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THE YORKIPOO
The Yorkipoo is a fun-loving, energetic and loving small breed. They are are versatile dogs that can live in a large house or an apartment with equal satisfaction. They’re extremely easy-going and love lounge time just as much as a walk in the park. The Yorkipoo may be petite, but make no mistake, their little bodies pack a ton of energy and agility.
Brief History
The Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle and were first bred in the United States. Yorkipoos were bred to be hypoallergenic and make great companion dogs to people of all ages. Due to their mixed breeding, the Yorkipoo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club but is recognized by the American Hybrid Canine Club and the Designer Dog Kennel Club.
Physical Features
The Yorkipoo combines all the favorable physical characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy Poodle. They are small in stature and have a long, smooth and silky coat — either curly or straight. The Yorkipoo has black or brown eyes with an intelligent glint and their noses are typically brown or black.
The Yorkipoo’s coat can be of a wide range of colors such as apricot, brown, white, gray, or a combination of a few. The Yorkipoo’s ears can be straight and upright or floppy. Overall, they’re handsome dogs with a ton of personality.
Average Height:
7 – 12 inches
Average Weight:
3 to 14 lb
Life Expectancy:
10 to 15 years
Temperament
Yorkipoos are full of vitality and are always up to something interesting. Be prepared for their antics to make you laugh a lot! Yorkipoo are confident and comfortable while engaged in active play, but are also quite ready to relax on your lap. This little dog is quite intelligent and can make an ideal playmate for children. Their love and affection also come in handy for more senior owners.
The Yorkipoo is gentle and behaves well with strangers. Thanks to their cool disposition, the Yorkipoo can be socialized easily. Like many small dogs, the Yorkipoo has no idea of its small size and will play with much larger dogs. To avoid any accidents, Yorkipoos should be introduced to larger dogs under strict supervision until they can make friends.
Yorkipoos are extremely smart and always eager to please. This makes them easy to train. While teaching this dog, you should use positive reinforcement. They typically don’t respond well to harsh commands or threats. Instead, enthusiastic praise and treats after good performance will help the Yorkipoo learn quicker.This dog’s innate qualities give it great potential for obedience or therapy training.
Special Needs
Yorkipoos have a strong constituion and can stay healthy over a long period of time with proper care.
Possible Health Concerns
However, they are prone to conditions such as dry eye, retinal detachment, hypoglycemia and endocardiosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can ward off many of these diseases and help the Yorkipoo make a full recovery each time.
Exercise
The Yorkipoo requires regular training to keep their high energy levels in check. A brisk, short walk once a day is enough to keep them healthy and strong. The Yorkiepoo also loves running around with a ball or toy.
Nutrition
The Yorkipoo is known for being a picky eater. To solve this problem, you can experiment mixing wet and dry food together to see what works best.
Grooming
Yorkipoos have long, beautiful, hypoallergenic coats that require regular care. Owners must make sure to brush this pup regularly throughout the week to prevent matting and bathe them once a month. Consult your veterinarian for shampoo recommendations.
A Yorkipoo is a little dog with big energy and a big heart,. They make excellent companion dogs and love to bond with their humans.
PHYSICAL THERAPY AND REHABILITATION FOR PETS:
It’s all about guiding and empowering you to help your pet avoid injury, provide practical solutions and achieve rapid restoration of health and function!
THE ABYSSINIAN CAT
Abyssinian cats get their name from the term Abyssinia which was a former name for Ethiopia. A breed with fine bone and elaborate pose Abyssinian cats never fail to impress us. They have a tabby yet multi-colored coat that gives them an intricate look and elegant appearance.
Brief History
There are many stories that surround the Abyssinian cat’s origins however many cat fanciers believe that this breed’s first ancestors were from parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean coast. Traders within these regions were accredited for the cat’s migration into other continental parts such as Arabia and Africa. Some breeds said to be in the Abyss genetic background are Russian Blues, Burnese and Siamese. During the 19th century the breed became famous in Great Britain with belief that British soldiers deployed in various parts of Africa and Asia brought it back home by the end of their expeditions.
Physical Features
The Abyssinian is quite slender but with fine bone and an average body size. They have almond shaped eyes that glare with expression while their ears are large and tend to be pointed with alertness. A kitten Abyssinian is born with a dark coat that lightens with age and as they proceed into adulthood their coats become soft, silky to the touch and ideally fine but close lying and dense.
Average Height:
8-10 inches
Average Weight:
8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
9-15 years
Temperament
Abyssinians are generally friendly in nature showing affection for kids and other pets. They are also playful, dislike being lonely or in boring environments and can make good therapy pets thanks to this appeal. As for the family an Abyssinian’s affection is averagely placed meaning that they neither love nor hate to belong to a particular grouping. Everything they do is done willingly and with enthusiasm making them one cat breed that knows how to live every second of their life to the fullest. Any activity, be it play, climbing, jumping or running is done with energy and passion.
Abyssinian cat
Special Needs
They are not the lazing around type of cats, and with a high level of intelligence they can act according to your mood. If it’s time for play, you’ll definitely have a playmate. If you want to easily get along with your Abyssinian it’s a good idea to ensure that the type of relationship that exists between you is complementary rather than opposing.
Possible Health Concerns
Just like all other pedigreed and mixed-breed cats, Abyssinians are vulnerable to certain diseases that may be hereditary or those caused through certain mutation flaws. The most fatal genetic condition is Pyruvate kinase deficiency. Pyruvate Kinase is an enzyme present in all red blood cell bearing animals. This enzyme is necessary for energy metabolism within the red blood cells. The Pyruvate Kinase deficiency is caused by a recessive gene and it is a known hereditary condition in various cat breeds. This deficiency may show in kittens as young as 6 months or even older cats of 12 years and more. Breeders are advised to have their stock screened for this condition since has no known treatment. Other diseases and health conditions are: Hyperesthesia syndrome, Patellar luxation, Progressive retinal atrophy and Renal amyloidosis.
Exercise
Exercise to the Abyssinian should be equal to play. Keep in mind that they are very energetic and enthusiastic cats who’d rather be involved in a fun muscle exciting activity rather than a boring one that inspires little or no muscle movement. The country side or a yard with plenty of trees for them to climb is essential. Regular climbing keeps their joints active and to get down, they’d rather jump as heights do not scare them.
Grooming
Abyssinians have a short coat that doesn’t shed a lot. This coat is easy to maintain and weekly grooming should be enough to remove any dead hairs and keep it shiny and healthy. Trim the nails every fortnight and brush the teeth regularly to prevent it from contracting periodontal disease.
These cats make excellent pets as they are very independent and well-mannered thus needing less supervisory attention from their owners.
THE NORWICH TERRIER
The Norwich Terrier comes from the U.K, and is part of the UKC/AKC Terrier group. This is a breed that was originally trained to kill rats. This dog breed was used in packs to travel in foxhunts. Even so, they are more sociable than a regular terrier.
Brief History
The Norwich Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier were known as the same breed until 1964. After that, the main difference would be the Norwich Terrier’s prick ears. The Norwich Terrier was bred during the 1870’s and 1880’s. Undergrads at Cambridge University came to enjoy this dog breed. This dog breed became dorm-room ratters for Cambridge and nearby stables. This breed then was named Trumpington Terriers. One of these dogs was bred numerously at a stableyard, and sired Terrier pups. The breed then became the Jones Terriers in the U.S. The UKC and AKC recognized the Norwich Terrier in the 1930’s. Both Norwich and Norfolk Terrier are closely related.
Physical Features
The Norwich Terrier is spunky and alert. This dog breed is the smallest working terrier. With dark eyes that are oval-shaped, their skulls are broad and slightly rounded. The body is moderately short, and the tail is of medium length, and docked. The hindquarters are strong and muscular.
The Norwich Terrier has a wiry coat that lies close to their bodies, and has an undercoat. The coat on their necks and shoulders forms a mane. The coat can be shades of black and tan or grizzle, red, or wheaten. Their temperaments are happy, fearless, and alert.
Average Height:
9-10 inches
Average Weight:
11-13 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
The Norwich Terrier is alert, fun loving, and affectionate. This is a good natured dog breed that enjoys children and other dogs. In order to spend time around other small animals it’s a good idea if they’re socialized first. This dog breed is fearless and highly trainable. Positive dog training and socialization needs to start during puppyhood. The name Terrier comes from the Latin word “terra” meaning earth. These dog breeds were first used to dig tunnels so that they could chase rats and other small prey. These are high- energy dogs that enjoy exercising and free play.
Special Needs
The Norwich Terrier needs to have a securely fenced backyard or garden. This dog breed is known for its escapades, and tends to dig beneath fencing to escape. Socialization with cats, children, people, and other dogs is necessary starting during the first four weeks of puppyhood, and continuing for the dog’s lifetime. Positive dog trainings should focus on maintaining the happy temperament that this breed displays. Harsh or loud reprimands tends to negate any positive bonding, and subjects a dog to unnecessary stress and possible trauma.
Possible Health Concerns
The Norwich Terrier is an active and healthy dog breed that may be susceptible to the following health conditions:
Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that affects this dog breed. HD is an abnormal development of the hip joint in dogs. It’s generally characterized by a loose joint, then degenerative joint disease. Dogs should be fed a high-quality diet geared towards their life stage. Excessive growth, types of exercise, nutritional factors, and hereditary factors all come in to play with hip dysplasia. Consult with your veterinarian for expert advice.
Epilepsy: An inherited disease that causes seizures. Dogs will generally require treatment with anticonvulsants from their veterinarians.
Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that may be found in the Norwich Terrier. It is caused by the SOD1-A gene. It happens during adulthood. Some symptoms may include limb weakness, muscle wasting, muscle tremors, and stumbling. Consult with your veterinarian.
Upper Airway Syndrome: This is a respiratory condition that presents as noisy breathing to critical distress. The condition is breed specific, can occur without warning, and may be fatal.
Dental Disease: This is common in smaller dog breeds. Brushing your dog’s teeth everyday, followed by twice yearly dental cleanings, will reduce the chance for periodontal disease.
Luxating Patellas. This is a hereditary condition that is caused by the abnormal development of the kneecap(patella). X-rays will aid in seeing the severity of the displacement. Treatment usually involves surgical options.
Exercise
The Norwich Terrier needs moderate exercise with brief bouts of fast activity like running after a tennis ball. This breed should never be over-exercised. They benefit from a few daily walks at a moderate pace with lots of off-leash runs at the beach or dog park.
This breed needs plenty of socialization like going to the dog park, or out and about the neighborhood. If not exercised sufficiently, they can become overly cranky and anxious. They should not be allowed to jump off tables, run up flights of stairs, or overexert themselves. Swimming is a great exercise for this small dog breed that will promote bone and joint strength.
Nutrition
A high-quality dog food for the appropriate life stage is recommended. Dog parents should assess their dog’s activity level, age, breed, and any medical conditions that he or she may be prone to.
Look for dog food formulas that contain ingredients like duck, eggs, chicken, lamb and Wisconsin cheese, fruits and vegetables. Another factor that comes into play is that the dog food formula does not contribute to plaque buildup. It should not contain sugars, salt, or added preservatives.
Grooming
The Norwich Terrier has a double coat. The outer coat is harsh, and almost 100% waterproof. The undercoat is soft and insulating. Clipping is practical, yet may remove the colored tips from the coat. The coat texture will be much softer when clipped.
Daily grooming is necessary with bathing as needed, since this breed loves playing around in the bushes and in mud. The Norfolk Terrier is active, and does well with regular grooming. Regular ear cleaning and daily tooth brushing is needed to prevent tartar buildup. Nails need to be trimmed as needed. As with all dog breeds, it’s necessary to bring your dog in for a twice yearly dental cleaning.
This bright and quirky dog breed is delightfully playful, and always ready for adventure. They enjoy hikes, swims, boat rides, or just hanging out next to you.
THE ABYSSINIAN CAT
Abyssinian cats get their name from the term Abyssinia which was a former name for Ethiopia. A breed with fine bone and elaborate pose Abyssinian cats never fail to impress us. They have a tabby yet multi-colored coat that gives them an intricate look and elegant appearance.
Brief History
There are many stories that surround the Abyssinian cat’s origins however many cat fanciers believe that this breed’s first ancestors were from parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean coast. Traders within these regions were accredited for the cat’s migration into other continental parts such as Arabia and Africa. Some breeds said to be in the Abyss genetic background are Russian Blues, Burnese and Siamese. During the 19th century the breed became famous in Great Britain with belief that British soldiers deployed in various parts of Africa and Asia brought it back home by the end of their expeditions.
Physical Features
The Abyssinian is quite slender but with fine bone and an average body size. They have almond shaped eyes that glare with expression while their ears are large and tend to be pointed with alertness. A kitten Abyssinian is born with a dark coat that lightens with age and as they proceed into adulthood their coats become soft, silky to the touch and ideally fine but close lying and dense.
Average Height:
8-10 inches
Average Weight:
8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
9-15 years
Temperament
Abyssinians are generally friendly in nature showing affection for kids and other pets. They are also playful, dislike being lonely or in boring environments and can make good therapy pets thanks to this appeal. As for the family an Abyssinian’s affection is averagely placed meaning that they neither love nor hate to belong to a particular grouping. Everything they do is done willingly and with enthusiasm making them one cat breed that knows how to live every second of their life to the fullest. Any activity, be it play, climbing, jumping or running is done with energy and passion.
oriental shorthair cat
Special Needs
The Oriental Shorthair does not like to be left alone. This cat also needs to be entertained regularly. This means that they need to have some form of entertainment whenever they are awake and around the house. The cat requires interaction as part of daily maintenance.
The Oriental Shorthair is an active cat, and will play fetch, learn tricks and enjoy time with kids. They will get along with other cats and dogs as well.
Possible Health Concerns
If maintained well, the Oriental Shorthair is generally a healthy cat. It is important to note that they may inherit some genetic diseases and conditions that are characteristic of their parent breeds. Conditions that affect the Siamese cat or the Abyssinian can be inherited by the Oriental Shorthair. These include Amyloidosis, crossed eyes or congenital heart defects. This cat may also develop gastrointestinal diseases, lymphoma, nystagmus or Hyperesthesia syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in helping the Oriental Shorthair to recover from these conditions.
Exercise
The Oriental Shorthair cat is an active pet. This means that they need regular exercise. The breed loves to jump from heights. Perches and cat trees come in handy for this type of exercise. They also appreciate toys. If successfully trained, the Oriental Shorthair can be taken for walks around the block on a leash.
Grooming
The Oriental Shorthair’s fine fur coat requires combing every few weeks. This can be done using a soft bristle coat or a soft stainless steel brush that removes all dead hair. After brushing the cat’s coat, polish with a soft cloth so as to ensure that it shines. The cat’s teeth also need to be brushed once a week. This is so as to prevent periodontal disease.
Her eyes also need hygienic care. This can be facilitated with a soft, damp cloth to get rid of any discharge. The ears should also be cleaned regularly.
The Oriental Shorthair is a beautiful cat that was bred from exotic parentage. They are lively, loving and dedicated to their families. Always ready to play and provide friendship, the Oriental Shorthair is an ideal family cat.
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 VIZSLA
The Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Vizsla, originated from Hungary. In fact, ancestors can be traced all the way back to the 10th century, where they were the favorite hunting dogs of the Magyar tribes that lived in the Pannonian Basin. Regarded as ideal sporting dogs, the ancient Vizsla lines were kept pure for centuries.
Brief History
The Vizsla became more refined as a breed over centuries when the Hungarian nobles modernized them. They became well-known as an agile, all-purpose hunting dog. However, this breed narrowly avoided extinction after World War 1. The first of this breed was imported to the U.S in the 1950’s after being smuggled out of communist Hungary. They participate in many canine sporting activities today, and make good hunting and companion dogs.
Physical Features
This is a medium-sized, lean and muscular dog. This breed has a deep tapering muzzle and carries a narrow, powerful head. Vizslas typically have brown eyes, a brown nose and ears that are rounded at the tips. Their coats are short and smooth, and their tails are also docked. Some may have white markings on the chest and toes. The wire-haired Vizsla is more common in Europe, but can also be found in the U.S.
Average Height:
21-24 inches
Average Weight:
50-65 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Temperament
This good-natured dog is a good addition to any home with children. They’re an energetic and agile breed that has endurance, power and drive. They’re affectionate and gentle with family members. The Vizsla needs plenty of daily exercise, including frequent off-leash hikes, trips to the dog park and organized canine sporting activities.
This breed was bred to be a hunting dog, but also make good jogging partners. That said, young dogs should not run long distances until they reach 18 to 24 months of age. Older dogs must stay active, and need to have a job. An active family that enjoys being outdoors and partaking in lots of sports is a good match for this breed.
Special Needs
The Vizsla needs plenty of positive training starting at puppyhood. This breed is very intelligent, sometimes stubborn, and extremely active. It’s important to start a good positive training schedule with your puppy early on. An untrained dog can be hyperactive and rambunctious. This breed needs plenty of attention combined with exercise.
Possible Health Concerns
This breed may be susceptible to the following:
Cancer. Treatments for canine cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Eye Disorders affecting the Vizsla include entropion. Entropion is the turning in of the edges of the eyelid, so that the eyelashes rub against the eye surface. It is one of the most common eyelid defects in dogs.
Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects this breed. HD is an abnormal development of the hip joint in medium and large dog breeds. It is generally characterized by a loose joint, and then degenerative joint disease. Excessive growth, types of exercise, nutritional factors, and hereditary factors all come in to play with hip dysplasia. Consult with your veterinarian for expert advice.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder marked by sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This results in recurrent seizures.
Exercise
Vizslas need daily exercise with plenty off-leash runs. This breed enjoys routine and benefits mentally from all the positive attention it receives during training. They also enjoy dog sports like agility, rally, obedience, dock diving, barn hunts, scent work, tracking and lure coursing.
This breed needs plenty of mental stimulation. Pet parents will need to combine dog training classes into their weekly schedule. Vizslas are good running companions and excellent hunting dogs.
Nutrition
Consult with your veterinarian as to the best dog food for your Vizsla. Every dog is different, and some brands will be better suited for certain dogs. When it comes to dog foods, understanding your pet’s current health and nutritional needs is paramount. And always remember to ask your veterinarian for advice before changing your dog’s diet.
Grooming
The Vizsla 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 their coats healthy. Nails need to be trimmed regularly, with twice yearly trips for dental cleanings at the veterinarian. Ears should be checked for wax, dirt and signs of irritation.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DOG – COMMON SENSE TIPS
It’s an exciting time welcoming a new puppy into your household. They provide so much fun and love, and are like a new child in your family. This time can also be daunting to the new puppy owner, especially if they have never owned a dog before. In this article, we will give you a whirlwind tour through everything you need to know to take care of a new puppy.
