Learn More About Your American SHORTHAIR CATS

Photo   by lisa cee (Lisa Campeau) 

Learn about the background and the beauty of short hair cats. Learn also about the most striking physical attribute of the American Shorthair.

Short haired cats had newly immigrated. The Native American Indians and their flea-ridden pariah dogs did not benefit from the pesticide instincts of this cat. The pilgrims who came to America naturally brought along the family cat, who was not only a clean cabin mate. They also can serve as a dependable mouse exterminator.

The cat's natural desire to snag a passing rodent attracted man's attention since the old days and the industrious feline dearly regarded the acquaintanceship of its human admirers. The purebred American Shorthair came from these European cats who arrived in North America around 1620. However, being a purebred did not stop them from breeding and cross-breeding for nearly the next three centuries without human giving them a second thought.

The average short hair was effective as a hunter and ever so self-sufficient, hardly amenable to much coming from the human species. This features made human become interested in breeding cats and exhibiting them. Imported longhairs and other exotics took center stage - and the tough, alley cat was all too glad.

The free-spirited street life that they led, however, would not persist too much longer. The Americans began to consider the virtues of these athletic little mouse exterminators. The breed standard for the American Short hair did not originate as a description of one passing or fox-trotting alley cat.

The ideal conformation of cat derives from what would be perfect as a working cat, with just happens that the short hairs exactly are. Through the centuries, these cats adapted to a varied environment, much like how the settlers who kept them: this was a rugged, healthy and autonomous kitty. Thus the standard for the American Shorthair, which the original fanciers began to follow, emphasizing the nature and appearance of the "breed."

Today's breed continues to emulate the free spirit, autonomy and strong work ethic of its American founding fathers. They still are as efficient as mouse exterminators as their ancestors were.

Cat lovers today may start thinking about the value of purchasing a purebred cat that is intentionally made to look like just a normal cat around the town. Although American fanciers believe that the American Short hair looks distinctively purebred, less informed cat purchasers may not know about it unless they were informed of it.

Probably the most striking physical attribute of the American Shorthair is the animal's symmetry. Everything that they have is naturally harmoniously proportioned and placed. This natural quality that they possess underscores the whole of the cat. The head is marked by full cheeks and is oblong, though still somewhat longer than wide.The body in its good development is powerful and well-knit. The legs are strongly boned with heavy muscle which helps the cats run and jump better and of course to stalk their prey.

Author: Tommy Lee  - Article Source: GoArticles

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CANINE ARTHRITIS: Early Detection, Signs, and Symptoms That Your Dog Has It

Photo by Musespeak

In their youth, our pets love to run, jump and play hard. They rip around the house or yard enjoying life and amusing us. Unfortunately, aging and or genetics takes its toll. Your pet may seem lethargic or not as enthusiastic about going outside anymore. While these symptoms could point to many problems, it would not be uncommon for your pet to be suffering from a common form of joint disease, osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is as common in pets as it is in people. As with us, age and old injuries takes its toll on our joints, but there are breeds genetically predisposed to various joint problems. Malformed knee or hip joints can bring on inflammation to the affected area. The cartilage protecting and allowing a knee joint to bend and flex smoothly without pain may be deteriorating. Cartilage keeps connecting bone from rubbing together. Without it, the friction of bone on bone contact causes inflammation. Pain levels vary from mild to severe depending on the amount of damage to the cartilage.

As a degenerative disorder, arthritis can and in most cases will get worse over time. It may start out as small pangs of pain that can be easily tolerated, but it can escalate into unbearable, debilitating pain. Our pets can't tell us this of course, but their body language will let you know something is wrong. Early detection can lead to treatments that can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. The symptoms are easy to spot, but diagnosis by a veterinarian is advised.

So what should you look for? What are the signs that your pet may have a joint disease? For starters, arthritis will definitely affect the mobility of your pet. If you notice them having difficulty moving around, limping, getting up, lying down, jumping on furniture, or perhaps standing on their hind legs to greet you, chances are, pain is slowing them down. Like us, they'll limit mobility to minimize their discomfort. Consulting with your veterinarian is always a good idea, and once diagnosed, treatment can begin.

In the event that your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, are there treatments? Of course, there are, in fact, there are a number of options available to reduce your dog's pain and make it healthier again. The most popular treatment today comes in form of nutraceuticals. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate are natural substances given as food supplements. These 2 supplements, especially when paired together, are effective in reducing inflammation to the affected joint. Along with its efficacy, glucosamine paired with chondroitin are very safe, with virtually no side effects or dangers to your pet's health. Your vet may initially prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) as the treatment to reduce inflammation and pain quickly, but they do come with a laundry list of side effects that can be dangerous to your pet.

Finding out that your dog or cat has arthritis can certainly be worrisome, but with proper treatment, your pet can avoid most if not all of the pain associated with it. Early treatment is beneficial, so take heed of the symptoms and remember to take your pet to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention glucosamine as a treatment if your vet does not.

By Jack Russel If you're looking for a product to give your pet, I highly recommend Synflex for Pets. A leader in the industry, Synflex Liquid Glucosamine offers a complete line of products for people and pets with joint problems associated with arthritis. For over a decade, Synflex delivers on its promise to deliver pain-free joints for your pet. Synflex is affordable, easy to administer, and in my opinion the most effective liquid glucosamine product available for pet arthritis. Take a closer look at Synflex for Pets and see if your pet may benefit from its use. Article Source: EzineArticles

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BICHON FRISÉ - Dogs of the World

Bichon Frisé - Dogs of the World

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What You Must Know About The TIBETAN MASTIFF

Tibetan Mastiff dog during the world dogs show in Poznań, Poland.
His name is BISS CH. LAFAHHS LOKAPALA DRAKYI.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed dog that originated from the nomadic cultures of Tibet, Nepal, China, and India. This is one of the breeds that is widely used by the local tribes of Himachal Pradesh China. The dog was used to protect the sheep from leopards and guard homesteads. It was also kept for the purpose of guarding monasteries and palaces. The dog had to be left loose so that it can run around performing its guardianship duties.

The dog acquired its name mastiff from its size; it is a big dog hence the early western visitors referred to as Tibetan Mastiff. The dog is heavily built, has more facial wrinkling, is better structured and well muscled. A grown-up male can reach a height of 33 in. If the dog is bred in the west, it can attain a weight of between 95 -150 lbs. Even though, a specimen of up to 330 lbs. has been recorded. The specimen was bred in Chinese and western kennels. The nomads preferred the 95-150 lb weight because it allowed the dog to perform its property guardianship duties with ease.

In the west, the dog is considered a primitive breed because it retained the features that enabled it to survive in Tibet and the high altitude of the Himalayan range in the northern part of Nepal, India and Bhutan. Despite its size, the dog has a high level of energy, it is quiet indoor and is fairly calm. This is a polite dog that is generally a good apartment dog.

The Tibetan Mastiffs is a quiet dog especially when its needs are met and kept in a good living condition. However, it can be a barker when left outside alone. If it is kept in a confinement that is not well fenced, the dog can easily climb the fences and escape.

The Tibetan Mastiff dog is tolerant of children and other family members. Unfortunately, it is not well suited for homes with young children since it can easily mistake the yelling and the playing of visiting children as a sign of aggression and therefore will not allow visiting children to play around.

Generally, the Tibetan Mastiff has a strong instinct for people and may have a good reason when they don't get over disliking a particular person. The dog requires daily walks on different routes to stop it from being territorial. It is active in the morning and evening but you can take it for exercises whenever you are free.

By Wayne Booth Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The BICHON FRISE - The Cotton Ball of Canines

Photo  by gareth1953 New Profile 

The Bichon Frise is a small, solid white dog with the curly hair typical of a poodle. These little guys are appealing for many reasons, including the fact that they just look so cuddly.

As is the case with many breeds, the Bichon Frise saw a rise in popularity after a group of nobles became enamored with these dogs. In this case, it was the French nobility who used the dogs as companions, even going so far as to include the Bichon Frise in their social activities. It's believed that these dogs originated sometime in the 13th or 14th Century. They were quickly picked up by traders who saw the potential for profit from carrying these attractive little dogs to the rich in other countries.

Their natural intelligence combined with their small size has made them a favorite performing dog. They've traveled with any number of performing people, ranging from individuals who collected a few coins performing on street corners to the largest circuses. As a rule, the Bichon Frise will grow no larger than 10 to 12 pounds and some are much smaller.

Blanca, the Bichon of the Operator of this Site - Photo: Werner Cappel

Their small size has also made them a popular dog for people with very limited space. These little guys will play either indoors or out and you can often achieve sufficient exercise simply by playing games with them in the confines of your living room. They like to play with toys and will also get quite a lot of their exercise on their own. Some apartment dwellers have opted to box-train their Bichon Frise to eliminate the need for walking in inclement weather since these dogs can get the needed dose of activity inside.

As a rule, the Bichon Frise is solid white, though some variations occur and are generally acceptable. These dogs are never dark-colored but may range from a pure white to apricot or a very pale tan. Usually, they are solid colored with no color markings. Because of the close relationship to the Poodle, these dogs are often sought out by people who have allergies. Typically, the Poodle breeds - including the Bichon Frise - are non-shedding and may be tolerated by those with an allergy to most dog dander.

The intelligent eyes of the Bichon Frise seem almost to be questioning and the tail wagging is a sure sign of approval. Grooming is typically not an extensive task for the Bichon Frise. The coat consists of two separate layers. The under layers is much finer than the outer. For families, keeping the coat groomed to a fairly short length will ensure that the dog is easy to care for. One of the few routine tasks needed is cleaning the ears. Because these dogs have that "poodle-curl," the hair inside the ears tends to curl inward, causing potential problems. Plucking and cleaning should be performed routinely to keep the ear canal clean and clear of wax build up and infection.

Bichon Frise that are well-socialized love people and will quickly become happy members of almost any family. Their joyful nature makes them a sought-after pet, and their size and intelligence make them ideal for a show.

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EXOCITC SHORTHAIR Kittens

Brown Exotic Shorthair Female Kitten.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a breed that came into being around 30 years ago. They are a cross between the Persian Longhair and the British Shorthair. The resulting breed is a lovely cat with many of the distinctive features of the Persian but obviously with shorter hair. Although their hair is short, it is every bit as thick as the Persian Longhairs coat and is very dense and soft. They are attractive cats with wide-set eyes and distinctive faces. The Exotic Shorthair kittens are probably some of the prettiest kittens that you will see.

In the past, the general ruling for breeding of Exotic Shorthair kittens was to mate a British Shorthair to a Persian Longhair. As the breed has grown in numbers, however, it is now more normal to breed using two Exotics. Occasionally breeders will revert to original to perhaps breeding new colors etc, but this is no longer necessary to swell the gene pool.

There are still only a few hundred Exotic Shorthair kittens being born each year so they are not always easy to source. There are, however, websites full of information including details of how to find a breeder. Always use a reputable breeder and make sure that you have details of the parents. Whenever possible ask to see both mother and father. Often it is not so easy to see the father as he may not be kept at the same home, but make sure that all the paperwork is in place and you have all the information that you can get.

Exotic Shorthair kittens are robust little animals and very playful. They are bright and easily trained. By the time you get your kitten they should have been litter trained by their mother and be vaccinated. There should be no signs or history of disease or parasite and they should be happy and lively. They are naturally inquisitive and affectionate and love to be cuddled and handled. If the kitten is not keen on contact with humans then it may not have been handled sufficiently and may not have learned to interact with people properly. A happy and healthy Exotic kitten will love to be with people and you will be able to establish a loving and affectionate relationship with it as it grows into an adult.

Buying a kitten is never a straightforward business. There are many things which you must consider prior to actually bringing your pet home. You will need to research the best food for example. This is something that you should talk to the breeder about. They will have been providing a particular kind of food and feeding pattern which you should stick to, at least to begin with. If you do want to change the feeding structure and diet it must be done over a period of time so as not to upset the kitten's digestion. The Exotic Shorthair kitten is a lovely pet and given care and love will be an affectionate family member.

By Wendy Pan - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: CAIRN TERRIER

(Original title: The Playful and Inquisitive Dog: Cairn Terrier)

Photo by Cuyahoga jco 

The Cairn is assumed as one of the subcategories of Scotland’s terriers along with the Westies (West Highland White) and the Scottish, The Westies and the Cairns are highly related. For one, Westies are hybrids of white dogs crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. The Westie can be considered as the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of any color but white. Scotties, however, have longer heads and bodies, have generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two. These dogs originated from the short-haired Skyes.

Cairn is the smallest breed among the terrier group. The name Cairn was coined after the small stone piles that marked borders of Scottish farms and graves.  During the early times, this breed was used to guide small animals into these piles of stones. However, Cairns are strong and sturdy but are not heavy.  

This dog was already present during the 1500s even before it became popular in 1930, after the appearance of “Toto” in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s companion dog. Presently, like the American pit bull terriers, Cairns are used as companion dogs. Among the variety’s talents are tracking, watching over the house, hunting, and performing tricks and sports regarding competitive obedience.    

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

Category: Terrier

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

Coat: shaggy and coarse outer coat and short and soft furry undercoat

Colors: any color except white

Height: between 9.5 and 10 inches

Weight: between 13 and 14 pounds 

Temperament: like most terriers that were bred as hunters, these dogs are mischievous, alert, restless and high-spirited; also have a special connection with children age six and above 

Breeders should note the following health issues: 

•  Atopy, a type of allergy 

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

•  Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum

•  Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increased pressure within the eye

•  Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap

Care and Exercise: 

• Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.

• Hair around ears and eyes must be trimmed regularly.

• Do not overfeed them as they gain weight easily.

• Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on a leash.

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

Origin/History:

As already noted, the Cairns were existent since around the 1500s. At around 1700s, the Isle of Skye and other highlands in Scotland were already producing lots of small terriers. Scottish breeds were separated into two: the Skye terriers and the Dandie Dinmont terriers. 

The Dandie Dinmonts were categorized as a separate breed. The Skyes included the Scotties, the Westies, and the Cairns.

In the year 1912, the Cairns receive their official name based on their excellent ability to hunt down vermin such as otters, foxes, and badgers that were hiding in Cairns.  However, it was in the year 1913 when they received the official recognition from the American Kennel Club. 

The Cairn terrier is one heck of an agile little dog that is very appropriate for the whole family. This breed is playful, prying, and is always ready to join the fun. If you are still not convinced, just reckon how Dorothy was entertained and accompanied by this type of dog.

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ASIAN CAT Breeds

Adult female Balinese cat (siamese longhair)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I would like to share with you today the cat breeds of Asia. The cats of Asia are unique breeds both natural and developed types. They have their own markings and personalities. Some of the breeds date back to ancient times when a cat was worshiped like a god.

The Balinese is a longhair mutation of the Siamese. The Balinese has a long silky coat, plumed tail, and Siamese markings. The Balinese's coat is white or cream colored with grey, blue, lilac or chocolate points. The Balinese is intelligent, alert, curious and fun loving.

The Birman, originally from Burma, was a sacred companion of the priests. The Birman is a large, long stocky cat with silky hair. Its' coat is light with darker points and white feet. The Birman is gentle, active and playful.

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a hybrid of the Siamese. The Colorpoint is very similar to the Siamese with a white or cream coat but has 4 times the point colors. The Colorpoint produces low levels of dander making it a good choice for someone with cat allergies.

A show-quality female Japanese bobtail
 looks attentively at the camera,
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Japanese Bobtail is a symbol of good luck in Japan. Originally from China, the Japanese Bobtail has been around for centuries as shown in ancient paintings. The tail is the unique feature of the cat. The Japanese Bobtail is friendly, active and intelligent.

Named for the island next to Bali, the Javanese is identical to the size of the Balinese but differs in coat color. The Javanese is highly intelligent and easily adaptable to its' surroundings.

Considered a symbol of good luck in Thailand, the Korat (or Si-Sawat) is a rare breed of cat. The Korat is known for its' green eyes and a keen sense of hearing, sight and scent. Its' coat is silver blue and multi-layered. Pricing of a Korat depends on its' bloodline and show history.

The Oriental is a very curious and intelligent cat. The Oriental's coat is fine and silky and can be over 300 different colors. The Oriental's body is sleek with a whippy tail. The Oriental is very loyal.

Originally from Singapore, the Singapura is a small shorthaired cat with large eyes and ears. Its' light beige coat is unique. The Singapura can have hazel, green or yellow eyes. The Singapura is intelligent, curious and playful.

Native to the mountains of Lake Van in Turkey, the Turkish Van is a desired breed due to its' rarity. Its' coat is white with semi-long hair. Its' eyes can be amber, blue or one amber, one blue. Unlike most other cats, they love the water.

Probably the best known of the Asian cats is the Siamese. Originally from Thailand (formerly known as Siam), the Siamese can be found in most parts of the world. The Siamese have short silky coats with almond-shaped eyes. The light coat with dark points makes them easily recognizable. The Siamese is intelligent, curious and loving.

When considering a cat for a pet, you may want to explore the attributes of the Asian cats. You can view pictures of the Asian cats at petside.com.

By Frank Loethen Frank Loethen, live in Georgia with my wife and three cats. Have 5 children a 4 grandchildren. Article Source: EzineArticles

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GERMAN Vs All Other ROTTWEILERS

Photo by arne.list 

If you don't own a Rottweiler or aren't involved with the breed, then it might come as a big surprise that the typical Rottweiler (American Rottweiler) you see here and again, getting walked in your neighborhood or being often portrayed in a negative light in most media, is actually world's apart from the original Rottweiler from Germany, the German Rottweiler.

The German Rottweiler can trace its roots as far as back as the Roman Empire and is considered by many to be one of the oldest herding dogs. The Rottweiler was used for various activities in different periods of history. In ancient times. the Rottweiler was used to herd and protect livestock, while in modern times was used primarily as a guard dog by militaries and police. Thus, the Rottweiler is a multi-faceted breed capable of performing various tasks and is very smart, loyal, eager to work, and is very confident.

Now, there are two basic differences between the kennel organizations like the AKC and ADRK. In the early 20th century, Germany had a few existing Rottweiler clubs covering the span of Germany, and it was in the 20's when they all came together to form the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), i.e. General German Rottweiler Klub. Now, this organization has for almost 100 years now maintained a strict standard and guidelines to what the Rottweiler should be, as after all the Rottweiler is German and they wanted to preserve the Rottweiler for what it is (a working dog), and thus to this day have the best Rottweilers. In Germany, one cannot simply just breed any Rottweiler they like, be it a Rottweiler with papers and a Rottweiler without papers, like you can in America, but instead there is a procedure to it.

If you have ever looked at an import German (Pink Paper) pedigree, you will notice that there is a detailed paragraph for every Rottweiler in that dog's pedigree. These paragraphs are official "critiques" of the Rottweiler given by certified ADRK judges, These critiques are given when you take your Rottweiler to Zuchttauglichkeitsprufung (called the ZTP or BST) which translates to "breeding suitability test," and it officially certifies that a Rottweiler is acceptable as breeding stock. In Germany, a Rottweiler must meet this degree before being bred and hence, is the affirmation that this particular Rottweiler is within the standard and is an ambassador for the breed. This sort of "screening", if you will, helps weed out weak genetics and assures that the breed of Rottweilers will only continue to get better. The ZTP also tests the dogs working ability, because a Rottweiler not capable of working is not a Rottweiler. He just falls into the group of all other Molossoid breeds and isn't distinguishable.

If I can put it into an analogy, it would be like if you saw a really sporty looking car on the street being passed by a Geo. The car may look like it's fast, but in reality, it isn't. The Rottweiler is the same, you might see one that may look really nice, but if he can't do what he is naturally intended to do, which is to work, then he isn't a true Rottweiler. Germans test the dogs working ability with Schutzhund. Schutzhund is like the police dog training that most people have seen, consisting of the dog biting a man wearing a padded suit with a bite sleeve. But, it is a little more thorough than just biting. Schutzhund consists of 3 parts: Obedience, Protection, and Tracking.

Now, I can go on speaking about Schutzhund for the next hour, but the gist of it is that it makes the Rottweiler completely controllable, confident, and ready to do any command that is asked by his owner. The obedience part does just this, the Rottweiler is tested in various ways on his ability to listen and perform tasks that are commanded by his owner. The Protection part, falls in line with obedience, as the Rottweiler is commanded to find the perpetrator (in Schutzhund he is hiding behind Teepee-like blinds), get up as close as possible to the perp and consistently bark to acknowledge to his owner that he has found him and to await the owners commands. Lastly, the tracking not only tests the Rottweiler's scenting ability but his overall mental soundness and ability to find items precisely. This is just the very basic explanation of it, I'll write a very thorough article on Rottweilers and Schutzhund shortly.

So, the ZTP critiques the dog's look or confirmation, and also these 3 phases of Schutzhund. Point being, this sort of testing is paramount if you want to preserve the integrity of a breed like the Rottweiler.

In America on the other hand, there is none of this. There was a large influx of Rottweilers being imported from throughout Germany and Europe and being registered in the 70s and 80s, that at one point the Rottweiler was one of the most registered dogs in the AKC in the 80's. AKC almost has zero Rottweiler-specific regulations when it comes to breeding like the ADRK has, so for the last 30-40 years, anyone with a Rottweiler was able to breed to any other Rottweiler, not taking into consideration the German standard, and thus resulted in the American Rottweiler.

Now, one of the first things you will see when placing a German Rottweiler side by side an American Rottweiler is that the German Rottweiler has a tail. Docking tails have become part of the German standard in the early 2000's and are outlawed in most of Europe. In America, the vast majority of breeders still do it as it is still legal. The separate point also being, that if you encounter Rottweiler breeders saying that they breed German Rottweilers, but you see the tails cropped, they are obviously not following the ADRK standard and are not breeding German Rottweilers.

Another difference you will immediately see is the sheer size difference between the two. German Rottweilers tend to be a lot larger and more compact than typical Rottweilers. German Rottweilers have heavier bones, thicker necks, wider chests, bigger headpieces, more pronounced stops (arched foreheads), shorter muzzles, deeper chests, and won't have as long legs like American Rottweilers.

The German Rottweiler also tends to learn a lot quicker than American Rottweilers and has inherent guard instincts that are more pronounced than typical Rottweilers. The German Rottweiler as well will have more pronounced and a lot darker eye and mouth pigmentation.

This was just a general introduction to the differences between the real German Rottweiler, and the rest. If you encounter someone proposing that his Rottweiler is a German Rottweiler, first ask who his parents or grandparents are and Google their names to see if they are real ADRK registered German Rottweilers. And of course, don't ask them this if you see that he has a cropped tail, as more likely than not, he will not be a German Rottweiler.

By Slobodan Petrovic If you enjoyed this article, and enjoy Rottweilers in general, please make sure to visit our website and see pictures of our beautiful Rottweilers, our adorable puppies pictures, about us as German Rottweiler breeders, and a lot more! http://www.vbrott.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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Dog History: The PIT BULL Terrier

Pit Bull - Photo  by maplegirlie 

Most modern Pit Bulls are believed to be descended from European bulldogs and different breeds of mastiffs that were once used in farm work. The mastiffs were known for their strength and power, so they were primarily used to help farmers with their bulls when it was time to bring them in from the fields.

The mastiff became known as the bulldog. The dog’s main purpose was to protect the farmer from being gored by an enraged bull. The dog usually accomplished this task by biting onto the bull and hanging on until the bull relented. Since these dogs were used for protection from angry bulls, they had to have tremendous strength in their jaws and bodies. They also had to be stubborn enough to hang onto a stampeding bull, no matter what the bull did to them, to protect the farmer they worked for.

As time passed, these dogs started being used in bull and bear baiting. During this time it is believed some Bulldogs were also bred with terriers to help make them better suited for these sports. By mixing with the terrier breed, the dogs were smaller and a great deal more agile than the regular bulldog. They also had more muscular bodies, which helped to enhance their damage producing ability. These sports were most popular in England around the early nineteenth century. In the year 1835, English Parliament banned the sports of bull and bear baiting, stating that it was much too cruel to the animals involved. The sport lost popularity and eventually died completely out after a few years.

Dog fighting soon took the place of the previously banned bull and bear baiting sports. Breeders began trying to produce dogs that were geared to be excellent fighters. They tried to enhance the dog’s agility, strength, and musculature to make them more formidable opponents. Breeders also tried to breed the most intelligent dogs so they would be less likely to make mistakes in fighting, and also so they would only be aggressive toward other dogs, not humans they may encounter. One of the rules of dogfighting was that the owner of the dog had to be able to enter the ring during a fight, pick his dog up, and take it completely out of the fighting ring without the dog biting him. If the dog bit the owner during this time, the dog was immediately killed.


Dog Files Ep.12: Pit Proud: The History Of The Pit Bull from GP Creative on Vimeo.

Also in the 1800’s Pit Bulls started becoming popular pets, not just for dog fighting and farming. The dog became a mascot during World War 1 and could be seen on many war posters, which helped to increase its popularity. They were popular because of their high intelligence and devotion to their masters. In the early 1900’s pit bulls began being used in movies as well.

The Pit Bull is a dog with a very detailed history and is still quite popular today. The breed does receive a lot of negative criticism, but with the right owners, still, make terrific pets.

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The Basic Needs Of TOY POODLES

Toy Poodle - Photo  by Yasuhiko Ito 

Many people and families consider having Toy Poodles to share their life with. But every owner or soon-to-be owners of dogs should realize that dog ownership requires ten to 15 years or more of commitment. Just like humans, Toy Poodles as well as other dog breeds, need food, water, shelter and nurturing to survive.

Proper nutrition.
Look at your dog's diet and see if there is something you can do to improve it. Look for dog foods and dog food companies proven to use high-quality ingredients. There are also pet foods specifically formulated to dogs with a certain health condition like obesity and diabetes. If you prefer to give homemade dog foods, ask your vet's advice for the ingredients that are appropriate for your furry friend. When switching dog food, remember to do so gradually to prevent gastrointestinal upset and other digestive problem.

Physical maintenance.
As much as it is important for humans, exercise is also vital in keeping your dog fit. Toy Poodles are active little dogs who need a daily walk - be it around the block or in the park nearest to you. Behavior problem such as chewing, digging and urine marking inside the house can be avoided with daily as well as playing ball and fetch. But remember not to over-exercise your dog, allow exercise that is only appropriate for your dog's age and breed.

Grooming and cleaning.
Grooming doesn't necessarily mean dressing your dog up. Grooming is one way of making sure that your dog is clean and doesn't look and smell dirty. A Toy Poodle needs regular bath and clipping every six weeks. Clean the ears, the teeth, and the gums. Dog shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and other cleaning and grooming supplies are available at most pet supply stores.

Shelter.
Dogs have natural den instinct. They need a space they can call their own, their shelter and home. Make the shelter - be it a kennel, crate or bed comfortable as much as possible. The bed or the crate must be appropriate for your dog. It shouldn't be too small to allow movements.

Training.
Training is an important part of a dog's life. Even if you do not intend to have your dog appear in dog shows and rings, training is still necessary. Remember that a well-trained dog is pleasant to be around. Less accident in the house, less trouble!

Providing your dog the above-mentioned needs will certainly create a long, happy and healthy life with your furry friend.

Richard Cussons writes articles including articles about Toy Poodle. Visit poodlesavvy.com for your Toy Poodle information. Article Source: GoArticles

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The Beautiful KARELIAN BEAR DOG

Karelian bear dog (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I first met the Karelian Bear Dog in 1997, and when I saw this beautiful breed with its excellent conformation and color contrast, I fell in love with it.

This breed is an Arctic breed from Finland originally and because of wars, later a breed of Russia. Like many far Northern Breeds the dog is hardy and has a thick coat that keeps it warm in severely cold weather. Different from many Northern Breeds like Malamutes or Siberian Huskies, the Karelian Bear Dogs' coat is short (in comparison) but dense. This breed can be strong-willed and yet very willing to please and they are extremely quick to learn anything. They pick up obedience training very fast, much faster than many other breeds, and do well in competitions. They are not seen very often in Obedience Competition because they are a rare breed.

This breeds' fame lies in that it is a natural protector of property and has the courage to move bear or large animals out of its area. The KBD is a natural hunter and is very devoted to its owner. The Karelian Bear Dogs are rare worldwide, and there are not many even in the United States.

The Karelian Bear Dogs are a rare, and unique animal, originating in the areas of Russia, Finland, and Siberia. They are considered a National Treasure in Russia and Finland and were not exported to other countries until just a few years ago.

The KBD was bred for hunting both large and small game. As their name indicates they were used for hunting bear, and also elk. In our nation, they are used in our National Parks to move the bears away from campgrounds and other people populated areas. The dogs are serving people by protecting them in such a manner.

The Karelian Bear Dogs protect their humans from any predators. For people who like to hike in the woods or mountains, these dogs are especially excellent. They are brave, courageous, obedient, and protective to their death, yet the Karelian Bear Dog is gentle and loving to their family.

The dog is friendly to anyone approaching them unless they mean harm to the master. And they seem to know the difference. Karelian Bear Dogs are extremely intelligent and excel in obedience training and tracking.

They are deeply devoted, especially to one person, who they give their heart, but they are still loving to the whole family. The Karelian Bear Dog craves human attention and they do not stray from the house, but stay faithfully close to home.

They are a dog that takes a gentle hand in training because they are such an intelligent and sensitive breed.

Our young daughter hooks her Karelian to her sled and the dog pulls her endlessly. She stops when commanded, but runs back to cover her young friend with doggy kisses. Such is the Karelian Bear Dog, brave and courageous, but sweet and loving.

By Nancy Reishus I am a Montana author and specialize in e-books. I have raised purebred dogs for many years and write dog books for fun. Check my fun website on Karelian Bear Dogs... http://karelianbeardogs.blogspot.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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