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THE PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER
Parson Russell Terrier
The Parson Russell Terrier originated during the 1800’s in the United Kingdom. This dog breed was bred to chase after foxes above and below the ground. Rev. John Russell bred a strain of terriers for catching foxes in Devonshire, U.K. during the 1800’s. The Parson Terrier is larger than the Russell Terrier, and has longer legs, though the Russell Terrier is stockier than the Parson Terrier.
Brief History
The Parson Russell Terrier comes from the U.K. This terrier breed was named after the Reverend John Russell, who bred terriers to hunt foxes in Devonshire, U.K during the 1800’s. The Parson Terrier is very similar to the original terrier breed that the Rev. John Russell bred. The AKC and the parent club, the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America (PRTAA), calls this breed the Parson Russell Terrier.
Physical Features
The Parson Russell Terrier has a medium-sized body, and is a sturdy and muscular small dog breed. With a flat skull, and a black nose, the Parson Russell Terrier has v-shaped ears, and has intelligent, almond-shaped brown eyes. This is a well-balanced dog breed that has a small chest, and straight legs. Their tails are short, and are carried upright.
They have smooth coats with an undercoat. This dog breed always has 51% white coat coloring, with tan, black, and brown markings. Russell’s have a free and effortless gait. They are a confident and outgoing dog breed that does well with equestrians on horse farms.
Average Height:
10-15 inches
Average Weight:
13-17 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is a lively, active, and dedicated dog breed that is assertive and fun to be around. They have huge hearts, are extremely active and have a strong work drive fueled by their intelligence. Terriers are generally not good with small animals like cats. Some terriers can be snappy or reactive. This dog breed needs socialization, and positive dog training starting during puppyhood and require plenty of attention. This breed is known for their digging skills, and are passionate diggers that can escape very easily from beneath fences, and out the front door. The Parson Russell Terrier is always upbeat, happy, curious, and friendly.
Special Needs
The Parson Russell Terrier has a passion for living, and enjoys each and every day. Care must be taken that the Parson Russell Terrier does not escape from home, or when out and about. This dog breed requires an experienced and active dog parent. It does not do well with apartment living, and needs an active outdoor lifestyle. The Parson Russell Terrier does well with plenty of attention and exercise. This is a playful and curious dog breed that enjoys travel, being around people, and most especially running around!
Possible Health Concerns
Patellar Luxation: This is a hereditary condition that is caused by the abnormal development of the kneecap(patella).X-rays will aid in seeing the severity of the displacement. Treatment usually involves surgical options.
Congenital Deafness: This is a problem in Parson Russell Terriers. The BAER test is the only 100% reliable method for testing of deafness in dogs. Bilaterally deaf terriers are easier to identify.
Legg-Perthes Disease. This is the deterioration of the top of the femur that is often seen in smaller dog breeds like the Parson Russell Terrier. It is characterized by a lack of blood supply and destruction of the blood vessels of the bone. Veterinary treatment usually involves the surgical removal of the affected femoral head and neck, and physical therapy so as to stimulate limb usage.
Lens Displacement: This is a common inherited eye problem in terrier breeds. It can also be caused by trauma, enlargement of the eyeball due to glaucoma, and degenerative changes that occur from cataracts that have not been treated. Consult with your veterinarian.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia: This is an inherited neurological disease that affects the Parson Terrier. Dogs with this present loss of balance and show signs of incoordination.
The Parson Russell Terrier
Exercise
The Parson Russell Terrier is an energetic dog breed that does well with plenty of regular exercise and canine sporting activities. This dog breed also needs to be mentally stimulated when out exercising for their mental well-being. The Parson Russell Terrier can get very excitable, so plenty of off-leash exercise is necessary.
Nutrition
Without high-quality nutrition, the Parson Russell Terrier can suffer from numerous problems ranging from skin allergies, malnutrition, and other health issues. Work together with your veterinarian and possibly consider high-quality home cooked meals with added vegetables, fruits and supplements.
Grooming
This dog breed is easy to maintain. The Parson Russell Terrier has two types of coats: smooth and broken. A soft brush or hound glove works best for this breed. Regular bathing is required for this active dog breed, most especially if he’s been digging or rolling around in the mud. Nails should be trimmed when needed, and ears should be cleaned frequently. Teeth should be brushed every day, and twice yearly visits for dental cleaning are necessary.
Parson Russell Terriers are some of the most active dog breeds that you can find. Fun-loving, active and incredibly feisty, this breed can be rambunctious if left alone and bored. This breed needs an active and experienced pet parent, but has an immense amount of love and companionship to give.
THE BEAGLE
The Beagle has enjoyed tremendous popularity for many years, and rightly so. He is the epitome of sweetness and joy. A dog of impeccable temperament and gentle nature, this breed is an excellent choice for a family with kids.
Brief History
The Beagle has a long history that hails all the way back to the fifth century. The ancient Greeks used a small hunting dog remarkably similar to today’s much-loved tricolor hound. Early Beagles, which traveled under other monikers such as St. Hubert’s Hound, Talbot’s Hound, and Southern Hound, were enjoyed by notables such as William the Conqueror. These evolved into the diminutive “Pocket Beagle”, popular with the aristocracy in medieval times, including King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth. In the 1700s, the North Country Beagle and the Southern Hound were crossed with the Foxhound, which created the version of hound that we know as the Beagle.
Around 1830 and following throughout that century, breeders devoted themselves to establishing the Beagle as a stand-alone breed. By 1884 it had been imported to America and was recognized by the AKC.
Physical Features
According to the AKC standard, the Beagle is, “A miniature Foxhound, solid and big for his inches, with the wear-and-tear look of the hound that can last in the chase and follow his quarry to the death.”
This summarizes the Beagle’s muscle and athleticism, his deep chest, and strong legs, while perhaps overlooking his adorableness. His soft, floppy ears and big brown eyes would melt butter.
The registry recognizes two sizes: Under 13 inches and from 13 to 15 inches, which is the height the dog is measured at his shoulder.
Average Height:
13-15 inches
Average Weight:
26-33 pounds
Life Expectancy:
10-15 years
Temperament
On their own, Beagles love to thrive in groups and families, they also blend in well with other dog breeds thanks to their calm, cohesive nature, and their need to be “groupies”. Adopting a Beagle may be your best deed ever since it will bond with you effortlessly and always be on your trail with its gentle and happy aura. Beagles are very tender to children and the love shared and shown will always manifest during playtime.
Regarded as the least hostile dog breed, you will never find a Beagle attacking or biting strangers unless it is harshly provoked. Their welcoming nature allows them to deal with strangers in an intelligent manner that gives them some freedom while being protective of their environments, families, and owners. If you are a stranger to a Beagle, it will hardly show any negative response or aggression towards you and with some strokes to its fur, this dog will bond with you immediately and share in some fun moments with you as it shows you around.
Special Needs
Being a sporting dog, a Beagle has to have vigorous exercise on a regular basis. His tendency to bay and howl can create issues for apartment living.
Possible Health Concerns
Being a sporting dog, a Beagle has to have vigorous exercise on a regular basis. His tendency to bay and howl can create issues for apartment living.
Heart disease
Epilepsy
Back problems
Eye problems
Chondrodysplasia (abnormality in bones and cartilage)
Mast cell tumors
Exercise
Apart from being gentle and friendly, a Beagle is a highly active and energetic dog. If not on a leash, he may run off and chase smaller animals such as rabbits. Allow your Beagle some space and time to play, and you should train him to adhere to a daily regular exercise routine with you such as walking or jogging.
Nutrition
The active lifestyle of the Beagle will call for a protein-rich diet: whole meats, fish, and poultry are an ideal choice. To maintain its coat and keep it shiny, you might have to add in some essential fatty acids found in fish oil, safflower, and sunflower. Vegetables such as pumpkin and spinach, and fruits such as apples, watermelon, and blueberries can also be included to provide your Beagle with a healthy dose of vitamins.
Grooming
The Beagle has a short coat and sheds individual hairs all year long. He will benefit from an occasional brushing and nail trim.
THE COLLIE
The Collie, also known as the Scotch Collie or Scottish Sheepdogs, was bred as a multipurpose farm dog. This super friendly and intelligent dog breed is well known for its herding abilities. The name Collie is derived from the Scottish word black sheep, colley.
Brief History
This herding dog breed became popular in the early 20th century after Queen Victoria favored the breed as a companion dog. It is believed that the Collie’s ancestors arrived in Scotland 2,000 years before Queen Victoria did. They were brought over by the Romans during their conquest of Britain.
Physical Features
The Collie is strong, powerful, athletic and graceful. With a long, lean body, wedge-shaped head, and intelligent brown or blue eyes, the Collie is a strikingly beautiful breed. They’re also known for their high folded ears that bounce adorably as they run around. Rough Collies have long double coats, and Smooth Collies have a short double coats.
Both of these can be found in sable and white, tricolor (black, tan, and white), blue merle, tricolor, white with sable, or with blue merle markings. Collie’s have an intelligent, bright and alert look.
Average Height:
24 -26 inches
Average Weight:
55-80 pounds
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Temperament
The Collie makes for a wonderful family dog that is kind around children. This breed is active and intelligent, as well as outgoing. The Collie enjoys being around family, other people and animals. This breed is good with horses, and other livestock. The Collie is active, responsive and enjoys participating in agility and other canine sports. Due to their high energy, this dog does not do well with apartment living.
The Collie need lots of physical and mental stimulation. Daily exercise is a must to promote good behavior. Luckily, their intelligence makes them extremely easy to train, so fun games and tricks can easily be added to the exercise routine. his breed needs lots of love and attention. It does not do well left alone for long periods of time.
Special Needs
Collies are known for having high energy levels and lots of curiosity. Because of this, pet parents should be vigilant that your pup does not get into anything that could cause them harm.
Possible Health Concerns
The Collie is an active dog breed that may be susceptible to the following:
Collie Eye Anomaly. This is an inherited eye disease that is found in the Collie. It causes abnormal development in layers of eye tissue. Consult your veterinarian if you think that your Collie may have this eye condition.
MDR1 Mutation. Collies may be sensitive to certain medications. It is a genetic disposition to adverse reactions to certain drugs. This includes ivermectin, milbemycin, and related drugs. Ask your veterinarian about these.
Exercise
Your Collie loves to exercise. In fact, they were bred for herding, so constantly running around is in their natures. Make sure you schedule plenty of play time, long walks and trips to the dark park to keep your pup happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.
Nutrition
There is no best diet for all dogs, since all dogs have different dietary needs, but it’s best to start with food that is high in protein, carbohydrates and without fillers. Consult with your veterinarian as to the best high-quality dog food diet for your Collie.
Grooming
Collies need to be brushed every day to prevent matting and take away dead hair. If left to mat, dogs may chew on their hair which can lead to skin infections. Collies need to have their nails trimmed regularly. Ears need to be kept clean by wiping with a cotton ball or wipe and an ears cleaned weekly with a cotton ball or clean cloth. Weekly teeth cleaning is also necessary to prevent gum disease.
A GUIDE TO DOG TREATS
Considered as extensions of the family, passionate dog owners will go to great lengths to pamper their pooches. As such, dog treats have become big business in the industry. But more than just a Scooby snack, they serve the purpose of helping to train dogs and encourage acceptable behavior.
Horse Resources
Horses are amazing animals that delight people of all ages, races, and demographics. Since the first time horses became domesticated around 3,000 BC, these animals have carried out and continue to perform a myriad of functions including serving as stable hands, racing companions as well as carriages for royalty and other dignitaries. If you want to deepen your knowledge about this magnificent species, to owning one, learning to ride and competing in horse riding competitions, do well to visit these online resources:
THE ARABIAN MAU CAT
The Arabian Mau was developed from an ancient desert cat that occurred naturally in the Arabian Peninsula. Although it is now commonplace as a house pet in its region of origin, the Arabian Mau cat has only gained recognition by a single breed organization, the German World Cat Federation.
Brief History
Descended from the African wild cat that lived in Middle Eastern deserts in regions throughout Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Mau is one of the oldest cat breeds. Its lineage goes back a thousand years, combining genes with the Egyptian Mau and providing companionship and service to man perhaps as far back as the days of the pyramids.
Although this cat is acclimated to desert life, wild cats of the harsh and sandy elements had challenging daily searches for food. It was natural for them to frequent villages for easy pickings. From there, like cats domesticated in other parts of the world and worked their way from the alley to the hearth.
After centuries of life as a house cat, the Arabian desert cat was noticed by the director of the Middle East Cat Society, Petra Muller. She gave the cat its name, the Arabian Mau, and began arranging a breeding program. She presented the breed at the Annual General Meeting in 2008, where it was recognized as a pedigreed feline. The following year, it was admitted into cat shows and given formal breed recognition.
Physical Features
The Arabian Mau is a medium-sized cat with long legs and a tapered tail. They are most famous for their ears, which are noticeably large. Their single coats of hair are smooth and glossy and appears in three shades: tabby, bicolor and white.
Average Height:
12-14 inches
Average Weight:
8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
The Arabian Mau is an athlete with a high prey drive. You will not have to worry about mice thriving in your house. Although, because this cat is loyal and devoted, you may find one on your pillow as a gift.
Arabian mau
Special Needs
The Arabian Mau plays vigorously and needs quality interaction with its people. It would be best served with thirty minutes of active play a day.
Possible Health Concerns
The Bombay is a healthy and moderately active cat breed that may be susceptible to the following health conditions:
Thanks to its long history as an evolving desert cat, the Arabian Mau has no known health issues. But like all cats, it will need a good diet and exercise program to maintain its vitality and prolong its life.
Exercise
Being an active desert cat, the Arabian Mau will need plenty of exercise. Giving this cat a buddy is one good way to accomplish this.
Nutrition
Like with any indoor cat, the owner should be sure not to overfeed. However, many cats are self-regulating, and highly-active breeds may have the metabolism to burn off whatever they take in. An Arabian Mau is one cat that is not prone to obesity.
Grooming
The Arabian Mau benefits from a grooming session with a soft brush every couple of days to whisk away any loose hair and distribute the natural oils throughout the coat. As grooming goes, this cat is fairly low-maintenance.
The Arabian Mau is a good choice for people who are looking for a lively, family-friendly sturdy cat with few health issues.
Thinking About Adopting a Bird? 5 Things to Know
Interested in adding a bird to your home? Great! Birds are intelligent, social creatures, that don’t require much grooming or maintenance. However, most birds are anything but quiet, and they do require a lot more interaction than you may realize. It’s a good idea to do your research before adding a bird to your life.
WHY DO DOGS LICK PAWS?
For our canine friends, paw licking can be a grooming habit. This is often seen when dogs have been out for a long walk in rugged conditions, or it might be part of their daily groom.
