few truly American breeds, the Boston Terrier is compact, yet muscular. They are protective of their home and family while being gentle and friendly at the same time. Boston Terriers have a strong bark that alerts their owner when a stranger approaches.

2. American Eskimo: The American Eskimo is a small to medium sized dog that descended from the German "Spitz" line. They were bred for hundreds of years as watch dogs. The Eskimo forms a close bond with family and has a strong distrust of strangers. They are excellent at watching over people and property.

3. French Bulldog: The French Bulldog is a natural guardian and devoted companion. They do not have the biggest bark, but they always alert their family to approaching strangers or unusual noises.

4. Chihuahua: The Chihuahua may be small, but they pack a huge bark. As if trying to make up for their small size, they bark vigorously and ensure you are aware when someone is approaching your property.

5. Pekingese: The Pekingese's bark rivals that of the Chihuahua. They are a regal toy breed with an incredibly enthusiastic bark. They enjoy being pampered, but take the job of alerting their family to danger very seriously.

6. Miniature Pinscher: Many people assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a descendant of the Doberman Pinscher. To the contrary, the Miniature Pinscher is the older of the two. They are a cross between terrier and greyhound. The Miniature Pinscher is a very inquisitive breed and will always alert their owner when a stranger is nearby.

7. Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is energetic, friendly and beautiful. While larger than some watch dogs, they won't attack an intruder, but they are excellent at alerting you to potential danger.

8. Standard and Miniature Schnauzer: Both of these German breeds make great watch dogs. They are not only protective, but intelligent and reliable as well.

9. Schipperke: Nicknamed Skips, Schipperke (pronounced "skipper-kee") were bred to be hunters, companions and watchdogs. They excel in all three areas.

10. Norwegian Elkhound: The ancestors of these courageous watch dogs served with the Vikings. They are brave, bold and athletic.

Why Do You Need To Give ID Chips To Your Pets

Most pet owners worried about their pets safety and this is usually one of the main reason why most of them decided to implant a small microchip to ensure that their dogs or cats can be returned home if ever they get lost.

Last Saturday The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society held its annual Chip-a-thon and there were more than 30 people who came to the event. The Humane Society successfully implanted a small pinpoint-sized microchip into the backs of dogs and cats that the pet owner brought with them.

What the chip contains are personal information about the pet’s owner. By passing over the animals’ back using a specific scanner it will read the 10-digit ID code that will be used to help identify the owners of the pet.

The human society graciously reduced the price of their services of up to 50%. The chip normally cost $50 to $60 were now sold for $35. The proceeds of the event will be going to the humane society.

Most of the people who went there understands the importance of getting an Pet ID chip to identify their pets. Another reason why they choose the event because it’s way much cheaper compare to other veterinary clinics.

Chase rescued before she was euthanized

Chase - rescued the day she was scheduled to be euthanized (video By Eldad Hagar)

See what little love can do to these animals? Hope this video will inspire all of you to rescue stray dogs even those who are in shelters and stop buying pets from mills...

Toxic Plants For Your Cats

Aspca.org has a wonderful list of toxic plants for your cats. You will amazed that some of the plants that we have inside our home or garden can endanger our pet cats. Aloe, apple, California ivy, chrysantemum, Peach and poison daisy are only some of the plants that can be harmful to them.

Check their "List of Plants Toxic to Cats" to find out if any of your plants included in the list.

Keeping a Rabbit As a Pet

Maybe you have just received it as a gift or you have wanted to have a rabbit as a pet. Whatever the case may be, rabbits do really make good pets. There are a few things that you need to be aware of before you claim to be a good rabbit keeper. Having a rabbit as a pet will make you to first have a cage. You can either buy one or build one at home. It is advisable that you observe the important one rabbit one cage rule. The reason for this rule is the fact that rabbits of the same sex tend to fight. The other reason for this rule is that rabbits of the opposite sex breed and this might give you more than you can handle.

There are food pellets that have been prepared by nutritionists and they contain virtually all the nutrients necessary for the development of a rabbit. Make sure you have a dish to feed your rabbits. The amount of the food that your rabbit is likely to eat will depend with its size. While having a rabbit as a pet, ensure that you handle them safely as failure to this can cause injury or even death. Make sure that you do not change the diet too rapidly a rabbit as a pet as this can cause severe diarrhea. The other thing you need to when you have a rabbit, as a pet is to ensure that you keep the toenails short for health reasons.

Cheryline Sashen makes sure that she does whatever she can to keep her family safe. Cheryline has written a site containing reviews on bath tub mat, as well as round bath rugs.