‘Cat’ch her in the act

NOV-DEC 2009

WRITTEN BY VARSHA VERMA

If you observe your kitty closely, you can know exactly what she has on mind. Here are a few behaviours she displays and what they mean…

If you are blessed with a cat, you inherently know when she is happy to see you and when she is angry, fearful or upset. Here are a few common signals which tell you exactly how your kitty is feeling.

Watch her head… 

If your kitty rubs her head on your body, she is expressing love, wants to be caressed or simply relaxing.

Hear the ears… 

You must have seen that even when your cat is sleeping, the faintest sound pricks up her ears but she doesn’t react all the time. She reacts only if her mind detects a predator or a prey. Watch her ears closely to know more about her feelings.

If your kitty’s ears are upright and pointing forward, she is alert but nothing to worry, as she is relaxed as well. If her ears are pointing sideways, she’s attentive to what’s happening around but she is not relaxed and if you see her ears upright and pointing backwards…then she is actually disturbed and may turn aggressive.

Ears pointing back and flat against the head indicate that your kitty is scared but she may become aggressive. And if her ears are flattened sideways, she is in an aggressive mood…don’t go near her.

Eyes you can’t miss… 

If you see two cats staring at each other, it is threatening but if one of them breaks the eye contact, it means there is no dispute.

If you see your kitty’s dilated pupils, she is either fearful, aggressive, excited or in pain but if her pupils are narrow, she’s angry but self-assured.

Observe her eyelids also. If they half-closed or fluttering, she is sleepy and if she looks at you at this time, she is displaying trust in you.

Trailing tails… 

If your kitty’s tail is upright and quivering, she’s pleased to see you – she’s communicating friendliness and contentment. But, if her tail is upright and bristling, with hair on her back standing, then she’s probably upset about something…beware.

Also, a tail held half way up indicates that the cat is friendly but she is not confident of the person or cat who is approaching her.

If you have ever scolded you cat, you must have noticed that her tail is between her rear legs; sometimes curled inwards…she is submissive at this point.

And as you know these beauties have a lot of attitude too, so if you see tail hair upright with a little flick with just the end of the tail, she is acknowledging you but she has other better things to do than you!

Hissing and meows... 

If your kitty gives a hiss or a snarl with an open mouth, she is communicating defensive aggression. When your kitty meows, she is probably greeting you or requesting you for some favour.

Though all these are mere signals to show what your cat means, it is important to observe the whole body language of your kitty to know what’s exactly on her mind.

When it’s time to call a vet…

Your proud sweet feline is losing weight or is unusually lethargic…he is throwing up or is showing an abnormal behaviour…do not wait, call your vet immediately…your feline is probably sick. Here’s how to know if your kitty needs a professional care.

Kitties can’t talk but as a pet parent, you can analyse when your kitty needs a professional veterinary care. Here’s a list to make it easier for you to know when to call a vet:

• Hiding in a quiet, dark place
• Is lethargic, sleeping more than usual
• Yowling or crying
• Has become quiet all of a sudden
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Unusual aggressiveness
• Breathing problem
• Sneezing or coughing
• Has ticks or fleas
• Has ear mites
• Suffering from mange
• Has yellow skin
• Has bad breath
• Cannot digest anything, throwing up
• Has diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Very thirsty or not drinking water
• Showing abnormal behaviour
• Does not react when you touch or pick her up
• Change in physical appearance
• Cannot move easily
• Lumps on the body
• Taking more time to heal wounds, blemishes, etc
• Has stopped grooming herself
• Discharge from any body opening
• Not urinating at all or blood in urine
• Excessive urination
• Excessive licking of genitals
• Litterbox issues – change in colour or consistency of poop

…there may be many more. You know your kitty best, observe her regularly and contact your vet immediately if you find any abnormalities. Remember, early detection of cat illness symptoms increases the likelihood that treatment will be successful, besides cutting down on the vet bills.

Love expressed

We all have different ways to convey our love to our dear ones. Here’s how our felines express love to their pet parents and how we can reciprocate, in a way they can understand.Each individual is different…so is the feline…her ability to express her affection would depend on her personality and of course her upbringing. But there are some ways in which your kitty will express her love for you…you need to look for the signs that she is affectionate. 

Happy to see you back: What does your kitty do when she hears you are home? Does she get excited on hearing your car or your footsteps? Does she dash to the door to see you? Then, be happy…your kitty loves you and has missed you and is glad you are back. 

Kitty kisses: Ever seen how your kitty looks at strangers or other cats? She stares at them, unblinking. But when your cat looks at you with slow eye blinks, she is actually giving you ‘kitty kisses’ – a sure shot sign of love. Simply give her the kitty kisses back and enjoy the bond of love. 

Grooming you: You must have seen two cats bonding with each other… When your kitty grooms you, she is sending the message that you are part of her feline family and she is caring for you. 

Tails up: When your kitty greets you with an upright tail or a question-mark shaped tail, she is showing affection and trust. 

I’m comfortable: When your kitty rolls over and exposes her belly to you, it means she trusts you and she’s comfortable showing her vulnerability to you. 

Kneading or rubbing you: Have you seen a kitten kneading her mother to stimulate milk flow? This is a sign of love and affection. When your kitty kneads against your body, she adores you. If this is accompanied with drooling… it is a true act of love! 

You are mine: Love sometimes means possession. When your cat rubs her face on you, she is actually marking her territory…making you ‘her’ property. When she rubs her face on your body, the glands on her face secrete pheromones, which is unique for each cat…hence signaling that ‘you are mine.’ 

Two’s company: If your cat loves your company, she would follow you everywhere. She will love to sit in the same room where you are. 

Time for gifts: When your kitty brings you a dead mouse or a bird, she is actually gifting you something she feels will please you. Do not scold her at this time; just take care to keep her indoors to discourage this behaviour. 

So, that’s how a cat expresses her love to you…it’s time you reciprocate her love…in ways she can understand. 

The caring touch: Nuzzle up to your kitty… she would love your touch every now and then. 

Pet her: Depending on your cat’s liking, pet stroke, scratch her gently under her chin, cheeks, back and behind her ears. 

Play with her: Bond with your kitty by playing with them with balls, paper bags, cat toys…anything that amuses her. 

Groom her: Though cats love to groom themselves, you can also bond with her by grooming her. Just introduce grooming sessions at an early age so that she gets used to it soon and looks forward to a great time with you. 

Do not tower her when expressing your love: Last but not the least, whenever you choose to pet your cat, sit or squat at her level. Never loom over her…it will make her nervous. 

Love is in the air…get the nip of it.

What’s normal? What's not?

JUL-AUG 2011

WRITTEN BY VARSHA VERMA

Find out about your cat’s behaviour.

• Sleepyheads: Cats love to sleep and will keep sleeping even if it is noisy.
• Scratching: It is a normal behaviour for a cat to scratch. In order to prevent this unwanted behaviour, train him right when he is a kitten.
• Cats eat frequently: Cats eat frequently, sometimes even a nibble. Frequent eating keeps their digestive condition in an optimal condition.
• Fasting for a day or two: Sometimes, a cat does not eat for a day or two – this is normal as long as they do not appear sick. If you have doubts, do consult your vet.
• Hiding litter: Cats are clean creatures and they do not like to show their litter. They cover and hide up their business. So, keep their litterboxes in a secluded place and change litter frequently.
• Not using litterbox: If your cat has suddenly stopped using his litterbox, it could be a sign of illness. Contact your vet immediately.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier:Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of all!

Elegant, smart, doe-eyed…meet the West Highland Terriers – the peppy, fun-loving, adorable companion.

White…like snow, beautiful…like snowhite, playful… like your child – the West Highland Terrier is certainly one of the best companions.

Westies’ legend…

It is believed that West Highland Terriers, or simply Westies, were bred from the white offspring of Cairn and Scottish Terriers to create a hunting terrier. They were also known as Roseneath Terriers. Dog lovers love them for their excellent hunting skills as well as companionship.

The Westie is a “large” small dog, descended from Cairn Terriers and originated from Scotland. Some sources credit Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm and his kin of Poltalloch, in the Argyll region of western Scotland, as an originator of this breed in the 1800s. Other sources credit the 8th Duke of Argyll (Chieftain of Clan Campbell) as an originator of the breed. This breed of dog is known for their spirited personality and distinctive white coat. Their white coat made them highly visible when hunting on the Scottish moors and easily distinguished them from their game (this was an extremely important factor because hunters sometimes mistook brown dogs for foxes, and shot them).

Sweet delights…

Small but hardy, the West Highland White Terrier is a perfect blend of strength and activity. Strongly built with straight back, powerful hindquarters and muscular legs; the Westie is a compact dog with lots of self-esteem. Their head is round and expression is piercing and curious. Even more striking are their widely set almond-shaped eyes, dark brown in colour, which impart an intelligent look to the breed. Small, erect ears on the top edge of the skull complete their inquisitive look. Their tail is relatively short and is covered with hard hair. And here’s the dog whose tail is not curled but carried gaily over the back.

They have a white coat with soft undercoat. The outer coat is about two inches long and is made of straight hard white hair. And as the name suggests, their colour is white. The height of males is around eleven inches and of females is ten inches. They weigh around 6.8-9.9 kgs.

Easy going chaps…

Westies are alert, courageous, intelligent and active dogs. They are fun-loving but wellbehaved. They are very friendly and make excellent pets. Just give them sufficient attention and they are yours…for life. They will become the most loyal and beloved pets. They love children, provided the children are well-behaved and give them their space. Besides, they are overtly friendly with strangers but once they sense danger, they will bark excessively, bringing out their guarding instincts.

Living with Westies…

If you are blessed with a Westie, then you will be happy to have a great family dog, who can live in an apartment as well. Don’t go by their cute and cuddly looks because they are not lap dogs. They are full of energy and curiosity. Give them lots of attention and activity, and then they will be happy. It is easy to train them, if handled in a firm and consistent way.

They love to play and run around. They enjoy chasing small animals and even like digging. So, take care that your Westie is well fenced in when he is out. Also, don’t let your Westie get bored or you will end up having holes in your garden or some other kind of mischief.

Groom me beautiful…

Even though Westies are clean and do not shed much but they still require their daily brushing to keep their tresses beautiful. It stimulates blood circulation, improves looks and reduces shedding. Also, clip his nails regularly and keep his ears and eyes clean.

Healthy beings…

Westie is a robust breed and they are healthy. But, problems like skin allergies, ear infection, hip dysplasia, etc. are also found in some Westies.

Truly golden!

A Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds. Charming looks, golden locks, friendly disposition, eager-to-please demeanor – a Golden Retriever has everything you can ask for in a family dog.

Amazing Golden Retrievers...

Friendly, kind and well-mannered dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train. Devoted to their pet parents, they are extremely good with children. A Golden Retriever is the most popular assistance dog, due to their detection and working abilities. They are trained for search and rescue, therapy dogs, hearing dogs, guide dogs for the blind, handicap assistance dogs, drug detection, etc. Their eagerness to learn makes them excel in agility too.

Beautiful and playful...

The golden lustrous coat of the Golden Retriever requires regular grooming. Prevention of matting in his dense undercoat is very important. Bred for retrieving waterfowl, the Golden maintains this trait – he loves a good game of fetch, is a natural swimmer and is happiest when he is actively involved with his family.

Mental and physical stimulation a must...

Be his pack leader and keep him occupied and happy. They can live in an apartment provided they have enough space to exercise indoors as well as outdoors.

Health issues...

They gain weight easily, so do not overfeed them. Get the diet chart prepared from your vet. Other problem may include hip dysplasia, skin allergies and congenital eye defects.

‘Golden’ Pictures

Golden Retrievers find their room in Hollywood. Air Bud (1997) had buddy having the skills of the basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Some of the sequels which enthralled were – Air Bud: Golden Receiver based on American football, Air Bud: World Pup had our Golden’s playing soccer. Not to forget Snow Buddies, Air Buddies and Space Buddies. You can also watch Shadow in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993).

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Lovable Labs!

One of the most popular dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers not only make excellent companions but are also popular as working and assistance dogs.

Zanjeer, a Labrador, detected arms and ammunitions used in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts while Lucky and Flo sniffed nearly two million pirated counterfeit DVDs in Malaysia. Former US President Bill Clinton had Labradors Buddy and Seamus as part of his family members. Current Russian Prime Minister Vladmir Putin is blessed with a Labrador named Koni. And the beautiful story of an American Labrador in Marley & Me has melted many a heart. What makes the Labrador so popular?

Typically, Labradors are jolly, good-natured dogs, ideal for a family – good with children, playful and protective.

A look back

Originated from Newfoundland in Canada, Labs were popularly used by fishermen in work to pull nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After crossing with breeds like Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, Labradors have sharpened their skills as a true retriever. From this point in the history of the breed’s origin, they have been popularly and affectionately known as ‘Labs’ to perform as an efficient retriever of game, apart from their hunting activities.

Bold n’ beautiful

Strong and muscular dogs with fairly short and straight fur, Labradors have a waterproof coat. They have a broad and strong tail and their webbed toes make them excellent swimmers. The males typically weigh around 29-41 kg while females weigh around 25-32 kg and the height is around 21.5-22.5 inches. They are found in three colours: black, yellow and chocolate.

Lovely disposition

Intelligent, curious, kind, outgoing, trusting and extremely loving – Labradors can easily steal your heart away. Their sense of smell is so strong that they can follow its path of origin. They are fun-loving and love to play ball and other games like frisbee, flyball and agility. They are neither noisy nor territorial.

Love to eat

They have a voracious appetite and so it is the responsibility of the pet parents to see that they do not overeat and get obese.

The loyal ones!

When we talk about loyal dogs, which breed comes to your mind? Most likely, you are thinking about German Shepherds or GSDs or Alsatians – their loyalty, strength and intelligence are beyond comparison. Here’s more on this popular breed.

The popularity...

According to the statistics of American Kennel Club, GSDs are among the top five popular breeds in the United States.

The unique name...

The breed was named Deutscher Schäferhund, which means “German Shepherd Dog.” The breed was so named due to its original purpose of assisting shepherds in herding and protecting sheep in Germany.

The handsome looks...

GSDs are large-sized dogs with domed forehead, long square-cut muzzle and black nose. Their medium-sized brown eyes give a lively, intelligent and confident look. Their large ears stand erect but are pulled back in movement. They have a double-coat with dense outer coat and a thick undercoat. They are available in a variety of colours like red, brown, tan, black, tan/black and red/black.

The intelligence...

GSDs are considered to be the third most intelligent breed of dog. Studies have indicated that they can learn simple tasks after mere five repetitions and can obey 95 percent of all commands the first time. Hence, they are used as police, guard and search & rescue dogs.

The temperament...

Highly active, this breed loves to learn new things and have a purpose in life. They love human company and are loyal to them. However, if not properly socialised, they can become over-protective of their family and territory.

The popular GSDs...

Some of the blockbuster movies featuring GSDs include K-9 (featuring a real police-dog named Koton), I Am Legend, The Hills Have Eyes and a white German Shepherds named Bolt in the animation movie of the same name.

Excellent Eight!

Every breed of dog is different…there are some physical or behavioural characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. Here are EIGHT such breeds we have loved and admired!

1. Black-tongued Chow Chows…only literally!

• 
  Original root: Originated from China, Chow Chow is locally known as Songshi Quan which literally means Puffy Lion Dog.
• Ancient breed: A very old dog breed, Chow Chows can be seen on old Chinese pottery, dating back to 206 BC.
• Black-mouthed: What sets them apart is that they have a blue-black tongue and black lips.
• Blue is the colour to be: A blue-coated Chow Chow also has a blue or grey nose.
• Stilted walk: Their straight hind legs are almost straight, which make their walk as if they are walking on stilts.
• Lion or dog: Their broad muzzle around their head gives them a lion like appearance.
• Who’s the boss: This dog surely needs to know who’s the boss…only a dominant alpha pet parent can keep them in control.
• Love you always: They are mostly one-person dog, extremely loyal to their pet parent.
• Foot fetish: They love to curl around their pet parent’s feet and kiss them...so snuggle with them on a cold winter day and bask in their warmth and love.
• Famous Beagles: US President Calvin Coolidge was a proud pet parent to a Chow and Sigmund Freud felt that his Chow named Jo-Fi helped him in therapy sessions. And other celebs in the ring of Chow lovers include Drew Barrymore, Salena Gomez, Mathew McConaughey and Portuguese soccer ace Nani (Manchester United).

2. Swimming champ Newfoundland!

• 
  What’s in the name: As the name suggests, these dogs are from Newfoundland in Canada bred for hunting fish, herding and guarding.
• I am a ‘Complan Boy’! They grow up to 150 pounds and what’s amazing is that most of their growth takes place in the first year of their life.
• Water-resistant coat: Their double coat is flat and repellent to water. The outer coat is oily and coarse while the undercoat is oily and soft.
• Webbed feet: They have webbed feet which helps them in swimming.
• Baywatch babes: They love to swim in water and can act as water rescue dogs; S.I.C.S. - Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs engages in heli-rescue session is founded by Ferruccio Pilenga, a pet parent of a Newfoundland and volunteer in Italian Civil Protection. In 1828, a Newfoundland named Hairyman in Isle of Aux Morts saved more than 160 Irish immigrants from ship wreck. While escaping from Alba Island, Napoleon Bonaparte once drowned into the sea and the rescuer who afloat the French Emperor to the safe place was a Newfoundland.
• Perfect body: Their extremely large bone structure and perfectly built musculature make them suitable to take on fierce streams or rough ocean current.
• Quiet dog: If you do not like dogs who bark…here’s a breed for you…because they rarely bark.
• Drool… a problem: They drool a lot when they are feeling hot or are excited. They even drool after drinking water and they drink vast amount of water. So, always give them a big bowl of fresh water, if you have a Newfoundland at home.
• I don’t overeat: Don’t go by their size…they do not eat much…they eat just how much a Lab eats!
• Am your shadow: They love to follow their pet parents…everywhere…whether you are working or relaxing!
• Smart n’ brave: Newfoundlands protect their pet parents at all times…they are always ready to place themselves between their family and the threat or they will corner the person who poses a threat! But they will not attack. What’s more, they are intelligent enough to know which person or thing could be a threat to their family.
• Popular character: They are popular as fictional characters, such as ‘Nana’ the beloved nanny to children in Peter Pan.

3. Wrinkled Shar-Pei!

• 
  What’s in a name: The word ‘Shar-Pei’ means sandy coat.
• Ancestry trace: This breed is considered to be one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world.
• Only wrinkles that look cute: What sets the Chinese Shar-Pei apart from other dogs is his extremely wrinkled skin.
• l Perfect protector: For years, Shar-Peis were used as guard dogs to protect cattle, homes, etc.
• Looks that kill: Their prickly coats can fend off wild animals like boars. Always active in fighting; if somebody grabs their loose wrinkle, they can easily twist to escape from the grip.
• Lose wrinkles when grow old: Perhaps they are the only living beings in the world who lose wrinkles as they grow! Puppies have more wrinkles than adult Shar-Peis.
• Skin problems…no: It is a myth that Shar-Peis have skin problems due to wrinkles. In fact, they have skin problems if it is a heredity issue.
• Blue-black tongue: Another distinct characteristic is their blue-black tongue.
• No undercoat: These dogs do not have a undercoat, just a coarse over coat.
• Who’s the boss: If you do not establish all human family members as higher in the Shar-Pei pack, chances are that he will not accept the hierarchy and think himself to be the boss.
• What Chinese believed: In olden times, Chinese thought that their wrinkles and black mouth would ward off evil spirits.
• Record holder: Time magazine has named Shar Pei as one of the world’s rarest breeds.

4. Dalmatian: see spot run

• 
  What’s in a name: They are named after the Croatian province of Dalmatia, probably their place of origin. They were also known as Firehouse dogs, Carriage dogs or Spotted Coach dogs.
• Watch dog: Since Dalmatians were used as war and guard dogs in the borders of Dalmatia, this breed is still high in his guarding instinct and hence considered good watch dogs.
• No spots when born: These spotted animals are in fact born white, without any spots. The spots begin to show after two weeks.
• Water animals: Dalmatians love to play in water and are good swimmers.
• Hypoallergenic dog: If you love dogs but are allergic to them, Dalmatian is a breed for you.
• Athletic dog: They are active and can be used as rescue or guard dog, athletic partner and they participate in activities like jogging, horse riding, fly-ball, agility. They need lots of exercise to keep them calm.
• Fire fighting mascot: This breed is widely known for his role as an escort of fire fighting apparatus. In carriage drawn days, this breed being compatible with horses would run in front of the carriage helping to clear the way and guide the fire fighters to their destinations.
• Excellent hunters: Dalmatians are excellent hunters of rats, rodents; used as bird dogs, trail dogs, stag hunting, etc.
• The million-dollar smile: Sometimes, Dalmatians curl their lips as if they are smiling.
• Run…run...run: For all the health freaks, here’s good news. A Dalmatian can run for hours, without being tired. So, wanna have a run with him?
• Disease akin to humans: They are the only animal to develop swelling in joints (gout), a disease common in humans.
• No protein please: Here’s a breed who cannot digest protein…it can actually lead to bladder stones.
• Velcro dog: They love their pet parents and will virtually stick with them... companionship guaranteed all the time!
• Popular Dalmatians: They gained fame, especially after British author Dodie Smith’s book 101 Dalmatians published in 1956. Besides, George Washington is also believed to have a Dalmatian. And the breed features attractively with actor Priyanka Chopra in Garnier’s Light moituriser ad.

5. Pug: big dog in small package!

• 
  What’s in a name: The word Pug means a person who likes to tease or play tricks while the Latin word ‘Pugnus’ means fist. Probably, since Pug’s faces look like closed fist, their name would have been derived from this word.
• Much in little: Pug is referred as Multum in Parvo (Much in Little to describe the breed’s remarkable personality, irrespective of his smallness.
• l Wider popularity: Though originated in China, Pugs became popular in western Europe across the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland. They have been popular in Tibet because Buddhist monks adopt the breed lovingly. Then the Pug was later patronised by Queen Victoria.
• Different names, one dog: Pugs are known as Carlins in France, after the name of a man who played the role of a man with a black mask. Fawn-coloured Pugs have black-markings on their face, covering their ears, which look like a blackmask! Pugs are also called Lion Dogs in China.
• Religious dogs: Pugs were considered religious symbols in Tibet and China. In fact, Chinese were so possessive about Pugs, that they did not trade them until the 1800s.
• Bred from Mastiffs? Did you know that Pugs have been bred from Mastiffs! These cute looking toy breed has been bred from the large breed Dogue de Bordeaux, cross-bred with a smaller dog. No doubt, this dog is a big dog in small package!
• Largest toy breed: Toy breeds are diminutive size dogs and Pugs are the largest dogs in this category.
• Well shaped wrinkles: The wrinkles on the Pug’s face are arranged like the Chinese symbol for the word ‘Prince,’ just suited for the dogs reared by royalty.
• Bark: louder than his size: Though a Pug is not a good watchdog, but his loud bark can wake you up from your sleep, if not scare the intruder away.
• Groom the short hair: If you think that the straight and short hair of Pugs does not need grooming, you are wrong. They shed a lot and hence need to be brushed regularly.
• Not a hot dog: Pugs are very sensitive to heat as they do not have any cooling area on their bodies. Hence, it is very important to keep them cool on hot weather days.
• Famous Pugs: Napoleon’s wife Josephine Bonaparte was blessed with a Pug, who went into the battle with her husband. He carried secret messages from Napoleon to his wife. Another popular Pug saved his master Prince William from assassination in 1572, when Holland was at war with Spain. William was sleeping and his Pug alerted him and woke him from the disaster.
• Popular fames: Well-known pugs in movies like Frank in Men in Black and others in Pug-featuring flicks like Hotel of Dogs, The Adventure of Milo and Otis, Pocahontas, etc make the breed popular in Hollywood. Also remarkable is Cheeka in Vodafone’s India campaigns.

6. St Bernard: sweet giants!

• 
  What’s in a name: Their name comes from Bernard of Menthon--a monk in the 11th century, established a traveller lodge at a pass in Alps between Italy and Switzerland. The pass and lodge also got their names from the monk.
• Daring rescuer: St Bernards have become popular through tales of their Alpine rescue jobs. But now participate popularly in dog sports like carting and weight pulling.
• No brandy barrels around their neck: People often talk of St Bernard running around the Alps, rescuing injured skiers, with a small barrel of brandy around their neck. In reality, St Bernards have been rescuing people lost in snow and avalanches but minus the brandy around their neck.
• Don’t judge a book by its cover: Though St Bernard is a heavy, muscular breed…he is quite active and agile and his feats as a rescue dog confirm this further.
• Sweet giant: This giant breed has a heart of gold. He is intelligent and sweet tempered. In fact, he’s great with kids and other pets.
• Grown fast: Proper foods and abundant exercise are required as the breed grows very fast. Producers of the 1992 film Beethoven claimed that they used more than 100 St Bernard pups to portray four puppies in the sequel of the movie because the breed grew extraordinarily fast during filming.
• Warm dog but cold environment: Though St Bernard is a warm and loving dog, he cannot do well in a warm climate. So, if you stay in a warm area, St Bernard is not a breed for you.
• Famous St Bernard: Barry is the most famous St Bernard who rescued around 100 people from the snow. His body rests in the Natural History Museum in Switzerland.
• Better socialisation: As St Bernards are large breeds they need well socialisation with people and other dogs to prevent from any territoriality and aggression.

7. Chihuahua: big ‘tiny’ dog

• 
  What’s in a name: They are named after a state in Mexico called Chihuahua. But still there have been quite a number of confusing stories about the origin of the breed.
• Smallest among all: Chihuahua is the smallest among all dog breeds.
• Sweet nicknames: In order to describe Chihuahua puppies, breeders use different terms like Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Teacup, Miniature and so on.
• Sacred breed: Chihuahuas were considered sacred by the Aztec and Toltec tribes of Mexico. In fact, in Mexico and the United States, their remains have been found buried with humans!
• Brainy: Compared to their body size, these little dogs have largest brains.
• Who owns whom: You never own a Chihuahua, he owns you…only if he chooses you. They like to choose their own human. But once chosen, they are extremely loyal.
• Look at the ears: As puppies, Chihuahuas have floppy ears, which stand up as they grow older.
• l Sun beauties: They love to sunbathe…so if you are heading to a beach to get some sun tan, don’t forget to take along your Chihuahua.
• Large litter: These tiny dogs give birth to a litter upto 10 puppies.
• Snore: Don’t go by their size, these little ones actually snore while sleeping.
• Super watch dogs: For them, size does not matter; they will not hesitate to attack the intruders.
• Warm up to a Chihuahua: In olden days, people used Chihuahuas as hot packs to relieve aches and pains.
• Feeding care: Amount of foods should be carefully measured while feeding a Chihuahua because overfeeding causes diabetes, shortening of life span and other health hazards to this breed.

8. Sniffer Beagles!

• 
  Amazing sniffers: Beagles have as many as 220 million scent receptors, making them great tracking dogs. They are scent hounds who have gained their popularity in tracking games.
• Breed group: They have similar feature with Foxhound and are members of Hound Group.
• l Detective dog: Their extraordinary sense of smell and tracking instinct make them detective dogs involved in various activities.
• Water-proof coat: Beagles are hunting dogs with water-proof coat. Their coat also does not attract burrs or plants…making them very easy to groom.
• Trailing white tip: Beagles have a white tip on their tails. This helped hunters to trace them in tall grasses.
• No smell, no drool: If you do not like the doggy odour, Beagle is a dog for you. Also, a Beagle does not drool.
• Better female bonding: If you are a female, then Beagle is for you…Beagles love female company; they bond with them quicker than males.
• Who cares: Perhaps the most difficult part of training for Beagles is to come when called!
• Foodies: Beagles are big foodies and their amazing smelling capability, comes handy at finding food hidden away!
• Famous Beagles: Queen Elizabeth loved Beagles, and she has even been painted with them! While, Beagles named Him and Her lived at the White House with their pet parent President Lyndon B Johnson. Also, equally popular are the Snoopy from Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip and Odie, Garfield’s pal in Jim Davis’ comic strip. Even, Shakespeare mentions Beagle in his literary work Twelfth Night.