Product from Brandykegs' Store

"Pawprints on my heart" black photo frame for your 8" by 10" picture. To purchase visit our store. Just one in stock.

Brandykegs' Store Item

Checkbook cover and credit card holder with your favorite Saint Bernard breed featured on the front. If you no longer carry checks, there are two pockets on the checkbook cover that will also hold coupons. Go to our store to purchase. Only one set in stock.

Products from Brandykegs' Store

Trio of Saint Bernard Puppies, in a wicker basket. They are all decked out for Valentine's Day, February 14, 2011. To purchase visit our store. Only one in stock.

Looking For Something To Do This Weekend?

There will be three dogs shows this weekend starting today, Friday, at the National Orange Show Grounds, in San Bernardino, California. The Friday Show will be hosted by the Tri-Valley Working Dog Club of Pinon Hills. The Saturday and Sunday Shows will be hosted by the Orange Empire Dog Club, Inc. Brandykegs would like to wish all the exhibitors the best of luck!

Crate Quilt

Handmade quilt for your dog's crate

Two Year Pocket Calendar

Pocket Calendar Cover & Key Chain

Big Dogs Need Drool Bibs

Many of the large breed dogs need drool bibs. Brandykeg's Store has several to choose from.

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees possess intelligence, sharp scenting ability, and excellent sight. Their coat is very thick and weather resistant. Their white coat may contain markings such as badger, gray, or various shades of tan.

It is believed that the breed originated in Central Asia or Siberia; then migrated into Europe. They were orignally used to guard flocks of sheep.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Powerful, mastiff-like dog; massive head, stocky build, and drooler. Coat colors range from a dark red to a light fawn.

Their history is a mystery. The Dogue de Bordeaux has been used as a guardian, hunter, and fighter. They possess a natural instinct for guarding; but do so without aggressiveness.

Mastiff

Mastiffs are some of the largest dogs out there. They love their families and enjoy being around people. They have been used as watchdogs for more than two thousand years. Their coat colors are fawn, apricot, and brindle.

Drawings of Mastiffs can be found on Egyptian monuments dating back over 3000 years B.C. Needless to say this breed has been around for a very long time.

Old English Sheepdog

The unmistakable coat stands out with the Old English Sheepdog; they are agile and intelligent and can complete the tasks asked by a shepherd or drover. They have a square build and are very strong. Their colors are any shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle, with or without white markings.

They orginated in the early 19th century; in the western counties of England. It is believed they descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar.

Old English Sheepdogs have a lot of energy and require regular exercise or a job to do. They are quite affectionate with their families; but may still try to herd people.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is great for long-distance swimming; and has natural lifesaving instincts in the water. They are large and strong, with a heavy coat to protect them from icy waters. Their coats can be black, brown, gray, or white and black.

Their origin has conflicting stories, but all seem to agree that they are from Newfoundland. They were used in Newfoundland to pull nets for fishermen and haul wood from the forests; they even helped power the blacksmith's bellows.

Newfoundlands have a sweet disposition; making them a great fit for families. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their gorgeous coats. They are quite intelligent and easy to train.

Leonberger

The Leonberger is a multi-purpose working dog, however being a reliable family companion is their number one job. They make excellent therapy dogs; because they are friendly and willing to please. This breed's lion-like looks and size are deceptive; they are quite light on their feet. They have a range of colors from: red, reddish brown, sandy or yellow brown; they may also have a black mask.

They originated in the 1800's in Germany. They have been a family dog from the beginning, but also served on the farms and as a draft animal.

Answers To Where Did That Breed Come From

Here are the answers to "Where did that breed come from?"

1. Switzerland
2. United States
3. England
4. Mexico
5. Holland
6. Germany
7. Egypt
8. China
9. Australia
10. Scotland
11. Turkey
12. Canada
13. Ireland
14. Russia

So, how many did you know?

Where did that breed come from?

1. Where did the Saint Bernard breed come from? Here is a clue: This country is famous for its skiing.
2. Where did the Boston Terrier come from? Here is a clue: The Boston Terrier is named after a famous city in this country.
3. Where did the Bulldog come from? Here is a clue: The Bulldog is the official mascot of this country; where "teatime" is a national tradition.
4. Where did the Chihuahua come from? Here is a clue: The Chihuahua comes from the country that borders, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
5. Where did the Keeshond come from? Here is a clue: This country is famous for there wooden clog shoes and beautiful tulips.
6. Where did the Rottweiler come from? Here is a clue: At one time, this country was divided by the Berlin Wall, East and West. It is now reunited.
7. Where did the Pharoah Hound come from? Here is a clue: The Pharoah Hound got its name from the former kings of this country.
8. Where did the Shih Tzu come from? Here is a clue: The Shih Tzu existed in this country during the Tang dynasty.
9. Where did the Silky Terrier come from? Here is a clue: This country is also known as "the land down under."
10. Where did the Gordon Setter come from? Here is a clue: When you think of bagpipes this country comes to mind.
11. Where did the Anatolian Shepherd Dog come from? Here is a clue: This country has the same name as a large bird.
12. Where did the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever come from? Here is a clue: This country is also know as the United States' "neighbor to the north."
13. Where did the Kerry Blue Terrier come from? Here is a clue: Saint Patrick's Day brings this country to mind.
14. Where did the Siberian Husky come from? Here is a clue: Part of the breed's name is an area in this country.

Answers will be available on tomorrow's blog.

Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King's birthday is observed today. His actual birthdate is January 15, 1929. In 1963 Martin Luther King was Time Magazine's Man of the Year. At the age of 35, he was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Oregon Dog Shows

Thursday, January 20, 2011 - Tualatin Kennel Club, Inc., Event Number 2011173803 at the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center, 2050-2060 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR.
Friday, January 21, 2011 - Dog Fanciers Association of Oregon, Inc., Event Number 2011101903, at the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center.
Saturday, January 22, 2011 - Dog Fanciers Association of Oregon, Inc., Event Number 2011101905, at the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center.
Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Tualatin Kennel Club, Inc., Event Number 2011173804, at the Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards would like to wish all the exhibitors at these events the best of luck!

Rose Parade Float 2011

Suenos de California

2011 Rose Parade Float

Take a stroll down memory lane with this beautiful float.

Florida Dog Shows January 14-23, 2011

There will be nine dog shows at the Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd., Brooksville, FL.

Friday, January 14, 2011 - Clearwater Kennel Club, Event Number 2011099002.
Saturday, January 15, 2011 - Inverness Florida Kennel Club, Event Number 2011229701.
Sunday, January 16, 2011 - Tampa Bay Kennel Club, Event Number 2011118901.
Monday, January 17, 2011 - Pasco Florida Kennel Club, Event Number 2011391701.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - Manatee Kennel Club, Inc., Event Number 2011109102.
Thursday, January 20, 2011 - Inverness Florida Kennel Club, Event Number 2011229702.
Friday, January 21, 2011 - Tampa Bay Kennel Club, Event Number 2011118903.
Saturday, January 22, 2011 - Clearwater Kennel Club, Event Number 2011099003.
Sunday, January 23, 2011 - Pasco Florida Kennel Club, Event Number 2011391702.

Good luck to all the exhibitors from Brandykegs Saint Bernards!

Dragon Boats Race On This 2011 Float

Two dragon boats race down the parade route in this 2011 Rose Parade Float.

Pac Man Float - 2011 Rose Parade

Colorful characters from the Pacman game adorned this float.

First Annual Canine Cancer Cure Walk In San Marcos

The First Annual Canine Cancer Cure Walk is being organized by Magali Wright; to be held on February 19, 2011 in San Marcos. Please visit their website for more details: http://www.caninek.org/

Purrfectly Healthy Rose Parade Float 2011

Momma Cat with her kittens.

Reagan Float at 2011 Rose Parade

The Reagan float was a favorite at the 2011 Rose Parade. Former President Ronald Reagan would have turned 100 years old in 2011.

Dragon Serving Tea - 2011 Rose Parade Float

Fire breathing dragon serving tea on this Rose Parade Float.

Camelot Themed 2011 Rose Parade Float

Two knights joust on this Rose Parade Float.

2011 Alzeheimer's Rose Parade Float

Baby boomers have brought more attention to finding a treatment for Alzheimers.

A Trained Dog Is A Happy Dog

Dogs enjoy training, probably more than us. Dogs like the interaction with their human companion and that is most likely how they view a training session. Dogs like a structured life with rules. Training your dog to obey the rules of your family, sets up the necessary boundaries so your dog learns what is expected of them. Dogs will test the rules, some do this occasionally to see if anything has changed; there are others who will test the rules most every day. That is why it is so important to keep the same rules and schedule each day with your dog.

First Aid - Muzzle Your Dog

You could find yourself in a situation where you will need to administer first aid to your dog. The circumstances may warrant the necessity of using a muzzle on your dog. You do not want your dog panicking or fighting against you when you are trying to help them. Most of us do not have a muzzle, but you can make one. You can use a pair of pantyhose, or a necktie. Tie a loose knot in the middle of what you have on hand; now you should should have a loop. Put the loop over the dog's nose; place it about halfway up the nose and gently tighten. Then take the two loose ends and tie in a knot under the chin. If you have enough left over from knotting under the chin, bring it up and secure across the back of the dog.

Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe

Part of taking care of your dog means keeping them safe.

1. Make sure your dog has an ID tag attached to their collar. This should include your dog's name, your name, address, and phone number.
2. You can also have your dog microchipped or tattoed.
3. Provide them with shelter when they are outdoors. They will need shade from the summer heat and warmth from the cold of winter.
4. Keep your dog in a crate while traveling, or use a special dog harness that attaches to the seatbelt in your vehicle.
5. When you have to be away from home and your dog cannot come along; find a trusted pet setter or boarding facility. The best scenario is keeping your dog at your own home, pet setters can stay at your home or come at intervals during the day.
6. Make sure you provide for your dog during an emergency situation. They will need food and water just like the rest of your family.
7. Make sure you have an emergency contact; just in case something happens to you.

Flea Treatments

Treating fleas on your dogs has sure come a long way. There are actually products out there that work. Many of us live in climates where you must treat for fleas year round. There are still the flea shampoos, flea dips, and Dawn dishwashing liquid; products people have used for years and still do to this day. I never had any luck with them. I use the oral tablets for flea control; that you give at the same time every month with food. I have had excellent results with this, and it is so easy to administer. I have tried the products that you apply to the dog's coat along their spine. This is so messy and if you bathe your dog often it doesn't last. Your choice of product for treatment of flea issues rests with you, I just think it is wonderful that there are actually products that work.

Dog Aggression

Dog aggression is a dangerous problem, especially if you are dealing with a large breed. You can have dog aggression against other dogs or people; either one spells trouble. Dogs that repeatedly attack people should be destroyed. It is the best choice for those dogs that attack other dogs repeatedly as well. When aggression occurs repeatedly, you have few options.

Obedience training can help train you on ways to manage the situation. My advice is that you can never trust a dog who has been aggressive to another dog or person; you will always need to be watchful for this behavior. Avoiding other dogs and children is good advice. You need to be pro-active and keep people safe from an aggresssive dog.

There are so many things that can trigger aggression: alpha traits, sick or hurt animals, female in season, jealousy, protection of their space, food, water, toys,etc., being attacked by another animal. Once the aggression is triggered for whatever reason, it can happen again. Aggression can be managed but it cannot be eliminated with training. People and programs that say they can eliminate an aggression issue are selling their services or products. Once aggression is a problem it cannot be eliminated but you can learn to manage it.

Hot Spots

If you have a heavy coated dog, at some point they will probably develop a hot spot. This is something that needs immediate treatment. I have always been able to manage this situation on my own in the past. If you find a hot spot early, while it is still small; you can be successful in treating it yourself. The area should be cleansed, then thoroughly dried. I usually place a small bit of antiseptic salve on the spot. Check the area often to see if it is spreading. A small spot should be cleaned two to three times a day.

If the area starts to spread, don't wait; see your veterinarian for treatment. A medium to large hot spot is very painful for your dog. Your dog will not want you or anyone else to to touch the area. Many times it is necessary to sedate the dog for treatment. The veterinarian will clip or shave away the fur from the affected area, then clean it. You will probably receive antibiotics to give your dog for about a week and a half, be sure to give them all of the antibiotics.

After the trip to the vet you will still need to be vigilant and keep the area medicated and clean. It is very important that your dog does not scratch the area. Old socks(without holes)are very useful to keep your dogs paws covered. You can secure the socks on their legs with the stretchy, sticky tape sold at pet stores.

Happy New Year!

Brandykegs would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!