Fact Sheet: BRIARD

Original Article: Briard - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Briard

Briard - Photo: Wikimedia

Finally got your first new puppy? If you want your first puppy training experience to be fun, here are helpful dog training tricks that will surely get you started.

The Briard, also known as the Berger de Brie, is a large agile breed that has a powerful stature and muscular build. A herding dog, this breed was primarily bred not only to herd sheep but to protect them. They weigh an average of 75-90 pounds and stands 23-27 inches in height.

Coat

A double-coated breed, the Briard has a hard, dry, and coarse top coat that lies flat, falling in long, slightly waved locks; and a fine undercoat that covers tightly all over the body. Their hair is so abundant it masks the shape of the head or totally covers the eyes. Coats uniformly colored are all accepted except white. White can be permitted if it is only scattered throughout the coat, and/or a white spot that should not exceed one inch at the chest. Black or various shades of gray and tawny, and deeper shades of colors are usually preferred.

Activity

As with another working breed, the Briard should be given a long walk or be made to run alongside a bicycle. If not exercised enough, they will become destructive and restless. This breed makes a wonderful jogging companion, and also enjoys a good swim. Ideally suited for defense/police dog trials, this breed has a marvelous supply energy.

Temperament

The Briard is a protective and devoted breed. With a heart of gold, this breed is highly intelligent and loving. Once bonded with their family members, they will be loyal and very protective of them. Aloof with strangers or undiscovered things, this breed has to be introduced may it be furniture, a visitor, or a new baby. Early on, they should be taught if something is safe or harmful. Proved to have an excellent temper, this breed is great to have around children.

Overview

Bred primarily to herd and guard flocks of sheep, the Briard was often used to search for injured soldiers by the French Army. Now, this breed is a recognized companion dog that continues to be a delightful herder and a guardian.

Care

The coat of a Briard sheds water and dirt, with little shedding if well-groomed. They need brushing and combing daily to prevent mats to form. Bathing should be done only when necessary as it can damage the coat, making it difficult to groom. Ears should always be kept clean. The Briard is a generally healthy breed, although they may have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia, PRA, and cataracts.

Training

Extensive socialization should begin as puppies for this breed. The Briard has excellent memory skills and is highly trainable. They need firm and consistent training who is able to take charge. However, if not trained properly, they tend to be exceedingly fearful, hostile, or both.

Character

The Briard is a placid, affectionate breed with a lifetime of loyalty and devotion for their owners. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a delightful household pet and excellent guard dog. As a herding dog, they are sturdy and it is recommended to provide them enough space as they are large dogs. Playful and loving, but cautious of strangers, the Briard is a breed with the impressive build and a big heart.

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

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The EGYPTIAN MAU - Small Cat With a Big History

If there is any sort of valid claim to being the cat of ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs it must go to the Mau. After all, the word "mau" means cat. What better credentials could a fantastic feline have?

Egyptian Mau - Photo  by    Nickolas Titkov (cc)

Well, what if the particular breed of cat can be clearly seen in ancient Egyptian artwork? Even better, what if Hollywood itself has given its stamp of authenticity to the breed? In the 2004 movie, 

"Catwoman", Halle Berry's character, Patience Phillips, is killed but is brought back to life by a Mau named "Midnight", which was actually played by three different cats. It's not surprising that they turned out to be movie stars, however, because they are known for not only their striking appearance but for their personality and charisma as well.

When you go as far back into history as the Egyptian Mau, you are bound to come in contact with some wilder, less refined ancestors. The Mau is directly descended from wild African spotted cats. These ancestors were domesticated, by the ancient Egyptians and may be, as some believe, the starting point for all modern breeds of domesticated felines, from the pretty Persian kitty to those backyard balladeers...the alley cats.

Though many years removed from its ancestral strain, the Mau has retained the spots which are one of its trademarks. In fact, the spots are even more a part of the Mau than just a hair color. Its skin is actually spotted as well! Another note on spots is that this cat breed is the only naturally spotted breed. All other known spotted cats have been bred to produce the spots in their fur.

The Mau is a smallish cat, only weighing in the vicinity of five to about eleven pounds. However, don't let its size fool you. It still has the graceful hunter's moves of its wild ancestors. It is also one of the fastest breeds of domesticated cats, and a natural design in the skin which allows its long hind legs to take longer strides than other cats is the same feature found in another cat relative...the cheetah. This small pet cat has been clocked at 30 MPH! Even with its small size, however, the Mau possesses a working cat's muscles in an overall sleek package that is topped, or bottomed, off by a graceful tail which may be as much as two-thirds of its total length.

A feature that particularly endears this breed to me is that it tends to chuckle or chortle when happy, rather than mewling. It also becomes quite animated when happy and expresses its pleasure with rapid tail movements and kneading with the feet while chuckling to itself.

The Mau is a great family cat. It is friendly but protective and is devoted to its family. A possible drawback here is that they tend to like a lot of one-on-one companionships and plenty of play. In the absence of a stay-at-home human, they are graciously willing to play instead with other cat friends. So, if you cannot be at home as often as your Mau would like, you may have to get him or her a pet!

Living with the Mau is the least of your problems, however. A Mau does not come cheap, with one site I visited quoting a starting price of $400, and it goes up from there, of course. The other issue is the scarcity of the breed. They are a popular breed with a limited supply so you may be on a waiting list for some time.

While any old Mau may come in several shades and variations of colors, the Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes three acceptable colors for show - silver, bronze, and smoke. Cats of other colors, such as black, blue-silver, blue spotted, blue smoke, and solid blue, are still one hundred percent Mau, although they are not recognized for the show.

If you want a cheerful, playful family cat that can give you a taste of history, and a touch of the wild, you might just be looking for an Egyptian Mau.

Donovan Baldwin is a Central Texas writer and a University of West Florida alumnus. He is a member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, animals, nature, health, yoga [http://yoga-4-the-health-of-it.com], and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, the environment, happiness, self-improvement, and weight loss.

By Donovan Baldwin - Article Source: EzineArticles

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ROTTWEILERS As Gentle Giants And Family Watchdogs

It is hard to find a dog breed that has a more conflicting temperament description than the Rottweiler. Known as a gentle giant and loving family companion on one hand and as an attack dog on the other, it is hard to decipher the true nature of the Rottweiler. The truth is, much of what a Rottweiler will become is due to ancestry and how they are raised.

This large breed weighs between 85-125 lbs and reaches a height 22" to 27". Their name is pronounced ROTT-why-ler. They are a powerful dog with protective instincts that will come out if they feel that their family, home or territory is being threatened, making them an excellent guard and watchdog.

Rottweiler - Photo  by   arne.lis (cc)

Their AKC acceptable coat coloring is black with mahogany with rust markings. They markings typically include dots above their eyes and markings on their legs, paws, and muzzle. Their short, straight, hard, dense and coarse coat is easy to groom. They require an occasional brushing and only need a bath when necessary.

Extremely loyal and protective of its family and property, the Rottweiler is considered one of the best watchdogs. Early socialization is not just recommended, but is necessary for children, other dogs and pets. If any of these are introduced when a Rottweiler is older, they can become aggressive and territorial. They need to be trained from when they are a puppy to help curb dominance issues. This is important for them to recognize you as the master instead of the other way around. They need regular exercise and play and need plenty of outside time. They should not be locked inside all day. 

When outside they need to be in a well-secured yard and they should always be walked on a leash. This is imperative due to their territorial instincts. They are extremely wary of strangers. Rottweilers need firm, consistent training but should never be treated in a harsh or abusive nature. Extreme rough housing feeds into their aggressive tendencies where as a home that is calm, loving and gentle with their Rottweiler will feed into their gentle side.

The Rottweiler originated in Germany. They get their name from Rottweil in Wurttemberg which is where they were originally bred. They are descendants of the Italian Mastiffs. The Rottweiler was mainly used as a watchdog, guard dog, and police dog. They faced extinction towards the end of the 19th century but were brought back due to the efforts of extensive breeding programs.

Large, powerful and protective, the Rottweiler was born to be a guard dog. Research needs to be done on their ancestry before bringing them into your home to ensure that there is not a history of aggression. This research is especially important if you are bringing them into a home with other pets or small children to make sure that your home is right for this particular breed.

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Fact Sheet: BORDER TERRIER

(Original title: The Scruffy Little Hunter Dog: Border Terrier )

Border Terrier - Photo   by   torbakhopper (cc)

The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, which is actually near the border of England and Scotland. This is where these dogs were made to attack and terminate predatory foxes. 

They have wiry coat that is why they normally appear as scruffy. However, this scruffiness is an attention-grabber that is why owners do not forget to hug their little ball of energy.

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

Category: Terrier

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

Coat: wiry and short; double coated

Colors: tan, red, grizzle and tan, and/or blue and tan

Height: between 11 and 16 inches

Weight: between 11 and 16 pounds

Temperament: 

Naturally, 

• they are scruffy, hard and bold hunters

• they are active as puppies but mellow down as they mature

• they are not friendly with rabbits, rats, hamsters, and even birds

• they are economical to feed

• their activity die down when left alone all day as they really love to please people especially their owners

When properly trained,

• they can get along with the household cats but not with cats in the neighborhood

• they may even catch a burglar

• they may lose timidity when accustomed to active environments

Breeders should note of the following health issues: 

•   Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome or CES, also called as "Spike's disease", which is a hereditary, neurological, metabolic and muscle disorder that is sometimes confused with canine epilepsy

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

•   Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

•   Deafness

•   Skin problems and a few skin allergies

Care and Exercise: 

• Their coat needs weekly brushing.

• They should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.

• They should bathe only when necessary since they shed little to no hair. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.

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

Origin/History:

The exact origins of Border terriers are obscure but many breeders accepted the story that the variety was developed in the Cheviot Hills area, which is near the border of Scotland and England. The Borders have been used as hunters of rabbits and hares. They can even keep up with running horses with their short yet sturdy legs. They were also used by farmers to lure predatory foxes into their dens before killing them.

They were also trained to hunt otters, marten, and even fierce badgers. Like most terriers that were once molded as hunters, they also evolved as pets and became lovely, friendly, and loyal companion dogs. They also take part in dog shows and they can easily grab their audience attention with their agility, appearance, and bright disposition.

The breed was registered by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Club ten years after.

At present, Borders are highly favored as companion dogs and pets due to their adaptability, friendliness, and winning personality. Nonetheless, they can be reliable when it comes to tracking down vermin. In fact, some of their esteemed talents include hunting, guarding the family, and performing tricks and sports that require competitive obedience.

Like most terriers, you can be rest assured to have a loyal and bright companion dogs if you give your attention and affection to a Border. You can be sure that they can definitely drive away your bore! 

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Motorcycle PET CARRIER Dangers and How to Avoid Them

Dog in a soft crate
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pet travel is a great way to enjoy the open road on your motorcycle with your four-legged friend. But traveling with pets should never be without precaution. Certain motorcycle pet carriers can pose a threat to your pet's life and your own. Let's explore several potential dangers of motorcycle dog carriers or cat carriers and how you can avoid them.

Pet Squirming, Falling and Jumping while Traveling

Most pets - dogs and cats alike - are prone to squirm, jump, and pace while traveling. They don't realize the potential dangers of moving around and often try daring feats without warning. It's up to you as a pet owner to ensure your pet's safety at all times.

Motorcycle pet carriers that are held against your body with secure straps, such as pet travel chest pouches, will usually give and move as your pet moves. Unfortunately, when the pet begins to squirm, this can be a distraction to you as a driver or to your passenger if the pet is being held by someone in the motorcycle's passenger seat. A chest pouch can also become an annoyance in itself. It can become uncomfortable and very hot after a while, leaving both you and your pet feeling trapped and exhausted.

Another pet carrier that poses threats is the pet carrier bag that attaches to your motorcycle and secures your pet on a leash in front of the driver (between the knees) and allows the pet to stand while riding. This is a popular method for those who want to "show off" their pet while riding slowly in a parade or motorcycle rally, but it's not a safe choice for fast speeds on the open highway. The dog can easily lose his footing and slip off the motorcycle. This could hang him before you can reach out to save him. It can also distract you while driving when the dog moves around. This endangers you, your pet, your passenger, and others driving on the same highway.

With either of these types of motorcycle pet carriers, your pet will likely get hurt badly or killed if a serious accident occurs.

Other Dangers when Accidents Occur

Sturdy pet crates are the safest products to use for pet travel on motorcycles. But keep in mind, that the pet crate is only as good as its protective covering and mounting security. Pet crates that are not built solid will not endure a strong impact on the pavement. If the pet crate gives, your pet may not survive. Also, if the pet crate cannot be mounted securely on your motorcycle, find one that will!

Pet crates and other pet carriers can also pose a threat to your pet's health if they contain dangerous protruding objects or screws on the interior, an insecure cage door, or improper ventilation.

Avoid Potential Dangers of Pet Travel

You can avoid these potential dangers by choosing a motorcycle pet carrier that is durable and has all the safety features needed for a comfortable, secure ride. Your pet should have plenty of room to move around within the pet crate, and plenty of ventilation for fresh air. The pet carrier should be mounted with secure bolting, and it should be made of hard plastic that can withstand direct hits on a pavement.

If you enjoy other methods of transportation such as scooters or bikes, find a pet carrier that can be used for any method of travel. There are scooter dog carriers and bicycle pet carriers available that will also attach to motorcycles. You can go online to compare pet carriers and find a high-quality one that will meet your needs.

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The TURKISH ANGORA CAT

The Turkish Angora is a natural cat breed and has resided for centuries around the city of Ankara in Turkey. It shares similarities with Turkish Van and Persian. As a matter of fact, the Turkish Angora was used heavily for the development of the modern Persian. So much so that nearly all purebred cats were lost. Fortunately, this beautiful cat has declared a national treasure in its native land and a dedicated breeding program was initiated.

Turkish Angora - Photo: Wikimedia

Thus the Turkish Angora was preserved and in coming years found its way to other parts of Europe. It gained recognition in the United States in the nineteen sixties. However, only white colors were accepted initially and it was not until a decade later that all colors except for the pointed variants were included in cat fancies. 

A lithe and muscular cat, the Turkish Angora is a medium sized breed with an average weight between seven to ten pounds. The body is finely structured with a triangular head, almond shaped blue, green or amber eyes and longish ears. The coat is single in the layer, silky in texture and often white in color. Other colors and patterns include black, blue, cream, red, silver, smoke, tabby, and tortoiseshell.

Like the Van Cat, the Angoras show fondness towards the water. They have a graceful air about them and usually establish themselves as the top cat in a multi-pet household. They are healthy and active in general though there are reports of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and deafness in some lines. Occasionally kittens with a genetic neurological coordination disorder are born that pass away in infancy.

Turkish Angoras are very active and playful. They maintain their level of activity as they age. Also known for their intelligence, these felines are attention seekers and vocal. They are not shy and try to bond with strangers as they do with family members. Curious by nature, they follow their humans around everywhere, trying to take part in their every activity.

By Omer Ashraf The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Turkish Angora cats. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The RAGAMUFFIN Cat Breed

If you are looking for a cat breed that won't mind if your children decide they want to play dress up, you may want to take a look at the Ragamuffin cat breed. These cats are very tolerant of children and other pets and will allow children to play games that would have other cat breeds and even many dog breeds running for cover.

Ragamuffin - Photo: Wikimedia

The same characteristics that make the Ragamuffin such a wonderful family pet make it a bad choice for people who are not home for long periods of time. This breed thrives on attention and enjoys 'helping' its family do routine household chores, such as putting away groceries or folding laundry. Spending a lot of time alone can make your cat very unhappy. After all, a cat breed that will ride around in your child's doll carriage or attend a tea party obviously loves plenty of company and attention.

The Ragamuffin is one of the biggest cat breeds, weighing in at a very hefty ten to twenty pounds. Although these cats have larger than normal bones, part of their weight also comes from their tendency to carry a bit of extra fat on their bellies. This breed has a big, solidly built body, a wedge shaped head that is a bit round and large eyes that are so expressive that many people say that their cats seem to talk with their eyes. This breed has a long, gracefully tapered tail that is covered in long hair, giving it a bushy appearance. You can find the Ragamuffin in almost any coat color and any pattern. However, cats with points can not be shown.

The Cat Fancier's Association classifies the Ragamuffin as a member of the Miscellaneous class. This cat breed is the only one currently in this category. As the breed becomes more established, it will eventually move to the Provisional class. While the Ragamuffin can be shown, it can not receive any ribbons or awards until it moves from the Miscellaneous class and into a different class.

Ragamuffins have long hair with an extremely soft texture. Despite the fact that these cats are longhairs, the silkiness of their hair makes them easy to care for. This breed is not prone to developing matted hair and one of these cats only needs to be groomed about once a week to keep his coat looking beautiful and tangle free.

Since these cats have a tendency to carry a few more pounds than necessary around their stomachs, you may need to keep a close eye on your Ragamuffin's weight. If he grows too overweight, you should ask your veterinarian about feeding your cat a weight management cat food. Except for this weight problem, this cat breed has no hereditary health conditions and is an extremely healthy breed overall.

If you want a large, gentle cat that actually enjoys being around children, then the Ragamuffin is the perfect breed for you.

By Neil Groom - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Pet Bathing as Part of the PET GROOMING Experience

A house without a pet just isn't complete.  Whether the ideal animal companion is a cat or dog, proper pet grooming is essential.  Purebred or mutt, exotic or domestic, eventually that same constant sidekick will need to be bathed.  The responsible pet owner will now need to determine if it is time to bring in the pet grooming professionals or to attempt this project under their own discretion.

Photo by Patti's Pet Perfection

If the house pet happens to be a cat, many individuals feel that bathing is an unnecessary undertaking.  True, a cat will commonly clean themselves to the best of their ability, however environmental and household conditions can determine the need for a full bath.  Store-brand cat litter can often hold odor more discerningly than that of premium quality.  This litter box odor eventually begins to permeate the general smell of the family pet.  Upon noticing this condition, the cat owner will need to "freshen" the feline.

This can be best achieved by pouring baking soda under lukewarm running water into a large sink or washtub.  Once the baking soda has dissolved, carefully grasp two of the cat's paws in one hand, while doing the same with the other paws.  Slowly lower the feline into the waiting water.  The owner must take care in their own demeanor and remain calm and soothing during this process.

Most cats will not take kindly to this treatment, especially if it is a new pet grooming experience, and some may holler about the indignity of the situation.  Contrary to the cat's belief, the experience should not be too upsetting and fortunately, upon becoming dry, most cats will eventually forgive their offending owner.  If, however, the cat has been exposed to other items such as grease, or tree sap, the owner will need to perform a full bath complete with mild shampoo.  If kitty has not had the experience of the "freshening" or other assisted bathing, this may be the time to contact a pet grooming expert as their facilities are better equipped to accommodate the angry and easily antagonized feline.

The family dog will also need bathing, although on a more regular basis than the feline family members.  A small dog may be cleaned easily in the kitchen sink as the spray attachment is a perfect tool for rinsing.  Thoroughly wet the animal's coat, and apply a liberal amount of mild pet shampoo.  Quality shampoos are available in many discount stores and a full-line pet store can provide additional choices for specific problems such as fleas, ticks, or dry skin problems.   After lathering the coat, it is essential to remove all residue of the shampoo.

The animal must be rinsed with clean water numerous times to ensure that no soap is left on the skin.  A longer haired animal might now benefit from the use of a conditioner.  The use of this product will leave the coat silky, shiny, and smelling pleasant, in addition, conditioner provides another avenue for insuring that all shampoo residues has been removed.  After bathing, the pet owner will find that brushing will be must easier when facilitated with this product.

If the pet is of the short or wire-haired variety, the owner will find that a final rinse with a mixture of one-half gallon of water with two tablespoons of cider vinegar will effectively remove any residual soap and give the coat a healthy glow.  If bathing is part of your pet grooming regime, be confident with your skills or call a pet grooming expert.

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ALASKAN KLEE KAI - Dogs of the World

Alaskan Klee Kai

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All About Black and Tan Virginia FOXHOUNDS

Origins and History

The Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound is thought to have descended from hunting dogs introduced to America in 1650 by Robert Brooke. These hunting dogs were the ancestors of varieties of American hounds. George Washington received French Foxhounds as gifts from aristocracy in France and bred them with the Brooke hunting dogs to create this breed we see today. Later on, Irish Foxhounds were also bred with the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound to increase their stamina and speed.

American Foxhound: Photo: Wikimedia/Flickr

Who has a picture of a Virginian Foxhound for this Blog?

The Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound was cross bred with Bloodhounds in the 1700s, which created the breed of Black and Tan Coonhound that we know of today. In 1966 the state of Virginia chose the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound as the official breed to represent the state. This breed, along with other varieties of American Foxhounds, was created by the upper class during colonial times mainly for the purpose of fox hunting.

Physical Description

Their most distinctive feature is their coat which is black and tan with a white base, short haired and fairly coarse. They are large dogs, growing to a height of 21-25 inches and can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Their head is long, their ears are droopy and large and sit framing their face. The Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound's eyes are either hazel or brown and are fairly wide set, lending a friendly and intelligent look to their face.

Characteristics

These dogs are agreeable and loyal by nature. They need a fair amount of exercise to prevent boredom. Black and Tan Virginia Foxhounds are renowned for discovering ways to keep themselves amused and may grow to be destructive when cooped up for long periods of time. They require a lot of attention when training and need to be well socialized.

These dogs possess an excellent sense of smell and are quicker than other hounds when chasing game. They are usually not at their best living in an apartment because they need plenty of exercises and in its absence are likely to put on weight easily. Aside from the need for exercise, they tend to be reasonably healthy and not stricken by genetic disorders involving the hip and bones. Their average life expectancy is about 10-12 years.

Descendants of the Original Breed

Today, there are many variations of American foxhounds such as Goodman, July, Trigg, Walker, and Penn-Marydel. They are all descended from the same originating breed but there are variations in appearance. Penn-Marydels are often used as pack hounds to hunt foxes, Walkers are mostly found in shows, and of course, there is the Black and Tan Coonhound, a descendant of the original Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound.

While the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound is similar to their English equivalent, the English Foxhounds, the American version has been bred to be lighter, taller and agiler.

By Kate Strong Article Source: EzineArticles

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Reasons for PET ADOPTION - Are You Ready to Become a Pet Owner?

Animal Rescue (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The reasons for pet adoption can be as varied as your choices during the springtime and early fall in centers and shelters. These are known as the breeding season. And because of that fact, people who will choose to adopt during this period will have lots of animals to choose from, different types, different kinds, breeds, sizes. You name it. You will have a breeze in finding the right pet that will be a welcome sight to your home and to your life.

Pet adoption can be achieved through lots of ways. The setup can be a formal one, like you will go to a shelter and sign the necessary papers for your chosen pet to be released. You will go through all the necessary process from choosing the pets to assisting on legal documents that other localities may want you to accomplish. Other centers will ask you for a minimal fee. In return, you are assured that the animal that you will be getting is free of any sickness and have been treated with the right medication and proper vaccinations. 

You can also find online pet adoption portals that can give you choices of animals that you can adopt for free. These are usually owned by charitable institutions that aim to help the needy animals to find shelter and families for them. At this instance, you have to take the initiative to bring the animal that you have chosen to your local vet to be treated or vaccinated. You have to ensure that the pet is healthy before you bring it home.

The charitable institutions have only the best intentions for these animals. But you cannot blame them if they cannot afford to bring the animals to the vets as required. They work hard to find sponsors. But with the numbers of pets being sent to them each day, they need your help to accomplish the rest of the procedure to make sure that the animal will live long.

You can also adopt informally. Like for example, you know a pet owner who will be moving out of the country for justifiable reasons. Or you know someone who can no longer afford the responsibilities of taking care of their pets because of lack of finances. You can talk it out with them. You can adopt their pets for free. Or if they opt to sell it, you can also think hard about it. In any case, you have to look closely at the pet. Is this the type that you will be able to handle? Or are just going to cost more sufferings to the animal? If the latter is the case, then it will be better if you will advice the owners to send the animals to shelters or to charitable institutions or even to local vets who may have links with these associations.

The Reasons

So what motivates you to own a pet? Look at this list and determine if you are ready for the challenges that it may pose. This will also help you decide what kind of pets will be beneficial to the kind of setup that you have at home and at your overall lifestyle.

1. You want a companion from a stressful and busy life. If you don’t have much time to spare, you may want to opt for animals that will not require so much from you. You may want to look into rabbits. You may also want a bird that is easy to maintain. You also can contemplate about owning a fish. Remember that your pets must suit your lifestyle. 

2. You want to help. This is a good cause that you can participate to. But if you don’t really have the time to spare to be a responsible pet owner, you can just donate goods or cash to the charities or shelters that care for these animals.

So what are your reasons for pet adoption? Hear yourself out. If you can convince your heart that this is the right thing to do, then maybe this really is for you. 

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Fact Sheet: ALASKAN KLEE KAI

Klee Kai - Photo   by _tar0_(CC)

Klee Kai

Breed group: Nordic

Weight: Toy: 10 lbs; miniature: 15 lbs; standard: 23 lbs

Height: Toy: 13 inches; miniature: inches; standard: 15-17.5 inches

Overview

The Alaskan Klee Kai have been developed by Linda Spurlin during the early part of the 1970's in Wasilla, Alaska. After an unintentional mating between an Alaskan Husky and an unknown smaller dog, Linda Spurlin took a liking to this offspring. She ended up breeding a prototype dog that was suppose to act as a companion dog as she was so stunned with the good looks and size of these dogs.

In order to reduce the size of these dogs, she developed this breed with Alaskan and Siberian Huskies - and also using American and Schipperke Eskimo Dogs in order to abolish problems with dwarfism. This breed was first known as the Klee Kai, but in 1995 the name changed to the Alaskan Klee Kai. Even today these dogs are fairly rare.

Temperament

The Alaskan Klee Kai seems to be very shy and wary of strangers, but will alert their owners by barking. These dogs are average guard dogs, and they will not attack someone seeing that they were bred to be companion dogs. But they are outstanding watch dogs, and will always alert you of something when necessary. Alaskan Klee Kais are very clever dogs that are very committed to their owners. They love the attention and company of their families. These dogs get along well other pets and children they have been raised with.

Care

This breed is average shedding dogs, and will require a brushing on a regular basis. These dogs should not be bathed too often, only when it is really necessary. Make sure that you use a good shampoo to prevent possible skin irritations. Also check the ears of the dog for too much dirt, hair or too much wax build up. Their nails can also be trimmed to keep their paws in a good condition, and to ensure that they don't have any discomfort when walking.

Training

It is important to be consistent when training the Alaskan Klee Kai. The training environment should be fair and positive. This breed is very clever, but also very independent. Although they are compliant, they are not always obedient. But you will be glad to know that this gets better as these dogs get older. It is important to get this dogs socialised from a very early age onwards.

Health problems

Although these dogs are very tough, there have been some concerns uttered about an inherited bleeding disorder. Apart from this disorder, the Alaskan Klee Kai is fairly healthy.

By John M Williams Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: MUNCHKIN CAT

Original title: Munchkin Cats - What You Should Know

Photo: PublicDomainPictures

The unusual look of the Munchkin cat does not in any way affect its confidence and outgoing nature. This cat breed loves wrestling with friends and playing just like any other ordinary cat save for the short legs that are unique to it. It has been dubbed as the magpie of cat species thanks to its habit of borrowing shiny small objects that it keeps away for later play.

Besides the cat's playful nature, it does have hunter instinct and it will definitely chase up mice and any moving objects. It however, generally prefers snuggling more than it does hunting. The cats are suited for home environments and have become popular pets for cat lovers.

General appearance - These cats come in different colors and they can have short or long hairs. All of the munchkins however, have miniature look and short legs. Their eyes are walnut shaped, round and big. They tend to maintain that kitten like appearance all through their lives, making them simply adorable especially by children.

The coats - Munchkins which are shorthaired usually spot medium-plush coats whereas the long haired ones will usually come with semi-long silky coats. With this in mind, the cats do not require too much grooming Brushing your long haired cat twice a week and short haired cat once every week is enough to keep them looking good.

The legs - Their short legs are the main identifying character. The short nature allows the cats to be extremely fast. The munchkins are amazing pouncers and sprinters but they do not jump as high as other breeds would. The hind legs seem to be longer than forelegs but even with the shortness they will jump on furniture and climb just like other cats.

The body - This breed of cats is small to medium in terms of body size. Most fully grown cars will weigh between 5 pounds and 9 pounds. But even when they small bodies, they are muscular and stocky. They may have short legs but they have a very normal physique.

The backs - Unlike short legged dogs which tend to suffer spinal issues, the munchkin cats do not develop any spinal problems even with their short stature. This is probably because a cat's spine is quite different from that of a dog.

Cat temperaments - Munchkins are pretty active and will constantly be exploring the environment around them. They love socializing with both children and adults, and will not use their claws as often. They are patient, sweet and gentle and love to be cuddled and pet. Their loving gentle nature however puts them at risk with stray dogs and cats. It is best that they are kept indoors for safety purposes.

Cat health - These cats generally live healthy, normal lives, especially considering that they do not develop any spine and hip issues. It is however still of importance to ensure that you get your cat from breeders with written health assurance. To maintain the overall good health, you should take measures to protect your cat from obesity issues; watch cat diet to help it maintain the appropriate weight.

By Shalini Madhav Munchkin cats are simply adorable and make amazing pets. Choose munchkin cat breeders you can trust when getting your cat so you get a top quality breed. Article Source: EzineArticles

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SIBERIAN CAT

Siberian Cats are large and muscular with broad heads, large slanted eyes and rounded ears that angle outwards. Originally from Russia, this breed has plumed tails, longer neck ruffs, and double coats.

Siberian Kitten 12 weeks old (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Characteristics

This breed is known to be exceptionally high jumpers, with strong hindquarters and large stomachs. The males typically weigh in at 15 to 20 lbs, and females weigh in at 10 to 15 lbs. Even though they are similar in weight to Main Coon and Norwegian Forest Cats, they are shorter and stockier. It takes the Siberian Cat over 5 years to reach their full adult size.

Siberian fur is medium-long and plush, with a thick insulating under coat and a waterproof top coat. This fur has a tendency to mat, so it needs to be groomed frequently. Brown tabby is the most common color, however, a wide range of other tabby colors are available along with tortie, especially among those bred in America. Russian breeders are intent on keeping this breeds wild look, so they only accept brown and red-based coat colors.

Some breeders and pet owners claim the Siberian cat's fur is hypoallergenic, however, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Yet this breed does produce less of the primary allergen present on cats.

Temperament

Siberian cats are intelligent, friendly, and loyal. In fact, they are so loyal that they are sometimes described at dog-like in character. This breed of cat seems to be particularly happy outdoors.

Brief History

The Siberian developed from household and farm cats in Russia. There is Russian paintings and literature dating back hundreds of years depicting this breed. However, this breed was more or less unknown outside of Russia until the 1980s when it was first registered in St. Petersburg. They were not introduced to the United States until the 1990s. Today Siberian Cats, although relatively rare, are very popular and recognized around the world and accepted in all registries.

Care and grooming of Siberian Cats ought to be kept up as any other house cat, frequent combing of fur, good nutrition, regular play and veterinary visits.

Article Source: EzineArticles

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Information Regarding the JAPANESE BOBTAIL CAT

Made prominent by its short tail, Japanese Bobtail is an ancient feline that is thought to have resided in Japan for many centuries. There are numerous interesting legends associated with the beautiful feline, which is considered to be a symbol of good fortune in Japanese folklore. Japanese Bobtails were first imported to the United States in the late nineteen sixties. Following some years of formal breeding, acceptance of its status as a distinct breed came in the seventies. Both long and short hair variants of the cat are recognized. Registration came late in the United Kingdom, only at the turn of twenty-first century.

"JapaneseBobtailBlueEyedMi-ke"  Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Japanese Bobtails have an elegant semi-foreign build with good muscular development. They have a square rather than a rectangular profile and are not tubular like some oriental breeds. Head is triangular with slanted, oval eyes, well-developed cheek bones, and large, widely set ears. The coat is seen in a number of colors in van, tabby and tortoiseshell patterns. Both short and semi-long hair versions have a smooth, silky feel to them. Longhaired cats' tails are fluffier and are like pom-poms. Legs are long, with hind legs being longer than four legs.

Though they also have a short tail, Japanese Bobtails are quite different from the Manx and American Bobtail cat. Their genetic mutation is different. Body structure and profile are also unique in case of the Japanese cat. Even the short plumed tail is distinct, with each individual cat having a singular tail size and appearance.

Japanese Bobtails are reputed to be very brave and fearless creatures. They are not afraid of other animals and mingle easily with dogs and other large pets. Energetic and active, these sturdy cats are good athletes and spend lots of time daily playing with their toys. Quick to mature and develop from birth, Japanese Bobtails are among the most confident and self-assured feline breeds.

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

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TURKISH VAN

Are you looking to get a new cat soon? Great! You may want to consider a purebred cat. There are many breeds that can be found in this country, each with its own characteristic appearance and temperament and history. Think carefully about what you would characteristics you would like to see in your new companion. Perhaps you would care to consider:

Turkish Van

Black&White Turkish Van Cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A rare and ancient breed of cat, the Turkish Van was depicted on ornaments as far back as 5,000 B.C. The Turkish Van was so named for its region of origin, central and southwest Asia. The area includes the modern countries of Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Syria, and eastern Turkey. Van is a very common name in the area. There is in fact, a Lake Van which is also Turkey's largest lake, so it is not surprising that Van was used as part of this breeds name. In fact, this cat is known sometimes in its lands of origin as the "Vancat". Turkish Vans were brought back to Europe by the Crusaders on their return from the Holy Land. These cats were called several different names during that time including; white ringtail and Russian Longhair.

The first Turkish Van cats to arrive in England were brought in 1955.The breed was initially called the Turkish cat in England but this name was modified to Turkish Van later to avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora. The various names under which this breed was known in Europe created the misconception that is was simply a variant of the Turkish Angora. They are, in fact, very distinct breeds with separate histories. The Turkish Van is very much the new kid on the block in America having been here only since a first importation of a few kittens in the mid 1970s, but the breed only began to take off in this country with a second importation from France in 1983. The Turkish Van has since attracted a loyal and spirited group of breeders and fanciers.

Turkish Vans are unfortunately rather rare even in their lands of origin. They are large and strong cats that are very intelligent and are very curious. They are also very healthy cats. Turkish Vans are unusual in that they require three to five years to reach full maturity. There is one other characteristic that makes them highly unique. Turkish Vans love water. In their homeland, Turkish Vans are sometimes referred to as the swimming cats.

The Turkish Vans most distinguishing feature is his coat. The breed standard requires that Turkish Vans have a white semi-longhaired coat with colored markings confined to the head and tail. Cats of other breeds who display a similar color pattern are often said to be "van-patterned". The coat lacks an undercoat and has a very unique and beautiful texture similar to cashmere. This wonderful cashmere texture of the Turkish Vans' coat makes it waterproof. Another plus to their unusual coat is that it doesn't easily mat or tangle and so requires little grooming.

The Turkish Van cat is an ancient breed whose winning ways continue to charm people to this day. Give the Turkish Van cat a closer look. These cats' great intelligence and intense curiosity could make it interesting and entertaining pet. This cat may be exactly what you are looking for in a new companion.

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DACHSHUNDS: The Wiener Dog

The Dachshund is a dog breed within the hound family and is known for its short legs and elongated body. The German name "Dachshund" literally translates as "badger dog". Dachshunds were first used to hunt and chase badgers. In the United States, they are sometimes called "wiener dogs" or "hot dogs" due to their shape.

Photo: klausneu (Pixabay)

Dachshunds weigh from 16 to 32 pounds, though Miniature Dachshunds usually weigh less than 11 pounds. "Tweenie" refers to the group that falls between 10 and 15 pounds. Dachshunds are only 9 inches tall, though they are longer than they are tall. Dachshunds are known for their loose skin, crooked legs, and outward chest. Dachshunds were designed like this so they would be able to go through tight spaces while hunting. They also have a long tail, which is used by hunters to pull Dachshunds out of the hole once the prey is caught. There are three different types of coats that Dachshunds have: long-haired, wirehaired and smooth. Dachshunds also vary a lot in color. Most are red or black & tan. However, they can vary from cream to blue to fawn.

Dachshunds are playful dogs that are very loyal. They are known to chase birds and smaller animals with determination. Dachshunds can be difficult to train, as many are stubborn. Dachshunds are clever and are usually not shy at all. Dachshunds seem to not know or care about their own small size. They are also recognized for their complex facial expressions and deep eyes.

Unfortunately, they are prone to spinal problems because of their unique shape. Obesity in Dachshunds only makes it worse, but many believe spinal problems in Dachshunds is mainly genetic. To prevent spinal problems, they should not walk up or down stairs quickly or jump. Carrying Dachshunds in the proper manner is also a way to prevent spinal issues. Treatments do exist though, as there is physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, arthritis medication and more.

Although some believe Dachshunds may have originated in Ancient Egypt, modern Dachshunds have come from European breeders who have mixed English, French and German terriers and hounds. Dachshunds were popular pets for royalty in Europe, although the original Dachshunds were larger and weighed around 35 pounds. They were used not only for hunting badgers but for large game such as wolverines as well.

Dachshunds have been considered a symbol of Germany. Unfortunately, in the United States and England in World War I, some Dachshunds were killed on the streets because of what they symbolized. Dachshunds were used in political cartoons to ridicule Germany, but fortunately, this association has ended.

Dachshunds make great watchdogs, as they are attentive and bark when they need to. They get along well enough with other animals and should be groomed regularly as their ears must be cleaned and their nails trimmed.

Dachshunds are now quite popular pets in the United States, as they have been about the 5th most popular dog breed in the last ten years. Dachshunds are especially popular for owners who live in apartments. Famous Dachshunds include Lump, Pablo Picasso's dog, Little Dog in 2 Stupid Dogs, Buster in Toy Story 2 and Odie in Garfield the Movie.

By Michael Russell Article Source: EzineArticles

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