WELCOME TO
THE NEW YEAR
Some things to look forward to….
• We will be profiling 2 dog breeds every week and
a cat of the month profile. Follow on
• BHAH Facebook
• BHAH Website
• Exam Room Information
• Monthly Specials starting in FEBRUARY
• EXTENDED HOURS coming in 2014
DOG OF THE WEEK
Dachshund
(Dahks-und )
)
MEET THE BREED
• The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in
German, is a lively breed with a friendly
personality and keen sense of smell. Known
for their long and low bodies, they are eager
hunters that excel in both above- and belowground work. One of the most popular breeds
according to AKC they come in three different
coat varieties (Smooth, Wirehaired or
Longhaired) and can be miniature or standard
size.
HISTORY
•
•
•
The Dachshund can be found in historical accounts dating back to the 15th,
16th and 17th centuries, when illustrations reflected badgers being hunted
with dogs with elongated bodies, short legs and hound-type ears. The dogs of
medieval Europe were noted to have the tracking ability of hounds and the
proportions and temperament of terriers, much needed to pursue their main
quarry of badgers.
Early in the 17th century, the name Dachshund (badger-dog) became the
designation of a breed type with smooth and longhaired coat varieties, and in
1890 wirehairs were added as a third variety.
During the development of the breed, two different sizes were emerging
based on the type of game being pursued: dogs weighing 30-35 pounds were
being used not only on badgers but wild boar, while smaller 16-22 pound dogs
proved effective against foxes and hare. Importations into America date back
in the AKC Stud Book in 1885. The Dachshund Club of America has promoted
the breed since 1895, and in 1935 Dachshunds were added to AKC field trials
to encourage hunting capacity and exemplary conformation and
temperament.
CHARACTER TRAITS
• Dachshunds are lovable, playful companions, and an
ideal pet for many homes, including those with children
with appropriate supervision. They require moderate
exercise, and can adapt to most living environments.
Depending on their coat type, Dachshunds may need
regular grooming.
• Hound Group
• Standard: Height 8 - 11 inches / Weight - over 11 lbs
Miniature: Height up to 5 - 7 inches / Weight 11 lbs
Toy: Height up to 12 inches / Weight 8 lbs
• Life Span: Average of 12 – 15 years
• Popularity: Rank 10th
DID YOU KNOW
•
The Dachshund was developed in Germany more than 300 years ago to hunt
badgers (dachs, badgers; hund, dog).
•
From 1930 to 1940, Dachshunds advanced from 28th to sixth rank among
American registrations, and maintained this average rank through World War II
by constructive public relations.
•
Dachshunds are accomplished hunting dogs despite their lapdog reputations.
•
In the postwar years, to avoid associations with Germany, the Dachshund’s
name was temporarily translated to "badger dog."
•
A Dachshund named “Otto” was cast and filmed in the “Wizard of Oz”? The
reason Otto was fired and replaced was because of a strong anti German
sentiment during World War II.
CAT OF THE MONTH
PERSIAN
MEET THE BREED
• The Persian cat is a longhaired cat breed, with
their luxurious coats and open pansy-like faces
are the number one breed in popularity. Their
sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most
households. Creatures of habit, they are most at
home in an atmosphere of security and serenity,
but can easily adapt to the most noisy of
households. Their quiet, voices are pleasant and
non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully
with their large expressive eyes and make
charming pets for all ages.
HISTORY
• The Persian is an old breed. To those who love
this elegant cat, it will come as no surprise that
the longhaired beauty originated in the cradle of
civilization: Mesopotamia, which was later known
as Persia and is now modern-day Iran. It’s striking
appearance attracted the attention of 17thcentury Italian nobleman and world traveler
Pietro Della Valle, who is credited with bringing
the first longhaired cats to Europe in 1626. At
that time, the cats had shiny, silky gray fur, but
thanks to selective breeding Persians are now
found in a variety of colors.
PERSONALITIES & TRAITS
• Stocky body, long full coat, round head with a
short nose; broad face; available in a variety of
colors and patterns
• Sweet, affectionate, quiet
• Weight: Ideal weight between 7-12 lbs
• Height: 10 - 15 inches
• Life Span: 15 years and up
• Popularity: Most popular cat in USA
INTERESTING FACTS
• “Duchess”, a Persian cat in Disney's "The
Aristocats“
• “Sassy”, from the movie Homeward Bound II:
Lost In San Francisco
DOG OF THE WEEK
Chow Chow
MEET THE BREED
• A powerful, sturdy dog of Arctic type, medium in
size and muscular with heavy bone, the Chow
Chow is an ancient breed of northern Chinese
origin. While the breed was originally a working
dog, he primarily serves as a companion today
and is seen in show rings across the country. This
lion-like, regal breed comes in five colors - red,
black, blue, cinnamon and cream - and is known
for its blue/black tongue and stilted gait. Their
coats can also be either rough or smooth.
HISTORY
•
The Chow Chow is more than 2,000 years old as a breed and many authorities
believe it may date back much farther. The breed probably originated, as one
popular theory states, as a result of crossing the old Mastiff of Tibet and the
Samoyed. Refutation of this theory lies in the fact that the Chow possesses a blueblack tongue, leading some to maintain that the Chow is the basic breed behind
the ancestors of the Samoyed, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Keeshond and the
Pomeranian.
•
While today the Chow is a fashionable pet and guard dog, in the early
development of the breed it functioned as a sporting dog. Credited with great
scenting powers, with staunchness on point and with cleverness in hunting tactics
and received great praise for his speed and stamina.
•
Undoubtedly the Chow Chow is of far northern origin, but he has always been
found in greatest number in the south of China. The name "Chow Chow" has little
basis for its origin in China; It meant knick-knacks or bric-a-brac, including curios
such as porcelain and ivory figurines. It was far easier for the master of a sailing
vessel to write "chow chow" than it was to describe all the various items of his
cargo. So, in time, the expression came to include the dog.
CHARACTER TRAITS
• Affectionate and devoted to family, the Chow is reserved and
discerning with strangers. Their cat-like personalities make them
independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds.
They require early socialization and training, and some kind of
exercise daily. Regular grooming and bathing is a must to maintain
their double coats.
•
•
•
•
•
Non-Sporting Group
Weight: 45 – 70 pounds
Height: 18 – 22 inches
Life Span: Average of 15 years
Popularity: Rank 69th
DID YOU KNOW
• The Chow-Chow has a blue-black tongue, unique to the breed and
the Chinese Shar-Pei only.
• Martha Stewart owns a number of Chows and often featured them
on her morning show.
• The theory has been advanced that the Chow originated through a
crossing of the old Mastiff of Tibet and the Samoyed, from the
northern parts of Siberia. However, the blue-black tongue refutes
this theory and leads many to believe that the Chow was one of the
original breeds of dog.
• In modern times, the Chow has become a fashionable pet and
guard dog, but evidence abounds as to the Chow's usefulness as a
sporting dog in ancient China.