Loading...
Explore our articles and resources for pet parents
THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. Dogs in this breed are high-energy, intelligent, and social. This breed is a sporting dog, and originated in Newfoundland, first dubbed St. John’s Water dog.
Brief History
The first record of this breed was in Newfoundland in the 1700’s. They were brought to England in the early 1800’s. Some think they were bred from the Greater Newfoundland dog or the French St. Hubert’s dog.
This breed of dog was known for enjoying retrieving, originally with English fisherman in Newfoundland. The fisherman would use them to retrieve fish that had fallen off their hooks, or bring fishing lines in through the water. This made them good hunting dogs. The name Labrador was introduced in 1887 by the Earl of Malmesbury.
Physical Features
Labs come in three colors: black, yellow, or chocolate, with black being the most popular. They have large, stocky bodies. Their coats are dense and short, and repel water and dirt.
Average Height:
22-24 inches
Average Weight:
55-79 lbs
Life Expectancy:
10-15 years
Temperament
Labrador Retrievers are extremely social, and will want to play quite frequently. They’re fast learners and bond quickly when given attention. They have gentle dispositions, are easy to get along with, and are known to be loyal.
Labs are ideal family dogs, sporting dogs, and therapy dogs. They are obedient with proper training, and their favorite activities are swimming and retrieving (naturally).
Special Needs
Regular exercise is incredibly important for Labrador Retrievers in your family, not only because they are high energy dogs and love to play, but also because they are susceptible to weight gain if they’re sedentary. Labs also have a tendency to push themselves to the limit of their physical abilities, and can overheat in warm weather.
While they are good outdoor dogs, this breed prefers to live inside with their human companions.
Possible Health Concerns
A common health concern for Labrador Retrievers is obesity. Healthy dogs will have an hourglass shape. Other conditions they are susceptible to include:
Patellar Luxation. This happens when the dog’s patella is dislocated. Treatment involves surgery.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). When the ball and socket of the hip joint are malformed and grind against each other instead of moving smoothly. Treatment could be outpatient but it could also involve surgery.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD). When cartillege in a joint is damaged. Treatment could involve surgery.
Exercise
Labrador Retrievers are highly active, and you’ll need enough space in your home and yard for them to run around. They’ll go on runs or play fetch. You won’t want them to get bored, because they can become temperamental and even be destructive.
Labs need a lot of exercise, and especially love swimming, in any type of water. While young, you’ll need to watch them in the water, but over time they’ll gain confidence.
Nutrition
Each Labrador Retriever is different, and may need different nutritional needs. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian. Since this breed is prone to obesity, monitor their food consumption.
Grooming
Due to their dense coats, Labs will need to be combed weekly if not daily. They also shed, so watch out for your carpets! Their coats are resistant to water and also dirt, so brushing is mostly for shedding maintenance and to keep them looking healthy. They’ll need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning as well.
Labrador Retrievers are high-energy, loyal, family dogs who love attention and being involved in family activities. Know that when you adopt, you’ll have to put the time in to train them, but your efforts will be rewarded!
THE SIAMESE CAT
siamese cat
The Siamese is one of the oldest and most famous cat breeds, with ancestral roots in Siam, known today as Thailand. In Victorian England it gained the nickname “Royal cat of Siam” and was highly favored for its striking looks and an elegant coat color. These cats are beloved for their intelligent and curious natures.
Brief History
For many centuries, travelers to ancient Thailand brought home art and manuscripts that depicted the Siamese in full stature. Their migration to the western lands began during the late 19th century when they were used as show cats, most notably at the London Crystal Palace cat show. From here, they were introduced to the states when a US diplomat stationed in Thailand gave President Rutherford B Hayes a Siamese cat as a gift.
Physical Features
The Siamese coat is perhaps one of its most unique physical features for its color and glossy appearance. There are two types of Siamese cats: traditional and show. Traditional Siamese cats have apple shaped heads while show Siamese cats have wedge-shaped heads with ears that are large and triangular in shape. The show Siamese has a tubular body with long legs and flat paws. Both have striking almond-shaped blue eyes that sparkle with adoration and curiosity.
Average Height:
12-15 inches
Average Weight:
6-14 pounds
Life Expectancy:
11-15 years
Temperament
Siamese cats are known to bond deeply with their owners and always want to be a part of any activity you do. Whether it be following you around the house, climbing into your lap or sharing your bed, this breed loves to be involved. Siamese cats are also known for being extremely vocal — they have opinions and love chirping back to their humans.
siamese cat breed
Special Needs
Siamese tend to exhibit lots of beauty both inwards and outwards. Because of this, they are one of the most commonly-stolen cat breeds. Make sure to maintain close supervision when letting your Siamese cat outdoors.
Possible Health Concerns
Amyloidosis — when the amyloid protein is deposited in body’s organs, primarily the liver in Siamese cats.
Asthma/bronchial disease.
Congenital heart defects.
Exercise
Siamese cats are generally very active. When left with other cats and animals, Siamese will join whatever activity the rest of the pets are involved in. They love to play.
Nutrition
Any cat-friendly diet, both home-prepared or commercially manufactured, should grow with the Siamese at all its ages. Siamese owners are also advised to check their diets when they get to adulthood. Fresh, clean water should also be available for them to drink.
Grooming
The short Siamese coat is easy to groom and maintain. While they do shed, if you adhere to a strict grooming routine, it shouldn’t be too cumbersome. Comb the coat on a weekly basis using a stainless steel comb to remove any dead hair.
Siamese cats are ideal for owners who crave companionship and affection. They are highly intelligent, hyper-vocal, and love staying active.
the siamese cat
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
Bad Dog Chronicles
We love dogs because they’re cute, cuddly, and loyal companions. But we also love them for the shenanigans they get into. From stealing food, to hiding behind the sofa, to creating embarrassing moments for their owners in the middle of the street, we can’t get enough.
WHAT ARE AFRICAN GREY PARROTS?
One of the most distinctive breeds of parrot is the African Grey. This gallant bird is known for its stand-out smoky grey tinted feathers that give it such an unusual appearance, and of course, it’s chatty persona.
THE GOLDENDOODLE
The Goldendoodle is a delightful, loyal and sociable dog. Goldendoodles are active, love company and will feel comfortable in any social situation. Their friendly disposition makes a Goldendoodle the perfect family dog.
Brief History
Goldendoodles are result of crossing a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. This breed was named “Goldendoodle” in 1992. It was first crossbred in England, but many Goldendoodle enthusiasts believe that it originated from America.
To get more uniform results, this dog breed has been interbred within itself. During this process, only top quality Goldendoodles are interbred with each other. The Goldendoodle is not a pure breed and is therefore not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Physical Features
The Goldendoodle can be medium sized or large in stature. This is because it was bred using a regular sized Golden Retriever with a Standard Poodle. It has wavy or curly fur coat which can be apricot, black, chocolate, red, silver or brown in color.
Average Height:
20 to 29 inches
Average Weight:
50 to 90 lb
Life Expectancy:
10 to 13 years
Temperament
Having a fairly social heritage, the Goldendoodle has a cool temperament and a pleasant disposition. They are calm, happy and always excited to meet new people. The Goldendoodle believes that everyone is a friend and is quick to accept new individuals into the family.
Goldendoodles are quite outgoing making great companions for children and adults as well.
Quite the active dog, the Goldendoodle enjoys playing games such as tug of war, fetch, chasing and taking a dip in the pool. They are also quite comfortable relaxing or lounging with the family.
The Goldendoodle is not a habitual barker but they will always inform their family of a stranger in the house or within the compound with a few, sharp barks.
Special Needs
The Goldendoodle is a highly active dog. To keep all its energy in check, it is necessary to train them. Agility courses are ideal for managing this dog’s energy. Participating in agility courses helps to keep it in top physical and emotional condition. In addition to that, this course also gives the Goldendoodle an excellent opportunity to bond with its owner.
Possible Health Concerns
The Goldendoodle is prone to a variety of health issues. These are problems that are usually faced by Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They include: Von Willebrand’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, Juvenile Cataracts, Hip or Elbow dysplasia.
Exercise
The Goldendoodle needs to get lots of regular exercise and should do well with 2-3 walks a day, lasting around 30 minutes.
Those who have a fenced backyard can grant their Goldendoodle enough exercise through running around with the kids or playing ball.
Nutrition
Goldendoodles are highly energetic. Being medium-sized dogs, they need nutrition that will promote the growth of their bone and tissue thus they require a diet that is high in protein. While buying some food for your Goldendoodle, make sure that it contains more meat-centric than grain-centric protein. An example of such is dehydrated turkey.
Starch and carbohydrates also come in handy. Let your Goldendoodle consume foods containing ingredients such as pumpkin puree and dried seaweed. The latter is also a natural plaque remover. Oils are also essential for the Goldendoodle and food containing virgin coconut oil or milk thistle oil is ideal for them. Dried fruit is also good because it boosts the dog’s immune system.
Grooming
Goldendoodles have a rich, luscious coat which requires regular, attentive grooming. This coat needs to be brushed on a daily basis to prevent matting. In addition, your Goldendoodle needs to be provided with some professional clipping at least every other month. This session includes trimming the fur, clipping its nails and a good bath.
The Goldendoodle is an excellent dog to have in your home. They are known for being loving companions (often a top choice for therapy dogs!), an ideal playmate, your exercise partner and just a wonderful family dog.
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.
WHY DO DOGS LICK PAWS?
For our canine friends, paw licking can be a grooming habit. This is often seen when dogs have been out for a long walk in rugged conditions, or it might be part of their daily groom.
