The Scottish terriers, also known as Scotties, are short-legged British terriers. They are one among other go-to-ground and wire-coated terriers developed in the highlands of Scotland. The Scotties are said to have jaunty attitude so they are often used to represent advertisements of the country to where they originated.
However, Scotties' nature is not in coherence with their public image or trademark. In fact, Scotties are like the citizens of his native land who are independent, stoic, and fiercely loyal to their masters. They also adhere much to their own privacy.
Scotties, Westies, and Cairns are very similar regarding their appearance. The Westies and the Cairns are, in fact, closely-related. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two.
The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Scotties:
Category: Terrier
Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor (mostly preferred by breeders)
Coat: wiry, short (about 2 inches) and thick
Colors: iron gray or steel, black, wheaten, or sandy; the coat may also be brindled or grizzled
Height: about 10 inches
Weight: between 18 and 20 pounds
Temperament: they need to be praised frequently and they adapt with the moods of the household
Breeders should note of the following health issues:
• Von Willibrand's disease (VWD), an inherited disorder
• Flea allergies and other skin problems
• Epilepsy
• Jawbone disorders
• Scottie cramp, a minor condition that causes walking difficulties
• Cerebellar abiotrophy, a slow-to-progress and rare neurological disease that causes loss of coordination
Care and Exercise:
•Their coats need special care to maintain its appearance and texture. It is suggested that they should be subjected to professional grooming once or twice each year for their coats to stay wiry and firm.
•The fur needs to be combed a couple of times in each week and even needs occasional trimming.
•Scotties' dead hairs should be plucked out through stripping. Using electric clippers will only make their coats dull and soft.
•Play with them. Hunting and squeaky balls and toys are their favorites.
•They should be on leash while walking in public places.
Origin/History:
The origins of the breed are obscure. It was noted that forerunners of Scotties were sent to France's Royal Highness by King James I of England during the 16th century. Later on, three different terriers were revealed as Scotch Terriers, which included the Westies, the Cairns, and the Scotties. The Dandie Dinmont variety had also been noted as closely-related to the abovementioned terriers but its apparent physical differences categorized itself as a separate breed.
Terrier dogs that were bred in Britain were developed to hunt vermin that ate grains, and pestered eggs and poultry farms. Most breeds grew as scrappy and courageous dogs and were trained to follow badgers or foxes into their dens. Their wiry coats and soft undercoats protected them against rugged terrains and harsh climates.
f you want to have a Scottie in your life, you should not be impulsive about the matter for animosity nd lack of proper training will only harm and traumatize the dog. If properly taken cared of, this breed can even appoint itself as a guardian of the family. It can also be fiercely loyal, that is it can protect you even if it means endangering its own life.
To this effect, I guess you must agree that a Scottie is a dog that is second to none.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog, standing between 26 inches and 30 inches. There is a height difference between the sexes. This is a powerful dog. The Anatolian Shepherd head is in balance with the body, it has a rounded head, with a rectangular shape to the muzzle. The muzzle is normally black. Their lips are black and the top lip should not over hang the bottom jaw. They can have a scissor or level bite. Naturally, they have pendent ears that hang down. These are mostly black, these should be set no higher than the head plane. Some country's, like their native home Turkey, crop the ears short. Their eyes are almond in shape and have black eye rims, except for the liver colour who's eye rims are brown. Their head is set on a thick neck that is in proportion to their body. It is slightly arched and powerful. They have a chest that is deep and reaches to their elbow. Legs are smooth and straight, set well apart, but in proportion to the dog's body.
Photo: By Franck Balzar (uploaded by Tibilou) CC Wikimedia
The Anatolian Shepherd tail is high, it is long, and it curls upwards, and when alert their tail curls up and over their back. For showing it is desirable to have a tail that is "wheel" carriage, this means that the tail will not un-curl totally. They have a short coat that is double, the colours can range mostly in the fawn, with a black mask, but you can have brindle, white and pinto. We see two coat lengths medium and medium long, which can vary with the seasons. The Anatolian Shepherd dog has really good hearing and sight. It can be very fast. They tend to be barkers at night.
History: The Anatolian Shepherd dog comes from Turkey which is in the area known as Anatolia, which used to be known as Asia Minor. This dog has been, for centuries, a shepherd dog protecting the flock. Before that they were used in battle and for hunting. They were seen as a great prize in victory. This dog can fight wolves and the Turkish people who owned this dog would put on spiked dog collars to help the dog in a fight with a wolf, this gave the dog some neck protection from the wolf or even sometimes a bear, which may attack their flock. They live outside all year with vast changes of temperature and weather. This dog comes from the region of Sivas- Kangal. There is some debate around what is a true Kangal but due to the isolation of the area this is felt to be the pure Kangal. In Turkey the Kangal is the National Dog and is seen as a great treasure. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is very hard or impossible to get from Turkey. These dogs are still a working dog and good companions for the Sheppard.
Temperament: While these dogs are shepherding dogs, they are not herding dogs. Their role is of night watching and guarding. The Anatolian Shepherd tend to be noisy at night as they patrol, to ward of predators. They have good hearing and good eye sight, are bright and intelligent. They have a built in protective instinct that cannot be stopped. They need great leadership from their humans and not a dog for the first time ownership. Human leadership is a must for this dog. This dog, if not getting good leadership, will get to think his own way, and will choose to answer a command or not as the case may be. While saying this he is sensitive to being told off and loves to have affection heaped on. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is wonderful with children; they seem to know that a child is safe. In Turkey these dogs live in villages and in the day when they are not working play and sleep around the village seeking affection from the children, they can be very protective of their young wards. While being big this is a gentle dog around the family. The only thing to note is that due to the size of the dog, they may knock the young child over. The Anatolian Shepherd get on well with other animals if introduced. They can be dominant to other dogs so it is best to socialize them while they are very young. Due to their nature, this dog will patrol his territory at night, keeping close watch of their flock or family.
If they see or feel that their flock is in danger the fist thing they do is stand in front of the flock to guard them and bark a loud deep bark. If the foreseen danger is not scared away this dog then attacks, this is the last thing the dog chooses to do. This breed needs a lot of socializing while young to allow them to understand what you want and to help with their natural guarding instincts.
Health issues: The Anatolian Shepherd breed has a slower immune system than many other breeds, talk to the veterinarian about extra injections it may need. They are sensitive to anaesthesia. Hip dysplasia can occur in this breed. They are prone to hypothyroidism or eyelid entropion.
Grooming: You do not need to do much in the way of grooming with the Anatolian Shepherd, but you will need to do vigorous grooming, twice a year when they are shedding. Shedding is very heavy.
Living conditions: The Anatolian Shepherd is not an apartment dog. They need a large garden that is well fenced as they are very suspicious of any strangers. Some thought has to go into how a stranger or visitor new to the house can enter without the dog scaring them too much. This dog likes and needs to run free so a large garden is needed along with long daily walks.
By Scott Allan Lipe
For more information on different Dog Breeds, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Morkies please visit our websites below. Anatolian-Shepherd
When you get a new dog, you are going to want to do some dog training to teach the dog how to behave in your home. If you are having a tough time, or are not sure what you should do, you can hire someone to help you with your dog training. You may find getting an in-home trainer is a good option for both, you and the dog due to experience and knowledge.
Having an in home trainer can be beneficial for many reasons:
Anxiety - Your dog would not be anxious as you do not have to leave the house. He is comfortable in the surroundings, and is more likely to behave for you and the trainer.
Relaxing - Due to being in your own home, your dog will be relaxed and more likely to listen and behave as this is his territory. You want your dog to feel relaxed, as he is more to pay attention and learn what you want him to learn in a smaller time field.
Distractions - Your dog would not be distracted by other dogs and will listen better. As a result, it should not take too long to learn the behaviours and the training you want done. Another benefit to being in his own territory is that he can be trained with the items that will be a part of his world most of the time.
Customized - The training that you and your dog receive will be customized for you and adapted for how things are going. If he catches on quickly to behaviour, you can move onto the next one without having to wait for the rest of the class.
Multiple People - If there are several people in your home who may be involved with the dog and the dog training, they can all attend the session as you can schedule it for a time that works best for everyone.
One of the best things about bringing in a professional trainer is that they know the tricks and will be able to focus fully on the dog training of both you and the dog for the best results.
Bringing a new puppy into the household is always an exciting and fun time. Everyone wants to play with, cuddle and hold the little ball of fur. The last thing on the minds of most new puppy owners is training the new addition, but it is important that puppy training and socialization begin as early as possible.
White German Shepherd puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Socializing a new puppy is a vital part of any training program, and it is important for socialization to begin early. The window for socialization is very short, and a puppy that is not properly socialized to people, dogs and other animals by the time he or she is four months old often never develops the socialization he or she needs to become a good canine citizen.
One great way to socialize your puppy both to new people and new dogs is to take it on a trip to your local pet store. Many major pet store chains, and some independent ones as well, allow pet parents to bring their furry children, and these stores can be great places for puppies to get used to new sights, sounds and smells. Of course you will want to make sure the store allows pets before heading over.
Learning how to interact with other dogs is something that normally would occur between littermates. However, since most dogs are removed from their mothers so soon, this littermate socialization often does not finish properly.
One vital lesson puppies learn from their littermates and from the mother dog is how to bite, and how not to bite. Puppies naturally roughhouse with each other, and their thick skin protects them from most bites. However, when one puppy bites to hard, the other puppies, or the mother dog, quickly reprimand him, often by holding him by the scruff of his neck until he submits.
The best way to socialize your puppy is to have it play with lots of other puppies. It is also fine for the puppy to play with a few adult dogs, as long as they are friendly and well socialized. Many communities have puppy playschool and puppy kindergarten classes. These classes can be a great way to socialize any puppy, and for handler and puppy alike to learn some basic obedience skills.
When socializing puppies, it is best to let them play on their own and work out their own issues when it comes to appropriate roughness of play. The only time the owners should step in is if one puppy is hurting another, or if a serious fight breaks out. Other than that the owners should simply stand back and watch their puppies interact.
While this socialization is taking place, the pack hierarchy should quickly become apparent. There will be some puppies who are ultra submissive, rolling on their backs and baring their throats at the slightest provocation. Other puppies in the class will be dominant, ordering the other puppies around and telling them what to do. Watching the puppies play, and determining what type of personality traits your puppy has, will be very valuable in determining the best way to proceed with more advanced training.
As the socialization process proceeds, of course, it will be necessary to introduce the puppy to all sorts of humans as well as all sorts of puppies. Fortunately, the puppy kindergarten class makes this process quite easy, since every puppy gets to interact with every human. It is important that the puppy be exposed to men, and women, old people and children, black people and white people. Dogs do not see every human as the same. To a dog, a man and a woman are completely different animals.
It is also important to introduce the puppy to a variety of other animals, especially in a multi pet household. Introducing the puppy to friendly cats is important, as are introductions to other animals the puppy may encounter, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and the like. If your household contains a more exotic creature, it is important to introduce the puppy to it as early as possible, but to do it in a way that is safe for both animals.
It is often best to start by introducing the puppy to the smell of the other animal. This can be easily accomplished by placing a piece of the animals bedding, like a towel or bed liner, near where the puppy sleeps. Once the puppy is accustomed to the smell of the other creature, he or she is much more likely to accept the animal as just another member of the family.
Just the same as our own eyes, your Cockapoo's eyes are extremely sensitive and require good care and attention. In this article I'll be sharing a few points and suggestions to ensure that your Cockapoo's eyes stay in a healthy condition and infection free.
Cockapoo Cooper (White, 1 year old) and Maggie (Black, 6 months old) Cockapoos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here are a few tips to help maintain your Cockapoo's eyes
Examine the sides of your Cockapoo's eyes and make sure they're totally free of mucus. Unwelcome bacteria will rapidly grow in the mucus and this could potentially be transferred to the eyes. If your dog suffers from a mucus build up, then ask for the local veterinarian's help and advice. They will typically suggest a sterile eyewash that will allow you to eliminate the mucus.
In your Cockapoo is a little 'intense' in the presence of other dogs, it is important to maintain good control of your dog, since eye traumas sustained from fights can be extremely unpleasant - regrettably many a dog has lost an eye via some sort of 'scrap'.
Does your dog constantly ride with his or her head out of the car window? If this is the case then its very easy for small particles to enter his eyes, which could cause infection or injury. Likewise, larger objects such as the branch of a tree or a rock thrown up by another vehicle, could cause a more severe injury to your dog.
Take care not to expose your dog to substances which are potential irritants, so consider where it is that you walk with him, what is on the ground, or what fumes may be in the air.
Take a set of blunt scissors and then clip the hair from about your pet's eyes. Doing this will help to ensure that any long hairs will not prick against your dog's eyes and may also help to prevent unhealthy present on the hairs microbes from coming into contact with his eyes.
Tear stains are a problem in Cockapoos simply because this breed of dog does not possess good tear duct drainage. Any tears that cannot drain away merely roll down and off the eye and may lead to staining around the eye, because the damp hairs attract and accumulate debris and dust. You can easily help alleviate problems with this discoloration by simply making certain that the hair surrounding the eyes is frequently cut. If the discoloring is high then there are several commercially obtainable solutions and products which can help. You should always check with one's veterinarian for help and advice before of applying any sort of treatment solution on your dog.
By routinely checking your dogs eyes you'll be able to spot any issues before they get serious. Should you see anything amiss then I suggest you contact your vet's as soon as possible. Eye problems in dogs are actually commonplace, with the most typical being conjunctivitis. Eye infections are usually bacterial and will be easily cured with antibiotics. The antibiotics will either be in liquid or in a lotion.
Eye bacterial infections will certainly clear up a lot quicker if your dog is not able to scratch or paw at their eyes. You should get a cone collar because they will put a stop to the dog itching at their face. It will also help in preventing the problem from moving from one eye to the other.
The above facts are presented as a general guide. For anybody who is unsure on precisely how to care for your Cockapoos eyes then make sure that you talk with your veterinarian. They can describe for you all of the symptoms of the commonplace eye ailments, along with the symptoms that you need to be looking out for. They'll also be able to demonstrate the ideal way to cleanse and maintain your dogs eyes, so that they remain healthy and problem free.
Poodles are a very popular breed to have as a pet and also very popular to breed with other dog breeds. To learn more about the popularity of the poodle see the article on this site at Poodle Popularity.
Although there are not Breeds of Poodles, there are plenty of Poodle mixes. One of the most popular poodle mix is the Cockapoo described in this article.
COCKAPOOS
By mixing the breed of poodle with the breed of Cocker Spaniel, a Cockapoo is created. The Cockapoo is not a dog breed, rather it is a mixed breed and in theory takes all the desirable qualities of their parents. In reality one hopes the mixed breed dog will take the desirable traits of the purebred dog.
From the Cocker Spaniel, the mixed puppy will hopefully take Cocker’s characteristics of being mellow, friendly, having a pleasant personality and a sturdy build. The Poodle bred traits wanted are intelligence, cleverness, and a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat.
THE COAT OF THE POODLE
The poodle’s coat is a major reason the poodle is mixed with other breeds. The poodle’s coat does not shed and is hypoallergenic, meaning the poodle is (in my opinion) the best dog breed to have if you suffer from allergies. Most people will not have an allergic reaction to a poodle.
HEALTH AND GENETIC DISORDERS
By mixing two breeds Cockapoo Puppies become less prone to genetic disorders. Poor breeding, like mating a brother and sister, is a cause of genetic disorders. Breeding with a completely different bloodline from a different breed strengthens the gene pool of the puppies.
When Poodles became a popular dog, this caused a very high demand for poodle puppies. Poodles were generated for money not health. Inbreeding and unhealthy breeding occurred rampantly causing genetic health problems for future generations of these poodles. The same poor breeding was done with Cocker Spaniels as their popularity grew. Known health ailments are associated with each breed due to breeding to meet demand versus breeding to advance the quality of the breed.
It is possible to obtain a healthy purebred. Proper breeding was also done at the time of the breed’s popularity. By researching the bloodline of the parents, and/or having both sire and dam registered with the AKC can insure healthy genetic bloodlines for the purebred puppy.
NO GUARANTEE OF TRAITS
Remember, by mixing the breeds, the traits you like about a breed will not necessarily be passed on to the litter. Combining the best traits of both breeds is the goal. Some of the mixed bred puppies will have the desirable traits, or may have one or two of the desired traits.
It is hoped that by mixing a poodle with a Cocker Spaniel, the cockapoo will have a coat that is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, be very intelligent, be friendly and have a sturdy build. Some cockapoos will have a less shedding coat and will be less likely to cause allergic reactions. Some cockapoos will have a shedding coat and will cause allergenic reactions. The same is true of all the traits.
Cockapoos are not a recognized dog breed. At least not yet. If cockapoos with the desired traits are bred with other cockapoos with the desired traits from a different bloodline, then over time the cockapoo will have predictable traits. For example, all pure bred poodles have a non shedding coat and is hypoallergenic. The pure breed Cocker Spaniel has a shedding coat and will cause allergic reactions. As of now, cockapoos may or may not have a non shedding coat, or a coat that sheds less than the Cocker Spaniel. Researching the breeder of the cockapoo and seeing the parents is the best indication of the traits of a specific cockapoo puppy.
The mix of traits will be in each litter and puppies in the same litter could have different characteristics. One may have a shedding coat and one may have the non-shedding coat. One puppy may be very active and another calmer.
PERSONALITY
Well bred cockapoos are calm, fun, mellow and loving. They are pleasant, have patience and very sweet. Their intelligence helps them be trained and entertaining.
A personality of a dog is mainly dependent on the parents. To predict personality meet the parents and take time to get to know them. There are Cocker Spaniels and Poodles that are skittish, nervous and not friendly, who will pass on these undesirable traits. There are known health issues for each breed who will pass on the genetic tendency for that health problem.
By spending time with the puppy before committing a great deal of heartache can be avoided.
TAKING CARE OF A COCKAPOO
Cockapoo puppies can be taken care of with weekly bathing, brushing and clipping of nails. They can live a healthy and a long life with proper nutrition, medical care and good living conditions.
Cockapoo puppies have a very good immune system so they are less prone to diseases. They remain healthy with regular physical exercises. The cockapoo needs physical activities and loves to play. At a minimum take them for a daily walk, and have space for them to run and play or take them to a dog park.
COCKAPOOS AND KIDS
The nature of Cockapoo make them ideal for kids. They love to be with children and will be an excellent companion. The personality traits of calmness and patience can make the cockapoo an excellent choice for a child with emotional challenges, such as being withdrawn or autism. The cockapoo can make an excellent therapy dog.
FINDING COCKAPOOS
Cockapoo breeders can become state licensed or register with the American Cockapoo Club as a way to show they are knowledgeable breeders. Cockapoo breeders breed healthy well socialized puppies in a variety of colors and coats. Research the breeder and ask lots of questions until you feel confident about the puppy you are about to buy. Saying a dog is a Cockapoo does not exactly imply purebred Poodles and Cocker Spaniel parents. Many cross breeds of poodles have more than one breed in the bloodline. See if the breeder has a hereditary chart of the parents, called the sire and dam.
It is worth taking the time to examine breeders. Be sure the cockapoo is healthy and pleasant mannered. A well breed cockapoo will be a loving wonderful addition to your home. Take Care.
Mastiffs in one form or another have been around since before written history began. Carvings from the Babylonian palace of Ashurbanipal (these carvings are on display in the British Museum) show large Mastiff-type dogs hunting lions in the desert near the Tigris River.
Mastiffs as war dogs
Phoenician merchants introduced the Mastiff to ancient Britain in the 6th century BC. The ancient Celts began using them as combat dogs who accompanied their owners into battle. This was the beginning of a long history of Mastiffs as fighters, soldiers, protectors, and watchdogs. A popular story tells that when Sir Peers Legh was injured in the Battle of Agincourt, his Mastiff stood over him and protected him for many hours while the battle raged on.
When the Romans invaded Britain around AD43, they took Mastiffs back to Italy and used them to protect property and guard prisoners, in addition to fighting in the arena. The Mastiff is said to have been Julius Caesar's favorite dog. Kubla Khan had a kennel of 5,000 Mastiffs for hunting and war use. When Hannibal crossed the Alps, he took several battalions of war Mastiffs.
Back in Britain in the 11th century, the Mastiff was one of the few breeds listed by name in The Forest Laws of King Canute, the first written laws of England. Mastiffs were recorded as being kept for protection, and the middle toes of their front feet had to be amputated so the dogs could not run swiftly enough to catch deer (which traditionally belonged to royalty).
British royals kept Mastiffs to protect their castles and estates, releasing them at night to ward off intruders. Henry VIII is said to have presented Charles V of Spain with 400 Mastiffs to be used in battle.
From the 12th through 19th centuries, Mastiffs were used for bear-baiting. This "sport," in which dogs attacked chained-up bears, bulls, and even tigers, was especially popular during Queen Elizabeth's time. Such fights were often staged for the queen's entertainment.
The size of the Mastiff and its need to eat about as much food per day as an adult man made a Mastiff too costly for most common folk, except butchers, who had enough meat scraps to feed a Mastiff well. Therefore, the Mastiff was often called the "Butchers Dog."
Mastiffs in the United States
The first Mastiff in North America was brought from Britain on the Mayflower by the Pilgrims. The breed didn't become prominent in America until the 1800s, when Mastiffs were often found on plantations in the South as property guards.
During the World Wars, Mastiffs were commissioned to pull munitions carts at the front lines. However, their popularity was declining at the same time, partly because of their size: It was considered unpatriotic to keep a dog that ate as much in one day as a soldier. By the 1920s, Mastiffs were almost extinct in Britain, and by the end of World War II, Canada and the United States were sending Mastiffs to Britain to save the breed. Now, the breed is well-established in both continents.
From war dogs to family pets
How did Mastiffs go from hunting and fierce war dogs to the gentle pets we know today? Part of the reason is that breeders have bred the Mastiff for gentleness and have thus created an excellent companion. In addition Mastiffs are simply treated differently today. No longer are they used for barbaric practices like bear bating or lion fighting. As for being war dogs, modern warfare has made them obsolete as war dogs. Instead, Mastiffs are either kept as pets or put to use as watchdogs, guards, police or military dogs, search and rescue dogs, or as weight pullers.
By Autumn Louther
Autumn C. Louther is a Mastiff owner who adores the Mastiff breed
There are various reasons as to why a person would buy a leash for their pet. Cat leashes are just simply wonderful to have although some people don't seem to need them. You can find so many different cat leashes according to what you will use it for or how often you will be using it.
What is the use for a cat leash?
Some owners could find it strange for some to use a cat leash mostly because you rarely ever see a cat with one on, but you do see people that have dogs with them. A cat leash serves different purposes for the owner and the petalone.
Cat in harness with leash (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Like dogs, cats have their own special personality and some cats could be a little more mild mannered and conservative while other cats are territorial and don't like other cats. If you have a territorial cat then it might be a good idea for you to put him on a leash if you want to take him out for a walk. some owners might have their cats with them and if your pet tries to threaten them or they do the same you can contain your pet with the leash.
Another reason why you might want to have a cat leash for your cat is so that he will not wonder away when you take him outside. Cats are independent animals and the majority of them won't stay right next to you when going on walks; especially if they are an outdoor cat. Overall leashes are used for convenience and protection reasons when taking your cat out.
What kind of cat leashes can I buy?
You'd be pleased with the huge options of cat leashes you can find; especially if you browse online. If you go to a store then there are smaller options of cat leashes, however if you are looking for a certain cat leash then you will surely be able to find it online with no problem at all. A popular type of cat leash that most owners have for their pets is one with a retractable cord.
A retractable cord leash allows the owner to adjust the leash to various lengths that is suitable for the size of your cat and it allows you cat to wander longer distances without feeling contained when you take him out on walks. Another reason that the retractable cord is one of the preferred types of leashes to us is because when you are finished using it for your cat you can retract the cord and put it away. No more worrying about loose cords getting tangled!
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Your cat needs a harness
Make sure that you purchase a harness for the leash that you will be using for your pet. Many leashes already have a harness, but some don't and you can buy them separately. A harness is needed so that your pet can be safe when you take him on walks. It causes the pressure of the leash to be evened out so that he won't choke from the leash tugging on his collar.
It's the safest thing to do so purchase a harness for him. Harnesses come in various sizes according to the weight and how big your pet's neck is. Make sure to purchase one that is not too tight but fits your cat comfortably.
The price you can expect to pay for one
According to what the leash is made of, the brand it is, and the length of the leash will determine the price of it. Pay attention to the details of a leash and make certain that you buy one that will last for a long time; especially since some pets bite, chew, and ruin leashes over time.
A cat whisper is somewhat similar to a dog or horse whisperer, although cat whisperers relate quite well with cats. These types of people are unusually lucky and very successfully with cats. In most cases, a cat will be abandoned or just show up at someone’s door. In this event, the cat will adopt this individual as the cat whisperer.
Cats - Hugs and love. They do have two beds... they just prefer the same one. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Often times, alley cats and black cats will show up at someone’s door and decide to move into their homes. This can be a result of abandonment, or the cat’s family moving away and simply leaving the cat behind. Sometimes, the cat may decide that he likes someone else’s home better and decide to move there instead of staying with his owner.
A lot of people will tell you that a cat whisperer can be thought of as a therapist for cats. Almost all cat whisperers haven’t have any type of training, what they know just seems to come to them naturally. These types of people understand the way a cat thinks and knows how to work with the cat to achieve the results they want. Even though many think of a cat whisperer as a therapist, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cats who have been abused or mistreated, often times won’t respond to anyone but a cat whisperer. Although others may have tried to help the cat, it will only make matters worse by making the cat feel scared and afraid. In most cases, these cats will end up in a pound. This is very tragic, as the cats have already endured more than they ever should have. A majority of the cats who have been abused were once loved pets. Along the way, they were abandoned, mistreated, attacked by dogs, and in some cases tortured.
Cats who have been treated unfairly often times won’t trust anyone. They are often times confused, in a lot of pain, and not sure what they should do. Like humans, cats feel pain. Those that have been physically abused are a sad sight indeed. Emotionally damaged cats may appear to be in perfect health on the outside, although their emotions are a wreck. Emotionally abused cats are much harder to get through to, especially if they were stray cats to begin with.
Cat whisperers on the other hand, can communicate with physically and emotionally abused cats. Cats know who they will choose to be their cat whisperer, which is normally an individual they sense trust with. Cat whisperers are common with cats, although most people have never heard of them before. Even though a cat whisperer may be able to communicate better with cats, it will still take time to heal a cat that has been abused.
Chain Martingale Dog Collar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What purpose does the leash serve?
Leashes have been used throughout history to control our dogs and to keep them safe. In purchasing a dog leash, you must determine how you intend to use it and then purchase a size and material that suits the size of your dog and your purpose.
Types of Leashes: Nylon, leather, adjustable dog leash, multiple dog leashes, etc.
Nylon Dog Leash: Nylon Dog Leashes are light weight and durable. They come in many widths, colors and patterns. Often they are sold in sets that are coordinated with matching dog collars. Typically, a leash being used for a walk will be 6 feet or so in length. Nylon can burn your hands if you end up in a struggle with your dog. If you think that is a possibility, you might want to consider a leather dog leash. Round rope leashes made of nylon are lightweight and useful for training in your home.
Leather Dog Leash:Leather is more expensive and may need some maintenance to keep the leather soft and pliable. However, they are durable. They are available in 4-6 ft lengths like the nylon. Leather dog collars or leashes need to be cleaned and maintained. If you come back covered in mud from your trip to the park, be sure to wipe the dirt away with a damp towel and mild soap. Then the leather will need to be oiled or have a protective saddle soap applied and polished. If you get your leash really wet, let it dry naturally and then clean as above. Dont put it in front of a heat source to dry as you will dry the leather out too quickly and it may crack on you. Trapped dirt in the stitching can be cleaned with a soft bristle brush. If you take care of your leather leash and collar, it should last you a long, long time.
Retractable Dog Leash: Retractable dog leashes work much like a measuring tape. They are made of either a nylon web or cord which retracts into a case with a handle. With lengths up to 26 feet, they are perfect for walking your leash trained dog. He can stop a moment to smell and you can keep on trucking. They are also useful for playing or training your dog when you need some distance but still want the control a leash gives you. Since these leashes are so long, please be careful not to leave your pet unattended when he on this type of leash. Retractable dog leashes come in a heavy duty retractable version for our bigger pals. These leashes can encourage a dog to pull, so be sure your dog knows proper etiquette for leash walking before snapping on a retractable leash.
Adjustable Dog Leash: Adjustable dog leashes are great for when you need to tie your pooch while hitting a coffee shop or stepping away for a moment. They have loops along the leash with a clasp that allows you to either shorten or lengthen or tie as you have need for. They are available in nylon and other materials.
Martingale Leads: Typically seen the in the show ring, Martingale leads combine the collar and leash into one. The collar slips over the head and is tightened by a plastic tube when the leash is pulled.
Bicycle or Multiple Dog Walking Leashes: Leashes also come with Leash extenders for walking multiple dogs. If one dog is small and the other larger, you can add a leash extender for balancing the two heights. Dog leashes for walking two dogs or multiple dog walking are also sold. There are also leashes available for bringing your dog along on bicycle ride. They are basically a short bar that attaches to the back wheel of your bike and has a short leash attached.
I love Siamese cats, but I will tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth with honest Siamese cat information!
8 Monate alter Siamkater, Lilac-Point (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Lets start with the 'good' facts about Siamese.
Siamese can be loyal, obsessively loyal. Siamese are smart, although there is the occasional exception (or maybe it's just pretending) Siamese cats are often talkative; they seem to understand you even if they choose to be a little deaf at times. Siamese kittens and cats have character, no bland and boring snooze cat here. Siamese cats give and expect to receive. All the time.
A Siamese cat has an easy care coat so no long and expensive visits to the beauty parlor required. Others even appreciate having their nails done - a 'caticure of sorts'. You can even buy nail covers in some fun designer colors, great for the indoor Siamese and to protect your furniture.
Siamese are beautiful and a pleasure to watch. Certainly better than watching TV. This cat knows it is special and is happy to bestow some of its' special aura on a special person. Your Siamese will love to keep you company. And keep you company. And again. The Siamese kitten or cat loves heat more than most cats, preferably in your bed if they get half a chance.
Are you ready? The 'bad' Siamese Cat Facts
That Siamese loyalty may be more dog-like than a cat. Bad? If you are the kind of person who hates to be smothered, you might be better off with a less demonstrative bred. Siamese cats expect to help you write your great American novel (Chapter 1: kjf*&^%#^9ojn3o9iunf93). Don't expect to hide in the bathroom for a bit of peace and quiet - it's their favorite room, and anyway they refuse to be shut out. Period.
Siamese are clever. Don't expect your bright Siamese to wait for you to come home before being naughty. They need to keep that brain amused and if you don't leave them copious reading material or some good films about bird watching, your Siamese (even a Siamese kitten) will find amusement wherever they can. I have seen some amazing flower arrangements and indoor gardens created by a bored Siamese. Be prepared to spend time playing.
I have known many quiet Siamese, but when they are noisy, boy are they noisy! If you bring home a talkative version, meditation and mind over matter lessons might be in order.
When they are bad, they are very bad
The 'ugly' side of Siamese cats? Facts can be deceiving and no single Siamese is all bad - although some come close.
A jealous cat? Yes, so best not tease your Siamese or you'll be at the receiving end of sulks for as long as your cat chooses to punish you. To speed the forgiveness process little hors d'oeuvres might eventually be accepted. And please, never fuss over another cat when your Siamese is within earshot. Long after you have forgotten all about it an ambush of historic proportions will be mounted on the surprised rival for your affections.
So as not to embarrass my 'butter would not melt' writing companion I will stop here but I would be remiss if I did not briefly mention dodgy litter habits, a certain sneakiness, and a tendency towards Attilla the Hun-type dominance.
Please don't let these little details put you off. If this Siamese cat information hasn't put you off, then you may be one of the suitable and special people for whom a Siamese is a welcome addition to the family. I certainly couldn't be without one.
By Anne Sterck
Anne Sterck, 'The Siamese Cat Lady', has never been without a cat or two or six! She is presently owned by Cumin, the cutest and naughtiest Siamese cat in France.
Article Source: EzineArticles
Affenpinschers were first listed in the American Kennel Club stud book in November 1936. At this time an abbreviated translation of the German standard was accepted as the American breed standard. The first entry in the stud book was for Nolli v Anwander. This was a German female imported in whelp by Mrs. Bessie Mally of Cicero, Illinois. The first male that she imported was Osko von der Franziskusklause. From 1936 to 1940, Mrs. Mally had 22 Affenpinschers listed in the stud books. During these years, 27 dogs were registered with the AKC.
A few other enthusiasts also had imports or bred with Mrs. Mally's dogs. During this period Thelma D. Wolfe exhibited her dog, named Duke of became a champion. However, October 1940 was the last Affenpinschers entry in the Stud Book for the next nine years. Sadly, there are no records or reasons given for this abrupt end of the breeding of Affenpinschers in America. Likely US involvement with the Allies in World War II and the accompanying hostilities toward all things German led to the Affenpinscher's decline in popularity. No one seems to know what happened to these early dogs, and none is found in the pedigrees of the later dogs in America.
The renowned dog fancier Mrs. Henrietta Proctor Donnell Reilly, of Larchmount, NY, continued the exhibiting of the breed during these years. Her German import Ger. Ch. Niki v. Zwergteufel won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show for six consecutive years, from 1938-1943. Then a kennel mate of Niki, Ger. Ch. Everl v. d. Franziskusklause, won for the next four years through 1947. No record of Mrs. Reilly's kennel name, Etty Haven, is found in the stud books, so no breeding of her Affenpinschers was done or none of these offspring was registered.
The next American encounter with this breed was in 1949, when an import owned by Mrs. Evelyne Brody, Ch. Bub v. Anwander, became the first Affenpinscher champion according to American Kennel Club(AKC) records. This dog also went on to become the first Affenpinscher to place in the Toy Group. During the next several years Mrs. Brody's kennel name, Cedarlawn, from Nashotah, Wisconsin, dominated the listings in the stud book. Many of the Affenpinschers today can trace their bloodlines back to the Cedarlawn dogs.
Soon Mrs. Walter Kauffmann and her daughters, Helga and Louisa, from Westwood, New Jersey, also imported dogs. Interestingly these later imports came from the same kennels in Germany from which Mrs. Mally had gotten her original dogs. The Kauffmanns, under the Walhof name, became prominent breeders and exhibitors. Helga Kauffmann exhibited extensively and had the top group-placing Affenpinschers for many years. Their champion Walhof Margaretenklause Ivy, a female, was the first Affenpinscher to win the Toy Group, and their Ch. Je-Bil's Yogi Bear was the first male Toy Group winner. Some of these early dogs produced colors other than black. When looking back at the AKC stud books, it seems that two of the Kauffmann imports, when bred together, produced reds.
Ch. Kraus v. D. Margaretenklause and Ch. Blanka v. d. Charlottenhohe were the parents of Walhof Little Red Riding Hood. Later the Kauffmanns' Ch. Walhof Ivin was the first red champion, and his littermate Ch. Walhof Boutonniere became the first black-and-tan champion. These two dogs were out of Ch. Walhof Margaretenklause Lee and Walhof Margaretenklause Jan. When Boutonniere was bred to Little Red Riding Hood they produced top-winning Ch. Walhof Ivy, a black-and-tan group winner, and Ch. Walhof Blackberry Brandi. With the help of Jerry Zalon they produced many dogs of colors other than black. From these early dogs the color genes can be traced into England and continental Europe today. The Kauffmanns were probably the most instrumental breeders in the development of the Affenpinscher in America. The Walhof prefix is behind nearly all of the dogs in Morth America and England.
Another important kennel that greatly influenced Affenpinscher in the '50s and '60s was Arthur and Mary Harringon's Aff -Airn kennels from Albany, New York. Aff-Airn continued on with what Mrs. Brody had begun. They also bred with the Walhof kennels. One among many notable dogs of their breeding, Ch. Aff-Airn Tag Along, made a significant contribution to the breed.
In 1958, Mrs. Florence Strohmaier became a friend of the Harringtons and started working with the Aff-Airn Affens. After the death of Mary and Arthur, Mrs. Strohmaier continued their lines but went out on her own under the name Flo-Star kennels. Her dogs continued to have an impact on the breed in the US, Canada, England, Irland, Scotland, Holland and Germany. Ch. Flo-Star's Adam of Joy, a grandson of Ch. Walhof Boutonniere, is behind many of the top-winning and top-producing Affenpinschers. Am. , Can. and Bermuda Ch. Flo-Star's Holy Terror and Am. , Can. , Bermuda and Dutch Ch. Flo-Star's Tandy Tane were some of Mrs. Strohmaier's important contributors to the breed.
Ch. Flo-Star's Titus Tiberius, CD was one of the first conformation- and obedience-titled Affenpinschers to get Toy Group placements. Primarily known for her black dogs, Mrs. Strohmaier won Winners Dog and Winners Bitch at the 1997 national specialty with her red or wild boar Affens. The Flo-Star Affens are known for their typey heads and good substance. Until her death in 2005, Flo Strohmaier consistently remained involved with the Affenpinscher. Her 48 years in the breed stand as a legacy, making her involvement longer than that of any other breeder in America.
In the early 1960s, Tobin Jackson and D. V. Gibbs got their start in Affenpinscher from the Walhof and Aff-Airn kennels. Soon the Deer Run Affenpinschers from French-town, New Jersey were making a mark in the dog world. Most American Affenpinschers have Deer Run bloodlines behind them. Jackson and Gibbs also wrote about the breed in How to Raise and Train an Affenpinscher, published in 1969, now out of print. Mr. Jackson also wrote interesting and informative articles for the magazine Popular Dogs. In the mid-'60s, Bonnie(Hawkins) Sellner began working with and showing the Deer Run dogs. Mrs. Sellner has worked with several other kennels, helping with their breeding programs and exhibiting their Affenpinschers.
Imported Affenpinschers continued to make their mark into the 1960s. Mrs. Lester H. Tillman, Jr. of Oyster Bay, New York, owned and exhibited the top-winning Affenpinscher of 1963, Ch. Babs von Reburg. This little dog came from Austria.
A number of midwestern breeders helped to advance the breed during the 1960s and '70s. Jean and Bill Becker, from Decatur, Illinois, starting with the Walhof lines, bred and exhibited many fine Affenpinschers under the Je-Bil kennel name. The Kauffmanns owned and exhibited Ch. Je-Bil's Yogi Bear, who was one of that era's top show dogs.
The Reverend Clyde Zarski and his Apache kennels from Rhinelander, Wisconsin combined the Walhof and Aff-Airn lines to produce a number of fine champions. Mrs. Lois Wolf(McManus)White, now a dog show judge living in California, handled dogs for and co-owned dogs with Rev. Zarski. One of these dogs of note was top-winning Ch. Apache Cricket Again. Mrs. White also bred a few litters and has been active with the development of the AKC Affenpinscher breed video and the breed standard. In the 1970s Kay Wurtz, also from Wisconsin, under the King's Royal name, continued with the Apache lines and bred and showed Affens until the late '80s.
It seems that the 1960s brought much enthusiasm, interest and controversy to breed. Breeders gathered to from a club but soon there were arguments over the standard and, specifically, over the height of the Affenpinscher. Some wanted the breed to remain at 10. 25 inches. Others felt that the dogs would be sounder and easier to breed if they were a bit larger. This battle became heated and caused a split in the club, with one faction forming the American Affenpinscher Association and the other the Affenpinscher Club of America. With time and civility the fancy joined together again as the Affenpinscher Club of America, which still exists but is still often embroiled in controversy.
The Affenpinscher, as a respected show dog with consistent group placements, started to make its mark in the mid-1970s. More professional handlers and enthusiastic breeder-exhibitions got involved. The overall quality and showmanship in the breed improved. A more refined and sculptured appearance for the show ring developed. The judges took note and more and more Affenpinschers began placing and winning in the toy ring. However, what the appropriate look is or how much grooming is right for the breed added to the controversy.
