Mary Lou Davidson

November 7, 2011 by Mary Lou Davidson

Breed Profile: Chihuahua

Chihuahua Profile by Lauren R. Tharp

The Chihuahua: Little Dogs with Big Attitudes

While Chihuahuas don’t actually have Mexican accents like they do in the movies and on television, they do originate from Mexico. Chihuahua, Mexico, to be specific (go figure?). Recognized by the AKC in 1904, Chihuahuas are estimated to be the oldest—and smallest!—breed to originate in the Americas.

The Chihuahua is now the 11th most popular dog in the United States according to AKC registration records.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Chihuahua is a Toy breed. An actual “show” Chihuahua is not to exceed six (6) pounds in weight, but pet Chihuahuas can get up to 10-12 pounds and still be considered “healthy.”

Coat & Color:

Most have short coats, but some have longer coats that are “flat” or “curly” in texture. Chihuahuas are generally made up of solid colors, or marked and spotted with color on a white background.

Other: We all know that Chihuahuas are small, but Chihuahuas are also typically known for their apple-shaped heads. They’re also very swift and graceful with their movements.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.

Temperament

There’s one thing that all the commercials, television programs, movies, and cartoons seem to get exactly right: Chihuahuas have attitude.

Chihuahuas tend to have very high self-esteem and are quite often filled with a sense of self-importance that’s a force to be reckoned with! (If you’re familiar with the term “Napoleon Complex,” then you know exactly what I’m talking about—shorties with attitude!). They’re actually quite similar to many smaller terrier breeds in temperament.

Chihuahuas are also very charming, alert, confident, and surprisingly self-reliant.

Wags:

• Grooming and exercise needs are relatively low

• Chihuahuas are perfect for an urban environment

• Longer lifespan that most dogs

Challenges:

• With their small size, Chihuahuas are the perfect prey for coyotes and other predators. (In my research, I even read of a few cases in which someone’s pet Chihuahua was taken away by an owl!)

• They aren’t the best dog for first-time dog owners. With their bossy attitudes, Chihuahuas require a moderate to high amount of training.

Chihuahuas are fragile. They can live a long time, but it can be tough getting them there! Chihuahuas have bones that break extremely easily and can suffer from eye problems, heart disease,

If you are considering adding a Chihuahua to your family, please visit Chihuahua Rescue for adorable, adoptable dogs.

October 31, 2011 by Mary Lou Davidson

Breed Profile: Rhodesian Ridgeback

by Lauren R. Tharp

Rhodesian Ridgebacks come from South Africa (from Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe). Originally bred by Boer farmers as a hunting dog, big game hunters in the late 1800s found them especially useful as a companion while hunting down lions while on horseback. Rhodesian Ridgebacks were eventually introduced to the United States in the early 1950s and became officially recognized by the AKC in 1955.
Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a Large breed. They can be up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Male Rhodesian Ridgebacks typically weigh 80 pounds or more while the females usually weigh in around 60-75 pounds. These are not small dogs.

Coat & Color: The most noticeable thing about the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat is its trademark “ridge” along the spine. Other than that, the coat is short and sleek. Their colors are light or dark red wheaten, with or without white markings on their chest and feet.

Other: Somewhat flat skull and wide-set eyes. They’re often described as having an “intelligent” look to their facial features.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
>Temperament

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to be fierce hunters and they have managed to retain many of those traits even now! Strong-willed and extremely independent, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and protective of their masters but can be aggressive with strangers and other dogs.

These dogs are very energetic and intelligent and require near constant physical and mental stimulation to be happy. They can become destructive when bored or under-exercised.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback makes an excellent guard dog.

WAGS:

Great for an active family.
Trained Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to be calm and gentle unless provoked (they work well for families with older or very well-behaved children)
Loyal and protective = the perfect guard dog

CHALLENGES:

This is not the dog for a first-time dog owner. Rhodesian Ridgebacks will challenge you for dominance and absolutely, positively, require obedience training. And that training will be hard. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be subtly described as as “stubborn,” but from what we can tell, they can sometimes be downright defiant!
Not good with other small animals. Unless your Rhodesian Ridgeback is trained at a very early age to respect your other small animals, their first instinct will be to hunt your other pets.
Regular exercise is a must.

October 24, 2011 by Mary Lou Davidson

Progress on the LongBoat Key Dog Beach

On Thursday last week, a full house at LongBoat Key Town Hall prompted Commissioners to take a serious look at the need to designate a portion of the beach as dog-friendly. A committee has been formed to study the possibilities pro and con and suggest possible solutions. Two of the seven Commissioners will serve on the Committee providing insight to local ordinances and protocol.

According to PetTravel.com, more than 30 million people traveled with their pet last year. One must make the assumption that when those people are planning their vacations they are looking for dog friendly communities. Yes, these are mostly people traveling with dogs, only 2% of cat lovers travel with their kitties and a the number is slightly smaller for bird and reptile fans.

Sarasota and Bradenton dog lovers must now drive to Venice’s Brohard Park to enjoy the beach with their pup. A LBK option would provide a nice alternative and an infusion of new customers to dog friendly businesses on LongBoat Key.

The prospect of a dog-friendly destination beach on LongBoat Key is now a real possibility, but it is far from done. Your support is still needed. You can stay tuned to this web site for more information, and you may send your letters of support to [email protected].

If you are on LongBoat Key right now, and looking for a dog-friendly park, check out the Joan M. Durant Park at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive. There is no beach access but it’s a gorgeous walk and dogs are welcome.

October 17, 2011 by Mary Lou Davidson

Breed Profile: Manchester Terrier

by Lauren R. Tharp

A descendent of the “original” terrier (the Black and Tan Terrier!), the Manchester Terrier originated in England and was specifically bred to hunt rats! This breed is still adept at hunting small vermin and remains a favorite dog of terrier-lovers everywhere. The Manchester Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1886.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Manchester Terriers come in both standard and toy varieties. Standard Manchester Terriers are usually weighs 13-22 pounds while the Toy variety is generally 7-12 pounds.

Coat & Color: Smooth, short, glossy coats. Black and tan in color.

Other: There are 3 different ear types: Naturally erect, cropped, or button.

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Temperament:

The cross between a Black & Tan Terrier and a Whippet, the Manchester Terrier exhibits personality traits from both its parent breeds. Manchester Terriers are loyal, energetic, fun-loving, friendly and observant. Equally good at home with the family as they are on the “hunt.” They make mighty fine watch dogs.

Wags:

Is a very quick learner. The combination of sharp intelligence and an eagerness to please makes the Manchester Terrier one of the easier terrier breeds for beginners to train.
Very little grooming is needed. Not only does the Manchester Terrier have a short, easy-to-manage coat, but they tend to favor grooming themselves.
Great watchdogs!

Challenges:

Not the best with small animals. The “chase” instinct in runs strong in Manchester Terriers. If you have smaller pets (especially if they’re of the rodent family), then this might not be the dog for you.
As with all terrier breeds, obedience training is a must. And while the Manchester is more manageable than some varieties, they can still be stubborn on occasion.
While the Manchester Terrier doesn’t bark incessantly for no reason like some dog breeds, its (perhaps overly) efficient tendencies as a watchdog can lead to more noise than you may be prepared for—or that your living situation will allow.

Special Thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the Manchester Terrier.

October 17, 2011 by Mary Lou Davidson

Dogs on LongBoat Key Beach

ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 2011 AT 1:00 PM. THE LONGBOAT KEY COMMISSION WILL HEAR AND DISCUSS A REQUEST FROM A GROUP OF CITIZENS FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A SMALL PORTION OF OUR BEACH TO BE DOG FRIENDLY. LBK TOWN HALL IS LOCATED AT 501 BAY ISLAND ROAD ON LONGBOAT.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE COMMISSION TO SEE THAT THERE IS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THIS INITIATIVE AND YOUR PRESENCE WILL GREATLY INCREASE OUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS.

THE REQUEST TO THE TOWN WILL INCLUDE:

* A PORTION OF THE BEACH TO BE DESIGNATED DOG FRIENDLY
* ALL DOGS SHOULD BE UNDER TOTAL CONTROL OF THEIR OWNERS AT ALL TIMES
* ALL PET WASTE TO BE PICKED UP AND DISPOSED OF IN PROPER CONTAINERS
* DOGS PROHIBITED FROM BEACH USE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9 A.M. AND 6 P.M.
* ALL WILDLIFE, BIRDS AND TURTLES MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES
* ALL OTHER TOWN ORDINANCES GOVERNING BEACHES REMAIN IN EFFECT.

ALSO UP FOR DISCUSSION IS CITIZEN’S WATCHDOG GROUP WHICH WILL HELP TO KEEP THE AREA CLEAN AND HELP BOTH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES. ALSO, WE MIGHT OFFER A CITIZENS GROUP TO HELP FUND SIGNAGE, A RULES AND REGULATION BROCHURE, AND ANIMAL RESIDUE STATIONS. WE NEED PEOPLE TO ATTEND TO SHOW THAT THE PUBLIC SUPPORTS THIS INITIATIVE! IF YOU’VE EVER THOUGHT – WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF WE COULD BRING OUR DOGS TO LONGBOAT, NOW IS THE TIME TO LET THE COMMISSIONERS KNOW!

CAN MAKE IT? YOU CAN STILL LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO
[email protected].

QUESTIONS? EMAIL – [email protected]

October 14, 2011 by Mary Lou Davidson

The Natural Wag!

Just in case you’ve not heard about it. . .there’s a party tomorrow – Saturday October 15th for dogs and their people at 665 South Orange Ave in Sarasota . . .The Natural Wag!