Golden Retriever

It's no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the top ten most popular dogs in the U.S. It's all good with the Golden: he's highly intelligent, sociable, beautiful, and loyal. He's also lively. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise: a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake (Goldens love water), or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise, you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. The Golden Retriever is a family dog, and he needs to be with his "pack." Don't consider getting a Golden unless you're willing to have him in the house with you, underfoot, every day. There's one other potential drawback to the breed: He's definitely not a watchdog. He might bark when strangers come around, but don't count on it. Most likely, he'll wag his tail and flash that characteristic Golden smile.


History

For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth.
Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. Tweedmouth's breeding records from 1835 to 1890 show what he was aiming for with the Golden: A talented retriever — Tweedmouth was an ardent waterfowl hunter — with a superb nose, who would be more attentive to his human hunting companion than the setters and spaniels used at the time for retrieving. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home.
He began with a yellow dog named Nous, who Tweedmouth bought from a cobbler near Brighton in 1865. Tweedmouth favored yellow dogs, and Nous — whose name means wisdom — was the only yellow puppy in a litter of black Wavy-Coated Retrievers.
Tweedmouth took Nous home to Scotland, and in 1868 and 1871, bred him to Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel. Tweed Water Spaniels (now extinct) were known for being eager retrievers in the hunting field, and exceptionally calm and loyal in the home — characteristics you'll find in today's Golden Retrievers.

Nous and Belle's descendants were bred with Wavy- and Flat-coated retrievers, another Tweed Water Spaniel, and a red setter. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives.

Not surprisingly, Tweedmouth's breed first attracted attention for their skills in the hunting field. One of the most well-known was Don of Gerwyn, a liver-coated descendent of one of Tweedmouth's dogs, who won the International Gundog League trial in 1904.

The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the Golden Retriever as a distinct breed in 1911. At that time, they were classified as "Retriever — Yellow or Golden." In 1920, the breed name was officially changed to Golden Retriever.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1932. Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U.S.

A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage.
Like every dog, the Golden needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. And if you feel like tossing a ball in the backyard, they'd be more than happy to join you; true to their name, Goldens love to retrieve.
Tiring them out with 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise twice a day will keep your dog mellow when he's back inside. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems.
Like other retriever breeds, Goldens are naturally "mouthy," and they're happiest when they have something to carry in their mouths: a ball, soft toy, newspaper, or best of all, a smelly sock.
You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Golden puppy. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Don't let your Golden puppy run and play on very hard surfaces such as pavement until he's at least two years old and his joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes.


How To Take Care

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test.

First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.

You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Golden puppy. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast.

For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

How About PitBulls

Pit bulls are a lovable and gentle breed that are often misunderstood and vilified by the press. These little known facts may help you to see these dogs in a different light and may have you adopting one of your very own.



K-9 Workaholics
This muscular breed loves to have a task or job, particularly if it’s a physical one. Pulling and tugging are one of their favorite activities, so consider having them pull you on roller-blades for exercise, or setting up a hanging tug rope in your backyard.


A Pit Bull’s Intuition

Many pit owners will tell you about the time their animal companion warned them of danger long before they were even aware that anything was wrong. Pit bull owners also constantly comment on how emotive and sensitive their dog can be. Far from the monsters that the media makes them out to be, well-trained and well-loved pit bulls are loyal, affectionate, and intuitive companions.


Tough Lovers

Because pit bulls are such an intelligent and strong-willed breed, they require an owner who can and will give them tough love. This should NEVER come in the form of spankings, hitting, or yelling. Rather, a firm tone, consistent correction, and tons of praise when the dog does what you’ve asked are the most effective methods.



An Adventurer’s Best Friend

This powerful animal loves to run, hike, play fetch and, if exposed to water early on, will even swim. Remember to ALWAYS keep your pit on a leash in public places and on public trails until he has been properly trained off-leash and will come when you call.


The Best Little Spoons

Pit bulls absolutely love to cuddle and be close to their owners. However, cuddling, petting, and praise should be reserved for times when your pit bull has earned these types of interaction. Too much affection can make for a “spoiled” animal that may become defiant. However, if you give your pit an appropriate amount of exercise daily, along with training, cuddling and praise should be their reward. Along with treats, of course.


Well-Behaved Children Are Welcome

Despite what the media would have you believe, pit bulls are actually wonderful with well-behaved children who know how to approach and play with dogs. Never allow your child to pull a dog’s ears, hit or kick a dog, or yell at a dog. Also, teach your children to ask before approaching or petting a stranger’s dog.

Be sure to expose your pit bull to children at a young age. They will often be playful with children and gentle, as long as they are given the right guidance. If you have children, make sure they are a part of your pit bull’s training program.



Aggression is Learned and Allowed, Not Inherent

Like any other breed of animal, pit bulls can learn to be aggressive. The key word here is “learn.” There is no scientific evidence to support the misconception that pits are inherently more aggressive than any other breed. However, because they have been taught, by humans, to fight throughout the centuries, this trait can come more naturally under the right circumstances.
That being said, if a pit bull is socialized from puppyhood, disciplined, given strict boundaries and tough love, there is very little chance of your pit becoming aggressive with other dogs or humans.


A few training tips that will help teach your dog to be submissive, calm, and loving include:

– Teaching them to sit, stay, come, and lay down on command (these commands should be reinforced all of their life, not just when they are puppies).

– Making sure they do not become food aggressive by feeding them with other dogs and cats when they are puppies, feeding them from your hand and allowing other humans to feed them, and periodically taking their food away from them and then returning it.

– Taking your pit to the dog park, on hiking trails, and to public events as a puppy is one of the most effective ways to socialize them. If you notice them playing too rough, correct them early on.

– Never allow your pit bull to jump up on another human

These gentle and smart dogs are the perfect companion for the owner willing to take the time and energy to train them properly and love them well.

Doberman

The Doberman Pinscher is a dog of contradictions. Although he has a reputation as a sharp and even sinister dog, his devoted fans consider him the most loving and loyal of companions. And no, "loyal" isn't a euphemism for "only likes his owner." It's the real thing, a tremendous bond between dog and human that lies at the heart of the Doberman's enduring popularity. Believe it or not, a good Doberman is a stable, friendly dog -- unless you threaten his family.
But the bad reputation isn't entirely undeserved. Health and temperament problems became a serious issue in the breed with its growing popularity, and continue to plague the carelessly bred dogs you'll find in pet stores, through Internet retailers, and at many of the big kennels advertising in the backs of magazines. If you want the steady, protective, intelligent Doberman of your dreams, be prepared to do your due dilligence to find him.
A Doberman is right for you if you're ready to provide loving leadership to your dog, train him consistently and fairly and give him plenty of exercise and outlet for his considerable intelligence. And don't underestimate that intelligence: the Doberman is among the smartest of all dog breeds, and one whose owners need to pay attention lest they find themselves outsmarted. If you expect your dog to spend his days in the backyard and his evenings keeping you company while you play video games, you’d better be prepared for a barking, bored, destructive dog instead of the devoted companion you thought you were bringing into your home.
Developed as a guard dog, the Doberman has an innate ability not only to protect his family but also to anticipate danger and threats. Because he's so smart, he's not often wrong, but if the Doberman isn't socialized and trained to behave appropriately around strangers, he may show excessive suspicion of guests in your home – suspicion that can turn into aggression.
Many people want a Doberman for purposes of protection, but almost no one really needs a trained protection dog – most people or families simply need a watchdog and a deterrent. The Doberman's reputation, intelligence, instinctive ability to evaluate threats, and his loyalty to and innate protectiveness of his human family are all that's needed to accomplish those goals, so don't get a "trained protection dog" that you don't need and probably can't handle. A well-bred, well-trained, properly socialized Doberman who lives with his family will protect them as part of his nature.
One of the key phrases there is "lives with his family." While some Dobermans are raised successfully in kennel situations, these are working dogs that have demanding and interesting tasks to do that give them the exercise and mental stimulation the dogs need. If your Doberman is a family pet, he needs to live indoors with your family. Otherwise, he'll be lonely, bored and destructive – and less, rather than more, likely to protect you.

If you do share your home with a Doberman, you'll find him to be a fairly easy dog to care for. Just keep his nails trimmed, his body lean and exercised, and brush him weekly to keep shedding to a minimum.
An alert watchdog, the Doberman can be a barker, so help yours develop appropriate barking behavior when young so it doesn't become a nuisance later on.

While most people are familiar only with the black Doberman with rust markings, Dobermans actually come in a number of colors: black with rust-colored markings; blue (actually gray) with rust markings; various shades of red-brown with rust markings; and a light tan color called "Isabella," which also has rust markings.
Be aware that white or cream Dobermans are a genetic mutation that is associated with severe health problems; they are not the prized and expensive rarity some people will try to market them as. There is no test for the albino gene, but good breeders do everything they can to avoid producing albino Dobermans. Avoid these dogs and the breeders who produce and sell them.


Other Quick Facts 

The Doberman originated in Germany, created by tax collector Louis Dobermann to keep himself and the taxes he carried safe from thieves.
In the 1950s, long before the advent of agility and freestyle competitions, the Doberman Drill Team thrilled audiences with their amazing physical feats. Today the breed is highly competitive in obedience and agility trials as well as many other dog sports and activities.
The Doberman who is raised with children and other pets will love and protect them and be a good companion for kids.
The first Doberman to win Best in Show at Westminster was Ch. Ferry v Raufelsen of Giralda in 1939. He was followed by his grandson, Ch. Rancho Dobe's Storm, who had back to back wins in 1952 and 1953 and more recently by Ch. Royal Tudor Wild as the Wind in 1989.


The History of Dobermans
Tax collector Louis Dobermann needed a guard dog to keep the monies he carried safe from thieves. To create the intelligent, reliable guard dog that he had in mind, he crossed shorthaired shepherd dogs with Rottweilers, black and tan terriers, and German Pinschers. Sleek dogs such as Greyhounds and Weimaraners may also have been part of his “recipe.”

Before long, he was producing dogs of a distinct type. The first Doberman Pinschers, as they became known, were seen at a dog show in Erfurt, Germany, in 1897. Three years later the breed received official recognition as a German breed.
The American Kennel Club registered its first Doberman in 1908, and the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was formed in 1921. Throughout their history, Dobermans have made a name for themselves as police and military dogs.

During World War II, the United States Marine Corp used Dobermans in combat as sentries, messengers, and scouts. While liberating Guam, 25 Marine war dogs died. Dobermans are seen in archival footage of the battle on Okinawa, one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. In 1994 a bronze memorial statue of a Doberman commissioned by the United Doberman Club was erected in Guam. The memorial is called "Always Faithful." In 2001 when the World Trade Center towers collapsed, search and rescue Dobermans looked for survivors and bodies at Ground Zero.
The Doberman still has a fearsome reputation, but the secret that has made him one of the AKC’s most popular breeds over the years is his devotion to and love for his family. It’s no wonder that the Doberman is 14 th in AKC registrations, up from 23 rd a decade ago.

The Doberman Temperament and Personality

The Doberman’s qualities of intelligence, trainability and courage have made him capable of performing many different roles, from police or military dog to family protector and friend. The ideal Doberman is energetic, watchful, determined, alert and obedient, never shy or vicious. That temperament and relationship with people only occurs when the Doberman lives closely with his family so that he can build that bond of loyalty for which he is famous. A Doberman who is left out in the backyard alone will never become a loving protector but instead a fearful dog who is aggressive toward everyone, including his own family. Never do that to a dog. When the Doberman is loved, socialized and trained, there is no more wonderful companion.
The perfect Doberman doesn’t come ready-made from the breeder. Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, countersurfing and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence.

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him.

Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.
Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Doberman, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

QUOTES ABOUT DOGS 2

“There are times when even the best manager is like the little boy with the big dog — waiting to see where the dog wants to go so he can take him there.”
—Lee Iacocca (former president and CEO of Chrysler)

"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog."
—Franklin P. Jones (humorist and PR executive)

“A dog can’t think that much about what he’s doing, he just does what feels right.”
―Barbara Kingsolver (author, Animal Dreams)

"When the Man waked up he said, 'What is Wild Dog doing here?' And the Woman said, 'His name is not Wild Dog any more, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.'"
—Rudyard Kipling (author, The Jungle Book)

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”
—Dean Koontz (author, Whispers)

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
—Ann Landers (a.k.a. Eppie Lederer; famous advice columnist)

"I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it."
—Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States)

“A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.”
—Jack London (author, The Call of the Wild)

“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.”
—Groucho Marx (comedian)

“Dogs don't rationalize. They don't hold anything against a person. They don't see the outside of a human but the inside of a human.”
—Cesar Millan (dog trainer)

“Dogs never bite me. Just humans.”
—Marilyn Monroe (actress, Some Like It Hot)

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
—Christopher Morley (author, Kitty Foyle)

"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them."
—Phil Pastoret (author, Our Boarding House)

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”
—Gilda Radner (comedienne)

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
—Will Rogers (actor, A Connecticut Yankee)

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
—Andy Rooney (contributor, 60 Minutes)

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult."
—Rita Rudner (comedienne)

"Happiness is a warm puppy."
—Charles M. Schulz (cartoonist, Peanuts)

“If you eliminate smoking and gambling, you will be amazed to find that almost all an Englishman's pleasures can be, and mostly are, shared by his dog.”
—George Bernard Shaw (playwright)

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."
—John Steinbeck (author, The Grapes of Wrath)

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us."
—Robert Louis Stevenson (author, Treasure Island)

“Dogs got personality. Personality goes a long way.”
—Quentin Tarantino (director and screenwriter, Pulp Fiction)

“Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses.”
—Elizabeth Taylor (actress, Cleopatra)

"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons."
—James Thurber (author, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”)

“A hungry dog hunts best.”
—Lee Trevino (golfer)

"If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."
—Harry S. Truman (33rd President of the United States)

"Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."
—Mark Twain (author, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)

"Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!"
—Anne Tyler (author, The Accidental Tourist)

“A dog will teach you unconditional love. If you can have that in your life, things won't be too bad.”
—Robert Wagner (actor, The Longest Day)

“Let sleeping dogs lie.”
—Robert Walpole (first Prime Minister of Great Britain)

"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money."
—Joe Weinstein (comedian)

"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience."
—Woodrow Wilson (28th President of the United States)

Why Fish Make Good Pets

In Britain, fish are now the third most popular pet after dogs and cats. According to a study conducted by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), the principal trade organization for the UK pet food industry, 16 percent of pet owners now own fish. Cats are in the number two spot at 19 percent, and dogs remain the most popular companions with 23 percent of UK households owning a canine. The reason for the increase in demand for fish, according to a representative of Tesco, a large UK retail chain, is that people have moved to smaller homes and rentals over the last few years, and it’s not always possible or practical to own a dog or cat.

 Reasons Fish Make Great Pets

1. Fish are known to have a tranquil, calming effect on anyone who watches them glide serenely through the water.
2. Generally speaking, fish are easier and less expensive to feed and care for than other pets, however, they do require a proper environment and knowledgeable caretakers.
3. Unlike many dogs and other furry and feathered pets, fish don’t develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors when you leave them alone at home.
4. Fish are quiet -- you never have to worry about a barking or squawking fish upsetting the neighbors or waking a sleeping baby.
5. Fish come in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes and stunning, vibrant colors.
6. Fish don’t need to be walked; they don’t require a litter box; and they’ll never leave a surprise for you on your brand new carpet or the afghan your mother-in-law knitted for you last Christmas.
7. Fish are very clean pets that don’t need to be groomed or have their teeth brushed.
8. Your fish won’t track dirt and mud in from outdoors, or shake litter from his paws all over the house, and he doesn’t shed, slobber or drool.
9. A fish aquarium of any size, as long it’s well maintained, can be a beautiful addition to any room in your home.
10. Some types of fish interact with their owners, are playful, and can even be trained to do tricks. 

The best advice I can offer, especially if you’ve never kept fish before, is to do plenty of research before you take the plunge.

I’d also recommend you start small, with a fish bowl or small aquarium and two or three hardy, low-maintenance varieties like goldfish. As your interest grows, you can upgrade to a bigger, more expensive or unusual aquarium and more exotic varieties of fish.

A few initial questions you’ll need to ask yourself:

• Are you interested in tropical freshwater fish, coldwater fish, or perhaps tropical marine fish? Believe it or not, there are more than 25,000 known species of fish and over 2,000 of these can potentially thrive in an aquarium. I recommend you only buy fish that have been bred in captivity, not taken from the ocean.

• What do you know about the fish you’re interested in? For example: how big will it get? If it’s a large fish, will it see smaller fish in the tank as prey? If it’s a small fish, will it become prey for larger fish? Will it eat live plants in your aquarium? What kind of water best suits it (temperature, hardness, pH, etc.)? Does it need to live with other fish or alone? What does it cost?

• Different types of fish require different aquarium environments. You should build your aquarium around the needs of your fish rather than on the aesthetics of the aquarium itself. Focusing on the needs of the fish you want to keep will insure they will be healthy and happy in their environment.
Every decision about the aquarium and all supplies, including food, should be made with the health of your particular fish species in mind.

• With that said, for practical reasons you’ll also need to consider what size aquarium you can afford and have the space for, and where you’ll set it up in your home. Aquariums aren’t just large fish bowls – even the most basic models come equipped with filtration systems, artificial lighting systems, often a heater or chiller, and some have hoods.

Fish can make wonderful pets and aquarium keeping provides a fascinating hobby for many fish enthusiasts.

As is the case with a dog, cat, exotic or pocket pet, preparation is priceless when it comes to committing to the care and guardianship of another living being.

Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever was bred to be both a friendly companion and a useful working dog breed. Historically, he earned his keep as a fisherman's helper: hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish from the chilly North Atlantic. Today's Labrador Retriever is as good-natured and hard working as his ancestors, and he's America's most popular breed. These days the Lab works as a retriever for hunters, assistance dog to the handicapped, show competitor, and search and rescue dog, among other canine jobs.

The warm and intelligent Lab is America's number one breed registered with the American Kennel Club. Even non-dog people can recognize a Lab, and artists and photographers have captured his image countless times — usually as the loyal companion, waiting patiently by his owner's side. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. He has a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels.

The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. John's dog, after the capital city of Newfoundland, he was bred to help the local fishermen — hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish that had escaped the nets — as well as to be a family dog.

Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs.


The Lab's sweet nature makes him an excellent therapy dog, visiting homes for the elderly and hospitals, and his intelligence makes him an ideal assistance dog for the handicapped. He also excels as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to his athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature.

And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions — especially obedience.

There's one dog job that Labs are hopeless at: watchdog. 

In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show him where the goods are stashed.

Labrador Retrievers have proven their usefulness and versatility throughout the breed's history, easily shifting from fisherman's companion, to field retriever, to show dog, to modern working dog. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend.

Highlights

- Labrador Retrievers love, love, love to eat, and become obese very quickly if overfed. Limit treats, give your Lab plenty of exercise, and measure out regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. And be warned that the Lab's large appetite extends to people food and even inedible items. Labradors will forage in garbage, counter surf, and can make a meal out of chewed-up items like children's toys.

- Labrador Retrievers were bred for physically demanding jobs, and they have the high energy that goes along with being a working breed. They need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Without it, they can vent their pent-up energy in destructive ways, such as barking and chewing.

- Labs have such a good reputation that many people think they don't need to bother with training. But Labs are large, energetic animals, and like all dogs, they need to be taught good canine manners. Sign up for puppy and obedience classes as soon as you bring your Lab home.

- Many people think of Labs as a hyperactive breed. Lab puppies are definitely lively, but most will slow down a bit as they grow up. However, they usually remain fairly active throughout their lives.

- Labrador Retrievers are not known to be escape artists, but with the right motivation — such as a whiff of something yummy — a Lab will take off. Make sure your Lab has current identification tags and a microchip.

- The Lab is America's number one dog, which means there are plenty of people breeding Labs who are more interested in filling the demand for Lab puppies than in breeding healthy dogs with good temperaments. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.

- If you're looking for a puppy, you'll find that Labs vary depending on what breeder you choose. Some Labs are bred for competitions testing their skill as working dogs, and others are bred to get as close as possible to the ideal look, movement, and temperament of the breed. You'll also find breeders who aim for both looks and utility. Labs bred for the show ring tend to be slightly heavier and more solidly built than those intended for canine careers.

History

Labrador Retrievers hail from the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called St. John's dogs, after the capital city of Newfoundland, Labs served as companions and helpers to the local fishermen beginning in the 1700s.The dogs spent their days working alongside their owners, retrieving fish who had escaped hooks and towing in lines, and then returned home to spend the evening with the fishermen's family.

Although his heritage is unknown, many believe the St. John's dog was interbred with the Newfoundland Dog and other small local water dogs.

Outsiders noticed the dog's usefulness and good disposition, and English sportsmen imported a few Labs to England to serve as retrievers for hunting. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. John's dogs shipped to England sometime around 1830. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors.

Amazingly, Labs — now America's most popular dog — were almost extinct by the 1880s, and the Malmesbury family and other English fans are credited with saving the breed. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters.

In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in 1903. The American Kennel Club followed suit in 1917, and in the '20s and '30s, British Labs were imported to establish the breed in the U.S.

The breed's popularity really began to take off after World War II, and in 1991, the Labrador Retriever became the most popular dog registered with the American Kennel Club — and he's held that distinction ever since. He also tops the list in Canada and England.

Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to the handicapped, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience.

Size

Males stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches, and weigh 65 to 80 pounds. Females stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches, and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.

Personality

The Lab has the reputation of being one of the most sweet-natured breeds, and it's well deserved. He's outgoing, eager to please, and friendly with both people and other animals.

Aside from a winning personality, he has the intelligence and eagerness to please that make him easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means he is active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep him happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity.

CAT BREED - PERSIAN

As the dusty desert caravans wound their way westward from Persia and Iran, it is supposed that secreted among the rare spices and jewels on the basket-laden camels was an even more precious cargo, an occasional longhair cat. They were called Persian for their "country of origin," but hieroglyphic references as early as 1684 B.C. shroud forever their exact beginnings.

Persians, with their luxurious coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment. Creatures of habit, they are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households. Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages. Persians have short heavilyboned legs to support their broad, short bodies. They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to high jumping and climbing. Playful but never demanding, they love to pose and will drape themselves in a favorite window or chair, enhancing the decor in much the same way as a treasured painting. Persians are tremendously responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight to their owners. Pleasurable as an unexpected sunbeam, their companionship is close and enduring.

Their long flowing coats require an indoor, protected environment. Proper maintenance requires a daily run-through with a metal comb to eliminate the potential drawbacks of tangles and hairballs. An occasional bath, attempted only after a complete comb-through and clipping of the nail tips, will keep the coat clean, healthy and beautiful. It is wise to establish the routine of the bath when they are young. While the white Persian has long been the darling of photographers and advertisers, Persians come in an astonishing number

of colors, which are divided into seven color divisions for purposes of competition.

Hairballs

Naturally, being long haired, means these cats often suffer from problems related to hairballs. This can be reduced by feeding the cat a good quality food, regular brushing, and reducing stress in the home. Both stress and low quality cat food contribute to excess shedding and hair loss in cats.
Problems Due to Face Shape
Because the trend has been to breed Persian cats with extremely pushed in noses these cats often suffer from related problems. The more pushed in the face, the more problems the cat may have. Problems include tear ducts that constantly run and will stain the fur below the eyes, if neglected this can cause sores on the skin.
Eyelashes, and hair on the nose, can cause a problem if they rub on the eyes of the cat.
The short noses can cause breathing problems for the cat, making them more vulnerable to problems associated with warm, or cold, temperatures. This is because the longer noses give the air a chance to either warm up, or cool down, before entering the body. These cats often have small nasal passages and cannot take as much physical exertion as other cats, and tend to be more lazy as a result.
Malocclusion, or a bad bite, is also common in Persians and should be checked before buying a kitten.
Because of the facial deformity eating can be more difficult for Persian cats.
As a result of the distorted head shape it is not uncommon for Persian cats to have difficulty birthing kittens – the shape of the kitten's head does not pass easily. Still born kittens are seen more in Persians than most other breeds.
Persian cats often have side effects from Grisofulvin, a ringworm medication.
Some Persian cats have behavior problems and simply stop using their litter box (note this can also be related to kidney problems).
Persian cats are prone to hip dysplasia.
Eye diseases are common in this breed.

If not groomed regularly they will develop painful hair mats and may require shaving.


BE AWARE that when you buy a kitten from a good breeder they should have taken the parents to shows to prove they were good quality, worth breeding and had them tested for genetic health problems. One concern with the Persian cat breed is that some breeders are selecting to breed for unhealthy traits such as extreme pushed in noses.