Portuguese Water Dog Magazine » Shedders

Why Obama’s dog has curly hair (EurekAlert!)

Master — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:00:03 +0000

( University of Utah ) University of Utah researchers used data from Portuguese water dogs — the breed of President Barack Obama’s dog Bo — to help find a gene that gives some dogs curly hair and others long, wavy hair. It was part of a National Institutes of Health study — published onlineThursday, Aug. 27, by the journal Science — showing that variations in only three genes account for …

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Why Obama’s Dog Has Curly Hair (Science Daily)

Master — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:22 +0000

Researchers used data from Portuguese water dogs — the breed of President Barack Obama’s dog Bo — to help find a gene that gives some dogs curly hair and others long, wavy hair. Variations in only three genes account for the seven major types of coat seen in purebred dogs.

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U scientists unlock secrets of first dog’s curly hair (The Daily Utah Chronicle)

Master — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:01:21 +0000

U researchers revealed why some dogs—such as President Barack Obama’s Portuguese water dog, Bo,—have curly hair in a new study published this week. There were three genes, RSPO2, FGF5 and KRT71, that create seven different coat types for almost 90 percent of all purebred dogs.

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Why Obama’s Dog Has Curly Hair? Study Finds 3 Dog Coat Genes (PhysOrg)

Master — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:04 +0000

(PhysOrg.com) — University of Utah researchers used data from Portuguese water dogs – the breed of President Barack Obama’s dog Bo – to help find a gene that gives some dogs curly hair and others long, wavy hair.

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Three genes decide how a dog’s fur looks (Daily Telegraph)

Master — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:00:19 +0000

The length curl and texture of a dog’s fur is down to just three genes scientists have discovered.

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Benji, Marley or Bo: Three Genes Dictate Dog’s Coat (MedicineNet.com)

Master — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:11 +0000

Title: Benji, Marley or Bo: Three Genes Dictate Dog’s Coat Category: Health News Created: 8/27/2009 4:10:00 PM Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2009

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Why Obama’s pet pooch has curly hair (New Kerala)

Master — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:00:29 +0000

Washington, Aug 28 : Using data from Portuguese water dogs – the breed of President Barack Obama’s dog Bo-researchers at the University of Utah have found a gene that gives some members of this dog breed curly hair and others long, wavy hair.

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Bo Obama’s Fur Coat Is Three Genes Away From Wolf Ancestors’ (Bloomberg)

Master — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:30 +0000

Aug. 27 (Bloomberg) — Just three genes separate the curly coat of the Obama family pooch, Bo, a Portuguese water dog, from the short-haired fur of his wolf ancestors, a study shows.

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Basic caring and grooming tips for your puppy

Master — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:54:59 +0000

FOR THE PUPPY SEARCHER

My most exciting thrill is connecting a new pet with a new owner! In the last 25 years, I have worked professionally as a pet groomer/shop owner. My customers have become my friends; and if I had any advice I would say,”Do your homework!”.

For example an Old English Sheepdog is one of the fluffiest, cutest pups-in its first 2 months before size, hair, chewing begins. The breed is wonderful, but not for everyone. It seems there is a pattern when a movie portrays a dog that that breed becomes the “popular” breed. A great example is “Shiloh”. Suddenly I was inundated with beagles! Now I love beagles as I have a great appreciation for almost all breeds. I state the average family hasn’t a clue on the training needed for a beagle. This breed is very hyper outdoors: a one-minded dog, especially when he’s “on the scent”. There is no reasoning with a beagle who is “on the scent” of anything! And having him return to you before he finds his scent…Good Luck!

Today a popular characteristic in a dog is whether its fur is hypo-allergenic or rather your “non=shedding” type. Breeds such as Maltese, Poodles, Lhasa Apso , Tibetan Terriers, Wheaton Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Shih – tzus , etc are a few examples of non-shedders . Obviously these breeds are popular due to people not having an allergic reaction to their coat.

Now these breeds may not shed (“shed” being defined as having hair fall onto your floor); but they do have a cotton “undercoat” that loosens itself and gets tangled or “matted” in the longer outer coat. Thus you’re in for a lifetime of having your pet

groomed every 1-2 months at a cost ranging from $35-$70 or more. If this procedure doesn’t take place, your loving pet with be a walking cast of matts (tangles) that tighten every time they move or get moist.

I can hear some customers say,”I don’t spend that much on my own hair!”. To which my response is like a knee jerk reaction,” When’s the last time your hair dresser expressed your anal glands, cleaned your ears, clipped your nails, brushed all your matts out ‘all’ over your body-as in ..everywhere?!” Think of all the grooming our bodies need (some more than others) ..well so does our furry friends.

It may sound trite, but having a pet is more than food, shelter, and grooming. Most dogs can have an astonishing intelligence level, a Hugevocabulary, and are a social pack animal -as are we. The responsibility for social interaction with owners is all the more important because dogs are a social animal. This pet’s intelligence is to be compared with a child- some only 1-2 years old; yet some have higher IQ’s than some teenagers I’ve met. So don’t neglect interaction: play, time spent, and acknowledging them.

Alas, pet lovers just need to be aware of what they’re getting into before they make the 10-15 year commitment. Let it be known that smaller dogs tend to live the longest. Although my client does have a 19 year old labrador, so you never really know how long the commitment will be.

Please don’t make the decision lightly! Be committed!

Best Dogs for Families with Kids

Master — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:49:08 +0000

Choosing the right dog for your family with kids need some research if you are new to the dog ownership. Families with kids need to pay attention on certain dog qualities such as temperament, size and energy level before adopting or buying a dog.

Kids like to play with dogs. Sometimes they forget to respect dog’s cue to back off. You need a dog that won’t mind if his hair or tail gets pulled. Size is the another important consideration. This is for the safety of children as well as for dog. There are dog breeds that are very good with children but too big; especially with small kids who may be accidentally stepped on or knocked over.

Some dog breeds that are good with kids have high energy or activity levels than others. If dogs do not receive the exercise they physically require, they’re more likely todevelop behavior problems such as excessive chewing or barking. Select a dog breed that adores children but requires less exercise if your family isn’t so active.

Here are some breeds that work well with kids:

Beagle: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 40 to 59 lbs. Beagles do shed. if you or a family member suffer from allergies, it is worth looking into other breeds that do well with kids.

Bassett Hound: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 50 to 65 lbs. Gets along well with other dogs and pets. Minimal exercise needed.

Cairn Terrier: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 25 lbs. Minimal shedding.

Cocker Spaniel: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 13 to 30 lbs. Regular exercise may be needed.

Dachshund: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 16 to 32 lbs. Minimal exercise needed. They are medium shedders and require modest exercise. Housebreaking can be difficult.

Golden Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 65 to 75 lbs. Easy to train. Get along well with other dogs and pets. Daily exercise needed. Loves to pay with balls and other toys, so exercise is fairly easy.

Labrador Retriever: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 60 to 75 lbs. Minimal grooming required. Requires daily exercise.

Pug: Generally a non-biting breed. Good with kids. Approximate size: 14 to 18 lbs. Sheds copious amounts, usually seasonally.

While there is no guarantee a certain type of dog will get along well with children, there is a wide range of dog breeds (many more than mentioned here) that are known for being excellent family dogs. Always remember, before adopting or purchasing your next puppy, please do your homework.

What about Portuguese Water dogs? As puppies these dogs have very active mouths; they’re mouthey; also require constant attention. This is a working breed and it is active. It needs to use its energy, and be productive. Mine is four years old, and spent yesterday around a family with children. The children adore him, and cuddle, massage, play rough, pull on him, and it’s great. But at the end of the day, we were all walking down a tall flight of stairs, and the 6 year old girl was crawling down the stairs, and he just jumped over her, down the stairs, and off he went, meanwhile the kid was crying from this, somewhat shocked. I had a black lab a dozen years by the San Francisco Bay, great family dog.