Epilepsy in dogs and cats is
similar to that in humans. The main symptom is a type of seizure.
Seizures can come in many forms and several of these are listed
below:
Generalized Seizures
Generalized
seizures are the most common type of seizures in dogs and cats. There
are several variations of these seizures:
1. Absence
seizures (petit mal): sudden brief loss of consciousness, rare in
animals
2. Myoclonic seizures: muscle jerk of one or more
muscles
3. Clonic seizures: rhythmic muscle contractions
4.
Tonic seizures: increase in muscle tone in all skeletal muscles
5.
Tonic Clonic seizures (grand mal): the most common form of seizure in
pets
Tonic Clonic Seizures
Tonic Clonic (grand
mal) seizures account for 60% of seizures in cats and 80% of seizures
in dogs. They are usually accompanied by a loss of consciousness, and
consist of a tonic phase, where the increased muscle tone causes the
animal to fall on its side with its limbs extended, and a clonic
phase, consisting of intense muscle jerking or paddling movements.
In order to diagnose true epilepsy, other causes of
seizures must be first ruled out. Once a tentative diagnosis of
epilepsy has been made (by excluding all the other known causes of
seizures), the animal can be prescribed anticonvulsant drugs. These
drugs are not appropriate for animals with seizures caused by a
problem outside the brain. The overall goal of anticonvulsant therapy
is to eradicate all seizure activity, but this is rarely achieved. A
more realistic goal is to reduce the frequency of the seizures to a
level that is acceptable for the owner, without having negative side
effects for the animal.
Since epilepsy is not curable, the
owner must be prepared to give the medication for the rest of the
animals life.
High Mag. Image: Parvovirus infection (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you want to talk about the parvovirus - often shortened to "parvo" - as it relates to dogs, there are two main categories to consider. Depending on the age of the dog being affected, the virus in question may be associated with the intestines or the heart, both of which are vital for the dog's long-term condition. As serious as this condition is, you may still wonder what it is all about. For those who do not know, here are a few details to consider, aspirin for dogs included.
Like one could imagine with any virus, the way that parvovirus is spread is from one being to the next. When a human or creature comes in contact with an infected dog's waste, they stand the chance of passing that condition along to others. This is even more noteworthy when you consider that the illness in question can last for a number of months in the open air. For this reason, as well as others, the idea of solutions has a greater level of importance.
To some degree, I think that there is a help to be had with alternatives to aspirin for dogs. As for Assisi Animal Health, in addition to other companies, will tell you, this particular condition can be characterized by a number of symptoms. However, with the discomfort that vomiting and the like can cause, wouldn't it make sense for the aforementioned alternatives to be brought into the fold? It's just a matter of understanding what's safe for dogs to use.
If you want to talk about long-term solutions to this very problem, vaccinations cannot be overlooked. Your dog is unlikely to catch the condition when he or she is young, meaning that you should see your vet for the appropriate shots. For dogs with the parvovirus already, veterinarians may issue antibiotics in addition to extensive therapy sessions. Once these are given and carried out, it's easy to see that your dog's condition will become better.
These are just a few of the essential details to cover when it comes to the parvovirus. Dogs may contract this disease, which makes it all the more important for pet owners to exercise the greatest level of care imaginable. You have to know that a condition like this can only be helped by respectable authorities, veterinarians being the most helpful. Make it a point to consult those in the medical field and, before long, you'll have all of the information and care you could want.
Goldendoodle Nanuk at 5 months (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today crossing breeds have become a popular option, as people enjoy crossbreeding for the best traits of both breeds. One crossbreed that has only been around for about 20 years happens to be the Goldendoodle. This breed was created around the same time that the Labradoodle was also created and they are very similar breeds. If you're considering the purchase of your own Goldendoodle, here is a look at important breed information you'll need to know.
Origin of the Goldendoodle
First, it's a good idea to learn a bit about the origin of the Goldendoodle. This dog happens to be a Golden Retriever Poodle mix. Some of the other names that are commonly used for this breed include Goldie Poos, Groodles, and Golden Poos. Since some other poodle hybrids that were smaller were very successful, breeders soon decided to try breeding Goldens with a Poodle, making a larger pet that is allergy free. The hybrid turned out wonderfully and this breed quickly became popular.
Hybrid Vigor
The Goldendoodle displays hybrid vigor since they are a first generation cross in most cases today. Basically, this means that since the dogs are the very first cross between two lines of purebreds that are unrelated, they end up growing better and are healthier than both of the parent lines of dogs. This cross has created Goldendoodles that are intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and affectionate. However, as other generations are created, the vigor can be lost.
Breed Description
The parent lines of the Goldendoodle both happen to be water dogs and hunters. When it comes to the physical appearance of the Golden Retriever Poodle mix, they may look like a poodle that curls relaxed or they may even look like a retriever that is very shaggy. However, usually, their look is somewhere between the two. Usually, the length of their fur ends up being between 4-8 inches in length. Their coat color can vary. A few of the colors may include versions of chocolate, black, gold, cream, apricot, phantom, or party. As most of the other poodle crosses, the Goldendoodle usually does not shed much, which means that they are great for families that have allergies that are mild.
About Miniature Goldendoodles
It is possible to find miniature Goldendoodles as well. This occurs when a toy or miniature Poodle is one of the parents. A miniature Goldendoodle will usually be between 15-30 pounds. For those who want smaller dogs, the miniature Golden Retriever Poodle mix is a great option.
Weight and Height of the Breed
When it comes to the weight and the height of the Goldendoodle, it depends on the parentage of the dog. Usually, to get the average weight of adult dogs, you can add the weight of each parent together and then divide it in half. Of course, in every litter that is born, some puppies may end up being heavier or lighter than the weight that is projected. Standard Goldendoodles are usually predicted to be over 45 pounds when they reach adulthood. Miniatures usually are below 30 pounds. However, it is important to note that Goldendoodles in the past have ended up weighing over 100 pounds.
Temperament
One of the wonderful things about the Goldendoodle is their temperament. They are wonderful dogs for families and are both obedient and intelligent. These dogs are devoted to family and are extremely friendly. The Golden Retriever Poodle mix is wonderful with children and very good with other pets too. You'll find that they are happiest when they are around humans. Since they are eager to please, they love to learn, and they are very intelligent, they are extremely easy to train.
Health Issues
If you plan on owning your own Goldendoodle, it's a good idea to know about any possible health issues that may occur. The good news is that since the Goldendoodle is a hybrid cross, they usually will live longer and will be much healthier than the lines of the parents. However, these dogs are prone to the genetic diseases that the Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever deal with. While there are no big health concerns to worry about with the Goldendoodle, a few of the minor concerns to keep in mind include patella, PRA, Elbow, CHD, and VonWillebrand's disorders. It is suggested that these dogs get vWD, eye, and hip tests are done.
Grooming Your Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle ends up with fur that is usually a combination of poodle and retriever like hair. Fur may reach 4-8 inches in length if it is not clipped. It is important to ensure their fur is combed on a regular basis. If you plan on clipping the Goldendoodle, this should be done several times within every year for the best results.
Granulomatous dermatitis caused by Microsporum canis ringworm in a Persian cat; pseudomycetoma
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.
With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.
If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime, they are more apt to get a common disease such as ringworm.
The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.
If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes, however, will determine how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment, on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.
Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.
A 3½-year-old Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier named Clio. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Few things give us as much pleasure as owning a dog. Dogs make wonderful companions and it is no wonder they have become known as "man's best friend". A dog will always greet you with joy and happiness, unlike people who can be grumpy or unpleasant at times. Dog owners always speak about their pet's "unconditional love" and this is a fact because a dog will always be devoted to his owner, even if that owner is not the most pleasant of people!
Dogs have become so popular as pets that many people don't realize the time and energy it can take to properly take care of them, and some people buy a dog at the spur of a moment without giving much thought to whether they can care for him or not. This results in thousands of dog being abandoned. If you're considering buying or adopting a dog you should know that not all dogs are the same, some breeds are more high maintenance than others and you should choose a breed that suits your lifestyle. Wheaten terriers are high maintenance dogs for a few reasons that we shall go into in this article.
Wheaten terriers are a breed of dog that originated in Ireland. They were originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog whose duties varied from watching, guarding and herding livestock to hunting vermin. While most terriers can sometimes be aggressive, this is not so with the Wheaten terrier. They are mellower than other terriers.
Wheaten terriers are famous for their coat which is very soft and comprises of hair, not fur. The Wheaten Terrier is a popular dog with allergic dog owners due to the fact that they have a single coat of hair and shed very little making them relatively hypoallergenic. There are four coat types: American, English, Heavy Irish and Traditional Irish.
Wheaten Terriers are medium sized dogs that don't shed; their hair keeps growing and so requires regular grooming and trimming, making them a high maintenance dog to keep. Whether or not you keep your dog indoors or out, he will need to be brushed regularly if you are to avoid his coat from becoming matted or tangled. These dogs also require more frequent bathing than most other dogs because of their soft coat.
Like all terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is an active, playful breed that needs exercise if it is to thrive. They respond well to positive training and harsh or aggressive treatment may result in a dog that fears bites. They are highly intelligent dogs that require a substantial amount of attention. If you don't have the time to give to your dog, this may not be the breed for you.
Wheaten terriers make great family pets, often being very good with children and other pets. Early training ensures your dog is well adjusted to a home environment and they can be very protective of their human pack" without being overly aggressive.
Wheaten terriers are generally a hardy breed though they are prone to a condition known as protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). This condition results in protein loss from the kidneys and can be fatal. Inflammatory bowel disease, renal dysplasia, Addison's disease and cancer are other health issues Wheaten terriers may develop.
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One of the newest cat breeds around, Ukrainian Levkoy is seen predominantly in the east European country of Ukraine. Very few of these cats exist in other countries. Work on the Ukrainian Levkoy began at the beginning of twenty first century when it was felt there was a need for a cat of Ukrainian origin with a distinct appearance, particularly desirable for some breeders.
After continuous efforts, finally in early 2004, first Ukrainian Levkoy kittens were born through crossing of a lop-eared male with a female Sphynx cat. Several dozen cats have been born since then and are currently registered mainly in Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian Levkoys have a very unique appearance. They resemble Sphynx cats but have ears somewhat like those of Scottish Folds. They are medium sized felines with a long and sleek body. Head is long and flat on top with an angular and stepped face that is almost dog-like. Eyes are big, almond shaped and occur in a variety of bright colors. Distinguishing feature of these elegant cats is their ears that are folded frontally downward. In fact Ukrainian Levkoys derive their name from the Levkoy plant, that has bent leaves, owing to their ears. Tail and legs are long and paws are oval in shape.
The other striking feature of these stylish cats is their coat. They have a thick and elastic skin and is often wrinkled if the cat is not in a fully stretched position. It is even said to be excessive over certain body parts. Hair are either very short and coarse, with uniform or patchy distribution, or entirely absent.
Not much is understood about Ukrainian Levkoys at present to indicate the presence of any hereditary medical condition in their lines. They are healthy and active cats and are said to be leading a normal life with the handful of breeders and families they are with at this point in time.
The southern tier of the Eastern United States is a popular hunting area for big game such as wild boar and black bears. Throughout these states, there are a number of regional areas where particular breeds are or have been developed and have built a reputation for their formidable hunting skills. Among these breeds is the legendary Black Mouth Cur. This particular breed of dog has become solid enough in its bloodline and true enough in type to have "made a name" which has spread beyond its original territory and can be recognized as a breed by its markings and structure.
It is recognized by the United Kennel Club. This Black Mouth Cur is noted for its proficiency at hunting but also is quite useful as a cattle dog and actually is registered as a member of the Herding Group. When hunting, the dog is apt to catch and kill the medium sized and small game on his own and will hold the large game at bay successfully. When after coon, he will trail them and tree them silently, alerting the hunter of his success with only one or two deep and resounding barks.
The color of the Black Mouth Cur is usually yellow. Often he is called the Yellow Black Mouth Cur. As a matter of fact, the Disney Movie "Old Yeller" used a black Mouth Cur as the dog in the movie. A black muzzle is the reason for his name and is the preferred marking. He also will have low hanging black ears. The coat can be of two types, double or single but must be yellow. The tail if not docked is quite long. When the Black Mouth Cur hits a scent and moves out he can spring from a walk to a full out ground covering stride easily and has the stamina to continue this for many miles. Many of his admirers feel that he is among the swiftest of the trailing scent hounds of the Southern States.
This is a breed with strong protective instincts. He is affectionate and quite loyal to the children in his human family and often lets it be known that he is displeased if they are disciplined. He is more inclined to be familiar and loveable to the women in the household, being aloof with the men and wary of strange men. For all of his strength and persistence on the hunt, he is still a gentle and loyal dog and has what is known among dog folks as a "soft temper". Words spoken harshly to this dog are not nearly as effective as gentle tones, for he will do anything to please his master. He has a stable temperament and although he is exceedingly loyal and protective he will not attack any human without severe provocation. However animals are another thing entirely and he is not be trusted with other non-dog pets in the household, as he may seriously consider them for his dinner.
The Black Mouth Cur was first bred in the Southern part of the United States. These dogs were intended to be very versatile working dogs. This breed has excellent hunting skills, especially for the hunting of squirrel, raccoon, bear, boar, and mountain lion. The Black Mouth Cur is also used for the herding of cattle, and also as guard dogs. These dogs are primarily working dogs, but they also make fine companions.
Temperament
It is well known that the Black Mouth Cur makes an excellent hunting dog, and many hunters prefer these dogs above any other. Some of their preys include boar, bear, coon, squirrel, and deer. This dog will never back away, and will kill and catch medium-sized game without any hesitation. The Black Mouth Cur is also very capable at treeing and baying and will almost never trot. When hunting, the Black Mouth Cur will either walk or engage in a ground-covering run. These dogs are enthusiastic hunters, but they can also her cattle if needed. Although these dogs are persistent and intense when working, they are very protective and kind toward their families. You will find that they are devoted and without fear, and they love to please their master. The male dogs are particularly loving toward women, but wary toward strange men.
Care
The Black Mouth Cur has short hair, and they are very easy to groom. They can be combed and brushed to remove their dead and loose hairs. These dogs should only be bathed when necessary, as excessive bathing will dry out the skin and will result in skin problems. Their ear canals should also be kept free of hair, and their toenails should be clipped.
Training
This is a breed that is very sensitive and clever. It is recommended that they receive proper obedience and socialization training. This is a dog that will not react well to cruel and unkind training methods. The Black Mouth Cur will do best with training sessions that are diverse and not too long. The training environment for these dogs should also be respectful, fair and consistent. The Black Mouth Cur is very voice sensitive, and a stern voice should be used carefully for the best results to be obtained. This breed should be trained as soon as they arrive at your home. The Black Mouth Cur should not be left alone with other animals.
When people refer ask what is an Akita dog, they are usually talking about the American Akita. Originating from the northern Japanese mountain region. Japan and many other countries consider the American Akita a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita) America and Canada however, draw no such distinctions and consider the American Akita and the Akita Inu as two different types of the same breed.
The American Akita is easily distinguishable from the Akita Inu which is much smaller. The American Akita is heavy boned and has a big bear-like head. Its double coat is from its origins in the Japanese mountains. Its eyes are small for its size and dark and the tail always gives it away as it curls over the back. They weigh between 70 to a 100lb. this is a big powerful dog.
The American Akita radiates an air of aristocrat power and dignity, it is alert and courageous with an extraordinary devotion to its family. This is a loyal dog that will protect its family without hesitation. It's also a very territorial dog that can be aggressive with strangers.
The American Akita has some feline characteristics. It is fastidiously clean and washes its face like a cat. It also doesn't have that "doggy" smell to it.
The American Akita is a large powerful dog that can be stubborn and requires careful handling from a strong assertive owner. You shouldn't have an Akita unless you are an assertive person. The dog is very clever and will soon pick up any fear or doubt in you. If it detects that you are weak it will take over and seek to control you and the house. If this happens your ownership of the dog will not be nice, to say the least.
Akita dogs are headstrong and aware of their power, this makes them very challenging to own. Brought up to work alone or at the most in pairs, They are unreliable off the lead in the company of other dogs and are liable to attack other dogs, especially male dogs.
This natural tendency can be overcome with good and persistent training. It requires constant reinforcement training. The Akita will thrive in a relationship where its master respects and loves it. It will not be happy if it is left in a yard without any interaction with its family. It's a dog that needs plenty of love and affection. If you don't have the time to provide this then get another dog.
The Akita needs a strong owner for the relationship to prosper; it must know and acknowledge the owner as pack leader. Think carefully before getting an Akita. It requires a lot of training. If you are prepared to give it that training and constant love then the Akita will prove to be a loyal and true friend and protector of you and your family. I hope this article has gone some way to answering the question "What is an Akita Dog?"
Small and spunky, the pug dates back over 2000 years. Their story is rich in history and they have been favorite subjects for many painters. They weigh between 14-18 pounds and are 10 inches to 14 inches in height. They are known as Mops in Germany and Carlin in France.
The Pug comes in many colors including black, apricot-fawn or silver. They are AKC recognized. Their short, smooth, glossy, fine coat is very easy to groom. They only need an occasional brushing and only need to be bathed with necessary. Be sure to clean the creases in their face regularly. Pugs have been known to love attention and they typically enjoy the attention that a good brushing gives them. Their curly tail, flat muzzle, and prominent eyes are three of their best-known appearance traits.
Born to be a companion dog, the Pug loves attention and being with their family. They need a family that will not leave them alone for long periods of time on a regular basis and does best in homes where someone is around most of the time. They are a lap dog and enjoy relaxing with their family, but they also have an energetic side and need plenty of play time. Be sure that you don't overexert them. They are happy-go-lucky little dogs. They do well with other pets and dogs, but early socialization is recommended. They have an *I'm in charge* attitude with their family and other pets. Due to this reason and their small size, they work best with older, well-behaved children. They will let you know if they hear an unfamiliar sound or if someone is at the door making them excellent watchdogs.
Dating back to 700 BC, the Pug originated in China. There is a debate among many groups as to which dogs were used to develop the pug. Pugs were mainly used as companion dogs for royalty and nobility. They were introduced to Europe through trade ships traveling between China and Europe. It is said that a Pug saved the life of William, Prince of Orange by alerting him that the Spaniards were approaching. Napoleon's wife used a Pug to send a secret message to him when she was in prison. Winston Churchill's wife called him by the nickname Pug. Many of you might be familiar with the famous pug Frank that appeared in the movies Men in Black and Men in Black II.
With their lovable, happy nature and need for affection and companionship, the Pug makes an excellent dog for families looking for a lap dog with a take charge attitude. They enjoy traveling or staying at home as they are happy whenever and wherever they are with their family. Their whimsical looks and nature make them hard to resist.
A puppy is a like a new member to our family, when we get a puppy we get a ton of responsibilities and things that play a huge role in how our dog will behave as it grows. Dogs can be aggressive, shy or very friendly and any of those three are connected to the environment the puppy lives in. We are going to talk about a few tips to make sure your puppy is not afraid of the world.
Once the puppy is part of our family, and the animal knows the environment and has all vaccines, it's time to walk out to the street. We can boast of dog freely but always with a series of care to prevent the spreading of parasites and avoid excessively polluting areas that may affect their health, such sites can have other animals that can carry viruses and can be transmitted to our dog.
It is important that you trained your dog as soon as possible to get used to all situations that are possible outside because if a dog has never seen another dog, a car or has heard a certain noise once the time comes your dog would be frightened. It's not recommended that you keep your puppy in the house all day because your puppy could be easily frightened by any noise that doesn't recognize.
In its first months of life, we must encourage socialization. We recommend visiting different sites. Training can be done one day at a time. For example, one day taking your dog on a car ride, another day among many people, another day among other animals and so on. When you reach this well-socialized adult dog your dog will be without fears, psychologically will live a more comfortable life and be more willing to play, learn and interact with its owner.
Keep in mind that training your dog, especially as a puppy takes time. You must have a patience, keep in mind there are those who are unable to take care of their dogs because they don't have the time or don't want the responsibility. You should only have a puppy if you can provide a positive environment and have the time and resources to make sure that dog becomes more than just a pet in your family.
Besides the Clumber, the Springer Spaniel breed was originally bred in the 19th century in England. The Springer Spaniel breed is considered the ancestor of present spaniels, especially the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. Earlier before guns were used for hunting, the Springer used to scare the birds being hunted by the hunters into the open air especially the air and water fowls; which would be later caught and given to the hunters by trained falcons or hawks. Hence, the original main purpose was hunting. They were the gun dogs breed of the hunting pack which hunted and retrieved game. In present times, they are more commonly seen as house pets.
A well bred and trained Springer Spaniel breed has a strong scent be it dry or wet; which works in all types of weather. The breed, English Springer is the swiftest of all spaniels as they have long legs. People like to own this breed as it has a cheerful and playful personality. They shall play and chew anything they find like shoes, socks, towels etc. This breed is of two types; the show-bred and the field-bred types depending on their coats.
If Springer Spaniel breed is used to the presence of children, they pull on well with them. However, they ought to be supervised when children are around as they are very active and full of energy and may cause injury unknowingly. Though each dog is unique, the general view is that the Springer Spaniel breed requires plenty of attention, activities, mental stimulation, and exercise with a large area for running and playing around, They seem to tolerate other pets, but shall attack the bird's pets due to their inbuilt bird hunting instinct.
The Springer Spaniel breed is very alert and attentive as hunting dogs while is lovable, affectionate, caring, and gentle as household pets. They are also energetic, smart and make all efforts to keep their owners happy. They are very close to their owners and need to be kept busy.
Both the field-bred and the show-bred breeds have a common diet which can be one can to a maximum of one and a half can of meat product; or three cups of dog food (dry). The male show-bred type height varies between eighteen inches to a maximum of twenty inches, while their weight is fifty pounds to a maximum of fifty-five pounds.
The field-bred coats are shorter, tougher and rougher as compared to the show-bred ones. Their coat shed normally except in summer and spring seasons where there is much more shedding. Their coat color is usually of these combinations; white and black, white and liver with some tan color. The selection of field-bred ones is based on their scent, hunting skills, and the ease of their training. Their appearance of field-bred ones does not have much weight.
The show-bred one's fur is longer than the field ones. They are also heavier and have thicker bones than the field ones.
Submitted by: Jeff Nenadic - Permanent Link: Isnare
Spaniels, a member of the hunting group, date back to the 1300s, and quite possibly existed undocumented even before that. Spaniels vary greatly in size, temperament, and official use. Bred for hunting, different spaniels were initially divided into two groups based on their hunting proficiency: land and water. The water spaniels remained one group, while the land spaniels were eventually divided into two additional groups: setting spaniels and springer spaniels. The Cocker Spaniel falls into the Springer Spaniel group and is the smaller than any other spaniel in its category.
The Springer Spaniel category did not always have clarification for the difference between Cocker Spaniels and their groupmates, the English Springer Spaniel and the Sussex Spaniel. There was no documented differentiation until the late 1800s when England finally acknowledged that the Cocker Spaniel was a separate breed altogether.
While there was deliberation in England about the breaking up of the Springer Spaniel group into smaller, more specific breeds, the Cocker had already been imported to the United States and was becoming a much sought-after breed of its own. This explains why the American and English Cocker Spaniels began to differ in various characteristics of the breed.
Even though the Cocker Spaniel's primary use in England was as a hunting dog, Americans appreciated the dog for entirely different reasons. Their glamorous coats made the American Cocker Spaniel very appealing, and thus breeders worked hard to accentuate their aesthetic traits as opposed to their working ability. The traits between English and American Cocker Spaniels continued to differ until there were distinct and obvious lines between each breed. In the 1940s, English Cocker enthusiasts took action. They forced the AKC to recognize the English Cockers as a different breed, unassociated with the American Cocker.
The primary differentiation between the English and American Cockers is their coats. Having been bred for beauty, the American Cocker's coat is much longer, shinier, and thicker than their English counterparts. The American Cocker has also been bred somewhat smaller, also resulting in different facial features, such as a shorter snout and more forward-facing eyes. Despite the differences, both breeds are absolutely lovely.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known not only for the distinct fan-like ridge along their backs. This breed is originally known as the African Lion Hound also makes excellent companions and guard dogs. Part of Rhodesian Ridgeback training is correcting unwanted behavior such as biting. Biting may be a typical guard dog's natural instinct, but with guidance, you can prevent yourself from having big problems (and destroyed furniture) in the long run.
Anyone with a dog in their home will understand how canines like to nip, chew and bite -- ridgebacks are no exception. While the ridgeback is not necessarily a dangerous dog, they can be a bit aloof towards strangers and can also be a bit stubborn without the proper dog training.
When should I teach my dog? Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback when they are young is most ideal. Ridgeback pups are still eager to learn and enjoy socializing with others. Younger dogs have a greater tendency to "bite" when they're teething. It goes away when they age, but you would also still have to be patient when your older dog starts to bite or show improper behavior. What can you do to prevent them from biting?
1. Use toys. You may find yourself picking up destroyed objects from your house with their chewing. To keep this from happening, make sure you give them enough chew toys to play with. This keeps them happy and entertained, thus lessens the need to be destructive.
2. Socialize them. Rhodesian Ridgebacks also have a strong pack instinct, so regular play with family members and other pets is recommended. Socializing your ridgeback goes beyond getting them familiarized with traffic or noises. Letting them play with other dogs allows them to understand that it is not acceptable to bite at will.
3. Do not punish. Excessive punishment, kicking or slapping a Rhodesian Ridgeback will not do you any good. There is rarely any difficulty with training this breed since they are very intelligent and loyal to their master. Ignoring them if they did something wrong would already be a good indicator of punishment. Unlike other sporting dogs, the Ridgeback may not put up with aggression by the owner --- it responds more to positive reinforcement and rewards.
4. Show them who's boss. Although the Ridgeback may be a great family dog, part of their temperament would be it having less of a servitude nature compared to other dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a greater tendency of treating you as their equal rather than their master if you're not conscious.
5. Be consistent. Once you start dog training, you must make sure that everyone in the house provides consistent commands. All the members of the family should have the exact same orders as well as hand signals so as not to confuse them.
6. Be preventive. Do not wait for the threat of your Ridgeback to bite before you begin dog training them. A lot of dog owners nowadays just go through the motions and wait for someone to get bitten before they start researching and preparing. Do not let this happen to you. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal, loving and great family dogs, it's all just a matter of putting their protective instincts to good use and stop them from biting!
By Lea Mullins Lea Mullins shares tips on Rhodesian Ridgeback training and how to stop bad behavior. Find information about Dog care, dog training and more from TrainPetDog.com. Article Source: EzineArticles
breed was originally bred in the 19th century in England. The Springer Spaniel breed is considered the ancestor of present spaniels, especially the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. Earlier before guns were used for hunting, the Springer used to scare the birds being hunted by the hunters into the open air especially the air and water fowls; which would be later caught and given to the hunters by trained falcons or hawks. Hence, the original main purpose was hunting. They were the 
