Animals

Cute exclusive card perfect for sending springtime wishes this Easter, featuring sweet cartoon animals playing in a field.

For your friends easter cards with animals.

Happy Easter with bunny

Easter Card with Animals

Happy Easter

Common Hill Myna

The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa), sometimes spelled "mynah" and formerly simply known as Hill Myna, is the myna most commonly seen in aviculture, where it is often simply referred to by the latter two names.

There are 12 known sub-species of Hill Mynahs. The Java Hill (Gracula religiosa religiosa) and the Greater Indian Hill (Gracula religiosa intermedia) mynahs are the ones most remembered being seen in pet stores in the United States, before the import ban took place. Some types of Hill mynahs are protected and cannot be found in bird markets or pet stores around the world.

The glossy black plumage is basically the same in all Hill races and when struck by the light you see a sheen of iridescent purple, turquoise and green. All have similar bright yellow wattles but the wattle pattern varies and a bright orange beak that fades to yellow at the tip, resembling "candy corn". There's a band of white across each wing. The legs and feet are yellow. Immature Hill mynahs look like the adults but the plumage is not usually dull and may even have a ragged appearance, for not having gone through the first molt.

Hill mynahs once preferred living in hill forests from a range beginning at about 1000 feet and up to 5000 feet and more, but because of deforestation, they now reside beginning at sea level in lowland forests. They prefer areas of high rainfall and humidity and spend most of their lives in trees, inhabiting dense jungle forests. Though most live in trees on the forest edge, some races are found on tea and coffee plantations where there are lots of large flowering shade trees, and in mangroves.

Ginger and Caramel Doughnuts with Coconut Glaze

Ginger and Caramel Doughnuts with Coconut Glaze

Healthy, raw and gluten-free doughnuts with actual nutritional benefits to match the pleasure of eating them? Yes, you read this right and while it may seem to good to be true this recipe by Chris Anca of Tales of a Kitchen proves that with raw food cuisine miracles can happen. 

The actual doughnut base is a simple combination of raw cashews ground to a flour, flax, chia, dates, ginger, lemon zest and a dash of turmeric to lend that pop of orange. The frosting is a creamy, sweet, metabolism boosting combination of young coconut meat, coconut oil and a liquid sweetener of your choice. Both ginger and turmeric are highly anti-inflammatory herbs, as are all of the omega 3's found in flax and chia. Top with grated almonds and a few crunchy cacao nibs. Delicious!

Ingredients:

100 gr cashew meal
50gr linseed meal
3 TBSP chia seeds
½ cup water
7 Medjool dates
2 TBSP lemon zest
about 1 TBSP grated ginger (or to taste)
1 tsp turmeric
For the frosting:
meat of a young coconut
2 TBSP good quality coconut oil, melted
2 TBSP liquid sweetener of choice
Toppings: cacao nibs and grated almonds

Preparation:

1) Mix the linseed with the water and let sit for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
2) Mix cashew meal with chia seeds, lemon zest, ginger and turmeric.
3) Add the linseed water mix to the rest of the ingredients and mix by hand until you have a sticky ‘dough’.
4) Roll pieces of dough into balls, slightly flatten them then make a hole in the middle.
5) Refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes before frosting.
6) To make the frosting add all the ingredients to a blender and whiz them up until creamy and soft.
7) Refrigerate the frosting for about 10-15 minutes to firm up.
8) Frost the doughnuts and add toppings.
Best served chilled.

Vegan

Being a vegan is definitely more of a lifestyle choice and a philosophy than a diet. A vegan does not eat anything that is of animal origin. Vegans will not use animal based products for clothing, or any other purpose.

A person can become a vegan because of ethical reasons involving animal rights, for environmental factors, or for better health. According to an article published by PETA1, approximately 2.5 percent of people in the U.S. are vegans.

Animal rights

Vegans do not consume or use dairy products or eggs even though doing so would not kill the animal. Part of the reason is a belief in the absolute right of animals to exist freely without human interference, but also because many commercially-raised egg-laying chickens and dairy cows are slaughtered when their productivity declines with age - this is even the case with free range animals.

Many vegans also say that there would still be slaughter of animals if we all became vegetarians who only consumed dairy and eggs from animals.

Bulls and cockerels would most likely be slaughtered at birth, unless everybody were willing to pay more for their eggs and dairy in order to maintain these "unproductive" animals.

Farming today is very different from what it used to be. Modern farms are highly mechanized factories - a lot of animals are given products to make them produce more.

View and Download Dog Wallpapers And Desktop Backgrounds by Elisa Bistocchi Photographer.

Dogs backgrounds for your regular or widescreen desktop computer, laptop, notebook, smart phone, super phone, and many other mobile computing devices (eg. Tablets) including iPad. Please click on any of the thumbnails below to get your Pets - Dogs wallpaper now.

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Segugio Italiano and Australian Shepherd Dog Wallpaper

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Australian Shepherd Tricolor

This writing is meant to be as basic as possible with no use of technical terms. It is meant to answer some of the questions ASCA receives and to help the novice and beginning breeder. The information contained here is regarding the body color of Aussies without discussion of white or copper trim.

The basic body colors of Australian Shepherds are red and black.  The blue merle is genetically a black dog carrying the merling gene (which breaks up the black color into a pattern of black patches on grey).
The red merle is genetically a red dog carrying a merling gene (which breaks up the red color into a pattern of red patches on beige).

IMPORTANT!! IN THIS WRITING, BLACK REFERS TO BOTH SOLID BLACKS AND BLUE MERLES.

IN THIS WRITING, RED REFERS TO BOTH SOLID REDS AND RED MERLES.

Remember, all blacks and blue merles have black noses and eye rims, and all reds and red merles have liver/brown noses and eye rims.

In the breed, there are non-recognized colors which are considered undesirable. These colors are disqualifying faults by the ASCA Breed Standard. These include sable, brown merles, brindle, gray/slate, diluted red, and blond. The genetics of these colors is not discussed here.  However, the reader should realize that if these colors exist in a properly colored dog's ancestry they may be produced.

The four recognized colors for Australian Shepherds are: black, blue merle, red and red merle.
One basic rule of genetics the reader needs to know is that gene pairs determine characteristics like color. ONE GENE COMES FROM EACH PARENT. With color, THE DOMINANT GENE is the trait you SEE. The RECESSIVE GENE is the trait you DO NOT SEE UNLESS IT IS PAIRED WITH ANOTHER, SAME RECESSIVE GENE.

BLACK IS DOMINANT OVER RED!!!

Keeping this in mind, the rules for Aussie color are constant and simple:

1. A dog with two black genes is BLACK/BLACK- He appears BLACK
2. A dog with one black gene and one red gene is BLACK/RED he appears BLACK
3.  A dog with two red genes is RED/RED- He appears RED

All properly colored Australian  Shepherds are one of these three!Remember, each parent will give ONE GENE to each puppy.  Important: Again, black refers to solid black and blue merle. Red refers to solid red and red merle.

1. (BLACK/BLACK) has only black genes to give and thus ALL his pups will be black although they MAY carry a red gene if the other parent contributed a red gene.
2. (BLACK/RED) will produce black or red pups. When it passes on its black gene, black pups will result. When it passes on its red gene if paired with a red gene from the other parent, the pups will be red. These blacks are often referred to as "red carriers" or "red factored".
3. (RED/RED) is a red. TWO REDS WILL PRODUCE 100% REDS. As you can see, there is no black gene to dominate. If a red is bred to a #1 ALL pups will be black but ALL will carry a red gene. Bred to a #2 both black and red pups may result.

For the breeder, the only real uncertainty arises because #1 (BLACK/BLACK) and #2 (BLACK/RED) look exactly alike. If a black dog has a red parent, he will ALWAYS carry a red recessive gene. However, if he is from two black parents, only test breeding will tell if he is a BLACK/BLACK or a BLACK/RED.

You can see from this that the color of grandparents or ancestors of red dogs play no part in the colors they will produce. Red genes are all they have to pass on. The red dog from two black parents has the same genetic make-up for color as the red dog from two red parents. Occasionally a red will show up in a long line of only black ancestry. This happens when a line of
BLACK/RED's exists and two BLACK/RED's produce a RED/RED.

REMEMBER AGAIN! ALL ABOVE REFERENCES TO BLACK REFERS TO BLACK AND BLUE MERLES. ALL REFERENCES TO RED INCLUDES RED AND RED MERLES.

Some Additional Facts Regarding Color
Occasionally a dog appearing to be solid black or solid red is a merle. One or two flecks of lighter merling on a solid dog will make him genetically a merle. These dogs will produce like any other merle and have been referred to as "phantom merles".

IDEAL coloring on a blue merle should be a base color of jet black with all merling patches some shade of gray.  Merling that has a rusty appearance is not desirable.

IDEAL coloring on a red merle is a base color ofliver or dark mahogany with all merling patches some shade of lighter red.

Copper trim color ranges from pale cream to dark deep tan. IDEALLY it appears as "shepherd's spots" above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, on the legs and under the tail. Copper trim extending into the body or onto the head is referred to as "running copper" and is not desirable
All black and blue merle dogs have black noses, eye rims and lips. All red and red merle dogs have liver/brown noses, eye rims and lips. Reds NEVER have any black hair. Blue eyes almost never appear in solid colored Aussies, although they are common in some other breeds.

Blue eyes and blue flecks in dark eyes occur in merles, and are not reliably predictable in a given litter. One eye color is not preferable over another.

The term "tri" refers to a solid black or solid red with copper and white trim.
The term "bi" refers to a solid black or solid red with white trim (no copper).

The Cocker Spaniel dates back as far as the 14th century. The breed originated from the English Cocker Spaniels, which were brought to the United States. The Spaniels were bred down in size and given the name American Cocker Spaniels, officially called simply the “Cocker Spaniel” by the AKC. The American Cocker Spaniel is more popular than the original English Cocker Spaniel, who are slightly different in appearance, with longer muzzles and larger bodies.

The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting-gun dog able to work in difficult terrain in both wet and dry land. Excellent at flushing and retrieving game with a gentle mouth. They listen to commands well. The name “Cocker” comes from the woodcock, a game bird the dogs were known for flushing. Some of the American Cocker Spaniels talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility and competitive obedience. The American Cocker Spaniel was first recognized by the AKC in 1873.

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Gundog Group. They will both point and fetch game and although still used as a field dog, are today more often seen in the show ring or as companion dogs.

American Cocker Spaniels are small-bodied, compact dogs. They are workmanlike dogs and well balanced. They are noted for their rounded head and full, silky coat with feathering on ears, chest, abdomen and legs. They move in a smooth, co-ordinated way and appear to cover the ground effortlessly.

The Spinone Italiano is an Italian dog breed. However, it should be recognized that the Spinone is a unique, indivisible breed and the correct reference is Spinone (Spinoni plural).
Its original purpose was as a versatile gun dog, which the breed is still a master of today. The Spinone is a loyal, friendly and alert dog with a close lying, wiry coat. It is an ancient breed that can be traced back to approximately 500 BC.

It is often used for hunting, pointing, and retrieving game (HPR), but the intelligent and strong Spinone can be used for practically anything ranging from companions to assistance dogs.

A versatile and popular hunting dog, they excel in pointing and retrieving. The Spinone Italiano is an excellent swimmer that is suited for hunting on all types of terrain and in all climates. In addition to their hunting skills this breed makes a lovely companion.

The Spinone Italiano is exceedingly intelligent, exuberant, and cheerful. They take their hunting duties very seriously, but are lively and entertaining in the home environment. They thrive on human companionship and do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time.

They will suffer separation anxiety and will become bored and destructive. Spinone Italianos are excellent with considerate children and other household pets, although they do have a tendency to chase after anything that runs. The Spinone Italiano is generally quiet and is not suited for use as protection. They have a very patient nature and will return respect they are given.

The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear, but the source of the breed seems to have been the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer, and various crossings with local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs.

When the Germans introduced the English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer prototype, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting virtue with clean lines, good looks and sound temperament.

A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color.

The German Shorthaired Pointer, or GSP, is a streamlined, medium-sized dog with a distinguished appearance and an eagerness to please. This hard working, noble hunter is highly intelligent, extremely friendly and very active.

The short, smooth coat of the GSP requires little care, though the breed does shed at a moderate rate. Basic routine grooming is recommended, paying close attention to the ears to prevent buildup of debris.

The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of medium-sized, short-coated dog whose early ancestors came from England. In the early part of the twentieth century, the breed gained social stature and was accepted by the American Kennel Club as the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are not to be confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s muscled build and protective instinct should make strangers beware, yet with their own family they are devoted, gentle and loving. A common question regarding the American Staffordshire Terrier is, “How is this breed different from the American Pit Bull Terrier?”. In the eyes of the United Kennel Club, they are the same breed, but many disagree.

Some AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terriers are dual-registered as American Pit Bull Terriers with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed. The AKC, on the other hand, does not allow a UKC-registered American Pit Bull Terrier to be registered as an American Staffordshire Terrier. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT — but not vice versa… They are courageous and a tenacious fighter if provoked. Training can be a challenge because of their pushy yet sensitive character. Their natural temperament towards people is gentle and loving, unfortunately some have been improperly handled giving the American Staffordshire Terrier a bad rap.

The American Temperament Test Society conducts tests every year on thousands of dogs to determine the soundness of their temperament. The American Staffordshire Terrier routinely ranks well above many “popular” breeds such as the Beagle, Collie, Doberman Pinscher and the Cocker Spaniel. Intelligence, human attenuation, energy, and affection are characteristic of the breed.

Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed (Papillon means “butterfly” in French). In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine boned structure. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears. They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive. The breed must be either parti-color or white with patches of any color.

Papillon means “butterfly” in French – a name likely given the breed thanks to it’s ears, which, when erect resemble the butterfly. The white blaze that runs down the top of the Papillon’s head adds to the butterfly appearance. Papillons measure just eight to 11 inches at the shoulder. The Papillon’s fine, soft and silky coat is white with patches of any color or tri-color (black and white with tan markings) The nose, eyes and lips are black, and the gorgeous tail is thickly plumed and carried proudly over the body.

The Papillon is a great choice for elderly or disabled dog owners, since it’s exercise needs are minimal. The Papillon dog breed is well suited to apartment living and city life. The Papillon makes an excellent family pet for any size accommodation and is ideally suited to the stay-at-home. Loyal, loving and protective, Papillons make good watch dogs, too!

The name Spaniel is a misnomer. This ancient breed from Tibet is probably the ancestor of the Pekingese. It has been kept by monks for over three thousand years. The little dog was trained to walk on a treadmill, which turned prayer wheels that the monks believed sent prayers to heaven. The holy dogs were given to the emperors of China as tribute gifts and surely figure in the backgrounds of many of the Chinese breeds. One of the first of the Tibetan breeds to reach the west, the Spaniels appeared in England about 1900 and looked much like the Pekingese of the time. Refinements in England have brought the two breeds to their present forms. The Tibetan Spaniel has much more leg under it and is not so exaggerated in form as the Pekingese. Tibetan Spaniels were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.

The Tibetan Spaniel is a highly intelligent breed and is deeply devoted to their family and friends. They thrive on human companionship, are extremely sensitive, and will respond to their owner’s moods, emotions, and feelings. They do best with older, considerate, well-behaved children. This breed is generally aloof with strangers but is never aggressive. They get along very well with other pets. The Tibetan Spaniel will vigorously alert their family to any unusual event, sound, or to visitors. They are excellent watchdogs that are neither nervous nor hyper. This breed is not only a lap dog but also likes to sleep in bed with their owners. The Tibetan Spaniel likes to be up high so they are able to survey their surroundings.

One of the three native Tibetan breeds in the Non-Sporting group (along with the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Terrier), the Tibetan Spaniel is small, active and alert. They are low to the ground, with a body slightly longer than tall. Popular primarily as companion dogs in their native Tibet, “Tibbies” are also now found in the conformation, obedience and agility rings in the United States. The breed can be all colors including cream, gold and sable, with white markings allowed on the feet.

A very intelligent breed, the Tibetan Spaniel thrives on human companionship and needs to be with its people. Although outgoing and friendly, the breed may be aloof with strangers. Tibbies need only moderate exercise, so they are excellent in apartments. Their double coats need weekly brushing.

Some dogs really enjoy getting dressed in costumes – they might ham it up and revel in the attention.
Other dogs can become scared or uncomfortable in clothing of any type.

If you want to dress your dog up, start simple and see how she handles it. If she does not like it, then don’t push the issue.

Try a Halloween bandanna or collar instead. If your dog does seem to enjoy getting dressed up, be certain you choose a costume that fits comfortably.

If it is too tight, it could cut off circulation or cause sores to develop. Loose-fitting outfits can trip your dog or get caught on objects around the house.

Because of these potential dangers, never leave your dog unattended in the costume. She could become injured or may ingest parts of the costume and choke, become sick, or develop gastrointestinal blockage.

The Australian Silky Terrier is often said to be the result of a planned mating between an Australian Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier, but because stud records were not kept in the early days this cannot be proved. In 1900 the Australian Terrier Club was formed, but folded a couple of years later leading to the formation of the Victoria Silky and Yorkshire Terrier Club. In 1904 this new club drew up a standard for the breed. Soon after breeders in Sydney formed the Sydney Silky Club and developed a separate standard for what was to be known as the Sydney Silky.

Even today, Australian Silky Terrier breeders will receive requests for Sydney Silkies from throughout the world. And it was not until 1959 that the Silky was recognised as being a breed and was given the name Australian Silky Terrier and the official breed standard drawn up.

Full of energy, this versatile breed will adapt to any situation, making it suitable as a companion in a one-bedroom apartment or as a family dog. It usually devotes itself to one particular family member (usually the one who feeds it). The Australian Silky Terrier is great with children and will play with them for hours. Their small size makes them ideal household pets.

The Australian Silky Terrier is friendly to all the family, but will usually attach itself to one member and be friendly with the rest. It will tolerate strangers, but no more than that. It will love children if raised with them, but it doesn’t enjoy being fussed over or being treated like an animated toy and prefers to be treated as an equal.

The Silky is classified as a toy dog because of its size, but it is far removed from the usual lap dog. It has the true smart and forceful character of a terrier and it has all the advantages of a small dog in suburban life, not being too big for the children, the car or the garden.

Japanese Chins actually originated in China and are probably descended from the Tibetan Spaniel. The breed was introduced to Japan over 2,500 years ago and became a favorite of the Japanese Imperial Court. Chins were introduced to the U.S. in the 1850’s by Admiral Perry. The breed was ranked 67th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.

The Japanese Chin is sometimes called the Japanese Spaniel and is from the same family tree as the Tibetan Spaniel, the Pug and the Pekinese dog breeds. The lively and entertaining Chin is a toy-sized breed with a short and very wide muzzle. The Chin’s large eyes are set quite wide apart and it almost has an Oriental appearance. Chins stand about 8 to 10 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh about 6 to 7 pounds. These toy dogs have a long, thick and silky coat with straight hair. The Chin has extensive feathering on the legs, tail and body with a ruff around its neck. The Chin’s normal colors are black and white although red and white is also common. Japanese Chins are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Group.

The Japanese Chin is a devoted companion, relishing a warm lap as much as a boisterous game. He is sensitive and willing to please, tending to shadow his family. He is a friend to all: strangers, dogs and pets. His playfulness and gentleness make him a good child’s companion for equally gentle children. The breed has been described as almost catlike, some even climb.

The Japanese Chin is lively but small enough that his exercise needs can be met with a short walk, romp or game. This is not a breed that can live outside. He does not do well in hot humid weather. Some Chins tend to wheeze. The long coat needs combing twice weekly.

It has been said that the history of the English Coonhound is the history of all coonhounds. With the exception of the Plott Hound, most coonhounds can be traced back to the English Foxhound. In 1905 the English Coonhound was first registered by UKC under the name of English fox & Coonhound. Back then they were used for fox hunting much more than they are today.

The name reflected the similarity that the breed had to the American Foxhound and the English foxhound. While the Redbone and Black and Tan were given separate breed status, all other treeing coonhounds were called English after the turn of the century. These included both the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound. They were considered all the same breed. It was the variation in color which separated them. The heavily ticked dogs split off from the English and the Bluetick Coonhound was recognized as a separate breed in 1945. In 1946 the tricolored hounds separated into the breed called Treeing Walker Coonhounds. Though redticked dogs predominate, to this day there are still tri-colored and blueticked English hounds. The English Coonhound was bred to adapt to the rougher American climate and terrain. An English named “Bones,” owned by Colonel Leon Robinson, won one of the first National Coonhound Championships. The breed is still used by practical hunters and competitive hound owners throughout the USA.

The English Coonhound breed descends from Irish and French breeds brought to America. They were utilized to hunt fox by day and raccoon by night. The original Coonhounds were inadequate when hunting by American standards due to their inability to track quarry in trees. Therefore, the original breed was crossed with the Bloodhound to enhance their scent tracking ability. Today English Coonhound’s are used to track and hunt raccoon, oppossum, cougar, deer, boar, and bear.

Affectionate, assured, watchful, fearless, and loyal. The English Coonhound breed does best in packs rather than being the only dog. They get along with older, considerate children and other pets they have been raised with. The English Coonhound has a tendency to be high-strung, exuberant, and lively.

Considered to be one of the oldest breeds, the Thai Ridgeback originated in Thailand. Used as a hunter, watchdog, and family protector, this breed is exceedingly rare outside of their native country. Due to a lack of human interaction and isolation this breed remains largely undomesticated and independent.

The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized pariah-type dog with a wedge-shaped head, triangular-shaped prick ears, and a very short, smooth coat. It has a pronounced ridge on its back formed by hair growing in the opposite direction that extends from behind the withers to the hips. Puppies are occasionally born ridgeless. Thai Ridgebacks have a muscular and streamlined body, making them extremely agile. The tail is carried upward called a sickle or sword tail. Its forehead wrinkles with enormous expression. Like many eastern breeds, the Thai Ridgeback has retained a ‘scissor jaw’ where upper and lower teeth interlock when the jaw bones clamp down. The tongue can be black or have black marks. Eyes are almond-shaped and brown but may be amber in blue dogs. The ears are set low and point slightly outward. The ears stand up progressively during the puppy growth period, they are not cropped. The back is straight and level. The coat is short, hard, and straight. Due to the length and density of the coat shedding is minimal, occurring once or twice yearly.

Traditionally, the only other Ridgeback dog beside the well known Rhodesian Ridgeback has been the Phu Quoc Dog. Pho Quoc Island, now a part of Vietnam, is the major isle in the Gulf of Siam, about 200 km south of Bangkok. The ancestry of the Phu Quoc dog is undoubtedly the Thai Ridgeback which has existed in eastern Siam (near the Cambodian border) for at least four hundred years . Ridgeback dogs in cave paintings dating back 1000 years have been found in Cambodia and Thailand.
These Thai Ridgebacks were used for hunting (they are keen sight hounds) deer, tapirs and birds in dense jungle, as guardians for family homesteads and as companions for carts, the traditional mode of transportation in these areas. As a result of the isolation of the area, Thai Ridgebacks have retained their unique type and traditional usage until recently. However, today “civilization” has come even to these isolated areas. Roads have been built and autos have replaced carts as the major mode of transportation. Intense deforestation throughout Thailand has destroyed most hunting habitat. Thai Ridgebacks today are primarily kept as companions or guards for the family homestead and have been adopted by many Thai dog fanciers.

Thai Ridgebacks are medium-large sized short-haired dogs of high intelligence and great jumping ability. Males measure 22 to 24 ½ inches at the withers and weigh from 42 to 60 pounds: female measure 21 to 23 ½ inches and weigh from 37 to 50 pounds. The short coat , ranging from brush to horse coat comes in four colors, black, red (ranging from deep mahogany to light chestnut), blue (or silver) and fawn. The ridge pattern on the back comes in eight different patterns. Thai Ridgebacks bred by Thai fanciers are often kennel raised. Further few Thai’s keep house pets as do Americans. Accordingly, few Thai imports are well socialized. This is especially true since pups must be at least four months old (and have their rabies shots) to be imported into the United States. However, litters bred by American breeders and hand raised in households according to our traditional American socialization methods are very good people dogs, bonding closely to their families. They are usually gentle with their families and with people their families introduce them to, but are excellent watch dogs if people they do not know appear or sounds they don’t understand occur around the house.

Directly developed from the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature is a relatively new breed. Originating in the United States, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is rapidly becoming popular for their compact size and strong work ethic. They are extremely adept at herding, but are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is almost identical in appearance to the standard or full sized Australian Shepherd in everything but size. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is actually less than 18 inches tall (46 cm) at the withers when full grown, and there is also a smaller version of the breed known as a Toy Australian Shepherd which must be less than 14 inches or (36 cm) when fully grown. A still smaller variety known as the Tea Cup must be less than 12 pounds when fully grown.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an athletic dog that should appear solid and sturdy without appearing stocky. They have a medium length straight coat that can have a slight wave but never a curl. The coat is double with a somewhat thick and coarse outer coat covering a soft, downy inner coat. The outer coat is not coarse feeling but is rather smooth to the touch. The body is longer than the dog is tall at the shoulders, and the ribcage and chest is moderately developed. The topline is very straight from the withers to the hips. The legs are straight and the feet are slightly arched with the back legs having a well defined stifle that gives the dog its ready to jump into action appearance.

The double coat is of medium length and is very thick and full without giving the appearance of being fluffy. The hair is longer on the ruff, legs and rump and may be slightly wavy but never curly or kinky.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is loyal, affectionate, and easy going. They are lively, playful, and alert. They are deeply devoted and naturally protective. This breed gets along well with older children. Their exuberance and herding instincts make them unsuitable for homes with young children. They are wary and suspicious of strangers and will warn their family of danger or unusual noises. They are typically not aggressive to other dogs.

The Saint Bernard is a strong and powerful dog with a very tall and muscular body and a large powerful head. They have a wide skull, with high cheek bones and a distinct furrowing of the brow. The skin of their foreheads is very wrinkled, often giving them a rather stern expression, particularly if they also possess a dark mask.

The Saint Bernard has a short muzzle, and does not taper. The bridge is straight and sometimes slightly broken. They have strong sound teeth with either a scissors bite or an even bite. Their mouths often have a black roof.

The Saint Bernard’s nose is very broad with wide open nostrils. Their noses and lips are always black. They have medium sized ears, particularly when compared to the size of their heads. They stand slightly away from the head at the base and then drop sharply, clinging to the head. Their ear flaps are soft and tender and forms a rounded triangle which is slightly elongated toward the point.
The Saint Bernard’s eyes are set toward the front of the head, and are always dark brown. They are medium sized and deep set, giving the dog a friendly and intelligent expression.

The Saint Bernard has a somewhat sorrowful expression, but is actually very good-natured. They are excellent with children and other animals. They have a protective instinct for their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are sensible and loving and make a great family pet. They may display stubbornness, so owners must be very patient. They thrive on high amounts of love and attention. The Saint Bernard is prone to anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time and may destroy their owner’s home and belongings.