Characteristics

How To Take Care Of Your Pets

Image by allert via Flickr

Pets have to be treated on par with the human beings. Many people neglect their pets and this attracts unwanted troubles. The pets are very sensitive in nature and you need to know how to behave with them in order to keep them happy. You need to keep them clean and tidy. In the absence of this, the pets would appear very dirty and invite diseases. Pets like dogs should be washed each day and even taken for vaccination in order to prevent rabies.

Many a times it is seen that the dogs develop a disease which may lead to early death of dogs. A timely precaution can help in increasing the life span of omes pet. You also need to take your pet to regular medical examination in order to know if there are any health problems. Apart from this you need to keep the pet busy by involving it in various physical activities such as outdoor fetch games and interaction with other dogs. You can teach them to run, swim and do various jobs for you as a way to keep them fit.

The pets do understand the language of the human beings and can be taught many things which would enhance their capabilities. There are various training programs available for the pets which would be very useful in making them active. Pets are very different from the animals you find in the forest and therefore have to be treated differently. Never be violent with them. Love them and they will surely return it to you in future.

Filed Under: Breeding, Characteristics Tagged With: Dog, Health, Recreation

Most Expensive Pets in Classifieds, 2011

Your little girl has been whining about how much she wants a pet for her birthday. Sure, you could go the free route by setting a trap in your backyard to catch a rabbit or you could just put a bowl of milk and sleeping pills on the porch to catch a kitty, but you’re willing to shed some major bucks to keep your precious daughter happy.

If you’re serious about showing your little girl how much she is worth, then check out some of the most expensive pets in classifieds for 2011. You might want to reconsider your options.

Animal: Female F1 Savannah cat

Price: $7,000

There’s no disputing the beauty of a Savannah cat with perfect markings. This hybrid is a cross between a domestic house cat and a serval. In case you’re not familiar, servals are wild cats found in Africa. They are closely related to lions.

This particular female sells for $7,000 because she has the distinguished markings of the serval and the cute ears of a house cat. She’s as close to the perfect combination as you will ever see, unless you are a serious cat breeder.

The F1 here refers to the number of generations (F1 stands for filial 1, which might mean something to you if you paid really close attention during biology class). Since this cat is a first generation Savannah cat, she is 50 percent house cat and 50 percent serval.

Not quite willing to drop $7,000? You can get her F1 male counterpart for $5,000. Or you can go on the cheap with a $2,500 F4 male. He’s still pretty, but your little connoisseur will almost certainly spot the difference when she rips open her birthday present and finds a cat that isn’t 50 percent feral.

Animal: Small Pot-Bellied Pig

Price: $4,000

Weird things start happening to animals when humans think that they are cute. We just can’t leave their genetics alone. Take the pot bellied pig, for instance. Once you start to see them as cute, you can’t help but wonder how you could make them even cuter. Voila, that’s how you come up with the idea to breed a teeny, tiny piglet that’s too small to even call “toy.”

This $4,000 piggy only weighed a little more than one pound at eight weeks old. Too small to compete for food, her owners were forced to sell her. When you have a super-cute one-pound pot bellied pig, though, you don’t give it away for free. You slap a big price tag on her and sell her online so that eager-to-please parents like you pay up to keep their kids pleased.

Animal: Male Vervet Monkey

Price: $2,500

$2,500 is a lot of money to spend on a pet, but we’re talking about a monkey here! A real, live pet monkey that you can have in your own home. According to his owner, this little guy enjoys playing and drinking from his bottle. He also wears a diaper.

The whole diaper thing sounds convenient, unless you’ve ever been around a pet monkey for more than a few minutes at a time. Many of them like to use their poop as weapons by reaching into the diaper and hurling whatever they happen to find at the nearest object (which could be you). The real price of the vervet monkey, therefore, isn’t the $2,500 that you pay upfront.

It’s the cleaning bills that you will have to pay for the next few decades. Then you also might have to worry about legal bills since monkeys aren’t legal to keep as pets in some states. But, hey, anything to keep your little angel happy!

Animal: Baby Male Camel

Price: $5,500

If your kids love the circus, then consider buying them their very own camel. Camels are pretty fun, right? They spit, move their lips in a funny way, and can wander for days without taking a single drink of water. $5,500 will get you a baby male bactrian camel. That’s the kind with two humps on its back.

He’s small and cuddly right now, but he’ll grow up to be a real worker. Camels are used all over the world to transport goods, trek over long distances, and traverse deserts. Cuddle up with him now and find a career in him later. Eventually, you’ll get your investment back!

Animal: Morgan horse colt

Price: $20,000

Your little girl doesn’t want a pony. Ponies are for suckers. She’s thinking long-term, so she wants a horse that can kick some butt at the Kentucky Derby. Sigh; prepare to drop a lot of cash to keep her happy. How about $20,000 for a Morgan colt? Sound expensive? Well, he has a great pedigree and shows plenty of talent.

After you pay for board and training (let’s say about $5,000 per week for the kind of trainer that you’ll need to have any kind of shot at winning major competitions), the $20,000 you spent buying the horse won’t look so bad.

IN CONCLUSION

When your kids have a taste for the exotic, you have to up your game by finding pets that will truly impress them. Forget about purebred dogs. Real connoisseurs interested in expensive animals will always go for half-feral cats, the tiniest of tiny pigs, poop-flinging monkeys, cuddly camels, and hard-running horses.

This year, keep your demanding daughter happy with one of the most expensive pets that you can find in the classifieds. That way, you’ll know that you’ve done your job as a parent and she’ll finally have something to take to show and tell.

Filed Under: Characteristics

Reasons for the Various Species of Cats to Purr

If you have had pet cats, then you would have heard the cats purring. There are various kinds of cat species that are kept in homes as pets. Almost all these cats have a similar method of purring. There are many reasons for the cats to purr. If you have cats at home as pets, then you must have experienced them coming near you and purring gently. This is because of the affection that the cat has on you. The main reason for the cat to purr is general satisfaction and happiness. When the cat is happy and satisfied, it will purr.

Since cats love being near humans and cuddling, they usually purr when they are able to get near a human and lean against the person. There are many other reasons for the cats to purr too. The cat will purr when it has food and if the cat likes the food. Similarly, the cat will also purr when it is feeding a young kitten. Since the animals are satisfied in these situations, they purr to let the people around them to know about their happiness.

A cat that is not friendly will not purr at all. This is because the cat may not be happy to be near a person or humans in general. This may cause the cat to avoid purring. A cat that is eating its food or enjoying the company of humans may purr to show that it likes it. So, the cats purr depending on the situation that makes them satisfied. This will help the pet owner to understand the likes and dislikes of the cat. This knowledge will help to further enhance the care given for the cat.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Cat, Pet, Pitsford

Will Pets Injure Themselves in a Fall?

Pets generally do not fall from a height unless it is an accident. Many pets are very careful when they are in a height and try to immediately avoid the situation. There are some pets that do not care though. The cats are the pets that do not mind standing at a great height or falling from the height. The cats are sure footed too and so they walk in areas that can cause falls.

As pets generally do not injure themselves in a fall, there seems to be a righting mechanism in them that prevents them from getting injured. As far as cats are concerned, the righting reflexes are well developed. This is the main reason for the phrase ‘cats have nine lives’ to have become popular. The reason that cats do not injure themselves is because they are sure footed when they are at great heights too. Even if they do fall, their body structure is created in such a way that they are safe from getting injured. The first thing that is in their favor is that the bones are all light. The light bones cause the cat to be able to balance itself when it falls and does not fall with a thud.

The body of the cat and some other animals are created in such a way that they fall like parachutes. Their body which is in the center is high and the four legs act like rudders and so the falling animal guides itself that it does not get injured. Dogs may not fall from a great height, but they too are able to escape injury in falls because of the fact that they do not climb too high, like cats. If a person has pets at home, then it is the responsibility of the owner to try and prevent the animal from getting injured by giving proper care.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Cat, Pet, Trauma (medicine)

How Can Cats Land on Their Feet

Have you seen a cat falling? If you have seen a cat falling many times, you will notice something unique. The cat seems to land always on its feet. So, what is the reason for the cat to be able to land on its feet all the time? There are some reasons for this to occur. The main reason is that when the cat does land on its feet, it does not injure itself. On the other hand, when the cat does not land on the feet and falls on some other part of its body at times, there is a high risk of any injury occurring.

So, how does a cat land on its feet all the time is the question? The main reason is that the cat has a inherent righting reflexes. Even humans are able to stumble and still not fall if they have a righting reflex and balance. This seems to be developed to an extraordinary level in the cats.
So, the cats are able to land on their feet at all times. The righting reflex is the main reason for the cat to prevent injury and also in enabling the pet to land on its feet. Even if the cat starts falling from an upside down position, it is able to right itself and land on the feet.

The bones in the body of the cat are also very light. This is another reason for the cat to be able to land on the feet. The light bones have caused the weight of the cat itself to be very less. This has caused the cat to be able to land on its feet from any position.

The body of the cat is also in the position of a parachute when it is falling. This is another reason for it to land on its feet. As the cat starts to fall, it will start going into a position in which the feet are fully extended, while the body of the cat turns inwards. This creates the shape of a parachute enabling landing on the feet.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Cat, Foot

About Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers came about in the 1700’s in Newfoundland and was later exported to England at the turn of the century in the early 1800’s. Labrador Retrievers are one of the oldest breeds that are recognized today. These dogs were originally bred for sporting and tracking game. Labrador retrievers are medium sized dogs; females weigh about 55 to 70 pounds and stand at 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall. Male Labrador retrievers weigh about 65 to 80 pounds and are about 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall when standing. Labrador Retrievers come in three distinct colors black, yellow, and chocolate. Labrador Retrievers are great family pets their loyalty and commitment to their families and owners make them perfect for large and small families. Labrador retrievers are also very easy to train and can be taught a number of tricks. Teach your Retriever to shake, roll over, play dead and bring a ball back with no trouble at all; Labrador Retrievers are very smart dogs. Do not mistake that they are smart as you will not need to train them. All dogs need to be trained, however; some dogs are quicker to learn that other dog breeds are.

If you want to get a Labrador retriever do your research about the breed and find out if you think this particular dog will be perfect for your family. If your family is never home, you may want to consider a different pet because all dogs love attention and can get into trouble if left at home alone for too long by themselves. A Labrador Retriever will make a great addition to your home as well as make your home and family feel more complete. Your local veterinarian can always help you with choosing a pet that will be perfect for your home and family.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Dog, Labrador, Labrador Retriever, Pet

About Akitas

: Image via Wikipedia

Akitas are very large, but beautiful dogs always alert and on guard, with the distinctive curly cue tail, much like a pig’s tail. The life span for an Akita is about 10 to 12 years, but there are instances where some have lived longer. When an Akita breeds the size of the litter or the amount of pups a female will have can range anywhere from three to 12, but the average sized litter is about six to eight pups. The Akita breed is recognized by eight different organizations around the world, the most known organizations being the AKC or American Kennel Club and the CKC or Continental Kennel Club. The Akitas come in four different colors: brindle, white, sesame or red hair with black on the tips, and red fawn. Male Akitas weight anywhere from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty pound and stand anywhere from twenty-six to twenty-eight inches, making them very large dogs. The female Akitas are only slightly smaller weighing about seventy-five to one hundred and ten pounds and standing at twenty-four to twenty-six inches. Akitas are good dogs for any climate, but as a pet owner you should be aware that the shed their entire fur coat every year. The Akitas need a large yard with plenty of room to run, preferably in a fened in yard because they need lots of regular exercise. Be sure to keep plenty of food and water out as they eat often and keep a shelter outside so they can get away from any harsh elements. If you own an Akita always be sure to keep him or her inside when it is hot outside during and during the heat of the day; especially if you live in a warm area. Akitas have thick coats and you do not want them to get over heated.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Akita, Akita Inu, American Akita, American Kennel Club, Dog

The Great Protector: The Pit Bull

: Image via Wikipedia

Such a diverse breed of mixes, the pit bull terrier. You see all kinds of genetics behind them, originating from the bulldog and then mixed with a variety of different terriers, which creates the full-fashioned American Pit Bull Terrier of today. That’s not all there is to this “great protector” originally bred to guard children and the house. Little did you know that your everyday pit bull could have a unique genetic history of his or her own. As a matter of fact, it’s a possible contention that not every pit bull terrier is alike, nor is it common to come across a purebred. As mentioned before, pit bull terriers are technically mixed breeds already!

There are three different “pit bull terriers”: The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Both American Staffordshire and Staffordshire resemble what we commonly know offhand as a “pit bull” with the only difference being the American breed tends to be larger than the regular Staffordshire bred out of England. American pit bulls tend to be leaner and more monochromatic in their color and are also known for their remarkable endurance and strength.

Numerous mixes with other breeds have become more common as well, creating a variety of different sizes and unique characteristics. For instance: a Great Dane mixed with Pit Bull Terrier has been known to create in the dog the ability to extend the ears. Pit bull terriers are not known for that. Not to mention the size of that particular mix is substantially larger than any other pit bull breed you can imagine! Pit bulls have also been known to mix with beagles, german shepherds, labs, or any other suitable breed for that matter (chihuahas, don’t try it!). Take great care in breeding them, though.

Just remember the “great protector” in what we all know as the powerful, formidable PIT BULL TERRIER. They’re beautiful dogs. Respect them.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: American Pit Bull Terrier, americanstaffordshireterrier, Bull Terrier, Pit Bull

The Achilles’ Paw of the German Shepherd II

: Image via Wikipedia

One look at this tremendous breed, and you’d probably understand why most police dogs are that breed. German Shepherds might as well be Greek heroes–like Odysseus, or Perseus, or Hercules, or even Achilles! Don’t be fooled, though; while they’re tough dogs, they do have their issues to address and with which to contend. In the end, they’re flesh and blood and fragile like any other animal. So take note of some of the more common health risks associated with the popular German Shepherd.

1. Dysplasia

This health defect can appear in both the canine hip and elbow. The result without proper care can be one or more lame legs, severe pain, and eventually arthritis. Catch the disease on the early signs, and you can save your shepherd a whole lot of trouble.

2. Panosteitis

This is a more broad type of ‘dysplasia’ associating basic and spontaneous pain and lameness. Usually aspirin can control the discomfort with the possible use of corticosteroids for more severe cases. Over time, the condition does go away.

3. von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)

The condition drastically affects the dog’s ability to normally clot blood. In essence, it’s a blood disorder and a dangerous one if your canine goes under the knife at the vet’s office.

4. Progressive posterior paresis

Like some of the other characteristics associated with Dysplasia and Panosteitis, (PPP) also renders dogs lame–but without any serious pain. It is, in fact, a neurological disorder and not a physical disorder.

5. Cauda equina syndrome

This is another neurological syndrome with a nickname: low back pain. Only for dogs.

Now, friends, if you can believe it, there are actually more health risks to keep in mind with this breed. So stay tuned. And give good ol’ Achilles a good paw-shake to let him know that everything’s going to be all right.

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Dog, German Shepherd Dog, Panosteitis, Pet

Yo Quiero Taco Bell

Two of the more majestic-looking dog breeds on the planet, the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute continually charm the world with their energy and spirit. But what is the difference between the two? Both the Husky and the Malamute look remarkably alike!

So here are the differences for you to read…. BUT FIRST, consider the similarities. One, both breeds were originally raised as sled dogs up north, hence their wolf resemblance. The elements there would generally keep the phenotype relatively close to their distant wolf cousins–such as the shaggy ears, long snout, furry paws, double coat etc etc. So, yes, the Malamute and Husky LOOK like wolves. But look even closer, and you’ll see specific unique characteristics!

For one, Sibes generally have blue or green eyes. Sometimes they have one green eye and one blue eye. That’s actually part of the Husky charm. In contrast, look close and you’ll notice the Malamute has brown eyes! And there’s no variation of that either.

Another difference is their size. Malamutes have been known to pack on the weight a little more than Huskies, but for a reason. Historically, the Alaskan Malamute was bred by the Eskimos/Malamutes (and that’s how they got their name, too!) in North America, specifically Alaska. Whereas the Siberian Husky was bred by the Chuckhi in northern Eurasia, better known as Siberia. Now know this: typically the Eskimos dealt with heavier weight and longer distances, hence the build and power of the Malamute. That’s how the breed adapted. In contrast, the Chuckhi harbored a more pack mentality with smaller loads and quicker runs to save time, raising in these Huskies speed and agility. Another difference is temperament; Malamutes can be a little more hard-headed whereas Sibes go more with the flow.

Either way you look at it, both breeds are beautiful! But keep in mind this: the Husky and the Malamute aren’t looking to be casual lapdogs or anything. They like adventure. So, MUSH!

Filed Under: Characteristics Tagged With: Alaska, Alaskan Malamute, Eskimo, Siberian Husky