The FINNISH SPITZ: Barking Bird Dog

Finnish Spitz (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Finnish Spitz is the national dog of Finland. Other names for this breed are the Barking Bird Dog and the Finnish Hunting dog. The name of "Barking Bird Dog" is quite appropriate. When attending dog shows where Finnish Spitz is entered, one can always find the grooming area of this little dog by following the sound of the barking! The breed has been used as a hunting dog in Finland since ancient times and was recognized by the Finnish Kennel club in 1892. In the American Kennel Club, they have recently been recognized as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. They are gaining in popularity but are still considered "rare" in this country.

The Finnish Spitz dogs have the typical "Spitz" appearance of a brushy coat with emphasis on the ruff at the neck and the bushy curled tail. They are always bright red to apricot in color. Finnish Spitz is easy to care for, the coat is dense and needs regular brushing but the hairs are straight and stiff and relatively short so is not difficult to keep free of mats. This type of coat is what is called "harsh" or "brush" and is always easier to deal with than a long coat that is "soft" in texture. It is a good looking dog, small upright ears and rather pointed face give this dog a fox-like appearance. By nature, the Finnish Spitz does not seem to have a "doggy" odor so it is a clean dog to keep in the household.

The breed is relatively free of genetic conditions and the incidence of hip dysplasia is rare although this should be checked before breeding. Their hunting repertoire includes everything from birds to bear and the dog is fearless as a hunter despite its small size of 15 to 17 inches. The Finnish Spitz "points" and usually barks to hold its prey at bay until shot by the hunter.

This is a dog that is considered aloof with strangers, not especially "cuddly" but actually very reserved in nature. Most Finnish Spitz dogs are extremely busy creatures and will give chase at the sight of any other creature, so a fenced yard or supervised walking is necessary at all times. Obedience lessons must be given from the beginning so that this dog will come when called. It is loyal but strong-willed and can be stubborn. As a house pet, it goes without saying that it will give voice too loud barking to strangers so it is an excellent watchdog. It also does love children and is very playful. Because this breed is highly curious about its surroundings and has an investigative nature, people who keep them in the house need to "puppy-proof" the environment.

By Michael Russell - Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Beauty Of CAVACHON Puppies

Photo  by Bev Goodwin 

Few things make a home more welcoming that the addition of an animal who provides the right amount of companionship, love and other great comforts. Dogs, in particular, are very good at filling these needs since the different breeds are as diverse in lifestyle needs and personality characteristics as humans are. Some individuals may find that the Cavachon puppies offered by breeders in Kent, OH are the best match for them.

When searching for a dog to bring into the home, it is important to select one based on more than just their looks or their cuteness factor. One should take the time to understand the breed as adopting a pup means a commitment that lasts their lifetime. Choosing a canine type that fits the lifestyle of the household and the personalities of the humans within it will make the blending smooth and satisfying.

This particular breed is a hybrid between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. The combination of the two makes for an undeniably adorable physical result but they have many great traits that will be pleasing to many. By that same token, they may be lacking in certain characteristics that other individuals are seeking.

As far as size goes, they only grow to a maximum height of about 16" and 20lbs, which classifies them as small to medium. They can be white with spots of black, red or sable, or they may have a tortoiseshell mix of all three colors in one blotch. Though absolutely beautiful and classy, they are not purebred and therefore not recognized by the AKC.

The coats on these pups may either grow in loose curls like the Bichon, or in gentle, silky waves as those of the Spaniel. The shorter styles require no regular maintenance, however, the longer strands need to be brushed daily and should be trimmed by a professional groomer on a routine basis. Regardless of fur type, the dogs are virtually non-shedders and do not produce a noticeable amount of dander which makes them a favored option among individuals with allergies.

Affectionate, loving and gentle are just a few of the words commonly used to describe this breed. They tend to be naturally happy and cheerful and show an intelligence level that is beyond average. Aggression is not in their nature but they will growl or bark protectively if they think their family is threatened by strangers or odd noises.

Cavachons are deeply family oriented and love children, especially those who are gentle and considerate. Much like those little playmates, the pups also crave lots of attention and can exhibit unsavory behaviors when left home alone for hours or when they feel ignored. This can usually be avoided by having additional pets in the home or simply letting a radio or television play while the people are away.

Every creature has some sort of health issue and this breed is no different. They may be prone to skin conditions due to sensitivities, heart conditions, hip dysplasia and ear infections if not properly tended. Anyone considering adding one of these pups to their household should make sure they will easily fit into their existing lifestyle.

About the Author: Iva Cannon Read more about Cavachon Puppies Provide Valuable Companionship.

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Introduction to BASENJI Dog Breed

Photo  by Llima 

The following paragraphs summarize the work of Basenji dog breed experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of Basenji dog breed. Heed their advice to avoid any Basenji dog breed surprises.

The dog Basenji goes by many names, some of which include Belgian Congo Dog, Bongo Terrier, Congo Bush Dog, Zande Dog, and Congo Terrier. What makes this breed particularly special is that he is the only breed who has no bark. But other than the absence of bark, this breed will whine and growl like other dogs and can express his feelings with a unique yodel or chortle sound. The Basenji does have a vocal cord.

However, it is believed that the past thousands of years of training to hunt game silently may explain his characteristic quietness. Nevertheless, this breed is recognized for its gentle nature and love of children. He is very inquisitive, mischievous, does not have any doggie smell, and adaptable to most climates. He can be wary of strangers and does not like the rain. He has a number of appealing features, including his curling tail, high set and lying over to one side of the back, his wrinkled forehead that gives him a worried-like look, and his habit of washing with his paw similar to a cat.

Size: The ideal height for the male Basenji is 17in at the shoulder while the ideal height for the female Basenji is 16in. The ideal weight is 24lb for the male and 21lb for the female.

History and origin: This type of breed has been depicted in many carvings in the tombs of the Pharaohs. It is said that these dogs were brought as valuable presents by travelers from the lower reaches of the Nile. The breed almost disappeared from public sight during the ancient Egyptian times until the middle of 19th century, when the Basenji was again discovered by explorers in the Congo and Southern Sudan.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for Basenji is about 11/2-2 cans of quality dog food (13.3oz size) with an equivalent amount of biscuit or 3 cupfuls of dry food. This breed will also enjoy an occasional serving of green vegetables. In addition, the Basenji is a grass eater and should have plenty of access to fresh grass.

Exercise: This breed is a terrific hunter and has a tendency to put on extra weight unless he gets plenty of exercises. He is tireless, fleet-footed, and loves to take regular walks and runs. He is an indoor dog that should not be put in an outside kennel. He would love to just relax next to you and lie down in a corner. He is a great apartment dog as long as he is given enough exercise.

Grooming: A hound glove is recommended to keep his coat in great condition.

There's no doubt that the topic of Basenji dog breed can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Basenji dog breed, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.

Masni Rizal Mansor - Article Source: GoArticles

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Types of HYPOALLERGENIC Hunting Dogs

Photo by MeganRae. 

Hunting dogs, though traditionally used for hunting small game including foxes, rabbits, and others, have become household pets to many. Intelligent, graceful, and energetic, these dogs can bring joy and comfort to any home. Hypoallergenic hunting dogs are available for those who have problems with dog allergies. Three popular breeds include the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Afghan Hound, and the Basenji.

The German Shorthaired Pointer still used for hunting purposes today is also considered a good choice for a family dog. The dog has a short coat that can be brushed easily. A short coat will not shed as much as longer coats and will not hold as much dander either. This is why the German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Long and lean, these dogs are very friendly and enjoy getting their exercise. Not much extra care is needed as the dogs do not have to be groomed often and they should only be bathed when they are extremely dirty.

A cross between a German Pointer and an English Pointer, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a good dog to have when on a hunt. The dog responds to noise and movement very quickly and is a loyal companion to have when outdoors.

The Afghan Hound may not look like a hypoallergenic dog with its long hair, but since the hair is similar to human hair, the dogs do not shed as frequently, which cause fewer allergy issues for owners and those who visit. While this dog was once used to hunt foxes, wolves, and deer, it is no longer used today. Instead, it is kept as a pet or for dog shows. With its beautiful brown coat, this dog is a showpiece.

The Afghan hound is a pleasant dog, but it does not take commands as often as it should. Unlike other hypoallergenic breeds, this dog will ignore commands made by its owner on occasion as it tries to maintain its independence. If you are looking for a dog that is easy to control, the Afghan Hound may not be the one for you.

The Basenji is one of the few breeds of hypoallergenic dog that does not bark. It will imitate sounds heard in its environment, but it does not bark on its own. Instead, the dog will yelp once or twice, but otherwise, it is a very quiet breed. If you live in an apartment, this dog is a good choice. Small dogs that originated in Africa, the Basenji is no longer used for hunting. The dog has shorter hair that does not shed as often. This is another reason why it is a popular hypoallergenic breed.

The Basenji, like the Afghan Hound, does not take commands too often from owners. The dog is quiet but likes to explore new places. This dog has been compared to a cat in terms of its behavior and temperament. While you may be able to train the dog to perform certain tasks, many times the Basenji will not want to obey.

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Living With a Pet SERVAL

A serval cat at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval is no more challenging than feeding your pet goldfish. At the other end of the extreme spectrum, many sanctuaries and animal rights activists paint servals and other exotic cats as unmanageable creatures that no ordinary mortal could hope to deal with successfully. As is usually the case, the truth lies in a rational world between the two extremes.

Servals are much more challenging and time-consuming to raise than a domestic cat. In order to end up with a tame, safe, and loving serval that can live in your house, you are going to have to spend a lot of time socializing, training, and housebreaking him. These things don't happen automatically with a serval.

There will be problems to overcome. In order to do so, you will need a solid understanding of how animals learn and how to humanely modify their behavior. This is not an animal for an inexperienced pet owner, or even for an experienced pet owner who has only had "easy" animals!

A Serval kitten is like a domestic kitten on speed! If you have ever raised a kitten you know how playful (and sometimes destructive) they are. Then imagine kittens the size of a full-grown domestic cat, with way more energy! Prepare to be playfully tackled, bitten, clawed, climbed, and otherwise wrestled with by a huge kitten, and make sure you have the training experience to teach your little fireball to be gentle with humans and your house.

However, if you have the knowledge of training and you put in the time, you will be rewarded with a wonderful, loving companion who is fun to live with an easy and safe to handle. A well-raised serval really is incredibly sweet and amazing. To me, it is worth every bit of the time and effort.

Sirocco has an incredibly loud purr, and when he's feeling affectionate he looks at me with complete adoration written on his face, purrs, and licks me. When I get home from work he greets me with purrs and ankle rubs, and it is clear that he is very strongly bonded to me. I have had very affectionate domestic cats, but Sirocco makes his love known more intensely than any domestic cat I've ever had. However, he spends a lot less time overall hanging out purring and cuddling than a domestic cat (that high-energy thing). This may change, as I notice he gets more affectionate the older he gets. I have to say he seems really happy as a pet cat. He is very high energy and spends a lot of time on the go.

As a result of lots of early socialization, he is very tame and will let even large groups of people pet him. However, I have seen him purr only once for a stranger; he seems to reserve true affection for his family.

Living with a serval means having your sandal stolen from beneath your foot and carried out into the enclosure in the rain at 11:00 p.m..... Then being forced to go outside to get it lest he ingest portions of it.

Sirocco had been playing out in his enclosure one evening, uninterested in being petted. When I got to bed I found myself sobbing away a heart-wrenching day's work. As I lay there, I felt a soft nose in my ear, followed by a thundering purr. When I didn't respond, he gently butted my face over and over until I said hi to him. When I spoke, he licked my cheek, then started rubbing his forehead against my face. He continued to lick my tears and "pet" me until I stopped crying. Once satisfied that I was okay, he lay down beside me, squeezing his body tightly against mine as we fell asleep.

I was sitting on the edge of my bed pulling on socks one morning, having finished petting Sirocco.... Or so I thought! Approaching from behind, he laid his head on my shoulder and commenced purring loudly into my ear, paws kneading on the bed beside me. Needless to say, I abandoned my socks.

Shoes and sandals have been banned from serval-occupied regions of the house ever since he ate part of one and nearly had to have it surgically removed. In response, Sirocco has developed military-strength sandal-detecting powers. Sometimes my mother will be naive enough to enter my bedroom at night to watch a movie wearing the precious contraband. Relaxing in her chair, she unthinkingly slips off her sandals as Sirocco lingers nearby with feigned indifference. He strolls casually past, then seizes the prize on his teeth and bolts cheetah-like onto the dresser and out the door to his lair, having learned long ago that thieving humans can't follow. Even if one of us is lucky enough to cut off his escape route, he will not surrender. Jaws locked on, he closes his eyes contentedly and growls as we make futile attempts to pry, pull, twist, and coax the now tooth-marked sandal from his grasp.

Pouncing on the faces of sleeping humans and nibbling (that's putting it kindly) on their toes are also favorite nighttime activities.

I have a deliciously slothful habit of flopping down on my bed to eat dinner. This has a great deal to do with the fact that the bed is one of the few comfortable spots in the house, and it's within Sirocco's domain so I get to enjoy his company. One afternoon I neglected to prepare a portion (tomatoes, cheese, and refried beans) for Sirocco before I crashed with a plate of Mexican food. He came up to me and pushed his nose towards the plate a few times. When I blocked him, he lay down beside me purring, drooled a little, and stretched his head out close to my elbow, chin resting on the bed. I relented and shared a couple of tomato pieces. That wasn't good enough, so he got up again only to be blocked by my hand. He did what any sensible serval would do: he snaked out his paw and smacked my tortillas!

One night Sirocco had been awakening me with a karate-pounce every half-hour. I finally scooped up my rowdy serval and began to carry him out to the crate in my living room: the one now reserved for servals that won't let their humans get a wink of sleep. Trouble struck when my mother's Rottweiler mistook me for an interloper as I exited my bedroom door and charged out of the dark with a snarl. Exit serval. He was out of my arms, over my head, and back in the bedroom before the dog could take two steps. Enter bandages. I had a nice bloody welt across my jaw, and the gash in my neck caused people at work the next day to ask what I'd done to provoke Louie the Knife.

Before Sirocco arrived, I'd been adamant: no litter boxes in my bedroom. Now, I'm just content when he actually uses the giant box that so gracefully adorns the floor by my entertainment center rather than peeing on my bed.

One evening I came home from work to find the blankets dragged from my bed, one of them lying elegantly by the entrance to the litter box. As a thoughtful decorative touch, he'd also removed a German Shepherd figurine from my bookshelf and placed it in the litter box with one ear poking out.

I think I'm going to recommend servals to interior designers. They can sell or rent them to clients, on the condition that the designer is called in every time the serval "redecorates" the house. What a way to build repeat business!

One thing I'm quite proud of is the fact that Sirocco isn't very destructive indoors with his claws. For instance, he doesn't claw the curtains. He just yanks the curtain rod loose from the wall and drags the curtains under the bed. Good serval.

By Jessi Clark-White - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Trimming Your LABRADOR RETRIEVERS Nails

Photo: Pixabay

Regular nail trimming is important to your Labrador Retrievers health and well being. Nails that are not properly clipped can crack and split, which can lead to infection in that area. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your Labrador and for an owner’s leg. A regular trimming, at least once a week or every two weeks, will save both you and your Labrador Retriever a lot of pain and aggravation.

Purchase a good quality nail clipper, one that is appropriate for your Labradors claws. You might also want to purchase a clotting agent, such as Kwik-Stop, or a styptic pen. It is not unusual for people to clip a toenail short and for bleeding to occur.  

Start by having your Lab lie down or secure him with his collar and leash.  

What you are looking for is called the quick (pink part of the nail), which is the live tissue inside the nail. This will be easer to see in yellow nails than dark ones. Here's a tip, shining a flashlight through the back of the nail will help you locate the quirk. You want to cut back to the beginning of the quick. Cutting the quick will cause some bleeding, which happens from time to time.  

Black nails can be a little more difficult to locate the quick.If you turn your Labs paw over and look closely you will see a little round thick part on the bottom side of the nail, which is quick.  

When you’re ready to cut, make sure you aren’t on the quick, and make a smooth, quick squeeze with your clippers, letting the nail fall away. If you clip small, thin slices off of the nail tip, you will be able to see a small black or pink, moist looking disk in the center of the cut nail. This disk is the start of your quick, and this is as far as you should trim. Some people do cut the nail back until a slight amount of bleeding occurs, in an attempt to shorten the nail further. However, it’s not advisable as it can make for an unpleasant experience for your Labrador.

Continue clipping until all of your Lab’s paws are complete and then you can file down the sharp edges, or just let your Labrador wear the edges smooth.  

Every now and then you might hit the quick when trimming. Don’t panic, just blot with a towel and apply your Kwik-Stop or styptic pen and this should stop the bleeding after a few minutes.  

Follow the above steps and in no time you will be clipping your Labs nails just like the professionals.

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BALINESE KITTENS - The Most Intelligent? It Could Be!

Being around since the 1920s, the Balinese kittens are a variant of the Siamese species of cat. They are an oriental breed of a kitten and have been seen in the Americas. Having been bred with Siamese type, some of these litters with a longer hair have since evolved into the Balinese breed through a series of genetic mutations.

The length of the fur is a good way to tell the difference between a Balinese breed and Siamese one since Balinese cats to have longer fur which is in a single layer, and not in a double layer like most other cats do. This double layer makes the other cats' coat look rougher, like a washboard. This long fur does not interfere with the grooming of the cat, luckily since it isn't extremely long.

The bright sapphire blue eyes of the purebred version of Balinese felines will make you fall in love at first sight due to their sheer brilliance and beauty. Their ears, feet, and tail would usually appear as dark spots on their furry bodies. The Lilac Point Balinese kitty has silver-blue spots just as other versions of the Balinese will have varying color combinations.

The Balinese kittens have the enviable reputation of being the most intelligent creatures amongst the variations in the Siamese breed and are usually seen to be silent. Those who are fond of peaceful moments in their homes should look to adopt this cat breed due to its silent demeanor. Unless something serious is bothering them, they are usually a silent type of cat. And even if they decide to open their mouths and utter a few meows, the sound is much gentler than other cat breeds. They can be expected to live anywhere from 18 to 21 years in a human lifespan. This is quite high for cats which, in general, live for an average of ten to fifteen years.

By Stan Beck The Balinese Kitten breed is sought the world over. To learn more about this wonderful breed, please click here. Also, visit our top-notch site which contains all kinds of fun articles about kittens as well as beautiful kitty pictures at http://kitten-pictures.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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What To Know About DOBERMANS

Photo  by pato_garza 

Dogs are recognized as the best friends of man. Most people have these as pets. People may want a specific type of breed, such as the Doberman Pinscher. This is the name for a medium to the large domestic dog first developed at the end of the 1800s by a German tax collector by the name of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Many shelters, breeders and pet stores have Dobermans for sale.

Pinscher is a common breed of dog. These pets are known for being intelligent, loyal and alert, making them ideal companions. At one point in time, they were only regarded as police or guard dogs. This has changed over time. These dogs can be bought from many sources. They are priced based on relative factors, such as pureness of breed, healthy and age.

These are typically medium-large size and have a square build. Their coats are short. They are athletic and compact. Most are switch and have high endurance. Pinschers are expected to be obedient, watchful, proud and determined. The animal was first used as a guard dog and so many males are still perceived to have a muscular, noble and masculine look. Females are typically much thinner.

People may choose to get these animals as puppies so they can establish a strong bond with them as they grow up. Others might be interested in rescuing older dogs from shelters and giving them a new lease on life. In either case, there are many sources where people can get purebred Dobermans. Many of these also have mixed breed dogs that are half Doberman.

People should learn more about the breed before they take it in as a pet. Dogs from shelters might have a history that pet owners need to be aware of. People should voice their concerns and ask questions before they get a Doberman from the facilities. Some may want a pinscher puppy, which is available through some shelters, and most pet stores and breeders.

Pet owners should know what to expect with these animals. Although all dogs have their own personality, some traits are present within an entire breed. Consider the desires and needs of these animals. Make sure that can get what they need to stay healthy and happy in a home.

Dobermans do not require much. They minimally shed and typically enjoy grooming. Their nails may require frequent trimmings because they grow fast. Their ears should be cleaned regularly to avoid buildup of wax and debris that could lead to infection. Brushing the teeth regularly is also recommended. Most of these animals are social. They have a lot of energy and like to get exercise. They are expected to thrive in a home where they have plenty of space to move around.

It is essential to research breeders. Finding the right breeder is important to get a dog that is purebred and has all of the natural instincts expected of this breed. Shelter dogs might behave in a certain way depending on their past owners or under what circumstances they came to the shelter. This might impact how they respond to a new home and owner.

About the Author: Leslie Ball - Read more about Information Regarding Dobermans For Sale.

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BENGAL Kitten - Kittens of the World

BENGAL Kitten - Kittens of the World

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History of the DOBERMAN Pinscher

Photo  by andrewk100 

The history of the breed of dogs known as Doberman Pinschers is relatively short in comparison with other canines. Dobermans were first bred in Germany around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a tax collector and was forced to travel through many rough areas of town with bandits and thieves. He bred Dobermans in order to have an effective animal for protection while performing his job. When creating the new breed, he envisioned a dog with the perfect blend of strength, loyalty, and intelligence. Dobermann also worked as the local dog catcher, giving him easy access to a large number of canines that he could use for his breeding purposes.

It is believed that the modern day Doberman Pinscher originated from several different types of dogs. Although the breeds used still remains unknown, it is speculated that the Pinscher, Rottweiler, Beauceron, Weimerainer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane, old German Shepherd dog, black Greyhound, and Manchester Terrier all contributed to the Doberman's development. Many experts believe the modern day Doberman is a combination of at least four of these types of dogs. One exception does exist, however. It is documented that Greyhounds were crossed with the current Doberman. Additionally, it is commonly thought that the old German Shepherd, a now extinct breed, was the largest contributor to the gene pool.

After his death in 1984, the breed was named the Dobermann-pinscher in his honor. However, about 50 years later, the term pinscher was dropped. In German, pinscher means terrier. It was thought that it was inappropriate to call the dog a type of terrier, so the ending term of the name was formally dropped.

After becoming very interested in the further development of the breed, Otto Goeller adopted the kennel name Thuringen and further refined the work done by Dobermann. Several years later, in 1889, Herr Goeller established the first "Dobermann Pinscher Club." Herr Goeller became involved in breeding the dogs as well and took up the kennel name Groenland. This kennel is responsible for some of the most important and influential specimens in the history of the breed. Most modern-day Dobermans can be traced to this prominent line of dogs.

Because of their history as a guard dog, Dobermans excel at a number of disciplines such as police and military work. However, they can be aggressive.

By Joseph Devine - Article Source: EzineArticles

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HYMALAYAN Kitten - Kittens of the World

Hymalayan Kitten - Kittens of the World

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The Amazing CAT Species

Photo  by public.resource.org 

We all know that cats are loving and truly wonderful creatures.  These days, it isn’t out of the ordinary to see a cat in virtually every other home, sleeping in the window or cuddling up on the laps of their owners.  Although cats have been popular pets for as long as most can remember, they weren’t domesticated less than 5,000 years or so ago.  Domestication took place in the valley of the Nile, which is what research tells us today.

In the beginning, people were very grateful to cats and encouraged them to stay with them by feeding them various scraps of food.  Once they were fed and perceived humans to be no threat, the cats would move in permanently with their human owners.  As time went by, even the wildest of cat would allow humans to approach him, often times even hold and touch as well.

In those days, cats were very loyal and endearing pets.  They proved to be great hunters, as they done their sleeping for short periods and were much easier to wake up than dogs.  Cats also have better night vision than dogs, and much better hearing as well.  If someone moved through the house or if they heard suspicious noises, they would wake while dogs would sleep right through it.  Humans loved having cats around, and they seemed to get along good with dogs as well.

These days, cats are used for both companionship and show.  They aren’t used much at all for hunting mice and rodent anymore at all.  There are a lot of breeds available, from the traditional alley cat to the well known Siamese.  All breeds are unique in their own way and will provide you with years of companionship if you take care of them.

Before you get a kitten or older cat, you’ll first want to examine the source.  If you are getting the kitten from a breeder, you’ll want to make sure that the breeder has a reputable reputation.  You’ll also want to ensure that the cattery is clean and in good shape.  The kittens that are still there shouldn’t be overcrowded, and their surroundings should be clean.  The litter boxes there should be kept up and both the food and water dish should be clean and full.  The kittens shouldn’t be caged, instead of free to run around.  All cats that are there should appear healthy, with shiny coats and none of their ribs showing.

When you get your kitten, it should be used to being touched and handled.  The kitten should be sweet, not afraid in the least.  Kittens that have been handled young normally have a better temperament.  The better breeders won’t allow their kittens to leave the nest until they are around 12 weeks old, with some waiting until the kittens are 16 weeks.  By doing this, breeders ensure that the kitten is in good health and his immune system has properly developed.

There’s no mistaken the fact that cats are great to own.  You can get a kitten from a reputable breeder, through a local newspaper, or an adoption agency.  Cats can also be obtained from a local pound, although people normally don’t like to choose this option.  No matter which way you decide to pursue, you should always make sure that your cat is healthy.  If you get a healthy cat, you won’t have a lot of problems later on down the road.  Healthy cats were taken care of – and normally have everything up to date – including their vaccinations.

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AGILITY DOG Training And Pit Bull Terriers

An American Pit Bull Terrier muzzled.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spending time training your Pit Bull can be very rewarding and fun for you both. It helps build a stronger bond between dog and owner that is important for the happiness of both parties. There are many different types of training that you can choose to do with your Pit Bull, one such is agility training.

Agility training is the process of teaching your dog to successfully navigate an obstacle course. If the training is successful, your pet should be able to do it by only listening to and obeying your commands. During an event, the dogs are timed and to win must not make any mistakes and must have the fastest time. It takes a lot of practice for a dog to be successful at this, but can be quite fun for both dog and trainer. This activity is especially good for Pit Bulls because it gives them a good outlet for all the extra energy they seem to have.

Most experts recommend not starting agility training until your dog is at least one year old, at least not to enter into a competition before that age. Many owners who train their dogs to participate in these events will purchase their own equipment to have at home so that they can begin training the dog at an earlier age. Agility training equipment can be quite expensive, so some trainers prefer to build their own equipment. Instructions can be found online and in books that should be available either in your local library or bookstore. Owners should be careful to watch the dog for any signs of injury because occasionally working on agility training while the puppy is still growing will put a lot of strain on joints and bones that are not fully conditioned yet. It is recommended to have your dog cleared by a veterinarian before beginning any type of agility training.

The dog should also understand and obey basic commands before beginning any other type of training. Any type of training helps dog and owner to build a better relationship with each other, allowing them to work better and better together as time goes on. You should also work on any behavior or aggression issues your Pit Bull may have before considering agility training. The results will be less satisfactory and take longer to achieve if the dog is also working through other issues.

Most Pit Bull owners that are serious about their dog competing in agility competitions will enroll him in a training class, at least to help teach him the basics, then work with the dog on their own to enhance what he has learned. Being in a class will also help your dog work on his socialization, which will make him behave better around other dogs. Pit Bulls tend to want to fight when around other dogs, especially those of the same gender.

The most important thing to remember is no matter what type of training you do with your Pit Bull, you both should enjoy it. Spending time together will help build a better bond, leading to a lasting relationship. Whether you want your dog to compete or not, the benefits for both you and the dog are many.

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What Is A RAGDOLL CAT?

Photo  by roxeteer 

The Ragdoll breed originated in the 1960's when an American woman called Ann Baker rescued several kittens belonging to a feral longhair cat called Josephine. Baker then bred two subsequent kittens from independent litters: one solid black female called "Buckwheat" and one pointed male called "Daddy Warbucks."

Using Daddy Warbucks as a stud, Baker bred a sufficient amount of kittens to launch the Ragdoll breed.

Ragdolls come in an assortment of color patterns. The established colors include blue, seal, lilac, and chocolate. These colors come in any of the following patterns: mitted, bi-color and pointed.

Lately, there's been an influx of new colors and patterns emerging in the Ragdoll breed. Newer colors comprise red (flame), cream, chocolate, and tortie. The lynx, or striped pattern, is also a newer trait that's become very prevalent. Just recently, solid color Ragdolls are being bred.

The Ragdoll's longhair coat is rare for a cat. The fur is soft with the consistency of bunny hair. It does not mat. Ragdolls are born all white and acquire their colors and patterns as they grow up.

The body of a Ragdoll is long, robust, and powerful. These are big cats, the only bigger purebred cat is the Maine Coon. While Ragdolls are long, they are not tall. Their legs are squat and stout.

It's apparent that the Ragdoll is a gorgeous animal, but the cats are most famous for their sociable and passive personality. Ragdolls were named after their tendency to go limp when held, similar to a toy ragdoll.

Ragdolls have been titled "a dog-like cat." They are tremendously faithful and devoted to their owners, often following them around the house from room to room. Many Ragdolls love walking outside on a leash, and they can be trained to play "fetch."

This breed is the best family pet. They are very placid with children and normally enjoy being helped. Ragdolls usually are friendly with other family pets.

They have a soft voice and are naturally not loud animals. Though they do have a distinctive tweeting noise they'll make while playing - mostly with another animal.

Since the Ragdoll is so passive and amiable, they are to be only indoor cats. These cats were not bred to comprehend self-protection, and if let outdoors alone, they will indeed become hurt or taken.

The Ragdoll is also an extremely sociable animal, and would not do well if left isolated for the majority of the day. If the condition at home necessitates long periods of time in isolation, it is greatly suggested that another Ragdoll or pet is obtained to keep the cat company. If not, being alone often leads to unhappiness and nervousness in the Ragdoll cat.

If you are interested in buying a Ragdoll for your family, there are several trustworthy breeders throughout the world. However, always use care when purchasing any animal - whether from a pet store, breeder, or humane society.

Ask plenty of questions about how the cats are bred, reared, and tended to. Likewise, it's always smart to go to the breeder's house and confirm the animals are properly cared for.

Furthermore, it's vital to get all essential paperwork when buying a cat from a breeder. This includes official Ragdoll breed paperwork, all medical paperwork, and any genetic testing done on the kitten's parents.

While Ragdolls are usually resilient and vigorous animals, one disorder to be aware of is HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This disorder has been found in some Ragdoll lines and is fatal.

Always confirm the breeder has tested the parents for the Ragdoll HCM gene before buying a cat. It's better to get a photocopy of the paperwork, instead of a spoken guarantee from the breeder.

By Ava M Gilmore - Article Source: EzineArticles

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