Thursday, May 19, 2022

Blue Paul Terrier: the Extinct Hound of the Modern Age

 The Blue Paul Terrier, also known as the Blue Poll is an extinct dog breed known for its aggressive hounds. Due to their extinction, nothing could be stated clearly and certainly about the hounds. All information has a touch of ‘likely’ to it. However, all the sources lead to some common information that has been aggregated here for you. 


The curiosity about this extinct dog breed leads one to often find out about them and the reason for their extinction. If you are also a curious one, let’s find out the most interesting facts about the Blue Paul Terrier.

 




  1. The Fighting Dogs of the Bygone Times


The Scottish dog breed Blue Paul Terrier has a violent history of fighting and killing. Their exact origin is an exciting mystery but their introduction to the United Kingdom dates to around the late 18th century. The breed is likely a result of crossbreeding between the Irish Blue Terrier and the White Bull Terrier.


  1. Names of the Breed


At that time, the breed got some unique names related to the place of birth and the color of the coat. Scottish Bull Terrier, Blue Poll, Smuts, Red Smuts, and Blue Poll Bulldog are some of the names the breed was recognized as. However, the name Blue Paul Terrier earned the most fame. 


  1. The Blue Hound Had a Blue Coat


The hound had a dark blue smooth coat that made them look similar to a Greyhound. Some dogs of the breed also had brindle and red coats and were called Red Smuts. The large heads of these dogs with flat foreheads and small cropped ears gave them an intimidating appearance. 


  1. The Daunting Appearance


From the drawings of the Blue Poll, some inferences on their appearance are drawn today. The breed had a muscular and athletic build with thin legs and a skinny tail. The flat snouts they inherited from the Bulldogs and the broad chest gave them a straight standing and ready for a fight appearance. The intense look was mostly because of their contracted dipped eyebrows. 


  1. Strength and Agility Defined Them


The unbelievable popularity of these dogs in Scotland was mostly due to their prized strength and courage. They were perfect candidates for dog-fighting and would rip the enemy apart in the ring. The potential to suffer gave them a unique place on the dog-fighting enthusiasts’ list. 


  1. Their Nature Leads to Their Extinction


The violent and aggressive nature of the poor canine made it unsuitable as a household companion. In the early 20th century, the breed started moving towards extinction due to the criminalization of dog-fighting and their unpopularity as pets. The breed lost patronage and dissolved into the cosmos. 


  1. Are They Really Extinct?


There is no official document declaring the extinction of the Blue Paul Terrier. Many people believe that the breed was bred with other dog breeds so often that it has simply diluted. The looks of the Blue Poll can still be found in the American Pitbull Terriers and the Staffordshire Bull Terriers. 


  1.  How Heavy and Tall Did a Blue Paul Terrier Stand?


With a weight of 45-55 lbs and standing at a height of 14-20 inches, the dog resembled bull terriers in appearance and was counted as a large dog. They lived naturally for as long as 12-13 years if the fighting pits left them alive. 


  1. Heavy Exercise Needs


Although no one knows for certain how long these dogs used to work out, their athletic endeavors lead one to believe that they were heavy working out dogs. The job of dogfighting requires high mental stimulation which must have been provided by exercising.


  1. Say Goodbye to Groomers


It is highly likely that the short, smooth coats and the tough lifestyles of these dogs did not require much combing and bathing. Bathing must have been a rare resort for these dogs. Nails are the assets for the fighting dogs. Why clip them? 


Frequently Asked Questions






  • Is the Blue Paul Terrier Extinct?


The Scottish breed is believed to be extinct however, some theories say they have simply evolved into the modern-day Pitbulls. 


  • Was a Blue Paul Terrier a Suitable Pet?


Is the champion of the dog-fighting ring, with aggression that scares, a suitable pet for the household? Highly unlikely. 


  • When Did the Blue Paul Terrier Go Extinct?


The dog had its popularity at its peak in 19th century Scotland. However, they lost it all in the early 20th century and are believed to have gone extinct around that time only. 


  • Is Your Pitbull a Blue Paul Terrier?


Most likely not. The Blue Paul Terrier has gone extinct and even if the dilution theory holds water, a purebred Blue Paul Terrier is unlikely to be found today. Your Pitbull might just be your Pitbull.


Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Bucovina Shepherd — The Rare Shepherd Dog from Romania.

Very uncommon outside Romania, Bucovina Shepherds are one of the strongest livestock protectors. Bucovina is a giant dog breed, but in comparison to other mountain dogs, their build is lighter. They have an imposing look and oversized double coat fluffy body. Bucovina Shepherd are now often chosen as companion dogs by people due to their loyalty and dependability. Their powerful physical structure aids them in fulfilling their function as guard dogs.



History


Bucovina shepherd dogs are one of the ancient dog breeds to be known. The precise date of their emergence is unknown due to a lack of records. However, by the 1700s, when Romania's mountainous territory was conquered by Austro-Hungarians, they were firmly established.


While most people believe the breed is descended from the Mastiff, some believe it originated with the Dogues and Alaunts.


Dogs were constantly present with the Romans, primarily to protect their livestock but also to fight in the war. As a result, the Bucovina is an old dog breed that has witnessed a change in its country's history. 

Appearance


The Bucovina Shepherds are smaller in stature than most other huge or gigantic mountain breeds, but their coats are more vibrant. Their fur is dense, lengthy, and somewhat abrasive to the touch. The coat is their most valuable possession; it permits them to resist the bitter cold of the Shepherd's homeland's steep highlands. Bucovina is usually white with black, brown, brindle, or sand blotches. 


The face and head are massive and intimidating, yet they are proportionate to their sturdy, solid physique. The eyes are tiny and practically slating in compared to the other measurements of the head. The cheeks, on the other hand, are not particularly pronounced, resting near a set of 'V-shaped ears with rounded tips. Heading down to the neck, there are no dewlaps, although the region is rather substantial and powerful.

Do Male and Female Bucovina Differ in Size?


The male Bucovina is much heavier and taller in size compared to the female dog. The former weighs 121 to 154 lb with a height range of 27 to 31 inches, while females weigh 99 to 132 lb with a height range of 25 to 28 inches. 

Personality


Bucovina shepherd dogs were specifically designed to defend herds of cattle and sheep, and they excel at it. They make excellent watchdogs and are extremely dedicated to their owners. These dogs look to be calm and balanced, yet they are not trusting of strangers in the least. They are exceedingly brave and never give up in the face of danger. Any trespassing on their land is strongly discouraged by a powerful, piercing bark.


Bucovina has a stable, calm, friendly, and loyal temperament. Pleasing their owner and love to play with children make them excellent companions and family dogs. 


It doesn't matter whether it's a herd of sheep they are protecting or a human, Bucovina is courageous and devoted to its pack. They will never back off from a difficult situation. 

Grooming


Due to the thick, long coat of the Bucovina Shepherd, there are certain maintenance difficulties, such as maintaining that magnificent coat from matting. This can be avoided with daily thorough brushing or no more than every other day.

How Much Bucovina Shepherds Shed?


Though they have a beautiful dense double coat, Bucovina shepherds shed a lot of hair all year long. It does not matter what month of the year it is, they shed constantly. If you don't like dog hair on your furniture or rugs, this is not the dog for you. 


If your summers are hot, a professional groomer may be necessary to trim your dog, but the Bucovina Shepherd is quite versatile and can adjust to most conditions. They require bathing when it is really needed. 

Care & Training


Taking good care of your pup ensures his stay is comfortable with good health. Giving them a vast, spacious garden to patrol would be beneficial since it would allow them to demonstrate their natural, territorial guarding behavior. The Bucovina Shepherds are too large and active for an apartment and keep in mind that they have a thunderous bark that will not appeal to your neighbors.




How Often Should I Exercise Bucovina Shepherds?


Bucovina shepherds have an ancestry of being a watchdog. They have high energy and endurance levels. Without getting tired, they can walk all day. Bucovina needs at least 80 to 170 min outdoor stimulation in the form of long walks or any endurance game.


Their endless energy requires outdoor activities to burn off some steam. Challenge them with running, agility sports, or even a swim. They are pleasantly lively dogs that will appreciate participating in family activities.

Do Bucovina Shepherd Dogs Require Special Trainers?


Bucovina is a tough and intelligent dog breed. They proved to be self-sufficient dogs throughout history. Because they are not very eager to please, their brilliance may frequently work against you. Thus, this tough breed is not recommended for new trainers. 


They need experienced trainers, as their training has to be monitored carefully. Bucovina tries to be their own boss with minimum assistance. The trainer needs to be patient and consistent with their training. 


FUN FACTS


  • Bucovina are known to scare off wolves and bears.

  • They have a light body as compared to their closest related mastiffs. 

  • The shepherd dog comes in various colors like brindle, black, white, brown, and pied.  

  • They are known as Gentle Giants because of their soft side for children.

Friday, May 13, 2022

Facial Swelling In Dogs- Causes and Preventions

 It is genuine to say for any pet parent that finding one's dog's face all swelled up suddenly might get them in a panicked mode. 

A swollen dog face might imply a variety of things. Facial Swelling in Dogs does not always mean that things are going to be terrible but said that It's crucial to have them checked out to rule out any unpleasant disorders that could require treatment.



In a case of facial swelling, the most you should do is thoroughly clean up and cover any noticeable wounds as best you can to prevent them from becoming infected further, and then contact your local veterinarian for further information.

But the question that first comes to your mind after seeing your pooch all swelled up is:

Why My Dog's Face Is Swollen?

There can be several reasons behind facial swelling in dogs ranging from benign to significant or even life-threatening. 

Swelling can be treated in a variety of ways, but regardless of the reason, you should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of them are :

  • Trauma

If your dog receives facial trauma, such as a vehicle accident or a tumble, facial edema may occur. Head trauma is a severe injury that requires prompt attention from a veterinarian.

  • Dental problem

A gum infection, abscessed tooth, tooth infection, tooth fracture, or other dental condition in your dog might cause swelling in the face. Other signs and symptoms of dental issues include: Fever, stress, depression, no intake of food, pain, etc.

Dogs, like people, can get tooth abscesses. Swelling beneath the eye in a dog is a typical symptom of a dental abscess. Tooth root abscesses are excruciatingly painful and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

  • Insects

Insect stings, such as bee and wasp stings, can cause your dog's face to swell all over. Stings from bees or wasps are most common around the muzzle, as this is where an unwary puppy could try to consume a bee. If the swelling is significant, allergic responses to bug bites can be dangerous, as the swelling might impede your pet's airways. If your pet's face is bloated and they are having trouble breathing, call your veterinarian right once.

  • Injuries and Wounds

If your dog gets bitten by another animal and does not receive timely care, an infection may develop beneath the skin. Abscesses can be quite unpleasant for your dog, and in rare cases, the abscess may rupture before you seek a veterinarian's help. 

  • Tumors

On the face and head, abnormal growths can arise. Tumors can sometimes cause discomfort and pressure accumulation. Facial tumors can spread and expand, causing harm to the facial nerves, muscles, and bones, whether benign or malignant. Cysts are fluid-filled tumors that are usually harmless. They can, however, get tremendous and noticeable, especially on the face.

  • Infection of the Skin

Dogs can experience skin infections throughout their bodies, including their faces, occasionally. Skin infections under the chin are common in puppies and adolescent dogs.

  • Allergies


  • Your dog can be allergic to things like- food, medications, insect bites, chemicals, etc. the allergic reaction can cause the swelling of your dog's face and throat. 

  • You can never point out if your dog is allergic to something until it shows any sign.

  • What are the signs of allergic reactions in dogs? 

  • -Troubled breathing 

  • Face swelling

  • Gums that are purple or blue

  • Unconsciousness 



How Can You Prevent Face Swelling in Dogs?

If you know your dog has allergies, try to keep him away from allergens as much as possible. If your dog has a history of vaccination responses, inform your veterinarian so that the severity of the reaction can be reduced. If your dog has been bitten by a bug, stung by a bee, or otherwise exposed to an allergy, administer an antihistamine immediately suggested by your veterinarian. 

Tumors and cancer cannot be wholly avoided. Early intervention, on the other hand, can help to mitigate the damage. It's critical to respond quickly if you discover facial swelling in dogs.

Taking excellent care of your dog's teeth will easily prevent most dental problems. Start and keep to a dental care routine for your dog. Your dog will be considerably less prone to develop dental problems, and you will be able to detect problems sooner.

While accidents cannot always be avoided, there are things you can do to keep your dog safe in general. Allowing your dog to run free or play off-leash in unfenced areas is not a good idea. Keep an eye on interactions with other animals to avoid conflicts. If your dog suffers any form of trauma, take him to the veterinarian straight away.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Give Your Little Friend a Name to Remember with Dog Name Finder

 The mere thought of bringing a new family member made you so excited that you forgot to decide on a name in the process. New toys, bedding, and shiny little bowls, everything was ready but still not a name to give. 

Don't worry; we got you. Monkoodog's Dog Name Finder will help you find a unique name that will melt in with your pup's personality. 

Names are not just letters. They give a whole new meaning to your identity and personality. And same goes for your dog; they too deserve a name that suits their temperament and personality.


It's a significant choice; after all, a good name may boost your dog's attentiveness and communication with you. Different people have different thought processes behind the names they want to give to their puppy. Some choices are very personal, while new trends influence others. 

Things to Keep in Mind While Naming Your Dog

  • Keep It Simple and Short

Keep it short and straightforward. Short names are easy to call out and easy for your dog to recognize. 

  • Sound Is Important

It is crucial to remember that the name you choose doesn't rhyme or sound like the commands. Your pup will get confused between the sound of his name and the command you teach. 

  • To Your Likability 

In the end, you are the one who is going to use the name to communicate with your dog. So it is vital that you like the sound of it.

  • Try and Test

Make a list of names. Then, try out the new name for a few days and observe how your dog reacts. Don't be afraid to change if the sound of the name doesn't feel right. 

With our dog name generator, add the gender, select a preference and boom! You get so many unique options to choose from. Monkoodog makes things simple for you.