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The German Shepherd Dog's (GSD) roots go back to the late 1800's in Germany where it was used as a shepherding dog. The German shepherd dogs are very skilled working dogs due to their intelligence, strength and obedience. Today, German shepherd dog is one of the most widely-used breeds in a wide variety of scent-work roles. They are commonly used as Police dogs which include search and rescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection, and mine detection dog, amongst others. They are also being used as military attack dogs because German shepherds have the strongset bite of all domestic dogs which is around 250-750-1200 pounds
Despite their potential ferocity, due to their loyal and protective nature the breed make good house pets and guard dogs. The German Shepherd Dog is nothing short of a highly gifted dog. Its intelligence is the envy of most of the dog world. It is able to perform almost any task that man has asked of it, including guide dog, avalanche rescue, tracking, watchdog, police dog, drug and bomb sniffing, and you can still find them herding sheep in its native homeland.
History of GSD from Wikipedia
The original idea of the breed dates back to 1891, when the Phylax Society was formed with the intention of standardising German dog breeds. The society disbanded in 1894 and was superseded by the Society for the German Shepherd Dog (Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde), founded in 1899. The chair-person of the society was Max von Stephanitz, the man now credited with being the creator of the breed. The first known German Shepherd Dog was Horand v Grafrath, which von Stephanitz purchased at a market, after being impressed by the dogs intelligence. Grafrath was later used as the basis for all future Society breeding programs.
The German Shepherds are generally between 23 and 25 inches (60 to 65 cm) at the withers and usually weighs from 65 to 88 lb (30 to 40 kg). They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle and a black nose. Their strong jaws and scissor-like bite makes the German shepherd dogs a good military and police dog. They have large ears which stand erect, open at the front and parallel, but are often pulled back during movement. They also have a long neck, which is raised when excited and lowered when moving at a fast pace.
German Shepherds has two prominent variations. The variations are unofficially named King Shepherd and East German (or "DDR") Shepherd Dog, neither of which are accepted by the American, UK or German Kennel Clubs.
The Siberian Cat, the Siberian cat has been around for several hundred years. An old and noble breed. Believed to be the descendants of various Russian felines. A Russian stories once likened them to huge beasties, capable of reaching weights of up to 45 pounds. These giant felines were said to be as loyal and ferocious as their canine counterparts, more than capable of guarding hearth, home and human. While today’s Siberian cats are loving and affectionate. The number of Siberian cats that were owned were very low until the 1980’s. The former Soviet Union strongly discouraged their people from keeping any kind of pet, whatsoever, due to the shortages in both housing and food. Owning a dog or cat became a status symbol and a show of wealth for the upper class, so those Siberians who found themselves kept by wealthy owners enjoyed the lap of luxury.
The Siberian Cat is a very large and impressive-looking feline. A strong cat which can take up to five years to mature. The females being smaller than the males as in all breeds. The hind-leg of the the Siberian is slightly longer than the front legs, with large and powerful firm rounded paws. His coat is heavy enough to provide him adequate insulation in the winters. Including sporting heavily furred ears that help to protect them from the elements and the large tufted feet of the breed work as snow shoes, allowing them to travel more easily in the deep snow and over ice. The tail of the Siberian is medium in length wide at the base with thickly covered with fur from the base of the tail to the tip of the tail. The eyes are large almost round eyes set wide apart with the outer corner slightly angled toward the base of the ear. All colors and patterns of Siberian cat are allowed, both with and without white markings. This includes the pointed pattern, which boasts Siberian Cats with blue eyes, while the rest usually have copper or slightly rounded green eyes. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness.
The Siberian has a very dog like temperament and are very affectionate. They come out to great the visitors in the house and are not shy. They are very intelligent and very quick learners. When they are around water they appear to be fascinated with it and will drop toys into it and play in sinks with water left in. The Siberian makes the ideal lap cat and will live quite happily indoors with you
Unlike other commonly kept pets the Kunming Dogs are less commonly kept as pets because they are widely used by the Chinese military and police. Kunming Dogs stand taller in the back and have a shorter coat compare to German Shepherd Dog which some people thinks that they are similar due to their appearance and some features. You will usually see the tail of Kunming Dogs curled high when excited and they have coats that are marked with a black saddle and muzzle. The color of this breed ranges from light straw to deep rust.
This was an attempt of Communist China to recreate German Sheep Dogs. This breed was created to supply military dogs in Yunnan province. It was founded in the 1950’s on the blood of 10 Beijing military “wolf dogs”, likely of German Sheep Dog descent, 20 tested local dogs and 10 German Sheep Dog’s from Germany. Kunming Dogs were widely used in China as police and military dogs, as well as SAR dogs. They were selected due for their temperament although they have lost the beautiful trotting structure of the German Sheep Dog. Kunming Dogs are medium in size, close coated and well known to make fine companions, and overall would seem to show good stability and trainability.
Their height ranges from 25 to 27 inches (64-68 cm.) while their weight varies from 66 to 84 pounds (30-38 kg.).
The Chinese soldiers began the breeding program after the 2nd world war with the intention to develop a new dog of service. They choose ten experimental dogs of army and taken in Kunming de Beijing in 1953, where they were bred with more than fifty local civil watchdogs of various mediums. Almost forty various common dogs were brought from Guiyang and other provinces for breeding purposes too. Among those couplings, twenty satisfactory specimens were chosen and then crossbred with the imported dogs like the German Shepherd Dogs. During the four following decades, the type and the temperament were established and in 1988 the Chinese Public Security Bureau officially recognized the Kunming Dog as a breed. Kunming Dogs are now widely used by the Chinese military and police, and have also found their way into use as civilian watchdogs and guard dogs.
The Akita dog breed originated from the Akita region in Japan and this breed is more than 3000 years old. For many years now, the Akita has captured the hearts of the Japanese people and are seen as the national dogs of Japan where they have also been selected as a Natural Monument. Guard dogs, fighting dogs and hunters are some of the common uses of the Akita dog breed and also to perform army and guard work. The Akita is a very effective in hunting that's why many people choose Akitas as their hunting dog because they can also hunt in deep snow.
Akitas thrives on human attention so make sure that you give them the attention they need. Aside from that it is also one of the most loyal dog breed that you can find but can be wary of strangers at times. This is a dog that will protect its family and territory fiercely without showing any fear and they can be very aggressive towards other animals. In spite of being a great guard dogs, owners will be very happy to know that Akita dogs do not bark excessively. Seeing that the Akitas love human companionship, they will not stand out in an environment where both owners work.
You need to spend fair amount of time in grooming an Akita In order to keep its coats in a good condition. These dogs should be brushed with a hair brush daily. Bathe Akita when really necessary and always use a gentle shampoo, if the shampoo is not gentle enough, it might strip their coats from its natural oils.
Akitas should have thorough training sessions because it is vital for these dogs to be submitted to sufficient socialization and obedience training. Akita dogs will try to take control or will want to be the alpha so it is also very important that the owners of these dogs establish their dominance.
The Korean Jindo dog was named after Jindo Island in Southwest Korea and was only available on the island. Under Korean national law, the Jindo dog is protected as the 53rd Natural Monument. Although relatively unknown outside Korea, it is celebrated in its native land for its unwavering loyalty to its master. It is generally unknown breed outside of Korea, especially purebreds, since the Korean government restricts the exportation of this breed but Korean-Americans have been bringing Jindos to America since the mid-1980's.
Jindo dogs are known to be extremely loyal and affectionate toward its master, a clean animal both in its body as well as its habits, very independent, highly intelligent, proud and trainable only by the master. Jindo dogs will housetrain themselves as puppies. Even off lead or without direction, they will often relieve themselves in the farthest corner of the yard. They are also renowned for their almost uncanny homing instinct. It has an innate sense of direction and is capable of returning home from several hundred miles away.
The Jindo is a medium-sized, double-coated spitz-type dog, with prick ears. The body is either square or slightly longer than tall. Jindo are divided into two body types the Tonggol or Gyupgae and Hudu or Heutgae. The first one is very muscular and shorter in body, with a depth of chest equal to one-half the height at the withers and a shorter loin, while the other one is more slender with somewhat less depth of chest and a slightly longer loin. Typically, the males are larger with heavier heads and females have more fox-like features. These two types are gradually being blended into a third type called Gakgol, which retains the length of body of the Hudu style and the depth of chest of the Tonggol style.
The Jindo breed is also a great hunting companion; they are often brought along when hunting deer, wild boar, rabbit, raccoon, and badger. Due to Jindo’s courage, cunning, and pack sensibility they are renowned as great hunters.
Here are other information about Korean Jindo Dogs:
- May reach full size by 5 months, but takes 2 years to physically and emotionally mature.
- At maturity, desirable height for male dogs should be 19 1/2 to 21 inches and 18 1/2 to 20 inches for females. In good condition, males should be 35-45 lb. and 30-40 lb. for a female.
- There are two types: ring tail, rolled on its back; erect tail, straight up.
- Gingko nut-shaped yellowish brown eyes with clear pupils. Jindos with reddish eyes are considered better hunters.
- Ears start out floppy and usually stand erect by 5 or 6 months. Jindos with ears that straighten later are said to be better hunters.
- Coat is of medium length, coarse with a thick undercoat. Jindos shed twice a year.
- Korean law currently only recognizes white Jindos and red (tan) Jindos, thus they are the most popular colors. Some Jindo Island residents have valued black, black/tan and red/white Jindos for being good hunters over the years. The UKC recognizes five different coat colors: white, fawn, gray, black and tan, and brindle (tiger pattern).
Dogs make loyal and loving companions. This is why most people prefer to have dogs in their homes to ease anxiety, for protection and security, and for various purposes. You might want to take care of an American Bulldog. It is a type of dog with athletic build and characteristic which makes it one of the most sought of pets.
The female bulldogs are a little bit smaller in stature compared to the male ones. It can weigh up to a hundred pounds. Moreover, its appearance is defined by the short and stiff coat that can come in a wide variety of hues. These colors can either be red, brown, white or a combination of these shades.
When it comes to training an American Bulldog, it is known to have an obedient character. But you should expose him to other people to socialize and to other pets also. They can be gentle with kids and other smaller animals but it needs to be quite disciplined. They are actually bred to be a watch dog or a herding dog.
They can be really good at hog catching and cattle catching so you would not have to worry about your livestock getting astray. Another thing about the American Bulldog is that it is a low maintenance breed of dog. You would not have to constantly brush its coat unlike the furry ones. If you want it to be a social type of dog, you need to make it play or mingle with other doggies especially if you have other pets at home.
It has been known to originate in the United States and is also known for its other name which is Old Country Bulldog. There are actually two basic types of American Bulldogs. The Classic and the Standard and it is often mistaken for its close relative which is the American Pitbull Terrier because of its physical appearance.
The Singapura Cat, Singapura a Malaysian word for Singapore, although claims of it having originated from Singapore remain questionable. Also known as 'drain cats' because they were reputed to inhabit the city drains, they are also known as the Singapore River Cat. The base stock of all the Singapura cats in the United States is just four cats. They all belong to one American breeder. The Cat Fanciers Association in the US gave the Singapura cat pedigree status in 1988.
The Singapura is one of the rarest cats in the world, and is also registered as the smallest recognised breed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Although small, he has a somewhat stocky body that is muscular. When he stands, his body, legs and the floor form a square. Singapura is shorthaired cat with noticeably large eyes and ears. On first impression, you might think you were looking at some new color of Abyssinian. The light beige coloring is unique and thought by some to be similar to cougars. The tail is normal length and the feet are very small. Eyes may be hazel, green or yellow but mature eye color is not predicable in kittens. Many veterinarians seeing a Singapura for the first time are apt to think something might be wrong with the kitten since it is so small. The Singapura is slow to develop and will not attain its full size until about 15 to 24 months of age. There isn't much difference in size between mature males and females, females weighing approximately 5 to 6 pounds and males 6 to 8 pounds.
You will find this cat's intelligence, playfulness and unique appearance captivating from the first time you meet one. This is an active cat that loves to be with his humans. He gets along great with other animals and the female is very loving and maternal with her litters. Singapura cats love to lick, butt heads. The Singapura's disposition is that of a "pesky people cat," an extroverted, curious, playful but non-destructive cat that insists on helping you with everything. Some have called them "groupies" since they are social, seldom squabble and group around people, including visitors. However, they are not demanding and are always gentle. Even in season they have quiet voices. They are non confrontational and will rarely enter into a dispute or quarrel. They are suited for indoor life. Provide plenty of toys, as well as your attention. Scratching posts for sharpening claws and climbing are a must, the taller the better. They are a healthy breed with no inherent health problems & are generally a very robust cat. Average life span for a well cared for cat seems to be 12 to 15 years of age.
Snowshoes cat first appeared in 1960s in America, as a result of cross-breeding between a Siamese and a bi-colored American Shorthair. A a hybrid cat originating as a variant from Siamese parents. The origin of the Snowshoe can be traced back to 1960 when Dorothy Hinds Daugherty, Kensing Cattery, Philadelphia, PA found three kittens in a litter of Siamese, each with four white feet. Although the variant did not re-occur, Dorothy liked the contrast between the point color and the stark white of the feet and developed the first Snowshoe line by crossing her Siamese with a bicolor American Shorthair. Continued breeding eventually produced the popular 'V' face of the current Snowshoe. The Snowshoe is considered to be a rare breed.
The cross-breed between a Siamese and a bi-colored American Shorthair produced a sturdy, pointed cat with white markings on the face, chest and feet. The nose may appear to be considerably longer than it actually is due to variations of the inverted V' pattern. Older males may have a more rounded appearance due to stud jowls. The ears are large and triangular. The head will also be triangular. The Snowshoe is a balanced cat, neither too small nor too large; it is firm, muscular without being bulky with a medium-sized tail. Males are medium to medium large in size while Females are small to medium. In pure-breds, the eyes are always blue. Coat is short-haired, and is white and gray. The tail is medium-sized. Snowshoe cats come in Blue-point, Fawn-point, Chocolate-point and Seal-point. Snowshoe kittens are all born white. Their colors and markings become visible within 1-3 weeks after being born. The pattern on each of these cats are different for each Snowshoe. No two Snowshoes are alike.
The Snowshoe is generally a talker, with a soft, melodic voice and habitats well in a multiple cat family. They are generally sweet tempered, a friendly cat that manages to retain the astute intelligence. Offers many hours of delightful entertainment and a cats lifetime of affectionate companionship. They are a very social breed that requires more attention than most cats do, and consequently cannot be left alone for long periods of time. In a typical household they will be friendly to everyone, but will usually devote themselves almost entirely to one person. They get along well with other Snowshoes, cats of other breeds, and even dogs.
The Somali Cat is a long haired descendant of the Abyssinian cat. The breed appeared spontaneously in the 1950s from Abyssinian breeding programs when a number of Abyssinian kittens were born with bottle-brush tails and long fluffy coats. The only difference between them is the fur length and therefore the amount of grooming required. Unlike most long-haired cats, Somalis shed very little excess hair. In the 1960's, however, cat fanciers began to realize the exquisite beauty of the long haired Abyssinian, and soon the Somali - named after the country bordering 'Abyssinia' - breed was born. Though more recent studies indicate that the Somali could have originated in England during the aftermath of World Wars I and II when Abyssinians had dwindled to near extinction. Breeders were forced to mix other cats, possibly carrying a long haired gene, into their Abyssinian breeding programmes. A real feature of the Somali is the tail, which has earned them the name the Feline Fox.
Somalis are medium to large cats, a well-proportioned muscular body with an overall impression of alertness, intelligence and keen curiosity. Somalis have small litters of three to four kittens, which develop slowly. They reach their full size at about eighteen months of age. The coat is from two to three inches long, but is easy to care for. The Somali cat's coat comes in beautiful shades of ruddy, red, blue and fawn with a striking, bushy tail. In addition to the fluffy tail, the Somali breed features a black stripe down its back, large ears, a full ruff and breeches, contributing further to the overall "foxy" look. A quality Somali has no stripes on its body. A pet-quality Somali may show some tabby striping on its legs, tail or throat. The ticking usually causes a darker shine of color along the cat's back and on the tip of its brushy tail, and gives the cat an exotic, wild look. Somalis have the tabby "M" on their foreheads, and display pencil-strokes of darker color drawn out from the corners of their eyes. As the darker color also rims their eyes, Somalis may look as if they're wearing eye liner.
Somali cats are active, playful, intelligent, interactive, affectionate and lots of fun. Somalis captivate their owners with their incredible charm, charisma and sense of humor. Somalis seem to wake up every morning with a bursts of energy. They should be given plenty of room to run, lots of individual attention and play, and a variety of toys. Adept at opening cupboards and drawers. Many Somalis can manipulate faucets, and they love to play with water. However, they tend to be calmer and less active than the Abyssinian. Somalis are even-tempered and easy to handle, generally quiet cats, with soft voices. They communicate with human family members through soft mews and possess a charming trill. One characteristic of many Somalis is the hairdresser gene they seem to love licking and grooming peoples hair. Remember to keep her warm, the Somali is not a cat of cold climes. A true Abyssinian, she takes to the warm.
Chihuahuas are discovered by Americans in Mexico around 1850. The true origins of the Chihuahua's ancestors still remain a mystery but several theories seem to indicate that Spanish traders may have brought a small dog from China to Mexico in their explorations. The Chihuahua first came to be known popularly in Mexico City around 1895, and the breed was named after the city it came from which is Chihuahua, Mexico. Chihuahua was registered by the AKC In 1904 and has since gained popularity in the States. Chihuahua popularity even rise after certain Taco Bell commercials, using this tiny canine as the icon of their company.
Chihuahuas are graceful, alert, swift-moving little dogs with a saucy expression. They have round apple-heads, large protruding eyes and a short, stout muzzle. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, and ears are large and flaring. Although their bodies are fairly evenly-muscled, their bones are prone to injury due to their fragility. Due to their small size Chihuahua has become one of the most adorned dogs and also because it is perfect for apartment living. Chihuahua puppies are so small they can fit in your hand easily. The suitable age to adopt a Chihuahua puppy is between the ages of 4 - 12 months as they will be more mature and agile and not so apt for injury.
You will find Chihuahua in any color or mixture. Their coat can be solid, marked, or splashed in any color combination but the most common colors are red, sable, fawn, black and tan, tricolor, and brindle.
There are two distinct breed types, one with a long coat of soft texture, the other with a short coat. The Long coat ones has a long, soft to touch, slight waviness that have a lot of fringe and often have an undercoat. They have a large fringe on the neck and feathering on the tail, feet and legs. Whereas the Short coat ones has short, glossy, dense, and soft to touch coat.
Chihuahuas are bold or shy, playful and very alert. You will find some that love to alert their owners to whatever is going on around them and some tend to bark. Some breeds are afraid when the wind blows, while others will challenge dogs many times the size of themselves. Chihuahuas tend to be quite devoted to one person and they are sometimes reserved with strangers and a favorite among the elderly. They are graceful, humorous, and a good watchdog. Although playful, Chihuahuas are not to be messed around with because they can be aggressive towards other dogs and wary of strangers. On top of that, they are quite fragile and do not tend to realize it when picking a fight.
