Dachshunds, the companion breed

Dachshunds are a very clownish breed and can be very mischievous at times. A very intuitive dog, the Dachshund is now most commonly used as a companion rather than a hunter. There are three varieties of Dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired. Sporty and devoted the Dachshund makes an excellent family dog. Despite his small size he makes a good watch dog with a surprisingly loud bard.

The breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog" from Dachs, badger, and Hund, dog. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was to hunt rabbits.Dachshunds are recognized by their long bodies and short legs. Their design is the epitome of form following function. They are low to the ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels easily. Their senses are all well developed too.They have an average life span of 12-15 years. The standard Dachshund weighs between 15 – 25 pounds and stands to about 5-10 inches at the shoulder, while the miniature Dachshund weighs approximately 9 pounds and stands a maximum of 14 inches at the shoulder.

Before you make the decision of owning a Dachshund it is your responsibility to learn about the good and bad associated with the dog. While you will discover Dachshunds are a wonderful breed, they may not be a suitable choice for you.

More German shepherd dog pics

German Shepherd (Alsatian) dog facts

"The most striking features of the correctly bred German Shepherd are firmness of nerves, attentiveness, unshockability, tractability, watchfulness, reliability and incorruptibility together with courage, fighting tenacity and hardness."

- Max von Stephanitz, Father of the German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog, is also known as "the Alsatian". It is very strong , well proportioned, alert,full of life and handsome dog.The dog looks longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents before an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. This breed forms a nice pet dog for homes.

The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, and the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is measured from the point of the breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. The required height for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24-27 inches, and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches. The desirable long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall length with relation to height, which is achieved by length of forequarter and length of withers and hindquarter, viewed from the side.

The German Shepherd Dog usually varies in color, and mostof the colors are permissible. Strong rich colors are preferred though. Pale or washed-out colors and blues or livers are considered serious faults.

Dalmation n sweet dalmation puppies

The Dalmatian puppies are noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots. Although many other color variations do exist, any color markings other than black or liver are considered as a disqualification in purebred Dalmatians.The Dalmation is said to have had its origin in Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast. Certain evidences sugegst that the Dalmations originated in India and was transported to Greece by Indian Merchants of old times.One of the oldest breeds, the Dalmatians has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

Dalmatians do not look like any other breed. The rounded spots of jet black or deep brown are unique to them. The Dalmation puppies are born all with with a pattern of spots developing in the first weeks of life. The Dalmatian is strong-bodied, clean-cut and distinctive. This breed is quiet, but with a bark very easily identifiable as play or purpose. They have a high protective instinct, able to defend and making an ideal guard dog.

Around 15% of Dalmatians are born deaf. While such a handicap disallows the dog from the show ring, the deaf dalmatians can be easily trained to hand signals.

Great Dane, the manly pet

The Great Dane is the most sought out dog ever for professional grooming.It is a dog with dignity, strength and elegance with huge body and a powerful, smoothly muscled,well-formed body. It is one of the big working breeds, but is unique in that its general conformation must be so well balanced that it never appears clumsy, and may move with a longer reach and very powerful drive. A Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable to a great extend. This physical and mental combination is the characteristic that gives the Great Dane the majesty possessed by none of other breeds. It is particularly true of this breed that there is an impression of great masculinity in dogs, as compared to an impression of femininity in bitches. Lack of true Dane breed type, as defined in this standard, is a serious fault.
The great Dane is a breed that needs plenty of exercise.It should be either taken out for a walk or should be given some serious training everyday. It will be fine in a apartment if it is given exercise to the extend told above.It lives under 10 years.

What is a Polydactyl or Hemingway Cat or Mitten Cat

A polydactyl cat is a cat that has unusual number of toes on one or all of its paws as a result of a cat body type genetic mutation. Normally cats have five toes in each front paw and four toes on each hind/back paw. But Polydactyl cats may have as many as seven digits on front and/or hind paws, and various combinations of anywhere from four to seven are common, although each of the front and rear paws are typically the same. Polydactyly is generally found on the front paws only.Polydactyly of all four paws are less common. It is extremely rare for a cat to have polydactyl hind paws only. The cats of this kind are considered as a symbol of well being in certain regions and the same are also considered opposite elsewhere. There is no special care need to be taken in grooming of these cats.Polydactylity is caused by genetic anomaly.

Basic Bulldog grooming tips

Bulldogs are descended from ancient Asian Mastiffs, the English Bulldog was developed in Great Britain by crossing the pugs with bulldog descendants of the Mastiffs. The result was a small dog which was wide and compact with a very large head that has an intimidating look with a lot of folds in the skin.The look made it different.They are very well suited for apartment living.

Do you know that your Bulldog should be thoroughly brushed at a minimum of three times a week? Bulldogs love to be brushed. Use one with soft bristle or rubber brush. Begin at the rear and brush against the hair. When you've brushed the entire dog against the grain, brush it with the grain. Follow this with a good rub down. This will keep hair shiny and skin healthy. During the time of shedding, spring and fall, you may need to brush more often, give more frequent rubdowns. The technique is to remove the dead hair and distribute the natural oils.These things make bulldog grooming an art.