Category: Pets

While it might not be the case around the world, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, ranking only behind retrievers and French bulldogs according to the American Kennel Club. Surprisingly, the German Shepherd is a relatively young breed, so its popularity over time has increased rapidly. Let’s take a closer look at the German Shepherd to examine its profile to see if it might be the right fit for your family.

Breeding History

In the late 19th century, herding dogs were extremely important as farming was a much more common occupation. A former cavalry officer in Germany named Max von Stephanitz thought that the working dogs of the time were good, but not quite perfect. He set out to create a breed that had size, speed, and intelligence all wrapped into one to become the standard for the working dog.

With that, von Stephanitz purchased a dog that he believed to be the closest to what he was looking for, naming him Horand von Grafarth. This dog would be used to breed with select females, creating the base for German Shepherds overall. von Stephanitz enlisted the help of several others so that the breed was held up to a certain standard, and the German Shepherd was officially recognized in 1919 after years of proving its worth in the working class.

What German Shepherds Are Known For

As we mentioned, the German Shepherd was created for the primary use of being a working dog. To this day, German Shepherds are a popular breed for many lines of work due to their physical traits and intelligence. Typically, a police department will enlist the help of at least one German Shepherd in its K-9 unit. On top of their ability to chase down escaping criminals, German Shepherds can perform many other tasks for law enforcement. This includes detecting drugs and explosives.

The police aren’t the only ones to use German Shepherds, either. They can be used as rescue or seeing-eye dogs, though not as much as retrievers. The original goal for the German Shepherd was to be a great herding dog, and they’re still a popular breed to do just that. 

Attitude/Temperament

There seems to be a very mixed bag in regard to a German Shepherd’s temperament. Some, even without training, are extremely gentle while others can be overly aggressive. The aggression can be curbed with a good trainer, and domesticated ones tend not to bite unless provoked.

German Shepherds are known for being very intelligent and obedient, which is why they’re used so frequently as guard dogs. Because of their strong bite, more people are sent to the hospital from German Shepherd bites than any other breed, though their high population numbers tend to skew that into making them considered dangerous as a whole.

Health Background

Like most other large dogs, a German Shepherd doesn’t have a long life expectancy. On average, a German Shepherd will live for nine to 13 years, though many factors come into play. The size of a German Shepherd can affect its health, especially when it comes to its bones. They are easily affected by arthritis and hip dysplasia, while their body types are also prone to bloat and diabetes.

Types of German Shepherd

Though the standard German Shepherd is easily identifiable, there have been some variants over the years. These are breeds that have been created outside of Germany, and mostly in the United States. These variant breeds include:

• White Shepherd
• White Swiss Shepherd
• King Shepherd
• East-European Shepherd
• Shiloh Shepherd

No matter the type of German Shepherd, they tend to share the same traits. Make sure you have enough time, energy, and patience to commit to training a German Shepherd before adopting one for yourself. They can be a handful, but these loyal dogs make for great companions.

It can be tough to know if your dog is getting enough exercise, especially if your furry friend has only recently become a part of your family. Here, we’ll take a look at what you need to consider to figure out whether your pooch is getting enough time to run and play. 

Talk To Your Vet

No matter what you notice at home, your vet is the expert on your pet’s health. Talk with them about how much exercise your dog is getting, and ask them for suggestions if they tell you your dog needs to move more. If your dog is older or has joint problems, as your vet for suggestions on how to reduce their discomfort while increasing their level of activity. 

Keep an Eye on Their Weight

Weighing your dog every few months can give you a good idea of whether they’re getting enough physical activity. If your dog is a puppy, keep an eye on your vet’s recommendations for weight gain. If your dog is older, be sure to mention any unusual weight gain to your vet. While some weight gain is typical with age, too much weight gain can put stress on your dog’s joints.

Keep an Eye on Behavior

Many not-so-great puppy and older dog behaviors are simply due to not getting enough exercise. If your dog is feeling bored and full of energy, there’s a good chance they’ll find a way to take that energy out on an object within your home. If you’re noticing that your dog seems to have a lot of pent-up energy that’s tough to get out with daily walks alone, think about adding a second walk or taking them to a dog park so that they can socialize while also running off some energy. If your dog seems hyperactive, you may be tempted to put them on medicine to curb their behavior. Trying an extra daily walk can often fix the issue. 

Excessive energy isn’t the only behavioral sign that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. If your dog becomes withdrawn or shows other behaviors that signify a change in personality, it’s possible that they simply need to get outside for extra physical and mental stimulation.  

 Lack of Endurance

When you do get your dog out for a walk or a jog, pay attention to whether they have trouble keeping up. In the event that your dog is huffing and puffing the whole way, or needs frequent breaks, you’ll want to get your dog on an exercise program that helps them build up their endurance. Taking your dog on shorter daily walks can be a fun way to help them build up to longer walks, and playing fetch with them in your yard can help them build endurance through short bursts of energy followed by periods of rest. 

If you’re a cat lover, you probably don’t think of your pet in terms of their price tag – after all, your cat is a family member and a supportive friend (at least when he or she feels like it), not an investment vehicle or a designer item. But when there are cats out there who cost more than a house, we thought you’d be interested in what the going rates are for these exclusive kitties. Check out the 5 most expensive cat breeds below.

1. Ashera Cats 

Asheras are definitely not your average housecat. And, the insane price for one of these babies is enough to let you know: an Ashera can go for as much as $125,000. These cats are said to be a designer breed, which means they have the genetics of several other cats, including African Servals, Asian leopards, and potentially others. In any case, the Ashera looks a lot like a wild cat with its spotted coat and large ears, yet it is closer to the size of a domestic cat. 

2. Savannah Cats  

Savannahs are a mix between the African Serval and a domestic housecat. Much like an Ashera, these cats have uniquely patterned coats and large ears, but they have shorter tails and long legs for a long and sleek appearance. They can range in color from smokey gray to golden with black stripes and spots. Want a Savannah car of your own? Be prepared to pay as much as $50,000 or more.  

3. Bengal Cats 

Bengals are a mix between a Snow leopard, a domestic cat, and other wild breeds. The end result is a beautifully spotted feline with a muscular physique and totally exotic look. Bengal cats have been around for a while—since around the 1970s to be exact. If you want to bring one home, the costs can run as much as $25,000 or more. But be careful, some states have outright banned the ownership of these cats because they can have wilder tendencies. 

4. Khao Manee Cats 

Originally from Thailand, the Khao Manee was actually once said to be a protected feline species. These solid-white felines were brought here in order to elevate the numbers and protect the lineage, but the Khao Manee is also not yet a registered cat breed in the United States. Now, the cost of one from a breeder rings up to at least $11,000. One of the reasons this particular cat is so unique is its eyes. Most are born with one amber or green eye and one blue eye, which creates a captivating appearance on a white-furred kitty. 

5. Sphynx Cats 

With no hair and glowing eyes, the Sphynx is one of the most recognizable cat breeds of all. While the hairless body is actually a gene mutation, these cats are still considered to be one of the healthiest feline breeds you can own. But, if you want to bring home a hairless baby, be prepared to spend as much as $9,000 or more, especially for one with a unique bloodline or color. 

Cats are not like other pets. You can’t ever truly be a cat owner. At best, your cat will allow you to be its caretaker. But if you want to build the best relationship possible with your feline housemates, you need to learn these everyday behaviors that cats perform.

Five Things Your Cat May Do and Their Meanings

Kneading 

There are many names for this behavior, from ‘making biscuits’ to ‘playing the piano,’ but if you notice that your cat is moving its front paws like it is kneading bread, don’t be alarmed. It is a sign that your cat is feeling secure and comfortable in its current surroundings. The kneading motion is a throwback to how kittens massage their mother’s chest to help her milk flow freely, and it is a natural way for cats to soothe themselves. 

Rubbing

Receiving a nuzzle from your feline friend is nice. It makes you feel like your pet really loves you, and it might, but there is a bit more going on than just a little show of affection. Cats are very territorial and like to claim spaces, other cats, and even humans as their own. Special glands on the face of cats release a unique scent that distinguishes one cat from another, and the rubbing action helps to spread it around, marking their territory. Once you are marked, you become part of the cat’s tribe of trusted humans.

Headbutting

When your cat walks up to you and starts to bang the top of its head against your leg or hand, it is easy to get alarmed. Officially called facial bunting, this behavior has nothing to do with aggression. In fact, it means the opposite of what you may assume and is a sign of playfulness and love. The movement indicates that your cat wants you to engage with it by playing or at least providing a vigorous head scratching. 

Hissing

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that when a cat hisses at you, you best leave it alone. But, if a cat combines hissing with other actions, it is slightly more severe than just another bad mood. If an ordinarily well-behaved combines hissing with a direct stare, spitting, a stiff tail, and swatting, it may mean a trip to the vet is in order. Just like humans, when cats aren’t feeling well, they tend to overact, and there is a good chance your kitty may be sick or in pain.

Uncovered Poop

Cats are uncommonly clean pets; that is one reason why many people prefer them over other animals. This cleanliness even extends to the litterbox. Ordinarily, cats will cover their droppings with kitty litter, but if you notice that your cat isn’t, there probably is a problem. When a cat leaves its poop exposed, there are several causes, but they all stem from an unhappy kitty. Your cat could be angry with you and trying to show its displeasure. Perhaps you aren’t cleaning the litterbox as often as you should? Or maybe the cat is dissatisfied with what is going on in his environment. Do you have an unruly toddler or a new routine that upsets the cat? 

Cats are fascinating creatures, and the better you understand their behaviors, the more you will appreciate them. 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to pets, a snake is not generally the first animal that springs to mind. But for a small number of passionate enthusiasts, snake ownership offers a fascinating and rewarding experience like no other.

Common pets, such as dogs and cats, present many challenges, but at least these challenges are relatively well-known. Because fewer people own snakes, it is easy for a curious person to buy one with little to no knowledge of exactly what they are getting into.

Before choosing a snake as your next pet, you should familiarize yourself with the animal and its specific care requirements. These five facts provide a great place to start.  

1. Snakes eat whole rodents.

People who are squeamish about handling dead rats or mice, should definitely NOT buy a snake. To ensure that your snake gets the nutrition it needs, you should feed it rodents that are as fresh as possible. Because live animals can bite or otherwise injure a snake, most experts recommend feeding snakes dead frozen rodents that have been recently thawed.

2. Snakes need certain air temperatures and humidity levels.

Because snakes are cold-blooded animals, their body temperature adjusts to the temperature of the environment that surrounds them. This requires them to carefully regulate their own body temperature to promote optimal health and comfort. Therefore, snake owners must generally provide both a hotter zone and a cooler zone in their tanks. Set up as a designated basking area, the hotter zone may need to be as high as the low 90°s Fahrenheit. They also need exposure to ultraviolet light to help them absorb calcium from their food and adequate humidity to help them shed dead skin on their bodies and maintain the clear lids (spectacles) that cover their eyes.

3. Snakes have relatively long lifespans.

Many people are surprised to learn just how long many snake species can live. While their lifespans are relatively short in the wild, they can have remarkably long lifespans when protected from natural predators and provided with ample food and ideal living conditions. For this reason, a captive corn snake can live 20 years, a captive ball python can live 30 years, and a captive boa constrictor can live 40 years or more. Even shorter-lived pet snakes such as rat snakes typically live for at least a decade.

4. Snakes can grow quite big.

People purchasing a juvenile snake should know exactly how long and heavy that species might get as an adult. Larger types of snakes can approach 20 feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds. The widely circulated idea that snakes can only grow as big as the tanks that contain them is frankly ridiculous!

5. Snakes should come from a reputable source.

General pet stores, including large chains such as Petco and PetSmart, don’t generally employ dedicated reptile specialists who know how to properly care for snakes. To get a healthy snake and promote a humane marketplace, you should buy your snake from an expert breeder.