Thursday, February 14, 2008

TERRIERS

These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first oriented to hunting fox rat otter and the likes over and under the ground .The personality of a lively child put into dog this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers But as it appears that still would not justify their temperaments

And as its name suggests terrier came from the word terra which means earth

While terriers may be identified through their prominent physical characteristics they are still divided into various breeds that separate one kind from another

Show Terriers These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings

Bull and Terrier Types these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers Only in the last quarter of 1800s did the breeders separate a number of bull dogs from terrier types for distinction

Hunting and Working Terriers The breed that was primarily bred for hunting

Toy Terriers These are the smaller versions of terriers which are basically categorized into the companion breed

To help you understand the various natures of terrier dogs we have prepared some dog profiles here please read on

Airedale Terrier This is known to be the largest dog in the Terrier breed Standing an average of 23 inches from the shoulder this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them fit for both dog obedience trials and show rings

A crossbreed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier Airedale possess good skill in scent and superb swimming prowess

Australian Terrier Probably one of the dog types that have gotten to so many outcrossings with other dog breeds A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and rough coated terrier is said to have been migrated into England The offspring of which was taken to Australia With the scarcity of dog breeds in this land many dogs had been crossbred into it which later resulted to a small type having the characteristics of terriers while being a good watchdog and ratter It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years

Border Terrier A Trueblue working terrier this dog is marked by its medium built while proving to work far better than what its appearance may give Border Terriers are agile and alert while having the capacity to fit into narrow gaps especially during hunting

Aside from its being affectionate and good adaptation to training Border terriers can also make good family pets

Bull Terrier Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting this dog is known to have been wellaccustomed to courage and good resistance to pain However when the bloody dog fights were banned in England during the 1800s most breeders turned to breeding milder dogs

Bull Terriers came from these fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce allwhite specie This new breed though is very much reserved from starting fights which gave them the nickname White Cavalier

There are of course a variety of other terrier species Initially you might find them interesting enough to catch your attention but a closer look would lead you to further knowing them Who knows you might find your ideal type of dog in this breed

PUGGLE

If you are considering a new pet you may be looking at a variety of dogs including Puggles Choosing a dog is a big choice as you hope to have this new member of your family for many years and develop a close relationship with your pet

As a hybrid breed Puggles are different and fun They are not quite like either the beagle or the pug from which they are bred and second generation are particularly unpredictable But as a breed they have a lot of great characteristics and there are several reasons you might want to consider one for your new pet

Uniqueness Among the reasons for choosing a Puggle are its uniqueness Hybrid dogs are raised by a limited number of breeders and these dogs are a relatively new breed They became a very popular breed in 2005 and are still in great demand Still for a newer breed they remain affordable with puppies usually available for under $1000 If one of your goals in finding the perfect pet is to have an unusual dog which will attract attention and be a conversation starter going with a hybrid breed such as one of these might be perfect for you

Strong Personality Puggles have very strong personalities While some people want a quiet dog to cuddle on the couch and be a companion This type of breed are more likely to become true members of the family They are definitely individuals Theyre great at developing their own place in a family and becoming a much loved person around your home

High Energy You want your dog to be an extension of you and of your family and Puggles are great at this because theyre so spirited They are very adventurous and funloving dogs Because theyre so energetic they do well in families who are interested in having a puppy and later a dog to play with Their high energy levels and delightful personalities make Puggles great fun pets

The Cute Factor When you see Puggle puppies you may find them irresistible These puppies are among the cutest puppies available and breeders often have people on a waiting list to adopt one of these types of puppies Adult ones are also adorable with their long floppy ears and short noses They are very cute dogs and will steal your heart immediately

Low Physical Maintenance Puggles have very short hair and do not need to be groomed on a regular basis like some of the smaller breeds such as terriers They do shed but they are a shorthaired breed and do not start looking like a tangled mop when not brushed As for the shedding your vet may have a treatment to put on your Puggles food to reduce shedding

There are a lot of factors to consider in buying your new pet and the various qualities of Puggles including their energy and spirit as well as their low grooming requirements and small size may make them the perfect dog for your family When you choose a dog whether it be one of these or another breed knowing the personality and expectations for your puppy can make all the difference in finding the perfect dog to become a new member of your family

When you bring your new pet home whether you have adopted an adorable wriggly puppy or a slightly calmer but just as adorable an adult life changes Its like adding any new member to your family they need special attention and care

The first priority before you bring your Puggle home with you should be to puppyproof your home This includes removing anything from the floor that might look like food or a dog toy but could be dangerous

Childrens toys can be particularly hazardous to puppies because they love to chew on things and small parts or small toys can choke them Some toys may also have chemicals in them that could be toxic to a Puggle Shiny batteries are a particular danger to these inquisitive dogs

Also make sure all household cleaners and substances are put away and spills are cleaned up Anything spilled on the floor looks like a tasty beverage to a dog who could get very sick as a result

And of course anything a Puggle could get tangled in from an electrical cord to a curtain pullcord should be placed so your new baby cant get into it

Once you have babyproofed your home its time to think about bringing your puppy home and what will make her comfortable

You will want to have food and water bowls available for your pet and make sure there is always fresh water available and that food is in the bowls at predictable feeding times Puggles like all dogs love routine and they particularly need fresh drinking water available constantly

If your Puggle uses the bathroom inside on newspapers make sure the papers are changed regularly as this can create a health risk to both pets and humans in the family Your dog also may refuse to go on soiled papers

Because Puggles have short hair they dont need to be groomed in the sense of being trimmed on a regular basis like a poodle But they do need to be bathed on a regular basis to maintain their skin and coat Use a hypoallergenic pet shampoo and try to make bath time as brief and enjoyable as possible Many dont enjoy bath time but if you make it as pleasant as possible theyll get used to it

After your dog is dry and has recovered from the indignity of the bath use a brush with coated bristles to comb through her coat and remove all the loose hair She will definitely enjoy being brushed and the longer you brush the less likely she is to shed later

The most fun and enjoyable part of caring for your new pet is simply playing Puggles love to play and interact with their people They are very spirited and energetic and are a naturally playful breed As you make training a part of play time you will find that you have a pet who is loving and fun to play with and whom you enjoy having in your family

The most important thing to remember about caring for your Puggle is that she needs the same things you do a safe environment fresh food and water and lots of loving attention

Puggles were first bred and the name invented by Wallace Havens of Sun Prairie Wisconsin who has created several hybrid breeds including the abovementioned miniature St Bernard Havens combined the beagle and pug breeds to create a very cute longeared shortnosed shortlegged breed that loves to play and chase scents though it gets lost easily and has the long low bay of a beagle

In appearance Puggles are quite a bit different from either of their parents They have the small size and abbreviated nose of pugs but share floppy ears from the beagle When looking this type of puppy your first question may be What kind of dog is THAT They are not quite like anything you have ever seen though they are quite adorable They have short legs like pugs but with a beagles longer tail

As for personality Puggles are definitely unique and carry some traits from each of their parents Like pugs these dogs tend to be stubborn to the point of being silly and entertaining From the beagle side of their family they bring high energy and spirit They are very playful and often hyperactive and are fun to have around Theyre entertaining and lovable dogs but are not the lap dogs that pugs often are

Because hybrid breeding is not an exact science it is impossible to know exactly what personality your Puggle will have but chances are that your new pet will be hyperactive happy playful and eager to play and to follow any scent they happen upon Unfortunately you will have to keep a close eye on your Puggle because although they love to follow scents theyre not so good at getting home

You can count on your Puggle being adventurous and enjoying himself with your family These dogs have strong personalities and are eager to be a part of everything While you may not find your puppy sitting calmly on your lap while you watch a movie you will enjoy having a playful spirited companion to keep you company and keep you entertained Similarly while your Puggle will not likely be interested or able to go hunting and help you bring in game you can enjoy many games of another kind together

Puggles are still very popular though they seem to have reached their pinnacle of popularity in late 2005 They are bred from a male pug and female beagle and are offered by breeders around the country Like many hybrids they are often pricier than a purebred puppy running around $1000 from most breeders Because they do not breed true it is better to buy one from a breeder who breeds beagles and pugs If you bred one with each other do not always create the desired characteristics in their offspring

These types of dogs are unique fun and entertaining and bring their owners a great deal of joy Finding the perfect Puggle can be an adventure in itself and if this breed is the right dog for you then your life can be enriched by owning one

PARROTS

It is clear some people want to have parrot as pet If you are that person you may be anxious about getting the finest one for your personal satisfaction care and business Parrots are for sale all around and selling such pet is 100% different from selling home commodities It will need time and dedication

This will be a guide if you want know what species you would prefer Here are the descriptions of selected parrots perfect for sale

LOVEBIRDS very adorable little small breed from Africa lovebirds can be tamed like common parrots except for the aggressiveness towards opposite sex the male rubs the perch as a distinct sexual behavior which is quite disturbing to some owners They have to be housed in different cages Generally lovebirds are excellent in parenting their siblings and very good in breeding

AFRICAN GREYS More than vanity this parrot specie is the best sound imitator from among the species It doesnt mean this parrot has to be on high sale just because of the talking qualities Owners getting disappointed with nontalking African Grey specie often tends to neglect their pets afterwards

COCKATIELS Lovely because of the distinct pointed crown this specie can learn tricks easily very affectionate and can live to a life span of 15 to 20 years given the proper care The coating on its feather can cause allergies Cockatiels have this distinct behavior when left in dark which can cause selfinjury

SENEGAL PARROTS Mediumsized specie good for apartments because of its more quiet behavior Much adept in imitating sounds of surroundings than distinct speech of people It is not recommended for outdoor and spacious free walks as it can fly farther and get lost

PARROTLETS Comes in tiny sizes this specie have no problem with dark places considered brave The voice is quite small best if you only tolerate chirping when bred in a small flat or room Prone to accidents they must be looked after all the time when out of the cage

CANARIES Specifically attributed to Canary Island after Romans named it Canaries have three types Song Canaries are known for the distinctive voice and singing Color Canaries have attractive and bright colors making the collecting of several varieties popular to breeders Canaries are territorial and not so sociable From among the parrots this specie has the sweetest voice

The sale of parrots worldwide happens silently It comes with interest and passion but believe it or not thinking about the small world you can give to these lovely birds is a journey Living with parrots is worth a quality life

Actually there are more than 350 parrot types when you consider every species and subspecies in the group Many of the most common parrot types are from Australasia and the tropics

Parrot Families

All parrots of whatever parrot types or breeds they are belong to the scientific order Psittaciformes That scientific order is further broken down into two different parrot families Cacatuidae and Psittacidae

The Cacatuidae family includes only the Cockatoo a bird that is native to Australia and islands near that continent

The second parrot family the Psittacidae includes all of the true parrot types

Cockatoos

To most people the cockatoo is a large white parrot with a feathered head crest that it can lift high in regal splendor That is however only one of the parrot types in this family There are 21 different cockatoos and not every one is white

The palm cockatoo is mostly dark gray with red cheek patches below the eyes cheek patches that change to a deeper red when the bird becomes excited or alarmed

The male ganggang cockatoo is dark gray with a cherry red head and red crest This parrot type is often called the redheaded cockatoo

The Major Mitchells cockatoo is often called a pink cockatoo due to its soft pastel pink shade

The cockatiels plumage is midgrey on top lighter grey underneath It has an orange cheek patch and a prominent white blaze on its wings It has a much longer tail than the other cockatoos have

So Cockatoos are not always a white parrot type and not all cockatoos are the same in build

True Parrots

This family includes all of the other commonlyknown parrot types The list that follows is not intended to be exhaustive but in this family you will find parrot types such as these

African Greys This is said to be the most intelligent of all the parrot types A large gray parrot with a red tail some of these bird have vocabularies approaching 1 000 words or more

Amazons This popular parrot type includes about 27 subtypes Most are large affectionate and predominantly green

Budgies Officially known as a parakeet or budgerigar this parrot type is small and colorful It is one of the most popular parrot pets

Conures This parrot type seems to be a group of large parakeets With long tails and strong beaks these clowns come in a variety of colors

Eclectus Eclectus Parrots are unusual in their coloring On the one hand males are bright green with beaks like bright candy corn tails and wings of blue or red Females on the other hand have red heads blue breasts and the same red or blue wings and tails In place of the candy corn look they have black beaks

Lovebirds are a small stocky parrot type among the smallest in the world Many are green sometimes with red faces or eye rings

Macaws Native to South America this is the largest parrot type in wingspan and length The blue and gold macaw is especially beautiful

Parrotlets These may look like parakeets at first glance but this small parrot type has a broader body and tail than the parakeet

Pionus There are many parrot types under the name Pionus parrot and this larger quieter parrot comes in many varieties of color

Quakers This parrot type is often called a Monk Parrot or Greybreasted Parakeet It is a name that comes from facial feathering that resembles an oldfashioned Quaker costume

The best parrot type for a childs pet is the Budgerigar aka budgie or parakeet The small Budgerigar requires the least amount of care and is easily trained to talk and do tricks Budgies that are young or those that have no cage mate will learn most readily

Discount Pet Supplies

SaveEven though we can purchase food and accessories for our pets almost anywhere these days its a good idea to learn where to buy discount pet supplies Those with multiple pets can especially save. Pet emporiums are springing up everywhere If you dont have a PetSmart or similar retailer in your town you are sure to have one close by These are great places to buy in bulk and they often have good sales Their shelves are filled with many hardtofind items too Youll find the prices here are better than your local supermarket or merchandise mart If you have the space save money by purchasing twenty or fifty pound bags of pet food

Pet supply warehouses are especially great for finding discount pet supplies for more exotic animals and birds

Food Warehouses

Do you belong to a food warehouse such as Cosco Sams Club or BJs If so youll land some great bargains Youll have to check often as most food warehouses stock a limited supply but its worth it to find large sacks of cat or dog food on sale The Internet abounds with discount pet supplies To be sure you are getting a bargain however youll have to do some comparison shopping Youll need to figure in the cost of shipping too as many times these costs turn your discount into a dud Still there are plenty of places to find a bargain Not all of these places sell pet food but youll find some good deals on vitamins wormers bedding toys treats and more

Doctors Foster and Smith has been a trusted source in discount pet supplies for years As a pet owner you probably receive their catalogue but did you know theyre online too There are some wonderful bargains here even with the shipping charges Besides pet food youll find pet health supplies collars bedding and other accessories Be sure to check out their clearance outlet

PetMarket com is a popular Internet retailer featuring discount pet supplies Here youll find pet food and treats accessories even a giant dog house Their specials change often but there are plenty of bargains FuturePets com is an online warehouse There is a great selection of pet merchandise much of it at a discount Visit their site to see the latest promotions or to request a catalogue Jeffers Pet offers quality pet supplies at discount prices Shop here for toys treats health supplies bedding and more Dont forget to check out their bargain center PetSmart not only has retail outlets you can order online from them as well Quite frequently they offer free shipping for orders over Before ordering any discount pet supplies online make sure you are buying from a reputable retailer Search online to see if there are any complaints Visit pet forums and blogs and ask the regulars which online retailers they recommend You might even want to check with the Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce to be sure the business has no black marks against it

LOVE BIRDS

LOVE BIRDS

A lovebird is a type of parrot Their name comes from the fact that they are very sociable and affectionate When they bond with their mate it usually lasts their entire life Though its possible to have only one its best to keep the birds in pairs

The lovebird is short and stocky Its considered to be one of the smallest parrots in the world Though many lovebirds are green they can come in many colors The average life span of a lovebird can be anywhere between 10 to 15 years There are 9 different species so how can we know the difference They can be identified by their colors and markings each species has their own unique color scheme Lovebirds were basically unknown until the 1600s Some Europeans touring Africa saw the birds and decided to write about them The first lovebirds were imported into Europe in the 19th century but by the 20th century many were being imported into both Europe and the US The lovebird can be found in Africa and in Madagascar It prefers a dry and open area The lovebird can lay between 3 to 6 eggs at a time and it usually takes about 22 days for the eggs to hatch The baby birds generally leave the nest within 5 weeks of being born When in the wild lovebirds like to live in small flocks Their diet consist of grass seeds fruit and vegetables

Lovebirds are popular pets Breeding lovebirds is a big business Though some owners may have lovebirds from the wild most are purchased through breeders The lovebirds that come from the breeders are more tame and should probably adapt to their new environment easier then lovebirds from the wild Pet owners need to be sure they want lovebirds as their pets If the owners only want one bird then they need to know that a lovebird requires a lot of attention and interaction Thats why its suggested that lovebirds be kept in pairs so they can keep each other company Lovebirds just like humans sometimes dont get along Owners need to make sure their birds are compatible because if theyre not they will fight The lovebird is one of those exotic birds that has been able to adapt to domestication much easier than most other creatures from foreign countries They make great pets as long as the owners understand all that is involved with owning them Maybe its their social ability or the chirping that makes the lovebird such a desirable pet People love having something foreign and exotic to liven up their homes and show off to their neighbors Lovebirds have created a large and loyal following in the world of pet owners Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close to each other not because they are in love with each other Lovebirds can and do mate for life but it doesnt happen every time

Lovebirds are social birds and should be kept in pairs They are very active and curious birds and can even be quite aggressive at times They can chatter all day long with a sometimes very shrill sound Lovebirds are native to Africa and a few nearby islands In their native habitat they are found usually in small flocks of 10 to 20 pairs Lovebirds are of the class Aves the genus Agapornis and members of the Psittaciformes or family of parrots Agapornis comes from the Greek words Agape meaning love and ornis meaning bird

Lovebirds typically live from 10 to 15 years depending a great deal on the care they are given some lovebirds have been known to live to be 20 in captivity There are 9 species of lovebirds of which 8 are available as

· Abyssinian Lovebird

· Redfaced Lovebird

· Madagascar Lovebird Grayheaded

· Black cheeked Lovebired Blackfaced

· Fischers Lovebird

· Masked Lovebird Black Masked

· Nyasa Lovebird Lilians

· Peachfaced Lovebird Rosyfaced

· Madagascar

· Redfaced

· Peachfaced

· Abyssinian

· Fischers

· Nyasa

· Black cheeked

If you are a first time or novice lovebird owner dont choose a bird that you think may be sick choose the healthiest bird you can find Many sicknesses can be cured but better to leave these birds for experienced owners Dont buy a sick lovebird because you feel sorry for it. If possible get a certificate of health from the breeder or pet shop guaranteeing that a replacement will be made if the lovebird becomes sick or wont breed Lovebirds are not rare there are a lot of them around to choose from So take your time and select only birds that you really like the coloring .Lovebirds should be kept in pairs one female and one male They very much enjoy each others company although dont be alarmed if they have occasional spats with each other

If a pair of lovebirds constantly fight then its best to find each of them another mate If you are buying birds from a breeder make sure the breeder will exchange birds if they are not compatable As a general rule only one pair of birds should be kept per cage Keep one or more cages far enough apart from each other so they do not allow birds to be able to peck at each other. Lovebirds need between 10 to 12 hours of rest a night Do not keep your birds in rooms with televisions or other noisy devices when its time for the birds to roost Total darkness is not advised either use a small 7 watt bulb in the room to provide enough night light for the bird to find its perch and drink or feed if needed

Keep all electrical wires extension cords etc completely hidden and unavailable to the birds

Never use Kerosene or similar type heaters that give off fumes Coal and wood stoves are no nos No matter how hard you may try a wood burner will emit fumes and smoke into your home that may kill your lovebird If you have a home with a wood burner completely isolate a room only for your birds and use an infrared or electric heater

A fairly constant 80 degrees Farenheit temperature is about right for lovebirds

Its not a good idea to keep finches cockatiels rosellas or budgies with lovebirds

GERMAN SHEPHERD

The German Shepherd Dog truly is a wonderful animal and not only do they make good working dogs they also make superb family pets They are however very different from other pet breeds and need to be handled and trained with a different approach to say your average labrador or poodle for instance

The GSD is a large strong athletic dog which needs a lot of mental stimulation and exercise but a well trained shepherd can learn to do almost anything These dogs positively thrive on challenging activities and they are so willing to serve their master and please As a working dog used by most police forces the very look of a GSD is usually enough to act as a deterrent but when called into action there are few dogs that can match the German Shepherd as an all rounder

If you are considering becoming an owner of a GSD then you need to consider the commitment to training in order that you have happy well behaved German Shepherd dog that you can take out safely in public

If you havent previously owned one of these dogs then please do not take on a youngster lightly Being involved in GSD rescue I have lost count of the number of young dogs I have had to rehome because owners bought them without doing a bit of research first

As youngsters they can be very boisterous and can easily knock over children or elderly relatives especially if you do not discourage the dog from jumping up when excited A bored GSD can be very destructive and if left alone will trash your house and contents with ease using their big teeth and claws Unfortunately these dogs dont really mature until they are about 3 years old so you are in for the long haul to get through the puppy and adolescent stage

The German Shepherd needs to be well socialised from an early age and needs plenty of exposure to people and other dogs so that they do not develop aggressive tendencies as they mature

Joining a dog training class from an early age is a good idea and most clubs will accept dogs into the puppy classes from about 4 months onwards This should be good fun for your puppy and allows him to play and to socialise but it also serves the purpose of teaching him or her what is acceptable and what is not This will prove invaluable grounding for your German Shepherd training

When choosing a dog training class do check out a few first as not all classes make German Shepherds welcome and if any club asks that you muzzle your dog please give it a miss and move on and find another club No reputable dog training class would require a dog to be muzzled If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs there are better ways of controlling the dog safely such as by using a Canny Collar which is a simple effective head collar similar to those used on horses

The earlier you start training and socialisation the better as GSDs often develop a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs and also towards strangers and they can become very protective towards their owners and property

Another important part of training your german shepherd is to get him used to being groomed because they shed copious amounts of hair and although they only moult once a year.