Hangin’ with the Animals

posted by Animal Lover2 on Dec 28

By: Jeff Cuckson

Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie, and they�d identify a Westie as a white Scottie. This mistake is perfectly understandable, since they do have similar physical attributes and both originated from Scotland.

There are a lot of postulated theories about these similarities. However, one valid assumption is that centuries ago, a generic terrier was once a native to Scotland.

Over the years, different breeds came about from interbreeding, locations, the conditions and human requirements, which resulted in the different breeds. So when you compare the modern Westie to its� two closest relatives, the Scottie and the Cairn, you�ll see more similarities than differences.

Here are just some of the differences between a Scottie & Westie.

A Westie is usually between 12-15 inches tall terrier with a straight and erect tail, about 5 � 6 inches. This breed has a two inch white double coat, while the outer coat is hard straight hair the under coat is soft.

They possess a black button nose and pointed erect ears. Their deep chests and muscular limbs give the westies the agility and power that was required in the original line of work for their breed. They were originally developed to hunt for vermin in the mountains of West Scotland.

The shorter Scottish Terrier is about at 10-11 inches tall. The coat of a typical Scottie is hard, wiry, weather-resistant and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. Unlike the westie, they come in different colors; black, brown and bindle.

Another difference is that their noses are larger compared to the westie, although sometimes, you�ll come across a Scottie that has a button like nose. The Scottie�s ears and tail are pointy and erect.

How does the American Kennel Club (AKC) describe the standard gait of both breeds? The Westie�s movement is free, straight and easy, and it�s a distinctive gait, not stilted, but powerful, with reach and drive. Their overall ability to move is usually best evaluated from the side, and topline remains level.

The gait of the Scottish Terrier isn�t the square trot or walk desirable in the long-legged breeds. Their forelegs incline slightly inward because of the deep broad forechest. Movement should be free, agile and coordinated with a powerful drive from the rear and good reach in front. When the dog is in motion, the back should remain firm and level.

You won�t make a mistake of choosing a pet from either breed, for they are popular not only for their looks but also because they�re loving, intelligent, affectionate and loyal dogs.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson webmaster@madaboutwesties.com ***************************************** Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW! http://www.madaboutwesties.com ***************************************

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About the author: By Jeff CucksonAuthor of….
�Mad About Westies!� .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!
“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days!� - How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owner�s dull grey day
�100 Top Westie Sites!�
�115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!�

posted by Animal Lover2 on Dec 27

By: NS Kennedy

For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans, cats pretty much took care of their own breeding. People kept them for one purpose - hunting rodent - and they are already perfectly designed for that. More than 100 years ago, however, we began systematically breeding cats to appeal to our aesthetic tastes. Hair length, color, coat pattern, as well as head and leg proportions contribute to the “look” of specific breeds.

Look at enough cat bodies and faces, and you’ll see two distinctly different types.

Faces are either triangular or rounded. Bodies that are lean and slender belong to the lithe oriental, or foreign breeds. Short legs supporting a broad, compact body are characteristic of a “cobby.” Mixed breeds usually have an “in between” body type.

There are more than 70 distinct breeds of cats that are recognized by formal cat registries. Some registries recognize only about 40 breeds, because they exclude those such as Bengals which are hybrids of domestic and wild cats. Some “breeds” are simply variations of primary types. For example, a Balinese cat is a longer haired type of Siamese cat.

Some breeds have roots that go far back in history. The Japanese Bobtail, distinguished by a short, rabbit-like tail, can be traced more than 1,000 years. The Egyptian Mau cat retains the physical characteristics of ancient Egyptian cats found in ancient paintings.

With an elegant body that is randomly spotted, banded legs and tail, communicative eyes and an ellegant cheetah-like stride, it is no wonder that the Mau attracts such a tremendous amount of attention at shows.

Other breeds reflect new aesthetics. Ocicats and Savannah cats are wild-hybrids — the result of breeding wild cats with domestic cats - which fill a desire for some cat lovers to have a “wild” pet. The Cornish Rex, with its soft, wavy coat and curled whiskers, is a dramatic, visual contrast to the typical smooth-coated cat. Likewise, the “hairless” Sphynx cat is a breed for the esoteric cat fancier.

Because the Sphynx cat has little hair, the cat needs to be bathed periodically. This is an easy task with a cat that has been accustomed to a bath from kittenhood.

Sometimes, cats are just “ordinary felines.” “Domestic” is the veterinary term used to classify cats of unknown heritage. Cats in these categories are broken into groups as domestic short hair (DSH), domestic long hair (DLH) and domestic medium length hair (DMH). Some people classify cats based on living circumstances; house cat or alley cat, but these are not true breeds.

Hair length and texture contribute to a breed’s “look, ” but color is not a reliable identity factor. Black cats with white paws, belly, and chests are referred to as “tuxedo cats,” but this is simply a description of coat pattern found in both domestic and “exotic” breeds. Tortoiseshell and calico coated cats are sometimes referred to as “ginger,” “marmalade,” or “orange tabby” cats, making them sound like specific breeds. In reality, they are just descriptors, much like “green-eyed Asian” or “brown-eyed European.” While it is true that some cat breeds only come in one hue (Russian Blues and Korats only show gray) most breeds display a range of coat color and pattern.

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posted by Animal Lover2 on Dec 26

By: John Ugoshowa

How to

In all there are more than 20,000 types of fish. There is virtually no way possible anyone can outline how to care for fish and aquariums in a single group of articles. About the best that anyone can do is give you a few basic concepts, care instructions, etc, and allow you to go from there. Since aquariums, rather water and fish produce toxins you will want to learn about such toxins in aquarium and fish care.

Aquariums are containers which provide fish a habitat filled with water. Aquariums are often shaped like boxes, which fish and related aquatic animals, as well as plants are stored. The water supplies oxygen and/or air for fish to breathe, which means the water must be constantly maintained in order for the fish and plants to survive. Temperature is important as well, since unlike furry critters, fish cannot control their essence of temperature. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can help you maintain a balanced temperature in the air, which will affect water. Ultimately, you have fish gauges, which help you to monitor the temperatures in water.

In addition, fish in tanks or aquariums are subject to bacteria and toxins. Since, bacteria and toxins are produced faster in aquariums for the reason that unlike land, fish in water do not have natural fighters against such contaminants. With this in mind, we see that fish require high eminence of water to survive. In addition, aquariums often tank salt water creatures, as well as fresh water fish. It is important that you understand the difference and how to maintain water supply for both species. Still, the two are similar in comparison as far as fish care.

How do I eliminate toxins? First, you must understand toxins in order to eliminate them. Fish will produce a degree of toxins; as well, water supplies produce its volume of toxins, such as copper, metals, chlorine, etc. Toxins spent by fish are wasted items coming from the fish life-sustaining chemicals, known as metabolism. Fish then produce pungent gases, which are colorless and highly water soluble.

Water supply often has CHLORAMINE or Chlorine combined, which are additives to fish tanks that work to purify the water. The chemicals combine to eliminate or minimize the growth of bacteria. Bacteria, develops in water pipes, drinking fountains, ground water, etc.

Now to answer your question, you will need a test kit to maintain toxic waste. You can use the kit to test the waters, thus making sure that the aquarium is not overly contaminated. You will also need filters, and pre-treatment water to balance your aquarium.

How do I find pre-treated water? Water mixed with 1 milligram of sodium THIO-sulfate, includes ten gallons of fresh water combined with 1% sodium will remove toxins such as chlorine. In addition, you can purchase products, which include chemicals that will remove CHLORAMINE and Chlorine respectively. You have the option of removing toxins from aquariums by exposing the tank to air, which allows circulation of air to penetrate the aquarium. Furthermore, you can combine gas converting it to liquids, which charge, or activates carbons. The carbon dioxide will bubble, which removes toxins as well. (Learn more about Aerating before combing gas and liquids)

Using your test kit you will know if the tank has metals, or coppers in the water. If your water supply has copper and metal you will need to purchase spring water, or purified water to remove toxins. Ultimately you can purchase hepa products, which include water purifiers to connect to your tap water. The product will eliminate metal, copper, and other contaminates, thus purifying your water supply.

About the AuthorJohn Ugoshowa. For more information about Aquariums and fish care see the art aquarium and fish care section of The Free Ad Forum at: http://www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/CAT/Aquariums-Fish-Care_83_1.html You are welcome to reproduce this article in your ezine or website as long as you include our link and bio above.