Fact Sheet: BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

(Original Title: Bernese Mountain dog - What you must know )

Photo  by StooMathiesen 

Bernese Mountain Dogs - Breed Introduction

The Bernese Mountain Dog is an affectionate, gentle, intelligent, and loyal animal that bonds to his family at a very younger age. This dog loves folks and kids and likes to be in physical contact with them by leaning against them or sitting on their feet.

Through the years this canine has been used for driving livestock, as a farm guardian, and for draft work. He excels in monitoring, herding watchdogging, guarding, search and rescue, and aggressive obedience.

A large, heavy dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog matures to 23 to twenty-eight inches in the top (58 to71 centimeters) and weighs between eighty and 110 kilos (36 to 50 kilograms).

History of Breed

Named after the Berne canton of Switzerland, the precise origins of this breed are uncertain. It more than likely started as a farm canine within the Swiss mountains.

There is work showing dogs of the Bernese type relationship back to the end of the 18th century, although it was not till the late nineteenth century that Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib, and others worked to protect the native dogs of Switzerland. It was then that the Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennenhund) became a definite breed.

Color and Coat

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a heavy double coat that is moderately lengthy and could be either straight or barely wavy. The coat is climate resistant and thick and may make the canine uncomfortable in warm weather. He is sometimes better suited to cooler climates.

This tricolored dog ought to have a black coat with a white blaze on the head and chest, and white on the toes. There must be rust colored markings over each eye, on the cheeks, on the perimeters of the chest, on each leg, and underneath the tail. The markings ought to be symmetrical. A superbly marked canine gives the phantasm of a white "Swiss Cross" on the chest when the dog is considered from the entrance in a sitting position.

Personality and Temperament

The Bernese Mountain Dog prefers the outdoors, although he's usually effectively-behaved and relatively inactive while indoors. Although this canine can move with nice speed and agility, it has little endurance. In addition to enjoying activities reminiscent of mountain climbing, these canines will be skilled to tug small wagons or carts.

Often known as extremely devoted animals that crave attention, the Bernese Mountain Dog is greatest suited to a family that may spend an excessive amount of time with him. Due to his intense loyalty, this canine has an extremely onerous time adjusting to a new owner as soon as he has bonded along with his family.

This dog is a really friendly breed and gets along effectively with people and animals alike. He's simply trainable but needs time to assume things through. Endurance and consistency are key, as he does not reply effectively to rough therapy and harshness. The Bernese Mountain dog loves to please and enjoys working with praise and treats.

Show Characteristics

The coloring described above is strictly adhered to, and any foundation shade other than jet black leads to disqualification. Eyes must be dark brown and oval formed, with tight-becoming lids. The ears ought to be set high, triangular and medium-sized, hanging close to the head. The nostril is always black and the enamel ought to meet with a scissors bite.

Regardless of the square appearance of the Bernese Mountain Dog, his physique needs to be barely longer than it is tall with sturdy, dense bone structure. His legs should be straight with a compact, round feet. The tail should be bushy and straight.

This dog ought to have an intelligent yet mild expression. He should be alert and self-confident yet remain good-natured.

The Bernese Mountain Dog should have efficient gaits, whether or not working for speed and agility or at a slower working trot that's typical of his use as a draft animal. His hindquarters ought to generate power and he should have good reach with his front limbs.

Typical Health Concerns

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a much larger occurrence of fatal most cancers than different breeds. Most cancers are the main reason behind the Bernese Mountain Dogs brief life expectancy, with some canines dying as young as three or 4 years of age. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America is aggressively researching this problem in an effort to improve the dog's life expectancy and quality of life.

These canine are also vulnerable to musculoskeletal points resembling arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture.

Many instances the signs of arthritis set in at a very young age - as early as 4 to 5 years. This massive canine may have mobility issues and might have particular consideration reminiscent of ramps for home and vehicle access. Comfortable, snug bedding helps alleviate joint pain for these dogs.

Grooming

This dog sheds heavily and regularly and requires brushing a minimum of every week or two. When the thick undercoat is shedding, the dog needs to be brushed daily. The coat is naturally resistant to dust, and ought to be washed or dry shampooed solely when necessary.

Country of Origin

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland.

Average Life Span

Compared to different dog breeds of similar dimension, the Bernese Mountain canine could be very quick lived. This canine may be anticipated to dwell 6 to eight years, with a mean life expectancy of 7.2 years.

In previous years the life expectancy of this dog was 10 to 12 years. The longest-lived Bernese Mountain Dog died in the UK at 15.2 years of age.

Author: Boykins Bender

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HUNTING DOGS - Working Dogs

Gordon Setter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For certain types of hunting, a well-trained dog is considered indispensable. For centuries, dogs have hunted alongside humans, often helping humans survive. While hunting with dogs is often just for sport, many hunters provide for their families through their hunting, making the dog an important companion in the field. 

There are several types of hunting that involve dogs. 

* Stalking is done when the prey is out of shooting range, and the hunter sneaks up into range while remaining undetected. Dogs can help catch the scent of prey that is out of sight or range. 

* Driving means the prey is driven out of hiding and into shooting range. 

There is an extensive number of hunting breeds, all fine-tuned to meet specific hunting needs. Here are a few of the more common hunting breeds, and what they are used for. 

Retrievers 

Golden, Labrador, Chesapeake Bay, and Flat-Coated are the main retrievers used in hunting. Like a lot of hunting dogs, retrievers do well as family pets, too. Retrievers are bred for work in the water, and have webbing between their toes to help them swim. They tend to have good personalities and are quite trainable, and tend to stick with a task. Retrievers retrieve fallen game like waterfowl, carrying it back to the hunter without damaging it. 

Spaniels

Cocker, Irish Water, and English Springer spaniels are some of the spaniels used in hunting. Their role is to flush out game like birds and rabbits, and thanks to their thick coats, they can get into the underbrush to do so. They do not kill game; their job is to get the prey out of hiding so the hunter can shoot it. They also have a "soft mouth," meaning they can carry fallen game without doing damage. Spaniels make good family pets, too. 

Pointers

The dedicated pointer identifies prey for the hunter, seeking out prey and freezing into the pointing position that earned them their name. They track down prey efficiently, and are a very intelligent breed. They are an enthusiastic and dedicated type of dog, and can track and identify a variety of game. Pointing breeds include the American Brittany, Weimaraners, Griffons, and the German Shorthair.  

Setters

This group of breeds combines the best of the spaniel and the pointer, and they have been around since the 14th century. They flush out game such as quail, and they "set" or crouch down when they find prey, freezing into position. Setter breeds include the English, Irish, and Gordon Setter. 

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FELINE LEUKEMIA Virus Disease: A Major Threat to your Cat

Just like in humans, cats can develop very deadly medical conditions. One of the most common and fatal kinds of disease a cat can contract is feline leukemia virus disease, known as FeLV. Leukemia, which is also found in humans, is a disease of the white blood cells. There are three major types of this leukemia. Today, we can protect our cats for FeLV with a vaccine, so it is important to have your pet up-to-date with medical care at all times.

With FeLV, there are three disease categories. The first are the leukemias, which are similar to what leukemia is like in humans. This is cancer of the white blood cells. However, not all FeLV diseases are cancer. Lymphosarcoma is the second category. Also cancerous, this disease begins in the lymphoid tissue around the lymph nodes. It affects the intestinal tract, kidneys, liver, spine, brain, blood, and bone marrow. The third category is the non-cancerous diseases that fall under the umbrella of FeLV and include immune suppression, anemia, and arthritis. Some of these medical conditions may also be fatal.

Cats are most commonly exposed to FeLV when they get into fights. FeLV is a virus that is spread mainly through saliva, and the wounds a cat receives from bites during a fight provide an entry point into the body. Cats can also get FeLV from sharing food or water bowls, grooming one another, and transmission from mother to kittens. If your cat contracts FeLV, there may be many possible outcomes. Some forms of the disease cannot be treated, however, so prevention is important. Remember, though, that a cat can live with the disease for many years and so your vet can help you choose the best course of action. Cats infected with FeLV are dangerous to other cats, and so they must live in confined single-cat homes, or you can choose euthanasia.

So far, there have been no studies that have found any correlation between this disease in cats and diseases in humans, so your family should be safe. That said, high-risk individuals should avoid contact with a sick animal. This includes newborns, senior citizens, AIDS patients, and chemotherapy patients. Because the virus cannot live for more than a few hours outside of the cat, you are safe in having cats return to your home as soon as two days after the infected cat is gone. Talk to your vet for more details.

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Tips For Preventing CAT HAIRBALLS

Cat Hairball. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In real life, you certainly cannot laugh out loud if you see your kitty obviously choking on something. Oftentimes, you will battle between immediately wanting to do a Heimlich maneuver and just thwacking the cat on the back. Ideally, this is a bad idea and might also be counter-productive due to the fact that the back of cats will not resist pressure like human backs do.

Well, experts say that your cat regurgitating hairballs must not concern your too much; unless, the balls will continue to become bigger and bigger, if they will be stained with blood, or if your cat will suffer from hairballs a couple of times in a week. You must be aware that it is very important for cats to take such indigestible elements out of their system. But in case the hairballs are stained with blood and the gaggling became somewhat a frequent occurrence for them, it is a smart idea for you to take your cat to your vet. Have your pet be checked by the expert since such situation might actually be more complicated than it may appear.

The Danger Of Cat Hairballs

When cat hairballs will become bigger and bigger, the danger in here is that getting them out can be very painful and hard for the feline. It is actually like constipation in the throat. When not addressed early, you might not be able to remove it; thus, it will result in a very serious health issue. If this will happen, your feline will lose its appetite and will certainly become very weak. To address such concern, your vet might prescribe laxatives or perhaps even a surgical procedure to be carried out in order to relieve the cat from the hairball stuck in its system.

Preventing The Occurrence Of Hairballs

You have to become more proactive when it comes to grooming your cat in order to prevent this hairy condition from happening. For you to reduce the risk of fur that is being licked off by the tongue of your cat, you have to comb the cat's fur on a regular basis. Apart from that, you have to use a fine steel-toothed brushed as this will comb loose hairs. You must know that this can be very relaxing not just for your cat but also for you.

Other preventive methods that you have to implement will include feeding your cat high-fiber treats, hair-ball preventive, as well as using hairball relief gels that is capable of lubricating the intestinal tract of your cat so the hairball will be eliminated. Indeed, these methods will keep the hairy situation under control. More information mentioned here.

By Cristina Gandia There are many ways on how to prevent cat hairballs. Knowing such preventive methods will certainly help you in making your cat healthy and happy at all times. For more info, visit this site. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Natural DOG FOOD Recipes

Your dog’s behavior, health, happiness, well being and longevity totally depend on what you feed your dog. Although there are a variety of dog foods available in the market, natural dog foods are considered to be the best for a dog’s health. Dogs require specific nutrients that are necessary to maintain the health of your dog. The food that your dog eats should contain all the necessary nutrients as they play an important role in proper functioning of your dog’s body. 

This Natural dog food plays an important role in the overall development of your dog. These dog foods are highly nutritious and your dog will simply love it. Your dog will definitely stay healthy and fine if natural dog foods are given on a regular basis.

Natural dog food recipes are not difficult. In fact, it is very easy to make natural dog food. Without any problem, you will be able to make these dog foods at home. All you require is access to some fresh natural ingredients. Natural dog food recipes also perform the preventing diseases. If you want to strengthen the immune system of your dog then natural dog food recipes are a must.

Your dog will no longer suffer from any kind of allergies or fleas. Natural dog food recipes are much better than processed pet food recipes. Some experts believe that processed food is responsible for causing illness. It may also lead to premature death of your dog. Lack of natural dog food may give rise to coat and skin problems and other serious health problems.

You can always take the help of internet if you want more knowledge about natural dog food recipes. There are a number of websites that provide natural dog food recipes.

Natural dog food recipes are a major source of energy and hence it is essential to feed your dog with these foods. Various natural dog food recipes are also published in the book. With the help of these books, you can make your own natural dog food diet at home. A recent survey has found that many are taking the help of books to prepare their own natural dog food.

Dogs not only survive but thrive on these natural dog food recipes. Here is one of the popular natural dog food recipe. This natural dog food recipe is safe and healthy for your dog

Akita Style Rice and Lamb: The ingredients of this dog food recipe are lamb, brown rice, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, and kombi. The brown lamb is kept in a small fry pan. Cubed potatoes are added to the small fry pan. A small quantity of water is boiled in a crock pot and broccoli pieces are then added to the crock.

The ingredients in the fry pan are also then added in the crock. Mix these ingredients properly. Pepper is added for taste. So the next time you try to feed your dog with processed food, think twice as it may harm your dog.

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Hunting Instincts in GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERS

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

German Shorthaired Pointers are prized hunting dogs, known for their intelligence and hard-working nature. But apart from that, they are also known for being friendly, outgoing, loyal, and dependable dogs.

German Shorthaired Pointers were originally bred from English Foxhounds, English Pointers, and Old Spanish Pointers. Physically, these dog breeds are often muscular and tight-skinned. German Pointers have lean necks and strong backs. These dogs have easily manageable short coats that come in various shades of white and brown.

All these physical attributes help German Pointers be the incredibly efficient hunting dogs that they are. Specifically speaking, you can rely on these top-of-the-line hunting dogs to point, retrieve, and track whether it be on land or water. Their keen sensitivity is characterized by their incredible sense of smell. And due to their intelligence, learning new tricks or challenging commands is never a problem. In fact, they welcome such challenges as part of their natural willingness to please.

However, don't let this dog's agility deceive you, they are incredibly outgoing and affectionate as well. As people-oriented dogs, they thrive on companionship. They love being around people and are safe to have around children. Essentially, Shorthaired Pointers make ideal companions for casual sportsmen who want family-oriented dogs as well.

Having the ability to be as domesticated as they are, German Pointers still require a lot of exercises. They need constant stimulation to stay physically and mentally fit. They usually prefer large backyards to keep themselves occupied. This is one of the reasons that German Pointers may not be the best apartment dogs. However, these dogs can also be trained to adapt to such living conditions. Just make sure to take them out for long walks. Keep in mind that, these high-energy dogs make perfect jogging and running companions. Don't forget your dog leash though, as the hunting instincts of these dog breed are still very strong.

Other things to look out for are common canine health issues such as hip dysplasia and excessive weight gain. German Shorthaired Pointers have big appetites. To ensure that they stay within the healthy weight range, once again, make sure they get all the exercise that they need. But other than this, prepare to be amazed. German pointers are the embodiment of elegance, intelligence, and power.

By Lea Mullins Lea Mullins discusses hunting instincts in German Shorthaired Pointers. Find information about different dog breeds from TrainPetDog.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Basics Regarding Toy HUSKY Dogs

4-year-old BIS winner Kukai, a standard, black and white Alaskan Klee Kai - Photo: Wikimedia

A lot of people have dogs as their pets. These animals are often considered close companions to the family. There are numerous breeds that exist in the modern day, each one has its own special traits. Husky refers to dogs that were traditionally employed for pulling sledges. Northerners considered them distinguished for the fast pulling. Although these are not used entirely for these reasons in the modern day, they are still beloved by humans. They may serve as a domestic breed that people own as pets. The toy husky refers specifically to the smallest version of this breed.

Typically, these dogs are athletic and high energy. They often have a thick coat that may range in colour from copper red to white, black and grey. Huskies are known for having pale blue eyes, although there are some with brown, green and yellow eyes. It is common for these dogs to have different coloured eyes, a characteristic called heterochromia.

Originally this type of dog was bred exclusively in northern regions for the purpose of pulling the sledges and hunting large game. Nowadays, these are available in many regions of the world and may just serve as house pets. It is believed that these animals are direct descendants of wolves.

This is considered a landrace breed and is often owned by indigenous people residing in the Arctic. Huskies are known for being one of the oldest breeds of dog. There are many different types, which are often named based on their origin: Alaska Klee Kai, Labrador, Mackenzie River, American Eskimo dog, American Akita, Canadian Eskimo dog, Alaskan malamute and more.

There is a specific way of breeding that led to the development of these toy or mini dogs. It all started with a woman named Bree Normandin during the 1990s. At this time, she was carrying out selective breeding to make Huskies in compact sizes. Standard dogs in this breed that were smaller than normal were mated in order to propagate their genes so the small size could be passed on to offspring. The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize these small dogs as their own breed. Instead, it recognizes the variation in size among the breed.

Generally speaking, these smaller dogs still carry the traits associated with the husky. These animals are good for families and extremely friendly, even with strangers. They are hard workers and players and known for being gentle. Toy huskies are typically bred to be no larger than 13 inches. Miniatures may fall more in the region of 13 to 15 inches. The standard size of a husky is typically between 15 and 17 inches tall. The small huskies are expected to weigh less than 40 pounds when fully grown.

People can get these animals through various breeders, pet stores and shelters. The cost to purchase them will vary but may be more expensive than standard huskies or other breeds. It is important to do adequate research on this dog to learn what is necessary to keep it happy and healthy. Background checks on breeders are encouraged to ensure no foul play.

A lot of pet owners may want smaller dogs for a lot of reasons. They are generally easier to care for and do well in smaller spaces. People who get toy huskies get all of the same attributes they like in this breed but in a smaller and more manageable size.

About the Author: Leslie Ball If you are interested in adopting a toy Husky today, why not use the following breeder's website. Check out the gallery of the latest puppies at http://www.kikaskleekai.com.

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SCOTTISH TERRIER

A white Scottish Terrier puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Scottish Terrier, most commonly known as the Scottie, although sometimes it is called the Aberdeen Terrier, is a short and sturdy dog. With a height of 9 to 11 inches and weighing between 18 and 23 pounds, they are obviously fairly muscular for their size. Because these dogs have naturally long hair, the grooming can make it look as though they have even shorter legs than they actually do. The hair on their face can grow quite long and when groomed looks almost as though they have a large moustache, somewhat typical of the stereotyped 'what ho Biffo' World War II pilot (so often seen in comedy sketches), and their long eyebrows only exaggerate this perception. They have a coarse and compact coat which is quite wiry and firm and can feel like hard bristles.

History. The Scottish Terrier was, as you may expect, first bred in Scotland, in the 1700s. Originally named Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish city, this is a particularly old breed, and parts of its history are steeped in myth and legend, as there is little to no supporting documentary evidence, although, a breed of dog whose description matched the Scottish Terrier was written about in 1436.

Temperament.

The Scottish Terrier breed is generally lovable, hardy, and brave. Being full of character and playful, they mature into dignified and charming adults. They make good watchdogs and will alert you to any problems they perceive. They train quite well, but can be stubborn and have been known to dig their heels in. They tend to be sensitive to criticism, and need to be handled in a gentle but firm fashion. As an intelligent dog they require to know who the master is, they must not be allowed to think they are in charge or this could lead to endless problems in later life. When training or handling this dog any command given must be in a manner that shows you mean it, and you must mean it or the dog will know, and may just ignore you. Whilst this is a very playful dog and loves nothing more than to dash about; care must be taken not to play particularly aggressive or combative games, such as challenging the dog to rope tugging. However such games can be played with members of the family who are not his master, this is because the dog may see the contest as a leadership challenge if conducted by the person he sees as the pack leader.

Health issues.

The Scottish Terrier can suffer from a fairly unique illness called Scottie Cramp (which is a problem in movements). Also are prone to Von Willebrand's disease, jaw problems, skin conditions, and flea allergies. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

Grooming. 

The Scottish Terrier will require brushing regularly, of their wiry coat, during moulting more care should be taken and brushing to be more frequent. Bathing can be conducted as necessary or dry shampooing. Their hair will require being trimmed professionally twice a year. Apart from when they are moulting, they tend to shed little hair, if any at all.

Living conditions.

While the Scottish Terrier prefers cooler climates, it is very happy living in most homes. They are entertaining and get on very well with children, and as they are fairly small, they are unlikely to knock people over. As long as they are adequately exercised they will take well to living in an apartment.

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. Scottish Terrier - Puppies or Dogs Article Source: EzineArticles

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SOMALI Kitten - Kittens of the World

Somali Kitten - Kittens of the World

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Adopting Kittens: SOMALI CAT - Appearance and Personality

Somali Cat - Photo  by Nickolas Titkov 

The Somali is a long-haired Abyssinian cat. This breed appeared spontaneously in the 1950s from Abyssinian breeding programs. Unlike most long-haired cats, Somalis shed very little. Their coat is typically shed once or twice per year, rather than continual shedding like other long-haired cats

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Many purebred Somalis had significant dental problems in the 1990s. As of 2006, breeders say they have made much progress in breeding out this genetic problem and there is no mention of it in the CFA breed standard.

The Somali cat along with its parent breed of Abyssinian has been found to suffer from Pyruvate Kinase deficiency. About 5% of the breed carries the defective gene. There is a genetic test to identify this recessive disorder. All breeding stock should be tested to ensure affected kittens are not produced.

The following appearance description is offered to help you decide if the Somali cat is right for you, your family and lifestyle.

Appearance Description

* Medium size

* Long hair

* Leggy and elegant

* Presents a glowing presence and ticked fur

* Muscular

* Solid and surprisingly heavy

* Full muzzle with dots on the whisker pads

* Eyes can be green or gold, large, expressive and almond-shaped

* Large flaring ears and etched facial markings resemble the Abyssinian

* Ruff around throat, fluffy britches and a big brush tail

* Four colors are recognized by CFA which are ruddy, red, blue and fawn

* Colors are right, bright and warm

The following personality description is offered to help you decide if the Somali cat is right for you, your family and lifestyle.

Personality Description

* Lively sense of humor

* Active

* Curious

* Bold

* Can manipulate latches and knobs, open cupboards and doors

* Adapt quickly to many situations

* Happiest with a companion

* Can play alone

* Will warm quickly to other cats

* Most learn to like dogs

* Love interactive games such as fetch, chase

* Do well in apartments

* Not extremely vocal

* Voices are soft

* Will follow their humans

* Most love to eat fresh fruits, vegetables and breads

Grooming Tips

* Coats are relatively tangle free

* Grooming is not difficult

* Occasional brushing

Written by: Connie Limon I raise the elegant, green-eyed silver Persian cats.

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History of the YORKSHIRE TERRIER

Yorkshire Terrier - Photo   by     jpockele 

Understanding today's Yorkshire Terrier means looking at this dog’s ancestry. There seems to be little disagreement about the way in which the modern Yorkshire Terrier came to be. Even though there are no records of the earliest relatives of the Yorkie it's widely believed that the breed is estimated to is just over 100 or so years old. The Yorkshire Terrier of the past was much larger than today's terriers. It's surprising but the early versions of today's Yorkies were working class dogs.

From the 11th Century, there was a rule that labourers were not allowed to hunt. In order to prevent hunting labourers were not allowed to own a dog big enough to be able to hunt. Dogs had to pass through a small hoop (7 inches in diameter) to prove that they were small enough.  It was originally bred to be a hunting dog, catching rats, rabbits and mice to supplement their poor owner’s diet.

Before the beginning of the Industrial Revolution people lived in small communities and grew up around factories and mines. With the Industrial Revolution came great changes to family life. People were drawn to the cities seeking work and a better life.

These people brought with them the Paisley Terrier; who were mainly working dogs who used to catch rats and other small animals.

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The Paisley Terrier or Clydesdale Terrier was crossed with other types of Terriers. The English Black Terrier, the Tan Toy Terrier and the Skye Terrier. The Maltese were also crossed with these to produce long coats and a smaller stature. You can still see the similarity in shape between the Maltese and today's Yorkies. There aren't any records about the early pedigree to confirm these crosses. There were low levels of literacy and this led to poor record keeping. It is believed that this is the most likely of the crosses.

The father of the modern Yorkie is said to be a dog called Huddersfield "Ben". Bred by Mr. Eastwood and owned by Mr. Foster; this was a very popular stud dog who had a great influence in the modern breed. He won many competitions and is believed to have set many of the standards for his breed type.

The British Kennel Club registered the first Yorkies in the British Kennel Club Stud Book in 1874. The American Kennel Club started recognizing Yorkshire Terriers as a breed in 1885. The first Yorkshire in 1910 was the first specimen seen in a German-speaking area.  Known as "Halifax Terriers" these dogs shared the appearance of the Yorkshire Terrier which to this day has changed very little.  The breed standards for the Yorkshire Terrier have hardly changed. There are some small changes but these relate directly to the new knowledge in matters of canine health.

The Yorkshire Terriers of today are brave, loyal and energetic. A loyal guard dog who will be suspicious of strangers and defend their territory. Yorkies like to bark but with good training, they can be taught not to.  Some of the cross-breedings which results in tiny "teacup" varieties can cause health problems for today's Yorkshire terriers. Often their skulls are too small and this results in a range of respiratory problems.

It is widely agreed that the breeding of such "Teacup" varieties is cruel and causes all kinds of health and behavioural problems. Be responsible and buy one of the more accepted varieties. If you are intending on breeding your Yorkshire terrier keep this in mind when choosing a sire.

Today's Yorkies are energetic, fun and a delight to have around.  They will keep you entertained for hours and years to come.

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All About POMERANIAN DOG Breed Characteristics And Highlights

A Pomeranian. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Pomeranians are the smallest member of the Spitz family of dogs. Poms are 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds. They got their name from the province of Pomerania, in Germany. They became popular when Queen Elizabeth presented her Pomeranians in a conformation show. And it was the very first time that these dogs are ever to be shown.

These dogs have a mind of their own but don't let their cuteness deceive you. They are curious about the world around them and are very alert. In their minds, they think that they are much larger than they really are, that is why sometimes they even attack much larger dogs. But, if they are properly socialized to other breeds, they generally get quite along with them.

Pomeranians have a wedge-shaped head with upright ears. Some people described them as "pansy, baby doll or fox-like". Their dark almond shaped eyes sparkle with inquisitiveness. And their noses can be the same color as their coats or can be dark. Their tails fan out over their back.

They come in a variety of colors: orange, red, white or black. Their double coat stands out from their body and has a luxurious ruff around their chest and neck. The coats look as though it is difficult to care for but the truth is it only needs regular brushing. Despite their small size, these dogs have a loud bark and they can be excellent watchdogs. They sometimes do not when to stop barking. It is best if you train them with a barking command.

Pomeranians make exceptional pets for older people and apartment dwellers. Because of their small size, they are not recommended to be around with families having small children in their homes. They are generally excellent in learning tricks but you must be firm and consistent in training them. They also have a lot of energy and enjoy going out for walks. They proudly hold their head up as they trot along. They love meeting with people and exploring new smells and sights.

Poms are trained in agility, obedience, and tracking. While some, are trained as hearing assistance dogs. They make great therapy pets and bring comfort to the sick and elderly in nursing homes and hospitals.

Some of their highlights are listed below:

• They are recommended to be crate-trained because they are very difficult to housetrain.

• High heat and humidity can cause them to be overheated and could possibly cause heat stroke.

• Although Pomeranians are small, they have a big dog attitude.

• They may develop bald spots in their beautiful coat as they get old.

Poms are generally very healthy dogs, but just like other breeds, they are also prone to other health conditions. Some of them can suffer from a variety of allergies. If you see them rubbing their face or licking their paws, suspect that they have an allergy and have them checked by vets. They are also prone to a variety of eye problems. These problems can appear in young adult dogs and could lead to blindness if not treated.

They are remarkably hearty and love to play. They are very active indoors and always love to learn new things. This pint-size companion is calm, quiet, friendly and easy to live with.

By Lindsay Allen - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Bobcats (Lynx rufus)

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=33776&picture=bobcat-or-lynx

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Photo: publicdomainpictures

Bobcats are small cats belonging to North America. They inhabit the wood areas and deciduous forests stretching from west to southeast America and Mexico. Some even occupy parts of southern Canada. They have a small body structure. Their fur is of color yellowish brown or reddish brown with black or dark brown stripes. They have noticeably long ears with black tips. Their weight ranges from twenty-four to thirty-five pounds.

Owners relate their pet bobcat to a tabby cat, but their requirements are far from those of a domestic cat. They demand special care and extra attention. Like Servals, they also have the habit of spraying. They also are very hyper and aggressive by nature. They need to be bought up in mostly in an outdoor location where they have lots of space to play like they do in the wild. If they don’t get an adequate place outside, they run around destroying things in the house. Some owners are very content with their pets, but it is recommended that potential owners should do their homework before making up their mind. 

Their diet shouldn’t be like any other domestic pet. Since they are exotic pets and come from the wild, they have different nutritional requirements to be healthy. At a time, they eat a whole chicken, which should be presented with feathers intact. They can also be given fresh killed squirrel, rabbit, and beef. They do not eat much during the summers but make up for it during the winters. They also require special medicine and vaccine doses. A normal dose of sedative given to other domestic pets while declawing can kill them. It would be good for their health if they have their claws, or if the owner has made the decision to declaw them, only the front claws should be removed. Their canines should never be removed. Otherwise, the owner has to cut the food into small bits in order to feed them, as they would not be able to eat a whole chicken without their canines. 

Other than their playtime they can be kept in a two-cage home which is fourteen feet tall and twenty-four feet wide and which is connected by a six-foot walkway. The cage in which they are kept should have ramps, platforms, toys so as to keep them occupied. Some are really affectionate and like to lick the face of their owner, but again be ready for their tongue, which feels more like sandpaper. The trained ones even sleep with their owners, but the owner should get habituated to their loud purring. They also get up early in the morning like five and start playing, which means that they will start playing on the bed itself. They play really hard putting in all their energy. 

Bobcats also have a liking towards the water and they like it especially when it rains. If there are puddles, there is a high chance of the entire house getting messed up. Other than keeping the toilet seat down, also no container filled with water should be left unattended. When they roam around in the house, it is a really bad idea to do the dishes or mop the floor. Bobcats are good with people whom they are familiar with, they get very anxious when a guest drop in. At such times, they are better kept in the cage. They become motionless; they hide and remain scared till the stranger leaves their territory. And when the guests leave they come out and sniff all around till they are content.  

Owners wouldn’t be able to go out on long vacations or even party out on weekends, by leaving the animals alone at home. If a babysitter is appointed, care must be taken that it shouldn’t be stranger, but a friend whom the pets are familiar with. When owners start to realize that they have got more responsibility than they had asked for, they start thinking of giving up the pet by either releasing them in the wild, which is extremely dangerous or give them to someone else. In the later situation, bobcats find it extremely difficult to trust and bond with its new owner. Some states in the United States and even other countries it is illegal to keep a bobcat as a pet.

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Stop Your ROTTWEILER 's Barking Now!

Rottweiler - Photo  by mister b 1138 

Do not forget he simply wishes to remember to you, and in instances exactly where he is not really getting it, then you genuinely need to have to review your latest teaching software or probably seek out a specialized coach.

The instant you discover about and actually enjoy your new Rottweiler you could very properly by no means look again. Supply for him and he definitely will, invariably, conclude up getting at your facet. Rottweiler training executed accurately will most probably supply an efficiently balanced and steady dog that would undoubtedly be there for you for many many years to come. Consider the time to get pleasure from this kind of puppy and you will, no doubt, question oneself the reasons why it took you so considerably time to encounter his friendship with yourself.

Rottweilers have received a poor rap more than a long time, to the extent that some metropolitan areas make it illegal to individual this breed of dog. The reality is that Rottweilers are typically not the dilemma at all. As an alternative, it is the owner who does not know how to physical exercise proper Rottweiler training and socialization. Although this breed can have an instinct towards aggression in some conditions, with proper training, a Rottweiler can make an excellent pet for many families right now, such as people with kids. In addition to turning out to be a pleasant and light pet, the Rottweiler can make a good watch puppy simply because he will normally only bark for a purpose, and his look can be intimidating to likely intruders.

If you have made the decision a Rottweiler is the right choice for your subsequent family members pet, you need to be prepared to get started Rottweiler teaching the second your pup sets foot on your property. This breed is intelligent and eager to remember too, but can also be willful if you do not establish your dominance and property policies correct from the beginning.

Avoiding Rottweiler troubles in terms of behavior is usually as easy as developing oneself as the leader of his new pack. Given that puppies are pack animals, they are accustomed to possessing a single canine as the pack leader. This animal decides in which the pack will go and when the pack will take in. The pack leader is respected and obeyed all the way through the pack without issue. See the advantage of developing by yourself as your dog's pack leader?

You can obtain this part by never permitting your canine to go via a doorway prior to you or allowing him to lead when you are out walking. Another very good method for building dominance more than your canine is to consume your personal meal very first before feeding your puppy. You can also devote some of your playtime rolling your puppy more than to his again, which is a submissive pose for dogs. Rub his belly and give him praise so that he learns to have confidence in you as his new leader.

If you are searching for a Rottweiler puppy, you might have heard plenty of horror tales about Rottweiler issues from proprietors who have not productively educated their dogs. A nicely-behaved Rottweiler begins with a responsible operator who will take the time to set up himself as the leader of the pack whilst committing to standard teaching sessions with his canine.

Author: Rex Short - Article Source: GoArticles

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The 5 Types of SCHNAUZERS

Schnauatzern - Photo: Pxhere

Schnauzers are a popular breed of dog that has been around for hundreds of years, dating back to the 15th century in Germany. The name schnauzer might seem odd for English speaking people, however, the word "schnauze" is the German word for the snout, so it makes perfect sense as the schnauzer has a very distinct snout with long hair.

Originally, Schnauzers were bred to catch rats and to act as guard dogs for the property. Now hundreds of years after their introduction, there are now 5 different sizes of schnauzers that have been bread with other types of dogs to create another unique breed.

The first of the 5 different types of Schnauzers is the standard schnauzer. The standard schnauzer is a medium-sized dog, standing about 1.5 feet tall and weighing approximately 25 - 35 pounds. 

Throughout history, standard Schnauzers have played an integral role in the times of war, acting as messenger dogs, or as guard dogs to important people or property.

Miniature Schnauzers are another type of schnauzer which is smaller than the standard schnauzer, standing approximately 12 inches and weighing in at 13-15 pounds. A miniature schnauzer is known for being active and full of energy, but yet are very smart. They are great with children and make a good family dog as they are rarely aggressive. These dogs were a combination of a standard schnauzer bred with a Poodle to make it smaller in size. The miniature schnauzer is actually part of the terrier group of dogs and out of all types of schnauzers, it is the most popular by far as they adapt very well to both rural and urban lifestyles. For those looking for a dog that is well suited to the house, a schnauzer is very popular because they shed very little and do not carry odors as much as other dogs.

Giant Schnauzers are just as the name would suggest; Very large versions of schnauzers. They have been bred by Great Danes or Bouviers and can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds. They too have been used as guard dogs and also by farmers to herd cattle. In some cases, they were even used to pull carts of goods, similar to a horse. They may be black and white in color or could also be solid black.

The last two Schnauzer types are toy schnauzers and teacup schnauzers. They are basically the same but differ slightly in size and this is how they are distinguished. A toy schnauzer ranges in size from 7.5 to 10 pounds, while the teacup schnauzer is any full-grown schnauzer that us under 7 pounds. For the smaller sizes that are considered teacup schnauzers, they tend to cost more money than the others as they are rarer.

Whether you're looking for a great family dog for your home in the city or a dog that will be an effective guard dog for your rural property, Schnauzers are flexible and prepared for either task.

By Barney MacPherson - Article Source: EzineArticles

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