Gentle and dignified, the Saint Bernard is one of the most popular giant breeds. Its powerful and muscular build contrasts the wise, calm expression. The breed has either long or short hair, ranging in color from a deep to a more yellowed brown, with white markings always present.
Physical Characteristics Being powerful and well muscled, the Saint Bernard has the qualities required to travel through deep snow for miles. This tall and strong breed has an imposing stature. Its expression makes it look intelligent. The St. Bernard's coat, meanwhile, can be one of two varieties: one is smooth with dense and tough short hair and the other is longer with slightly wavy or straight medium-length hair. Personality and Temperament Even though the Saint Bernard is not very playful, it is patient, gentle, and easy-going with children. It is willing to please and shows true devotion to its family. Sometimes the dog displays its stubborn streak. Care The daily exercise requirements of the Saint Bernard are met with short runs and moderate walks. The dog is best when raised outdoors, keeping it away from smooth surfaces. Oversized puppies, which are brought up indoors, are susceptible to hip problems. The Saint Bernard is not tolerant of heat; in fact, it loves cold weather. It does best when given access to the yard and the house. The coat requires weekly brushing and more frequently during shedding season. In addition, many St. Bernards have a tendency to drool. Health The Saint Bernard, which has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, may suffer from major health problems such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, osteosarcoma, distichiasis, entropion, and ectropion. It is also prone to minor health issues like heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), diabetes, seizures, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), and hot spots. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip, elbow, and eye exams on the dog. History and Background Originating from the Roman Molossian dogs, the Saint Bernard developed into the impressive life-saving dog from 1660 to 1670. During this time, the first batch of these big dogs were brought to the St. Bernard Hospice, which was a refuge center for travelers moving between Switzerland and Italy. Originally, the breed helped in turning spits, pulling carts, and may have acted as companions or watchdogs, but soon the monks discovered that the dogs were exceptional pathfinders in snow. A Saint Bernard would track lost travelers, lick the lost person's face, lie next to him to provide warmth, and help revive him. The dog served this prized role for more than 300 years and saved as many as 200 lives. The most renowned of the St. Bernard dogs was Barry, who saved some 40 lives. Prior to this dog’s death, the Saint Bernard were known as "Hospice Dogs," among other names. However, when the famous Barry died, the dogs were named Barryhund, after him. In the early 19th century, numerous dogs died due to disease, severe weather, and inbreeding. In 1830, a few of those remaining were crossed with Newfoundlands, creating the first long-coated breed of the Saint Bernard variety. It appeared that long hair could protect the dog in very cold snow, but it was a hindrance as the snow stuck to the coat. Therefore, the long-haired varieties were not used for rescue work. St. Bernards were exported into England in the mid-1800s, and were first referred to as the "Sacred Dog." By 1865, the breed was commonly referred to as Saint Bernard, and was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885. At this time, U.S. dog lovers took a fancy to the breed, making the Saint Bernard extremely popular by 1900. The dog remains one of the most popular giant breeds today.
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The elegant and stylish Skye is a working terrier. Often recognized for its courageousness, determination, and long straight coat, the Skye Terrier is a great choice for someone searching for a small indoor terrier that enjoys outdoor activities.
Physical Characteristics The solidly built Skye Terrier is twice as long as it is tall. Its short legs enable it to pursue game such as badger and fox easily, and its long back gives it flexibility in small spaces. The Skye Terrier also has strong jaws and a close undercoat. Its straight, flat outer coat, meanwhile, grows to about five inches in length and is usually black, blue, gray, fawn, or cream in color. Personality and Temperament Don’t be fooled by the dog’s soft appearance; it is extremely courageous and makes for an effective watchdog. The stubborn yet sensitive Skye Terrier is also loving towards its family but very wary of strangers. And even though it mixes well with other household dogs, it does not get along with dogs it does not know. Care The Skye Terrier is most comfortable living indoors as a house dog. However, it should be allowed outside to play daily. Also, to maintain its peak physical form, a daily short or moderate walk is required. Coat care involves regular combing, and unlike other terriers, a regular bath is necessary and won’t soften the coat much. Health This breed survives for approximately 12-14 years and may suffer from minor ailments like premature closure of distal radius. History and Background The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest terriers in Scotland. The purest strain of such dogs was seen on the Isle of Skye, which explains how they got their name. The breed was described for the first time in the 16th century, when its long coat made it noteworthy. There is some confusion in delineating its history as there were many breeds that were known as Skye Terrier. In 1840, the actual Skye Terrier became well-known when Queen Victoria took a fancy to the breed. Thus, the dog gained more popularity among commoners and in the higher circles of society. Soon it arrived in the United States and with the American Kennel Club giving the breed recognition in 1887, it became popular in the show scene. In spite of the dog’s striking features and its illustrious start, its popularity started diminishing and today, it is one of the least known of the terriers. Greyfriars Bobby was the most renowned Skye Terrier -- he guarded his owner’s grave for 14 long years until he met his own death. Today he lies buried next to his master’s grave. A wonderful statue of this Skye serves as a perfect tribute to of one of the most faithful dogs. The Whippet is one of the most popular of the hunting dogs. A member of the sighthound class of hunting dogs, it is bred to hunt by sight. The Whippet's keen wide range of vision gives it the ability to zero in on its prey, whereupon it breaks into a fast run to apprehend it. What makes this breed truly outstanding is its particular affection for humans. Athletic and enthusiastic while at exercise or play, the Whippet is docile and tranquil at home, and especially patient with children and friendly with guests.
Physical Characteristics The Whippet possesses a lean body with long legs, enabling it to run at a very high pace to cover a lot of ground within a very short time with the smallest amount of energy expended. They have a low to the ground pace that is free-moving and vigorous. Their double-suspension gallop and flexible body language enable them to run easily at a speed that is much faster than any other breed. In full motion, the Whippet's body is fully extended, with all four feet off the ground. Indeed, this type of suspension gait enables the Whippet to virtually fly over land. Standing at an ideal height of 18-22 inches, the Whippet has a medium-sized, clear curved body, which is square-proportioned, with a slightly tucked in waist, and a bit longer than taller. The neck is long and muscular, supporting a long, slender skull and muzzle. These are the essential physical characteristics of the Whippet. Highly agile, these dogs can quickly change direction as needed. Always alert, Whippets have a very keen expression to their face, an effect that is quite pleasing. The coat is close to the body, accentuating its elegant and proud carriage. The Whippet's short coat and skin type make it a good fit for people with mild allergies. This breed produces a light oil on its skin, resulting in less dander and minimal shedding. Personality and Temperament The Whippet is one of the more obedient breeds, known for its ease in adapting to home life. Ease of training, gentle temperament, and a friendly nature make the Whippet an ideal companion dog. Best suited for energetic families who can make the time to play with them regularly, the Whippet repays this attention with affection and a high degree of faithfulness to their masters. Whippets quite enjoy a quite evening relaxing at the foot of their masters, as well as being in the company of vivacious, though not overly rambunctious, children. Running outdoors freely is one of the Whippet's favorite activities, but care must be taken to protect them from areas that are open to street thoroughfares. Care Whippets do not require a great deal of maintenance. However, as an athletic breed, they do need to be taken out for exercise regularly, with a combination of running and walking. Because they are natural sprinters, they cannot run for prolonged distances, but they thrive when they are able to run with some freedom and space to get to their top speeds. These dogs love to play in the snow but cannot stand cold weather for a long time and cannot be kept as outdoor pets owing to their short coats and lack of heat retaining body fats. The main part of their time should be in a warm environment, with an access to a soft bed inside the house. Regular grooming should be part of overall care, though Whippets do not tend have the typical body odor that is associated with dogs, again owing to their short, fine coat. Health Whippets generally have a life-span of about 12 to 15 years. Like many sighthounds, they are sensitive, and prone to barbiturate anesthesia and lacerations. Some of the problems that can occasionally be seen in this breed are eye defects and deafness. Eye problems are a major health concern for this breed. Hence, eye tests should be part of their regular health screenings History and Background The most popular of the English sighthounds, the Whippet is also hallmarked as a true racer. However, they have failed to reach the level of popularity the Greyhounds have in the field of racing. Having a keen eye, developed sense of smell, and flexible body, the Whippet can easily track its target, run it down, and deliver it safely to its master. Whippets are directly related to the Greyhound, and are though to be a crossing of Greyhound and various hunting terriers. Their development is thought to have begun in earnest in the mid to late 1800s, when the demand for a breed with the abilities of a Greyhound became more pronounced. Most working class families could not afford to keep Greyhounds, however, so the smaller, less demanding Whippet filled that need. The Whippet quickly proved itself useful to the family larder. Expert at coursing (hunting) for rabbits and other small game, the Whippet grew in popularity, and the breed was fine tuned over the years, gaining breed recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888, and The Kennel Club of England in 1891. For a time Whippets were also employed for entertainment purposes, especially after the public's fancy with the more barbaric sports of bull baiting and dog fighting passed. Their sight and speed made them sporting fun for enclosed hunting games, whereby peasants competed for the largest number of rabbits that could be snapped up by their Whippets within a closed area. Called "snap dog" contests, even this relatively composed sport drew the ire of animal protectionists, who felt that it was unsporting to enclose the rabbits for hunting, giving them no hope for escape. During the historical Industrial Revolution the Whippet began to be bred in larger numbers. This was mainly due to the fact that rural workers who were moving to the industrialized areas needed a mode of entertainment for themselves. Referred to as the poor man's race horse, Whippets were used for "rag racing" contests by coal miners and factory workers. Over time, they came to be more commonly kept by families as companion dogs rather than solely for entertainment. An Alaskan Husky is not in actuality a breed of dog, but rather a category of dog. All breeds of highly efficient sled dogs fall under the Alaskan Husky category, as the Alaskan is the breed of choice for world-class dog sled racing and sprint competition. The majority of Alaskan Huskies have pointy ears and a tail that curls over their backs.
Physical Characteristics Alaskan Huskies resemble Siberian Huskies in appearance. Males range from 40 to 60 pounds and females average 35 to 48 pounds. Because the Alaskan Husky is more a general category than a strict breed, it comes in any color and any pattern of markings. The Alaskan Husky is larger and leaner than the similar looking Siberian Husky. Where Siberians often have blue eyes, or a combination of blue and brown, Alaskans’ eyes are generally brown. It has good vision and a strong nose due to the inclusion of sight-hound in their genetics. Swimming and retrieving do not come naturally to the Alaskan Husky, but it can jump up to six feet from a sitting position. Personality and Temperament The Alaskan Husky tends to vary as much in temperament as it does in appearance. It is often affectionate with people as well as other dogs, and is are known for their enthusiastic cuddling. Though the Alaskan Husky is usually thought to be a "jumper," it usually jumps on people out of affection, not dominance. The Alaskan Husky is loyal but fiercely independent, and will not stick close if let off-leash. It is an adventurer at heart and loves car rides and changes in routine. It can be willful and mischievous, and difficult to housebreak without a firm hand leading them. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend with a dog, an Alaskan Husky will not be the breed for you. Care An Alaskan Husky’s coat tends to be self-cleaning, much like the similar Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky. Therefore, it doesn’t tend to get stinky and only need infrequent bathing. Shedding occurs once a year as a seasonal event during spring; it does not lose hair year-round. The Alaskan Husky is extremely energetic, with seemingly unquenchable endurance. It does not do well in an urban apartment environment as it need a constant source of exercise. A spacious home with a large yard is ideal for the Alaskan Husky. Health The Alaskan Husky lives approximately 12 to 15 years. It is generally considere to be healthy breed, but tends to fall victim to certain strains of genetic health problems similar to those found in purebreds. These may include progressive retinal atrophy, which culminates in blindness and hypothyroidism, and a congenital deformation of the larynx, which causes the dog to make a wheezing sound when breathing; earning Alaskan Huskies the nickname "wheezers." History and Background The Alaskan Husky, though not a recognized breed on its own, originates from the cross-breeding of multiple other breeds. The purpose of breeding an Alaskan Husky is to create the best working dog possible, so the bloodlines will depend on the specific purpose the Alaskan Husky will be used for. A racing sled dog, for instance, may be any combination of husky and purebred pointer or hound, depending on the need for distance or sprinter speeds. Originally, Alaskan Huskies were developed by mushers (the human dog sled racers) from the different bloodlines of native Inuit dogs. Some of the main breeds used now in developing Alaskan Huskies include the Eskimo dog, Siberian Husky, Greyhound, and German Shorthaired Pointer. The German Pinscher is a medium-sized, short-coated dog. An excellent watchdog and companion, it combines elegance and strength with endurance and agility.
Physical Characteristics Having gained status as a watchdog and loyal companion of ideal size, the German Pinscher is a popular pet. This medium-sized dog has a muscular, square build and is generally fawn or black and blue in color. Its lightness makes it very agile, though it derives its strength from its solid body type. The dog’s sensitive senses allow it to hunt throughout the day. Once it finds a rodent, it can easily catch and kill it. When it is suspicious about a stranger, it will bark until the person withdraws. Personality and Temperament The German Pinscher is affectionate, playful, and good with children. However, it is suspicious of strangers and may not be suitable for homes with small pets, particularly rodents. The tenacious, courageous, and lively German Pinscher looks after its master’s property, regardless if it has been trained to do so. Its tendency to bark is not meant as a nusiance, but a warning to housemates of oncoming intruders. And although it is a quick learner, it will only obey under its own volition. Care The grooming requirements for the German Pinscher is fairly simple: the occasional brushing and wash. German Pinschers love to be involved in family activities and hate to be left in the kennel or alone. They are very dedicated to their family, their devotion going to the extent of supervising housework, providing entertainment in the evenings, guiding gardening, and sharing their master’s bed. As the dog is full of energy it should be given good mental and physical exercises or it can get bored and frustrated. Health The German Pinscher, which has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, is not troubled with any major or minor health problems. However, hip and eye tests are suggested for this breed of dog. History and Background The German Pinscher, one of the reputed Pinscher breeds, originated from two older breeds: the German Bibarhund (from the 1200s) and the Tanner (from the 1300s). These strains were crossed with Black and Tan Terriers in the 1600s to produce the Rattenfanger, a good watchdog and versatile working ratter. This dog then became the Pinscher, remaining a hard-working breed for many centuries and held in high regard for its ability to catch rodents. The late 1800s saw the advent of dog shows and the growing popularity of the Pinscher. In 1884, the breed standard for the Pinscher was chosen for the first time. The breed did gain popularity from dog lovers initially, causing their numbers to quickly diminish. The World Wars also hindered efforts to register, count, and exhibit Pinschers. By the end of World War II the breed was nearly extinct, not a single Pinscher litter registered in West Germany between 1949 and 1958. In order to survive, the Pinscher had to depend on the Miniature Pinscher, its descendent. In 1958, the Pinscher-Schnauzer Klub of West Germany chose and registered four oversized Miniature Pinschers. Three separate "MinPin" males were bred with a Pinscher female that was secretly smuggled from a place in East Germany, where Pinschers could still be found. Nearly all present-day German Pinschers are descended from these dogs. In the late 1970s, German Pinschers were introduced to United States. The American Kennel Club first placed the breed in the Miscellaneous class in 2001; two years later the German Pinscher was placed in the Working Group. A massive powerhouse of a breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned and awe-inspiring dog bred by the Romans as a guardian and defender of owner and property. Today the Neapolitan Mastiff is considered an affectionate family pet and excellent guard dog, but it may not mix well with other animals in the home.
Physical Characteristics The Neapolitan Mastiff, with its alarming appearance, is said to have been bred intentionally to frighten intruders. The dog’s loose skin, dewlap, and dark coat colors (gray, black, mahogany, or tawny) makes it look even larger than it actually is. It can, however, jump to action with incredible speed when required. The giant and muscular body is good for knocking down an intruder, while its enormous head and powerful jaws was meant to hold or smash an opponent. Due to its loose skin, some perceive the dog to have a scary expression. Personality and Temperament For many centuries, the breed was used as a family guardian, thus making the Neapolitan Mastiff a truly devoted, watchful, and loyal dog, which is wary of strangers and tolerant of familiar people. It loves to stay at home and show affection towards children, but its huge size can lead to accidents. The Neapolitan may not mix properly with other dogs, particularly the dominating types. However, this can be rectified if the dog is trained to socialize at a young age. Care Even though the dog does not need a great deal of physical exercise, it requires plenty of space to live. One cannot expect the giant Neapolitan Mastiff to force itself into small living quarters. The breed is fond of the outdoors but does not do well in warm weather. Just like other giant breeds, its veterinary, boarding, and food bills can be quite high. Obsessive house cleaners should also think twice before getting such a dog, as the breed often makes messes with its food and drink, and tends to drool. Health The Neapolitan Mastiff, which has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years, is susceptible to major health issues such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD),demodicosis, and cardiomyopathy, and minor concerns like "cherry eye" and elbow dysplasia. To identify some of these issues early, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, elbow, and cardiac exams for this breed of dog. It should also be noted that Neapolitan Mastiff breeding usually requires Caesarean delivery and artificial insemination. History and Background Large, muscular, and powerful dogs, in the tradition of the giant war dogs of Asia and the Middle East, have existed since ancient times. These dogs were used to guard homes, control livestock, and fight lions, elephants, and men in battle. Alexander the Great (356 to 323 B.C.) distributed some native animals in the regions he conquered and interbred some of them with shorthaired Indian dogs, resulting in the Molossus, which was the progenitor of several modern breeds. These Molossus dogs were acquired by the Romans after they conquered Greece. And in 55 B.C. the Romans took a liking to the boisterous mastiffs of Britain, which bravely fought to defend their country. These two breeds were crossed to produce an excellent variety of war dog and giant gladiator, commonly referred to as "Mastini." The breed was perfected in southern Italy’s Neapolitan area, when they guarded homes and estates. But little of the breed was known in the rest of the world until 1946, when the dog was displayed in a dog show in Naples. Instantly enamored with the breed, Dr. Piero Scanziani of Italy established a breeding kennel to rescue the dog from obscurity. He later codified the breed's standard and requested that the FCI (Federation Cynologique Interantionale) and the Italian kennel club recognize the breed as Mastino Napoletano. By the mid-20th century, Italian immigrants had introduced the breed to several European countries and the United States, but it wasn't until 1973 that the Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America was formed. The American Kennel Club approved a standard in 1996, and in 2004, the dog was admitted into the Working Group. Xolo, 'Mexican Hairless Dog'
Popularly known as the "Mexican hairless dog," the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced shoh-loyts-kweent-lee) belongs to one of the oldest of the dog breeds, and is in fact believed to have been brought to the Americas during the monumental migration of humans across the Bering Strait an estimated 12,000 years ago. Physical Characteristics As mentioned above, the Xoloitzcuintli (or Xolo) is often referred to by its nickname, the Mexican hairless dog. This is generally a spot on reference to the Xolo’s normal lack of hair, though many Xolos are in fact born with a light coating of hair. This also serves to make the Xolo one of the hypoallergenic breeds. Even those that are born with and keep their hair have a close, flat coat. The preferred colors for the Xolo are darker shades of gray, red, bronze, brown, and varying shades of black. Thus far, the Xolo is a product of evolution rather than selective breeding. The Xolo may be one of three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. The toy size stands at a height of 10-14 inches at the withers; the miniature at a height of 14-18 inches at the withers; and the standard at a height of 18-23 inches at the withers. The body type is rectangular, with a slightly longer body length than height, waist tucked up. The neck is gracefully long with a wedge shaped head, tapered muzzle, and naturally (uncropped) pointed ears. For Xolos that belong to the hairless variety, there may still be some small amount of short hair on the top of the head, feet and at the end part of the tail. For coated Xolos, the hair covers all of the body, but does not grow long. Personality and Temperament Prized as both a companion and guard dog, the Xoloitzcuintli maintains a calm demeanor even as it remains attentive to its surroundings. It is an intelligent breed, and generally takes to training easily, as long as the training is gentle and consistent. The Xolo will not respond well to harsh training methods. While the adult Xolo is known for being composed and relaxed, the Xolo puppy, like many young animals, is more high energy and will require more daily exercise and attention – and lots of chew toys. If this is given appropriately and as needed and training is consistent and enforced with affection, the Xolo puppy will grow into an admirable and reliable representative for its breed. The Xolo does retain some of its more primitive characteristics, chiefly as a hunter of small game, so its environment should be one in which it will not be able to easily escape (e.g., high fences, closed gates). Humans have long believed that the Xolo’s warm, soft skin radiates healing energy, so as part of its natural evolution has been in alignment with its human companions, the Xolo has developed a strong sense of tranquility and patience with humans. The Xolo is believed to relieve the pains associated with rheumatism and head pains, as well as to help relieve insomnia. Care The Xoloitzcuintli needs very little grooming. Generally, a soft, warm cloth to cleanse the skin is sufficient. Exercise needs are moderate. Daily walks or jogs and outdoor play during warm weather will benefit the Xolo’s health. Skin care should be undertaken carefully, with regular checks to make sure the skin has not become too dry. Skin care products, lotions, shampoos or anything that has the potential to irritate the skin should be avoided. With these precautions in mind, keeping your Xolo safe from harsh sunlight, as well as protecting it from cold temperatures will be main concerns. Because they are sensitive to climate, Xolos are considered indoor dogs. They should never be left outdoors for long periods of time. During cold seasons, your Xolo may be more comfortable wearing a sweater, and of course, spending as little time outdoors in the cold as possible. Health As a result of its natural evolution, the Xoloitzcuintli is a vigorous and healthy breed, with very few health concerns. As previously mentioned, the skin should be protected from chemicals, sun, and temperate changes. When products are needed, stick to skin care products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin (like baby sun block, baby lotion, etc.). It is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before using anything new on your Xolo’s skin. History and Background This little dog with the complicated name dates back some 3,500 years ago, to the time of the Aztecs. Thought to have gone extinct at one point because of its rarity, the Xoloitzcuintli made a come-back in the dog breed world in the 1950s after a campaign was waged to save the breed from obscurity. It is believed by some archeologists that the Xolo was brought to the Americas by people who migrated from the Asian continents to [what is now] the North American and South American continents, hypothetically settling as the first residents of the continents and holding their spot as the "natives" until later Europeans arrived. The name Xoloitzcuintli is a portmanteau of Xolotl, the name of an Aztek Indian god, and Itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog. Perhaps because of the Xolo’s easygoing and comforting personality, the people who chose this breed as a companion bestowed upon it the favor of the gods, giving it a creation history that rivaled man’s own narrative. Lovingly referred to by dog fanciers as the Yorkie, the Yorkshire Terrier is a miniature dog breed developed in England in the mid-19th century. Though small in stature, the Yorkie's large personality brings a love for adventure, activity, and affection to every human family that is lucky to have one in their lives.
Physical Characteristics The Yorkshire Terrier has a confident carriage, a compact body, and a sharp, smart expression. The hallmark of the Yorkie is its coat color: a clear shade of tan with a dark steel blue hue. This coat, which is fine, silky, long, glossy, and straight, may be cut in various styles, but is generally trimmed to floor length for dog competitions, giving it a neater and more elegant appearance, and easing its movement. Personality and Temperament Although the dog may be small in size, it is bold, curious, and always ready for an adventure. Yorkies are known to be stubborn and can be assertive towards small animals or unfamiliar dogs, a reflection of its terrier heritage. And while the Yorkie has a tendency to bark excessively, making it an excellent watch dog, it can be trained to remain quiet as well. Care The Yorkie loves to exercise, often playing indoors without much encouragement. It should regularly be taken outside for short leash-led walks, however. The dog's long coat requires brushing or combing every other day to avoid tangles ot rubbish getting caught up in the coat. The Yorkshire Terrier is primarily an indoor dog - it is not a breed that should be allowed to live outdoors. Health The Yorkie, with a lifespan of approximately 14 to 16 years, is prone to minor health problems, such as patellar luxation. Occasionally, tracheal collapse, portacaval shunt, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Legg-Perthes disease are seen in this breed. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run eye and knee tests, along with a liver ultrasound. History and Background Originating in England’s Yorkshire area, the Yorkshire Terrier does not resemble a ratter or a working dog, but it is a combination of both. It was believed that the Yorkie was not produced accidentally, but came to be through intentional crosbreeding of a wide range of terriers, including the Clydesdale Waterside, Paisley, Skye, Dandie Dinmont, and rough-coated Black and Tan English Terriers. Among its most important progenitors, the Waterside Terrier was a small blue-gray dog with long hair, weighing between 6 and 20 pounds (most commonly about 10 pounds). It was brought to Yorkshire by weavers who migrated from Scotland to England in the mid-19th century. Initially, wealthy dog fanciers despised the Yorkshire Terrier because of its humble roots. However, it wasn't long before the Yorkie graced the stage at dog shows and became the lap dog of choice for the British elite, mostly due to its beauty, elegance, and size. The Yorkie was introduced to the United States in 1872, but there was confusion early on about the dog's standard size. The weight of early Yorkies ballooned to as much as 12 or 14 pounds. By 1900, Yorkie fanciers in England and America set a preferable standard size -- an average of three to seven pounds in weight. The combination of its size and its terrier traits, make this beautiful lap dog a wonderful pet addition for any family today. Fast Facts Type:Mammal Diet:Herbivore Average life span in the wild:25 years Size:14 to 19 ft (4 to 6 m) Weight:1,750 to 2,800 lbs (794 to 1,270 kg) Giraffes are the world's tallest mammals, thanks to their towering legs and long necks. A giraffe's legs alone are taller than many humans—about 6 feet (1.8 meters). These long legs allow giraffes to run as fast as 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour over short distances and cruise comfortably at 10 miles (16 kilometers) an hour over longer distances.
Typically, these fascinating animals roam the open grasslands in small groups of about half a dozen. Bulls sometimes battle one another by butting their long necks and heads. Such contests aren't usually dangerous and end when one animal submits and walks away. Giraffes use their height to good advantage and browse on leaves and buds in treetops that few other animals can reach (acacias are a favorite). Even the giraffe's tongue is long! The 21-inch (53-centimeter) tongue helps them pluck tasty morsels from branches. Giraffes eat most of the time and, like cows, regurgitate food and chew it as cud. A giraffe eats hundreds of pounds of leaves each week and must travel miles to find enough food. The giraffe's height also helps it to keep a sharp lookout for predators across the wide expanse of the African savanna. The giraffe's stature can be a disadvantage as well—it is difficult and dangerous for a giraffe to drink at a water hole. To do so they must spread their legs and bend down in an awkward position that makes them vulnerable to predators like Africa's big cats. Giraffes only need to drink once every several days; they get most of their water from the luscious plants they eat. Female giraffes give birth standing up. Their young endure a rather rude welcome into the world by falling more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) to the ground at birth. These infants can stand in half an hour and run with their mothers an incredible ten hours after birth. Giraffes have beautiful spotted coats. While no two individuals have exactly the same pattern, giraffes from the same area appear similar. Physical Characteristics
The Abyssinian belongs to the ticked or agouti breed, both terms used for the cat's type of fur. Its distinctive feature is its silky, multicolored coat, which is a combination of several colors on each hair shaft. Each strand of hair has dark colored bands, contrasting with the light colored bands, and ending with a dark tip. This gives the cat its ticking appearance, and makes it stunning to look at. The Abyssinian is medium in size, with well developed muscles and a graceful walk. It also has strikingly, almond-shaped eyes, which are gold or green in color. Personality and Temperament Though a born beauty, this cat is not for show. Courage, a natural curiosity, and high spirits mark out the Abyssinian. It is not a cat that enjoys being handled extensively. It has an independent mind but will insist on participating in every aspect of its owner’s life. When you are having meals it may also attach itself to your legs and be fed on crumbs. Active and playful, it is also known as the class clown, making you laugh at all its shenanigans. It loves to perch on your shoulder, crawl under covers, and gravitates to your lap when you least expect it. It may then caper off to swat at imaginary objects, or leap for the tallest bookcase. Life is certainly never dull when you have an Abyssinian in your home. It can even amuse itself for hours. Health and Care The Abyssinian is a bundle of energy that chaffs at restrictions, getting its much-needed exercise by playing often. This cat frequently seeks interaction with humans, bonding through grooming and cuddling with its owner. Although Abyssinians are usually healthy, they are susceptible to gingivitis and tooth decay. Therefore, proper dental care is essential for their well being. Abyssinians can also suffer from amyloidosis, an organ (renal) disease that is thought to be hereditary. History and Background The origin of the Abyssinian remains shrouded in mystery. However, there is some evidence that ancient Egyptians worshiped cats: murals and sculptures, some as old as 4,000 years, bear a remarkable resemblance to today’s Abyssinian. Recent genetic research also reveals that the present day Abyssinian may have originated from a breed found in Southeast Asia and on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Others indicate the Abyssinian looks similar to the African wildcat, which is regarded as the ancestor of all domestic cats. Many breeders believe that the original Abyssinian line has perished, and give credit to British breeders for recreating the breed. The first documented Abyssinian is Zula, which was described and physically detailed by the Scottish born Dr. William Gordon Stables, in his 1876 book,Cats: Their Points and Characteristics, With Curiosities of Cat Life, and a Chapter on Feline Ailments (London: Dean & Smith). As the British-led Abyssinian war of 1868 drew to a close, Zula (named for the Abyssinian town the expedition party built port at) joined the voyage from Abyssinia to England with the expedition leader Lt. Gen. Sir Robert Napier and his crew. While the British undoubtedly played a large role in cultivating the modern Abyssinian, their efforts were wiped out by the devastations of World War II and they had to begin again. One would conclude that much of the Abyssinian's original traits have changed in the process, yet even now they command the same veneration and regard the breed had in ancient Egypt. It was not until the 20th Century that the Abyssinian was recognized in the United States. First exhibited in Boston, Mass. in 1909, the breed did not begin to show success until the 1930s. Even then the success was limited because many of the offspring died young. In 1938, however, a red colored Abyssinian named Ras Seyum was imported to the U.S. from Britain. The cat caught the attention of cat enthusiasts and its popularity led to more British imports of the breed, followed by the success the Abyssinian has today. |
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