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Show Now for the fun part—selecting your new dog. If a purebred is the choice, then the individual breed tendencies and instincts need to be considered. Study the history of the breed to determine its “job” in the past, because the genetic make-up plays an importantrole in its personality. Helpful Facts About Dog Breeds | BREED Toy Poodle Chihuahua Lhasa Apso Cocker Spaniel cw + PRO - a = +/- +/- Beagle Min. Schnauzer Labrador German Shepherd Rottweiler + - e + . - a + + +/- low + + ~ +/- high low + s, L + - + + = ae mod. low + e + + - +/- + low + + - + KEYCODEFORDOGS; = GW/K Good with kids PRO Protection oe SHEDS x ws ieeee ee low high high + mod. + + ——s = 380 pesad GW/S Good with seniors Herding, hunting and guarding were the original reasons people began domesticating dogs. A good way to get an overview of different breeds is to attend a dog show. The groups found at an American Kennel Club showare the working breeds, the sporting breeds, the hounds, the terriets, the toy breeds, and the non-sporting group. There is even a miscellaneous group for rare breeds and others who do notfit the usual cate- creatures have been wandering the streets, so their immediate appearance may be less than perfect. But even in a cage or kennel, the animal’s personality will shine if given the opportunity. Usually there is a place in which the prospective owner and the animal can visit for a bit. Ask questions of the shelter attendant because sometimes information about a rescue may be known. gories. +/+ Golden Retriever Dobennan e MA high Photo by Donn iilinyy ‘took Dog photos by Catherina Special Advertising Section . nee Helpful Facts About Cat Breeds BREED/COLOR PERSONALITY MAINTENANCE RAIN sscspicsaosticeoeeieogalhsSUNG coserecnrscoigeersesrsnesclocseihigh HinaAyanispoettsccorscceesceaphrsesrttecsonNOI oocc¥occeccydhepcvivrensraveTaibsoseisethhigh POSED 55) soreseiceqestrstoigirotobhe IRIIOMIW cceicnectrcterssevvrevvcosertoancpkserieeessiita shigh SRIESe AniacatinieeaanSIO oi issssdsscocbesssbosaarteatozeciasecseregtaasbele low YSSIWAN 5,csosssscsshessdpctocsstovecsvseiodPVIRY 5csssonsssoshpesresgsoaticireencasroouiieintlow CANO ceostsasscsveosiateacegiieaeiporeehiieceealeBIIETY sa deocoeccconidepends on hair length Oreinge Tay caisiesssccctecadsvensenionAMEUOW 2.....eeccoeeeesdepends on hair length If a mixed breed or rescue suits the household and the budget a bit better than a purebred animal, lots of them await the selective person. There are no losers when a horneless cat or dog is placed in a loving home. What a heartwarming feeling to know an animal was saved from probable death! These pets often become the most wonderful and appreciative the owner has ever had. Could these rescued pets know the debt of gratitude owed their new owners? It certainly appears so. Animal shelters, whether under the auspices of a city, county, or §.P.C.A., house millions of dogs and cats needing a home. Last year alone, 7.5million animals were euthanized for being unwanted. There is an element of suspense to adopting one of these “UFOs” (‘unidentified furry objects”) since personality traits, grooming require- ments, and size may be essentially unknownat the time of adoption if the animal is young. When walking the aisles of a shelter, temptation abounds. Look for an anirnal who has good weight and a healthy coat; eyes and nose should be free of infection, as should the ears. Sometimes these Most rescue organizations allow a three day home trial of the new pet. These groups often work with local veterinarians who offer free examinations for adoptees within that three day period. The veterinarian can make “educated guesses” about age and breed, and can determine the health status of the animal. They can also check the pet for both internal and external parasites and some viral diseases such as feline leukemia. This gets the new owner and the new pet off to a healthy start. Pet stores are another source for either purebred or mixed breed animals; check with local veterinarians about individual stores to determine their reputation. With so manyvarieties to choose from it’s important to evaluate all factors in selecting the perfect pet. It’s worth the effort for all the warm welcomes that will await you each evening for years to come! |