Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or comes out of its normal position and swells.  This probably occurs due to a weakness in the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structure of the eye.  Surgical replacement of the gland is the best choice for treatment and should be done early.  In most cases antibiotics are not effective for correcting the problem.

Useful Tip From Brandykegs

Dogs feel very safe in a crate.  I recommend having a crate for your home and your vehicle.  I have the extra large crates in our home, 54”x35”x45”.  Yes, that is a big crate and it does takes up a bit of space.  We have fixed the flooring in the crates with tile, making them cool for the dogs and easy to keep clean.  Our dogs readily go in these crates, they love them.  We use them during the night and in the daytime when we have to run an errand.  Crates can be very useful for people who keep their pets in their home; they should never be used as a permanent place to keep an animal.  

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip From Brandykegs

Dogs thrive in a structured environment.  It might seem dull and humdrum to us, but they like the same routine day after day.  They like to be fed at the same time every day, exercised same thing.  Our dogs love their daily routine; it’s a dog’s life.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Useful Tip From Brandykegs

Dry flaking skin on your dogs’ coat needs attention.  Try giving them fish oil, good source of omega 3.  The soft jelly type capsules are easy to add to their diet, I give them with their dog food.  You might find it beneficial to use a sensitive skin body wash product for their baths.  The dog food you use also affects their coat, use a quality product.  So many owners complain about the cost of a quality food, but there are so many benefits like healthy coats.  Many times you don’t need to feed as many cups with a quality dog food, and often you see lower stool volume.


Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip From Brandykegs

Pick up after your puppy or dog!  You want to keep the environment they live in sanitary.  Make sure when you are out on a walk you bring along pick-up bags.  In recent years I have observed that most people have pick-up bags and use them.  I am not so sure about people’s yards, I had one neighbor whose entire backyard had feces everywhere.  I think a lot of people who have gardeners expect them to pick of their yards, unless that is part of the contract they don’t. On hot days a yard that is not picked up can create a nasty odor problem; keep that in mind and be a good neighbor and keep your yard picked up. 

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Useful Tip From Brandykegs

Veteran breeders will tell you to keep your healthy dog away from veterinarian clinics.  The reason is quite simple; this is where sick animals are.  You do not want to expose your healthy dog to an unhealthy environment.  There is just an incredible amount out there that is contagious.  Many veterinarian clinics recommend seeing your dog a couple of times a year; I personally do not feel that is necessary for a healthy animal.  The veterinarian industry has become a huge industry.  In many cases they take advantage of their clients, counting on the fact that we will empty our pockets for our dogs.  Many veterinarians will tell you it is necessary to vaccinate for parvo or bordetella every six months this is not necessary, once a year is sufficient.  It is unfortunate that the veterinarian industry has become so greedy for our dollars.  Most of us want to insure our dogs stay healthy and we make the effort to achieve that goal.  There are too many cases of unnecessary vaccinations being given, repeated lab work, dental cleaning to older dogs where anesthesia is given and is dangerous, telling you to buy their special prescription dog food, etc., etc.  We need good veterinarians for when our dogs are sick, to perform surgeries, diagnose diseases, do lab work, prescribe medications, and vaccinations.  You would think with just those things they would be making a profit, so why pressure all us into unnecessary visits and procedures?  The independent veterinary clinics are disappearing across this country and being replaced by large conglomerates, and like all big business their main goal is to make money and lots of it.

Tip From Brandykegs

Finding the right vet for your large breed dog is quite a challenge.  I recommend taking the time to do some screening.  The last thing you need is to have a vet assigned to you who is specialized in miniature breeds, this has actually happened to me.  A couple of things to look for, examining rooms that have tables that can be lowered to the floor so your large dog can be placed on it and secured, then raised for an examination.  It is also helpful if the scales they have for weighing pets are one they simply step up on.  Take a tour of the facility, look at the examining rooms, the hospital area, and boarding facilities, find out if they do in-house lab work or if it is sent out.  Check to see if they can do x-rays for large breeds.  Find out which veterinarians are taking on more clients; arrange to talk with them briefly. You will want to know their operating hours.  Are they open on weekends, what about holidays?  Do they handle emergencies?  It is important to find a veterinarian that you feel confident in their knowledge and experience and also that you feel comfortable with.  Your pet’s reaction to them is a good barometer as to whether they are right for you as well.


Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Tip From Brandykegs

Bathing your dog regularly is a good idea.  I like to use the soft squishy facial poufs (they are usually made out of soft nylon) to apply the shampoo.  This allows me to use a smaller amount of shampoo, but there is still plenty of shampoo for good cleaning and suds.  You should always plan to spend more time rinsing your dog than soaping them.  You don’t want to leave any shampoo on their coat or skin.  Regular bathing of your dog allows you to observe the onset of skin irritations or the beginning of tissue growths.  These are the sorts of problems you want to catch early and take care of them.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

North Texas St. Bernard Club Specialty

The North Texas St. Bernard Club is hosting a Specialty Show today, Friday, March 23, 2012.  Lynn Jech will be judging the Specialty Show.  Luane Williams will be judging Sweepstakes.  The Specialty Show is being held at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.  Good luck to the exhibitors from Brandykegs!

Useful Tip From Brandykegs

Vitamin E oil is terrific for hair re-growth on your dog.  Dogs get scrapes and scratches, or hot spots and many times a bald spot is left behind.  Apply Vitamin E oil once or twice daily to the area and the hair will re-grow.  This tip was shared to me by a veteran breeder.

Tip provided by Brandykegs.

Tip From Brandykegs

Some things to keep in mind when getting a puppy. This is a commitment for the life of your pet.  If you are unwilling to take on that responsibility then don't get a pet.  They will always look to you to provide them with food, water, shelter from the weather (be it hot or cold), baths, clean-up of their feces, and health care.  Don't be part of our nation's problem of overflowing animal shelters by dropping them off there when they are no longer that cute puppy.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Helpful Tip From Brandykegs

Whenever you see someone walking more than one dog, don't approach them unless you know the person and the dogs.  Try to keep in mind, this person has their hands full.  You might even consider crossing to the other side of the road or street; if it is safe for you to do that.  It is just a nice courtesy to extend whenever you see someone walking multiple dogs.

Tip provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards.

Saint Bernard Gift Items

Brandykegs Store offers some unique one of a kind Saint Bernard Gift Items.  Tissue box covers, calendar and credit card holders, and hand-stitched framed mats; these gifts items are handmade not mass produced at a factory.  Visit our store and see what you might like to add to your Saint Bernard collectibles.

Trophy Barrels At Brandykegs

Looking for a unique trophy for your next Specialty Show, how about a trophy barrel?  This one liter barrel with Swiss Cross comes with a display stand for the barrel and a stand alone engraved plaque for Best of Breed.  To purchase visit our store.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day from Brandykegs!

WISH FOR A FRIEND

Wishing you a rainbow

For sunlight after showers

Miles and miles of Irish smiles

For golden happy hours

Shamrocks at your doorway

For luck and laughter too

And a host of friends that never ends

Each day your whole life through.

(author unknown)

Middle Atlantic St. Bernard Club, Inc. - Specialty

The Middle Atlantic St. Bernard Club, Inc. will be hosting a Specialty Show today, March 16th and tomorrow March 17th, 2012.  The Specialty Shows will be held at York Interstate Fairgrounds, in York, Pennsylvania.  The Friday, Specialty Show, March 16th, will be judged by Mr. Thomas J. Nuss; and the Saturday, March 17th Specialty Show will be judged by Mr. Victor R. Dingus.  Good luck to everyone from Brandykegs!

Wisconsin State Dog - American Water Spaniel

In 1985, the American Water Spaniel became the state dog of Wisconsin.  The breed developed in the Great Lakes Area during the mid 1800's.  The American Water Spaniel was the first breed developed in the United States as an all around hunter that could retrieve from a boat.  It most likely developed from the blended breedings of Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and the Old English Water Spaniel.

Virginia State Dog - American Foxhound

In 1966, the American Foxhound became the state dog for Virginia.  The breed has been around since colonial times; the landed gentry at that time bred them simply for the sport of fox hunting.  George Washington, our first President owned and bred American Foxhounds.

Texas State Dog - Blue Lacy

In June 2005, the Blue Lacy became the state dog of Texas.  The breed originated in Texas in the mid 19th century.  The Blue Lacy is a blending of coyote, greyhound, and scenthound mixture; supposedly bred about 1858 in the Texas Hill Country.  The Blue Lacy has a natural herding instinct.

South Carolina State Dog - Boykin Spaniel

In 1985, the Boykin Spaniel became the state dog of South Carolina.  The Boykin Spaniel was bred by South Carolina hunters for hunting in the early 1900's.  The creation of the Boykin Spaniel was for hunting wild turkeys in the Wateree River Swamp.

Pennsylvania State Dog - Great Dane

In 1965, the Great Dane became the official state dog of Pennsylvania.  William Penn the founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania owned Great Danes; a portrait of William Penn and his Great Danes is on display at the Governor's Reception Room.

North Carolina State Dog - Plott

In 1989, the Plott became the state dog of North Carolina.  In 1750, two brothers immigrated to the United States from Germany with Hanoverian Hounds.  These dogs were bred to hunt bear and boar.  The Plott was a  cross between Hanoverian Hounds and Bleven Hounds.

New Hampshire State Dog - Chinook

In 2009, the Chinook became the official state dog of New Hampshire.  The breed was developed by blending  a Mastiff, Greenland Husky, and Belgian Shepherds.  The goal was to create a working dog breed that was a good family pet and a good sled dog.  The Chinook is a powerful athletic sled dog.

Massachusetts State Dog - Boston Terrier

In 1979, the Boston Terrier became the state dog of Massachusetts.  It is a cross between an English Bulldog and an English Terrier.  The Boston Terrier was the first pure-bred dog developed in the United States in 1869.

Maryland's State Dog - Chesapeake Bay Retriever

In 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was named the state dog of Maryland.  The history of the breed dates back to 1807.  Two Newfoundland dogs (Sailor and Canton) were rescued from a ship.  These two dogs were later bred to local coon hounds and retrievers.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the official mascot for the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is also known as Chessie.  The breed is well known for their prowess in rough and icy waters.  Their colors are brown, sedge, or deadgrass.

Louisiana State Dog - Catahoula Leopard Dog

On July 9th, 1979, the Catahoula Leopard Dog became the official state dog of Louisiana.  It is the only breed of dog that is native to Louisiana.  It is most likely a cross between the domestics dogs of the Indians of the Catahoula Lake Region and dogs introduced into the area by the Spanish in the 1500's.  These dogs have glassy eyes, webbed feet, and a spotted coat.

Native American Indians used the Catahoula Leopard Dog to help them with hunting and tracking a variety of game.

More Info On Alaska's State Dog

Have you heard of the 1925 Serum Run?  In 1925, 20 mushers and approximately 150 sled dogs; transported a diphtheria antitoxin across the United States Territory of Alaska (674 miles) to the city of Nome.  This incredible feat was accomplished in 5 and half days.  This historic dog sled feat saved the city of Nome and the surrounding communities from a diphtheria epidemic.  The lead dog was named Balto; an Alaskan Malamute.

There is a statue in New York City's Central Park of Balto.

Alaska's State Dog - Alaskan Malamute

On April 18, 2010; the Alaskan Malamute became Alaska's State Dog.  The Alaskan Malmute has a very long history in the state of Alaska.  They are believed to have existed in the area some 5000 years.  The breed is perfectly adapted to the Alaskan climate.

They are named after the native Inuit tribe known as Mahlemuts.  The Mahlemuts settled around the Kotzebue Sound which is in the Arctic Circle.  The Alaskan Malamute has had a close relationship with the Inuit Tribe; pulling heavy sledges, hunting, and tracking.

State Dogs

Did you know that out of the 50 states that comprise the United States; only 11 states have state dogs?  Many times an elementary class is responsible for getting the public interested in adopting a state dog.  Here is a list of the 11 states that currently have a state dog:

1. Alaska - Alaskan Malamute
2. Louisiana - Catahoula Leopard Dog
3. Maryland - Chesapeake Bay Retriever
4. Massachusetts - Boston Terrier
5. New Hampshire - Chinook
6. North Carolina - Plott
7. Pennsylvania - Great Dane
8. South Carolina - Boykin Spaniel
9. Texas - Blue Lacy
10. Virginia - American Foxhound
11. Wisconsin - American Water Spaniel

Brandykegs will provide additional information on each one listed in future blogs.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

On January 1, 2012, AKC welcomed the Treeing Walker Coonhound to its recognized registered breed list; bringing AKC's total up to 174 recognized breeds.  They are a great hunter with superb endurance.  Their coat is short, tri-colored (white, black, and tan).

Saint Bernard Specialty Shows Today - Missouri

The St. Bernard Club of Greater St. Louis is hosting two Specialty Shows today.  The Specialty Shows will be held at Purina Farms, 200 Checkboard Dr., Gray Summit, Missouri.  Mr. Robert Aubrey will be judging the morning show and Mrs. Wanda B. Pevahouse will be judging the afternoon show.  Sweepstakes will be judged by Marguerite Yarnell.  Good luck to all exhibitors from Brandykegs!

New Product Item At Brandykegs

New product at Brandykegs; hand-stitched mat with our favorite Saint Bernard breed all decked out in green for Saint Patrick's Day.