Tuesday, February 13, 2018

AIREDALE TERRIER - The King of the Terriers

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Photo  by E Haug 
The Airedale Terrier is a medium 45 to 65-pound dog that usually reaches between 22" and 24". Known as the King of the Terriers, they are largest of the Terrier breeds recognized by the AKC. It is a compact little powerhouse that is all terrier when it comes to chasing little animals or appeasing its curiosity.

Airedale Terriers are typically tan on the ears, head, chest, undersides, legs, and sometimes on the shoulders.  They are black or grizzle on the sides and upper parts of the body.  Sometimes they have a red mixture on the black or white markings on the chest.  Certain strains of the breed also have a small white patch on the chest.  Their wiry, dense outer coat requires regular grooming.

If you are looking for a dog with plenty of stamina and energy, look no further.   The Airedale Terrier is full of energy and needs daily exercise and play.  Generally speaking, they do best with older well-behaved children and are not ideal for homes with smaller pets as terriers have the tendency to chase small animals and vermin.  They can do well with other dogs, especially if they are socialized from puppyhood.  They are loyal and protective of their family.  They love to learn and can be trained easily provided training is fun and not monotonous.

The breed dates itself back to 18th century England. The breed is a cross between an Otterhound and a Waterside Terrier.  They were bred for hunting small game and were later used in big game hunting, police work and as an army dog in WWII.  The Airedale Terrier is now considered more of a family pet than working dog.  However, they do love to work and have tasks to do and still make good hunting and tracking dogs

For a family that enjoys outdoors and exercise, the Airedale Terrier is an excellent choice.  Although they can work with other pets and dogs, a one pet household seems more ideal for their needs unless they grow up with other family pets.  The Airedale Terrier is a great pet for the family on the go.




Monday, February 12, 2018

LYME DISEASE in Dogs and Humans

These black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, a...
These black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, are found on a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Black-legged ticks, I. scapularis are known to transmit Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, to humans and animals during feeding, when they insert their mouthparts into the skin of a host, and slowly take in the nutrient-rich host blood.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
It is summer time and that means walks in the woods, camping and all those glorious trips on nature trails enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. However, lurking in some areas there lies a nasty tick that can cause both humans and animals an opportunity to become very ill.

It is an illness that is caused by a bite from an infected tick and it does not care who you are human or dog. This problem surfaced around 1975 when a group of children in a Lyme, Conn., suffered a severe outbreak of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This unusual grouping eventually lead researchers to identify the bacterial cause in 1982 and thus led to the name "Lyme disease." In 1984 it found its way into the canine population and since has skyrocketed. It is a serious and deadly disease if left untreated.

According to statistics released by a pet insurance provider (Veterinary Pet Insurance) in 2008, Lyme disease is the most common canine infectious disease for the third year in a row. Forty-seven percent of all the claims Veterinary Pet Insurance received were for tick born infectious diseases. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis (caused by the Brown Dog tick and the lone star tick, infection enters the white blood cells and causes anemia and other complications) and anaplasmosis (caused by deer ticks, the disease is similar to Lyme disease) are among the three leading infectious tick diseases.

What is the cause? 
Warmer climates, urbanization and an increase in the rodent and deer populations are the primary causes. A female tick can lay approximately 3,000 eggs per season and once the tick population gets established there is a big problem in removing them. Once a disease that was established in a few areas has now managed to move through the entire Northeast, the Midwest and in areas of California and Oregon.

What is Lyme disease? 
It is a disease caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted into the bloodstream by the saliva of the infected tick by means of a prolonged bite. It cannot be transmitted from dog to dog or to humans from dogs. It comes from the tick bite itself and reacts differently in humans than it does in dogs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only two ticks are known to carry this bacterium, the black-legged deer tick, found throughout most of the United States and the Western black-legged tick found only in the Western states. Granted that there are other ticks that carry
different types of bacteria, but only these two ticks carry Lyme disease.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs? 
It is difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms are fever, limb discomfort, lameness, swelling in the joints, lack of energy and loss of appetite. Since these symptoms are common to many other canine diseases it may take a while to determine the actual cause of the problems. Lyme disease can take up to 5 months after exposure to surface.

A simple blood test can detect if a dog has been exposed to the bacteria and treatment can begin. Dogs are usually treated with an antibiotic (usually doxycycline) and will begin to show improvement within a few days after receiving treatment.

The interesting thing is some dogs can test positive for the disease and never appear sick, as their bodies are capable of fighting off the bacteria. It is recommended, however, that if your dog tests positive and several other tests show the same result it is best to have your dog treated, but that is a matter of personal judgment.

What are the complications of Lyme disease in dogs? 
Lyme disease does not cause permanent arthritis in dogs. The type of arthritis or lameness caused by this disease is non-erosive arthritis; it does not cause damage the bone. The swelling and lameness will go away with treatment.

The potential problem related to Lyme disease is kidney complications if left untreated. These problems can be fatal to your dog. It is necessary to have your vet do a routine urinalysis if your dog has contracted Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a dangerous disease, but when caught early and treated most dogs achieve full recovery.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in humans? 
Lyme disease in humans affects different areas of the body as it progresses. The place where the tick has bit the human usually causes a reddish rash and "flu-like" symptoms.

Medically it is described in three phases as
(a) an early localized disease with a skin inflammation;
(b) early problems of the heart and nervous system, which could include palsies and meningitis and
(c) later a disease that causes motor and sensory nerve damage and brain inflammation as well as arthritis.



Many people do not even recall a tick bite, as some ticks can be as small as the period at the end of this sentence. Some people do not develop a reddish rash, but even the rash will disappear by itself with no treatment at all. Some people suffer from flu-like symptoms and possible swollen glands plus a headache. If you are like most people you "get over" these things without the aid of your doctor and this is where the seriousness of this disease begins.

As the bacteria spread through your body it begins to affect your heart muscle causing and inflammation, which can cause abnormal heartbeats and heart failure. The nervous system can develop facial paralysis, abnormal sensations due to the disease of peripheral nerves, meningitis, and confusion. If this is not enough, you can also develop chronic arthritis and suffer from anxiety and depression.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed in humans? 
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is known and show up at the doctor's office with the usual red rash the diagnosis is simple. If you have been bitten by a tick be certain to tell your doctor. In most cases without your doctor know if you have been bitten or if you have been in an area where Lyme disease is known, they will review your history and try the process of elimination to exclude certain diseases. Blood tests are not significant in the early stages of the disease, though can be helpful in the later stages. Currently, the best test is what is called the Western Blot assay antibody test.

How is Lyme disease treated in humans? 
In most cases, Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics that work really well in the early stages of the disease. If the disease has progressed undetected for a while, it may be necessary to take some intravenous drugs and pain-relieving medicines can also be given.

How do you protect your dog and yourself? 
Since dogs carry ticks into the home, it is wise to check your dog every time it comes in. A tick check is simply done by going through your dog's fur and parting it with your fingers. Begin at the ears and head while working your way down, on black dog's use a flashlight to help you see the ticks. If you find one do not stop as you may find more, ticks love company. Use some sticky tape to help remove the tick or use tweezers making certain you remove the whole tick, legs and all. Do not try burning them off with a match or cigarette.

Keep your grass cut; trim bushes around your house so that they get a chance to get some sun. Ticks love damp dark places. If you live near a wooded area keep the area around your home free from the growing brush; a stone or mulch path surrounding the area is a good idea.

Use year-round flea and tick preventatives. If you live in an area where Lyme disease ticks are prevalent there are vaccines available to help prevent the disease. A vaccine along with the flea and tick preventative will go a long way in protecting your dog. Though it is known that the vaccines do not always work, they are worth a try. The vaccines are usually given twice, a few weeks apart and then once a year and are recommended if you live in areas known for the disease.

Regarding us, humans wear protective long pants, long sleeves, and boots if you are venturing into the woods and if you pick up a tick be certain to remove it at once. Spraying an insect repellent that contains DEET will help too. If you get a tick and remove it, save the culprit in a jar so that is can be identified as not all ticks carry Lyme disease. It takes approximately 48 hours once a tick becomes attached to you or your dog to transmit the bacteria, that is why checking yourself and your dog is so important. The quicker you remove them the better off you both are.




Saturday, February 10, 2018

AIDI DOG Breed: Height, Weight, Color, History and Description

Atlas Mountain Dog Head2.JPG
Aidi Dog - Photo: Wikipedia (CC)
Description: The Aidi is a muscular and yet lean dog. The head is in good proportion to the body and some say it looks similar to a bear. The muzzle tapers and it has strong jaws that have tight lips these match, in color, the coat coloring. It has a black or brown nose; again this will match the coat. The eyes are medium in size and a dark color with dark eye rims. 

The ears are slightly tipped forward and hang downward at about halfway up the ear, giving an alert look. The height is 21-24 inches and the weight is 50-55 pounds. The tail is wonderfully heavily plumed. The coat is very thick and this is weather resistant, and it is a course to the touch. Colors we see are black, black and white, tawny, pale red and white. Their life expectancy is about 12 years.

History: The Aidi came from Morocco, specifically the Sahara region. This breed lived and worked in the mountains of Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. The dogs' role was to protect the flock, or family, from wildcats, wolves, and other animals that could attack the flock or herds. They were used by the tribes such as the Berbers and were used by staking the aggressive and watchful Aidi around the flocks at night to guard them.


This dog has been used as a protection dog for hundreds of years and only now, in Morocco, is the breed purity being protected. This dog has been a working dog but today this is more a family pet and the Moroccans have set up a club to promote this breed. The Aidi has never been a sheepdog but in 1963 the standards were set under the name Atlas Sheepdog, this was corrected in 1969. This dog comes under the American Rare Breed Association.

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Thursday, February 8, 2018

Fact Sheet: NORWICH TERRIER

(Original Title: Norwich Terrier - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting A Norwich Terrier)

Norwich Terrier
Photo by Just chaos
Breed Description

The sturdy, robust, and compact Norwich Terrier is an alert and enthusiastic breed that could sometimes look bewildered. This breed has erect ears, adding to a more alert appearance. This small dog weighs around 11-15 pounds and reaches between 8-10 inches tall.

Coat

The straight, hard, and wiry coat of the Norwich Terrier reach around 1-2 inches long. Their low-lying fur is longer on their neck and shoulders, along with short and smooth whiskers and eyebrows. The coat of this breed comes in red or brown colors. Some colors exist, too, including black and gray.

Activity

The Norwich Terrier is relatively energetic. They love going for walks or playing ball with their families. With their thick coat, they will be able to tolerate all kinds of weather. This breed enjoys digging holes, and owners should, therefore, be watchful of this trait. These dogs will generally do well in apartment dwelling for as long as they get to go outside for exercise.

Temperament

With small yet hardy personality, the Norwich Terrier is remarkably intelligent, courageous, and affectionate. They are assertive, but will not typically show aggressive behavior. These active terriers are energetic and thrive on an active lifestyle. They are known to be eager to please, yet will definitely have minds of their own. Aside from an active life, they also thrive on the companionship of their owners. So, these terriers should never be kept in a kennel. These small dogs are great with children, but will only get along with other animals provided that they were previously introduced.

Overview

As most terriers were primarily bred to hunt a particular animal, the Norwich Terrier is no different. In fact, they were created to hunt rodents, and small creatures as their size will be too small to go for anything larger.

Care

In terms of grooming, the Norwich Terrier should be combed and brushed daily. A great deal of clipping will not be required, though. They are very light shedders, and bathing should only be done when necessary with a dry shampoo.

The undercoat of this breed is of utmost important to care for, and should ideally be brushed with steel comb once every week to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Their coats must also be stripped twice a year, ideally in the autumn and spring.





Training

The Norwich Terrier is entertaining and comical but challenging to train. Socialization is crucial especially while they are puppies, and basic manners should be introduced as early as possible. Just like the Norfolk Terrier, this small terrier has been developed to independently hunt without the help or support of a man. Due to this, they will typically do things their own way, at their own speed.

Character

The Norwich Terrier is a little dog with a remarkable instinct of knowing what's going on. They particularly love to be the center of everything, and will generally get along with other pets once introduced, and even love playing with children.



Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Information Regarding the AMERICAN CURL CAT

ACL Pointocurl Fiorentina
Photo  by Nickolas Titkov 
A domestic cat breed, American Curl has perhaps the most amazing ears in all of the feline world. The name 'Curl' is in fact attributed to the ears that curl back from the side of the face towards the center of the head. These give the cat a very singular and sweet look and are the reason behind the enthusiastic development and pursuit of this felid as a distinct breed. The breed originated in the early nineteen eighties when a feral female with curled ears was first discovered in California.

The individual appearance of the kittens from this cat's litters soon attracted breeders who took to establishment and propagation of the American Curl. Within the last two decades, the cat has gained widespread recognition among cat fanciers in the United States and is now registered in both long and shorthair classes.

American Curl is a medium sized animal with an elegant physical makeup. Weight is normally around six to eight pounds. The coat is smooth and lustrous in both short and longhair format. Longhair cats have a fluffy tail. The remarkable ears are straight in newborn kittens but begin to curl within the first week of age. They reach their permanent confirmation by the first four months of life, curling at an angle between ninety to one hundred and eighty degrees, and should not be manually disturbed after that, for fear of breaking the ear cartilage.

The curling of ears in these pretty cats is due to a mutant gene that is dominant in character. As a result litters from cats where only a single parent has curled ears, result in Curl kittens. Therefore outcrosses with domestic cats are often done in case of American Curls to maintain genetic variety. There are no ill effects associated with the 'curl' gene and indeed American Curls are amongst the healthiest of all cats. They have no significant recurring hereditary ailment and seldom present with serious medical conditions.

American Curls are one of the friendliest cats around today. They have little problem accepting other cats and dogs in their household and do well in case of either large or small family. Faithful pets, they always try and be around their humans, accompanying them in all of their activities.




Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Facts and Health Care Problems About BRITISH SHORTHAIR CATS

English: Excalibur Mystica of British Empire -...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Upon first glance, the girth and features of a British Shorthair may give the impression that they are a slothful, laid back breed. On the contrary, as descendants of British farm cats, this breed is a highly skilled and a mighty hunter.

History - Bred in the nineteenth century, the British Shorthair was a favorite in many households until distinct breeds began popping up in the mid-twentieth century. A few British Shorthair enthusiasts continue tirelessly to ensure this breed does not die out. It wasn't until the late twentieth century, that these wonderful cats were introduced in the United States, where cat fanciers became enthralled with their unusual personality and size.

Appearance - There are a variety of colors and one shade was so popular; it was the only shade and color credited by cat associations for years to come. British Blue was the name of the color of choice, but after World War II, this distinct color of British Shorthairs almost became nonexistent.

Enthusiasts of this breed wanted to preserve conserve the unique blue hue, bred the remaining blue shorthairs with Blue Persians. This created an increase in the gene pool and literally saved the specific shade from utter elimination. There are different colors to choose from which consist of white, bi-colors, smoke, tortoiseshell, point colors with orange or blue eyes.

The British Shorthair has a roundish head and wide cheeks as well as a thick and relatively short tail. The British Shorthair, also known for its stickiness, is a large specimen of cat weighing in at a substantial nine to eighteen pounds.

British Shorthair Cat Behavior and Characteristics - It is not a cat that demands incessant attention and affection. This breed behavior is highly content to go about its day doing its own thing. The British Shorthair is not suitable for those who desire friendly felines as this breed is not as socially inclined. You are able to easily satisfy the breed's emotional needs by keeping its food bowl filled and the cat can look after its own entertainment. There is little need to cuddle or entertain this breed in order to keep them content.

As the British Shorthair doesn't need constant attention, it is a good choice for a family with limited time on their hands.

British Shorthair Cat Health Problems - With a long ancestry and lineage, the gene pool diversity of the breed is generally healthy, although there is a problem one should take note of.

Type A Blood is the common blood type of domestic cats; but, the British Shorthair might have a rare blood type, Type B blood. It is an issue of concern should an operation be needed one day. You should have your local vet check you British Shorthair's blood type to ascertain if it is a rare blood type, to decrease the chances of confusion late on.




It is easy to care for and groom your British Shorthair. With the texture of their coat being rough and thick, a once a week combing should be sufficient to remove loose hairs and particles of dirt.

If you're short on time, but still want a cat, the unassuming, self-contained personality of a British Shorthair is definitely worth looking in to. It's sure to be a perfect fit.




Monday, February 5, 2018

AFGHAN HOUND

Nadia Color Version
Photo  by diveofficer 
The Afghan Hound dog breed is a very distinctive looking dog, and once seen you would not mistake them for another breed. Their height is a substantial 24 to 29 inches and they should weigh between 44 to 59 lbs. Whilst their coat can be any color white markings are discouraged, especially in the head region. There are a lot of Afghan hounds that have facial hair resembling a Manchu mustache, which is known as 'mandarins'.

Another, fairly common, characteristic is hair that resembles a black face mask. With white afghans, or nearly white, but if they display red or black islands in the fur, they are not acceptable as this is indicative of impure breeding. Other distinctive characteristics of the Afghan are a long head hair with the hair shortening, slightly, as you go from the front to back of the dog. There is also a small ring appearance at the end of their tail which is unique to this breed.

History: 
The Afghan hound as its name would suggest came from Afghanistan and was introduced to Great Britain in the 1920s. It is believed, via genetic testing, that the original Afghans, known as sight dogs in Afghanistan, had several genetic markers in common with wolves, making them close descendants of the original dog. 

Although the modern hounds were selectively bred, from those originally brought over. The exceptional beauty of these dogs has made them very popular as show dogs, and they are accredited at all major kennel clubs throughout the English speaking world. Afghan hounds were very important early on and formed an important breed in the earliest dog shows and the beginnings of the UK kennel club.

Temperament: 
The Afghan tends to integrate well at home, with the family, but can be aloof almost snobbish. It tends to get on well enough with other animals in the house, but when outside it likes chasing small animals. It was originally bred for hunting and when in the open cannot help reverting to type. They are an intelligent dog and will sometimes ignore commands, especially when coming from someone who is not their normal handler, it is more a case that they can see no reason to obey, it is not deliberate disobedience. Because of this trait, probably, they have often been described as cat-like in their attitude. They also have a bit of a tendency towards destruction and vandalism when bored.

Health issues: 
The Afghan Hound has been known to suffer necrotic myelopathy, but this is rare. There only real health issue is they can suffer cataracts.

Grooming: 
Given their superb coat and length of the hair, grooming is obviously important to the Afghan Hound dog. Leaving them un-groomed for too long will make the task that much harder when you do brush them. It is best to brush them every couple of days. Whilst home grooming is always possible, if you want your pet to look their best, then take them to a reliable dog salon for trimming.



Living conditions: 
While the Afghan Hound breed was originally a hunter and lived outside, it was in a temperate climate. Their hair is long and luxurious, but they seem to favor warm, rather than just not too cold. They are not really suited to living outdoors, and I am sure you would quickly notice how they like a nice warm, soft bed.

    For more information on different Dog Breeds, Dog Training and Teacup Puppies for sale including Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Morkies please visit our websites below.
    Afghan Hound - Puppies or Dogs
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Sunday, February 4, 2018

Therapy Dog Training – The Benefits of a Visiting Dog

Therapy Dig - Photo: Wikimedia
Sometimes when people are sick their need for love, support, and attention just don’t go within what most understand as normal. They need a lot more. Unfortunately, not all people have the time or the patience to deal with people who are sick, ill or disordered. However, dogs when well-oriented to dog therapy training could augment the emotional and physical support that most people could not provide.

Therapy dog training requires specializations that are rooted in fundamental dog training. As such, training for this work entails the need to form behaviors in the dog that are of great help to people who are undergoing therapy. Therefore, basic dog training will not suffice if the dog needs to demonstrate other obligations like performing various roles and interacting well with the patient. 

Therapy dogs are used in hospitals were mostly the patients are the children and the elderly. The handler and the dog will provide the patients with sufficient attention and activities that will let them drift away from the present problems in their lives.

However, therapy dogs are not only valuable in hospitals, the comfort they give are also necessary components in other therapy centers like nursing homes, schools, mental institutions and retirement homes.

The type of training that therapy dogs undergo are specially created and modified from various other training to fit the needs called for in situations that usually occur during hospital visitations. Their training will equip them with the appropriate skills to allow strangers to enjoy their company. To provide enjoyable experiences, most therapy dogs are trained to do tricks and performances that the audience will enjoy. 

Most dog breeds could undergo therapy training. However popular choices for training include breeds that have high temperance since they have to work with people that they are not familiar with.

Training of therapy dogs vary from state to state however, it is a general rule that a therapy dog should have certification of good citizenship before it can enter into the formal training and service. Certification, as well as training, could be obtained from local therapy dog training classes or animal shelters. After obtaining this certification, therapy training for the dog will begin.

This kind of training will condition the dog to ignore things like hospital equipment, people who are not the subject of therapy and noise. They are also trained to help with basic tasks like simple activities. However, they must not be confused with service dogs.

These are the dogs, which are under the law, help people who have disabilities. More often than not, they work on a continuous basis. Therapy dogs are more like visitors to patients and not really dogs that will accompany and help people with disabilities with their daily tasks. 



A visiting dog will also help in changing the routine from time to time. Therapy could be quite boring for many people thus the need for a change of pace will always contribute something positive to the therapy.  Animals could also make the patient feel less depressed or lonely since they create distractions from the unproductive thoughts of the patients.

Dogs could also encourage the patient to become less passive and more responsive and active during and after visitations. Therapy training will also help the dog entertain the patient; they may either provide fun or diversion from the pain and suffering currently experienced. 

Therapy dog training is relatively unpopular but the services of the dog for this purpose have been used for so many years. 



Saturday, February 3, 2018

CHIHUAHUA - Dogs of the World

Chihuahua - Dogs of the World




Thursday, February 1, 2018

10 Things You Should Know About CHIHUAHUAS

Rio smiling
Photo  by wsilver 
Here are 10 things you should know about Chihuahuas before you buy one.  Chihuahuas have entered the realm of popular culture.  Celebrities carry them around in their purses and movies are made about them.  But before you buy a dog, here are some things to know about Chihuahuas.

1. The first thing you should know about Chihuahuas is that they need lots of attention.  You should be prepared to play games, interact, and talk to your dog.  Chihuahuas are a highly social dog and they bond strongly with their owners.  They are not dogs that enjoy being alone at home all day.

2. If you have young children, the Chihuahua will compete with them for attention.  The dogs don’t have a lot of tolerance for noise, though they make a racket themselves.  You should also know about Chihuahuas that they can be biters.  While they do not inflict serious damage most of the time, it is not a breed that makes sense if you have young children.

3. Chihuahuas don’t like changing residences.  They are happy living their lives in one place.  So, if you are a highly mobile family, you should consider a different breed.  If you do move homes, you should be prepared for an upset dog at first.

4. Another thing you should know about Chihuahuas is that they don’t like for there to be other pets in the home.  Sure, you can have a goldfish, but if there are other animals competing for your attention, your Chihuahua will not be happy.  Chihuahuas often stand up to dogs twice their size and there can be a lot of fights if you have other pets in the home.

5. Contrary to the images that celebrities project with their “pocket pets,” Chihuahuas don’t like to be carried around.  They enjoy running, walking, and playing, not being a fashion accessory.

6. Chihuahuas are not good travelers.  If you are going across country in either a car or airplane, be prepared for problems from your pooch as they do not like being confined in a carrier.

7. About Chihuahuas, they like their personal space.  The dog is very territorial and can dominate its space.  You should expect the breed to be quite aggressive if a family member intrudes on what the dog has defined as his or her space.

8. Chihuahuas are jumpers.  You will be surprised at just how much trouble a Chihuahua can get into in your kitchen!  They can jump more than two feet from a standing position.  Keep this in mind when you are stocking shelves.


9. They get cold easily.  One thing every owner should know about Chihuahuas is that their short hair and bony frame means that they don’t retain heat well.  If you live in a cold climate, buy sweaters and coats to keep them warm.  Also, give them a warm bed with blankets if needed.  If they’re cold, they can throw a tantrum.

10. Your Chihuahua is high strung.  To keep him or her in line, it is important to keep their most common personality traits in mind when making training decisions.  Before buying a Chihuahua, know as much about the dog’s background as possible.

So, those are 10 things you should know about Chihuahuas before you make the decision to buy one.



Wednesday, January 31, 2018

What CAT BREEDS Don't Have Any Fur?

When you think about cats, you think longhaired or shorthaired with patterned fur that is soft and cuddly. But there is a third category and it is one that takes a little getting used to - hairless cats that don't have fur in the traditional sense.

Sphynx

Adult Female Sphynx Cat
Adult Female Sphynx Cat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Sphynx is perhaps the most well known of the hairless breeds and was developed in the 1960s. While it is known as hairless, it actually has a very fine downy fur that is said to feel like chamois. The skin follows the pattern that would have been on their fur if they had any so may be solid colors, pointed, tabby or any other variations. They have a wedge-shaped head and large lemon-shaped eyes with large ears. They are of medium size and have a very muscular body. They are known to be outgoing and extroverts who like attention and are affectionate with their owners. They also need protection against the extremes of climate due to their hairlessness.

Donskoy

Kitty of the sort Donskoy Sphinx
Donskoy Sphinx (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Donskoy is a hairless cat breed that originated in Russia and was first registered in 1987 when a hairless cat was bred in Rostov-on-Don. Its lack of hair is caused by a different gene than that of the Sphynx and the breed was officially recognized as an international breed in 1997. They are medium-sized cats that have large ears, almond shaped eyes and are muscular in their build. They need care from their owner because their lack of hair makes their skin oily so need grooming to deal with this.

Ukrainian Levkoy

The Levkoy is perhaps the oddest looking cat on the planet! Not only is it hairless but it also has ears that fold inwards similar to breeds such as the Scottish Fold. This combination of genetic traits makes for a cat that is very different to all others. It is only recognized by Ukrainian and Russian cat clubs and isn't found outside this area in any great numbers.

Lykoi

The Lykoi is a breed of cat that was developed in Memphis Tennessee and is a naturally occurring mutation of the domestic shorthair. It is usually virtually hairless and its markings are said to resemble a werewolf, hence its name. It is black in color with a wedge-shaped head and a lithe, elegant body shape.

Bambino

The Bambino is a recent cat breed, first registered with The International Cat Association in 2005 as an experimental breed. The cats combine the short leg stature of the Munchkin and its large upright ears with the hairlessness of the Sphynx. Their skin tends to be white or pink, meaning they need to be protected from sunlight and are vulnerable to cold temperatures.

Peterbald

English: If you don't have a Peterbald you jus...
If you don't have a Peterbald you just have a CAT! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Peterbald is another recently created breed that was first noted in 1994 in St Petersburg, Russia. It was created by mating a Donskoy to an Oriental Shorthair to creature a hairless cat that had the looks and body shape of an oriental breed. It was accepted onto the world stage in 2009. These cats are slim and muscular with almond-shaped eyes, a wedge-shaped muzzle and big ears that are widely set apart.



Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Medical Problems Of GOLDEN RETRIEVER

What a happy fellow.
Photo  by Jamie McCaffrey 
Epilepsy
Also known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally occur from viral infections, and environmental factors as well.  Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures should never be bred.  Vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t always effective.  Although epilepsy doesn’t affect the health of a Golden Retriever, it does have an effect on breeding.  You can never tell if it is indeed heredity, therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question - to avoid passing it on to the litter.

Skin allergies
Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with Golden Retrievers. Skin allergy is normally the result of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold.  Symptoms will vary, although they can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections.  Diet is extremely important here, as it can help to prevent a lot of these problems.  If you consult with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the risks your pet has of getting a skin allergy.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to malfunction.  Golden Retrievers that are affected by this disease will normally show such symptoms as coat problems or obesity.  This medical problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well.  A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders, as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden Retriever to breed.

The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis.  Once it has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear to be normal and the dog will have a normal, healthy lifespan, providing there are no other medical problems.  This condition is somewhat common with Golden Retrievers and can be diagnosed by your vet.

Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will have seizures, although this will stop once they go on the oral treatment medicine.  Even though the hypothyroid condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should monitor your dog to be on the safe side.  You don’t want to take any chances with your dog coming down with epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet do routine checks.


Even though medical problems are somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them from making sure your dog is healthy.  If you do your part and make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.  Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from time to time.  If you take your dog to the vet and get him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better and back to his normal self in no time at all.



Monday, January 29, 2018

How to HOUSEBREAK a Dog

Zaguate puppy
Zaguate puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What is housebreaking? Basically housebreaking a dog is training the dog whether it is a puppy or an older dog not to go to the bathroom inside or training it to go in the proper place. A simple concept in theory but it does take some patience.

Housebreaking a dog is one of the most challenging aspects of owning a dog, especially if you're a first-time dog owner. It is best accomplished when he is a puppy, but even if you adopt an older dog that is not trained you can still housebreak him.

Housebreaking an older dog is not complicated and, in some cases, will even take less time than housebreaking a young puppy. Housebreaking a dog is a lot of work, but not as hard as you may think, and if you get a faithful friend out of the deal, it's worth it, don't you think.

Dogs can not only be taught to go outdoors, but they can be taught to go in a specific area. Dogs are actually quite reliable when it comes to timing their bowel movements and urinating. It is very interesting that like humans, dogs appreciate a spot where they can relax and feel safe and protected. Dogs are extremely eager to please especially their owner which is why when done correctly, housebreaking almost always has successful results.While some dogs are housebroken much faster than others, how you treat accidents will affect your dogs overall learning curve.

The key to housebreaking a dog is to remember that a dog is eager to please you.Remember also that positive reinforcement promotes faster and more consistent housebreaking training.

There are slightly different methods when starting a housebreaking method.One being crate training which is a great approach to housebreaking a dog.This approach to housebreaking a dog is based on the fact that the dog crate simulates a dog's den which he should naturally want to keep clean.

Another method I have used with great success is paper training, whereby the dog is trained to go on the paper.And then take the dog directly outside... The one piece of advice I would give anyone trying to housebreak a dog is when they're ready to start going outside, designate a certain spot and take him out there every time.

Potty training or housebreaking a dog is perhaps one of the most important training pet owners should give his/her pet dog. You must begin housebreaking your dog as soon as you bring your new pet home and the key to successfully housebreaking a dog is to never let it make a mistake in the house without being corrected.



For everyone who believes that dogs truly are mans best friend, proper housebreaking is a key to a happy well-adjusted dog and owner.

Any kind of training including housebreaking should be a solution to destructive, aggressive and unwanted behavior, housebreaking issues, socialization problems, issues with kids, other dogs etc.

It just so happens that housebreaking is a good start!