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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Is Your Smoking Habit Harmful To Your PIT BULL Terrier Dog?

Put Bull Puppy - Photo  by   MickiTakesPictures 

One little known but very real danger to Pit Bulls is second-hand smoke. We know that second-hand smoke has been proven to cause cancer and many other health problems among people, there is now research being done to see how it affects household pets. So far there have been some instances where animals exposed to second-hand smoke have higher risk factors for developing cancer and many other diseases.

These studies so far have shown links to second-hand smoke and nasal cancer and lung cancer in dogs. The longer you expose your Pit Bull to second-hand smoke, the more you are putting his health at risk. As a Pit Bull owner myself, I feel as though even a small risk is too much when it comes to his health. As loving and responsible Pit Bull owners, it is up to us to protect them from every possible danger we can, so why to take unnecessary risks.

It is important to have your Pit Bull regularly examined by his veterinarian, and if he has been exposed to second-hand smoke, you should advise your veterinarian of this as soon as possible. In many cases being diagnosed early can save your Pit Bull’s life, not just with cancer, but with all kinds of other diseases as well. You should ensure your Pit Bull has regular preventative care appointments with his veterinarian so you can catch any potential problems early and treat them before they compromise your Pit Bull’s health.

If the love if your Pitt Bull is not enough to stop you from exposing him to second-hand smoke, just think of the costs of treating him, if he were to develop cancer or sickness from exposure. Most cancers, not all, are treatable if diagnosed early, but the treatment for dogs that have cancer is much the same as that for humans. You would be looking at possible surgery, and tons of chemotherapy or radiation, which over time is sure to amount to large veterinary bills. Even with treatment, there is no guarantee of a cure. You may very well be exposing your Pit Bull to something that could very easily kill him. Scary thought, isn’t it?

So the next time you light up around your Pit Bull, ask yourself is it worth possibly losing his life? If you must smoke, go to an area away from him, and try not to let other people smoke in his vicinity either. You are responsible for your Pit Bull’s safety, so why take useless chances with him?

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The Different Colors of the BENGAL CAT

Photo by francisluong

Bengal Colors

Bengals come in many different colors. The three basic breed accepted colors are brown, snow, and silver. Fortunately, the Bengal's color genetics are not too complex, and a breeder who knows with certainty their cats' colors, both dominant and recessive, can predict the possible outcome of an upcoming litter. UC Davis has a simple process for genetic color testing, and if a breeder has any doubt regarding color, or wants to be aware of recessive genes, it is best to have a color test done.

Brown Bengals

While there are no official subcategories of the brown Bengal, the brown coat has the widest variety of shades. Think of the color brown on a spectrum with grey at the coolest end and orange at the hottest end. A Bengal's coat can fall anywhere within that spectrum, and as long as it has a black tail tip*, it is considered a brown. Even though we don't officially break down the Browns, Bengal breeders have many terms we use to discuss the different colors of brown.

At the coolest end of the color, the spectrum is the color charcoal. Charcoals have essentially a grey coat with jet black markings. This distinct contrast makes the charcoals attractive cats. Ultimately, Bengal breeders would like all of their cats to have black on their face like the charcoal cats. However, we haven't been able to get the black of a charcoal to directly transfer onto a brown at the warmer end of the brown color spectrum.

After charcoals, we have cool browns - cats that aren't exactly charcoal but are still very cool in coloring. I've worked a lot with these shades of cats because I often find their structure to be wilder than the hotter colored cats. While certainly, the skeletal genes and the color genes are not attached, it is interesting to observe how some traits frequently show up together.

Adding more and more warmth to the coat, we will get cats with tawny or yellowish tones. I really like this coloring on cats. It seems as if this color grouping could be influenced by the snow gene as many, but not all, of the cats with this middle brown shade - not too hot, not too cold - carry for the snow gene.

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What I deem to be the ideal brown is a step above tawny, but definitely not highly refused orange. This is the color of many ALCs. I love this color because it provides depth on the finished cat. The struggle is obtaining it with black and white on the coat as well. In my perfect world, that would happen overnight, but it doesn't.

The brown spectrum ends with highly refused, almost orange cats. These hot colored cats are ideal for many people. The struggle for the breeders is to keep the contrast on the hot cats. Often their pattern becomes less defined with age as the colors blend together. As a personal observation, I have found many of the highly refused cats to be more domestic in their skeletal structure than their cooler litter mates.

One would think you could take an orange cat, breed it to a charcoal, and end up with the perfect cat - a warm base coat with black spotting. Let me tell you, this has been done time and time again, and the result is not instant. Breeding takes time and patients. Starting at one end of the spectrum and gradually trying to bring together black, white, and a warm brown base coat is a painfully slow process.

* Read the Dilute section for an explanation as to why the Browns must have a black tail tip.

Snow Bengals

The snow colors were introduced through domestic cats Siamese and Burmese; however, they were accepted as a registered color, so that breeders could produce a duplicate of the snow leopard. While many breeders can guess a snow color, the most accurate way to determine the color is through genetic color testing.

Seal Lynx

The Seal Lynx color comes from an outcross to Siamese. Lynx kittens are usually born completely white and their pattern emerges with age. While the Lynx can often be thought of as the snow with the least amount of contrast, this is not always the case. The Seal Lynx is the only Bengal with blue eyes. The color on the points of the Bengal (like the Siamese pattern) is considered undesirable in the Bengal Standard.

Seal Mink

The Seal Mink coloring occurs when the kitten has one Seal Lynx gene and one Seal Sepia gene. Think of the mink as the pink petunia - with one red gene and one white gene. Minks are born with a visible pattern. While their eyes are usually an aqua green, they can be gold. Eye color should not be used to determine coat color. Since a Mink must have both the Lynx and the Sepia gene, a brown cat cannot carry for the Mink gene. If you are told that a brown carries for Mink, you are dealing with a person who does not have a clear understanding of snow genetics.

Seal Sepia

The Seal Sepia color comes from an outcross to Burmese. Seal Sepia kittens are born with a visible pattern, and their eyes can range from green to gold. While they were originally thought to have the best contrast, all of the snows, if bred well, can result in good contrast. I prefer Seal Sepias over Mink and Lynx; however, my preference isn't due to the color itself. The Burmese have a smaller, rounder ear which is more desirable in the Bengal standard; whereas, the Siamese, which gave us the Lynx, has a larger, triangular ear. Those structural influences still exist in the breed even though we haven't outcrossed to these cats for years.

Silver Bengals

The most recently accepted color in the Bengal Breed is Silver. Silver was introduced to the breed by outcrossing to the American Short Hair. Much controversy surrounded the inclusion of silver as an acceptable color as it does not occur in any wild cat species. However, the popularity among breeders and pet buyers ultimately resulted in the inclusion of the silver color. The Silver Bengal has a silver to almost white base coat with black markings. Silvers can have what breeders refer to as tarnish - brown tips on their silver coat. Tarnish is not desirable in the color.

Nonstandard colors

Bengals do come in a few more colors; however, they do not meet the breed standard. There is certainly nothing wrong with these cats; however, they cannot be shown as a standard Bengal.

Melanistic

Melanism occurs naturally in the wild - the South American Panther is simply a melanistic form of the Jaguar; therefore, it occurs in the Bengal breed as well. It is recessive, so both parents must carry the gene to get a melanistic kitten. The kittens are still patterned - hold them up to the light and you can see black on black spots. If bred, all offspring of a Melanistic cat will carry for melanism, but they will only produce melanistic cats when bred to another cat that either is melanistic or carries for melanism.

The Dilutes

Each color gene has a dilute form. One can tell a dilute Bengal as it will have an absence of black. All standard colored Bengals, Browns, Snows, and Silvers should have a black tail tip. If the tail tip is not black, the kitten is a dilute color. Dilute is a recessive gene; therefore, both parents must carry it in order to get a dilute kitten. If bred, all offspring of a dilute cat will carry for the dilute color, but they will only produce dilute cats when bred to another cat that either is dilute or carries for a dilute.

The dilute colors

Blue is dilute of black - the most commonly occurring dilute in Bengals.

Cinnamon and Chocolate are dilute of brown. While I have seen Cinnamon Bengals, I have not seen or heard of Chocolate Bengals.

Lilac and Fawn are also dilutions of color genes; however, they are much more involved than a simple recessive. I have not heard of Bengals appearing with these dilutions.

By Robyn Wanner Robyn Wanner has a small, select Bengal Cattery on a ranch in California. More information about these beautiful, unique cats can be found at http://www.solanaranchbengals.com. Come on by, take a look, and spot the difference at Solana Ranch. Article Source: EzineArticles

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