According to the statistics released by the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in the USA.

Here is the full list of runner ups:
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Bulldog
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu

The Golden Retriever is one of my favorite dogs to work with. They have an easy going disposition and are usually very happy dogs. They are cooperative during acupuncture sessions, love to be massaged and are very food driven.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog, historically developed as a gundog to retrieve shot waterfowl and upland game during hunting. As such they were bred to have a soft mouth to retrieve game undamaged and an instinctive love of water. Their intelligence and versatility sees them employed in a variety of roles including illegal drug detection, search and rescue, as hunting dogs and as guide dogs. Its friendly, eager-to-please and patient demeanor has made it one of the most popular family dogs (by registration) in the world.

The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed and is described in the standard as “kindly, friendly and confident”. They are not “one man dogs” and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition therefore makes them a poor guard dog. Any form of unprovoked aggression or hostility towards either people, dogs or other animals, whether in the show ring or community, is completely unacceptable in a Golden Retriever and is not in keeping with the character of the breed and as such is considered a serious fault. Nor should a Golden Retriever be unduly timid or nervous. The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please

Health
The median life span for Golden Retrievers is approximately 10 to 12 years. They do very well in small living areas of at least 500 sq. feet. While the breed is recognized for its vitality, many retrievers are susceptible to specific ailments. A responsible breeder will proactively minimize the risk of illness by having the health of dogs in breeding pairs professionally assessed and selected on the basis of complementary traits.

Breeding Golden Retrievers can be profitable for puppy mills and backyard breeders. As a result of careless breeding for profit, Goldens are prone to genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed; when buying a puppy in the US the parents should be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP for hip disease.”

Most of the Goldens I treat with TCM and acupuncture suffer from arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia. A change of diet along with regular acupuncture treatments and supplements such as fish oil are very beneficial to keeping these wonderful dogs healthy and happy in their old age.

The Poodle according to Wikipedia:

The Poodle is a breed of dog, and is regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds of dog.[1] The poodle breed is found in small, medium, and large sizes, and in many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. Poodles are elegant in the conformation ring, having taken top honors in many shows, including Best in Show (BIS) at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 2002 and BIS at the World Dog Show in 2007.

History

Poodles are retrievers or gun dogs, and can still be seen in that role. The breed’s English name has German origins. (The name poodle comes from the German word short for pudelhund or, reflecting the breed’s development from a water dog; the word pudel is related to the English word puddle.) However, most sources concur that the French are responsible for developing the modern breed into its current form, and developing the different sizes. The French name for the poodle is caniche, referring to ducks and the poodles’ water dog origins.

Poodle sizes

Unlike many breeds, poodles come in a variety of sizes, distinguished by adult shoulder (withers) height. The exact height cutoffs among the varieties vary slightly from country to country. Non-Fédération Cynologique Internationale kennel clubs generally recognize three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, sometimes as sizes of the same breed, and sometimes as separate breeds. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes of one breed, standard, medium, miniature, and toy.[5] Only the Fédération Cynologique Internationale describes a maximum size for standard poodles.

The terms royal standard, teacup, and tiny teacup are marketing names, and are not recognized by any major kennel club.

Health
With proper care and nutrition, many enjoy life well into their teens.

The most common serious health issues of standard poodles (listed in order of the number of reported cases in the Poodle Health Registry (as of August 20, 2007) are Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV = bloat/torsion), thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Standard poodles are also susceptible to some health issues usually too minor to report to the poodle health registry. The most common of these minor issues are probably ear infections. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection, lest a minor issue turn into a major issue.”

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine can help the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia, renal disease, arthritis and other canine pain related ailments. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information on veterinary acupuncture for your poodle.

For more information about poodles visit the American Kennel Club site www.akc.org/breeds/poodle

One of the most popular breed of dogs here in New England is the Labrador Retriever. They are smart, fun and food obsessed. I love treating labs. They are usually good natured and very well behaved for their acupuncture sessions as long as there is food involved. It is very important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet for labs since they can become overweight.

This information is from Wikipedia

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, Labby, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991), and the United Kingdom. It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured,and Labradors are generally considered good companions for people of all ages (including a high level of patience and tolerance for children), making them both excellent companions and working dogs. With training, the Labrador is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world

There are three recognized colors for Labs: black (a solid black color), yellow (anything from light cream to gold to “fox-red”), and chocolate (medium to dark brown). There are no such things as silver or golden Labradors, a common mistake for the Yellow variant. There is also a black-and-tan coat type, but this coat color is the least popular as it renders the Labrador un-showable except in the UK.

Inherited disorders

* Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
* Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
* Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
* Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fiber.
* There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either congenitally or later in life.”

Many of the ailments that labs suffer from can be treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine for relief of painful symptoms. For more information on acupuncture for your lab please visit www.fourpawsacupuncture.com

Wiki-photo :Belgian Shepherd Tervuren

This weeks featured dog breed was inspired by a new patient, Harry a Belgian Shepherd Tervuren. He is a delight to be around and was a most well behaved patient. This information comes from Wikipedia/BelgianShepherd

The Belgian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Belgian Sheepdog or Chien de Berger Belge) is used to refer to both a breed of dog as well as a type of medium-sized to large-sized dog. It is a member of the Sheepdog Group, and as such can be commonly mistaken for the German or King Shepherd. Four breeds have been identified by various kennels as a separate breed or variety: Groenendael, Laekenois, Tervuren, and the Malinois. All are registered as a herding dog, more specifically a sheep dog.

Temperament
The Malinois variant

Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent and are bred to be alert and sensitive to everything going on around them, and to develop extremely strong relationship bonds. This means that they need significant socializing as puppies, lifelong activity outlets, and will seek to be with “their human” all the time, preferably doing something rather than waiting around. They can find it very difficult to be left alone. They tend strongly to be a “one person dog.”

All the Belgian Shepherd breeds need a lot of activity and close interaction with people[citation needed]. Like most herding breeds, they need a job to do (be it herding, learning tricks, or dog agility). The Belgian breeds are intelligent and sociable dogs who can easily become bored with such simple and undemanding repetition. Many Belgians make superb assistance dogs who thrive on knowing that their jobs are indeed necessary for their chosen person.

They are widely considered to be a good looking dog, loyal, intelligent, fun, and well suited to family life[citation needed]. However because of their high sensitivity to criticism or to being ignored, their careful handling and socializing needs, their need for ongoing stimulation and purposeful activity, and their potential, they require a lot of exercise and interaction.[citation needed.”

More info on Belgian Shepherds can be found at: www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/belgianshepherds.htm

Max, is a 7 year old Briard who was injured last year during an agility training session. Working with Max was so much fun. He is full of personality and is larger than life. Although his owners claim he is a full bred Braird, I am certain he is part Wookie (from Star Wars).

The Briard is a large breed of dog, one of many herding breeds. They are very intelligent and quite stunning to see in person. For more information on Briards visit wikepedia.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes incorporating good nutrition, acupuncture, herbs and change of lifestyle. Fortunately Max’s owners feed him a well balanced and healthy diet. I was very happy that I did not have to give them my usual lecture on the importance of good nutrition for dogs. Max was treated by using a combination of acupuncture, tui na ( a form of Chinese massage), laser acupuncture and Chinese herbal liniments. His owners made sure he was completely recovered before allowing him to resume agility training.

After several treatments and lots of extra love from his owners, Max is now able to jump and attend classes again.

Below is his story told by his owner.

“About 4 months ago our 7-year-old Briard Max slipped off a 4-foot high dog walk during an agility training session. The next morning he could not walk on his front left leg. The verdict from the vet was ‘this might require surgery.’

Fortunately we heard about the possibility treat the torn ligaments using the Chinese Medicine. After consulting with Jeanie Marie Kraft of Four Paws Acupuncture we started Max on a regimen of acupuncture and massages with a Chinese liniment. Needless to say there wouldn’t be any jumping in the foreseeable future for Max, a tough task for the highest titled obedience performance Briard in North America
(11 US and Canadian titles).
Now it is 3 1/2 months later and CH Glendrovers Sir Maxwell UDX, CanOTCH is back to doing what he likes best – obedience and agility performance.

Thank you Jeanie Marie for getting our baby back in the performance competition arena!”
Marion and Team Briard

Michelle Obama: First dog arriving in April

First lady Michelle Obama tells People magazine that the target date for the arrival of the family pet is after her daughters’ spring break trip in April, though 7-year-old Sasha is convinced the dog is coming April 1.

“So Sasha says ‘April 1st.’ I said, ‘April.’ She says, ‘April 1st.’ It’s like, April!” said Mrs. Obama.

The Obama girls — Sasha and 10-year-old Malia — attend the private Sidwell Friends school, which has spring break March 20-29 and a day off for students on April 13.

The family wants a rescue Portuguese Water Dog who is the appropriate age and match.

“Temperamentally they’re supposed to be pretty good,” Mrs. Obama said. “From the size perspective, they’re sort of middle of the road — it’s not small, but it’s not a huge dog. And the folks that we know who own them have raved about them. So that’s where we’re leaning.”

The first couple and their daughters have been going back and forth on possible names. Among the two Mrs. Obama mentioned — and nixed — were Frank and Moose.

“”Oh, the names are really bad. I don’t even want to mention it, because there are names floating around and they’re bad,” she said. “You listen and you go — like, I think, Frank was one of them. Frank! Moose was another one of them. Moose. I said, well, what if the dog isn’t a moose? Moose. I’m like, no, come on, let’s work with the names a little bit.”

To read more of this article click on associated press story

Portuguese Water Dog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD) are a breed of water dog similar to poodles. Portuguese Water Dogs once existed all along Portugal’s coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen’s nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs rode in bobbing fishing trawlers as they worked their way from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the frigid fishing waters off the coast of Iceland where the fleets caught codfish to bring home.

In Portugal, the breed is called Cão d’Água (pronounced “Kown-d’Ahgwa”; literally “water dog”). In its native land, the dog is also known as the Portuguese Fishing Dog (Cão Pescador Português). Cão de Água de Pêlo Ondulado is the name given the wavy-haired variety, and Cão de Água de Pêlo Encaracolado is the name for the curly-coated variety.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed; only 15 entrants for Portuguese Water Dogs were made to England’s Crufts competition in 2002, although their personality and non-shedding qualities have made them more popular in recent years.”

Just recently two of my patients have been diagnosed with canine DM. In order to provide more information on how alternative medicine, herbs and supplements can help I have created a Squidoo lens http://www.squidoo.com/canine-DM-acupuncture

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A dog with degenerative myelopathy often stands with its legs close together and may not correct an unusual foot position due to a lack of conscious proprioception

Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy)

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 7 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs.

As of July 15, 2008 the mutated gene responsible for DM has been found present in 43 breeds including German Shepherds and both breeds of Welsh Corgis.[1] The disease is chronic and progressive, and can result in the animals inability to recognize its extremities, thereby rendering it paralyzed.

The myelin is an insulating sheath around neurons in the spinal cord. One proposed cause of degenerative myelopathy is that the immune system attacks this sheath, breaking it down. This results in a loss of communication between nerves in lower body of the animal and the brain. The disease usually manifests between the ages of seven and fourteen.”

From our Greyhound Rescue friends at Grey2KUSA:

Just in time for the holiday, be a sweetheart for the greyhounds and also share a beautiful gift with someone you love.

For a donation of just $15, we will ship an individually wrapped greyhound-shaped chocolate to you, or right to your Valentine.

Each of our hand-dipped, 4 oz. candies is made of sweet chocolate and measures 4 inches tall by 5 inches wide. Best yet, they are cruelty-free (vegan), Kosher and 100% delicious!

Orders will arrive on or just before Valentine’s Day. And if your Valentine has been extra sweet this year, consider including a greyhound doll or button as well! We will wrap each gift in beautiful paper with a bow, and include a personalized card.

Quantities are limited, so click here to reserve yours today. Use any unused portion of the online form to provide special instructions.

Every donation made will support our efforts to end the cruelty and killing of dog racing.

Four Paws Acupuncture of MA offers a discount rate to all Greyhound rescues.

Obama dog will face tough job requirements

By SHARON THEIMER – 3 days ago

WASHINGTON (AP)

It’s not always a dog’s life being a White House pet.

Sure, you get to cruise around in the presidential limo, but seldom can you stick your nose out to sniff the breeze. One chewing spree in the wrong room and you’re in the doghouse for wrecking a national treasure.

The way everyone wants your attention, you’d think they elected you, too. You’re supposed to act with decorum, no matter how pushy people are or what kind of mood you’re in. Go a little loopy and you might get exiled to the ranch, like one of Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s dogs. Get a little nippy like President George W. Bush’s Barney and the meltdown footage is sure to hit the Internet.

Still, experts say President-elect Barack Obama and his family can find a pooch well-suited to the White House. The important thing is to realize there’s no perfect dog — only the perfect dog for them. That means casting aside worry about offending anyone and searching for a dog that fits the job requirements.

“It’s not the breed, and it’s not even so much where it’s from,” said Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist and host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Calling All Pets.” What’s important, she said, is that the Obamas set a good example by “picking a dog based on its behavioral as well as its physical health, from a credible, responsible place.”

The search can take weeks or even months. McConnell and other experts advise a deliberate approach, avoiding impulsive decisions. A cuddly puppy with a red bow around its neck makes a cute Christmas gift, but soon the baby fat disappears and the new owners realize a dog is a lot of work, especially one ill-suited to their lifestyle.

Debate about the ideal Obama dog has become a hot topic for canine enthusiasts.

The search is complicated by daughter Malia’s allergies. Depending on their severity, the family may need to consider only dogs with little or no shedding — or give up the idea of a dog altogether.

If the Obamas are determined to adopt from a shelter or rescue group, they should have a professional help them choose, said Brother Christopher Savage, head trainer in the Monks of New Skete’s dog board-and-train program in Cambridge, N.Y. “You can get a wonderful dog from a shelter, and it’s a wonderful thing, but you have to really be going in with your eyes open,” Savage said.

White House life can be demanding for a dog. People are always coming and going, many eager to schmooze. One of Bush’s two Scottish terriers, Barney, is famous with children nationwide for his “Barneycam” holiday Web videos, but more recently he popped up in a clip on YouTube nipping a reporter who persisted in trying to get his attention. The Reagans’ Bouvier des Flandres, a large, energetic dog named Lucky, was moved to their California ranch after becoming too rambunctious.

Whatever choice the Obamas make, it could set off a national scramble for such dogs, like the frenzy for Dalmatians after the release of the Disney movie “101 Dalmatians.”

Trendiness usually isn’t good for dogs. It can lead to ill-bred, poorly treated dogs as entrepreneurs scramble to churn puppies out before public interest fades. Shelters are full of young dogs discarded after the novelty wore off.

“Pick the right dog for you,” Millan said. “Make a decision, a psychological decision, and then fall in love.”

click here to read the entire article.