9 Unique Dog Breeds You May Never Come Across

You will see many dog breeds in your life, but there are some unique breeds you may never see. While some of these breeds have similar traits to dogs we are familiar with, others look more exotic. Regardless of their sizes and shapes, these unique dog breeds are so cute. Enjoy reading about and looking at these pups and don’t hide your smile!

1. Swedish Vallhund

In 1942, the Swedish Vallhund almost became extinct in Sweden, but a breeding program started to save them. These dogs can capture small predators like rodents, herd cattle, and guard the house. Due to their perfect temper and love of their owners they are capable of being good pets. They are extremely energetic and they need lots of exercise.

2. Bedlington Terrier

The first time I saw this dog breed, I thought it was a lamb, but it wasn’t! Bedlington Terrierpuppies have dark coats that fade with age. This unique dog breed is good with kids and is easy to take care of. As long as Bedlington Terrier has his fur trimmed and gets enough exercise, he will keep his tail wagging. If you are thinking of having one, be ready for a stubborn attitude and loud barking.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

Don’t think that this dog is a mastiff. The word ‘mastiff’ means ‘large dog,’ that’s why it is included in its name. Tibetan Mastiff is known as guardian and has been used to protect places, people, and herds. Since these dogs are very protective, they are not happy when their owners invite guests into their house. Again, these dogs require some training.

4. Catalburun

Oh God! I’ve never seen anything so cute, and you? Look, this dog has a split nose! While it looks unique, it also works excellent and gives the Catalburun a very strong sense of smell. That’s why they’re great hunters and they’re able to track well. This unique dog breed is mostly seen in Turkey and is not known in other countries.

5. Mudi

This pup is really cute! This is a herding breed that comes from Hungary. Mudi is very energetic. They are expected to live from 13 to 14 years and weigh 18 and 29 pounds. Mudi comes in a variety of different colors, which are all equally adorable!

6. Catahoula Cur

This dog can be very noisy and might chew up your furniture, especially if they don’t get enough attention from you. Catahoula Cur was originally used for herding and once lived in swamps to round up cattle and pigs. This dog needs a truly dominant owner that can teach it the difference between wrong and right.

7. Schipperke

These dogs are from Belgium, and they are expected to live from 13 to 15 years. Although they are so adorable, they are known to cause some troubles. Sometimes called ‘the little black devil, these doggies like to disobey their owners and chase other animals. They can be very aggressive and must be kept away from other animals. They are not good for the weak-willed and they require a lot of training.

8. Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sight hound dog breed that is rare outside of its native West Africa. Azawakh is found in a great variety of colors such as grizzle, red, blue fawn, and, rarely, black and blue. Renowned for its agile and cat-like gait, these dogs are timid by nature, but friendly and very affectionate. The breed is used to hunt gazelle and other fleet animals.

9. Thai Ridgeback

An ancient dog breed, the Thai Ridgeback is also renowned as Mah Thai Lang Ahn. I love this breed and I think it’s the most unique and beautiful dog breed. The Thai Ridgeback has a line of hair running along the back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. These beautiful, strong-willed and powerful dogs are usually used as livestock guardians. Thai Ridgeback is a very intelligent breed. This dog is best kept by a consistent owner who has a good understanding of dog behavior.

Do you like these cuties? Do you have any pets? If so what are their names? Please comment below.

YAPS Brings Hope to Cancer Victims

Pet pen pals lend a loving paw

By Debra Bokur

The diagnosis of cancer is life-altering for all who are touched by it. When a child or a loving pet bears this burden, the tragedy seems particularly unfair, and brings cancer’s arbitrary and random selection home on a whole new level. Today, cancer is the number-one natural killer of dogs, regardless of breed, gender or age. In Denver, Colo., a unique support program is helping young human and canine cancer patients cope with their illness.

Enter Anne Ingalls, Colleen Chambers and YAPS—Youth And Pet Survivors—a pen-pal program that pairs children who have cancer with dogs (and in one case, a cat) also suffering from the disease. The participating child-dog pairs currently number 10, with some having enjoyed relationships spanning the last several years.

Ingalls, a registered nurse specializing in pediatric oncology at Children’s Hospital in Denver, describes the inspiration for YAPS as a “divine spark.” The program took shape after Ingalls was invited to join the board of directors of the Animal Care Foundation.

“There was a lot of discussion about what sort of program we might create that would blend these two populations of veterinary patients and children,” she says. “Children with cancer are very restricted [as] to what outside environments they can be exposed to, because of the heightened risks of injury and infection. Hospitals enforce these restrictions very stringently. That’s why we came up with the pen-pal concept—to bypass those restrictions.”

Colleen Chambers, surgical technician and practicing manager of the surgery department at the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado, keeps a book featuring pictures and biographies of all the participating animals. Dogs include Mary Jane, a Labrador; Sandy and Emma, both Golden Retrievers; a West Highland Terrier named Max; Ram, a Doberman-Labrador mix; and Bonkers, the program’s only cat.


After being paired, the children stay in touch with their dogs via letters and email. The owners of the canine participants respond for the dog. The owners, who include former teachers, educators and psychologists, are carefully screened to ensure their suitability and capacity to relate to the experiences and challenges that surround the disease.

The children are selected based on criteria that include energy levels and motivation. “I know a lot of these kids personally,” says Ingalls. “The nurses I work with also refer children to me, and I consider the factors of each case. It’s got to be something they want to do. We want their parents to support them, but not do the writing for them. Some kids who express interest initially look through the book and ultimately tell me that they’re just not up for it right now.”

One young man who recently made the decision to join YAPS is Sean Flanagan, an 18-year-old Denver resident. Sean’s canine partner is Boone, yellow Lab, who lost his right front leg. Sean and Boone met for the first time in late September at Bark in the Park, the annual YAPS picnic—one of several annual group events where kids, dogs, owners and families spend time getting to know one another, face to face.


“He’s great, he’s got so much energy,” says Sean of Boone. “He’s a lovable dog. We rode around together at the picnic in a golf cart, and he had his head in my lap.” In the basket behind the golf cart rode the Flanagan’s family dog, Maggie, a Miniature Schnauzer. “Maggie was the smallest dog there,” says Sean, “but she got along with everyone.”

Both the VRCC and nearby Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital are actively involved in exploring new cancer treatments in animal populations, providing advancements in the treatment and control of the disease, as well as hope for eventually declaring victory over it. CSU’s comparative oncology program rates as the largest of its kind in the U.S. Specialists in medical oncology, nutrition, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, pathology, physics and specialty nursing work in concert with researchers to implement state-of-the-art, individualized therapies in chemotherapy as well as photon and electron radiation.

Dr. Robyn Elmslie, a board-certified veterinary oncologist at VRCC, blends traditional medical approaches for fighting cancer with innovative treatments that include gene therapy for localized tumors and electrophoresis (see below).

YAPS offers therapy on an entirely different level, one that addresses the emotional component of the illness. Says Chambers, “There are a lot of pet therapy programs out there, but this one appears to be unique.”

Ingalls agrees, expressing her hope that other children’s hospitals and veterinary centers around the country might eventually add this program to their treatment options. She also hopes that one day, YAPS is international in scope.

“This could become a world phenomenon,” she says. “Ultimately, of course, part of the success will always depend upon the depth of the connection made between the child and the pet.” Often, strong and enduring relationships are forged between entire families, and the YAPS program becomes a healing experience for all involved.

“The kids get really attached to the animals,” says Chambers. “They’ll tell things to the animals they won’t tell to people, even family—they feel free to express their deepest fears. Animals are nonjudgmental, and they don’t carry the emotional stigmas that people do. They come through the experience of disease a lot stronger than most people.”

“I think it’s a good thing for kids with cancer and kids with disabilities to know they have someone to listen to them. It’s hard, sometimes, not to have anybody to listen to your stories,” says Sean.

Tips on Dog-Safe Gardening

Garden organically, for the sake of both the planet and your dogs.
By The Bark
Dogs on Grass
Raised beds protect plantings from scampering paws and swinging tails. Dogs can be taught where they’re permitted and where they are not.

Digging pit, preferably in shaded locations, give dogs places to practice their excavation skills without disrupting your garden beds. You might entice them to use it by lightly burying (as they watch you) a treat-filled Kong.

Leave a plant-free “patrolling” area around the perimeter of your yard; dogs instinctively (and repeatedly) cruise boundaries and fence lines.

Construct a barrier around plants of the nightshade family, including eggplant, tomato and potato; their foliage and stems contain dangerous alkaloids that can kill a dog. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Larkspur (Delphinium ajacis) have toxic effects on the heart and circulation. When dogs eat large amounts of onions, they may suffer red blood cell destruction. Rhubarb leaves (Rheum rhabarbaram) contain oxalic acid. In quantity, it damages kidneys.

Avoid cocoa bean mulches; their chocolaty smell makes them pup catnip, but they contain theobromine, which is toxic for dogs.

Cross almond or walnut trees off your list for areas used by dogs; tannin is a canine toxin, and almond and walnut hulls contain it; moldy walnuts are also a problem. Avoid trees with toxic bark, such as cherry (contains cyanide-like components). And, some stone fruit trees (apricots, plums) can provide raw material for obstruction by indigestible pits.

Do not use snail bait containing metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to dogs and cats. Copper barrier tape is a good alternative; slugs and snails are deterred from crossing it by the tape’s tiny positive electric charge.

Protect young trees, especially if you have a male dog. Be sure to frequently rinse the trunk and soil with fresh water. Or, secure a copper or galvanized splash guard of appropriate height and circumference around the developing tree the first couple of years to divert unwelcome attention from your pup.

Should I Use A Bark Collar On My Dog?

Is your dog making a racket in the backyard and bothering you as well as every neighbor within hearing distance? If so it sounds like you need to do something to make the barking go away and fast, before somebody calls the law.

Dogs bark, that's how they communicate with us and with each other. In fact most dog owners don't mind a bit of barking to get our attention, to tell us somebody is outside or to warn us of danger. However none of us want a dog that barks constantly.

In some communities your barking dog can get you a ticket and even a very large fine. If you live in an apartment a barking dog may get you served with an eviction notice. So how do we control the barking.

The quickest sure fire way to get the barking under control before you get yourself fined and / or homeless is to use a bark collar. If you select the right collar you can get almost instant results. When it comes to bark collars you have choices.

There are several different types of bark collars so lets talk about them so you can get an idea of what you should be able to expect from each one.

First we have the citronella collar. When your dog barks it get a blast of citronella in the nose. Most dogs don't like the smell and the idea is that they quit barking to avoid the smell. Unfortunately they are not the greatest when it comes to working well. It seems that most people say it just did not work with their dog.

The second collar to talk about is the ultrasonic collar. This one make a noise that the dog can hear but you can't. The noise is a high pitched noise that most dogs prefer to avoid. Again works with some dog and not with others.

The third collar is the vibrating collar. It actually vibrates on the dog and distracts it from the barking. Dog owners like this collar because their is no discomfort to the dog merely a distracting vibration. This collar is definitely worth a try.

The final collar is the bark collar we are all familiar with, the one that causes a very mild static shock. Before we go on let me explain that it isn't as bad as it sounds however it is very effective. These collars can be programmed at different levels of stimulation and most allow a couple of barks before they activate. These collars are very effective. In fact if you are facing a large fine or life on the street this is the one I would go for.

I hope this information gives you some ideas about what you feel would be best for your dog and it's barking problems. Don't forget there is always doggie day care while you are gone during the day!

Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Booth

Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1

On a recent episode of "America's Funniest Home Videos," (AFV) one of the top three submissions for the $10,000 prize was a video of the aftermath of destruction a family's pet dog had done to their home. This dog had destroyed an end table, ripped the frame off a doorway, demolished a patio door screen and frame, shredded carpeting, broken glassware, and had literally "eaten" a three foot by four foot hole in the wall - destroying sheetrock, insulation, and framing in the process. He was a one dog demolition crew! I was horrified and appalled as I watched the video and listened to the mixture of giggles and gasps from the viewing audience. It was as if the poor, unsuspecting family shrugged their shoulders and said "Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?"

The more appropriate question, however, is "My dog, my dog, WHY do you do what you do?" The answer to that question is not a simple one. Entire books have been written concerning "bad dog behavior." And the truth is that every dog is different, and therefore, there is no "pat answer" for every situation. However, a basic understanding of "Who dogs are, and How they behave" will lead us to some appropriate suggestions on how to handle difficult and domineering dogs. If you suffer from "Bad Dog Syndrome," this article will help you understand who your dog is (Alpha Dog Mentality), and teach you how to "reprogram" and your misbehaving dog. Soon you'll be saying "Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh how I love you!" You can find the follow-up article "Bad Dog, Bad Dog" Part 2, in the Feature Articles section at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises.

But before we proceed, if you suffer from "bad dog syndrome" with your family pet, make sure there isn't an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn't suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is healthy, the following information should prove helpful.

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Pack animal behavior is instinctive from before dogs were domesticated and lived in the wild. Every pack has a hierarchy, and every animal in the pack has duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Since your dog doesn't live in the wild, he/she assumes you, your family, and other household pets make up the "pack." Many times, "bad dog behavior" is a result of confusion over "Alpha Dog Status" or "Alpha Dog Mentality." You must establish that you are the "Alpha" dog in the pack. You must also establish that other family members, to include the children, all rank higher in the pack than your dog does. There are many ways to effectively put your dog in his proper pack ranking. Here are a few suggestions, or rules, for handling domineering dogs, and establishing pack rankings:

1. When you enter the house, make sure your dog enters last, even if you must put her on a leash. This shows her where she ranks in the family "pack."

2. Alpha dogs want the run of the entire house. Make sure certain areas of the home are out of bounds for the dog. That may include certain bedrooms, the laundry room, bathrooms, or the den. This helps the dog know you are master of the house, not him.

3. Alpha dogs occupy high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways. Don't step over or go around the dog, nudge the dog and tell her to move out of your way, and make sure she does so. This lets her know who owns the space and who is in charge.

4. Don't allow your dog to DEMAND your attention. Dogs usually do this by climbing on your lap, or by nudging your hand or arm. Make the dog sit, lie down, etc., and then give lavish praise and attention. Remember, you control when you give your dog attention, affection, and praise.

5. Exercise control over your dog's possessions. Take away all her toys, then give her a command, and when she obeys, give her the toy as a treat. After she plays with it for awhile, take it away again.

6. When you come home, make your dog greet you first. Ignore him until he does. He must be submissive to you, not the other way around.

7. Establish dog eating times. In the pack, the Alpha dog always eats first, and then the other dogs eat. Make sure the family eats first, followed by the dog. If you must feed the dog first, pretend to eat something first, then feed your dog. Leave the dog's food out for 10-15 minutes, then take it up, whether the dog is finished or not. She will learn quickly to eat when fed.

8. Always stroke (pet) your dog around the head, neck, and shoulders. These are vulnerable areas for the dog, and shows that you are superior. Be careful not to stroke your dog around the chest, because this puts him in the dominating position and undermines your authority as alpha dog.

9. Don't allow your dog to sleep in your bed! I know that's a tough one for some folks, but believe me, it's best for all concerned. The best thing to do is provide the dog with her own cage, crate, or bed. Put it in your bedroom if that helps you, but do it. Dogs "Kennel" by nature. They like a safe, snug place they can call their own.

Your dog is your pet. Ultimately, all he/she really wants is your love and affection (i.e. time together). Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is and the role he plays in the family relationship, will soon move you from saying "Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do?" to saying, "Good Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!"

By the way, the "Destructive Dog" video did not win a prize on AFV, although I'm sure the family could have used the money for repairs. Following our guidelines would prove a lot less expensive and would make for a much more harmonious family and pet relationship.

Danny Presswood, 2006 All Rights Reserved.

Danny Presswood is a retired US Army Combat (Airborne) Chaplain. He and his wife Cheri live in the wooded Ozarks hills of SW MO. Presently working on his Doctorate, Danny writes the Feature Articles for K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises, [http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com] K-9 Outfitters offers a plethora of discount, luxury, unique, and handmade in the USA dog supplies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/161645

Tips to protect your dog when temperatures soar

As many of us have been painfully aware, this summer has been abnormally hot in much of the country. There has been precious little rain or other relief and plenty of alerts advising us to stay indoors as much as possible. High heat can be dangerous and even deadly - and that goes for our pets too. As we head into August, often the hottest month of the summer, it is important to protect our beloved pets from these soaring temperatures.

Dogs should be kept indoors during times of excessive heat. When left outside, dogs should have proper protection from the heat and plenty of fresh, cool water. It is important to note that doghouses do not provide protection from heat, especially if they are exposed to the sun.

Following are tips to protect your dog from the hazards of heat exposure:

*Do not leave your pet in a parked car, not even if you feel that the errand will be of a short duration. Temperatures in vehicles can soar to dangerous levels in no time at all.

*Make sure your pet has shade and plenty of cool water. Putting ice in your dog's water is a refreshing treat. A number of products can help to keep your pet cool, such as cooling collars, cooling mats, bandanas, jackets, and misters.

*Limit exercise. On hot days, dogs should be walked in the early morning and late in the evening. Avoid strenuous play such as running and playing fetch. It is important to keep in mind that dogs should not be walked on concrete or asphalt during excessive heat. Hot pavement can burn and blister a dog's paws. If it's too hot for our bare feet, it is too hot for our pet's paws.

Leaving a dog outdoors in excessive heat for prolonged periods of time can be life threatening. Pets, like their human counterparts, can suffer from heatstroke. Dogs do not sweat like humans. They sweat through their nose and footpads and release heat by panting. If they are unable to effectively discharge body heat, the body temperature begins to rise. A dog's normal body temperature is between
100.5 degrees F and 102.5 degrees F. If, at any time, a dog's body temperature rises or falls beyond these levels, a veterinarian should be consulted - preferably a holistic one.

When a dog's body temperature rises to 104 degrees, it is considered an emergency situation, and once it reaches 106 degrees, there may be irreparable damage to organs which may result in death. Signs of heat stroke include: excessive panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, excess salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, even if you are unsure, the following steps should immediately be taken:

*Move the dog out of the heat and sun.

*Place cool (not cold) wet cloths over most of the body, focusing on the head and footpads. Note: Placing cold or ice water on a dog suffering from heat stroke can make the blood vessels constrict, causing the internal temperature to continue to rise.

*Offer the dog cool water (not cold). However, do not force him to drink.

*Even if the dog seems better, call the vet. Internal organ damage may not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Please note that there are certain breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, that are extra sensitive to heat. Overweight dogs of all breeds are also at risk. Take special care to make sure that such dogs are protected during these hot summer days.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033289_hot_temperatures_dogs.html#ixzz38DIGJ4Xi

FDA investigation confirms that thousands of dogs died from contaminated China-based jerky treats

Some readers may have seen the headlines at NaturalNews, or possibly even have pets that were affected by tainted dog treats, most likely originating from China, that have been making canine companions sick. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation several years ago to sort out the situation, and recently affirmed that more than 1,000 dogs have died, and many others made ill, by eating contaminated jerky treats.

The agency claims it doesn't know why the treats are hurting animals, but it admits that they are, and that pet owners need to be cautious. Thousands of illness reports have been submitted to the FDA over the past seven years citing gastrointestinal problems, kidney failure, and other health problems associated with the treats. Since 2007, the agency says it has received complaints about 5,600 dogs, 24 cats, and three people who were harmed by the treats.

"The agency continues to caution pet owners that jerky treats are not required for a balanced diet and encourage them to consult with their veterinarians, both prior to feeding treats and if they notice symptoms in their pets," said the FDA in a recent statement.

Last fall, NaturalNews reported on an earlier FDA warning about potentially deadly dog treats, which was not accompanied by a mandatory recall. The agency had issued a statement urging pet owners to keep a close eye on possible symptoms, which include decreased appetite, decreased physical activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption, and/or increased urination.

Most of the treats were found to have originated in China, but because current U.S. law does not require pet treats to bear country-of-origin labels, it is often difficult for pet owners to make educated purchasing decisions. Naturally, many pet owners have simply stopped buying commercial treats for their pets, opting instead for locally-produced treats or whole human food.

Thousands of illness reports continue to pour into FDA

The FDA says it is still receiving complaints about dog treats, having processed more than 1,800 of them just since October when the previous warning was issued. Roughly 60 percent of the cases involve some sort of gastrointestinal distress or liver disease, while 30 percent involve kidney disease. The remaining 10 percent involve other conditions, including neurological and skin disorders.

Shockingly, about 15 percent of the kidney and urinary cases have tested positive for Fanconi syndrome, which is when the kidney tubes release substances into the urine that, under normal circumstances, are supposed to be released into the blood. The result is that affected animals become unable to process certain nutrients, leading to chronic illness or even death.

One of the causes of Fanconi disease, at least in children, is heavy metal exposure, which suggests that affected dog treats may be tainted with them. But the FDA refuses to admit that this may be the case, and has yet to take action against the manufacturers responsible for producing the products in question. Not surprisingly, many veterinarians are pressing the FDAfor answers

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/045429_dog_treats_heavy_metals_pet_health.html#ixzz38ArRje38