Fact Sheet: DALMATIAN DOG

(Original Title: Dalmatian Dog Breed)

Photo by pulkitsinha

Of all the dogs, the Dalmatian is easily spotted by its characteristic black spotted features. How these black spots evolved remains a puzzle. The Dalmatian is a European breed, first discovered in Western Yugoslavia. In the USA the Dalmatian was first introduced about 120 years ago and still remains one of the most popular dogs as a pet.

One of the great features of the Dalmatian is its energy level and ability to exercise for long duration. The Dalmatian is not a pet for a small apartment because it needs a lot of room. Training this dog is not difficult but does require a great deal of patience. Training can be difficult at times because the dog often tends to become stubborn. While the Dalmatian does make a great pet dog, it often does get ill tempered with other dogs. Ironically, it is quite friendly with other animals like cats and even horses. For those families with children, the Dalmatian should not be the first pet as it is full of energy and though not intentional, it can be a little rough with small children. However, if the dog is well trained it can make a great loving pet. Despite its size and energy, the dog will rarely harm a child or the owner.

Upkeep and Maintenance

The Dalmatian is one dog that needs regular exercise and thus, it is more suited for people who are active. Simply taking the Dalmatian out to poop will not be adequate as it prefers to go for long outdoor runs. The majority of Dalmatian owners indicate that it makes a great jogging companion. When you first buy the Dalmatian as a puppy it will gladly live in the apartment, but as soon as it grows, it will let you know where it wants to go. Throwing a ball in the park is another way to provide exercise for them as well.

The Dalmatian prefers the cool temperate weather more so than the hot humid climate. When outside, one has to make sure that it is provided with lots of water and a shade to rest under. The dog does tend to become attached to humans and loves people company. Even though the Dalmatian loves the outdoors, it also prefers to be with humans once inside the home.

Health Information

While the Dalmatian generally is disease free, it does suffer from deafness with age. Other common medical ailments that may afflict the dog include an under active thyroid gland, allergies, visual problems and seizures. While CHD has been reported, it is very rare and no where near as common as what occurs in rotteweillers. All Dalmatian owners are recommended that the dog be checked regularly by a veterinarian to screen for the above mentioned health problems

The majority of pet dalmatians live at least 12- 15 years. There are even reports of some Dalmatians living a lot longer. While comparisons are difficult, the dog can be as loving and gentle as a Labrador when it is well trained.

One of the great features of the Dalmatian is its energy level and ability to exercise for long duration. The Dalmatian is not a pet for a small apartment because it needs a lot of room. Training this dog is not difficult but does require a great deal of patience. Training can be difficult at times because the dog often tends to become stubborn. While the Dalmatian does make a great pet dog, it often does get ill tempered with other dogs. Ironically, it is quite friendly with other animals like cats and even horses. For those families with children, the Dalmatian should not be the first pet as it is full of energy and though not intentional, it can be a little rough with small children. However, if the dog is well trained it can make a great loving pet. Despite its size and energy, the dog will rarely harm a child or the owner.

Upkeep and Maintenance

The Dalmatian is one dog that needs regular exercise and thus, it is more suited for people who are active. Simply taking the Dalmatian out to poop will not be adequate as it prefers to go for long outdoor runs. The majority of Dalmatian owners indicate that it makes a great jogging companion. When you first buy the Dalmatian as a puppy it will gladly live in the apartment, but as soon as it grows, it will let you know where it wants to go. Throwing a ball in the park is another way to provide exercise for them as well.

The Dalmatian prefers the cool temperate weather more so than the hot humid climate. When outside, one has to make sure that it is provided with lots of water and a shade to rest under. The dog does tend to become attached to humans and loves people company. Even though the Dalmatian loves the outdoors, it also prefers to be with humans once inside the home.

Health Information

While the Dalmatian generally is disease free, it does suffer from deafness with age. Other common medical ailments that may afflict the dog include an under active thyroid gland, allergies, visual problems and seizures. While CHD has been reported, it is very rare and no where near as common as what occurs in rotteweillers. All Dalmatian owners are recommended that the dog be checked regularly by a veterinarian to screen for the above mentioned health problems

The majority of pet dalmatians live at least 12- 15 years. There are even reports of some Dalmatians living a lot longer. While comparisons are difficult, the dog can be as loving and gentle as a Labrador when it is well trained.

Article By Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on dog outdoor wear online. Article Source: EzineArticles

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DOG OBEDIENCE: A Quick and Easy Way To Train Your Dog to Obey The WAIT Command!

How many times have you tried to teach your dog or puppy to obey the WAIT command, only to discover that your dog doesn't want to WAIT?

Training your dog to WAIT can be very challenging because most dogs are easily distracted. Dogs are also naturally energetic and inattentive. Your dog may have difficulty comprehending the WAIT command because it necessitates inactivity.

As we all know, it doesn't take long for a dog to become restless and bored! That is why the WAIT command is so difficult to teach! Here is an easy way to train your dog to obey the WAIT command:

1. Put your dog on a short leash and walk him to the front door.

Using a leash will allow you to control your dog better when he doesn't respond to the WAIT command at first.

Open the door just enough for you to squeeze through and go outside, leaving your dog on the inside. Now your dog will be one side with you on the other and the leash hanging in between.

You might try giving your dog the SIT command at first. A dog that is in a sitting position will tend to be still a bit longer than if he were standing up.

2. Slowly open the door just a small amount.

Hold up the palm of your hand in a STOP position and say WAIT!

Don't be disappointed if your dog tries to shove open the door and come rushing toward you! Your dog, not knowing this command, is probably going to scramble to push through the door.

3. Shut the door quickly as soon as your dog starts to move toward you.

This will halt the dog in his tracks.

Okay, now repeat step two. Now watch your dog closely. The first time that he doesn't try to rush through the door may only last a mere second!

When your dog finally comprehends the WAIT command and pauses, lavish him with praise and give him a release command (OKAY!) to let him comethrough the door.

4. Practice, practice, practice!

Keep repeating the steps described above. Your dog will eventually learn that when he mellows out and WAITS that you will allow him to pass through the front door.

5. Once your dog learns to obey the WAIT command from the SIT position, try teaching him the command while he is standing up.

This is a much harder position for your dog to master the WAIT command from. He is going to want to move around or even SIT.

Be consistent with your training and practice this routine at every opportunity. Be sure to give your dog lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Soon, your dog will understand what you want and will easily respond to the WAIT command!

Training your dog to obey the WAIT command takes time, patience and practice. But the end result will be worth it! Eventually, you will be rewarded with a dog that no longer bolts out the door every time you open it!

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Tips To Remember For The DOG Bit By Snake

Having a canine pet is amazing. You have a very loyal companion that you can adore all your life. These animal companions can become your greatest source of comfort when you are down as well. When you have the canine pet, make sure that you take care of it properly, as any responsible pet owner would.

There are various dangers that these animal companions can face. In rare occasions, they might get bitten by ophidians, otherwise known as snakes. You have to immediately apply proper treatment in such emergencies to save your canine pet's life. To save your dog bit by a snake (San Diego), here are the best tips that you can use.

First, you should get your hands on a vaccine. The vaccine is basically made from snake venom so it should be effective to counter the poison of the reptile that took the bite. This vaccine can help reduce the bite effects that your domesticated pet is suffering from and delay the fatal effects it might have.

You have to make the pets wear the right leash when you are walking them. It makes it easier for you and your pet to avoid this poisonous animal when you put them on their six-foot leash instead of other alternatives like the flexi-lead. It is said that majority of those bitten by snakes are those that are off-leash or on flexi-lead.

When walking the pets, you should make sure to avoid rocky or dense brush. The same goes for the grassy areas. These are the places where the said ophidians hide. As much as possible, you should stay on the right trail. You should also choose wide roads or trails over narrow brush-bordered trails if you can.

The yard is where your pets can play all they want. Thus, it is highly recommended that you snake-proof your yard. The pet owners should know that just fencing the yard is not enough to keep these reptiles out. You have to find ways to fortify the fence. It may come in the form of a solid cement base or a hardware cloth.

Know what bite symptoms to pay attention to. When the canine pet gets bitten by any ophidian, they will show symptoms that will alert you about it. You have to know what these symptoms are so that you can apply proper treatment. You can immediately bring the canine pet to the vet as well. If it gets delayed, it can be fatal.

If you and your canine pet encounter the ophidian, you should not panic immediately lest you make your pet nervous as well. Instead of panicking, you should calmly and slowly back away from it until you are no longer within its striking distance. Carefully leave the area. If you can see one reptile here, there are likely to be more there.

In case your animal pet has been bitten, then immediately put it in the car. If there is a struggle, then just opt to walk the pet to the car. You have to avoid getting the pet to move around recklessly as the venom can spread faster. Once you get the pet to the car, drive to the vet immediately to get proper treatment.

About the Author: Iva Cannon When you are looking for information about a dog bit by snake San Diego area, you can pay a visit to the web pages online here today. Details are available at http://gooddogtrainingschool.com now.

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Learn More About Your American SHORTHAIR CATS

Photo   by lisa cee (Lisa Campeau) 

Learn about the background and the beauty of short hair cats. Learn also about the most striking physical attribute of the American Shorthair.

Short haired cats had newly immigrated. The Native American Indians and their flea-ridden pariah dogs did not benefit from the pesticide instincts of this cat. The pilgrims who came to America naturally brought along the family cat, who was not only a clean cabin mate. They also can serve as a dependable mouse exterminator.

The cat's natural desire to snag a passing rodent attracted man's attention since the old days and the industrious feline dearly regarded the acquaintanceship of its human admirers. The purebred American Shorthair came from these European cats who arrived in North America around 1620. However, being a purebred did not stop them from breeding and cross-breeding for nearly the next three centuries without human giving them a second thought.

The average short hair was effective as a hunter and ever so self-sufficient, hardly amenable to much coming from the human species. This features made human become interested in breeding cats and exhibiting them. Imported longhairs and other exotics took center stage - and the tough, alley cat was all too glad.

The free-spirited street life that they led, however, would not persist too much longer. The Americans began to consider the virtues of these athletic little mouse exterminators. The breed standard for the American Short hair did not originate as a description of one passing or fox-trotting alley cat.

The ideal conformation of cat derives from what would be perfect as a working cat, with just happens that the short hairs exactly are. Through the centuries, these cats adapted to a varied environment, much like how the settlers who kept them: this was a rugged, healthy and autonomous kitty. Thus the standard for the American Shorthair, which the original fanciers began to follow, emphasizing the nature and appearance of the "breed."

Today's breed continues to emulate the free spirit, autonomy and strong work ethic of its American founding fathers. They still are as efficient as mouse exterminators as their ancestors were.

Cat lovers today may start thinking about the value of purchasing a purebred cat that is intentionally made to look like just a normal cat around the town. Although American fanciers believe that the American Short hair looks distinctively purebred, less informed cat purchasers may not know about it unless they were informed of it.

Probably the most striking physical attribute of the American Shorthair is the animal's symmetry. Everything that they have is naturally harmoniously proportioned and placed. This natural quality that they possess underscores the whole of the cat. The head is marked by full cheeks and is oblong, though still somewhat longer than wide.The body in its good development is powerful and well-knit. The legs are strongly boned with heavy muscle which helps the cats run and jump better and of course to stalk their prey.

Author: Tommy Lee  - Article Source: GoArticles

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CANINE ARTHRITIS: Early Detection, Signs, and Symptoms That Your Dog Has It

Photo by Musespeak

In their youth, our pets love to run, jump and play hard. They rip around the house or yard enjoying life and amusing us. Unfortunately, aging and or genetics takes its toll. Your pet may seem lethargic or not as enthusiastic about going outside anymore. While these symptoms could point to many problems, it would not be uncommon for your pet to be suffering from a common form of joint disease, osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is as common in pets as it is in people. As with us, age and old injuries takes its toll on our joints, but there are breeds genetically predisposed to various joint problems. Malformed knee or hip joints can bring on inflammation to the affected area. The cartilage protecting and allowing a knee joint to bend and flex smoothly without pain may be deteriorating. Cartilage keeps connecting bone from rubbing together. Without it, the friction of bone on bone contact causes inflammation. Pain levels vary from mild to severe depending on the amount of damage to the cartilage.

As a degenerative disorder, arthritis can and in most cases will get worse over time. It may start out as small pangs of pain that can be easily tolerated, but it can escalate into unbearable, debilitating pain. Our pets can't tell us this of course, but their body language will let you know something is wrong. Early detection can lead to treatments that can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. The symptoms are easy to spot, but diagnosis by a veterinarian is advised.

So what should you look for? What are the signs that your pet may have a joint disease? For starters, arthritis will definitely affect the mobility of your pet. If you notice them having difficulty moving around, limping, getting up, lying down, jumping on furniture, or perhaps standing on their hind legs to greet you, chances are, pain is slowing them down. Like us, they'll limit mobility to minimize their discomfort. Consulting with your veterinarian is always a good idea, and once diagnosed, treatment can begin.

In the event that your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, are there treatments? Of course, there are, in fact, there are a number of options available to reduce your dog's pain and make it healthier again. The most popular treatment today comes in form of nutraceuticals. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate are natural substances given as food supplements. These 2 supplements, especially when paired together, are effective in reducing inflammation to the affected joint. Along with its efficacy, glucosamine paired with chondroitin are very safe, with virtually no side effects or dangers to your pet's health. Your vet may initially prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) as the treatment to reduce inflammation and pain quickly, but they do come with a laundry list of side effects that can be dangerous to your pet.

Finding out that your dog or cat has arthritis can certainly be worrisome, but with proper treatment, your pet can avoid most if not all of the pain associated with it. Early treatment is beneficial, so take heed of the symptoms and remember to take your pet to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention glucosamine as a treatment if your vet does not.

By Jack Russel If you're looking for a product to give your pet, I highly recommend Synflex for Pets. A leader in the industry, Synflex Liquid Glucosamine offers a complete line of products for people and pets with joint problems associated with arthritis. For over a decade, Synflex delivers on its promise to deliver pain-free joints for your pet. Synflex is affordable, easy to administer, and in my opinion the most effective liquid glucosamine product available for pet arthritis. Take a closer look at Synflex for Pets and see if your pet may benefit from its use. Article Source: EzineArticles

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BICHON FRISÉ - Dogs of the World

Bichon Frisé - Dogs of the World

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What You Must Know About The TIBETAN MASTIFF

Tibetan Mastiff dog during the world dogs show in Poznań, Poland.
His name is BISS CH. LAFAHHS LOKAPALA DRAKYI.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed dog that originated from the nomadic cultures of Tibet, Nepal, China, and India. This is one of the breeds that is widely used by the local tribes of Himachal Pradesh China. The dog was used to protect the sheep from leopards and guard homesteads. It was also kept for the purpose of guarding monasteries and palaces. The dog had to be left loose so that it can run around performing its guardianship duties.

The dog acquired its name mastiff from its size; it is a big dog hence the early western visitors referred to as Tibetan Mastiff. The dog is heavily built, has more facial wrinkling, is better structured and well muscled. A grown-up male can reach a height of 33 in. If the dog is bred in the west, it can attain a weight of between 95 -150 lbs. Even though, a specimen of up to 330 lbs. has been recorded. The specimen was bred in Chinese and western kennels. The nomads preferred the 95-150 lb weight because it allowed the dog to perform its property guardianship duties with ease.

In the west, the dog is considered a primitive breed because it retained the features that enabled it to survive in Tibet and the high altitude of the Himalayan range in the northern part of Nepal, India and Bhutan. Despite its size, the dog has a high level of energy, it is quiet indoor and is fairly calm. This is a polite dog that is generally a good apartment dog.

The Tibetan Mastiffs is a quiet dog especially when its needs are met and kept in a good living condition. However, it can be a barker when left outside alone. If it is kept in a confinement that is not well fenced, the dog can easily climb the fences and escape.

The Tibetan Mastiff dog is tolerant of children and other family members. Unfortunately, it is not well suited for homes with young children since it can easily mistake the yelling and the playing of visiting children as a sign of aggression and therefore will not allow visiting children to play around.

Generally, the Tibetan Mastiff has a strong instinct for people and may have a good reason when they don't get over disliking a particular person. The dog requires daily walks on different routes to stop it from being territorial. It is active in the morning and evening but you can take it for exercises whenever you are free.

By Wayne Booth Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The BICHON FRISE - The Cotton Ball of Canines

Photo  by gareth1953 New Profile 

The Bichon Frise is a small, solid white dog with the curly hair typical of a poodle. These little guys are appealing for many reasons, including the fact that they just look so cuddly.

As is the case with many breeds, the Bichon Frise saw a rise in popularity after a group of nobles became enamored with these dogs. In this case, it was the French nobility who used the dogs as companions, even going so far as to include the Bichon Frise in their social activities. It's believed that these dogs originated sometime in the 13th or 14th Century. They were quickly picked up by traders who saw the potential for profit from carrying these attractive little dogs to the rich in other countries.

Their natural intelligence combined with their small size has made them a favorite performing dog. They've traveled with any number of performing people, ranging from individuals who collected a few coins performing on street corners to the largest circuses. As a rule, the Bichon Frise will grow no larger than 10 to 12 pounds and some are much smaller.

Blanca, the Bichon of the Operator of this Site - Photo: Werner Cappel

Their small size has also made them a popular dog for people with very limited space. These little guys will play either indoors or out and you can often achieve sufficient exercise simply by playing games with them in the confines of your living room. They like to play with toys and will also get quite a lot of their exercise on their own. Some apartment dwellers have opted to box-train their Bichon Frise to eliminate the need for walking in inclement weather since these dogs can get the needed dose of activity inside.

As a rule, the Bichon Frise is solid white, though some variations occur and are generally acceptable. These dogs are never dark-colored but may range from a pure white to apricot or a very pale tan. Usually, they are solid colored with no color markings. Because of the close relationship to the Poodle, these dogs are often sought out by people who have allergies. Typically, the Poodle breeds - including the Bichon Frise - are non-shedding and may be tolerated by those with an allergy to most dog dander.

The intelligent eyes of the Bichon Frise seem almost to be questioning and the tail wagging is a sure sign of approval. Grooming is typically not an extensive task for the Bichon Frise. The coat consists of two separate layers. The under layers is much finer than the outer. For families, keeping the coat groomed to a fairly short length will ensure that the dog is easy to care for. One of the few routine tasks needed is cleaning the ears. Because these dogs have that "poodle-curl," the hair inside the ears tends to curl inward, causing potential problems. Plucking and cleaning should be performed routinely to keep the ear canal clean and clear of wax build up and infection.

Bichon Frise that are well-socialized love people and will quickly become happy members of almost any family. Their joyful nature makes them a sought-after pet, and their size and intelligence make them ideal for a show.

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EXOCITC SHORTHAIR Kittens

Brown Exotic Shorthair Female Kitten.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a breed that came into being around 30 years ago. They are a cross between the Persian Longhair and the British Shorthair. The resulting breed is a lovely cat with many of the distinctive features of the Persian but obviously with shorter hair. Although their hair is short, it is every bit as thick as the Persian Longhairs coat and is very dense and soft. They are attractive cats with wide-set eyes and distinctive faces. The Exotic Shorthair kittens are probably some of the prettiest kittens that you will see.

In the past, the general ruling for breeding of Exotic Shorthair kittens was to mate a British Shorthair to a Persian Longhair. As the breed has grown in numbers, however, it is now more normal to breed using two Exotics. Occasionally breeders will revert to original to perhaps breeding new colors etc, but this is no longer necessary to swell the gene pool.

There are still only a few hundred Exotic Shorthair kittens being born each year so they are not always easy to source. There are, however, websites full of information including details of how to find a breeder. Always use a reputable breeder and make sure that you have details of the parents. Whenever possible ask to see both mother and father. Often it is not so easy to see the father as he may not be kept at the same home, but make sure that all the paperwork is in place and you have all the information that you can get.

Exotic Shorthair kittens are robust little animals and very playful. They are bright and easily trained. By the time you get your kitten they should have been litter trained by their mother and be vaccinated. There should be no signs or history of disease or parasite and they should be happy and lively. They are naturally inquisitive and affectionate and love to be cuddled and handled. If the kitten is not keen on contact with humans then it may not have been handled sufficiently and may not have learned to interact with people properly. A happy and healthy Exotic kitten will love to be with people and you will be able to establish a loving and affectionate relationship with it as it grows into an adult.

Buying a kitten is never a straightforward business. There are many things which you must consider prior to actually bringing your pet home. You will need to research the best food for example. This is something that you should talk to the breeder about. They will have been providing a particular kind of food and feeding pattern which you should stick to, at least to begin with. If you do want to change the feeding structure and diet it must be done over a period of time so as not to upset the kitten's digestion. The Exotic Shorthair kitten is a lovely pet and given care and love will be an affectionate family member.

By Wendy Pan - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: CAIRN TERRIER

(Original title: The Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier)

Photo by Cuyahoga jco 

The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland’s terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves.  During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, Cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy.  

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of “Toto” in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety’s talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.    

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

Category: Terrier

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

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat

Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds 

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above 

Breeders should note the following health issues: 

•  Atopy, a type of allergy 

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

•  Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

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

•  Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

Care and Exercise: 

• Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.

• Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.

• Do not overfeed them as they gain weight easily.

• Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.

• They should be on a leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts. 

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. 

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns.

In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in Cairns.  However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club. 

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

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ASIAN CAT Breeds

Adult female Balinese cat (siamese longhair)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I would like to share with you today the cat breeds of Asia. The cats of Asia are unique breeds both natural and developed types. They have their own markings and personalities. Some of the breeds date back to ancient times when a cat was worshiped like a god.

The Balinese is a longhair mutation of the Siamese. The Balinese has a long silky coat, plumed tail, and Siamese markings. The Balinese's coat is white or cream colored with grey, blue, lilac or chocolate points. The Balinese is intelligent, alert, curious and fun loving.

The Birman, originally from Burma, was a sacred companion of the priests. The Birman is a large, long stocky cat with silky hair. Its' coat is light with darker points and white feet. The Birman is gentle, active and playful.

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a hybrid of the Siamese. The Colorpoint is very similar to the Siamese with a white or cream coat but has 4 times the point colors. The Colorpoint produces low levels of dander making it a good choice for someone with cat allergies.

A show-quality female Japanese bobtail
 looks attentively at the camera,
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Japanese Bobtail is a symbol of good luck in Japan. Originally from China, the Japanese Bobtail has been around for centuries as shown in ancient paintings. The tail is the unique feature of the cat. The Japanese Bobtail is friendly, active and intelligent.

Named for the island next to Bali, the Javanese is identical to the size of the Balinese but differs in coat color. The Javanese is highly intelligent and easily adaptable to its' surroundings.

Considered a symbol of good luck in Thailand, the Korat (or Si-Sawat) is a rare breed of cat. The Korat is known for its' green eyes and a keen sense of hearing, sight and scent. Its' coat is silver blue and multi-layered. Pricing of a Korat depends on its' bloodline and show history.

The Oriental is a very curious and intelligent cat. The Oriental's coat is fine and silky and can be over 300 different colors. The Oriental's body is sleek with a whippy tail. The Oriental is very loyal.

Originally from Singapore, the Singapura is a small shorthaired cat with large eyes and ears. Its' light beige coat is unique. The Singapura can have hazel, green or yellow eyes. The Singapura is intelligent, curious and playful.

Native to the mountains of Lake Van in Turkey, the Turkish Van is a desired breed due to its' rarity. Its' coat is white with semi-long hair. Its' eyes can be amber, blue or one amber, one blue. Unlike most other cats, they love the water.

Probably the best known of the Asian cats is the Siamese. Originally from Thailand (formerly known as Siam), the Siamese can be found in most parts of the world. The Siamese have short silky coats with almond-shaped eyes. The light coat with dark points makes them easily recognizable. The Siamese is intelligent, curious and loving.

When considering a cat for a pet, you may want to explore the attributes of the Asian cats. You can view pictures of the Asian cats at petside.com.

By Frank Loethen Frank Loethen, live in Georgia with my wife and three cats. Have 5 children a 4 grandchildren. Article Source: EzineArticles

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GERMAN Vs All Other ROTTWEILERS

Photo by arne.list 

If you don't own a Rottweiler or aren't involved with the breed, then it might come as a big surprise that the typical Rottweiler (American Rottweiler) you see here and again, getting walked in your neighborhood or being often portrayed in a negative light in most media, is actually world's apart from the original Rottweiler from Germany, the German Rottweiler.

The German Rottweiler can trace its roots as far as back as the Roman Empire and is considered by many to be one of the oldest herding dogs. The Rottweiler was used for various activities in different periods of history. In ancient times. the Rottweiler was used to herd and protect livestock, while in modern times was used primarily as a guard dog by militaries and police. Thus, the Rottweiler is a multi-faceted breed capable of performing various tasks and is very smart, loyal, eager to work, and is very confident.

Now, there are two basic differences between the kennel organizations like the AKC and ADRK. In the early 20th century, Germany had a few existing Rottweiler clubs covering the span of Germany, and it was in the 20's when they all came together to form the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), i.e. General German Rottweiler Klub. Now, this organization has for almost 100 years now maintained a strict standard and guidelines to what the Rottweiler should be, as after all the Rottweiler is German and they wanted to preserve the Rottweiler for what it is (a working dog), and thus to this day have the best Rottweilers. In Germany, one cannot simply just breed any Rottweiler they like, be it a Rottweiler with papers and a Rottweiler without papers, like you can in America, but instead there is a procedure to it.

If you have ever looked at an import German (Pink Paper) pedigree, you will notice that there is a detailed paragraph for every Rottweiler in that dog's pedigree. These paragraphs are official "critiques" of the Rottweiler given by certified ADRK judges, These critiques are given when you take your Rottweiler to Zuchttauglichkeitsprufung (called the ZTP or BST) which translates to "breeding suitability test," and it officially certifies that a Rottweiler is acceptable as breeding stock. In Germany, a Rottweiler must meet this degree before being bred and hence, is the affirmation that this particular Rottweiler is within the standard and is an ambassador for the breed. This sort of "screening", if you will, helps weed out weak genetics and assures that the breed of Rottweilers will only continue to get better. The ZTP also tests the dogs working ability, because a Rottweiler not capable of working is not a Rottweiler. He just falls into the group of all other Molossoid breeds and isn't distinguishable.

If I can put it into an analogy, it would be like if you saw a really sporty looking car on the street being passed by a Geo. The car may look like it's fast, but in reality, it isn't. The Rottweiler is the same, you might see one that may look really nice, but if he can't do what he is naturally intended to do, which is to work, then he isn't a true Rottweiler. Germans test the dogs working ability with Schutzhund. Schutzhund is like the police dog training that most people have seen, consisting of the dog biting a man wearing a padded suit with a bite sleeve. But, it is a little more thorough than just biting. Schutzhund consists of 3 parts: Obedience, Protection, and Tracking.

Now, I can go on speaking about Schutzhund for the next hour, but the gist of it is that it makes the Rottweiler completely controllable, confident, and ready to do any command that is asked by his owner. The obedience part does just this, the Rottweiler is tested in various ways on his ability to listen and perform tasks that are commanded by his owner. The Protection part, falls in line with obedience, as the Rottweiler is commanded to find the perpetrator (in Schutzhund he is hiding behind Teepee-like blinds), get up as close as possible to the perp and consistently bark to acknowledge to his owner that he has found him and to await the owners commands. Lastly, the tracking not only tests the Rottweiler's scenting ability but his overall mental soundness and ability to find items precisely. This is just the very basic explanation of it, I'll write a very thorough article on Rottweilers and Schutzhund shortly.

So, the ZTP critiques the dog's look or confirmation, and also these 3 phases of Schutzhund. Point being, this sort of testing is paramount if you want to preserve the integrity of a breed like the Rottweiler.

In America on the other hand, there is none of this. There was a large influx of Rottweilers being imported from throughout Germany and Europe and being registered in the 70s and 80s, that at one point the Rottweiler was one of the most registered dogs in the AKC in the 80's. AKC almost has zero Rottweiler-specific regulations when it comes to breeding like the ADRK has, so for the last 30-40 years, anyone with a Rottweiler was able to breed to any other Rottweiler, not taking into consideration the German standard, and thus resulted in the American Rottweiler.

Now, one of the first things you will see when placing a German Rottweiler side by side an American Rottweiler is that the German Rottweiler has a tail. Docking tails have become part of the German standard in the early 2000's and are outlawed in most of Europe. In America, the vast majority of breeders still do it as it is still legal. The separate point also being, that if you encounter Rottweiler breeders saying that they breed German Rottweilers, but you see the tails cropped, they are obviously not following the ADRK standard and are not breeding German Rottweilers.

Another difference you will immediately see is the sheer size difference between the two. German Rottweilers tend to be a lot larger and more compact than typical Rottweilers. German Rottweilers have heavier bones, thicker necks, wider chests, bigger headpieces, more pronounced stops (arched foreheads), shorter muzzles, deeper chests, and won't have as long legs like American Rottweilers.

The German Rottweiler also tends to learn a lot quicker than American Rottweilers and has inherent guard instincts that are more pronounced than typical Rottweilers. The German Rottweiler as well will have more pronounced and a lot darker eye and mouth pigmentation.

This was just a general introduction to the differences between the real German Rottweiler, and the rest. If you encounter someone proposing that his Rottweiler is a German Rottweiler, first ask who his parents or grandparents are and Google their names to see if they are real ADRK registered German Rottweilers. And of course, don't ask them this if you see that he has a cropped tail, as more likely than not, he will not be a German Rottweiler.

By Slobodan Petrovic If you enjoyed this article, and enjoy Rottweilers in general, please make sure to visit our website and see pictures of our beautiful Rottweilers, our adorable puppies pictures, about us as German Rottweiler breeders, and a lot more! http://www.vbrott.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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Dog History: The PIT BULL Terrier

Pit Bull - Photo  by maplegirlie 

Most modern Pit Bulls are believed to be descended from European bulldogs and different breeds of mastiffs that were once used in farm work. The mastiffs were known for their strength and power, so they were primarily used to help farmers with their bulls when it was time to bring them in from the fields.

The mastiff became known as the bulldog. The dog’s main purpose was to protect the farmer from being gored by an enraged bull. The dog usually accomplished this task by biting onto the bull and hanging on until the bull relented. Since these dogs were used for protection from angry bulls, they had to have tremendous strength in their jaws and bodies. They also had to be stubborn enough to hang onto a stampeding bull, no matter what the bull did to them, to protect the farmer they worked for.

As time passed, these dogs started being used in bull and bear baiting. During this time it is believed some Bulldogs were also bred with terriers to help make them better suited for these sports. By mixing with the terrier breed, the dogs were smaller and a great deal more agile than the regular bulldog. They also had more muscular bodies, which helped to enhance their damage producing ability. These sports were most popular in England around the early nineteenth century. In the year 1835, English Parliament banned the sports of bull and bear baiting, stating that it was much too cruel to the animals involved. The sport lost popularity and eventually died completely out after a few years.

Dog fighting soon took the place of the previously banned bull and bear baiting sports. Breeders began trying to produce dogs that were geared to be excellent fighters. They tried to enhance the dog’s agility, strength, and musculature to make them more formidable opponents. Breeders also tried to breed the most intelligent dogs so they would be less likely to make mistakes in fighting, and also so they would only be aggressive toward other dogs, not humans they may encounter. One of the rules of dogfighting was that the owner of the dog had to be able to enter the ring during a fight, pick his dog up, and take it completely out of the fighting ring without the dog biting him. If the dog bit the owner during this time, the dog was immediately killed.


Dog Files Ep.12: Pit Proud: The History Of The Pit Bull from GP Creative on Vimeo.

Also in the 1800’s Pit Bulls started becoming popular pets, not just for dog fighting and farming. The dog became a mascot during World War 1 and could be seen on many war posters, which helped to increase its popularity. They were popular because of their high intelligence and devotion to their masters. In the early 1900’s pit bulls began being used in movies as well.

The Pit Bull is a dog with a very detailed history and is still quite popular today. The breed does receive a lot of negative criticism, but with the right owners, still, make terrific pets.

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