A Spanish Mastiff, or Mastin Espanol, descends from the same blood lines as a Neapolitan Mastiff, which hails from the ancient Molosser dogs which existed around 2000 B.C. The Phoenicians brought the breed into Spain via trade routes and the Spanish Mastiffs were originally used as sheep herding and guard dogs, defending livestock from potential predators.

Today, a Spanish Mastiff is still being used for the same intended purposes it was in the past and in Estremadura, it is considered a native dog. A Spanish Mastiff is quite a powerful dog with a protective nature, the coat comes in a large variety with colorful variations.

Like most other large breed dogs, a Spanish Mastiff is not prone to obvious displays of strength. The dog has a calm, alert manner and is capable of raising an alarm when it feels threatened. A Spanish Mastiff is naturally a quiet dog and will not attack unprovoked.

The breed is great with other animals, including felines and loves to be in the presence of its family. The dog enjoys being around people and will work hard to please. A Spanish Mastiff is also highly protective of young children, but is capable of displaying aggression if is senses the children are in danger. For this reason, it is highly advisable to watch your dog in the presence of strangers.

A Spanish Mastiff is also a great guard dog and does not bark unless there is a specific reason. However, when the dog does bark, it is loud and gets attention, you will be able to hear your dog even if he or she is a great distance away from you. A Spanish Mastiff is both noble and attentive, very serious about its duties and displays large amounts of patience and easily adapts to any type of climate conditions.

A Spanish Mastiff does not require a large amount of grooming or exercise. The dog is a great family companion, guarder of livestock and displays great potential for use in search and rescue missions. A Spanish Mastiff will go to any means needed to protect its family, home and other animals from eminent danger. Spanish Mastiff breeders can be found predominantly in Germany and Switzerland. However, today the breed is also common in the United States and other countries as well. The dog is also regularly shown at international dog competitions.

Like with most other large dog breeds, a Spanish Mastiff has a tendency toward being sedentary, needing only a small to moderate amount of exercise. When you decide to own a Spanish Mastiff, you should also be mindful of its tendencies to drool, slobber and snore loudly. The life expectancy of Spanish Mastiff is approximately 10 years in duration and it is highly prone to hip dysplasia and gastric difficulties.

When you own a Spanish Mastiff, you need to make sure the dog never overexerts itself from too much running, jumping or climbing when its young. This is because Spanish Mastiffs grow rather quickly and need to conserve energy for rapid bone, muscle and tendon growth. When a Spanish Mastiff reaches adulthood, regular exercise will ensure the dog enjoys a healthy and fit life.

Dog sunglasses are not just for looks, glasses for dogs are functional too. They help protect your dog when they are outside and things might get into their eyes. Many people also buy glasses for their dogs for looks. Either way, a nice pair of designer dog sunglasses will make your life easier!

There are mesh dog glasses are good for dogs that like to stick their heads out the window. The mesh will keep bugs and other debris out of their eyes. A small piece of rock could cause major damage to their eye, resulting in pain to the dog and huge medical bills for you. So whether you are riding in your car or on a motorcycle, the right pair of mesh pet glasses are a must.

A good pair of dog glasses will protect your dog’s eyes from dirt, sand, bugs, water, and the sun’s UV rays.

A harder goggle for dogs is also good for the road. These offer more protection than mesh dog glasses. Unlike a mesh pair, a rock or bug will not indent them and you will not take the chance of it ruining your dog’s eyes. Some also have UV protection, which is great for those days on the boat. UV protection for dogs is just as important as it is for humans.

The most popular brand of eyewear for dogs is Doggles. Doggles makes three different dog sunglasses, all which come in many colors and sizes. So whether you have a small or large dog, there is a pair that will help protect your dog’s eyes.

Sizing

There are a few measurements you will need before you buy a pair of dog sunglasses. You will need to know their chin strap measurement, their back strap measurement, and frame length. The dog’s weight is another helpful tool to picking out the correct sized dog goggle.

Adding a pet to your family is a big event and one that needs to be considered carefully. Families that adopt a dog spontaneously often find that they were ill prepared, and these pets frequently end up finding new homes at a later date or even being abandoned. It's important to figure out just what type of dog will suit your family best, and then find one from someone reputable.

Which Breed is Best?

Which breed you choose depends on a variety of factors including personal preference, your family, breed size and temperament, and what you need from a pet. Let's look at these one by one.

Personal Preference: Most people prefer a specific dog breed before they even begin looking for a pet. You might have wanted a Husky from the time you were a child, for example. This doesn't mean that this is your ideal breed, but it is a good place to start.

Family: If you have small children or plan to start a family in the near future, you'll need to consider this when choosing a dog. Certain breeds are particularly well suited to families, such as Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Cocker Spaniels, while others do very well with a single adult owner, including Huskies and German Shepherds.

Size: This is an important consideration if you live in a fairly small space. Remember that the larger the animal, the more space it will need to run around. For apartment living, a St. Bernard isn't a good choice because of its large size, but a terrier might be perfect. Likewise, if you have small children, a very large dog might be a little too much for them to handle. You also need to remember that puppies grow much faster than children, so research the dog's likely size as an adult.

Temperament: Most dog breeds vary widely in their temperaments, but there are certain traits that may run in the blood. Greyhounds, as an example, tend to be highly excitable, bulldogs are loyal and steady, while Huskies tend to have an excess of energy and be very determined. You'll want to select a breed that is best suited to your own temperament and energy level.

What You Need: Are you looking for some quiet companionship on lonely nights, a playmate for your children, or a running partner for your 5 km run each morning? Do you need a dog that will help out with the livestock? Knowing exactly what you need from your dog will help you choose the breed. A miniature poodle won't be a very good running partner, but will tend to be an excellent partner while you watch your favorite television shows.

Health Issues: Unfortunately, there are certain health problems that tend to run in breeds, and you need to know the specific breeds that are prone to health conditions. German Shepherds are most likely to have issues with hip displacement, for example. Once you've narrowed down which breeds you're interested in, you'll want to double check just what you need to expect in the way of health problems. These can sometimes be avoided or minimized by going with a mixed breed dog instead of a pure breed.

All of these factors will help you choose the right dog breed or breeds. Once you know the type of dog you want, it's time to start looking for your newest family member.

Puppy or Adult Dog?

One of the other things that you'll need to consider is whether you want a puppy or an older dog. Both options have pros and cons.

Puppies are very cute and tend to be adopted most often. They are easier to train and have not yet been affected by human behavior, which can turn even a pleasant dog into an angry, dangerous one. However, puppies are also a lot of work. They require vast amounts of attention, no matter what breed you opt for, and they will require strict training if you want to have an adult dog that is fun to be around. Left to their own devices, puppies will pick up a string of unpleasant habits that are difficult to break. Without training, that cute puppy will likely be very difficult as an older animal. If you have the patience and time to train and hang out with a pup, then this could be a good option for you.

Adult dogs are already trained in most cases. If you're looking for a specific temperament, it will be far easier to see this in a dog that is more mature and not as excitable as a puppy, they also require far less attention. Adult dogs usually know their place in the family, will already be familiar with children in many cases, and are easier to settle. There is a downside to adopting an older dog, however. You may find that you have to retrain some bad habits that have been ingrained for years. Also, if the dog has been abused, even the kindest breed could turn out to be snappish and nervous. An adult animal will tend to be cheaper than a puppy, even if purebred, which is another consideration if you are on a budget.

Where to Find Your Dog

Many people look first to pet stores for a dog, but you will probably have better luck and learn more about the dog's history if you go through independent breeders or dog owners. If you are looking for a pure breed dog, make sure you see the paperwork before making your purchase, to ensure the bloodlines are, indeed, pure.

For older dogs, seeing the family and environment they are coming from will help you make a decision on whether or not to adopt. Choose a dog that has been loved and cared for, and you will be able to enjoy your new pet. Only take on an untrained animal if you have experience and the time needed to deal with a dog that needs plenty of attention and training.

Adopting a dog can be a wonderful experience if you are properly prepared. Choose a dog that will fit your lifestyle and family rather than just going for the cutest puppy at the shop. Everyone will be much happier if you do.

There are very few people whose heart does not melt when they see a kitten or puppy, especially when they need a home. But when it comes to getting a pet for themselves everyone seems to think pure breed. Every person who is considering getting a pet really owes themselves a trip to their local animal shelter. Where they will find the most wonderful dogs and cats both mixed breeds and pure breeds that need homes. The ages may vary but I'm sure there will be something for you. You will not only be getting yourself a best friend but giving some deserving animal a home.

Get Free: Adopt An Animal

First decide that you are sure you really want a pet. You never want to take an animal home and then have to return it. It is just not fair. It is also a good idea to decide what size animal you want.

Do a: Animal Shelter Search

Second decide if you want a male or female. In most states most pets must be neutered before you can take them home, so the sex really only matters as far as personality traits that are associated with the sex of the animal.

Next, You should decide if you want a kitten or puppy or an older dog that may already be trained. This is really up to you allowing for your schedule or patience. Sometimes an older person may find that an older pet will make for a better companion and need less training.

In addition, after choosing a pet, especially if it is a young animal you may want to check what it will look like when it grows up so there will be no surprises. Sometimes a very small puppy grows into a very large dog. Find out if the breeds get along with children and other pets, again you want to make sure you are satisfied. Remember this is a life long commitment for your future pet.

Lastly, before you take your pet home check with the people at the shelter to see what kind of care your new pet will need. Such as food, exercise and vet care. Be excited you are about to embark on a wondeful journey while at the same time you are giving a deserving animal a second chance at life.

Beauty Is As Beauty Does
One of the signs of a nice dog is that she's willing to be petted or handled by many different people. So tou need some good dog obedience training . This is important because it makes grooming, veterinary care, and participation in dog sports much easier. Willingness to be handled is a by-product of socialization. The dog who meets a lot of people learns to expect petting in a variety of situations. She learns that touch is pleasant, not frightening.

Start accustoming Duchess to being handled for grooming and veterinary care when she's a puppy. Take her in your lap and gently brush her. Speak softly to her, saying things such as "That feels good, doesn't it, Duchess?" Lift up her ears and look inside them. Run your fingers around the inside of her lips. Stroke her paws and then pick them up and hold them. Although most dogs hate having their feet handled, they can learn to tolerate it if you start early enough and are persistent. A good time for these handling sessions is while you're watching TV.

At first, handle your dog for only a minute or two at a time, then gradually extend the length of time you spend grooming her. When she's cused to having your fingers in her mouth, introduce her to a soft dog toothbrush. You'll be thankful for all of your prep work when her coat grows out and needs frequent combing or when she needs a bath.

Sitting Pretty
The sit command is one of the easiest to teach and one of the most useful. Pups can learn it at an early age, so it's a great way to accustom them to the training process. Requiring your dog to sit is also a great way to reinforce your status as the leader.

The first thing Duchess should learn is that she gets attention when she sits. Not when she jumps up. Not when she runs away. When she sits. Because sit is often the first command dogs learn, it seems to stick more firmly in their brain, and they often respond to it more readily than to any other command. That's why it has so many great uses.

To teach the sit command, start by getting Duchess's attention. Show her a treat and slowly move it upward so she has to raise her head to see it. Most dogs naturally move into a sitting position when they do this. If Duchess isn't quite there, gently push down on her rump while moving your hand back over her head to give her the idea. When she's in position tell her to sit and give her the treat. Practice for only a couple of minutes (puppies have a short attention span) and repeat several times throughout the day. Soon Duchess will recognize that your uplifted hand signals the sit command even if you're not holding a treat.

Practice using the sit command in different situations once Duchess associates it with the action of sitting. Teach her to sit and wait before you pet her, before you feed her, and before you put her leash on. If you're out in the yard and she wanders away from you tell her to sit so she learns to respond even when you're at a distance. This won't be helpful if she's at risk of being hit by a car, but it can be useful in a more controlled situation when you simply want her to wait for you. (A leash, of course, is the best way to keep a dog under control and should always be used in unfamiliar or unfenced areas.)

To teach the wait or stay command, place your dog in a sit. Hold up your hand, with the flat of your palm toward the dog's face, and tell her to wait or stay (whichever you prefer); then back up a few steps. If your dog remains where she is, praise her. Gradually increase the amount of time she must wait before receiving praise or a reward. If she moves out of place, don't punish her, simply put her back in position and start over.

Jumping Up
Jumping is one of the most common complaints people have about their dogs. It may be cute when a puppy does it, but a couple of months later, when her size has doubled, it can become a problem. You don't want Duchess knocking down Aunt Mary or Baby Sue with her exuberant greeting. Replace jumping behavior as soon as possible with the sit command.

Teaching a dog not to jump up doesn't require any harsh tactics. Ignore anyone who tells you to knee the dog in the chest or push her away. Instead, simply pivot so she misses you. Then give the sit command. When she complies, give her a lot of praise or a treat. Repeat this every time she tries to jump up and insist that other people do so as well.

Often, especially with toy breeds, people say that they don't mind, and refuse to participate in the training process. If you have a large dog, that's not really an option because you don't want to run the risk of someone being injured, even inadvertently. It's not so bad with a toy breed, but remember that even small dogs can snag your stockings or scratch your legs when they jump up. It's better if you teach them the same good manners you would teach a larger dog.

Carrying your dog with you wherever you go can be simple and fun with various doggie carriers that are available in the market. There are all kinds of things you can carry your dog in when you go shopping or for a stroll outside. The kinds of carriers available are strollers, purses and flight carriers. You can get these carriers to make it easier to take your small dog out. Small dogs can't walk very much as they get tired easily.

Doggie carriers such as strollers are great for when you are going out for a walk on the streets or at a park. Strollers can fit a rather large dog if needed. They even come in different sizes to suit each person's needs. It isn't possible to always carry your dog in your arms as it can get tiring. A stroller is the perfect solution. You just need to strap your dog in and push him around in front of you. Strollers are not just easy to use, you can also store is very easily. They can be folded and put inside a cupboard or in any corner so they won't take up too much space in your house either. Doggie carriers such as strollers make the whole task of taking your dog out much easier as they take all the weight out of your hands. Strollers can come at reasonable prices and you can search the Internet and compare prices on different sites.

Other types of doggie carriers such as purses are also great for when you want to take your puppy out with you. These purses are a fairly new product in the market. They are worn on your body just as you would carry any other shoulder purse. Your dog is strapped into it and you hang it by your side. These carriers are convenient when you are going places where there isn't too much space for a doggie carrier like a stroller. If you are going out for lunch or to s grocery store it can be difficult to have a large stroller with you. A puppy purse is compact and is just about as big as your dog is.

There are also doggie carriers you can use when travelling by air. These are custom made according to the size that different airlines allow. You don't have to worry about leaving your dog behind when going out of town. These doggie carriers will make it very comfortable and easy to transport your dog. Whichever type of carrier you do choose to use, you can find them and order them all on the Internet. All the sites offer home delivery of products and you can get great deals on carriers. It is best to do a thorough search before you make a choice so that you can get the lowest price and best quality. You can even get advice on which carrier to get according to how big your dog is.

Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?
Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?
Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?
Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?
Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Tamaskan.  Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle. 

History/Background: The Tamaskan, meaning "Mighty Wolf" in North American Indian language, is said to have originated in Finland, although that is uncertain.  Five husky-type dogs were imported into the UK from the USA in the early 1980s and were then bred to Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and German Shepherd crosses, attempting to create a dog that resembled a wolf but with high intelligence, a good temperament and good working ability.  Breeding continued down through the years to improve the bloodlines and the bloodlines were finally closed in 2006.  The Tamaskan was first imported into the USA in 2005 and has since grown in popularity.  The Tamaskan Dog Register was formed in February 2006. Although it looks like a wolf, it has no wolf content. 

Physical Characteristics: The Tamaskan is large and athletic, slightly taller than German Shepherds.  It has a wolf-like appearance with small ears, a straight bushy tail and coarse,thick coat in three main colors, red gray, black gray and wolf gray, with black overlay and characteristic wolf mask.  Eyes are yellow through amber and brown, with light colored eyes being very rare. Adults typically measure 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds.  

Personality/Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent and excels in agility, sled racing and obedience training but can be stubborn and requires pack leadership.  It is highly sociable, friendly, affectionate, eager to please and makes an ideal family dog and loyal companion.  It is tolerant toward other dogs and gentle with children.  It prefers the company of people or other dogs and, if left alone for long periods of time, may become destructive or try to escape.  It responds well off leash and, with a small amount of training, will return when called.  It makes an excellent working dog.  A Tamaskan is not a good guard dog because of its friendliness toward strangers.  Some Tamaskans, like other arctic breeds, will howl.

Possible Health Conditions:  No known health issues have yet arisen.  The average life expectancy is 14 to 15 years. 

Exercise/Grooming: The Tamaskan is very active and needs a great deal of exercise such as a daily long walk or brisk jog.  It requires free running and, if trained, will return when called.  Because it is highly intelligent, it needs mental exercise, as well.  Grooming is fairly easy and includes a good brushing once a week, more during times of molting. 

Living Conditions:  The Tamaskan is not recommended for apartment life and may become destructive or attempt to escape if left alone for long periods of time.  It needs a large place for free running every day.  

Summary:  The Tamaskan is a large dog that resembles a wolf but is highly sociable and affectionate and makes an ideal family dog.  It requires little grooming and has no known health issues so far but does require a great deal of physical and mental exercise and may display destructive behavior if left alone for long periods of time.  So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Tamaskan the right breed for you?

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What breed of dog makes an ideal pet for a family with two small children ages two and three?

I"m looking for a medium to large size dog that we want to be part of the family.We have a large garden and plan to walk the dog loads and take it with us most places.I grew up with a german shepherd and a king charles spaniel both were lovely natured and loved kids,we also have two cats and older teenage children,

First off let me say,Id recommend a german shepherd for your situation.I couldn't say a I could pick a better breed of dog for you,but its important that you research and find a good breeder.
I do also recommend Great Danes but they might be a bit too much dog for most people to handle,Golden Retrievers are an excellent choice as well.

Now on to some of the other comments I have been reading....

Great danes are not even close to stupid, all breeds have a few that make them look bad but I own 2 danes and I assure you they are more then smart.
I trust them 100% and completely around children of all ages.My youngest (not quite 2) was raised with twins,who are only a few months older then she is.

I also have german shepherds,and know for a fact that if you raise a dog properly,and you chose carefully for well tempered parents you can have a dog you trust your life or your kids life too. I was raised from birth,growing up in a kennel situation,attending dog shows etc.

In fact,I can send you pictures,in fact hundreds of pictures of german shepherds with very small children and right now,there is a 7 year old german shepherd sleeping beside a crib with a 1 year old inside.

A well bred,well raised dog is a fantastic companion for children. I couldn't have imagined growing up without them.

Sure kids can be unpredictable,and upset dogs.Pull tails and ears etc,but a stable and loving dog knows the child means no harm.I have seen that example more times then I can count. Having a dog in the house can teach your children to grow up with respect for dogs,and how to treat them properly.

If you need help finding a proper companion,please feel free to contact me.

Do you own a large dog? Maybe a Doberman, A St. Bernard, a Rottweiler, a Great Dane or maybe even the most gigantic of them all, the English Mastiff? It's really not ideal to let them sleep inside your house, right? Who could ever love the idea that you are pinned down innocently by your own gargantuan and he's not even aware of it or he would think that you're just joking him while trying to tell him to get off of you from your bed and you can't utter any words? For sure, you don't want to find one middle of a cold dark night that somebody's raiding your refrigerator and you just found out that your 200-lb. English Mastiff wants nothing but a midnight snack and the worst part is you would find yourself waking up and shout, "Hey, who put the lights out?" and you discovered that your head is inside your dog's mouth? The best thing that you can do is to make him sleep outside in his own humble abode and this is what you need to learn- how to make large dog houses, large enough so that your dog can fit right into it comfortably.

Small or big, some owners make the common mistakes of building a dog house where it is only big enough for the poor animal to lie down on one side and has no more room to roll around. When you're trying to make a dog house especially for a large dog, you have to first measure his size and length. If your buddy is still a wet pup, considering his "future" size must also be your priority. You wouldn't want your Dog-zilla to be walking around in your neighborhood with his house riding on this back now, would you? He might look like a prehistoric tortoise of some sort.

Kidding aside, because you have a big dog, you should try to make the house as sturdy as possible but that doesn't mean you have to make his dog house look and feel like Alcatraz or the Gulag or an Auschwitz concentration camp. Don't try to make a dog house with solid materials that might not be too comforting for him anymore.

For best results, if you consider sturdiness and comfort, go for cedar wooden panels. They are sturdy and they don't rot that easily as compared to other wooden materials.

What's more, cedar wood is easier to clean. In their own personal experiences, other dog owners build dog house with roofs that has hinges. This is important because it makes for easy cleaning. When you clean your dog, you also need to clean the insides of his house including his beddings, right? So, a hinged roof is best even though you have a giant dog. You wouldn't want to crawl inside and get some poo poo and some pee pee on your hands and knees, right?

Another suggestion by dog owners is to raise the level of the flooring to a few inches from the ground so that air can circulate more freely and water can't come in during rainy days and nights and that could make your dog comfortable and far away from diseases or illnesses. With regards to this, take note of the flooring, it might give way to a heavy dog like your Great Dane or St. Bernard.

Then, see to it that the dog house if well-ventilated. Aside from raised flooring, be sure the doghouse has more than one window, if ever you should decide to have them, so that air can be distributed freely inside.

There are many factors that you should consider when building large dog houses and you can find them from all over the Internet. But you don't have to worry about them if ever you can't find one or two more pointers. Your love and care for your pet are sufficient enough to give you some wisdom on how a dog house for your large buddy should be. You can buy do-it-yourself dog house kits or you can hire somebody to do the job, but if you will learn to build a doghouse on your own, you can make one that will even fit your heart and your gigantic pet's heart as well.

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