Boykin Spaniel

 

  
The Life of Animals | Boykin Spaniel | The Boykin Spaniel is slightly larger than the English Cocker Spaniel but much heavier through the body width. Females are smaller, 14 - 16.5 ins (35 - 41.91 cm) and 25-35 lbs (11.4 - 15.9 kg). Buyers should be aware of the size and weight in the puppy's pedigree before choosing a breeder if size is a factor in their choice of dog. The color ranges from brilliant gold to a dark amber. Coat length and density Vary Widely due to the variety of breeds That make up the recent background of this breed. A few bloodlines throw shorter, straight coats much like a Labrador. White markings other than a mark on the chest, or a white mark on the chest That is more than 60% of the width of the chest, disqualify puppies from being registered with the Boykin Spaniel Society, although the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club do not allow denial of registration for Reasons conformation.

The Boykin Spaniel is a versatile hunter, working as a retriever and upland hunter, flushing birds into flight. Boykin Spaniels share many of the health problems seen in other spaniel and retriever breeds. Boykin Spaniels have a 37% chance of being born with hip dysplasia, According to 2006 statistics. All breeding stock should receive either a passing PennHIP evaluation or an OFA certification prior to being Bred. The breed also has a high incidence of eye problems and patellar luxation. Cushings disease and hypothyroidism are known in the breed. DNA testing of this autosomal recessive disease can absolutely identify carriers (one copy of the gene) and affected (2 copies of the gene) individuals.

The BSS and BSCBAA Code of Ethics for Breeders mandates That member to be Bred dogs should be tested for hips, hereditary eye disease, and heart / cardiac (specifically pulmunary stenosis), as well as for other diseases may have a genetic That Such components as allergies, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and. The joint venture of the AKC and OFA is called the CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) database. For a CHIC number the dogs must have an annual CERF test for eyes, an OFA test for patellar luxation, and a test for hip dysplasia. Optional tests are a heart test and an elbow dysplasia test.Obtaining a CHIC certification does not mean a dog has passed Their evaluations; it is merely an indication That the owner checked for the health diseases in the Boykin Spaniel. Testing and conscientious breeding can Reduced the incidence of these problems, and puppy buyers should request results of these tests. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals evaluated 157 breeds of dogs Between January 1974 through to December 2009. The Boykin Spaniel Thirteenth ranked worst for hip dysplasia with 34.8% of dogs affected Update: As of December 2011, the Boykin Spaniel ranked # 14 with 2890 evaluations submitted to OFA and 33.7 percent evaluated as dysplastic by OFA.

The BSCBAA is part of the AKC Canine Health Foundation.  The AKC CHF hosts free online podcasts, has donated Millions of dollars to research grants and veterinary scholarships, and offers nationwide representation for clinics and events to benefit all dog breeds. The BSCBAA participates in the Purina Pro Club. The Boykin Spaniel Foundation (BSF), a 501 (c) Wholly owned entities and subsidiaries of the Boykin Spaniel Society founded in 2008. They have Promoted club participation in the Purina Pro Club for many years and have banked the AKC CHF matching funding to over $ 10,000.00 total DAF funds by 2009. The AKC CHF and Purina Pro Club developed this program to help all breeds of dogs and allow the breed clubs to self-govern Their DAF. The BSF sponsors eye and heart clinics at its National Upland Field Trial and the National Field Trial in January and March of each year.  The clinics are Provided at no charge to BSS members, with a limit of one BSS registered Boykin Spaniel per family. The BSF also has a program That provides a one-time reimbursement of $ 75 to its members (membership must be current and dogs must be registered BSS) to defray the cost of radiographs and subsequent evaluation by the OFA to BSS registered dogs only. The BSS notifies the member when his or her dog Reaches eligibility age (24 months) and encourages participation in the program with the long term goal of improving genetics within the breed. The Boykin Spaniel is a friendly, social dog That does best in a family environment with lots of outdoor activity. As with all dogs, the Boykin Spaniels require regular grooming and daily exercise. Clipping the coat regularly is recommended ESPECIALLY if the dog is in the field, as the soft coat collects foxtails and Briars. Spraying the dog with cooking spray is also recommended to help defend against long tangles in the fur

Boston Terrier

 

 

The Life of Animals | Boston Terrier | Typically Boston Terriers are small, compactly built, well proportioned dogs with erect ears, short tails, and a short muzzle That should be free of wrinkles. The smooth coats of the Boston Terriers are Mainly Brindle, seal or black with white markings event. According to international breed standard, the dog should weigh no less than 10 pounds and no more than 25 pounds. Boston Terriers usually stand 15-17 inches at the withers The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in Proportion to either black, Brindle, seal, or a combination of the three. Black, Brindle, and Seal (all on white) are the only colors Recognized by the AKC. There are also liver, brown, cream or red and white Boston Terriers, however these markings are more rare than the others listed above, and are Able to be AKC registered but not to be shown in dog shows as it is not the normal for Boston Terriers. If all other qualities are identical, Brindle is the preferred color According to most breed standards.

For conformation showing, symmetrical markings are preferred Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in Addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly Referred to as the "American Gentleman." The Boston Terrier is a gentle breed has a strong That Typically, happy-go-lucky and friendly personality. While originally Bred for fighting, They were later down Bred for companionship. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, expressive, creative, and well-mannered.

Several health issues are of concern in the Boston Terrier cataracts (both juvenile and adult type), cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmur, and allergies. Many Bostons can not tolerate excessive heat and also extremely cold weather, due to the shortened muzzle, so hot or cold weather combined with demanding exercise can bring harm to a Boston Terrier. A sensitive digestive system is also typical of the Boston Terrier. In some cases, even a proper diet can not abate flatulence
Bostons, along with Pug, Shih Tzu and other short-snouted breeds are brachycephalic breeds.

Border Collie

  

The Life of Animals | Border Collie | In general, Border Collies are medium-sized dogs without extreme physical characteristics and with a moderate amount of coat, the which means not much hair will be shed. Black Tricolour (black / tan / white or sable and white), red (chocolate) and white, and red Tricolour (red / tan / white) also occur regularly, with other colors Such as blue, lilac, red merle, blue merle, Brindle, and "Australian red" / gold seen less frequently. Border Collies may also have single-color coats Eye color varies from deep brown to amber or blue, and occasionally occur eyes of differing color The ears of the Border Collie are also variable - some have fully erect ears, some fully dropped ears, and others semi-erect ears (similar to Those of the rough Collie or sighthounds). Although working Border Collie handlers Sometimes have superstitions about the appearance of Their dogs (handlers may avoid mostly white dogs due to the unfounded idea That sheep will not respect a white or almost all white dog), in general a dog's appearance is Considered by the American Border Collie Association to be irrelevant.

Dogs Bred for showing are more homogeneous in appearance than working Border Collies, since to win in conformation showing They must conform closely to breed club standards are specific on That many points of the structure, coat, and color. Kennel clubs specify, for example, that the Border Collie must have a "keen and intelligent" expression, and that 'the preferred eye color is dark brown. In Deference to the dog's working origin, scars and broken teeth received in the line of duty are not to be counted against a Border Collie in the show ring. Border Collies require considerable daily physical exercise and mental stimulation.The Border Collie is an intelligent breed in fact, it is Widely Considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that? Of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are Becoming increasingly popular as pets.

True to Their working heritage, Border Collies make-very demanding, energetic pets are better off in That households can That Provide them with plenty of play and exercise with Humans or other dogs. As a result, an alarming number of Border Collies end up in shelters and rescues every year. As with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive and They may chase moving vehicles.
CEA is a congenital, Inherited eye disease involving the retina, choroid, and sclera That Sometimes affects Border Collies. In Border Collies, it is Generally a mild disease and rarely significantly impairs vision. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a rare but serious disease, That Is limited to show Border Collies.  Responsible for the TNS mutation has been found in Border Collies in English working dogs, show dogs in That had originated in Australia and New Zealand, and in unrelated Australian working dogs. There is no cure, but a DNA test is now available to detect carriers as well as affected dogs. Working Border Collies can take direction by voice and whistle at long distances by when herding.  The use of dogs for herding sheep makes good economic sense.

In the USA, the national sanctioning body for these competitions is the USBCHA In the UK it is the International Sheep Dog Society, in Canada the Canadian Border Collie Association (CBCA) and in South Africa it is the South African Sheepdog Association. Border Collies excel at dog sports in Several Addition to Their Success in sheepdog trials.  Herding instincts and trainability can be tested for when introduced to sheep or at noncompetitive instinct tests. Border Collies herding exhibiting basic instincts can be Trained to Compete in sheepdog trials and other events herding They perform well at some higher jump heights at dog agility competitions, so much so That in England, competitions Often include classes for ABC dogs, "Anything But Collies The Border Collie's speed, agility, and stamina have allowed them to Dominate in dog activities like flyball and disc dog competitions.  Border Collies have a highly developed sense of smell and with high drive Make Their excellent and easily motivated tracking dogs for Tracking trials trials.These Simulate the finding of a lost person in a controlled situation where the performance of the dog can be evaluated, with titles Successful awarded for dogs

 

Bolognese

The Life of Animals | Bolognese | The Bolognese is a small, white, compact dog with a distinctive single white coat, kept as a companion dog. The Bolognese's height varies Between 25 to 30 centimetres (9.8 to 12 in.) in at the withers. The distinctive single coat (ie no Undercoat) falls in loose open ringlets / flocks all over the body, with shorter hair on the face. The hair sheds very little, but requires regular combing to Prevent matting. The Bolognese Often Appears on lists of dogs do not shed allegedly That (moult). Every hair in the dog coat from a hair follicle Grows, the which has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another follicle. When the follicle dies, the hair is shed.

Generally somewhat less active than the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is nevertheless a playful and friendly breed, the which will form a close bond with its owner. It is also intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, making it an ideal companion dog and family pet, although it may initially be somewhat reserved with Strangers. Like the Bichon Frisé, it Became popular as a companion dog amongst the royal courts and Nobility of Italy, and other parts of Europe from the 16th century to the early 19th century, and Bichons featured in Several paintings by artists as Titian and Goya Such. Of Cosimo de Medici (1389 - 1464) WHO Bolognese took eight to Brussels as gifts for Belgian noblemen.

Many famous personalities in history had Bolognese Madame Pompadour (1721-1764), Czarina Catherine the Great of Russia (1729-1796), and Maria Therese, Empress of Austria (1717-1780). The Bolognese was Recognized in 1989 by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as breed number 196 in Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs Section 1.1 Bichons from Italy.

Black and Tan Coonhound

  
The Life of Animals | Black and Tan Coonhound | Generally healthy, but there is some risk of hip dysplasia, cancer and other ear infections ear, and eye problems. Not the prototypical house dog, the Black and Tan Coonhound, nonetheless, makes an exemplary pet. The Black and Tan Coonhound is gentle and tolerant with children, but it may be too independent to satisfy a playful child. Most Coonhounds drool to some extent, and the face may need regular wiping.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is descended from the Talbot hound, found in medieval England after the Eleventh Century. Its Ancestry is then traced through the Bloodhound and the Foxhound to the Virginia Foxhound, commonly called the "black and tan In 1945, the Black and Tan Became the only one of the six varieties of Coonhound to be Recognized in the Hound Group by the American Kennel Club. The other three varieties of Coonhound Bluetick Coonhound are the, the English Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound and the.

Bichon Frisé

  
The Life of Animals | Bichon Frisé | The Bichon Frise is a small dog weighs approximately That 5-10 kg (10-20 lbs) and stands 23-30 cm (9-12 in) at the withers, but slightly larger dogs are not uncommon. Coat colors are solid white, apricot or gray. Bichon Frises can have a medium-high intelligence of the American Kennel Club (AKC) refers to the Bichon Frise as "merry" and "cheerful", and the breed standard calls for a Dog That Is "gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate" . The Bichon Frise loves human company and demands much of your attention.  Bichon Frise in (combined) UK and USA / Canada surveys had an average life span of about 12-13 years, with Bichon Frises in the UK tending to live longer than Bichon Frises in the USA / Canada. This breed's longevity is similar to other breeds of its size and a little longer than for purebred dogs in general.

The oldest Bichon Frises for the which there are reliable records in Various USA / Canada surveys have Died at 19 years. In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the Bichon Frise Leading Causes of death were old age (23.5%) and cancer (21%). AIHA and ITP were Responsible for the greatest amount of Bichon Frise "lost years." While cancer is a more common cause of death than AIHA / ITP, Bichon Frises That Died Died of cancer at a median age of 12.5 years. Hematologic Deaths Occurred at a median age of only 5 years. Bichon Frises in the UK survey had a lower rate of hematologic Deaths (3%) than in the USA / Canada survey (11%). Bichons are also prone to liver shunts.

When detected early, can be corrected Often shunt through surgery. Shunts can be kept under control through special diets of low protein and through Various medications to support liver function, help flush out toxins build up in That the kidneys and liver, and control seizures That Often occur as a symptom of the shunt. Without surgery, Bichons with shunts on average live to be 4-6 years old. If you own a smaller than average size bichon please consult your vet. Other symptoms include dark urine, lethargy, loss of appetite, increase of in drinking. Shunts are a serious condition of smaller breeds, and Often not associated with Bichons.

Because autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA, also called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) are Responsible for premature Bichon Frise Deaths, Bichon Frise owners should be particularly alert to the symptoms of these conditions. In AIHA, the dog's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, leading to severe, life-threatening anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of energy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, dark urine, and pale or yellow gums.Thrombocytopenia Often accompanies AIHA. In ITP, blood platelets (which cause blood clotting) are destroyed.

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)

  
The Life of Animals | Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) | Like all Belgian Shepherds, the Laekenois is a medium-sized, hard-working, square-proportioned dog in the sheepdog family with sharply triangular ears. The Belgian Laekenois originated as a dog for herding sheep at the Royal Castle of Laeken.  Until the advent of dog shows in the early 1900s, the four varieties were intermixed Freely, in fact, there are only three genes (short / long coat, smooth / wire coat, fawn / black coat) That the varieties genetically separate.

 

Compete in dog can Laekenois agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be Measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Belgian Shepherds exhibiting basic herding instincts can be Trained to Compete in herding trials

Belgian Shepherd Dog

  

The Life of Animals | Belgian Shepherd Dog | The Groenendael should be athletic, strong, imposing, rustic, and balanced in appearance. The Groenendael should be centimetres 60-66 (24-26 in) at the withers for lazy, and centimetres 56-62 (22-24 in) for Females. The Groenendael is (very) intelligent, active, loyal and affectionate Quietly. Training and socializing is essential. It needs to spend time with its family every day and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

The Groenendael needs a large amount of exercise as a rule. xercise should include not only a walk, but also a training session to keep the Mentally stimulated dogs. These dogs have great "Work Ethic" and need a job to do, Such as obedience, flyball, Schutzhund training, dog agility or livestock work in order to be happy. They are a sensitive breed and can not be Trained using harsh training methods.

Belgian Shepherds can Compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be Measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Groenendael exhibiting basic herding instincts can be Trained to Compete in herding trials.

Bedlington Terrier

  

The Life of Animals | Bedlington Terrier | Calmer and less boisterous than many other Terriers, the Bedlington Terrier is known as a dog with a good nature and manners mild In Addition, it is fearless and fast enough to bay a Badger or a fox, quick and agile enough to course a hare and is a first-rate water dog. Like most dogs, if left alone with nothing to do They can Become destructive and need exercise; however, They make-good for small dogs like apartments homes as long as They get walks and attention. The coat has a Tendency to mat if not maintained properly. Dogs being prepared for the show ring Often have much hair left on them more than Those in "pet clips," which Provide pet owners with a more manageable trim for Their pets, while still maintaining the characteristic look of the breed lamb.

The breed is well suited for agility, earthdog, obedience and other performance events. Bedlington Terriers Often Appear on lists of dogs That do not shed (moult), but this is slightly misleading. Every hair in the dog coat from a hair follicle Grows, the which has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another follicle. The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog. "There is no such thing as a nonshedding breed The grooming of the Bedlington helps remove loose hair, and the curl in the coat helps Prevent dead hair and dander from escaping into the environment, as with the poodle's coat.

Median longevity of Bedlington Terriers, based on two recent UK surveys, is about 13.5 years, the which is longer than for purebred dogs in general and longer than most breeds similar in size. The longest-lived of 48 deceased dogs in a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey was 18.4 years Leading Causes of Death Among Bedlington Terriers in the UK were old age (23%), urologic (15%), and hepatic (12.5%).

Dogs That Died of liver diseases usually Died at a younger age than most other dogs dying of Causes. Bedlington Terriers had an unusually Historically high incidence of copper toxicosis, an autosomal recessive Inherited disease, characterized by accumulation of excess copper in the liver. Active disease (rather than inheritance) is diagnosed with a liver biopsy.

Beauceron

 

  
The Life of Animals | Beauceron | The Beauceron is known in France as a guard dog, a helper around the farm (sheep or cattle herding), and / or a ring dog sport (primarily protection training). This athletic, healthy and long-lived breed has been Bred to be intelligent, calm, gentle, and fearless. Typically adults are Suspicious of Strangers and are excellent natural guard dogs. Several five-or ten-minute play-training exercises per day in the early years can Achieve better results than long or rigorous training sessions Beauceron can Compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be Measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Beauceron exhibiting basic herding instincts can be Trained to Compete in herding trials A French herding breed known for Centuries in western Europe, the Beauceron is noted as one of the breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher.

Although quite different in appearance, the Beauceron and the long-haired sheep dog, the Briard, Ancestral stem from similar stock, sharing the trait of double dewclaws on the Hind legs. In 1809, Abbé Rozier wrote an article on these French herding dogs, in the which he described the differences in type and used the terms Berger de Brie and Berger de Beauce. In 1893, the Veterinarian Paul Megnin differentiated Between the long-haired Berger de la Brie and the short-haired Berger de Beauce.

Other colors, Such as the once prevalent Tawny, gray or gray / black, are now banned by the breed standard.  It comes in black with distinct tan markings and less common in a harlequin coat with patches of gray, black and tan. The harlequin coats should have more black than gray with no white.

Tan markings on the chest should Appear as two spots but a chest plate is acceptable. Although most breeds may or may not have dewclaws (many owners of other breeds remove dewclaws, ESPECIALLY if the dog is used for field and hunting), an Important feature of the Beauceron is the double dewclaw.

Golden ringed Dragonfly

  
The Life of Animals | Golden ringed Dragonfly | The Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii) is a large, striking and the longest British dragonfly species, the only one of its genus to be found in Britain They are easily Identified by Their distinctive black and yellow stripes, the which no other dragonfly in Britain has. The female lays the eggs in shallow water. This strikingly-colored insect is incredibly aerobatic and Sometimes They fly very high up into the sky.

 

Falconidae

 

  

The Life of Animals | Falconidae | Falcons and are small to medium caracaras sized birds of prey, ranging in size from the Black-thighed Falconet, the which can weight as little as 35 grams (1.2 oz), to the Gyrfalcon, the which can weigh as much as 1.735 grams (61.2 oz ). There is little difference in the plumage of males and Females, although a few species have some sexual dimorphism in boldness of plumage. Some species have exceptionally wide ranges, particularly the cosmopolitan Peregrine Falcon, the which ranges from Greenland to Fiji and has the widest distribution of any natural breeding bird.

Other species have more restricted distributions, particularly island endemics like the Mauritius Kestrel. Most habitat types are Occupied, from tundra to rainforest and deserts, although Generally They are birds of more open country and even forest species growing niche to prefer broken forest and forest edges. Some species, mostly in the genus Falco, are fully migratory, with some species of summering in Eurasia and wintering entirely in Africa, other species may be partly migratory. The Amur Falcon has one of the longest Migrations, moving from East Asia to southern Africa Falcons and caracaras are carnivores, feeding on birds, small Mammals, Reptiles, insects and carrion.

The Forest Falcons of the Neotropics are generalist forest hunters. Several species, particularly the true Falcons, will stash food supplies in caches. Some species are specialists, the Laughing Falcon specialises in snakes, others are more generalist. The Falcons and caracaras Breeders are Generally solitary, although around 10% of species are colonial, for example the Red-footed Falcon. They are monogamous, although some may also employ alloparenting caracaras stratergies, where younger birds help adults (usually Their parents) in raising the next Brood of chicks. Generally Nests are not built (except by the caracaras), but are co opted from other birds, for example Pygmy Falcons nest in the nests of weavers, or on the Ledges on cliffs. Incubation times Vary from species to species and are correlated with body size, lasting 28 days in smaller species and up to 35 days in larger species.

Falcons and caracaras have a complicated relationship with Humans. Around five species of falcon are Considered Vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN, Including the Saker Falcon. Traditionally, all the raptors are grouped into four families in this single order. Cathartidae are not Falconiformes but are related to the storks, in the separate order Ciconiiformes. However, morphological evidence supports the Common Ancestry of the Falconiformes, and the Strigiformes may be very close to the Falconiformes as well. The American Ornithologists' Union reintegrated the New World Vultures (family Cathartidae) into Falconiformes in 2007.

New World Vulture

  

The Life of Animals | New World Vulture | Generally these birds are large, ranging in length from the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture at 56-61 centimeters (22-24 in) up to the California and Andean condors, both of the which can reach 120 centimeters (48 in) in length and weigh 12 or more kilograms (26 lb or more). All species have featherless heads and necks.  The beak is slightly hooked and is Relatively weak when compared Those of other birds of prey.

Mainly Most species are resident, but the Turkey Vulture Populations breeding in the northern U.S. and Canada migrate south in the northern winter.New World Vultures Inhabit a large variety of habitats and Ecosystems, ranging from deserts to tropical Rainforests and at heights of sea level to mountain ranges, using highly adapted Their sense of smell to locate carrion. The California Condor is critically endangered.

As of October 31, 2009 there were 180 birds in the Andean Condor wild.The is near Threatened. The American Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, and Greater Yellow-headed Vulture are listed as species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The American Black Vulture and the King Vulture Appear in a variety of Maya hieroglyphs in Mayan codices. The King Vulture is one of the most common species of birds represented in the Mayan codices. Its glyph is easily distinguishable by the knob on the bird's beak and by the concentric circles That Represent the bird's eyes. Sometimes it is portrayed as a god with a human body and a bird head.

In Mayan codices, the American Black Vulture is normally connected with death or shown as a bird of prey, and its glyph is Often depicted attacking Humans. This species lacks the religious connections That the King Vulture has. While some of the glyphs Cleary show the American Black Vulture's open nostril and hooked beak, some are assumed to be this species of Because They are Vulture-like and painted black, but lack the King Vulture's knob.