AFFENPINSCHER'S Function and Temperament

The original function of breed was that of a rodent killer in the kitchens, barns, stables and granaries. Some report that the Affen was used to flush out small game, also. Over the past three centuries the Affenpinscher has become a loved family companion who is willing to be dressed up in doll clothes by the young girls and pushed around in a baby carriage. But the dog is also willing to roughhouse in the yard or go chasing a ball with the boys. The breed's flexible front quarters allow the playful pet to quickly pivot, scoop up a ball and literally toss it toward his master. 

Affenpinscher - Photo: Wikimedia

Going for long walks or sitting on the sofa watching TV with the family, the Affenpinscher adapts and thrives with all kinds of human interaction. However, children under four years old or older children who do not respect the dog's need for space and quiet time should not have an Affenpinscher. As with any small dog, uncontrolled little people can appear to be the enemy. Extra care should be taken to introduce the puppy into a family with young children.

Generally, this breed is a wonderful companion. It travels well and can accompany the family almost anywhere and by almost any means of transportation. In an adequately sized dog crate, a soft-sided doggie carrying case with a net covered opening, or any small pet carrying case, as long as his master or mistress is near, the Affen makes a quiet and easy traveling companion.

The Affenpinscher makes an alert, intelligent and amusing pet. His personality well suits his whimsical, monkey-like appearance and the twinkle in his eyes. Imagine, if you will, a dog that loves to throw and chase his own toys, using his front paws as hands. If you laugh at his antics, your Affenpinscher will perform even more enthusiastically for your entertainment. It is quite common for him to accompany his play with a great deal of enthusiastic racing around and barking, although retrieving is not something that generally comes naturally. One of the funniest things we've ever observed was an Affenpinscher attacking a wind-up stuffed dog that walked, barked and flipped over. With this in mind, child's toys are best kept out of the dog's reach, and all of the Affen's toys should be checked carefully for suitability. Toys with small parts or materials inside that could injure the dog if ingested should be avoided or allowed only with supervision.

Another characteristic of this breed is its independence, which sometimes verges on aloofness. The Affenpinscher has a great sense of its own self-importance, which is comical in a breed so small and endearingly bedraggled.

This delightful little creature also makes an excellent watchdog, barking vociferously as his first line of defense if he feels his territory is being invaded (even by the postman). Originally bred to guard his domain from intruders, be they rodent, canine or human, an Affenpinscher will still defend his property (including his owners) fearlessly.

It is likely that the Affenpinscher will bond most closely to one member of your family. While he is generally a quiet and affectionate companion, he is likely to become extremely excited and aggressive if he perceives that he or his owners are being attacked. This means that you should be careful when introducing your pet to visitors, and make sure that he understands that they are welcome in his home. Speak to your dog softly and soothingly, and allow him to approach your visitors when he is ready, rather that forcing their attentions on him. He may feel insecure or become frightened if a stranger bends down to pet him. It is also not a good idea for a stranger to stare directly into your Affenpinscher's eyes, as he may interpret this as a challenge.

Although Affenpinschers do have a terrier-like personality, they generally tend to get along with other dogs and pets (except for hamsters, guinea pigs and other rodent or rodent-like to view as prey). This is especially true if they have been raised with other animals. However, you should expect that your Affenpinscher will want to monopolize all of your attention, pushing his way in if you are playing with or petting one of your other pets. Because your Affenpinscher might attack a strange dog that he perceives as a threat, even one much larger than he is, it is important to keep him on his leash in public places. Keeping him on leash is also important for preventing him from running off after something that incites his interest, possibly into danger.

The same characteristics that make the Affenpinscher such a good watching dog mean that he generally is not a suitable breed for people with small children, although there are exceptions to this rule. Affenpinschers tend to guard their food and toys and may nip a child who attempts to take something they see as their property or who pesters them when they are sleeping or otherwise occupied. It is best if youngsters outside the family be told not to pet your Affenpinscher, as he might feel threatened and snap at them. Although generally he will not bite hard enough to break the skin, he definitely will set limits on how much he allows himself to be handled. Children should also be discouraged from picking up your dog, as he might be injured if accidentally dropped. Additionally, a small child who is flailing his arms and legs about, screaming or running away might be perceived as prey by this breed, and an Affenpinscher will certainly go after what he thinks is prey.

Because of his small size, the Affenpinscher is well suited to indoor life, even in a small apartment. The Affenpinscher thrives on the company of his human companions and tends to stay close to his owners, whether indoors or outside on a country walk (though he must be on leash for safely). This is not a dog meant to be left in the yard for hours on end or in a kennel. In fact, because he is such a great climber, he is likely to attempt to escape from any such confinement. If you use a pen or metal crate during house-training or to confine your dog when you are away, be certain that the pen or crate has a tight-fitting lid. We once knew a dog that hanged himself by pushing his head through a loose corner at the top of a pen and then was unable to get back down or out.

Affenpinschers living indoors, as they should, do not become acclimated to winter temperatures. Therefore, when walking your Affenpinscher outdoors in cold weather, be sure to provide him with a warm jacket. Quality pet-supply shops will have a variety of "winter-wear" for your stylish Affenpinscher.

By Haoran Gao Article Source: EzineArticls

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How To Care For A FRENCH BULLDOG - Frenchie

Caring for a French Bulldog, or “Frenchie” as they have been nicknamed, can be a fun and rewarding experience as long as you take the time, and put a little effort into it. These dogs are great companions, are very loving and loyal, and completely rely upon you, as their owner, to take care of them.

French Bulldog - Photo by Llima

The first step in caring for your French Bulldog is to get a collar for them, with tags that include your name and phone number. License them and have them registered with the local Human Society. Everyday animals get lost and end up in the local pound. If your dog does happen to escape, a tag that leads back to the owner is almost a guarantee that the family will be reunited with their pet within a short period of time.

If you are not planning on breeding your dog, then have them spayed or neutered when they reach the appropriate age. The world is being flooded with abandoned dogs, even French Bulldogs, so take the precaution of fixing your animal so that no unwanted surprises may arise in the future. People from all over the world claim that dogs such as these should never be spayed or neutered because of their value, but if you are purchasing the animal as a pet and have no plans to have puppies, then take them to the vet and have the deed done.

Feed your puppy with high quality dog food. Avoid the cheap generic brands because they have additives in them, such as ground up feathers that can harm the health of your dog. Feed them one full bowl a day, or two small bowls per day. It is important to not over feed your puppy, which will make them overweight and unhealthy.

Exercise your puppy on a regular basis. The healthier your bulldog is, the longer they will live, and the happier they will be. Set some time aside everyday to go for a walk in the park, or in the mountains, or even around the block a couple of times. The location of the walk is not near as important as actually doing the walk.

The personal hygiene of your puppy is also a mandatory aspect of caring for your Frenchie. Since this breed drools throughout the day, use a warm wash cloth and clean the entire face and neck area, making sure to get into all of the folds and creases. Bathe them in warm water on a regular basis, using only shampoo designed for dogs. Once every couple of months, have the teeth cleaned, and make regular veterinary visits to ensure that their health, and their shots, are up to date and at a safe level.

Caring for your French Bulldog puppy may seem to be a time consuming venture, but it is well worth it. Having a healthy, happy, lovable dog at your side is one of the greatest pleasures of life.

Searching for french bulldog? Then don’t look further. Visit Puppymatch4you.com, you will find the best French Bulldog puppies for sale by French Bulldog breeders online.

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FINNISH SPITZ: Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Finnish Spitz

Breed Description

The Finnish Spitz is a northern breed that resembles a red fox. This medium-sized breed was originally used as a hunting dog, but now they are a bird dog that is used to flush wood grouse. This breed weighs an average between 31-34 pounds, and has a height of 15-20 inches.

Coat

The Finnish Spitz has a double coat. Their undercoat is dense and soft, while their topcoat is harsh and long that is one or two inches long. Males have slightly longer and coarser fur than the slightly refined furs of the females. Red gold on their backs, or reddish-brown colors are accepted, preferably bright, with accepted lighter shades on their underside.

Finnish Spitz (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Activity

The Finnish Spitz loves outdoors, but can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise. A securely fenced area should be provided for this breed as they love to run free. Requiring a great deal of exercise, this breed should be taken on a long walk, or a jog, as running around a fenced space cannot satisfy their primal instinct to walk.

Temperament

The Finnish Spitz is known to intermingle admirably with people, children included. This breed is a delightful member of the family, with the ability to play placidly with children, yet rough with other dogs. Some of these dogs love other dogs, and some may be passive or aggressive, and shy. This breed is highly loyal, and so it should be expected to be moody or shy around other dogs. This dog is known to bark on anything they perceive as unusual. This can be prevented through training, although this can make them excellent watchdogs.

Overview

The Finnish Spitz is known to be generally great companion animals. They are protective and loyal, but this tends to make them noisy as they bark at anything that is atypical for them.

Care

With a self-cleaning coat that sheds dirt by itself, the Finnish Spitz does not have a doggie odor on their coats. Regular grooming with a comb or a brush is required to remove dead fur as they are known to be a seasonally heavy shedder.

Training

The Finnish Spitz is a highly intelligent breed that is strong-willed and independent. A highly trainable breed requiring a firm but gentle tone and touch, this dog responds best to appreciation than correction. They easily get bored, so training should be kept short, and appealing. Patience is highly essential in training the Finnish Spitz. Owners may feel as if they are not making progress, and suddenly, they will surprise you. This breed is known to be competent in obedience competition, if trained with reward and a lot of praise.

Character

Bred as barking hunting dog, this breed is known to bark at anything they perceive as a threat. It should be noted, though, that although this breed may be barkers, they are well-suited to be a watchdog rather than a guard dog as they rarely bite. This breed makes a delightful family dog and a hunting dog as well, with a big heart for children.

By Ricardo Lumbardo To learn more about American Bulldog and to find other high quality breeds, please visit http://www.11-peaks.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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How to Prevent Your CAT's Bladder Stones by Changing Her Diet

Most of us haven't heard of a bladder stone, as it's usually a kidney stone humans struggle with. However, this problem can occur in a cat or dog because of a mineral deposit that has formed in its urinary bladder. Many times these stones or crystals will dissipate on their own, but it becomes problematic when they bond together. Then the cat's bladder stones become so large it's hard for a cat to pass it through urination.

X-ray of a Struvite bladder stone in a cat
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These bladder stones are actual stones made of minerals like calcium and magnesium. They can be a single deposit or can be a collaboration of smaller pieces. The stones can become quite large and take up most of the bladder or be very fine so they pass through while the cat urinates.

This formation of stones is called urolithiasis and develops within the urinary tract, the ureter, the kidneys or in the bladder. Most times this problem happens in the cat's bladder. Part of the issue is the pH difference in the urination, which causes the mineral deposits to develop and turn into crystals or stones.

If you want to stop cat's bladder stones from forming, then give your cat a balanced diet. Sometimes people unknowingly feed their pets a cat food which is high in minerals. Some cat food makers report that when cats consume magnesium ammonium, they'll develop bladder stones or crystals. This is why the manufacturers increased the acidity in the food so magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals won't develop. The problem is very few cats have this urinary issue, and when the rest of the cat population eats this food, they are more acceptable to calcium oxalate crystals. This is as problematic and can also cause painful results for your cuddly pet. The best way to know what your cat is eating is to look at the cat food's ingredients. It needs to be low in calcium and magnesium.

When you feed your cat correctly, it will be easier to achieve a urination pH level that ranges from 6.4 through 6.6. You want your cat's digestive system to be functioning with the highest efficiency. The digestive enzymes need to be formulated with the right mineral balance, and when this happens, bladder stones aren't going to develop as easy.

However, if you suddenly see signs of a problem, then take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of them are similar to a bladder infection, but both need to be treated appropriately. Symptoms don't always appear with some cats, but there can be urinating troubles, straining or blood. Even a never-ending bladder infection can be because of a stone. At times, a vet can feel the cat's bladder stones through their abdominal wall. Other times the stones can be discovered through an x-ray or ultrasound.

The best way to prevent cat's bladder stones from starting is to feed them correctly - it's the best kind of love! This is why it's important to stop these stones from starting in the first place.

by Kate Rieger Article Directory: EzineArticles

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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 (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.

By Omer Ashraf The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on American Bobtail cat. Article Source: EzineArticles

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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!

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Fact Sheet: YORKSHIRE TERRIER - Yorkie

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

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.

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MAGYAR VIZSLA - Dogs of the World

Magyar Vizsla - Photo: Wikimedia

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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“  Wikimedia Commons.

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.

By Flora Westbrooks Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: NORFOLK TERRIER

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

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.

By Ricardo Lumbardo To find American bulldog puppies for sale and other high quality breeds, please visit http://www.11-peaks.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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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.

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

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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.

By Cheyenne Ibit Article Source: EzineArticles

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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.
(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.

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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 (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.

By John P Jackson This article was written by John Jackson and has been contributed by http://www.greatdogsite.com. For more information on the Vizsla, please visit our page http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Vizsla/. Article Source: EzineArticles

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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!

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

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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.
(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
(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. 

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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 (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).

By David Braybrooke For more informative cat articles and for a wide range of cat products, toys, training manuals, books, and other paraphernalia, Please visit: http://fatherspirit-catablog.blogspot.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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