Pets4You.com - Feature Breeds of the Month

The Beagle

pets4you — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:30:59 +0000

The Beagle is a short, compact scent hound recognized for coupling an acute sense of smell with a very sweet & personable disposition.

Used to track and hunt hare, pheasant, quail, rabbits, fox, and even raccoons, Beagles are notorious for their loud, very unique howl (also known as a baying cry) that has been infamously sought after by hunting horsemen.

Historically speaking, the regal ties of the Beagle can be traced back through literature, as well as, the arts of both the 16th & 17th Centuries.

Many members of the British monarchy- including Queen Elizabeth I, Edward II, & Henry VII- are each said to have been avid fans of their very own packs of Pocket Beagles, Glove Beagles, or Singing Beagles.

But exactly how specialized is this breeds’ schnoz?
Beagles are capable of differentiating between nearly 50 distinct smells… including those too faint to be sensed by scientific equipment!

The, “Beagle Brigade,” started as a branch of the APHIS airport inspection program in 1984, represents a prime example of just how accurate the Beagle’s nose can be.

This highly trained team of Beagles work alongside their handlers in 21 major airports throughout our country to identify travelers whose baggage may contain contaminated items such as meat, animal byproducts, fruits, or vegetables. Each year, this team is said to recover more than 75,000 seizures of prohibited agriculture.

The Siamese Cat

pets4you2 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:00:47 +0000

The Siamese Cat is quite arguably the eldest of 39 feline breeds accepted for registration by the CFA today.
Named after their Siam country of origin (now currently known as Thailand), members of this breed are said to have traveled to England as a gift.It didn’t take long for the sleek appearance & matching character of the Siamese to gain popularity across shores & throughout the U.S.By the early 1900’s, the breed had made its 1st debut in the American show-cat-ring.

So, what, you may ask, makes this cat breed so premium?
Widely recognized for their arresting and sophisticated appearance, Siamese cats all share a characteristically wedge-shaped head adorned with almond-shaped, deep blue-colored eyes. Their predominantly white, cream, or bluish-silver coat is short and silky, and can be found in five varied color patterns, known as the seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point, and red point. Kittens of this breed are each born with an all-white coat, which takes up to one full year to reach its full color maturity.

Contrasting with the breed’s striking, trademark image is an equally as impressive personality w/ vocal repertoire, to match. Notably receptive with a distinguished sort-of charm, Siamese actively seek the affection and companionship of their owners using a diverse (yet legendary) voice to serenade, greet, demand, notify, and even coerce.

Since the arrival of our 19th President Rutherford Hayes’ pet cat “Siam” to the White House in the year 1878, the Siamese breed has experienced an ample amount of media spotlight. The second Siamese to claim residency within the White House was the pet cat of Susan, President Gerald R. Ford’s youngest child & only daughter. A cat named “Misty Malarky Ying Yang,” marked the 3rd documented Siamese cat to reside within the White House, owned by the only daughter of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.

The Cargigan Welsh Corgi

pets4you2 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi represents one of the AKC’s oldest known herding breed-types. Descendants of the Mastiff group, these dogs are said to have originated more than 3,000 years ago, first appearing along with the Celts in the breed’s namesake Cardingshire, Wales around 1200 B.C.

Welsh farmers have been credited for shaping the Cardigan’s Tekdal ancestors into diligent and keen droving, herding, guarding, and companion dogs. Bred long and low to the ground, their body size and stature ideally suited these dogs for livestock droving and herding work; standing less of a risk of being kicked by members of the herd.

Although frequently confused with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, these two breeds actually share very little in common other than their Welsh heritage.

The most obvious of these dissimilarities is the presence of the Cardigan’s tail, which, by standard, is not found on the Pembroke. Another apparent difference between the two breeds lies in their coat color and pattern diversity. Cardigans can be found in a much wider variety of coat hues and patterns, ranging from a blue merle, to red, sable, brindle, black, gray, and even marbled. The size in the ears of the Cardigan is noticeably larger, as well, with a wider base and tips that are slightly more rounded. Though the less common of the breed-types, Cardigans are also said to be the more hardy and long-living of the two.

While the first part of the Cardigan’s name is certainly unique of the Pembroke’s, their most evidently shared characteristic lies in the last two words found in both of their breed names- “Welsh Corgi.” Appropriately suited, this name can be translated to read, “Welsh dwarf dog.”

January 2008 Featured Dog Breed – the Dachshund

pets4you2 — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:15:54 +0000

Whether Smooth, Long, or Wirehaired, the Dachshund can be seen in a wide assortment of colors & patterns, ranging from red, to black-and-tan, cream, chocolate, rust, copper, fawn, or blue.

Although typically growing no more than 35lbs. in weight once fully mature, the relatively loud bark and courageous vigor frequently exhibited by the Dachshund has led it’s owners to fondly refer to them as, “big dogs in small packages.

Ancestry of the Dachshund can be traced back to as early as the 1500’s.

Translating from German to read, “Badger Dog,” the Dachshund’s name accurately depicts this history. It was the stature, stamina, and fearlessness of the breed that led German foresters, gamekeepers, and sportsmen to so highly value and breed these oddly-proportioned dogs for hunting badger and other small vermin.

January 2008 Featured Cat Breed – the Turkish Van

pets4you2 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:00:22 +0000

The Turkish Van is a particularly unique and striking feline breed on many levels.

Recognized as one of the largest of the domestic cat breeds, Turkish Vans are known to reach up to 20lb. in weight upon full maturity.

The breed’s large, muscular frame is covered by an extremely soft, predominantly white, semi-longhaired coat, characteristically accented by ring-like markings along their “bottlebrush” tail and head region.
Large paws and a wedge-shaped head framed by a mane-like ruff and adorned with two large, round eyes in a golden, amber, green, blue, or even bi-eyed tone are also customary.

Roots of the Turkish Van breed’s ancestry can be traced back for many centuries through both the imagery depicted on Hittite jewelry, as well as, on inscriptions found on armor worn by the Romans during battle.
Valued for their beauty, character, and additional affinity for affection, these cats have been protected and regarded as a national treasure in their homeland of Turkey for centuries.

It was until the mid-20th Century that these cats remained virtually unheard of outside their Turkish country of origin. In 1955, two British women worked to cultivate the foundation stock of the breed after finding them to be of a naturally occurring type.

Since the breed’s registry with the CFA in the year 1994, Turkish Vans have consistently ranked as one of the club’s rarest feline breeds registered, with an average of less than 100 kittens born each year! Also sometimes referred to as the, “swimming cat,” “Van Cat,” “Turkish Cat,” “White Ringtail,” or, “Russian Longhair,” these cats own a notoriously curious, yet, aloof and independent nature. And, yes… they love to swim!

Featured Dog Breed – the Saint Bernard

pets4you2 — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:00:40 +0000

It is said that an excess of more than 2,000 lost or injured travelers are said to owe their lives to the heroic and chivalrous relief efforts of the Saint Bernard.
Not even harsh, icy winds, sleet, or several feet of snow can slow this breed’s tracking nose and skills down!

One of the largest breeds of dog with ancestral roots dating as far back as 980 AD, today’s Saint Bernard can be seen in both long and short-coated varieties in either a red or white.

Gallant, gentle, and kind, these attentive, doting, and rather “nanny-like” dogs were initially used for herding, hunting, and watch-dogging.

It was not until the 17th Century that the Saint Bernard’s unparalleled proficiency for search and rescue was discovered, and following a spike in the breed’s popularity thanks to their selfless rescue efforts within the dangerous region nestled between the Swiss and Italian Alps, the Saint Bernard achieved world-wide recognition.

Interestingly enough, it was within this very same icy, mountainous region that this noble breed earned both its’ name, as well as, fame.

Forever immortalized as a brave and steadfast hero serving an invaluable role in the recovery of many, the Saint Bernard has earned a permanent place in search, rescue, & avalanche history.

December 2007 Featured Cat Breed – Oriental Shorthair

pets4you2 — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:00:20 +0000

The Oriental Shorthair has consistently ranked as one of the top feline breeds registered with the CFA since it’s acceptance by the club in year 1977.

Developed to expand the limited color and pattern diversity of the founding Siamese cat breed, the Oriental Shorthair is said to appear in more than 300 color and pattern combinations- including 4 solids and 112 tabbies, ranging from cream to cinnamon, smoke to mackerel. Shaded, smoked, parti-colored, or patched, this sleek-bodied cat nevertheless embodies the look of, “chic.”

Members of this breed are most commonly described as svelte, moderately-lanky cats with an attractive, very angular skeletal structure and long, whippy tail. Embellishing this diverse cat breed’s wedge-shaped head is a pair of almond-shaped, blue, green, or bi-colored eyes, and large, flared ears.

The responsive and personable qualities of this breed correspond nicely with their notoriously varied, unique exteriors. They are considerably people-oriented felines, apt to closely bond with their owners.

November 2007 Featured Cat Breed – Maine Coon

pets4you2 — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:00:50 +0000

Boasting the title, “America’s first indigenous show cat,” it comes as no surprise that the Maine Coon has retained a permanent standing as one of today’s most well-known cat breeds, as well as the CFA’s 2^nd most popularly registered breed of cat.

The hardy longevity of the Maine Coon breed has undoubtedly provided the foundation for their unique, yet controversial, all-American legacy.

Appearing along the New England shore as early as the 17th Century, ancestors of the breed are said to have accompanied European settlers traveling to the Americas in hopes of surviving the harsh and uncompromising winters in hopes of starting anew. Other accounts of the Main Coon’s ancestral origins have described the Vikings as the party to introduce the breed’s founding genealogy to the Americas. Both historical perspectives, nonetheless, peg this breed’s forefathers as a resilient strain of feline developing primarily through the process of natural selection.

Several theories concerning the inspiration for this breed’s name also exist- ranging from a tale of a captain named Coon, reported to have sailed and landed on Maine’s shores, to a suspicion of the cats supposedly owned by the famed Marie Antoinette of France, to the close bearing of resemblance to the Raccoon the breed exhibits.

Individuals of this feline breed typically develop at a comparatively slower rate than most others, and can take up to 5 years to reach maturity. The average Maine Coon grows anywhere from 9-15lbs. in weight, with a body length of up to one entire meter.

The Main Coon’s dense, water-resistant, double coat is composed of a soft under layer with an upper coat made up of guard hairs. This coat can be seen in a wide range of colors and patterns, ranging from a solid, to tortoiseshell, to the most popular mackerel or patched tabby variety.

Fur growing along the shoulders remains short in length, while, “pantaloons,” or, “britches,” created by longer hair growing on the backs of the legs, as well as, a longer, “ruff,” of hair mimicking the form of a lion’s mane are also inherent.

The broad, well-defined skull of the Maine Coon is characteristically accentuated by a set of high cheek bones, a square muzzle, striking green, gold, or blue eyes, and a trademark, “M” design seen located on the forehead. A heavily plumed, bushy tail and pair of widely-set, Lynx-tipped, ears mark just two more of this feline’s attributes.

Frequently noted for sharing an extremely social, particularly intonated demeanor, just a few auditory examples of how this breed’s extensive vocal spectrum far surpasses the basic, “meow,” include a trill, chirp, and many more unique and interesting sounds attributed to making the Maine Coon such an amusingly receptive conversationalist.

The Main Coon’s loyal and placid disposition has led the breed to oftentimes be referred to as the, “Gentle Giant,” of the feline community. Keen and intuitive; sassy, yet sweet, these cats have an awareness of all their own about the world that surrounds them.

Commonly noted for displaying rather, “dog-like,” behavior, this breed’s favorite pastimes include a love for the game of fetch, as well as, a sincere curiosity for water-sports and water-related activities.

Their high level of intelligence and mischievous knack for using their front paws similar in fashion to that of a human’s hands makes these cats considerably easy-to-train. A nimble and playful build well-befits this breed for life in homes containing both children and other types of pets.

October 2007 Featured Dog Breed – Shiba Inu

pets4you2 — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:00:16 +0000

Remaining Japan’s most popular breed of companion dog to this day, the Shiba Inu breed was officially declared a, “precious natural product,” by the Japanese government in December of 1936.While the source of this breeds’ name remains under debate, it’s heritage can be traced back to as early as 7000 B.C.
Known as both the eldest & the smallest of the six canine breed-types native to Japan, these versatile dogs were originally bred for their keen, large-game hunting skills and hardy level of endurance.Similar to many other breeds, the end of World War II marked an era of near extinction for the Shiba Inu, with just three lines of blood- known as the San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and the Shin Shu Shiba- left as the remaining breeding stock.Despite making its debut in the U.S. in the mid- 1950’s, the Shiba Inu struggled to establish recognition with the AKC as a Non-Sporting breed until the year of 1993.

A widely-based forehead, adorn by a small set of deeply-set, dark brown, eyes and triangle-shaped ears provide this breed with a characteristically confident and kind expression. Black lips and a slightly-tapering muzzle with black nose encase this breed’s powerful, precision scissor-like bite. A deep chest with a noticeably sprung ribcage and matched toned abdomen are carried by straight, well-defined forelegs and widely-spaced hindquarters.

One of the Shiba Inus most easily recognized traits is a highly-set tail, which curls up and over this breed’s back in a sickle-shape. Arched, cat-like paws mark just another of this canine’s unique traits.

This breed’s unique, weatherproof double coat is composed of a soft, cream, buff, or gray undercoat, with straight, stiff guard hairs most commonly seen in a black-tipped, red or black with tan shade. White-to-cream-hued markings accent the neck, chest, and sides of the muzzle. Shiba Inus are an impressively nimble breed. Their compact, yet athletic and agile build is truly one of a kind.

A fundamental weariness of unfamiliar faces has led the Shiba Inu to often be described as somewhat reserved. While an extremely independent, self-directed nature proves evident in this breed’s meticulous grooming habits, they do, nevertheless, share a common tendency to bond considerably close with their owners, and make great pets in homes containing families.

The bold personality of the Shiba Inu Aside for a slight difference in size and weight (Males generally reach full-size at 14-16” in height at 20-30lbs., while females grow up to 13-15” in height at 18-28 lbs.) male members of this be typically appear more masculine than the females.

August 2007 Featured Dog Breed – The Dandie Dinmont Terrier

pets4you2 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:00:32 +0000

Placing Second in Group at the December 2006 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (held in Long Beach, CA) & recently recognized by Vogue Magazine’s William Norwich as the Summer, “It” dog for 2006, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has received quite a bit of coverage for a breed that saw just 84 registered with the AKC last year.

One of the oldest terrier breeds in the world, origins of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier can be traced back to as early as the 1600’s, when gypsies and sportsmen living in the border counties of Scotland and England used them for hunting otter, badger, fox, polecat, weasels, and other vermin.

Evolving as a hardy, working terrier, the Dandie Dinmont developed unique, trademark attributes; providing him with the stamina required to hunt in harsh weather conditions and rough terrain found in the English-Scottish Border country.

His body, low and flexible, reaching but 10″ in height, is propelled by a strong neck, backbone, and hindquarters- allowing him to enter a den (and retreat) when necessary. To match, the Dandie Dinmont was equipped with a very strong jaw and rather large teeth.
Carried a tad above body level, the Dandie Dinmont’s tail is curved like a scimitar- the thick base growing thicker after approximately 4″ and then tapering off to a point again. Large, round, dark-hazel colored eyes provide the Dandie Dinmont with an almost soulful expression.

Most predominant of his traits is a weatherproof, double- coat- appearing in a pepper ranging from navy to a whitish-silvery hue, or a, mustard, varying from reddish-brown to a tan. A profuse, very distinct, soft, topknot marks the Dandie Dinmont’s signature trait, appearing silvery-white on the pepper and creamy-white on the mustard individuals. The topcoat appearing on the majority of the body grows to reach around 2″ long, almost feeling crisp- whilst the soft, undercoat linty and soft.

One of the oldest in the world, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875; first recognized by the AKC in 1886 with the registration of, “Bonnie Britton”. While the essentials of the Standard created for the, Original Stud Book remain largely unchanged today, the American Dandie Dinmont Terrier standard also now includes a reference to movement in an effort to keep the purpose and origin of the breed more in mind.

Frequently referred to as the, gentleman of the terrier family, the independent, sensitive, and diligent, temperament of the Dandie Dinmont has two sides- though usually calm, affectionate, and dignified, he is a dedicated and tenacious hunter, when provoked. Relentless in the hunt, Dandie Dinmont Terriers have been reported to spend days underground; these instincts still present in the breed to this day.

With under 100 Dandie Dinmont Terriers registered, the breed ranked 144th of the total 155 breeds recognized by the US AKC during 2006. This drastically low number, along with the equally as startling low numbers registered in Europe last year, has caused the UKACK to declare the Dandie Dinmont a, “vulnerable native breed”.

Famous Dandie Dinmont owners have included: Bill Cosby, (co-owner of Hobergay’s Fineus Fogg, aka “Harry”) Queen Victoria, Agatha Christie, and Sir Alec Guinness.