Certain grooming tips apply to a variety of dog breeds, but most dogs have certain specific issues requiring more attention than others.  The Maltese is a small, spirited breed first developed in Italy. They make great pets for mature and senior pet owners, people with allergies, and city-dwellers as they are happily active within a house, and actually prefer enclosed spaces.   However, part of being a good dog owner is making sure that your dog is well groomed, and Maltese dogs require a little bit of extra care in that department.  Proper grooming is not only important for aesthetic reasons; a well groomed clean coat is an important aspect of your dog’s health and quality of life.

Coat Care & Mats

Maltese dogs need to be combed or brushed regularly—daily if possible—to avoid matting.  The reason Maltese dogs are considered hypoallergenic is because they have no undercoat.  Instead, they have a single top coat of soft, silky hair that sheds very little with regular brushing.  In the case of a matted coat, try to work out tangles with your fingers before combing to avoid breakage.  Many Maltese dog owners will also keep their dogs coat clipped in a “puppy cut” which requires less grooming.

Bath Time

Regular bathing is one of the essential grooming tips for Maltese dogs.  You'll want to make sure your dog is combed and mat-free first, and place a cotton ball in each ear to soak up excess water and prevent infection.  Use a quality dog shampoo and conditioner and take extra care around the eye area.  Good, thorough rinsing is also important, as any residue could irritate the Maltese's sensitive skin.

Grooming tips for Maltese dogs also designate that he is dried and kept warm after bath time. You can use a towel and your body heat during warmer months, but during the winter you may want to dry him in a room with a space heater or even use a blow dryer.  If you choose the latter, be very careful the temperature is set to warm or medium heat, not hot, and don't let the blow dryer get too close to his coat.  He may be frightened by the noise at first, but many dogs become accustomed to this with time.

Teeth, Toes, Eyes, and Ears

Taking proper care of teeth, toenails, eyes, and ears also fall under important grooming tips for Maltese dogs.  Your Maltese should ideally have his teeth brushed every day, although many owners brush less frequently.  Tooth brushing is best introduced during the puppy stages and becomes progressively more important with age, as older dogs are more likely to have plaque build-up.

The best time to trim toenails is after a bath when the nails are softened.  If you're dealing with a puppy, toenails should be trimmed every week, but older dogs require less frequent trimming. You'll also want to trim the hair in between his toenails every two weeks. Many new dog owners think that toenail trimming is purely an aesthetic issue, but neglected nails can actually lead to footing and movement problems.

As for the eyes, a common characteristic of Maltese dogs is “tear staining” like tear tracks under the eyes.  Tear stain can be removed with a fine toothed comb moistened with warm water gently drawn through the hair where the stains are.  To avoid build up of sticky residue, it’s best to groom this area every two to three days and many veterinarians recommend serving distilled water and avoiding dyes in treats and food to reduce staining.

Lastly, when it comes to grooming tips for Maltese dogs, ear care is of utmost importance.  Because the Maltese is a drop-eared breed with excessively hairy ears, these dogs are prone to ear issues.  In addition to protecting your Maltese's ears during bathing, it's also important that you remove excess hair from the ear canal and clean out excess wax.  Especially dirty or waxy ears can be signs of ear mites, which may warrant a trip to the veterinarian.  To avoid infection or damage to the ear, only clean your Maltese's ears when they are dirty or excessively waxy.  Use cotton balls rather than Q-tips and take care to be gentle.

If you follow these grooming tips for Maltese dogs, your pup will be happy, health and clean. Remember, grooming isn't just about making your Maltese look presentable; regular grooming helps you to detect health problems and prevent future issues, such as gum disease, ear infections and coat problems.  It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your pet!

At last, the most celebrated herald of spring has arrived! On this fine Saint Patrick’s Day, people around the world gather in the spirit of all things green, Irish, and foaming at the brim of a pint glass.  But the Emerald Isle has also produced some incredible dogs, including the following world renowned breeds:

Kerry Beagle

The Kerry Beagle is one of the most ancient Irish breeds.  They are extremely active dogs, originally bred as scent hounds for hunting in packs.  They are great with children and other dogs but without frequent exercise, can be destructive.  The breed nearly became extinct during the Irish famine but is believed to have been revived with the addition of the French Braque de l’Ariège.

Irish Terriers

There are four distinct breeds of Terrier originating in Ireland, including the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue, the Irish Glen of Imaal, and the Soft-Coated Wheaten.  Origins of the Irish Terrier are unknown, but they are energetic, challenging dogs best suited to experienced dog owners.  They are similar in appearance and temperament to the Kerry Blue Terrier, except for coloring (Irish Terriers have coppery red coats).  Comparatively, the Irish Glen of Imaal is smaller but quite sturdy. They are fiercely loyal, highly intelligent, and respond well to strong leadership.  In size and appearance, the Soft-Coated Wheaten is somewhere in the middle.  All four Terriers were bred as general working dogs, performing a wide range of tasks from herding to hunting and killing vermin.

Irish Wolfhound

Considered the world’s tallest dog breed, Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred for the protection of sheep and hunting of wolves.  They are quiet, easygoing animals that form strong bonds with their families, becoming depressed if left alone for long periods of time.  Despite their great size, Irish Wolfhounds are generally aware of their own strength and therefore excellent with children.  Although they are considered poor guard dogs, the Irish Wolfhound is fiercely loyal in the protection of its family.

Irish Water Spaniel

Despite having a coat of dense curls, these dogs shed very little and require little grooming beyond the occasional trim.  They are retrievers by nature, know to be inquisitive, intelligent, and playful dogs. Irish Water Spaniels can make good family pets for experienced dog owners willing to spend the time to train them.  As their name suggests, they are water-loving dogs that are happiest when they can enjoy a good swim!

Irish Setter

Perhaps the most widely recognized of the Irish dog breeds, Irish Setters are famous for their silky, coppery red coats.  Their Gaelic name, Madra rua even means “red dog”!  Irish Setters make fantastic pets for active families—they are friendly, social dogs requiring constant companionship and ample exercise.  Originally bred for hunting birds, Irish Setters flourish in rural communities where they have room to roam.

Looking to adopt a pet? The beagle is one of the many hound breeds, which are bred as scent hunters. Although still an excellent hunting dog, the beagle has become equally sought after as a family pet. According to the AKC Registration Statistics (www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm), the beagle is currently the fifth most popular breed. Its even temperament, high energy and low maintenance make the beagle a good first pet for a child. The only precaution is to make sure it gets obedience training early in life, as this hound breed has a tendency to follow its nose, shutting out commands. In an overview on beagles, you will discover if the beagle is the dog for you.

Description

As one of the medium-sized hound breeds, the beagle has a square-shaped body and a medium-sized muzzle with a black nose. Its wide-set eyes are hazel or brown. Its white-tipped tail is called a flag. This tail has been purposely bred into the beagle so it can be seen during hunting excursions, when the beagle's head is down low, following a scent. The following is a descriptive overview on beagles.

• Primary color: tricolor (brown, black and white), red and white, yellow and white
• Weight average: 22 to 25 pounds (males) or 20 to 23 pounds (females)
• Height average: 10 to 16 inches
• Life expectancy average: 10 to 15 years

Personality

The beagle has a friendly and fun-loving nature. It gets along with people and other dogs (most times), making the beagle a good choice for a child’s first pet. It should not be raised with pets such as rabbits, gerbils, rats, mice or guinea pigs. It possesses the hound traits of independence and scent attention, so you will always have to use a leash when the beagle is outside. Your beagle will put its nose to the ground and follow a scent while ignoring your commands. This is a wonderful attribute for a hunter, but not for a family outing. The distinctive howl of the beagle is familiar to most people. It’s difficult to keep this under control if the dog is left alone a lot of the time. The beagle loves to be with its family.

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An overview on beagles recommends an adequate outdoor play area. However, a beagle can do well in apartment life if you take it on several long walks and make sure it has outdoor playtime every day. The beagle is at its best when it shares its life directly with a family. A beagle may get rather lonesome if it is expected to be an outside dog.

Grooming and health

This breed’s grooming requirements are minimal. Its short coat needs only occasional brushing and bathing. You must, however, check your dog's ears often for debris and infection. If you cannot easily remove the debris with your fingers or you notice an infection, you should have a pet-care professional check out your beagle. An overview on beagles advises to be on the lookout for common ailments of this breed: eye problems, heart disease, epilepsy, back problems and cleft lip (you would notice this in a puppy). Your beagle may not get any of these ailments, or it may contract other conditions not specific to the breed.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but few will argue that the members of the top 10 largest dog breeds tend to stand out the most. Nothing catches attention like seeing someone walking down the street holding the leash of an animal the size of a small horse.

These giants are chosen as pets for a number of reasons, but most often it is for their fierce loyalty and comparatively mild manners. Dogs this size originally were prized for their guarding abilities – whether it be cattle, sheep, or humans – and to this day those qualities have made them some of the best family animals available.

Shiloh Shepherd

The smallest of our top 10 largest dog breeds, the Shiloh shepherd is an offshoot of the better-known German shepherd but considerably larger. These animals stand 26 to 30 inches and weigh about 130 to 140 pounds.

Shilohs are renowned for their intelligence and loyalty and have a higher activity level than many of the giants, so they’re perfect for a family on the move.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The greater Swiss mountain dog was originally bred as a cattle dog. This dog generally stands between 26 and 29 inches tall, but with a powerful, muscular body that weighs in on average at around 130 to 140 pounds. Greater Swiss mountain dogs make excellent family pets and require little exercise in comparison to their size.

Kangal

While rare outside of its native Turkey where it’s the national dog, Kangals are slowly growing in popularity as the breed becomes more standardized. Kangals are generally excellent family dogs as well as livestock herders but are extremely territorial and can be aggressive toward those outside its family.

These dogs stand at a height of up to 32 inches and weigh between 110 and 145 pounds. The Anatolian shepherd, only slightly smaller than the Kangal, is thought to be a close relative but is more readily available to the general public.

Great Pyrenees

The next shepherd on the list of top 10 largest dogs is the Great Pyrenees. Bred as sheep dogs, the Great Pyrenees is built to withstand extremely cold temperatures and fight off any intruders.

Best known for its distinctive snow-white coat (ensuring they were never mistaken for wolves), the Great Pyrenees stands an average of 32 inches tall and about 100 pounds, though some breed specimens have grown to more than three feet in height.

Kuvasz

This breed is only beginning to become well-known throughout the world after its near-extermination during World War II. Originally bred as a guard dog for nobility, this graceful animal stands about 30 inches tall and weighs about 115 to 130 pounds. While they can be aggressive, proper socialization makes them an excellent family dog.

Newfoundland

If someone wants a giant family dog, Newfoundlands are often the choice. Originally bred for water rescue and pulling barges, Newfies are considered to be the strongest dog in the world. Because they were not bred as guards, Newfies don’t have nearly the territorial instincts of some of the other giants. As long as this massive 130- to 150-pound dog doesn’t get too playful, they make excellent pets for families with small children and other pets.

Newfoundlands stand only about 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder, but they have been known to weigh as much as 180 pounds . . . the record for the breed is 260. The Leonberger, a slightly more colorful close relative to the Newfoundland, is comparable in size.

Great Dane

Widely recognized as the tallest of all dogs, the Great Dane stands an average of 34 inches tall, but many of the better examples of their breed are well over three feet tall. Weight varies and can be anywhere from 120 to 200 pounds, depending on the dog’s height. These dogs are very distinctive and energetic and are popular pets for a more experienced dog owner.

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Irish Wolfhound

These dogs rival Great Danes for height, averaging between 32 and 36 inches, but have a much more powerful body and weigh in at around 150 pounds or so. Irish wolfhounds are even-tempered and energetic.

Saint Bernard

Possibly the most readily recognizable “gentle giant,” the Saint Bernard easily reaches 200 pounds. The dog’s gentle, easy-going ways make it an extremely popular all-around pet, and with proper socialization it can be around just about any other pet or small child.

Mastiffs

While a couple of the other breeds are classified as mastiffs, there are a few that are undoubtedly members of this massive group. Listed separately, the mastiffs would dominate the entire list of top 10 largest dog breeds. Most notably, there’s the English mastiff (averaging up to 250 pounds), the Neapolitan mastiff (200 pounds), Tosa Inu (200 pounds), and the Fila Brasileiro (approximately 30 inches tall and 180 pounds).

Many mastiffs are aggressive toward other pets and may be toward humans, but for the right people they are loyal and distinctive animals. Some mastiffs have been known to exceed 300 pounds in adulthood.

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Dogs are a very popular choice for a pet. Some people would prefer a dog that doesn't shed, however. There are many breeds to choose from when looking for a dog that won't shed. They don't have to be hairless breeds, either; some breeds even have long hair.

Border Terrier

The border terrier doesn't shed and is an ideal dog for allergy sufferers. This breed of dog has a wiry coat that needs very little grooming. These dogs are good with children; they have a lot of energy and like a lot of exercise. A border terrier is a very affectionate and loving dog to have around the house.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian greyhound has a very thin coat of hair. They shed little to none of their silky coat, which doesn't even need to be brushed. This little dog weighs only 8 to 10 pounds and can be 12 to 15 inches in height. They are intelligent and generally well-mannered dogs, although they are sometimes wary of strangers.

Maltese

This breed of dog is among those that don't shed. They have long hair, which requires some grooming, and pet owners tend to groom the hair very short. The Maltese is a very loyal and devoted breed of dog, and they are also energetic.

Havanese

These dogs become very attached to their owners. Loving and trustworthy, Havanese like to run and play. They get along well with people and like to socialize with other animals. The long-haired type of Havanese isn't known to shed, but the short-haired type does. Allergy sufferers will want to choose the nonshedding long-haired Havanese.

Irish Water Spaniel

This breed doesn't produce as much dander as other breeds. The Irish water spaniel sheds very little or not at all. These are big dogs and can grow to weigh 65 pounds. They are hunting dogs; therefore they require a lot of exercise, as they are very energetic. The mind and body needs to be physically active to keep this breed happy.

Choosing a dog breed that doesn't shed can be an easy task. There are many types of dogs to choose from – some you would never think wouldn't shed. A lot of breeds that don't shed only have a single coat, and you will find that dogs with a double coat will shed considerably more.

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