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THE PUG
The Pug, also known as the Lo-sze in China or the Mopshond in Holland, originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. This breed then became popular in Tibet and Japan, where they were often given as gifts. The Pug then arrived in Europe in the sixteenth or seventeenth century and became extremely popular in Holland.
Brief History
The Pug was believed to have become the mascot of Holland’s Royal House Orange after one saved the life of the Prince of Orange by alerting him to the arrival of Spanish troops. Years later, the adorable breed arrived in the U.S. in the nineteenth century.
Physical Features
The Pug is a short, small dog breed with straight legs. With a large round head and a wrinkled forehead, this breed has a wide, short muzzle with an undershot bite. The Pug has large and dark wide-set eyes that add to its sense of puppyness well into its adult years. They have small rose-colored ears, a curled tail, and a short, smooth coat. Coloring is usually apricot, fawn, or black with a black mask and ears.
Average Height:
10-11 inches
Average Weight:
14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
The Pug is an affectionate and intelligent breed. They are fun-loving, outgoing and charming. That said, this breed can be stubborn and tends to snore. It’s not their fault! The Pug is a great family dog and is great with children.
Pugs adapt easily to apartment life since they don’t require a lot of exercise. Although this breed can be stubborn, they are easy keepers and do best with positive training and plenty of socialization. The Pug is gentle with children and also enjoys living with single pet parents. This breed is very adaptable to different environments and makes for a great city companion.
Special Needs
The Pug needs to have plenty of protection from heatstroke. This breed does well indoors during extreme temperatures. They also need to be supervised when around water or swimming pools because of their front-heavy build and inability to swim. Many pet parents use life jackets for their Pugs when around water.
The Pug is a brachycephalic breed, also known as a short-faced or snub-nosed breed and needs to be monitored in hot temperatures. This breed also needs to avoid strenuous exercise.
Possible Health Concerns
Heatstroke – This breed is more susceptible to heat than many other dog breeds. Pet parents should be monitor especially closely as overheating can sometimes be fatal.
Eye Problems – These are often related to corneal ulcers and dry eye. Deformities of the eye and eyelid can also occur in this breed.
Breathing Problems – Pugs also experience breathing problems in hot and humid environments.
Laxating Patellas – This is a condition where the kneecap moves out of place and is a common condition in smaller dog breeds.
Leg Perthes Disease – This occurs with the deterioration of the top of the femur and is seen in young miniature and small dog breeds. It is characterized by a lack of blood supply and destruction of blood vessels of the bone.
Exercise
The Pug does well with light exercise. A short walk around the block or brief trip to the dog park will suffice. Pugs enjoy dog training classes, obedience, agility and some rally sports. This should never be undertaken during hot or humid temperatures. Pugs need to be protected from extreme temperatures and during the hot summer months’ indoor exercise is recommended.
Nutrition
It’s important to keep this breed on a balanced diet and to watch their weight. Pugs pick up weight easily, and can become easily obese.
Grooming
This breed has a short coat that hardly sheds. Daily brushing with a rubber mitt or medium bristle brush will aid in removing loose hair and in keeping his coat healthy. The loose folds around their neck, head and shoulders need to be wiped daily and kept clean. Nails need to be trimmed regularly and ears checked for debris, dirt and possible infections. Pugs enjoy being bathed and pampered, and need twice yearly dental cleanings at the veterinarian.
THE WIRE FOX TERRIER
The Wire Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breed variations recognized by the American Kennel Club. Standing aloof with its sturdy, short backed and symmetrical body, Wires are an energetic terrier with an independent nature and confident, yet inquisitive, look written all over their faces. Thanks to their sociable nature, Wire Terriers are a charmingly perfect companion to any family.
Brief History
It was during the late 1700’s when Fox Terriers were seen as capable hunting dogs, used for British fox hunts. Their main job was to draw foxes from their burrows to allow hunters to pursue them in the open. From their early use in fox hunts, Fox Terriers, especially Wires, went on to be phenomenal show dogs of the early 20th century. In 1985, the AKC recognized both Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers as separate and distinct dog breeds. One famous Wire in history is Ceaser, King Edward VII’s favorite dog.
wire fox terrier
Physical Features
The Wire’s general build is compact, yet strong. They’re neither too leggy, nor too short and often stand with a cleverly alert posture. Their ears and tail fall forward while their eyes are round and tend to shine with intelligence. Wire Fox Terriers have a rough and wiry white coat with tan or black markings. The wiriness is often more pronounced on their muzzles and mouths.
Average Height:
15 inches
Average Weight:
15-18 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
Wires have a keen expression which is often shown by their eyes, ears and tail. Their confident and alert nature made them ideal companions for humans who love to hike and explore. They are loyal to their owners and are also very patient with children as well as other dogs.
Special Needs
Wire Terriers are an exuberant breed and they require a lot of attention in order to avoid boredom. Their training necessitates a great sense of humor, patience and consistency. They also respond well to positive training and will always shut down if treated harshly.
Possible Health Concerns
In general, Wire Fox Terriers are a healthy breed. Responsible breeders are however advised to screen their stock for conditions such as: elbow and hip dysplasia, various eye disorders (glaucoma, primary lens luxation and cataracts), luxating patellas and wobblers gait — which is a neurological condition.
wire fox terrier breed
Exercise
Wires are an energetic breed full of life both indoors and outdoors. Due to their large prey drive, they’ll need to be kept on a leash or within a fenced area. Daily exercise routines with activities such as long walks or playing chase are a fun way of keeping a Wire both physically and mentally fit. Sporty activities that require lots of intelligence, speed and agility are another fun way for them to exercise.
Grooming
The Wire’s coat is rough and wiry with a short length. Owners should make sure to spend some time brushing their wire’s coat to remove loose hairs and avoid shedding. Nails should also be trimmed frequently and teeth brushed once a week. It’s also important to check their ear regularly for wax and dirt.
Wire Fox Terriers are intelligent, loyal and confident. They are fun, active and adventurous companions.
wire fox terrier dog breed
A Guide to Pet Wellness Programs
Whether you’re new to pet ownership, or you’ve always had a furry friend in the family, one thing’s for sure – you’re going to need good pet healthcare.
THE CORNISH REX CAT
cornish rex cat
The Cornish Rex is a slim, svelte and elegant cat. They are always ready to play and will actively seek you out with meows of anticipation. The Cornish Rex is great with kids and good company for other pets. Here is more about this unique and coveted breed.
Brief History
The Cornish Rex originates from England, UK. There is historical evidence to show that this breed existed long before the Devon Rex’s appearance in Devonshire. Both the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex share a number of similarities in their history and general appearance.
The Cornish Rex first appeared in Bodmin Moor, a region within the northeast parts of Cornwall. A cat named Serena gave birth to 5 kittens, but one was unique with a curly coat that was cream and black. Serena’s owner consulted some cat experts who identified the unique kitten as one with a genetic trait passed down by its mother.
Physical Features
The Cornish Rex has a soft, wavy coat. They have long bodies and stand fairly tall. Their ears stand upright on a slim, egg-shaped head. Their famous eyes are often golden, but can be blue or grey. Possible coat colors include black, white, grey, brown, silver and roan.
Average Height:
11 to 15 inches
Average Weight:
6 to 10 pounds
Life Expectancy:
11 to 15 years
Temperament
The Cornish Rex has an interesting sense of humor. They love attention and will readily seek it at every chance they get. They’re extremely intelligent and love social situations. The Cornish Rex will quickly greet you and, if possible, your guests. After that, the’ll quickly pick their favorite person and begin to follow them around. Cornish Rexes are curious and desire to help out in whichever activities that you’re up to. They’re always looking for something interesting to interact with or, even better, show you. This cat is very expressive. Cornish Rexes will use their gestures, meowing or snarling to get their point across. Their playful and outgoing nature makes the Cornish Rex a favorite with children. They can also be very affectionate and concerned — an excellent therapy cat.
cornish rex cat
Special Needs
The Cornish Rex is an active cat with quite a lot of energy. This often leads to energetic activity and leaping all over the house. To help with energy management, the Cornish Rex requires some training. You can teach the Cornish Rex how to sit, roll over, fetch and jump. Positive reinforcement throughout the training session helps the cat understand quicker. The Cornish Rex will get along well with other cats and dogs. However, they should be introduced to them slowly and under supervised conditions to avoid conflict.
Possible Health Concerns
The Cornish Rex is generally a healthy cat if they are cared for well.
Unfortunately, they may be prone to developing adverse health conditions due to their genetic parentage. Their famous wavy coats do not offer much protection from the sun rays. As such, they are prone to sunburn or lesions. They can also suffer from patellar luxation or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Exercise
The Cornish Rex is always upbeat and ready to play. They love playing with toy games and will even interact with puzzle toys. These are great for stimulating their physical and mental health. A cat pole is a good addition to the Cornish Rex’s toys as they love to climb up and over thing. This cat also relishes running. A jog in the yard or around the block with a cat harness and leash is a good idea.
Nutrition
Being quite an active cat, the Cornish Rex requires ample, balanced diet on a daily basis with substantial carbohydrates and protein. This is to provide them with the energy resources required for their active lifestyle. Cool, clean water is also necessary.
Grooming
cornish rex cat
The Cornish Rex has a short coat of delicate, wavy hairs. It is soft and silky in nature. Since they have no guard hairs, their undercoats are exposed. Thanks to this, grooming regimens should be mild — keep brushing to once a week!
Cornish Rex’s ears and paws can get greasy over time. This is due to sweat deposition. They should be cleaned up to 2 times a week. A mix of 50% cider vinegar and 50% water is ideal for this with a clean, soft cloth. Their nails should be trimmed every week and their teeth need to be brushed with a vet-approved toothpaste at least every 3 days. This prevents the development of gum disease.
The Cornish Rex is an active cat that loves family and social groups, and will also often make friends with other pets. They enjoy leaping and performing tricks. Ideal for families, couples or senior citizens, the Cornish Rex will be a loving and entertaining addition to any home.
World Records for Pets and Other Animals
If you always dreamed of getting in the Guinness Book of Records, then you might want to start preparing. It seems competition is tough and not just with humans — there’s a whole host of world records set by animals!
Bugs As Pets
For some, a bug in your house is no bad thing! In fact, in parts of the world like Japan, it’s just as common to keep an insect as a pet, as it is a cat or dog. What’s more, many in fact make great pets, that are educating for children, easy-to-keep and rewarding in many ways.
THE DALMATIAN
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian, also known as the English Coach Dog, Carriage Dog, and the Firehouse Dog originated from the U.K. This breed is part of the UKC, Companion Dog Group, and the AKC. The origin of the name comes from the Eastern European coastal area of Dalmatian. This dog breed was thought to have been imported to the U.K during the 18th century.
Brief History
The Dalmatian was bred as a coach dog in the U.K. as a guard for passengers and property. The Dalmatian’s love of horses made it perfect for following horse-drawn fire engines. British nobleman also enjoyed having this breed around their stables.
Despite noble origins, today Dalmations are looked upon as a fire station mascot and help bring fire-awareness in education programs for children. The Dalmatian has been in the U.S from colonial times, known as the coach dog breed. By 1888, the Dalmatian was a registered dog breed in the AKC stud book. The Dalmatian is still very popular as a companion dog breed today.
Physical Features
The ever-friendly Dalmatian is a muscular and large dog breed with a slightly square shape. The Dalmatian’s pear-shaped head is almost flat with a slight groove down the center. Their noses are typically black, large and broad. Their medium-sized eyes are brown, blue or a combination of both colors. This breed has medium-sized drop ears with a deep chest and well-arched, compact feet. The Dalmatian has a long tapered tail that they carry with an elegant upward curve. Their coats are short, shiny, and tight. Oh, and don’t forget their famous coloring — white base with gorgeous black spots.
The Dalmatian has lots of endurance and moderate speed. It is an elegant, sporty and active dog that adores people as well as other dogs and animals. Their movements tend to be steady and graceful. With an even temperament, this outgoing dog breed is intelligent, outgoing and dignified.
Average Height:
19-24 inches
Average Weight:
45-65 pounds
Life Expectancy:
11-13 years
Temperament
The Dalmatian is an active and lively dog breed. They tend to be outgoing, friendly, and rarely shy. In fact, they’re known to constantly encourage new friendships wherever they can find them — whether with other animals or people. This dog breed is great with horses and does well on equestrian farms. The Dalmatian is also sensitive and does well with positive dog training. Socialization starting at puppyhood is also beneficial. This dog breed is very affectionate with family and good with children. The Dalmatian has a strong work drive and needs to partake in organized canine activities.
Special Needs
The Dalmatian requires plenty of exercise, socialization, and positive dog training. The importance of early positive housetraining cannot be emphasized enough. Dalmatian pups need to be taught to go outside or they will develop bad habits that will often be difficult to break. It’s also important to prioritize positive obedience training for puppies. This can start as early as 9 weeks of age and should be done in super short increments of time, like 5 minute sessions a few times a day.
Allow for healthy food treats as rewards when positive dog training. Organize dog training classes outside your home to allow for this dog to socialize and meet other dogs and people. The Dalmatian needs a fenced garden or backyard and does not do well with apartment living. This breed does best on farms or large properties with horses, other dogs and lots of companionship.
Possible Health Concerns
Deafness: Dalmatians may be born with normal hearing, yet may lose hearing a few weeks after birth. Deafness is hereditary in Dalmatians, and comes from an auto-recessive gene. This gene also affects eye color, and contributes the blue iris in Dalmatians. As many as 30% of Dalmatians suffer from deafness in one or both ears. Some dog parents may confuse deafness to obedience problems.
Kidney Stones: This is common in the Dalmatian, and can be dangerous if not treated immediately. Feeding a low protein diet with fish or chicken works well in helping to preventing kidney stones. Beef and organ meats should be eliminated from the Dalmatian’s diet. Clean and fresh water needs to be available 24/7.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint in large dog breeds like the Dalmatian. It is generally characterized by a loose joint, and then degenerative joint disease.
Epilepsy: This has been occurring more frequently in Dalmatians, and can be hereditary or the result of an injury or exposure to toxins.
Dalmatian dog
Exercise
The Dalmatian needs a consistent exercise schedule if living in an apartment or small home. Dalmatians living on farms and equestrian properties tend to get lots of exercise and travel. This dog breed has superb memory, and is a quick learner. Positive dog training sessions are a pleasure with this dog breed. Dalmatians enjoy going out for runs or long hikes. They’re always game to take part in family activities.
Agility is a great sport for Dalmatians. They can start training at a young age for agility, and tend to do well in this canine sport. Advanced obedience is also a great option.
Nutrition
When it comes to choosing a food, understanding your dog’s current health and nutritional needs is paramount. There is no “best diet” since all dogs have different dietary needs, so it’s always smart to consult with your veterinarian — especially if your dog has a medical condition.
Dalmatian dog breed
Grooming
This breed is quite easy to groom. Daily brushing will keep your Dalmatian’s coat in superb condition. A horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb should do the trick.
This dog breed enjoys frequent baths and daily teeth brushing. Bathing should increase if dogs are playing around on farms and in horse manure. Twice yearly visits to the veterinarian for dental hygiene maintenance is a must. Ears need to be regularly wiped out and checked regularly because they flop down and retain moisture. Nails need to be trimmed every month. If your dog does not enjoy having their nails trimmed, try out a nail grinder, visit a professional groomer or your veterinarian.
Not only is the Dalmatian a gentle and playful dog to have around children and family, this dog breed has a happy and outgoing personality that makes everyone else happy. This dog breed does not do well alone and needs to be around people and other animals. Taking part in family activities like hiking, camping, and playing ball at the dog park are a must.
If it’s summer time, all Dalmatians need to use a canine sunblock because their white coats make them more prone to sunburn. Exercise should only take place during the early morning hours or late afternoon.
THE COLLIE
The Collie, also known as the Scotch Collie or Scottish Sheepdogs, was bred as a multipurpose farm dog. This super friendly and intelligent dog breed is well known for its herding abilities. The name Collie is derived from the Scottish word black sheep, colley.
Brief History
This herding dog breed became popular in the early 20th century after Queen Victoria favored the breed as a companion dog. It is believed that the Collie’s ancestors arrived in Scotland 2,000 years before Queen Victoria did. They were brought over by the Romans during their conquest of Britain.
Physical Features
The Collie is strong, powerful, athletic and graceful. With a long, lean body, wedge-shaped head, and intelligent brown or blue eyes, the Collie is a strikingly beautiful breed. They’re also known for their high folded ears that bounce adorably as they run around. Rough Collies have long double coats, and Smooth Collies have a short double coats.
Both of these can be found in sable and white, tricolor (black, tan, and white), blue merle, tricolor, white with sable, or with blue merle markings. Collie’s have an intelligent, bright and alert look.
Average Height:
24 -26 inches
Average Weight:
55-80 pounds
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Temperament
The Collie makes for a wonderful family dog that is kind around children. This breed is active and intelligent, as well as outgoing. The Collie enjoys being around family, other people and animals. This breed is good with horses, and other livestock. The Collie is active, responsive and enjoys participating in agility and other canine sports. Due to their high energy, this dog does not do well with apartment living.
The Collie need lots of physical and mental stimulation. Daily exercise is a must to promote good behavior. Luckily, their intelligence makes them extremely easy to train, so fun games and tricks can easily be added to the exercise routine. his breed needs lots of love and attention. It does not do well left alone for long periods of time.
Special Needs
Collies are known for having high energy levels and lots of curiosity. Because of this, pet parents should be vigilant that your pup does not get into anything that could cause them harm.
Possible Health Concerns
The Collie is an active dog breed that may be susceptible to the following:
Collie Eye Anomaly. This is an inherited eye disease that is found in the Collie. It causes abnormal development in layers of eye tissue. Consult your veterinarian if you think that your Collie may have this eye condition.
MDR1 Mutation. Collies may be sensitive to certain medications. It is a genetic disposition to adverse reactions to certain drugs. This includes ivermectin, milbemycin, and related drugs. Ask your veterinarian about these.
Exercise
Your Collie loves to exercise. In fact, they were bred for herding, so constantly running around is in their natures. Make sure you schedule plenty of play time, long walks and trips to the dark park to keep your pup happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.
Nutrition
There is no best diet for all dogs, since all dogs have different dietary needs, but it’s best to start with food that is high in protein, carbohydrates and without fillers. Consult with your veterinarian as to the best high-quality dog food diet for your Collie.
Grooming
Collies need to be brushed every day to prevent matting and take away dead hair. If left to mat, dogs may chew on their hair which can lead to skin infections. Collies need to have their nails trimmed regularly. Ears need to be kept clean by wiping with a cotton ball or wipe and an ears cleaned weekly with a cotton ball or clean cloth. Weekly teeth cleaning is also necessary to prevent gum disease.
