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  • 4 reasons why it benefits to get your dog a DNA test

    Pet owners may often wonder what it would be like to get a dog DNA test. Well, now it is possible!

    There are a plethora of companies that specialize in developing DNA test kits for owners who are curious and wish to know more about the background of their dog. This opportunity often entices owner’s as they can get to know about their dog’s breed and even the potential health issues that their pet may be at risk of.

    All dog DNA tests aren’t always created equal. Depending on the company’s database of breeds, there is a higher chance for accuracy in the test. Wondering if you should get the DNA test kit for your dog? Well, here some reasons that make the dog DNA a great piece of information.

    Curiosity
    Dog owners are usually very curious about the breed of their dog. Also, “what is the breed of your dog?” is commonly a question asked at the dog park. Well, mixed breed dog owners may often find it difficult to answer this question. A dog DNA test is a great way to understand the breed of your dog and put your curiosity to rest.

    Keep health issues at bay
    There are potential health issues related to certain breeds of dogs. As mentioned above, the dominant breed gene can be established and the results of the same can be discussed with your dog’s veterinarian. Becoming aware of the potential health risk well in advance and keeping the veterinarian aware of the same can aid in averting issues in the long run.

    Prepare for training
    A DNA test can help understand the personality traits of your pet. Understanding how big your dog will get and the unique habits associated with the breed is great for when training and socializing the dog. A retriever mix will require a set of training methods that are different from that of a terrier breed dog.

    Diet
    The test results can also be used to derive the best kind of foods for specific dog breeds. A dog breed that is susceptible to certain diseases, such as arthritis, can be fed a diet that protects it against the progression of the same.

    A dog DNA test can be taken at home using kits that are available online as well as in pet supply stores. The popular offerings on the market include the Embark Dog DNA Test, Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test, HomeDNA Orivet Dog DNA Test, Find My Pet Dog DNA Test, and more.

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  • 3 popular dog DNA test kits that yield accurate results

    Everyone is quite familiar with the concept of DNA testing which is used to find out one’s ancestry and family heritage. We have often seen how DNA tests have helped catch criminals (on-screen and off-screen) and the dramatic effects of the same. The curiosity to learn more about oneself has prompted humans to include their furry best friends as well, which is why there is a marked increase in the demand for dog DNA test kits. Unlike human DNA testing, the entire idea of dog DNA tests focuses on the desire to know the different breeds of dogs that are in literally inside your pet, especially, if it is of mixed breed. Dog DNA tests are quite useful as they check the dog for any gene-specific disease or disorder and you can seek timely treatment right away.

    As there are a wide variety of dog DNA test kits to choose from, you’ll need help figuring out the best one. So, take a look at the popular dog DNA testing kits and make the right decision.

    Embark Dog DNA Test
    The Embark Dog DNA Test Kit is extremely popular with pet owners as it yields highly accurate results and the reviews for this dog DNA test kit confirms the same. This kit tests for more than 200,000 canine genetic markers and can identify at least 160 genetic or hereditary conditions that can affect dogs. Also, it offers highly accurate identification of breed ancestry and the test results are confirmed and validated by respectable organizations. The Embark Dog DNA Test Kits are known to provide a detailed graphic representation of the dog’s karyogram or chromosome mapping and includes the vet’s report of the genetic summary of the particular breed.

    Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 2.5 Breed Identification DNA Test Kit
    The Wisdom dog DNA test kit is quite effective though it offers limited DNA profiling assessment tools. Once the tests are conducted, the results are delivered in two to three weeks and are accompanied with the certificate to authenticate the breed lineage of your canine. One of the key features of this dog DNA test kit is that it tests specifically for the MDR-1 gene. Additionally, it helps you identify your dog’s susceptibility to adverse drug reactions and offers highly accurate breed identification compared to the visual comparison.

    DNAffirm DNA Dog Breed Test
    This is a relatively simpler dog DNA test kit and doesn’t involve all the extra features the above two dog DNA test kits can offer. However, if you are looking for an affordable dog DNA test kit, then DNAffirm is the right choice for you as it doesn’t compromise on the authenticity of the reports. This dog DNA test acts as a simple breed determination kit and offers a customized breed certification that is accompanied by a vet report. The report includes the breed composition of the canine and the complete genetic background.

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  • Personality traits of an english bulldog

    It is hard to make out that the short, and a droopy face of an English bulldog could be an actual bull to its knees. Hence the name, English bulldogs were actually a breed that were made to assist English butchers to catch bulls for slaughter in the middle ages. Their powerful jaws were latched on to the prey’s neck bringing them down to their knees easily.

    As the generations passed, the domestication of these prey hunters turned them into gentle belly rub lovers. In this article we will share with you, five universal personality traits of an English bulldog.

    • English bulldogs are engineered to hugely strong. It is one of the strongest dog breeds around the world given their height and overall build. Being heavily muscled, it is highly unlikely to win to win a tug of war from a bulldog. It is because of their innate strength, some English bulldog owners use a harness instead of a collar for their dogs.
    • Since they are strong and house massive power considering their size, English bulldogs can be stubborn on occasion. No amount of bribery or rewards in the form of treats can compensate if they just don’t want to do anything. Their stubbornness can make it a challenge to train them.
    • English bulldogs were bred for fighting and baiting. Even after banning dog fighting in the UK and other parts of the world, English bulldogs have endured to keep the traits of being loyal and protective towards their owners. An English bulldog can be very bold and stand its ground to protect its owner. However, lack of proper training can result into aggressive behavior. Proper training can will make some of the best loyal and protective English bulldogs who will form a lifelong bond with families tnt have adopted them.
    • English bulldogs are naturally muscular and stocky. They are one of those dog breeds that love their food. This usually lads to obesity and weight problems. Keeping this in mind, it is important to maintain a healthy weight for them. Excess weight can put an additional strain to their limbs and back and manifest into sorts of other health problems.
    • If not trained well, English bulldogs can be very lazy. They are notoriously counted among one of the most slow and laziest breeds of dogs, making them terrible partners for hiking and jogging. Keeping this in mind it is vitally important that an English bulldog receives enough exercise. To avoid any future health problems, incorporate short walks that suit your dog’s pace, gradually turning into long walks, and other high impact activities.
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  • Things to know if you own a english bulldog

    If you are into stout, smushy faced pooches, then, English bulldogs are definitely a breed for you. They are medium sized dogs that are short and compact, with wide chest and small rear. Their large heads and chest are perfectly complimented by strong legs and front paws. Their large jaws with a comparatively smaller under bite might make them look intimidating but they are known for their gentle and friendly nature.

    But before you adopt an English bulldog here are a couple of considerations and facts that you should be aware of

    Food allergies
    Most of the bulldogs suffer from some or the other kind of food allergies. Normal grocery store dog food might not go well with them, so be ready to spare extra attention towards your dog’s nutrition. Some common food allergies that dogs suffer from include ear inflammation, licking of paws, itchy skin, and chronic diarrhea. English bulldogs are usually allergic to grains, hence avoid them feeding them dog food that have grains as ingredients. They do well with proteinaceous foods such as lamb, pork or fish.

    Tail Pockets
    English bulldogs have tail pockets. Yes, literal pockets that are situated right beneath the tail and above their bum. These tail pockets can be as deep as ¾th length of your index finger. These tail pockets tend to collect filth and can get infected overtime. It is when the dogs will start showing discomfort due to infection which includes signs of scooting, drainage or foul smell. Do not use wet wipes to clean the pockets as they will trap the moisture inside the pocket. Use those cleansers that have drying agents which will help to keep the area dry.

    Interdigital furuncle
    It is commonly referred to as interdigital cyst. It occurs due to bacterial or fungal infection deep inside the hair follicle between the toes. These boils are in the form of lumps that form in the webbing of the foot. Some symptoms include frequent licking and biting of paws, redness and swelling of toes, and discharge of blood or pus. To avoid this condition, clean your dog’s toes with clean water and with them dry.

    Wrinkle care
    One of the most common traits of all English bulldogs are their wrinkles. It is one of the traits that makes them irresistibly adorable. As adorable as those wrinkles might look on them, they can make your dog vulnerable to inflammation, and yeasty or bacterial infections. This might lead to bigger health issues if left untreated. Maintain a routine of keeping the wrinkles clean with antiseptic soap and water. Wrinkles with yeast infection can be treated with antifungal wipes of miconazole or malacetic wipes.

    Living with an English bulldog can be very rewarding, but only if you are willing to look after your dog’s particular needs.

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  • 6 Reasons why you should adopt puppies

    Every creature you see today is a wonderful creation of God. however, not everybody thinks so. Many people buy pets and use them as toys for mere entertainment or as a prop on social media for a titled lifestyle.

    Such people treat the animals miserably and even abandon them on the streets to die. If they’re lucky they find their ways to animal shelters. The number of abandoned pets are on the rise in these shelters. Each year, these shelters end up euthanizing the older ones to make room for the babies and the younger ones.
    And this is the reason why you should adopt an animal from one these shelters rather than buying them from a store. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you should consider adopting puppies:

    You will save a life
    Every year approximately 2.7 million animals get euthanized in the United States. This is simply because there is no room for more animals. By adopting one, you’ll actually end up saving a precious life.

    You’ll have a loving best friend
    A dog is a man’s best friend. Abandoned dogs are generally terrified of new people as they have been hurt by their owners before. Their past haunts them and they become protective of themselves. They don’t show affection like others and it takes time for them to get adjusted to. A little love from your side is all that it takes for them to bounce back to their usual loving self.

    It is more than just affordable
    You don’t have to shell out too much money to adopt a pet. You need to pay a meager shelter charge to take one of these animals home. And if you’re getting one from the streets, it’s completely free.

    Vaccinations and treatment
    Most shelter groups and rescue centers give the animals a dose of necessary vaccines and treatments before the pets go up for adoption. The animals are neutered or spayed as well.

    The presence of a pet dog increases your safety by a whopping 70%. Research says that humans tend to survive better with pets. The animals, especially dogs are very sensitive to sensing emotions. They know when their humans are blue and they immediately become their comfort suppliers.

    Save lives
    By adopting one pet, you can save others from being euthanized. Adopting a pet makes room for another one and allows the shelters to take in more animals and give them food and space to live.

    For a genuine dog lover, things like breed, age, color etc. don’t matter. If you’re one and you’re planning to get a dog, adopt one instead of buying one and encouraging the breeding business.

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  • Popular dogs and puppies adoption homes in the USA

    Dogs make the best companions and there are reasons as to why they are considered as man’s best friend. While dogs love us unconditionally, there are humans who don’t understand that. They buy dogs and then abandon them in the middle of nowhere and they have no choice but to fend for themselves.

    Keeping a dog is a responsibility and once you have decided to get a dog, by no means should you ever think of letting it go. Most dog breeds can’t survive on their own and end up in rescue homes. Most of these rescue homes come with a limit and once they are overcrowded with dogs, they euthanize the old ones to make space for the younger ones. However, there are no-kill animal shelters too.

    If you’re planning to get a dog, it’s always a better idea to adopt puppies or a mature dog from one of these rescue homes. By doing that you’ll be giving a dog a life it deserves and getting a companion too. Here are some of the shelters where you can adopt a puppy from:

    Austin Pets Alive
    Located in Texas, this is one of the rare no-kill shelters in the USA. They are always on the lookout for foster homes, so you can foster as well. You don’t find only dogs here, you can find kittens and cats too. They keep and treat unhealthy animals too. If you cannot adopt puppies, you can at least consider volunteering for them.

    Almost Home Foundation
    Founded in the year 2005, this isn’t a shelter but an animal rescue center. An animal rescue center is one that primarily focuses on getting animals adopted rather than keeping them for a long time. Almost Home has collaborated with different foster homes to take care of the dogs and cats that they rescue. They take part in local adoption shows as well.

    Second Chance
    This center runs with a vision that every cat and dog in Northern Arizona get a home. They offer rescue and treatment to animals in need. They run their own shelter and have saved the lives of many dogs and cats. If you live in Northern Arizona, you can consider adopting puppies from here.

    Best Friends
    Located in Utah, this place is the home to numerous abandoned dogs and cats. They rescue pets that have been abandoned and try and give them a new home. They have spay-neuter clinics, so if you already have a pet you can get it here. You can foster, donate, adopt, or volunteer in this animal rescue center.

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  • Things you must look for when buying a Shih Tzu puppy

    Have you decided what your new family member will be like? So, it is a Shih Tzu puppy, eh? But before going for a Shih Tzu puppies sale, you must know everything about it and certain things must be kept in mind.

    • Always buy from a registered breeder
      Many of you out there must be thinking what wrong has the unregistered breeder done. Well, it is always better to be on the safe side. It is not that a perfectly healthy and cheerful Shih Tzu cannot be raised by a non-registered breeder. There are several of them who have raised perfect Shih Tzu. It is not that the dog raised by the non-registered ones will not meet the standards of size and proportion. But when you are buying from a registered breeder, the main advantage is that you will know the entire history of the puppy. You will know the origin of the puppy and even have information about its parents and grandparents. You will stay assured about the genetic background of the puppy that you are bringing home.
    • Buy a book on the maintenance and lifestyle of a Shih Tzu
      A proper lifestyle of your puppy will keep it happy and cheerful throughout her life. So, the most important aspect is the knowledge about the thing you must do to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your Shih Tzu. Invest a small amount now, and you will see better results in future.
    • Know about the potential health issues in your puppy’s breed
      You must have knowledge about the potential health issues that are present in your puppy’s breed and are inherent to it. Every breed has an issue of its own. For the Shih Tzu, one of the most inherent health issues is the hip dysplasia. So when you are going to a Shih Tzu puppies sale event, you must always check this aspect in not only the puppy, but also its mother.
    • Visit the surrounding in which the puppy was born
      Insist on seeing the place where your puppy was born. Know the place which it has seen since it has opened its eyes. Weigh out the circumstances and decide whether the puppy would love its new home. One more factor that you must check when you visit the place is its cleanliness. See how clean the surroundings were in which the puppy was born. This would give you an idea about how healthy its upbringing was.
    • Visit the siblings and the mother of your Shih Tzu
      The reason for visiting the siblings and mother of your puppy is to check whether the group seems cheerful. See the temperament and health of the mother. Check whether the characteristics are the ones you want in your puppy. Check whether the siblings are well cared for. After all, your puppy has come from that same family.

    Only after checking and making sure the above points, finalize your decision on the puppy.

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  • Shih Tzu puppies sale in the US

    Shih Tzu puppies are known by varied names including “Chrysanthemum Dog” because of the resemblance of its face with a flower. The coat of the Shih Tzu is similar to that of human hair and is long. Shih Tzu is a lovable, dignified, and sociable dog. If you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies sale, here are some of their best breeders in the US.

    Shih Tzu Garden
    The Shih Tzu Garden is a breeding farm in Central Coast of California. They are located between Montreal and San Francisco. The puppies are registered with AKC. They offer a health guarantee of 2 years along with a lifetime support. They also perform a genetic test on their dogs, and when you bring them home, you will be given all the test results. The only aim of Shih Tzu Garden is to produce better quality puppies.

    Puppies in a Box
    The Puppies in a Box will provide you only AKC-bred puppies. They are breeding for over 20 years and have earned a good name. They are present in Iowa. The dogs bred by them have beautiful coat and faces. They maintain high quality, and you will also get solid and rare colors.

    High Point Shih Tzu
    High Point Shih Tzu is in New Jersey and all the puppies are registered with AKC. You will find that the puppies are very friendly and are raised in a home. Cleanliness is maintained and they are well taken care of by a family itself. You can even see the puppies in person once they have been vaccinated, that is, after 6 weeks. Until then, you can see them via images sent through emails.

    Sonshine Shih Tzu
    Sonshine Shih Tzu has a reputation for over 42 years and is run by a Shih Tzu specialist. It is also known by the name of Anne’s Puppies after the owner’s mother who started it. The club has set standards and is considered one of the best registered breeders of Shih Tzu puppies. You will receive a puppy after it is 78 weeks old and has undergone all vaccinations and health checkups.

    Twa-NasPe-kae Shih Tzu
    While you are looking for Shih Tzu puppies sale,check out this breeder from Ohio, which provides purebred, and AKC registered Shih Tzu puppies. The puppies have an excellent pedigree and the champions’ sired ones are preferred by many. The puppies are cheerful, happy, and bred with care.

    Patchwork Pups
    The Patchwork Pups come from Pennsylvania. They are a home breeder and breed excellent and healthy Shih Tzu puppies. The puppies that you will get from them will be vaccinated, vet-checked, and even de-wormed. The pedigree lines of their puppies are very good and unique. If you choose them, you will get pictures of your puppy regularly until it is ready to go with you. They are very communicative and you can contact them at any time.

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  • How is pricing done in the case of boxer puppies sale?

    Before boxer puppies are put up for sale, their pricing is done depending on a wide range of factors. Here are some of the factors on which the pricing depends.

    • Health testing
      Several health tests are performed before a puppy is delivered to you. You will see that it is always mentioned in the site on buying the puppy. Health tests are not only done before the breeding of a bitch, but sometimes on a stud dog too.
    • Progesterone testing
      Before breeding a bitch, the progesterone levels are tested and thus the date of ovulation is known. By this method, the rates of success of breeding increase sharply. The whelping date is also narrowed down by this process.
    • Brucellosis test
      Brucellosis is a condition in which the bitches become sterile and can face abortion. So every time before breeding, the bitches are examined.
    • Pregnancy Confirmation
      An ultrasound test is performed to confirm the pregnancy of a bitch. An adequate preparation of whelping can be done by this process. Also the health of the pregnant bitch is ensured by all means.
    • Frozen Plasma
      New born puppies are treated with frozen plasma, and some of it is kept in store in case the puppy requires some more of a boost. For fresh plasma, it needs to ship in one night and once received, it will stay good for six months and not more. So you can conclude that a separate order of frozen plasma is required for each litter.
    • Supplements
      In-whelp bitches are given special supplements and food to ensure their health. They are also given homeopathic medicines. All this is necessary for trouble-free whelping and strong puppies.
    • Increased food for pregnant bitches
      During the last days of pregnancy, the bitch is given more food. Even during the first 3 or 4 weeks after the puppies are born and the bitch undergoes lactation period, the food is increased. This increased amount is approximately four times the original amount of food of the bitch. Sometimes goat’s milk is also given as it gives an added nutritive value. But this again increases the cost.
    • Food for puppies
      At about three weeks of age, the puppies are given solid food to eat. As they are gradually weaned by the bitch, the quantity of their food is increased. The more the puppies are with the sellers, the more is the cost.
    • Puppy packet
      The puppy packet is something that goes home with every puppy. It contains all the results of various tests that have been performed on the parents, temperament test results, leash, poop bags, collar, diet sheet, training information, and so many other things.

    The things on which the pricing of boxer puppies sale are not based are their gender, nationality, markings, or color.

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  • Popular boxer puppies breeders in the country

    Are you a dog lover? Then you can try the boxer puppies. They are not only energetic, but are also happy and loving. These puppies are fond of children. Boxer puppies have originally come from Germany. Here are some of the best boxer puppies breeders in the US, whom you can contact any time for your puppy.
    Are you a dog lover? Then you can try the boxer puppies. They are not only energetic, but are also happy and loving. These puppies are fond of children. Boxer puppies have originated from Germany. Here are some of the best boxer puppies breeders in the US, whom you can contact any time for your puppy.

    Julie Wilmore
    Julie Wilmore is a breeder from Toledo and is breeding for the past 14 years. The gene pool of their dogs are checked and all the puppies undergo health checkups before they are sent home with you. Julie Wilmore is a preservation breeder and has a reputed name. They raise puppies in such a way that they are of good temperament, are happy, and can easily adapt to the new surroundings when they are sent to their new home.

    Dean Brenner
    Dean Brenner is a famous breeder in Oklahoma City and his kennel name is Besten BoxersDean Brenner. They provide AKC-registered boxers for over 30 years. A health guarantee of one year is also given by them when you bring home a pup from them. The puppies are micro chipped before they leave the breeder. You will get all information on boxer puppies sale in bestenboxers.com. You can also visit their Facebook page for more details.

    Kristi Kenny
    Kristi Kenny has founded the Black Dymond Boxers Club, which is a famous boxers breeding club in Galt. The breeding stock is always taken for a health test before breeding and the puppies are given with a health guarantee of two years with a lifetime support. They are taken care of right from their birth and are very lovable. The puppies are given after having them micro chipped and vaccinated. You can visit their FAQ page and thus join their waiting list on their official website blackdymondboxers.com.

    Scott Reiser
    Scott Reiser has been breeding for 6 years in Lyons and within this short span of time, it has earned a good name. Their kennel name is GINBU Boxers. They assure a quality health of their puppies and also assure that the puppies will never die from Degenerative Myelopathy Disease (DM). With an excellent temperament and a sociable nature, the GINBU Boxers provide shipping facilities too. For more information on pedigree, you can check the boxerpedigrees.info.

    Patrice Hinsley
    Patrice Hinsley is from North Texas and is a very good breeder of Boxers. You can reach this place in an hour or two from the Dallas metroplex area. The breeder is registered with AKC and has a reputation of giving the best quality boxers. He has been breeding for 13 years.

    Bernard Von Herbulis
    Bernard Von Herbulis runs a breeding club by the name of Parker Creek Kennels in Marysville, Wa. They have been breeding for over 20 years. The tails and dew claws are removed professionally before delivering the dogs. The puppies are also vaccinated and certified by a vet. The breeder also belongs to the AKC Parent Club.

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