Breed of the Week: The Saint Bernard



http://www.pluspets.net/saint-bernard-wonderful-pet/

     Everyone has probably heard of the big dog named Beethoven. He is the large, cute, clumsy, and lovable dog on the big screen; but, it may surprise you that this dog was not bred to be a movie star.  According to http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/Breeds/st-bernard.html, the Saint Bernard is originally descended from ancient Roman Molassion war dogs and guided the soldiers on their invasion of the Alps.  Over time these dogs were crossed with the Swiss dog and walla! The Saint Bernard was created.  But, still not to be a movie star.  These dogs were used to haul heavy carts, herd and guard. One of the most important jobs of the Saint Bernard was to rescue people on the dangerous pass connecting Switzerland to Italy.  It even gets its name from the refuge on the mountain called the Hospice of the Great Saint Bernard Pass.  Saint Bernards have a wonderful sense of smell and could smell people stuck under many feet of snow.  These dogs are very talented and have saved many lives.  In the 19th century these dogs were shipped to countries in Europe and to the United States and that is when it became a family dog and eventually a movie star.
   These dogs are gigantic and can weigh anywhere from 110 to 200 pounds! They are very muscular, making them a very strong dog.  They have large heads with shorter and wider muzzles.  They usually have a big black nose and dark brown eyes. They have droopy ears, big paws, and a large thick tail.  They can have either a long or short coat that comes in variety of colors including white with, tan, red, mahogany, brindle, black or a mixture of these colors.
    The Saint Bernard makes a great family dog.  They are wonderful with children and are very gentle.  They do well with other pets and usually just ignore cats.  These dogs can be harder to train due to them being more independent so it is important to start training early because you don't want such a big dog forming bad habits.  Although they can be hard to train, housetraining usually is fast and easy which definitely is a plus.  These dogs are very loyal and will become protective of their families. They love being part of the family and will want to be included in all of the activities and to be close to you. These dogs do need both physical and mental exercise to keep them healthy and from getting bored, although they don't always want to exercise.  In order to make it fun for them it is important to include yourself in their exercise by either walking them or playing with them.  These dogs do shed a lot and do drool but you can minimize some of the shedding by brushing them often. The Saint Bernard is also sensitive to the heat, but do okay in the cold so it is important to be careful when they are out in the hot sun to make sure they don't get overheated.  Saint Bernards are fun, lovable, and even movie stars and will make a great addition to any family that will love a gigantic dog with a gigantic heart.

Info from:
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/saint-bernard.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/saintbernard.htm
http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/Breeds/st-bernard.html

Cat of the Week:



http://www.cat-rescue.org/siamese-cat-photos/



    The Siamese cat is one of the oldest breeds of cat.  They are famous for their roles in Disney movies like That Darn Cat and in Lady and the Tramp singing we are Siamese.  The Siamese cat is a medium sized cat with a long, sleek body and matching long tail. They have short hair, angular faces, and typically have blue eyes.  They have light colored fur that darkens on the ears, face, paws, and tail.  They have an average lifespan of fifteen or more years.

   The Siamese cat originated in Siam (present day Thailand) and were thought to be very sacred.  Siamese kittens would be given as gifts and that was considered to be a great honor.  The Siamese cat was first exported towards the end of the nineteenth century.

    The Siamese cat is known to be a very noisy cat and will definitely state their opinion.  These cats love to be around people and will become very close to their owners.  It is important that if you want a Siamese cat that you make sure to have enough time to give them. If you work quite a bit maybe consider getting two cats so that they have a companion to play with during the day.  The Siamese cat is a very smart cat and also needs to be kept mentally occupied with toys so that it doesn't get bored.  These cats are very social and will love laying your lap and cuddling with you.  They don't shed very much and they require little to no grooming. Although it is not a necessity Siamese cats may still enjoy a good brushing every once in a while.  So if your looking for a cat that is playful and compassionate then I think that the Siamese might just be the cat for you.

Info from:
http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Facts_About_Siamese_Cats
http://meow-cats.com/siamese-cat/
http://www.catsinfo.com/siamese.html
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/Siamese.htm

Why You Should Play Tennis!

   Tennis is one of my favorite sports and I play it a lot.  It is a fun sport and can benefit you in many ways.  Before I get to why I think you should play tennis though let's first define the game of tennis.  Tennis is a racquet sport that uses a light weight ball. The players stand on either side of the net and the goal of the game is to hit the ball back and forth and to score a point against the other player or players.  The scoring is pretty easy it goes love-15-30-40-game.  If the score gets tied 40-40 you play a point called a deuce.  Either the player who scores the next point wins or you can play advantages and then the player has to win by two points.  There are three main types of hits in tennis. The forehand, the backhand, and the serve.  All of them take practice but the serve is probably what takes the most work.  The player who is serving serves the whole game and then the other player serves the next game. Usually you play a set of games like first to five for instance. Tennis can be played in singles and doubles.  The rules are pretty much the same for both types of play except the boundaries change slightly.
   Okay so now that we are on the same page about the game I will tell you why I think you should play it.  First of all it is a really fun sport to play, especially if you play with your family and friends.  Most of the time you will end up laughing through the majority of the game. It is also a great way to stay fit and healthy. Tennis is a sport that you can play for the majority of your life.  It's not a contact sport so it is not as hard on your bones and joints.  Another reason that I think you should take up tennis is because you always can improve.  You can learn new hits, become more accurate in your hits, speed up your hits, and improve your hits and strokes.  You feel really good when you accomplish a goal and improve.  One more reason that tennis is a great sport is that when playing doubles you play with another player on your side and you can make a lot of new friends.
Tennis is a lot of fun and I definitely think that you should give it a try!

Picture from: http://melindahinsonneely.com/blog/fitness/for-the-love-of-tennis-make-exercise-social/

Breed of the Week: The Chihuahua

http://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-breeds/Chihuahua-Dogs.aspx

   The Chihuahua is a very popular dog all over the country.  Many famous people like Paris Hilton, Sharon Osbourne, and Cesar Millan own Chihuahuas.  These dogs have also appeared on many TV shows like Courage the Cowardly dog and That's So Raven; they have appeared in many children's books and Taco bell even had a Chihuahua for its mascot.  Lets take a closer look and get to know this popular breed of dog.

    The Chihuahua is classified as a toy breed and is usually between 1.5 to 6 pounds and they only stand a few inches off of the ground. They have an average lifespan of about 15 to 18 years.  Chihuahuas can have either long hair or short hair that comes in a variety of colors including: fawn, black, sand, silver, white, and chestnut.  They can also have spots and splotches.

   The Chihuahua is thought to have originated in Mexico, but there are many theories on exactly how it originated.  Archaeological evidence was found that suggests that there were Chihuahuas in the 1500s.  The Chihuahua is named after Chihuahua, the state in Mexico and was first recognized by the AKC in 1904.
    The Chihuahua is a breed that loves to be close and cuddly with its owner.  They will always want to be around you and be your friend. They can be a stubborn and feisty breed but they are a lot of fun.  They love to play and need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day.  A good way to exercise  them is to either walk them or play with their toys and make games.  These dogs are very small and would do well in just about any home, including apartments.  Chihuahuas do get nervous around strangers and it can take them a while to adjust, but once they get to know the person they should do fine.  The same goes for dogs they do not know.  At first  they might be wary and slightly aggressive but as they get accustomed to the dog they should do fine. Chihuahuas are a cocky breed of dog and will often think they are much bigger than they really are so it is important to watch them when they interact with other dogs. These dogs are a barky breed and may bark at strangers, dogs and things going on outside.  Chihuahuas should do fine with children as long as the child is gentle with them. Since the Chihuahua is a somewhat stubborn breed tsome can be a little difficult to train, but as long as you use the right methods and have patience they should do fine because they are a very smart breed.

     Chihuahuas do not require too much grooming; just the occasional bath and brushing to decrease the shedding.  These dogs are average shedders and you may notice some hair around the house.  Chihuahuas are sensitive to cold and hot weather so it is important to not have them outside too long in these conditions.

   The Chihuahua is a great dog that is a lot of fun and will definitely make you smile. :)

Info from:

http://www.justdogbreeds.com/chihuahua.html

http://www.chihuahuatrainingtips.net/chihuahua-facts-information/

http://www.patz-dogs.com/famouschihuahuas.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)

The Importance of Exercise

http://runner-guides.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-brain-running-provides.html

     When we here the word exercise a lot of us probably groan out of dislike.  You probably think exercise is hard and boring and I don't have anytime in my schedule, but exercise can actually be really fun and it is really important.  Exercise is not only good for your heart and body by keeping you fit and building muscle and endurance, but it is also good for your mind. According to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17050486/ns/health-fitness/t/boost-your-brain-power-exercise/ exercise can decrease stress and improve your mood and attention which would lead to you being more successful. The article also talks about how exercise can improve thinking and even prevent certain diseases like: high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, high cholesterol, and even Alzheimer's disease.

    When begining to exercise you need to find something that you enjoy. It could be a sport like football or tennis, you could swim or do aerobics, or you could jog or even just walk.  I personally like a variety of exercise activities but my four main ones are jogging, walking my dog, swimming laps in the summer, and tennis.  I think its important to have a variety of activities that you like to do because it keeps you from getting bored.  It is also very important that you enjoy the exercise you are doing because then you will want to do them and you will want to improve.  Set goals for yourself. They don't have to be huge, for example if you start running and you've never ran before set a goal like in two weeks I'm going to run half a lap around the trail and then when you accomplish your goals make them bigger and bigger and eventually they may be goals like in two months I'm going to run a 5k race or next summer I'm going to run a half marathon.  When you can accomplish those goals you feel good and boost your self-confidence.  Don't worry if your friends have goals that seem bigger than yours.  you have to set goals that are reachable for yourself and any goal no matter how big or how small is an accomplishment  to be proud of.

    You also don't have to exercise for hours a day, it is reccomended that people get about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day but even if you can't do quite that much I feel that any exercise is better than none.  I hope after reading this you feel more motivated to start exercising and just remember it may be hard at times but just enjoy yourself and accomplish your goals!

Cat of the Week: The Sphynx

http://www.pictures-of-cats.org/sphynx-cat-picture-3.html

      When you see a shpynx you will definitely know it because of their appearance.  They are medium sized cats between 7 and 15 pounds that on average live 9 to 15 years. They have a round belly, a light bone structure and well developed muscles.  The have angular heads with big eyes that can be a variety of colors.  They have a flat forehead and defined cheekbones and they also lack or have very small whiskers.  These "hairless" cats are covered in a very short fuzz-like coat.  Although they lack hair, Sphynx come in a variety of colors and patterns like white, black, brown, cream, spotted, patched, and so on.  These cats have large pointy ears and a long slim tail often with a fluff of fur on the end.
    Although their is evidence that the hairless cat dates all the way back to the Aztecs, the first successful breeding attempt occurred in Canada in 1966. There was trouble with the breeding and it wasn't until the 1970's and 1980's that they had continuous success and started recognizing the sphynx as a breed.  A recessive gene is what causes the cat to become hairless.
   The spynx is a very friendly, curious and social cat.  It will need a great deal of attention from its owner and will want to be their friend.  They are not an aggressive cat and would do very well with children and other pets. These cats are very affectionate with their families and they love to play.  The sphynx is a very vocal cat and may meow at you a lot as well as purr a lot.  This breed of cat is mainly an indoor cat because they are very sensitive to the heat, cold, and sun.  Although you may think that this would be a good cat for someone who is badly allergic it is actually not because most people are allergic to a protein in the glands of the saliva and skin.
  These cats do need quite a bit of grooming.  They need their ears cleaned and need to be bathed once a week to get oils off of their skin.  If you start bathing these cats as kittens they will get used to baths and wont struggle as much as a typical cat would.
  The sphynx is a wonderful cat that will make you laugh, become your friend and will be an important member of your family.
 
 Info from:
http://www.catbreedsjunction.com/sphynx-cats.html
http://www.ehow.com/about_6565205_sphynx-cat.html

Breed of the Week: English Bulldog

http://eu.fotolia.com/id/32412873

    The bull dog is a very compact, medium sized dog.  They stand low to the ground and have a pretty wide stance. They are usually around 49 to 55 pounds. The English Bulldog has a pushed in snout and is very wrinkly with a lot of extra skin. They have big round heads with a large defined jaw. English Bulldogs also have an under bite and their bottom teeth often stick out.  This breed of dog comes in a variety of colors including, red, brindle, white, fawn, and a mixture of the colors. They have a short coarse coat that requires only a little brushing. They have an average life span of 8 to 10 years which is one downside of the breed because I feel that 10 years is short time to have a wonderful dog, but every year you have with your pet is special.  Since English Bulldogs have wrinkles it is important to clean them approximately once a week or when needed and to keep them dry. 

   Although the English Bull dog may look tough most of them are actually big teddy bears. They are a very gentle dog that develop close relationships with their owners and can be pretty protective of them.  They love to be your best friend and always want to please you.  If you think that you would like an English Bulldog make sure that you have plenty of time to spend with them because they like to have attention and to spend time with their families.  Also be sure that you let the dog know that you are dominant because they can have issues with this and may do things like guard toys or food and they may think that they run the house.  If you show that you are the dominant one though this should prevent these behaviors.  English Bulldogs do very good with children and also with other pets. This breed of dog tends to have weight issues so it is very important that you exercise them daily.  Walks are a great way to exercise them but be careful not to over work them.  These dogs are very sensitive to the temperature outside, so make sure to play with them indoors when it is too hot or too cold.  This dog would do good in any size of home as long as they get the attention they need.  The English Bulldog is a very friendly and loyal dog that will quickly become your best friend.

info from:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bulldog.htm

http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/english-bulldog-facts/92323a2d-38df-794c-1589-49b8ee0823f2
http://www.thedogtrainingclub.com/english-bulldog/