Lovely Animal

Cat Breeds : British Shorthair

2009-02-14T01:03:00.000-08:00

British Shorthairs have very dense, plush coats that are often described as crisp or cracking,
which refers to the way the coat breaks over the cat's body contours. Eyes are large, round and widely set.
They can be a variety of colours, though the copper or gold eyes of the British blue are the best known.
They have round heads with full, chubby cheeks and a body that is rounded and sturdy.

British Shorthairs are large and muscular, and are described as having a cobby build.
The breed has a broad chest, shoulders and hips with short legs, round paws and a plush but not fluffy tail .
These are the characteristics listed in most governing bodies breeds standards to which show cats must conform.

The males of this breed are larger than the females, and the size difference between them is more easily noticed
compared to other breeds. As with many breeds the adult males may also develop prominent cheek jowls
that distinguish them from their female counterparts. The typical lifespan of this breed is 14 to 20 years.

The males' average weight is 5-10 kilograms, whereas a female would weigh up to 5-7

Cat Breeds : Brazilian Shorthair

2008-12-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

Brazilian Shorthair

The Brazilian Shorthair is a breed of cat. It is the first cat breed from Brazil to receive international recognization.

The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium sized cat of great agility. The can be distinguished from the American Shorthair by their sleek and elegant appearance. Yet, they are not as thin as the Siamese. The coat is short and close to the skin. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The space between the eyes should be equal to that of one eye. Brazilian Shorthairs have dramatically expressive eyes. They are a medium sized cat; longer than they are tall. Males have bigger heads than females.

Its earliest origins can be traced back to the streets of Brazil. Since going from a feral cat to a purbred, this breed has changed dramatically. This is not the first breed to be developed from street cats; as the American Shorthair, European Shorthair, and American Keuda all show. The Brazilian Shorthair started out as an experiment. It was found that Brazil had cats that were different from anywhere else in the world. Yet, all Brazilian street cats had a common appearance and features. Today there are still very few Brazilian Shorthair breeders. The breeding of random street cats has been met with much opposition among animal rights activists and professional cat breeders. However, the Brazilian Shorthair is now considered to be a pure breed of cat. The United States currently has the largest population of Brazilian Shorthair cats and breeders.

Cat Breeds : Bombay

2008-12-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

Bombay

The Bombay is a muscular yet agile cat with a black coat. The heads of British Bombay cats are rounded and wide with a medium short, blunt tapered muzzle. The eyes, which are usually gold in colour , should be shaped like a burmese cat (not round) and set wide, and their ears are broad, slightly rounded and medium sized and, like the eyes, set wide. The Bombay has a coat that is short, satiny and tight to the body. Bombay cats require little grooming.

They have personalities like Burmese cats as they are virtually genetically the same - they are fun loving and very affectionate.

Cat Breeds : Australian Mist

2008-12-01T23:03:00.000-08:00

Australian Mist

The Australian Mist (formerly known as the Spotted Mist) is a breed of cat. This breed was developed by Dr Truda Straede in Australia commencing in 1976, hence its name. The breed was developed by crossing the Burmese, Abyssinian, and Domestic shorthair cats to create a shorthaired cat with a spotted coat. The name was changed from 'Spotted Mist' to 'Australian Mist' in 1998 when cats with marbled coats, rather than spots, were accepted as part of the breed.
Australian Mists are medium-sized shorthaired cats, with a round head and large, expressive eyes. The coat patterns have three levels of definition; ground colour, paler than pattern; pattern, delicate though distinct from ground colour; appears to wear a misted veil, caused by random ticking in the solid colour areas. The legs and tail are ringed or barred, and the face and neck also have delicate lines of colour. Australian Mist cats come in seven colours: brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, caramel, gold and peach.
As a relatively new breed, most Australian Mist catteries are in Australia, however there are a few in the U.K. and some desexed cats have been introduced to America and several other countries. The breed is now accepted for Championship status by the World Cat Federation. The Australian Mist celebrated 20 years as a Championship breed in Australia during 2006.

Cat Breeds : American Shorthair

2008-10-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

A very athletic cat, American Shorthair has a larger, leaner, and more powerfully built body than its relation, the British Shorthair.

American Shorthairs are a pedigreed cat with strict standards and a distinctive appearance as set by the various Cat Fanciers Associations worldwide.

Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was renamed in 1966 to the "American Shorthair" to better represent its "All American" character and to differentiate it other shorthaired breeds. The name "American Shorthair" also reinforces the notion that the American shorthair is unique and distinct from cats found in streets, neighborhoods and barnyards.

A non-pedigreed shorthaired cat (called a Domestic shorthair cat) might resemble an American Shorthair, just as another random-bred cat might look like a Siamese, Persian or Maine Coon. The difference, however, is that American shorthairs are a pedigreed cat and are recognized as such by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

According to the CFA, American Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats that are generally healthy, easy-going and affectionate. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing eleven to fifteen pounds when fully grown. Mature females weigh eight to twelve pounds when they achieve full growth at three to four years of age. American Shorthairs can live fifteen to twenty years, like most felines, and often only requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care. These cats have long tails and usually slender bodies.

The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns ranging from the striking brown patched tabby to the glistening blue-eyed white, the beautiful shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van, and many colors in between. The most well-known American Shorthair color today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background. You probably have seen an example of this striking variety in television and magazine advertising or in recent movie roles.

In the American Shorthair and other breeds of cats, heart disease can be inherited. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy(HCM) has been confirmed as an autosomal dominant inherited trait. [6] While there is no cure for HCM, early diagnosis and medication can help significantly prolong an affected cat's life.

Funny Clips : DOG vs. BALLOONS

2008-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Simon exacts his revenge on 74 evil latex orbs in a mere 57 seconds!

Cat Breeds : Abyssinian

2008-10-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

Physical characteristics

The Abyssinian's body is of medium length with well-developed muscles. The legs are slender in proportion to the body, with a fine bone structure. The paws are small and oval. The Abyssinian has a fairly long tail, broad at the base and tapering to a point.

The head is broad and moderately wedge-shaped, with almond-shaped eyes that can be gold, green, hazel or copper. The nose and chin usually form a straight vertical line when viewed in profile. Their alert, relatively large ears are broad and cupped at the base, and moderately pointed at the tips, where there are occasionally tuffs of hair. An M-shaped marking is found in the fur on the forehead.

The coat is short, fine and close-lying. Each hair has a base-colour with three or four darker-coloured bands; the hair is the lighter colour at the root, and the darker "ticking" colour at the tip. The original Abyssinian coat colour is known as Usual in the United Kingdom and as Ruddy elsewhere. Over the years various other colours have been developed from this, but the markings on the coat have remained the same. The back of the hind legs and the pads of the paws are always darker than the rest of the coat.

Usual or Ruddy is the best-known and most common coat colour. The coat has a warm reddish-brown base, with black ticking. In the Usual Abyssinian, the feet and the backs of the hinds legs are always black. Another popular colour is Sorrel, which has a cinnamon (yellowish-brown) base, with chocolate brown ticking, paw pads and backs of the legs. Blue Abyssinians, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, have a light-beige base colour with blue ticking, paw pads and backs of the legs. The relatively rare Fawn Abyssinians have a light-cream base colour, with darker cream ticking and warm dark cream pads and backs of the legs.

Silver Abyssinians are a separate group among the breed. Although this colour has been in existence for decades and is very attractive, it is not recognised by the Cat Fanciers' Association, the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats. In Silvers the undercoat is always a pure silvery white. The markings include black, blue, warm dark cream and cinnamon. Good Silver Abyssinians are difficult to breed because they sometimes have undesirable tan patches in the coat. In addition to this, any spots in the coat show up more clearly on a silver coat.

Rare colours include the Tortoiseshell, Red, Cream, Chocolate and Lilac, which are all bred on a small scale in Holland and the UK.

Abyssinian kittens are born with dark coats that gradually lighten as they mature. It usually takes several months for the final coat colour to be established. Since they carry the gene for long hair it is possible to find Somalis in a litter of Abyssinians.

Abyssinians are extrovert, willful and intelligent, but are usually not "lap cats", being too preoccupied with exploring and playing as they would in their natural habitat. Abys, as they are affectionately referred to by their fans, need a great deal of contact with the family to keep them happy and can get depressed without daily activity and attention. They generally get on well with other cats, although they need their space and the females can sometimes be irritable around other cats. Abyssinians are known for their curiosity and enjoy exploring their surroundings, including heights, although they are sensible cats that do not take unnecessary risks.

Cat Breeds : Turkish Angora

2008-10-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Physical characteristics
They mostly have a white, silky, medium-long length coat, no undercoat and fine bone structure. There seems to be a connection between Ankara Cats and Persians (see below), and the Turkish Angora is also a distant cousin of the Turkish Van. Although they are known for their shimmery white coat, currently there are more than twenty varieties including black, blue, reddish fur. They come in tabby and tabby-white, along with smoke varieties, and are in every color other than pointed, lavender, and cinnamon (all of which would indicate breeding to an outcross).

Eyes may be blue, green or amber, or even one blue and one amber. The W gene responsible for white coat and blue eye is closely related to the hearing ability, and presence of a blue eye can indicate the cat is deaf to the side the blue eye is located. However, a great many blue and odd-eyed white cats have normal hearing, and even deaf cats lead a very normal life if indoors.

Ears are pointed and large, eyes are almond shaped and the head is massive with a two plane profile. Another characteristic is the tail, which is often kept parallel to the back.

Behavioral characteristics
Turkish Angora is an intelligent, adorable and a very curious breed which is very active throughout their life-span. Some Turkish Angoras will bathe with their owners (another link to the cousin Turkish Van, which is known as "the swimming cat"). They also tend to bond with their owners and try to be the center of attention, often doing their part in conversations. They usually don't like to be held for long, but like to stay in human presence, happily playing for hours.

History
Like all domestic cats, Turkish Angoras descended from the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). The mountainous regions of Eastern Anatolia isolated cats brought by traders from Egypt, and through inbreeding and natural selection they developed into longhaired breeds like the Turkish Van and the Turkish Angora.

Longhaired cats were imported to Britain and France from Asia Minor, Persia and Russia as early as the late 16th century, though there are indications that they appeared in Europe as early as the 14th century due to the Crusades. The Turkish Angora was used, almost to the point of extinction, to improve the coat on the Persian. The Turkish Angora was recognized as a distinct breed in Europe by the early 17th century.

In 1917, The Government of Turkey in conjunction with the Ankara Zoo began a meticulous breeding program to protect and preserve what they considered a national treasure, pure white Turkish Angoras with blue and amber eyes. The program continues today. The zoo particularly prized odd-eyed Angoras (ie. Turkish Angoras with one blue eye and one amber eye). The Zoo has its own cat facility which houses the white Turkish Angoras for its breeding program.

Turkish Angora, which was most recently brought to the United States in 1963, was accepted as a championship pedigreed breed in 1973 by the Cat Fanciers' Association. However, until 1978 only white Angoras were recognized. Today, all North American registries accept the Turkish Angora in many colors and patterns. While numbers are still relatively small, the gene pool and base of fanciers are growing.

Health considerations
In the Turkish Angora, an autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia is found. The kittens affected by this ataxia do not learn to move and die young. The genetic cause of this ataxia is not yet known. Another genetic illness known to the breed is HCM, which is an autostomal dominant gene which affect many other breeds (from Maine Coons to Persians).

Cat Breeds : Turkish Van

2008-10-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

The coat is the most fascinating trait on this cat. The climate change in Turkey throughout the year seems to have designed the cat's coat over time. Eastern Turkey is mountainous, and Lake Van sits over 5,260 ft. above sea level. The area faces such extreme temperatures during the summer and winter seasons that it is almost inhospitable. The semi–long haired, water resistant single coat, is thick in winter but very soft, like rabbit fur or cashmere. At maturity, the cat will have a winter mane. During the spring and summer months when Turkey becomes extremely hot, the long hair on the body is shed for a shorter coat that retains the cashmere feel. The hair on the tail remains long throughout the year and has the appearance of a bottle brush.

The Turkish Van is a large, semi-longhaired cat with a swimmer's body. Ideal type should feature broad shoulders with a body that is 'top heavy', that is a cat with its center of gravity forward. The cat is moderately long and its back legs are slightly longer than its front legs but, neither the cat itself nor its legs are so long to be disproportionate. These cats are large and muscular and feature short necks - the males can be massive and are considered the football players of the cat world.

The shoulders of the Turkish Van are broad with the ability for one to place three fingers between the legs at the chest area. It is said that large Van males are the only domestic cats that cannot follow their heads through a fence due to the broadness of their chest and shoulders. The rear end on the cat should not exceed the width of the shoulders - in other words, no bell bottomed or pear shape should be seen.

Vans are sometimes confused with Turkish Angoras, although a side-by-side comparison reveals vastly different characteristics. Angoras are named after Ankara (Angora) and descended separately from the Vans. Angoras also carry the W gene associated with white fur, blue eyes and deafness while Vans do not. Van eye color can be amber, blue or odd (one each, amber and blue) but Vans with two blue eyes are not deaf like Angoras. The breed should be thin and nimble and should be very independent to each other.

Turkish Vans are very intelligent, and will easily take over their home and owners. Vans are people cats that want to be with people wherever they go. They like to play and jump and explore anything in their reach, which is quite large. They are energetic; they play hard and sleep hard. Many Vans are dedicated to fetching their particular object of interest, and many owners describe them as "dogs in a cat suit" because of their unusual personalities.

Breed standards
The coloring of the Turkish Van should be limited to the head and tail with random body spots acceptable but all color should not exceed more than 20% of the entire cat. The random spots should not detract from the pattern. This would be a small color cap on the head with a white blaze to at least between the front edge of the ears, and a colored tail in any of the traditional colors. The rest of the cat is chalk white. Color can extend up the rump from the tail of the cat and patterned cats often have a random spot or spots of color on the shoulder or body. This is acceptable as the native people see this as the "Mark of Allah" left when Allah touched the cat to give it his blessing.[citation needed] White Turkish Vans should be solid white if that variety is accepted by their registration association.

The traditional color of a Turkish Van is Red Tabby and White; as this was the first color exported out of Turkey. Later colors added were Cream, Black, Blue, Cream Tabby, Brown Tabby, Blue Tabby, Tortoiseshell, Dilute Tortoiseshell, Brown Torbie, and Blue Torbie.

Currently, in Turkey, the Van Kedisi (English: Van cat) is recognized only as an all white cat, generally with odd eyes. These cats may be either short or long haired. The all white Turkish Van is claimed to be genetically identical to the patterned cat with the exception of the white masking gene that "covers" the pattern.Offspring of a white Turkish Van mated to a patterned Van will be a 50/50 mix of white and patterned kittens. At present cat associations in England recognize the patterned offspring of such a mating as Turkish Vans and the white offspring as a new breed called Turkish Vankedisi. In the U.S., TICA has fully accepted the white vans as Turkish Vans as has the Government of Turkey.CFA, the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats, does not recognize the all-white Turkish Van as they define the breed by both its type and pattern.

Cat Breeds : Siberian

2008-09-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Description: The Siberian is a medium/large, strong cat which takes up to 5 years to mature. The females weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and athletic. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back is medium and slightly lower in front than in the hind, but appears horizontal when in motion. A barrel shaped, muscular torso, develops with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength and power; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles.

Coat: This is a moderately long to longhaired cat, with hair on the shoulder blades and lower part of the chest being thick and slightly shorter. Siberians have a triple coat. There should be an abundant ruff setting off the large, impressive head. There is a tight undercoat, thicker in cold weather. Allow for warm climate coats. The hair may thicken to curls on the belly and britches, but a wavy coat is not characteristic. The skin may have a bluish cast. Clear strong colors and patterns are desirable, but are secondary to type.

Eyes: The large, almost round eyes are at least one eye width apart with the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye color and coat color/pattern, however, as with all pointed cats the eye color is blue.

Ears: The ears are medium-large, wide and set as much on the sides of the head as on the top; ideal position is 1 to 1-1/2 ear widths apart. The tips are rounded and the ear tilts forward. Ear furnishings are desirable. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin; from the middle of the ear, the furnishings become longer and cover the base completely.

Tail: The tail is medium length, wide at the base, blunt at the tip without thickening or kinks, evenly and thickly furnished.

Head: The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. In profile the top of the head is flat and the nose has a gentle concave curve through the eye region between nose and brow. There should be a slight doming between the ears and an almost flat area on the forehead. The neck is medium, rounded, substantial, and very well-muscled

There exists controversy concerning color point Siberians. Some consider them to be a separate breed called Neva Masquerade, but so far no major cat registry has accepted them as a separate breed. They are considered to be a color division of the Siberian breed

Cat Breeds : Somali

2008-09-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Somali is a long-haired Abyssinian cat. The breed appeared spontaneously in the 1950s from Abyssinian breeding programs when a number of Abyssinian kittens were born with bottle-brush tails and long fluffy coats. Abyssinians and Somalis share the same personality (active, intelligent, playful, curious) and appearance. The only difference between them is the fur length and therefore the amount of grooming required. Unlike most long-haired cats, Somalis shed very little excess hair. Their coat is generally shed en masse, or "blown", once or twice a year, rather than constantly shedding like a Persian or other long-haired cat.

Somalis have a striking, bushy tail, which, combined with their ruddy coat, has earned them the nickname of "fox cats" in some circles. In addition to the fluffy tail, the Somali breed features a black stripe down its back, large ears, a full ruff and breeches, contributing further to the overall "foxy" look. Their coats are ticked, which is a variation on tabby markings, and some Somalis may show full tabby stripes on portions of their bodies, but this is seen as a flaw, and tabby Somalis are only sold as neutered pets. The only tabby marking on a show Somali is the traditional tabby 'M' on the middle of the forehead. Like Abyssinians, they have a dark rim around their eyes that makes them look like they are wearing kohl, and they have a small amount of white on their muzzles and chins/throats. White elsewhere on their bodies disqualifies them from show-status.

Temperament
They are smart and lively, but also alert and curious. They are freedom-loving and must have plenty of room to roam and explore. They are best kept indoors or in outside runs for their own safety.

Colors and Patterns
The essence of the Somali cat is ticking - each hair is ticked multiple times in two colours. The Usual or Ruddy Somali is golden brown ticked with black. There are 28 colours of Somali in total (some organisations accept only some of these colours). All organisations accept Somalis in usual/ruddy, sorrel/red, blue, and fawn. Most clubs recognise usual/ruddy silver, sorrel/red silver, blue silver, and fawn silver. Other colours that may be accepted include chocolate, lilac, red, cream, usual-tortie, sorrel-tortie, blue-tortie, fawn-tortie, chocolate-tortie, lilac-tortie, and silver variants of all the above colours.

Genetic problems
In the 1990s, many purebred Somalis had significant dental problems due to congenital problems magnified by inbreeding. As a result, many Somali cats had to have all their adult teeth removed. (Dental abscesses, especially below the gumline, can cause cats to stop eating, which often leads to hepatic lipidosis, a condition that's often deadly.) As of 2006, the CFA breed standard makes no mention of this, and breeders say they've made much progress in breeding out this unfortunate trait.

The Somali breed along with its parent breed the Abyssinian have been found to suffer from Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef), with around 5% of the breed carrying the defective gene. There is now a genetic test to identify this recessive disorder within the breed, and as such all breeding stock should be tested to ensure no more affected kittens need be produced.

Cat Breeds : Ragdoll

2008-09-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ragdolls were first created in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder in California. The name “Ragdoll “ is derived from Baker's belief that her cat Josephine was genetically manipulated during treatment at the local university, after she was run over by a car, resulting in future Ragdolls being relaxed when picked up, and unable to feel pain . Today, scientists reject this theory as Ragdoll experiences pain in the same way as any other breed of cat . As far as the "floppiness" is concerned, cats from any breed could present this trait - it is not caused by any genetic characteristic, but rather by the way in which the kitten is raised and socialised .

More about History
Some of the original stock consisted of hardy, free-roaming street cats. Ms. Baker created the foundations of the Ragdoll breed by selecting kittens out of Josephine, a semi-feral longhaired white female Persian/Angora type, sired by several unknown male Birman-like or Burmese-like cats, one with Siamese type markings. Out of those early litters came Blackie, an all black Burmese-like male and Daddy Warbucks, a seal point with white feet. Daddy Warbucks sired the founding bi-color female Fugianna, and Blackie sired Buckwheat, a dark brown/black Burmese-like female. Both Fugianna and Buckwheat were daughters of Josephine. All Ragdoll and RagaMuffin cats are descended from Ann Baker's cats through matings of Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat. By selecting individuals with the look and temperament she wanted for her breeding program, Ann Baker created the standard Ragdoll type.

Baker, in an unusual move, spurned traditional cat breeding associations. She trademarked the name "Ragdoll", set up her own registry - International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) - and enforced stringent standards on anyone who wanted to breed or sell cats under that name. The Ragdolls were also not allowed to be registered in other breed associations. In 1975, a group broke rank with IRCA with the aim of gaining mainstream recognition for the Ragdoll. This group, which included Denny and Laura Dayton eventually developed the Ragdoll standard currently accepted by major cat registries. The breed was selectively bred over many years for desirable traits, such as large size, gentle demeanor, and a tendency to go limp when picked up, as well as the striking pointed coloration. In 1994, a second group decided to leave the IRCA and form their own group due to increasingly strict breeding restrictions. This group later established the Ragamuffin breed. Keep in mind at this point that the ragdoll has a name that no one could use until Ann Baker's trademark on "Ragdoll" was not renewed by her in 2005. Due to how the ragamuffins are bred (every 5th generation with certain other cats including the ragdoll), they are two distinct breeds of cats. Even though ragamuffins are in-bred with ragdolls to keep a similar ragdoll temperament they may show behavior and physical differences.

Weight Range
10-20 lb (4.5-9 kg). Some have been reported as big as 35 pounds. Males have large manes. Large size is one goal of Ragdoll cat breeders. Ragdolls are the largest domesticated cat breed.

Temperament
The Ragdoll cat typically has a very gentle and relaxed temperament. When socialized from birth they are attentive and affectionate members of the family that enjoy and seek out human companionship. Ragdoll cats remain playful throughout their lives, adjust well to children and pets and are sometimes called "puppy-cats" because of their propensity to follow their owners from room to room and meet them at the door. Ragdoll cats are demurely vocal, careful with their claws and teeth when in play, plus forgiving of accidental mistreatment. Because of their non-defensive nature, a Ragdoll should never be allowed outdoors unattended.

Grooming
Ragdolls require light grooming and great nutrition to give them an overall fluffy and healthy appearance. Ragdolls shed minimally. Their coats are easier to manage than many other long-haired breeds with just weekly combing to remove loose hairs and prevent mats. Bathing is rarely needed but well-tolerated, as are nail-clippings and vet visits.

Varieties
Ragdolls come in 6 different colors - seal, chocolate, flame, and "dilutes" blue, lilac and cream. There are 3 different patterns: Pointed (nose, ears, tail and paws in the specific colors & no white), Mitted - white paws, chin and tummy, with or without a blaze (a white line on the face), and Bicolor - white tall socks, white inverted 'V' on the face, white tummy and often white patches on the back. Variations include a three-color "tortie-point" (mottled seal or blue with red present) and lynx (striped pattern on tail, face and points) which can be found in all 3 patterns.

Cat Breeds : Persian

2008-09-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Characteristics
A show-quality Persian has an extremely long thick coat, short legs, a wide head with the ears set far apart, large eyes, and an extremely foreshortened muzzle. Their eyes are often gooey, and the owner should clean their eyes at least once every day. The breed was originally established with a short (but not non-existent) muzzle, but over time this feature has become extremely exaggerated, particularly in North America, and Persians with the more extreme brachycephalic head type are susceptible to a number of health problems (specifically affecting their sinuses and breathing) caused by it. Their short muzzle also causes them to have dust and debris cover the inside of their nostrils more often, which makes it very difficult for them to breathe.

The 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica (Encyclopædia) suggests that the Persian is derived from the Pallas Cat. A photograph accompanying the entry in the Encyclopædia shows a Blue Persian Cat, the conformation of which we would now call a "Doll Faced Persian" or "Traditional Persian". Early photographs and drawings from magazines show the Persian as a Traditional Persian Cat. The Persian was first registered with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1871 when the association first kept records.

Photographic records indicate that Persians, up until the 1960s, show a difference in appearance to cats of the early 1980s onwards (i.e., from the Traditional "doll face" to the "extreme", "ultra", "flat-faced" or "snubby" face of today). However, the Persian Breed Council's standard for the Persian had remained basically unchanged over this period. The Persian Breed Standard is by its nature somewhat open ended and focused on a rounded head.

It is generally accepted (and by the Breed Council) that through selective breeding, in an attempt to develop the ideal Persian appearance, the Ultra Face came about . This has been called ultra-typing . The Persian Breed Council's standard was changed during the late 1980s to limit the development of the extreme appearance. In 2007 the Persian Breed Standard was altered to reflect the flat face and it now states that the forehead, nose, and chin should be in vertical alignment.

Conscientious breeders take into account and minimize health issues by careful choice of breeding stock with more moderate head type, as the stated goal of most breeders is first and always healthy cats.

Persian cats can have any color or markings including pointed, golden, tortoiseshell, blue, and tabby. Tipped varieties are known as Chinchilla. Point varieties are called Himalayan in the United States and Colorpoint Persian in Europe.

In the USA, there was an attempt to establish the Silver Persian as a separate breed called the Sterling, but it was not accepted and Silver and Golden longhaired cats, recognized by CFA more specially as Chinchilla Silvers, Shaded Silvers, Chinchilla Goldens or Shaded Goldens are judged in the Persian category of cat shows. In South Africa, the attempt to separate the breed was more successful: the SA Cat Council (SACC) registers cats with 5 generations of pure bred Chinchilla as a Chinchilla Longhair. The Chinchilla Longhair has a slightly longer nose than the Persian, resulting in healthy breathing and no tearing of the eyes. Its hair is translucent with only the tips carrying black pigment: a feature that gets lost when out-crossed to other colored Persians. Out-crossing also may result in losing nose and lip liner, which is a fault in the Chinchilla Longhair breed standard. One of the distinctions of this breed is the blue-green or green eyecolor only with kittens having blue or bluish purple eyecolor.

Because their fur is too long and dense for them to maintain themselves, Persian cats need regular grooming. To keep their fur in its best condition, they must be bathed regularly, dried carefully afterwards, and brushed thoroughly every day. Their eyes need to be checked for problems on a regular basis because some animals have trouble keeping them clean. As they grow older, Persians tend to develop a crusty-like object under the eyes. Likewise, Persians are particularly susceptible to a genetic disease which causes kidney failure, PKD, Polycystic kidney disease, among other diseases. However, cats can now be DNA screened for the gene that causes PKD, so these affected cats are gradually being removed from the Persian gene pool by responsible breeders.

Longevity is usually between 10 and 19 years on average. The White Persians eye-color can be orange-eyed, blue-eyed, or odd-eyed. The blue-eyed type is prone to deafness.

Cat Breeds : Oriental Longhair

2008-09-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

The Oriental Longhair, formerly known as the British Angora, is a breed of cat that features a tubular, Siamese-style body (known in the cat fancy as oriental type), but with a longer coat than the short-haired Siamese. The coat can also come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, "tortie", and solid.

In 2002, the British Angora was renamed Oriental Longhair by British cat fancies. This avoided confusion with the Turkish Angora. With no globally recognised naming convention, other cat fancies refer to this type as Javanese, Foreign Longhair or Mandarin.

The Angora is the old name for the Oriental Longhair (European Javanese, Dutch Mandarin) British breed of cat. This Angora name was dropped by British Cat Registries in 2002 due to confusion with the Turkish Angora and bring it into line with Oriental Longhair elsewhere. They have the body type and nature of an Oriental cat - lean, sleek, intelligent and inquisitive - and a silky medium-length coat which is much longer and thicker than that of a traditional oriental cat or Siamese.

Oriental Longhairs can be any of the standard shorthair colours. The range of possible coat colours includes everything from self-coloured (black, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, caramel, fawn, red, cream and apricot), torty, smoke (silver undercoat), shaded or tipped, tabby or white. All Oriental Longhairs have green eyes, except for the whites, which may have green or blue eyes, or be odd-eyed (two different colored eyes).

If an Oriental Longhair is bred to a shorthaired oriental or a Siamese, the kittens will all be short-haired. However, if these kittens are reintroduced into a breeding program as adults, approximately half of their kittens will have long coats.

The Oriental Longhair is analogous to the CFA Balinese and Javanese, and the TICA Oriental Longhair breeds in the United States.

The British "Angora" should not be confused with the Turkish Angora, one of the most ancient breeds of longhaired cats. Originating from the mountainous regions of Turkey, the Turkish Angora is recognized by many official registries including CFA and TICA.

The Turkish Angora has a svelte, but not Oriental style, foreign body type. It does not come in pointed colors. It is a refined and elegant cat, with large ears set high and tight on the head, and offering smaller boning than the more well-known Persian cat. The Turkish Angora is a natural breed of cat, and is prohibited from outcrossing to any other breed, unlike the British "Angora" (which has since dropped the name due to pending GCCF recognition of the Turkish Angora).

Cat Breeds : Norwegian Forest Cat

2008-09-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of domestic cat native to Northern Europe, and adapted to a very cold climate. In Norway they are known as skogkatter or more properly, the Norsk skogkatt (literally, Norwegian Forest Cat).

The breed is very old, and occurred as a natural adaptation to the cold climate of the region, but it was not regarded as anything other than a standard house-cat until the late 1930s, when a small number of 'Skaukatts' were shown in Germany and received very favorably by the judges. World War II brought an abrupt end to the fledgling Norwegian show cat industry, and the breed was forgotten until the 1970s. The cats are now being bred and shown in several countries including the United States. The first international association to accept the breed was FIFe, in 1977. They are rumored to be the early ancestors of the Maine Coon and the long-haired Manx.

Norwegian Forest Cats have a thick fluffy double-layered coat, tufted ears and a long bushy tail to protect them against the cold. Their coat is essentially waterproof due to its coarse outer layer and dense underlay. They are very large cats with adult males weighing 6 to 10 kg (13 to 22 lb), while females are approximately half that size. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs. They are very intelligent, playful cats that enjoy human company. The nickname of "Wegie" began in the United States and is a shortened version of the word Norwegian.

Behavior
Like Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats are an intelligent, robust and playful breed. They like the outdoors, are well suited to cold conditions and are great hunters. Despite their great affection for the outdoors, they also enjoy the company of humans and other pets and will sometimes go looking for company if left alone by their owners. They are not easily stressed and are quite patient, which makes them great for a family with children. They appreciate high vantage points and enjoy climbing trees, or, if they are indoor cats, climbing on appliances, bookshelves and other elevated surfaces in the home. Norwegian Forest Cats are very good family pets and do not need too much maintenance, only a brush every week at least.

Cat Breeds : Nebelung

2008-09-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

The Nebelung is a characteristic and elegant cat breed which is just beginning to be recognized by breeders. Nebelungs typically have long bodies, wide-set green eyes, long and dense fur, and mild dispositions. The name Nebelung--apparently a portmanteau of the German word (Nebel) for Mist or Fog and a medieval Germanic saga, Nibelungenlied--is perhaps derived from the cat's distinctive silky blue-grey coat as well as from the breed's progenitors Siegfried and Brunhilde, named after two major figures in the Nibelungenlied.

Origin
The American foundation of this cat breed has been laid by the cats Siegfried (1984) and Brunhilde (1985). Cora Cobb, the owner of Siegfried and Brunhilde, was very impressed by the beauty of her beautiful blue/grey cats. Siegfried and Brunhilde looked like a Russian Blue but with a semi-long coat. To find out if it was possible to start a new breed with these cats Cora got in touch with the geneticist of the American Cat Association. This geneticist, DR. Solveig Pfleuger, told that the race was defined best as Semi- long haired Russian Blue. Supported by DR. Pfleuger, Cora Cobb wrote the breeding standard according to the blue Russian, but with a difference; its coat length.

In the breed standard of TICA, the first association which recognized the Nebelung, you can find the description of the breed. The goal of the Nebelung breeding program is to produce a blue cat with the same type as those imported from Russia in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and to combine this type with a thick shimmering coat of medium length. The body and tail are long, the ears large in proportion to the head and the eyes range in color from yellowish green to green. Size is medium and the body well muscled. The coat is medium long on the body, longer on the tail, with lighter colored guard hairs. The overall appearance is long, sturdy and well muscled.

Character
Nebelung cats are lively, playful, affectionate, good-natured and intelligent cats. In spite of the fact that it is an active cat, it can live very well indoors. The Nebelung prefers their own family and often keep a distance to strangers. It is, however, a cat which gladly accepts company of its people or of another cat.

Cat Breeds : Maine Coons

2008-09-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

Physical characteristicsMaine Coons are very large and energetic cats, sometimes weighing up to around 11-12 kilograms (25 pounds); the average weight is 6 to 9 kilograms (13-20 pounds) for adult males and less (7-11 pounds) for females. Male Maine Coons may grow to a length in excess of 1 meter (40 inches); as of 2006, the longest cat on record is a male Maine Coon measuring 122cm (48 inches) in length. Growth to full size often takes longer than for most cats, with Maine Coons usually reaching full size at age four or five

The most common color/pattern in the breed is brown tabby.Color distribution of Maine Coon Cats Maine Coon online database; "database", "spreadsheet" : sire, dam.. Maine Coons are recognized in all colors, including tortoiseshell, except for chocolate, lavender, ticked tabby, and the point-restricted ("Siamese") pattern. Eye color also varies widely. All patterns may have green, green-gold, or gold. Blue eyes, or one blue eye with one gold eye, are possible in white coat cats. Some share similar facial markings, for example, a distinct "M" shape on the forehead.

Maine Coons have medium-long, dense fur, with longer hair, or a ruff, on their chests similar to the mane of a lion (which is why the breed is sometimes humorously called the "Mane Coon"). Their fur consists of two layers - an undercoat and an additional layer of longer guard hairs, which gives the breed their key physical feature. The fur is generally very soft. Maine Coons have long hair on the backs of their legs (called pantaloons or britches) and between their toes which helps to keep them warm in the cold. They also have bushy plumed tails and broad, angular heads, squared-off muzzles and wide-set ears topped with tufts of fur (known as 'Lynx-tips'). Their tails can be so bushy that the Maine Coon has earned the nickname the 'tail with a cat attached to it'.

Most Maine Coons keep their fur in good order without the need for additional human grooming. Maine Coons have large ears, which can be tipped at the end with fur. This is a common trait of a Maine Coon, giving them their Lynx-like appearance. Some Maine Coons may have tufts of fur growing from behind their ears on the sides of their heads. The appearance of these tufts can change over time, sometimes appearing quite large and sometimes being not all that noticeable.

There have always been a lot of polydactyl Maine Coons. While the Maine Coon may be polydactyl (having one or more extra toes on their paws), this trait, enjoyed by many, is not yet available in show cats - only in pet cats. This trait is finding a world-wide resurgence and is increasingly popular, as it seems to some, that the polydactyl Maine Coon exhibits even more dexterity and intelligence than the normal-footed. They are nick-named "snowshoe cat" because they can walk through snow more easily, but most often though, they are simply called polys.

Polydactyl bloodlines have long been and continue to be registered to preserve these bloodlines of the breed. Modern show types are rarely polys. However, polydactyls are indeed behind many show champions around the world. The show type "breeds" still ignores the Maine Coon Polydactyl Standard and has culled this vast poly portion of the original gene pool (characteristics and features) from the show types.

The original poly incidence was estimated to be around 40%. Centuries ago it was highly likely that a poly cat from Maine would be a Maine Coon. Polydactylism was (and still is) a distinct visible indicator of a coon-cat's original, natural Maine heritage. Native Maine origin coon-cats still exist and are essential to the health and survival of the breed.

In a mating of heterozygous parents the kittens are 25% normal-footed, 50% heterozygous for polydactyly, 25% homozygous for polydactyly on average.

Behavioral characteristics
Maine Coons are a breed distinguished by high intelligence, dexterity, and playfulness. They have a tendency to use their front paws extensively (often curling the paw round to pick objects up) and as a consequence will easily learn to open cabinet doors, turn on water faucets, flush toilets, or pick up small objects. Some Maine Coons will eat, or even drink, from their paws, rather than from the bowl itself.

Due to their above-average intelligence, Maine Coons are known to be one of the easiest cat breeds to train. Maine Coons are noted for their ability to trill their meows, which sounds like a combination of a purr and a meow, and they tend to make this sound when happy or startled. When they do meow, it tends to be very high in pitch, in comparison to other breeds. They are noted for rarely eating alone, preferring to eat in the company of other cats or humans. Maine Coons are not known to be "lap cats" but of course, this may depend on the individual cat and some may prefer laps.
Some Maine Coons enjoy playing with, but not usually in, water. They may dip toys in their water bowls before playing with them, or just tip the water bowl over. They may also skim their paws across the surface of their water bowl or dunk their paw in and drink water from their paws.

Maine Coons can be very dog-like in their behavior. Playing fetch is a favorite game. As with dogs, they will bring their ball, drop it at the feet of their intended playmate and wait for the ball to be thrown. They will often accompany their owner on chores like getting the mail, walking the dog, and may also come when beckoned, even if outside. Maine Coons are typically very calm and listen to their owners.

Cat Breeds : Javanese

2008-09-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Javanese is a recognized breed of cat. Javanese have a long, silky coat, that comes in a variety of colors. Javanese cats, like their Siamese relatives, are noted as being very intelligent and talkative. Similar in coat style to the Balinese, Javanese are pointed cats that fall outside of the typically accepted point colors seen in Balinese cats (seal, blue, chocolate and lilac). Instead, Javanese are referred to as colorpoint cats, showing odd or rare colors, such as red or white, as well as patterns such as tabby and tortie. As they are directly related to Siamese and Balinese cats, they can suffer from some of the same genetic defects. Generally, these defects are bred out of the active lines and are becoming rare. They are very social cats which can become depressed if they are left alone too often. They are generally very playful pets, and are markedly good at jumping. However, they do have a tendency to become overweight if they do not receive adequate exercise. Javanese are also quite vocal, and most will "talk" for no particular reason.

Cat Breeds : Himilayans

2008-09-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Himilayans, also called colorpoint Persian and colloquially referred to as Himmy, is a breed of cat with extremely long, fluffy fur, and the blue eyes and the points of a Siamese. Himilayan is the American term, while in Europe they are referred to as colorpoint Persians.

They were bred from Siamese (for the markings) and Persians (for coat-length and temperament), and share the characteristics of both breeds. Himilayans are now considered the same breed for cat registries (CFA), (TICA) as the modern Persian show cat since they have the exact same conformation with a pointed coat.

The body of a Himilayan is white or cream, but the points come in many different colors: blue, brown, lilac, chocolate, flame, red and cream. The points can also be tabby or tortoiseshell-patterned. Both the chocolate and lilac point Himalayan are the most difficult to produce. These color traits are autosomal recessive, meaning both parents must possess the gene in order for any offspring to express the trait.

These cats are sweet-tempered, intelligent and generally very social and good companions. Because of their heritage from the Siamese cats they tend to be more active than Persians. They are more prone to hairballs than other breeds. Due to the amount of inbreeding involved in breeding these cats commercially, they are prone to genetic deformities and have a greater likelihood for developing inherited problems such as joint problems, organ abnormalities, and particularly Polycystic kidney disease among other diseases.

Like many long-haired cats, Himilayans need to be brushed daily to keep their coats looking their best and healthiest. In addition, they may need their face wiped daily, depending on the cat. Bathing a Himalayan is also recommended by some breeders, to help reduce the amount of oil on the cat's fur and skin.

Facial Features
Himilayans display a marked split in their facial features, as some (the "Peeked" or "Ultra-Face" variety) are incredibly Persian-like with a squashed "frowning" mouth, no break in the nose, and squinting eyes (see the Cream point cat at lower right) and yet some (the more traditional "Doll-Face" variety) have very large, round eyes, and display an almost Burmese or Tonkinese pointedness about their muzzle, with a definite break in the nose (see the Seal Point at upper right). This is due to the prominence of either Siamese or Persian genes which the cat was bred from, and both styles are considered equally "Himalayan", though the "Peeked" version is considered a recent development (1970's to 1980's).

Cat Breeds : Chantilly/Tiffany

2008-09-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Chantilly/Tiffany is a feline with a semi-foreign body style and a full semi-long coat. The coat is silky, soft and smooth; the lack of undercoat usually makes grooming simpler than that of cats with an undercoat. Somewhat a late bloomer, the Chantilly/Tiffany is slow to mature and usually does not come into its full stature until about two years old. The eye color of the feline intensifies with age.The head should be a broad, modified wedge with gentle curves. it should have a medium length nose and a strong,broad, short softly squared muzzle and defined but not obvious whisker pads

Originally found only in the color of chocolate, Tiffany/Chantilly now occurs in a range of colors including Chocolate, blue, cinnamon, lilac, and fawn. Accepted patterns are solid, mackerel, ticked, and spotted tabby. The color is rich; shading in solids may occur toward the underside. The overall impression of the ideal Chantilly would be a semiforeign cat of striking appearance resulting from the combination of its rich color and full, silky semi-longhair coat, plumed tail, contrasting neck ruff, and ear furnishings.

Cat Breeds : British Semi-Longhair

2008-09-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

The British Semi-Longhair cat is a semi-longhair version of British Shorthair. Apart from fur, it is identical to the British Shorthair. The British Longhair is also known as the Lowlander in the U.S. and the Britanica in Europe, but is not recognised in the UK as a separate breed.

The rationale for this breed is that the original longhaired British cat, through interbreeding with imported longhairs, was developed into the Persian and became increasingly massive and extreme in type and with longer, thicker fur than the early Persians. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Persian was considered the longhaired analogue of the British Shorthair (Frances Simpson's The Book of the Cat depicts and describes the old type of Persian).

During the latter part of the 20th century a shorthaired version of the modern Persian was developed and was called the Exotic Shorthair; this was very different from the British Shorthair. It was therefore proposed that a longhaired cat of the British type be reintroduced into the cat fancy.

Cat Breeds : Birmans

2008-09-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

Birmans have semi-long, silky hair, a semi-cobby body and relatively small ears compared to other cat races. In order to comply with breed standards, the Birman's body should be of an eggshell colour or golden, depending on the intensity of the markings colour. The markings can be pure seal, chocolate, blue, red, lilac or cream. Tabby variations are also allowed. Tortie cats can be seal, chocolate, blue or lilac. Birmans have sapphire coloured eyes.

The Birman's coat is unusual due to the white 'gloves' on each paw. They are the only cat breed in the colourpoint coat that has fingers and toes in pure white colour. The genetics of this feature is still unclear.

Cat Breeds : Balinese

2008-09-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Balinese is a breed of oriental cat with long hair and Siamese-style markings, or points. They resemble a Siamese with a medium-length silky coat and a plumed tail, but not nearly as fluffy as a Himalayan, and they require much less grooming. Balinese are extremely intelligent cats, although less talkative than their Siamese ancestors.

The Balinese was originally registered as a 'longhaired Siamese', and examples were known from the early 1920s. The occasional long-haired kittens in a Siamese litter were seen as an oddity, and sold as household pets rather than as show cats. This changed in the mid-1950s, when two breeders, Mrs. Marion Dorsey of Rai-Mar Cattery in California and Mrs. Helen Smith of MerryMews Cattery in New York, decided that they would commence a breeding program for the longhaired cats. Helen Smith named the cats 'Balinese' because she felt they showed the grace and beauty of Balinese dancers, and because 'longhaired Siamese' seemed a rather clunky name for such graceful felines. The breed became quite popular after this, and a number of breeders began working on 'perfecting' the Balinese appearance. This led eventually to the development of two entirely separate 'strands' of Balinese cat - some owners prefer a traditional or 'apple-headed' Balinese, while breeders and judges tend to prefer a more contemporary appearance.

Like the Siamese, there are now two different varieties of Balinese being bred and shown - 'traditional' Balinese and 'contemporary' Balinese. The traditional Balinese cat has a coat approximately two inches long over its entire body and it is a sturdy and robust cat with a semi-rounded muzzle and ears. The traditional Balinese closely resembles a Ragdoll cat although they do not share any of the same genes or breeding other than having a partially Siamese ancestry. A 'contemporary' Balinese has a much shorter coat and is virtually identical to a standard show Siamese except for its tail, which is a graceful silky plume. The Balinese is basically a Siamese. The Balinese has the same long, slim body, wedge-shaped head, and vivid blue eyes. Its soft, ermine-like coat is short in comparison to those of other longhaired cats, and doesn't form a ruff.

HISTORY- The Balinese was a spontaneous mutation in Siamese litters in the U.S. in the 1950s.

TEMPERAMENT- Like the Siamese, the Balinese loves attention; it is very playful and fond of human company.

In most associations, the Balinese is accepted in a full range of colors, including the four traditional Siamese point colors of seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac, as well as less traditional colors such as red and cream, and patterns such as lynx (tabby) point and tortie point. However, in CFA, the Balinese is only accepted in the four traditional Siamese colors; all other colors and patterns are considered Javanese (cat)

Cat Breeds : American Longhair

2008-09-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

The American Longhair is the result of an experiment that went wrong. Breeders were trying to produce an American Shorthair with the shimmering coat and green eyes of a silver shaded Perisn: instead they got the Persian in a shorter coat and leaner body. At first, it was proposed that these longhaired silver cats could be devleoped under the name "Silver Longhair", but more colors emerged and the American Longhair was born instead. Similair crosses of Persiand and British Shorthairs were also made, and other cats used in the development of the breed are known to have included the Burmese and even Russian Shorthairs, but once the longhaired coat had been achieved, these crosses were always bred back to Persian for coat length. In the early stages there was some resistance from persian breeder, but the American Longhair is now accepted in some registries and is quickly becoming more popular in Europe and North America.

Form and character
Because the shorthaired trait is recessive, the American Longhair still produces shorthaired variants. The shortened face means the the American Longhair can suffer the same breathing problems as their longhaired cousins, and polycystic kidney disease also present in the breed. Tear-duct conditions are common too, caused by the libricating tears failing to drain down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose and then overflowing down the face. When exposed to air, clear colorless tears stain a deep mahogany color. This is more aesthetic than a medical problem. The breed's soft, plush coat is thinner and somewhat shorter than many longhair coats, and it benefits from a little additional grooming to keep it looking its best. The coat, the flattened face, and the generally square, lean build have led to American Longhairs being likened to Domestic Longhairs, and image that has not done much for their popularity. They have soft, quiet voices, and while they are generally more active than Persians, they remain self-contained and easygoing pets.

Cat Breeds : Aegean cat

2008-09-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

Characteristics
The coat of an Aegean Cat is semi-longhaired, without down hair, with a moderate ruff and a rich tail. The Aegean Cat's coat provides good protection during the harsh winter weather and sheds out short for the summer. The coat is bicolor or tricolor; one of the colors is always white, without signs of yellowing and takes up between 1/3 to 2/3 of the body. Other colors can be black, red, blue, cream, with or without stripes.

The Aegean Cat is a medium-size breed, with a sturdy and muscular build, without signs of obesity. The body is long, with strong, medium-size feet and round-shaped paws. The tail is moderately long, straight, without kinks. The head is medium-size, wide but not round. The ears have a wide base and rounded tips and are covered by hairs. The eyes have an oriental shape and their color can be any shade of green.

Origins
The Aegean Cat originates from the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea, where they occur naturally. Since it is one of the newest cat breeds, it is believed that it could be among the rarest; however, they seem to be ubiquitous throughout Greece. They are much liked for their character and intelligence. In rural areas, they are often seen as the best method of pest control, because they are very capable predators.

Aegean Cats as pets
Although the Aegean Cat has only very recently begun to be bred systematically, has been domesticated for many centuries and thus has become adapted very well to humans. It is a social pet that tolerates living in an apartment rather well. It is intelligent, active and lively and also communicative, not hesitating to draw a person's attention.

Dog Breeds : American Water Spaniel

2008-09-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a gundog breed of dog little known outside North America

Weight: 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg.)
Height: 15-18 inches (36-46 cm.)
Coat: Crisp-textured, tightly curled or wavy outer coat lined with a protective undercoat
Litter size: 4-6 puppies
Life span: 12-15

Weighing 25 to 45 pounds: females usually 25 to 40; males 30 to 45 lbs (11-20 kg) and standing 15 to 18 inches (36-46 cm) in height.

They have a curly to marcell coat that is dense and well-suited to resist cold water and inclement weather. The coat's color is liver, brown, or chocolate. (A small amount of white on chest or toes is permissible, and spots become smaller in size as pup grows to adulthood.) The American Water Spaniel (AWS) should have a rocker-shaped tail and be somewhat compact in size with well-proportioned features that give the dog an air of balance. Its head should be broad and spaniel-like with no topknot. Eyes are yellowish brown to brown, hazel or of dark tone and should harmonize with coat. Yellow eyes are a disqualification in the show ring.

Temperament
An American original, this competent retriever also doubles as a flushing spaniel. Like many of the spaniel breeds, it hunts both feather and fur (and even fish) with equal enthusiasm. Friendly, intelligent, and often willing to please, this dog is also very protective of its owner. In old age the dog may become temperamental. This dog is very soft-mouthed but can be trained to play tug-of-war. It will be very attached to the alpha of the house and think of children as kennel mates until they grow up. Unspayed females will have a mind of their own when in heat (even when very well trained). This little brown dog also has many of the common spaniel characteristics.

The AWS has a mind of its own at times and reaches peak performance with the owner who is dedicated to teaching the dog just what is expected of it. The breed takes well to training, and especially excels at training that offers some variety rather than rote training drills. Harsh training techniques do not work for the majority of AWS. In fact, such techniques often cause a dog to become shy or even bite out of fear. This is a breed for the trainer that is consistent and fair when dealing with the dog.
American Water Spaniels do not have to hunt to be happy. They make fine companion animals and, because of their size, they fit well in cramped quarters. However, the breed does need exercise and training to mature into a loving friend that some people look for. To avoid possessiveness, excessive barking, and a willingness to take over the household, novice owners should attend a local obedience class and set aside daily play time for their companion.

Health
While there is no one health issue that plagues the American Water Spaniel, neither is it free of health concerns. A variety of problems have cropped up from time to time in the breed including cardiac abnormalities, cancer, hip dysplasia, diabetes, allergies, hypothyroidism, follicular dystrophy, epilepsy, and cataracts. All AWS used for breeding should receive health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, heart, and hypothyroidism as well as an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. All reputable breeders offer and supply the puppy buyer with a written health guarantee covering these more common health concerns.

History
The American Water Spaniel originated around the mid-1800s but its true origin is a mystery. Most experts have come to accept that it was likely developed in the Fox River and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin. There is no documentation as to the specific breeds that were used to develop the AWS. Doc Pfeifer of New London, Wisconsin, the man credited with obtaining recognition for the breed in the 1920s, believed that the AWS was developed by crossing extinct English Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. Others have disputed this claim and it is currently accepted that the breeds involved in the development of the American Water Spaniel include the English Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Tweed Water Spaniel, and possibly the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
The American Water Spaniel was developed as a hunting dog in the market hunting days of America's history. Hunters needed a dog that could function on land as well as in the marsh and that could easily fit into a canoe or skiff without taking up much room. The AWS fit the bill and most breed historians note that Midwest market hunters made wide use of this dog. The AWS was not formally recognized as a purebred dog until the United Kennel Club did so in 1920, followed by the Field Dog Stud Book in 1938, and finally by the American Kennel Club in 1940.
Having reached its peak of popularity probably sometime in the 1920s and 1930s, the AWS has become the "Forgotten American" at many times in its history. Still, with the tenacity of spirit that exemplifies this little brown dog, the breed's enthusiasts have managed to maintain a reasonable population that is not likely to disappear from the scene any time soon.
The American Water Spaniel was likely one of the primary contributing breeds to the Boykin Spaniel.

Dog Breeds : American Staffordshire Terrier

2008-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed of dog. The breed is a relative of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Early Bulldog–Terrier crosses were brought to the US with the British and Irish settlers, especially after the Civil War, where they were mainly used as fighting dogs, but also as hunting dogs and farm and guard dogs.
In the early 1830s animal fights, especially the formerly extremely popular bull-baiting and bearbaiting (the roots of which go back to the old Roman arenas) became illegal in old Britain and Ireland, after the Human Ethics Act passed. From then on the people began to organize ratfights and dogfights, because they were much easier to hide from the officials than fights with big game like bulls. At first, little terrier strains were used in the rat- and dog-fights, such as the old white English terrier and its black and tan cousin, today known as the Manchester Terrier, which were known for their extreme prey drive and gameness. Some of these dogs were crossed with bulldogs, to create a breed which retained the abilities of the terriers, but with the strength and jaw grip of the bulldogs.

Responsible owners and breeders provide American Staffordshire Terriers with humane, responsible ownership, often training these dogs for community service tasks such as pet therapy and search and rescue.
There are also 'Amstaff' charitable organizations that rescue and rehabilitate abused, abandoned, or stray dogs, placing them into foster or adoptive homes.

American Staffordshire Terriers were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. They are a member of the Terrier and Molosser groups.

Weight: 45–70 pounds (25–30 kg)
Height: 17–19 inches (43–48 cm)
Coat: Thick, shiny hair, short
Litter size: 5–15 puppies
Life span: 9–18 years

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog that ranges from 40 to 50 cm (17 to 20 inches) at the withers, and weighs from 26 to 30 kg (50 to 70 pounds).

The dog is of square build, and gives the impression of great strength, agility, and grace for their size. They should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. The chest is deep and broad, but should not be too wide. The neck should be strong, and well arched.
The coat is short and glossy. Any color, solid, partial, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver are not to be encouraged.

Temperament
These dogs should be courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted. Bred to be extremely friendly towards humans, American Staffordshire Terriers are not natural guard dogs. An overly protective and/or aggressive behavior, accompanied by fearlessness, is generally a bad sign. These dogs are good with children and owners, can sometimes get along with other dogs, cats and any other animal if raised properly and introduced through puppy years. They can be aggressive if not socialized properly.
These dogs learn quickly from the subtlest of our behaviors. They are thus not only highly responsive during training, but also pick up good habits, such as house training. This can become a problem when an owner unknowingly allows the dog to pick up bad behaviors. A typical training regimen should begin at 8 to 10 weeks of age. It has been proven that Positive Reinforcement Training works very well in these fine animals. For reading on the subject:

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a loyal companion dog. He also requires a very large amount of time for rough, or hard working play. Weight pulling, and agility training are what he favors most. He likes to run, but with a proper harness, he loves to pull a skateboard or rollerblading kid. A pull rope hung from a tree encourages self motivating play, but your AmStaff type breed really wants to enjoy playtime with you and the kids.

Similarities to other Bull Terriers
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are closely related breeds, sharing a common ancestry as recently as the 1960s when the Staffordshire Terrier Studbook was re-opened and then closed to UKC registered American Pit Bull Terriers.

Breed-specific legislation
Areas that have passed breed specific legislation banning or restricting the ownership of Pit Bulls and "pit bull type" dogs most often also ban the Amstaff, as the Amstaff is without a doubt an offspring and sister breed of the APBT. Most often, dogs are judged solely on their looks. Current practice for Pet Rescue facilities dictates that these most maligned animals go to very stable homes with solid family values. A very deep application process is normally involved with adoption to insure that the AmStaff or typical breed dog goes where it will be properly trained and cared for in a permanent family environment.

Dog Breeds : American Pit Bull Terrier

2008-09-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier was first recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the late 19th century. The UKC was the first registry to do so, with U.K.C. founder C.Z. Bennett assigning U.K.C. registration number 1 to his own APBT, Bennett's Ring in 1898. It should be noted that the American Pit Bull Terrier was also the first breed to be registered by the organization.

Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog.

Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United States. Farmers and ranchers used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions.

Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Tracking to include Search & Rescue (SAR), Agility, Protection, and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.

In recent years, the American Pit Bull Terrier's image has been compromised by frequent media coverage concerning dog-fighting rings and attacks on humans. Advocates of the breed argue that irresponsible or neglectful owners as well as media sensationalism are largely to blame for this reputation.

Appearance
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog, solidly built, with a short coat and smooth, well-defined muscle structure. The dog's appearance is powerful and athletic without being bulky or muscle bound. The length of the front leg is approximately half of the dog's height at the highest part of the back. The American Pit Bull Terrier's weight is roughly between 35 and 65 pounds. The dog's head is in proportion to the rest of its body with a triangular shape, a broad, flat skull and a wide, deep muzzle. The eyes are set well apart, sit low on the skull, and are round to almond shaped. The ears are small to medium in length and may be natural or cropped. The nose may be any color. The neck is muscular and moderate in length. Dogs' forequarters have long, wide shoulder blades, are muscular, and well laid back. The hindquarters are strong and muscular, moderately broad and in balance with the forequarters. Females have slightly longer bodies than males, while males have slightly bigger limbs than females. The tail is thick and tapers to a point. The coat is glossy, smooth, short, and slightly coarse and can be any color with sometimes extremely large breast which show through like waistcoats

Temperament
The APBT is a strong-willed, sturdy companion. It is a breed that is loyal to friends and family, and friendly to strangers. With guidance from it's handlers, APBTs are obedient and show a high desire to please. However, when left without direction they can become stubborn and may become aggressive.
According to a study done by CDC , APBTs account for the majority of fatalities in the US among all breeds. During the years 1979 - 1996, 60 people have been killed by APBTs. The breed with the next highest fatalities is the Rottweiler with 29.

A well bred APBT should have a stable and dependable temperament. The American Temperament Testing Society shows a pass percentage of 84.3% for American Pit Bull Terrier, a 0.2% more passing rate then the commonly considered 'family dogs' such as Golden Retrievers. However, a firm, even hand and early obedience training are strongly recommended for this breed. They generally have a lot of energy and high prey drive; they need exercise and stimulation in order to channel their energy properly and not become frustrated, bored, and destructive.

APBTs often display dog aggression, especially towards unfamiliar dogs of the same sex or level of assertiveness. Early socialization and good training can mean that many individuals of the breed may not display this trait. However, with proper training and socialization, pit bulls are not aggressive and can even make excellent service animals. Pit bulls have been used for everything from cheering up hospital patients,search and rescue, and even sniffing drugs for the DEA.

When selecting an APBT puppy, it is paramount to find a breeder who selective breeds for sound temperament and good health. A quality breeder will know the breed standard as set by a reputable breed registry such as the UKC or the ADBA (the AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier) and should both health and temperament test their breeding stock. A breeder who boasts about their dogs' "guard dog" skills or "protective" behavior is an indicator that their dogs may be inappropriately bred for human aggression and very probably are not pure APBTs. It is a good idea for prospective APBT owners to research the breeder, ask for references and ask to see their facilities and the parents of the prospective puppy.

Adult pit bulls are frequently also available from animal shelters. Reputable shelters will temperament test their dogs before adoption, so that only dogs with stable temperaments are available for adoption.The advantage of obtaining an adult dog from a shelter is that the dog's temperament is already known, and a dog with low dog aggression or low prey drive can be selected if desired.

Activities
Being intelligent, athletic dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers excel in many dog sports, including weight pulling, dog agility, flyball, lure coursing and advanced obedience competition. Some pit bulls have been known to do well in schutzhund as well. Out of the 25 dogs who have earned UKC "superdog" status (by gaining championship titles in conformation, obedience, agility, and weightpull), fourteen have been pit bulls.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a working dog and is suitable for a wide range of working disciplines due to their intelligence, high energy and endurance. In the United States they have been used as search and rescue dogs that save lives, police dogs performing narcotics and explosives detection, Border Patrol dogs, hearing dogs to provide services to the deaf, as well as general service dogs.

American Pit Bull Terriers and the law
American Pit Bull Terriers have historically been and are still commonly used for dog fighting. Although dog fighting is illegal in the United States and many other countries, it is still practiced, and is usually accompanied by gambling. In the United States participating in dog fighting is a felony in 49 states, and United States federal law prohibits interstate transport of dogs for fighting purposes.

Due to the nature of dog fighting and the image of the Pit Bull as a "tough" dog, American Pit Bull Terriers can be subjected to severe abuse and often end up in the custody of animal control services, where they are routinely euthanized.A large percentage of dogs euthanized in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles are pit bull type breeds.

In the United Kingdom, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the sale or breeding of "any dog of the type known as pit bull terrier." Some jurisdictions in the Australian states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the United States have similar breed-specific legislation, varying from a total ban on ownership to muzzling in public. Similarly, in Ontario, Canada, the ownership of APBTs has been banned in the Dog Owners' Liability Act.

As of August 29, 2005, the "owning, breeding, transferring, importing or abandoning" of APBTs is illegal in Ontario, Canada, given that it was found that the APBT breed "poses a danger to the public".
Beginning in 1993, after three serious incidents, it was forbidden in The Netherlands to breed pit bulls or pit bull like dogs. Pitbulls and pitbull like dogs without a FCI pedigree could be impounded by authorities and put to sleep. However, in June 2008, the Dutch government said it would lift the breed specific ban on pit bulls because of its ineffectiveness at reducing bite incidents.

History
Although the exact history of the breed of dog known as the American Pit Bull Terrier is unknown it is generally agreed that they are descended from bull-and-terrier crosses brought to America from England and Ireland in the 1800s. The Bull and Terrier type dogs were created by crossing the English working Bulldog with English hunting Terriers. The Bulldog that is the ancestor of the APBT was used for many types of work including baiting, fighting, stock work, hunting, and as a farm dog. When bull-baiting was outlawed in England by the Cruelty to Animals act in 1835 along with dogfighting, illegal dogfighting gained popularity since it is much easier to organize and conceal than a bull-baiting contest.
Fighting dogs were bred for strength, speed and gameness, or the willingness to see a task through to its conclusion regardless of serious threat of injury or death. While fighting dogs in England were not necessarily a singular breed of dog but rather a type of dog bred for gameness from different stock, in the USA the breed solidified and was named the American Pit Bull Terrier. Breeders knew that a dog like this could be dangerous to people and difficult to control if it were aggressive toward people, so breeders would look for the crucial trait of nonaggression towards humans. Fighting dogs that showed aggression towards its owner or handler were routinely killed and thus removed from the gene pool. This resulted a line of strong dogs that, while aggressive towards dogs and other animals, would be much gentler with people.
In the late 1800s to early 1900s, two clubs were formed for the specific purpose of registering APBTs: the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeder's Association. The United Kennel Club was founded with the registration of an American Pit Bull Terrier and was the first registry to recognize the breed.
As dog fighting declined in popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, many dog owners wanted to legitimize the breed and distance it from its fighting roots. The name "Staffordshire Terrier" was adopted by some owners and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. Later, the word "American" was added to reduce confusion with its smaller British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Not all breeders, however, agreed with the standard adopted by the AKC, and continued to use the name American Pit Bull Terrier for their lines. Much confusion still remains in regards to the APBT, the AST, and the SBT. Once an extremely popular family dog in the United States (in fact, the dog in the Our Gang aka The Little Rascals movies and in Buster Brown was an APBT), the American Pit Bull Terrier's popularity began to decline in the United States following World War II in favor of other breeds.

Dog Breeds : American Mastiff

2008-09-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

American Mastiff
American Mastiff is a term that refers to a molosser-type dog that is a cross between and English Mastiff and an Anatolian Mastiff dog. They are recognized by the Continental Kennel Club.

General
In an attempt to address issues of hip displasia, drooling, and a short lifespan, Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms crossed the English Mastiff with an Anatolian Mastiff. The result was the American Mastiff. The new breed looks very similar to the English Mastiff, and is said to drool less. This line is relatively new, so it is ineligible for registration in most breed registries; registries with less stringent requirements may recognize a new breed with recent history, such as the Continental Kennel Club's recognition of the line in 2000. American Mastiffs were bred to be family dogs, not show dogs. There are 10 authorized breeders in North America which comprise the American Mastiff Breeders Council (AMBC)and whose dogs' bloodlines can be traced exclusively back to Flying W Farms. This is not the same as a Panja, which has lines of Pitbull and Rottweiler.

Description
The head should be wide, heavy and rectangular in shape with high-set, rounded ears. A medium-sized muzzle should be well-proportioned to the rest of the head. The neck should be powerful with a slight arch, leading to a straight, muscular back. The chest should be deep, broad and well-rounded. Forelegs should be strong, straight and set well apart, while the hind legs should be wide and parallel. The dog should be 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder, and females should weigh between 140 and 180 pounds while males should weigh between 160 and 200 pounds.American Mastiff puppies are usually dark in color; however, as they mature their color tends to lighten. Common American Mastiff colors are fawn, apricot and brindle.The dog should have a temperament that is loving and devoted to its family, especially children. A loyal and calm dog, it should be non-aggressive except when its family is threatened. In those instances they become fierce and courageous guard dogs.

Even though American Mastiff dogs are of the largest breeds, they don't tend to be plagued by many of the health problems that are common in other larger breeds. In fact, they are generally healthy and happy dogs. Contrary to some other large breeds, this breed of Mastiff dog will get along perfectly well in an apartment as long as they are exercised daily. This can be a daily walk. Usually even a small fenced yard will do just fine. Though they probably wouldn't choose to exercise daily, a steady routine will keep them more fit and happier. It is good for their mental and physical health to be out and walking regularly. And, of course, a leashed walk in public is best.

Temperament
The American Mastiff love children and are totally devoted to their families. Dignity rather than gaiety; quiet, calm, loving and loyal. Protective, but not aggressive; they are non-aggressive except in those instances when their family, especially the children, are threatened. In those instances they become courageous defenders. They are wise, kind and gentle, patient and understanding, very loving with their own people, neither shy nor vicious, they are loyal, and devoted. Since these dogs are of the Mastiff type and grow to be very large, this breed needs an owner who knows how to display strong leadership.

Height, Weight
Height: 28-36 inches (65-91 cm.) Weight: Males 160 to over 200 pounds (72-90 kg.) Females 140-180 pounds (63-81 kg.)

Health Problems
American Mastiffs tend to be healthy happy dogs with fewer reported incidents of many of the health problems you see in other large breeds.

Living Conditions
American Mastiffs do just fine in an apartment with daily exercise, a walk will do, or a run in a fenced in yard. As they grow older they tend to become a little lazy. They are relatively inactive indoors ("couch potatoes") and a small yard will do.

Exercise
Mastiffs are inclined to be lazy but they will keep fitter and happier if given regular exercise. Like all dogs, the American Mastiff should be taken on daily regular walks to help release it's mental and physical energy. It's in a dogs nature to walk. They should always be leashed in public. The American Mastiff can do acceptably in a small household or apartment if he is sufficiently exercised. They are comparatively inactive indoors, so their ideal living conditions would consist of at least a small yard. The American Mastiff has a propensity to become lazy, but they will have a better quality of life if exercise is initiated.

Health
American Mastiffs typically live for 10 to 12 years.

Dog Breeds : American Foxhound

2008-09-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a breed of dog that is cousin to the English Foxhound. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt foxes by scent.

Nicknames Foxhound Country of origin United States
Weight Male 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)
Height Male 21-25 inches (53-64cm)
Coat Short, hard Color red, tri, black n tan, blue
Litter size 1-12 puppies
Life span 10-12 years

Appearance
While standards call for the American Foxhound to be about 21-25 inches (530-640 mm) tall to the withers, and weigh anywhere between 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), many of them are larger in structure (especially the show strains), with males standing 26-29 inches (660-740 mm) and females 25-28 inches (640-710 mm) and smaller in weight, typically between 40-65 pounds (20-29 kg). Some breeders have theorized that this is due to the considerably improved diet the dogs receive. For years it was traditional to feed Foxhounds on a diet of "dog bread", a variation on cornbread. The legs of a Foxhound are very long and straight-boned. The foxhound’s chest is rather narrow. It has a long muzzle, and a large, domed skull. The ears are wide and low-set. The eyes are hazel or brown, and are large and wide-set. The coat is short and harsh. Overall, they are very similar to the Beagle, only standing higher and being larger. There coats come in four colors, red, tri, black n tan, and blue.

Temperament
The American Foxhound is sweet, kind, loyal, and very loving at a home. As with all hounds they need careful training, constant socialization, and owners who are willing to give them ample exercise: a bored foxhound will find ways to keep themselves entertained and can be very destructive, some examples of destruction include everything from scratching at doors to tearing apart objects and, being rather long, they have the ability to take things from counter-tops. If routine walks are not an option, access to a secure yard is a good alternative; however the best option would be constant access via a dog door and a secure yard.
Intelligent creatures as they are, many foxhounds quickly learn to open gates or scale small fences to go wandering. While on the hunt the foxhound is a warrior, once a scent is picked up he or she will follow it neglecting any commands. Because their hunting instinct is strong they should never be trusted off-lead. Foxhounds are rarely street savvy and will follow a scent trail into the street where they could get hit by a car.
Foxhounds are easy to live with and thrive as members of a family; however, they are not ideal apartment dogs and shouldn't be left alone indoors for extended periods of time. They do however, get along very well with children, especially small children; although one must always keep an eye when children and animals are interacting as it is not beyond any animal to bite or claw when they feel they are threatened.
Foxhounds do not make good watchdogs; while more skittish hounds may howl when they see a newcomer, more often than not they will greet the newcomer affectionately hoping for treats or scratches behind the ears. This is due to centuries of breeding; any hound that growled or bared its teeth at its master would not be bred or in some cases put down.

Most scent hounds are bred to give "voice". Foxhounds are not nuisance barkers but they do have loud, deep voices that carry a great distance. Although most people love the sound, many urban or suburban neighbors do not appreciate the deep barks or melodious howling of a foxhound.
They cannot be expected to act like retrievers because, though affectionate, they are independent by nature. Although a few foxhounds have been trained in obedience, most will not follow commands unless it suits them. Training a foxhound can be a trying experience, training a retired foxhound that grew up in a Fox Hunt can be even worse, they can be stubborn and don’t respond to negative reinforcement well.

Health
This breed is not generally a breed that carries genetic disorders. Overfeeding these dogs can easily cause them to gain weight. A minor health risk in American Foxhounds is thrombocytopathy, or platelet disease. While dysplasia was largely unknown in Foxhounds, it is beginning to crop up occasionally, along with some eye issues. It is not typical or customary for Foxhound breeders to screen for any hereditary disorders at this time.

The breed's lifespan is generally 10-13 years.
The American Foxhound is an energetic breed. It needs plenty of exercise, for example, a fairly long walk followed by a game of fetch.

History
In 1650, Robert Brooke sailed to Crown Colony in America with his pack of hunting dogs, which were the root of several strains of American Hounds. These dogs remained in the Brooke family for nearly 300 years.
George Washington received French Foxhounds, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, (which look much like an American Bluetick hound) as a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette. Many of the dogs Washington kept were descended from Brooke’s, and when crossed with the French hounds, helped to create the present day American Foxhound.
Though there has long been a rumor that the new breed was originally used for hunting Indigenous peoples of the Americas, this is not true. The breed was developed by landed gentry purely for the sport of hunting foxes. With the importation (or migration) of the red fox, Irish Foxhounds were added to the lines, to increase speed and stamina in the dog, qualities still prevalent in today's dogs.
Today there are several different strains of American Foxhound, including Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July and Penn-Marydel. Though the different strains look quite different, they are all recognized as members of the same breed. Most show hounds are Walkers, many of the pack hounds (used with hunting foxes on horseback) are Penn-Marydel and hunters use a variety of strains to suit their hunting style and quarry.

Dog Breeds : American Eskimo Dog

2008-09-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog and semi-sled dog originating in the USA. In addition to serving as a companion, it has been used as a watchdog, sled dog, and also achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s United States as a circus performer even as early as 1917 at the Cooper Brother's Railroad Circus. One of many American Eskimo Dogs to walk a tightrope was an American Eskimo by the name of Stout's Pal Pierre in the Barnum & Bailey Circus. "PR" Stout's Pal Pierre was from a long line of American Eskimos used in Barnum and Bailey's Circus acts. Pierre's grandfather was the first known dog in the world to walk a tight rope. The breed became popular as circuses would sell the puppies during their travels across the nation. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1994 and set the current standard for the breed. The United Kennel Club had recognized the breed long before 1994, and there is no difference between the two breed standards except that the AKC recognizes the toy size, while the UKC does not. The American Eskimo Dog was accepted into the Canadian Kennel Club CKC Recognition Of The American Eskimo Dog as of March 2006. CKC (Canadian Kennel Club).

History & Overview
The Eskie is derived almost completely from the various German Spitz breeds, mainly the German Spitz crossed with Japanese Spitz and Keeshonden in America. The Spitz family of Nordic dogs is one of the least altered by human husbandry and reflects most nearly the prototypical dog, from which stock all others have been derived. Archeology suggests that Neolithic dogs living with humans would today pass for spitzen.

Toy height: 9-13 inches
Toy weight: 6-10 lb
Miniature height: 12-16 in.
Miniature weight: 10-20 lb.
Standard height: 16-21 in.
Standard weight: 18-35 lb.
Coat: Thick, profuse white standoff double-coat, pronounced ruff around the neck
Litter size: Standard: 4-7 *** Mini: 2-4 *** Toy: 1-3
Life span: 10-15+ years (Up to 20 years with proper feeding, exercise & vet care)

Appearance
The standard for the American Eskimo Dog calls for them to be white or white & biscuit cream, with brown eyes (blue eyes, such as those found on the Siberian Husky, are a disqualification and a sign of poor health or breeding), and a compact body. The dog's length should be only slightly greater than its height at the shoulder. The muzzle is long and lupine (in contrast to the muzzles of Pomeranians). The ears are held erect and alert, and the tail should be feathered and loosely curled on the dog's back. These dogs look very much like smaller versions of the Samoyed, and come in three standard sizes. The toy is from 9 to 13 inches at the withers; the miniature is from 12 to 15 inches; the standard is from 16 inches up to and including 21 inches.
Eskies, as with all Spitzen, have erect, triangular ears ("prick ears"), a tail that flips onto the dog's back in a spiral, and two coats of fur: an undercoat that is softer and helps insulate the dog, and a harsher outer coat that acts as a weather repellent.

The Eskie, a loving companion dog and semi-working dog, presents a picture of strength and agility, alertness and beauty. It is a small to medium-size Nordic type dog, always white, or white with biscuit cream. The American Eskimo Dog is compactly built and well balanced, with good substance, and an alert, smooth gait. The face is Nordic type with erect triangular shaped ears, and distinctive black points (lips, nose, and eye rims). The white double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with a longer guard hair growing through it forming the outer coat, which is straight with no curl or wave. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming a lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on dogs than on bitches. The rump and hind legs down to the hocks are also covered with thicker, longer hair forming the characteristic breeches. The richly plumed tail is carried loosely on the back.

Temperament
American Eskimo Dogs along with other Spitzen were bred to be companion dogs, and thrive on being a part of a human family. Their history as a small general-purpose and a farm dog means that they are generally highly intelligent, trainable, and moderately independent. At home, they make excellent watchdogs, barking to announce the presence of strangers. The Eskie can be protective of its home and family, but in general they will not threaten to attack or bite a person unless provoked. As with all dogs, temperament is partially inherited and partially trained. Some dogs are prone to excessive barking and separation anxiety. It is important to research the dog's pedigree as their temperament may vary due to inheritance. Many people find the puppies of American Eskimo Dogs to be very "cute" and purchase this breed as a puppy without doing sufficient research, such as discovering the longevity and needs of this breed. This breed is not a fast-maturing one, and Eskies can behave more like puppies than like adults for up to two years, when they finally start to mature and grow their adult coats. They are also a very intelligent dog and need to be stimulated. When their intelligence is not stimulated or they are ignored, they can develop behavior issues. Owners can avoid this problem by socializing their Eskie through obedience training or participating in dog sports, such as dog agility, flyball,and dancing.

Health
The breed lives on average between 12 and 14 years, although some individuals might live as long as 20 years or longer. The Eskie is a fairly healthy breed. Health testing should be performed by all responsible breeders and anyone purchasing a puppy should be aware of the genetic problems which occur in the breed- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. None of these are terribly common and the breed is generally healthy, however, ethical breeders check for these conditions.
In addition to the problems above, the breed can have a tendency towards allergies and tear-staining and the propensity towards these traits is inherited- do not purchase a puppy from parents which have extreme tearstaining or allergies and you will likely avoid them.

Misc.
Eskies can, like many long-coated dogs, be prone to flea allergies and the resulting skin irritation can be difficult to clear up.

Grooming
Eskies have a long, dense coat and need regular grooming. This means brushing them once a week, or more often if necessary. They shed, but it can be maintained with regular brushing. They "blow" their coats twice a year, once in May or June (depending on the location in which they live) to shed their winter undercoat and once in November or December to shed their summer coat. Males may only shed once a year. Many Eskie owners use an undercoat rake, a tool available at most pet stores, for grooming. Some owners in hot climates do shave their Eskies, but if this is done, the dogs should be kept indoors as much as possible to prevent sunburn. Some people believe that once a dog is shaved, the coat will grow in with a coarser, woollier texture than it would have had it been left alone, but it varies by individual dog.

Eskies typically only need to be bathed only every two or three months, unless they soil their coat with large amounts of dirt or substances with strong odors. Regular brushing maintains a clean coat in most cases. Eskies are a very clean breed and constantly groom themselves.

Breed-specific rescue
Because so many people purchase 'cute' puppies and then discover that they do not want an active, intelligent dog with a heavily shedding coat, many of this breed end up at the animal shelter or otherwise up for adoption, or possibly in more unfortunate situations. There are many breed-specific rescue groups that are more than willing to give advice on training or curbing behavioral issues.

Dog Breeds : American Cocker Spaniel

2008-09-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that originated in the United Kingdom and was brought to Canada and then Spain and the United States in the late 1800s. American Cocker Spaniels were given their own AKC Stud Book in the early 1900s. By 1946, the English Cocker Spaniel was distinct enough in type from the "American" variety, that the American Kennel Club established it as a breed separate from the English Cocker Spaniel. It was given its own Stud Book and that left the "American" type to be known as the Cocker Spaniel in the United States. They are in the sporting breed group of dogs and are the smallest of their group. American Cocker Spaniels were used to flush out birds and prey from the brush so their masters could shoot them. Appearance
Happy and popular, the signature trait of the American Cocker Spaniel is its dark, expressive eyes that reflect a happy, loving, and active nature. Cockers are a dropped eared breed (pendulous ears) and the mature Cocker is shown in a full feathered, silky coat. After its show career ends, the fur is often trimmed into a "puppy cut", shortened on the legs, sides and belly, that is easier to keep whether as a pet, performance dog, or hunting companion. It is important to keep the hair clipped from both sides of the ear about one third down the ear flap. This helps to keep air flowing through the ear canal and reduce risk of ear infections from bacteria, injury or parasites.

Size
Cockers weigh an average of 18 to 28 pounds (6 to 9 kg). For show dogs, the ideal height of a Cocker Spaniel is 15 inches for male dogs and 14 inches for female dogs at the withers. An adult male who is over 15.5 inches, or an adult female over 14.5 inches would be disqualified in a conformation show. Bone and head size should be in proportion to the overall balance of the dog.

Color
For North Americans conformation shows Cockers are divided by the breed standard into three varieties: black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black),and parti-colors. Black Variety includes: solid blacks and black & tan. ASCOB includes solid colors ranging from silver, to light cream (buff) to dark red and brown and brown with tan points. Parti-colors have large areas of white with another color(s) and must be have at least 10% coloration (not more than 90% white). Parti-colors include: black & white; black & white with tan points (referred to as tri-colors or "tris"), brown & white, brown & white with tan points (referred to as a "brown tri"), and red & white. Roans are shown in the Parti-color variety and can be black (referred to as "blue roans"), red ("orange roan"), or brown ("liver or chocolate roan"); with or without tan points. In a roan coat, individual colored hairs are mingled in with the white. Sable coloring is seen in solids or Parti-colors, but no longer can be shown in conformation by the American Spaniel Club, although it can be shown in Canada and in Europe. Merle is a highly controversial pattern, as it is debated whether it is a result of breeding to another breed. Cockers cannot be registered as merles with the AKC. It is not recognized by the American Spaniel Club and cannot be shown in conformation.

Temperament
Their temperament is typically joyful and trusting. The ideal Cocker temperament is merry, outgoing, and eager to please everyone. When a Cocker Spaniel is excited, they tend to not only wag their tail, but their whole rear end as well. They can be good with children and usually sociable and gentle with other pets. They tend to be soft dogs who do not do well with rough or harsh training. They have a great love of toys and will go to lengths to obtain more. Often hiding or destroying a toy to gain a new one.
MortalityAmerican Cocker Spaniels in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 10-11 years,which is on the low end of the typical range for purebred dogs, and 1-2 years less than other breeds of their size.The larger English Cocker Spaniel typically lives about a year longer than the American Cocker Spaniel.

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (23%), old age (20%), cardiac (8%), and immune-mediated (8%).In a 2003 USA/Canada Health Survey with a smaller sample size, the leading causes of death were cancer, hepatic disease, and immune-mediated

Morbidity
American Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a variety of maladies, particularly infections affecting their ears and, in some cases, their eyes. As a result, they may require more medical attention than some other breeds. Common eye problems in Cockers include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and cataracts. The American Spaniel Club recommends annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist for all dogs used for breeding. Autoimmune problems in Cockers include autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and ear inflammations. Less common are luxating patellas and hip dysplasia. Dogs used for breeding can be checked for both of these conditions, and dogs free of hip dysplasia can be certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

History
American Cocker Spaniels are the smallest of the sporting spaniels. Their name cocker is commonly held to stem from their use to hunt woodcock in England, but today this breed is used to hunt a variety of upland gamebirds and water fowl.
In the United States the breed is known officially by the American Kennel Club, as the "Cocker Spaniel". Outside the US, it is often referred to as the American Cocker Spaniel, but it was the creation of the English Cocker Spaniel that triggered the breed split in the 1930s. It is said that the spaniel came to America on the Mayflower in the 1620's. It became a separate breed from all the spaniels in 1947.
On June 20, 1936 a group of English Cocker fanciers met at the home of Mr. And Mrs. E. Shippen near Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. They formed a specialty club for English Cocker Spaniels known as the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America. After this meeting, AKC recognized the "English" variety and people began to import Cockers bred in England, to the United States more frequently.
By 1938, 24 Cockers had completed their championships from the "English" classes, but six of them were American-bred Cockers and only one of those had an English import in the first five generations of their pedigrees. There was an advantage in the point system then to show in the English-variety classes. For instance, in California, a male ECS had to defeat five other dogs to earn a five point major; a solid Cocker male (American type) had to win over 19 dogs to win the same major, and some people used the advantage, after all, the types were bred together and a litter could have both varieties and all were registered as "Cocker Spaniels."

Then in 1938, the ECSCA Board of Directors met at Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey, and Geraldine Dodge made the motion that the owners of ECS studs would not allow them to be bred to American type bitches as a policy and requirement of membership in the ECSCA.
They also resolved to object to showing American type Cockers in English Cocker classes and went on to define an English Cocker Spaniel as "a dog or bitch of the Cocker Spaniel breed whose pedigree can be traced in all lines to dogs or bitches which were registered with the English Kennel Club (or eligible for export pedigree) on or before January 1, 1930." (Jubilee, 1986).
American type Cocker popularity surged during the 1940s and ECS fanciers knew they needed their own AKC Stud Book recognizing the English Cocker Spaniel as a separate breed. Mrs. Dodge began the work of sorting out the pedigrees not only in the United States, but in England and Canada. The project was done by Josephine Z. Rine, Mrs. Dodge's curator of art and former editor of "Popular Dogs."
That accomplished, Mrs. Dodge then began the process with AKC and in June 1946, the English Cocker Spaniel was officially recognized by AKC as a breed different from the American Cocker Spaniel. (ECSCA Jubilee, 1986)
American Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels are the only spaniel breeds allowed to compete together in Cocker Field Trials in the United States. There are a small number of field-bred American cockers bred in the US, but the distinction between field and show-bred dogs is less than exist in English cockers.
Today's American Cocker Spaniel is as always, a versatile small dog. It remains popular as a pet, but is also known for its workmanlike attributes that make it a stunning show dog, lively companion hunter, competitive gaming dog, or gentle therapy dog.

Dog Breeds : American Bulldog

2008-09-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

American Bulldog
Other names Old Country Bulldog
Country of origin United States
Weight Male 27-60 kg (75-125 lb)
Height Male 50-71 cm (20-28 in)
Coat Short, harsh Color Combinations of solid or degrees of white; all shades of brindle, brown, red, or tan Litter size 6-12 puppies
Life span 8-15 years

The American Bulldog is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Though larger in size, they are the closest surviving relative of the Old English Bulldog because they were not altered to as great an extent while in Colonial America as their European cousins. There are generally considered to be two types of American Bulldog, the Johnson type and the Scott type, named after the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These are more commonly known as Classic or Bully type and Standard or Performance type. Appearance

The American Bulldog is a stocky and well built, strong-looking dog. Its coat is short and either white, white with patches, black and white brindle, fawn and white, fawn and white brindle or a combination of all of these and some of them may even have what is called a blue patch. The color conformation is quite varied, but white must be somewhere in the coat for the dog to be confirmed in most ABD clubs. The Johnson type is a larger dog with a shorter muzzle than the Scott type. However, many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types. In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 to 57 kg (60 to 125 lb) and are 52 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) at the withers but have been known to greatly exceed that.

Confusion with other breeds
There are two distinct strains of American Bulldogs, Classic (Johnson, Bully) and Standard (Scott, Performance) which is often mistaken for its second cousin, the American Pit Bull Terrier because of its appearance, and for its much smaller European relatives because of its name. The American Bulldog is different from any of these. The American Bulldog is massive in comparison to the French Bulldog or Bulldog as it still resembles the Old English Bulldog and was never down bred to be a lap dog.
The Standard American Bulldog does resemble the pit bull-type breeds on many points, such as being muscular dogs that can be all white or white with patches. However, the pit bull's head is in the shape of a wedge coming to a more rounded point at the muzzle, whereas an American Bulldog's is box-shaped. The American Bulldog's ears are also typically uncropped, and its head is heavier and a little bulkier.

Temperament
An American Bulldog is typically a happy, friendly, and assertive dog that is at ease with its family and fine with outsiders with whom the dog is acquainted. They are quite fond of children but sometimes do not know their own strength. Thus, as with all dogs, they should be supervised with small children. They bond strongly with their master and family but, because of strong guarding instincts and a somewhat dominant attitude, they should be socialized and obedience trained early to expose them to other dogs and people and to ensure that they can be controlled around company as they mature. It should be noted that an American Bulldog is best with an experienced owner, as they are powerful, willful dogs.

They are working dogs with high energy drives, and so American Bulldogs do best in a home with a backyard and preferably a "job" to do. They are not always well behaved towards cats and smaller pets, but correct socialization at an early age can greatly increase the chances of them accepting these animals. This behavior is a reflection of a breed trait called prey drive. High prey drive is a desirable trait in an American Bulldog, as they were bred to hunt herbivores. American bulldog puppies can be relatively difficult to housebreak and train, thus it is important to be persistent.

History in England
The history of Mastiff-type dogs in the British Isles dates back beyond the arrival of Caesar, who reported of the ferocious dogs. With the arrival of the Normans in 1066 came Alaunts from the continent. The breeding of the indigenous mastiffs to the newly arrived ones produced the Mastiff and Bulldog of England. An interesting aside is that all descriptions of the Alaunts (there were three types) mention an all white, or almost entirely white coat - a feature the American Bulldog shares with several other Mastiff-type breeds, including the all-white Argentine Dogo.

In England during the 17th and 18th centuries, Bulldogs were used on farms to hold livestock; as butchers' dogs; and as guardians, as well as for other tasks. This eventually led to bloodsports such as bull-baiting, popular for both entertainment and the potential for gambling. These practices extended not only from the British Isles but also to the colonies acquired during this time, including what is now the United States and in particular the South; many settlers brought their dogs with them to help around the farm, hunt in the woods, guard property, and use in gambling and sport.

In 1835, the sport of bull-baiting was outlawed in the United Kingdom and, over time, the Bulldog there became a common pet, being bred into today's more compact and complacent version. The product was as much the efforts of selectively bred bulldogs as it was the introduction of the Pug. Conversely, the American strain maintained its utilitarian purpose, and thus underwent fewer modifications; even as its popularity declined in favor of other breeds. Even the slight modifications the bulldog underwent in England up to the Industrial Revolution (pre 1835), were absent in the American strain. (Most settlers of the American South came from the West Midlands and as a result of the Civil War between Royalists and Parliamentarians, well before the Industrial Revolution). Bulldogs in England were originally working dogs who drove and caught cattle and guarded their masters' property. The breed's strength, courage, and familiarity with livestock led to its popularity in the brutal sport of bull baiting. When this sport was outlawed in England, the original type of Bulldog disappeared from Britain and was replaced with the shorter, stockier, less athletic dog we now know as the English Bulldog.

History in the United States
The original Bulldog, however, was preserved by working class immigrants who brought their working dogs with them to the American South. Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many tasks. By the end of World War II, however, the breed was almost extinct. Mr. John D. Johnson, a returning war veteran, decided to resurrect this breed. Along with Alan Scott and several other breeders, Johnson began carefully to breed American Bulldogs, keeping careful records and always with an eye for maintaining the breed's health and working abilities. The American Bulldog was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1999.

Perhaps the most important role of the bulldog and the reason for its survival and in fact why it thrived through out the South was because of the presence of feral pigs, introduced to the New World and without predators. The bulldogs were the settlers' only means of sufficiently dealing with the vermin. By World War II, the breed was near extinction until John D. Johnson and his father scoured the backroads of the South looking for the best specimens to revive the breed. During this time a young Alan Scott grew an interest in Mr. Johnson's dogs and began to work with him on the revitalization process. At some point, Alan Scott began infusing non-Johnson catch bulldogs from working southern farms with John D. Johnson's line creating the now Standard American Bulldog. At another point, Mr. Johnson began crossing his line with an atavistic Bulldog from the North that had maintained its genetic athletic vigor. This created a falling out between Johnson and Scott causing them to go their separate ways and breed the two significantly different versions of the American Bulldog.

Recent History
American Bulldogs are now safe from extinction and are enjoying a healthy increase in popularity, either as a working dog or as a loving family pet. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" (catching escaped pigs or hunting razorbacks), as cattle drovers and as working K-9s. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as Schutzhund, French Ring street protection sport, Iron Dog(r) competition and weight pulling.

Dog Breeds :American Akita

2008-09-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

American Akita
The American Akita often called simply Akita is a dog breed from Japan. It is a separate breed from the Akita Inu (Japanese Akita). Note that in 2005 the FCI-designation Great Japanese Dog was officially changed to American Akita.

Appearance
Akitas are most striking and impressive creatures with an attitude of nobility and an appearance of strength and power. Their most noticeable physical characteristic is a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. They have thick, stand-offish coats, and tight cat feet, well knuckled up. Their tails curl over the top of the back in a graceful sweep down the loin, into a gentle curl, or into a double curl. Their colors are rich and clear, like paint on a canvas.
Mature males measure typically 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) at the withers and weigh between 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg). Mature females typically measure 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) and weigh between 70-100 pounds (32-45 kg).

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973, the Akita is a rather new breed in the United States. It has grown steadily in popularity, in part because of its extraordinary appearance and in part because of its captivating personality. It is often mistakenly called the "Japanese Akita" due to confusion and lack of awareness of the breed split from the Japanese Akita Inu in 2005.

History
The Akita character is the result of centuries of breeding in Japan. Japanese history, both verbal and written, describe the Akita as one of the oldest of the native dogs. Centuries ago the breed was owned only by the Shogun, the military leaders of the country. The Akita developed in the Akita prefecture, the northernmost region of the island of Honshū. Bred to hunt, guard, and herd, this swift, agile, unswervingly tenacious dog tracked large game and held it at bay until the royal hunters arrived to make the kill. The Akita's quarry included elk, antelope, boar, and the 120 stone Yezo bear.
As a guard dog, the Akita was unsurpassed in its keen senses of smell, sight, and hearing. By nature a quiet dog that barked only when threatened, the breed needed no training in its guard duties. As a herding dog, it fiercely protected livestock from savage predators in the mountainous terrain of Akita Prefecture.
During the late 1800s, the Akita breed suffered two major setbacks. First, the Akita was crossed with the Japanese fighting dog, the Tosa Inu. This crossbreeding resulted in a dog of imposing size and aggression used extensively when dog fighting was a popular sport in Japan. Then, at the turn of the century, Japan had a fatal outbreak of rabies with more than 3000 cases reported. Dogs, both healthy and affected, were clubbed to death.
However, three events focused positive attention on the breed in the early 1900s.
First was the story of Hachikō, one of the most revered Japanese Akitas of all time. He was born in 1923 and was owned by Professor Eizaburo Ueno of Tokyo. Professor Ueno lived near the Shibuya Train Station in a suburb of the city and commuted to work every day on the train. Hachikō accompanied his master to and from the station each day.

On May 25, 1925, when the dog was 18 months old, he waited for his master's arrival on the four o'clock train. But he waited in vain; Professor Ueno had suffered a fatal stroke at work. Hachikō continued to wait for his master's return. He traveled to and from the station each day for the next nine years. He allowed the professor's relatives to care for him, but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master. His vigil became world renowned, and shortly after his death, a bronze statue was erected at the train station in his honor. Then, in 1931, The Akita was officially declared a Japanese Natural Monument. The Mayor of Odate City in the Akita Prefecture organized the Akita Inu Hozankai to preserve the original Akita as a national treasure through careful breeding.

The third positive event was the arrival of Helen Keller in Japan in 1937. She expressed a keen interest in the breed and was presented with the first two Akitas to enter the US. The first dog died at a young age, but the second became Keller's constant companion until his death in 1945.
However, just as the breed was stabilizing in its native land, World War II pushed the Akita to the brink of extinction. Early in the war the dogs suffered from lack of nutritious food. Then many were killed to be eaten by the starving populace, and their pelts were used as clothing. Finally, the government ordered all remaining dogs to be killed on sight to prevent the spread of disease. The only way concerned owners could save their beloved Akitas was to turn them loose in the most remote mountain areas. There the breed's hardiness and keen hunting instincts helped them survive the war years. Morie Sawataishi and his efforts to breed the Akita is a major reason we know this breed today. You can read his story in the book, Dog Man An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain.

During the occupation years following the war, the breed began to thrive again. US servicemen fell in love with the Akita and smuggled many of them into the US when they returned.

Recent history
The Akita today is a unique combination of dignity, courage, alertness, and devotion to its family. It is extraordinarily affectionate and loyal with family and friends, territorial about its property, and aloof with strangers. It is feline in its actions; it is not unusual for an Akita to clean its face after eating, to preen its kennel mate, and to be fastidious in the house.
Because it is a large dog, the Akita is certainly not a breed for everyone. Its personality is that of a survivor. Even though centuries have passed since the Shogun warrior owned Akitas, the breed still exhibits keen hunting prowess, extraordinary strength and endurance, and the ability to survive on its own. Akita owners must channel these attributes into early obedience training so that their dogs become good canine citizens rather than neighborhood bullies.

The Akita learns quickly and can become bored easily. Those who don't understand the breed often describe it as stubborn, when in fact, the dog is exhibiting improper training. The Akita thrives on the love and respect of its master and, with constant reinforcement training and a little creativity, can be a very good worker.
The Akita was never bred to live or work in groups like many hound and sporting breeds. Instead, they lived and worked singly or in pairs, a preference reflected today. The individual Akita is happy being an only dog or one of two dogs in a household, particularly strange dogs. A properly trained Akita will learn to tolerate other animals and not go looking for trouble, but the owner must never forget his dog's inherent drive to be top dog at almost any cost.

There are many pluses to owning an Akita. They are affectionate to their owners and are excellent watchdogs, although they do not bark unless something is amiss. They require only moderate exercise, adjust well to apartment living as long as they receive daily walks, do not eat large quantities of food, and are long-lived. Negatives to ownership include a twice-a-year shedding of the thick, downy undercoat, and the size and strength of the breed make socialization and training vital, research and a good understanding of the breed is a must.

Dog Breeds : Alpine Dachsbracke

2008-08-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Alpine Dachsbracke
Appearance
This small dog has a slight resemblance to a Dachshund, with short legs (although longer than a dachshunds) and a long body. The coat is dense, short but smooth except for the tail and neck. The round eyes have a lively expression.

Valid colors are black and tan, brown, with the most popular being red with or without black.
It weighs from 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 lb) and stands from 34 to 42 cm (13 to 16 in) at the withers.

Temperament
Used effectively to hunt wounded deer, this breed could work even in harsh terrain and high altitude. It makes a good companion, although it is primarily a hunter and therefore is kept mostly by hunters. It has a fearless, friendly and intelligent personality. Most Alpine Dachsbrackes are excellent with children and good with dogs and other pets, though they may exhibit a strong prey drive typical of many scent dogs.

Dog Breeds : Alaskan Klee Kai

2008-08-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Alaskan Klee Kai
Appearance
The Alaskan Klee Kai should look like a miniature husky. They come in three sizes based on their height:

Toy size Alaskan Klee Kai are under 13 inches in height.
Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai are over 13 inches high and up to 15 inches high.
Standard Alaskan Klee Kai are over 15 inches high and up to 17 inches in height.
Seriously Faulted - Any Alaskan Klee Kai over 17 inches and up to 17.5 inches.
Disqualified - Any Alaskan Klee Kai over 17.5 inches.

Alaskan Klee Kai come in four main color varieties. Black and White, which can appear with stark contrasts or with a more dilute diffusion of the colors. Grey and White, which comes in several variations. Red and White (rare) which appears either as a cinnamon or a dark auburn. Solid white which, lacking the contrasting colors required by the UKC standard, cannot be registered or bred.

Coat and Grooming
The Alaskan Klee Kai, like the Siberian Husky, is relatively easy to care for. They are extremely clean. Most don't like wet feet and will spend hours daily grooming themselves. They do not have a "doggy odor" nor do they have "dog breath." Most Klee Kai will seldom require a bath.
As in Siberians and unlike short haired dogs who shed all year long, the Klee Kai also blows their coat twice a year. Of course, the size of the dogs limit the amount of fur blown. It is best to groom the dog on a regular basis during this time. Some of the longer haired dogs can become matted if not groomed. Most Klee Kai will assist the loss of hair by rubbing against things such as fences.
Other than this period of blowing coat, the Klee Kai is very self sufficient. The normal preventative measures should be taken, such as trimming of nails, normal grooming in the form of brushing. This process is especially important in the bonding process.
Temperament
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a highly intelligent, very curious, active, quick and agile little dog that quickly become an integral part of any family that chooses to adopt one. Unlike the Siberian Husky whom they resemble, the Alaskan Klee Kai is standoffish and suspicious of strangers. Because of this they do make extremely good watch dogs. They are moderately active and have a high prey drive. This means unless they are properly introduced and raised with smaller furry or feathered animals such as rabbits, hamsters, cats, birds, etc, they will hunt and kill them. They can be a great family dog if raised with properly trained children. AKK are not likely to tolerate being mistreated (poked at, pinched, bullied) by children and may respond by nipping them, much like the Siberian Husky. Because of their intelligence they do well in obedience classes and have a high drive to please their owners which helps them to excel in this area as well as many other types of activities. Another such activity is Agility in which the AKK almost seems to have been bred to take part in. If you have an Alaskan Klee Kai that is highly active, this is a great way to help them use some of that up.

Health
Alaskan Klee Kai have been remarkably free of genetic defects in comparison to other breeds.
Some issues that do affect them however are:
Juvenile Cataracts
Liver Disease
Extreme Shyness
Factor VII Deficiency
Pyometra
Luxating Patella
Cryptorchids
Cardiac Issues including PDA
Thyroid disease-including autoimmune thyroiditis
Starting with Linda Spurlin, Alaskan Klee Kai breeders continue to follow her strict breeding practices, breeding only the healthiest dogs to each other. Most people will find it very difficult to buy an AKK puppy that does not come with a spay or neuter contract. This is done to prevent backyard breeding of dogs who, for one reason or another, were deemed not acceptable for breeding. This is not always the case however, many AKK breeders simply prefer that their puppies go into loving pet homes instead of show/breeder homes. To make sure that they remain a beloved pet and will never be used for breeding, the AKK breeder still requires them to be altered.

History
The breed was developed in Wasilla, Alaska during the mid-1970s by Linda S. Spurlin after she observed the result of an accidental mating of an Alaskan Husky and an unknown small dog. The breed was developed with Siberian and Alaskan Huskies using Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog to bring down the size without dwarfism. She bred these dogs in private until she released them to the general public in 1988. Originally called the "Klee Kai", the breed split into "Alaskan Klee Kai" and "Klee Kai" for political reasons in 1995. The breed consolidated under the new name in 2002. The Alaskan Klee Kai was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) on January 1, 1997.

Dog Breeds : Alaskan Husky

2008-08-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Alaskan Husky
Appearance
The Alaskan Husky is a mixed-breed dog in which northern or husky-type ancestry, such as the Siberian Huskyor the traditional Alaskan village dog, predominates. Many other breeds have contributed to its genetic makeup, including the wolf, Staghound, Foxhound, Greyhound, Doberman etc; these diverse breed contributions account for the Alaskans great variability of appearance.
Alaskan huskies (at least those used for speed racing) are moderate in size, averaging perhaps 46 to 60 pounds (21 to 25 kg) for males and 38 to 42 pounds (17 to 19 kg) for females. Some of them superficially resemble racing strains of the Siberian Husky breed (which is undeniably part of the Alaskan husky genetic mix), but are usually taller and larger with more pronounced tuck-up.
Color and markings are a matter of total indifference to racing drivers; Alaskans may be of any possible canine color and any pattern of markings. Eyes may be of any color and are often light blue. Coats are almost always short to medium in length, never long, and usually less dense than those of northern purebreds; the shorter coat length is governed by the need for effective heat dissipation while racing.
In very cold conditions, Alaskans often race in “dog coats” or belly protectors. Particularly in long distance races, these dogs often require “dog booties” to protect their feet from abrasion and cracking. Thus the considerations of hardiness and climate resistance prevalent in breeds such as the Siberian Husky and Canadian Inuit Dog are subordinated in the Alaskan husky to the overriding consideration of speed. On long distance races they require considerable care and attention on the trail at rest stops.

Temperament
Racing sled dogs are bred for stamina, strength, speed, and endurance. A positive working attitude is essential. Sled dogs that come in contact with the public at races or in excursion businesses must not be aggressive toward humans.

Alaskan huskies are popular as pets in Alaska; older dogs that have outlived their usefulness as racing dogs make excellent pets for people willing to exercise them regularly. Older ex-racers tend to be very alert and well behaved, as well as somewhat less energetic than their younger counterparts.
Young huskies make good pets if given plenty of space to run and play, but their high demand for exercise and activity makes them a poor choice for urban residents.
Huskies are often healthier in drier climates such as that of interior Alaska. In the more humid regions, they are prone to develop ear and related infections.

If multiple huskies are kept in the same lot they tend to be vocal, howling and barking at each other and any other dogs in the vicinity unless they are trained to be quiet. In crowded neighborhoods this can be a very irritating nuisance to neighbors. They can be trained for silence, albeit with some effort. They are accomplished diggers and will tunnel underneath fences and houses to hunt burrowing animals or to escape their enclosures.

Huskies make relatively poor household dogs. They shed heavily during the Spring and Fall and may be considered hyperactive by sedate humans, running in circles inside a house when bored or cramped. If left alone in a dwelling for long periods they may engage in destructive behavior out of boredom, mischief or malice. They enjoy hunting small and large animals due to a deeply wired instinct known as SMAR or small mammal attack response. When they are hooked up to a sled, and will have to stay there for a while, they may get crazy and excited and start to chew the gang line.

In Alaska and other extreme northern regions they are occasionally killed by moose in the winter. Infrequently, moose in search of non-existent winter browse of willows and mountain ash during desperate times of long cold snaps and deep snow will enter human areas attracted by the scent of fresh straw used as bedding for the dogs. True to their wolf ancestors, huskies tend not to back down from such encounters and an angry moose can easily stomp and kick several dogs causing severe injuries. Most moose/husky encounters occur during runs when a musher accidentally startles a moose on a trail. Most of the time moose avoid fights, but in cases of deep snow when escape is difficult a moose may confuse a sled team for a wolf pack and cause some serious trouble.

Normally, moose are aware that huskies are domesticated, tethered and not a threat and will frequently bed down adjacent to sled dog kennels in order to use the huskies as sentries who will alert the sleeping moose of approaching wolves. Sled dogs tethered in far northern forests may be attacked and killed on their stakeouts by wolves when other prey is unavailable. However this is rare. Professional dog sled racers often surround their lots with high fences to prevent wildlife attacks. More important is a low fence to keep out diseased rodents which can infect dogs by carrying parasites.
Health
The Alaskan Husky is generally a healthy dog. Some strains are prone to genetic health problems similar to those found in purebred dog breeds. These may include PRA, hypothyroidism, etc. Dogs with an esophagus disorder, termed "wheezers" sometimes occur. This disorder makes the dog unable to bark, but have the ability to produce a low-pitched howling noise. The defect is genetically linked, appearing rarely, and only in white coated blue-eyed dogs. The life span of the Alaskan Husky is usually between 10 to 15 years.

History
The Alaskan Husky is derived from a mix of northern types, most notably the Siberian husky. The history of the Alaskan husky really began with the Gold Rushes of the late nineteenth century; Alaskans of that era were typically heavy draft dogs with obvious Saint Bernard ancestry. The importation into Alaska of dogs from across the Bering Strait in Siberia in 1908 and subsequent years changed Alaskan sleddogs radically and permanently towards a smaller dog with lighter weight and much greater speed. With the increasing prevalence of motorized winter transport in the mid twentieth century, working sled dogs became less common in the northern villages. The Alaskan sled dog experienced a revival in the 1970s. George Attla, a Native Alaskan from the village of Huslia, was largely responsible for this. Many successful racing dogs today trace their lineage back to Attla dogs.

Dog Breeds : Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

2008-08-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Appearance
Displaying an unexaggerated and natural bulldog type, the Alapaha is nevertheless a sturdy, well-developed, and muscular breed. Descriptions of its size vary greatly, calling for males anywhere from 65 to 90 pounds (30 to 45 kg) standing 19 to 26 inches (48 to 66 cm) at the withers, females smaller at 60 to 70 pounds (25 to 30 kg). Ears and tail are natural, with no cropping or docking. Colors of the Alapaha are varied, typically white or different shades of black, grey, red,white, fawn, brindle, brown, buckskin, or mahogany, always with white markings; some dogs are piebald spotted.

Temperament
The ABBB is described as trainable, dutiful, and responsible, with impressive capabilities as a guardian of family and property. It is very protective, but can be loving in the home.

History
The breed was commercialized by the Lane family of Rebecca, Georgia, USA, out of stock that originated on the Paulk plantation near the town of Alapaha, in a sustained effort over many decades to preserve the "plantation dog" of south Georgia from extinction. Detractors say that the ABBB is identical to the American Bulldog and that nothing distinctive is found in the Otto. Alapaha owners appear to disagree and photos seem to indicate a fairly distinct type.
Some fighters took hold of the breed and trained several generations into the sport of dog fighting. The dogs required too much training to be worth readying for the fighting ring, and they didn't do well, so it was soon dumped as a fighting dog.

Health
This breed is susceptible to entropion, an inversion of the eyelids.

Dog Breeds : Alano Español

2008-08-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Alano Español
The Alano Español has an elastic, athletic appearance that fits him especially for running long distances at high speeds, herding cattle and holding large animals. This dog has a well proportioned body structure, the rib cage is arched, but not cylindrical, the chest stretches to the elbow level. It also has strong and solid shoulders and withers. The back legs are slightly less massive than the front legs which are straight if you view them from the front or the side. The paws are big compared to the size and weight of the dog. The muscles in the hindquarters are toned and the back legs show very well defined anglulation with strong feet at the base. The tail is thickest at the base and gets thinner, eventually to a point and is carried in an arc below the backline. The stomach retracts inward in order to give him a more athletic appearance than other heavier breeds. The neck is strong, powerful and wide, showing two double chins that should never hang to low. The Alano has extremely powerful jaws. The teeth are wide, and spaced out from each other with a very strong and firm reverse-scissors bite. When running at full speed, they are fast and flexible, fully stretching all limbs in graceful bounds. They can clear almost any obstacle without looking tired at all. Coat colors include, Brindle, Fawns and 'Reds', Black and Brindle and Sable Wolf.

History
The Spanish Alano which we know today is part of a legacy left by the Alan tribe which entered the Iberian Peninsula with the Vandal hordes during the early part of the 5th Century. The Alani were of Scythian and perhaps Amazonian extraction and were one of the predominant Sarmatian peoples which inhabited the plains along the River Don to the North East of the Sea of Azov in modern-day Russia. Formidable horsemen and skilled bowmen, these warring nomads were also famous for their dogs. The Alani were regarded a scourge of the Roman Empire and of neighbouring Caucasian Kingdoms during the 1st and 2nd Centuries AD. Their numbers and efficiency meant many of their forays went unchallenged, more so since they were known to sack and lay to waste great kingdoms in the face of resistance. Their localised supremacy, though underpinned by a strong confederation of Sarmatian tribes, was challenged in the latter part of the 4th Century by the prevailing Huns and so the Alani were ultimately displaced around the turn of the 5th Century. The westbound contingent formed an alliance with those Germanic peoples forging further west through an invasion of Gaul, crossing the Rhine around 407 AD. Though some of the Alani were to settle in Southern ‘France’ and indeed, invade ‘England’, the majority went on with the Vandals to Spain and eventually North Africa where they settled a Kingdom centred upon Carthage from as early as 409 AD. The formal dissolution of the Alani as an independent tribe in the West came after a battle with Visigoths in which their King, Attaces, died in 418 AD. The Alan Crown was then unified with the Vandal Crown under, Gunderic who died in 428 AD, his brother Geiseric succeeded him until his own death in 477 AD as King of the Vandals and Alans. The Spanish Alano is a derivative of those dogs maintained by the Alani throughout that period. 'Alanos' subsequently found great favour both as revered hunters and guardians. Their courage, prowess, agility, strength and enviable stamina were broadly celebrated. A detailed description of the 'Alano' exists within Edmond de Langley's 15th Century text, "Mayster of Game" (essentially a translation of a Gaston Phoebus' work), as well as in Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale". A black-masked 'leonado' Alano is featured holding a wild boar by the ear in a painting by A. Hondius of 1585. There are also many accounts of the roles of such dogs during the Spanish Conquests of the Americas, giving limelight to great canine protagonists such as Becerrillo and Leoncillo. On a cultural level, up until 1883 when their 'turn' was outlawed, Alanos were used in the ‘Corridas’ of The Bull Ring. The popularity of the dogs waned somewhat at the turn of the 20th Century when fashion and favour befell 'foreign' breeds and as pastoral methods and livestock management changed. The breed was considered to be extinct soon after the last formal exhibition of a pair of Alanos at Madrid's 'Parque del Buen Retiro' in 1963.

Recuperation
A band of veterinary medicine students and die-hard Alano enthusiasts intent on a recuperation of this marvellous and mythical breed, set to work in the late 1970s and early 80's. After scouring Western and Northern Spain, literally conducting house-to-house enquiries with old photographs and stout hearts, their labours were rewarded with a situation much better than originally anticipated. Few examples could be traced in Estremadura or in Castille but the situation in the North of the country was much better; a thriving population of dogs were located in Las Encartaciones ,Cantabria. Those dogs were still carrying out those tasks which they had been exercising for almost two millennia, hunting wild boar and in the management of the Monchina, a semi-wild breed of Iberian Red cattle.

Dog Breeds : Alangu Mastiff

2008-08-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

Alangu Mastiff

Appearance
This is a tall breed with a noble carriage and short coat. The dogs may be red, fawn or brindle, markings vary. The muzzle is black and the skin around their neck and mouth is loose. The brisket is deep, and the limbs are well muscled. The back is long with the tail tapering to a fine point. The ears are set high on the skull and pricked. It has a long and graceful stride. Their height varies between 73,6 to 76,2 cm. (29-30 inches).

Temperament
These dogs are known to be aggressive and protective, having a strong guarding instinct.

History
The Persian Army used Indian mastiffs, but just for guarding and were introduced into Greece by Xerxes the First when he marched towards this country in 486-465 B.C..
The Indian Mastiff originated in and around the desert area of Kutch, the Rajasthan area and Bhawalpur area of Punjab. A part of the Kutch area in Rajasthan was under the Sindh District and so the other name of this breed is Sindh Mastiff. Alongside the Kumaon Mastiff, the Indian Mastiff were used for hunting large games. A sudden change in the hunting practises saw the Indian Royal families to use cheetahs for hunting instead. This changed the Indian Mastiffs job to guard dogs and dogs used for fighting instead. With time most people forgot the breeds and the Indian Mastiff became rare. The people who used the Indian Mastiffs to fight dropped its height a couple of inches for performance sake. Its height was originally, 30-34 inches (76,2 - 86,3 cm), but as 150 years has passed the height of the breed has dwindled to 29-30 inches (73,6 - 76,2 cm).

The Indian Mastiff are used as fighting dogs in Pakistan, where they then are called Bully Kutta, alongside the proper Bully Kutta, since most Pakistani dog fighters are accustomed to calling all Mastiff breeds used for fighting Bully Kutta. The Indian Mastiff are still used in Pakistan as excellent Fighting Dogs and also as one of the most dangerous guard dogs, known to excel the true Bully Kutta.

Dog Breeds : Akita Inu

2008-08-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

Akita Inu

Appearance
The breed stands 64 to 70 cm at the shoulders. Females weigh anywhere from 34-50kg. Males are 34-54kg. The Akita Inu come in only five colours: Red, Fawn, Sesame, Brindle, and Pure White. All except white must have whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, the neck, chest, body and tail. Black masks, as seen in the American Akita, are not permitted in the Japanese Akita Inu.

All colors are accepted in the American Akita. The Pinto color is not accepted as a Japanese Akita color, but is as an American Akita color. In the U.S., some breeders interbreed the original Japanese type with the heavier American type, which is larger, and allows more colors. It is felt by some that combining the two types leads to improved appearance and genetic health by increasing genetic diversity. In the United States, there is only a single Akita breed registered by the American Kennel Club, whereas they are separated into two breeds in every other country in the world except Canada. In all other countries the breed has been separated into two breeds: the Akita Inu and the American Akita. However, the American Akita is seen by some American breeders as being a different breed than the Japanese and these breeders advocate a splitting of the one breed into two.

Akitas possess a double coat, with a dense straight undercoat, and a thick outer coat. This coat makes the dog waterproof, as well as being well-equipped for the fierce winters in northern Japan. Due to the thickness of their coat, the breed requires daily grooming, and also an awareness of the dog's heavy shedding, especially during warm weather.

The Japanese Akita Inu is a loyal, docile and aloof. They are well known for being excellent house dogs, they are clean and quiet, only barking when there is something to bark about. In general they are very friendly and easy going dogs.

Health
Mortality
Akitas in UK and USA/Canada surveys had a median lifespan of about 10 years, which is similar to other breeds of their size.
In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (32%), cardiac (14%), and gastrointestinal, including bloat/torsion (14%).In a 2000-2001 USA/Canada Health Survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (21%), GDV (=bloat/torsion, 21%), musculoskeletal (15.5%), and autoimmune (7%).

Morbidity
Some of the health conditions known to affect this breed include:

Canine herpesvirus, a strain of the Herpes virus that happens to affect canines
Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a condition associated with bloat
Pemphigus, which causes the autoimmune system to attack the dog's skin (leading to pustules)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an adult-onset condition which gradual degeneration in the eye cells (i.e. rods & cones)
UveoDermatological Syndrome (UDS)
Sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition which attacks and destroys the dog's sebaceous glands
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Hyperkalaemia As a breed, Akitas have abnormally high blood potassium concentrations compared to other breeds.
Heart size As a breed, Akitas have an unusually small heart for their size. A number of Akitas have died while being operated, due to the use of a normal dose of general anaesthetic for a canine of that size, a dose which ultimately proved excessive and fatal to the Akita. For that reason, to avoid anaesthetic-induced death, only the bare minimum dose of general anaesthetic sufficient to produce anaesthesia should be used when an Akita requires general anaesthesia.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
Akita owners should take special note of the high incidence of GDV (Gastric dilatation volvulus) in this breed. Excess gas trapped in the dog's stomach causes "bloat." Twisting of the stomach (volvulus or "torsion") causes or is caused by excess gas. GDV is an emergency condition requiring immediate veterinary treatment. Akita owners should be alert to the symptoms of GDV and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility.

History
The Akita's ancestors were dogs used by matagi for hunting. These dogs, usually called matagi inu, were not as large as modern Akita dogs. Many of these dogs were used as guard dogs. Many were used to guard the emperor and his children. They were also used for hunting bears, usually trained as mated pairs, with a pair of eagles. The two dogs would attack the bear as it was distracted by the eagles in the air. As a result of this hunting, hundreds of akita dogs were killed by the 120 stone yezo bears which they were commonly used to hold at bay.
Recent DNA analysis found that the Akita was among the most ancient dog breeds.

Edo Period
In the Edo Period, Dewa Province (present-day Akita prefecture) was ruled by the Satake clan. Since the Satake were tozama daimyo (considered potentially rebellious), they received severe restrictions by the Tokugawa Shogunate in all military areas. The clan decided to encourage dog fighting around 1630 in order to make it possible for the samurai to retain their aggressive edge in a way that would not offend the shogunate. Dog fighting became especially popular in the Odate area. Dog fighting enthusiasts in the area began to interbreed matagi inu with dogs indigenous to the area. These dogs, which later turned into the Akita, were called Odate inu at that time.

Before World War II
After the Meiji Restoration, people began to breed Akita with many dogs from other regions in Japan, such as the Tosa. The Meiji Restoration also ended Japan's closed door policy, and large, western dogs began to enter Japan. As a result, Akita were also bred with German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Mastiffs. This resulted in the breed losing many of its spitz-like characteristics. Akita were later bred with Hokkaido and Karafuto dogs (also known as the Sakhalin Husky), which were introduced to mainland Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War.
In the Taisho Period, people such as the mayor of Odate Town began a movement to preserve the Akita breed. By this time, the Akita had begun to turn into a mixed breed as a result of excessive breeding with other dogs. Watase Shozaburo, a Japanese zoologist that successfully proposed the Law for Protection of Natural Monuments (天然記念物保護法) also worked towards preserving the Akita breed. As a result, the Akitainu Introduction Foundation (秋田犬保存会) was created in May 1927 by the mayor of Odate, and nine Akita dogs were designated as natural monuments in 1931. In 1932, the faithful Akita dog Hachikō was featured in an article in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, which contributed to the popularity of the breed. When Helen Keller visited Akita prefecture in 1937, she expressed that she would like to have an Akita dog. An Akita called Kamikaze-go was given to her within a month. When Kamikaze-go later died because of canine distemper, his brother, Kenzan-go, was promptly sent to her. By 1938 a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but such activities stopped after World War II began.

The War and its aftermath
During World War II, the number of Akita dogs greatly diminished because of the lack of food. There were also orders to capture all dogs except German Shepherds in order to use their fur for warm army uniforms. Many people bred Akita with Alsatians to avoid capture. When the war ended in 1945, there were fewer than twenty purebred Akita dogs in Japan.
However, the Akita became quite popular during the postwar period. Many occupation soldiers liked the Akita, because it was by far the largest Japanese dog. The fact that Helen Keller had an Akita also became well-known when she came to Japan in 1948 and thanked people in Akita for the dogs she was given. Most of the Akita dogs at this time had many German Shepherd-like characteristics. These dogs are currently known as Dewa line, or Dewa type Akita.

Dog Breeds : Airedale terrier

2008-08-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Airedale terrier
Appearance

Weight: 20-33 kg 45-70 lb (with so-called Oorang Airedales, or "large type", from 60 to 100 lb)

Height: The Kennel Club (UK) cites: height at shoulder: Dogs should measure approximately 58 - 61 cm, bitches, 56 - 59 cm; American Kennel Club cites: Dogs should measure approximately 23-24 inches at the shoulder; bitches, slightly less

Coat: Outer coat hard, wiry and stiff, not so long as to appear ragged, undercoat shorter and softer; hardest coats are crinkling or just slightly waved; curly or soft coat highly undesirable.

Color: Black and tan

Litter size: 5-12 puppies

Life span: 10-13 years

Coat
Like many terriers, the breed has a 'broken' coat. The coat is hard, dense and wiry, not so long as to appear ragged, and lies straight and close, covering body and legs. The outer coat is hard, wiry and stiff, while the undercoat shorter and softer. Hardest coats are crinkling or just slightly waved. Curly or soft coats are highly undesirable. Because of this coat, Airedales do not significantly shed. Airedales being shown are generally groomed by stripping: a small serrated edged knife is used to pull out loose hair from the dog's coat.
The correct coat color is a black saddle, with a tan head, ears and legs; or a dark grizzle saddle (black mixed with gray and white). Both are acceptable in the AKC breed standard.

Tail
The Airedale's tail is usually docked (surgically shortened) within five days of birth, but this is not a requirement of breed standard authorities. To show an Airedale in the United States, the tail is expected to be docked, while in the UK it is illegal to dock dogs' tails unless it's for the dog's benefit (e.g., the tail is broken, if clipped). Traditionally the fluffy tail was left long.

Eyes
The Airedale's eyes should be dark in colour, small, not prominent, full of terrier expression, keeness and intelligence. Light or bold eyes are considered highly undesirable. http://www.akc.org/breeds/airedale_terrier/
Some Airedales do suffer from eye diseases, such as congenital retina condition.

Mouth
Airedales have a normal 'scissor bite', where the top teeth close over the bottom. Airedales' teeth are the largest among terriers, and can inflict a strong bite, though are unlikely ever to do on humans or other live animals.

Size
According to the American Kennel Club, Airedale terrier males should measure approximately 23 inches in height at the shoulder; bitches, slightly less. There is no mention of a specific weight, although the standard states that Both sexes should be sturdy, well muscled and boned. At 23 to 24 inches, a dog should weigh approximately 50 - 70 pounds, being active, agile enough to perform well, while not too small to function as a physical deterrent, retriever or hunter. But some breeders have produced larger Airedale Terriers, such as as the 'Oorang Airedale', developed in the 1920s.
"In Oorang comments #25, page 81, it states unequivocally that "When full grown your Airedale dog will weigh from forty to fifty-five pounds and if a female will weigh slightly less. This is the standard weight, but when required, we can furnish over-sized Airedales whose weight will be from sixty to one hundred pounds."
Because ex-Army captain, Walter H. Lingo tried to fill orders for everyone the Oorang strain size was never standardized. Airedales weighing from 40 to 100 pounds were produced, but for the most part they ran to 50 pounds and 22 to 23 inches at the shoulder.

Temperament
The Airedale can be used as a working dog and also as a hunter. Airedales exhibit some herding characteristics as well, and have a propensity to chase animals. They have no problem working with cattle and livestock. However, an Airedale that is not well trained will agitate and annoy the animals. Strong-willed, with the tenacity commonly seen in terriers, the Airedale is a formidable opponent.
The Airedale Terrier, like most Terriers, has been bred to hunt independently. As a result, the dog is very intelligent, independent, strong-minded, stoic, and can be stubborn. The Airedale is a dog with a great sense of humor. For those who can laugh along with their Airedale, the dog can provide a unique and entertaining company. For those who don't appreciate being outsmarted by their dog, owning an Airedale can be a trying experience. Patience and consistency in training will be rewarded as the Airedales have been known to reach great heights in competitive obedience, dog agility, and Schutzhund. Airedales can often be difficult to train. Being smart, Airedales pick up what is wanted from them very quickly; being smart, they do not want to keep repeating what they learned and can try to terminate a training session at the point when they "got it". Changing the routine at this point or taking a play-break is much more productive than trying to force the Airedale to continue as they are a stubborn bunch. Airedales require constant reinforcement, or they may decide to start ignoring commands. When training is resumed, they can quickly recover their acceptance of the command. Airedales are a stoic and intrepid breed and as a result, young Airedales exhibit a general lack of common sense and require training. For the same reasons, they need socializing with other dogs early.
Albert Payson Terhune wrote of the Airedale: ”Among the mine-pits of the Aire, the various groups of miners each sought to develop a dog which could outfight and outhunt and outthink the other miner’s dogs. Tests of the first-named virtues were made in inter-mine dog fights. Bit by bit, thus, an active, strong, heroic, compactly graceful and clever dog was evolved – the earliest true form of the Airedale."
He is swift, formidable, graceful, big of brain, an ideal chum and guard. ....To his master he is an adoring pal. To marauders he is a destructive lightning bolt."
They are also very loving, always in the middle of the family activities. Airedales are also known for expressing exactly what they are thinking, unlike more aloof breeds. The Airedale is also a reliable and protective family pet. Airedales are exceedingly loyal and strong dogs; there is one story of an Airedale taking down a bear to protect its master. They are very energetic, and need plenty of exercise.
The Airedale is also a stoic, able to withstand pain and injury, the Airedale’s hurts and illnesses often go unnoticed until they become severe and require veterinary attention.

Health
Mortality
Airedale Terriers in UK, USA, and Canadian surveys had a median lifespan of about 11.5 years, which is similar to other breeds of their size.
In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (39.5%), old age (14%), urologic (9%), and cardiac (7%) . In a 2000-2001 USA/Canada Health Survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (38%), urologic (17%), old age (12%), and cardiac (6%)

Morbidity
Airedales can be affected by hip dysplasia.
Like most terriers, they have a propensity towards dermatitis. Skin disorders may go unnoticed in Airedales, because their hard, dense, wiry coats. Itchy skin may be manifest as acral lick dermatitis (caused by licking one area excessively) or acute moist dermatitis or "hot spots" (an oppressively itchy, inflamed and oozing patch of skin, made worse by intense licking and chewing). Allergies, dietary imbalances, and under/over-productive thyroid glands are main causes for skin conditions.
An Airedale's coat was originally designed to protect the dog from its predators. So, the coat was designed to come out in the claws of the predator the dog was designed to hunt, leaving the dog unharmed. Because of this, some forms of skin dermatitis can respond to hand stripping the coat. Clipping the coat cuts the dead hair, leaving dead roots within the hair follicles. It is these dead roots which can cause skin irritations. However, hand stripping removes these dead roots from the skin and stimulates new growth. Hence this process can assist with some forms of skin irritations.
Gastric torsion, or bloat, affects Airedale Terriers. Bloat can turn and block the stomach, causing a buildup of gas. Bloat can be fatal, it can lead to cardiovascular collapse. Signs of bloat are gastric distress (stomach pain), futile attempts at vomiting, and increased salivation. Bloat usually occurs when the dog is exercised too soon after eating. They will eat up to 4-6 cups of food and are carnivores.

Drinkwell Big Dog Pet Fountain

2008-08-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Save worrying over your pet's well being by knowing they have their own waterfall of freshened water anytime they want it. The Drinkwell Big Dog Fountain filters and aerates continuously moving water to keep it much fresher than standing bowl water. Features: an adjustable flow rate, 288 oz. capacity, self contained (no need to connect to a water line), charcoal filter absorbs tastes and odors, no overflow if power is lost, pitcher-like spout creates a tall, long waterfall.
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #7911 in Pet Products [ full detail ]
* Size: Large
* Color: White
* Brand: Drinkwell
* Model: DW-200W
* Released on: 2007-06-11
* Dimensions: 19.00" h x 13.00" w x 10.00" l, 5.40 pounds

Features
* Designed, approved, and recommended by veterinarians
* Cleans the water
* Promotes urinary tract health for your pet
* Easy to set up
* 2.25 gallon capacity

Reviews :
Great Product Improvement
I had the previous version of the Drinkwell that held about a quart to half gallon less. The dogs (2 corgis) love this one the same as the the last one. One drinks from the flow and the other drinks from the basin. This unit is MUCH quieter than the previous one and I was able to re-use the water reservoir from the previous unit (one stays on the unit and the other stays next to it full.) People who visit think it is rather remarkable plus it makes it easy on our pet sitter. We purchased this unit because the other unit (5 years old) began to puddle from a leak around the motor and on occasion the impeller motor would stall (broken fins.) This unit has been running for over two months now and isn't exhibiting any quirks. Cleaning the unit isn't difficult and we get about 90 days out of the filter. I'd buy another and recommend purchasing it.

Dog Breeds : Aidi

2008-08-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Aidi
Appearance
Standing 21 to 25 inches (53-63.5 cm) in height and weighing around 55 pounds (25 kg), the Aidi's lean, muscular body is protected by a coarse, thick, weather-resistant coat with a heavy plumed tail. The head is bear-like and in proportion to the rest of the body. The breed has a tapered muzzle with a black or brown nose that usually matches the coat. Their jaws are strong with tight black or brown lips. The medium-sized ears are tipped forward and drop slightly. The eyes are medium, with a dark colour and dark rims. Coat colours are white, black, black and white, pale red, and tawny.

Temperament
The Aidi is energetic and highly protective and is said to make an outstanding watchdog. It is a powerful dog that is also agile, alert, and ready for action. As a sensitive breed, the dog should receive kind yet firm training.

History
The Aidi is recognized as coming from Morocco, probably originating in the Sahara. The dog has never worked as a sheepdog even though the 1963 standard was published under the name Atlas Sheepdog; this was corrected in 1969.

Dog Breeds : Africanis

2008-08-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Africanis
Appearance

The Africanis is a short-coated, medium-sized dog, well-muscled and slightly longer than tall. It can be of any colour and occasionally come with a ridgeback. The Africanis has over the years been shaped by Africa for Africa. Its beauty is embodied in the simplicity and functionality of its body. It is slenderly built, agile, supple, and capable of great speed.

Temperament

The Africanis is well disposed without being obtrusive: a friendly dog showing watchful territorial behaviour. The breed is independent and territorial, but highly trainable.

It is my experience that the Africanis is a marvellous pet and house dog. Guided by its instinct of subservience it will steal your heart before you realise it.

- Johan Gallant, President of the Africanis Society of Southern Africa (September 9, 2005).

Health

The Africanis needs neither pampering nor special food. It is consistently healthy and has, over the years, developed a natural resistance against internal and external parasites.

History

There is ample evidence that no canine domestication took place in Africa and that the traditional African dog is a descendant of dogs that had been domesticated in the East and came to Africa. Their earliest presence has been established in Egypt and dated at 4700 BC. Archaeological records show that, from then on, the dog spread rapidly along the Nile into Sudan and even beyond. At the same time, migrations, trade, and transhumance took it deep into the Sahara. By 2000 BC, this moving frontier stopped for a long period. Meanwhile, throughout the Egyptian dynasties, the breeding of swift and slender hounds together with a variety of common dogs became very popular.

For thousands of years, the aboriginal Stone Age San (Bushman) populations in Southern Africa hunted without the help of dogs. Although the Khoikhoi brought domestic sheep along a western migratory route to the Cape of Good Hope just before the Christian era, there is no conclusive evidence that dogs were part of their party.

The domestic dog first arrived in Southern Africa with the migration of the Early Iron Age Bantu speaking people. Dogs of Nilotic origin consecutively joined the Early and also Later Iron Age migrations. It is generally accepted that these migrations travelled along the Central Rift and the Lacustrine region. They followed tsetse-free corridors through Zambia and Zimbabwe to reach Botswana and finally South Africa. The earliest evidence for the presence of a domestic dog in South Africa has been established by Dr. Ina Plug, deputy director of the Transvaal Museum. The remains were found near the Botswana border and dated at 570 AD. By 650 AD the presence of the house dog is established in the Lower Thukela valley. By 800 AD it is part of a Khoisan settlement in Cape St. Francis, indicating that contact and trade between Bantu and Khoisan had been established.

For hundreds of years this exclusive primitive canine gene pool adapted to various conditions of the Southern African landscape and, through natural selection, evolved into ecotypes all belonging to the same landrace. It is sometimes argued that dogs brought by the Arab trade, Eastern seafarers, and Portuguese explorers might, over the years, have "contaminated" the traditional African dog. In other opinions, these chances are scant. Exotic canine influences became more likely after the colonisation of Transkei and Zululand during the 19th century.

The true Africanis is still found today in tribal areas where people maintain their traditional lifestyle. The fast-changing South Africa and the impact that this causes on rural societies, together with a certain disdain for the traditional dog and the status that the ownership of an exotic breed provides, poses an increasing threat to the continuation of the aboriginal Africanis. The Africanis Society of Southern Africa was founded to conserve this ancient gene pool. Conserving the Africanis as a land race stands for conserving biodiversity.

Today, the Africanis is recognized by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) as an emerging breed.

Dog Breeds : Afghan Hound

2008-08-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

Afghan Hound

Appearance
The Afghan Hound is tall, standing 24 to 29 inches (63-74 cm) in height and weighing 45 to 60 pounds (20-30 kg). The coat may be any colour, but white markings, particularly on the head, are discouraged; many individuals have a black facial mask. Some are almost white, but particolour hounds (white with islands of red or black) are not acceptable and may indicate impure breeding. The long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back in the mature dog are distinctive features of the Afghan Hound coat. The high hipbones and unique small ring on the end of the tail are also characteristics of the breed.

Temperament
The temperament of the typical Afghan Hound can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clownish when playing. The breed has a reputation among dog trainers of having a relatively slow "obedience intelligence" as defined by author Stanley Coren. The Afghan Hound has many cat-like tendencies and is not slavish in its obedience as are some other breeds. The Afghan hound has a leaning towards independence. Owners should not be surprised if their Afghan hounds sometimes choose to ignore commands. Although seldom used today for hunting in Europe and America where they are popular, Afghan hounds are frequent participants in lure coursing events and are also popular in the sport of conformation showing.

Health

Mortality

Afghan Hounds in UK surveys had a median lifespan of about only 6 years, which is similar to other breeds of their size.

In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (31%), old age (20%), cardiac (10.5%), and urologic (5%).

Morbidity and Health Concerns

Major health issues are allergies, and cancer. Sensitivity to anesthesia is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat.

Afghan hounds are also among the dog breeds most likely to develop chylothorax, a rare condition which causes the thoracic ducts to leak, allowing large quantities of chyle fluid to enter the dog's chest cavity.[citation needed] This condition commonly results in a lung torsion (in which the dog's lung twists within the chest cavity, requiring emergency surgery), due to the breed's typically deep, "barrel"-shaped chest. If not corrected through surgery, chylothorax can ultimately causing fibrosing pleuritis, or a hardening of the organs, due to scar tissue forming around the organs to protect them from the chyle fluid. Chylothorax is not necessarily, but often fatal. Most surgical options have roughly a 50% success rate, and multiple surgeries are common.[citation needed] While this condition is extremely rare, Afghan hound owners would be wise to keep this information at hand, as the condition can be difficult to diagnose. When selecting an Afghan hound puppy, it is also advised to inquire about chylothorax in the dog's lineage, as there is some indication that the condition may be genetic.

History

The breed was always thought to date back at least to the pre-Christian era, and recent discoveries by researchers studying ancient DNA have revealed that the Afghan Hound is in fact one of the most ancient dog breeds, dating back for many thousands of years. Its original native name, Tazi, betrays its connection to the very similar Tasy breed of Russia. The proximity of southern Russia and Afghanistan argues for a common origin for both breeds.

Initially, Afghan people refused to sell their national dog to outsiders; the breed was not seen in Europe and America until after the turn of the 20th century. The AKC and CKC did not recognize the Afghan Hound until the 1930s. Originally export of this dog was prohibited and the first to arrive in England and the United States was at the turn of the 20th century. Captain Banff imported "Zardin" from Afghanistan around this time and he was first shown at the Crystal Palace Kennel Club Show in 1907, making a tremendous impact.

In 1983, Chris Terrell was the last breeder-owner-handler to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with his Afghan Hound Ch. Kabik's The Challenger, also the last time a dog from the Hound group has been awarded Best in Show. An Afghan Hound has taken the top honor at just one other WKC Dog Show, in 1957.

On August 3, 2005, Korean scientist Hwang Woo-Suk announced that his team of researchers had become the first team to successfully clone a dog. The dog, an Afghan Hound, was named Snuppy. Later that year, a pattern of lies and fraud by Hwang Woo-Suk came to light, throwing in doubt all his claims. Snuppy, nonetheless, was a genuine clone, and thus the first cloned dog in history.

Dog Breeds : Affenpinscher

2008-08-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

Affenpinscher
Appearance
Weighing 7 to 9 pounds (3-4 kg) and not exceeding 11 inches (24-30 cm) in height at the withers the Affenpinscher has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red, black and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs); other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference.

Temperament
Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer subgroup of group 2 in the FCI classification and so often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and is also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored.

Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

Health
Mortality
A small sample (N=21) of Affenpinschers in a UK survey had a median lifespan of 11.4 years, which is a typical lifespan for a purebred dog, but a bit lower than most breeds of their size. The most common causes of death were old age (24%), urologic (19%), and "combinations" (14%).

Morbidity
The Affenpinscher can get hip dysplasia. As with many small breeds of dog they are prone to collapsed trachea, which is best avoided by walking the dog with a harness instead of a collar. Cataracts are occasionally reported.

History
The breed is German in origin and dates back to the seventeenth century. Its name is derived from the German Affe (ape, monkey). The breed predates and is ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois (Brussels Griffon) and Miniature Schnauzer.

Dogs of the Affenpinscher type have been known since about 1600 but these were somewhat larger, about 12 to 13 inches, and came in colors of gray, fawn, black and tan, gray and tan, and also red. White feet and chest were also common. The breed was created to be a ratter, working to remove rodents from kitchens, granaries, and stables.

Care
Affenpinschers need to be groomed two to three times a week because of their 1 inch coat.

Visiting the vet

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Transporting your puppy or dog
Few pets enjoy a visit to the vet, although the scents and smells of the other animal patients will probably be a bonus to a young puppy! It is best tot take your dog to the vet in a carrying case. If your pet is small or is still a puppy, you can take it to the vet in a special carrying box which will keep it safe and easy to handle while you wait your turn. Large dogs are more difficult to transport, although if you have a car a special cage can be fitted in the back. Your local pet supply store may have a selection of these.

Your pet’s records
The veterinary clinic will keep a record of your pet’s name, address, and medical details. The record will list information about all the vaccinations and treatment your pet has had. The vet can use the record to check what medicines have been used in the past.

Meeting the vet
Always keep your dog or puppy close to you in the waiting room as there may be animals that are ill or difficult to control. When it is your turn to go into the examination room introduce your pet to the vet by name and explain what the problem is. You can also ask your vet to answer any queries you have about your pet’s health.

Explaining what is wrong
You will probably know better than anyone else how your dog or puppy is feeling because of your close relationship. It will help the vet to diagnose what is wrong with your pet if you make a note of any changes you have noticed in its behavior.

The examination
The vet will ask you to lift your pet onto the examination table where it is easier to feel the dog’s muscles and bones, examine its mouth an teeth and take your pet’s temperature. With regular examinations and vaccinations, plenty of exercise and a balanced diet, your pet should be free of health problems.

In an emergency

2008-08-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Moving the dog to safety
If your puppy or dog is involved in a traffic accident you should act quickly. If necessary, remove your pet from immediate danger by gently placing a sheet underneath it and lifting it to a safe place. Contact your vet immediately and find out whether you should visit the clinic or wait for the to come to the scene of the accident.

First aid
Check for the dog’s pulse on the inside of its thigh. If the dog is having trouble breathing open its mouth and bring the tongue forward to check the airway is clear. If a wound is bleeding heavily, hold a clean cloth pad over it to stop the flow of blood. Keep the dog warm with blankets in case it goes into shock. A dog in shock or a lot of pain could bite without warning so you may have to muzzle your pet by tying a strip of cloth around its jaws.

Emergency first aid kit
This should contain essential items like tweezers, safe disinfectant, eye wash, antiseptic cream, adhesive dressing, and cotton batting.

Keeping your dog healthy : Part 2

2008-08-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Skin and coat
Your dog’s coat can tell you a lot about its general health. When you groom your pet you will notice any changes suck as bald patches, which could mean a skin infection. Your dog may be suffering from a mite infection, such as mange or eczema. If your pet has a skin problem, you should take it to the vet. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it will be for your vet to treat it.

Worming
All puppies and dogs must regularly be given medicine to protect them from internal parasites, such as tapeworm. Puppies can be infected by worms before and after birth and should be regularly wormed up to the age of five months. After that they can be rewormed every six months. Treatments for tape worm can be given every year to an adult dog. Your vet will be able to advise you about suitable worming medicines.

Fleas
Dogs and puppies can easily pick up fleas. If your dog is affected, you can treat the problem with sprays and powders from your vet or pet supply store. You should ask for a preparation that will kill both flea eggs and larvae. Your dog should also wear a special collar to kill fleas.

Treating your pet’s bedding
If there is a severe outbreak of fleas it is essential to treat your pet’s bed and any furniture that it likes to sit on using a spray or powder. This should also be a formula that kills both flea eggs and larvae. Another parasite, the tick, which is usually picked up in the countryside from farm animals such as sheep, can also be treated with a special spray.

Checklist-pet health
Check your dog’s ears and eyes every week for signs of infection. Ask your vet for advice on worming your puppy or dog. During grooming, check your dog’s coat carefully for bald patches. Buy your dog a special collar to help keep it free of fleas.

Keeping your dog healthy : Part 1

2008-08-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

First signs of illness
If you dog or puppy isn’t interested in its food or loses weight, you should contact your vet. Any obvious signs of ill health, such as constant scratching, or running eyes or nose should also be investigated by a vet. Puppies with diarrhea can become weak very quickly and should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Adult dogs with the same problem need treatment and possibly a change of diet. Older dogs do not require high protein foods and special dietary foods, available at pet supply store or your veterinary clinic, can be better for them. Ask your vet for advice.

Ears
One of the most vulnerable areas in a dog is its outer ear. If infections are not spotted they can spread to the middle and inner ear and be difficult to treat. It is important to get your puppy or dog used to having its ears examined regularly for signs of soreness or excessive dirt. If your dog has long, floppy ears it is likely to get more infections than breeds with small ears and regular cleaning is important to keep your pet healthy.

Eyes
Regularly wipe the area around your dog’s eyes clean. If your pet’s eyes are watering or are irritated or its tear ducts look blocked, contact your vet, because this can lead to serious eye infections.

Going on vacation

2008-08-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Taking your pet with you
Many guest houses and some hotels will take a pet dog as long as it it is under control at all times. You can find special books listing “pet-friendly” establishments in your library or at your local book store. Puppies rarely travel well and should not be moved unless it is absolutely necessary.

Using kennels
One alternative to taking your pet on vacation is to board it in a kennel. Your vet will probably be able to recommend a good establishment to you. Inspect the kennel first to make sure that it is suitable and that the animals already there are happy and healthy. Make sure that kennel staff will exercise your dog every day during its stay. Remember that you will need to show an up-to-date vaccination certificate for your pet before it will be accepted. A good kennel will not take a dog without a certificate.

Using a dogsitter
Another solution is to use a “dogsitter,” a friend, relative, or neighbor who will keep a daily watch on your dog and give it food and exercise.

Making your pet feel at home
Kennel staff are animal lovers and they will always try to make your dog feel at home. You can help by bringing your pet’s bed, blanket, and toys with you. It is essential that your dog gets the same kind of food as you give it at home. This can be arranged with the kennel owners who will either stock the same food or ask you to bring some with you.

Dog behavior

2008-08-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Providing exercise and toys

Different moods

Dogs use body language and sounds to communicate. If you study your dog closely, you will see changes in the position of its head and ears, the “look” in its eyes, the hairs on its tail, according to its mood.

Showing feelings

When your dog’s head and tail are up it is happy, It will wag its tail from side to side or even in a kind of circle when it is glad to see you. If its head is down and its tail is between its legs then it may be very unhappy. Sometimes this means your dog is being “submissive.” Which means that it is allowing another dog or a human to be in charge.

Guarding territory

When a stranger is in your home you will notice your dog’s hair thicken and “stand up,” particularly its back and neck. Your pet will often bark loudly and become very excited. This is your dog’s way of communicating its desire to defend your house.

In the home

All dog thrive on human company. They are pack animals, used to knowing their place within a group. Because of this, your dog may eventually come to believe it is “human” or that your family represents its pack. However, you must always remember that your pet is a dog! Understanding this will help you to keep your dog or puppy happy at home.

Mixing with other pets

Puppies will mix with almost any animal. Dogs that have lived in another home or with a breeder for a long time can be much more difficult to introduce into a new home where there is another animal. This depends very much on the breed and the age of the dog but a vet will advise on each case.
Introducing a new puppy

Introducing a new puppy to another dog has to be attempted carefully. Few happy and healthy adult dogs will show aggression toward a puppy, gut the introduction has to be taken slowly. An existing dog or cat will look on your home as its territory and will aggression from your existing pet should be discouraged and you should keep the animal under control at all times.

Introducing and older dog

When you introduce an older dog to a younger one they should be encouraged to play or exercise in an activity they can both enjoy. All food should be kept away from the meeting. All meals should be given separately for the first few days. Once there is fully acceptance of the newcomer by the existing pet, meals can given in separate dishes at the same time.

Dog and cat

Older dog, for example those that have been encouraged to chase cats from gardens, will show very friendly with your own cat and chase others away from your garden but this is because it is protecting its territory. Some dogs and cats will live together in harmony with no problems.

Breeding dogs and caring for the puppies

2008-08-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Providing exercise and toys

Breeding dogs

Unless you keep your dog specifically for breeding, you shouldn’t le it become pregnant. Not only you will have the worry and cost of raising puppies but you will have to find each of them a caring home, which may be very difficult.

Pregnancy

A female dog (bitch) and a male dog (dog) are first able to mate at the age of 6 to 12 months old. The bitch is said to be “in heat” at certain times and this means that she is ready to mate. The pregnancy will last for around 63 days. A vet can usually detect signs of pregnancy at around 22-30 days.

Preparing for the birth

A pregnant bitch requires extra food, vitamins, and minerals. From the sixth week of pregnancy she should be fed more often than usual. About two weeks before the puppies are due to born, you should make a warm comfortable bed for her to give birth in. A large cardboard box will do. The bed should be lined with lots of newspaper and placed in a quiet, private corner.

The birth

When the mother is ready to give birth, she will become restless and start to pant. This first stage of labor can last for several hours. The second stage is when the mother pushes out a puppy. A puppy is born about every 30 minutes. After each puppy is born it is followed by a placenta. This is what the puppy feeds from when it is in its mother’s womb.

When to call the vet

Most bitches can give birth without human help, but tell your vet as soon as labor begins so that you can get help quickly if the mother needs it. The birthing stage should not normally last for more than six hours, although large litters may take puppy, contact your vet.

The litter

There are usually between four and eight puppies in a litter. Shortly after the puppies have been born the mother licks them. This is to clean the puppies and keep them warm. The puppies soon begin to drink their mother’s milk which gives them all the nutrition they need at this stage.

The first days of life

Puppies are born blind an deaf and rely on their mother to keep them warm, especially during this period.

Weaning the puppies

The mother will require a highly nutritious diet while she is feeding her puppies. She will also need extra vitamins and minerals. When they are very young, puppies tend to sleep a great deal. As they grow older they become increasingly active and need more food. Gradually the puppies can be weaned off their mother’s milk onto solid food. This can begin from three to five weeks of age. When the puppies are eight weeks old they should be fully weaned.

Providing exercise and toys

2008-08-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Providing exercise and toys

Regular exercise

It is essential that you give your dog regular exercise to keep it fit and healthy. It is important not it over exercise puppies less than one year old, because their bones and muscles are still developing.

Walking on a leash

The best form of outdoors exercise is a walk on a leash, but you must have total control over your dog to keep your pet and others safe. When you are walking your dog or puppy keep it close to you and use the “heel” command to keep it under control.

Playing with toys

Toys are a good way of providing exercise. Store them in a special box and always make a fuss when you get them out. Keep the toys for set times as this is a good way of training and controlling your dog.

Providing exercise and toys

Using toys

Toys that your pet can run and fetch are the best. They teach obedience and encourage your dog to play with you for a reward. Every time your pet brings the back, praise it and offer it a treat. At first your puppy will ignore your commands. When this happens, it is best to put the toys away to teach your pet that it must obey you if it wants to play.

Choosing toys

Your pet’s toys should be nontoxic and made of strong, solid rubber or special nylon to prevent them from . Puppies can easily swallow stray bits and this can lead to choking. Dogs also enjoy playing with soft toys and can find them very comforting. Rag-type toys are especially good for your pet as they will help to clean its teeth.

Training you dog : Part 2

2008-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Teaching commands at home
Use a cheerful voice and address your puppy regularly by name. When your pet has learned its name it can be taught to come when called. Stand a little way off from your puppy and tell it to “come” using a confident tone of voice. You can also use visual signals such as patting your knee. To teach your puppy to sit, say “sit” clearly, then gently and firmly push push its bottom and back legs down into the sitting position.

Teaching commands outside the home
It is essential to keep your puppy or dog on a leash when you are teaching it new commands away from your home. This will prevent your puppy from getting lost before it has fully learned to come back at your command!

A collar and leash
All dogs and puppies should get used to wearing a collar and leash. Most dog trainers recommend a choke chain and short, strong strap leash for walking and training your pet.

Starting to walk on a leash
When your puppy is 12-15 weeks old you can begin teaching it how to walk to heel on a leash. While walking, keep your puppy close to your side. If your pet pulls, tell it to “heel” in a firm, clear voice and then return your dog to your side.

Learning with games
Some of the most rewarding training can be gained from “throw and fetch” games. They are enjoyable for your dog and can also be great fun for you. With some effort and patience you can train your dot to run and fetch a ball or toy bone and then sit and wait for a reward. Some dogs respond better to these games than others and you may be able to encourage your pet to “give” you the toy that it has brought back. This game will encourage obedience.

Avoiding trouble
You should not allow a game of “throw and fetch” to turn into a tug-of-war. By training your dog you are telling it that you are in control. If your dog grows stronger than you and refuses to give up its toy, your position of authority and your control over your dog will be weakened.

Training you dog : Part 1

2008-08-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Training you dog

It is very satisfying to have a well-behaved dog. Training your pet requires patience and understanding, but when your dog learns a new command it can be very rewarding for both of you. It is important to have complete control of your dog when it is out in public places.

The basic commands
Try to teach your dog the basic commands. These are “come”,”sit”,”walk to heel” and ”stay” . Always praise your dog when it obeys your commands. Try to keep some dog treats in your pocket as a reward on these occasions.

Starting to train your puppy
After three or four months your puppy should understand most of the basic commands and will enjoy responding to them. Older dogs that are untrained may take much longer. Your puppy will learn more readily while it is enjoying itself. Training sessions should be short and enjoyable.

Rewarding good behavior
Try not to become angry or disappointed with your puppy if it fails to respond to your commands. It will take many attempts to learn a new instruction successfully. Always reward your puppy with praise when it behaves well.

Grooming and handling : Part 2

2008-08-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Bathing your pet
Run lukewarm water into the bath. It should be deep enough to reach the top of your dog's legs. Lift your dog into the water and wet it from its head to its tail. Once the dog is wet, rub shampoo into its flanks and underside. A special dog shampoo is best. Most soaps and shampoos are too harsh for a dog's skin and can cause a skin rash. After soaping, rinse the attachment the water should be slightly warm. While your dog is still in the tub, drain the bathwater.

Drying your dog
Leave your dog in the empty bath tub for a few minutes so that it can shake off some of the water and then quickly dry it with old towels. Finish off with a blow-dryer set on low if you wish.

Clipping the coat
Some long-haired and terrier dogs need to have their coats clipped regularly. This should be done by professional dog groomers. Find a good groomer through your vet or from the telephone directory.

Claws
If you walk your dog on the sidewalk its claws will probably be worn down naturally. If claws grow very long they can make a dog lame. They will need trimming occasionally with special clippers which you can buy from a pet supply store. Your vet will be able to show you how to trim your pet's claws.

Grooming and handling : Part 1

2008-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Grooming and handling

Dogs should be brushed regularly to keep their coats healthy. Grooming will also help you to control your dog or puppy as brushing around your pet's head and shoulders is an important way of establising your authority.

Brushing and combing
Some breeds molt at certain times of the year and should be brushed or combed every day. This is the best time to check your pet for skin infections and fleas. There is a range of grooming tools available. Some multipurpose brushes and hand gloves or wire bristle brushes are suitable for fine or short-hired dogs. Most combs and deep brushes are recommended for long-haired or thick-coated dogs. Brush or comb through your dog's coat following the direction that its hair grows. Groom your pet's hind quarters and underside carefully, so that it learns to trust you.

Keeping your dog clean
Most dogs need a bath sometimes, although puppies just need to be wiped over with a warm, damp cloth. Bathing needs to be done carefully. It is good idea to ask someone in your family to help you to control your dog. Some dogs enjoy a good bath and rubdown while others behave as though their lives are at stake! If you make bathtime a fun family occasion it will help to put your pet at ease.

Feeding your dog : Part 2

2008-08-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

A balanced diet
There are many different types of prepared dog meals ranging from dried “complete” foods to canned foods. Older dogs need less exercise and may benefit from dried “complete” foods, because they do not need as much protein. Younger dogs, especially healthy active puppies, require more protein in their meals and will benefit from a mixture of prepared foods and fresh food.

Feeding scraps
Dogs should never be offered food at your dining table. Any scraps (especially meat and vegetables) should be added to your dog's food dish. It is a good idea to mix table scraps with your dog's usual food, otherwise your pet could come to prefer your food and leave its own uneaten! Feeding your dog lots of tidbits may make it overweight and unhealthy.

Treats
Don't give your pet too many treats. They make a good reward during training, but not all the time.

Feeding your dog : Part 1

2008-08-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

The young puppy

A growing puppy needs four moist meals a day. These can include scrambled eggs, boiled fish, and prepared puppy foods. Most prepared puppy foods have been developed to meet the dietary needs of very young dogs. Read the feeding instructions on the can carefully to check the amount of food that is needed by your breed. If you buy your puppy from a breeder, you will be given a diet sheet for your new pet. Puppies of large breeds may benefit from calcium and vitamin supplements. Your vet will be able to advise you about these.

Checklist

Wash your pet's dishes every day.
Read the feeding instructions on your pet's food carefully.
Ask your vet for advice on vitamin supplements for your puppy.

Making your dog comfortable : Part 2

2008-08-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Settling your puppy in

Everything will be new and strange to your puppy, so try to protect it from too much fuss. Don't let younger brothers and sisters pester your pet. The puppy will need peace and quiet to help it to settle.

The first few days

Few puppies settle immediately on their first night and there could be some crying or howling. Your puppy will find life very different away from its mother and the litter. If you show your pet plenty of love it will soon happily accept its new family.

Your pet's bed

A cosy bed with a warm blanket will soon make a new puppy feel settled. You can buy various types of bed from your pet supply store. The most common types are made of molded plastic or wicker. Plastic beds can be easily washed and cleaned and usually come in a wide range of sizes. Wicker baskets are less practical because young dogs often chew them.

Feeding dishes

Heavy pottery or stainless steel bowls are best for water and food. Dishes should be washed thoroughly every day, because bits of uneaten food can carry germs. Make sure your pet always has a bowl of fresh, clean water to drink.

A collar and leash

A leather dog collar can be worn indoors and outside. A choke chain and collar will be needed for leash training. Collars should be a good fit, and not too large or too tight for your pet. A name tag showing your telephone number on your dog's collar or a modern “chip” are essential because they will help you to trace your pet if it is missing.

Making your dog comfortable : Part 1

2008-07-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

Taking your new puppy home
Ideally, your puppy should be about ten weeks old when it is taken form the litter. Any younger, and important social skills, such as play and feeding, that it learns from its mother and the rest of the litter, will not be fully developed. This can lead to troublesome behavior as your puppy develops into a mature dog. Take your new puppy home in a special carry case or wrapped in a blanket on your knee. Always have some tissues in case the puppy is car sick.

House breaking your puppy
As soon as you arrive home, offer your puppy the chance to relieve itself outside. If the weather is cold and wet, stand your puppy on some newspapers indoors. Praise your pet when it uses the newspapers. Ignore it if it soils any other surface unless it is outside the home. The puppy will soon realize that it must only use the newspapers.

Going outside

Eventually, you can reduce the newspapers to one sheet at the back door and this can removed altogether when the dog learns to relieve itself outside. House breaking your pet could take up to four or five weeks depending on the breed of puppy and its age.

Understanding your dog : Part 2

2008-07-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hearing

The ears of a dog vary in shape depending on the breed. Some are long and floppy, like the Cocker Spaniel's, while others are smaller and pricked, like a terrier's. Regardless of ear shape, a dog's hearing is much sharper than a human's. Your puppy or dog can detect high pitched sounds which you can't hear.

The dog's coat

A dog's coat acts as a protective layer. Some breeds have very fine hair while others have a wiry or coarse coat. There are also so-called “hairless” breeds that have a thick, protective skin rather than a coat of hair. Some breeds molt while others, such as many terriers, do not. This is worth taking into account when choosing the ideal breed for your family.

Teeth

A dog has 42 teeth. They are specially developed to allow dogs to tear and chew meat and gnaw bones Dogs have large fangs, called canines, at the front of their mouths. Wild dogs use these as weapon to attack their prey.

Claws

A dog's claws grow continually and can cause your pet discomfort if the are not kept to a reasonable length. If your dog walks regularly on concrete its claws may naturally wear down. Otherwise they will need regular trimming. Your vet will be able to advise you about this.

Understanding your dog : Part 1

2008-07-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

The dog's skeleton

The dog's skeleton is made up of tow main type of bone; long bones that are located in the spine and flat bones which are found, for example, in the skull and pelvis. Although all dogs have the same basic skeleton, their bones do vary in size and shape form breed to breed.

Sight

The dog's eye has upper and lower eyelids with a duct to drain away fluid and a third eyelid which helps to keep the surface of the eye clean. The dog's eye has developed from the time when packs hunted at dusk and light was limited. In semidarkness the dog's eye reflects back light and this enhances any slight movements in the distance.

Sense of smell

A dog's sense of smell is much more developed than a human's “Sniffing” is a very important part of a dog's life. When dogs meet each other, smelling is part of there greeting. A dog also uses smell to mark out its territory. When your dog or puppy urinates it leaves its scent and, by doing so, marks its territory which other dogs can smell when they visit the same spot. A healthy dog has a wet nose. This helps it to detect smells.

Choosing the right dog for you.

2008-06-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Small dogs or big dog?

Some of the smaller terriers and spaniels make excellent pets for families that live in a town or city. They are easy to train, need only modest amounts of food, and can be handled by the smallest of children under parental supervision.

Large dogs need big homes, plenty of exercise, and strong handlers, Outdoors, especially if distracted by scents or other dogs, large dogs could send young members of the family sprawling or yank a lead from a weak hand and run free.

Pedigree or mongrel?

Breeders of pedigree dogs usually have a clear idea of their animal's likely personalities. It may be difficult for you to guess a mongrel's final size or personality accurately. Discuss the kind of dog you want with your vet and get advice on the most suitable breeds.

If you want to show your pet professionally, it is best to buy a registered pedigree animal, which can be expensive. Of course, you can show any pet dog, including a mongrel, in a junior pet competition.

Male Dogs or Female Dogs

Male dogs roam more than female dogs. However, male dogs do not come into “season,” time when bitches are “in heat” and ready to breed. When bitches are “in season” they should be isolated from male dogs to prevent unplanned matings.

Bitches are usually less aggressive and more homeloving than dogs. Male dogs are more active when young but settle down as they get older. Dogs scent and mark their and mark their territories with urine, but Female dogs are much less likely to behave in this way.

Choosing Dogs breed (Part 2)

2008-06-01T02:34:00.000-07:00

Terriers
This class of dog includes Airedales, Borders, Cairns, Jack Russells, and West Highlands Whites. Terriers are small, strong-minded dogs and are happy and energetic by nature. They are also extremely alert and can make excellent watchdogs. Terriers tend to be easy to train and are extremely loyal dogs. They need daily exercise, but not as much as the larger working dogs. This makes them ideal pets for the town or city. With firm handling, terriers can make lovely family pets and are usually good with other dogs and children.

Toy dogs
These include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. As their name suggests, toy dogs are small but they have great characters. Toy dogs are lively and intelligent. They do not need a great deal of exercise but they usually demand a lot of attention from their owners.

Utility dogs
These include some easily recognized breeds, such as Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Shih-tzu, and Poodles. Sizes can vary dramatically within each breed, especially in the Poodle group which includes small to fairly large dogs. Some, like the smaller Poodles and Dalmatians, can make good family pets while others, such as the Bulldog, are very strong and can be too difficult for children to handle properly.

Choosing Dogs breed (Part 1)

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Choosing Dogs breed : Gundogs

These include Golden Retrieves, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Red Setters, Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, and Springer Spaniels, In general, these dogs are medium-sized and are cheerful and intelligent. They make good family pets, especially Retrievers, which are well known for their gentle nature.

Choosing Dogs breed : Hounds

These include Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Irish Wolfhounds. Hounds vary tremendously in size depending on the breed. Basset Hounds can grow to 14 in in height whereas Irish Wolfhounds are about 30 in tall! Hounds are lively and can make good family pets, although some of the larger breeds can need firm handling.

Choosing Dogs breed : Working dogs
These include Boxers, Border Collies, Welsh Corgis, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, and St. Bernards. Apart from the Corgi which stands at 12 in tall, the dogs in this group are medium to large and need a lot of exercise and control.

Choosing Dogs breed : Handling working dogs
The larger breeds in this group are very strong and can be difficult to handle if not fully trained in obedience skills. Working dogs are generally affectionate and protective toward family members but it is important to get your puppy from a good breeder to make sure it is just as good natured with strangers and other animals.

Choosing Dog Breed : Domesticated Dogs

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Selective breeding
Several thousand years of selective breeding, probably with a number of wild animals, such as the gray wolf and the jackal, has produced the wonderful variety of dog breeds that is available today.

Different breeds
There are working dogs such as retrievers, pointers, herders, and hunters. In addition to these, a great many ornamental and toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug, have been developed.

How modern dogs have developed
Modern dogs have been finely trained to guide the blind, pull sleds, round up sheep, search for smuggled goods, track down criminals, and rescue people from treacherous weather conditions.

Performing tasks
Most breeds have been developed with a particular task or characteristic in mind. A gundog usually has a waterproof coat, sharp eyes, and a well-developed sense of smell. Dogs that control cattle often have short, powerfully muscular front and hind legs. Hunting hounds are small with short legs, a deep chest, and a strong head. Racing dogs are sleek, fine-boned and short-haired. Mountain dogs, used to rescue people in bad weather conditions, are usually massive animals a large head and thick coat.

American Shorthair Cats

2008-04-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

The American Shorthair has been nicknamed the "All-American" breed. Its origins follow the line of many American purebreds, which first arrived in America aboard the boats of Pilgrims from Europe in the early 17th century. The American Shorthair was originally bred to rid the vessels of rats, which plagued the passengers with diseases, and ate the ship's stored food.

An excellent hunter, the cunning, intelligent, American Shorthair is as affectionate as it is active, adapting well to other pets and getting along very well with children and large families. The American Shorthair is known for its robust constitution, keen intelligence and kind, adaptable disposition. Easily disciplined and trainable, it is a quiet, easy-going and loving breed, the ideal all-around indoor or outdoor pet, adapting well to any given living conditions or environment. They purr loudly when they are content. They are fine looking felines who will be eager to become an active part of the family. Overall, they are rather low maintenance, healthy, and pleasant cats. They have an average life span of about 15 years.

American Shorthairs are medium to large cats, generally averaging nine to 12 pounds, with a powerful and rather muscular build that is sturdy and solid, yet lithe, graceful and extremely athletic. The males are generally larger than the females, weighing up to 15 pounds. Both males and females achieve their full growth generally between three to four years of age. Their chest is wide and hind legs are thick, ending in a tail of medium length and width. The face of the American Shorthair is wide and full in the cheek area, set off by large, rounded eyes which vary in color from gold to copper, green to hazel, blue or even bi-colored, with each eye bearing a completely different color. The coat is short and dense, thickening slightly in winter, and ranges dramatically in color and pattern. This popularly rated cat's most common coat is the classic tabby pattern in red, brown, and even silver. Sometimes the coat can be black and silver.

Miniature Pinscher

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Country of Origin: The Miniature Pinscher (also known as the ‘MinPin’ or ‘MiniPin’) is a German breed; ‘Pinscher’ is German for ‘Terrier’. The Miniature Pinscher does not descend from the Doberman Pinscher; this is a common mistake because the Doberman was introduced first to the U.S. The Miniature Pinscher is actually the older of the two breeds and is the likely source breed for the Doberman. The Miniature Pinscher descends from the German Pinscher, from whom it derives its black and tan coloring, the Dachshund, from whom it derives its courage and red coloration, and the Italian Greyhound, from whom it derives its playful demeanor and graceful gait. The earliest evidence of the Miniature Pinscher is a painting from the 1600’s of a small red dog similar in appearance to the MiniPin. The Miniature Pinscher was originally bred for small size, which resulted in a less appealing appearance than today’s dogs. The Miniature Pinscher’s popularity in its native Germany dipped in the early 1900’s; its survival was mostly due to Miniature Pinschers which had been exported to the U.S. prior to World War I. The Miniature Pinscher was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1929 and is today one of the most popular toy show dogs.

Size: The Miniature Pinscher has a shoulder height of 25-30 cm (10-12.5 in) and weighs 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs). Miniature Pinschers have a wide muzzle, narrow head, and erect ears, which may be cropped. They have small, round ‘cat feet’ and an erect tail which is usually docked. The Miniature Pinscher has a smooth, graceful gait.

Coat: The Miniature Pinscher has a smooth, short, lustrous coat which can be red, stag red, chocolate with tan markings, or black with tan markings. Some standards allow blue and fawn.

Character: Miniature Pinschers are alert, bold, spirited and lively. They are extremely energetic; some consider them to be the most energetic of all breeds. Miniature Pinschers are known to act far larger than they really are. They are eternal puppies. The Miniature Pinscher is fearless and loyal, with strong guard and protection instincts. The Miniature Pinscher prefers to let its owner know when it wants to be handled; if it feels pestered it may bite.

Temperament: The Miniature Pinscher gets along fine with children, provided it is not pestered by them, in which case it may bite. Small children should be cautioned and supervised to protect the dog from injury. Some Miniature Pinschers are aggressive with other dogs and strangers, but this behavior is not common if proper socialization has taken place.

Care: The Miniature Pinscher is easy to groom; it requires only a periodic brushing to remove dead hair. Miniature Pinschers are not well insulated against the cold. Due to the MinPin’s vermin hunting instincts, small objects such as bottle caps can present choking hazards. Miniature Pinschers are prone to obesity; proper nutrition and exercise are important. The Miniature Pinscher has a lifespan of 12-14 years.

Maltese

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Size: about 9" tall (shoulder)

Weight: usually 4-7 pounds

Color: white, sometimes with lemon or tan.

Origin: debatable. See below

Modern Purpose: companion

Historical Purpose: mouser

The Maltese is a breed whose origins are shrouded in antiquity. There are several different versions of their history. One thing is for sure, they have been popular for millennia! Art objects dating back as far as 5000 to 10 000 years show similar dogs. They may have originated in Asia, or perhaps the ancient Egyptians bred the ancestors of the Maltese. It is believed that the Phoenicians introduced the breed to the island of Malta around 500 B.C. and the breed derives its name from this island. Malta provided an environment relatively free of outside influences, allowing the Maltese to retain their unique characteristics. The Maltese were favourites of the Greeks and Romans and were carried everywhere their human companions went (little has changed since!) Renaissance paintings show that the Maltese were popular in Italy. They were known in Britain in the 16th century and may have been brought there by invading Romans or returning Crusaders. Maltese are possibly the oldest of Europe's toy breeds and are widespread throughout the continent (It is no wonder that the breed travelled so far and wide, as CoCo can't walk around the block without drawing admirers!). Maltese have always been lap dogs, favoured by the nobility across time and cultures, but some historians say that Maltese were also once renowned for their rat-catching abilities!

There is some debate whether they are of terrier, bichon, or spaniel stock, but the Maltese have also been known as the Maltese Terrier and the Bichon Maltaise. The American Kennel Club began registering Maltese in 1888 and by 1994 the American Maltese Association, the parent club for the breed in the U.S., had over 500 members. Maltese also remain popular in Europe, as well as in Canada and Japan.

Maltese are small dogs, usually 25 cm (10 in) tall and weighing 1.8 - 2.7 kg (4 - 6 lb). They have a long, straight, silky white coat which can reach all the way to the ground. Small areas of lemon coloured or light tan markings are also common, especially on the head. Their hair is parted down the centre from their nose to their tail. The tail is a long-haired plume carried gracefully over the back. When they wag their tails, Maltese look like they are waving a fan! Their eyes are dark brown, and they have a black nose, black eye rims, and black lips. These dark features contrast with their white fur to give Maltese the appearance of stuffed animals! Their toe pads are also black.

There is a slight difference between American and English Maltese. American Maltese tend to be smaller and finer boned, with shorter muzzles and a different coat texture.

Maltese are among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs. They are affectionate and form very strong bonds with their owners. CoCo comes to kiss me goodnight every night before he goes to sleep! Maltese are also intelligent and alert. CoCo uses growls, snorts, yips, and barks to get my attention and communicate with me. He can be very stubborn and insists on getting his own way! Maltese are very clean animals and are easily trained. CoCo wipes his face after every meal (on the furniture if I fail to provide him with a tissue!) and cleans his paws like a cat every day.

Like all toy dogs, Maltese are lively and playful. They are sturdy, strong little dogs and seem to be without fear, but children need to take care not to injure them. Maltese are undaunted by larger dogs and may get themselves (and you) into trouble! CoCo's favourite games are hide-and-seek and tug-o'war. He also very much enjoys tearing up and chewing paper. He enjoys a wide variety of chew-toys, including rawhide, beef chews, pig ears, and the occasional item of clothing (usually just to get attention!).

Maltese are a fine pet for those with limited accommodations because their exercise needs are minimal. CoCo spends most of his time in my condo, but loves to go out and play.

Maltese can also be quite choosy about their food and may prefer their owner's food to their own. CoCo will only eat one brand of wet food and two kinds of dry food, although he will eat just about anything that I do! He of course eats chicken and meat, but he is also very fond of fruit and vegetables. His favourite treat seems to be gruyere cheese! He only eats dry food just before he goes to bed, and always carries it around the house to eat it in front of me! CoCo has a preference for cold, fresh water. When a Maltese drinks, a great deal of water ends up in his or her beard, and this can be quite a shock when they come to kiss you right after drinking!

Maltese require frequent grooming, but usually become accustomed to it as puppies and learn to enjoy it because of their desire for companionship. They need to be combed at least once a day. Their long hair can get tangled into very tenacious mats, especially if they have been playing. These require patience to untangle with fingers, comb, and scissors. Their head hair can be tied in single or double topknots, but it is best if this is done right from puppyhood or they may find the bows annoying.

Show dogs have long hair reaching right down to the ground, but this can be too much work for most owners. Maltese often have short or semi-short ("puppycut") hair to make grooming easier. The hair on the bottom of their paws must be trimmed or else they will slip on it (and it can also get very dirty). The long hair inside their ears must be pulled out regularly or the ears will become dirty and infected. They should also have their teeth brushed regularly with dog toothpaste. CoCo quite enjoys the taste of the toothpaste, if not the brushing itself!

Maltese require bathing every two to four weeks to keep their coats bright. Their long hair must be dried thoroughly afterwards or they could get quite ill. Maltese are subject to "eyestains" due to their white fur. Tearing caused by dust and pollen stains the fur around their eyes. Females sometimes stain more when in season. This is not a health problem, but it can look messy. Commercial preparations such as Diamond Eye can be used to clean the fur. Alternatively, the eyes can be washed with a commercial preparation or warm water to soothe them (although perhaps not the dog!).

All in all, the Maltese makes a lively and personable companion that's always fun to be around.

Note: the above article was originally submitted to NetPets for their breed info library in 1996 by Jessica Lee. 

Japanese Chin

2008-04-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

Family: companion

Place of Origin: Japan

Date of Origin: ancient times

Avg Size of Male: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds

Avg Size of Female: Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds

Original Function: lap dog

Primary Current Function: companion

Other Name: Japanese spaniel

The Japanese Spaniel is a dainty, fine-boned breed with a square shape. It has a short muzzle and wide nostrils. Its wide-set, protruding eyes are almond-shaped and dark with a touch of white, giving the impression of surprise. The Chin has a questioning expression with an Oriental appearance.This aristocratic pup has folded v-shaped ears, and its tail curls over its back.Both its ears and tail are feathered. Its gait is elegant, lively, and high-stepping.The Japanese Chin’s thick coat is long, straight, and silky. Its fur forms a thick ruff around the neck and chest. The fine coat sticks out from its body and is usually colored in white with patches of black, red, yellow, orange, sable or brindle. The breed typically has a white spot on its forehead known as Buddha’s Thumbprint, due to the Buddhist Emperor Ming of Han China who owned many Chin’s.

Jack Russell Terrier

2008-04-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 13-17 lbs

Height: 12-14 inches

Color(s): predominantly white with tan, black, or brown markings

Coat: The Jack Russell Terrier has a dense double-coat that comes in three varieties:

smooth, rough, and broken. The smooth coat has an outer-coat that is short and stiff.

In the rough coat the outer-coat is longer. The broken variety is used to describe both dogs with outer-coats of

different lengths or dogs that have longer hair on specific parts of the body.

The Jack Russell Terrier is primarily white with black, tan, or tri-color markings. They shed constantly.

Overview: The Jack Russell Terrier or Parson Jack Russell Terrier originated in England in the 19th century.

Their name derived from the Reverend John Russell, a hunting enthusiast, who was the first person to breed them for fox hunting.

The Jack Russell Terrier is exceedingly adept at digging and burrowing into foxholes and dens.

Character: The Jack Russell Terrier is sturdy, hardy, and robust in appearance. They are outgoing with a keen expression.

They have an inquisitive nature. This compact breed is very vocal but is never "yappy". They are fearless and are completely unaware of their small stature.

Temperament: The Jack Russell Terrier is a loving and devoted breed. They are spirited, lively, amusing, and energetic. They get along with older, well-behaved, considerate children. They are not recommended for children under eight years of age. They do not get along with other pets.

Their natural hunting instinct brings out their aggressive nature. They are highly intelligent and bold. Their courage often leads them into dangerous situations that may lead to fatal results. The Jack Russell Terrier requires an extraordinary amount of human attention. They are not well suited for a two career family.

Dachshund

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Overview: The Dachshund was originally developed in German hundreds of years ago. They were originally bred for hunting Badger, hence the name Dachshund. "Dachs" is the German word for Bader. The elongated body and the shortened legs were bred into this dog to dig the prey out and go inside their burrows forcing them to leave their dens. The Miniature variety was bred to hunt hare and stoat. This breed has also been known to hunt foxes and otters along with the badger.

Character: Dachshunds are a very clownish breed and can be very mischievous at times. A very intuitive dog, the Dachshund is now most commonly seen as a companion rather than a hunter. This breed loves to be around people and should never exhibit signs of aggression or timidity. The Dachshund is an all around friendly dog, is very outgoing, and is sure to steal the hearts of everyone he meets.

The Dachshund is a fun loving dog, tenacious, and lively, but can become jealous and be very irritable. This breed does not do well with smaller children, but can do very well with older and more considerate children. Due to his small size and tiny legs, this breed should not be placed in a home with larger dogs unless they were raised around each other. The Dachshund has the tendency to become jealous, however can do very well with many other toy breeds in the home providing they are not snippy.

Weight: 11-32 lbs

Height: 5-9 inches

Color(s): solid red, sable, or cream; black and tan, chocolate and tan, wild boar and tan, gray and tan, or fawn and tan, brindle

Chihuahua

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The Chihuahua takes its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Most folk pronounce the name, "Chee wa wa." It is an ancient breed. Images of dogs that look like Chihuahuas have been found carved on stone in the Huejotzingo Monastery between Mexico City and Pueblo. It's possible that the monks kept dogs to keep rats away.

It is thought that the breed occurred naturally and was not the result of man deliberately trying to reduce the size of the dogs by selective breeding.

These pocket-sized dogs make great pets for small houses & small gardens. They can live in a flat and use a cat litter tray. They prefer to be indoors in cold weather. They can be carried around, but that is not good for a dog! Some children are too rough to play with such a tiny dog.

Small dogs can yap a lot, so it's important to let the dog get used to strangers and strange noises while young. It's sometimes the smallest dogs that kick up the most noise if an intruder comes!

Chihuahuas can have short, smooth coats, or long coats. They can be any colour, or mixed colours. The long-haired Chihuahua has a wavy coat with a mane around the neck. The hair on the tail is long and the tail is held high, curling proudly over his back. The short-haired Chihuahua is short-haired all over, and needs no grooming.

Weight: 2 to 6 pounds (2.7 kg or less.)

Height: 5 inches

Class: Toy

Brussels Griffon

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Description :

The distinctive feature of a Griffon is its pug like face. The nose is quite short and turned up, diminishing the muzzle almost entirely. Large, prominent eyes are another pug-like feature as is the undershot jaw. The head should be large, round and have a domed forehead. If cropped, the ears are pricked but if natural, the ears are semi-erect. It should be noted that ear cropping is not carried out in Great Britain. The ears should be small and high set. Wide set eyes should be dark in colour and have black rims and long lashes. The nose is also of black pigmentation, as are the lips. Being undershot, the jaw causes the lower incisors to cover the upper incisors. It is a large jaw and the lower half is broad. Neither the tongue nor teeth should show, as the lips should form a clean, close finish. Thick set and short, the body begins with a broad, deep brisket and should have a level back. The neck is of a medium length and is arched. Straight boned and of medium length, the legs are moderately widely set and muscular with short pasterns. In the hind leg, the hocks are let down and do not turn in or out. Round and compact, the feet should have black pads and nails. If docked, the tail is docked short and should be high set emerging at right angles from the topline. If undocked, the same and of moderate length, curving gently over the back in movement.

Beagle

2008-04-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Description :

A hardy, sturdy squarely-built, small hound. The Beagle has a sleek, easy-care, short coat, which can come in any hound color, for example, tri-color, black and tan, red and white, orange and white, or lemon and white. The coat is close, hard and of medium length. The beagle looks like a small English Foxhound. The skull is broad and slightly rounded, and the muzzle is straight and square. The feet are round and strong. The black nose has full nostrils for scenting. The long, wide ears are pendant. The brown or hazel eyes have a characteristic pleading expression. The tail is carried gaily, but never curled over the back. Beagles have a distinct howl / bay of a bark when they are on the hunt.