Cattle

Since the Tibetan Terrier ‘Willy’ (full name Fabulous Willy) won the trophy for Best in Show at Crufts Dog Show 2007, many people may now be considering choosing the Tibetan Terrier as a family pet. If you are, you will be pleased to hear that the temperament of this breed has been one of the most attractive aspects of the breed since it was first established in the 1920’s. As would be expected from a dog previously used as a watch dog, they tend to be reserved around strangers, but should never be aggressive or shy with them.

One of the features for which the Tibetan Terrier is known is their broad, flat feet. We don’t think that such feet can be found in any other dog breed. The eyes are large, and dark. The Tibetan Terrier is one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, as has been established by recent DNA analysis. The feet have developed for mobility in snow. It has been said that the Tibetan terrier, is more of a herding dog, than a terrier.

It makes an excellent guard dog and has a powerful, siren-like bark which is surprising in a dog this size. It is also a loyal and affectionate pet, though it has a mind of its own and needs firm training. Although its coat requires regular grooming, it does not need a great deal of exercise. This is a playful breed and will enjoy human company in the garden or on the occasional foray into the countryside.

The eyes are large, dark, and set fairly far apart. Long and thick, but should not be so long as to touch the floor, as is typical in breeds such as the Lhasa Apso, or the Maltese.

The appearance of the Tibetan Terrier is that of a powerful, medium sized dog of square proportions, with a shaggy coat. A fall of hair covers the face and eyes, but long eyelashes generally prevent hair from getting in the Tibetan Terrier’s eyes, and the breed has very good eyesight. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs.

No particular colours are preferred, as with terriers generally a wide range of colours are permissible, however, liver and chocolate are not allowed. Although waves are acceptable the coat should not be silky or curled.

Breed health problems have been seen and because of that, Tibetan Terrier clubs recommend purchasing from breeders who participate in eye and hip testing.

The Tibetan or Lhasa Terrier, being such an ancient breed, is probably the ancestor of the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. The most plausible version of its history is that it was bred as a herder, working in tandem with the much larger Tibetan Mastiff which guarded the herds. Less hardy individuals were given to the Tibetan monks, who in turn may have given them to nomadic tribes to protect them on their travels; it is also possible that the nomads stole the dogs. Another account claims that the Tibetan Terrier originally came from Japan and was brought to Tibet by nomadic traders.

Like the other Tibetan dogs now popular in the West, the Tibetan Terrier has a long and luxurious coat. Typically it has a fringe falling forward over the eyes, a small beard and a jaunty kink to its tail.

It makes an excellent guard and has a powerful, siren-like bark surprising in a dog this size. It is also a loyal and affectionate pet, though it has a mind of its own and needs firm training. Although its coat requires regular grooming, it does not need a great deal of exercise. This is a playful breed and will enjoy human company in the garden or the occasional foray into the countryside.

More information at http://www.dog-breeds.me.uk/html/tibetan-terrier.php . A ‘must-visit’ web site for all Dog Lovers.

The history of the Shih Tzu dog breed spans more than hundreds of years and finds it very beginnings in China. Today, the dogs are still trusted companions of millions of families with young children because of the same reasons they were once the favored canine choice of imperial ladies-in-waiting and royalty.

It is believed that the origins of Shih Tzus go back nearly 3,000 years when the country of Tibet gifted the dogs to the Imperial palace of China. There are many historical reports that talk about “under table” dogs who ate up the scraps and kept their keepers (usually eunuchs who oversaw many of the Imperial household functions) of anything or anyone approaching the castle.

The appearance of Shih Tzus resembles that of a lion, which also suggests they hailed from further west. Today, the breed of Shih Tzus is also known largely due to the efforts of the last Imperial Empress of China. For some 50 years, until the early part of the 20th century, she ruled the vast empire which was comparable to the modern China of today.

During this time, the Empress also enacted a breeding program to create the perfect lineage of Shih Tzus, Pugs and Pekinese as well. Detailed accounts that been maintained for many years, contain vivid descriptions and breeding notations. Though it is believed that some of the eunuchs who actually physically cared for the dogs cross bred them, the results were a surprisingly varied line of Shih Tzus. It was in this process that three distinctive sub-breeds within the larger Shih Tzu breed, would eventually emerge.

When the pressures of Europe and modernization took effect, the results eventually forced out what had been an unpopular regime, the Shih Tzus were taken from the palaces by the overthrown Imperial family and recently ousted eunuchs. During this time period, many of the dogs were exported out of China.

With the dawning of the early 20th century, the breed suffered hard times and was nearly wiped out, they are believed to have become extinct in China. It is believed that only around 11 dogs were able to escape to the west. In locations throughout western Europe, breeding began in the 1930’s through the 1950’s, this resulted in millions of dogs being produced and replenishing of the breed. Because of this significant rise in population, the Shih Tzu breed is somewhat likely to have congenital health issues.

It is interesting to note that Shih Tzus in the United Kingdom are mostly descended from a single cross breed with a straight-legged Pekinese during the 1930’s. As a result of this, most of the Shih Tzus in the UK are a little bit taller than others found all over the world. Other than this fact, it is a living tribute to the Empress as to how much variation is still in existence today, in the various coat color combinations still witnessed in the breed.

Though somewhat noisy, Shih Tzus are still great at keeping a household alerted to anyone approaching. Furthermore, Shih Tzus were selected to be docile and easy to handle. Because they were bred exclusively to form close bonds with human beings, Shih Tzus are extremely loving and happy to follow you around all day long.

You have to know that even your pet needs dental care. Without it your pet can get ill. If you consider that brushing your cat teeth is too hard you could ask for a veterinary’s advice. Else, you can start doing it. After all it is not too hard and you can get used to it.

You have to take your cat to a yearly dental check and even a dental cleaning from time to time.

Until the dental cleaning you have to check your cat’s teeth periodically. If you do it every day your cat will get used to teeth brushing faster. In this way you will protect your cat from getting a dental infection.

Start cleaning your cat’s teeth and ums when it is at an early age. This way your cat will get use to is faster. You can also rub her teeth and gums with gauze wrapped around your finger. Later you can start to use special toothpaste and toothbrush. However, you should never use regular toothpaste because you will only damage her gums.

Massage your cat’s gums regularly. Cats don’t usually get cavities instead they get gum illness which leads to bad breath and in the end to the loss of teeth.

If your cat losses her appetite than you should know that gum illness could be the cause. Same like humans, cats lose their appetite if they have a dental infection.

Unexpectedly, cats that live indoors have a bigger chance to get a dental infection than those who mostly live outside.  This is because the cats that live outside can eat grass which is a natural dental floss. Another explanation is that indoor cats can’t eat small animals therefore they don’t eat bones that are a very powerful tooth cleaner.

Try to include some dry food in your cat’s diet. It will prove very helpful for her teeth and gums.

To conclude:

•    It is always better to prevent a disease than to cure it. Therefore massage your cat’s gums periodically.

•    Don’t brush your cat’s teeth with human toothpaste. You can get cat toothpaste from a pet shop.

•    Always ask advices from a vet concerning your cat’s dental health.

Have you considered using flea and tick spray on your dog or cat but hesitated because you didn’t want to pay for the medication, you weren’t sure it was safe for your pet or your family, or maybe you just didn’t know if you needed it in your area, for your pet.

Well, trust me… a good flea and tick spray (or flea drops, which are a little easier to use) can be a very good investment.

There’s nothing like sitting around on the couch with your dog, enjoying some snacks and a movie when you reach over to pet her and notice creepy-crawly fleas scurrying along her skin. If that doesn’t get you reaching for Advantage flea drops or Frontline Plus flea and tick spray, I don’t know what will!

In fact, this happened to me with my guide dog puppy, Kera. I asked our local Guide Dog Program coordinators what I should do, and they recommended Frontline Plus for dogs.

We used it and it worked right away.

You get a little vial of the medication and you just put a few drops along the dogs backbone and it spreads over the body, and is retained in the skin, where it is effective for a month.

This was super. After that I didn’t worry about taking Kera to the park, or on long walks through the woods.

We still checked her out to make sure there were no ticks hiding, but we didn’t see any. After a while, my husband and I were more worried about the ticks getting on us than on our dog.

So, we were using flea and tick spray, and it seemed easy. Kera was happy and felt good, and my husband and I didn’t have to get the itches (imaginary or otherwise) when we sat down to enjoy her company.

Emily J. Cressey enjoys tromping through the woods, jumping in the river, snuggling in a warm sleeping bag and sipping hot coffee at sunrise – preferably with a dog by her side.

Cats are unlike any other domesticated animal in that they have retained an independent streak despite centuries of living with humans. In fact, the history of feline domestication is thought to go back as far as the Ancient Egyptians in the third millennia B.C.

It is clear that the Egyptians had a fascination with cats that can be seen in pictures, art and artifacts. However, it is almost impossible to tell whether these were domesticated or wild animals. Nevertheless, by 1600 B.C. the volume of cats featured in Egyptian art has led historian to believe that cats were, at least to some extent, domesticated by this time.

Why Did Cats Begin to Live with Humans?

In most cases of domestication, humans instigated the relationship with the animal for their own gains. However, with cats, the story is slightly different. It is thought that cats were drawn to humans for warmth, security and food. You may have noticed in your own cat that felines tend to take the path of least resistance and the offer a free meal and a cozy fire seems to have been too much to resist.

It was then that humans realized that cats came with benefits – a reduction in mice and rats. So, understandably, people tried to encourage the cats to stay. As the relationship was just as beneficial for them, they did.

Why Did Cats Retain Their Independence?

Whether you are a cat lover or not, you will be aware of the huge difference between cats and other domesticated animals. Sometimes known as the most domesticated wild animal, the vast majority of cats look upon humans with disinterest and, at times, utter disdain. There can be no question, cats live with us, but, as has always been the case, very much on their own terms.

So, why are cats so different to other domestic animals? Well, there are two principal reasons. First, is the way that a cat would live in the wild. Cats are solitary creatures (with the exception of lions and cheetah), therefore they do not live in a pack or herd that has a defined leader. In other words, a wild cat is a law unto itself. Consequently, when it comes to training or domesticating these animals, it is almost impossible, because humans cannot assert themselves as surrogate leaders.

Moreover, the domestication of cats did not involve any kind of selective breeding until the late part of the 1800s. Subsequently, unlike dogs, horses, goats, sheep and other domestic animals, the feline breeding program is centuries behind. Obviously, the aim of selective breeding is to select the character traits that are most suited to a life lived with humans. Due to religious and superstitious reasons, cats were seen as handy assets, but not pets. Therefore, human intervention over breeding was not considered necessary.

Recent Changes in Domesticated Cats

Now, of course, there are many pedigree breeds of cat and it is thought that this can make all the difference in terms of personality and willingness to be around humans. The longest standing pedigrees, in other words, those that have been selectively bred for the longest period of time, are thought to behave very differently to non-pedigree felines. It should be said that there has been no official research to ascertain this, but cat breeders and fanciers have noted behavioral inconsistencies, which indicate that cats will become more domesticated as time goes on.

Of course, so little is known about early humans and their relationship with animals. It certainly seems as though cats and humans have had a mysterious relationship for millennia. Quite why they continue to live with us is also a bit of a mystery, but maybe that is the attraction.