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THE JAPANESE BOBTAIL CAT
True to their name, the Japanese Bobtail is a playful breed with a short tail that resembles a pom-pom. According to ancient Japanese legend, the bob-tail is as a result of a cat that set her tail on fire while sleeping. The frightened kitty reacted by running, and accidentally set the town on fire. The truth behind the cat’s short tail stems from natural genetics. Generally, Bobtails are people-oriented, full of energy and extremely endearing. They adjust well to dogs and other animals.
Brief History
The Japanese Bobtail has existed in Japan for centuries. It is even depicted in ancient prints and paintings from Japan.
The Bobtail didn’t arrive in America until 1968 when Elizabeth Freret imported a number of kittens from Japan. This was recorded by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). This is the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats. Around the same time, another cat breeder named Lynn Beck, visited Japan and began importing Bobtails.
In 1976, the CFA accepted the breed for championship status. A few years down the line, the same organization gave recognition to a long-haired version of the Japanese Bobtail.
Physical Features
The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat with a muscular appearance. This is attributed by its slightly longer hind legs and medium-sized bodies. Their eyes are wide, large and alert while the eyeballs feature a shallow curvature that doesn’t bulge beyond the cheek bone. The eye color ranges from gold, blue to green. Japanese Bobtails have a wide range of colors and patterns. Preference is usually given to bold, dramatic markings. The tail is visibly short and it may be rigid or flexible. The hair on the tail is somewhat thicker and longer. Their bone structure is slender and dainty.
Average Height:
8-14 inches
Average Weight:
6-10 pounds
Life Expectancy:
15-18 years
Temperament
Japanese Bobtails are sweet, active and intelligent cats. They enjoy games like fetch, and highly developed muscles also allow them to jump hurdles and heights. Bobtails are also people-oriented, which makes them ideal companions. They tend to get along fairly well with most cat breeds and adjust well with dogs.
Japanese Bobtails are inquisitive in nature.
Possible Health Concerns
If well maintained, the Japanese Bobtail is healthy and strong. Despite this, they can suffer from a collection of adverse health conditions such as obesity. They can also suffer from periodontal disease. Japanese Bobtails are susceptible to viral infections like rabies, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. These infections are preventable through vaccination. This breed may also suffer infestation by parasites like hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and heartworms. It is important for the cat to undergo regular visits to the vet in order to avoid such health problems.
Exercise
Since they are quite active, they will require regular exercise. This is also for the purpose of maintaining healthy weight and lifestyle. 30 minutes of a brisk jog or playtime twice a day is enough for this cat.
Grooming
Taking care of the Japanese Bobtail is quite easy. This short-tailed feline will require frequent combing. For weekly removal of dead hair, it is best to use a flea comb. Their silky coat is water resistant which means that they rarely need a bath. It is important to note that some Bobtails have rigid tails so you should make sure you handle their tails gently when grooming.
The Japanese Bobtail thrives in environments where it is surrounded by adventurous and lively people. They are quite playful and provide great company along with adorable looks. This beautiful exotic cat has a warm personality and can be an excellent family cat.
What Are Whippets?
A Whippet is a dog breed that is part of the sighthound family, although they often are mistaken for greyhounds. They are slender and have a light gait. These dogs are playful and friendly, and they have grown in popularity over the last several years. Whippets can range from about 25 to 40 pounds and have a wide variety of colors and patterns. Unlike dogs such as German Shepherds, their markings are not significant to the breed, so their looks will vary. Generally they will be friendly to visitors, but are not very fond of cats that come onto their territory unless the cat is already a member of the family.
THE HAVANESE
boston terrier dog breed
The gentle and friendly Havanese with their soft coats and bright eyes are a favorite of apartment-dwellers. But this lively and intelligent “Dog of Cuba,” who is gaining popularity, was once nearly extinct.
Brief History
The Havanese is from a bloodline called the Barbet, now known as the Bichon family, descended from the Mediterranean area as far back as 600 B.C. Relative breeds include the poodle, the water spaniel, and the Portuguese Water Dog.
There is some dispute between dog historians about the origin of the Havanese. Some theorize that they descended from the Italian Bolognese and the South American Poodle. Others think their origin lies within the Maltese and that they were transported to the West Indies.
Cubans agree that the Havanese were brought by sailors as gifts intended to charm señoras in the early 1800s. The puppies were goodwill ambassadors, encouraging trade between the sea captains and wealthy Cuban families. The Havanese became a fixture in the homes of well-to-do citizens.
The Cuban Revolution of 1959 endangered this dog, as the population was forced to flee the country. They left pets behind in the care of friends and servants. A couple of families managed to smuggle their dogs out of the country. These were the first Havanese to arrive in the United States.
In 1974, the Goodales of Colorado began searching for a dog to enhance their breeding career. They wanted an intelligent companion dog, and in their search, they discovered an article about the Havanese in a Spanish magazine. They tracked down the Cuban families who had spirited the dogs out of the country and acquired six dogs from them. They expanded their search and located six more Havanese from a Cuban devotee in Costa Rica. Through their efforts with four bloodlines, they kept the breed from becoming extinct.
Five years later, the Goodales helped to found the Havanese Club of America. The United Kennel Club recognized the Havanese in 1991, and five years later, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Physical Features
According to the AKC breed website, the Havanese has, “a curled-over tail and a gorgeous silky coat, which comes in a variety of colors.” The Havanese has a sturdy body that is longer than it is tall.
Average Height:
8.5-11.5 inches
Average Weight:
7-13 pounds
Life Expectancy:
14-16 years
Temperament
The Havanese is a fun animal and has a reputation for being a canine clown. They are intelligent and sturdy enough to compete in dog sports such as obedience and agility.
Special Needs
The Havanese is active and needs a sufficient amount of exercise daily. Their coats need regular brushing, although some owners like to let the hair grow in plaits.
Possible Health Concerns
Havanese can be prone to the following:
Hip dysplasia
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Cataracts
Legg-Perthes disease
Mitral valve insufficiency
Patellar luxation
Deafness
Heart murmur
Portosystemic shunt
the havanese
Exercise
The Havanese is a toy dog, but these animals require more exercise than some of the couch potato breeds. This lively, fun companion will keep you busy throwing a ball or even playing chase with a wad of paper. They enjoy climbing, and you may often find them on the back of your couch.
Nutrition
Because Havanese are keen-witted, they can quickly con their owners into feeding them only tasty table food. It takes a savvy owner to keep a Havanese on a strict diet of balanced kibble with some added meat or fish or steamed veggies.
The Havanese is a high-spirited and sweet companion. Knowing one will make you grateful that the breed is still around.
havanese
THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Australian Shepherd dog
The Australian Shepherd comes from a line of European herding dogs and is thought to have originated from the Basque regions of Spain and France.
Brief History
The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog breed. During the 1800’s, Australia’s Basque emigres pushed further inland to cattle farm and brought their dogs with them. The Basque Shepherd dogs were then crossed with Collies and Border Collies. After some time, the population began to immigrate to California. Farmers there took a liking to these herding dogs and named them Australian Shepherds.
Physical Features
The hard-working Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that is both athletic and intelligent. With a strong head and a slightly rounded skull, this exceptionally easy-going dog has a muzzle that is equal to, or slightly shorter than, the length of the back skull. The Australian Shepherd has warm almond–shaped eyes that can be blue, brown, amber, or a combination of the three.
This breed has adorable triangular drop ears which are high set. Their tails are straight and naturally bobbed or docked. The Australian Shepherd has a double coat that is either wavy or straight. Feathered fur covers the backs of legs, thighs and neck. This breed’s coat color is either blue merle, red merle, black, red and with or without white markings.
Average Height:
18-23 inches
Average Weight:
35-75 pounds
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd has a strong work drive, and is an intelligent dog breed. They are easy to train and enjoy being around family. The Aussie is sensitive, loyal, fun-loving, energetic and smart. They also make terrific guard dog and manage their posts without aggression.
The Aussie is also fantastic with children, other dogs and animals. They have a strong prey drive and also try to herd people around them. The Aussie should be kept away from small animals and sometimes cats depending on the individual dog. This high-energy breed does well with an active family and open spaces. The Aussie does well with farm life around cattle and horses.
Special Needs
The Australian Shepherd has to have a job and plenty of daily exercise. These dogs form very close bonds with their pet parents and enjoy long off-leash hikes. Aussies make good running companions after puppyhood when their bones are fully formed. The Aussie most definitely is at his best when competing in canine sports like agility, obedience and herding.
Possible Health Concerns
This breed is generally healthy. Yet there are still a few illnesses they may be prone to:
Hip Dysplasia – This is an abnormal development of the hip joint in large breeds like the Australian Shepherd. It is generally characterized by a loose joint and degenerative joint disease. Excessive growth, types of exercise, nutritional and hereditary factors all come into play with hip dysplasia.
Cataracts – This is a condition in which the lens of the eye progressively loses transparency, which often results in loss of vision. Consult with your veterinarian for advice.
Elbow Dysplasia – This is an abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, large, fast-growing breeds. It involves abnormal bone growth, cartilage development, or joint stresses. Treatment involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery before the degenerative changes of osteoarthritis take place.
Australian Shepherd dog breed
Exercise
The Australian Shepherd is a high-energy breed that thrives on exercise. The Aussie needs to have a stimulating environment and active pet parents. Rural or countryside living with plenty of space work well for this breed. Cattle herding is an Aussie’s job preference, followed by simply being a fun-loving companion.
Nutrition
A high-quality dog food for the appropriate life stage is recommended. Pet parents should never underestimate the importance of a well-balanced diet for their Australian Shepherds. That said, a dog food that works for one Aussie, may not work for another.
Grooming
Daily grooming is necessary for this breed’s waterproof, double –layered coat. During shedding season pet parents will need to groom more frequently. Undercoat rakes will remove dead coat hair and wire brushes are great for grooming. This breed is most often outdoors, so bathing regularly is a must. The Aussie is often dirtier and smellier than other dogs when outdoors having fun. Nails, ears and teeth need regular care.
With a sweet and fun temperament, the Aussie makes a great dog breeds to adopt if you are active and have a large property. It’s not a good idea to adopt this dog breed if they will be cooped up indoors. The Aussie is too smart to do nothing all day and needs a job. Children often love this dog’s fun-loving temperament.
THE TIBETAN TERRIER
Originating from Tibet, Tibetan Terriers are a medium-sized dog breed in the working group. They are so called “terriers” but have no relation to the terrier group of hounds. However, due to their remarkable resemblance to terriers, European travelers included the breed in their name. In Tibet, this dog is called Tsang Apso (shaggy or bearded) dog or Dokhi Apso meaning outdoor dog.
Brief History
Tibetan terriers have lived for thousands of years in the area that we now know as Tibet. Various DNA tests revealed that these dogs may have descended from various ancient breeds. In centuries past, Tibetans bred these dogs as good luck charms, companions, mascots, and herding dogs. Often known as holy dogs in Tibet, they were sometimes considered a rarity and were never sold, but raised by monks to be given as gifts. Living in Tibet which was a geographically isolated region, Tibetan terriers managed to stay as a purebred dog for more than 2000 years. In 1922, an English doctor brought the first Tibetan terrier to Europe. This was a white and gold female puppy. She later acquired a male Tibetan and with this couple as foundation stock, began breeding them in her then established kennel.
The first litter born to these dogs was in 1924, these puppies assumed the name Lhasa terriers. It was in 1930 when the Kennel Club of India changed the name Lhasa Terriers to Tibetan Terriers. In 1956, Dr. Henry and Mrs. Alice Murphy brought the first Tibetans to the US and in1973 the AKC recognized this breed placing it under the non-sporting group.
tibetan terrier
Physical Features
Tibetan Terriers are medium-sized with a powerful build and profuse coat. Their hairs are long and tend to cover their face, eyes, and sometimes mouth. The Tibetan’s body is square in proportion with large round feet that lie flat on the ground. Their tails are well feathered with an upward curl that allows it to fall forward over the back.
Average Height:
14-17 inches
Average Weight:
18-30 pounds
Life Expectancy:
15-16 years
Temperament
Tibetans are known for their loyal and affectionate charm which makes them good family pets. They are also intelligent, capable dogs with a strong helper drive. Tibetan terriers are sensitive and gentle to both adults and children.
Special Needs
With strangers or strange environments, Tibetans tend to be reserved. Owners need to exercise patience while introducing them to people and places they don’t know. Early socialization is required for them to grow into obedient and well-mannered pets. Due to their clever, steadfast and determined natures, some Tibetans tend to be stubborn. They also make excellent guard dogs.
Possible Health Concerns
Tibetans are a hardy and healthy breed, however, they tend to succumb to western canine diseases due to environmental changes and other bearing aspects such as the lifestyle they were used to in their country of origin. Early neutering and spaying may expose this breed to joint issues. In fact, many breeders suggest that owners wait until these dogs reach maturity. Occasionally, older Tibetans may suffer from vestibular disease. Although fatal, they may recover from it if dealt with during its early stages. Canine cancers also remain of concern to aging Tibetans.
tibetan terrier puppy
Exercise
The Tibetan terrier is an outdoor dog and enjoy daily walks with their family. Plan to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise time a day to make sure your Tibetan stays at a healthy weight and is mentally stimulated.
Grooming
A Tibetan’s double coat is adaptable in everyday life. The undercoat is woolen and acts as a natural insulator and water resistor. Coat textures may vary from soft to hard and they may or may not be susceptible to matting. Grooming the Tibetans ample coat should be a regular activity, perhaps trimming it to a manageable length or just hand stripping any dead or loose hair. As they tend to chew their food, owners should ensure that they clean their dog’s teeth once a week to keep them healthy and clean.
Tibetan Terriers have a versatile, friendly and intelligent nature. They make loving and loyal family companions.
tibetan terrier breed
BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES IN CATS AND DOGS
Having both a dog and a cat at home isn’t unusual. They are two creatures that can live in harmony together. Pet owners do the same for both as far as caring for them goes. They provide them with food, shelter, and water. Cats and dogs still share a few obvious differences… and not just their size. Here are five ways having dogs is different from having cats.
DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR TIPS
Training a dog can be both a highly rewarding and completely frustrating endeavor. Far too often, new dog owners stumble through training their pooch, then give up after a major setback.
THE BIRMAN CAT
The Birman is a well composed cat with a sweet, tolerant and friendly nature. Also known as the sacred cats of Burma, this breed has very ancient origins which still remain unknown to the world of cat fanciers, standards and federations. Today’s Birman makes an excellent therapy pet suitable for families with children.
Brief History
There are many stories on the history of the Birman’s true origins. One common legend speaks of the Birman’s ancestors as holy cats that were kept at Mount Lugh temple in Burma. By early 20th century in around 1919 Birmans were introduced in France which became the first country in Europe to host this breed. European Cat fanciers visiting France from England and Germany took this breed back home and within no time the Birman grew quite popular amongst European households. Its migration from Europe to Australia was the next forthcoming step and from this country together with France, Germany and England, the Birman made its way into American soil.
Physical Features
The Birman is of medium size and has a round face with full cheeks. The ears are small while the oval shaped eyes are blue in color. Within their medium size is a strongly built body covered in a coat of lush and silky fur which feels soft when touched.
Average Height:
8-10 inches
Average Weight:
8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Temperament
The Birman is friendly, highly social, self-assured and outgoing. Birmans are confident in familiar environments however their curiosity always leads them to a trail that they must explore. A strange environment is captivating to this cat and they’ll spend more time roaming about. If provoked or afraid a Birman will always glare at the source of provocation or fear before turning back to seek the comfort and reassurance of its owner.
Birman cat breed
Special Needs
The Birman cat is a gentle yet loyal breed that doesn’t like being left alone and always adores human company. If its owners are away, it will go to the nearest possible human company known or not known to them. This is a breed that participates in activities but not in an overly excited manner. Giving your pet Birman the freedom to explore its environment is crucial as they don’t like being put on a leash or behind closed doors for long periods.
Possible Health Concerns
As with all cat breeds both mixed-breed or pedigreed, Birmans are vulnerable to certain genetic disorders as well as health conditions. Breeders are advised to carefully screen their breeding stock for these health issues: Congenital hypotrichosis, Corneal dermoid, Spongiform degeneration, kittens born trembling or shaking and unusually high concentrations of creatinine or urea in the blood.
Exercise
Being curious cats, Birmans leave this nature for their passionate explorations rather than exercise. They exhibit moderate energy levels that requires little play and activity. Routine exercise doesn’t move this breed and if you want to instill this ideal you need to use positive methods that entice its curiosity. Exercise time should be adhered to strictly so your cat stays in good shape.
Nutrition
Birmans love feeding time more than any other time. During exercise, you can use treats to motivate this cat and make it livelier.
Grooming
The Birman’s long and lush coat doesn’t matt easily and requires minimal maintenance. They love to be washed and brushed making this grooming routine enjoyable to them and their owners. Its dense coat sheds but lightly so during this time its always ideal to brush the coat regularly and keep any loose dead hairs out.
