Monday, July 17, 2017

Information Regarding the AMERICAN BOBTAIL CAT

A domestic cat breed, American Bobtail is rumored to have evolved as a result of the crossing between a Bobcat and a domestic tabby cat. This is however, unlikely to be true since offsprings of interspecies breeding are usually sterile, particularly in case of males. So even though there was a large male tabby cat found in Arizona in nineteen sixties who subsequently crossed with a Siamese female and produced the first recorded American Bobtail kittens, chances are that he was just a feral cat of domestic origin.

American Bobtail longhair
American Bobtail longhair (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is probable owing to the fact that the gene leading to the shorter tail is a mutant one and can occur occasionally in domestic cats. It would take another two decades from the sixties before serious breeding was to start. No outcrossing was undertaken and the breed was created through short tailed domestic cats. Formal recognition came only a few years ago, in the twenty first century.

American Bobtails are relatively large cats with a muscular build. They are sturdy and athletic animals. Head is broad and resembles the skull of wild cats, with wide set tufted ears and deep eyes that occur in various colors. Coat is either short and dense or long and shaggy. In either case it is double layered and doesn't get tangled easily. Tail is short and usually half the size or less of a normal house cat's tail. It is said to be the result of a mutant gene similar to the one seen in Manx cats.

American Bobtails resembles their wild cousin Bobcats in a number of ways. Not only do they have a short tail, they also possess a certain wild look and spirit about them that often fools the casual onlooker as regards the identity of this pretty felid. Their hind legs are longer than the front, like those of the Bobcat, and like their counterparts in nature, American Bobtails are capable of great athleticism and speed.

American Bobtails are very social animals. They form long term bonds in no time with their humans and tolerate children and pets quite well. Playful and active, these agile felines spend a great deal of time daily chasing objects and having fun.



How Smart Are PIT BULL TERRIER Dogs?

People say a lot of things about Pit Bulls, but you never hear them talk much about the intelligence of this particular breed. Fact is you’ll never hear anything about the intelligence of this animal, unless you are in the company of Pit bull owners. Anyone who has owned one of these fascinating dogs will tell you straight up that the Pit bull is a very smart dog indeed.

Pit Bull Puppy - Photo: Wikimedia


Pit Bulls are fairly quick to learn, but they also have a certain stubborn streak which is a direct result of their intelligence. These dogs have a definite will of their own, and they like to get their way, but then again most humans do as well!

This stubborn behavior which shows from time to time tends to make the Pit Bull breed slightly harder to train than other breeds. Some people mistake the dog’s independent will as the dog not being trainable, but nothing could be further from the truth! These highly intelligent dogs can be trained.

The problems in training arise from owners who have no knowledge about the Pit Bull breed. As with any breed, prospective owners should always invest a little of their time into getting to know the particular quirks that all dog breeds have. Owners who get a Pit Bull then whine about the training of them simply did not do their homework. That’s not the dog’s fault, now is it?

As the owner of a Pit Bull, you should understand that his stubbornness comes from his intelligence, and that you shouldn’t take it personally. Just because he doesn’t want to do what you want him to do at a specific time doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. If you can simply treat it for what it truly is, stubbornness, then you’ll both make out just fine.

Always meet their hard headed ways with patience and understanding. Certainly don’t give up on their training, just be a little more stubborn than they are!


You may want to consider using a type of training called play training. This type of training appeals to Pit Bulls because they absolutely love to play. When a training task is presented as a fun game, the task will appeal to the dog’s inner desire for play. With this technique, you can outwit the stubbornness you may have encountered with any other type of training.

When purchasing toys for your Pit Bull, keep in mind those strong jaws this breed is famous for. You’ll want to purchase toys that are geared to survive for the long haul. Be sure to get toys which will not break apart easily and injure your Pit Bull. Above all, enjoy your new found friend!



Fact Sheet: YORKSHIRE TERRIER - Yorkie

(Original Title: The Popular Pet and Lap Dog: Yorkshire Terrier)


Cocoa, the mini Yorkie
Cocoa, the mini Yorkie - Photo by Tnkntx

The Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated from Scotland but bred in England. They were molded to hunt rats, but nowadays they are popular as pets. In fact, their variety was one of the Top Dog Breeds of 2005.

They usually grow being small and light varieties. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Moreover, this usual bonding activity usually transforms this lap dog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Yorkies:

Category: Toy (Terrier)

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: silky, glossy, long and fine; no undercoat

Colors: black when young but they attain the colors tan and blue as they mature .

Height: between 8 and 9 inches

Weight: between 3 and 7 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they are territorial and like their privacy to be respected

• they are intelligent and fearless

• they are assertive and independent

When properly trained,

• they develop close affinity with older children

• they become really playful and lively

• they become extremely affectionate

• they do not mind having other pets at home

• they focus much of their attention and affection toward their owner

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Alopecia, or losing hair

• Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes

• Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

• Dwarfism

• Entropion, a disorder with the eyelid; lashes on the eyelid that irritate the eyeballs could lead to other complications

• Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the eye

• Hydrocephalus

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the reduction of tear production

• Low blood sugar

• Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

• Portosystemic shunt, or the accumulation of blood toxins in the liver

• Urolithiasis, an infection of the urinary tract leading to the formation of bladder stones.


Care and Exercise:

• They require daily grooming.

• Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly.

• Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained.

• They are fit only for short strides.

• They should have a regular play time while lying under the sunbeams, chasing shadows, and joining tug-of-war.

Origin/History:

In the 19th century, a number of weavers from Scotland migrated to England and brought with them different terriers that were bred to hunt rats. Through time, these terriers were crossed and terriers with “broken hairs” were produced.

In 1870, a “broken-haired Scotch terrier” was named as a Yorkshire terrier by a reporter. He argued that the breed should be called as such because his types were bred in a town called Yorkshire.

Though the Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs, they became fashionable pets is England in the latter part of the Victorian era. In 1972, Yorkies were brought to the United States and became the country’s favorite pet.

You can say that the Yorkies developed into tough breeds because of their ancestors’ reputation as rat-hunters. However, their size, and playful and bright character have actually captured the attention and affection of most pet owners. Most proud owners would boast that they have the great giants inside the bodies of these little dogs. If you want a small but terrible breed of dog, grab a Yorkie now! Just a friendly reminder, they would really need your attention and companionship than any other terriers.



Sunday, July 16, 2017

MAGYAR VIZSLA - Dogs of the World

Magyar Vizsla - Photo: Wikimedia



Saturday, July 15, 2017

3 FELINE SKIN DISEASES That All Cat Owners Should Know About

Just like humans, your precious kitty is also prone to several skin diseases. Cat dandruff, ring worms and acne are 3 of the common feline skin diseases that can affect your pet. Although proper grooming is the best method to prevent these skin problems from occurring in the first place, you have to be extra aware and attentive in case your feline friend has been already affected by any of these ailments. Here are some general facts that will help you keep these skin problems at bay.


Feline chin acne.JPG


Acne

Feline acne is one of the most common skin irritations that a cat may experience. Symptoms of this ailment include the cat getting a lot of blackheads on its chin. Acne occurs mostly due to excessive oil secretion in the skin. However, poor diet and improper grooming can also be a factor. Though acne is not as serious as other cat health problems, you should not ignore this skin condition as it might worsen anytime. Fortunately, you should be able to find special acne shampoo and antibiotic creams that can help take care of this condition. However, in case of excessive inflammation, you have to take your pet to the vet.

Cat Dandruff

Skin diseases in cats are usually a result of poor nutrition and improper grooming. Though cats groom themselves, it is seldom enough to keep them healthy. Dandruff is mainly caused due to the dryness of the skin, which again is the result of lack of nutritional elements in the body. If you are continuously feeding your cat cheap dry food, change her diet immediately to good quality canned food as these will provide the essential nutrients to her body and keep her skin hydrated. You might also want to use special cat dandruff shampoo to prevent the occurrence of dandruff.

Ringworm

This is another skin problem that can affect a cat at any point of time. Mainly caused by fungus, ring worms can spread to the surrounding areas if you are not grooming your cat regularly. The skin of the affected area shows signs of crusting, scaling and redness. If your kitty has been affected, bring her to the vet and he will prescribe oral medication and specific shampoo to deal with this problem. Your vet may also ask you to clip the hair in that area.

These 3 common skin conditions are some of the cat health problems that might affect your kitty. When in doubt, always check with your vet.



Friday, July 14, 2017

Fact Sheet: NORFOLK TERRIER

Original Title: Norfolk Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting A Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terrier "Virginia von den Wichtel...
Norfolk Terrier "Virginia von den Wichtelsteinen" (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Breed Description
A small and compact breed, the Norfolk Terrier has a charming and sometimes bewildered appearance. This small breed weighs around 11-15 pounds, and reaches between 8-10 inches tall.

Coat
The Norfolk Terrier is straight, messy, and coarse texture that is around 2 inches long. It is structured to keep these terriers insulated. This double-coated breed has a coarse and waterproof topcoat and thick and dense inner coat. Their coat color comes in wheat, grizzle, red, and black and tan.

Activity
The Norfolk Terrier is quite energetic, and loves playing ball or going on walks with their family. They are known to tolerate all kinds of weather. These terriers enjoy digging holes in the backyard, so owners should always be on guard with this trait. They will do great in apartment dwellings, and will be happy to travel in a car.

Temperament
Norfolk Terriers are fearless, but never aggressive despite being able to defend themselves when the situation calls for it. They get along well with Border Terriers, and Norwich Terriers, having the softest of temperaments among the Terrier Group. These dogs work in pack, and should get along well with other dogs. As companions, they love being around people and will make excellent pets. Their energy level is reflective depending on the pace of their environment. They should never be kept outdoors due to the fact that they thrive on human interaction. These terriers are known barkers, making them excellent alarm dogs.

These terriers can generally live with other household pets when raised alongside them. This self-confident little dog is very confident, and will carry themselves with importance, having their head up high with tails erect. These Norfolk Terriers are generally happy, spirited, and lively.

Overview
Small, alert, and hardy little dog, the Norfolk Terrier has been originally bred to catch a fox and go after vermin. This evenly tempered fearless dog has sporting instinct.

Care
The Norfolk Terrier should be combed and brushed once or twice weekly, paying extra attention to the mustache and beard, which more often get dirty. Their coats shed little, and will require hand plucking twice in a year. The hair between the pads of their feet should be trimmed. This low-shedding breed is considered hypoallergenic, and will be suitable for people with allergies.



Training
Norfolk Terriers are intelligent and will often quickly acquire bad habits, just as they would in learning positive habits. Consistent and varying training routines are crucial for this breed to avoid boredom and non-compliance. This breed will do best with positive rewards and a lot of praise. Ignoring the bad behavior of this breed is a great way to eliminate the bad ones.


Character

The brave little Norfolk Terrier is known to be very defensive of its family and territory. They generally get along well with other dogs, and make excellent family pet. This breed is easy going and enjoys being the center of attention. These affectionate breed is at their happiest when they are with their owners. They should never be left alone for extended periods of time as this will cause depression.



The DEVON REX As A Family Pet

A relative newcomer to the world of cats, first appearing only in 1960, the Devon Rex has been created by the controlled breeding of a mutation caused by recessive genes. First discovered near Buckfastleigh in Devonshire, England, the original Devon Rex was the result of a tortie and white queen mother and a curly haired male of indeterminate breed and impeccable escape tactics. Therefore, alternate breeding created two mutations and the difference between the Devon and the Cornish Rex.

English: Male cat of Devon Rex breed.
Male cat of Devon Rex breed.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
The Devon Rex maintains its short-haired look through careful breeding with American and British short-hair breeds to strengthen the gene pool and stabilize their uniqueness. The true Devon, besides having the loose waves and curls of fur like the line's progenitor, also exhibit very large low-slung ears and big, bright eyes. The short, upturned nose completes the inquisitive "pixie" look and expression of the Devon Rex.

The Devon is very friendly, always seeking the touch and close companionship of their human. This could also be because the short hair is not very efficient. insulation. They are very active and extremely curious. Their agility and jumping prowess makes just about anywhere in a home accessible to them. Because of their active nature, it is highly recommended that these predominately indoor cats do not be declawed but provided with an acceptable scratching post and training to use it rather than the furniture.

The Devon does not require much grooming. A quick damp-cloth wash-down or shampooing and towel dry will keep them clean and looking good. Some extra care needs to be given to their huge ears. There is no standard coloration for a Devon Rex as they come in a multitude of colors from black to white and some even have the pointed coloration of Siamese and Persian cats.

While a well cared for Devon Rex is robust and usually healthy, there are still a few genetic problems the breed is susceptible to. Such conditions as spasticity, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and cardiomyopathy can affect these loving new members of the cat world.


    By Shannon Hutcheson

    For more information on this breed, and others, contact one of the reputable registered breeders listed at our Cat Breeder Directory. Or join our Cat Breeder Forums to chat about your cats or cat breeding experience.

    Article Source: EzineArticles


Cat Spraying No More

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Amazing Start of the HIMALAYAN CAT Breed

The Himalayan cat is a charming cat developed by breeders from the crossbreed of a Siamese mantle and Persian frame. The cat has blue eyes same as of the Siamese, arranged in striking color patterns which is consist of body tone that is light with accents of dark colors on the points of the cat just like the face, legs, feet and tail.

Himalayan Cat Kitten- Photo: Wikimedia

Similar to the Persian, Himalayan cats are a well-balanced, heavy boned, medium-to-large with significant deepness across the shoulders and the chest. The Himalayan have broad heads, tiny ears, large rounded eyes, full cheeks and snub nose connive to produce the sweet but great expression which few persons cannot resist. The Himalayan cat's sweet, passive behavior is likewise irresistible.


Nature has already made-up the vital Himalayan elements (the Persian and the Siamese cats) long enough before anyone stumbled to the idea that the foursquare Persian with the blue-eyed Siamese color can create some killer combination. Having the outline of that notion, all breeders have to figure out some ways of overlaying Siamese markings along with the blue eyes on the jammed Persian frame.

Accordingly, crossbreeding a Siamese and a Persian did not produce Himalayan. Instead, it produces non-pointed kittens containing short hair, longer nose, yellowish eyes, daintier scaffolding and bigger ears compared to Persians which were expected to evolve.

However, each one from these first generations has carried the genes meant for the longer hairs, striking colors and the genetic blue eyes. Crossbreeding the two, (Persian and Siamese) hybrid kittens have been produced. An average of one kitten for every 16 kittens acquire the desired outcome of long hair, blue-eyes, and color pointed kittens. Himalayan breed requires several years of back crossing before it can come up solidly.

The blue-eyed cats are thought to be looking just similar to the Persian had made 180 degrees, shifting improvement ever since the time of Debutante along with Princess Himalayan Hope. Those modern Himalayan and color-pointed carrier go to nose to the virtually non-existing of nose with most tremendous Persians being revealed.



Himalayan are now the most well-liked breed in USA. Once the registration records for the Himalayan and their Persian and color-pointed relatives were united, they resulted to an amazing existence in the pedigreed cats' world.

On 1996, the Cat Fancier Association, the biggest pedigreed cat registration on earth had enrolled 68,948 novel cats along with kittens. From that total, there are 62% of Persians, a description including the Himalayan and the color-pointed carriers.



Wednesday, July 12, 2017

FRENCH BULLDOGS As A Pet

French bull dogs are a great addition to any home. They have a stocky "well built" look to them, yet only weigh at the most, 30 pounds. They are bull terrier descendants and are a breed that requires a lot of attention, while not being particularly an athletic animal that needs loads of exercise. French bull dogs can be easily spotted just by looking at their "bat-like" ears; which are large and wide on the bottom and decrease in size as they round at the top. 

A portrait of a black-and-white French Bulldog.
A portrait of a black-and-white French Bulldog.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)

There are a few considerations you need to make when considering french bull dogs as pets: 

1. They absolutely love attention and playing with people and other dogs. Owners need to be aware that the french bull is deceptively strong for it's size, so caution guests and children to be gentle with them (the rougher you get with any dog, the rougher they get).

2. The proportions of their body and the overall build of the animal make it difficult to regulate body temperature. This means you need to keep them close to shade and water during hot, humid days or they will be in danger of overheating.

3. French bull dogs are known for being people. For that reason, don't buy one and expect them to lie in the corner. They will constantly want to be by your side and want your acceptance. People who want a great friend will love them, whereas there are other breeds who are more independent for owners who have less time for their dogs.

4. If you will have another male with your french bull, consider neutering them, as two males of any breed will tend to fight. Males and females won't often fight, but spaying or neutering is always advisable to avoid unwanted "excitement".

5. The french bull is one of the healthiest bull terrier mixes, but they do require regular visits to the veterinarian to keep abreast of any health problems. They need semi-regular tests for thyroid disease and Von Willebrand's disease. This is no reason to avoid these wonderful dogs, since all dogs have certain health issues they can be predisposed to, but with proper care these conditions are rare and easily corrected with treatment.


Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The VIZSLA Breed As a Retriever and Pointer

The Magyars were the first people to document the Vizsla breed being used in pointing and retrieving efforts during hunting. The Magyars were a culture who had to defend themselves against predators and ensured their existence by using animals in defense. The Vizsla breed is named for the Hungarian word meaning "pointer," the dogs are very intelligent and their ability to point and retrieve made them valuable.

Vizsla
Vizsla (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Magyars were threatened by invading forces from Turkey and were under constant attack. They selected the mountains of present-day Hungary, because they were protected and shielded through the entire region. With the Vizsla's great sense of smell, the Magyars continued to thrive and survive off of the food they caught in the rough terrain. Many years later, the Vizsla breed became well-known in present day Hungary. The dog had been common in areas like Transylvania where they were able to remain a pure breed. It was during the World Wars that the dog became mixed with other breeds and some different variations came about.

In the 1800's the Viszla was almost ran out of its own breed class, due to an influx of English and German Shorthair Pointers. There are theories about these breeds, along with the Weimaraner, that were used in the 1900's to resurrect and cultivate the Vizsla breed. It is simply a theory, there is no concrete evidence to confirm or deny the hypothesis. The Vizsla and Pointer breed share a definite resemblance from the sharp, pointy nose to the thin and erectly pointed tail. The game flushing skills of the Vizsla are only rivaled by the Pointer.

When Communists overtook Hungary, they wanted to eliminate everything from the Hungarian culture. The Vizsla breed all but nearly vanished to the point of extinction, though the hunting skills of the Vizsla is what resulted in the dog begin saved. High ranking officials of the Communist party loved hunting for deer and rabbit; a few Vizsla remained, but were denser in body structure.

While in Hungary the dog become popular for use in hunting rats. During the 1950's, the United States became aware of the dogs search and finding abilities and the Vizsla was imported. The dog became used for game hunting soon after arriving in America; it was used to retrieve fowl, rabbits and deer. The dog eventually became as popular in Australia as it was in America. Today, there are competitions held around the world to celebrate the Vizsla dog breed and its many talents.



How To Choose The Right HAVANESE For You!

The sweet, playful expression of the Havanese has caught your eye. You are hooked by their fluffy fur and affection. You excitedly scope the classifieds and internet for a Havanese breeder. You can't wait to bring home a new puppy today!

Gizmo
Photo by Kirt Edblom 
Slow down. Take a moment and breath. Don't be too quick with your decision. It is optimal to find a Havanese that has the personality, physicality, and connection that is top notch. Therefore, it is beneficial to take the following factors into account before selecting your specific Havanese.

While purchasing a new dog can be emotional, do not let your emotions outweigh your practical side. You will have your dog for their entire life which can be close to 20 years with a Havanese. Therefore, you want to make sure that you find the Havanese that is going to fit in with your family and enjoy its new home. You must think about your dog's needs as well as your own.
Set a goal to make an informed decision when choosing your Havanese. The following are some of the issues you need to take into account when you are faced with several different sweet Havanese puppies to choose from.

The issues you should consider when searching for a Havanese include:

o Finding A High Quality Breeder
This is probably one of the most if not the most important considerations to make before you choose your Havanese Puppy. Choosing the wrong breeder may mean you either buy a puppy that is not Pure Havanese, or one which may not be as healthy as you would like and end up costing you enormous in Vet bills.

o Male Versus Female
This, for many remains a personal decision. Whether you prefer a Male or Female Havanese puppy is up to you and what you are looking for in a puppy.

o Age of the Havanese
There are many owners who for some reason or another no longer want their Havanese and give them up. This means there are many older Havanese dogs that are waiting for a new owner. You have a choice when you buy your Havanese. You can either choose to buy a puppy or rescue an older dog.

o Temperament / Personality
When you visit each Puppy you are trying to choose between, you will certainly notice that they each have their own personality. You will need to have an idea as to what temperament or personality you are looking for in your new puppy.


o Health of the Havanese
To save you expensive Vet bills and possibly heartache, it is important that the Havanese you choose is as healthy as can be. This also goes back to making sure you choose the right Havanese breeder.
These are practical issues that must be evaluated so as to avoid any troubling situations or unmet expectations in the future.

    By Fiona Kelly
    Fiona Kelly is a passionate Havanese owner that has uncovered exactly how to have the perfect, happy, healthy and best behaved Havanese.
    Article Source: EzineArticles



Monday, July 10, 2017

HERDING DOGS - Working Dogs

Herding dogs encompass an entire group of dog breeds, all bred with specific characteristics. Herding dogs may be large or small, from the little Shetland Sheepdog ("Sheltie") to the big, bobtailed Old English Sheepdog. They must display the ability to keep other animals together, and this instinct is inborn. 

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)

Owners who keep herding breeds as family pets speak of the dogs trying to keep children or other pets in a small group! Herding dogs might be trained to herd animals as diverse as ducks, sheep, goats, and cattle. 

Interestingly, it's the behavior of the predatory wolf that is honed and refined to produce the herding dog's distinctive actions. The herding dog goes into hunting-type behavior with the animals it is herding - it circles the group, identifies and retrieves stragglers (whereas a wolf would single out a straggler to attack and kill), nips at the animals' heels, and/or "stares them down." 

Herding dogs work from the rear or the front, with those that work from the rear engaging in the heel-nipping to push the animals onward, and those that work from the front using the stare or "strong eye" to turn the animals back. 

What Breeds Are Herding Dogs?

The main dog breeds that are in the herding group are:

* Australian Cattle Dog
* Australian Shepherd
* Border Collie
* Belgian Sheepdog
* Bouvier des Flandres
* Cardigan Welsh Corgi
* Pembroke Welsh Corgi
* Collie (the "Lassie" type)
* German Shepherd
* Old English Sheepdog
* Puli
* Shetland Sheepdog ("Sheltie")

Some of these animals are kept as pets, too. 

Shetland Sheepdog - Pacarane Political Party o...
Shetland Sheepdog
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Training

Training herding dogs is an exacting task. While the breeds' instincts are there, trainers must refine and discipline these instincts to make the dogs into good herders. They usually begin with basic commands like any dog owner - sit, stay, heel, etc. But the herding dog trainer needs to make sure these commands are mastered, not optional. 

Next, herding calls are added, such as "That'll do," and "Come by." "That'll do" is sort of like "at ease" - the dog is to stop performing the given command and return to the trainer. "Come by" tells the dog to turn clockwise. 

When the dog is mature enough to handle these commands without hesitation or fear, the dog can slowly be introduced to the herd of animals. At first, the trainer uses a leash and a whistle to keep the dog in check. He or she trots along with the dog to show the dog the proper positions and directions. Gradually, the trainer will forego the leash and continue going with the dog. Then the trainer works toward giving the commands and standing by while the dog performs its herding duties. 


Sunday, July 9, 2017

Cat Breed - BURMILLA

A variety of domestic cat of the Asian feline species, the Burmilla (sometimes referred to as a 'Tiffany') is the result of a chance intermixture of two other breeds, namely, the Burmese and the Chinchilla Persian; its beginnings were in the U.K. and it was first produced back in 1981 but it had to wait another 10 or more years until it was officially granted championship status.

Female Burmilla cat
Female Burmilla cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
These cats are of average size, with strong physiques, small muzzles, a circular shaped face and large, vivid eyes in shades of brilliant green, blue, and even yellow or amber in the kitten stage; the black variety of Burmillas' have dark eyeliner. Their ears are large and rounded and they have reddish-pink noses, (some varieties have a black nose).

The length of the Burmillas' fur comes in three classes: the most usual type has a soft, silky short-hair coat; the Long-hair Burmilla, produced from a recessive gene, has a smooth, glossy coat that lays close to the skin, and a long, opulent looking tail; the third variety is known as a 'Plush', similar to the Short-hair except it has a thicker, woolier coat.

Burmilla fur colors are many and varied, and include: blue, black, brown, deep-brown and grayish-pink; red, yellowish-white and tortoiseshell varieties have also been produced. A silvery or golden colored undercoat is the norm for this breed; pattern-wise, their fur can be either, shaded (coat is a quarter colored), tipped (a fine dusting of color over the undercoat), or smoked (solid colored fur with a soft, whitish basis to each individual hair).

The Burmilla's personality is inquisitive, self-reliant and warm, without being overly-friendly; they are kittenish and active even into adulthood; getting along well with other pets and young children, they may live up to an age of 15 years or more. Health-wise, they are very fit and hardy and have few problems being suitable as pets for families or elderly owners as they require little attention and grooming (once weekly).



Saturday, July 8, 2017

Vintage Collection - Dogs (7)




Friday, July 7, 2017

RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK Dog History

The modern day Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, sleek handsome hound that possesses exceptional qualities as a hunter, protector as well as companion. But this was not always the case, at least as far as the large size and lithe refined looks were concerned. The fact is the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog of today actually originated from very humble beginnings. It is believed that the Rhodesian Ridgeback heritage harks back to the pariah dogs of the nomadic Khoi Khoi people (Hottentots).

English: Rhodesian Ridgeback Български: Родези...
Rhodesian Ridgeback (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Khoi dogs were typically small, slender and somewhat jackal-like in appearance. These dogs seldom attained a height in excess of 171/2 inches and were so far removed from the appearance of the latter day Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that Kolb, a German settler in circa (1705 - 1712) was moved to observe that "...he is such a piece of ugliness, of the dog kind, as is not to be seen, perhaps in any other part of the world. Tho' he has a thousand good qualities, you see nothing in his features that is indicative of 'em. Appearance never gave such a lie as it does in him..."

Kolb was not alone amongst those early settlers in his unflattering observations that ridiculed the native dogs of the Khoi Khoi people, but as one they all had to concede that they had never come across a dog that exhibited such exceptional bravery, courage and loyalty. Moreover the "ugly" looking dog possessed a unique versatility in dogs being watchdog, hunter, herder and protector all rolled in one. So it was no surprise that they deemed it extremely desirable to crossbreed their larger imported breeds from Europe with the fierce native local breeds.

Such a heritage goes a long way in explaining the African Lion Dog's (Rhodesian Ridgeback) legendary courage with respect to confronting much larger foes such as lions.

Origins Of The Ridge Of The Rhodesian Ridgeback
There are various schools of thought postulating how the characteristic ridge found on the back of the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog came into being. This ridge of hair for which evidently the dog breed is named, grows along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat; which is to say the hair found on the ridge grows towards the dogs head not its tail. As for the origins of this ridge, it is more than likely that it was another trait passed on from the Khoi dogs when crossbred with the larger European dog breeds.

The real mystery however, leading to the differing school of thoughts, is in explaining how very different dog breeds found on different continents and separated by large masses of water, both came to possess such a distinguishing and characteristic ridge of hair on their back. In Thailand on the island of Phu Quoc there exists a breed of dog that also has a dorsal ridge which however is quite distinct from that of the Rhodesian Ridgeback in that it has a long head, erect ears and typically its eyes are reddish in color. The hair found on the ridge of this dog breed is substantially longer, coarser and darker than that of the rest of its body.

This paradox of two distinct dog breeds both sporting a dorsal ridge of hair yet separated by thousands of miles has led some researchers to conclude that Phu Quoc dogs or some ancestral derivative was responsible for exporting the trait to from Thailand to their African counterparts in the southern portion of Africa. This theory has been widely embraced by many much in part to the fact that their was significant sea traffic trade passing through Phu Quoc.



Yet an equally strong argument and perhaps more accurate is that the characteristic ridge of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was actually indigenous to Africa (indeed for thousands of years several African dogs have sported ridged backs) and was exported to Phu Quoc in congress with the human cargo that was part of the booming slave trade between both shores.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Temperament
As mentioned earlier, the modern Rhodesian Ridgeback dog comes from a long line of canines that were legendary for their courage and versatility in duty performance. Thus it should come as no surprise that today's Rhodesian Ridgeback dog possess many of the same qualities.

Not too long ago the Rhodesian Ridgeback was referred to as the African Lion Dog or the Rhodesian Lion Hound because it was actually selectively bred to hunt lion. Now don't get me wrong, contrary to many a misguided belief, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is not, and never was a lion killer. Fact is it
would be the most exceptionally dog indeed that could kill an adult healthy lion (male lions weigh up to as much as 500 lbs and lioness typically scale in at 260lbs). Simply put there isn't a dog alive that is a match for a full grown lion.



Diamond In The Ruff -- Meet The CAIRN TERRIER

The Cairn terrier hails from Scotland, as do its close and outstanding relatives, the Scottish terrier and the West Highland terrier. Much like another cousin, the Welsh terrier, the Cairn is probably an underappreciated breed in the United States, while it remains wildly popular in the old country. But its relative dark horse status is likely just fine with serious Cairn fans.

Deutsch: Cairn Terrier Nimbu und Pongo aus der...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Unlike several fancier strains of terrier, the Cairn has never been subjected to uptown clips and beauteous barbering, like the Kerry or the Wire terrier. As a result, the Cairn can look pretty shaggy in comparison, and resembles the working dog he was born and bred to be. Cairns, after all, were named after the cairns or piled stones in the Scottish Highlands they so often set themselves to digging through, looking for rats. The Cairn was a fearless hunter of vermin and rouster of foxes, with strong claws, teeth, and an absolutely nonnegotiable hunting instinct. He is not the type of dog you can set loose in the park.

The Cairn terrier is a convenient size for most modern families, weighing only about 13 or 14 pounds. He is tough and resilient, and has a genuine liking for children, although you'll still need to make sure that they treat him gently, like any other dog. The Cairn is a cheerfully independent type with an incredibly sharp brain. You'll want to give him some interesting jobs around the house and make sure he stays as challenged as possible (otherwise, he’s likely to challenge your flower beds). Even though many modern small dogs essentially end up as lapdogs, the Cairn has the smarts and the perseverance to be much more.





Despite his shaggy locks, some terrier lovers find a unique and rustic beauty in this breed. If you want an active, enthusiastic, tough little terrier companion, the Cairn deserves your serious consideration.

Cairns come in almost all colors -- anything but white conforms to type. Anyone wanting to add a small, sharp and very affectionate dog to their family unit would do well to consider the long-lived Cairn.



Thursday, July 6, 2017

Tips on How To Train Your ROTTWEILER

A Rottweiler is a dog that has suffered a lot of stigma because of its physical nature. This dog can be as timid or scary as you want it to be depending on its training.

English: Rottweiler
Rottweiler (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The first step in Rottweiler training tips is letting your dog know that you are in charge. This you should do calmly but firmly. These are intelligent dogs that are aware of their physical strength so it is only proper that you be in the driver's seat. The Rottweiler has very strong jaws and thus it is important that you train your dog on when to hold or release something. Training your dog on when and how to release something will help you prevent many accidents of them biting people or animals. You can make this sort of training effective by using a toy.

Rottweiler's are energetic dogs and in order to put all that energy into good use is by exercising the dogs. The best exercise for these kinds of dogs is running. Just ensure that the area that they are running in is fenced. Taking the dog for walks once in a while is also good.

One of the Rottweiler training tips is that of offering rewards. When your dog does something good then reward it to show that what is it has done is recommendable. If the dog has done something bad then deny it some of the goodies that it is used to. It is advisable to use a clicker if you want to train your Rottweiler to stop a negative habit.

It is only proper that you know that this dog knows that with its intelligence it can play around with you and get its way. This can only be prevented by you maintaining your position of authority. Always let your dog know that you are the one with the final say.

Another thing when it comes to training a Rottweiler is teaching the dog some toilet manners. Train the dog to be going outside to do its peeing and defecation. If it does the right thing, reward it. Get to know when your dog likes to go on a call of nature then lead it outside telling it familiar words like it is time to go to the toilet.



A Rottweiler is a wonderful dog and it can also become a wonderful pet. You simply need to understand its nature of loyalty to what it assumes to be its own. Knowledge is power so get to know all you can about a Rottweiler and then give your dog some good training. Finally it is also good to feed your dog well. Give it all the nutrients that it needs and also do visit the vet regularly so that your dog does not succumb to any illness. Following the Rottweiler training tips will guarantee you an easy time with your Rottweiler pet.




Wednesday, July 5, 2017

How To Start TRAINING Puppies

Training puppies too early can be difficult. But, if you do not train him early, he will very quickly have the run of the house.

Training puppies is necessary because it saves you trouble later. Most dog owners skip this because we all know that dog training takes some effort. If you could teach a puppy in a month, you would be happy. But training a dog well is a longer task. Just because your dog looks cute as a puppy do not let this deter you from training him early.

A one-day-old mixed-breed puppy.
A one-day-old mixed-breed puppy.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)

In training puppies, there are some do’s and don’ts.

Do

Provide the puppy with consistent access to the toilet area. If you are training your puppy at home take him to his toilet area every 45 minutes or so. If you are not at home make sure you help your puppy make as few ‘mistakes’ as possible, by giving him a puppy friendly environment.

Every time your puppy does something ‘good’, give him a reward. If he eliminates his waste in the toilet area, praise him and give him a treat. He will then recognize that his actions were right and aim for more because of the reward he will get. Make sure your rewards immediately follow the good action.

Feed your puppy just like you feed yourself. If you eat regularly, set aside food for him. It is important to train your puppy the right time to eat. This will prevent him from begging for food from your plates.

Be patient in training your puppies. Relapses will take place, but patience and perseverance are key. Remember your dog wants nothing more than to please you. After he is fully trained and it will be worth the while.

Don’t

Shout at your puppy when he makes mistakes. Especially when dogs are young as this can cause frights that can stay with the dog as it gets older.



When house training your dog, don’t leave water and food out all the time. If he drinks a lot, he will urinate more frequently. You will have to allow for more mistakes to be made.

Always watch the actions of your puppy and reinforce the good behavior many times throughout the day. It is not proper to let him run around as if he owns the house. If he does so, he will carry that attitude until he grows up.

Remembering some of these simple tips can make your puppy a better trained dog and a more enjoyable pet.