Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Boxers :)


Color Overview
Recognized Colors of the Boxer Dog:
Fawn - comprised of a variety of tones
Brindle - a 2 tone color
White - not considered standard by some dog clubs
Additional Color Markings:
White
Black - appearing the the dog's face. These are the only colors of a purebred Boxer dog. This breed does not carry the DNA for a solid color black.


Personality

The boxer is known for being very active, happy and playful. The Boxer dog makes a wonderful family pet, as this breed is known for its love of children and interaction with people. A quick learner and very intelligent, the Boxer performs wonderfully at dog agility shows and most owners do not find command or house training to be a big obstacle. This clever breed is often chosen to perform as guide dogs for the blind or as police dogs. This breed has some very unusual, yet amusing behavior.














Appearance
The boxer dog is a medium breed dog, with a compact and powerful looking body. This breed has a short and shiny coat. In some, but not all regions of the world, the tail is docked and the ears are cropped. There is a popular bloodline of the Boxer dog which naturally has a very short, tail called a bobtail. The body of a Boxer is squared off, with a strong neck and a high tail. The boxer dog gets its unique look from a lower jaw that extends out past the upper jaw. The boxer has black eyes, a wide black nose and black facial markings on the muzzle. Folds are apparent on the face, beginning at the base of the nose and carrying through to the sides of the muzzle.














Health Problems

Each breed of dog is more susceptible to certain diseases than other breeds. Keeping an eye out for the early symptoms of these health issues is a huge step toward a fast recovery. Possible health complications for the Boxer may be heart problems or thyroid issues. Regular veterinarian checkups are vital; particular after the age of 8. From that point on, the Boxer is the top breed to have tumors. Early detection is vital.







Grooming

With the short and sleek coat of the Boxer dog, shedding is kept to a minimum. Grooming involves many aspects including baths, brushing, and Dental care; which some owners underestimate as to how important it is to Boxer health. Keeping your Boxer clean helps to keep your Boxer dog healthy.














Feeding

A proper diet is vital to the health of your Boxer dog; in all stages of life: as a growing puppy, an active adult and a senior dog. Each stage requires different feeding schedules. We discuss the value of wet VS dry dog food, dangers of too much food at one time and other feeding issues to keep your pet Boxer healthy.

Russian Blue Cats :)



Russian Blues are scared of strangers, and will hide when company comes over. This breed is fussy about its litter box, and wants it kept very clean. If the box is dirty, a Russian Blue may decide to eliminate elsewhere. Russian Blues can be very independent. The Russian Blue are not believed to be related to other short-coated blue breeds, like the Korat, Chartreux or the British Shorthair. The Russian Blue cat breed is apparently a very old breed, originating naturally rather than though selectively breeding-though for most of the twentieth century the breed was developed selectively in the US in the twentieth century, including through out-crosses with other breeds.
While it is generally agreed the breed originated in Russia, its exact origins are less certain. The most common theory is that they originated at the port at Archangelsk Isle, which is in the north of Russia. Some legends say that the cats were feral and were hunted for their coats. Yet despite this legend of the breed's rough and tumble origins, it is also said that the breeds were kept by both Russian czars and English kings and queens. One legend even says that one cat acted as a charm to help heal a sick young Russian prince.


The Russian Blue has a distinctive plush double coat which is silky soft like the fur of a seal. This graceful elegant cat is a bright even blue colour with silver tipped guard hairs giving it a silver sheen. The Russian Blue has vivid green eyes and a mauve or lavender pink nose leather and paw pads. Their whisker pads are prominent which sometimes makes them look like they are smiling.








The Russian Blue has a quiet sometimes shy although very affectionate personality. They are very soft spoken and you rarely hear them speak. They are very well suited to indoor life.
The Russian Blue's quiet tranquil personality may best suit a family with the same characteristics. They are very loyal and become devoted to their owners.
The Russian Blue is an intelligent cat, playful and sweet. They like to join in family activities.
Russian Blue History
Much of the Russian Blues' early history is unknown although they are thought to have originated in Russia. An earlier name for them was the Archangel Cat, as they were believed to come from a port city in Russia named Archangelsk. They were first imported into England in the late 1800s.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Shih Tzu :)

DESCRIPTION
This small sturdy dog, like the Lhasa Apso, is covered over with an abundant double coat of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat. This proud looking little dog has hair above the nose growing upward, creating a "chrysanthemum" face. The head is rounded, with a profuse beard and mustache, short hairy muzzle, and black nose (except in liver-colored dogs which have liver noses). There is a definite stop. The eyes are large, round and wide-set, dark on most dogs but lighter on liver and blue colored dogs. The pendant ears are so covered with hair that they blend right into the body coat. The teeth should form a level or undershot bite. The topline is level and the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. Dewclaw removal is optional. The heavily plumped tail is curled over the back. Any color is acceptable, though white on the forehead and tip of the tail is preferred by most dog show judges.





EXERCISE
The Shih Tzu need a walk only once in a while. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat.

GROOMING

These little dogs require a good daily grooming using a bristle brush. A topknot is usually tied with a bow so that the dog can see properly. Some owners prefer to have them trimmed to make the coat easier and less time consuming to care for. Keep the ear passages and area around the eyes clean. Shih-Tzu's have sensitive eyes that should be keep clean. There is special drops you can buy to put in them if needed. Ask your vet what to use on your dog. This breed sheds little to no hair and are good for allergy suffers if their coats are kept very well groomed. (Due the fact that they shed little skin dander.)

HEALTH PROBLEMS

They tend to wheeze and snore. Some bloodlines are prone to ear, eye and respiratory problems. Spinal disc disease caused by a long back and short legs may be a problem. Their teeth need regular veterinary attention, as they tend to be lost early. These dogs gain weight easily and should not be overfed.


PRONUNCIATION


We commonly pronounce the Shih-Tzu as SHEET-sue, however, the actual original Chinese translation is - sure-ds
In the Chinese pronunciation the "ds" is pronounced the same as the "ds" at the end of the word "Words". It is Chinese Mandarin, and translates directly to "lion". That is where the term "lion dog" comes from. The moniker "chrysanthemum dog" and "sheet-sue" are common in America, but are both inaccurate American renditions of the original Chinese.
These littlest pups are probably the cutest dogs to have. SHIH TZUS ROCK!! :)

I went into my local pet store the other day and they had the MOST gorgeous little kittens EVER.

They were sooo soft and fluffy with the cutest big blue eyes you had ever seen!

The sign said "Ragdoll Kittens" I wanted to take one home right there and then UNTIL I saw the price tag!!! $1500!! That is ALOT of pocket money!

So, here is a little bit of information I have researched on the beautiful Ragdoll Kitten .


RAGDOLL

The Ragdoll is an American Breed created in the 1960's by cat breeder Ann Baker.
They have a very relaxed and gentle temperament.
They love affection and human company.
Unlike most cats, ragdolls will follow their owners and greet them at the door, some people have nicknamed them 'puppy cats' because of this.
Ragdolls should never be allowed outdoors alone as they are quite placid and won't defend themselves in an attack from other cats/dogs.
Surprisingly Ragdolls coats are very easy to maintain, requiring brushing maybe once a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. This and good nutrition should maintain a beautiful, soft, fluffy coat.
Ragdolls come in 6 different colours SEAL,CHOCOLATE,FLAME,(and mixes of) BLUE, LILAC and CREAM. There are 3 different patterns pointed , mitted and biclour.
They sound like the perfect cat to have as a pet, except for one thing....... The price!!
Hmmmmmmm, I wonder how many times I have to set the table and make my bed to save $1200!!!!!

The Border Collie :)



BORDER COLLIE








DESCRIPTION
The BORDER COLLIE was bred in England Wales & Scotland. They are used as sporting dogs, herding dogs & as pets. They are theFont size smartest breed of dog and are easy to train.
TRICKS AND TRAINING
The BORDER COLLIE is one of the easiest dogs to train. They need lots of exercise and need lots of room to run around in. For a while, they have been used as working dogs. They were bred to work on farms to help farmers herd sheep & stuff.
DIET
BORDER COLLIES and other dogs aren't allowed to eat Macadamia nuts and other nuts, Raisins Grapes, Onions, Chocolate, Alcohol, Human drugs, medicines, vitamins, etc. Human cleaning products, Antifreeze, Anything high in salt, Anything high in sugar or corn syrup, Caffeine, Leftover bones from fish, steak, pork, or chicken & Uncooked salmon.