Golden Retrievers are the preferred option for many people who wish to own a dog. They are renowned as show dogs, obedience competitors, hunting dogs or any combination of these characteristics, which make them a preferable choice of breed. Once you decide that you want to own a Golden Retriever you will be enchanted with an excellent dog that will not disappoint.
One of the most affectionate and loyal breeds, Golden Retrievers are easy to school due to their high intelligence and make excellent companions because of their placid disposition. They make excellent watchdogs due to their loud bark which they will do if anything is out of the ordinary, but still make ideal friends for children of all ages. Any affection you show them will be returned with unreserved loyalty as Golden Retrievers need to be treated as part of the family.
In common with many other breeds of dog Golden Retrievers moult throughout the year, especially in the spring when they shed their winter coat. The coat is important on assessing the health and quality of a golden retriever puppy. It should be combed and brushed daily with a firm bristle brush, and extra attention should be given to the dense undercoat.
They are very similar to Labradors in their liking for water and will need no excuse to get wet. Once the novelty of this initial amusement wears off it can get a bit frustrating when taking a wet Golden Retriever home after their workout. So expect to end up with either a wet or muddy dog as a regular event when owning a Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers, similar to other dogs, have daily needs that consideration must be given to. Most importantly are the emotive requirements, which is easily resolved by ensuring he is treated as an essential part of the family life. More effort is needed, however, in providing outlets for his active nature with daily physical exercise.
Golden Retrievers yearn for the company of people and do not flourish if let on their own for long periods. A Golden Retriever shouldn't be your choice of dog if you have to spend long periods away from home, or if you live a busy way of life. Golden Retrievers are the ideal addition to a family environment, especially if you spend a lot of time at home or have kids.
To avoid getting a Golden Retriever with bad habits it is probably preferable to acquire a puppy rather than an adult dog. Then you can be fully responsible for it's schooling. The rewards of this are well worth the effort although, at times, frustration will creep in, especially when time is short. A puppy would not be an ideal choice if you don't have a lot of spare time or you quickly get frustrated. Appropriately a better option would be a Golden Retriever that is already house broken.
If you are searching for a breed of dog that offers companionship, Golden Retrievers are a first-rate option. They are capable and more than willing to join in several activities and pastimes. You will have a loyal and affectionate friend for life if you include you Golden Retriever in everything you are involved in.
Historically, Lhasa Apsos were kept by the monasteries and nobility in Tibet as indoor watch dogs. They would sleep by their masters and with their high intelligence plus keen sense of hearing, would warn of any intruders. Lhasa Apsos were never bought or sold in Tibet. Instead, the Dalai Lama sent Lhasa Apsos in pairs to the emperors of China as gifts. High ranking visitors to Tibet also received them as gifts.
They are also referred to as the little bark sentinel lion dogs since fully grown Lhasa Apsos could resemble small lions with all their hair. Lhasa Apso dogs can also behave very much like lions exhibiting no fear when confronted by strangers or even larger dogs. Despite its small size with adult females reaching 12 to 16 pounds and adult males ranging from 14 to 18 pounds, they are extremely hardy as well as rugged. Having existed in the extreme temperatures of Tibet for centuries, they are well suited for and actually enjoy romps in the snow.
They are also long lived. Both of my Lhasa Apsos lived past the age of fifteen years. I have heard reports of others living even longer. In appearance, the Lhasa Apso is very similar to the Shih Tzu breed. The face of a Lhasa Apso is not as flat as that of the Shih Tzu. It is believed that the Chinese crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekinese which resulted in the Shih Tzu with its flatter face.
One thing that all prospective owners should definitely know is that having a fur ball like a Lhasa Apso will require lots of maintenance. The long hair of this breed requires constant care. If left unattended even for a few days, the Lhasa Apso hair will mat up in clumps that cannot be untangled. Their floppy ears are also prone to infections and their eyes can develop problems. If a prospective owner is not willing to make a commitment to the high maintenance of a Lhasa Apso, a shorter hair breed is recommended.
The Lhasa Apso is considered by some breeders to be more stubborn and difficult to train than other dogs. Do not let all that cuteness give you the wrong impression as they are the little lion dogs after all. This breed has been revered and highly regarded for centuries in Asia.
The genetics may have resulted in some arrogance in them. One must be assertive in the proper training of the Lhasa Apso as this breed will test the new master. Lhasa Apsos are completely loyal and affectionate with their masters but many will not be fond of strangers no matter how obedient they are. This may be part of their watch dog tendency. One of my Lhasa Apsos was quite friendly with visitors but the other one wouldn't even acknowledge their presence.
The breed may also not be appropriate with small children. Small children may get clumsy and accidentally poke Lhasas in the eyes or squeeze them too hard. Lhasas will not take this behavior lightly as they are not as patient with kids compared to say Labrador retrievers. Some Lhasas have been known to bite clumsy kids. Lhasa Apso dogs can be very good with children as long as they are treated with respect and care.
Despite these characteristics of the Lhasa Apso, they are excellent dogs to have as they can be one of the most loyal companions as long as it is recognized that they are high maintenance and may not be suitable for some families.
Both John Philips & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Philips has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Water Filters and Debt Consolidation. Get further advice about by visiting. John Philips's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.
has sinced written about articles on various topics from . . 's top article . to your Favourites.