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Sunday, August 12, 2007

Labrador Retriever

The breed standard

The Labrador Retriever is a large, powerful-looking dog with a blocky head, drop ears, a sleek, short coat, and a strong otter-like tail that can clear a coffee table in the blink of an eye. Weighing in at 60-80 pounds and standing 22.5-24.5 inches at the shoulder with a thick neck and strong quarters, he is a working dog in need of exercise to stay in shape.

Large nostrils, deep chest, and well-sprung ribs give testimony to his stamina, and his wide jaws and muzzle give him the ability to retrieve even big waterfowl such as the larger races of Canada geese. This is a stocky dog with moderately long legs; he should not be lanky or stubby and should be well-balanced with an appearance of endurance.

The short Lab coat is very dense and repels water, thus protecting the dog from chill as he goes about his work. The coat sheds rather more than one might expect, especially around the haunches. The coat comes in jet black, pale to deep chocolate, and yellow, which can actually range from cream to russet.


Care and training

Although the Lab is the epitome of family dogs, he needs a fairly active household to satisfy his need for exercise and work. Daily walks, romps in a fenced yard, and games of fetch keep his mind and body in shape. Unless these needs are satisfied, the Lab may become a wanderer, a digger, or a chewer. First off, the new Lab puppy should be leash trained and taught to sit on command to prevent his jumping on people in his desire to say hello. The pup can also be taught early to shake paws and to fetch; his soft mouth and innate desire to retrieve can provide hours of play. Later on, the pup can learn to put his nose to use and find things that have been hidden for him.

A fast-growing Lab pup reaches almost adult weight within six or seven months and can be a handful to train if left to his own devices 'til then. He is exuberant, a trait that can get him into trouble with other dogs and with the neighbors who do not appreciate his antics. Therefore early training is essential; if you wait too long, his rambunctious character and strong body will be difficult to manage, especially for those who have not previously had the pleasure of owning such a dog. To avoid training problems and grease the skids of your relationship, take your Lab pup to puppy and basic obedience classes to teach manners, and keep up this good citizen training for the life of the dog. (AKC offers a Canine Good Citizen certificate for those dogs that can pass a 10-step test.

All members of the family should participate in the training at home. If Mary or Dad allows the dog on the sofa when Mom's not around, the dog is going to be either confused or sneaky, so consistency between family members is necessary.

Discipline should be gentle - no screaming at the pup or smacking with a newspaper, as these reactions to misbehavior are counterproductive. Labs are generally eager to learn, so firm but gentle guidance and discipline pay off in a strong bond with family members.

Feeding a Lab pup is more difficult than buying a premium food and letting him eat his fill. As a fast-growing breed subject to hip dysplasia, the Lab puppy should be fed a diet prepared for large-breed puppies or regular adult dog food of less than 25 percent protein to help avoid joint problems that can occur when puppies grow too fast. Offer him food two or three times a day and take away what he doesn't eat in 10 minutes. Teach him to sit before putting the food bowl on the floor to avoid his jumping at the dish and spilling the food.

Some Labs are taller or heavier than the preferred standard size. Most Labs have a tendency to become obese, so their diets must be closely controlled. Owners who use treats to train must be careful to cut back on regular meals to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Older Labs enjoy the couch and the fire; if fed too much or not given enough exercise they will fatten up rather quickly.


Health

Labs are prone to hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that ranges from mild to severe and can cause such disability or pain that major surgery is necessary.

Dysplastic dogs usually become arthritic. With so many Lab puppies produced each year, it is important to buy from a breeder who x-rays breeding stock for hip dysplasia and only uses those animals with an OFA or PennHIP clearance for breeding. Screening tests on breeding dogs cannot prevent the development of disease in offspring, but it lessens the odds that hip dysplasia will be a problem.

Labs are also prone to several eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, and epilepsy. All Lab breeding stock should have an eye test each year and be registered free of eye disease by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

Purchasing a healthy Lab pup can be a bit difficult, but the research to find just the right breeder and puppy is well worth the trouble. The well-bred Labrador Retriever is one of a handful of wonderful family dogs for a broad spectrum of lifestyles and living situations. A Lab can do field work (for real or in trials and tests), obedience and agility competition, or therapy dog work at local hospitals or nursing homes with owners who are looking for just a bit more than a companion dog. All in all, the well-bred Lab can be the perfect family dog.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

guidelines in buying koi fish

If you are thinking of purchasing Koi fish, there are several guidelines that you must first consider before buying. It is important that you must first be acquainted with what there is to know regarding Koi fish. It is also important that you must not hastily buy the first Koi fish that you like, because you might be disappointed buying them. Remember, Koi fish are ornamental pet fish that is usually enjoyed for a long time (for those who do not know, Koi fish can live as long as six decades or sixty years and can also grow as long as three feet).Koi fish is a Japanese-bred fish that is related to the carp family and is primarily designed as an ornament. Koi fish are major attractions to homeowners and pet lovers because of the immense beauty and coloring.

Guidelines in Buying Koi fish

Nowadays, there are many people that are captivated by the dazzling and magnificent beauty of Koi fish. Most of them are enticed to collect numerous and sometimes expensive Koi fish. The most dazzling and magnificent Koi fish can cost as much as half a million dollars. Koi fish can be purchased on your local pet shop or through a public or private source, or through amateur or expert Koi fish breeders or collectors. A pond set up for a collection of Koi fish cannot be completed at once with just a wink of an eye. Accumulating and gathering Koi fishes for breeding usually takes time. Accumulating sufficient amount of Koi fish collections is surely an investment that accounts to sufficient money, heartache, and time devotions.

Things that you must expect when buying Koi fish

Most people have lots of expectations when buying Koi fish. Mostly these expectations are the main reason why they want to buy these beautiful ornamental pet fishes. For the most part, it is important that you will be the one to choose your own personal taste when it comes to the type or variety of the Koi fish that you want to obtain. If you are planning to purchase Koi fish, it is important that you first consider several factors such as the variety of the Koi fish, quality, the price range and where you will be buying the Koi fish. Most of all always make sure that your budget for the Koi fish is sufficient enough. Bear in mind that it is essential that you must have sufficient or adequate funds to sustain the maintenance of the Koi fish (such as foods, maintenance and in some cases, medications).

Keep in mind that having Koi fish is not as easy as other types of pets. These dazzling ornamental pet fish require extra effort in keeping them (such as garden pond or aquarium maintenance, foods, electricity for the filter, etc.). They typically need added attention especially during spring season. That is when the water temperature of the garden pond or aquarium becomes erratic, of which can cause consequences.

what do you give a dog and wine lover? a wine crate dog feeder

“Treat your dog like a person, and he will treat you like a dog…” Not my pooch!

They are family members — we pamper our pets like our kids, we throw them birthday parties and arrange play-dates, and hire dog walkers for them. We dress them up for Halloween (my 85-pound black lab Bird in a bumble bee costume?) and take them along on trips.

Every dog owner I know has that “special” relationship with his pet — I’m sorry to say that I prefer my dog Bird over most people I know — and yes, I will provide him with the very best.

The pet industry has taken notice: according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), we spent over $36 billion on our pets in 2006 — a confirmation of how much they are a part of American family life. High-end hotels (fretté linen for your four-legged friend?), cafés, restaurants and deluxe boutiques have quickly opened their doors to our canine population. From doggy spas and dog fashion shows to luxurious pet products, we seem to spoil our furry friends rotten (or is it ourselves?).

If you are a dog lover and a wine connoisseur (and I am!), these unique dog dishes will satisfy your desire to feed Fido with panache and also feed the interior decorator inside of you. Treat your classy pooch to a fine dining experience and furnish your home with a beautiful piece of doggie furniture.

Being elevated, these dog diners also promote healthy eating and drinking habits for your pet. Two doggie bowls recessed side-by-side in a stand is not a novelty, but in an authentic wooden wine crate — oh là là!

The feeders are hand-crafted by Whiner and Diner™ out of recycled (did I hear “eco-chic”?) wooden wine crates from European and Californian wineries. They come in different sizes to accommodate the tall and the short ones, and are outfitted with 1- or 2-quart stainless steel dog bowls (embossed with paw prints — or plain edges, for minimalists). Depending on the size chosen, the dog dishes can consist of either a single-bowl or a double-bowl configuration.

You can choose from a few basic colors or have the dish custom color-washed to complement your unique décor (match it to your kitchen cabinets, your floor or wherever your imagination takes you). And, of course, you wouldn’t dream of owning an upscale pet feeder unless it was hand-personalized with Fido’s name…well, they can do that too!

Now, if only they could get your favorite “Château Margaux” wine crate…they will, depending on their inventory! Voilà! However, they do not include the wine…too bad!

“Bone Appétit! A votre santé!”

five secrets for the very best cat food

There is a significant difference between dog and cat food even though their may appear to look the same. Cats need a much higher amount of protein and fat than dogs do. Also, cats have different needs than dogs, so don't feed your cat dog food, or your dog cat food. Remember, Cats are primarily carnivores and need plenty of meat in their diet. Here is what to look for when you are deciding what to feed your furry friends.

Avoid Cat Food Fillers

Cats need to eat food that is rich in protein, so make sure the amount of fillers is kept to a minimum. Carbohydrate rich food is not good for your cat, so don't buy cat food that is full of them. Instead, read the labels and buy a cat food that is not filled with fillers and other by products. Even when a cat food is high in protein, it doesn't mean that the protein comes from a meat source. Avoid those blends which contain a lot of wheat or rice, and look for a meat source as the first ingredient.

Cats Need Protein

Your cat food should always be rich in protein. The protein should come from a meat source such as poultry or fish, and should be the first ingredient. Many cat food brands advertise chicken, beef, and tuna flavored cat food because they know that cats need protein and cat owners are looking for quality cat food. However, you need to make sure the cat food you buy has a sufficient amount of protein regardless of what flavor it is. Also, some will list chicken as the first ingredient, however, when it is listed as "chicken" this means raw meat. Approximately 70% of it is water, so when it is cooked with the other ingredients, chicken will probably really be the 5th to 7th ingredient.

Look for Taurine content

Check the cat food you buy for an amino acid called taurine. This amino acid is very important in your cat's overall health, and your cat will eat as much food as it has to in order to supplement this particular amino acid. So, if you are buying cheap cat food that does not have the proper nutrients your cat will eat a lot in order to get the nutrients it needs. If you buy a nutrient rich cat food then your cat will eat less and save you more money while still getting proper nutrition, and probably not gaining a lot of weight either. Look for taurine on the ingredient label.

Canned or Dry Cat Food?

Cats should be fed a mixture of both dry and canned food. The dry cat food should be given for free feeding. Canned cat food should be use as a supplement at meal time because it has extra water in the food. Look for canned cat food that has a high amount of protein from a meat source. You can mix and match with dry and canned cat food as long as they have a high nutrient density. Cats should always have access to water, and you should consider having an extra bowl of water always available.

FUS/ Crystals

Cats are subject to FUS, crystals that can cause urinary tract disease and pain. Feline formulas should be carefully designed to reduce or eliminate this problem through low magnesium and low ash, correct pH levels and high digestibility. Look at the percentage of magnesium and ash on the label of what you are feeding your cat. You can also play a major role in controlling this problem by always having fresh water available. Cats drink and store water differently from dogs. They store body water in highly concentrated urine. High concentrations can lead to crystal formation. In our work with cat owners, we find there are several ways to enhance water intake to reduce problems:

- Always keep fresh water readily available, 24 hours a day.

- Place food and water dishes several feet apart and feed and water in a quiet area.

- Place a second water dish close to your cat's favorite spot.

- Feed canned cat food (to provide additional moisture content) for one of the meals.

- Leave dry kibble available at all times.

Cats will nibble/feed between 10-20 times throughout the day and night. Eating over an extended time also allows for continuous water intake to balance the food intake.

Summary

Here's what to look for:

- High protein and high fat content.

- Meat as the first ingredient.

- Avoid those blends which contain a lot of wheat or rice fillers.

- High Taurine content.

- Low Magnesium and low ash content.


the worlds smallest dog-the chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog and it has been an extremely popular dog breed in the United States and around the world. This long-lived breed has a life expectancy well into the mid-teens. Chihuahuas or Chis have grown in popularity over the past several decades from an American Kennel Club (AKC) registration ranking of 16th in the early 90's to 10th in 2004 and 11th in 2005. The Taco Bell Chihuahua promotion introduced in 1997 fueled some of the popularity growth. The tiny Chihuahua can weigh from 2 to 6 pounds and can have a smooth coat or a long coat with feathered ears, neck, feet, legs and tail. Chis are adorable dogs with big eyes and ears but aren't a dog for everyone. If you have young children or other pets then the Chihuahua isn't a good fit for your situation. Chis are much too small to be safe around young children or toddlers and while they enjoy being around other Chihuahuas, they dislike all other breeds. Chihuahuas are the ultimate apartment dog and do really well with a single individual or elderly couple that likes to pamper these small toy dogs. Chis are completely devoted to their owners and love to be with them all the time. The tiny Chihuahua is graceful, lively, curious, intelligent, loyal and affectionate but has some terrier-like qualities. Chis are fearless, saucy, mischievous and bold and make good watchdogs. Additional information can be found in the Chihuahua dog breed article.

The Chihuahua is considered to be one of the few dog breeds indigenous or native to North America. Much of the Chis history is somewhat speculative but most experts think the breed descended from the Techichi. The Techichi was a small canine that existed in Mayan times around the 5th century AD. They think the Olmecs of Central America developed the Techichi breed. The Toltecs who succeeded the Olmecs in the 9th century AD carved small dogs with erect ears resembling plump Chihuahuas. These Techichis may have been raised as pets but they were definitely used as a food source for the nobility on special occasions. After the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they used the Techichi in religious ceremonies as food sources and sacrifices. The Aztecs also regularly burned these dogs along with the deceased in the belief that the sins of the humans would be transferred to the dogs and the dog would help guide the soul between this world and the next. Techichi remains have been found buried with human remains all across Mexico. When the Spanish conquered and destroyed the Aztec civilization from 1519 to 1521, they may have introduced a small terrier breed that was crossed with the Techichi. Some breed historians think that the Chihuahua is actually of European descent and originated in Malta. They offer as proof a 1482 painting by Botticelli which depicts a Chihuahua-like dog. They theorize that the Spanish conquerors brought these small dogs with them to the Americas. A third theory is that the Chinese, who were adept at developing miniature dogs, developed a Chihuahua-like breed which Spanish traders introduced into Mexico.

Whatever theory is correct, the resulting breeds were left to survive in the mountains of Mexico - maybe with help from the local population. Nothing much was heard from these small dogs for about 300 years until 1850 when several small dogs - some long haired, some short haired and some larger hairless were discovered in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua. The smooth coat and long coat varieties were eventually called Chihuahuas after the state in which they were found and the larger hairless variety was called the Mexican Hairless. The Chihuahua breed was first registered by the AKC in 1904 and it was relatively rare. The national Chihuahua breed club was formed in 1923 and the breed received wide exposure when Xavier Cugat, the rumba king, appeared with his Chihuahuas in performances and movies during the 1930's and 40's. The Chis' popularity peaked in 1964 when it was the 3rd most popular dog breed in the US. The breed's popularity resulted in unscrupulous breeders and dealers introducing a number of health and temperament problems into the bloodlines. Genetic problems ranged from patellar luxation (slipped kneecap), heart disease (pulmonic stenosis), hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse to poor temperament. Recent breeding practices are resulting in much healthier and more amiable amigos. However any prospective buyer should check to make sure that the puppy's breeding parents have been certified free of orthopedic and other genetic diseases.

unusual birds and mammals

We all know what wolves and coyotes look like, and nearly everyone is familiar with bears, deer and turtles; what about some less familiar animals such as capybara, kiwi, or tapirs? There are so many lesser known animals on this planet that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.

Mammals

Capybara are first on our list of unusual mammals. They are the world’s largest rodent, averaging 100 pounds. They are called rodents because they have sharp front teeth that never stop growing. They are semi-aquatic, spending a lot of time in the water. They live in grasslands and forests alongside water in Central and South America. They are most active during the early morning and late evening and rest during the heat of the day.

Our next animal is a cute little miniature "bear" called the kinkajou. These are a unique animal in that they are the only mammals that help to pollinate plants. They have very long tongues that they use to lick the nectar inside flowers. While they are licking, they get pollen on their fur and noses and this gets transplanted to other flowers as they feed. They are sometimes called honey bears because they love honey so much, but they are different from regular bears in that they are very small, most times not weighing more than 8 pounds. They are fun loving animals that even make good pets. They feed on fruit, honey and eggs in the wild and their closest cousin is the panda bear of Asia.

Another unusual mammal is a tapir. It looks like half anteater, half pig, yet they are not related to either. They descend from primitive horses and rhinos. They come in various color patterns depending on the region they are from. All baby tapirs, however, are born with a pattern of dots and stripes which make them look like a watermelon with legs. As they age, these markings fade away to be replaced with their adult color patterns. They feed on fruit, berries and leaves, and can live to be 30 years old.

Our last animal is a Marsupial Mouse. While this may seem like just any other mouse, there are some very distinct characteristics about the marsupial mouse that make it stand out. Being a marsupial, its young are "hatched" from inside their mothers and then they crawl through her fir up to their mother's underside where they attach and feed until they are fully developed. When they come out of their mother, they are so underdeveloped that in order to survive, they have to breathe through their skin. They are the only mammal found that can do this. As their lungs continue to develop, they gradually start to take over the breathing process until eventually, when fully developed, their skin no longer plays a role in breathing. They are carnivorous by nature, eating insects, small birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Birds

Of the various birds in the world, the kiwi bird is one of the most unique. It is similar to the chicken in that it can't fly. Their "wings" are only two inches long and for all practical purposes are useless. They are the sole survivor of an ancient order of birds including the now extinct moas. They are semi-nocturnal animals, so catching a glimpse of them in the wild rarely happens. They can only be found in New Zealand and its surrounding islands. The reason they have survived the ages in New Zealand comes from the fact that there are no snakes or large mammals native to New Zealand. A bird the size of a kiwi, without the capability to fly would be an especially attractive target to snakes. Also...the island has no bears, bobcats, tigers, etc., with also makes it easier for the kiwi to survive. With the coming of humans to the island, especially the colonization by England, house pets such as cats and dogs have become the main predators of the decreasing kiwi population. Some of the biggest birds in the world are condors. They can have wingspans up to 11 feet; they use their large wingspan to "float" on air thermals for miles without having to move their wings, which conserves their energy as they look for food. They are in the vulture family, feeding on the remains of animals and thus they play a very significant role in the animal kingdom. They have highly evolved immune systems to ward off infection from the various bacteria left on the animal carcasses they feed on. They are very clean birds, spending much of their time cleaning their feathers and heads after eating to further keep them safe from disease and bacteria. Their heads are featherless allowing them to stay clean during eating.

The last unusual bird is the worlds smallest, weighing in at only 1.8 grams, which is less than a US penny. The bee hummingbird's nest is only 3 cm wide. Its tiny wings beat 80 times per second. Using all this energy requires them to eat half their body weight in food each day as well as drink eight times their body weight in water. That's like a 150 pound adult human drinking 144 gallons of water each day. They are found only in Cuba and the Isle of Pines.

why do cats eat grass?

Some cat owners make the mistake of preventing their cat from eating grass. There are various reasons for this, one being that they think it makes their cat ill or upsets their stomach. This is an incorrect assumption and in fact the eating of grass followed by regurgitation is a perfectly natural behavior for all cats.

Cats do not possess the ability to separate meat from fur bones or feathers before eating like we do so they have to eat the digestible parts along with the indigestible parts. When the cat has finished digesting what he can the rest has to be removed from the system. To try and pass this through the digestive tract could cause obstruction and severe illness so this is where grass eating comes in.

The habit of eating grass triggers the natural process of regurgitation of indigestible foods including its own fur balls which would otherwise obstruct the system. This can appear to us humans as if the cat is being violently ill but this is not the case and in fact is very beneficial to the cat.

What about other plants and vegetables?

Cats cannot produce the enzymes needed to break down plant matter. Even when pureed or powdered, vegetables simply pass through the digestive tract without leaving any of their nutritional content. This alone is not harmful to your cat, but when undigested plant matter mixes with highly digestible food such as meat, indigestion and other complications may occur. Grass is an exception however; some cats compulsively eat grass when you leave them outdoors. This will cause them to regurgitate the indigestible matter, including raw vegetables.

If your cat is unable to get access to grass he may attempt to eat your house plants instead. This could be dangerous because some house plants and flowers are toxic to cats, so if you have a house cat like a Ragdoll cat for example you should provide a regular supply of potted grass to prevent him looking elsewhere. And most importantly do not punish your cat for regurgitating on to you carpet because he will not know why you are punishing him. Regurgitation is an involuntary action of your cat’s stomach so he could not stop it happening even if he tried. Cleaning up after the occasional regurgitation should be an accepted part of being a loving cat owner as they are only doing what comes naturally.

travelling with your pets; some useful tips

Remember to bring along your pet's rabies and health certificates if you are taking your pet on vacation with you. It is also a good idea to have the name of someone who would be willing to come and get the animal in case of an accident. If you are staying at hotels, you would do well to research which ones accept pets (many do) and which ones do not.

Some airlines will let your pet ride in the cabin with you for a $50 one-way fee, but it must be small enough to fit in a crate that will then fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet will count as one piece of your carry-on luggage.

And just like children, pets DO get carsick! If you are planning a long trip with your pet and he isn't used to traveling in the car much, you might want to take him out for a bunch of rides - gradually lengthening the trip each time. Also putting the animal toward the front of the vehicle will sometimes help with a dog that does get carsick (less motion than at the back).

How many times have you driven down the street to see a car go by you that has a dog hanging out the window? Or sitting in the driver's lap? Not only is this a probable accident waiting to happen, but the dog's head and eyes are in danger of being injured by debris. It is always a good idea to restrain your dog when he is traveling in the car with you - either with a harness or in a crate. If you use a harness, you might consider covering the seat with a seat cover or an old blanket that you can take out and wash.

And last but not least, under no circumstances EVER leave your pet in the hot sun in the car (even with the windows down). It is akin to putting them into a 120° oven!! Have fun with your pet and enjoy your summer.

how to check and clean your cat ears

An important part of keeping your cat healthly and happy is checking and cleaning their ears. Because the ears are one of the few parts that cats can not reach themselves they need a little help from a loving owner. Keeping your cats ears clean is extremely important because any unremoved dirt, debris, or wax can clog the ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning at home augment’s your cats own natural grooming habits.

1. How to check the ears

During petting, casually check your cats ears for discharge, redness, unpleasant smell, swelling, and even lumps. Also observe your cat’s behaviour, if he often scratches or paws at his ears (and sometimes even shakes his head often), then he might be feeling discomfort in the ear area.

If you notice that your cats ears are becoming painful or inflamed, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian has the equipment to look deep into your cat’s ear canal and give an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian will determine if allergies, skin conditions, ear mites, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are causing ear diseases. Seek early treatment, or your cat’s ear condition may become too late to heal.

2. How to clean the ears

Ask your veterinarian for gentle ear cleaning solutions you can use to keep your cats ears clean. These special solutions are effective in removing excess wax, moisture, and debris from your cat’s outer ear canal. Be sure to use only solutions that are specifically formulated for cats. Avoid medicated solutions, unless your veterinarian advises you to use it.

Different solutions are administered differently, but most of them require you to follow these steps.

* You typically only need a few drops of the ear solution. Squeeze the bottle and let a few drops fall on into your cat’s ear canal.

* Start massaging the base of your cats ear gently. You should hear a ‘squelch’ while you do this. Repeat the same procedure with the other ear. After both ears have been cleaned, let your cat shake its head, this loosens the waxes.

NOTE: Stop massaging immediately if your cat feels pain, and then take your cat to the veterinarian if you haven't already done so.

* Wipe the solution by wrapping your forefinger with cotton wool, this should clean off wax and debris. Do this gently though and do not poke in too deep, or you might hurt your cats eardrum.

It is recommended not to use cotton buds, which can injure the ear canals’ sensitive lining.

emperor pinguins

The Emperor Penguin is most noted for its size, reaching up to four feet in height, making it the tallest penguin of its species. Its stomach is white and its wings and back are black, lending its trademark "tuxedo look." Although penguins have wings they do not fly, but swim through the water at an average speed of four to six miles per hour, with possible bursts of up to twelve miles per hour. Although water mixed with cold temperatures causes humans to experience hypothermia and even death, penguins have a preen gland which secretes an oil that they use to coat their feathers with so water will run off of them.

Emperor Penguins live in the coldest region of any other penguin on earth. They not only survive, but reproduce and thrive where other penguins cannot. Adult Emperor Penguins travel about sixty miles into Antarctica for breeding season. Although cold temperatures are a threat to the survival of other penguins and their eggs, the Emperor Penguin has characteristics that allow them to keep warm, notwithstanding below freezing temperatures and high winds.

After searching for a mate, the female lays a single egg in the months of May or June. After laying the egg, the female will carefully pass the egg to the male to incubate until it hatches. This process is carefully executed so the egg does not have any contact with the ice where it would immediately die voiding the couple's attempt at reproduction that year. When the male successfully receives the egg he incubates it above his feet in a flap of skin called a brood pouch. In order to stay warm in the extreme temperatures, Emperor Penguins form large groups and huddle together. They instinctively know when to move from the center of this huddle toward the outer edges to give each penguin the warmth of the middle. This process allows for them to survive the brutal temperatures in the Antarctic.

After the male has the egg, the female is free to travel to get food. She returns after about two months. After her arrival she is able to regurgitate the food for the young chick when it hatches. If the chick is born before the female returns, the male is able to produce a milky substance from his esophagus to keep his young alive. When the female returns to care for her young, the male is then free to go in search of food.

While it may seem unnatural for a species to reproduce in such extreme weather conditions, in actuality winter is the ideal season for reproduction because there is less competition for food. Emperor Penguin chicks are larger than other penguin species and an adequate diet is essential for their survival. Only in the harsh days of winter is there enough food for them. Emperor Penguins diet consists mainly of cephlapods, such as octopus and squid, but they also eat krill and fish. Their threat for survival is not only freezing in the cold temperatures, but also natural predators such as sea lions, Orca Whales and sharks. Although global warming has raised concerns for Emperor Penguins, there is thought to be an estimated 350,000 of them in the world.

Survival in Antarctica seems impossible, yet the Emperor Penguin continues to thrive in these freezing temperatures. Their physical characteristics, instincts and socialization allow for them to continue to reproduce and thrive in a climate that would otherwise be deadly.

characterictics of reputable breeders

The first challenge that you will face if you are planning of obtaining a golden retriever pup is its source. As a matter of fact, it is somewhat impossible to determine whether or not the golden retriever pup will grow healthy, no matter what you do. In order to assume that your golden retriever pup will grow up healthy, the breeder that your pup came from must have good reputation.

There are few factors that you must consider in choosing the right breeder of golden retrievers. It is essential that you must thoroughly think each of your choices. Below are some of the few factors that must take into consideration. These will help you choose the right breeder.

Backyard Golden Retriever Breeder

These types of golden retriever breeders are regarded as a poor option in selecting a puppy. Mostly, these types of breeder are people who possess few golden retrievers. These types of breeders realized that it is fun breeding their female golden retriever because of its puppies while some of them breed their canine pet once or twice before opting to spay their canine. They mostly do not care on the quality of litters and care for them. They mostly mind the money that they would get in selling the litters.

Basically, most of these types of breeders have either little or no knowledge on the basics of breeding golden retrievers. Even a few of them have less knowledge on how to properly care their canine pet. Mostly, they have no knowledge regarding the problems in breeding golden retriever and would mostly care even less. All they want is to make their canines produce litters for additional income. They would usually sell the litters as soon as the puppies are bred.

Dealers or Pet Shops

Pet shops or pet dealers are the in fact considered as the worst place to obtain a golden retriever puppy, that is because the puppies that they sell are bred or brought up poorly and are mostly bred on poor environments. Pet shops consider the golden retriever puppies as merchandises that must be profited. Pet shops mostly do not care on the quality of the puppy; they usually care about the quantity.

And because of the way the golden retriever puppies are bred and brought up, they usually make quite bit of income. Mostly, they spend small amount on the breeding and the caring of the litters. Basically, pet shops rely on “impulse buying”. This is done by simply not giving the buyer a sufficient amount of time to assess the golden retrievers that they sell. So if you are looking for a golden retriever pup this is not a good place to get one.

Hobby Breeders

This is probably the best way to obtain a golden retriever pup, mostly because hobby breeders of golden retrievers are trustworthy and committed in caring and quality of the golden retriever litters. And because of that, hobby breeders care more on the quality side and nothing else. Mostly, they will assist you in raising the best golden retriever pup because they dedicate themselves in raising the best one.

So if you want to have the best golden retriever pup, all you need is to visit a hobby breeder, because hobby golden retriever breeders understand their responsibility in each and every one of their puppies. Hobby breeders seldom breed poor quality pups. If you obtained your golden retriever pup from these types of source, then you are guaranteed that you have a healthy pup.

hunting dogs

How does one choose good hunting dogs without getting stung? Many dog breeders are like horse traders—you get what you get, and that isn't what was listed. So a dog breeder's reputation, letters of reputation or phone calls, and looking at siblings or mother and father of the dog means a lot when looking for good hunting dogs. Make sure they have some form of guarantee and for how long they guarantee the puppy or dog.

But what is good for one hunter may not mean the same for another, so make sure you know what you want before going out and looking. Do you want versatile good hunting dogs for all-purpose hunting, or one that is excellent at squirrel hunting or coon hunting? Look at where they will be living the remaining time—will it it he be a family member? Make sure the breed you want is one you have information on and have done your homework on. Just because grandpa had one doesn't mean you know what you need to know regarding the purchase of good hunting dogs.

Good hunting dogs need to be disease from and have clean genetic lines, regardless the breed. Make sure routine worming has been done as a puppy—which has usually been done from two weeks. Also, look at their shot records—did they receive a two-week puppy shot series with only two weeks between them, beginning around five or six weeks? Once the puppy is weaned from its mother, its immune system becomes compromised, and it is up to the breeder to maintain that system up to eight weeks of age when it leaves the next. A breeder who sells before then is not worth his/her weight in salt. Good hunting dogs mean that—a good hunting dog, not one that is haphazardly bred to make a quick buck. Georgia is famous for good hunting dogs, as most Georgia hunters think more of their dogs than anywhere else, but make sure you don't get a bad breeder anyway.