Overview
There are three types of the Griffon, the Brussels Griffon, the Belgian Griffon and the Petit Griffon. The Brussels Griffon was first revealed at the 1880 Brussels exhibition and can also be seen in the paintings of Van Eyck, a Flemish painter. Originally these dogs were kept to keep vermin away, but today these dogs are companion dogs due to their charming character. This breed is well-known for it human-like expression and is also very cheerful.
Temperament
The Brussels Griffon is a very bright dog that is also very alert. This is a pleasant toy dog that makes an ideal companion dog. These dogs are spirited and curious, and they can also be very amusing and entertaining when they want to be. But they will also enjoy just lying on the laps of their owners. This is a very independent dog that also has a controlling streak if they are not rightly taught when young. At the same time, the Griffon is also very receptive, sharp and enjoyable to be around. The Brussels Griffon likes children - but is better if the children they are around are older. Children that are energetic and younger could put this dog in danger seeing that they are so small. This is not an outwardly aggressive dog, but they can be shy with new people and situations. The Brussels griffon prefers a calm setting and will try to avoid confrontation to the best of their ability.
Care
The Brussels Griffon is not a heavy shedding dog and shed very little hair. This is a low maintenance dog that does not require a lot of maintenance. A daily brushing is sufficient to keep their coats in a good condition and to prevent any mats from forming. It is important to also clean the beard around their mouths to avoid cakes from forming.
Training
It is important to be very consistent when training the Brussels Griffon. These dogs lose interest fairly quickly, and obedience classes are very important for these dogs at a young age. A good idea is to make the training sessions fun as this will help to keep the attention of these dogs.
Health problems
The Brussels Griffon does not suffer from canine conditions more or less than any other dog breed. Some of the conditions they have problems with include narrowed nostrils which can sometimes hinder their breathing, prolapse of the eyeball, eyeball lacerations, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
As most pet owners already know, heartworm treatment for cats and dogs isn’t the same. Never, under any circumstances, should you give your cat heartworm treatment that is designed for a dog – or vice versa. Even though you may own both dogs and cats, you should always give them medicine that is designed for their species.
No matter how you look at it, heartworm treatment isn’t easy. Your goal is to get rid of the heartworms, although there are several factors that you’ll need to consider. The first thing to do is take your cat to the vet, as he will be able to run tests to determine just how many heartworms your pet has. He can also find out how the worms are affecting your cat and if your cat can deal with any side effects that the treatment medicine may impose.
Heartworms are a very serious condition, as the worms will feast on the vital areas around your cat’s heart. Treatment can be serious as well, especially if something goes wrong. Veterinarians are trained to deal with heartworms though, in both cats and dogs. Even though you may be able to buy treatment medicine at your local department store, you should always consult with your vet before you give anything to your pet.
Treating your cat for heartworms may indeed be no treatment at all, as cats are extremely difficult to treat. The dying worms have side effects as well, often times causing more than 1/3 of the treated cats to end up with serious problems. Dying worms can become lodged in the arteries of the heart, which are already inflamed due to the worms being there. When a lodged worm starts to decompose, it can lead to very serious problems. Pets that have a serious infestation with heartworms may need to spend some time at the hospital, to ensure that they are properly treated.
Some cats may not be able to take a certain type of heartworm treatment medicine. Depending on the side effects and how the medicine affects the cat, some breeds may not be able to take some of the better medicines. To determine the best treatment options for your cat, your vet will need to run several tests. Once the tests have concluded, your vet will be able to tell you the best options available for treatment.
With all diseases, prevention is a lot better and safer than treatment. Be sure to talk to your vet and find out what heartworm prevention medication is the best to use. Your vet can tell you what you need to get, and how to use it. This way, you can prevent your pet from getting heartworms – and the serious side effects and life-threatening issues that go along with them.
Here are some tips you can use to keep your Airedale terrier pet dog well-behaved:
1) Can’t teach an old dog – You have to start training your Airedale terrier pet dog as early as possible. This is because of the fact that the earlier an Airedale terrier pet dog learns a trick, the faster they will be able to learn it. This doesn’t just apply to tricks. It also applies to general behavior. When your Airedale terrier pet dog is still just a puppy, you need to start training it. This way, the behavioral training that you give it will be ingrained into the Airedale terrier pet dog’s brain. This way, proper behavior becomes almost instinctive to the Airedale terrier pet dog.
2) Use, don’t abuse – Various training methods are made available to you by various experts. However, there’s one thing you should know: they only work with proper use. Some people make use of the leash or of the crate to abuse their animals. What you need to know is that each method of training can only be effective if used in a way that will not harm the animals. You need to be firm but gentle with your animal when you are trying to train it.
Use the various implements humanely in such a manner that will encourage your dog to behave well and not scare it from behaving badly.
3) Habit inside, habit outside – Before taking your Airedale terrier pet dog outside, try to observe its behavior inside. This will give you a clue as to how the Airedale terrier pet dog will act outside the house. Many people say that a dog’s behavior inside a house is very different from the way that the same dog will act in outside environments. This is not true. By observing the inside behavior of your Airedale terrier pet dog, you will realize how it will respond to you outside.
If your Airedale terrier pet dog does not listen to your commands inside the house, how can you expect it to listen to your commands outside the house where there are things a lot more interesting to a dog than your commands are?
4) Keep your temper – Training an Airedale terrier pet dog can understandably be very frustrating. However, you should not lose your temper. Negative actions such as hitting or shouting at your dog will not accomplish anything positive. Sometimes, we have a tendency to take out our frustrations on helpless pets. Do not blame your problems on the dog. If you know that you are having a bad day, do not even think about training your dog. All that you might get from the ordeal is a bad case of hyperacidity. Your dog will learn nothing and that would only increase your frustration.
5) Timing – Timing is always important. You need to make corrections regarding your Airedale terrier pet dog’s behavior while those corrections are still relevant. If you praise or correct the wrong timing, you would only end up confusing the dog. Actually, the best timing you can use is to correct the Airedale terrier pet dog before he or she even starts to misbehave.
These five tips can help you a lot in keeping your Airedale terrier pet dog’s behavior in check. By following these tips, you can make training your dog an easy task.
There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.
Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.
Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.
There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true in a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.
Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond differently. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend with your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.
If you ask my family or friends, they'll tell you my dog is a carnivore. He'll rip apart anything that's meaty; rib-eye steaks, Angus beef, ground pork, turkey all the meats of the world is my dog's buffet and it's all thanks to me. I love giving my dog meat; anything meaty in my hands, my dog will devour; anything meaty I have for leftovers, my dog will suck it up like a vacuum. It's conclusive that my dog is a carnivore thanks to me. Don't worry, he eats his regular dog food.
As you may know, beef patties are human food. They're used for hamburgers in most fast food restaurants and in barbeque cookouts. Beef patties are made of ground beef and are molded into the shape of patties. There's a heavy consideration to be feeding this to dogs because there are different types of patties that may be harmful to dogs. Some patties are made with preservatives; some patties are made with all-natural ingredients. There's not a single generic type of patty because people make all kinds of patties with a different recipe.
Raw food is what should be given to dogs. While it's just human food, giving dog's raw food is safe. They'll still be able to accumulate the protein from it. Also, tearing and ripping meat will strengthen the teeth of the dog so go for it. Don't be too sure about all patties. Some of them might be already expired. Some patties fed to dogs could cause the dog to vomit or poop out blood in their stool. The reason for this is there might bacteria left in the patty. Unlike humans who may be able to fight off the bacteria with their immune system, the dog's immune system might not be prepared for the bacteria so it will not be able to fend off the bacteria right away.
He suddenly groaned and moaned. I didn't understand at first then all of a sudden, I realized: he wanted the ham. He was sniffing out the ham. I took the ham and out of curiosity. I gave it to him. Miraculously, the Husky ate it. Then I gave him another slice and he ate it. Fast. From then on, I learned that Husky is a meat eater.
Depending on the factors and consideration, you may or may not give your dog patties. Always think about the kind of patty you'll give. If you want to let your dog live a healthy and happy life, always give him the best food that will nurture him without any complications.
About the Author: Lisa Jazmina Our company does medical billing for organizations in the United States. We love dogs and enjoy writing about them as well. Ideal Billing Solutions was founded over 10 years ago and we enjoy helping doctors to get higher returns. Please visit our website atwww.idealbill.com.
HUNTING DOGS as their name suggests, are simply those dogs that have been bred - and trained - to assist human hunters in their activities. Originally, these dogs were responsible, at least partially, for bringing home the meat for the family's dinner and, without them, the job of hunting was much more difficult. The dogs assist the human hunter to scent and track, retrieve, flush, point or even chase down the game.
The skills developed will be specific to each breed, depending on the type of game that the dog has been trained to hunt, and the hunting style used with that particular type of game. Hunting dogs love to be outdoors and work with their owners. They usually become noticeably excited and active when they notice that preparations for the hunt are getting underway.
Since each breed of hunting dog has unique skills and attributes, we shall look at each general type of hunting dog separately. It is important to remember that hunting dogs are not aggressive by nature and are actually some of the best natured and calm mannered of all the breeds of dogs.
Hounds
Hounds, used as hunting dogs, can be subdivided into two types: scent or sight hunting dogs. They are used to hunt many types of mammals such as raccoons, coyotes, and other larger mammals. As you might imagine, sighthounds hunt by visual contact with the game. They are very fast and tend to be relatively smaller than scent hounds - although this does not mean that all of the breeds of sight hunting hounds are small dogs. Sighthounds include:
· Whippets
· Greyhounds
· Rhodesian Ridgebacks
· Saluki
· Afghan hound
· Basenji
· Irish Wolfhound
Scent hounds tend to be heavier-set, deeper-chested hunting dogs that excel for their endurance rather than their speed. Their voices tend to be deep and baying and in this way, hunters can follow them to where they have tried or cornered the game. Scent hounds include:
· Bloodhounds
· Bassets
· Beagles
· Coonhounds (all varieties)
· Foxhounds
· Scottish Deerhound
Some hounds are versatile and can track using both sight and scent.
Water Dogs
The name "water dogs" is the original name for a large group of hunting dog breeds that are now often referred to as gun dogs. These dogs were bred to go into the water and retrieve or bring back game, to flush and point, and to show where waterfowl may be located on the shore areas in rushes and weeds. Some of them are also used for on-land game bird shooting, a type of hunting in which setters and pointers have become specialized. These dog breeds are very patient and will wait, without moving, for long periods of time until they are finally told to do so by the hunter. They are also used to swimming great distances into the water and back to retrieve a duck or goose without damaging the bird or even piercing the skin with their teeth.
Dog breeds included in the group of gun or water dogs are:
· Retrievers - Labradors, Golden, Chesapeake Bay
· Spaniels - English, Cocker, Water, Brittany
· Setters - English, Irish, Gordon
· Pointers - Pudelpointer, German Short Haired, English
It is interesting to note that the standard Poodle is an excellent gun and hunting dog, although nowadays it is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore.
Terriers
Terriers are a group of hunting dogs, mostly developed during the industrial revolution, in the United Kingdom and Europe, to kill the vermin in houses, factories, and farms. These small- to medium-sized dogs are energetic, lively and very independent. These dogs are a little different, in that they are actually trained to kill their prey, unlike the hounds or water dogs listed above. For that reason, they tend to be a bit more aggressive towards other animals if not socialized properly. The most common terrier breeds include:
· Jack Russell
· Cairn
· West Highland White
· Skye
· Boston
· Yorkshire
· Fox
· Airedale
· Scottish
However, there are many other types of terriers, all with unique coat colors and characteristics.
If you are looking for a hunting dog, you need to bear in mind, first, exactly which breed is best suited to your requirements. As a hunter, be sure to research each breed and talk to dog owners to find which will most closely match your needs. However, remember that you needn't be a hunter to own one of these dogs - hunting dogs can make excellent, good-natured companions. If that is the case, simply make sure that the breed you choose fits in with your present - and projected lifestyle.
Temperament: The Ainu has lots of wonderful characteristics and is a fearless, watchdog, defender, guarding and very courageous. This dog is intelligent and trains well. Here we have a dog that can also be gentle, loving the family and the home. This dog needs an owner to show great leadership and set standards, or it can become aggressive and stubborn.
This dog is not good to let off the lead around other animals. They can be good if raised with children but the children have to show leadership to the dog. Socializing this dog well will help the dog to be better with dogs and people. The Ainu needs walking daily at a moderate level to keep fit.
Health issues: The Ainu enjoys good health. As with any dog, it needs to be up to date on all vaccinations, heartworm preventatives, and de-wormings. I also suggest that you take your dog to the vet twice each year for a complete check-up, including a fecal exam.
Grooming: This coat is double and harsh and will need brushed and combed about twice each week.
Living conditions: This dog is unsuitable for apartment living. The Ainu needs a large area to run and play. This breed can live outside as the double coat will protect it from the harsher elements but I do suggest that you have a quality built dog house or kennel with dry bedding and of course as with any dog you have to watch the elements and make sure they don't get too hot or cold depending on the season.
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The Collie is a large dog, that is muscular but sleek, and they are a strong dog. The skull is flat at the top, the head is wedge-shaped. The muzzle is rounded, sloping downwards to the black nose. The overall facial look is slender. Their teeth should meet with a scissor bite. The eyes are oval and medium-sized, and are, most commonly, dark brown in color, except the blue merles, which may have blue eyes. This breed has petite ears and these are three-fourths erect with the tips of the ear folded forward. Dogs stand, 24 to 26 inches in height, with the bitches, 22 to 24 in height. Dogs are slightly heavier in weight, being 60 to 75 pounds with bitches being 50 to 65 pounds.
The body is moderately longer than their height. This breed has straight legs. The tail is in good proportion to the body and is carried low with some upwards swirl at the tip. There are two coat varieties, smooth and a rough. The rough coat is long and plentiful and all over its body whiles on its head, there is a shorter coat which is also seen on the legs. On the neck, we see a cascading mane going around the neck and chest, this is straight and the longest hair we see on this dog. The smooth coat has short hair of about 1 inch all over the body. Both varieties come in white and tan, the tricolor of black, sable and white, there is also the merle whose colors are white with sable, tri colors or blue.
History:
The origins of this dog are a little muddled, but what is known for sure is that this dog has been a working dog in Scotland for centuries; the Collie was mainly used as a herding dog and was smaller in appearance than they are today. These dogs covered hard terrain, in all weathers. Queen Victoria had this dog at her Castle in 1860, and from this the dogs became popular. The Collie was mixed with the Borzoi, and to this day the Borzoi blood needs to be in any dog that is to be in the show ring. It's at this point, the working dog separated. The smooth collie is more popular in the United Kingdom than in America; whereas the rough collie is more popular generally. The AKC considers the rough and smooth collie, as varieties of the same breed. This breed's most famous role would have to be in the movie, "Lassie".
Temperament:
This is a sensitive, mild-mannered and highly intelligent dog. The Collie is easily trained and is playful and protective of their family. The Collie is energetic when outside. Socializing them well prevents them being too wary of strangers. This breed is not aggressive, they are loyal, that can become stubborn if firm but consistent rules are not set down. The Collie responds well to gentle training, but you still need to show good leadership to gain cooperation from this breed. This dog requires daily walks and will enjoy a good run, off the lead. Potty training is easier with this breed, as they learn quickly. The Collie requires a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to meet their needs.
Health issues: Some Collie lines are prone to PRA, Collie eye syndrome, hip problems.
Grooming:
The long coated Collie will need weekly brushing, or more often, whereas the smooth variety will need brushing every few weeks. Matting can occur in the long coated, and for the dog that is not being shown it may be kinder to cut this out. The Collie can be bathed as required. The long coated collie sheds heavily twice a year, whereas the smooth coated is an averaged shedder.
Living conditions: The Collie can live in an apartment as long as mental and physical activities are provided. This breed requires an average sized garden, with a shaded area for warmer weather.
Temperament: The Aidi has lots of energy and is a very protective dog. It is powerful and will need long walks daily to release some of the high energies that it has. This breed needs a strong-minded leader that can be the alpha. This dog will need a job and will not like sitting around for hours. Here we have a dog that needs a strongly-minded owner, but it is sensitive so needs firm but kind training.
The Aidi is a very good guard and /or watchdog. They make good hunting and scent dogs. This breed is best suited to an active family that has had dogs before and live in a rural or semi-rural location with a love for walking, for long periods, daily. With the correct owner, this is a docile dog but always watchful. With the wrong owner, this dog can become very shy and or aggressive.
Health issues: There are no health issues and the Aidi has good health. As with any dog, it is very important that you make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations, de-wormings and heartworm preventatives. It is also suggested by the majority of licensed veterinarians that you take your puppy or dog in for a check-up at least twice each year.
Grooming: This dog needs little to no grooming.
Living conditions: This dog, the Aidi, is unsuitable for apartment living. The dog will require acreage and fencing of about five feet in high.
The Rottweiler is the current "fad" guard/macho dog of the moment. For four years running, it has been the second-most-popular AKC registered breed. Don't be swept up by the hype, or the fact that your neighbor, aunt, sister, or best friend has one. The Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog and along with ownership comes much responsibility. Rottweilers require extensive socialization from an early age. Are you willing to carry your puppy for several months, (he shouldn't be walking in public places until he is fully immunized at around 16-20 weeks), exposing him to the sights, sounds, and people he will encounter as an adult? Because of their size and strength, obedience training for your Rottweiler is a must. Weekly group classes for 6 to 12 months is generally considered a minimum. Rottweilers are "people" dogs.
They want to be with their masters. As a working breed, the Rottweiler requires daily exercise, a good romp twice a day at least. Left alone or with inadequate exercise for long periods they may become unruly and destructive.
How are they with children?
A properly bred Rottweiler who receives adequate socialization and training will generally get along fine with children, but tolerance will vary from dog to dog. He must be taught early on what is acceptable behavior and what is not, as should the child. Because of their large size and inherent desire to "herd", Rottweilers should always be supervised around children. A minor "bump" can cause serious injury to a small child. Also, some Rottweilers have a high degree of "prey" drive (the instinct to chase moving objects), therefore should never be left alone with children, who naturally will want to run and play. Some breeders recommend waiting until the children are at least school age before introducing a Rottweiler into the home. The amount of space in your home, the age of your children and the amount of time the dog will be in contact with the children should be part of your decision.
Are they vicious?
A properly bred, socialized and trained Rottweiler is not inherently vicious. The rapid rise in popularity of the breed has attracted many irresponsible breeders who are only interested in making a profit and don't care what damage is done to the breed in the process.
Are they good with other pets?
Problems should be minimal when a Rottweiler is raised from puppyhood with other pets. Introducing a new pet when there is an adult Rottweiler in the household should be done slowly and with care. Dog to dog aggression is influenced by the early socialization of puppies, their bloodlines, and sex; males are less tolerant of other males than they are of females. Bitches may also be intolerant of other dogs. The Rottweiler is highly intelligent and trainable, and with perseverance, should be able to learn to co-exist peacefully with any pet you wish to introduce.
What kind of training do they require?
The Rottweiler has been developed for its working ability and often blooms when given a chance to work with its master, although there are occasional exceptions. It is very necessary to establish your control of the animal and obedience training is often the easiest and most rewarding way to do so. Your breeder should be able to provide you with guidance in the selection of a training class, however, avoid the very rough trainer, no matter how highly recommended. Rottweilers can often be controlled using verbal reprimands alone, and while they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher on Rottweilers than is necessary. Women have been very successful with the dogs in obedience training. Physical mastery of the dog is generally less important than sensitive, patient and positive training methods. Patience is an important factor in training a Rottweiler.
What about discipline?
The Rottweiler is a sensitive, intelligent and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally, it can be quite stubborn though and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline is consistent and firm without being overly rough. A harsh word will often suffice, although sharper corrections are sometimes necessary. Ownership isn't for the timid or very busy person who cannot or is not inclined towards careful supervision of his/her pet.
Do they require much exercise?
The Rottweiler is a working breed. He is generally not happy sitting around doing nothing all day. A large yard with a six-foot high fence is ideal, but adult Rottweilers have been kept successfully in large apartments. The yard is essential if a puppy or young dog is being acquired; it will help to keep the dog exercised and reduce boredom which in turn may prevent destructive behavior. If you don't have space, consider a smaller or less active breed. Personal commitment on the part of the owner is the most important thing. People willing to walk their dog on a regular basis will find a more personal and bonding relationship developing than just letting them run by themselves in the yard. Your Rottweiler will require a minimum of two good walks each day (10 to 20 minutes each). Adequate exercise is necessary to maintain the good health of your Rottweiler, as they have a tendency to gain weight without proper exercise.
Do they shed?
The Rottweiler is a double-coated breed, with a medium length outer coat and a soft downy undercoat. They do shed, more than one would think by looking at their appearance. The amount of shedding will vary with climatic conditions. They generally tend to "blow out" their undercoats twice a year, in spring and fall.
Are they noisy?
Rottweilers will bark to announce the arrival of people on the property, and at animals and birds in the yard, but they generally don't bark without reason.
Which sex makes the best pet?
Opinions vary on this topic. Most breeders would generally recommend a female, especially for first-time owners. Females are smaller and easier to control, somewhat less dominant and usually more affectionate. Males are stronger, more powerful and dominant, and therefore somewhat harder to train and control.
Where should I buy my Rottweiler puppy?
There are various places where you may acquire a Rottweiler puppy, but only ONE place where you should - from a responsible breeder. Pet shops acquire their puppies from puppy mills, brokers, and back-yard breeders. Their puppies are separated from their dams and litters at too early an age, they are not properly socialized and may well develop serious health problems.
Puppy mills, brokers, and back-yard breeders have only one priority - to make a profit. They are not interested in the welfare of the puppies they breed. Beware of pet shops that advertise "we get our puppies from private breeders." No responsible breeder would ever broker puppies to a pet shop. Don't perpetuate the puppy mill problem - steer clear of pet shops.
What is a "Responsible" breeder?
This is a difficult category to define, but there are certain minimum standards that are accepted as "responsible" by most who are active in the dog fancy. Following are some of the things a responsible breeder will be doing:
1. All breeding stock will be certified free of Hip Dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Elbows may also be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia; this is a relatively new trend and some older dogs/bitches may not be certified. The breeder will be willing to supply you with copies of the OFA certificates. No bitch or dog will be bred before the age of two, (the minimum age for OFA certification). OFA does issue preliminary evaluations of hips and elbows, but actual certification will not be done before two years.
2. Breeding stock will be certified free of inherited eye disease annually by a Board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist; the certificate is issued by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
3. Bitches and dogs used for breeding will have achieved certain competitive titles such as AKC Champion or an advanced obedience title (CDX, UD). Responsible breeders will usually not breed dogs and bitches whose quality has not been proven in competition, although under certain circumstances (injuries which prevent competition) they may.
4. The Breeder will belong to one or more Rottweiler Clubs which require adherence to a "Code of Ethics" from all members (adherence to a certain level of responsibility in ownership and breeding). The largest of these clubs include the American Rottweiler Club, The Colonial Rottweiler Club, The Medallion Rottweiler Club and the Gold Coast Rottweiler Club. There are numerous local Rottweiler clubs, some are "Code" clubs and some are not - ask. Code of Ethics clubs do not permit members to advertise puppy prices.
5. The Breeder will be active in the sport of dogs, competing in conformation, obedience, tracking or herding events.
6. A responsible breeder will not give you a "hard-sell" routine when you call to inquire about his/her dogs. Usually he/she will be trying everything they can to discourage you from buying a Rottweiler. A reputable breeder's number one concern is that his/her puppies are placed in responsible homes where they will receive the same kind of care and training he/she gives his/her own dogs. Expect to be interviewed at length as to why you want to own a Rottweiler, and what your family and lifestyle is like. The reputable breeder will ask more questions of you than you will of him/her.
7. A responsible breeder will try to steer you clear of rushing to buy a puppy this week or this month, but he/she will also not expect you to wait an unreasonable amount of time to buy one of his/her puppies. If he has no puppies available and has no breeding planned in the near future, he will recommend other breeders whose standards are as high as his own.
8. A responsible breeder will be happy to have you meet the parents of the litter (at least the dam; frequently the sire will not belong to the breeder), as well as his/her other dogs. The dogs and puppies will be kept in a clean and healthy environment.
9. A responsible breeder will only sell puppies with a signed, written contract. He/she will pass on accurate health, breeding and registration records and pedigree records of at least three generations. They will require that any puppy not purchased as show and breeding stock be made incapable of reproducing, and require that limited registration "blue slips" be provided, or that registration papers be withheld until a veterinarians certificate is received as proof of sterilization.
What is the difference between pet and show quality?
"Show Quality" is a term that is often misunderstood and misused. It can mean something as simple as a puppy with no disqualifying faults (as listed in the breed standard) at the time of sale. The serious buyer looking for a potential winner or breeding stock had best spend time going to dog shows and talking to exhibitors as well as studying the standard for the breed. Serious and disqualifying faults to avoid include overshot or undershot bites, missing teeth, long or curly coats, light eyes, hip dysplasia and unstable temperaments. All lines carry one or more of these traits, and a responsible breeder will be able to give you a candid description of what is in your animal's genetic background. Be aware that the nicest puppy in the litter can mature into a very mediocre adult. Be prepared to critically evaluate your dog, because even if you paid a good price you may still end up with a pet.
"Pet Quality": many time breeders will offer puppies with serious faults for lower prices than show quality. These faults are generally cosmetic (bad bites, white spots on the chest or belly, missing teeth, etc.) and will not affect the health or temperament of the dog. These animals are not for breeding because these are serious genetic faults. A responsible breeder will require that the animal is spayed, neutered or vasectomized before releasing the AKC registration papers. Breeders may now sell their puppies on the new AKC Limited Registration Certificate, which allows the dog AKC privileges of obedience activities but will not allow showing in the conformation ring or use for breeding purposes. These dogs make good companions and often their faults are not detectable to any but the most experienced eyes.
How much can I expect to pay for a Rottweiler puppy?
Show quality puppies will generally sell for $1,000 to $2,000, with pet prices approximately half the show price.
Cats get ill even if they are taken care of very well. The cat diseases range from kitty cold to fatal diseases. Some of the most common cat diseases are discussed under:
Upper respiratory infection is very common among the cats and is also known as kitty cold by their owners. The symptoms are very similar to the cold of the humans, accompanied by sneezing and running nose. Even though it seems to be alike, the infections caused in the cats are very different as one species get infected by the other species. But, it can be contagious among the cats.
The upper respiratory tract infection can lead to loss of appetite and can affect them from days to weeks. The cats must be made to eat, which can be encouraged by warming their foods and applying a warm, moist cloth to keep the cat’s nose and eyes free from any kind of discharge. If the loss of appetite persists and if the discharge becomes yellowish green in color and thicker, they have to be taken to the veterinarian immediately as it will be a serious problem.
Feline Chlamydia is a kind of bacteria which affects the cats, usually infesting the eye, causing conjunctivitis. The symptoms of feline Chlamydia are anorexia, cough, breathing problem, pneumonia, fever, sneezing, running nose, watery eyes etc. It is best treated with the help of antibiotics. This is also one of the common cat diseases.
Panleukopenia is a cat disease that makes the cat’s white blood cell count to drop drastically. As white blood cells are very important for the cat’s immunity, this condition makes the cats susceptible to many deadly infections. This virus is transmitted through body secretions, mainly via feces and can be carried by water or shoes.
Feline leukemia virus can cause many cat diseases. One among them is leukemia otherwise known as the cancer of the white blood cells. There is no known treatment for this disease and might lead to death after months or years after the incidence of this disease. It is usually transmitted during cat fights. Other reasons for transmission may be through foods shared among them, through water bowls, from mother to the kittens in the womb etc.
Parasites are organisms which feed on another living being for their own survival. Cats are affected by parasites, which feed on their blood. External parasites such as ear mites, fleas etc can be seen on the skin or fur of the cats and in their ears. Internal parasites detection may be bit difficult but can be known through sighting small rice like debris lingering to the cat’s anus or in the cat’s bedding. Some of the internal parasites are ringworms, hook worms, tapeworms etc.
Coccidia is a microscopic parasite which lives in the lining cells of the intestines. The symptom associated with this parasite is diarrhea which if left untreated, can lead to dehydration and even death. Ear mites usually take up residence in the cat’s ear canals causing severe itching.
A Lilac Scottish Fold cat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The unusual looking Scottish Fold is a variety of cat that comes in a short-haired and long-haired breed (sometimes called the Highland Fold). The first of its type was born in the early 1960s on a Scottish farm, its distinguishing feature being a gene that produces either single, double or triple folded ear, the only known cat breed in existence to have this.
Initially it was thought that the Scottish Fold cat was prone to deafness owing to its rather peculiar shaped ears and was not popular in its homeland yet in 1973 it was officially recognized as a breed in the U.S. The breeding of this type of cat is best left to experts owing to potential genetic problems with offspring, including joint afflictions.
Tending to weigh in at 2.4-6kg (6-13 lb) being medium-sized with shortish legs and round, well-padded feet. Colors and patterns are varied and brown tabby, red tabby, lilac and white fur are usual. A "patched tabby" or "torbie" variety, being a combination of tortoiseshell and tabby also exists. They have large, round eyes and a curious dome-shaped head.
Scottish Folds can be either long or short-haired may have any coat color combination except for Siamese-style points. Pointed Folds have been bred but they are not eligible for showing. The original cats only had one fold in their ears, but as mentioned due to selective breeding they have increased the fold to a double or triple crease that causes the ear to lie totally flat against the head.
This breed of cat, whether with folded ears or with normal ears, are typically good-natured and placid and are known for sleeping on their backs. They tend to become very attached to their human caregivers and are by nature quite affectionate.
Scottish Folds typically have soft voices and display a complex repertoire of meows and purrs not found in better-known breeds.
These cats have confident, well-behaved temperaments and well-developed curiosities and are known to be a hardy and happy breed; also being affectionate and fond of human contact, playful but not overly extroverted.
A Scottish Fold makes an ideal choice as a unique, family-friendly pet.
It's rare that you would find a family that’s not eager to take a vacation. Everybody packs up, looking forward to having a great time after a stressful year, but. Is the whole family really going? Many American households today said in a survey that they look as their dogs s members of the family, so when a “family” vacation is coming, most of them would like to take their dog along with them. The problem is, having a dog along can become a nuisance as well, and this is known to be true as well with the French bulldog
So, many families would just resort to leaving their pets behind with their extended family or friends or just hire a pet sitter. But what if you really want to take your French bulldog with you? What are your options? What should you do to enable you to bring your French bulldog with you and still fully enjoy your family vacation? Here are some tips and reminders which you can take note of, to help you get that “true” family vacation that you have always wanted.
Tip 1 – Check out the places where dogs are normally allowed in most of
the places of interest. You should also look for a place where you will
be able to comfortably stay which allows pet dogs inside. You can ask
your travel agent or scour the internet for recommendations on the
places of interest which answers your vacation needs for pet-friendly
places. Make sure that these places have all the facilities that can
help your French bulldog enjoy itself and at the same time have health
care services as well.There are now many travel agents and websites that offer vacation
packages that allows for a pet to be brought along. Choose along with
your family so that everyone will know what is ahead for them. This
way, you are not just choosing a place for your dog, but for the whole
family.
Tip 2 – If your French bulldog is not yet familiar in riding a car,
then prior to the trip you should start familiarizing it. Take it for
short drives. At the start, just let him stay in the car for awhile
with the engine idling, this will allow him to familiarize with the
sound and the shaking. Then slowly let the car move, don’t jerk the car
and go slow at first. Then take him for short rides stopping at least
every mile or so, gradually add more miles before stopping.
Tip 3 – Have your dog get a thorough checkup by his vet before leaving
on your dream vacation. This will eliminate the risks of him having any
health concern while on vacation which can ruin the trip. Take any
medication with you that your vet may recommend. Remember to get the ok
signal from your vet first.Tip 4 – Remember to pack everything that your dog may need, most
importantly its collar, with all the contact details on the tag. Also
remember to bring his food and anything that can make the journey
comfortable for him. Also, make sure to bring cleaning materials as the
dog may vomit or emit waste.
as their name suggests, are simply those dogs that have been bred - and trained - to assist human hunters in their activities. Originally, these dogs were responsible, at least partially, for bringing home the meat for the family's dinner and, without them, the job of hunting was much more difficult. The dogs assist the human hunter to scent and track, retrieve, flush, point or even chase down the game. 
the right dog for me?
