TAG | Dog
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Getting A Mobile Trailer For Dog Grooming
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Tired of packing your big, hairy dog into the car for a ride across town with a panting, barking animal for his weekly groom, only to find your car needs one too afterward? Mobile dog grooming has become a necessity for many of us who don’t have time to get the pooch and the car washed in the same day. The demand for this service is ever growing, causing many dog-loving entrepreneurs to consider taking up this business.When looking to start a mobile dog grooming business, the most important asset will be your mobile trailer. What kind will you start with?First of all, size does matter. Even if environmental considerations are not primary on your list (and they should be) an overly large trailer is a poor choice. The larger your trailer is the more gas you will consume, thus eating into your profit margin. A large trailer will put more strain your vehicle’s suspension and brakes. You may think it looks grand but in reality anything over a 5 foot by 8 foot trailer will be very difficult to maneuver in traffic and hard to see around in your rear view mirror. Remember, you will be spending almost as much time driving as brushing and bathing, so look for a trailer that is easy to tow and inexpensive to maintain.Price is always and issue and depends upon your individual budget, in the final analysis. Should be able to purchase a trailer with all you need for between 15, and 25,000. It will be your decision to personalize it and make your mobile dog-grooming trailer a good advertisement as well as a rolling pet care salon.Your other major choice is whether to buy a bare trailer and outfit it yourself or buy one fully equipped. I would personally opt for the other every time for the convenience and time saving aspects. But if you choose the other direction, you will need a good-sized water tank, grooming station and bathing areas, a floor drain, air-conditioning and several sources of natural light. These are not just things to enhance your work environment; they are essentials to performing the work professionally.The material of choice for your trailer is easy to clean aluminium or stainless steel. After purchasing a trailer with these basics, you may want to choose from many useful add ons. Look thoroughly at the various types of equipment offered and choose those that will come in handy and really make your work go more smoothly. Avoid impulse buying when viewing extra equipment.A wise “extra” is a special paint job that will make your van a good source of advertising. Decorate your moving billboard in an eye catching manner, with your telephone numbers and website plainly visible. You may include your hours of operation or the breeds of dogs that you like to handle. Do not include price information or too much wording that could get in the way of your important contact information. Of course, you will also want to advertise in conventional ways, such as the yellow pages, on the Internet, in the local newspaper and, occasionally, handouts and flyers posted around the neighbourhood.Armed with the proper equipment and advertising, you are off to a good start with your new career keeping spaniels shiny and poodles pouffed!
Now that you have figured out how to best feed and exercise your pet, or made the decision to provide dog grooming services yourself, just what do you need to carry out your good intentions?Bathing supplies and area You will, of course need an area to bathe your pet, complete with good drainage and a hose device for quick and thorough rinsing. Specially formulated shampoo and conditioner are must haves and you may have to spend a bit of time researching and trying several before you find the best for your breed of dog. After bathing, your pet needs to be patted down with a designated, super absorbent towel and a quick blow dry. You may even want to invest in a commercial dog blow dryer that comes on a stand that the dog can be strapped into. This is a real aid for long haired dogs and their owners, since drying time can be prolonged. It is important to dry the dog’s coat quickly before it develops tangles and become matted.Brushes and combsBrushes and combs are important not only as a beauty aid to provide a silky coat but for maintaining a healthy coat. Even short haired breeds must have regular brushing to remove excess hair that allows the skin to breath. Brushing with a soft brush feels good, calms the dog and makes the coat shine. But using a hard wire brush and/or comb, is the only way to remove debris and tangles. It is also a good way to check for ticks, fleas and other parasites. The brush or comb may be made of metal or hard plastic but must have fine enough to ferret out those invaders and stand up to tangles without breaking. Dog toenail clippersDog toenail clippers are a must have and come in scissor or guillotine style. They should be used biweekly or more often, according to how fast the nails grow. Keeping your pets nails trimmed will prevent nail splitting. Scissors and trimmersScissors and trimmers should be specially designed for your breed of dog. Scissors should be blunt ended to avoid possible injury from a jumpy pet and trimmers must be strong enough to do the job efficiently. Get an electric trimmer with enough power to quickly shave and trim areas of dense fur without clogging and stalling.Together with these must have dog grooming tools is your love and dedication to keeping your pet clean, attractive and healthy. Your attitude will help make dog grooming less of a chore and a really pleasant bonding experience.
DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING———————–MAKE THE PUPS KNOW WHO’S IN CHARGEHowever, they can be your worst enemy sometimes. HUNTING THE RIGHT HOUNDBut despite what those who breed and sell crossbreeds might try to tell you, these are not, nor will they likely ever be, recognized as purebred dogs. Sporting dogs that are alert, active and intelligent have historically been used by hunters to locate, flush or retrieve game from land or water. That’s part of the fun. Its name origins from the Latin terra, meaning “for earth”, most terriers were originally bred to “go to ground” after burrowing vermin, larger rodents and even foxes. Children and dogs make potentially blissful partners, but choosing a dog that actually likes to play with children is your best bet in orchestrating a match made in heaven. Scent hounds such as bloodhounds, beagles and foxhounds have historically aided hunters by following the scent trails left by their quarry. The national symbol of England, known for its strength and determination, it has been out of work since bull-baiting went out of fashion in the late 19th century. This is the list of dog Herding Breeds according to The American Kennel Club:Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Beauceron, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Border Collie, Bouvier des Flandres Briard, Canaan Dog, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Old, English Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Puli, Shetland Sheepdog, Swedish Vallhund. Without the right training, some working dogs can be difficult to handle, even dangerous. Belonging to this group are some of the intelligent dog breeds which includes the admired German shepherd dog, most famous for its police work and the Border collies, the most intelligent of all breeds. Both routinely in the top five breeds, the Labrador retriever and the golden retriever together account for nearly one-quarter of the more than 1 million dogs registered with the AKC every year. A pampered, yet surprisingly active companion today, it once was a skilled truffle hunter. Consequently, these owners should also give them “work” that rewards their instincts. Like most terriers, this “king of terriers” has little time for other dogs, and if not properly supervised may engage in some street brawling. Even the famous racer, the greyhound, has proved to be a well-liked family pet. THE ANATOMY OF A CANINEIn addition, when dogs of similar stature meet up, one often bumps the other with the rear of its torso to get a feel for its potential rival’s body mass. A lot of information can be garnered from a quick sniff. The lolling tongue increases the surface area where evaporation can take place. You might as well read the information about it. Special taste receptors on their tongues are believed to allow canids to recognize chemical composition variancessuch as salt and impuritiesin different water sources. Like all mammals, the canid family is able to control body temperature through various physical functions. The long hair of the Lhasa apso is due to a naturally prolonged growth phase that was emphasized by selective breeding for thermal protection and aesthetic reasons. A small stopper pad, located higher up on the back of the leg, provides a better grip for walking or running on slick surfaces. Most mammals sweat to keep cool. Button Ears. Most hound dogs feature hanging or pendant ears, while many terriers have semi-erect button ears in which the tips fold over and hang in a V-shape, partially covering the opening. WHY THE HELP?Including sit, stay, come, fetch, stop, shake, speak, kiss, lie down, and more. Facts on Over 20 Popular Dog Breeds – Learn facts on the most popular dogs, including how to groom, exercise, and of course their ease of training by breed. You can actually see your dog wait next to the door when he/she needs to go out to use the bathroom. You would avoid mistakes done by most neophytes. ______________________________________________________dog training & obedience secretshttp://www.dog-learning-pro.com http://tinyurl.com/l48pja
Getting to know your dog starts by getting to know its breed, and that includes getting a better idea about its appearance, personality, and health requirements. Here’s what you need to know about the Shih Tzu:
This particular breed of dog originated from Tibet, although it has now become a highly popular breed in Western countries. The name “Shih Tzu” is pronounced (sheet zoo) and can be spelled a number of ways depending on the country. In fact, in China, the name sounds more like the American “sherbet” with “adds” on the end. Although the Shih Tzu is a tiny dog its name translates to “lion dog” of the Forbidden City, which is for the original resemblance to a lion and not so much size.
When first developed, the Shih Tzu had a very specific purpose in life – to sit or lie around the Emperor of China’s palace, alerting the royal family of approaching people or animals. While the exact breeding to create the Shih Tzu is not 100 percent certain, most people believe it started as a mix of Lhasa Apso, which was already a Tibetan breed, and the Pekingese. What we do know is that of all breeds in the world, the Shih Tzu is one of the oldest.Physical Appearance
Once you lay your eyes on a Shih Tzu, you cannot help but fall in love. This tiny, furry breed is simply adorable with a long, flowing double coat and undeniable face. Although the hair of the Shih Tzu can be styled or groomed in a variety of ways, most people will keep the long hair brushed to a silky shine and hair pulled back with a barrette out of the dog’s eyes.
Keep in mind that this dog’s hair continues to grow much like that of a human, and it does not shed. Therefore, the dog needs ongoing grooming. Additionally, because this breed has hair and not fur, it is an excellent choice for individuals with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. The Shih Tzu is bred in a number of colors, which include:
* Black
* Gold
* Gray
* Tan
* White
* Combination Colors
The Shih Tzu is a very alert and lively breed with a wonderful personality. For instance, this breed is highly devoted to its family, loves children and other animals, and is comical. The muzzle is short, eyes large, the tail waves up over the back of the dog, and you would notice a small under-bite. For show purposes according to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu should be between 8 and 11 inches tall. As far as weight, the Shih Tzu averages between 9 and 16 pounds.Temperament and Personality
Although the Shih Tzu is an alert dog, it is also very gentle and calm. Keep in mind that the Shih Tzu can be very playful too, especially while a puppy. Somewhat on the sensitive side, both discipline and training needs to be handled with a soft hand in that the breed can become fearful.
It is important to socialize your new Shih Tzu, helping to build its confidence with people and animals. As a devoted companion dog, you will find that people of all ages and lifestyles can enjoy this breed but it does require appropriate one-on-one time with its master. The Shih Tzu is not just a beautiful breed of dog but also one that brings intelligence, loyalty, laughter, and attentiveness to the home.Health
While there are many reasons for having a Shih Tzu, the ease of care is definitely at the top of the list. Typically, daily grooming habits are important. For instance, the dog’s eyes can water and tear so they need to be wiped off with a damp cloth or cotton ball several times a day. Additionally, with the long hair, the Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily. With good grooming, proper diet, and adequate exercise, this breed is hardy.
The only real health risk is due to the short snout. Because of this feature, the Shih Tzu does not handle hot temperatures well. In fact, this particular breed does much better in regions with a milder climate, making breathing easier. Other possible risks, although rare, include liver, heart, and back problems.
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Meet The Alert And Spunky Shih-tzu Dog Breed
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The Shih-Tzu is a result of the breeding of the Tibetan Lhasa Apso with the Pekinese during the 17th century and Peking. However, England wouldn’t see the first pair until the 1930s when they were allowed to be imported. Today, the spunky old dog is a popular pet as well as a show dog favorite.
Admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1969, the Shih-Tzu is part of the toy group. This breed weighs from 9 to 16 pounds and is around 11 inches tall
This breed is small and sturdy resembling the Lhasa Apso and having an abundant coat consisting of a woolly undercoat any long overcoat of hair. The hair above the nose grows upward which creates a unique shape, sometimes referred to as a chrysanthemum shape for the face. The Shih-Tzu has a mustache and beard along with a short hairy muzzle and black nose. The eyes are dark, large and round. The pendant shaped ears are covered with hair which causes them to blend right in to the rest of the dogs body. He has a plumed tale which he carries curled over his back. These dogs come in all colors, but show dogs must have white on the forehead as well as the tip of the tail.
The Shih-Tzu is a little dog with a lot of character. Sometimes they can seem a bit arrogant, but they do tend to make friends easily even when they are being obstinate. This alert and spunky breed is playful and affectionate but does not cope well if left on his own and needs to spend a lot of time with his family. They are usually pretty quiet when indoors, but have been known to be a bit stubborn and can bark when they want to.
Since Shih-Tzus have a short muzzle, they can wheeze and snore a bit and also can be prone to respiratory, ear and eye problems. In some Shih-Tzus which have short legs and long backs, spinal disc disease can be a problem. Like most small dogs, they can be prone to tooth decay and need to have regular dental care. They can also gain weight easily and should not be overfed.
The Shih-Tzu can be active in doors and is well suited to apartment living. Of course, they do need to be exercised with the daily walk and they can have a tendency to become lazy if exercise is not part of their routine.
Daily grooming is a must with this long-haired breed which should be brushed with a bristle brush. It’s also a good idea to put the hair up in a little ponytail to keep it out of the dogs eyes. You should make sure that the eyes are cleaned regularly and the ear passages as well. Even though this dog breed does have a lot of hair, it does not shed.
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Dog Grooming – Keep Your Dog Healthy And Active
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Dog grooming has its own significance in pet care. It not only improves the look of your pet, but also provides it with better health.
All things such as brushing, bathing, and cleaning of the ears need to be carried out regularly, and by doing so, you can keep your pet healthy.
It is important that you brush your pet every day to keep your pet’s hair dirt free. It also spreads natural oil, which in turn prevents tangling of hair and keeps the skin clean and irritation free. If you make grooming a routine, then your pet will eventually begin to enjoy it.
Another important part of your pet that needs cleaning is the nails. It is important that you trim the nails of your pet once a month. Always use a clipper that is specifically designed for the type of pet you have.
To cut the nails, make your pet sit beside you. Next, place one of your pet’s paws in your hand, and then trim the nails gently. Trim carefully, making sure you stop before the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the quick does get harmed, then use a moist cotton ball with clotting powder and press it for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
You also need to always keep your pet’s ears clean. Unclean ears may result in infection, which is not only painful but can also cause hearing loss. Infection can be identified by recognizing signs such as redness, scratching, head shaking and odor.
You should check your pet’s ears twice a month. The skin of the ears must be pale pink in color. If you notice a foul odor or change in color, take your pet to a veterinarian.
Use moist cotton balls with lukewarm water or mineral oil to clean the ears.
Cleaning of your pet’s teeth is another important aspect of grooming. Your pet may get cavities in his or her teeth that can develop into periodontal disease. Clean your pet’s teeth twice a week with a soft, small pet toothbrush.
Bathe your pet at least once a month or as required. In order to remove all the matting from your pet’s coat, brush your pet before and after each bath.
Place a rubber mat or a small towel in a bathtub so that it is not slippery for your pet. Use cotton balls to prevent water from going into your pet’s ears, and use warm water to bathe your pet in. You can use a spray nozzle, but be sure that you keep the nozzle close to your pet’s body when spraying, and do not spray your pet in the face.
Use shampoo that is made specifically for pets. Use a small quantity, and wash from head to the tail. Clean the rectum, between the toes, backside of the ears and under the chin. After washing, rinse your pet thoroughly with warm water, and then dry with a drier, or pat dry with a towel.
It is important that you regularly give proper attention towards the grooming of your pet. It will keep your pet healthy and active, both physically and psychologically.
Dog grooming is the basis for preventive health care for your dog and puppy. It gives you a chance to see small changes in and on your dog’s body that could lead to health concerns such as a lump or problems in his ears or with his teeth.
Dog grooming can be a time of further bonding with your dog. This is some serious one on one time when he gets loads of your attention.
So what do you do and when do you start grooming your dog and puppy? As with most things with your puppy, you need to introduce him to dog grooming slowly and help him be comfortable with it. Start with short sessions of about five minutes and work up to the whole routine as he adjusts.
Begin with brushing and combing. There are several different grooming tools used for brushing and which you use depends upon the breed of your dog and the type of coat he has. Ask the breeder you got your puppy from for the proper techniques.
Brushing should be done before you bathe your dog or puppy. Bathing your puppy should begin when he is about 14 weeks old or sooner if he is a very dirty dog. Most dogs should need bathing only once a month unless he gets dirty. Wherever you decide to bathe your dog, bathtub, sink or some type of tub, place a rubber mat within to give him something secure to stand on so he won’t slip around.
Soak down his body but not his face. Keep water out of his ears. You may wish to block his ear canals with cotton balls to prevent the water from getting into his ears. Lather up your wet dog with a dog shampoo. Rinse well. Any leftover shampoo in his coat is likely to cause dryness or skin irritation. Wipe his face off with a damp cloth. Squeeze off the excess water and then towel dry your dog. Complete the drying process with either a hair dryer set on warm, not hot, or by leaving him in a warm room until dry.
Be aware that a dog will shake just as soon as you release him. This is why some people want to run their dog outside quickly after a bath on a leash to prevent him from rolling and getting dirty again. If this is not an option, such as in winter, you may wish to consider a professional groomer.
A professional groomer may be a consideration for some of the more difficult haircuts and dog grooming considerations such as the stripping required by some wire-haired breeds. This depends upon your ability to do the required tasks and your desire to do them as well.
copyright 2005. Sandra Dinkins-Wilson
The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the “little lion” because this is a small dog with a huge heart and even bigger personality. It’s fairly well accepted that the Shih Tzu is the result of crossing the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. The origins of the Shih Tzu can be traced back several centuries to China where this breed found favor with many of the nobles. It’s said that some kept extensive kennels of this particular breed and that some worked at furthering the breed, at least to some degree.
While many dogs were freely traded, spreading various breeds throughout the world, the Shih Tzu was protected by the Chinese for many centuries. In fact, it wasn’t until less than 100 years ago that the first of these little dogs was allowed outside their native land. During the early years of this breed, trading, selling and transporting of the dogs to anyone who would take them out of China was strictly forbidden.
The Shih Tzu has a double coat with the outer coat growing to several inches long. The hair just above the nose grows up and this feature has given the Shih Tzu another of its nicknames – Chrysanthemum Face. This nickname derives because the little dog’s face looks almost like a flower, framed by this profusion of hair.
Anyone who loves a furry dog will likely find the Shih Tzu irresistible. Most owners tie up a topknot of hair on the top of the Shih Tzu’s head. This isn’t a fashion statement, but a matter of convenience for the dog. Like unruly bangs, this hair hangs down into the dog’s face, obscuring his vision and sometimes irritating the eyes. For this reason, many owners create the topknot and use the opportunity for pretty bows or ribbons.
Shih Tzus come in a variety of colors, though it seems that black and white are among the more common. It’s been said that show judges tend to look for a white forehead and seem to prefer that the tip of the tail is also white, though that’s not an official requirement. As a rule, the color of the eyes varies with the color of the coat – darker on dark dogs and lighter on the pale colored dogs. Regardless of the color, the eyes always seem alert to anything going on around the Shih Tzu. It’s almost as if these little dogs don’t want to miss out on anything, so they remain extremely watchful.
The personality of the Shih Tzu varies from one dog to the next and is one of the best characteristics of this dog. Most Shih Tzus are very playful, but have a stubborn streak and can be a bit grouchy if treated roughly. As a rule, a Shih Tzu will act differently depending on his mood and the situation. He can appear completely above the goings on around him, or be right in the middle of everything. That’s not to say these are standoffish dogs – quite the contrary. Most Shih Tzus want to be included, but will act aloof if it seems to suit their purposes. Perhaps they simply want to be begged into play!
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Dog Grooming: Basic Requirement for Pet Dogs
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Dog grooming is an important aspect when attending to your pet dog’s care. If we do not put enough attention to dog grooming, it is inevitable that our beloved animals will develop many kinds of illness and health conditions.
First step in grooming involves the processes such as regular maintaining of fur, ears and nails. Coat or fur maintenance primarily involved regular bathing and cleaning, drying and combing. Dog grooming supplies such as shampoos and special dog brushes should be used to properly clean and groom the dog.
There are soft brushes meant to really care for the dog fur. There is even a brush available for a specific type of dog breed. Combing of the dog fur should be done regularly. However, as many dogs shed hair quite easily, you must also be ready to regularly sweep away fallen dog hair.
One of the important dog grooming supplies is the clipper that is especially designed for dog use. When clipping the nails of the dog, it is best to placed it on a higher level for easier control. You have to be a stable position, in front of your dog while having a firm grip on its feet. This ensures safe and hassle free clipping of the nails of your pet.
When it comes to the ear canals of the dog, it has to be checked too on a regular basis. When you need to have them cleaned, you must have some clean and sterile cotton. Cleaning must be done on a slow and gentle manner. Do not go deep enough lest you might unnecessarily inflict harm or damage to the ears.
For more pet grooming, dog care and other pet and dog articles, do visit our Pinoy Pet Blog site.
The Lhasa Apso makes a beautiful family pet. She can live in an apartment as long as she gets walked for exercise. She makes a good watch dog and gets along well with other pets. She likes older, respectful children. She is a faithful family pet. She is generally healthy but does needs quite a bit of grooming.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lhasa Apso is 10 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 13 to 15 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lhasa Apso is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the lookout for ear infections, bleeding ulcers, kidney problems, allergic reactions to fleas and hip dysplasia. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, hard and very dense coat. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Some people clip the coat to lower grooming time.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lhasa Apso can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet where they were kept by the rich as watch dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1935.
Some Registries:
*The American Lhasa Apso Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 5 Lhasa Apso puppies
Terms To Describe: Wary of stranger, happy, hardy, gentle, intelligent, affectionate,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Excellent watch dog.
Very gentle.
Beautiful coat.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
High coat maintenance.
Can be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Tibetan Apso, Bark Lion Sentinel Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
