Puppy Zone

The Newfoundland is a massive, strong, docile, gentle dog. Nothing is more fun than to be owned by one. As a guardian, companion, or working dog, he displays those qualities that make him loved the world over.

The Newfoundland’s impressive size, intelligence, and gentle disposition make him an excellent guardian for children. He is particularly happy in this role, for it satisfies his unlimited capacity for devoted companionship. His size and amiability render him immune to the unintended roughness of small children. Babies tumble over and about him secure in the knowledge that no snap or growl will mar their play. When he becomes tired, he simply moves away, though his watchful eyes remain alert to their safety. Should danger threaten - a busy highway, a deep pool, or a suspicious stranger - he is there, shielding his charges with his great strength, nudging them to safety. Gentle though he is, such is his size that few strangers would dare to challenge his devotion.

That most famous of nursemaids, Nana, in Peter Pan, exemplified the true characteristics of her breed as she waited patiently through the long days for the Darling children to return. They complained, as all children do, that she was much too strict, and yet how happy they were to be back again under her loving care.

It is important to see a reputable breeder or pet shop once you have decided to own a Malamute. A clean kennel with proper facilities will usually mean healthy, well-nourished puppies.

If the Malamute is to be a pet, it is advisable to purchase a puppy of two to four months of age. As the puppy grows, an important bond is established between you and the dog. You act as a prime influence in its development and consequently determine the kind of adult animal it will be.

The A.K.C., upon request, will send you a list of Malamute breeders in your area. Do not under any circumstances purchase a puppy from a breeder who docs not allow you ownership, on approval, for at least twenty-four hours, so the puppy may be examined by a veterinarian. Any reliable kennel will grant you this consideration.

A dog’s normal temperature is approximately 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Though excitement may raise this to a somewhat higher level, do not select a puppy whose temperature is more than 102 degrees. Other signs of ill health are coughing, diarrhea, mucous discharge from the eyes or nose, and skin rashes.

In general, pick an alert puppy rather than a cowering, timid, or listless one.

For show-dog considerations, choose the puppy that is neither the largest nor the smallest of the litter.

Puppies of any breed are cute and irresistible, but puppies don’t stay tiny and helpless for long. The full-grown Irish Setter stands about 2 feet tall, weighs up to about 75 pounds and requires about 1 1/2 pounds of food a day. Irish Setters are more active than the other Setters and need plenty of exercise. With exceptional care they can be kept in city apartments, but this necessitates long walks, a mile or two a day, if the dogs are to be kept in first-class shape.

Once you decide that the Irish Setter is the dog for you, how do you go about choosing the right one, when you are faced with a group of Irish puppies at the kennels? Your first interest should be in obtaining a healthy animal, Try to select the one that’s the most active and aggressive. If the puppies have just been fed and are sleepy, wait a while before making your selection. Check the dog’s ,eyes and ears for any puslike discharge, and pass him over if his eyes or ears are running. A running nose or a very dry nose can also be a danger sign in a young puppy. Look at his teeth and gums and make sure they are not bleeding. If the puppy is having a bowel movement, it should not be watery.

Avoid a puppy that is thick-set, that has bow legs, a flat skull or large, widely set eyes. You can’t tell much about the dog’s ultimate color, but if the puppy’s coat is very light or dead-looking, or if there are bare spots, better pass him up. As you look the puppies over, compare them as well as you can with the ideal adult dog described in the standard.

It is always wise to make your purchase subject to the approval of a veterinarian. The seller will usually allow you eight hours in which to take the puppy to a vet to have his health checked. Arrive at a clear agreement with the seller on what happens if the vet rejects the puppy. It should be understood whether rejection means you get your money back or merely the choice of another puppy.

All purebred puppies should have an American Kennel Club registration and a pedigree for at least three generations. Ask to see copies of these, and look for the “Ch.” in the listings of the dog’s parents and grandparents. This denotes dogs that have won their breed championships.

In choosing your puppy, assuming that it comes from healthy, wellbred parents, look for one that is friendly and out-going. The biggest pup in the litter is apt to be somewhat coarse as a grown dog, while the appealing “poor little runt” may turn out to be a timid shadow-or have a Napoleon complex! If you want a show dog and have no experience in choosing the prospect. His prices will be in accord with the puppies’ expected worth, and he will be honest with you because it is to his own advantage. He wants his good puppies placed in the public eye to reflect glory on him and to attract future buyers.

If you are interested in showing your dog, it is a good idea to attend a dog show or two in your locale before buying your future entry. Watch the judging and ask exhibitors for information, some of them will probably have young stock for sale.

The puppy should have a bright eye, without too much haw, or inner eyelid, showing in the corner. The head should be long, with dark eye, the body long, with well-sprung ribs. Short legs should be set well under the brisket, or chest, and the back should be neither sway nor roach (or arched). The tail should be long and tapered. In the Smooth, richness of coloring is desirable; the Long-haired should have a flat-lying coat with plenty of feathering on the legs and tail, and the hair on the ears should extend well below the tips. The puppy’s coat should give promise of fulfilling these requirements. The Wire-haired’s coat should be rough and hard.

Although the Dachshund puppy may wobble clumsily when it moves, it should be able with coaxing to step out briskly and put one foot in front of the other instead of meandering or crossing in front of itself. The puppy should be lively and scamper with its littermates instead of sitting alone all the time.

Now that you have paid your money and made your choice, you are ready to depart with puppy, papers and instructions. Make sure that you know its feeding routine, and take along some of the same kind of food if you have not already bought some. It is best to make any changes in diet gradually so as not to upset digestion. If the puppy is not fed immediately before leaving, it should ride comfortably in your lap. Take along a towel or newspaper just in case, however.